Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 14 10 2016

SEE INSIDE

‘The Troubles’ No. 104704

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016

Price: $80

… President tells House of ‘Jagdeo’s dark era’

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(VAT Inclusive)

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President David Granger

No compulsory acquisition Page

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… AG debunks land acquisition claims

Bartica man found dead in shallow 14 grave Page

U.S. investigator to probe 10 Gafoors fire Page

Students of the West Demerara Secondary School being edified on plant methods during NAREI’s open day (Delano Williams photo) see story on page 16

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 14, 2016

Islamic Bank willing to build home for elderly, safe house By Svetlana Marshall EXECUTIVES from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) on Thursday signaled its willingness to assist the Ministry of Social Protection to construct a modern geriatric facility, along with a safe house for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. On Thursday, Executives from the bank led by its Vice President for

of financing. During her presentation at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence told the investors that the Palms Geriatric Institution situated in the heart of the capital city, Georgetown, is in a deplorable state and her Ministry has since proposed the construction and furnishing of a modern facility to house 300 poverty-stricken elderly persons.

elderly relocated to a new and improved facility. The Palms Geriatric Home was established under British rule in 1874 and has been the final home of thousands of Guyanese senior citizens. Minister Lawrence also told the Bank’s Executives of her Ministry’s second priority project – the construction of a shelter for survivors of sexual and domestic violence.

different types of domestic violence cases in Guyana. Sixty-five per cent of the cases involved assault. It was further pointed out by the Minister that between January and October of 2015, 17 women were murdered by their partners with the majority of the victims older than 25 years. These crimes continue to be committed at a time when there is no Government-run facility in Guyana for victims of sexual and domestic violence, who are primarily women and children. The Ministry partners with a Non-Governmental Organisation to provide housing for the survivors. However, when the safe house, which houses Human Trafficking victims, is filled, the house for victims of sexual and domestic violence is also utilized. “We have a crisis on

our hands in terms of domestic violence, sexual violence and trafficking in persons. We are trying at best with our limited resources and with the help of NGOs to address these issues but I believe that this kind of team that is here today, will understand that there are some things that we cannot do on our own,” she said. Minister Lawrence said the Ministry is not sitting idly by but has already secured a plot of land to construct a shelter for survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. “We already have the plans and all we need now are the finances to get that building up. Help us to save our women and our children,” she pleaded. The Bank’s Vice President, in response to Minister Lawrence, said “I think that we can work with you, without again promising,

we can see how we can accommodate that.” He said there are a number of options that the Bank’s Technical Team can explore with the Ministry, positing that the issues raised by Minister Lawrence are indeed pressing. The Islamic Development Bank Acting Director for Country Programme, Mohammed Jamal Aisaati, on Thursday, had also given a detailed presentation on the 42 year-old banking facility. He outlined that the bank which has a member of 57 countries, provides a number of services, including scholarships for persons in fields of Science and Technology, special assistance such as project financing, trade financing and promotional of intra-trade, capacity development and technical cooperation and even insurance of export and investment.

Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence asking a question during the forum Cooperation and Country Programming Complex, Sayed Aqa, gave a detailed overview of the bank’s history and operation, while several Ministers of Government, and other Government Officials outlined a number of areas in need

“We believe that the time has come to provide better services for them,” Minister Lawrence posited. It was pointed out that the Social Protection Ministry has land space at its disposal in Region 4, and would be happy to have the

“We are looking at the construction of a facility to temporary house survivors, mainly women and children,” she said while explaining that the Ministry is hoping to house approximately 20 families at once. In making her case, the Social Protection Minister pointed out that between 2011 and 2013, the Crime and Social Observatory Unit, through the Ministry of Public Security registered more than 9,200

A section of the Palms Geriatric Institution

‘The Troubles’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 14, 2016

… President tells House of ‘Jagdeo’s dark era’

REFERRING to this period as the “Troubles”, President David Granger on Thursday told the National Assembly of what he called the descent of this country during the Bharrat Jagdeo administration, describing it as the “darkest hour” that was characterised by drug-driven chaos and bloodshed. Jagdeo was President of Guyana from August 11, 1999 to December 3, 2011 during which there were three massacres: Lusignan where 11 people were killed- Bartica where another 12 were killed and Lindo Creek where seven miners were slaughtered. Besides, there were countless extra-judicial killings- with some activists estimating that around 400 Afro Guyanese males were gunned down. President Granger ’s remarks were made during an address to open the sitting of Parliament, following a nine-week period of recess. In August 2015, Granger had said that the extra-judicial killings that beleaguered the nation during the 2002-2008 period must be investigated thoroughly. The President had said then that his government was in the process of ensuring that there is an efficient and effective Coroner’s Department in place to investigate the crimes of that period. He stressed that all cases must be investigated, as every loss of life is worrisome. Back in 2003-2006, convicted drug-trafficker, Shaheed Roger Khan, had set up a criminal network here including active policemen and a number of former ranks, ostensibly to go after criminals, but at the same time protecting his narco-trafficking interests. He was nabbed in neighbouring Suriname in 2006 while fleeing local police, and was later handed over to U.S. authorities. Although the PPP Government had sought to distance itself from Khan, the drug-trafficker had stated publicly in an advertisement in local newspapers

that he had been fighting crime on behalf of the Bharrat Jagdeo-led government. Khan had also implicated former Health Minister Dr Leslie Ram-

the media, municipalities, trade unions and civil society can do much to enhance the quality of life, to give citizens the feeling of satisfaction and to solve the problems that affect

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

Roger Khan was convicted for drug-trafficking

sammy in his escapades, and documents bearing the then minister’s signature authorising the purchase of a sophisticated wire-tapping device were produced in U.S. courts during Khan’s trial.

them. “Public services are essential to citizens’ ‘quality of life.’ Public services involve public trust. Citizens expect public servants to serve the public interest with integrity and reliability in order to manage public resources efficiently.” Mr Granger said public trust encourages active citizen participation in society and the economy, noting that it makes public agencies more accessible and more accountable. “Reliable public services inspire public trust and create a favourable environment for human safety and for the functioning of businesses, thereby contributing to well-functioning markets, economic growth and, consequently, a high ‘quality of life.’”

THE QUALITY OF LIFE Titling his address “The quality of life,” President Granger said ‘quality of life’ is a measure of citizens’ satisfaction with their lives. He said people’s personal values and life experiences determine their level of satisfaction, which includes health, independence, participation in community and civic activities, personal development, physical and material well-being, recreation, relationships with other people and social support. “Citizens, usually, are uncomfortable with high levels of crime; insanitary conditions in the countryside and city and incivility by officials, all of which contribute to lowering the ‘quality of life.’” President Granger said these conditions should not be regarded as a permanent state, but as temporary problems to be solved. He said the State, regional administrations,

HORRIBLE NIGHTMARE However, President Granger said the dreams of a ‘good life’ had turned into a horrible nightmare at the dawn of the new millennium. “The most unforgettable experiences and most frightening evidence of our descent into chaos were the bloody, drug-driven, decade-long ‘Troubles.’ The ‘Troubles’ will be

remembered as the darkest hour in our history. It was a time of the un-investigated assassination of a minister (Satyadeow Sawh); of the investigation into the alleged implication of another minister (Ronald

crisis is still visible. “The damage is most manifest in the demoralisation of the public and security services, the erosion of public trust and the lowering of the ‘quality of

Former Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy had authorised the acquisition of a computer to track telephone communications for Roger Khan

Former Home Affairs Minister Ronald Gajraj was implicated in the setting up of a death squad

Gajraj) in the direction of a ‘death squad’; of the alleged implication of yet another minister (Dr Leslie Ramsammy) in the acquisition of a computer to track the telephone communication and location of adversaries targeted for assassination.” President Granger said it was a time of arbitrary arrests; of disappearances and of torture of young men; of the surge in armed robberies, narco-trafficking and gun-running. He said during that first, deadly decade, there were 1,317 murders and 7, 865 armed robberies. “It was a time of deception and the cynical rejection of £4.9 million UK Security Sector Reform Action Plan for which a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in August 2007; of the rejection of recommendations of numerous security reform reports and total disregard for the implementation of the National Drug Strategy Master Plan,” Granger a retired army brigadier said. He told the House that evidence of the impact of the man-made criminal

life.’” PARLOUS ECONOMIC STATE Turning his attention to the economic situation, President Granger told the House that the grisly security situation was accompanied by a parlous economic situation, noting that the undermining of public infrastructure by the encouragement of cronyism led to serious, costly, serial scandals as seen in the construction the Kato Secondary School; the Hope Canal bridge; the river-front revetment at Kumaka, Barabina road and Moruca bridge; Supenaam stelling and the still unusable Ministry of Social Protection building in Georgetown. “The paralysis of public telecommunications became evident in the incompetent or corrupt implementation of the US$ 70 million Fibre Optic Cable Project and the misapplication of computers under the ‘One Laptop per Family’ Project.” President Granger said the environmental policy will be remembered, forever, but not fondly, by the administration’s responsi-

bility for the most destructive environmental disaster in Guyana’s history — the catastrophic 2005 flood. This, he said, was an event of incalculable damage, disease, discomfort and, in some cases, death. “The exaggerated emphasis on narrow elements of the Low Carbon Development Strategy obscured the absence of strategic thought and action. Guyana’s rich biodiversity, wildlife, wetlands, coastal zone, rivers were not adequately protected against the ravages of lawless logging, mining and solid waste mismanagement,” President Granger said. ECONOMIC POLICY He told the Parliament that his Government entered a depressing financial landscape in May 2015. “The economic legacy that this nation inherited was characterised by a lack of strategic planning and whimsical decision-making. The absence of a policy to provide employment opportunities for youth and to reduce extreme poverty and the failure to energise the manufacturing sector weakened the economy,” President Granger said. He noted that economic mismanagement was accompanied by huge debts for unpaid international obligations and court judgements. He said the gravest financial problem was the bankruptcy of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) which owed $89 billion in debts. “Your Government was forced to divert money from economic development and social projects to rescue the ailing corporation with an immediate injection of $12 billion. An additional $11 billion had to be provided the next year, 2016, making a total of $23 billion bailout in 18 months.” The President said these transfers exclude See page 8

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 14, 2016

Consensus door open By Ariana Gordon

DESPITE an opposition boycott of his address to the National Assembly on Thursday, President David Granger said there are plenty of avenues for the government and opposition to collaborate, asserting that the two sides of the house have not always disagreed and at times found common ground. The People’s Progressive Party boycotted the President’s address in support of accused fraudster, Carvil Duncan, who was suspended on Monday from holding constitutional offices. In his address, the head of state said that as Guyana celebrates its fiftieth anniversary of Independence this year, “We are celebrating the Year of Re-

naissance; We owe it to future generations to use the remaining months and days of this year to build bridges across the abyss of discord. The two sides of this House have not always disagreed. They have found common ground in the pursuit of the common good at times,” the Guyanese leader said. He told the assembly that the avenues for compromise and consensus remain open. “Guyana is pursuing a people-centered ‘green agenda’. This agenda can become a platform for increased political cooperation. Our legislative agenda is evidence of the scope for consensus.” According to the President, his administration’s aim is to develop a cohesive society in which confrontation is replaced by cooperation. “The

removal of inequalities based on geography and ethnicity will lay the foundation for a better ‘quality of life’ for everyone. We will work to reduce prejudice and violence. We w i l l f a s h i o n a multi-cultural society characterised by tolerance and mutual respect,” the head of state said.

AFTERTHOUGHT In a swift response to the President’s address, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo said: “We have heard this, it is almost like an afterthought. So you are all criminals, you left us with a bad economy, your environmental policy was terrible. “Then he repeats all of what he believes are original ideas, they are not, they are our policies, and then says I still think there is room for us to work, he said this many times, it is all rhetoric. Has the President ever done anything significant to move this forward? “He has this Social Cohesion Ministry that is more partisan than anything else with Amna Ally. Amna Ally is a partisan person…In fact they are using it as a slush fund, for people to travel and do party work. He does not mean it,” Jagdeo vented. GOOD GOVERNANCE Meanwhile, touching on the issue of governance, President Granger said his administration is committed to this,

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adding that they are committed to reforming the Constitution and will, in this regard, convene a Consultative Constitution Reform Commission in 2017. “We have demonstrated our determination to ensure that local government elections are held. We will, without fail ensure that elections are held every three years as required by the Constitution. Citizens’ right to elect the representatives of their choice at free and regular elections will not be suspended again. Public policy will be undergirded by an inclusionary political process. The empowering of local communities through the holding of the historic local government elections of 18th March, 2016 created a platform for government to be brought closer to the people and for authority to be exercised through their own elected representatives.” According to the President, the derailment of public policy marked by the PPP’s, “Bizarre determination not to conduct local government elections by uprooting neighbourhood democratic councils and by imposing a perverse form of dictatorship on local government organs has been brought to an end.” He said the previous administration’s disrespect shown to the public service by abandoning the principle of collective bargain-

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ing with the Guyana Public Service Union demoralised the Service. “The arbitrary imposition of salary increases damaged the Service’s professional ethos, undermining the careers of public servants through the appointment of political permanent secretaries. The President also spoke about the projection of Guyana’s national interest abroad, noting that this will ensure the protection of our interests at home. “This requires a professional Foreign Service to ensure that the national interest is advanced internationally. Our principal foreign policy objective is the safeguarding of our territorial integrity and sovereignty. Our diplomats will be aggressively pursuing increased trade and investment.” He said Guyana will assume the Chairmanship of the Caribbean Community in January 2017 and will use that opportunity to continue the process of the strengthening of the pillars of regional integration and advance the development of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME). “We adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of which the 17 Sustainable Development Goals are compatible with Guyana’s social agenda. The 2017 National Bud-

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get will reflect the harmonisation of the SDGs with our national development plans, particularly in the social sector. The 2017 National Budget will be laid in this House in a few weeks’ time. CONSULTATIVE PROCESS Meanwhile, the President said the preparation of this year’s Budget started several months ago and has been characterised by an inclusive and consultative process. He said it will be designed around a results-based format and will be guided by the objectives of fiscal sustainability, institutional sustainability and environmental sustainability. “Budget measures will include renewable energy generation and improved energy efficiency–key initiatives of our green agenda.” The President said Guyana’s future is linked to renewable energy generation and increased use of energy-efficient technologies. “We will graduate our economy increasingly towards greater renewable energy use across all sectors of Guyana. Government buildings will be powered, eventually, by renewable energy sources and will utilize energy-efficient technologies. Incentives will be offered to the private sector to follow the government’s lead.” The 2017 National Budget will evince measures aimed at developing a more diversified and climate-resilient agricultural sector. “We will: -promote agricultural expansion further inland by introducing mega farms in the Intermediate and Rupununi savannahs; promote the expansion of non-traditional agricultural product such as coconuts, fruits and spices; and promote the increase of aromatic rice production which will add to the crop production in the rice sector at a higher end of the value chain.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 14, 2016

