Guyana chronicle e paper 17 12 2016

Drug court coming Page

9 –– as Guyana launches 4-year drug master plan

No. 104768

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016

UN rules

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

–– One more year for Good Offices process

–– ICJ if mechanism fails

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2&3

–– Gov’t hails decision as a fitting advance

––Guyanese urged to support process

Outgoing UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

Guyana, Suriname to strengthen ties

President David Granger (l) escorting Suriname’s President Desi Bouterse (R) on Friday after he arrived at the Eugene F. Correria International Airport, Ogle amidst a heavy downpour.

(Adrian Narine photo)

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Fuel smuggling rampant at Eteringbang

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A fitting advance

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 17, 2016

––Gov’t hails UN’s decision, urges Guyanese to support process

THE Guyana Government last evening hailed the decision by the United Nation to give its Good Offices process one more year to resolve the decades-old border controversy between this country and neighbouring Venezuela.

THE United Nations (UN) Secretary-General has decided that Guyana and Venezuela are to return to the Good Officers Process for another year with the hope

of the two countries coming closer to a resolution on the ongoing border controversy.

Outgoing Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, has indicated that based on the various assessments done over the years, a return to the Good Officers Process is the best option at this point. Guyana has since indicated its acceptance of the decision of the UN Secretary-General.

“The Secretary-General has engaged in intensive

efforts to find a way forward that would be most conducive to finding a solution…

On the basis of that stocktaking, the Secretary-General has reached the conclusion that the Good Offices Process will continue for one final year, with a new Personal Representative of the Secretary-General (PRSG) with a strengthened mandate of mediation, who will be appointed by the Secretary-General-designate

shortly after he takes office,” a statement from the Secretary-General’s Office stated.

Additionally, the Secretary-General has stated that should there be no progress within 2017, then the new Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will choose the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as the next means of settlement.

In a statement government said a new point of promise “in our relations with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has been reached.” “It has long been the accepted position of all Governments in Guyana that the best means of settlement of our controversy with Venezuela should be a reference of it to the International Court of Justice. We consider that controversy to be essentially a legal question and one eminently susceptible to a legal process of settlement,” the GoG statement said.

According to Guyana there can be no higher tribunal for this purpose than the International Court of Justice (on which once sat our own distinguished son Mohammed Shahabuddeen) to determine this matter on a definite basis. “The Secretary General of the United Nations acting under the

Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge 1966 Geneva Agreement has informed the President of his decision to give the ‘good offices’ process one last period of twelve months, that is to the end of 2017. If, at the end of that period, the Secretary-General concludes that significant progress has not been made towards arriving at a full agreement for the solution of the controversy, he will choose the International Court of Justice as the next means of settlement, unless the Governments of Guyana and Venezuela jointly request that he refrain from doing so.”

Government said it accepts the decision of the Secretary General. “We stand committed to using our best endeavours to fulfill its highest expectations. The Government will be writing formally to him as well as to the President of Venezuela to indicate our acceptance of this decision.

We believe that, in taking this decision, the Secretary General has remained loyal to the sacred mission of the United Nations to uphold the law and maintain the peace between nations – small and large,” the statement added.

Guyana said it will do everything in its power to ensure that the UN SG’s expectations, and those of his successor to whom the mandate of implementation now falls–as well as our expectations are fulfilled. “The Government calls upon all Guyanese to support the process that now lies ahead in the confidence that it will lead to a just and binding resolution of the discords that have plagued our development for so long. It is a fitting advance in this fiftieth year of our independence. May God continue to bless our nation in this noble cause,” the statement ended.

Craig, Vieira sowed seeds of discord at GNBA -Prime Minister slams members over character attack FORMER Chairman of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA), Leonard Craig, and director, Anthony Vieira, helped sow seeds of discord among members of the board, a Commission of Inquiry into the affairs of

that body,has concluded. And Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has expressed regret over the attacks against the good name and integrity of members of the board.

In a statement from his office, Nagamootoo said that Cabinet has given the green light for him to act upon the

findings of the inquiry into the allegations made against certain members of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA). The inquiry was headed by Major- General (Rtd.) Joseph Singh, MSS. One of the findings is that Mr. Leonard See page 3

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Good Officers Process –– International Court for another year of Justice if process fails

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 17, 2016

THE United Nations (UN) Secretary-General has decided that Guyana and Venezuela are to return to the Good Officers Process for another year with the hope of the two countries coming closer to a resolution on the ongoing border controversy.

Outgoing Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, has indicated that based on the various assessments done over the years, a return to the Good Officers Process is the best option at this point.

Guyana has since indicated its acceptance of the decision of the UN Secretary-General.

“The Secretary-General has engaged in intensive efforts to find a way forward that would be most conducive to finding a solution…

On the basis of that stocktaking, the Secretary-General has reached the conclusion that the Good Offices Process will continue for one final year, with a new Personal Representative of the Secretary-General (PRSG) with a strengthened mandate of mediation, who will be appointed by the Secretary-General-designate shortly after he takes office,” a statement from the Secretary-General’s Office stated.

Additionally, the Secretary-General has stated that should there be no progress within 2017, then the new Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will choose the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as the next means of

settlement.

“If, by the end of 2017, the Secretary-General concludes that significant progress has not been made to-

Guyana has long contended that the ICJ is the only option available to bring finality to the border controversy as the Good

Secretary- General. We stand committed to using our best endeavours to fulfil its highest expectations.”

Indicating its intention to

Flashback! United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (centre) shares a three-way handshake with President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela (left) and President David Granger of Guyana at the United Nations headquarters, New York, in September 2015. (UN photo) ward arriving at a full agreement for the solution of the controversy, he will choose the International Court of Justice as the next means of settlement, unless both parties jointly request that he refrain from doing so.”

Officers Process had been exhausted.

However, on Friday night, in a statement to the media, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said “The Government of Guyana accepts the decision of the

formally write the UN Secretary-General and the President of Venezuela, Nicholas Maduro, to indicate “our acceptance of this decision”, the Guyana Government said it believes that in taking the decision, the Secretary-Gen-

eral has “remained loyal to the sacred mission of the United Nations to uphold the law and maintain the peace between nations – small and large.”

Guyana has also committed to doing “everything in its power to ensure that his expectations, and those of his successor,” are fulfilled.

“The Government calls upon all Guyanese to support the process that now lies ahead in the confidence that it will lead to a just and binding resolution of the discords that have plagued our development for so long. It is a fitting advance in this 50th year of our independence,” the statement said.

Guyana had approached the outgoing Secretary-General of the UN to act in accordance with his obligations under the 1966 Geneva Agreement — to choose another means of settling the border controversy between the two countries, in accordance with Article 33 of the UN Charter, noting that the Good Officers Process was unsuccessful and the only course of resolve is the ICJ. “We have exhausted all other courses, the one that is left is to go to the courts, and this is what we expect the Secretary-General to do,” President Granger had said.

Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General’s decisions has been discussed with Secretary-General designate Guterres who is in agreement with them. Both the outgoing Secretary-General and

his designate have applauded Guyana and Venezuela for addressing the controversy through peaceful means and have committed to seeing the resolution of the controversy between the two countries.

The United Nations Secretary-General noted that just before Guyana became an independent state some 50 years ago, the two countries signed the Geneva Agreement with the aim of amicably resolving the controversy that had arisen as the result of Venezuela’s contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899 about the frontier between Venezuela and what is now Guyana is null and void.

“Within the framework of the Geneva Agreement, a Good Offices Process under the Secretary-General has been in place for the last 25 years in order to find a solution to the controversy. This process has so far involved three Personal Representatives of the Secretary-General (PRSG). In spite of these efforts, it has not been possible to bridge the differences between the parties,” the United Nations Statement said.

A trilateral meeting with Presidents David Granger and Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela was held in the margins of the UN’s 70th General Assembly, after which the Secretary-General dispatched several high-level missions to both capitals and held meetings at the highest level with both parties.

Craig, Vieira sowed seeds of discord ...

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Craig be relieved of his position as GNBA Chairman.

The Prime Minister was in the process of notifying Mr. Craig of Cabinet’s decision, when he received an email dated 16th December, in which Mr. Craig tendered his resignation as GNBA Chairman, with immediate effect. In accepting his resignation, the Prime Minister expressed disappointment that Mr. Craig has taken no responsibility for his role in attacks on the char-

acters of two members of the board, namely, Messrs.

Victor Insanally and Anthony Vieira. Upon receipt of Maj-Gen Singh’s report, the Prime Minister had caused copies to be laid in Cabinet for its consideration. He also served copies on the chairman and members of the GNBA board, and circulated same to the media.

In the absence of the chairman and one member, the Prime Minister met with other members of the GNBA board, who ex-

pressed their lack of confidence in the chairman.

Based on the findings of the Singh inquiry, the Prime Minister communicated to board members the following: -that the characters of board members, Mr. Insanally and Mr. Vieira, were impugned by public statements attributed to GNBA Chairman, Mr. Craig; that the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana disassociates itself from those statements and accepts

the inquiry’s finding that, on the evidence, neither of the two members was found to be dishonest or corrupt; that further, the conduct of the chairman and one other member, Mr. Vieira, contributed to divisive and hostile relationships at GNBA, which tended to bring the Authority into disrepute, and for which Mr. Craig ought to be relieved of his post as chairman and Mr. Vieira be reprimanded.

In the premises, and in view of the resignation

by Mr. Craig, the Prime Minister expresses regrets over the attacks against the good name and integrity of Messrs. Insanally and Vieira, and sincerely thank them both for their selfless contributions to the work of the GNBA in particular and to broadcasting/communication in general.

The Prime Minister also feels that Mr. Craig is an invaluable intellectual asset who had accepted nomination to the GNBA with enthusiasm and commitment,

but had unfortunately mishandled inter-pers o n a l re l a t i o n s w i t h other colleagues. The Prime Minister wishes Mr. Craig success in his post-graduate studies in the People’s Republic of China. The Prime Minister looks forward to further engagement with the remaining members with a view to expeditiously re-constituting the GNBA board, and looks forward to their cooperation to bring this about.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 17, 2016

Parfaite Harmonie Primary students receive bicycles - As President Granger’s 5Bs initiative expands

STUDENTS of Parfaite Harmonie Primary School benefitted from the distribution of 25 bicycles by Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally, on Friday.

The distribution of the bicycles falls under President David Granger’s Boats, Buses, Bicycles plus Breakfast and Books (Five Bs) programme to ensure access to a good education for children across the country.

A statement from the Ministry of the Presidency said the bicycles were distributed at a Christmas party held at the Den Amstel Community Centre, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three).

“You know that our President has promised a good life for all of Guyana and I want to say to you Region Three, that we have been doing a lot of work with you in this region. We have been here.

We have given a bus to this region for schoolchildren.

is going to make a big difference [to our lives] because the distance from school to walk… she normally complains and I normally carry her bag and I’ve noticed that the bicycles have baskets, so that will help to carry her bag,” she said.

This little girl smiles for the camera after receiving her Christmas present from Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally as the others queue up behind her.

0908: Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally (centre), and the latest batch of recipients of bicycles under President David Granger’s Five Bs programme, on Friday at the Den Amstel Community Centre. Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Ms. Annette Ferguson, and Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Jaipaul Sharma, are also pictured.

We have given bicycles and we have visited many of your communities… That is all in preparation for you to enjoy the good life,” Minister Ally said.

Monique David, the mother of a six-year-old student who received a bicycle, expressed her gratitude for the initiative, noting that she has had often had to walk her daughter to school or travel by taxi. “I’m happy that they recognise that the students from the Parfait Harmonie community need bicycles, because some of them live very far, so I’m very thankful for this initiative… Indeed it

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Over 400 children from Stanleytown to Parika received toys and other goodies at the Christmas party. Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, and Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, also helped to distribute toys and feted with the children.

Other attendees included Member of Parliament, John Adams; Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikaran; Regional Councillor, Kathleen Armstrong; and District and Community Development Officer, Deon Gould.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 17, 2016

Experts make ‘slow, steady progress’ on safe seafood policies BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Dec 16, CMC – Caribbean fisheries experts have ended a two-day meeting expressing optimism that slow but steady progress had been made towards introducing region-wide laws, rules and regulations intended to make Caribbean fish and seafood ready for world trade and Caribbean tables.

