Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 14 05 2016

No piggy-backing No. 104551

SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

‒ President says salary hike for public servants must be performance-based

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Singh Singh awaits awaits approval approval for for wind wind farm farm

Patrons in discussion last evening on the model of the proposed wind farm project expected to be built at Hope Beach (Adrian Narine photo)

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CXC student drowns 16

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Baishanlin sends home employees ‒ at Providence, cites financial difficulties 3 P.

Six teens 17 nabbed for Professor’s murder P.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14, 2016

From ‘bush medicine’ to modern healthcare ‒ lots more to be done, says Prime Minister

By Navendra Seoraj GUYANA’S healthcare system has, over the past 50 years, been significantly elevated from the level of ‘bush medicine’ to the stage where professional healthcare is quite accessible to all Guyanese.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, in his address at the Ministry of Public Health’s National Health Symposium at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown on Friday, said: “We must look back and remember the fallacies of some notorious bush doctors and realise that Guyanese now benefit from a system of free and professional healthcare.”

The forum, one of a number of activities marking Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary, gave officials an opportunity to reflect on the struggles faced in order to get the sector where it is today, and to outline what needs to be done to further develop the country’s healthcare system.

Prior to Guyana’s achievement of Independence, during the colonial time, the now free healthcare system was set up to ensure that the Estate workers and staff had maximum access to healthcare, leaving primary healthcare services as an unknown element to those in the interior areas.

This, he said, caused

persons to fall ill, and even die from diseases such as malaria, dengue, typhoid and a host of other ailments which wreaked havoc on the lives of many. However, subsequent to May 26, 1966, when Guyana attained its status as an Independent country, the healthcare system was decentralised and institutionalised by Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) in various parts of the country; but this gave rise to new challenges when it came to allocating funds for the development and maintenance of the sector.

According to Nagamootoo, with emphasis on universal healthcare and changes in disease profile, the health budget was a problem for past Governments, and it continues to be a burning issue.

“Health competes with other sectors for state allocations of what essentially has been scarce…it has increased from 5.1 per cent in 2008 to 9.1 per cent of the budget in 2015, and increased marginally in 2016; which shows that it’s consistently climbing.”

The allocations will, however, never be enough, since public demands call for different spending precisely because of the many viruses and diseases which lurk in the atmosphere, he said.

Despite the challenges which face the sector as

compared to the early 90s -- when malaria, dengue fever and gastro, among other diseases, posed a grave challenge to the sector -- 2004 saw a better time, when there was a decline in malaria and the other vector-borne diseases, while progress in combating these diseases continues to this day.

Apart from that, the Prime Minister noted, in 2006 there was a peak in the report of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), which has, to date, subsided because of the active roles of the officials and other members in the healthcare system.

Over the years, the battle against tuberculosis (TB) has also been a hard fought one, bearing fruit because of the vaccination and screening interventions which have been at a peak.

PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY WARNED “I can’t help but laud the efforts of the Ministry and PAHO/WHO in tackling the various diseases and viruses…. We hope we can continue to fight the spread; however, we wish to warn the pharmaceutical industry about their excessive lobbying for drugs which are not needed,” declared Prime Minister Nagamootoo.

In combating the diseases and viruses, the Government has been misled on many occasions, he said, given that pharmacists have been lobbying. He stressed that billions of dollars are needed to prepare for an alleged pandemic which is currently under control.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo addressing the audience at the National Health Symposium at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre at Liliendaal (Adrian Narine photo)

He said the lobby sometimes brings about a distorted image of what the health situation is and what needs to be dealt soonest.

This has placed tremendous pressure on limited financial resources to sole-source for every ailment, but the APNU+AFC Government will continue to make allocations to help alleviate the diseases that affect the country’s citizens, the Prime Minister promised.

INCREASE IN LIFE EXPECTANCY Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton, also used the opportunity to outline the accomplishments in the health sector over the past 50 years.

“Guyana’s ability to increase its life expectancy is one such accomplishment,” he posited.

Life expectancy has risen from 40 in the 1960s to 61 by 1970, and that remained the same by 1990; but it has now increased to 64 for males and 71 for females, as per 2014 statistics. And

this, he said, was made possible due to improvements in healthcare delivery.

Another remarkable achievement of the Ministry of Public Health is the mastering of the immunisation process. The Ministry boasts the best immunisation programme in the region, with a vaccination coverage of over 90 per cent for all antigens for the under-5 population, said the minister.

However, “We have not become complacent, and every year the expanded programme on immunisation receives millions of dollars for the purchasing of vaccines, equipment, and services to ensure the safe delivery of the vaccination process,” he disclosed.

HEALTH VISION 2020 Focus has now shifted to issues such as mental health, chronic diseases, emerging infectious diseases, and HIV and AIDS. These issues, among others, are being tackled head-on using robust strategies and action plans, chief among which is the

Health Vision 2020.

Dr Norton noted that the vision is that “all people of Guyana are among the healthiest in the Caribbean and the Americas” by the year 2020.

“The Government of Guyana is fully committed to building a resilient healthcare system in which Guyanese are provided with health services which are as accessible, acceptable, affordable, timely and appropriate as possible,” he declared.

“We, as a Government, cannot develop the health sector on our own; and I therefore take this opportunity to recognise the efforts of PAHO/WHO and other development partners over the years.

PAHO/WHO in particular has been instrumental in developing the health system with their invaluable technical and other support,” Dr Norton stressed as he called on officials to work collaboratively with citizens to get the system to its highest point.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14, 2016

No piggy-backing

‒ President says salary hike for public servants must be performance-based

By Ariana Gordon PUBLIC servants who have grown accustomed to piggy-backing on the ‘acrossthe-board’ increase in wages and salaries are being warned against laziness.

President David Granger said on Friday that public servants must work hard to benefit from decent increases and promotions.

Laziness “doesn’t make for efficiency”, said the President, who noted that those who expect a bonanza must understand that the bonanza will come only from their efforts. “…it would come when they work hard and do better than the next person. If they want to be lazy, they’d get a lazy person’s remuneration,” President Granger said.

The President stressed the importance of having an efficient and effective Public Service, and said the standard of the Public Service must be improved.

“We have to move back to a standard by which the performance of individuals is related to promotions and pay. Unfortunately, we have fallen into a trap by which

people started to apply acrossthe-board, and this led to a lot of problems,” he explained.

Those problems, he said, were as a result of persons becoming complacent.

Many public servants, the President said, feel that by simply going to work, they’re entitled to across-the-board increases. This will no longer be the case, he remarked, while emphasising that if persons work hard, not only those in the Public Service, they’d be rewarded for their hard work.

“That is what people, not only in Public Service but in every area of endeavour, must learn -- that actual output is related to input.”

He said there are three main criteria by which public servants should be judged: impartiality (social responsibility), education and experience. He called on public servants to discharge their duties without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.

NO PLACE “Any concerns about ethnicity, party affiliation, neighbourhood or family should be erased from professional performance,” President Granger

declared.

The Head of State noted that Guyana cannot function without an efficient and effective Public Service, as it is the Public Service that is meant to ensure the State is governed properly.

“The politicians will be elected and they will leave, but the Public Service remains and is responsible for continuity. It is responsible for the maintenance of standards; it is responsible for the enforcement of the laws of the country. Any country that is going to be lawless is going to come to grief…. If we are to be lawful, we have to have a professional Public Service,” he said.

President Granger said education is key to ensuring an effective Public Service.

He noted that a professional is one who is educated. “We cannot have people coming off the street one day and becoming public servants the next day,” he admonished.

“As President, I cannot have an untrained Public Service. Education is essential to the Public Service,” he emphasised.

He noted that coupled with education, public ser-

Baishanlin sends home employees ‒ at Providence, cites financial difficulties The services of Baishanlin International Forest Development (BSL), located at Providence, East Bank Demerara, were on Friday terminated due to financial difficulties, the company said.

The letter, signed by Managing Director of BSL, Hongbo Chu, stated that the company has been experiencing “serious financial difficulties” which were brought about by economic conditions, including a change in market conditions, contraction, and other factors.

The letter further stated: “Our company’s viability was also seriously affected by negative publicity and unjustified State action, which caused our lenders to withhold financing for our

BSL Managing Director Hongbo Chu

operations. In the circumstances, we are forced to reduce our workforce”.

BSL consequently sought to notify the employees that, with effective immediate, their employment was terminated. In lieu of

notice, the employees will be paid one month’s salary, which the company said is in keeping with Section 15 of the Termination of Employment and Severance Act. The letter also stated that the employees will be provided with severance monies computed in accordance with Section 21 of the Act; and Chu took the opportunity in his letter to express appreciation to the dismissed workers for their service and commitment to the company during their time of employment.

“We wish you all the best in your future endeavours,” the letter added.

Efforts to contact the management of BSL for a comment proved futile.

President David Granger (right) receiving the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service from Chairman Professor Harold Lutchman (centre). At left is Commissioner Sandra Jones

vants must, over time, acquire the requisite experience. “The longer you serve, the more experience you gain.”

The occasion that elicited the President’s remarks was the handing over of the Public Service Commission of Inquiry Report, at the Ministry of the Presidency on Friday. In accepting the report, President Granger said Government will take time to study the document before it is handed over to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland. He said, too, that copies will be handed over to unions concerned with public service affairs.

“This is a step in the direction of making the Public Service more efficient,” assured President Granger, as he expressed gratitude to the commissioners who worked on the report.

LANDMARK STUDY He said that, despite his not having read the report, he has every confidence in the commissioners and their work. The Head of State also described the report as a “landmark study.”

“We can’t fake experience. They bring tremendous amount of experience….

There is no doubt about the confidence [I have] in their ability to discharge their functions,” the President said of the commissioners who had compiled the report.

Approximately three months after assuming office,

President Granger convened the Commission of Inquiry.

He said his decision had lots to do with his interaction with staff of the Ministry of the Presidency and senior public servants.

The President met senior public servants at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre early in his presidency and spoke of his administration’s plan to ensure that the Public Service becomes profession and “unbribable.”

He said that, based on those discussions, he recognised the need for having a “viable Public Service” and the need for examining the conditions under which public servants are forced to function.

The Commission was appointed last August by President Granger to examine, advise, and report on the salaries, conditions of service, training, and other matters relative to improvement of the efficiency of the performance of the Public Service and the well-being of public

servants. The three-member Commission included Chairman Professor Harold Lutchman and Commissioners Sandra Jones and Samuel Goolsarran.

Speaking briefly after handing over the document, Professor Lutchman said the members of his team are highly qualified and have the requite expertise to examine the issues facing the Public Service.

After the report has been discussed at Cabinet, the Ministries of Finance and Social Protection will commence negotiations with the unions on salary increases.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14, 2016

Singh awaits approval for wind farm

By Alva Solomon

AS Government pursues its Green renewable energy plans, Total Energy Solutions Inc, the company which proposed the Hope Beach Wind Farm project, is anxiously awaiting the green light to operationalise the multi-million-dollar investment.

Businessman Lloyd Singh, proprietor of the company, told this newspaper at the Sophia Exhibition Complex last evening that the project is ideally suited for Government’s plans to pursue its Green Development Strategy (GDS), but there is, regrettably, some hesitancy in embracing the project.

He said he had received the go-ahead for the project under the PPP administration, but that administration was also hesitant to embrace the project at the time.

“I believe that it has to do with if it (the project) can push the type of energy in reality”, Singh said.

He noted that the US$70

Patrons view the model of the wind farm project at the Sophia Exhibition Complex last evening

investment is the alternative in this period of transition to a green economy.

Total Energy Solutions is proposing full financing of the project.

As regards the research done on the project, Singh said, as much as 15 years ago, wind energy was seen as a viable solution to fossil fuels. “Research can tell you that this is needed,” Singh said.

According to the compa-

ny, there is a 69KVA power line near Hope Beach, and all the systems as laid out in its plans are ready for connectivity. The project schedule for the installation and operation of the wind farm is approximately one year.

According to the company the turbines’ production and delivery will take some six months after proposed signing of the contract.

The foundations and construction of the wind

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farm will take some three months. Freight and transportation of the turbines and other equipment will take another three months, while the installation of the equipment will take approximately two months.

A month later, the farm can connect to the electricity grid with stable power.

As regards the wind availability, Singh said that the previous administration had concerns about

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the wind fluctuating in the Hope Beach area. But according to him, the area at Hope is ideally positioned. Trade winds are the prevailing pattern of easterly surface winds found in the tropics, the company said. The wind blows predominantly from the northeast in this hemisphere and strengthens during the cold weather.

At Hope Beach wind power is always constant.

The company said the Hope Beach Wind Farm is a renewable energy investment opportunity which supports the energy plans of the Government.

