Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 17 10 2016

No. 104707

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

Men hired to torch Gafoors –suspect reportedly told investigators Page

Victims fight off bandits Page

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–– one apprehended, another escapes

Lack of coordination Page

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–– in justice system facilitated Dataram’s flight, says AG

Fire leaves 2 homeless in Sophia Page

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World Food Day

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Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo inspects a farm at the opening of a World Food Day Exhibition and Fair at the Mahaicony Community Centre Ground on Sunday (Samuel Maughn photo)

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Dataram, spouse to be charged for fake passports

THE reputed wife of convicted drug kingpin Barry Dataram will be jointly charged with him for being the holder of a fake passport while conspiring with persons known or unknown to forge a Guyana passport, police said. Dataram and Anjanie Boodnarine were arrested in Suriname on Friday, and were handed over to Guyanese au-

thorities. The fake passports which were found in their possession bore the names David Persaud and Christine Persaud, with the year of issue being 2013 and 2016 respectively. Dataram’s passport – RO376916 – was issued by the Central Immigration and Passport Office in Georgetown on April 15, 2013. Boodnarine’s passport – RO341097 – was

issued on January 15, 2016 under the name “Christine Persaud”. The couple was handed over to the SWAT Unit of the Guyana Police Force at Moleson Creek, Upper Corentyne, East Berbice on Saturday, hours after they were caught in neighbouring Suriname. Dataram is now an inmate at the Camp Street Prison while his wife is being held at

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 17, 2016

the East La Penitence Police Station. Government, through the Ministry of Citizenship, has launched an investigation to determine the circumstances under which the duo was issued fake passports. According to the Ministry of the Presidency, subject minister Winston Felix said those found culpable will face the harshest possible action.

Anjanie Boodnarine

Barry Dataram

Minister Felix said the passports are now in the possession of the police, and the investigation which has been launched will seek to determine the circumstances under which the passports were issued, who and what documents were involved in their preparation, and the method of the duo’s departure from

60 months’ imprisonment and fined one hundred and sixty-four million, two hundred and sixty-eight thousand dollars (Gy$164,268,000). However, the charge was dismissed against Boodnarine and two others who were also charged. Following the duo’s escape from Guyana, President David Granger had instructed

Guyana. “The Ministry of Citizenship, which has responsibility for immigration services, inherited a number of challenges related to the integrity of systems when the new administration took office in May 2015, and (has) been working to correct these issues,” he noted. Dataram was, in late September, found guilty by Magistrate Judy Latchman of being in possession of a quantity of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking; but prior to the magistrate handing down her decision, Dataram and Boodnarine fled the jurisdiction while on bail. In his absence, he was sentenced to

law enforcement authorities to “bring them back” to Guyana. At the time, information had suggested that Dataram could not have been using a Guyana passport to escape. On April 16, 2015, at Dataram’s house located at 661 Silver Dam, Fourth Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, 33 parcels of cocaine were found in an upstairs bathroom, while 180 pieces were found in a blue baby tub and 92 pieces in a black garbage bag in the downstairs dining room. A further 142 pieces were found in a freezer with shrimp in the outer yard area. The cocaine amounted to 129.230 kilogrammes.

Lack of coordination

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 17, 2016

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–– in justice system facilitated Dataram’s flight, says AG

ATTORNEY GENERAL and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, has said that a total breakdown of coordination in the justice system here allowed convicted drug trafficker Barry Dataram to flee the jurisdiction in a bid to escape imprisonment. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Saturday, Williams said that during the initial stage of his trial, Dataram was granted bail by former Chief Justice Ian Chang after he was refused bail in the lower court; and once this was done, there should have been an immediate alert in the system, with the immigration, police and prison services activating surveillance mechanisms. TOOK ADVANTAGE He said it is clear that this was not done, and when Dataram realised that he was going to be jailed, he took advantage of a weak system and escaped. “Luckily, our neighbour (Suriname) again was able to come to our rescue, and I must commend them for their

efforts,” Williams said. Noting that this administration intends to restore the rule of law here, Williams said efforts would be made

Attorney General Basil Williams to strengthen coordination among agencies in the justice sector to ensure that there will be no recurrence of what had happened with Dataram. At the time of Dataram’s escape, President David Granger had said that while he would not lay blame at the feet of any agency or individual, the drug convict’s flight from Guyana was

Fire leaves 2 homeless in Sophia

TWO residents of ‘A’ Field, Sophia are now homeless after an early morning fire ravaged their home on Sunday at about 8:00hrs, when they had gone out. A neighbour told the Guyana Chronicle she was alerted by screams of “Fire! Fire!”, and when she rushed out, she saw her neighbour’s house on fire. “When I came out, I saw the fire was spreading over to my house; so I called my relatives who were home to help contain the fire with some buckets of water, until the fire service arrived…. “Ravi (occupant of the home) was not home at the time,” the neighbour said. According to residents, Ravi and his mother Devi, who have been occupying the residence for the past two decades, are abroad. While a quick response from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) did not save the building, it prevented the blaze from spreading to nearby houses. The Guyana Fire Service has launched an investigation into the blaze.

something which could have been avoided. “Mr. Dataram is a person of interest. He is a wellknown character in Guyana, and I would expect that even though the judicial branch is separate, there should be a greater level of alertness on the part of the magistracy in the judiciary in matters like this; and I don’t regard it as a failing on the part of law-enforcement agencies, but it is definitely an error which ought to have been avoided. “The danger posed in having somebody who is now a convict out there out of the jurisdiction is going to be harmful to our national interest; so I would urge the law-enforcement agencies to alert their counterparts in neighbouring states.” COMMENDATION Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine, in a statement issued on Saturday, after Dataram had been recaptured, commended “the excellent collaboration between local law enforcement units and our

counterparts in Suriname” in recapturing Dataram. The police commissioner said the recapture represented the best efforts at collaboration, “and sends a clear message that with the use of science and technology in law enforcement, and (with) personnel who are consummate professionals, the public interest is well served.” Back in 2006, the Government had signed onto a US$25M Inter-American Bank loan for the modernisation of the Justice Administration System in Guyana. The goal of the programme entailed enhancing the investment climate and rights’ enforcement in Guyana through improved public sector governance. To achieve this goal, the operation had sought to help the Government of Guyana strengthen the accountability and administrative efficiencies of service delivery in the justice sector, enhance linkages and coordination among justice sector institutions, and improve access to justice. It is not clear if all the

components of the programme had been implemented. HISTORY On April 16, 2015, at Dataram’s 661 Silver Dam, Fourth Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara residence, 33 parcels of cocaine were found in an upstairs bathroom, while 180 pieces were found in a blue baby tub and 92 pieces were found in a black garbage bag in the downstairs dining room. A further 142 pieces were found in a freezer with shrimp in the outer yard area. The cocaine amounted to 129.230 kilogrammes. Dataram was charged, and in late September was found guilty by Magistrate Judy Latchman of being in possession of a quantity of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. But prior to the magistrate handing down her decision, Dataram and Boodnarine fled the jurisdiction while on bail. In his absence, he was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment

and fined one hundred and sixty-four million, two hundred and sixty-eight thousand dollars (Gy$164,268,000). However, the charge was dismissed against his common-law wife and two others who were also charged. Dataram was recaptured in neighbouring Suriname on Friday, and has since been brought back to Guyana to face a five-year jail term for drug trafficking. WANTED Dataram has been on the radar for drug trafficking for close to a decade. He first came to public notice in dramatic fashion when alleged drug dealers from Venezuela abducted his wife Sheleza Dataram and daughter Keana Datram on December 8, 2007 at Ruimzeight, West Coast Demerara with intent to cause them to be secretly or wrongfully confined. Dataram was also at one time wanted by United States authorities for allegedly conspiring to import more than five kilos of cocaine into that country.

This Sophia house was destroyed by fire early Sunday morning

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 17, 2016

Election being rigged ‘at many polling places --says Donald Trump

R E P U B L I C A N p re s i dential nominee Donald Trump dug deeper in his efforts to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the U.S. election, saying on Twitter on Sunday that he believed the results were being “rigged” at many polling places. His tweet came hours after his vice presidential running mate Mike Pence said Republicans would accept the outcome of the Nov. 8 contest between Trump and his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. “The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many polling places - SAD,” Trump wrote on Twitter, in the latest of a series of comments he has

made over the past several days calling into question the fairness of the election. Trump, who is trailing Clinton in opinion polls, did not provide any evidence to back his allegations of impropriety at the voting booth. Early voting and voting by mail have begun in many states. In another tweet later on Sunday, Trump blamed “animals representing Hillary Clinton” and Democrats in North Carolina for an overnight attack on a local Republican Party headquarters in that state. Local authorities said the building in Hillsborough, North Carolina, had been struck through a front window with flammable material and an adjacent building wall was spray-painted with

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Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks at a Bollywood-themed charity concert put on by the Republican Hindu Coalition in Edison, New Jersey, U.S. October 15, 2016 a swastika and the words “Nazi Republicans leave town or else.” “Animals representing Hillary Clinton and Dems in North Carolina just fire-

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bombed our office in Orange County because we are winning,” Trump tweeted. Clinton denounced the attack as “horrific and unacceptable” in her own tweet,

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adding: “Very grateful that everyone is safe. Trump, a New York businessman, who has never held elective office, has often said the electoral process is skewed against him, including during the Republican nominating contests, when he disputed the method for winning delegates to the Republican National Convention. His latest complaint of media bias stems from allegations by women that he groped them or made other unwanted sexual advances, after a 2005 video became public in which Trump was recorded bragging about such behaviour. He apologised for the video but has denied each of the accusations. “Election is being rigged by the media, in a coordinated effort with the Clinton campaign, by putting stories that never happened into news!” Trump tweeted on Sunday, a sentiment he also expressed in posts and during rallies in Maine and New Hampshire on Saturday. The comments raised questions both from Republicans and Democrats about whether he would accept the outcome should he lose to Clinton. Trump said after the first presidential debate in September that he would “absolutely” accept the election outcome. But a few days afterward, he told the New York Times: “We’re going to see what happens.” He has also urged his supporters to keep an eye on voting locations to prevent a “stolen” election, which some critics interpreted as encouraging them to intimidate voters. Pence said on Sunday he and Trump would respect the will of the voters. “We’ll respect the outcome of this election,” said Pence, the Indiana governor. “Donald Trump said in the first debate that we’ll respect the will of the American people in this election. The peaceful transfer of power

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is a hallmark of American history.” In a weekend statement quoted by media, a spokeswoman for US House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, the top US elected Republican, said: “Our democracy relies on confidence in election results, and the speaker is fully confident the states will carry out this election with integrity.” On Sunday, Pence for the second time in recent weeks broke from Trump on Russia, this time on that country’s possible involvement in email hacks tied to the US election, saying Moscow should face “severe consequences” if it has compromised US email security. “I think there’s no question that the evidence continues to point in that direction,” Pence said. “There should be severe consequences to Russia or any sovereign nation that is compromising the privacy or the security of the United States of America,” Pence said on “Fox News Sunday.” Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week his country was not involved in trying to influence the US election. Trump, who has been criticised for appearing too close to Russia after he publicly praised Putin’s governing style, has questioned the reports of Moscow’s involvement. “Maybe there is no hacking,” he said during last week’s second debate with Clinton. Trump also contradicted Pence on Russia during that debate. Pence had said the United States should use military force in Syria if Russia continued air strikes to prop up President Bashar al-Assad, but Trump said he disagreed. The third and final debate between Trump and Clinton will be on Wednesday in Las Vegas. (Reuters)