Portugal’s Guterres is next U.N. chief THE 193-member United Nations General Assembly unanimously appointed former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres on Thursday as the ninth secretary-general of the world body for five years beginning Jan. 1, 2017. Guterres, 67, will replace Ban Ki-moon, 72, of South

extremists on one side and the expressions of populism and xenophobia on the other side,” he said. “These two reinforce each other, and we must be able to fight both of them with determination.” The 15-member U.N. Security Council last week unanimously recommended that the General Assembly appoint

Secretary-General-designate, Mr. Antonio Guterres of Portugal (L), greets U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon after speaking in front of the U.N. General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S. October 13, 2016. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson Korea. Ban will step down at the end of 2016 after serving two five terms. Guterres was Portugal’s prime minister from 1995 to 2002 and U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015. Guterres pledged on Thursday to act as an “honest broker” and said he would take a humble approach in trying to deal with global issues, with human dignity at the core of his work. “Diversity can bring us together, not drive us apart,” Guterres told the General Assembly. “We must make sure that we are able to break this alliance between all those terrorist groups or violent

Guterres. He beat out 12 other candidates, seven of whom were women, amid a push for the first woman to be elected. Guterres told the General Assembly that protection and empowerment of women and girls was a priority commitment. He has pledged to work toward gender parity within the United Nations. “We have selected a candidate who is prepared to cut past the jargon and the acronyms and the sterile briefings and get real,” U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power told the General Assembly. “He knows the only measure of our work here is whether we

are or are not helping and supporting real people.” Diplomats were now watching to see who Guterres appoints to senior U.N. positions amid speculation by diplomats and U.N. officials that China would like one of its nationals to head peacekeeping and that Russia is keen to lead political affairs. Currently, a French man runs peacekeeping, an American man leads political affairs and a British man is in charge of humanitarian affairs. A senior U.N. Security Council diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said several people had insisted that Guterres did not do any deals to win Russia and China’s votes. “(Guterres is) the sort of person who will pick a strong team around him, appointment on merit,” said the diplomat, adding that, while he had not heard it directly from any Chinese diplomats “it is clear (China is) making a significant challenge for the Department of Peacekeeping.” When asked earlier this month if Russia had an interest in one of the senior U.N. positions, Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin told reporters: “We do believe that Russia should be properly represented in the Secretariat.” He did not specify which post, but added: “We are not the only ones who are expressing the interest in various positions.”(Reuters)

GPL signs three-year contract with Canadian company

SEVEN specialists from a Canadian company, Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. (MHI) will be assisting the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), to improve its overall efficiency. This was disclosed Thursday by GPL Chairman, Robert Badal at a media briefing hosted at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston Georgetown. The 36-months programme is a capacity building and knowledge transfer initiative, under the Management Strengthening Programme (MSP). It is a component of the IADB/EU funded Power Utility Upgrade Programme (PUUP) valued at US$7.6M. The Chairman said the power company wants to reduce its 29% loss that it is experiencing. He said MHI was awarded a three-year training, capacity building, and knowledge transfer contract with GPL. MHI’s objectives for the MSP project include: support GPL in its performance of key business areas to improve the utility’s capabilities for providing an efficient, reliable, and sustainable service; support senior management through a combination of classroom-based training and on-the-job training. This one-on-one coaching will address the unique learning and development needs of GPL’s senior management. Badal explained that MHI will provide formal and informal training focused on industry best practices to assist GPL’s senior management in creating a target state (vision) for the company. Once the target state is defined, MHI will work closely with GPL management to formulate the business plans aimed at achieving the overall vision. This plan will include mapping out GPL’s core business processes and looking for ways to improve the overall efficiency of GPL. He said MHI will focus on the professional development of GPL’s senior management team. Individual professional development plans will be created, which will identify the skills and competency re-

quirements for each management position, along with corresponding actions. These actions may include formal classroom type training, less formal on-the-job training, and ongoing coaching and mentoring from the MHI utility specialists. “The intended outcome is to strengthen our company’s managerial capabilities by implementing a Management Strengthening Programme (MSP) to support senior management…It is intended for senior managers to transfer the benefits of their exposure to this programme into staff within their respective Divisions and Departments,” the GPL Chairman said. According to MHI official, Rob Schumann, the company assists clients to deliver electricity and natural gas efficiently, effectively, and in a sustainable manner. As a subsidiary of a Canadian energy utility, Manitoba Hydro, MHI offers clients over a century’s worth of best practice experience. “MHI strives to provide clients with the same quality of service and proven methods that have been mastered in one of North America’s most efficient and best-managed energy utilities. For over 30 years, MHI has delivered energy services to clients in over 75 countries. MHI is dedicated to creating lasting relationships, and collaborating closely with clients to suit their specific needs and achieve their desired outcomes,” he explained. Underscoring that the company has been in operation for over 130 years, Schuman said Manitoba Hydro is a vertically integrated, government-owned Canadian Provincial Crown Corporation. The corporation holds in-service assets in excess of $17 billion, generates over $2 billion in annual revenue, and employs over 6,500 utility staff. Manitoba Hydro is a major energy utility that is intimately involved in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of electricity and gas infrastructure.

Friday October 14th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Saturday October 15th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Sunday October 16th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 14, 2016

Joint Declaration by the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, on behalf of the EU, and the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, on the European and World Day against the Death Penalty, 10 October 2016.

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

The Carvil Duncan Affair

PRESIDENT David Granger’s decision to suspend Carvil Duncan from constitutional offices consistent with Article 225 (6) of the Guyana Constitution has been met with negative reactions from the Opposition PPP/C. One such reaction is its Members of Parliament boycotting President David Granger’s address to the National Assembly on Thursday. There is something amiss with a political party that has been using its time in the opposition calling on the APNU+AFC administration to respect the Constitution to then decide when the administration acts accordingly it is deserving of retaliation, not support. Duncan is the chairman of the Public Service Commission and member of other service commissions. These are very influential and strategic positions, the offices are held in esteem by the society, and it is expected that the holders of these offices would conduct themselves likewise. The charge brought against him by the state for stealing $984,900 while a member of the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) Board casts a shadow on his character and by extension the offices he holds. Recently he said he will not resign from these offices and was earlier this year offered a financial package by President Granger and Minister of State Joe Harmon to resign, which both have denied. He went on to say he promised the President and minister to return after discussion with his family to make known his decision but has been unsuccessful in reaching Minister Harmon. Outside of making such information public after the tribunal was established gives rise to speculation that resignation was hinged only on a financial package not seeing such as the ethical thing to do in the presence of a criminal charge brought against him, the very thought of which is disconcerting. The PPP/C which has been daring the government to confront corruption and remove the corrupt from office, their visceral reaction to the Tribunal opens speculation as to their discomfort. In challenging the tribunal’s existence on the argument that its decision can influence the case before the court takes a deliberate decision to blur the distinction between the two issues. In the inquiry before the tribunal the panel will have to determine based on Duncan’s conduct as an officer placed in a privileged position to address issues on behalf of the people, whether he can be trusted to continue doing so The case of fraud is in the Magistrates’ Court, while the perception and will of the people are being addressed by the tribunal. Everyone must have his or her day in court and none can rightfully fault any who is requesting the same for Duncan, but at the same time it cannot be ignored what is known and has been admitted to. According to him he took the money based on authorisation of then subject minister Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who categorically denied ever issuing such edict. Whereas the court will determine guilt or innocence based on the evidence presented and argued by the prosecution and defendant, the tribunal, given what is known about Duncan’s conduct on the GPL matter and other instances of behavioural issues will bring to bear in arriving at a decision of his suitability to continue holding the offices. The GPL is a state entity and is managed by standard practices and laws. It cannot, and ought not to be accepted,

World Day against the Death Penalty

TODAY, on the European and World Day against the Death Penalty, the Council of Europe and the European Union reaffirm their strong and unequivocal opposition to capital punishment in all circumstances and for all cases. The death penalty is incompatible with human dignity. It is inhuman and degrading treatment, does not have any proven significant deterrent effect, and allows judicial errors to become irreversible and fatal. Abolition of the death penalty is a distinctive achievement in Europe. It is a prerequisite for membership in the Council of Europe, and the absolute ban of the death penalty under all circumstances is inscribed in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The Council of Eu-

rope and the European Union urge all European States to ratify the protocols to the European Convention on Human Rights, which aim at the abolition of the death penalty. The Council of Europe and the European Union strongly urge the political leadership of all European countries to ensure compliance with the legal and political obligations arising from membership in the Council of Europe and the European Union. The Council of Europe and the European Union deplore the continuing use of the death penalty in Belarus, the only country on the European continent that still applies the death penalty. They strongly urge the authorities of Belarus to commute the remaining death sentences and establish without delay,

a formal moratorium on executions as a first step towards abolition of the death penalty. The introduction of the moratorium would be a decisive step in bringing Belarus closer to the pan-European legal standards. The Council of Europe and the European Union welcome the global trend towards the abolition of capital punishment. Today more than two thirds of all countries have abolished the death penalty in either law or practice. However, the Council of Europe and the European Union regret that the number of executions have risen in some of those countries that retain the death penalty and that some countries which had a de facto moratorium carried out executions. Both organisations are particularly alarmed when this involves the ex-

ecution of minors, which is contrary to international law. Some countries continue to apply the death penalty for drug-related offences, also in violation of international law. In June of this year, the 6th World Congress on the Abolition of the Death Penalty took place in Oslo. All participating countries and organisations united behind the call for a global moratorium on the death penalty. The Council of Europe and the European Union hope to see the momentum created by the World Congress reflected in an increased number of countries supporting the Resolution on a Moratorium on the Use of the Death Penalty which will be put to vote at the 71st session of the UN General Assembly in December 2016.

Persons out to create confusion in Lethem Dear Editor KINDLY permit me to respond to a letter in the daily edition of the Stabroek News dated 2016-09-22 captioned: Political Warning to President Granger. Firstly, our investigation of this letter has found that there is no one by the name Patricia Camildo living in Lethem Town or St Ignatius Village, while we do have Camildos who are supporters of the APNU. Secondly, to say there are no visits by APNU min-

isters and regional officials of the party is iniquitous and misleading, given that there were 28 ministerial visits to the region, along with local officials of the party. As recent as Friday 15th – 17th September, 2016, there were visits to South Rupununi by ministers and local officials, which were very successful. Thirdly,St Ignatius is an Amerindian village like any other Amerindian village and while they didn’t invite us to their village celebrations, other villages

did. However, one point to note is that under the same leadership of the village, we were denied use of the Benab to hold a public meeting while we were in opposition, instead we were given the sports ground at the 11th hour. The now opposition was given said Benab recently to host its Regional Conference. Fourthly the APNU leadership of Region # Nine has been more than forthcoming with its information to its membership and supporters. I will not

divulge more on this but we have evidence to prove same. Finally, Mr. Editor, we have come to the conclusion that this letter writer is a ghost setting out to create confusion and uncertainty in the coalition government and we will have none of it. Things are happening same ways as before by our opponents. Mr. Editor I will not get specific for reasons known to us.

AS a private collector of historic memorabilia, I have adapted the “RELAYS” from sports to my personal adventure where at some stage I will have to pass on the baton. One of my prized pieces is a ‘Queen’s College,British Guiana Magazine dated 1944-1945,’ which has mentioned some of Guyana’s most prominent names which includes former President

L.F.S Burnham,G.A.Gaskin (not sure if this name is related to the Minister of Business,Mr.Dominic Gaskin),S.M. Insanally (relative to Guyana’s current Ambassador to New York,Mr.Riyad Insanally) etc. A very important aspect of the magazine is a whole-page advertisement of Acme Photo Studio, where International Screen/Film Star ‘ILONA MASSEY 1910-1974,Hungarian born Actress was

featured as the first actress to pose at the local photo studio. The late British Guiana Master Photo Artist Mr.Ashraf Ali,founder of the Acme Photo Studio apparently took the photo/portrait himself of the actress. Due to the fact that such historic item needs a certain preservation facility with the ideal temperature, it’s unfair for me to hold on to it knowing well that I

don’t have access to such a facility and it can be ruined. I am currently in discussion with a potential, new owner and more than likely, it will change hands sooner or later. I thought I would share this historic piece of British Guiana with the general public and hopefully you will consider publication for the purpose of education.

that public accounting must disregard the requirement of establishing a paper trail when it comes to spending of the people’s money. Government and corporations accounting require this also at the time of auditing. Where financial de-

cisions are made absent paper trail it is seen as being corrupt. When persons are placed in positions, elected or appointed, and are not prepared to follow the rules it suggests that they have taken a decision to disqualify

themselves from conducting business on behalf of the people or any organisation. Government must set the tone in society for intolerance for corrupt practices. It must be prepared at all times, without fear, favour,

ill will or appreciation to hold all accountable, be they elected or appointed. Only until such a signal is sent that this nation will see some progress in minimising the culture of corruption that has become so pervasive.

Regards Carlton Beckles

‘RELAYS’ from sports Dear Editor

Regards Trevor Pemberton

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 14, 2016

Gov’t pitches housing, other proposals to Islamic Bank By Svetlana Marshall THE A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government has made several developmental pitches to the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in the areas of housing, education and social protection. The discourse took place on Thursday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre between key executives of the IDB and several Ministers of Government, including Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan and the Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence. Other Government officials and representatives from the banking sector were

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan greets the Acting Director for the bank’s Country Programme, Mohammed Jamal Aisaati, in the presence of Islamic Development Bank Vice-President Sayed Aqa and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Hamilton Green.