The experts, drawn from fisheries, legal affairs, food health and safety and standards agencies across 10 countries of the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM), discussed model legislation, protocols and guidelines for health and food safety related to fisheries and aquaculture. During their meeting that ended here on Thursday.

“Still a long way to go but making progress,” said the executive director of the

Belize-based Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), Milton Haughton. fishingHaughton said that following the workshop the draft model legislation is to be reviewed, and followed by another round of consultations held with stakeholders and a legal team before it can be finalised and submitted to regional policymakers for consideration.

While not offering a timeline for the implementation of the legislation he stressed that improved standards and systems for sanitary and phytosanitary standards (SPS) in fisheries are critical to the region socially and economically.

“We will reap good economic benefits when we have stronger systems that will assure, just not the safety but the quality of the products that we want to export. We will be able to

access markets, international markets that we are not now able to access before,” Haughton said.

The CRFM said the region’s export trade in fish and seafood trade earns about 315 million US dollars annually – a business that could boom or bust depending on how the region meets the global challenge of SPS standards.

British legal expert Chris Hedley, the project’s lead consultant, said the greatest challenge in drafting the legislation was making it nimble enough to adapt to rules and regulations which are frequently changing in the European Union. Hedley cautioned that the United Kingdom following Brexit may soon be introducing its own standards as well. “It is about trying to identify what things change all the time and try to make sure

there is a flexible methodology as it were for updating those and making sure we make it as user friendly as possible for the government trying to implement these rules,” Hedley said.

After final consultation and approval by CRFM, the region’s fisheries agency, the model laws and policies will then be recommended to Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council for Trade Economic Development (COTED), the regional bloc’s forum of trade ministers, as well as other CARICOM bodies.

The model fisheries and aquaculture SPS legislation would have to be enacted in each exporting nation.

During the 18-month-old project, the model legislation has been developed in consultation with policymakers, fisherfolk, processors and other industry

players.

Experts said the countdown is on towards the end of voluntary compliance with EU food safety standards, considered among the toughest in the world.

Failure to meet EU standards would block CARIFORUM countries from tapping into niche markets overseas and boosting foreign exchange earnings, they stressed.

Investigations by the consultants on the project have exposed large gaps in legally binding protocols managing food safety throughout the region. The experts found barriers to trade of fish and fisheries products due to inadequate SPS standards; minimal legislative standards for aquaculture; concern about food security and decreasing use of local, fresh seafood – the solution for which improved

SPS support is an essential component, the CRFM said.

The two-day meeting was the high point of a European Union-funded project to help CARIFORUM countries introduce laws, regulations and a governance system to guarantee safe seafood for export to EU markets and beyond. The project, which is being carried out

by CRFM and supported by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA), aims to ramp up food safety standards to enable CARIFORUM fish exporters to take up trading opportunities under the EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The project is financed under the EU’s 10th European Development Fund (EDF) Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Project.

Voters elect first woman to head new gov’t in Turks and Caicos PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos, Dec 16, CMC – Voters in Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Thursday elected its first ever woman to head a government in this British Overseas Territory (BOT) and in the process booted Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing out of Parliament completely.

The preliminary results released Friday by the electoral officials here showed that 45-year-old attorney, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, had led her opposition People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) to victory, winning seven of the 10 constituencies. The party also won four of the five at large candidates According to the figures released here, Cartwright Robinson, won the most votes in the at large candidates poll, receiving 3024 votes, while the outgoing Premier, who led the ruling Progressive National Party (PNP) into the election, could only must 2, 234 votes, losing out on becoming one of the five successful candidates. He received 2,234 votes.

Sharlene Cartwright Robinson

Another casualty of the poll is former premier Michael Misick, who is before the courts on allegations of corruption. He received 1,629 votes. In the 2012 general election, the PNP won six of the 10 constituencies and two at large seats, while the PDM won four constituencies and three at large seats.

The only successful PNP candidate in the at large candidate election is the former finance minister Washington Misick, who polled 2335 votes. The electoral

officials here said 31 candidates across the 10 Electoral Districts in the Turks and Caicos Islands and an additional 21 All Island District candidates contested the elections. Cartwright Robinson led a team called “The Dream Team” to the election and had accused the Ewing-led government of having led the TCI into an abyss for which the citizens are suffering. The 7,800 voters had three choices: the ruling PNP; the PDM and the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) led

by Oswald Skippings. An elated Cartwright Robinson told supporters that the new government would stick to the policies outlined in the PDM manifesto and reiterated that all citizens including “‘Belongers’, will have a “fair share” of the wealth of the TCI. “For too long the Belongers of the Turks and Caicos Islands have been denied their rightful share of the wealth of our country. For too long those holding political office have diverted funds away from where it rightfully belongs: it belongs in the pockets of all our Belongers. For too long we have had to tolerate the empty promises of false and weak leaders in the previous governments. No more… the time for talk is over, the time for action is now,” she adde.

The PDM said that it would encourage further direct foreign, domestic and Diaspora investment and would also seek to diversify the economy by developing and growing a businesses and financial service sector. Political analyst Derek Ramsamooj told the Caribbean Media

Corporation (CMC) that the issue sof jobs, crime rejection of former status quo politics of populist leaders were the main factors in deciding the outcome of the elections. He said the presence of former Haitian president Michel Martley to assist Michael

Misick failed to ensure his victory. “This result is a turning point in transitioning the political culture of personality to delivery of public goods and services,” he told CMC, adding that the results also provides a “new opportunity for better governance to TCI”.

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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

Border Controversy OCTOBER 3, 2016 marked 177 years since an international tribunal unanimously settled the border dispute -- when it awarded Essequibo to Great Britain, thereby staving off what could have been a war between Venezuela, Great Britain and the United States.

An arbitral award is final and binding on all sides. This is the position Guyana respects, and shall not deviate from.

In 1962, Venezuela made known to the United States its rejection of the Award on a claim that its representative on the 1899 panel, Severo Mallet-Prevost, held a different view, which he purportedly requested be revealed after his death; and, more importantly, after the fact (1899) -- requiring Guyana to go through the paces of resolving what has become a “controversy.”

A threat to annex Essequibo, two-thirds of our land mass, and its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), is a threat to who we are as a people, our sovereignty, natural resources, and collective development. Famed son of the soil Dave Martins, and the Tradewinds, in the song “Not A blade O’ Grass”, succinctly and effectively reminds us of what is at stake and what we cannot afford to give up. The lyrics of the song not only make for easy reference to a situation every citizen should be intimately aware of, but its rhythm is also catchy.

This song is deserving of being repeatedly played on the airwaves — television and radio — as a matter of public service.

Where it is being argued that music is proving an effective tool in education, the Ministry of Education may also need to look at incorporating “Not a blade…” in the curriculum as a means of ensuring that students at every level understand the rudimentary that led to the Award, what it means for us, and the importance of holding steadfast. It is not an unfair statement to say that today’s children are not as intimately au fait with the controversy as the children of the 1960-1980s, and this anomaly ought to be addressed.

Guyana has lost some ground in the information war in the presence of Venezuela’s unrelenting position in socialising its citizens to believe the wrongful claim that Essequibo is theirs. It is most

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 17, 2016

GTUC has been unflinching in speaking out on issues Dear Editor, IF politicians lose sight of the universally acceptable principle that good governance and the harmonious relationship among the people of a country are reliant on respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, the rule of law, universal declarations, international conventions and charters, this nation will never progress.

Note is being taken of the utterances of Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, about the Guyana Trades Union Congress’s (GTUC) posture in the examination of the 2017 National Budget.

Let me seek, as General Secretary of this body, to make it very clear: the affairs of the GTUC are underpinned by universally acceptable labour principles which are grounded in international charters, conventions, constitution, and laws.

The GTUC’s interaction with any individual, group, or office holder is guided by these.

The Executive has a responsibility to this society to uphold the rule of law to its letter, spirit

and intent. It is the responsibility of this branch of government to, where persons have violated the law, set in train actions to bring about justice.

This society is aware of the mismanagement of the nation prior to May 2015. The people have consistently called for those responsible to be held accountable. It is the duty of the Minister of Public Security and the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs to proceed in bringing about the accountability the people seek.

The Office of the Leader of the Opposition is enshrined in the Guyana Constitution. Presently, Bharrat Jagdeo holds this office. Labour’s position on Jagdeo’s stewardship as President is publicly well known and documented, which Minister Ramjattan is aware of. The GTUC respects the Constitution, and will abide by it.

Every member of the National Assembly, including those on the Government bench, refers to Jagdeo as Leader of the Opposition, an office he was elected to.

The GTUC held, at the Parliament Buildings, an

welcome that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published its booklet, “The New Conquistadors, The Venezuelan challenge to Guyana’s Sovereignty”.

Such augurs well for knowledge- sharing; and its mass distribution, including that of hard copy and an electronic format, is looked forward to.

It should be said that in this multi-media era, all channels of information-communication must be targeted to ensure maximum reach. Guyanese and the world must be made aware that Essequibo is ours to travel and reside in peacefully, and to sustainably

engagement with Jagdeo at his request, to discuss the appointment of the new Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, which is another constitutional office. This response was consistent with our responsibility outlined in Articles 23, 38, 147, 149C of the Guyana Constitution.

It should be said that, to date, the APNU+AFC Administration has refused to meet the unions, inasmuch as the constitution specifies our role in the nation and its development. It may help this administration to do some introspection rather than having the ministers lashing out without giving careful thought to what they are saying; because, in the eyes of the public, they are coming across as reckless, entitled, and self-serving.

Minister Ramjattan should be mindful: while the administration of which he is part is failing to discharge its responsibility under the law to hold persons accountable for their stewardship of this country, and refuses to engage stakeholders consistent with the constitution, the administration

is losing the moral ground to stand on. When Jagdeo activates the constitution consistent with the office he holds, and is engaging stakeholders, he is playing shrewd and compelling politics.

Accusing persons of supporting him is a simplistic argument, which can be construed as masking failure to treat stakeholders and citizens with regard, and govern consistent with the rule of law.

Let me seek to put the minster’s viewpoint in perspective from the GTUC’s standpoint. The GTUC’s positions on the Budget have been made clear, given the impact it is likely to have on our constituents -- past, present and potential workers, unionised and non-unionised. The GTUC has been unflinching in speaking out on issues over the years, guided by universally acceptable principles, not loyalty or kowtowing to any person or group -- which the minister can attest to, and our record can withstand scrutiny to the effect.

Regards, LINCOLN LEWIS

exploit the resources therein to our collective development.

An examination, through historical lens, of Venezuela’s move to the UN in 1962 recognises it was the period of the Cold War and Guyana was agitating for political independence from Britain. Although in hindsight it was a prudent move to have a diplomatic approach to resolve the contention through the Good Officer channel, this has been prolonged throughout the years.

(REPRINTED)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 17, 2016

PPP faces tough race problem at weekend congress Dear Editor, THIS weekend’s PPP Congress on the Essequibo Coast is arguably one of the most important in the history of the 66-yearold party. At least it is as important as the one held in 1956 in Berbice, when Dr. Cheddi Jagan made a famous presentation in absentia. He was then under house arrest, and conceded that the PPP was an “Indian” party following the departure of Forbes Burnham.

Reviewing the impact of the split on the PPP, Jagan frankly acknowledged the challenges to what had been up to then a “national movement” consequent to a large swathe of African Guyanese following Burnham. Jagan argued that without a mass base the PPP would become

a fringe party, and proposed this base should be mobilised from the Indian segment of the population.

He explicitly justified his invitation of the Indian middle class on the ground that they were “progressive” for displacing the Portuguese class, who were the allies of the British Imperialists.

From a rational choice perspective, Jagan’s decision made sense, since with their wide geographical distribution, “his PPP” could not win elections based on the constituency system.