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It can produce an installed capacity of 26 megawatts of power. In total, it can supply 10% of the energy needed for the Demerara Interconnected System of the Guyana Power & Light.

As regards the economic benefits, some 150 persons will be employed in the construction phase, should the project materialize; while 20 persons can gain full-time employment after installation. In addition, a direct benefit for the green initiatives is the large sums the country can receive as income for carbon credit, while at the same time millions of dollars will be saved by not generating power from fossil fuels.

Late last year, the Government, through Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, indicated its noobjection to reviewing the project, which was aimed at ensuring it meets the required criteria.

In January this year, Minister Patterson told the newly installed Board of GP&L that the greening of the country must also be among its focus area.

The board, he said, will be tasked with transitioning to alternative energy needs.

While he noted that the Government’s plans include the creation of a 26-megawatt wind farm, Minister Patterson said that GPL is expected to be a part in the realisation of this goal.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14 , 2016

Regional harmonisation of Accused wife killer appears SPS standards now closer before Albion magistrate

MODEL bills for plant protection and animal health, food safety, fish health and fisheries products with relevant protocols and standards for adoption by all CARIFORUM states have been completed under a European Union (EU)-funded project, according to the local office of the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA).

The project is titled: “Support to the Caribbean Forum of ACP States in the Implementation of Commitments Undertaken under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA): Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures,” a press statement said.

And the overall objective is to strengthen the capacity of CARIFORUM states for international market access through compliance with SPS measures, as well as improve capacity for developing regionally harmonised SPS measures.

The completed model bills aim at enhancing CARIFORUM Agricultural Health and Food Safety efforts and strengthening enforcement guidelines to facilitate increased and hassle-free regional and international

marketing in agriculture and fisheries.

The harmonised legislation for implementation of SPS measures will set the stage for increased intra- and extra-regional trade, thereby securing the livelihoods of farmers, the IICA office disclosed.

This is consistent with Guyana’s quest to expand and diversify its agriculture sector and to retain its net food exporter status.

SPS measures are embodied in protocols which ensure that imported food is safe and prevents the spread of pests and diseases among animals and plants.

A workshop to validate the draft SPS bills is to be held in Barbados early in June.

Apart from Guyana, other beneficiary countries are Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Belize; Dominica; The Dominican Republic; Grenada; Haiti; Jamaica; St. Kitts and Nevis; St. Lucia; St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Suriname; The Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago.

The draft legislation is to be taken through the remaining process of recommenda-

tions by legal and technical officials to Heads of Government and then for adoption by member countries via their Parliaments.

The SPS Project commenced in September 2013 and is being implemented by the IICA in collaboration with the following partners CARICOM Secretary (CCS), Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) and the SPS Committee of The Dominican Republic.

IICA representative in Guyana, Wilmot Garnett, said yesterday that if all goes as planned, the harmonised bills will become law in each of the CARIFORUM countries by the end of this year. The harmonised and upgraded legislative framework is one aspect of the EU-funded project.

Two other elements of the EU/IICA SPS Project currently ongoing are development and organisation of an efficient, responsive institutional framework and mechanism for coordination of SPS issues and development of national and regional regulatory and industry capacity to meet the requirements of international trade, the statement added.

MURDER accused Desmond August Gordon, alias ‘Tall Man’, of Lot 196 Mangru Street, Rose Hall Town Corentyne appeared on Friday before Albion Magistrate Marissa Mittelholzer, charged with unlawfully killing his common-law wife Bhagmattie Angad, called Bhagmattie Etwaroo, Kamini, and Kamani Etwaroo, at Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Berbice on May 9 last.

The 50-year-old cane harvester who was unrepresented by legal council is alleged to have fatally wounded his common-law wife of five years following a drinking spree at their home.

Police Lance Corporal 20258 Mendonca, who instituted the capital charge, swore to the information before the magistrate.

It was detailed to the court that earlier on the

fateful day, a friend named ‘Cheto’ had visited the couple’s home armed with a large bottle of rum. After consuming half the amount, the defendant reportedly told his wife to stop consuming the alcoholic beverage.

It was during this time that the visitor left and a disagreement arose between the couple.

A neighbour, Lennox Fernandes, becoming aware of the domestic row, went over to the couple’s home and saw the defendant armed with two cutlasses whilst the now deceased woman was braced to a wall in the upper flat of the two-storeyed wooden building.

Fernandes made a failed attempt to relieve the defendant of the cutlasses; but after persuading him not to harm the woman, both men left Bhagmatie in the upper flat and sat on the

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front stairs. Moments later, she jumped from the upper flat and landed in front of the yard.

The defendant is alleged to have started beating the woman as the witness left the yard to inform neighbours. Shortly afterwards, the defendant was seen exiting the yard with what appeared to be blood stains on his clothes. He told the witness, “Go collect the pig now. I kill the woman and I going and kill myself.”

On checking, Fernandes found the bloodied, motionless body of ‘Kamini’.

Gordon was subsequently arrested and taken into police custody. However, on May 10th, he was seen

by Dr La Rose at the Port Mourant Hospital because of a swelling on his left wrist.

The defendant was refused bail and remanded to prison until June 3.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Restoring Georgetown GEORGETOWN is beginning to look good again. In many places, we see teams of workmen and women cleaning drains and waterways, excavating, digging and levelling.

As government and the private sector illuminate and decorate their buildings for the 50th Independence Anniversary, this, too, has added life to what was only recently referred to as the ‘garbage city.’

The collaboration by the Government of Guyana and City Council on the restoration programme for Georgetown is commendable. As one takes a stroll, walk, jog or drive through the city, there are marked improvements in its appearance. Areas like the Merriman Mall have been re-developed, existing trees have been pruned, new trees are being planted, seats are being erected, old ones are being refurbished, and the canals are being desilted. The creation of play areas with slides, sea-saws, swingers, trampolines, etc. has seen families, friends and lovers enjoying each other, the ambience and facilities, and children playing away from vehicular traffic.

The ‘deforestation’ of the Le Repentir Cemetery, the Caribbean’s largest, is another pleasing sight. This project was started under the previous administration.

Though the history behind the land’s original ownership and its naming has to do with the story of enmity between two brothers and repentance of the surviving, this cemetery has within its bosom the earthly remains of loved ones.

There was no justification to have their resting place unkempt, given our cultural value which is steeped in love for family, reverence for the dead, and belief in afterlife.

The cleaning of the avenues and drains is encouraging. The Botanical Gardens also is deserving of mention, given the tremendous work that continues to be done to restore it to its former glory. The planned restoration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites’ City Hall (completed in 1889), and the St. George’s Cathedral (completed in 1899), one of the world’s highest wooden building, to their original architecture would add fillip to the tourist industry.

There is still work to be done, and this cannot be denied. However, day by day, the garbage city sinks deeper as the Garden City is being pulled from under.

Orderliness is being restored daily. The improvement in solid waste management, including the sweeping of the streets, has realised significant reduction in the stench that once permeated the environment and gave

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14, 2016

I shed a tear for the vendors

Dear Editor,

WHEN I pass along the area the Georgetown City Council has the nerve to call ‘the Parliament View Mall’ -- which should really be called ‘Parliament View Tent City’, as a mall is a modern complex of shops representing merchandisers, and not rows of tents -- I shed a tear for my brothers and sisters who are forced to vend there.

It reminds me of what my history teacher told me: how the captains used to load their boats with slaves with one system called loose packing to deliver slaves, whilst the other was called tight packing. Of course the Parliament Mall is tight packing, with

two persons made to share a small 10’X 10’ tent with all of their goods.

It is the discrimination of the vendors by the Council that bothers me. For friends and relatives of senior administrators of the Council who are vendors, the Council built sturdy weather proof and attractive booths all along Orange Walk and in other areas, and housed them there safely; whilst for vendors who have no pals in the Council, they are accommodated under small flimsy tents, and are exposed to the elements.

City Council’s treatment of the vendors is c o m p a r a b le to Ge o r g e Orwell’s allegorical and dystopian novel called An-

imal Farm, particularly as it relates to the quote that says ‘ALL ANIMALS ARE EQUAL, BUT SOME ANIMALS ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS’.

Worse than that: the Town Clerk, in his continued justification for the brutish removal of the vendors, has said that crimes around the Stabroek Market have significantly decreased since he removed the vendors. He is quoted as saying crime was high in the area, with the council receiving reports of at least 10 robberies being committed daily outside Demico House alone, and that ever since the area was cleared, there has been no such report.

Further, he is quoted as

saying that some vendors also conspired with the criminals in the execution of robberies. To make it simple, he is saying that some vendors are criminals -- a most hurtful and tactless statement that he should be made to withdraw and apologize for.

If the City Constabulary knows those vendors who are criminals, then they should arrest and charge them, just as the very Town Clerk was arrested by the Fraud Division of the Guyana Police Force last year and hauled before the courts.

Sincerely, JERMAIN JOHNSON

Professor Mars remembered Dear Editor,

IT IS so sad to learn of the death of Professor Perry Mars. But what is so shocking and alarming is the manner in which he died -– tied up and then ruthlessly murdered by fiendish thugs, who seemed to have delighted in their act of evil and savagery.

How much more precious blood will have to be spilled before real and concerted actions are taken against these brutes, who are increasingly becoming a menace to our society?

It must be recognised that violence in all its forms and manifestations is the real and ultimate evil.

It is our moral obligation to speak out and fight

this evil, and those in authority have the foremost duty to confront and overcome this evil on a daily basis. We cannot become complacent in this battle because, in the words of our national poet, “We are all involved; we are all consumed.”

Not only in Guyana, but in practically every country, violence and aggressive behaviour are on the ascendancy. Indeed, the greatest threat to mankind and to our fair world is this growing scourge of violence.

Perry Mars was an outstanding intellectual, and one of the finest political theorists in the Caribbean.

He taught at the University of Guyana, which in those days boasted of a teaching faculty rich in talent, with

rise to concerns of an epidemic.

However, while the environmental improvements are obvious, and while they are important, they are also superficial. We, as a nation of souls, cannot afford to betray ourselves by “WOWS” based on surface changes.

Clean drains and parks of poetry are vitally important.

But the “WOWS” mean nothing. They may soon be mud-clogged again if our own hardened habits do not change.

Real, deep and permanent change can only come from a change of attitude in all spaces and places: in homes (or houses, since there is a difference); in schools; in private businesses; in the public sector; in our playgrounds; in our “university”; and on our roads. Changes of attitude can

names like Professor Clive Thomas, Professor Joshua Ramsammy, Dr. Harold Lutchman, Dr. Maurice Odle, Professor Bill Carr, and many others of like intellectual stature.

I never missed any of his lectures in Politics 100 because they were so impressive, and what was particularly fascinating was the skillful manner in which he integrated political theories into the real political landscape of Guyana, the Caribbean and the wider world.

I vividly recall his series of lectures on “Violence, Politics and Aggression”, and it is so distressing to note that he would be cut down by a most loathsome act of violence.

Above all, Perry Mars

was a fine human being and a humble and affectionate person. He never distanced himself from his students, but was very approachable and had a very likable disposition. He actively encouraged discussion and participation in his classes, and the interaction and debates were very lively and interesting.

Again, Guyana has lost an outstanding son by an act of wanton cruelty. Perry Mars was broad-minded in his thoughts and ideas; may this type of thinking and vision guide the present leaders in Guyana.

Sincerely, CECIL RAMKIRATH

come about when we use our minds and our hearts. This would be a great clean-up, but it would take a great deal of effort.

Here it is hoped again that the recent Commission of Inquiry into the public service would not only result in higher pay for the employees, but a turnaround in attitudes. Obviously, some of it is about our people, but even the best of us can be stymied by our inherited bureaucratic red-tape. This attitude must go. Change does not come easily; it takes work, and it takes will, and it takes courage. The workers cleaning up the waterways, drains, and streets of Georgetown are setting an example; it would be good for the rest of us to follow that example.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14 , 2016

Former teacher weighs in on Mae’s troubles Dear Editor,

PLEASE permit me to add my views on the recent explosion of issues at a private school in Guyana -–Mae’s School.

I’m a former teacher of

the Secondary Division, and, without any doubt, can endorse all of those concerns echoed by writers over the past days.

A teacher is a person who inspires and encourages students to strive for greatness,

Probe needed at CJIA Dear Editor, PLEASE permit me space in your paper to draw to the attention of President Granger, the National Procurement and Tender Board, the Minister of Infrastructure and the C.E.O of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport a matter that is of concern for a few janitorial companies.

In 2014, there was an advertisement for companies to submit bids to provide cleaning and janitorial services to the airport. After all bids were submitted and opened, and after a long wait up to this day, the companies that submitted bids were never informed of who the contract was awarded to.