Education is better than silver and gold Dear Editor

I WAS very happy to see Ms Yvonne Sam’s letter in the media on Tuesday 11, October, 2016, asking the question: “Should Character Education form part of the School Curriculum?” To me as a concerned citizen, I believe that her question should be answered with a resounding “YES.” And, as an ‘old teacher’ myself, I wish to plead with our teachers not to await any ‘instructions

from above’, but to start, if you are not already doing so, by initiating simple modalities or techniques for imparting the building blocks for good character development. I have no doubt that our teachers, especially our senior teachers, are already aware from the accumulation in their ‘bag of tricks’ of the various ways in which this simple yet crucial, but apparently overlooked , subject can be subtly put on the front burner without sacrificing

the so-called ‘3 R’s’ and other substantive subjects. I recall for example from my teaching days using opportunities readily available for teachers to use at their sole discretion in the choice of topics for essay writing, or passages for precis writing or approaches and activities in the teaching of Civics, etc. Of course, there is nothing better than role-modelling! Regards Nowrang Persaud

also present. Minister Bulkan, in making his pitch, told the delegation led by Vice- President of the Islamic Development Bank, Sayed Aqa, that the APNU+AFC Government inherited an “overly ambitious” housing programme when it took office in May 2015. At its core, he said, the programme sought to provide service lots to anyone so desirous, resulting in the need for large plots of lands. To meet this need, Minister Bulkan explained that many agricultural lands had to be converted for the purpose of housing, attracting huge infrastructural costs. An investigation into the programme found that 66,000 service lots were developed in 380 areas in Guyana from 19952015, however to date approximately 28, 000 or 45 per cent of the lots are unoccupied. “During the period 2011 to 2015, approximately 20, 000 lots were developed in 13 areas for which approximately a little over 16, 000 (or 80 per cent), currently are unoccupied,” Minister Bulkan further pointed out. According to him, the housing programme entailed the expenditure of some GUY$13B or US$65M. However, in order to complete infrastructural works in the 38 areas, an estimated GUY$17B or US$85M would be required. With only 20 per cent of the housing programme achieved over the past five years, and 25,000 active applications within the system, the Minister of Communities said his ministry

have taken up the mantle to meet the demands of the growing population, but it would require significant funds. The ministry’s medium-term objective seeks to deliver approximately 10, 000 housing units in the next five years to eligible Guyanese, particularly state employees, low-income households and the youth population. He said this will come at a time when there is a slowdown in mortgage lending. The housing programme being pursued by this Administration comprises four components: squatter resettlement, urban regeneration, urban rehabilitation and the provision of housing needs in hinterland communities. “With regard to the plan, it proposes to move away from that service-lot principle which requires vast areas of land with the accompanying huge infrastructural cost and to move towards high-density settlements where the infrastructural costs can be spread across a greater number of units,” Minister Bulkan explained. The project, he added, allows for the construction of approximately 3,300 apartment units in three locations, as well as 1000 duplexes in 12 areas spread across five coastal regions. During a closed-door meeting with executives of the bank on Thursday, Minister Bulkan and his team are expected to disclose the finances needed to fulfil government’s five-year housing plan. However, on Thursday, he pointed out that some GUY$60B

is required to complete infrastructural works in the 380 areas that were developed under the previous administration. Acting Director of the bank’s Country Programme, Mohammed Jamal Aisaati, in response to the pitch, said that the bank is open to the proposals being made by the ministry, but it will be up to the government to prioritise. The areas of intervention of the Islamic Development Bank include human development, rural development and food safety, infrastructural development, trade among member countries, as well as private sector development, research and development. Guyana acceded to membership of the Islamic Development Bank in March this year. It was seen as a signal development as the country had attempted to join the bank ever since it became a member of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) in 1998, as this is a prerequisite to joining the bank. It is the second country in the Americas to join the bank, following on after Suriname. The bank was established in December 1973 and officially opened its doors for business on October 20, 1975, with headquarters in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It also operates through regional offices in Kazakhstan, Senegal, Malaysia and the Kingdom of Morocco. The bank was established with the purpose of fostering economic development and social progress in member countries and Muslim communities.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 14, 2016

The quest to redeem a criminalised generation … the coalition’s Golden Fleece

I ENTERED NIGEL’S Supermarket last two Tuesdays ago and a supervisor broke the sad news to me that a youngster working with that business was shot the previous night and had lost a lung. He was shot for an imitation gold chain he was wearing. I have fought extra-judicial killings by the police because it’s illegal and those police [the Target Squad and the Quick reaction Group] had become the enforcers of criminal businessmen enriched by the drug trade, illegal arms trade, backtracking and money laundering. The last administration lacked courage and vision to do the right thing, after dividing the country along racial lines to maintain their political relevance. But due to their failure to govern with prudence, there are now new laws of engagement; this is not the 70s or 80s we have in 2015. The nation has passed through the most violent and debased period of national turmoil, in comparison to none before, during the Jagdeo /Roger Khan experience which had reversed every salient human value on argued principles that held this country together, that once empowered us to question our systems from the days

following the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead to explore and debate motives, to render respect rather than blind obedience, at least in

the confrontation followed with the realisation that to assault this lackey and leave, would lead to retaliation, so he shot and killed him.

that were partially semi-educated. To reverse this impact of retrogression, the emphasis must be on the current school-age generation, but

the Guyanese environment I grew up in. Let me elaborate the context of how the dictates of retrogressed social laws work: the son of a young businessman was badly assaulted and gun-butted on the premises of his father’s business place for ‘back talking’ to a drug boss’s lackey, the father, a licensed firearm holder, came into the vicinity when the lackey was driving off, so he followed him to a popular shop. Recognising that the lackey was armed, he drew his weapon and advanced to the lackey;

A generation has grown up witnessing traumatic deviations like Roger Khan in the open, firing an automatic assault rifle into a certain establishment while the police in the next street remained sedentary. Our nation was criminalised, and so were wide sections of the public workforce, which includes the joint services. This happened because politics without character prevailed. We have come to exalt a 10/ 20 percent who excel or pass at CXC and CAPE as a camouflage and ignore a wider sphere

must skilfully accommodate the young adults who are the direct product-spectators of the ‘drive-by shooting, death squad era’ most of them are poor, illiterate and unskilled except for an overflow of attitude, and street suave that conceal their true impediments and fears. The systems for the extraction of talents do not now exist in our correctional institutions, and it has barely begun to emerge in our schools, with little preparation for accommodation in the wider society, which would also mean a new thinking

as both prison and training centre in an area where adjoining public works can utilise manpower; this would be an out-of-Demerara location. The job market in Guyana has shrunk continuously over the last 25 years, with no replacement for the jobs lost, too much politics less initiative. We have got to go back to creating the new and making familiar things better, some examples have to be created, this means someone has to listen, understand and be open to exploring new frontiers. Two days ago my col2016, an increase of 39.2 per cent in seven months.”

his administration inherited a large number of liabilities, including judgements in excess of US$34 million (or G$7 billion) in favour of NH Elias, in respect of the East Bank Demerara Road; judgement for $1.3 billion in favour of Rudisa Beverages; judgement in favour of Trinidad Cement Limited; settlement for$1.4 billion with B.K. Tiwari on the Haags Bosch Project and

several other judgements that will cost the State over $1 billion. “Your Government, also, was obliged to provide another $5.4 billion bailout [for]the National Insurance Scheme as a consequence of the previous administration’s irresponsible CLICO investment. Your Government, despite encountering this immense mountain of debt, was able to meet commitments to the nation’s hard-working public servants. The minimum wage grew from $39,520 in May 2015, to $55,000 in January

‘The Troubles’ From page 3

the servicing of GUYSUCO’s debts in respect of the Skeldon Estate Modernisation Project – a monstrous and monumental US$ 200 million mistake and, probably, Guyana’s single most costly industrial catastrophe of all time. “Paddy farmers in the rice industry were not spared

process in the public service’s higher echelons, to conceptualise and deal vibrantly with ideas and products. That kind of Young Offender facility that would be able to extract latent talents and skills, yes, such a facility will cost money, but not as much as GuySuCo continues to swallow. It must be patterned

the previous administration’s reckless mismanagement. The PetroCaribe Fund,used to meet payments to farmers for rice and paddy shipped to Venezuela, contained less than US$1 million in May 2015. Your Government was forced to make available nearly $4 billion immediately so that poor paddy farmers could be paid.” The President added, that

PUBLIC SERVANTS The Guyanese leader said despite these troubles, public servants benefited, in addition, from the raising of the tax threshold, from $600,000 in May 2015 to 660,000 in January 2016; the removal of income tax from workers’ contributions to the National Insurance Scheme and a taxfree payment of $50,000 to all workers earning less than $500,000, in December 2015.

league from the lions came to pick me up to visit a school where younger children would be participating in an art competition advocating ‘PEACE.’ I felt depressed on my way there, remembering my experience some years ago at another school in that same D’Urban Backlands area; that primary school then, did not have an Art teacher. The depression comes with coming to terms with one’s own helplessness; eager young faces have that effect. Neither did this school, but the willing expression on their faces is the same. I know the Minister of Education before his current designation and I don’t envy him, the task before him is tremendous. To salvage minds neglected and abandoned will require new landmarks on a dismal landscape. Music, art and drama incorporated into the school consciousness will translate into the social environment and can be the filler for talents without a medium of creative intellectual expression. The authorities at the prisons can testify to the talents they harnessed some decades ago and not so long ago when they experimented with the arts and the TV stations filmed their vaudevilles. These were talents that could find no meaningful, sustainable engagement before or when released. The facts are there, the ‘Will’ to coerce change is needed, and necessary.

“These benefits, taken together, augmented workers’ disposable incomes significantly. Collective bargaining with public servants’ unions could result in additional benefits in the form of increased increments, allowances and adjustments made for ‘de-bunching’. Old-age-pensions have been increased from $13,120 to $18,200 or by 38.7 per cent, and Public Assistance increased by 24 per cent during the same period, May 2015 to April 2016,” President Granger said.

‘We coming for you’ 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 14, 2016

…Granger says gov’t will pursue state-assets thieves By Ariana Gordon

PRESIDENT David Granger on Thursday sounded a warning that his Government will pursue those who have unlawfully confiscated state properties, even as he outlined his administration’s legislative agenda 2017, which includes the tabling of the State Assets Recovery Bill. Addressing the National Assembly as it reconvened following nine weeks of recess, President Granger also used the occasion to unveil his government’s legislative agenda for the next year, which he said is aimed at correcting a number of aberrations and will protect the interests of Guyanese by strengthening this country’s legal architecture. “Your government, in this regard, is committed to promoting standards of probity in public office. We will ensure, also, that those who unlawfully expropriate state property are brought to justice. We will pursue the recovery of all stolen State assets,” the President asserted. Government has already set up a State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) and has a bill in draft which when passed into law will see the unit transitioning into the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA). The draft bill aims to recover unlawfully acquired state assets from public officers past and present through civil proceedings, and is in consonance with the United Nations Convention against

Corruption. The Bill stipulates the functions of SARA to include investigating whether state property was obtained through unlawful conduct involving a public official or any other person and the tracing and identifying of property wherever situated, suspected to be state

INTEGRITY ACT Granger said too that his administration will amend the Integrity Commission Act which will provide for a revised Code of Conduct for public officials, inter alia. “Your government will seek, also, to improve the

to the Caribbean Community’s Agreement Establishing the Regional Justice Protection Programme (1999), which came into force in 2006. The ‘Bill’ provides for the establishment of a programme to protect certain witnesses and other persons. The Protected Disclo-

President David Granger during his address in Parliament property obtained from unlawful conduct involving a public official or any other person. The bill is a civil recovery and civil remedy bill, which means it is non-conviction based. However, the bill makes provisions for the director of the SARA to initiate criminal proceedings, if, or when the need arises. There are also provisions in the bill for the establishment of a State Assets Recovery Fund which will see SARA utilising 25 percent, while the remaining 75 percent will go into the Consolidated Fund.

efficacy and efficiency of our immigration services by tabling the Immigration (Amendment) Bill to delink the Immigration Department from the Guyana Police Force. The National Registration (Amendment) Bill will guard against identity theft by allowing for inclusion of the biometrics of citizens to be recorded on their national registration cards.” The President said the justice administration system will be fortified by the promulgation of three important pieces of legislation: The Witness Protection Bill, which he said will give effect

sures Bill, referred to as the ‘Whistleblowers Bill,’ aims at combating corruption and other wrongdoing by encouraging and facilitating persons to make disclosures of improper conduct. The Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority (Amendment) Bill will provide for a change in membership of the governing board of the Deeds and Commercial Registries. “Your Government will pay greater attention to safety in the aviation sector and on our roadways. The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Bill will provide for

the establishment of an authority to investigate aircraft accidents and incidents. A safer aviation sector will be pursued through the modernising of civil aviation legislation and the amendment of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation Act to strengthen the airport’s executive and operational functions and capabilities. The Road Act (Amendment) Bill will place emphasis on the removal of derelict vehicles and impose weight limits.” STABLE INDUSTRIAL CLIMATE Additionally, President Granger said a stable industrial climate is integral to protecting the rights of workers and ensuring an environment that is conducive to workers’ well-being. To this end, he said the administration will table the Industrial Relations Tribunal Bill, which will provide, inter alia, for the establishment of an independent tribunal to settle industrial and labour disputes. “Your government will amend the Marriage Act to put new procedures in place for non-nationals applying for a Special Marriage Licence. The Tobacco Control Bill will contribute to the protection of the health of our citizens.” The President told the House that his administration intends to make Guyana safe for this and future generations, noting that they will do so not only by combatting crime and criminals, but in

uprooting the causes of crime and its links with transnational crime. “We established a National Security Committee. We are in the process of establishing a new National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA) to address the mother of all crimes – the trafficking in narcotics. We will establish a new National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) to ensure better surveillance of our borders and coasts.” He said too that government has taken a decision to re-engage the United Kingdom with a view to restoring the aborted Security Sector Reform Action Plan (SSRAP). The plan will commence soon with the arrival of experts from the United Kingdom to advise us on crafting a national security response to domestic and transnational crime – including narcotics-trafficking and gun-running. Granger, a former commander of the military, said aerial surveillance over the maritime zone over the past years has led to a reduction in the incidence of piracy and this will continue even as it augments the Guyana Police Force’s Marine Branch. “The Mounted Branch will also be expanded to enable it to conduct patrols in the savannahs and back-dams, which are not easily accessible by vehicular patrols. The Corps of Wardens will enforce the law with regard to mining, logging, hunting wildlife and trafficking in persons in the hinterland.”

Bobby Gossai Jr under scrutiny AS a matter of urgency, the newly formed Guyana Oil and Gas Association (GOGA) is considering the contents of an audit report which levels corruption charges against its Chief Executive Officer, Bobby Gossai Jr. According to a release from the body, it has learnt of the allegations from a front page news article in one of the national daily newspapers.

The article pointed to corruption practices against Gossai Jr while he was attached to the Guyana Gold Board. It was carried in the Kaieteur News on Thursday, two days after the oil and gas watchdog body was officially launched. The charges were made in a forensic audit report undertaken by accounting firm Ram and McRae. “The Board of Directors

Bobby Gossai Jr

of GOGA was unaware of the specific contents of the Audit Report referred to in the article,” the GOGA stated. As such, the Board of Directors has since secured a copy of the report and will be considering its contents. The body stated that Gossai Jr was retained as its chief executive officer and his employment is part of its start-up process. Gossai Jr is currently on a probationary

period which has not ended. “The board would like to assure the public that it is committed to the highest levels of transparency and disclosure in its efforts to develop a viable successful Oil and Gas Industry in Guyana,” the GOGA said. Leading private sector executives have formed the Guyana Oil and Gas Association to police the nation’s move into petroleum production in efforts to ensure

transparency and benefits for Guyanese. “Starting on the right foot is particularly important,” said Gossai Jr, the President and chief executive of the association at its launch at the Marriott Hotel Tuesday evening. The body is advocating comprehensive, science-based policies as well as the effective and transparent market principles to ensure benefits to locals.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 14, 2016

No compulsory acquisition … AG debunks land-acquisition claims

ATTORNEY General, Basil Williams has debunked accusations that government had compulsorily acquired two plots of land on Carmichael Street belonging to Clarissa Rhiel and Beharry Groups of Company Ltd, asserting that any such acquisition could not be accomplished without their knowledge nor without availing them the opportunity to enter into negotiations for purchase of the land. Both the Stabroek News and the Guyana Times have published several stories concerning the issue, with former President Donald Ramotar and ex-AG, Anil Nandlall attacking the government. Williams in a statement on Thursday described these attacks as “puerile and precipitate.” The newspaper also published articles quoting anonymous sources saying that Cabinet has cancelled the acquisition process and ordered Williams to prepare a report on the matter. Williams has since rubbished the reports as false. In his statement, Williams said the two small plots of land have no building or erec-

tions on them and it is apposite to note that the former People’s Progressive Party administration had passed in 2001, the Acquisition for Public Purposes (Amendment) Act 2001, which stated (among other things): “… it shall… be lawful under this Act to acquire land for the proposed construction of a public work or for a public purpose whether or not there is any building or erection on such land.” “Now I don’t want the Guyanese people to believe that I entrapped Anil Nandlall or his party, but any lawyer worth his salt would first seek to read the relevant law on the subject and not be hysterical after leaping into darkness,” Williams reasoned. Noting that the relevant law is contained in the Acquisition of Lands for Public Purposes Act Chapter 62:05, Williams said Sections 3-5 enable the minister to declare a public work; empowers the minister by order to authorise the Commissioner of Lands or any other person and their agents to enter upon any land specified in the order for the purpose of surveying or other-

By Rabindra Rooplall

where the fire started, neither electrical wire but combustible items inside. He said the fire quickly spread to the other bonds -- bonds two, four, five, six -- then to the administration building, conference room and storage building. “We have lost all records, personal possessions and things that can never ever be replaced… historical records were lost and my library was gone, and only one building that was badly burnt still stands,” he said. Gafoor said insurance companies had paid over only U.S.$2M for the stocks that were lost, while U.S.$12M is outstanding for the buildings lost in the fire. The businessman said there was major displacement of staff as there was no equipment, desk or furniture, while senior staff operated under severe distress with no privacy. “We even rented portable washrooms,” he said. Gafoors told this publication that in order to restock, suppliers had to be flown in to discuss preferential, premium prices and the earliest deliveries.