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Broomes reaches out to Albouystown club

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 17, 2016

By Ariana Gordon

GIVING back to society has been a tradition of the Broomes family; so presenting items to the Ambitious Future Leaders Club -- a club for children and young adults of the Albouystown/ Charlestown area, operating out of Albouystown and run by Councillors for

wick -- is nothing new. Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, has presented a large quantity of items to this club. This was done on Saturday at the Carmel Secondary School. She told the Guyana Chronicle, shortly after handing over the items to Councillor Ferreira, that she and her children, and

the years been pooling their resources to give back to varying communities. Minister Broomes explained that communities are selected for assistance based on their needs, but she noted that there are people in need all across the country, and not only in depressed communities. According to the minis-

Hector Broomes, son of Minister Simona Broomes of the Ministry of Natural Resources, fits a shoe on the foot of a child at the Carmel Secondary School on Saturday Constituency 10, Malcolm Ferreira and Eston Bost-

friend Dawn Beckles who resides in Canada, have over

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, stands with one of the children from the ‘Ambitious Future Leaders Club’ on Saturday at the Carmel Secondary School

ter, the donation to children of the two communities came as a result of observing the work being done by the councillors. “I was looking at the work that Malcolm did, and I visited here before and saw the needs of the children in this community; so my family and friend Dawn, who lives in Canada, put our resources together and decided to make this contribution.” Broomes said that whenever there is a sale in North America, she and her children, and other relatives and friends, would purchase many things -- clothing, food, shoes, household supplies and toys -- and send them back to Guyana with the aim of distributing to those in need. “This family initiative has been going strong over a number of years, and it pleases my heart to see these young children smiling because they have something they can use. Often times we take for granted the circumstances (in) which some people live, and I believe giving back to those in need will help to enhance this nation.” Declaring that giving back is not limited to material things, the minister stressed that children are in need of

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mentorship, guidance and tutoring, and persons who have the requisite skills can contribute to the lives of the little ones. “Being a minister does not change my passion and my heart, and how I view circumstances,” she said as she expressed gratitude to God for allowing her to give back. “I thank God for His blessing, and He has blessed us so that we can bless other people,” she told Guyana Chronicle. Minister Broomes disclosed that she would be making additional contributions to the club to enhance the lives of the young people in the Albouystown/Charlestown community. Meanwhile, Ferreira told reporters that Saturday’s donation by the minister was not the first. She “secretly” contributed to the club’s August camp, he said. HAPPY “I feel happy, because many times these children don’t have certain things, and these are new stuff -- three full barrels. These are going to go a far way,” he said, as he looked at the many smiling faces. The councillor declared that the gesture by the minister allows for the children to “feel good about them-

Malcolm Ferreira making a point to Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, on Saturday at the Carmel Secondary School selves”, and he is pleased that the work he is doing in the community in which he grew up is being well received. “I am happy that persons are coming onboard with us…I want to thank everyone who donated…through the Broomes Foundation.”

He made it clear that the club is not only seeking material donations, but wants to lean on the experience of persons like Minister Broomes. “…teach them about self-esteem and See page 10

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Reflections on October 1953

THE month of October is a very important one in the annals of Guyanese and Caribbean modern political history. It was this month 63 years ago that the British colonial government landed troops in the then British Guiana to topple the first democratically elected government in the soon-to-be-independent country. Thirty years later the American government landed troops in Grenada to topple what was left of the first revolutionary government in the Anglophone Caribbean. In both instances, ideological considerations in pursuit of hegemony propelled the actions of the invaders. Conversely, in both instances, the independence of the Caribbean was questioned and assaulted. Guyana never recovered from that 1953 action and Grenada and the Caribbean have since 1983 lost part of its collective soul. In Guyana, the landing of British troops have had lasting consequences. The tenuous nationalist political unity disintegrated and despite efforts at repair work over the years, it has remained in a state of disrepair. The country’s politics since then has been perhaps the most acrimonious in the Anglophone Caribbean. Since the split of the nationalist movement along ethnic lines in 1955, the country has never regained a sense of shared nationhood which appeared possible with the victory of the original PPP at the first election under universal adult suffrage in 1953. The PPP of that time was a coalition of multi-ethnic elites who were able to construct a similar electoral support base among the mainly working people of the two major ethnic groups. Despite ethnic concerns, the party was able to win a majority of the popular votes and the parliamentary seats with the ethnic masses in some instances supporting candidates of the opposite ethnic group. It was a moment of hope that independence would be achieved against the background of a shared nationalism, but by 1955 that hope was dealt a fatal blow. The disintegration of the movement has its roots in the very historical evolution of the country—a history that is grounded in complexity. Since the arrival of Chinese, Portuguese and East Indians as indentured labourers in the wake of African Emancipation, there has been a dual praxis in Guyana. On the one hand, there has been the praxis of suspicion, discord and insecurity by the various groups born of the time and manner in which they arrived in Guyana. This praxis was quickly and firmly planted and naturally promoted and exploited by the colonial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 17, 2016

Empathetic communication a viable tool in suicide prevention Dear Editor, AS parents and teenagers usually do, a young lady had an argument with her mother. As the mother proceeded to verbally abuse her daughter (as far too any mothers do in such situations in nations such as Guyana), the daughter angrily exclaimed ‘Me feel fuh tek wan dose poison.” The mother responded, just as angrily, ‘Wait deh me go bring am.” This exchange exemplifies the communication that frequently takes place in relationships, and often leads to suicide. In effect, lack of empathetic communication is a huge factor in suicide, especially in Guyana. The fact is that empathetic communication is a great way to diffuse anger, create scope for dialogue and problem-solving and allow for mutual respect, understanding and trust. It enables each partner in a relationship to self-express in a context free from fear, threats and eventual violence. Empathetic communication is a way of listening and responding to another person that improves mutual understanding and trust. It enables the listener to receive and accurately interpret the speaker’s message/words, and then provide an appropriate, non-threatening, affirming response. Through empathetic communication the listener

lets the speaker know, “I understand your problem and how you feel about it. I am interested in what you are saying and I am not judging you.” The effects include building of trust and respect; reduction of tension/conflict; free exchange of information and a safe environment that is conducive to collaborative problem-solving. In using empathetic communication, the listener must be attentive, interested, alert and strive to create a positive atmosphere through non-verbal behavior, so that the speaker is neither afraid nor hesitant in communication. The listener must not discount the speaker’s feeling, interrupt the speaker unnecessarily, constantly give advice or lecture the person, criticise or condemn, but must display understanding and sympathy and let the speaker know that together the issues will be addressed. Far too often the language used has driven loved ones to acts of violence, especially suicide. It is time for Guyanese to realise that the right communication is so essential to protecting and fostering relationships and to ensuring that no one is driven to suicide. Whatever the issue, it must be dealt with in an atmosphere of care, concern, understanding and forgiveness. Given that the 15 to 25 age group has the highest

regime in the first years of the arrival of the so-called indentured labourers. On the other hand, there developed a praxis of solidarity and common resistance in the face of the viciousness of Crown Colony colonialism. As Walter Rodney’s History of the Guyanese Working People testifies, the groups found ways to overcome their insecurities. Since 1955, the two ethnic groups both at the level of the elites and the masses have displayed insecurities and fears. Except for a brief moment when Walter Rodney and his Working People’s Alliance (WPA) succeeded in crafting a multi-ethnic activist resistance against the Forbes Burnham government of that time, there has been a disinclination to embrace a common nationalism. The outcome has been disheartening. Unaccountable government, persistent economic stagnation and visceral ethnic discourses and narratives have been the norm. Yet both the idealists and the active politicians in our midst have continued to hold out hope that the country can rise above its ailment. The current government came to power as a result of a more ethnically diverse electoral base, but that has not spared it the mono-ethnic tag. The Leader of the Opposition has been outspoken about the ethnic base of its party’s support and the implications of that for the shaping of the party’s

suicide rate in Guyana and that this age group also is significantly affected by teenage pregnancy, rape, incest, increasing alcohol and drug use and physical and verbal abuse, it is critical that parents relearn use of language that would not alienate their teenagers, make them feel unloved and unwanted, make them act in anger and/or haste or make them feel alone and lonely. And while parents can and must draw on their own experiences as teenagers to better understand their own teens, they should not impose their views about how things should be, on their teenagers, since the issues parents faced when they were growing up and the environment of that time are not quite the same as what exists today. Most importantly, parents need to feel any pain and agony their children suffer and let them know that with their parents’ love, care and help things will get better, no matter what leads to the pain and agony. With respect to relationships, especially if pregnancy is involved, parents must reach out for assistance to ensure that their teenagers are safe. The bottom line is that everyone makes mistakes as part of the growing-up process. In fact, even adults continue to make mistakes. So when teens

make mistakes, parents and loved ones must understand that it’s not the end of the world. Life goes on and parents must first help their teenagers deal with the consequences of mistakes made, then help them learn from those mistakes and move on in life. And, when necessary, parents must reach for assistance if they feel that they are not fully capable of providing the help needed by their teenagers. In effect, when that teenager stated that she felt like taking a dose of poison, the mother should have taken a deep breath, rush to hug her daughter and lovingly caution her to never ever say something like that again. A follow up, “do you know how much we love you” would also have been the right words to add. Meanwhile, The Caribbean Voice and its partners strongly recommend that a module in empathetic communication be included at the Teachers’ Training College, be offered as an in-service programme for all current teachers, for all who man the social issues landscape, for all security personnel and all healthcare workers. The cost for doing this is negligible, whereas the benefits would be immeasurable. Regards, CARIBBEAN VOICE

interpretation of government’s action and policies. Similarly, African-Guyanese interest groups have been persistent in highlighting the group’s victimhood during the tenure of the PPP government. All of the parties have expressed some degree of commitment to genuine inclusive governance, but none has been able to move the process beyond rhetoric. Recently, the President in his address to Parliament put the issue once again on the table, but no sooner had the words left his mouth,than the Opposition Leader questioned his sincerity. Such retort is a code for disinterest. Similarly, the government has created a Ministry of Social Cohesion, but its work is hampered by the disinterest of the political opposition and the ministry’s own ambivalence about its mandate. In the meantime, Guyana continues to drift from moments of optimism to long seasons of alienation. The legacy of slavery and colonialism continue to take their toll on the country, which like others of a similar history has had to constantly withstand the challenges of a global order that still maintains the praxis of domination by the mighty. And the doom is heightened when the burden of ethnic discord is added to that reality.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 17, 2016

Trump’s crazy, hateful rhetoric an embarrassment to the U.S. people Dear Editor:

TO say that people around the world are looking at the U.S. presidential election campaigns with disbelief would be an understatement. Never before in the history of American presidential campaigning has one candidate so consistently offended so many, so profoundly, while displaying so little respect for women, children, immigrants, Muslims and others and with so little knowledge of the real issues which ought to be engaging his attention. This one candidate’s violent, misguided, untruthful, crazy and hateful rhetoric is an embarrassment to America. Should he win the November election it

would place America in a position where it would lose the moral authority to lecture other countries about moral correctness, women’s rights, religious tolerance and more. And while that candidate’s victory would demonstrate democracy at work, in that the people’s choice is respected, his victory would be a big blow to the democratic process itself. While it is perhaps good strategy for the Hillary Clinton campaign to allow the other candidate to self-destruct and implode, Mrs. Clinton and her team are continuing to focus on the real issues and are meeting with and addressing problems that confront the electorate, including diaspora communities. The