Surprisingly, the company Floor Care Professionals, which was providing this service prior to 2014, remained up there despite not having the lowest bid, and despite the fact that other companies that bid had the relevant experience to provide this service. There was no-retender.

CJIA again advertised, in 2015, for companies to submit bids to provide janitorial services to the airport. Those bids were opened in November 2015. Almost 7 months after those bids were opened, no word has been given yet as to

whom this contract has been awarded to.

Records would show that the company that is still up there (Floor Care Professionals) providing this service did not have the lowest bid, neither is it the only experienced company to provide this service.

I am calling on this Government and the Minister of Infrastructure to order an investigation into this matter, since something doesn’t seem right.

Why is this particular company still providing janitorial services to the airport despite there was a tendering process almost 7 months now, and from all indications it was fair, since there has been no re-tender.

Persons would have invested time and money to partake in this tendering process, and it is unfair for persons’ rights to be trampled upon to please a few.

Many other contracts in other areas that were advertised after this tender have already been awarded. Why the stall?

Why the hold up? Is there a plan to retain this company despite it did not win this tender?

Under the previous administration, we had to put up with nonsense like this; so please look into this matter urgently.

Regards, LYDIA SMITH

Desecration of Tuschen mandir Dear Editor, THE Sanatan Vaidic Dharma Pandits’ Sabha of Region 3 condemns in no uncertain terms a most unsavoury act which took place within the Tuschen (South) mandir.

The mandir was desecrated by converting it to a restaurant-type of atmosphere for the observance of Mother’s Day. Chairs and tables were arranged in the mandir. Sumptuous feasting was followed by loud Bollywood music and dancing.

This raises once again the question of the operating

and regulating of pandits in Guyana. To whom are they accountable? It is presently a free-for-all type of situation.

There is urgent need for a governing body with statutory powers to train, certify, appoint, and even exercise sanctions on pandits.

Had there been such a body, the pandit responsible for bringing this mandir as well as Hinduism into disrepute would have been hauled in for questioning, and disciplined accordingly.

Yours truly, PT. R. BALBADAR President

live to their fullest potential, and see the best in them. A teacher is someone students admire and someone they aspire to be like. Students learn through them, through their commitment to excellence, and through their ability to make them realize their own personal growth.

These are sentiments I can safely endorse for the teachers at Mae’s Secondary.

My primary concern with this institution is evidently discrimination. The institution lacks a balance in ethnicity and religion. During my tenure, I was the only Indian person attached to this institution.

However, due to constant harassment by management, I was forced to submit my resignation.

To date, not one of the twenty teachers of that institution is of Indian ethnicity, and this is a stated fact. Moreso, no Hindus or Muslims are at-

tached with Mae’s Secondary.

Is this fair? Isn’t Mae’s Secondary a multi-ethnic, multi– religious school?

Please permit me to quote Guyana’s Labour Law Part 1, Chapter III of the Constitution on Fundamental Rights: (Articles 40, 145, 146, 147) – Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the individual entitle every citizen basic rights without distinction and discrimination, including the right -- regardless of his/her race, origin, political opinions, colour, creed or sex, subject to the rights and freedoms of others and the public interest -- to freedom of conscience, of expression, assembly, and association.

Another serious concern is the one–year contractual agreement with unclear and demanding duties given by said institution. Contracting with this institution is clearly not like employment, when you receive paid holidays. If you

don’t work, you don’t earn.

The agreement by Mae’s Secondary limits the flexibility of the employment arrangement. It often limits the ability to renegotiate terms. Further, teachers are always worried that, at the end of the period, their agreement would get terminated. Working with an institution should not drive fear into its employees.

I can further state that Mae’s Secondary is clearly lacking proper human resources techniques. There is poor management–employee relationship existing. Maintaining a strong employer-employee relationship can be the key to the ultimate success of an organisation, the results are advantageous. It is known that if a strong relationship is in place, employees will be more productive, more efficient, create less conflict, and will be more loyal. However, at this institution, management is

always trying to drag the reputation of its very successful teachers down to the dogs.

The institution does not cater for free time for employees, hence teachers are overworked. I have witnessed how heavy workloads have negatively affect the psychological well-being of employees, their blood pressure and heart health, the stability of their family relationships, and their safety in the workplace.

Further, I remember teachers being asked to resign because they had complained about the heavy workload.

To conclude, I respectfully request that Government of Guyana urgently help teachers who are crying out for help, especially within those private schools. Long live Guyanese teachers!

Regards, ARIF M. SHAW

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14, 2016

USFCC, Guyana hold talks on spectrum management A TEAM from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently visited Guyana, during which they held talks with Minister of Telecommunications Cathy Hughes and provided her with technical briefings on a variety of issues, including spectrum management.

The US Embassy here, in a statement, said that FCC representatives Nese Guendelsberger (Deputy Bureau Chief) and Robert Nelson (Chief Engineer) met with Minister Hughes and provided her with technical briefings on a wide variety of topics, including spectrum management and allocation, regulatory best practices, and telecommunications regula-

tory policy.

In addition to Minister Hughes, officials from the National Frequency Management Unit, eGovernance Unit, Public Utilities Commission, Guyana Learning Channel Trust, and Guyana Broadcast Board were in attendance.

Minister Hughes and the FCC representatives cited the importance of such capacity-building sessions in assisting the government’s efforts to facilitate the development of world class telecommunications legislation and implementing regulations in order to assist in the development of this growing and vitally important sector of Guyana’s economy.

“The FCC representatives

praised the government’s efforts to modernize telecommunications infrastructure, including its recent decision to allow cellular providers to launch 4G service in advance of Guyana’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Both the FCC and the Ministry of Telecommunications pledged to continue cooperation as Guyana advances telecommunications modernisation legislation.

While in Guyana, the FCC officials also had opportunity to participate in the “Girls in Information Communication Technology” event, designed to encourage young women to learn more about information technology.

The FCC representatives highlighted the FCC

From (l-r) FCC representatives Nese Guendelsberger (Deputy Bureau Chief) and Robert Nelson (Chief Engineer); Enrico Woolford, Ministerial Advisor on Telecommunications, and another official from the Ministry of Telecommunications

International Visitors Program and online training as excellent opportunities

for young women to become more knowledgeable about, and perhaps pursue

careers in, the exciting and constantly changing field of telecommunications.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14, 2016

Haslington shopkeeper fatally stabbed by brother-in-law RESIDENTS of Haslington North, East Coast Demerara (ECD) are mourning the death of popular shopkeeper Terrence Adams, who was fatally stabbed by his brother-in-law on Thursday night during an altercation.

Adams, who was described as a simple man, owned and operated a small shop not far from his residence.

Police report probing the murder of Terrence Adams, 56, of North Haslington, ECD, who was found with

stab wounds to his body on the roadway at Haslington at about 20:15hrs on May 12, 2016. Adams was knifed in the left and right sides of his chest, and his neck was partially slashed. He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, (GPHC) where he

was pronounced dead on arrival.

The suspect has been arrested and is in police custody assisting with the investigations.

Commander of Police ‘C’ Division, Marlon Chapman, told the Guyana Chronicle

that based on information garnered so far, the deceased had made a degrading remark to his brother-in-law and the subsequent altercation turned deadly. Adams had reportedly told the suspect, “You don’t even wuk no more and can’t maintain my sister.”

The suspect reportedly got into a rage and repeatedly stabbed Adams.

Brother of the deceased, Maxwell Adams, told this newspaper that he was at home when he received a telephone call from one of his brothers who reside in Cayenne (French Guiana), saying that Terrence was killed.

He said that by the time he reached the scene the body was already taken away, and he is unsure about the cause of the altercation that led to his sibling’s demise.

Maxwell said the suspect is his brother-in-law, with whom his sister has several children, and the suspect was

Murdered: Terrence Adams

arrested by the police soon after the incident, which occurred at the shop.

Terrence Adams has several children, some of whom reside in Trinidad and Tobago, and they are expected in the country soon. He also has a son who works in the interior and would reside with him whenever he came home, but he was not there yesterday when the Guyana Chronicle visited.

Florida businessmen eye investment here MINISTER of State, Joseph Harmon, on Friday received a courtesy call from a visiting delegation from South Florida USA, which is here to explore possible opportunities for business investments in Guyana.

The team, which met Minister Harmon at the Ministry of the Presidency, has thus far met with officials from the Ministries of Business, Finance and Public Infrastructure, as well as key stakeholders from the private sector.

The team has expressed specific interest in increased access to food products from

Guyana for export, particularly pork and shrimp, along with fruits and vegetables.

Minister Harmon, in brief remarks to the delegation, highlighted the Government’s mandate of providing a good life for all Guyanese, stating that it is in this regard that Government welcomes such investment opportunities.

“There is absolutely no reason why we in this country cannot have a good life with the abundance of resources that we have,” a Ministry of the Presidency release quoted Minister Harmon as saying.

Phillip Wong (left), part of the delegation, presents Minister Harmon with a token of appreciation

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14, 2016

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Scenes from GuyExpo

A representative from Canada’s Promotion of Regional Opportunities for Produce through Enterprises and Linkages (PROPEL) explaining to the media what they have on display

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo is intrigued by one of the many displays at GuyExpo

Fernandes Guyana Enterprise ready to ride off to a good start at GuyExpo 2016

A craft maker has her designs on display at GuyExpo

The influx of people grew on Thursday evening

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14, 2016

Scenes from GuyExpo

Sterling Products Limited drawing the crowd at GuyExpo 2016

Persons are enthralled by the mesmerising gallery of art on display

Representatives from the Bank of Guyana show off the recently introduced $50 bill

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14, 2016

Condemnation and condolences for killing of Prof. Mars CONDEMNATION and condolences poured in on Friday following news of the shocking murder of Guyanese Professor Dr. Pairadeau “Perry” Mars, who was killed on Thursday evening at his Prashad Nagar, Georgetown home.

Police have since arrested six persons in connection with the murder, and recovered items that had been stolen from his home. In a statement, the police said they are conducting investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of the retired Professor, of Bissessar Avenue, Prashad Nagar.

The police said Mars was found in his home at about 18:30h with his hands and feet duct-taped and injuries to his head. The house was ransacked and a number of articles and cash were missing.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at a private hospital.

President David Granger, in extending condolences to the wife and other relatives of Professor, Mars, also condemned “this vicious act and commends the Guyana Police

Force (GPF) for the swift arrests made in the case.”

The Guyanese leader further called for justice to be quickly served.

In a statement issue by his office, President Granger said Mars served in various positions at several prestigious universities before taking up a post at Wayne State University in Detroit, USA, where he was Professor Emeritus. He was recognised for his work in African and Caribbean Studies. He also published several books in areas of his other academic interests. He was 75 years old.

While the President is satisfied with the speed with which many crimes are being solved, the Head of State remains deeply concerned about the incidence of crime.

He continues to meet every week with the National Security Committee even as crime-fighting efforts continue to be scaled up.

Cecil Ramkirath, in a letter to this newspaper, also expressed sadness on learning of the death of Professor

Mars. He said that what is so shocking and alarming is the manner in which he died -–tied up and then ruthlessly murdered by fiendish thugs who seemed to have delighted in their act of evil and savagery.

“How much more precious blood will have to be spilled before real and concerted actions are taken against these brutes, who are increasingly becoming a menace to our society?

It must be recognised that violence in all its forms and manifestations is the real and ultimate evil,” Ramkirath said.

He added that citizens’ moral obligation is to speak out and to fight this evil, and those in authority have the foremost duty to confront and overcome this evil on a daily basis.

“We cannot become complacent in this battle because, in the words of our national poet, “We are all involved; we are all consumed.”

“Not only in Guyana, but in practically every country, violence and aggressive be-

haviour (are) on the ascendancy. Indeed, the greatest threat to mankind and to our fair world is this growing scourge of violence.”

Ramkirath said Mars was an outstanding intellectual and one of the finest political theorists in the Caribbean.

“He taught at the University of Guyana, which in those days boasted of a teaching faculty rich in talent, with names like Professor Clive Thomas, Professor Joshua Ramsammy, Dr. Harold Lutchman, Dr. Maurice Odle, Professor Bill Carr, and many others of like intellectual stature. I never missed any of his lectures in Politics 100 because they were so impressive, and what was particularly fascinating was the skillful manner in which he integrated political theories into the real political landscape of Guyana, the Caribbean and the wider world.

“I vividly recall his series of lectures on ‘Violence, Politics and Aggression’, and it is so distressing to note that he would be cut down by a most loathsome act of

violence.

“Above all, Perry Mars was a fine human being and a humble and affectionate person. He never distanced himself from his students, but was very approachable and had a very likable disposition. He actively encouraged discussion and participation in his classes, and the interaction and debates were very lively and interesting.”