ATTORNEY GENERAL BASIL WILLIAMS wise examine it with a view to the acquisition of the whole or part of it for the construction of a public work. Section 5 sets out that the authorised person is empowered to enter upon and survey and take levels of any land where the public works are intended to be executed. Williams said one could consider that the provisions of sections 4 and 5 speak to a scoping

mission. Sections 6 of the same law shows that the reports of surveys together with a plan of the land must be presented to the minister and thereafter the minister may enter into negotiations for the purchase of the land or declare it necessary for public work and alter or annul any order so made. The AG asserted that it is manifest in this legal framework that the first option is to engage the owners on the question of a voluntary sale before resorting to compulsory acquisition. “For the Nandlalls and Ramotars of this world to accuse the Attorney General of compulsorily acquiring the lands in question and blindsighting Mrs Rhiel, evince a palpable lack of knowledge of the law and a penchant for premature eruptions. Williams stated that Section 8 of the said Act ensures that the owner’s land cannot be acquired by stealth. “When an order is made under section 4 or 6 notice thereof shall be served personally on the proprietor or his attorney if either is resident in Guyana; and if

he is not so resident or cannot be found, shall be considered duly served if it is published in the gazette and in one local newspaper and a copy is also affixed upon a conspicuous part of the land.” Williams said as AG he will endeavour always to follow the letter of the law. “To indulge or engage land owners whose lands are under consideration with a view to their acquisition on the question of purchasing them by private sale, could open one to severe recrimination, if not done under the protection of a section (4) order as was published in the gazette on September 24, 2016.” Williams added that he would have no legal basis to discuss any purchase of the lands if the acquisition procedure under the Act was not triggered and that only a real estate would do that. The AG had explained earlier that when he entered office, he began making attempts to establish a permanent law reform commission and a law-review unit, but that the current premises could not accommodate those units. As such, he opted to rent a building to house those units, and expressions of interest for that rental had been received. Subsequently however, he

was made aware that attempts had already been made by the former Government to acquire the plots. “So the issue of the compulsory acquisition was something inherited from the PPP. So perhaps the problem Mr Nandlall has is that he didn’t get to do the transaction,” Minister Williams had said. He recalled too that Nandlall had raised the issue in the National Assembly during consideration of the budget and he (Williams) had responded, saying that the evaluation had been done by the Chief Evaluation Officer of the Government. Williams had reminded that the PPP during its term in office had compulsorily acquired several lands, including a large portion on Water Street to facilitate vending. Williams also revealed that a charitable organisation, the Berbice Bharati Saywa Sangha, which operates senior citizens homes in Berbice, had their lands compulsorily acquired by the PPP/C administration in 2000. He said that the former administration had acquired the lands to construct the University of Guyana Tain Campus.

again, as he lamented that it is very difficult to operate under such conditions of uncertainty. After the first fire five months ago, Gafoor had flown in a specialist from the United Kingdom (UK) to identify the “best available practical solutions” to avoid another blaze and several recommendations were made. Among them was the installation of not less than 25 per cent corrugated PVC pipes. These were not available in Guyana and had to be imported. Another recommendation was that wind turbines be used to extract hot air along with new air ventilation ducts to prevent overheating; this was also implemented. Regarding the non-use of sprinkler systems as suggested by local fire officials, Gafoors said the suppliers of the system when contacted disclosed that after a certain time, the pipes corrode and the supply of water on the scale needed could only be sourced from the Demerara River. “The alternative we found and the most practical one was a ring system around the building where a six-inch galvanised pipe was attached to a pressure pump with water stored so in the event of a fire,

we would immediately be able to access water… it took more than three months to find a suitable pressure pump,” he said. Nevertheless, he said, the advice from the UK official resulted in the second fire being contained to one bond. The businessman said Gafsons will work along with the Fire Service and the police in every possible way to get to the bottom of the origin of the recent fire. Bish Panday of P&P Insurance Brokers said the company has always supported businesses putting systems in place to prevent fires, and pointed out that Gafoors is very strong on risk management. Gafsons Industries has been in the hardware business for over six decades. The company also operates business complexes at Land of Canaan, farther up the East Bank Demerara; at Parika, East Bank Essequibo; and at Rose Hall on the Corentyne. From a small business going back to 1957, Sattaur Gafoor built the company to become one of Guyana’s leading distributors and manufacturing entities. In January 2002, all operations of the company were centralised at the Houston Complex.

Private U.S. investigator to probe Gafoors fire

GAFSONS Industries Limited has hired a private investigator from the U.S. to probe last Monday’s fire at the Houston, East Bank Demerara complex. Executive Chairman of Gafsons Industries, Sattaur Gafoor, told the Guyana Chronicle that the investigator will arrive in Guyana within a week. “There is too much at stake, we have lost profits for this period of time when we are out of business. All I can say we have tried over the years to offer the best possible service; we have always paid our taxes; we have always been honest to our employees and above all we have honoured our commitments to society; we have fulfilled our corporate responsibilities and we avoid confrontation,” a composed but tired Gafoor said. The chairman explained that within 64 years, there has never been a fire -- “not even during the tumultuous years of the 1980s; our first fire was on the 9, May 2016 -- basically 64 years after we started business.” Explaining the cause of the first fire, Gafoor said there was no electricity within the bond

CONSIDERABLE PRESSURE “There was considerable

pressure from creditors who fear not being paid; had it not been for the sympathy and support of Republic Bank, I don’t know where our business would have been,” he disclosed, as he also praised Divisional Fire Officer Compton Sparman and other fire officials for their support and advice on avoiding a recurrence. During the reconstruction process following the first fire, over 200 persons were employed to carry out critical works. When tragedy struck again on Monday, 52 containers of stocks brought in for the Christmas season and valued at $U.S.2M went up in flames. The damage to buildings was also estimated at U.S.$2M. Following the first fire, the businessman related that his competitors increased their prices and stocks from other locations were brought to the Houston Complex. Stocks were even bought locally at higher prices in order to commence work on the complex. “We also had to buy in order to service our customers,” he said. Repairs on bonds one to six were completed on October 4 and 52 containers of stocks were packed in bond

number six. These containers of stocks were fully packed on October 8. “By Monday, 10 October, when we open for business on the very day a fire wiped out everything; how can this be when there were no combustibles, only a few paint cans the painters used to paint inside, not for a commercial scale?” Gafoor asked. A total of 405,000 square feet of stocks including tiles, generators and non-combustible items were totally destroyed in 10 hours. WHY NOW “For so many years, we have never had a problem, why now are we having all these problems. This company has on its payroll 987 personnel that cost $794M in last year payroll. This year that will decrease. Contractors on a daily basis cost the company $42M; Corporation Tax $396M; Capital Gains Tax $120M; Property Tax $98M; NIS $60M; and VAT $703M,” Gafoor disclosed. He believes that the fire is very unusual and there is no guarantee of prevention of another fire. The directors, he said, have made a decision on a way forward if fire strikes

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 14, 2016

Fire ravages Berbice house -5 homeless, $4M in losses By Nafeeza Yahya A FIRE believed to be electrical in origin completely destroyed a two-storey wooden structure, leaving a family of five homeless and over $4m in losses. The Guyana Chronicle understands that the inferno began around 20:30hrs on Wednesday at the home of the Dauroop’s family at Lot 2 Number 69 Village, East Berbice-Corentyne. Seokumarie Dauroop, 58, Called ‘Lynette,’ said she was downstairs in her hammock with other family members when they noticed smoke coming from the upper flat. “My son was here too and he start holler fire! fire! He got up and go upstairs and try to throw some water on it, but it was getting too much smoke and by time we try to throw more water the fire get bigger. It start in the middle room where

the main switch and fuse box does be,” she said. Dauroop explained that the fire service was informed, however, they arrived on the scene some 30 minutes later, reportedly with a limited supply of water. “The whole kitchen could have save, the kitchen was downstairs. When they come, no water; they went look for water fuh out it lil bit and go look for water again. If they had enough water the kitchen could have save cause it had most of the valuable stuff in there.” The visibly emotional woman explained that over the year, she and her husband worked hard to achieve the comfort they had in their home. “To lose all this in minutes is very heartbreaking,” the distraught woman said. As the Dauroop’s family contemplate their next move, a neighbour has opened its doors to the family since they

What is left of the Dauroop’s family home have nowhere to go. Her husband, 63, daughter, 19, and two grandkids- ages 2 and 4 -are currently with the neighbour. Meanwhile,

the family is calling on the public for assistance. Anyone desirous of making a donation can contact 338-4227 or 622-8348.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 14, 2016

Hemp Association petitions Parliament By Tamica Garnett

GUYANA Hemp Association (GHA) President, Turhane Doerga on Thursday handed over a petition to Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherod Isaacs seeking the legalisation of hemp in Guyana. According to Doerga, only the lack of awareness of the differences between hemp and marijuana would see any objections to the cultivation of industrial hemp in Guyana. Highlighting the benefits of the plant, Doerga, reminded that marijuana and hemp are not the same plant, and it is only an absence of knowledge of the hemp plant that would cause any Guyanese to fear or object to its legalisation. “The fear is not a genuine fear. It’s not that the people want to go against it, they just don’t know that it isn’t marijuana,” Doerga said as he submitted the petition,

which included over 200 signatures. Before an audience of some 30 eager members of the GHA, Doerga contended that the hemp industry is a proverbial gold mine just

illegal in Guyana. Hemp and marijuana are both plants of the Cannabis sativa plant species, and though they look very similar, their chemical make ups are different.

that marijuana users experience. While marijuana has substantial quantities of this chemical, 30 – 60 per cent, hemp contains less than one per cent.

West Bank of Demerara resident, Michelle Jeffers, 20, is one such Guyanese. “I think that it will be betterment for a lot of young people that are unemployed at the moment, and even for

Clerk of the National Assembly Sherod Isaacs (sitting second from left) displays the petition, surrounded by members of the Guyana Hemp Association waiting to be explored, and Guyana’s agricultural conditions are just ripe for this industry to take flight. But right now, there is one impediment: hemp is

It all has to do with the plants and their tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content; tetrahydrocannabinol being the psychoactive chemical that gives the “high” feeling

Moreover, hemp can be used to make over 25,000 products, with uses ranging from being a nutritious high protein food source to being used to make paper, diesel, and clothing, among other things. According to reports, the hemp industry is worth a $1B and Guyanese are keenly awaiting the opportunity to cultivate the plant.

elderly people who are still fit and think they can; it’s just something that can help in so many ways,” Jeffers said. One La Penitence resident is already prospecting land on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway to put down her farm as soon as the industry becomes possible. She’s hoping to start a sub-association in the La Penitence area, because of the growing interest she has

observed there. GHA Secretary Jinnah Rahman said the Association is looking to have hemp products manufactured right here in Guyana to boost job creation. “One of the things that we were hoping to achieve is to attract investors to manufacture the products here [in Guyana], so we can sell the products. That won’t be a great problem. Once the legislation is passed, investors will come, because you can make so many things out of the seed,” Rahman said. Isaacs said he will be going through the petition as soon as possible to ensure that the document confirms to Parliament protocol, and advised the GHA that they will need to find a Member of Parliament to table the bill. “I am pleased to receive your petition. My duty is just to ensure that your petition is properly and respectfully worded and is in order with the Standing Orders of Parliament in Guyana. I wish to assure you that this will be done almost immediately, and I will get back to you as soon as is possible,” Isaacs stated.

Slothful execution

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 14, 2016

-ECD road project lagging - says Auditor General

THE Auditor General has reported that of the $1.220B budgeted in 2015 under the Government of Guyana Highway Improvement, East Coast Demerara Road Project, which commenced in 2011, only $95.6M has been spent. The project includes supervision and upgrading of the highway from Better Hope to Belfield and the sum expended was on Lot 6 -- Mon Repos to De Endragt ($33.9M); Lot 7-- De Endragt to Good Hope (S59.6); and purchase of highway improvement permit ($2.1M). According to the Auditor General in his 2015 report, no work was done to Lot 1 to 5, which were at all different stages of completion, with Lot 1—Better Hope

to Montrose (50 per cent complete); Lot 2—Montrose to La Bonne Intention (95 per cent complete); Lot 3—La Bonne Intention to Beterverwagting (80 per cent complete); Lot 4—Beterverwagting to Triumph (50 per cent complete); and Lot 5—Triumph to Mon Repos (97 per cent complete). The contract for Lot 1 was terminated by the Ministry of Public Works on July 31, 2012, citing a breach in contractual obligations contrary to Clause 15.6 “Corrupt or Fraudulent Practices” by the contractor as recommended by the Attorney General. “At the time of this report in September 2016, there was no evidence to confirm that the ministry was able to recover the sum of $81.6M, which represented the contractor’s

indebtedness based on a valuation at the time of the termination in accordance with Clause 15.3 of the contract,” the report said. The contractor has since sued the Government for wrongful termination of contract, and the matter is before the High Court. The report also noted that works completed on Lot 3 was $157.7M, but payments made to the contractor totalled $278.3M, resulting in excess payment totalling $120.7M, which is yet to be recovered by the ministry. “In addition, the works completed on Lot 4 was $76.9M; whilst payment made to the contractor amounted to $209.6M, resulting in excess payment totalling $132.649M, which has not yet been recovered by the

ministry. Further, an amount of $14.8M was still to be recovered in relation to an advance payment made under Lot 5,” the Auditor General noted in his report. Meanwhile, the East Bank Demerara Four Lane Extension Project was separated and awarded in three lots in 2011. As of September 2016, works on Lot 1—Providence to Covent Garden was still incomplete, even though the extended completion date for works was December 28, 2014. Works on Lot 2— Vreed en Ruste to Prospect and Lot 3 – Diamond were practically completed, with minor remedial works being carried out to two sections of the western carriageway under Lot 2.