But Dr. Jagan was caught in a contradiction of his own creation: a mass Marxist party with its support base defining itself ethnically. In terms of the African vote, as analyst Malcolm Cross pointed out: “The urban African and ‘coloured’ (mixed) middle class could not support a party of

what appeared to be such extreme left-wing views…

(They) were obviously far less swayed by ideological considerations and much more by racial distaste; a feeling that was exacerbated by the increasing migration of Indians from the country to the urban perimeter.”

It is often forgotten that this segment was also skeptical of Burnham’s leftist protestations, and only made common cause with him after the latter had failed to garner any significant Indian support in the 1957 elections, and moderated his posture and rhetoric.

Jagan and Burnham had to devise strategies to deal with the reality of restricted legitimacy, since even though they both disavowed “racial” politics, they garnered their support from “ethnic” bases.

They fell back on “token”

cross-ethnic leadership. They both insisted on individuals from the “other” ethnic bloc to be in the top ranks of their parties, but never at the summit. Not surprisingly, these individuals were then seen as “token” window dressing.

The history of Guyanese party politics since the split of 1955 has been one of seeking tokens who wouldn’t be seen as tokens. After years of cultivating “domestic” tokens to no effect, the most recent initiatives have been to “go outside” - witness the PPP’s “civic” of 1992 and the PNC’s AFC of 2015. Very quickly after their introduction, however, they fooled no one.

One proposal, of course, was to suggest that the two parties coalesce to form a “Government of National Unity”, but after fifty years of being shot down -- even

though at different times both parties have proposed this suggestion -- it is not expected to be raised at this weekend’s PPP Congress.

What then for the PPP? Firstly, they have to accept that, in general, most Guyanese still identify their political interests along ethnic lines. And as we have been proposing post-2006, demographic changes would (and now do) vitiate Dr Jagan’s major 1955 premise on Indians being able to deliver the government - which would be run on “non-ethnic” lines!

This weekend, therefore, the PPP will have to devise another strategy that would make other ethnic groups - in addition to Indian Guyanese accept that their interests can be represented by them. How do they do this, since the “token leadership gambit” has failed abysmally?

One suggestion we have made for decades, and offer again, is for the PPP (and the PNC) to accept the utility of “ethnic caucuses”. Have individuals in their party who identify strongly with ethnic interests - Indian, African, Amerindian and Mixed - meet separately as “caucuses” when the interest they represent is affected by policies.

They then meet with the plenary party to present their proposals, arrived at without pressure and political correctness.

This might allow citizens outside the core constituencies to see their interests being represented.

Regards, RAVI DEV

Forensic audit needed at Region Eight RDC Dear Editor,

I AM a resident of the North Pakaraimas Sub-Region Number One of Region Eight, and have been residing here most of my life. I have observed that since this coalition administration came into office, the allocations in the regional budgets have increased significantly, and I would to personally commend them for this.

However, these increases have little or no effect in our region, as a great part of this money is expended by squander and corruption. I think I can equivocally say that we are worse off than when the PPP/C was in government.

Corruption is the game

of the day here. From the construction and repair of buildings to the provision of goods and services, most of these contracts they claim they did here are contracts that never existed. From the construction of buildings, revetment works, repair of buildings, repair of pipelines, provision of goods and service, and the list goes on. This can be easily verified.

I was told that one contractor who lives in Mahdia, sub-region 2 of Region Eight, was for this year alone awarded 13 contracts to do works in the North Pakaraimas sub-region One, none of which was done, yet he received his full payment.

I have even learnt that many contracts were awarded to contractors who have

no knowledge of the work expected of them. The payment is then collected by a senior officer.

The North Pakaraimas Sub-Region One of Region Eight is the most difficult region in Guyana to do construction, due to the difficulties of accessing and transporting building materials; yet, by the second quarter of the year, is has completed over 90 of its capital works. This alone should have raised some eyebrows.

However, that was not to be, it is in the number one position of the Ministry of Finance Performance Index.

How on earth can this be? This has to be the joke of the century. A responsible government would have someone monitoring these projects. However, that was not to be, which

gives me the impression that these guys are working in collusion with central government.

I can recall that, when the now government was in opposition, there were lots of cries from them about corruption within the PPP government, and they promised that, should they be elected, they would stop corruption. However, from what we are seeing here, that was just another empty campaign promise. I don’t know about the other regions, but judging from what is taking place here, I think I can safely say that the level of corruption that has taken place here since this government took office in the past 18 months is more than what occurred during the 23 years when the PPP/C was in government.

I personally feel as though my relatives and I did a disservice to ourselves by voting for this coalition government. What I would like this Government to know is that we would not be fooled again, and come 2020, if they don’t get their act together now, they will receive a wake-up call from the residents here.

Very often, we hear that this Government is conducting forensic audit. What I would like the President to do, if he is really serious about corruption as he claims, is to conduct audit in Region Eight, since his government took office to now. Failing to do so would just say to us that these forensic audits they are conducting are only a political ploy to embar-

rass the PPP. The good life which Government has promised appears to be for only the top party members and the senior government officers in this region, who often travel to various continents on vacation. These officers work for small salaries, where are they getting the money to go on these vacations? And how can they go without permission from the Public Service Commission? I’ve even heard of a senior officer sending a chartered plane from a village in the North Pakaraimas to collect a pair of shoes he forgot in Mahdia.

Regards, JOHN WILLIAMS

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 17, 2016

Guyana-Suriname Cooperation Council to be resuscitated

By Svetlana Marshall

DURING a high-level meeting between President David Granger and Suriname President Desiré Delano Bouterse at the Guyana Marriott Hotel on Friday, it was agreed that a special envoy should be appointed to accelerate the process by which agreements are implemented, and that the Guyana-Suriname Cooperation Council should be resuscitated.

At a joint press conference, President Bouterse explained that when he had met with President Granger on July 1 in Nieuw Nickerie, Suriname, they had concluded with a joint communiqué identifying 10 areas of mutual interest to be developed, but several months after, progress made thus far is unsatisfactory. As such, the Presidents have agreed to put a structural mechanism in place that would be results-based, allowing for the implementation of agreements within specified timeframes.

“We have created a mechanism in which the different issues that will be brought up, or have been brought up per sector, can be discussed; and that these will be implemented and monitored within a certain timeframe, and then reported back,” President Bouterse said.

He said this mechanism allows for a special envoy to report directly to both Presidents.

Weighing in on the issue,

President Granger said: “We have embarked on a series of engagements, and today we took decisions that will not only expedite matters that were taken in previous

President noted that both countries must first agree on the terms of reference. “…the envoy can do what is called shuttle diplomacy between the two capitals,

Canawaima ferry and the livelihood of persons who cross the Corentyne River on a regular basis, particularly minibus operators.

Already, the Surinamese

shown an interest in paying for the construction of the bridge. However, a feasibility study on the project and the project area has not been completed.

years, but, more importantly, planned for the future. We are particularly concerned with the economic integration of our two states and the removal of any obstacles to that process of integration.”

He explained that the basic structure is based on the resuscitation of the Guyana-Suriname Cooperation Council.

Pointing out that the special envoy has not yet been appointed, the Guyanese

so anytime there is a bottle neck, we are confident that it would be cleared up much more quickly,” President Granger said.

For Guyana, the hassle-free movement of minibus operators and access to Surinamese airports by Guyanese airlines remain economic blockages for the country and its people. As such, President Granger said, discussions were also based on the functioning of the

President has agreed to return to Suriname with the aim of finding solutions to a number of minor issues affecting Guyanese in Suriname. “…our delegation has promised to go back and find solutions to those small problems,” President Bouterse said.

Asked about the construction of a bridge across the Corentyne River to link the two countries, President Bouterse said that China has

He said Brazil and the European Union have also shown an interest in the construction of the bridge, but there must first be consensus on the location for the construction.

According to a joint communiqué issued upon conclusion of the high-level meeting, the Guyanese and Surinamese Heads of Government held substantive and fruitful discussions on other issues of common interest

at the bilateral, regional and international levels.

“Desirous of further strengthening cooperation activities between the two countries, the two Heads directed that Guyana-Suriname Cooperation Council be resuscitated, and that their respective technical officials meet to discuss issues in relation to the protection of the environment, agriculture, trade, tourism, investment and cross-border activities through their respective committees,” the joint communiqué stated.

President Bouterse arrived in Guyana on Friday morning at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, with his delegation which included his Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Niermala Badrising, and several other high-level officials.

He was accorded the ceremonial Guard of Honour mounted by the Guyana Defence Force upon his arrival.

The Guyanese delegation, led by President Granger, included Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams; Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes; and Director General in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Audrey Waddell, all of whom were part of a plenary session with the visiting party.

the Opposition Leader that if there was any political intervention, any targeting, it would not have been for those five persons, because I am sure those five persons (are) a drop in the bucket,” Statia said.

He said that as far as he is aware, there has been no political intervention, and he has not received any call from any political appointee of the Government.

“I can assure you it was not political. Nothing that was sent was political. So far, I have not gotten any political direction. My minister (Minister of Finance) has been

hands- off and has allowed me free rein. There has been no political direction,”Statia explained.

But he cautioned that it must be understood that “we have an obligation, and public officers, MPs or whoever have an obligation to file their taxes on or before April 30th the following year.”

Jagdeo, at a press conference earlier this week, disclosed that five of his Members of Parliament were served with property tax notices during the budget debates, and he alleged vindictiveness on the part of the Government. Those served

are Joe Hamilton, Frank Anthony, Indra Chandarpal, Juan Edghill and Irfaan Ali; and according to Jagdeo, he has spoke to the MPs and they have indicated that they do not owe any taxes.

But Statia made it clear that Parliamentarians from both sides of the House, as well as heads of government entities, were served notices for taxes owed. “Everybody at the top of government agencies I instructed that they must submit all their outstanding returns. I demanded that of them, because (when you are) holding a public office, you must be held to

a certain standard; and I am sure (that) if the Opposition had checked, they would have seen that certain notices would have reached them long before.”

He explained that there has been no targeting of the PPP MPs, and noted that the notices may have reached them recently. The GRA head told reporters that when he took office, he perused a list of all the persons to whom notices had been sent, and Members of Parliament on both sides of the aisle were observed on the list.

“We sent out notices to all Members of Parliament,

all permanent secretaries…” he stated.

Over the past few months, the Commissioner-General said, “people have been refusing mail once they see it has originated from the GRA; so I have since instructed my staff not to put a return address.”

He noted that in the case of the five PPP Members of Parliament, their notices may “have fallen through the cracks.”

“If they received it during the budget debates, they would have received it late; and they should have gotten it since in August,” Statia explained.

Presidents David Granger and Desiré Delano Bouterse addressing journalists at the Guyana Marriott on Friday

Government MPs also served tax demand notices - Statia MR. Godfrey Statia, Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), has rebutted allegations by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo that parliamentarians from the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) have been politically targeted by the issuance of property tax demand notices.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday at the GRA’s Camp Street headquarters, Statia said that Members of Parliament from both sides of the National Assembly were served tax demand notices.

“I would like to assure

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 17, 2016

Drug court coming

- as Guyana National Drug Strategy Master Plan 2016-2020 launched

By Svetlana Marshall GUYANA’s National Drug Strategy Master Plan 2016-2020 was launched on Friday, with Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan announcing the establishment of a drug court and the simultaneous roll out of the National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA) as part of a menu of measures designed to combat the use and trafficking of illicit drugs.

The long-awaited plan -birthed out of a review and modification of the National Drug Strategy Master Plan 2014-2018 and triggered by the need to bring it in line with the most recent

Unit (CANU), James Singh; Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia; US Ambassador Perry Holloway; and British High Commissioner Greg Quinn.

In outlining the key objectives of the master plan, which focuses on the reduction of demand and supply; control measures; institutional strengthening; policy coordination and international cooperation, Minister Ramjattan disclosed that a drug court would be established.

“It will deal with a specified class of offenders,” he explained, while adding that the court will be responsible for the integration of drug

as a punitive response to drug crimes, and alternative strategies will be used.

Additionally, Government will be looking to reduce the amount of time offenders spend in custody.