Ramkiarth added that Guyana has lost an outstanding son by an act of wanton cruelty. “Perry Mars was broad-minded in his thoughts and ideas; may this type of thinking and vision guide the present leaders in Guyana,” he noted.

Former Stabroek New journalist Iana Seales, commenting on her Facebook page, said she is saddened by the killing. “I’m saddened to learn of Prof Mars’ tragic death. He reached out to me in 2014 to discuss working together to develop strategies to mediate and resolve the political and ethnic conflict situation in Guyana. He had great ideas and he was

Perry Mars

working on initiatives in partnership with a number of persons. We had commenced discussions.

“One of our model citizens and ambassadors (has been) murdered in his homeland. I hope the authorities find whoever is responsible for this dastardly act. Our communities continue to be overwhelmed by crime and violence –- from break-ins and robberies to domestic violence, sexual assaults and murders. I’m not sure what exactly we’re celebrating.”

Indonesia identifies with Guyana’s Golden Jubilee that the decorated boxes represent the continuing friendly relations between his country

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Dominicus Supratikto, non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Guyana

DOMINICUS Supratikto, non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Guyana, on Thursday presented a quantity of pencil cases to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo for distribution as tokens to mark the 50th Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence.

The Boxes are branded with the Logo of the Golden Jubilee and the profile of

Jakarta and Georgetown, the capital of Indonesia and Guyana respectively. The backdrop is the flag of Guyana.

Ambassador Supratikto, who is based in Paramaribo, responded to an earlier invitation by the Guyanese Prime Minister for Indonesia to identify with the celebration of the 50th Independence Anniversary of Guyana. In brief remarks, the ambassador said

and Guyana. Both of our countries, he added, celebrate ethnic and cultural diversity.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo expressed gratitude for the symbolic gifts, and

re-affirmed the good relations between our countries. (OPM)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14, 2016

Challenging but rewarding ‒ Jordan reflects on his first year in office with the Coalition Gov’t AFTER one year as Finance Minister for the coalition Government, Winston Jordan has described his tenure as ‘challenging but rewarding.’

Speaking with the Government Information Agency (GINA) on the first year in office for the APNU+AFC Government, Jordan said that when he took office as the Minister of Finance, he soon found out that things were not so “kosher”, and within weeks of being in office, the Government was faced with domestic and international issues. “…sugar was worse than it was actually made out; and right away we had to save jobs and save the industry by trying to find over $12 billion just as a quick cash transfer to the sugar industry,” Jordan recalled.

He noted that, simultaneously, the Government had to divert much-needed resources to “internationalise” Venezuela’s spurious claim on Guyana. This was even as the new administration was forced to find the money to pay farmers for rice already shipped to Venezuela after that country ended the ricefor-oil deal.

However, the minister did not paint a totally gloomy picture, as he recalled some rewarding times.

“We did some incredible things. We were able to bring out the (2015) budget fairly quickly, and the last one, 2016, (has been) one of the earliest in recent times.

We were able to make good on some of our promises in whole or in part. We did

quite a bit for pensioners; public sector workers benefited somewhat; we were able to restore collective bargaining…; Critchlow Labour College had some of (its) subventions restored, and some trade unions were given money for training,” he noted.

He also mentioned programmes to link the coast with the hinterland, the climate resilient programme, and the greening of the economy.

“There are a number of challenges of course, and at the end of the day, one year after, I figure I have more gray hairs,” he said.

BUILDING CAPACITY In terms of the Ministry of Finance’s capacity to carry out Government’s mandate, one of the challenges Jordan identified was the image of the public service being an employer of last resort and a rules-based organisation in which the rules were either outdated or not observed.

This, coupled with the loss of skilled people in the 80s and the fact that the previous Government had created a parallel public service by engaging contractual employees to carry out the functions that were done by public servants, negatively affected the Ministry.

“People recognised that there are more exciting jobs in countries whose economy are growing, giving people more options,” Jordan said.

According to the Minister of Finance, the Government became aware of the need for a strategy that would allow

for the best and brightest to build capacity.

“It is not easy to attract accountants and then train these people in Government accounting and have them pick up and go. And when you do your exit interview with them, one of the things is that the salary and conditions are not acceptable,” he noted.

In terms of providing the public with an improved service, Jordan said his intention is to make the Ministry of Finance “the first among equals, where it will come to be known for its service to people, for efficiency in which it executes its tasks, and people could look to the ministry for guidance.”

In this regard, his Ministry has sought to turn around its public relations policy and create a more welcoming environment. The minister noted that there was a lot still to be done, but it is difficult to change overnight practices that had been either instilled or become deep-seated over many years.

STATE OF THE TREASURY Quizzed on the state of the public treasury when the new Government took office, Minister Jordan readily pointed out that the Consolidated Fund was in deficit.

According to the minister, a lot of public money had gone through NICIL when it should have been deposited into the Consolidated Fund, and there were a number of semi-autonomous agencies that were collecting sums of money on behalf of the

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

Government.

“It cannot be that the Guyana Forestry Commission would collect royalties on the forest, which is a national patrimony, and then seek to use it as they see fit. It cannot be!” Jordan asserted.

In an effort to correct malpractices, the minister said, the new administration has sought to close all unused bank accounts that have existed for many years and had balances in them.

“The Auditor General was complaining. Every year he complains of those unused accounts, which could have been susceptible to theft and fraud because they were unused for long, and persons would have attempted -- and I believe in some instances fraud would have taken place. So we’ve closed all of those,” Jordan said.

Continuing to identify efforts to regularise activities surrounding the management of the State’s finances, the minister said Government has sought to move all unused balances that existed in a number of companies, including the National Frequency Management Unit, the Guyana Forestry Commission, the Lotto Funds, and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission.

In relation to the Guyana Gold Board, the minister said work is being done to regularise its operations, since that entity is one of biggest users of the Consolidated Fund.

“This should not be happening. I mean, the Gold Board should be standing on its own…. The overdraft that they are running is outrageous, and we can’t afford for such to continue for much longer,” Jordan said.

RE-ORGANISATION Efforts are also being made to rearrange the treasury itself, with the upgrade

of the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMAS) and by exposing staff to training, both locally and internationally.

“A number of treasury functions are absent from the Treasury Department.

What we have right now is accounting function. The Treasury Department should be dealing with issues of treasury bills, bond financing and so on. This is not happening from here, but we’re building capacity,” the Finance Minister told GINA. REVENUE COLLECTION The minister said he is not satisfied with the way the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) functions as a tax-collecting agency. According to the minister, on taking office, he found that the institution had deteriorated to the point where the integrity of information was being compromised; corruption, whether real or perceived, was rife; systems were either non-existent, poor or were not properly implemented; and an altogether poor public image existed.

He, however, pointed out that all is not lost at the agency, since, “GRA has, for the most part, some competent staff.”

In relation to taxes, the minister declared that he would like to see taxes lowered on a sustainable basis, not because some interest groups demand it, but because it is good for economic competition and sustainability. To do that, the minister said, the GRA must first enforce the law fairly, to ensure that taxes are paid when due.

FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE UNIT Addressing issues relating to anti-money laundering, the minister explained that the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is critical to the implementation of the Anti-Money Laundering legislation, and when the new administration took office, neither a single individual nor entity had been identified or prosecuted under the various pieces of legislation in place.

“It is the current administration which actually passed the Anti-Money Laundering legislation and subsequent regulations and amendments to that law on at least two occasions,” he noted.

Jordan also noted that, previously, the FIU was staffed with a head, a legal

assistant and an accountant; but currently, the Government is working to make it fully autonomous, independent and transparent. Towards this end, vacancies which exist for the FIU have been advertised, and suitably qualified applicants will be recruited through a parliamentary process that involves the Opposition.

ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE The minister has projected economic growth, but hastened to point out that Guyana is not on track to achieve a seven per cent growth in the medium-term.

“We are not going to grow by seven per cent if we continue to do the same things we were doing 50 years ago. To achieve such growth, the country needs to move from the ‘tripod’ of rice, sugar and bauxite, which it depended on for the last five decades, with gold added to this mix. The country needs to focus on adding value to its commodities by taking production to the tertiary level, diversifying agriculture, and modernising productive methods,” Jordan posited.

The minister agreed that the economy is not as buoyant as it needs to be, and he ascribed this partly to the role that illicit drugs and other illegal activities had played in creating a parallel economy.

“So, the more that you go after that, the more it will miniaturise; that is the less free spending you will see…. It’s going to take a time for the economy to get comfortable with that, but, in the meanwhile, we will be putting other incentives to stimulate growth in the economy. But one good thing we can say: the economy will grow.”

Noting that earnings from bauxite would be affected by a sluggish global economy, Jordan opined that Guyana has to make better use of its gold, including adding value.

“We necessarily can’t control the ones that are being done by the multilateral agencies, but we can entice them to do another stage of the gold -- gold bars, for example might be good; coins…,” he suggested.

Turning his attention to new industries, the minister said it is necessary to have fresh industries coming on stream; but he cautioned against getting too excited Continued on page 15 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14, 2016

BUSH HOG

By Neil Primus

A TEAM of five disembarked from the speed boat. Quickly they unpacked their equipment and waited on their guide.

They were heading for an area that was earmarked for mineral extraction.

Their task was to mark the boundary and map the area; only then could the company send its big machines to begin clearing the heavy foliage.

Their guide arrived, and very soon they were heading into the jungle. It was tough going because of the thick vegetation that had to be hacked away. The team made slow progress.

Night approached and they stopped moving. A fire was started and food prepared.

Everyone ate and then they talked into the night. The next day they set out again.

Their guide, an Amerindian man, taught them many things about the forest through which they were trekking. They saw creeks with cold water, plants they could eat, and those in which water was stored. He pointed out some snakes to avoid and a few that could be ignored. He told them about the animals

that lived in the surrounding area. This seemed to excite them.

That evening, when they pitched camp, they asked him to take them hunting.

They had two guns and were itching to use them.

“We want to eat some wild meat”. He agreed, and told them to be ready before the onset of dawn.

Next morning, they followed him into the jungle.

The group travelled for about an hour and a half before stopping. Then their guide spoke to them: “I will go into the bush to locate the animals. You wait here, conceal yourself; pretty soon you’ll see a herd of bush hogs charging through here. Take your pick, but remember: do not shoot the animal at the back of the herd.”

They readily agreed and hunkered down to wait, excitement racing through their bodies. The guide slipped into the jungle and disappeared. The wait began. Early morning noises in the forest were a collection of chirps, screeches and howls. Birds flew by the dozens and monkeys frolicked recklessly in the trees above.

Then they heard them

Challenging but... about petroleum exploitation.

“We ought not to get ourselves way ahead of that.

We have existing areas that new industries farmed out, particularly in the services sector. To get the services sector going, people have to be trained and adapted to what the market wants,” he noted.

COMPETING ON WORLD MARKET Stressing the importance for Guyana to become more competitive on the world market, Jordan pointed to the fact that Guyana will lose its preferential market for sugar next year, and will therefore have to compete with all other sugar-producing countries, especially those in the European Union.

With the cost of producing sugar locally not being competitive on the world market, Jordan thinks the country needs to produce more to sell to others, while recognising the need to support the growth of local industries by buying local produce.

He also pointed to the need for value added production in the sugar industry.

From page 14

WAGES AND SALARIES Turning his attention to wages and salaries, the minister expressed the desire for the quick conclusion of negotiations with trade unions, so that increases for public servants would be a smooth disbursement, rather than a lump sum.

“I hope to see, for example, the return of increment.

I mean, years ago, salary increases never happened; you had increment…I believe we have to get back there, because annual increases of salaries, I don’t think it gives the workers confidence,” Jordan said.

He added that he plans to establish incremental scales and performance-based bonuses.

Looking ahead to the next 12 months, Jordan said he does not support the idea of an annual budget being presented and passed within the fiscal year is covers. As such, he will be working with his team at the Ministry and other stakeholders to see if Budget 2017 can be presented before the start of the New Year.

He, however, cautioned that this is easier said than done.

coming. At first it sounded like a far-off grumbling.

This quickly became a low thudding, then a growing rumble. Suddenly the wild pigs erupted from the bush and charged straight towards a dense and bushy area. The animals were a few hundred yards away.

Bang!

Bang!

Bang!

Three pigs fell, struggled and lay still. The herd increased speed racing for the safety of the trees. As they grew less and less, the hunters got ready to retrieve their prize. Then came the last bush hog. It was the biggest and best

looking of the lot. That was too good to pass up. The rifle bellowed again and that animal also fell. Grabbing their gear they headed to the kill zone to collect their prizes. What a shock awaited them.