House passes National Youth Policy By Ariana Gordon

GOVERNMENT’S National Youth Policy was on Thursday night passed by the National Assembly despite several concerns raised and recommendations made by Members of Parliament (MPs) from the parliamentary Opposition. The passage and adoption of the policy will allow for the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport and its stakeholders to carry out activities that target youth development. According to that Ministry, the policy is premised on improving the social, emotional and cultural skills of young people, producing a productive and enterprising youth workforce, developing quality education and market-oriented skills, encouraging leadership, participation and representation and promoting good health, security and safety. Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, in her presentation before the House described the policy as a “very important” one which takes into account the ground work done by the department formerly called the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. She said the National Youth Policy is resolute and innovative and does not address youth solely as a cohort from 14 to 35 years, but rather sees the development of youth as a process that begins in early

childhood. There have been changes to the Youth Policy she noted and explained that the draft policy did not speak to youth being united and involved in decision-making processes, educated, well trained and happy. “These have all been included in this National Youth Policy.” Minister Henry said her government recognises that no situation is static or sacrosanct and as such, efforts will be made to have the policy reviewed periodically and updated within a fiveyear period given that there will be emerging issues. “Mr Speaker, I have to point out that this Policy is based on the concept that in order to empower youth, you have to engage in training for employment and training for entrepreneurship. This National Youth Policy caters for development of a National Youth Empowerment Action Plan which will include comprehensive and strategic programmes and projects being implemented.” She stressed that the policy has its origin in the Constitution of Guyana and as such it is important that all MPs become fully acquainted with the areas addressed by the Policy. The minister said the Policy has been in the making for over a decade and has benefited from several rounds of consultations embracing youth groups, international organisations, educators, employers, trade

unionists, religious leaders, and other civil society groups. “This policy Mr Speaker is one that the young people can claim ownership of- it was built with their input,

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry knowledge and experiences and takes into account contributions at the local, regional and international levels.” As it relates to Youth Development Policy priorities, Minister Henry said there are nine priority areas: identity, empowerment, education, skills development, employment, entrepreneurship, safety, health and well-being, political participation and representation. The policy she added stresses the importance of Sport in youth development. “ Young people should be

respected, valued and listened to and be supported and encouraged to develop their innate abilities and talents for the benefit of themselves, their communities and their country,” the Junior Minister of Education stated. Additionally, she said the Policy and its programmes are aimed at ensuring that Guyanese youth are functional in an ever evolving global society.

PYO WAS NOT CONSULTED But while Minister Henry outlined the thrust of the policy before her colleagues, Opposition MP Irfaan Ali strongly criticised the policy, noting that it failed to consider the inputs of youth across the country. He used the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) an arm of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic as an example. He said the PYO was not consulted on the Policy and as such government has excluded “political consensus.” “If you want to develop a strategy that is national in nature, you cannot avoid to achieve political consensus…it becomes an important ingredient.” The Former Minister of Housing and Water said that, that which has been presented to parliamentarians is lofty, but noted that it is flawed as there is no guideline to show an implementation strategy and costing.

Stressing the need for costing and implementation to be made available, Ali said it is only through that means can a time frame be ascertained. “No national policy can be framed or implemented in an environment where there is no fiscal space,” he said, noting that Guyana has paid more than half of its international debt and as such, that in and of itself allows fiscal room to invest in youths. He stressed the need for economic empowerment. “You can’t empower them by these four lines…you need a policy-driven framework.” Meanwhile, Jermaine Figueira referencing the PYO’s absence from participating in the putting together of the document, said he (Ali) should recognise that all of Guyana’s youth were invited to participate. “It is no secret Mr Speaker that the opposition has a very good record of absenting themselves from invited consultations,” he said. Figueira said the National Youth Policy is a testimony to Government’s “genuine commitment to the young people of Guyana.” He argued the case that 68 per cent of young people grew up under the PPP/C administration. “A generation that experienced the largest incarceration and extra-judicial killing of their peers…Mr Speaker, we have lost too many of our young people, the best and the brightest, to overseas markets, to crime,

drugs, jail and carnage of our roadways.” The MP said the “greatest exodus of youths” occurred under the former administration and stressed that his Government is committed to transforming and empowering the country’s youth. Rebutting the governing side’s argument for the passage of the motion, Opposition MP Nigel Dharamlall said he has a “fundamental problem” with the Policy. He said the document speaks only to the problems affecting youths as opposed to youths as a resource. “We have no clear indication from what is presented before us how what the government intends to achieve out of the Policy how it would be implemented,” said Dharamlall, who posited that only 52 organisations were consulted and a survey comprising 3000 persons was used to come up with the Policy. “The document does not zero in on the needs of our young people… Demographic, identity, cultural and historic backgrounds…the document is too general… onerous and ambiguous,” he said. His argument was supported by his colleague Dr Vindhya Persaud. Government maintained its position through the presentations made by its representatives and stressed that the Policy caters to all aspects of youth development. Approximately 16 presentations were made for and against the motion.

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Bartica man found dead in shallow grave -robbed of motorcycle, raw gold A TWENTY-FOUR-year-old resident of Bartica, Abraham Mohammed Khan, was found dead in a shallow grave around 16 miles on Wednesday. Commander of ‘F’ Division, Ravindradat Budhram, told the Guyana Chronicle that it appears as if Khan was hit to his head and there are no visible bullet-holes on the body. This newspaper understands that Khan was reportedly robbed of his motorcycle and a quantity of raw gold from his employer’s mine prior to his death. At the time of the incident, he was transporting the gold to Bartica on behalf of his employer. The commander noted that the Bartica police received information Wednesday morning and found the body in a shallow grave about 30 minutes away from the trail at 16 miles, Bartica. A post-mortem will be conducted today to identify the exact cause of death. Budhram also revealed that one man is in custody assisting with the investigation of the robbery and murder.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 14, 2016

Body found in Church Street canal

THE body of an unidentified man was fished out of a trench on Church Street, Georgetown, in the vicinity of the Merriman Play Park by the police on Thursday afternoon. The body was discovered around 16:00hrs by children who were playing in the area at the time; they alerted passersby, who then summoned the police. Persons in the area told the Guyana Chronicle that they saw what appeared to be a piece of cardboard protruding from the trench on Wednesday but did not take it seriously. The body was fully clothed in a grey and brown trousers, a gold-coloured shirt, footwear and gold-plated wrist watch. The body did not have any visible marks of violence and was lying face-

down when found. Investigators reported that nothing was found on the body to reveal the identity of the man, but noted that the body was seemingly ‘fresh,’ because it was not decomposed. The police are also checking missing persons’ reports in an effort to identify the victim, who appears to be of mixed race in his late 30s. How the corpse ended up at that location is unknown, but investigators have access to a surveillance video captured from a nearby residence. They hope to enhance the view to ascertain what exactly transpired at the scene. People in the area said that a drug addict would normally loiter around the park to pick tamarinds, but they are certain the body found is not him.

The unidentified body after it was fished out of the Church Street canal by the police on Thursday afternoon. [Daniel Haynes photo]

Conductor dies in Herstelling crash FORTY-one-year-old Leonard Henry succumbed to his injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital Thursday, following a horrific accident at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD)

of death. Also injured in the crash were Jessica Saywanauth, 16 and Jing Hing Su, 52; they remain patients at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The bus after the accident Tuesday. Henry of Land of Canaan, EBD was the conductor of the route 42 minibus, BBV 901, which crashed into a utility pole. He is also the owner of the vehicle. A post mortem examination is expected to be conducted today to ascertain the cause

According to a passenger, the bus was taking a turn when passengers felt the bus “vibrating” on the wet roadway. This resulted in the driver applying rash brakes which caused the bus to skid, crash into a utility pole and topple on the conductor’s side of the bus.

Linden man found dead with multiple stab wounds A 49-YEAR-OLD resident of Blue Berry Hill Squatting Area, Linden was on Thursday found with multiple stab wounds about the body and the knife stuck in his abdomen in his home. The body of Mark Stellingburg, known as Dilon, was discovered by a neighbour who also happens to be a very close friend. Stellingburg lived alone and according to neighbours he was discovered around 6:00h on Thursday. “If he wake up first, he would go across by Dilon, if Dilon wake up first he would go across by he but this morning when the boy go across he saw him dead with a knife in he laying on the floor in front and everybody start rushing and the police was called,” a neighbour related. According to Inspector Chabinaught Singh, no one has been taken into custody for the murder and investigations are ongoing. This newspaper understands that nothing appears to be missing from the house and police believe that the perpetrator (s) had easy access to the house. According to neighbours, it was only on Wednesday that Stellingburg’s sister returned to the United States. The man was an employer of Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). He leaves to mourn two children and neighbours described him as a peaceful and quiet man who “doesn’t mix, mix” and they are shocked that someone could have committed such a gruesome act.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 14, 2016

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Pest-carrying plants on NAREI’s radar By Alva Solomon THERE have been continued interceptions and quarantining of pest-carrying plants at ports of entry across the country, including at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the “carambola fruit fly” is one of several pests on the radar of the authorities. The National Plant Protection Department (NPPD) surveys the plants industry for pests. The NPPD, which is a department under the umbrella of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), has offices which operate at various ports of entry across the country, including the CJIA and the Eugene F Correia International Airport. The unit would seize and test various plants whenever persons attempt to move affected plants into the country. Paul McWatt, who functions within the NPPD, told the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday during an Open Day event at NAREI’s compound, Mon Repos, East Coast

Demerara, that the department would usually undertake interceptions at the CJIA. He said it may be a cultural tradition of some persons who would attempt to move “a strange plant” into the country, but he noted those plants could in fact be the carriers of plant diseases. “Once we find they do not have permission from another country we quarantine the plants,” he said. One of the main pests found here is the carambola fruit fly, a pest which causes worms to appear in fruits. McWatt explained that the host of the pest is the carambola plant; however, in the absence of that plant, the pest would be hosted in other fruit trees, such as cherry or guava. He said the NPPD has undertaken surveys in all the regions across the country and according to him, only Regions Five and Nine are free of the pest. The fruit fly affects mostly soft fruits if they are not controlled, McWatt said. He said the pest has the tendency of destroying an entire crop.

“Eventually, if we don’t do any control, the entire crop would be lost,” he added. As regards physical presence of control, he explained that the NPPD personnel would visit the fields with detector traps; one such trap is called the “Jackson Trap,” a simple sticky surface which carries a wick. The trap, which carries chemical mixes, would catch mainly male specie of the carambola fruit fly. “The males would attract the females, so we would place it in the trap and so when they come they will stick and eventually fall,” he added. Another method, he said, is called the male annihilation technique which involves the use of fibre-board blocks. The male species is targeted for elimination in that method. McWatt said there are units all across the country which tests plants at the entry points. Two facilities are carded for Mahdia in Region Eight and Charity on the Essequibo Coast. Meanwhile, the NPPD is undertaking

It’s preserved! Students and officials of the Guyana School of Agriculture pay keen attention to several preserved animals which have been embalmed for years at the school (Delano Williams photo) surveys to determine the presence of several other pests across the country. The surveys include the presence of the red palm weevil pest, an insect which would normally affect the roots of the plants. The pest, which operates similarly to the coconut cockle, would usually lay its eggs in the plant’s roots and this leads to the

pest destroying the root. The pest contrasts with the red palm mite, a pest which lives under the leaves of the coconut plant. The NPPD is also undertaking surveys to determine the presence of the Giant African snail, which was described as dangerous to plants as well as humans. The pest has not been

seen in Guyana; however, NAREI would undertake tests for the insect’s presence. Several booths were on display at the Open Day which was attended by students from several secondary schools. A teacher attached to the LBI Secondary School told this publication that the exhibition was educational.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 14, 2016

Group wants new investigation into Crum-Ewing’s murder By Vishani Ragobeer

FAMILY members and close friends of Courtney Crum-Ewing on Thursday gathered in front of the Parliament Building, urging the Government to launch a new investigation into the murder of

man was killed because of his staunch protests against then Attorney General, Anil Nandlall of the former PPP Administration. “We saw bribery… we saw many different forms of corruption in the various stages of the trial,” Jacobs claimed. He is also of the belief

Friends and family gather in an attempt to “get justice” for Courtney Crum-Ewing Crum-Ewing. Crum-Ewing, a political activist, was shot five times including three times to the head at point blank range on March 10, 2015 at Diamond, East Bank Demerara while appealing to persons to vote at the May 2015 Elections. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, close friend of the deceased, Mark Jacobs, said the matter should be investigated by persons outside of the Guyana Police Force. According to Jacobs, he and the parents of Crum-Ewing are of the belief that some amount of corruption was involved in the investigation of the activist’s death. They believed that the

that the prosecution team was very “incompetent.” Jacobs said every month, a group of about 10-15 persons (including himself) gathered at Middle and Carmichael Streets, Georgetown, in an effort to “get justice” for Crum-Ewing. Also speaking to the Chronicle was Crum-Ewing’s stepfather, Eustace Harcourt. He too is pleading with the authorities to launch a new investigation into Crum-Ewing’s murder. “It would be difficult to get a proper investigation or a proper prosecution,” he said, contending that those associated with the murder of his son are still high- ranking

‘E’ Division gets new commander

SENIOR Superintendent Fizal Karimbaksh will take up the command of ‘E’ Division (Linden and Kwakani), replacing Senior Superintendent Calvin Brutus. Karimbaksh had served as Deputy Commander of ‘A’ Division and Brutus has since been transferred to Police Headquarters, Eve Leary. Others transferred are Inspector Singh, Corporal Kendall and Sergeant George. Earlier in the year residents had called for Brutus’ removal and according to reports, the regional chairman had written a letter to President David Granger, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan and Minister of

Senior Superintendent Calvin Brutus State Joseph Harmon asking for him to be removed. This was reportedly prompted by the recent arrest of a councillor. In July 2014, Brutus took up command of ‘E’ Division after Senior Superintendent Owen Trotz had retired.

officials within the Government and legal system. The family and friends gathered to urge the President and the APNU+AFC Members of Parliament to launch a “proper investigation” into the killing of the activist, as he was “the primary reason for the APNU+AFC coalition being in Government.” E v e n t h o u g h t h e re was an investigation, no one was convicted of Crum-Ewing’s murder.