Government may promote -- where appropriate, in keeping with legislation -- alternatives to incarceration for drug-related crimes, taking into account, among other things, a gender perspective; the seriousness of the crime; proportionality of harm to punishment, a section of the plan explained.

In addition to establishment of the drug court, Minister Ramjattan alluded to the establishment of NANA, an agency that would mon-

drugs under one umbrella body, which, with regional and international support, would effectively seek to disrupt the production, supply and distribution of illicit drugs.

He said the multipronged strategy also places major emphasis on reducing the use of drugs in the community, while minimising the harm they cause to individual users and the community at large.

A reduction in use of drugs would also result in a reduction in demand; and, as such, the Public Security Ministry, with the support of other ministries -- such as Health, Education and Social Protection -- would

British High Commissioner Greg Quinn, US Ambassador Perry Holloway, and others at the launch of the Guyana National Drug Strategy Master Plan 2016-2020 on Friday. national and international dynamics of the drug problem -- was unveiled at the Guyana Police Force Officers’ Training Centre at Eve Leary in the presence of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton; Major General (ret’d) Michael Atherly; Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud; Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum; Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics

treatment services within the criminal justice case processing system.

“For a lot of crimes, we simply feel, ‘Jail them having been found with a joint or more than a joint’, (but) that is not the solution,” Minister Ramjattan told those present.

According to the National Drug Strategy Master Plan, the Government will put the necessary mechanisms in place to reduce the use of incarceration

itor and assess implementation of the master plan on a continuous basis, in collaboration with all stakeholders.

Describing NANA as a unified Government organisation, he said that when established, it will have the scope and authority to counter the entire spectrum of illegal drugs, thereby allowing agencies such as CANU, the Guyana Police Force and GRA to combat the use and trade of illicit

strive to promote opportunities, settings and values within communities.

“By that we are saying: increase community awareness and education of drug related harm; increase community capacity to participate and be informed through debates about drugs and drugs policy action; promote accessible positive alternatives to drug use that are acceptable, attractive and meaningful,” Minister Ramjattan explained.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan Moving in this direction calls for greater investment in sports, entertainment, recreation facilities, music and culture, and fostering a community that is supportive of the family and positive parenting, he added.

ADDRESS DEFICIENCIES Major General (ret’d) Atherly, who led the review of the master plan, said it would address many of the deficiencies within the system.

“Because of Guyana’s geo-strategic location within the hub of the trans-shipment routes from the Andean cocaine producing countries to the large consumption markets further afield, we are especially affected by the transnational criminal aspect of the problem. Consequently, our previous concerns with law enforcement and strengthening public security have overshadowed other key facets of our drug control policy,” he explained.

The master plan, he further noted, is crafted to correct the imbalance by placing greater focus on public education and prevention techniques, to deal with the problem in the earliest stage of its development. Hence programmes emanating from this plan will promote treatment, rehabilitation, and social reintegration for drug users.

Besides being a major public health concern, the Major General (ret’d) said, illicit narcotics have always been key generators of crimes. He alluded to the UNODC 2016 Report, which stated: “Violence stems from drug trafficking when that trafficking is highly profitable. The profits allow drug traffick-

ers to purchase higher level weaponry, making conflict much more dangerous.”

Though they both are experiencing challenges as a result of Guyana’s porous borders and the lack of resources – human, financial and technical – CANU and the Guyana Police Force’s Anti-Narcotics Branch continue to crack cases on a regular basis. Today, the Police Force’s Anti-Narcotics Branch would have aided in the destruction of approximately $18B in cannabis for 2016, when the street value is applied, the Crime Chief pointed out in his presentation.

Additionally, 102 kilograms of cocaine were seized at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), while approximately two kilograms were seized at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle. It was further pointed out that some 323,515 cannabis plants were destroyed, along with 150 acres of cannabis.

Blanhum said that at the commencement of the year, the Force made a conscious effort to decentralise its Narcotics Branch, thereby allowing for smaller units to be established in each division. Additionally, there has been increased training for ranks, both at the local and international levels.

“The training is basically designed to advance their investigative skills and knowledge, and prepare then to deal with the threat posed by drug traffickers,” Blanhum posited.

“As you know, drug traffickers have mastered the art of networking, hence it is imperative that law enforcement bodies such as the Police Force collaborate with other agencies in order to effectively and efficiently eliminate the narcotics market,” he explained.

According to the Guyana Drug Information Report 2015, some 363 persons have been charged for drug possession, 187 of whom were convicted in the courts.

In the case of trafficking, 439 persons have been charged, 112 of whom have been convicted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 17, 2016

Renewed calls for review of 2006 Amerindian Act –– APA wants independent national tribunal established to address grievances

By Alva Solomon

A STUDY conducted in 42 Indigenous settlements in regions One and Two has seen fresh calls for the 2006 Amerindian Act to be reviewed and for an independent national tribunal to be set up to address Indigenous peoples’ grievances and territorial claims.

At the same time, the report on the study highlights the dismissive tone of Indigenous Affairs’ ministers under the previous administration regarding efforts by several communities to secure land titles.

Executive Director of the Amerindian People’s Association (APA), Ms. Jean La Rose, while presenting the findings of the report of a Participatory Assessment of the Land Tenure Situation of Indigenous Peoples in Guyana: Regions 1 and 2, at the Cara Lodge in Quamina Street on Friday, said the study was conducted between 2011 and 2015 by the APA and its partner, the Forest Peoples Programme (FPP); and the research involved 35 Indigenous villages and communities in Region One and seven villages in Region

Two. Of the villages surveyed, 29 held land titles, and they all expressed dissatisfaction with the area their titles covered, because their existing legal boundaries do not cover vital customary lands and settlements, spiritually important sites and traditional resource areas.

This has seen Government authorities occasionally preventing residents living outside title boundaries from voting in Village Coun-

cil elections.

While 69% of the communities surveyed are in possession of land titles, the remaining communities are still in the dark regarding their land titles, the report stated.

The report points to a historical issue of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) during the consultation process for those communities which were eventually issued with titles. According to the report, as far back as in the 1960s,

Executive Director of the Amerindian Peoples Association, Jean La Rose, presenting the findings of the report

Head of the National Toshaos Council, Lennox Shuman (right), receiving a copy of the report from David Wilson of the Amerindian Peoples Association

A section of the gathering at the forum on Friday

the Amerindian Land Commission (ALC) at the time visited some villages, but it did not consult with the residents or obtain their agreement to the ALC’s final recommended title areas.

“These non-agreed titled areas were used in the 1976 Amerindian Act, and again in titles issued in 1991 under the State Lands Act”, the report said.

According to the report, titles issued in the last twenty years have

not met the FPIC (free, prior and informed consent) standard, since the former Ministry of Amerindian Affairs had decided the final titled areas without first obtaining the communities’ agreement. The report pointed to the 2007 case of Yarakita in the Mabaruma Sub-Region in that regard. It also listed two instances at Kariako (Moruca Sub-Region) and Eclipse Falls (Matarkai Sub-Region) in which agreement was not obtained from residents in those areas prior to the issuance of titles.

The report points to interference from “local government authorities”, whom it noted pressured some chairpersons from community development councils (CDCs) to drop plans to apply for communal titles. The community of Barabina, at Mabaruma, was pointed out in that regard, where, according to the report, the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) had “pushed for individual land titles.

The GL&SC was also seen as responsible for the communities of Canal Bank, Citrus Grove and Oronoque, near Port Kaituma, withdrawing their request for titles.

Meanwhile, parties in the mining and forestry extractive sectors are also held responsible for the long delay in the issuance of titles.

“Villages suspect that long delays in official processing of their titles and strange behaviour in the handing over of title documents (‘five minute titles’) may often be due to interference by miners or loggers (who) hold permits or are making claims on lands owned or claimed by a village”, the report stated.

The report further said that, in several instances, the former Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has admitted that changes to title boundaries and delays in granting titles were due to competing mining claims and interests.

According to La Rose, over the years, several of the results pointed out in the report were addressed.

Several officials from state agencies, including the Ministry of the Presidency, the Guyana Forestry Commission, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and civil society bodies received copies of the report on Friday.

Rampant fuel-smuggling at Eteringbang

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 17, 2016

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Friday disclosed that there has been “intense smuggling” of fuel at Eteringbang, Essequibo, near the Guyana-Venezuela border.

Speaking with reporters on Friday at a press conference, GRA’s Commissioner -General Godfrey Statia said a team of officials from the entity has been sent to the location to continue investigations.

According to him,the GRA estimates that $20M weekly is lost at the location. “We also know there is fuel-smuggling in the Essequibo, in Morawhanna, we also plan to put a presence at Morawhanna,” he said.

The commissioner-general made it clear that he will not tolerate tax evasion, corruption and collusion, noting that unscrupulous GRA officers will be dealt with condignly.

“One of our problems is that people have not been paying their rightful taxes.

And sometimes in collusion with our unscrupulous officers… we intend to minimise that collusion. I will not tolerate corruption and collusion,” he said.

Statia estimates that approximately 30-40 per cent of taxes are not being paid

and notes that if everyone pay their rightful taxes, there would be a “broadening of the tax base” and taxes will be reduced.

GRA CommissionerGeneral Godfrey Statia He cited the alcohol and cigarettes industry and the loopholes that exist therein, causing GRA to lose close to $2B yearly as a result of smuggling. GRA has re-established relations with the Caribbean Bank Note, and the GRA Commissioner-General said, “Very soon we will have a presence of stamps so as to minimise smuggling.”

Turning his attention to the 2017 budget which included several tax measures, he said the budget

Plaisance businessman shot, robbed $4M BUSINESSMAN Kenneth Earle of Prince William Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was on Friday afternoon shot and robbed by bandits, who escaped with more than $4M in cash.

A police statement said the businessman, accompanied by a friend, went to a city bank on Friday afternoon and withdrew a large amount of cash to pay his workers.

Having withdrawn the money, the two then travelled to Plaisance via Earle’s motor car. Upon arrival, they exited the vehicle and were immediately confronted by two armed bandits, who discharged their firearms, hitting Earle in both legs.

The bandits them relieved the two men of the cash, and escaped in a tinted vehicle. The incident reportedly occurred at about 15:30hrs.

The police statement said that Earle was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he was treated and admitted. He is said to be in a stable condition.

Investigators have retrieved several spent shells from the scene, as investigations continue in an effort to apprehend the two suspects.

is geared at alleviating the “suffering of persons who already pay tax and try to make those who refuse to comply.”

He chided businessmen who state that they are operating at a loss and do not file tax returns, pointing out that those businesses ought to claim bankruptcy.

“Well you know if you do not get enough you go bankrupt and yet they are operating for years and claim making losses. They do that not only because they are abetted by others, but by some members of staff who prepare these accounts.”

Additionally, Statia said there is need to increase the penalty for non-filing and submission of false or incorrect Income Tax Returns to the GRA. He said those who aid and abet in the process must also be penalized, or the society would become more lawless.

“When you check and see the compliance rate of self-employed compared to corporate entities and compare to employees on the whole. The compliance rate is less that 10 per cent for self-employed persons,” stated Statia.

He disclosed that incomes from self-employ-

ment activities have been declining on a yearly basis over the last few years. “We have found that some companies recognise that some companies are not targeted by the GRA and have closed that corporate activity and gone back to self-employment. They changed their status.”

Additionally, the GRA head said his entity will be placing more focus on

regional offices, while admitting that the entity has centred most of its activities in Georgetown at his head office, “forgetting that Guyana is a whole tax place.”

“That is why in 2017 we are going to emphasise a lot more enforcement collection and audit activities in the regions themselves. Taxpayers have been utilising the weaknesses in our system… trust me, even by regions, there are

some businesses who refuse to give the revenue staff their books and claim that their business is in Georgetown. These are some of the issues we face.”

Statia declared that until the entity is in a position to enforce its measures, “there will continue to be a lack of regard and respect for the tax office”.