As the group emerged from the bushes, they saw three animals lying where they had been shot. They headed for the fourth kill, the beast of the lot. When they arrived at the spot, they stopped dead in their tracks. Mouths fell open in shock and disbelief.

Lying there in a pool of blood was their guide. He had been the last bush hog.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14, 2016

CXC student drowns VICKY Persaud, 17, of Back Street, Better Hope, East Coast Demerara was scheduled to sit the upcoming Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) examinations, but he drowned on Thursday after he reportedly fell into a canal at Lusignan Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara.

It is alleged that Persaud, who had a side job to assist his family, was with his employer and the man’s son when he went to the sideline canal to dump refuse.

Persaud did not know how to swim, nor did his employer or his employer’s son. Persaud reportedly attempted to wash his hands when he slipped into the swollen canal.

His employer and son attempted to rescue him, but they also nearly perished by drowning. They were rescued after their screams for help

Dead: Vicky Persaud were heard by passersby, who responded promptly to their calls and pulled them to safety.

Persaud’s lifeless body was pulled from the canal about an hour after by a group of persons who went in search of him.

He is survived by his mother and two teenage siblings.

Region Six RDC overrules Ramayya THE Region Six Regional Democratic Council (RDC) on Thursday upheld the motions to rescind the decision of Regional Executive Officer (REO) Veerasammy Ramayya to stop, restrict and cap the supply of fuel to motor vehicle PKK 6310, assigned to Vice-Chairman Dennis De Roop.

Another motion rescinded the decision of Ramayya to implement a biometric clocking system for some employees of the regional democratic complex annex, at Vryman’s Erven, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

A third motion, which was also presented by PPP/C Councillor Zamal Hussain, was withdrawn against the Prime Minister’s representative in Region , Gobin Harbhajan, with respect to an article published in the Guyana Chronicle, on April 12, 2016 under the : “Clogged outfalls cause flooding in Corentyne Villages.” Hussain told the Council that the wrong article was cited.

With respect to the first motion presented, Hussain got full support from party members as well as coalition member Samuel T Fraser, who argued that progress in the region is being stymied.

He stressed that De Roop is head of the Works Committee and is being prevented from discharging his obligations to the residents of the region.

Highlighting the grounds in support of the motion,

Region Six REO Veerasammy Ramayya

Hussain stated that by virtue of his office, the Vice-Chairman is entitled to an unlimited supply/ use of fuel for any vehicle assigned to him. The fuel is paid for by the RDC. He contended that the decision by Ramayya is arbitrary, malicious and unilateral and he (Ramayya) has absolutely no authority to regulate the use of, or stop the supply of fuel to the vehicle, neither was a decision taken by the RDC to stop or restrict the supply of fuel.

With respect to the implementation of the Biometric Clocking System, Hussain noted that it is a violation of the Public Service Act, Rules and Regulations and no such system has been implemented elsewhere in the region or country.

It was also pointed out that neither the RDC nor the Ministry of the Presidency has sanctioned the implementation of this system.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14 , 2016

Six teens nabbed for murder of Prof. Mars

By Michel Outridge

CRIME sleuths reported on Friday that six youths, including two teenage girls, are in custody for the murder/robbery of former University of Guyana Professor Parietdeau Mars, called ‘Perry’, 75 years, who died on Thursday night after he had been beaten and bound in his 395 Bissessar Avenue, Prashad Nagar Georgetown home.

One of the youths being questioned, police said, informed that he had bought a laptop and an iPod from the others who are now in custody.

Police said the youths, who are being held at the Kitty Police Station, are between the ages of 15 and 17, and they have since confessed to the murder/ robbery.

The group was observed leaving the retired professor’s residence on Thursday night with suitcases in a car, and subsequently his wife returned home and found his bloodied and lifeless body in the house.

Following the murder of the retired professor, residents expressed their anger Friday when the Guyana Chronicle visited the area. A resident said: “Imagine dis man used to feed the same set of youths that killed and robbed him at his home; almost every day they used to be in his house. They didn’t have to kill him, because he was a really kind person to all.”

Several residents, still in a state of shock over the man’s gruesome murder, voiced their concerns. One man said: “Nowadays you can’t feel sorry for some people at all. Look how they murder that man in his own house. You does have to feed dem at the gate and let them go.”

The wife of the deceased,

showed up at his house, including the very youths who are in police custody for his murder.

He was described as a very kind-hearted person who gave freely, and so people had nothing but good

Murdered: retired Professor Parietdeau Mars, called ‘Perry’ Joan, was yesterday too distraught to speak. She was being consoled by relatives and others while the police were at the residence conducting their investigations.

Police in a press release said they are conducting investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of retired Professor Parietdeau Mars, called ‘Perry’, 75, of Bissessar Avenue, Prashad Nagar, who was found in his home at about 18:30hrs on May 12, 2016 with his hands and feet duct-taped and injuries to his head. The house was ransacked, and a number of articles and cash were missing.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at a private hospital.

Diligent investigations by the police have so far led to the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of a sum of cash, a laptop computer, an iPod and a PlayStation.

According to relatives, Mars would often return to Guyana, his homeland, but would go overseas for a vacation; and during his stay here, he was in the habit of entertaining anyone who

Home of Professor ‘Perry’ Mars

things to say about him, so much so that they are very upset about his brutal murder.

Mars specialised in African Studies at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, USA;

having studied history at the University of Guyana and Carelton University in Ottawa, Canada. He went on to work at Africana Studies at Wayne State University.

He was also credited

with developing an international academic exchange project between Africana Studies, the College of Urban Labor and Metropolitan Affairs (CULMA), and the University of Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14, 2016

Walter Rodney CoI Report made public

-- Speaker declines request that it be sent to Special Committee

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira holds a copy of the Dr. Walter Rodney CoI Report in her hand as she pleads with Speaker Dr. Barton Scotland to have the motion amended

By Svetlana Marshall ATTEMPTS by Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira to have the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) Report sent to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee for further examination were defeated by House Speaker Dr. Barton Scotland.

The report was made public on Thursday, after being laid before the House.

According to the report, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) had conspired with Gregory Smith and the State to have Dr. Walter Rodney assassinated on June 13, 1980 in Georgetown.

“Dr Walter Rodney was a man of large and significant stature, both in Guyana and beyond, at the time of his death. He could only have been killed in what we find to be a State-organised assassination, with the knowledge of Prime Minister Burnham in Guyana of that period,” the report stated.

Minutes after the report was laid, the Opposition

Chief Whip proposed that the motion which sought to have the report laid in the National Assembly within two weeks be amended to have the report sent to the Parliamentary Special Select Committee for further examination.

According to Standing Order 57, an amendment is usually made after the question is put to the House.

This did not sit well with Teixeira, who made an emotional appeal to the Speaker.

“You know why I am begging you sir, because we must never allow this to happen again. It must never happen again, and we can only do that by looking at it and examining it…so I cannot comprehend why you would do this,” she stressed.

She pleaded that the recommendations put by the Commission must be taken seriously for the betterment of the country’s security system.

Despite her pleas, the Speaker maintained that the Standing Order must be adhered to, and, as such, the amendment was disallowed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14 , 2016

GBTI, Republic Bank support Jubilee celebrations

THE countdown to Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations is on, and both the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) and Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited have made donations, on Friday, to the Ministry of Education’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sports, at the Guyana Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, received from GBTI a total of 350 souvenirs and memorabilia, including T-shirts, pens and mugs; while Republic Bank donated $4.5 million towards the steelbands.

Saying that the simple ceremony was very symbolic, Minister Henry has pledged to work towards continuing the partnership with stakeholders. The minister thanked

both banks for their respective contributions, and noted that she would be looking forward to the continuing support from stakeholders.

Public Relations and Marketing Manager of GBTI, Pamela Binda, said the GBTI was pleased to partner with the Ministry of Education in such a celebration.

“We are privileged to make this presentation of souvenirs and memorabilia to the Ministry of Education towards Guyana’s Golden Jubilee Independence Celebrations,” she said.

And Managing Director of Republic Bank, Richard Sammy, said that bank was extremely pleased to be associated with the Ministry of Education, and to support Guyana as it celebrates its Golden Jubilee of Independence.

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, receiving souvenirs and memorabilia from GBTI Public Relations Officer Pamela Binda

Javier Marks of Guyana Music School stands next to Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, as she receives a cheque from Managing Director of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, Richard Sammy

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This is what it looks like: A model of the Eccles Water Treatment Plant, on display at the junction of Church Street and Vlissengen Road, Georgetown (Delano Williams photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14, 2016

Golden Jubilee: Unleashing Guyana’s creative genius

GUYANESE will be treated to a packed calendar of events as the country moves steadily towards the 50th anniversary of its Independence.

Committed to ensuring that national pride is expressed through the work of the creative among us in this time of “Reflection, Celebration and Inspiration”, the administration said that the celebrations will help ignite a sense of national pride, which we fought for 50 years ago.

President David Granger, in his speech to Parliament on May 12, reflected on the fact that the symbols of our nationhood have, over the years, become symbols of our undying love for Guyana.

“We cherish the symbols of our nationhood, which we adopted at or around the time of Independence. We cherish our National Anthem, our national awards, our national coinage, our national flag, our national festivals, our National Motto, our National Pledge, our national monument and our beautiful national and patriotic songs”, he said.

The celebration of our Jubilee, therefore, is an opportunity to illuminate our pride in all the things that make us Guyanese through our talents and national symbols as a nation.

Heartening to note is the passion expressed by artists across the country in their desire to be part of Jubilee celebrations. Minister within the Ministry of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry, said that, since the launch of the Jubilee Celebration, there has been an increase in the expressions of interest from persons in the arts and entertainment industries.

She said that the National Commemorative Commission has received several proposals for shows and events, and has chosen from among them the most suitable initiatives, which have been placed on the Calendar.

As the celebrations get underway, the public will have access to several youth-targeted initiatives: film, music, and drama festivals, and several other attractions. These activities will give persons in these industries opportunities to showcase their talents and skills for the Golden Jubilee.

Moreover, these activities have been planned with the specific intention of bringing hope to the younger generation as they grow to become integral parts of Guyana’s future development.

“The theme ‘Reflection, Celebration and Inspiration’ -– particularly inspiration -is really to provide the young

people with the tools and support that they really need to dream bigger and reach higher in the next 50 years,” Minister Henry said, adding that those involved in every aspect of the Golden Jubilee were asked to think outside the box; to be innovative and creative, so that Guyana’s youth would be inspired.

FILM AND THEATRE Local film organisation CineGuyana has launched its Golden Jubilee Film Festival which aims to showcase the talent of local film- makers.

The festival is a collaborative effort between CineGuyana and the Culture, Youth and Sport Department of the Ministry of Education, and is being held at various locations across the country.

President of CineGuyana, Mr. Phillip Williams, said the Festival contains a lineup of eight films that dive into themes like cohesion, love and forgiveness, culture and folklore. The films were produced out of a workshop which started in 2010 from a collaborative effort between the Government of Guyana, the University of Guyana, and Ohio University. Since the festival has started, Mr. Williams said, viewers have been impressed with the quality of the work produced by the

film-makers.

“It’s not as glamorous as it sounds. It entailed a lot of hard work, sleepless nights.

It was a really rigorous training, and since we have been through this experience, we want to share it with other people,” he said, adding that it is CineGuyana’s hope that the festival spreads the enthusiasm to young, aspiring film-makers. The group intends to do so by forming film clubs and conducting workshops in schools.

Teaching students to use accessible tools, like their cell phones, to start making films, Mr. Williams said, can help to jump-start the career of the new generation of film-makers and storytellers.

Local playwrights are also busy at work in preparation for the Jubilee Theatre Festival. In an interview with members of the planning committee, Coordinator Ms. Mosa Telford explained that the writers had initially planned to stage some of their work for the Jubilee, and were happy when they received an offer to partner with the Ministry on the initiative. While the organisation and partnership has not been without its challenges, the Festival will stage a total of 17 plays, two of which will be performed in Berbice, two others at the National Cultural Centre, while the remaining plays will be staged at the Theatre Guild.

The Festival includes works from over the past 50 years and several well known and loved productions which touch on social and cultural issues, folklore and other topics. Theatre-goers will enjoy Frank Pilgrim’s comedy ‘Miriamy’, ‘Journey to Freedom’ by Francis Quamina Farrier, and ‘Benjie Dahling’

by Dr. Paloma Mohamed.

From contemporary playwrights there is ‘Till Death’

by Tashandra Inniss, ‘White

House on Black Street’ by Clinton Duncan, and ‘Some Other Nights’ by Nicholas Singh.

She stated that while much local interest has been expressed in the staging of these plays, there is also a significant amount of interest pouring in from the diaspora.

What is more, she boasted, the majority of directors and other key contributors to the Theatre Festival are young people.