Caribbean Diaspora community included. Secretary Clinton has already outlined what would be some of her priorities for engagement with the Caribbean and its diaspora and continues to take on board new issues which are brought to the fore. Just last Friday, a high-level team of former U.S. officials familiar with U.S. policy toward the Caribbean and Latin America met with diaspora leaders to further discuss and take on board the views of the diaspora and the issues we need addressed when Mrs. Clinton becomes president in 2017. Friday’s meeting discussed a range of issues and recommended action regarding the Caribbean inclusive of Haiti, correspondent banking and climate

change. The Clinton campaign has accepted an invitation to participate in the second annual Florida Conference on Current Caribbean Issues: the Diaspora Discussion to be held this Wednesday and Thursday as part of the Florida International Trade Conference and Expo (FITCE). Representatives of the campaign will have an opportunity to hear experts discuss and offer recommendations on issues such as the impact of de-risking (correspondent banking) on the Caribbean; climate change and the impact of sea level rise; and barriers to trade and investment. These are critical issues for the Caribbean Diaspora and the Caribbean region since these negatively impact the

livelihoods of people both in the U.S. and the region. Against this backdrop therefore, please allow me a few lines Editor, to encourage your readers, especially those in the CARICOM region, to in turn encourage their families in the U.S. to register to vote and to cast their votes for Hillary Clinton. To your Caribbean-American readers in the U.S., I urge that you vote for Hillary Clinton. I know that the campaigns as reported in the media, especially television, have degenerated in recent weeks with little focus on the real issues. But please be assured that the real issues are being addressed behind the scenes by the Clinton campaign. I can’t speak for the other candidate.

Hillary isn’t perfect. None of us is. But she offers the best hope at this time for a secure future for ourselves, our children and our children’s children…. our hemisphere and our one world. And a special word to the CaribbeanAmerican community in Florida. Al Gore lost Florida and the presidency in 2000 by 537 votes. Every vote counts. As Gore said just last week at a rally in Florida, “elections have consequences’! Let’s ensure that the consequences of the 2016 elections are positive ones for us all. Our future is now in our own hands, let our hands be safe hands! Regards, WESLEY KIRTON

Public debate needed on UK greenheart ban Dear Editor,

THE Guyanese public has recently been inundated with the topical issue of theUK ban on Guyana’s premium species greenheart or as commonly known, Iron Wood. Greenheart has been traded on the international market for decades unhindered. It is an important species for the growth and development of the forestry sector and the Guyana economy as a whole. The recent attack against the government and the private sector (GMSA&FPA) by Dr. Janette Bulkan is utmost ridiculous. Her assessment and presentation on the matter are flawed and

does not have any scientific background or foundation. Rather, she uses the already scientific and published work of the GFC and renowned scientists and try to bore holes and criticise their studies rather than come up with her own work of findings. I would be happy to read and review some of her scientific work on core environment and forestry matters such as the growth and yield of greenheart, greenheart distribution, allowable cut, diameter sizes, canopy cover, soils etc.; her own work, not using other people’s work. Her continued attack on the government and private sector regarding this species is reckless and as noted above

very flawed and cannot stand up to any scrutiny. Guyana’s forest has been subject to many international and credible audits and has always been regarded as one of the best managed forests in the world. It’s surprising or just wicked that Dr. Bulkan is not aware of these or very conveniently puts on blinders to these credible international opinions on Guyana’s forest. She can’t be so naïve to think that Norway will pay Guyana U.S. $250M for a poorly managed forest. Her attack on Guyana’s forest not only damages overseas markets, but is an indictment on Guyana’s green economy plan and one of the brain child projects of

President Granger. Sustainable forest management is the core or foundation of a green economy. Dr. Bulkan’s attack on Guyana’s forest management system is therefore an attack on and disrespect to President Granger and the entire Guyanese people. What we are sure is that she is not a patriotic Guyanese who wants better for our people and children. She was an advocate for change, change has come and she continues to attack and disrespect the office of the president and the government. I wonder if she is upset at President Granger for not being considered for the post of presidential adviser on the environment

or adviser on forestry. President Granger is right in his wisdom not to appoint her in any top, key positions as we can see what she delivers. I call for a public debate on this greenheart matter, let Dr. Bulkan be invited to give presentations on her reasoning for the ban and let the GFC and private sector be allowed to do a similar presentation on the matter and let’s have an open public discussion on the matter. Let’s stop all the letter-writing and debate on the matter in the public. I am sure the GFC or the GMSA and FPA will be more than willing to facilitate this forum. Finally, Dr Bulkan’s illustration of black cake

is another example of her myopic vision on the topic. My grandmother used to make a good black cake. I still have friends who can make good black cake and offer Dr. Bulkan and her partner John Palmer to enjoy as they did with the water coconuts sitting in a hammock in the Waini village some years ago under the pretence of doing a crabwood oil management plan for the community. I am sure the people of Waini has more to say on Dr Bulkan and John Palmer holidaying in the Waini community. Regards, PETER PERSAUD

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 17, 2016

Future of coconut bright –– festival puts spotlight on country’s main non-traditional crop WITH activities beginning on the first ever coconut festival to be held here, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder believes that the festival is a “great opportunity to boost promotion of the coconut industry”. Globally, the value of and uses for coconut is on the rise and this is no different in Guyana as the country’s main non-traditional crop is being heavily marketed. The rising potential of the industry has also resulted in the Ministry of Agriculture contributing over $5M to the Coconut Festival which was recently held at Charity, Essequibo Coast. Speaking at the opening of a river parade and exhibition at the festival, the Minister of Agriculture reminded farmers that coconut is ranked number three after rice and sugar in relation to acreage cultivated and generates US$4.6M annually. “Coconuts are the main crop coming out of the Pomeroon region, with farmers cultivating over five varieties of this diverse crop. The National Agriculture

Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) is working to increase coconut productivity and production potential through rehabilitation and expansion of Guyana’s coconut production base,” the minister stated. He noted too that NAREI is continuing its advocacy for good agronomic practices, effective pest and disease management and better access to planting materials. The Ministry of Agriculture is collaborating with the Ministry of Business, the Department of Tourism and the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce for the Coconut Festival. Minister Holder urged those gathered to reclaim the title “Bread Basket of the Caribbean” while stressing that Guyana has started to and will persist in increasing agricultural production and exports. And in this, he said, coconuts play an increasingly important role. The parade and exhibition which forms part of the Coconut Festival was hosted by the Essequibo Chamber

Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder interacts with an exhibitor at the coconut festival at Charity, Essequibo Coast of Commerce at the Charity Market Square. It saw many organisations, comprising mostly agro-processors and patrons participating. Meanwhile, a statement

from the Ministry of Agriculture said the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (New GMC) continues to collaborate with processors to further develop value-added products from coconuts, while strengthening the value chain for products to facilitate linkages that will increase market demand. Essequibo Chamber of Commerce President Deleep Singh said the hidden potential of the industry is gradually unfolding. “As president of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce for the past six months, I have issued the call for this industry to be put to the front burner in the development

strategy for the country.” Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt said the event was “historic” and stressed that the coconut industry is one of the most important in the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region. “… I am sure that you all will agree that many more activities that can benefit the region is needed,” he stated. The Ministry of Agriculture was a prominent feature at the exhibition demonstrating the linkages of sister agencies to the coconut industry. The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) had on display the correlation between coconut products and dishes and rice while

the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) provided information relative to proper and enhanced drainage and irrigation when cultivating coconuts. Additionally, the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) displayed an array of products made from coconuts that were produced by the school while the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (New GMC), being the main facilitator of agro-processing in Guyana, sold a number of local coconut by-products. Other activities for the Guyana Coconut Festival are slated for October 21 to 23 at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.

Some foods made of coconut on display on Sunday at Charity Market, Essequibo Coast

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 17, 2016

PM calls for stronger relations with Spain

PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo has called for the strengthening and deepening of bilateral relations with the Kingdom of Spain. Speaking at a celebration in observance of Spain’s National Day -- Fiesta Nacional de Espana -- held at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) on Friday, the Prime Minister said Guyana’s relations with Spain dates back to October 12, 1979. “As you may be aware, Excellency, the Government of Guyana is keen on advancing economic diplomacy; and in this vein, we seek to engage friendly countries and our development partners…,” he said. The Prime Minister said Spain has played a meaningful role in its efforts to “contribute significantly to our national well-being”, particularly in the areas of training and rice project funding. In expressing gratitude to the Kingdom of Spain on behalf of the administration, Prime Minister Nagamootoo

said Guyana looks forward to enhancing its cooperation with Spain in the areas of trade, foreign direct investment, and

ana looks forward to the conclusion of our proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation, the

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo delivering remarks at Spain’s National Day celebration, on Friday at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) (Director of Public Information’s Photo) security, among other areas. He called on Spain’s Honorary Consulate here to “boost these bilateral efforts”. “The Government of Guy-

draft Agreement on Scientific and Technical Cooperation, and the Agreement for the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments between

‘Our children a top priority’ – Lawrence tells foster care training programme THE Child Care Protection Agency (CPA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection, on Friday hosted its Annual Foster Care Training Programme for current and prospective foster parents in Guyana. According to Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence, the initiative of the CPA programme is, through advanced training, to provide the best care for vulnerable children in Guyana. “The CPA foster care programme is a relatively new initiative aimed at providing family-based care as an alternative to institutional care to our vulnerable children. In fact, the agency firmly believes that family-based care will provide a nurturing and supportive environment that will cater for (children’s) special needs and promote their emotional and social development,” Minister Lawrence declared. She explained that the initiative is very important to the Government.

“Our children, to us as a Government, are our top priority. And it is our

seminar provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to standardize their operations and enhance the level of foster care provided. Facilitator of the training programme, Carol Trim-Bagot, a foster care parent, said the programme is dear to her, as the main focus is to reunify the children with their families. She has been in the programme for approximately 10 years. Probation and Social Services Officer Felina Maikoo told Guyana Chronicle that the annual foster care training programme Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence began in 2009, and over the years, many caregivers have been invited to the event. responsibility that they are This year, over 50 caregivplaced in a safe environ- ers from across the country ment, given the unique and have benefited. peculiar circumstances that In a September 21, cause their separation from 2015 publication in the their natural habitats.” Kaieteur News, titled The Social Protection “Children in foster care Minister said caregivers outnumbering foster parmust be conversant with ents”, it was stated that best practices and be in there is a need for more possession of the relevant foster parents, as the knowledge and skills. number of foster children She posited that the is outnumbering them.

Guyana and Spain; and to concluding the elimination of visas for diplomatic passports,” the Prime Minister added. The Prime Minister has also reminded of the many issues on the international agenda that are relevant to Guyana’s national interest -those that drive the country’s commitment to addressing issues of economic cooperation; climate change (Paris Agreement); the promotion of peace, security, human rights; and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. “I look forward to Spain’s continued support as well as (that of) our other international development partners, as Guyana stand resolutely against intimidation and bullies that aim to frustrate and stymie our national development, and threaten our territorial integrity,” he stated. The Prime Minister said Guyana remains committed to the rule of law, international peace and security, and international co-operation among partnering states.