“We are trying to institute some respectability for the tax office,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 17, 2016

High praise for Hicken Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud speaking at the luncheon on Friday

POLICE Commissioner Seelall Persaud has commended ‘A’ Division Commander Clifton Hicken for his leadership of the division over the past year.

Speaking at a luncheon for senior and junior ranks of “A” Division on Friday, Commissioner Seelall Persaud noted that serious crime in that division decreased by 20 per cent.

More than 50 per cent of

crime reported annually occurs in ‘A’ Division, and because of that, it gets the most resources from the Force.

“Crime is a social problem, and a law enforcement solution could not work comprehensively to treat the crime…. It is for that reason that we started a number of partnership programmes to gain public trust. We need our partners within the communities (who) can assist us

Constable Trotz showing his awards in dealing with the crime,” the Commissioner said.

Commander Hicken was also commended for establishing the Impact Albouystown and the Cops and Faith Network, which enhanced relations between the police and community members.

The Divisional Commander praised his ranks for their hard work and dedication, as well as the partnership between the public and private sectors.

Twelve ranks were presented with the Laparkan Policeman of the Month Award, which represents a tangible appreciation of their work throughout the year. The involvement of the Laparkan

Group of Companies in the exercise dates back to 2000, and was the brainchild of the then ‘A’ Division Commander, George Vyphuis.

Detective Sargent Hurbert Henry was named Divisional Best Cop for solving a number of cases. He was also awarded the Roraima Airways’ trip for two to the Kaieteur Falls. Constable 22279 Trotz, a traffic officer, copped the runner-up spot and reeived a bicycle from National Hardware and a 32’ flat screen television from Courts.

More than 60 other officers were also awarded with hampers and trophies.

The kitchen staff were also honoured at the luncheon.

‘A’ Division Commander Clifton Hicken flanked by the two ‘best cops’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 17, 2016

Taxpayers need value for money ––Jordan says

WHEN it comes to sustainable livelihood interventions by Government, taxpayers must get value for their money, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan has said.

This, Jordan explained, is why he believes in Guyana there is need to move away from being input-focused to becoming more evidence-based and results-oriented when it comes to such initiatives.

Jordan made these remarks on Friday while delivering the feature address at the opening of a threeday conference titled: “Using Evidence and Evaluation to Improve Guyana’s Livelihoods Programmes” at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown.

At times too many people become focused on just how much is going

into livelihood initiatives, without really checking to see if anything beneficial is coming out of the amount of money being invested, Jordan said.

“Good intentions do not automatically translate to desired results. It is not enough to simply put livelihoods programmes in place. We must also ensure that they deliver results,” he said.

Towards this end, the Finance Minister, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has engaged the assistance of Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), a research and policy non-profit organisation that discovers and promotes effective solutions to global poverty problems.

According to the IPA,

Finance Minister Winston Jordan “In recent decades, trillions of dollars have been spent on programmes designed to reduce global poverty, but clear evidence on which programmes succeed is rare, and when evidence does exist, decision-makers often do not know about it. IPA exists to bring together leading researchers and these de-

cision-makers to ensure that the evidence we create leads to tangible impact on the world.”

IPA is founded by Yale University Economics Professor, Dr. Kean Karlan, who will be conducting the conference along with IPA Programme Director, Nathaniel Goldberg, and Programme Manager Kelsey Wright.

In Guyana, some $3 billion from the 2017 budget is expected to be shared between the Ministries of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Education, Social Protection and Business, specifically focused on livelihood interventions; and Jordan is adamant that Government cannot simply throw money into these programmes without determining their effectiveness.

The conference will engage these ministries on developing improved monitoring and evaluation

techniques and application.

Friday’s conference was attended by all the ministers of the respective ministries, with the exception of the Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine.

Jordan noted that in the past, Guyana has engaged in many livelihood programmes, but often things fall by the wayside because the programmes cannot be sustained, and in the long-term, the results and benefits were not seen.

Moreover, there is often a lack of data and assessment to determine the extent to which the programmes may or may not have been successful “It is our goal that during this conference, we will develop guidelines to direct programme design and implementation, which will serve to underpin an effective and transforma-

tive suite of complementary livelihoods programmes in Guyana,” Jordan commented.

“Our visiting team are not only experts in using evidence and evaluation to design better development programmes, but have also been instrumental in the development, evaluation, and graduation approach for moving people out of extreme poverty and into sustainable livelihoods.”

In the opening lectures on Friday, Goldberg and Wright started off by explaining a few practical examples of areas and programmes that the body has worked on and how they went about evaluating the efficacy of the programmes to determine sustainability.

The overview included poverty-reduction programmes rolled out in India, Nepal and several African nations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 17, 2016

Comfort Sleep brings joy to hundreds of children

HUNDREDS of children in New Amsterdam and Malgre Tout, West Bank Demerara and the West Ruimveldt Children’s Home, had an exciting time at Christmas parties held in their honour last weekend

by Comfort Sleep.

Comfort Sleep is Guyana’s leading producer of foam mattresses and pillows.

For the children who are beneficiaries of Comfort Sleep’s School Feeding Programmes in Regions Three, Four and Six, that’s literally where the Christmas fun began.

And even if they don’t attend another party for the season, they will be satisfied in the knowledge that they had a splendid time at Comfort Sleep’s Annual Christmas Parties.

The first party was held at the Comfort Sleep Factory for children of the Ruimveldt Children’s Home on Friday, December 9. The second was at Malgre Tout, Region Three, on Saturday, December 10, while the third was at New Amsterdam, Region Six the following day, Sunday, December 11.

At Malgre Tout, close to 400 children drawn from Malgre Tout Primary, La Parfaite Harmonie Primary, LaGrange Primary, and Bagotsville Primary were feted.

Meanwhile, in Berbice, more than 100 came from of Edinburgh Primary School and Friends Primary School, East Bank Berbice.

The children had their fill, with Christmas music, lots to eat and drink – lunch, snacks, ice cream; and bags

of goodies to take home as well.

And of course, jolly old Santa Claus asserted a dominant presence, distributing gifts and painstakingly ensuring that every little girl and boy received a toy – regardless of what their behaviour was like throughout the year.

The distribution of hot meals three days every week to these schools is facilitated and supervised by the parishes of Malgre Tout and the Church of the Ascension, Berbice, with the help of retired teachers, while cooking materials were provided by Managing-Director of Comfort Sleep, Dennis Charran.

This serving of hot, nutritious meals for less fortunate children is now into its 19th year, and is the brainchild of Charran.

Meanwhile, the party usually held at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre for children there, will not be held this year, due to logistical issues.

Instead, Comfort Sleep will be making a monetary donation to the centre. The mattress company has had a longstanding and ongoing relationship with the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre and makes generous contributions towards the humanitarian cause.

Comfort Sleep, a good corporate citizen, has been hosting such parties in the respective regions for the last 10 years, bringing joy to the hearts of little children who would otherwise probably not have a funtime to look forward to for the Christmas holidays.

Santa distributes toys to the little girls and boys

Comfort Sleep, Managing-Directors Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Charran assist in serving the children at their annual Christmas Party last week-end

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 17, 2016

DHB to rake in $311M more from new tolls

By Ravin Singh

THE impending increases in tolls for selected vehicles crossing the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) will result in the company raking in $311M more annually and this will help to offset the maintenance cost which has increased over the years.

This is according to junior Minister of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, who revealed at a Friday morning press conference that the company is projected to make $550M at the end of 2016. But will be expending $600M. “Based on current traffic trends, it is projected that the DHB Corporation will make $550M at the end of 2016 with the current toll structure in place, while its expenditure – both current and capital – will stand at a projected $600M,” she said.

From 2008 through 2016, DHBC made an average annual income of $489M. For the same period, the corporation expended an average of $910M each year across both its current and capital expenditures. The corporation also receives a subsidy from the Government.

The ministry estimates that the projected revenue for 2017, with the new toll structure in place and based on the same amount of traffic, would lead to an income of

$861M - $311M more.

The minister explained that this “significant increase” in income is important, because the corporation would now have more funds to dedicate towards its operations, while need for the Government’s subvention would be negated.

She said that some would question why the DHBC should stop receiving Government’s subvention, since it is taxpayers’ money and a service is being provided to taxpayers.

Minister Ferguson offered that it must be acknowledged that not every taxpayer is a user of the bridge, and it is therefore necessary to transfer this responsibility from the Government and to allow taxpayers’ money to go towards other sectors such as education and health.

Meanwhile, she pointed out that increased commuting via the bridge over the last few years has accelerated the rate at which damage has occurred and this has resulted in an increase in expenditure for remedial works.

“Over the years, the traffic on the Demerara Harbour Bridge has significantly increased, particularly among certain types of vehicles such as private cars, minibuses, and motor lorries,” she said.

According to statistics provided, in January 2009, approximately 74,000 trips were made across the bridge

by private cars. By January 2010, this number rose to 86,338 and, by August of that year, it had risen to 163,000 trips by the same type of vehicle.

Similarly, for mini-buses, the figure stood at 39,000 in January 2010, but had climbed to 44,000 by July 2016. Motor lorries with two axles, also moved from 10,000 trips in January 2010 to 12,000 trips in August 2016.

“Outside of these vehicle types, there has generally been an increase in the bridge’s traffic,” the minister said, reasoning that increased traffic means increased congestion, increased damage and wear and tear, and, ultimately, increased expenditure for remedial works.

Minister Ferguson explained that since its inception, the Demerara Harbour Bridge has served as a crucial link between the country’s East and West Banks of Demerara, benefitting thousands of Guyanese.

“For thousands of Guyanese, the harbour bridge is a daily fixture, serving as the main access point for work, school, and commercial activity,” she said, adding that it is necessary for the toll structure to reflect the development seen in Guyana.

Below is a table detailing the new toll structure to be implemented January 1, 2017:

–– increase to off-set maintenance cost

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 17, 2016

Four-month Chinese Language and Culture course concludes

TWENTY-FOUR participants from a number of Government ministries and departments yesterday graduated from a four-month course in Chinese Language and Culture.

Held under the joint auspices of the Foreign Service Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Confucius Institute of China, the course was organised as part of efforts to continue to build the capacity of the public service.

Facilitator was Ms. Connie Zhu, language expert of the Confucius Institute.

Ms. Connie Zhu (third from right, front row) flanked by course participants

GDF to receive Chinese military delegation

Chief-of-Staff Brigadier George Lewis meets officials of the Chinese Embassy ahead of the arrival of the Chinese military delegation.

THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will on Sunday welcome a six- member Chinese military delegation headed by Senior Colonel Lu Zhongling.

A statement from the GDF on Friday said the delegation will engage in the signing of the Military Aid Gratis agreement between the two militar-

ies following scheduled courtesy calls on President David Granger and Chief -of -Staff Brigadier George Lewis at Defence Force Headquarters and His Excellency President David Granger at the Ministry of The Presidency.

The Chinese delegation will also visit and tour the GDF Coast Guard ship

Hinds, where its members will meet and interact with female officers, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) and Ratings, before joining in the Christmas festivities at that base.

The delegation is scheduled to depart Guyana on Tuesday, December 20.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 17, 2016

Car slams into Razaks’ home again

By Alva Solomon

AN out-of-control motor car, PVV 5542, crashed through the fence of the Razaks’ home at Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara (EBD) at about 04:45 hrs on Friday, December

16, and flipped on its side in the yard, disturbing the peace and tranquility of the Razaks even as the family, as members of the Islamic faith, were praying at the time of the incident.

When this publication visited, part of the Razacks’

fence at the side of the home was completely destroyed, while parts of the car were still lying around in the yard.

The patriarch of the home, Faizal Razak, told this publication that public-spirited citizens immediately pulled the apparently The damaged fence at the Faizal Razak home at Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara

The damaged vehicle

intoxicated driver from the car; and, minutes later, an ambulance arrived on scene and rushed the injured man to the hospital. The man was the only occupant of the car at the time of the incident, Razack said.