Speaking on youth involvement, fellow committee member Clinton Duncan stated that, in this new age of technology, there is much that young people can bring to the table.

“There’s a big pool of untapped resources when it comes to youths… and we don’t make the most of it,” he said. Mr. Duncan added that while there is a wealth of knowledge in experience, the younger generation, particularly through this theatre festival, aims to reinvent and reinterpret the same stories that were told almost fifty years ago, while adding their own stories to the mix.

FASHION With the upcoming Jubilee Festival, fashion will also play a major role in entertainment in the coming weeks. The Jubilee Festival will begin on May 19, and while the exhibition will be held at the national stadium, fashion shows will be hosted each day at Colgrain House.

The Guyana Fashion Council will start off the celebration with a showcase of 10 young designers on May 19, followed by the launch of Guyana Fashion Weekend on May 20. The Council will continue with another showcase on May 21, followed by a show by Mrs. Donna Ramsammy-James on May 22.

According to Vice-President of the Guyana Fashion

Council, Mr. Derek Moore, patrons can expect a fantastic show. He said that, thanks to social media, there has been a notable change in the fashion trends and personal appearance on the local scene, which in turn has affected the work of designers in the local fashion industry. Moreover, he believes that the talent of local designers is at a level that can hold its own on international standards.

“All Caribbean countries have a niche…and I think Guyana is about fashion. I am quite pleased about the kind of work I see here from our local designers, and I am happy that the Ministry of [Public Telecommunications] is partnering with us,” he said.

MUSIC Apart from government involvement, individual stakeholders have come together within the private sector so as to make their own contributions to the Jubilee celebrations. The ‘Unity Ambassadors’ and the ‘Golden Children Project’ are two groups of artists with a similar goal: bringing together local musical talent to produce content that showcases Guyanese culture, and promoting their music on an international level. Member of the Unity Ambassadors, Yerrodin Bowen, explained that the message of unity in their song “Together we can have it all” is one that is relevant and palatable to Guyanese, but is not exclusive to Guyana. Following the launch, The Unity Ambassadors were also able to perform their single last weekend at the Bartica official township ceremony.

On the other hand, The Golden Children Project is an entire album of songs dedicated to Guyana, but it has been composed in a way

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14 , 2016

The Park Side Steel Orchestra performing at the Champions of Steel Concert at the National Cultural Centre on April 23, 2016

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry (third from left), and team at the launch of the Mini Totem Pole at the National Art Gallery that will allow persons to ap- our wealth, and it’s good have been staged as well. preciate the Guyanese sound. when we can all come togeth- Last weekend, patrons were Producer of the project, er as one,” Mr. Beepat said. treated to an array of musical Mr. Jonathan Beepat, said The album will soon be delight at the Champions the idea for the project came available on iTunes and of Steel Concert at the Naabout one year ago, follow- other online platforms, as tional Cultural Centre. The ing the 2015 General Elec- well as on local locations. event featured memorable tions and the renewed threats Following the positive re- renditions of all genres by

by Venezuela to claim Guy- sponse from the public, both well-known local steel pan ana’s territory. the Golden Children Project orchestras and soloists, in“We saw that people and the Unity Ambassadors cluding the winners of the had a renewed spirit and a will be participating at other Republic Bank’s Panorama new fervour, so we decid- Jubilee events in the days Steel Pan Competition and ed to come up with a song to come. steel pan legend Roy Geddes. that reflects that…the name Apart private events, ‘Golden Children’ represents other music-centred initiaLITERARY ARTS Guyana’s people, because I tives planned by the National Other events, like the believe that our people are Commemorative Committee Jubilee Literary Festival,

Steel pan legend Mr. Roy Geddes performing at the Champions of Steel Concert at the National Cultural Centre on April 23, 2016

A group of performers during the Golden Jubilee Youth Folk Sensation held at the National Cultural Centre on April 9, 2016 are also underway, and have been hosted throughout the country. Member of the Planning Committee Mr. Al Creighton explained that focus will be placed on works from wellknown Guyanese writers like Peter Kempadoo and

Guyana’s National Rugby Team, Rugby American North, playing against the Barbados team at the Rugby 7 World Cup Qualifier on April 23, 2016

Edgar Mittelholzer, along with more contemporary writers.

The Festival also includes workshops and writing competitions, and recently hosted a Poetry Slam competition which drew much attention from

the youth. In the area of sport, the National Sports Commission has made its contribution to the calendar of events in the form of swimming events, rugby and volley competitions, horse racing and other events.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14, 2016

Fire Chief rules Gafoors fire ‘accidental’ –probe incomplete, questions also raised about building code regulations

By Alva Solomon AS investigations continue into Monday’s devastating fire at the Gafoors Houston Complex, all evidence indicates that it may have been “accidental.”

At the same time, calls have been made for the au-

thorities to enforce the National Building Code set out by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS).

The late afternoon fire levelled seven or eight bonds at the Houston, East Bank Demerara location, where large quantities of merchandise, including imported

doors, steel equipment, generators, plyboard and thinners used in mixing paint were stored. The remaining seven bonds escaped the blaze.

The fire, which left in its wake billions of dollars in losses, was initially said to be electrical in origin, but Fire

Chief Marlon Gentle yesterday told this newspaper that while investigations are ongoing, “We are looking at something accidental.”

He made it clear, however, that the investigations are incomplete.

Persons at the scene reported to this newspaper that

the fire was first observed in Bond 3 of the sprawling establishment, where a quantity of Styrofoam was stored.

One staff member recalled seeing smoke emanating from the roof of Bond 3, which also housed tarpaulins and fishing gear.

The fire began at about 15:50hrs, and three hours later, the seven or eight bonds as well as a section of the building east of the bonds -- which housed other departments, including an administrative block -- were gutted.

A section of the building which is under construction escaped the flames, and this section is likely to be where business is managed as the company assesses its losses.

The Gafoors Houston Complex is a subsidiary of Gafsons Industries, and Executive Chairman of the company, Sattaur Gafoor, told this newspaper on Tuesday that the fire was a huge setback for the business. Gafoor said he would like to restart conducting business at the location as early as possible, but he has to wait on the Guyana Fire Service to complete its investigations.

The insurance companies would also have to give the ‘green light’ to demolish and repair the damaged structure.

The 530-plus staff members of the complex have since been redeployed to the company’s sister branches across Regions 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and 4 (Demerara-Mahaica).

BUILDING CODE Members of the public have noted that the authorities should ensure that the 2005 Building Code Regulations are effectively instituted, in light of the Gafoors fire.

The Guyana National Building Code of the GNBS sets out minimum requirements regarding the safety of buildings as aspects of fire protection and structural sufficiency. All buildings, including new structures, should be in compliance with the code, the GNBS has stated.

The Gafoors complex falls within several catego-

ries of the regulations, including the mercantile group and the business occupancy category of buildings, as set out in the regulations.

According to the building code, all buildings and structures, or parts thereof which are used for the transaction of business or the rendering of professional services, shall be classified in Business (B) occupancy group. Buildings of a similar nature fall in the mercantile category. And adequate smoke-controlled systems shall be installed to minimize the spread of smoke to escape paths, compartments and other buildings, to assist access by fire fighters.

On Monday evening, the Fire Chief told members of the media that there were some safety concerns at the scene of the fire, one of which was the layout of the building while the other was the items stored therein, both of which were preventing the firemen from reacting to the situation as readily as they would have liked.

“It’s a bond with various types of combustibles,” he had said as he explained why the fire was generating such tremendous heat.

SPRINKLER SYSTEMS On social media, persons have suggested that Gafoor and other businesses install sprinkler systems within the buildings.

The Building Code speaks of the installation of a sprinkler system in buildings to aid in the suppression of fires. According to the code, there are four types of automatic fire sprinkler systems.

These are water sprinklers (or flood spraying), foam extinguishing systems, carbon dioxide or halogenated suppressive gases, and dry chemical extinguishing systems.

While the latter three may be expensive, the availability of water and less complex operation of the water sprinkler systems make these systems more affordable and economical to install at businesses, including sprawling structures such as the Gafoors Houston Complex.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14, 2016

Tinninben Animation and E-Networks collaborate on content development TINNINBEN Animation and E-Networks on Friday announced that Guyana’s first episodic animated television series, ‘Nancy’s School Daze’, is in production and will be premiered on E1 in September 2016.

The announcement was made during the first night of GuyExpo 2016.

‘Nancy’s School Daze’ seeks to draw on the success and critical acclaim of ‘Nancy’s Story’ and the recently released ‘Nancy’s Story – Boys Too’ to build a character that continues to connect with children and youth, to help them through the daze of growing up and learning life in both its beauty and often ugliness. Commenting on the collaboration, E-Networks CEO Vishok Persaud said, “Since

‘Nancy’s School Daze’ will be premiered on E1 in September 2016 setting up our cable channels, E-Networks has been looking for local content and providing additional opportunities for the creative sector to connect with Guyanese audiences.

We have a few shows already, and this animated series represents an expansion of our offerings. We are pleased to be working with Tinninben Animation because of the outstanding work they have been doing locally.”

CEO of Tinninben Animation, Alex Graham, said, “Tinninben is excited to have E-Networks as a broadcast partner, since this provides an excellent opportunity for the development of long-term projects like the ‘Nancy’s School Daze’ series. Previously, we have been only working on TV commercials and short features. However, we will maintain our focus on developing cartoons for empowering children and for behaviour-change interventions.”

In ‘Nancy’s School Daze’, Nancy and her classmates are drawn into a conflict with a school gang comprising mostly of older students. Nancy uses her wits and brilliance to help her friends stay one step ahead of trouble and be successful at their school work. Along the way they will confront the personal struggles of adolescence; the group struggles of teamwork and leadership; and the ugly social issues of peer-pressure, bullying, violence, abuse, and others.

The season for ‘Nancy’s School Daze’ begins in September and ends in May.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14, 2016

Samoura becomes first female FIFA ...

From back page to lead the scandal-plagued federation out of its crisis.

“Fatma is a woman with international experience and vision who has worked on some of the most challenging issues of our time,” Infantino said.

“Importantly for FIFA, she also understands that transparency and accountability are at the heart of any well-run and responsible organisation.”

The Congress was the first since FIFA passed a raft of reforms aimed at avoiding a repeat of the corruption scandal that has seen 42 soccer officials and entities indicted in the United States.

WATCHDOG COMMITTEES FIFA has three independent watchdog committees but yesterday the Council was given the power to appoint or “dismiss any office-holders of these committees”, something that could only previously be done by the annual Congress.

This effectively gives the Council the right to fire ethics judge Hans-Joachim Eckert, ethics investigator Cornel Borbely and audit and compliance chairman Domenico Scala but Infantino dismissed suggestions that it was a loss of independence.

“We are trying to appoint the right people, people with high credibility, and the only change is to

give the flexibility to the Council to dismiss and appoint members if the Council feels it is needed,” said the president.

Although the next Congress is scheduled for October, it can be convened at short notice.

Infantino said FIFA would show “no mercy” to any federation that misused money allocated to it for soccer development.

“Don’t betray us, use it for football,” he told Congress.

Infantino added the FIFA Council had agreed to end Indonesia’s almost one-year suspension from international soccer, imposed because of government interference in the country’s soccer federation.

The Congress voted to continue the suspensions of Kuwait and Benin over the same principle.

FIFA’s statutes demand that national soccer associations are completely independent of their country’s governments.

Samoura, 52, replaces

Frenchman Jerome Valcke who was fired in January and has since been banned for 12 years for ethics violations that included using FIFA expenses for sightseeing trips and destruction of evidence.

Her appointment was suggested by Infantino

and approved by the FIFA Council.

Samoura began her United Nations career with the World Food Programme in Rome in 1995 and has served as a representative or director in six African countries.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14, 2016

Bidding for 2026 World Cup must be bullet-proof - Infantino

By Brian Homewood MEXICO CITY, Mexico (Reuters) - The 2026 World Cup bidding process must be ‘bullet-proof’ after the controversy which has surrounded the hosting of the next two tournaments, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said yesterday.

“It is absolutely crucial for FIFA’s credibility that we

have a bullet-proof bidding process in place for 2026,” he told the annual Congress of world football’s governing body.

“There will be a new strategy and consultation phase starting from now, because we have to get it right.”

On Tuesday, FIFA announced a four-stage bidding process for the 2026

tournament with a final decision in May 2020.

FIFA was forced to make changes to the way it awards the hosting rights after the vote in December 2010 awarded the 2018 and 2022 tournaments to Russia and Qatar respectively.

That vote is the subject of a criminal investigation by Swiss authorities, while Qatar’s preparations have also

FIFA president Gianni Infantino (R) speaks during the 66th FIFA Congress in Mexico City, Mexico, yesterday. (Reuters/Henry Romero) been marred by allegations of abuse of migrant workers in the construction industry.