Parents of Crum-Ewing, Donna and Eustace Harcourt, urging members of the Government to launch a new investigation into his killing

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Curlfest Guyana wows natural hair community By Jasmaine Payne

L

A S T S u n d a y, t h e Promenade Gardens was transformed into a haven for the ‘naturals’, the ‘transitioners’, the ‘big choppers’ and the beauty enthusiasts of Guyana. And if any of those terms ever gave you pause, hopefully you had the privilege of attending the first ever Curlfest Guyana Natural Hair Expo for clarity on what they mean. Either way, after months of anticipation, Curlfest certainly delivered on its promise of being a one of a kind event, and seeing its massive success, coordinators Tamika Henry and Denisha Victor plan to make the Expo an annual event. “This is our first year, so we wanted to cover the basics,” Tamika said. “But I know we will grow from this, and going forward we will be mixing it up, maybe using different themes and other ideas.” The event attracted hundreds of people and featured

an array of activities that spanned throughout the day, including a lecture on the chemistry of natural hair by Organic Chemist, Dr. Keisha Holder, makeup tutorials by Renee Chester, exercise demonstrations by Joshua Singh of Fit-Rex, a mini Zumba class by Noshavya King of Genesis Fitness Express and Head wrap demonstrations by Mwanza Glenn. More than the attendance, the coordinators were also floored by the response from entrepreneurs who tapped into the opportunity of marketing their businesses. Local businesses were dispersed throughout the venue displaying hair and beauty products, accessories and clothing. “The event really created an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses and can even inspire others to get into business. It is a great marketing opportunity and our vendors were able to see that,” Tamika said.

One of the more captivating displays at the hair show (Photo by Jay Carter)

Among the highlights of the event was a ‘Big Chop’ challenge, during which one brave young woman chose to cut her hair off in public. In the natural community, the big chop is seen not only as an act of bravery, but a bold step that defies the norms of society, which have largely purported that a woman’s hair is her beauty. The big chop therefore symbolises a woman’s choice to detach herself from those expectations and go back to her roots- pun intended. Young Isanella Patoir was the lucky subject of the Big Chop challenge, and after having her hair stylishly chopped in front of a cheering crowd, she was also given a multi-coloured dye job and makeover to boot. Isanella was chosen from a Facebook competition held by Curlfest Guyana. “I think we have done something for women who have straightened hair so that they can see that it’s okay to come over to the natural side and that they will have that support with products and how to style it and so on,” Denisha said. The final attraction of the evening came in the form of a hair show which featured the work of several natural hair salons. The event, which was decorated with performances from local artistes, aimed at showcasing the creativity and versatility of natural hair. However, the show fell short of patrons’ expectations in terms of variety and showmanship, but this was no fault of the coordinators, as it spoke more to the need for the participating salons to up their game for future events. Nevertheless, it’s safe to say that Curlfest has been given the nod of approval by the locals. Moreover, the mixed constituency of attendants showed that even an activity which highlights one culture cannot escape the mixed culture of people that make up our country. And this in itself is testimony to the beauty of the multi-cultural land we call home.

A section of the crowd at Curlfest. (Photo by Jay Carter)

A Zumba class by Noshavya King (Photo by Jay Carter)

Isanella Patoir after her Big Chop and makeover (Photo by Jay Carter)

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Brittany Singh in top 10 at Miss India Worldwide -while Samantha cops ‘Best Smile’ in Mrs India Worldwide pageant take on things. Derek is the Pageant Trainer for the Miss India Guyana Organization, which is the franchise holder in Guyana. Moore designed the Indian wear for both ladies, while Brittany was decked out in a Jason Shurland blue green, rhinestone encrusted gown for the Evening Gown segment, while Samantha donned a Randy Madray red off-shoulder, fish-tail dress. Franchise holder/National director for Guyana, Uma Bux was saddened by the girls’ not winning their respective pageants but was proud of their performance. “I am extremely happy, proud and beyond thankful. The girls worked hard, both of them, especially with such a short time to prepare. They made us proud and did their

Mrs India Guyana Samantha Singh (left), and Miss India Guyana, Brittany Singh in New Jersey. (Photo credit: Miss India Guyana Organisation) By Tamica Garnett GUYANA’S Brittany Singh made it to the top ten of the Miss India Worldwide 2016 pageant, also scoring the ‘Miss Photogenic’ award, while Samantha Singh copped the ‘Best Smile’ prize in the Mrs. India Worldwide 2016 pageant which were both held at Royal Albert’s Palace, Fords, New Jersey on October 9. Brittany’s talent piece featured an Indian, Hip Hop fusion dance number, and was a big hit with the crowd and judges. The 19-year-old rocked the stage in a harem pants and a hoody ensemble, dancing to a music-mix that included beats from “Holi Ka Din Hai”, DJ Snake and Lil Jon’s “Turn Down For What”, also “The Power” by Snap! Her dance was choreographed by Euphoria Dance Group member, James Lomonga. This along with her performance in the Indian and Evening Wear segments

helped to catapult her into the top ten of the total 30 delegates that participated in the event. However it was not enough to get her into that fated final five, from which USA’s Karina Kohli eventually emerged the winner. Nonetheless, Brittany’s top ten was quite the achievement as it marked the first time in four years that a Guyana representative made it into the top ten. MRS INDIA WORLDWIDE Meanwhile, competing against 12 other women in the inaugural edition, Samantha failed to make it through in the Mrs. India Worldwide pageant, which also featured an Indian wear, introduction speech and question/answer segments. The Mrs India Worldwide title also went to the USA’s Namita Dodwadkar. “It’s bitter sweet but that’s what it is when it comes to beauty pageants, you have to run with the sweetness and then just way to disappointments,” was Derek Moore’s

Mrs India Guyana Samantha Singh (left), and Miss India Guyana, Brittany Singh at a Miss India Worldwide Pageant activity in New Jersey. (Photo credit: Miss India Guyana Organisation) very best, the stood out every day and at every event. In our eyes they were both the epitome of perfectness. “I know personally they worked extremely hard behind the scenes during the

week of competition and the weeks before heading to the US, we were step-bystep with them throughout it all. I’m even more grateful that under our directorship, after 4 years,

we placed in the top ten at our first try. Next year we are going for top 5 and the crown, the new queen will have a longer time to prepare for the international leg,” Bux said.

Guyanese designers dazzle at New York’s ‘Fashion Facts & Fantasy’ By Tamica Garnett CONTINUING to make waves internationally, two of Guyana’s best in Sonia Noel, and hat designer Marcus Killikelly, were among the designers who were showcased at the “Fashion Facts and Fantasy” fashion show in New York. The event was a part of the ‘Friends of Mustard Seed Communities’ 26th Anniversary celebrations held at the Grand Ballroom of The New York Hilton. The creations of Noel and Killikelly were part of a line-up that included pieces from Jamaican menswear designer David McBean, who premiered his `ReVlution’ collection. The lineup also featured ‘Project Runway’ alum Christian Siriano; New York based designer, Carlton Jones and Pratt Institute Professor, Adrienne Jones, who showed off her `Brown Baby’ collection. Sonia’s designs were a big hit with the audience and included pieces with tropical colors, inclusive of yellow, gold, orange and mauve, with early tones in the beige and brown family. There were of course her black and white ensembles, off-shoulder dresses and flow-

Guyanese Designer, Sonia Noel (right) and a model in one of her pieces

ing poncho tops with her John Hancock latticework that form her signature and definitely lets you know Sonia did it. She also had on display several remarkable cat-suits with leopard and tiger print trimming. ??Her outfits were complemented by Killikelly’s Malchijah hats. Models strutted in the designs on a dramatic multi-leveled catwalk, at the annual charitable event, which benefited the Mustard Seed Communities throughout the Caribbean, Central America and Africa. Proceeds from the event went to the organisation’s initiatives, which support orphans, children with special needs, families with HIV/ AIDS, battered women and other vulnerable persons. Mustard Seed Communities is a non-profit organisation that began in 1978 as a home for children with disabilities on the outskirts of Kingston, Jamaica; it has since been expanded with additional facilities in Nicaragua, Dominican Republic and Zimbabwe. This year’s activities started off with a silent auction, a cocktail reception, a lavish three course luncheon, award presentation, with entertainment by the Braata Folk singers of Jamaica.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 14, 2016

A look at the National Drama Company By Jasmaine Payne

THE National Drama Company (NDC) will see a change in its Executive Membership this Sunday, but the fledgling establishment holds high aspirations for enhancing the local theatre industry. Outgoing President of the NDC, Mark Luke Edwards, in an interview with the Buzz said that the company will continue to raise the standards of theatre in Guyana in an aim to keep it relevant in the local realm. “Theatre is not as glamorous as other aspects of entertainment in Guyana, but we want to keep the flame of theatre burning and to bring it back to the front burner, like it used to be in the 70s and 80s and maybe even the 90s,” he said. Outgoing Public Relations Officer, Esther Hamer, echoed the NDC’s aim to ensure that theatre is kept alive and added that the Company will also strive to continue to produce work that is outside of what the public expects, despite the risk that it may not be popularly received. “What I think happens, is that we look at what is popular and we try to attract the audience so we end up straying from our true passion just to please the audience. People are very timid about doing things out of the box … but with the

Drama Company, we aim to do things differently,” she said. It is then left up to adequate advertising, she said, so as to encourage the public to come and see for themselves that different types of theatre can also be enjoyable. Improving on advertising and marketing skills, therefore becomes a critical focus of the NDC. “A lot of us in the company believe that if you continue with the trend of being ‘out of the box’ it will catch on. We are trying to educate the audience and we will continue doing that until we can pack the National Cultural Centre… we know we won’t get those numbers right away, but until we do, we have to retrain the Guyanese mind,” she said. The NDC is currently still flying off of the rave reviews received from the recent staging of Derek Walcott’s, ‘Ti Jean and his Brothers’. The play was staged in honour of Education month and is part of the current Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) syllabus. According to Mark Luke, these are the types of projects that the NDC will also seek to continue to produce. “We also want to continue to do more educational projects so that we can help the nation’s youth and so that we can also contribute to the improvement

The members of the National Drama Company after the staging of Ti Jean and his Brothers of the English Literature results at the CSEC Examinations,” he said. He stated that he is happy with the progress that the NDC has made since its establishment in 2014 and looks forward to the projects and initiatives that will be incorporated with the new Executive body. The NDC was birthed from the minds of the 2013 batch of graduates from the National

School of Theatre Arts and Drama. The Company’s first project was a play called, “The trouble with Nikita”, which was written by Al Creighton. The play was written specially for educators and sought to showcase the relevance of both creole and standard English in society. The Company has also enjoyed performances at Carifesta XII in Haiti, where members

performed five short pieces: Al Creighton’s “Stick Fight”, Wordsworth McAndrew’s “Ole Higue”, as well as “Baccoo” written by the Company’s own Sonia Yard, also Harold Bascom’s “Makantali”, and the full-length play “Sauda” written by Mosa Telford. The NDC consists of graduates of the Guyana National School of Theatre, Arts & Drama. These young

artists possess myriad talents; they are actors, singers, dancers, stage managers, directors, producers and writers and, according to their Facebook page, possess “a diverse and eclectic mix of artistic backgrounds”. Moreover, the NDC members are also active in other endeavours, but all come together with the shared passion for theatre arts.

Lights go off for ‘Safe’, Rover & Ramsammy

-trio eliminated from ‘The Spotlight’ By Tamica Garnett IT was the end of the road for the musical group ‘Safe’ along with singers Kellon Rover and Shamar Ramsammy, after they were the first of the 15 acts to be eliminated in Wednesday’s episode of the E-Networks/ RED Entertainment ‘The Spotlight’ talent show. The fate of singers Ronald Chan Yen, Lutchman Singh and band ‘Behold the Jury’ now hangs in the balance. This makes it the second consecutive week that ‘Behold the Jury’ and Ronald are in the bottom acts. They were on the chopping block with Safe, Rover and Ramsammy at the end of the first episode, but made it into the final 12 after battling against the other three acts. As the competition got heated, there were those who really stepped up their game like Wayne Errol Frank, known as ‘Errol T, who did a bit of free styling that includ-

ed the popular opening lines of ‘Rapper’s Delight’. There were some who believed that Errol was a bit “mature” for this competition, but he put doubts to rest about his ability to compete and in the process earned a thumbs up from the judges, Alana Seebarran, Russell Lancaster and Christian Sobers. Speed painter, Winston Alexander was another act that kept the night lively. Painting with his brushes and even his feet in less than three minutes, Winston put together an abstract portrait of famed martial arts actor, Bruce Lee, while performing to the music of ‘Kung Fu Fighting’ and even adding a few martial arts dance moves into the mix. Alana called him the ‘Usain Bolt’ of the competition, since he is leading the race in the competition. Opera singer Kimberly Samuels did a moving perfor-

Kellon Rover was eliminated from the competition mance of the “Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet”, and spent a moment sharing the stage with Lancaster in an impromptu duet of “Ave Maria”. Of the two dance groups in the show, ‘Euphoria’ continued to out shine the ‘Now U C Me’ quartet. ‘Euphoria’ – a group consisting of three boys, did a well-coordinated Afro-centric piece, continuing in their stride of match-

ing outfits, face paintings and props. Both groups made it into the next round along with singers Trevaun Selman, Delisha Wright, break dancer Asraf Mohammed and contortionist Robert Wall. THE ELIMINATION ROUND The night commenced with the first televised elimination round, where the bottom five contestants from last week’s premier episode competed and only two would remain in the show. ‘Safe’ was the first act to be eliminated after performing Jesse J and B.o.B’s ‘Price Tag’. It was quite obvious that the band was anything but safe. The best description of their performance was given by Seebarran, who told the group that “you aren’t showing that you really want this, and that you really want to be here”. Judge Russell thought Kellon was still “failing to connect with his audience” after he sang his heart out to Heatwave’s ‘Always and Forever’ while Judge Alana thought it was an improved

performance. And just when you thought the night could only get better, Shamar Ramsammy took it to new lows. Shamar struggled – painfully – through a cover of Drake’s ‘Hold on We’re Going Home.’ Russell thought the performance was ‘all over the place’ and rendered almost speechless, Alana found “nothing truly positive to say” about Shamar’s performance. Nonetheless a resilient Shamar said he was not giving up and hopes for better luck next year when he tries again. By the time Ronald and ‘Behold the Jury’ rounded out the five performances, you could tell the first three acts were headed home. Yen serenaded the audience in a lovey rendition of Shawn Mendes ‘Treat You Better’. Russell called it a “neat performance”, and all three of the judges commended him for having improved. However when he returned later in the final 12, the judges were not impressed by his performance of Rihanna’s ‘We Found Love,’ which re-

Shamar Ramsammy did a cover of Drake’s ‘Hold on We’re Going Home’ sulted in him returning to the chopping block. The same went for ‘Behold the Jury’ which fared well in the faceoff where they performed The Neighbourhood’s song ‘Sweater Weather ’, and gained applause for using the judges’ advice and showing improvement. The $2.5 million competition continues this Wednesday on E-Networks channel E1 at 20:00h and is also streamed live on Facebook

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 14, 2016

Norton apologises to Parliament Here’s what’s Buzzing

PUBLIC Health Minister, Dr George Norton has apologised to the National Assembly on Thursday for inaccurate statements made by him in August on the Sussex Street storage bond, during the last sitting of the National Assembly. Speaking before his colleagues, Dr Norton, who at one point faced mounting calls to be removed from the post as Health Minister, said he accepts full responsibility for the inaccurate utterances despite being misled. “I was questioned extensively by MPs representing the PPP/C -- in the process I gave answers that were in some part based on my personal knowledge and ability -- and in other parts based on information and advice presented to me.” The Minister of Health said he is of the firm opinion that the answers to the questions asked by the Opposition in relation to the payment to New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC) Inc and the storage of drugs at the lot 29 Sussex Street bond were untrue. “In the circumstances, I wish to express my sincere and profound regrets,” said Dr Norton, who extended his apology to

President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland and his colleagues on both sides of the House. Amid heckling from the Opposition, the Minister of Health said, “I take fully the responsibility for this unfortunate episode,” as he committed to the non-recurrence of the provision of inaccurate information. On August 8, the Minister told the House that a contract was signed with Linden Holdings Incorporated, owned by one Larry Singh, to rent the storage bond on Sussex Street in the City for $12.5M a month; the first month’s rent was handed over, along with an additional $13 million, which the Minister said was for a security deposit. The terms of the contract stated that the agreement may be terminated with due cause by either party 12 months ahead, once notice is provided in writing. Later that month, the minister issued a written apology to Speaker of the National Assembly and also faced the media after the Opposition People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) demanded answers from the Government. Opposition Leader, Dr

Bharrat Jagdeo had suggested that Norton was ordered to apologise in order to save him from parliamentary sanctions. “He lied to the Parliament so he has to face the consequences in Parliament,” Jagdeo had said at a press conference. The minister told the House that the bond was certified by an agency under his Ministry and that it had met international standards – standards of the Pan-American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO). He said that the contract with the company was decided on as it was cheaper than what was being offered by the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation. Given the outcry over Dr Norton’s statements, Cabinet had appointed a sub-committee to review the decision of the Ministry of Health to rent the storage bond. The PPP/C had called on Government to terminate the Sussex Street bond contract and also called for an external investigation into the matter. “Who directed them to Larry Singh – who has never stored drugs before?” the former President asked.