According to Faizal Razak, this is the fifth time in as many years that an out-of-control vehicle has found itself in his home. He said that Friday’s incident is the latest of many such incidents, the most famous of which had occurred on

August 20th, 2011, when the driver of motor car PJJ 6704 had crashed into the upper flat of his home. That driver also had lost control of his vehicle on that occasion, and it had ploughed through the fence and rode up a small mound, from which it had literally flown through the air into the upper living room of the premises.

He said Friday’s incident occurred at a similar time to when the most famous incident had occurred -- when

the family was praying.

And Mrs. Razak added: “Is mostly on Fridays this thing happening.”

Residents told this publication that the sharpness of the turn, coupled with the driver apparently being intoxicated, contributed to this incident occurring. They suggested that the pavement in the vicinity of the house be raised, or a barrier be erected to protect persons living in the area from speeding motorists.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 17, 2016

King’s interpretation of the law ‘strange’–– says Duncan

By Telesha Ramnarine

the Town Clerk’s interpretation a little strange and I am wondering whether he might be correct. I don’t understand it. It’s confusing,” Duncan said following the elections.

Jaikaran also told this publication that he knew

DEPUTY Mayor Sherod Duncan has said that he is unsure if Town Clerk Royston King’s interpretation of the municipal laws governing the council is correct, with regard to his guidance on the mayoral elections on Thursday.

King quoted from the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01 that Duncan and Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen should remain in office until March 31, 2017, when a full year since their election would have elapsed.

But Duncan, in an invited comment, told the Guyana Chronicle that according to his understanding of the said Act, the Town Clerk Royston King two newly elected persons would be sworn in by the nothing about this and that President and be able to King’s interpretation is assume office right away. “totally strange” to him.

Chase-Green was Meanwhile, King exre-elected to serve as plained: “The term of ofmayor and her new dep- fice of the mayor and that uty is Constituency One of the deputy mayor shall, (Kingston/Queenstown) subject to this Act, be one Councillor Lionel Hano- year commencing on the man-Jaikaran. first day of the month fol“My own confusion lowing upon their election, is, could you have a may- but the mayor or deputy or who is the incumbent mayor shall, notwithstandmayor at the same time? ing the expiry of his term To me, you can’t wear of office continue to hold both hats. You [can] have office until his successor a deputy mayor and an enters upon office and incumbent deputy mayor; thereupon he shall retire. that, to me, is more doable.

“The persons who But how do you sort out would be elected mayor somebody is the mayor and deputy mayor today and the incumbent mayor would be mayor-elect and at the same time? deputy mayor-elect be“For me personally, I cause the terms of office thought we had a shortened of the incumbent mayor municipal year ending and deputy mayor have not now, hence, the elections expired. on December 16. Being That term will expire in office until March 31 on March 31, 2017 and is kind of a shock, which according to the law, the means that the President time is one year and acwon’t be swearing in any cording to the interpredeputy mayor, because it is tation of the law, one not only for Georgetown; year in the law means it means that the mayor 12 months and therefore who has lost office in Cor- the term of office of the riverton is the incumbent two have not yet expired mayor until March 31. It and therefore whoever can’t be only Georgetown; is elected today will be it’s the same 28:01 (of the mayor-elect and deputy Municipal Act). I found mayor-elect.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 17, 2016

FFP spreads Christmas cheer to Palms

By Shirley Thomas

FOOD for the Poor (FFP) Guyana literally brought tears of joy to the eyes of many residents of The Palms, Brickdam, Georgetown, when they hosted their annual Christmas party on Friday.

Hosted for the 204-strong geriatric population, it was a warm way of saying thanks to those who have served communities and country at large, in varying capacities in their active years.

And for the seniors, it was

a kind of family reunion for many who have come to be like family over the years, but do not regularly meet in any social setting.

The party, which coincides with Food-for-thePoor’s Silver Jubilee, (25th anniversary), was held in the chapel, where most of the able-bodied and others in wheelchairs gathered, greeted and had lively exchanges with each other.

The highlight of the programme was the serving of sumptuous lunches to the seniors who were deeply ap-

preciative and apart from his staff, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kent Vincent experienced the novelty of assisting in serving meals.

The programme began with prayers, soft, serenading steelpan music and the nostalgic singing of carols to the delight of all present. As a token of appreciation, the seniors were each presented with a gift containing prized personal effects.

But even though some were bedridden and could not be taken across to the chapel, they were not altogether isolated, nor were they denied

Some of the seniors at the FFP party

Food For the Poor Chief Executive Officer Kent Vincent assists in serving the seniors at The Palms Christmas party on Friday

the ‘Joy of Christmas’ on that occasion, since their meals and gifts were presented to them in bed.

The welcome and brief remarks were done by Vincent, who said it was a pleasure to be with them once again.

He extended Christmas greetings to the seniors gathered, and outlined the motive behind the hosting of the parties.

Commenting on FFP’s association with The Palms, he said the organisation has reached out to the Palms, making donations of furni-

ture, toiletries and detergents for cleaning and any other items that could be of use to them.

Meanwhile, FFP Chairman Malcolm Chan-a-Sue, who was unavoidably absent, sent his regards and best wishes to the seniors.

Other similar activities in which FFP is engaged within the communities in which they work are: Parties for Angels of Hope, in which they will be taking about 12 groups on outings to Berbice and holding Christmas parties for them.

Also in the new year, FFP will hold parties for children in the areas where they serve, as well as host a party for their staff to show their appreciation for the work they do.

“Our staff give … they work beyond the normal call of duty and so we want to acknowledge this,” Vincent said.

These are but a few of the many activities Food for the Poor has planned and is working feverishly towards bring joy and excitement to persons with whom they interact.

Seniors partake in a sumptuous meal at their Christmas party at The Palms

Food For the Poor staff distributing gift bags to residents of The Palms on Friday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 17, 2016

Budget 2017: A broad-base GEORGETOWN, Guyana – (December 16, 2016) THE allocations in Guyana’s 2017 Budget formulate a fiscal programme of action aimed at stimulating economic growth, ensuring progress in infrastructural development, advancing the push toward development of a ‘green’ state, and providing robust educational social programmes that benefit all Guyanese.

During his last address to the National Assembly -- in October 2016 -- President David Granger had laid out the current economic environment, which foretold the need for increased Government revenue to ensure that the balance of payments is met.

“The absence of a policy to provide employment opportunities for you and to reduce extreme poverty, and the failure to energise the manufacturing sector, weakened our economy,” the President said. He said that when the Government took office, the economy was characterised by a lack of strategic planning and by whimsical decision-making, while economic mismanagement was accompanied by huge debts for unpaid international obligations and court judgements.

“The (gravest) financial problem was the bankruptcy of the Guyana Sugar Corporation, which owed 89 billion in debt…. Your government was forced to divert money from econom-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 17, 2016

ed developmental agenda ic development and social programmes to rescue the ailing corporation with an immediate injection of $12 billion. An additional $11 billion had to be provided the next year, 2016, making a total of $23 billion bailout in 18 months,” he said.

In spite of these adversities, the Government was able to institute wage increases, raise the income tax threshold, and increase pension and public assistance over the past 18 months.

However, mindful of the state of the economy, the Government had to ensure that macro-economic stability is maintained.

On November 28, as the 250-billion-dollar-budget was presented in the National Assembly -- under the theme “Building a Diversified Green Economy; Delivering the Good life to all Guyanese” -- by Minister of Finance, Mr. Winston Jordan, Budget 2017 was the third budget to be presented by the Coalition Administration during its 18 months in office, and the first in four decades to be presented before the start of the fiscal year.

During the budget presentation, Minister Jordan outlined several transformative measures aimed at improving economic performance and defining a sustainable pathway to a more prosperous state. Some of those measures are: stabilising macroeconomic and public finances; preparing for oil-and-gas production; encouraging and supporting entrepreneurship, in particular those that involve new green technologies and processes; creating more job opportunities; increasing the focus on innovation, to increase domestic production and boost exports; moving towards a Smart Guyana that bridges the digital divide; reforming business facilitation, and expanding economic horizons; building climate-resilient infrastructure for economic expansion, and linking the coastland and hinterland; lifting the quality of life; addressing poverty; and reforming the public and financial sectors.

The minister declared that Government aims to deliver these ambitious goals to the people in spite of troubling economic and

social indicators. Though Guyana will see only a 2.6 per cent growth in Gross Domestic Product by the end of 2016, which is less than the expected four per cent, the Government has introduced measures that will bring economic relief to many Guyanese.

Some key measures are: The reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) from 16 per cent to 14 per cent. The reduction in VAT was a campaign promise, and one the Government is introducing in a phased approach, which allows the Government to still maintain tax revenues to finance the country’s development programmes.

Increase in the tax threshold from $55,000 per month to $60,000 per month. This is the second increase in the threshold under this Government. This measure means that Public Servants working for less than $60,000 per month will not pay income tax, while those with salaries above the threshold will enjoy a lower tax burden on their overall incomes.

Reduction of the personal income tax rate from 30 per cent to 28 per cent for individuals earning less than $180,000 per month.

There has also been the introduction of a progressive income tax regime which sees a 40 per cent tax being applied to income above the $180,000 threshold. These persons with higher incomes will benefit from one-third of their incomes being tax free, thereby allowing for a higher “take home” pay.

Increase in Old Age Pension from $18,200 to $19,000. Old Age Pension has seen significant increase since this Administration took office, moving from $13,125 to $17,000 in 2015; to $18,200 last year, and now to $19,000 in the 2017 Budget.

Even as Government has granted these tax breaks, taxation and other revenue-enhancing measures must be put in place for the country to continue along the course of development, particularly infrastructural development. The budget therefore includes several measures in taxation and other areas that seek to achieve this goal.

But the measures of tax-

ation and other aspects of the budget were met with criticism from stakeholders, who raised issues with some matters including the announcement that VAT would be charged on electricity consumption in excess of $10,000 per month, and on water consumption in excess of $1,500 per month.

Government has, however, held fast that these and other measures have been put in place to bolster the economy and set a paradigm shift from the economic woes that were inherited.

Minister of Business, Mr. Dominic Gaskin, in an interview on the Budget in Focus, stated that while members of the Private Sector Commission have the right to raise their concerns, the Budget must be assessed holistically in order for the gains to be measured.

With $163 billion in tax revenue to be collected, the minister said, stakeholders should not focus only on the individual impacts for businesses.

“These are all the possibilities for us to collect this money… Any responsible government has to collect taxes in order to fund its programmes,” Minister Gaskin said.

Speaking on the concerns about taxation expressed by stakeholders, Minister of Public Security, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, said income tax is a fundamental part of any growing society that seeks to secure a country’s sustainable development.

Government has maintained that the measures in Budget 2017 seek to fix the decline of the economy, and that the provisions and decisions will boost economic growth for all Guyanese.

Minister Jordan, in his closing remarks at the debate, on December 9, responded to several criticisms levied by the Opposition and other stakeholders. The minister said the presentation of the Budget at the beginning of the fiscal year is a practice that is not new, as the earliest budgets from 1968-1977 had taken the same course. He said that a budget that comes out after the fiscal year has begun in a truncated budget, and members of the PSC especially should understand that

an early budget would also benefit them significantly.

The administration has also been accused by the Opposition of not conducting relevant consultations in the composition of the budget; an assertion which Minister Jordan rebutted by explaining that while some groups responded to invitations to meet his team of budget planners, several, such as the political Opposition, declined. Consultations for the National Budget were conducted over a period of five months, he explained.

In the area of tax reform, Minister Jordan explained that many of the tax measures implemented were informed by the recommendations of the Tax Reform Committee (TRC) which was established by this Government to review the tax system. Among the recommendations that the TRC made were for VAT to be implemented on electricity and water over specified amounts.

Minister of Social Pro-

tection, Ms. Volda Lawrence, also responded to criticisms that the old age pension increase is insufficient.

She reminded the House that the old age pension has been increased by this Administration by 45 per cent in the last 18 months.

She also explained to the House that the former Government’s light and water subsidy arrangement was flawed and did not meet the needs of Guyana’s senior citizens.

“I wish to state that the incentives that the Opposition implemented for the elderly -- to be exempt from the payment of electricity and water -- lacked transparency and did not benefit all the elderly consumers in several areas [around the country]; and hence the records will show that, in 2014, only 10,000 benefited from that electricity programme,” she said.