Qatar says it is working to deal with the issue.

“These matters don’t get solved with a fight or threats,

they get solved with dialogue and convictions,” said Infantino. “We have to convince governments to do the right things.”

Infantino added that he planned to have separate

divisions in FIFA to deal with football and business matters.

“We need to create more efficiency, more effective cost-management in FIFA,” he said.

RHTYSC assists GPF ‘B’ Division

THE Rose Hall Town Police Outpost recently benefited from a donation of bicycles, sport equipment and other items from the cricket teams attached to the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S. The teams donated three bicycles, sport equipment for cricket, football, volleyball and dominoes, and a collection of torchlights and searchlights to the Police Outpost, which recently was under the spotlight, due to an increase in armed robberies in the township of Rose Hall.

RHTYSC, M.S Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster expressed concern over the high crime rate in the township, and stated that the Club will spearhead efforts to make sure that the outpost is properly equipped to fulfil its mandate.

The bicycles were donated by the cricketers along with assistance from businessmen Ponnai Bhirooj and Lormendo Johnny, friends of the Club.

The sport equipment will be used to establish a Police Youth Club in the township.

Commander of ‘B’ Divi-

sion, Assistant Commander Ian Amsterdam hailed the contribution of the club.

Amsterdam expressed confidence that the crime situation in Rose Hall Town will soon be brought under control and praised the outstanding work of the RHTYSC, M.S and its parent body, the St Francis Community Developers.

He reassured members of the cricket teams and Club executives present that the donated items would be used for their intended purpose.

Assistant Secretary/CEO of the Club Franklyn Ross officially hands over the donation to Commander of ‘B’ Division, Assistant Commander Ian Amsterdam.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14, 2016

Olympic track-power Kenya seeks urgent talks with WADA

By Isaack Omulo and George Obulutsa NAIROBI, Kenya (Reuters) - Kenya has requested an urgent meeting with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to resolve the body’s concerns, the sports minister said yesterday after the East African nation was judged non-compliant with WADA’s code and put at risk of missing the Rio Olympics.

Kenya passed an act of parliament in April to criminalise doping, but WADA said on Thursday it needed to make changes to ensure compliance with the code, which sets a framework for consistent rules and policies around the world.

T h e WA D A r u l i n g meant Kenya, for decades a leading power in middle-

and long-distance running, could be in danger of exclusion from the August

Chairman of Kenya’s Olympic Committee Kipchoge Keino 5-21 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) said WADA’s

action “is a further reflection of the IAAF’s concerns about the level of commitment to anti-doping at the national level in Kenya.”

The IAAF, which in November suspended Russia from international athletics because of widespread drug-cheating, said Kenyan athletes were still eligible to compete nationally and internationally. It said Kenya’s participation in Rio was in the hands of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

“Kenya has sought an urgent meeting with WADA to review the main areas of concern and to secure a review of its decision,” Sports Minister Hassan Wario told a news conference. “Kenya will work with WADA to settle the concerns it has raised.”

Kenyan officials could travel to WADA’s Canadian headquarters at the weekend, he said, repeating

WADA president Craig Reedie Kenya’s commitment to ensuring its sports men and women were clean.

In an earlier statement, the minister had said WADA had outlined “areas of the

Bujan laid to rest amid glowing tributes

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada – There was an outpouring of grief at the Brampton Crematorium and Visitation Centre here on Tuesday as hundreds paid their last respects to Johnny Sean Bujan, the late stalwart cricket administrator and astute businessman who died tragically in a motor vehicle accident in his native Trinidad and Tobago last Saturday night while on his way to the airport.

There was hardly a dry eye in the packed congregation as mourners filed past the casket bearing the remains of Bujan whose contribution to the sunshine game would be extremely difficult to emulate.

Despite not being an accomplished cricketer, Bujan cared for the game and its players deeply and absolutely, and was considered a “father” to many cricketers from the Caribbean who were contracted to play for his club.

The 46-year-old Bujan served as manager for the Canadian national team on several occasions and was also the Sports Director of Masters Cricket Club, a club that featured prominently in the Toronto and District Cricket Association (T&DCA) Elite tournaments. They enter the 2016 as the defending champions.

Bujan was also closely associated to Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) and Classic Cricket Club, both top teams in their respective associations, the former in the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) and the latter in the Brampton Cricket League.

During his stint as manager of the Canadian national team, Bujan had the pleasure of working alongside his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart Gus Logie who served as coach, prompting the former West Indies player to extend his condolences through a release from the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board.

According to Logie, “John-

father had an undying love for cricket and will certainly be missed by all and sundry within the cricket fraternity in Ontario.

During the Recessional, officiating minister Rodger Hunter pointed out that the late Bujan had a passion for sports and had touched many lives and from what he had seen he had left a legacy. Hunter urged

Picture shows a section of the gathering at Bujan’s funeral outside of the Brampton Crematorium and Visitation Centre. ny was a friend of cricket. I had the pleasure of working with him during my time as coach of the Canadian cricket team and he was one of the best managers I ever worked with.

He would go beyond what is required to get things done and to make sure everything was in place for the team. I want to extend my sympathies to his family, friends and Cricket Canada.

“Several members of the Red Force team had close relationships with Johnny. He and Jason Mohammed were very close and I think the cricket fraternity has lost a true servant of the game.”

Bujan’s only son Joshua acknowledged that his late

those present to honour “this gift”.

According Reverend Hunter, the Bujan family needs the support of all the mourners, who had gathered at the crematorium, in the weeks and months ahead and it would be sad if this support wasn’t forthcoming based on Johnny’s immense contribution to not only cricket but also the community as well.

Hunter also reminded the audience that “death is not the end, but a homecoming and a journey towards the creator …”

According to Cricket Canada, Bujan was an integral part of Cricket Canada national tours and kept the team together after going beyond his duties

and will be remembered as a great team player.

“Johnny worked tirelessly for cricket in Toronto and was not only a passionate cricket fan but was a good friend to all. Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family!

Long-time friend and fellow cricket associate, Narchand ‘Archie’ Mohan, who spoke during the viewing on Monday night, described Bujan as one of the most feared individuals he has ever met and whose contribution to charities, including the Aditya Kids Trust Fund in Guyana, was immense.

Mohan, who is also the long-standing president of HACC, pointed out that “after the tears have dried and the goodbyes have been said, all we have to hold onto are the happy memories that we’ve shared with our loved ones who have passed. This is what keeps them alive in our hearts and in our minds, and they will continue to live on, through us.”

Among those in attendance at the moving funeral service were Cricket Canada General Manager, Inglenton Liburd, and West Indies One-day player Jason Mohamed. Several Masters Cricket Club players, clad in their club’s uniforms, were also on hand to show their final respects to Bujan.

Bujan’s parents, as well as his Guyanese wife, Sunita, and two children Joshua and Chelsea, who were in the front row of the crematorium, were very emotional as mourners filed past and extended their condolences to them.

Bujan’s body was interred at the Meadowvale Cemetery in Brampton, Ontario.

act which they want to be rewritten or rectified for us to regain full compliance as soon as possible.” He did not provide details when asked at the news conference.

Kenyan athletes won two gold medals, four silver and five bronze at the last Olympics in London.

FAILED TESTS Up to 40 Kenyan athletes have failed doping tests since 2012, the biggest name among them being former three-time Boston City Marathon and Chicago Marathon champion, Rita Jeptoo, now serving a ban.

WADA had given Kenya until May to enact the anti-doping law or be declared non-compliant. The president signed the new legislation into law on April 22.

But WADA president

Craig Reedie said on Thursday that it was not in line with the organisation’s requirements.

“We have been working with Kenya for a number of years and thought we had agreed that the draft legislation and rules were entirely compliant, and it would appear that during their parliamentary process changes were made that unfortunately weren’t code-compliant, so we will be in touch with Kenya to try and resolve that at the earliest possible moment,” he said.

Kenyan running-great Kipchoge Keino, who is chairman of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya, called WADA’s move “very unfortunate” but said his government had not acted quickly enough against doping.

England include two new caps for Sri Lanka Test (REUTERS) - Uncapped duo Jake Ball and James Vince have been named in England’s squad for their home Test against Sri Lanka at Headingley on May 19, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Thursday.

Nottinghamshire paceman Ball and Hampshire batsman Vince are the two new faces in the 12-man squad, with the selectors sticking largely with the same side that won in South Africa over the winter.

Jake Ball has played a total of 27 first-class matches, taking 84 wickets at an average of 25.63

Vince comes into the team in place of the retired James Taylor while Ball is the joint-leading wicket-taker in Division One this season with 19 wickets.

“Both Jake Ball and James Vince thoroughly deserve their opportunity, having performed well with the England Lions and starting the season in good form with their respective counties,” national selector James Whitaker said in a statement.

“Sri Lanka are a young side and we expect a strong series between the two teams to start the summer of international cricket.”

England will play three Tests against Sri Lanka followed by an ODI series.

England Test squad: Alastair Cook (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Stuart Broad, Nick Compton, Steven Finn, Alex Hales, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, James Vince.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14, 2016

Shanaka rescues Sri Lanka on day one

SRI Lanka put in another poor batting performance on day one against Leicestershire before being rescued by an unbeaten 91 from Dasun Shanaka.

The tourists, who were bowled out for 245 by Essex last weekend, collapsed from 101-2 to 192-8 at Grace Road.

But uncapped Shanaka shared an unbroken stand of 122 with Rangana Herath (28 not out) to take Sri Lanka to 318-8.

The first of three Tests against England begins at Headingley on Thursday.

Sri Lanka, who conceded a first-innings deficit of 158 in the draw with Essex, were again troubled by a Leicestershire side showing nine changes from their previous first-class match against Northamptonshire.

With Test captain Angelo Mathews rested, his stand-in Dinesh Chandimal won the toss but they immediately lost Dimuth Karunaratne,

MURALI Vijay and Wriddhiman Saha scored half-centuries as Kings XI Punjab dealt Mumbai Indians’ Indian Premier League play-off ambitions a severe blow, winning by seven wickets.

Last year’s champions sit level on points with Delhi Daredevils and Kolkata Knight Riders - third and fourth respectively - but have now played two more matches than their closest two rivals for a top-four finish as the regular season nears its conclusion.

The Indians failed to hit their stride with the bat, put to the sword by the in-form Marcus Stoinis (4-15) as they toiled to 124-9.

And Vijay (54 not out) and Saha (56) inspired lowly Kings XI to a comfortable victory in Visakhapatnam, chasing down

DASUN SHANAKA who was bowled by Atif Sheikh on the fourth delivery of the match.

Kaushal Silva (38) and Kusal Mendis (65) steadied the ship, but 21-year-old Rob Sayer dismissed them both as the Sri Lanka collapse began.

The middle order showed little resistance, with all six Leicestershire bowlers claim-

ing scalps.

When Jigar Naik had Dushmantha Chameera caught behind just after tea, the tourists looked in danger of being bowled out for less than 200.

However, Shanaka went on the offensive, hitting nine fours and three sixes in his 115-ball stay and will resume today looking for a

fourth first-class hundred.

Sri Lanka were playing for the first time since wicketkeeper Kusal Perera’s ban for missing a drugs test was lifted.

“It’s great news for us that the ban has been lifted, he’s a wonderful cricketer and we’ve missed him,” said coach Graham Ford.

(BBC Sport)

Trophy Stall Independence badminton tournament serves off THE Trophy Stall Independence Open and Age Group Badminton tournament started on Wednesday and continued on Thursday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).

Matches were played in the Under-17 as well as in the Open categories.

Day one of the tournament saw Priyanna Ramdhani win the Under-17 Girls singles, while Tyrese Jeffrey won the U-17 Boys singles.

On day two, in the Open Men’s Singles first round, Sunburst’s Narayan Ramdhani defeated former national player Grandison Robinson in two straight sets, finishing 21-13, 21-9.

Ronald Chang Yuen beat veteran player William Holder in two straight sets 21-15, 21-16.

Darrell Carpenay trounced Lakshman Das in two straight sets also, with both sets finishing with a score of 21-9.

In the Open Men’s singles quarter-finals, Ramdhani thrashed Jeffrey, 21-10, 21-9, Marlon Chung whipped Ronald Chang Yuen in a close

Kings XI deal IPL play-off blow to Mumbai Indians

matchup finishing 21-15 and 21-18. Avinash Odit defeated Carpenay 21-11 and 21-13.

In the final quarter-final game Jonathan Mangra upstaged

NARAYAN RAMDHANI Priyanna Ramdhani: 21-15, 21-14.

The Open Men‘s singles semi-finals saw Ramdhani blow out Chung 21-5, 21-7.