Victims fight off bandits –– one apprehended, another escapes

ONE of two bandits was apprehended after a botched robbery at a Chinese Restaurant Saturday night in Parfaite Harmonie, Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara. Police press officer, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan said about 23:30 hrs, the 48 and 46-year-old victims were at the Jods Chinese Restaurant when the unmasked suspects, one armed with a handgun pounced and relieved them of their valuables, including a wallet and an undisclosed amount of cash. During the episode the robber with the gun discharged a round and a scuffle ensued with the victims. In the tussle, the magazine of the firearm fell out and was retrieved by one of the victims. At that stage, the suspect with the gun threw the weapon to the other suspect who caught same and escaped, but he was not so lucky since he was firmly held and handed over to the police who arrived promptly on the scene. The wallet with the cash belonging to one of the victims was found in possession of the 23-year-old suspect who hails from Middle Street, La Penitence, Geogetown. Police said diligent efforts are being made to have the other suspect arrested while commending the acts of courage and bravery displayed by two victims. Police have launched as investigation into the matter.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 17, 2016

The day my whole life changed – a true story

I WAS sick in bed with fever when my classmates were writing their mock common entrance exams. The house was empty, my mother had gone to Watumaka market to sell and my grandfather was working in the village nearby. I slept and then awoke, feeling a little better so I went to the washroom, which was outside, to urinate. On returning to the house I took a drink of cool water from the pipe and also patted some on my hot forehead and then I made my way back to my room. No sooner had I entered when someone pushed me from behind on to the bed and jumped on top of me. I was screaming, shouting, crying and

fighting with all the energy I had, but he pinned me down. He was bigger and stronger than me; I could barely breathe. He put his big rough hand over my mouth and turned me over and in one quick motion he pulled up my nightdress and raped me. I remember the hot pain searing through my body from my head right down to my toes, I was screaming, stop, stop this, stop, help, somebody help me… as the hot tears overflowed from my eyes and the pain continued in every part of my body. And still I protested no, no, no, no, help me…. but no one could hear me, my pleas were muffled by the fingers of his big rough hand over my mouth: the hand of my Uncle Mikey.

New GPC yet to honour 2011 contract ––Auditor General’s Report

MILLIONS of dollars in drugs and medical supplies are still to be supplied, years after they were procured by the Health Ministry, the Auditor General has revealed in his 2015 Report on the Public Accounts of Guyana. It was disclosed that the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC) was still to deliver drugs and medical supplies valued at $11.863M for the year 2011. Additionally, six other suppliers had failed to deliver drugs and medical supplies totalling $114.002M for the year 2012. However, amounts totalling $98.750M were delivered during 2015, resulting in a balance of $15.252M being outstanding as at September 10, 2016. The trend continued in 2013. According to the Auditor General’s Report, amounts totalling $435.344M were paid to 21 local and overseas suppliers for the delivery of drugs and medical supplies in 2013, but as at September 10, 2016, only $264.848M in goods were delivered. “The outstanding goods, valued at $75.453M, were due to eight suppliers not fully honouring their obligations,” the Auditor General

explained. Additionally, in 2013, New GPC Inc. was awarded 10 contracts with a total value of $2.374B, of which freight charges totalled $180.496M. However, the company has failed to comply with the contractual agreement in its entirety. In September 2015, goods valued at $136.637M were still outstanding in relation to two contracts. However, goods valued at $91.640M were supplied to the Health Ministry, resulting in outstanding deliveries of $44.997M still to be supplied. National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) approvals were seen for procurement of drugs and medical supplies in 2014, but no NPTAB approvals were seen for the New GPC. Payments totalling $975.591M were subsequently made to 29 local and overseas suppliers, but as at September 10, 2016, drugs and medical supplies totalling $26.133M were still outstanding. “The Ministry sought and was granted a waiver by NPTAB, on 25 February 2015, to award a contract to New GPC Inc. in the sum of $14.572M for drugs and medical supplies, (which) were supplied during (the period) April to December 2014

to the Materials Management Unit (MMU), Kingston. However, it could not be determined who (had) authorised the supply of the drugs and medical supplies,” the report pointed out. However, further documents revealed that the drugs and medical supplies were purchased for Government officials whose identities were not disclosed. Insulin, Chlorophan Expectorant, One Touch Ultra, infusion sets with needles, Go-Diovan, Coreg, blood pressure apparatus, Allegra and other miscellaneous drugs and medical supplies were among the items procured for Government officials. “In addition, audit checks revealed that the receipt and issue of these drugs were not recorded in the records of MMU, Diamond,” the report said. It noted that the auditor could not have determined the propriety, accuracy and/ or validity of the amount expended. In all of the instances where drugs and medical supplies were outstanding, the Audit Office recommended that the Public Health Ministry take immediate action to have contractors fulfill their contractual obligations under contracts awarded to them.

I don’t remember a lot after that, maybe I passed out. My head felt heavy and dizzy when I awoke and my bed and nightdress were in a mess. I tidied myself the best I could, but I could barely walk, I was feeling a lot of pain in my private parts and my head was spinning. I remember thinking, I had been raped, I heard people talking about rape and I had seen it on the television but now it had happened to me. My uncle raped me, uncle Mikey, my mother’s brother, sneaked in the house and raped me. What should I do? Who should I tell? Will they believe me? Will they blame me? I bet uncle Mikey will say it’s not true and I am making it up. He will call me a liar and say he wasn’t in the house. What kind of person would do such a horrible thing to a small child like me? I now going to write common entrance, I am not a woman, I am a child.

I am always trying to do the right things, good things for my family and now I am worthless. No one will love me any more: not my mother, nor grandfather and I can never get a husband when I grow big. Everyone will hate me; my school friends will think I am dirty. My mother came home to find me asleep huddled up in a ball on her bed; she shook me awake and sent me back to my bedroom. I didn’t say anything, but as I entered my room, my tears began to flow like a fountain and I fell to the floor sobbing loudly in the doorway. (The names and locations have been changed to protect identity) Part Two next week If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the Childcare and Protection Hotline on 227- 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com

Broomes reaches out ... From page 5 so on,” he remarked. Meanwhile, asked to comment on police raids, which according to some residents take place often in the Albouystown/Charlestown area and negatively impact children, Ferreira gave a studious response: “I was raised in Albouystown, I have seen the police in action many times, I have seen police that are quite friendly to residents, some that are unfriendly…. For a little child, you want to pull into a shell; when you see the police, you believe it is time for you to run.” WORKING WITH POLICE He noted that to change the children’s perception of police, the Ambitious Future Leaders Club has teamed up with the Guyana Police Force through the IMPACT Albouystown, Charlestown project. “We intend to let the police understand that the residents view them a certain way…let the residents understand that sometimes it is better if you start building relationships with those police… We cannot fight against the law with brute

Overseas-based Guyanese Dawn Beckles force and ignorance; we are going to lose all the time.” Through such programmes, he wants to see the police reaching out to the children by lending a helping hand. “We could have police serve in the community in terms of reaching out to children…driving around with sweets and treats, as opposed to children seeing the police with guns; or else we are setting up ourselves for disaster.” Meanwhile, Bostwick,

who has partnered with Ferreira, told reporters that the aim of the club is to “ultimately make Constituency 10…become a tourist-attractive community.” “That is why we are working with the children; because we’d be able to change the culture of the children… Ultimately, we will change the community and make it conducive for any tourist to want to be present,” he told Guyana Chronicle.

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Agriculture indispensable

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 17, 2016

–– Nagamootoo says food security must not be sacrificed for oil wealth

By Shauna Jemmott PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo has said Guyana must not sacrifice food security for oil wealth, and he has urged farmers to remain in farming and embrace diversification. At the opening of a World Food Day Exhibition and Fair at the Mahaicony Community Centre Ground on Sunday, the Prime Minister said that although Guyana’s economy is expected to have a massive boost when the oil industry begins real work, if handled wisely, the agriculture sector

but deficient in food security; and now experiencing chaos and suffering from the steep drop in oil prices on the global market. “Our neighbour to the west is a sad and tragic case in point, where there are daily scrambles and even mini-riots for food and even toilet paper… They’re scrambling for food, but they are rich in oil,” he said. In order to avoid that plight, he said, more Guyanese should embrace agriculture, making it a full-time and not part-time job. “We must put our available

aqua-culture farming. Nagamootoo says diversification would ensure that Guyana remains competitive in the sector and again become the “trail blazers” in the Caribbean. He has also appealed to farmers to explore agro-processing, even while Government seeks to transform the rice and sugar industries through investments from both foreign and local investors. The Prime Minister says that as a result of his recent visit to India, an exploratory team from that country is expected here soon. Govern-

Prime Minister Nagamootoo samples foods on display at the exhibition

Visitors examine local products on display at one of the booths at the exhibition can also become a greater income earner. Facing the challenges of climate change, the world is seeking ways in which sustainable agriculture can be explored in order to boost food security, he said. The theme for the United Nations World Food Day this year is “Climate is changing, food and agriculture must too”; and Prime Minister Nagamootoo has said that in order to honour the desire for change, Guyanese must “diversify within the agricultural sector”, in order to ensure food security. “Oil wealth is good and welcome, but we must not sacrifice food security for oil wealth. There are countries today that are rich in oil but are importers of food and also water,” he told the large gathering. Nagamootoo highlighted the plight of neighbouring Venezuela, a country rich in oil

lands to better use, and apply scientific methods to boost greater yields…. We need to be more creative and adapt new varieties of seedlings and plants, and apply relevant technology to boost output…. We must open up new lands on our fertile coastlands and inland areas, which will allow for tens of thousands of acres of new agricultural projects by large-, medium- and smallscale farmers,” the Prime Minister urged farmers. Praising the efforts of some entrepreneurs, he said that in recent times Guyana’s farming community has shown great pride in what it has produced, with labels such as “Grown in Guyana” now giving way to “Made in Guyana”, with sale and export of coffee, wines, packaged fruits and spices. While rice and sugar are the traditional agriculture produce, the country has seen efforts to diversify through increased livestock and

ment’s discussion with the team will include investing in transforming Guyana’s rice sector. The sugar industry, which is in ruins, is still on life support, and can also be saved only through diversification, Nagamooto said. In his address to Parliament last Thursday, President David Granger outlined his vision for Guyana’s food security, which included the development of a more diversified and climate-resilient agriculture sector. The President also spoke about plans for major agricultural expansion projects in the inland regions through the introduction of mega-farms, and has named the Rupununi Savannahs as one of the target areas. Such expansions are expected to provide a great number of jobs for Guyanese, and to make Guyana a world leader in food security, Nagamootoo said.