‘Crapo’ bolts from court

A 12-MEMBER jury on Thursday found Hamid Latiff called “Crapo” not guilty of the November 8, 2013 murder of his 16-yearold brother-in-law Mulchand Murilall of Patwah Scheme, Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara. Soon after the verdict by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow, Hamid sprinted from the High Court into the busy downtown Geogetown streets with his relatives in tow. After the verdict was announced, Justice Barlow told Latiff that the jury has found him not guilty of murder and hopes he sees the opportunity as a second chance to better his life and stay out of trouble. Latiff did not utter a word but quickly exited the prisoner’s box in the courtroom after he was directed by Justice Barlow on Thursday afternoon. From there, he exited the High Court a very happy man. The jury returned with the ‘not guilty’ verdict after more than two hours of deliberations. The State was led by Siand Dhurjon and Shawnette Austin, while the defence was represented by Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos. The case saw 10 witnesses testifying in the trial which lasted more than a week. Government pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh gave the cause of death as perforation of the heart and lungs as a result of an incised wound to the chest, which he said had

--after freed of murder charge

Hamid Latiff called “Crapo” been inflicted with a sharp instrument. Dr Singh, who was deemed an expert in the field of pathology, told the court that on November 11, 2013 he performed a post-mortem on the body of Mulchand Murilall. He stated that there was an incised wound to the left chest which caused the death of the teenager, but there were two incised wounds on the left arm. Dr Singh told the court that the incised wound to the chest caused the death of Murilall who lived for about half hour with such an injury. He added that the attacker would have been in several positions to inflict such injuries on the deceased, who had defensive wounds on his left arm which were gaping cuts. Police reported via a press release that they were investigating the murder of Mulchand Murilall, 16, of Patwah Scheme, Cane Grove, East

Murdered Mulchand Murilall Coast Demerara, which occurred about 21:00 hours on November 8, 2013. It was reported that Murilall was confronted by his sister’s reputed husband who was armed with a knife and during the confrontation he was fatally stabbed to his chest and under his left arm. “The suspect then attacked his reputed wife but she was rescued by residents and escaped unhurt.” The suspect escaped from the scene but was arrested by police at Springlands, Berbice, about 09:00 hours – a day after the murder, the release said. According to information received, the teenager had followed his sister to a nearby shop after learning that her estranged reputed husband was stalking her. On their way back the young man stopped at a wedding house not far from their home and it was there that he was attacked.

this weekend:

Today! It’s Latin Night at the Vintage Wine & Cheese Lounge, where you can expect the best in Cuban, Brazilian and Latino music! Party Central Friday’s continue at Palm Court and everyone is free all night! There will be drinks and shot specials to be had as you jam to some of the best music mixes by Palm Court’s resident DJs Selector Carl and DJ Anisah! Tower Suites Pool Bar Afterwork Lime is going Jamaican! With several new Jamaican dishes to added to the menu! Come out, sit back and relax after a long week at work; you deserve it! TGIF contiunues at the Mariott! With it’s usual great deal of Margaritas going for just $1000, and a bucket of Stag beer at $2000. 94.1 BOOM FM’s The Mix Doctor will be in the house to set the musical mood! Tomorrow! Join Gullyras as he celebrates his birthday at the 704 Sports Bar with ‘Set the Trend’ from 21:00hrs. Enjoy music from Dj Energy, Selector Seenup, Selector Carl and Selector Diamond. Free Giveaways will be distributed all night! Ladies it’s going to be all about you this Saturday at Club Privilege with “Ladies Rule!”! Ladies are free until 1am, and can expect cocktail specials all night long, while getting down the vibes from Hits and Jams 94.1 BOOM FM DJs. Come out and unleash your beast mode at “Rave Crave” set for El Club Latino – the place where underground raves all started! Admission stands at $1000, and patrons can enjoy Free Jello Shots all night long, with music by a special guest DJ! You just wouldn’t wanna miss it! Sunday! Digicel’s annual Duck Curry Competition is on at #63 beach and patrons can expect another day filled with fun, spices and clean entertainment! Performances include Nishard M out of Trinidad, and Guyana’s own Jumo Primo! Winners of the Digicel DJ Competitions – Selector Keston, Smidjit and DJ Vybes– will also be on site to keep the vybes going all day long!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 14, 2016

West Indies vs Pakistan First Test

Pakistan on top after day one

THE FUTURE of the opening Test of the Haier Cup looks ‘pink’ for Pakistan, as they dominated the West Indies on the opening day of the second-ever day/night Test match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium yesterday. A record opening stand of 215 between Sami Aslam and Azhar Ali left the West Indies limping at the end of the day, as Pakistan closed on 279 for one. Ali was unbeaten on 146, while Aslam made 90 and Asad Shafiq not out 33. The West Indies cricketers were made to chase the pink ball for the entire afternoon and into the night, as the experiment of playing the longest format of the game from 15:30hrs looked promising. During the afternoon fans were seen coming to the ground with their families and this was one of the benefits of staging

the match at this time of day. While the crowd dynamics changed, the West Indies’ problems since arriving in the UAE a month now, did not, as they continued to suffer against the world-ranked number two Test side. Earlier, West Indies lost the toss and without hesitation the Pakistanis decided to take first strike. Openers Aslam and Ali ran out looking to give their team a good foundation. The aim was to take the West Indies bowlers out of the game early and pile on the pressure, leading to a big score and the ultimate scoreboard pressure. When tea was taken after two hours’ play, the effort was well employed to build a huge total and the construction was underway. After 10 overs the pink ball stopped swinging and it was a hard grind for the West Indies thereafter. During the warm-up games, the bowlers were able to get the ball to seam around just after tea but

Shannon Gabriel and Miguel Cummins could not reproduce that. After the break it was the same story as the Pakistanis continued to send leather to all parts of the field and some tired-looking West Indian legs were in pursuit. Aslam was the first of the batsmen to reach fifty. He did it off 105 balls with five fours. Ali then recorded his off 115 balls with five fours as well. The experienced Lahore batsman turned up the heat on the West Indies after the milestone and raced to his 11th Test hundred in his 50th Test match. His century came off 184 balls with 10 hits to the fence and in the process he joined a very elite group of Pakistani stroke-players. A wicket seemed impossible to come by with the closest option looking to be a run-out, as Ali and Aslam gave chances with their running between the sticks. The breakthrough finally came after 67.5 overs, when

Aslam enjoying his Testbest of 90, swept at Roston Chase, only to hear the dreaded sound of timber falling behind him. His effort came in 290 minutes in which time he negotiated 212 balls and struck nine fours. The rock-solid Asad Shafiq then joined Ali and they continued to play good Test cricket, rotating the strike and putting the bad balls away efficiently. When stumps were drawn Ali had batted for 366 minutes, faced 268 balls and struck 14 boundaries.

SCOREBOARD

PAKISTAN vs WEST INDIES

PAKISTAN 1st innings S. Aslam b Chase 90 Az. Ali not out 146 A. Shafiq not out 33 Extras: (b-1, lb-2, nb-6, w-1) 10 Total: (for 1 wicket, 90 overs) 279 Fall of wickets: 1-215. Bowling: S. Gabriel 14-2-55-0 (nb-6), M. Cummins 16-2-62-0 (w-1), J. Holder 15-4-30-0, K. Brathwaite 8-2-21-0, D. Bishoo 16-3-45-0, R. Chase 21-2-63-1.

Extra-curricular activities integral for well-round.. From page 31 viewed as invaluable and irreplaceable,” Stuart said. Drubahadur pointed out that cricket is not just a game, but a business, where aspiring cricketers can make it a career. The GCB boss also lamented the lack of support, but added that with or without corporate Guyana or the government, the GCB will continue to invest in the development of the game locally. Harry urged the students

to take the opportunity offered to them, since cricket can become their career. Meanwhile, Sanasie disclosed that each participating

English Racing Tips Haydock 08:30 hrs Four Dragons 09:00 hrs Eartha Kitt 09:35 hrs Classic Seniority 10:10 hrs Father Bertie 10:45 hrs Weekender 11:20 hrs Dubawi Prince 11:55 hrs Dusker 12:30 hrs Lexi’s Boy Redacr 08:45 hrs Baashiq 09:15 hrs A Wait The Storm 09:50 hrs Dream Reversion 10:25 hrs Rock On Bollinski 11:00 hrs My Dad Syd 11:35 hrs Desire 12:05 hrs Gadrielle 12:35 hrs Diletta Tommasa Newcastle 12:50 hrs High Command 13:20 hrs Tamayef 13:50 hrs Reinforced 14:20 hrs Manatee Bay 14:560 hrs Encantar 15:20 hrs Paper Faces 15:50 hrs Best Laid Plans 16:20 hrs Trooper’s Gold South Africa Racing Tips

student must have 65 percent attendance rate during the previous school year, since the idea is to produce ‘smart cricketers’.

Sanasie, who is also a director on the West Indies Cricket Board, added that 30 complete cricket kits will be available, while talent-spotting will also be done for the nationwide competition, which has attracted over 150 teams spread across the 10 administrative regions. Greyville Like the previous year, 12:15 hrs Baby In Black the tournament will use the 12:Master Runner Guyana Teachers Union’s 12:55 hrs Dance City Queen Zone and District format 13:15 hrs Winter Darling to decide the overall winner. 13:35 hrs Al Ciberano The zones are Upper 13:55 hrs Master Of Mischief Corentyne, Lower Corentyne, 14:15 hrs Desert Sunset New Amsterdam/Canje, West 14:35 hrs La Vida Banco Berbice, Lower East Coast 14:55 hrs Roy’s Past Demerara, Upper East Coast Demerara, North GeorgeIrish Racing Tips town, South Georgetown, Dundalk East Georgetown, East Bank 12:25 hrs Room To Roam Demerara, Highway, Upper 13:00 hrs Meetyouatthemoon Demerara, West Bank De13:35 hrs Nona Blu merara, West Coast Demer14:05 hrs Aared ara, East Bank Essequibo, 14:35 hrs Rahyah Wakenaam, Leguan and Es15:05 hrs Haeke sequibo Coast. 15:35 hrs Lunada The Guyana Cricket 15:05 hrs Divine Quickstep Board is partnering with the Ministry of Education, American Racing Tips its Sports Department and Belmont Allied Arts Unit, the NaRace 1 Tiz Rae Anna tional Sports Commission, Race 2 Seize the Guyana Teachers Union and the Child Care and ProRace 3 Lady Luciano tection Agency to host the Race 4 Queen of Spades competition. Race 5 Curious Call Chase Academic FounRace 6 Ametrine dation are the defending Race 7 Tale for Ruby champions. Race 8 Songsational

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 14, 2016

Taylor aims to win all matches ... WI take on England Women in ICC World Cup race

By BRIJ PARASNATH WEST Indies Women captain Stafanie Taylor says that her team aim to win all matches against their English counterparts in the ICC Championship race for qualification spots for the 2017 ICC World Cup tournament. Both teams will renew battle for top honours in the 3rd One-Day International at Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica today. All results in the final three matches of the five-match series will provide either team with claims to vital points as they build towards being in the top four teams overall when the Championship Division tournament comes to an end. Currently, West Indies are in second position on 20 while England are third on 19 points with reigning ICC World Cup champion Australia heading the overall standings on 30 points. After West Indies Women’s morale-boosting 38-run victory over England in the second ODI at the Trelawny

Stadium, Florence Hall; Taylor declared that: “We want to win all the games. That’s our aim. That’s what we are working towards.” “We and England are pretty much close, we know it’s not going to be easy. I think if we work hard, we will definitely get some points,” added the Jamaican all-rounder who took over the mantle of leadership of the WI Women team from Trinidadian Merissa Aguilleira last year. Aguilleira has been the team’s regular wicketkeeper and one of the most experienced players. But she missed the last match and Shemaine Campbelle did ’keeper duties. StacyAnn King had replaced Aguilleira in the 2nd ODI. However, it was bowlers Deandra Dottin and Afy Fletcher who in tandem demolished their English counterparts and set the stage for a battle royal in the ICC Women Championship title race. England had won the First ODI by five runs at the Tre-

lawny Stadium, Florence Hall, Jamaica on Saturday (last weekend) but the West Indians bounced back with a dramatic 38-run win in the second ODI on Monday (October 10). West Indies bowlers did a great job to restrict the tourists to 149 all out in 50 overs. Barbadian all-rounder Dottin captured three important wickets when she removed opener Tammy Beaumont, Georgia Elwiss and the prized wicket of England new captain Knight. In the second ODIs between the two teams at the same venue on Monday, West Indies batters, except for skipper Stafanie Taylor (56) and Dottin (21) to a lesser extent; did not cope with left-arm spinners Alexandra Hartley (4 for 31) and newcomer Sophie Ecclestone. In the 3rd ODI today, the WI batters would need to apply themselves with greater resolve and produce bigger personal scores that will boost the team’s overall total.