President Granger, on the Public Interest, has said that, overall, the budget introduced a number of

measures that are aimed at stimulating the economy and creating employment.

Referring to it as a “rounded budget”, the President said the budget covers all the needs of the citizens.

“It caters for economic change, it caters for social protection, and it caters for greater security in terms of the ability of citizens to live in peace and safety from criminal attack. So, taken as a whole, I think the budget provides for all of the needs of citizens during the financial year 2017… Everything has been covered… so my overview is that it is a budget that is easy for citizens to follow and come to conclusions themselves,” he said.

In Part Two of this feature, which will be published next week, a detailed analysis of Budget 2017 will be provided. It will delve into the transformative measures that will place Guyana on a pathway of rapid development over time.

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Local actors, pianists, singers honoured

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 17, 2016

Rudy Bishop with the awardees at the December 10 ceremony RUDY Bishop made good on his promise when he held an awards ceremony for local actors, pianists and singers, among others at the Camptown Youth Centre, Campbellville, Georgetown, on December 10.

At the awards ceremony, certificates were presented to distinguished members of the Chronicle Atlantic Symphony Steel and Brass Orchestra, which was founded by Bishop.

Bishop said the event was necessary to honour those who were unable to attend the gala black tie affair in Brooklyn, New York, in September, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of music and cultural entertainment.

At the gala dinner, more than 15 persons, including, former mayor and former Prime Minister Hamilton Green, veteran journalist/ editor Godfrey Wray, Desiree Edghill, Jasper Adams, Henry Rodney, Andre Wiltshire, Frank Lynch, Desmond Fraser, Calvin White and Roy Geddes, among others were awarded.

At the Brooklyn event, he was gifted the Life Time Award for his contribution to music, a contribution which spans some 50 years.

Bishop was instrumental in nurturing many out of the official band room at the Camptown Youth Centre in Campbellville.

A former Member of Parliament under the Burnham administration, Bishop is a veteran musician who made an indelible mark locally in the Atlantic Symphony, Steel and Brass Orchestra.

On December 10, former Prime Minister Hamilton Green was also awarded, along with veteran newspaper editor Godfrey Wray, Lennox Canterbury and others.

The event was well attended and awardees expressed appreciation during brief remarks as they dined in fine style.

Bishop visits his homel a n d f re q u e n t l y, e v e n though he resides in the U.S. and has since passed the baton over to his son Steve Bishop, who is more than able to take the reins.

Antiguan nabbed with cocaine at CJIA AN Antiguan was on Friday nabbed with cocaine at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

In a release, police said that at about 00:35h, the 41-year-old Antiguan national was an outgoing passenger destined for Toronto, Canada when she was arrested by ranks of the Guyana Police Force at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, after two kilograms five hundred and fifty-eight grams of cocaine were found concealed in her carry-on suitcase.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 17, 2016

Police hunt trio for killing ‘North-East’ man

LAW-ENFORCEMENT officers are currently on the hunt for three men, one of whom shot and killed 26-year-old Jermain Scott at his NorthEast La Penitence, Georgetown home on Tuesday night.

The trio is known to the police and according to the sleuths, one of the men is a well-known criminal who has been linked to several gun crimes recently. The known man has been described as tall, and lightskinned and sports a ‘twist’ hairdo with tattoos on his neck, while one of his accomplices was described

as stout and dark-skinned.

The men were transported by the third wanted person who drove a heavily tinted car.

Scott was killed at his Lot 291 Toucan Street, North-East La Penitence home, after attempting to render assistance to his sister Simone Scott and her friend Maureen Bristol.

The women were approaching the Toucan Street home when two men exited a car and snatched a gold chain off Simone Scott’s neck. One of the men who was armed with a gun cuffed Scott to her neck and as she was being cuffed,

Killed: Jermain Scott and his wife, Cassandra Scott.

A relative points to the spot where Jermain Scott was shot on Tuesday night by bandits at his home.

Bristol in an attempt to save her friend pulled a knife on the bandits.

Meanwhile, Scott (Jermain), who worked as a maintenance mechanic at Banks DIH’s rum factory had just closed up the family’s grocery shop around 10 pm and was paining the interior of the house when he heard the screams of his sister and her friend.

He rushed to their assistance and he was shot to his chest. The 26-yearold man was taken to the hospital, but died while receiving treatment. He had only gotten married to his long-time sweetheart less than a month ago and was expecting his first child.

The home of the Scotts.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 17, 2016

Republic Bank Triumph branch opens Monday

REPUBLIC Bank will on Monday open its Triumph, East Coast Demerara branch for business from Monday, the bank has said in a statement.

The new branch located at Lots 34 &35-37 Section ‘C’ Triumph, boasts a spacious, modern and comfortable environment for customers and will offer the full range of services. The bank said due

to their any-branch-banking policy, customers will also enjoy the convenience of this location to conduct transactions on any Republic Bank account across the network.

“The team of highly skilled professionals -led by Bibi Shaliza Seepersaud -- eagerly looks forward to serving the community with the same friendly and efficient service for which Republic

The Republic Bank Triumph, East Coast Demerara location Bank is known,” the bank said. The Automated Teller Machine Facility at this branch is also outfitted with four machines, with

provision for additional machines.

The branch’s formal opening is set for mid-January, 2017. Re-

public Bank is pleased to offer its services to the residents of the East Coast Demerara communities and its environs.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 17, 2016

ARIES Your current disposition consists of one part sheer determination, one part wild abandon, and one part good cheer. The fiery vibe of the dramatic Leo Moon suits you perfectly today, and your game is on point. A harmonious Grand Trine between the playful Moon, rebellious Uranus, and responsible Saturn strikes just the right balance, enabling you to walk the line between bucking the system and following the rules -- and have plenty of fun doing it.

TAURUS Your unflappable willpower to fulfill your obligations fuels your strong confidence in your abilities today. Although sudden changes might occur at the last minute, you’re well-equipped to handle whatever is tossed your way now. The easy flow between responsibility and spontaneity allows you to respect authority without being held back by it. Michelangelo warns, “The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but it is too low and we reach it.”

GEMINI You are blessed with a fountain of ideas today as colourful visions endlessly spill over in your mind’s eye. The theatrical Leo Moon creates creative connections with rule-making Saturn and rule-breaking Uranus, giving you the rare opportunity to say exactly what you think to a receptive audience. This cosmic advantage offers you the chance to push the limits without crossing a line. Thankfully, there’s no need to waste time in hours of analysis; for once, it’s okay to act first and think later.

CANCER Take a moment while rushing to finish your errands to consider the values you’re assigning to the material world around you. Of course, it’s easy to get attached to the wrong things during the gifting season, but letting money or objects dominate your thinking isn’t good for your soul. Luckily, the luxurious Leo Moon receives helpful trines from both pragmatic Saturn and progressive Uranus, bringing you a healthy perspective on what to hang onto and what to let go. Honour your heart by cherishing the ones you love the most.

LEO Your light is shining brighter than the brightest star today. The generous Leo Moon occupies your 1st House of Personality, amplifying your charming qualities and making you nearly impossible to ignore. Fortunately, a set of favourable contacts with the polar opposites of lightning-like Uranus and rock-steady Saturn enable you to expertly balance loud with proud. Magically, you can dazzle those around you by being enterprising and responsible at the very same time. Work for a cause, not for the applause, and a lasting sense of satisfaction is your reward.

VIRGO It might appear like a normal even-keeled day on the outside, but you are experiencing a variety of feelings on the inside. The lively Leo Moon activates your 12th House of Spirituality, creating epiphanies and uncovering revelations no one knows about except you. Thankfully, you can stay emotionally grounded when exploring these brilliant ideas; trusting your instincts allows you to bring them into the light of reality when the time is right.

LIBRA Immersing yourself in a group of people who share your beliefs is imperative for your personal growth now. The spirit of camaraderie makes you feel like you’re all of one collective mind today, and that your little tribe can alter the course of the world.

Although the passionate energy of the Leo Moon motivates you to aim high, brilliant connections from traditional Saturn and unconventional Uranus help you create waves of change without capsizing the boat.

SCORPIO Your heightened desire to achieve the impossible has you champing at the bit today, ready to pave the way to progress. A thrilling Grand Fire Trine between the Moon, Saturn and Uranus highlights your ambitious goals, and offers you plenty of inspirational ideas on how you can achieve them. You are being gifted by the cosmos with the drive to succeed, along with the innovation and discipline to make your visions come to pass. Claim your power and make magic happen.

SAGITTARIUS Big dreams and grand plans seem achievable today, even if they are beyond your current grasp. Thankfully, your passion is contagious while the dramatic Leo Moon unites with revolutionary Uranus and steadfast Saturn. Don’t grow complacent and waste this powerful yet balanced cosmic configuration. Revitalize your most wonderful fantasies about the future, while you can also remain practical enough to see them through. Anything is possible when you find that sweet spot between the ideal and the real.

CAPRICORN You know the rules are there for a reason, and you’re generally inclined to follow them; in fact, you even like to draw the guidelines whenever possible. However, dynamic Uranus sparks an electric connection to the lively Leo Moon today, inspiring your inner fire to burn a little hotter. The planets are giving you a free pass to take a risk, offering you cosmic assurance that you will succeed as long as you have the sense to not stretch the envelope too far. Fortune favours the bold, but only if you know when to not push your luck.

AQUARIUS The warm-hearted energy from yesterday is carried forward today, but a round of planetary fireworks is tossed into the mix to shock you out of your comfort zone.

The animated Leo Moon interacts with unpredictable Uranus, saturating the range of feelings you’re experiencing now. There’s no doubt that you are on a wild and crazy ride. However, it is your choice to stand up and throw your hands in the air or to follow the rules and buckle up. Courage without wisdom can lead to dangerous results.

PISCES You take quiet pride in your work today because it’s deeply gratifying to know how much you’re needed. However, try not to get too attached to your routine since your schedule will inevitably shift more than once during this hectic season. Nevertheless, a conductive Grand Trine between the creative Leo Moon, industrious Saturn and brilliant Uranus energizes your workflow and removes obstacles in your path before you even need to struggle. Don’t be shy; this is your chance to accomplish great feats in an original and innovative way.

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Saturday December 17th, 2016 - 05:30 hrs Sunday December 18th, 2016 - 08:30 hrs Monday December 19th, 2016 - 09:30 hrs

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Disciplined bowling display puts ...

From back page

Cariah was trapped leg-before with an in-

swinger, without scoring.

Barnwell used the corridor with back-of-length deliveries to good effect, and was rewarded after a brief stand of 26 between the 23-year-old Rajah and Yannick Ottley.

Rajah had nudged the ball around for his 12, but was bowled when he played down the wrong line.

Ottley in company with Roshon Primus added 33 runs for the sixth wicket before Ottley was taken at point off Permaul for 15.

The 21-year-old Primus, who was gaining some momentum, was joined by

Steven Katwaroo, but at the stroke of tea, Primus’ breezy 65-ball innings came to end as he spooned a simple return catch to Permaul for a top-score 42.

His innings lasted 71 minutes, and in the process he helped himself to seven sweetly timed boundaries.

Permaul then removed Katwaroo (24) and Marlon Richards (4) before his fellow left-arm counterpart, Gudakesh Motie (1-40), claimed the final wicket of Khery Pierre for 17.

Play resumes today at 09:00hrs.

SCOREBOARD RED FORCE 1st iinings K. Hope b Reifer 16 I. Khan c Vishaul Singh b Barnwell 7 I. Rajah b Barnwell 12 J. Mohammed c wkp. Bramble b Reifer 7 Y. Cariah lbw b Reifer 0 Y. Ottley c Motie b Permaul 15 R. Primus c & b Motie 42 S. Katwaroo lbw b Permaul 24 K. Pierre c Chandrika b Motie 17 M. Richards c Chandrika b Permaul 4 J. Jagessar not out 0 Extras: (b-2, lb-6, w-2, nb-8) 18 Total : (all out, 53.2 overs) 162 Fall of wickets: 1-28, 2-28, 3-37, 4-37, 5-63, 6-96, 7-117, 8-150, 9-158.