A section of the gathering at the opening of the World Food Day Exhibition and Fair at the Mahaicony Community Centre Ground on Sunday

Prime Minister Nagamootoo listens carefully as an exhibitor makes a point to him

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 17, 2016

Greenidge off to Uzbekistan –for Islamic bloc meeting By Ray Chickrie

THE Foreign Minister of Guyana, Carl Greenidge, is off to Tashkent, to attend the 43rd Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting, which begins on Tuesday in Uzbekistan. In Tashkent, Greenidge will work to solidify ties with the 57-member bloc of the OIC amidst growing tension with Venezuela over a century-old territorial dispute between the two neighbours, and especially after a recent mega oil find off the coast of Guyana, which Caracas is claiming. Greenidge will also push Guyana’s economic agenda at the meeting. It is not certain if Greenidge will deliver a statement to the gathering and raise the Venezuela issue. Venezuela has a handful of

friends at the OIC, like Iran and Syria. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro was last week in Turkey, where he held bilateral talks with the leaders -- two economic heavyweights of the OIC, Turkey and Azerbaijan. Many OIC members, and especially small Gulf States like Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Kuwait, may not know of the intricacies of the Guyana/ Venezuela controversy. Guyana can easily sway them on its side, especially because they are vulnerable to larger and ambitious neighbours, some with whom they have outstanding territorial disputes. Rarely does Guyana send a high-level delegation to such a meeting. This is clearly an indication from Georgetown that a serious intention is underway to engage the 57 Afro-Arab and Asian bloc of

mostly Islamic countries. Besides, Greenidge has hitherto engaged mostly English-speaking African and Commonwealth countries in his efforts to expand Guyana’s global diplomatic outreach, and may now be looking to use the multilateral forum of the OIC to engage members of East and Central Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

SEVENTY per cent of the youths in villages across Guyana who are participating in the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme have already received stipends, with the exception of those in Regions Seven and Eight. Youths and facilitators from

Regions Seven and Eight will begin receiving their stipends in the coming days, a release has said. The outstanding stipend of $20.8M for youths and facilitators from Region One is available, and will be paid during this week. According to Programme

Coordinator Murray Greenidge, teams are currently in Regions One and Nine completing the first payment tranche of stipends. This timely initiative has, to date, made remarkable strides in meeting its desired goals in spite of a few teething problems which have caused some delay

RELATIVELY UNKNOWN Due to Guyana’s sporadic participation in the OIC since its membership in 1998, Georgetown still remains relatively unknown to the group. Moreover, Guyana does not have diplomatic ties with many French-speaking African countries of the OIC, like Benin, Chad, Cameroon, the Comoros, Gabon, Guinea Bissau, the Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania, Togo, Tu-

Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge nisia and English-speaking Sudan. Greenidge, in speaking about the thrust of his ministry to increase Guyana’s global diplomacy, said, “We would have drawn to their attention the various challenges we have; what our plans are as regards UN; our expectations, what arrangements we would like to have with them in terms of economic

diplomacy, and what types of cooperation we would want to have with them in terms of educational cooperation, cultural exchanges, the sale of products, opening of markets. And in all those cases, we did agree to establish joint commissions.” High on the agenda of the 43rd CFM are the issues of Syria; Palestine; terrorism; Islamophobia; economic and social issues such as poverty and education; and more trade and commerce between member states. In this regard, Uzbekistan, soon to be chairman of the bloc, is calling for improved “mechanisms of cooperation to expand mutually-beneficial trade and investment among OIC states, and with other advanced countries of the world,” says Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Komilov. This is of particular importance to Guyana, which last week hosted a delegation from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), an organ of the OIC. Greenidge will use the forum to market

Guyana, and expand and diversify its economic partners. Guyana joined the Islamic Bank earlier this year. The foreign ministers of 26 member countries have officially confirmed their attendance, and the meeting will be attended by OIC Secretary General Iyad Amin Madani, who visited Guyana and Suriname this past September. President of the Islamic Development Bank Group, Bandar Hajjar, and representatives of a number of international organisations will also participate in the 43rd OIC CFM. The theme of the meeting, “The education and enlightenment – path towards peace and creativity,” resonates with Uzbekistan’s glorious past in such fields as architecture, science and math; which is why Tashkent wants to use its chairmanship of the group to focus on strengthening the education, scientific and cultural-humanitarian potential of the OIC. (Caribbean News Now)

Over 60% of HEYS participants paid in terms of payment of stipends. Despite the delay, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs continues to receive full support from the Ministry of Finance in giving the programme priority. Close to 2000 youths and 400 facilitators nationwide are involved in the HEYS Programme. The Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, who also has direct responsibility for youth empowerment, continues to encourage youths

moreso Indigenous villages and communities, is imminent. Participants are engaged in six core courses, namely capacity-building, life skills, entrepreneurship, eco-tourism, agriculture, and the flagship course: concentrated language experience. They are also exposed to a number of vocational skills, not limited to carpentry/ joinery, garment construction, auto-mechanics, masonry, cake decorating/catering, electrical installation, craft and information technology.

its members, and given full support. The Hinterland Employment and Youth Service, one of a number of initiatives of the Granger-led coalition to stimulate economic impetus and personal and professional development among youths who may be disadvantaged due to geophysical challenges beyond their control, was launched in October 2015. It was piloted in six villages in Region Eight, and then rolled out in 106 villages across all 10

Participants of the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme are happy at being paid to embrace opportunities the programme has created, since it seeks to pave the way for economic and social development. During last month’s Heritage Celebrations in Hururu Village in Region 10, the minister said “your vision” must be clear, and the incumbent Government has created that enabling environment where development in all villages and communities across Guyana,

Just over $977M has been approved by the David Granger-led Administration to execute the HEYS Programme, intended to give youths a second chance at numerous opportunities available. Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, continues to play a key role at the level of the Cabinet in ensuring this initiative is embraced by all

administrative regions. Most of the villages are almost at the halfway mark of the programme duration, and participants have expressed great enthusiasm and satisfaction with the quality of training received so far. Young males and females between the ages of 16 and 35 have hailed the programme as a fulfilment of the promise of a “good life”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 17, 2016

Men hired to torch Gafoors –– suspect reportedly told investigators

INVESTIGATIONS into the fire that gutted a Gafoors bond last Monday seem to be making headway as a suspect held by police has reportedly told investigators that a Georgetown businessman hired the men to set the blaze. The fire completely destroyed Bond Six of the Houston, East Bank Demerara complex, which was rebuilt to the tune of US$2M and was stocked with some US$2M in stocks at the time of the fire. The bond went up in flames the first day it was reopened after it was destroyed in a blaze on May 9, that threatened to devour the entire complex. The suspect, who gave a statement at the Ruimveldt Police Station, allegedly told police that the two men who

work for the businessman were paid and he wanted some of the money because he knew of their plan. The suspect was caught at 2:00 am Sunday morning in the Gafoors Compound by the company’s security. Under interrogation, the man reportedly informed investigators that the two men managed to set the bond ablaze. According to a source close to the investigation, the man explained that the two men gained access to the Gafoor’s compound using a boat they boarded at the Meadow Bank Wharf. The men then traveled and docked under Gafoor’s wharf at the rear of the complex and gained access to the complex at the back of the building by climbing onto a canopy.

Once they reached their target, the men reportedly sprayed gasoline through the southern vent before lighting the building on fire. Gafsons Industries Executive Chairman Sattaur Gafoor had revealed that a US investigator will soon arrive in Guyana to fully investigate the circumstances under which the fire occurred. “There is too much at stake, we have lost profits for this pe-

riod 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. For so many years, we have never had a problem, why now are we having all these problems,” a composed but tired Gafoor had said. The businessman told

Firefighters battling the blaze at Gafoors’ Houston Complex last Monday Guyana Chronicle that he believes the fire is very unusual and 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.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 17, 2016

New school for Number 36 Village – thanks to Nand Persaud and Company Limited

By Nafeeza Yahya RESIDENTS of Number 36 Village, East Berbice, Corentyne, are thrilled that the community will soon have a new building to house a nursery and primary school. A contract was recently signed for the construction of a new nursery school at Number 36 Village, Corentyne. This new development was made possible after Managing-Director of Nand Persaud and Company Limited, Mohinder Persaud, donated the plot of land, just over an acre in size, for the construction of a new school building and playfield. Memorex Construction has been awarded the $30M contract for the construction of the two-storey building. The upper-flat of the building will house the pri-

mary school, while the lower will accommodate nursery pupils. Construction is to begin within two weeks and should be completed within six months. The modern building will be adequately furnished with a library, information technology lab, canteen and sick bay. Additionally, the school will be constructed with differently-abled children in mind. Currently, the Number 36 Village nursery and primary schools are housed in a church building that is rented and is in a deteriorating state. Regional Executive Officer (REO) Kim Stephens said the school initially had a population of approximately 130 students; however, that amount has increased by 25 per cent, thereby making the current location overcrowded.

Meanwhile, Mohin Persaud, one of the directors of the Nand Persaud Group of Companies, said he was approached by Regional Vice-Chairman Dennis Deroop who pleaded with him for the land. It was after much persuasion by Deroop that the land was donated by Persaud. “I wasn’t too interested in speaking with the Vice-Chairman about the land, but he was very persuasive and managed to convince me to give this plot of land. After hearing of the troubles of the school… I decided to make this donation for the benefit of all,” Persaud told the Guyana Chronicle. Additionally, Persaud said many of his family members had attended the school and views the gesture as giving back to the community.

Regional Executive Officer of Region Six, Kim Stephens, signs the contract for construction of the school in the presence of Regional Engineer Roopesh Persaud and Regional Education Officer Valika Jaikishun. Also in photo are staffers of Number 36 Nursery and Primary schools

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 17, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 17, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 17, 2016

ARIES Although you seek stability today, you may discover that you’re standing on shifting sands. You might believe what you hear until you realize something is amiss. It seems as if reality is slipping out of your grasp and you’ll try anything to get to the truth. Even if you’re enjoying the perspective of having your head in the clouds, it’s still a smart strategy to balance your dreams with a healthy dose of pragmatism. TAURUS Relationships are not simply about getting your needs met now; they are about the profound impact that you have on others and how you are, in turn, affected by their stories. However, you must be careful about making incorrect assumptions based upon your interpretation of what they tell you today. The Moon’s current visit to your no-nonsense sign is a blessing that enables you to untangle your achievable goals from the distractions of your fantasies. The distance between your dreams and reality is called action. GEMINI Maintaining consistency in your actions isn’t easy today as you vacillate between your need for privacy and your desire for attention. The Moon’s visit to your 12th House of Privacy reveals the value of escaping from people and responsibilities so you can recharge your batteries. Nevertheless, you are also motivated to creatively reveal what’s in your heart and you naturally want others to acknowledge what you express. Fortunately, you are quite skilled in shifting mental gears between these two approaches. CANCER You are in tune with your network of associates today and are blessed to receive their ongoing support. Fortunately, your sensitivity to your colleagues’ talents makes you a respected teammate. However, your lack of boundaries could drain your energy if you don’t pay attention to your limits. Believing in others who don’t live up to their promises can cost you precious resources, so don’t make any commitments without further research. If you remain realistic, success could be within easy reach. LEO Solid information is coming your way today, requiring you to assimilate what you learn into your current beliefs. Although you try to discern the most important facts, a foggy Sun-Neptune connection can lead you to overlook significant details or ignore sound advice. No matter how far you wander off track, remember to adjust your course on a regular basis so you don’t go too far out of bounds. Nevertheless, remember that dreams become reality when you put your heart and soul to it.