5th Annual Mohamed Kadir road race on Sunday A FIERCE battle will take place come Sunday when the Flying Stars Cycle Club runs off the 5th Annual Mohamed Kadir cycle road race with a first prize of one ounce of raw gold. Last year’s winner Raynauth Jeffrey representing Team Coco’s is expected to face the starter at 07:30hrs on Sunday on Homestretch Avenue. He is expected to get stiff competition from a host of other cyclists, even his own teammates. Among the other cyclists who are expected to face the starter are Hamzah Eastman who is on a winning streak at the moment, Andrew Hicks who will be contesting both the senior and junior categories of the race, Guyana’s only professional cyclists Geron Williams, Raul Leal, Orville Hinds, Michael Anthony, Marlon `Fishy’ Williams, Shaquille Agard, Romello and Jevon Crawford and Jamal John. With such a lucrative prize at stake for the winner, cycling enthusiasts and fans can anticipate a thrilling 80

Raynauth Jeffrey miles of cycling all in one day. Five categories – Seniors, Juniors, Veterans Under-45 years, Veterans Over-45 years and Juveniles - will be contested with the top six finishers in the senior category receiving prizes as will the top three finishers in the other categories. After being sent on their way from Homestretch Avenue, the seniors, juniors and veterans Under-45 years will travel to Dora on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway before returning to the place of origin. The veterans Over-45 years as well

as the juveniles will proceed to the hill just after Splashmin’s Fun Park, also on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway before returning to finish at Homestretch Avenue. Eight prime prizes will be at stake and the respective winners of prizes will all be presented with their prizes immediately after the event. Apart from Jeffrey, the defending champions of the other categories are: Andrew Hicks (junior), Horace Burrowes (veterans’ Under-45), Ian `Dumb Boy’ Jackson (veterans Over-45 and Deeraj Garbarran (juveniles).

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Jaguars Franchise League has created opportunities - Crandon By Rajiv Bisnauth HEAD coach of the senior national team, Esaun Crandon, strongly believes that the just concluded Jaguars Franchise League Three-day competition has created the opportunities, where players were exposed to a sustained professional set-up. The Jaguars Franchise League Three-day eight-team tournament, which ended last Sunday, was a replacement of the traditional three-team Inter-county competition. In excess of 100 quality players had competed against each other, where they were

Tagenarine Chanderpaul

given the opportunity to showcase their skills in a professional manner, many of whom may not have been able to break into their respective county teams. In an exclusive interview

Esaun Crandon with Chronicle Sport yesterday, Crandon, the former Guyana fast bowler, said the League has not only created the opportunities for players, but also tested the individual ability of

players. “The Franchise League tournament was definitely a good initiative for Guyana’s cricket. It has given a number of youngsters the opportunity to showcase their talents, and at the same time it has given them the opportunity to be in a professional set-up,” Crandon, who was also the East Coast Demerara Franchise head coach, pointed out. He added, “It was evident that players got better as the tournament progressed; the batsmen scored hundreds and the bowlers, especially the fast bowlers, got five-wicket haul, so all-in-all it’s a good start.

“Overall, I believed we will have a better standard moving forward, where ultimately Guyana’s cricket will be the winner.” Further, the Jaguars Franchise League 50-over competition will commence in November and end in December. The Regional Four-day will start in November, with the NAGICO Super50 fixed for early next year, and players will become eligible for selection to the two squads through their performance in the Leagues. Meanwhile, national opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul was the batsman with the most runs (635) while Surujnarine Kandasam-

my (607), Jonathon Foo (580), Chanderpaul Hemraj (562) and Bhaskar Yadram (514), completed the top five positions. Off-spinner Eon Hooper topped the bowlers’ list with 44 wickets. Gajanand Suknanan (42), Romario Shepherd (34), Kassim Khan (30) and Raymon Reifer (28) were the other wicket-takers. Chanderpaul Hemraj (250) was the highest individual scorer in the tournament while Seon Hetmyer (215) and Surujnarine Kandasammy (212), also scored double-hundreds. Fast bowler Romario Shepherd (8-49) had the best bowling figures.

HACC members acknowledge Imran Khan’s contribution

ALL-ROUNDER Imran Khan was given a rousing send-off by several mem-

bers of Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) at the Seatown Restaurant

Is there enough time for National Team Selection? Asks Daniel Haynes

IN EXACTLY seven days, Guyana will begin their journey for basketball gold when they play their first game in three games at the Inter-Guiana Goodwill Games. However, the question remains: Is there enough time to select a 12-man team from a 21-man squad and have them game-ready. The first squad initially comprised 16 players selected by National team coaches Junior Hercules and Naylon Loncke over two days of trials from October 1 to October 2, during the play of the National Schools Basketball Festival (NSBF). This first squad was later amended by the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) upon clarification by GABF president Nigel Hinds. “We, the GABF, made changes to the squad to encompass more Kwakwani and Linden players, after watching the Schools Basketball Festival which Kwakwani went on to win.” Hinds went on to clarify that it was the opinion of the Federation that the new squad would provide the best opportunity for the National team to be selected. The Guyana Chronicle was able to speak with selector and head coach Junior Hercules on the changes made to his squad. “I was given two days to shortlist a team, during the period of the school games and it wasn’t communicated that

the school games would have a weigh-in. I believe that if that was the case we should have deferred the selection process,” said Hercules. Hercules was also of the opinion that he and Loncke shortlisted the best team during the selection period. “It was based on several criteria which took into account the individual talents of the players as well as their ability to fit into a system and play cohesively.” The time period, however, to choose a 12-man squad, soon ends for Hercules who feels he has been placed in a tight position, since he will be narrowing down the 21 players to 12 on Sunday. “It is a bit disadvantageous and it has left us with a shorter timespan since of the 16 we had 9 guaranteed players and a remaining 3 who were ‘maybes’ while the other 4 were backups,” said Hercules. In the past national teams have had over one week to practise offensive and defensive sets while working on their fitness. This time, the coaching staff will be dealing not just with the task of finding the right fit, but getting that right fit to comprehensively learn systems in time for their first game next Friday night. The 21-man squad go into encampment tonight, with their first training session from 19:00hrs to 21:00hrs.

wicket-taker and run-scorer for Lankans Cricket Club in his fourth year representing that club in the Toronto & District Cricket Association Second Division tournament where he accumulated 473 runs from 15 innings at an average of 33.79 with five half-centuries and a highest score of 87 vs Ghaznavi CC. He claimed 30 wickets from Members pose with Khan, (second from right) during the reception. 16 games with best figures of On Khan’s left is HACC president Mohan. Wakenaam Island, Essequ- four for 15. & Bar, following his debut were long-standing Narch- ibo, had the unique distincAfter winning the Preseason in the Scarborough and ‘Archie’ Mohan, chief tion of hitting the highest miere League for six conCricket Association (SCA) executive officer (CEO) Eon score (84) and capturing the secutive years, HACC lost Elite League tournament in Gunraj and manager Freder- most wickets (13, at 11.85 their bid to capture the Toronto, Canada. ick Halley. runs each) for HACC in this Elite League title, bowAmong those present and The outstanding left-arm year’s inaugural SCA Elite ing out to eventual wincongratulating Khan on his spinner and middle-order League. ners Victoria Park in their fine performances for the club batsman, who hails from Khan was the leading semi-final encounter.

West Indies A in driver’s seat against Sri Lanka

(CMC) - OFF-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall snatched a five-wicket haul and Test opener Rajendra Chandrika and wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton lashed their second half-centuries of the game, as West Indies A produced a telling performance to put Sri Lanka A on the ropes on the penultimate day of the second four-day ‘Test’ here yesterday. At the close, Sri Lanka A were struggling on 36 for two in pursuit of 481 for victory at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium – still requiring an improbable 445 runs in today’s final day to win the contest. Earlier resuming on 128 for four, Sri Lanka were bundled out for 245 in their first innings as Cornwall ripped through

the innings to finish with six for 91. Wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella top-scored with 88, captain Dimuth Karunaratne got 68 while Asela Gunaratne chipped in with a vital 46, but the hosts lost their last five wickets for just 25 runs in a swift collapse, about 25 minutes after lunch. Yet again, Cornwall spearheaded the Windies attack, taking four of the last five wickets to collect his second five-wicket haul following on from his eight-wicket innings haul in the opening ‘Test’ in Colombo. With a healthy first-innings lead of 264, West Indies A then raced to 216 for three declared, with Chandrika stroking 68 and Hamilton a whirlwind unbeaten 56 off just 30 deliveries.

Captain Shamarh Brooks also gathered an up-tempo unbeaten 53 off 63 balls while Shimron Hetmyer chipped in with 28. Left-hander Kieran Powell fell cheaply for two with the score on four in the fourth over of the innings but three successive half-century partnerships put the visitors in command. The right-handed Chandrika put on 65 for the second wicket with Hetmyer who carved out five fours in a busy 37ball knock before falling on the stroke of tea, lbw to leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay. After the break, Chandrika added a further 67 for the third wicket with Brooks, as West Indies A controlled the final session. All told, Chandrika

struck five fours and a six off 110 deliveries while Brooks hammered three fours and two sixes in an enterprising knock. When Chandrika was lbw to teenage off-spinner Charith Asalanka, Brooks and Hamilton combined to plunder 80 off 51 balls in an unbroken fourth-wicket stand which stunned the hosts. Hamilton, who made 99 in the first innings, was the main aggressor, lashing five fours and four sixes. Left with 11 overs to negotiate, Sri Lanka A slumped to seven for two with seamers Delorn Johnson and Kemar Roach removing both openers cheaply. Avishka Fernando, on 18, and Roshen Silva, 11, then added 29 to prop up the innings.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 14, 2016

Extra-curricular activities integral for well-rounded students - Henry … Secondary Schools Cricket League launched By Rajiv Bisnauth MINISTER within the Ministry of Education, Dr Nicolette Henry, believes the return of cricket into the school system is a most welcome one. The minister, who was speaking on Wednesday at the launch of the Secondary Schools Cricket League said the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, in particular, firmly considers that extra-curricular activities, such as music and sports, in any form, play an integral part in producing well-rounded students. Also attending the revival ceremony of nationwide schools cricket were GCB president, secretary and Territorial Development Officer, Drubahadur, Anand Sanasie and Colin Stuart, National Sports Commission (NSC)

Administrative Officer Gervy Harry, and Child Protection Officer, Orette Francois. “I see this National Secondary Schools competition just like the annual schools athletics championship, as a feeder system or nursery, from which we can get the cream of our cricketers and athletes. I hope through this competition we will be able to identify and groom those of you, who will not only represent Guyana, but also hopefully West Indies as well,” Dr Henry said. According to the minister, cricket is one of the most popular games played here, and in the Caribbean, since it’s a game that provides great entertainment, and brings people from all ages and backgrounds together. Stuart is of the opinion that the league forms a very valuable instrument from

Trophy Stall annual golf tournament on tomorrow

GOLFING action will resume tomorrow, with the annual Trophy Stall-sponsored tournament which begins at 12:00hrs at the Lusignan Golf Course. Last year’s tournament was conducted under the open medal Play system. The winners then were: 1st - Roberto Grissi 27/63; 2nd – Laksmana Ramroop 26/63; 3rd – Richard Haniff 16/65; Best Gross (and 4th) - Sam Harry 11/67; and Nearest to The Pin (16”) – Kassim Khan. Other close contenders were Deanand Bissessar 28/69; Mahendra Bhagwandin 23/71, and Mark Lashley 24/71. Keen rivalry this weekend is likely to bring new winners in the top places. Club president Oncar Ramroop thanked Mr Sunich for continuing to include golfing in his annual contributions to the many sport disciplines in Guyana.

President Oncar Ramroop (left) receives a trophy – the symbol of Trophy Stall’s sponsorship – from Mr Ramesh Sunich, CEO of Trophy Stall.

which the GCB can begin to assess players’ talent, and to implement strategies towards their development. “These strategies may include directing players to clubs close to their homes or schools, and to involve them in progressive involvement programmes. The League is

See page 28

From left: Orette Francois, Anand Sanasie, Minister Dr Nicolette Henry, Drubahadur, and Colin Stuart during yesterday’s launching of the second National Secondary Schools League.

Old Timers

Special Guests! Former National footballers (L to R) Earl O’Neal, Godfrey Poulis and Rudolph ‘Chow’ Hunte were special guests of the GFF at last Tuesday night’s game between the Reggae Boyz and the Golden Jaguars. The three were members of the Guyana side that defeated Jamaica 2-1 at the GFC ground in 1973 when the Quadrangular Series, that also included Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago, was staged. The now visually impaired Poulis and Hunte netted the goals on that occasion, which was the last time Guyana defeated Jamaica at an international competition.

Pakistan on top after day one

(See Story on page 28 )

Is there enough time for National Team Selection? 5th Annual Mohamed Kadir road race on Sunday Junior Hercules (See Story on page 30 )

(See Story on page 29 )

West Indies A in driver’s seat against Sri Lanka

(See Story on page 30 )

Taylor aims to win all matches

Sami Aslam goes on the back foot to cut, Pakistan v West Indies, 1st Test, Dubai, 1st day, October 13, 2016

(See Story on page 29 )

GFF introduces new Technical Director

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) yesterday officially introduced its new Technical Director, Ian Greenwood, to the media. Greenwood, an English UEFA-qualified professional coach, who has over ten years of experience with English clubs, has promised to improve Guyana’s football. The 31-year-old Greenwood was the chosen one for the GFF from among 13 applicants and, according to the former Leeds United Development and Academy coach, his desire is to establish a solid foundation in a new structure. “A national philosophy from the age of five right up to the national team. We must understand, as a Nation, how we want to play. How we understand football to be and how we coach. We need to have a

GFF’s new Technical Director, Ian Greenwood, addresses the media yesterday at the Federation’s boardroom. President of the GFF, Wayne Forde, and PRO Debra Francis are also in picture. clear structure of philosophy as a country and as a football nation that we understand how we want to play. We need to develop a Guyana style of play.” The former defender/de-

fensive midfielder predicts that there will be massive changes for the sport ahead, but cautioned that it will not be overnight. “We want to build it from

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the foundation so we want to make sure that everything is in place … we want to make sure that the structure and everything geared towards being successful are in place. It’s go-

ing to take time, but I feel with the Executive of the GFF and the technical staff we can do it.” Greenwood stressed. Greenwood’s four-year contract with the GFF began last Saturday and already he has been in discussions with the Federation’s Technical Officer, Lyndon France, to review the progress made under the past TD Claude Bolton. “Over the next couple of days we will be assessing what things fit and what things don’t fit. Over the next few weeks I will be meeting with the key stakeholders,” the new TD stated. “My main role will be focusing on youth development, grassroots and developing coaches. My belief is that if we can get the foundation correct, so that if we have Coaches/Education in place and then we have correct youth

development programmes and grassroots programmes, over a period of time that will improve the overall football infrastructure in Guyana and improve both the national male and female teams,” Greenwood promised. President of the GFF, Wayne Forde, in his welcoming remarks said that he was optimistic about the future of the sport, “We are very pleased to welcome Mr Greenwood to Guyana. We are excited about the work that Mr Greenwood is going to be doing to develop football in Guyana over the next couple of years. The emphasis of course will be on youth development and coaching/education. “We are very confident that we made a good choice and I am very optimistic about the future of Guyana’s football,” the football boss declared. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016