Mangra also defeated Odit of 21-17, 21-9 to go through to the finals.

In the Under-17 Girls semi-finals Priyanna Ramdhani thrashed Wonita Yang: 21-7, 21-6 and then went on to trounce Priiyanka Shivnauth in straight sets 21-7 and 21-8 to claim the title.

Gabriela Pertab defeated Wonita Yang in the U-17

Girls third-place playoff in a game that went to three sets.

In the first set Pertab dominated 21-9, while in the second set Yang showed her resolve to gut out a win 19-21. However, Pertab powered back to a resounding win 21-8.

In the U-17 Boys singles round-robin Tyreese Jeffrey got the better of Akili Haynes: 22-20, 21-18 and

Akili Haynes defeated Tyrese Richards: 21-13, 21-4.

The tournament continues today, 10:00hrs to 12:30hrs, with the U-11 & U-13 categories followed by the thirdplace playoff between Marlon Chung and Avinash Odit.

The final game of the day will be the Open final between Jonathan Mangra and Narayan Ramdhani.

Wriddhiman Saha accelerated after crossing 30, scoring his next 26 in 11 balls. their target with 18 balls to spare.

Unmukt Chand and Ambati Rayudu both went for ducks as the Mumbai Indians’ innings got off to a poor start, and they were 45-3 at the midway point.

Contributions of 27 and 25 by Kieron Pollard and Nitish Rana were as good as it got for the Indians, with both men seen off by Stoinis, who also claimed the wickets of Jos Buttler (9) and Krunal Pandya (19).

Kings XI came into the match amid reports that Shaun Marsh had been sent home because of a brawl with a team-mate - claims refuted by Glenn Maxwell in the build-up.

The visitors showed no sign of disharmony as Vijay and Saha worked together to build a partnership of 116 runs, after Hashim Amla had been removed for nought at the end of the first over.

Maxwell’s contribution matched that of Amla after Saha was bowled by Mitchell McClenaghan (2-24), but Gurkeerat Singh’s four over mid-on saw Kings XI over the line in convincing fashion. (Sportsmax.com)

Gayle voices support for day-night Tests BENGALURU, India (Reuters) - Explosive West Indian opener Chris Gayle has backed day-night Tests and he believes they could make the longest form of the game more popular.

Australia and New Zealand played the first floodlit Test at the Adelaide Oval in November, attracting more than 123 000 fans through

CHRIS GAYLE

the gates.

“It’s going to be different for the fans (but) I don’t see any reason why the concept can’t take off and be as successful as the shorter forms of the game,” Gayle told reporters in Bengaluru where he represents the Royal Challengers Indian Premier League team.

The tall left-hander, who

scored 7 214 runs in 103 Tests, played his last Test against Bangladesh in 2014.

According to media reports, India wants to host a day-night Test against Australia next year.

India and Pakistan are scheduled to play daynight Tests in 2016 while Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are considering following suit.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 14, 2016

Lara-Cozier pivotal in Windies revival WEST Indies batting legend Brian Lara on Thursday revealed that cricket commentator Tony Cozier who died on Wednesday, played a pivotal role in reviving the fortunes of West Indies cricket in 1999.

Paying tribute to the 75-year old veteran, Lara said the two shared a very important moment in his career, and one which he described as a turning point.

“It happened after returning from South Africa in 1999 after a five-nil drubbing and a first Test loss to Australia. I sought out the advice of Tony as I believed him to be the one person who had the first hand experience to comment on where we were going wrong and what we could have done to arrest the painstaking slide.

That conversation played a pivotal role in our winning the next two

TONY COZIER

Kallis joins TKR as Chief Mentor SHAH Rukh Khan-owned Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) has announced that legendary South African cricketer Jacques Kallis will serve as its Chief Mentor for the 2016 HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) campaign.

Kallis, an accomplished all-rounder who scored 19 695 first-class runs and took 427 wickets overall in an illustrious career across all three formats, was a key part of the team’s victorious campaign last year. Now he, along with head coach Simon Helmot, will lead the charge as defending champions.

“We are very glad to have the legend onboard in the TKR setup as Chief Mentor and JACQUES KALLIS I look forward to working with him closely this year,” said Simon Helmot, head coach of TKR. Kallis has a long-standing association with the Knight Riders family. He played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from 2011 to 2014 and played a big role in helping KKR win two IPL championships in 2012 and 2014.

He then became part of the coaching set-up of the team, before taking over the mantle of head coach of KKR this year.

Test Matches and drawing the series against the then best team in the world, Australia,” said Lara.

Lara said Cozier’s death was a loss. “It’s a sad day for West Indies Cricket and the entire cricketing fraternity. Tony Cozier veteran cricket commentator was the voice of cricket for generations.’

Lara said Cozier was the voice that taught him about cricket. “In 1975/76 when West Indies played Australia in Australia, I was just seven years old. I started to listen to Tony’s voice over my dad’s transistor and that kindled my love for the game.

His commentary was so descriptive, vivid, energetic and engaging, I could have visualized each ball, each over. I remember meeting Tony for the first time and it was as memorable as my first encounter with the

Windies Men get new bowling coach for Tri-Nation ODIs ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Roderick Estwick will join the technical team for the West Indies in the upcoming 2016 Tri-Nation one-day international series. Estwick, who is the bowling coach for the Barbados Pride Franchise, replaces bowling consultant, Sir Curtly Ambrose.

Estwick has to his credit, national coachof-the-year in Barbados in 2005 and 2011. He was head coach for the Barbados Under-19 team which won three titles between 2000 and 2004. Additionally, he toured extensively with the West Indies Un- RODERICK ESTWICK der-19 in and out of the region and has participated in the High Performance Centre programme.

Estwick played first class cricket for his country, Barbados, Transvaal and West Indies ‘A’ between 1983 and 1990.

Estwick will join the squad for the upcoming camp which will start, Thursday, May 19.

Sir Curtly was with the senior men’s team for the last three years and toured extensively. His last assignment was with the winning men’s World T20 team this year in India.

great players at that time, such was his passion and love for the game.”

Lara added, “For 58 years, Tony devoted his life to West Indies cricket never once losing his passion, even amid the turmoil West Indies cricket sometimes faced. He had an indomitable will, a fierce passion and a devotion to the game that was second to none.

“Tony was a living history book, who had the unique ability to bring to contemporary cricket commentary a deep sense of strategy and analysis, as well as decades of watching history upfront. He lived it, he had worked it and he had absorbed it.

That added a layer to his broadcasting, journalism and commentary that will be hard for anyone to match. I offer my deepest condolences to all his loved ones. He will never be forgotten. (”First Published In The Trinidad Guardian.)

Pakistan, Windies series could be moved to Sri Lanka RISING costs could force the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to move the series against the West Indies, scheduled for the UAE later this year, to Sri Lanka.

According to the reports the PCB believes the cost for hosting home series in the UAE makes it increasingly difficult to make a profit. The PCB reportedly paid over $3.5M for hosting the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Dubai and Sharjah this year and has already been quoted even higher figures for the next edition.

While the PCB is yet to make contact with the Sri Lanka Cricket Board on the issue sources indicate the situation was becoming untenable.

“All the broadcasting rights have already been sold, so an additional way to earn money is to cut down on expenses, which is where Sri Lanka comes into the equation,” The Express Tribune quoted an unnamed source as saying.

“We’re not bound to hold our Future Tours Programme (FTP) series in the UAE, so Sri Lanka and Bangladesh can be considered as alternate options for our home series, as playing there is affordable in comparison.”

The September to October series against the West Indies will consist of two Tests, five one-day internationals and two Twenty20 internationals. (Sportsmax.com)

Golden Jubilee three-stage cycle road race starts today TOP riders will today vie for supremacy when the Golden Jubilee three-stage cycle road race event rolls off in Berbice.

The first leg is scheduled to pedal off this morning at the 07:30hrs from the Corriverton Police Station and finish at New Amsterdam. (46.6 Miles) (75km).

Of the 19 open races completed for the year, the Team Gillette Evolution has picked up 16 wins which gives them the tag of favourites during this year’s championship.

Defending champion Orville Hinds who won last year’s event in six hours,

50 minutes and 37 seconds is again back in action.

Meanwhile, the second stage starts at 14:00hrs from Rosignol and will proceed to CARIFESTA Avenue, Georgetown for the finish. (60.4 Miles) (97.1km).

For the final stage tomorrow, the event

starts at Kara Kara, Linden at 08:00hrs and concludes at Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown. (64.5 Miles) (103.3km).

According to the organisers, nine riders from Anguilla will be a part of the Jubilee event which has attracted over 50 participants.

Samoura becomes first female FIFA secretary general

By Brian Homewood MEXICO CITY, Mexico (Reuters) - FIFA named an African woman with no experience in soccer administration as its second most powerful official yesterday, part of changes made by the sport’s ruling body to move on from a major corruption scandal.

However, FIFA’s Congress also passed a resolution which gives its board, known as the FIFA Council, the power to fire the heads of its independent committees at almost any time.

The Congress also voted to accept Kosovo and Gibraltar as the organisation’s 210th and 211th members, opening the way for them to take part

Golden Jubilee three-stage cycle road race starts today See story on page 39

in the 2018 World Cup qualifying competition.

Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura of Senegal, the United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative in Nigeria, was appointed as secretary general and will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the organisation.

“FIFA is taking a fresh approach to its work and I am eager to play a role in making that approach as effective and lasting as possible,” she said in a statement.

Samoura’s appointment was announced by president Gianni Infantino, hosting his first Congress since he was elected in February Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura of Senegal has previously worked for the UN and in the private sector.

See page 35

Dravid, Jayawardena in ICC cricket committee FORMER India captain Rahul Dravid and ex-Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardena have been appointed to the International Cricket Council Cricket Committee, while Anil Kumble has been re-elected chairman for

with ex-Australian spinner Tim May, has been chosen by current Test captains to represent the interests of the current players.

They replace Sri Lanka great Kumar Sangakkara and former India leg-spinner Laxman Siv-

Skippers: Mahela Jayawardena and Rahul Dravid in their playing days (Getty Images) another three-year term.

Jayawardena has been appointed as a past player representative, taking over from former Australia skipper Mark Taylor, who completed his final three-year term, while Dravid, along

aramakrishnan, while Richard Kettleborough replaced the retired Steve Davis as the umpires’ representative on the committee.

The cricket committee has the authority to recom-

mend changes to the rules by which cricket is governed.

Dravid and Jayawardena played 1 161 international matches between them from 1996 to 2015, with each appointed for a three-year term.

They will attend their first meeting at Lord’s on May 31, three weeks before the ICC’s annual conference is held in Edinburgh.

Dravid is currently coaching India’s Under-19 and A teams, while Jayawardena recently enjoyed a stint with England as batting consultant alongside a stint with the Adelaide Strikers last KFC Big Bash League season.

The ICC cricket committee: Anil Kumble (chairman), Shashank Manohar and David Richardson (ex-officio), Andrew Strauss and Mahela Jaywardena (past player representatives), Rahul Dravid and Tim May (current player representatives), Darren Lehmann (full member coach representative), Kevin O’Brien (Associate representative), Clare Connor (Women’s cricket representative), David White (full member representative), Ravi Shastri (media representative),

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

Richard Kettleborough (umpires representative), Ranjan Madugalle (referees’ representative), John Stephenson (MCC Head of Cricket).

Orville Hinds is the defending champion

Bolt feeling good for season debut WORLD’S fastest man Usain Bolt believes he is in fairly reasonable shape ahead of his season debut in the Cayman Islands today.

Bolt will test his early season progress over the 100m distance, a race that will be his first since capturing a hard-fought sprint double at last year’s IAAF World Championships in Beijing.

The sprinter was hampered by injury for most of last season, but despite suffering a setback in his early preparation with an ankle issue, believes he is in good form ahead of the Cayman Island’s Invitational.

Bolt hopes training partner Yohan Blake, who opened the season with an impressive 9.93 clocking two weeks ago, will serve as a yardstick for his own progress so far.

“This is my first race, so you never know what to

Usain Bolt

expect, because race fitness is different from training,” Bolt told the AFP. “The way I feel I should run a good time, because I train with (Yohan) Blake, who ran a good time (9.93) already this season,” he added.

Bolt’s competition today will come from another Racer’s Track Club teammate Kemar Bailey-Cole and Cayman Island’s local

Kemar Hyland.

On his previous appearance at the meet in 2013 Bolt clocked a pedestrian 10.09 for a win to open the season.

The race saw Bailey-Cole also given the same time for second place in a photo finish. The sprinter will hope the meet is a solid start on the road to his pursuit of history at the Rio Olympic Games.

(Sportsmax.com) SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2016