Jamaicans have mixed views on Review Commission By Ravin Singh in Jamaica JAMAICANS have expressed mixed feelings about the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Review Commission established by Jamaica’s Prime Minister to evaluate that country’s participation in CARICOM, among other things. According to CARICOM, the commission will among other things, evaluate the benefits of Jamaica’s participation in CARICOM as it relates to economic growth and development; analyse CARICOM’s performance against the goals and objectives outlined in the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and identify the causes of the shortcomings; assess the value of Jamaica’s membership in CARICOM -its influence in critical international fora

for Jamaica to remain part of a group that does not advance its interest?” he asked. In relation to dispute settlement, Malika Smith, a vendor, said that Jamaica has been on the receiving end of unfair treatment by CARICOM countries, while the regional body has failed to sanction those countries. She specifically referenced the prevailing popular belief in Jamaica that Jamaicans travelling in the Caribbean are subjected to discrimination; particularly in Trinidad and Tobago. DENIED ENTRY Last year, approximately 320 Jamaicans were denied entry into Trinidad and Tobago and according to the Jamaican Government, this was a figure which they believe is of significant concern.

VIRGO You are safe to go ahead with your plans today because even your most outrageous ideas are likely grounded in reality. However, your friends may confuse you with their perspectives because they take your good ideas and blow them out of proportion. If you listen to others now, you may become so confused that you lose track of your own priorities. Trying to force an answer to an unclear question will only make matters worse, so let the energy settle back down on its own before you make any commitments you can’t take back. LIBRA You may be confused by coworkers who complicate your life today when the Libra Sun misaligns with irrational Neptune in your 6th House of Employment. Inspiring connections are wonderful as long as you realize that what you’re hearing may be pipe dreams. Nevertheless, you aren’t likely to be deceived because your reality filter is strong enough now to compensate for any mixed messages you receive. Be ruthless when eliminating bad ideas, but hold onto those that have even a hint of potential; maybe one of them will make the difference that could change your life. SCORPIO Your logically sound disclosure could be entirely misconstrued today as illusory Neptune distracts others from your true message. You may jump through hoops in order to get people to understand what you’re saying, but your efforts may be for naught. However, the upside of your current journey is that it helps you organize information in ways that could make an impossible dream come true. Remember, your truth doesn’t have to be describable to have personal meaning for you. The best answers lie within and can’t always be put into words. SAGITTARIUS Your visions of a better tomorrow exacerbate your natural tendency to overlook the details. Your spirit soars when dreamy Neptune connects with the radiant Sun in your 11th House of Long-Term Goals. However, you could lose sight of practical considerations in a fog of fantasies that leads to a costly decision, possibly even making you look foolish. Enjoying delicious moments of escape is delightful as long as you don’t build your entire future on them. Luckily, the no-nonsense Taurus Moon enables you to cut through the veils of illusion, enabling you to see the simple facts. CAPRICORN You want to believe that you’re the master of your own destiny and able to delay gratification in order to accomplish your goals. But you worry about deviating from the facts when a whimsical Sun-Neptune configuration warps your sense of proportion. It’s true that making important decisions is tricky today because your sense of reality is bent out of shape by your creative dreams. Nevertheless, it’s still wise to give your inner child permission to play without fear or guilt. The emotional territory you explore now could change your life for the better. AQUARIUS Your horizons grow wider today and your professional aspirations lead you further than before. Starry-eyed Neptune’s awkward alignment with the Sun in your 9th House of Higher Truth could have you chasing unicorns, falling for someone’s sob story or spreading yourself too thin. It’s wiser to let go of those illusions that impede your progress than to hold on to an unreachable dream until you’re exhausted. Recognizing the difference between a passing fancy and an enduring passion will help you step back from plans that have little likelihood of fulfilment. PISCES Psychic connections and imaginary conversations can seem so real today that you mistake them for the truth. Although you could get lost in believing a daydream, you are blessed with the skill and the stamina to separate fantasy from reality. Don’t try to overcompensate by putting on a false air of authority or making impractical promises. Although you’re tempted to brush reason aside now, doubters won’t respect your ideas unless you back them up with solid data. As Fran Tarkenton said, “Ignoring facts does not make them go away.”

and with third-state trade and development partners; and assess whether the CARICOM dispute-settlement provisions provide realistic options for settlement of disputes for Jamaica. Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, who launched the commission in June, said that it was not established to chart a path out of CARICOM for Jamaica. “We cannot preempt what the commission will say, but it was never the intention to lay any groundwork or chart any path out of CARICOM. This is about strengthening Jamaica’s position within the regional integration process, which is absolutely important for Jamaica’s economic growth and development for the next 50 years,” the prime minister had said at the launch. Although many Jamaicans were reluctant to comment on the issue, largely due to their lack of knowledge, others were eager to share their thoughts. Among them was Deon Johnson, a marketing executive who believes that CARICOM has put a strain on Jamaica’s resources, since it has to support the regional body. He said that Jamaica, being outside of the bloc, is likely to record greater economic growth since the objective of fairness is not being realised in the region. “Jamaican businesses are disadvantaged in CARICOM markets and it is quite evident from reports. And if we look at Jamaica, we will even realise that Trinidad and Tobago has an unfair advantage in the Jamaican market. These issues, among others, which puts Jamaica in a disadvantaged position have still not been addressed by CARICOM. So why really is there a need

Earlier this year too, there were several reports of Jamaicans being denied entry into the same country which released statistics this year indicating that there are more than 20,000 Jamaicans living in the twin-island Republic illegally. And with CARICOM not being able to fully address this issue, Smith said she is not sure of the purpose of the regional bloc. However, this negative view of CARICOM is not one shared by all Jamaicans. Gwen Moore, a student at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus believes that CARICOM has been slow in achieving its objectives, but has still been able to record notable successes. “If we look at education in the region, we can say that CARICOM has been able to develop an internationally-accredited certification for education (Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate). We can also look at free movement in the region where Caribbean nationals do not need a visa to visit other countries. That alone is a great achievement, outside of the minor hiccups which will be experienced at some point in time,” the UWI student said. Moore contended that some people have been too negative about CARICOM as a regional body, and this has overshadowed the successes of the regional bloc. As such, she believes Jamaica needs CARICOM just as much as CARICOM needs Jamaica. Jamaica was the first to leave the West Indies Federation, and when it did so, the federation collapsed. “As the first Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Eric Williams said, ‘One from ten leaves naught.’ We ought to learn from that,” Moore said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday October 17, 2016

Audit report flags sloth in clearance of cheque orders

CHEQUE orders, required to be cleared within 16 days of their issuance through the submission of bills and/ or receipts and other supporting documents, take an average of 45 days to be cleared in Region Six. This is according to the 2015 Auditor General’s Report, which pointed out that as at July this year, 294 cheque orders, valued at $155.2M, remained outstanding for the years 2010 to 2015. As a result of this situation, the Auditor General said, it cannot be ascertained whether the region received full value for all sums ex-

pended. The region, for its part, has said it is making every effort to locate all prior outstanding cheque orders by compiling a list of all present and former employees who signed to uplift the orders, so that they can advise the administration on the whereabouts of those cheque orders, in order that they can be cleared. In an effort to address the problem, the Audit Office has recommended that the Region Six Administration renew its efforts to have these outstanding cheque orders cleared, and submit the nec-

essary documentation to the Audit Office for verification. The Region Six Administration is also still to recover overpayments made on 14 contracts for the years 2010, 2011, and 2013 and totalling $9.2M. The region has indicated that apart from writing the contractors, several meetings were held with them, at which they were admonished to refund the overpaid sums. No refunds have as yet been received, and the regional administration is looking at the possibility of withholding payments to contractors who have not yet settled their indebtedness.

… takes 45 days to be cleared in Region Six

The Auditor Office is urging Region Six to put systems in place to avoid a recurrence of the current situation. The Audit Office has also noted that the contract for the construction of the Outpatient Department Building, phase two at the New Amsterdam Hospital, has been awarded in the sum of $7.9M to the sixth of seven lowest bidders. “There was an approved variation of $1M, giving a final project cost of $8.2M against the engineer’s estimate of $8.9M. As at December 2015, the contractor

was paid in full. At the time of the physical verification, the works were deemed completed; however, the final payment vouchers were not seen,” the Auditor General pointed out. Because of this situation, payments made could not be correlated with the measured works, to determine whether or not the total payment for actual works completed was fair and reasonable. In addition, it was noted that the scope of works was significantly altered after the award of the contract, result-

ing in ceiling works, electrical installations, painting and finishes, tiling and internal panel doors not being completed. “We were advised that other works were completed instead; however, no verification orders or approvals were seen,” the Auditor General said in his report. He recommended that Region Six seeks the necessary approvals before variations are made, since variations result in significant changes in scope of work from the original contract signed

Monday October 17th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Tuesday October 18th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Wednesday October 19th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 17, 2016

Bishoo re-routes Pakistan (ESPNCricinfo) - A 16-wicket day brought the Dubai day-night Test to life as Pakistan’s 400th Test swung one way and then the other. After Yasir Shah’s three wickets - which brought him a five-wicket haul and his 100th Test scalp - helped Pakistan secure a 222-run first-innings lead, Devendra Bishoo hit back with a career-best 8 for 49 to skittle Pakistan for 123 and leave West Indies with an outside chance of victory. We s t I n d i e s l o s t Kraigg Brathwaite early in their chase of 346, before Leon Johnson and Darren Bravo shared a 60-run stand to lift the team. But Johnson’s late dismissal and Marlon Samuels’ early struggles

against the legspin of Yasir served as a reminder that West Indies still have an uphill task on the final day. Having declined to impose the follow-on, Pakistan chased quick runs and lost two early wickets before tea. Sami Aslam and Babar Azam added 57 off 70 balls after the interval to steady the innings and swiftly build the lead. But Bishoo then benefitted from some ambitious shots, and some good, spinning deliveries to rip through Pakistan, taking seven of the eight wickets that fell either side of the dinner break. With the score at 77 for 2 and the lead at 299, Azam played a loose cross-batted shot onto his stumps off Bishoo. Aslam played

a late cut into the hands of Jermaine Blackwood at first slip and Misbahul-Haq was bowled after missing a slog sweep. The left-handed Mohammad Nawaz shouldered arms to his third ball, only to see a fizzing leg break cannon into his off stump. When Wahab Riaz miscued a slog sweep to Brathwaite at deep midwicket, Bishoo had his sixth of the innings. Jason Holder then had Yasir caught and bowled off the last ball before dinner. Bishoo wrapped up the innings within five balls of the resumption, getting Sarfraz Ahmed stumped, before hitting Mohammad Amir’s middle stump, his fourth bowled dismissal of the innings. That capped a collapse of eight wickets

for 46 runs. Bishoo’s plunder and Pakistan’s slump still left West Indies with a daunting target, but they could hardly have dreamed of a better outcome at the start of the day. Day four had begun much as day three had done - with an early wicket for Yasir. A very full leg break pitched just in line with the stumps and spun in before hitting the batsman’s pads. Dowrich had played across the line and missed. Bishoo and Holder then survived a stern short-ball examination from Amir and Wahab, putting on a 21-run stand that raised West Indies’ hopes of extending their resistance. That was not to be - Yasir got through Holder’s defences with a tossed-up googly and then bowled Miguel Cummins with a big-spinning leg break that evaded the batsman’s

wild swipe. That was Yasir’s 100th Test wicket, in his 17th match, making him the joint-second fastest bowler to the mark. Nawaz finished the job in the next over. It had taken Pakistan just 14.5 overs to take the remaining four wickets, bowling West Indies out

for 357. While a wicket-filled day brought West Indies back into the match, they will require the balance to shift back in favour of the batsmen if they are to score the 251 more runs needed for victory on a fifth-day Dubai pitch.

SCOREBOARD S. Aslam c Blackwood b Bishoo 44 Az. Ali lbw b Gabriel 2 A. Shafiq lbw b Bishoo 5 B. Azam b Bishoo 21 Misbah-ul-Haq b Bishoo 15 S. Ahmed st Dowrich b Bishoo 15 M. Nawaz b Bishoo 0 W. Riaz c K. Brathwaite b Bishoo 5 Y. Shah c&b Holder 2 So. Khan not out 1 M. Amir b Bishoo 1 Extras (b-10 nb-2) 12 Total (all out, 31.5 overs) 123

J. Holder 4 - 0 - 12 - 1 West Indies 2nd innings (Target: 346 runs)

Bowling

M. Amir 8 - 1 - 26 - 2(w-1) So. Khan 2 - 1 - 4 - 0 Y. Shah 13 - 2 - 40 - 0 M. Nawaz 4 - 1 - 7 - 0 W. Riaz 4 - 0 - 13 - 0(nb-2)

S. Gabriel 7 - 1 - 23 - 1(nb-1) M. Cummins 7 - 0 - 29 - 0(nb-1) D. Bishoo 13.5 - 1 - 49 - 8

K. Brathwaite b Amir L. Johnson lbw b Amir Da. Bravo not out M. Samuels not out Extras (lb-5 nb-2 w-5) Total (for 2 wickets, 31 overs)

To bat: J. Blackwood, R. Chase, S. Dowrich, J. Holder, D. Bishoo, M. Cummins, S. Gabriel Bowling

Marquez seals third MotoGP title with victory in Japan

(BBC) - MARC Marquez sealed his third MotoGP world championship by winning the Japan Grand Prix on Sunday. The Spaniard finished

the 24-lap race in 42 minutes 34.610 seconds, 2.992secs ahead of Andrea Dovizioso and 4.104secs ahead of Maverick Vinales.

His nearest challengers in the title standings, Yamaha pair Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo, both crashed out. Honda rider Marquez,

23, is the youngest man to win three premier class world championship titles. “It was difficult to concentrate [after Rossi and Lorenzo crashed out],” said Marquez. “ I a m r e a l l y h a p p y. Really happy with my team.” There are still three races to go this season, starting with next weekend’s Australian Grand Prix.

Seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi began Sunday’s race 52 points behind Marc Marquez Marquez began the race from second on the grid behind Italian Rossi, with last season’s champion Lorenzo also starting on the front row. It was the latter who seized control in the early stages before Marquez overtook him on the fourth

lap. With 19 laps remaining, Rossi’s challenge was ended as he slipped on the tarmac at a hair-pin bend on turn 10. Lorenzo would follow him out of the race with five laps to go as he also slipped on the track, this time at the V-shaped left-handed turn nine. This left Marquez to go on and claim the race and the title.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday October 17, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: 365*-Gary Sobers (Sabina Park, 1958) 337 (vs WI, Barbados, 1958) Today’s Quiz: Which two made their Test debut against Pakistan? Wayne Daniel, Joel Garner, Colin Croft, Malcolm Marshall, Winston Davis Who were the captains involved in the WI/PAK Test series in the Caribbean in 1977? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

6 47 26 4 12 95

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Tyson Gay’s daughter killed in Kentucky

(BBC) - FORMER world champion sprinter Tyson Gay’s 15-year-old daughter has been killed in a shooting incident in the US state of Kentucky, police say. Police in Lexington said Trinity Gay was hit in the neck during an exchange of gun fire between the occupants of two vehicles in a restaurant car park. She was taken to hospital where she later died, local media reported. Mr Gay, who is from LexTyson Gay and his daughter Trinity Gay ington, confirmed her death to so confused. She was just It’s so crazy. I have no idea local TV station Lex 18. “She didn’t make it. I’m here last week for fall break. what happened,” Lex18 quot-

ed him as saying. Mr Gay is the US 100m record-holder and is the joint second-fastest 100m runner of all time, behind Usain Bolt. The US track and field athletics team tweeted its condolences, sending “thoughts and prayers” to Mr Gay and his loved ones “as they mourn the tragic & senseless loss of his daughter, Trinity”. Mr Gay’s daughter was also an athlete and competed for Lafayette High School, where she was studying.

“A life of such potential cut so tragically short,” tweeted Julian Tackett, commissioner of the Kentucky High School Athletics Association. Other athletes also tweeted their condolences. Police have launched a murder investigation into the shooting, which happened at about 0400 local time (0800 GMT) outside the Cook Out restaurant in the city, Lexington police said in a statement. Witnesses reported an exchange of gunfire from

two vehicles:a gray Dodge Charger and a dark-coloured sports car with tinted windows. Ms Gay was taken to University of Kentucky hospital in a private car. Officers located the Dodge Charger and detained two people for questioning but were still searching for the other vehicle, police said. Tyson Gay was part of the US 100m relay team at the Rio Olympics. In 2013 he tested positive for a banned substance and was banned from competition for a year.

Kohli coasts India to victory (Reuters) - INDIA’S Virat Kohli continued to torment New Zealand with the bat, hitting an unbeaten 85 to secure a six-wicket victory with nearly 17 overs to spare in the first one-day international at Dharamsala on Sunday. India’s bowlers laid the foundations for a comprehensive win when they dismissed New Zealand for a meagre 190 inside 44 overs but the chase, at one stage, looked far from a cakewalk. Ajinkya Rahane (33) and Rohit Sharma (14) put on 49 runs for the opening wicket, but New Zealand did not throw in the towel, reducing India to 102-3 in the 20th over. Kohli, whose double century in Indore helped India complete a 3-0 whitewash in the test series against the Kiwis, then added 60 runs with ODI skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (21) to take the game away from the tourists.

Virat Kohli punches the ball onto the off side, India v New Zealand, 1st ODI, Dharamsala, October 16, 2016©BCCI his own bowling but spilled

The duo went about accumulating runs with a mixture of caution and aggression. Dhoni was run out after an almighty mix-up but Kohli

stayed put, before sealing the win with a massive six off Ish Sodhi. Kohli’s 81-ball knock also included nine boundaries. Trent Boult had a chance to catch Kohli, then on 60, off

Sagan pips Cavendish for world title (BBC) - Britain’s Mark Cavendish finished second as Peter Sagan won a sprint finish to retain his title at the Road World Championships in Doha. Slovakia’s Sagan, 26, beat 2011 champion Cavendish after a 257.5km (160 miles) race as Belgian’s Tom Boonen, who won the 2005 title, came third. Sagan, who in July won the points jersey at the Tour de France for the fifth successive year, timed his sprint for the line to perfection. “I don’t believe it, I’m still in shock, “ said Sagan.

“I’m very happy because in the crosswinds I was the last to make it into the lead group. “It felt a bit like a headwind at the finish so I had to go from a long way back in the sprint.” Cavendish had followed Sagan but his sprint was checked when he was caught behind Australia’s Michael Matthews. “I am just disappointed I messed up tactically,” Cavendish told BBC Sport. “I came with so much speed and power. I wanted to be on Peter’s wheel. I knew the Norwegians

would hit out early into the headwind and I knew Sagan would just get the right wheel and I could float off him. “I told Adam (Blythe) to come with a few hundred metres to go and when he came alongside, it spread everyone and everyone jumped and I had nowhere to go. “The hard thing was losing Luke Rowe to a puncture which would have given us three in the front and he would have been valuable at the end. I am just going to have to settle for another second this year.”

the ball.

Earlier, Tom Latham’s unbeaten 79 and Tim Southee’s maiden half-century helped New Zealand recover from 65-7 to reach 190 before the tourists were all out in the 44th over. India had flexed their spin muscles in the preceding test series but it was their pacemen who blew away the Kiwi top order on Sunday after Dhoni elected to field. Hardik Pandya (3-31) made an eventful start to his one-day career, conceding three boundaries in his first five deliveries before dismissing Martin Guptill (12) with the sixth. He and Umesh Yadav (2-31) combined to reduce New Zealand to 48-5 in the 13th over before the spinners joined the party.

Off-spinner Kedar Jadhav dismissed Jimmy Neesham and Mitchell Santner off successive deliveries and leg-spinner Amit Mishra (349) sent back Doug Bracewell to leave New Zealand tottering at 106-8 in the 32nd over. Yadav dropped Southee (55) when on two, and the batsman made the most of the reprieve, smashing three sixes in his 45-ball cameo as he and Latham added an innings-high 71 runs for the ninth wicket to lend some respectability to the score. Latham’s unbeaten knock included seven boundaries and a six. The teams travel to Delhi on Thursday for the second ODI of the five-match series.

Munster Rugby coach Foley dies suddenly in Paris

MUNSTER Rugby head coach Anthony Foley has died suddenly at their team hotel in Paris. Foley,42,died overnight at the Paris hotel where Munster were staying prior to Sunday’s scheduled game against Racing 92. The European Champions Cup game has been postponed following the former Ireland international’s death. A statement by the Irish Rugby Football Union said: “The IRFU and Munster Rugby pass on our deepest sympathy to all of Anthony’s family and friends.” It added: “We ask for

Anthony Foley privacy for the family at this sad time.” Foley is survived by his wife,Olive,and three children.

Foley, whose father Brendan also played for Ireland, made 201 appearances in the back row for Munster in a playing career that spanned 13 years. He made his debut in 1995 against Swansea in the province’s first match in the Heineken Cup - a competition in which he would later captain his side to victory in 2006, having twice finished as a runner-up (in 2000 and 2002). He would also captain Ireland three times in winning 62 caps, having made a try-scoring debut in the Five Nations defeat by England in January 1995.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 17, 2016

Onkar Singh-cricket commentator with a difference By Frederick Halley ONKAR Singh is a cricket commentator with a difference. He’s not heard on radio or television but his on-the-spot coverage of both hard and softball cricket has caught the attention of many over the past 16 years or so, prompting him to describe himself as “the pioneer of on-field coverage.” It all started as a fun when his team, New York X1, were booted out of the 2000 World Cup softball tournament in Florida. According to the Guyana-born Singh, who now resides in Albany, New York, for the fun of it, he picked up a mike on the sidelines and started to describe the action on the field of play.

Onkar Singh Singh explained that after a few minutes, he ceased the commentary but upon doing so was accosted by former Guyana and West Indies player Faoud Bacchus as to why he had stopped. This, accord-

ing to Singh, inspired and prompted him to continue, signalling the start of what is still a rewarding part-time career. To date, Singh, who told Chronicle Sports that he idolizes fellow Guyanese Joseph “Reds” Perreira, has been a constant performer mostly at international softball games in New York and Florida and has also featured at two Guyana Softball Cup in his homeland. He’s also likely to be a part of the upcoming Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) sixth tournament, set for November 4-6 next. Singh is however not confined to softball and has also done some hard ball matches in North America, including

the West Indies Legends versus New York Legends which featured former players like Alvin Kallicharran, Gordon Greenidge, Gus Logie, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Pedro Collins and Bacchus. Pointing out why he’s an ardent fan of Perreira and patterns himself after the legendary Guyanese commentator, Singh pointed out that his (Perreira) description of on-field plays is unmatched. Prior to migrating to New York in 1996, Singh was no slouch in the cricket arena in Guyana, having represented Georgetown and subsequently Demerara in the Inter-county Under-19 tournament, playing alongside the likes of former West indies player Carl Hoop-

er, former Guyana wicker-keeper Sheik Mohamed, fast bowler Linden Fraser, Shivnauth Seeram and Anil Solomon,among others. His role in the team was that of an off-spinning all-rounder. Singh also spent three years in Trinidad and Tobago, representing Crampton Cricket Club in the first division competition where his teammates included former West indies players Ian Bishop and Phil Simmons. In 1989, Singh turned his attention fully to softball cricket, playing exclusively for Durban Cricket Club alongside Wayne Jones and the late Benegal Singh, two players he opined as the most complete batsmen in softball cricket. He rates a nine-wicket haul and an

innings of 49 not out among his best performances for Durban. Work commitments have severely curtailed his ability to play softball cricket in New York but Singh nevertheless still competes in the Over-40 division occasionally. He previously played for Lords Cricket Club in Queens, New York,and he is credited with slamming two centuries and several half-centuries.He also skippered the Demerara (New York) Inter-county team to three consecutive championships. Born and raised in Campbellville, Greater Georgetown, Singh attended Redeemer Lutheran School and Indian Education Trust College,which was subsequently renamed Richard Ishmael Secondary School.

next year in England. West Indies moved to 22 points, and is second to Australia, reigning 50-Overs World champions; who have already clinched one of the qualifying spots with 30 points. England is now in third with 21 while New Zealand is fourth on 20. Taylor topscored for West Indies with a match-winning 84,which was embellished with two sixes and six fours off 128 deliveries. Her batting brilliance also inspired her partners,especially opener Shaquana Quintyne, who contributed 41 (1x6 and 2x4s off 72 balls); and Merissa Aguilleira, who slammed a quickfire 32 that was studded with four fours off 33 balls. Together,they carried the attack to the English bowlers and posted decent partnerships that allowed the homesters to grab the initiative. Taylor shared a 69-run second wicket partnership with Quintyne and then added 36 for the third with Deandra Dottin who made 18 (2x4s off 18 balls). Quintyne departed at 81 for 2 in 23.2 overs while Dottin exited at 117 for three in 30.1 overs.

The 25-year-old talented Taylor chalked up her 25th Career ODI fifty and with Aguilleira,carried West Indies to 162 for 4 in 39.5 overs. The WI captain added a further 31-run for the fifth wicket with Britney Cooper who made nine.She missed getting her sixth ODI career century when she offered a catch to Heather Knight.However,West Indies were well-placed at 209 for six in 47.6 overs. Shemaine Campbelle (9 not out) and StacyAnn King (9 not out) pushed the total to 223 to complete the 50-overs innings. In reply, openers Lauren Winfield and Tammy Beaumont laid the platform for England to have a great chance to win the match and seal the five-match series win with one match still to be played on Wednesday at the same venue. Together,they attacked all the West India bowlers and posted an enterprising 95-run first wicket partnership in 19.1 overs. And it took the effort of Taylor to check the English momentum when she accepted a stinging return catch offered by the aggressive Beaumont who

made 57. Winfield was joined by her captain Heather Knight and they posted 38 for the third wicket when Winfield was the first of five run-outs in the England’s innings which went into decline after being ahead of the required run rate. Winfield was run out by Afy Fletcher for 51 while Knight contributed 36,as the remaining batters wilted under pressure and attempted suicidal singles only to find the West Indian fielders as deadly accurate as they can be and effected four more run outs. England lost all ten wickets for an addition of 84 runs and their innings closed at 181 all out in 44.2 overs, with 34 deliveries to spare. It was an exciting victory for the West Indians who fought bravely and never doubted themselves that they can beat the English women again as they did in the second ODI at Trelawny Stadium, Florence Hall last week. The fifth and final match on Wednesday will be the decider. West Indies should be the more buoyant outfit following their impressive showing yesterday.

West Indies Women Vs England Women Taylor sparks WI Women to victory in 4th ODI

...level series 2-2 with 42-run victory By Brij Parasnath

SKIPPER Stafanie Taylor produced a magnificent allround performance and led the West Indies Women team to a heart-warming and fighting 42run victory over their English counterparts,in the Fourth ODI contested at Sabina Park, Jamaica,yesterday. Taylor led by example and batted with great patience and skilful execution as she led West Indies to the highest score of the series- 223 for 6 in 50 overs. And despite a troubled left leg when she suffered cramps while batting, Taylor rose to the challenge and registered probably the greatest all-round per- England Wicketkeeper,Amy Jones,watches formance ever seen in Women’s on as Stafanie Taylor drives off the back-foot. ODIs. She topscored with 84, (Photo by WICB Media/Athelstan Bellamy) then grabbed three wickets (3 for an impressive victory over their dies levelled the series 2-2,and 22) and took two catches off her much-highly rated rivals. collected two important points own bowling. Taylor deservedly was voted which pushed them back into Additionally, Taylor featured “Player of the Match” for her second spot in the ICC Chamin two of the five run outs when sterling contributions with both pionship title race and closer to England were restricted to 181 bat and ball. one of the three other qualifying all out in 44.2 overs and allowed With the victory, West In- berths for the ICC’s World Cup the West Indian team to celebrate

Eastman out-foxes Williams in tense...

From back page

Anderson Sports Hall where Williams got off his saddle and attacked. Thinking that he had the race covered, Williams decided to coast home,not knowing that the ‘sharking’ Eastman was on his back tire. Eastman on the other hand capitalized on this, jumping

Williams who failed to respond and in the process carted off the once of raw gold. The winner will have to divide his spoils with his team mates (approximately nine persons), while Williams received $70,000 cash which he does not have to share as he had no teammates to lend assistance. Eastman’s time for the event was three hours 09 min-

utes 17 seconds,during which he also won a prime prize worth $1000; Williams also picked up one. Shaquille Agard placed third and won one prime, while Raul Leal, Stephano Husbands, Junior Niles, Christopher Holder and Paul Cho-Wee-Nam occupied the other top five places respectively. Raphael Leung, Husbands,

Niles, Holder and Cho-WeeNam also won one prime each. Niles, by finishing sixth overall, was the first veteran under 45 years of age to cross the finish line and so won that category ahead of Cho-WeeNam and Stephen Fernandes respectively. Leung was the first junior to cross the finish line, while Jernel Yearwood, Christopher

Cornelius and Andrew Hicks placed second, third and fourth respectively. While the seniors, veterans under 45 and the juniors turned back at Dora, the veterans’ overv 45 years as well as the juveniles and mountain bikers turned back on the first hill pass the Splashmin’s Fun park.Andre Spencer was the first over 45 years cyclist to finish.Sec-

ond was Kennarl Lovell, while Amrit Sankar finished third. In the juvenile category, Mario Ellis won ahead of Ronaldo Narine. The other two juveniles who started the race failed to finish. Julio Melville was the winner of the Mountain Bike category. Second was Oziah McxAulley and placing third was Keon Thomas.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 17, 2016

Gymnasium undergoes ‘face-lift’ Guyana strikes gold in Barbados

-“not just for IGG” says Director of Sport By Daniel Haynes WITH the Inter Guiana Goodwill Games beginning on Friday, the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue is undergoing some upgrades. The upgrades are similar to the ones the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall underwent when Guyana hosted the U-16 Caribbean Basketball Championships in July of this year. When asked about the upgrades, Director of Sport,Christopher Jones,commented that they were not just for the upcoming games but extended far beyond the one event. “I am opening the space outside and making it more user friendly even if it’s for persons to go around trot,

walk around or just exercise in the space and we’re opening up the space too.” Jones also said that it was(his hope)that the works served as a reminder to the Administration that he submitted a proposal to them for the remodeling of the Gymnasium space. “We could do a lot more with the space and after the administration sees the work that has been done I hope there could be an allocation in the budget next year for more work to be done.” The works,however,have sparked questions centered on if the upgrades are just for show. Jones was quick to answer those questions,stating that a protocol for maintenance was being drawn up. “We would have estab-

lished a protocol in terms of the administration of the facilities, one was done during the CBC games for the sportshall and one is being done for the Gymnasium.” The works on the Gymnasium will also tie into the Government’s initiative to incorporate sport in schools. According to Jones, “There are several schools within Georgetown which do not have sufficient space for P.E, so by cleaning and opening up the Gymanisium, it provides that space for schools within the catchment area to utilize for their P.E programs.” The first games on the schedule to be played at The National Gymnasium are male and female Volleyball,to be played on Friday from 13:00 to 17:00hrs.

A two-man team representing Guyana caused pandemonium in Barbados Saturday night when the Barbados Boxing Association hosted a Tri-Nation tournament in St Michael. Guyana’s bantamweight champion Clairmont ‘Kartel’ Gibson was in scintillating form as he dazzled his opponent,Ajayi Jones,in the final to return home with the Best Boxer trophy. Meanwhile,compatriot Jason ‘AK 47’ Barker riddled Barbadian,Choyo Field,in the first round to win by TKO within one minute. Barker is the national Heavyweight champion The team was accompanied to Barbados by Coach,Adrian Thomas,and returned to Guyana yesterday afternoon.

Exterior works being done.

L-R coach of the team Clairmont Gibson, Adrian Thomas, Acting Deputy Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels and Jason ‘AK 47’ Barker at the Grantley Adams airport

Guyana strikes gold in Barbados (See Story on page 27 )

Bishoo routs Pakistan (See Story on page 24 )

Misbah-ul-Haq was bowled attempting a sweep shot against Devendra Bishoo, Pakistan v West Indies, 1st Test, Dubai, 4th day, October 16, 2016 ©Getty Images

Devendra Bishoo is all smiles after his eight-for, Pakistan v West Indies, 1st Test, Dubai, 4th day, October 16, 2016 ©AFP

5th Mohamed Kadir Ounce of Gold cycle road race…

Eastman outfoxes Williams in tense finish By Michael DaSilva

T

Winners of yesterday’s 5th Mohamed Kadir ounce of Gold cycle road race (Samuel Maughn Photo)

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

EAM Coco’s Hamza Eastman outfoxed Continental Cycle Club’s Geron `The Lone Soldier’ Williams to win the 5th Annual Mohamed Kadir cycle road race yesterday and in the process was rewarded with the ounce of raw gold first prize. The event which was organized by the Flying Stars Cycle Club and which started on Homestretch Avenue just after the official 07:30hrs starting time,saw the more than 50 entrants sticking together for almost the entire race. Several attacks were launched by members of the various teams and on each of these attacks, Williams was the one that responded, in the process bridging the gap between the attacker and the

main chasing bunch. In the end, the bridging by Williams took its toll on his legs as he failed to respond to Eastman’s final attack in the homestretch, approximately 100 meters from the finish line. After the race, Williams told Chronicle Sport he was fatigued coming to the finish because of all the work he did during the course of the 80-mile event, which wheeled off from Homestretch Avenue, proceeded to Dora on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway and returned to the place of origin for the finish. Throughout the entire journey, there was never one serious break and after the bunch turned onto the Homestretch Avenue for the finish, they were still together until in the vicinity of the Cliff

see page 26 MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016