Bowling: Joseph 8-3-30-0, Reifer 10-1-34-3, Barnwell 8-3-20-2, Permaul 14-5-30-4, Motie 13.2-2-40-1.

JAGUARS 1st innings R. Chandrika not out 8 S. Hetmyer not out 0 Extras: (nb-1) 1 Total: (without loss, 2.2 overs) 9 Bowling: Richards 1.2-0-5-0, Primus 1-0-4-0.

Position: Jaguars trail by 153 runs with all ten wickets intact.

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34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 17, 2016

Moeen’s unbeaten century redeems England (REUTERS) - Moeen Ali capitalised on an early reprieve to score his fifth Test century and steer England to 284 for four on the opening day of the fifth and final Test against India yesterday.

Opting to bat, England slumped to 21 for two before Moeen added 146 with Joe Root to steady the innings and share a stand of 86 with Jonny Bairstow to keep the touring side on course for a big total at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Moeen’s unbeaten 120 was an innings of two halves, the left-hander shedding his early tentativeness to hit 12 fours after being dropped by Lokesh Rahul at mid-wicket before he had scored.

Ben Stokes was unbeaten

Moeen Ali reaches his second century of the series on the first day in Chennai. on five at the close. pride but that determination With India having taken did not show in some casual an unassailable 3-0 lead in shot-making by the top order. the series, England went into Back in the squad replacthe match seeking to salvage ing Bhuvneshwar Kumar,

paceman Ishant Sharma induced Keaton Jennings into driving a wide delivery and Parthiv Patel collected the edge behind the stumps to dismiss the young opener for one.

Alastair Cook took two off Umesh Yadav’s first ball to reach 11 000 runs in Tests but again looked completely at sea against Ravindra Jadeja’s left-arm spin.

The England skipper lunged outside off-stump to edge the ball to Virat Kohli at slip for 10, falling to Jadeja for the fifth time in the series.

Root faced yet another rebuilding job and England’s batting mainstay did not let his team down.

Moeen lazily flicked Jadeja to midwicket where

Rahul misjudged his jump and the ball burst through his hands.

Moeen looked ill at ease in the morning session but appeared completely transformed after lunch as he and Root milked India’s threepronged spin attack despite the pitch offering considerable turn.

Root brought up his 27th Test fifty and looked like cruising to his century when he fell to Jadeja.

England’s most prolific batsman in the series attempted a sweep shot and the Indians appealed for caught-behind.

It was turned down by the on-field umpire but upheld after the hosts decided to review it.

Root shook his head in

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND 1st innings

A. Cook c Kohli b Jadeja 10 K. Jennings c P. Patel b I. Sharma 1 J. Root c P. Patel b Jadeja 88 M. Ali not out 120 J. Bairstow c Rahul b Jadeja 49 B. Stokes not out 5 Extras: (b-4, lb-1, w-1, pen-5) 11 Total: (for 4 wickets, 90 overs) 284 Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-, 3-167, 4-253.

Bowling: U. Yadav 12-1-44- 0 (w-1), I. Sharma 12-5-25-1, R. Jadeja 28-3-73-3, R. Ashwin 241-76-0, A. Mishra 13-1-52-0, K. Nair 1-0-4-0.

dismay as he missed his second century of the series, a feat Moeen achieved in the final session.

Bairstow hit three sixes in his breezy 49 but missed out on a fifty when he loosely drove Jadeja to Rahul at cover.

Pakistan wickets tumble as Aussies seize control … Handscomb registers maiden Test century

(REUTERS) - A rampaging Australian pace attack took control of the first day-night Test in Brisbane, leaving Pakistan reeling at 97 for eight at the close of day two, yesterday, still 133 runs short of avoiding the follow-on.

On a manic day of pink ball cricket, 15 wickets tumbled at the Gabba but rookie batsman Peter Handscomb

stood firm to score a maiden century in his second Test and drove Australia to an imposing first-innings total of 429.

“Obviously a great day for the team,” said Handscomb after his superb knock of 105.

“The bowlers have been great. I think tomorrow is about getting those first two wickets as quickly and cheap-

ly as we can.”

Pakistan wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed showed the defiance wanting in his teammates to be unbeaten on 31 at stumps, with tailender Mohammad Amir eight not out.

Bruised after an opening day in which Australia piled on 288-3, Pakistan’s seamers battled hard to drag their side

Peter Handscomb reaches his maiden Test ton on the second day in Brisbane. into the game, but their batting off Hazlewood and capfroze in the floodlights of the tain Misbah-ul-Haq (4) and Ashad Shafiq (2) joined him final session.

Having moved to 43-1 in the dressing room shortly after a cautious first hour, after.

Wahab Riaz and Yasir Pakistan lost five for 13 in a hurry as Mitchell Starc, Shah managed only one run Josh Hazlewood and Jack- apiece before Sarfraz and son Bird combined in a Amir showed fight in their late 30-run stand. devastating pace assault.

Although Wahab and Hazlewood and Starc had three wickets apiece, with Amir earlier finished with Bird grabbing two for a mi- four wickets apiece to limit serly seven runs from his nine Australia to 429, it was another poor day in the field for overs.

Starc struck first in the Pakistan, with two dropped fifth over to remove Azhar catches.

Handscomb, however, Ali for five when the opener edged a lead-footed drive to needed no reprieves in his the slips where Usman Kha- determined 240-ball knock.

Sharing in a 172-run waja dived forward and to his partnership with captain left to take a fine, low catch.

Number three batsman Steve Smith, the 25-year-old Babar Azam and opener Sami rookie’s innings was all the Aslam dug in for an hour more impressive as wickets before Hazlewood had Babar tumbled around him.

He hammered leg-spinner caught behind for 19.

Yo u n u s K h a n w a s Yasir Shah over the long-on caught behind for a duck boundary for six to move to

97, then completed his ton in style, smashing a square drive off seamer Amir for four.

He was bowled after tea

by Wahab, chopping onto his stumps, but Pakistan were further frustrated by a feisty 10th wicket stand of 49 runs between Nathan Lyon (29) and Bird (19 not out).

SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA 1st innings (Overnight: 288-3)

M. Renshaw c S. Ahmed b Riaz 71 D. Warner lbw b Amir 32 U. Khawaja c Misbah-ul-Haq b Shah 4 S. Smith c S. Ahmed b Riaz 130 P. Handscomb b Riaz 105 N. Maddinson c S. Ahmed b Riaz 1 M. Wade c Az. Ali b Amir 7 M. Starc c Shafiq b Amir 10 J. Hazlewood c Az. Ali b Amir 8 N. Lyon c Shafiq b Shah 29 J. Bird not out 19 Extras: (lb-5, nb-7, w-1) 13 Total: (all out, 130.1 overs) 429 Fall of wickets: 1-70, 2-75, 3-151, 4-323, 5-334, 6-342, 7-354, 8-380, 9-380.

Bowling: M. Amir 31-7-97-4 (nb-1), R. Ali 22-5-74-0, Y. Shah 43.1-6-129-2, W. Riaz 26-4-89-4 (nb-6, w-1), Az. Ali 8-0-35-0.

PAKISTAN 1st innings

S. Aslam c Wade b Bird 22 Az. Ali c Khawaja b Starc 5 B. Azam c Smith b Hazlewood 9 Y. Khan c Wade b Hazlewood 0 Misbah-ul-Haq c Renshaw b Bird 4 A. Shafiq c Khawaja b Starc 2 S. Ahmed not out 31 W. Riaz c & b Hazlewood 1 Y. Shah c Khawaja b Starc 1 M. Amir not out 8 Extras: (lb-3, w-1) 4 Total: (for 8 wickets, 43 overs) 97 Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-43, 3-43, 4-48, 5-54, 6-56, 7-66, 8-67 Bowling: M. Starc 5-2-45-3 (w1), J. Hazlewood 11-1-19-3, J. Bird 9-6-72, N. Lyon 8-1-23-0.

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 17, 2016

GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF)

Extra Time

First Half of Stag Elite League (Season 2)

First half of Stag Elite League concluded on Monday, 12th December at the Buxton Community Centre Ground, E.C.D. The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC leads with fifteen (15) points followed by Fruta Conquerors FC with ten (10) points.

Leading goal scorers are Delroy Fraser and Jeffrey Pereira respectively with three (3) goals each.

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR FOOTBALL GAME? FOOTBALL IS A TEAM SPORT. Always play with your team in mind.

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES: Saturday, 17th December, 2016 10:00hrs - 14:00hrs

Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC - Point leaders

Fruta Conquerors FC - Second place

National Under-15 Team

► GFF GrassRoots Festival continues • Rupununi Football Association (St. Ignatius) ADMISSION: FREE ► National

Under-15 Schedule

- Sixteen(16) persons travelled to French Guiana to participate in the Claude Elise Tournament • 18th December - Guyana vs Olympique de Marseille @ 20:00hrs •19th December - Guyana vs Suriname @ 20:00hrs •20th December - Guadeloupe vs Guyana @18:30hrs • 21st December - Games to be decided

Shawn Adonis- GoalKeeper

Oswin Fredericks-GoalKeeper

Joshua Braithwaite - Defender Wayne Da Silva- Defender

Jermaine Padmore - Defender Rickford Emmanuel - Defender Okifi Patoir - Midfielder

Cyrus Nicholson - Defender

Shannon Samnauth - Midfielder Orville Daniels - Midfielder

National Under-15 Technical Squad

•Technical Director- Ian Greenwood • Head Coach -Bryan Joseph •Assistant Coach -Challus Mc Kinnon •GoalKeeping Coach - Eon De Viera •Team Manager- Keith Ojeer

Tyrel Khan - Midfielder

Derron Niles - Midfielder

Omari Glasgow - Forward

Ken Salvador - Forward

Troni Semple - Forward

Jermaine Garrett - Forward

PRODUCED BY THE GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF) AND DESIGNED BY THE GUYANA CHRONICLE

For further Information or should you have questions/comments , please contact: General Secretary Guyana Football Federation (GFF) 17 Dadanawa Street, Section “K” Campbelville, Georgetown TEL: +1 592 227 8758 ext. 102 FAX: +1 592 225 2096

e-mail: gff@networksgy.com WEBSITE: www.gffonline.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/GuyanaFootballFederationInc INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/guyana_football_federation_inc/ SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/guyana-football-federation-inc LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guyana-football-federation-inc

36

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday December 17, 2016

Scholarship awardee Gavin Lewis continues to excel at academics and athletics in the USA

By Tamica Garnett

the Coppin State University.

During that time, however, the 20-year-old has been shining both academically and athletically.

This coming January will mark two years since Gavin

left Guyana, and while there have been few reports on just how he’s been doing since he left, it has been quite an interesting and accomplished two years for him.

Gavin was awarded Most Valuable Player on the team,

the Coppin’s Eagles, and a spot on the college’s Dean’s NOT much has been heard List after finishing his first of young tennis player year with a 3.5 GPA. Gavin Lewis since he miHe is considered one grated to the United States of Coppin’s leading men’s of America (USA) to study tennis student-athlete, on a tennis scholarship at crowning his 2016 season with a highly regarded doubles win against Howard University in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).

He was one of only three players from his school named as part of the (MEAC) Tennis All-Academic team, which recognises student-athletes with a 3.0 or better cumulative grade point average.

Gavin’s performance in the USA marks a continuation of his top end accomplishments when he was performing in tournament’s locally - the very reason he caught the eye of overseas-based Guyanese, Coppin State head coach Diwani Lewis.

He was Guyana’s number one junior seed when Gavin goes for a groundstrokes during one of his matches representing Coppin he was given the scholarship in 2014. He had also State. performed remarkably in

Guyana’s Gavin Lewis the senior tournaments.

So outstanding was his performance back then that Diwani had been eyeing Gavin for a scholarship even before he was old enough to access one. So once he was old enough it was only a matter of formality to get him into the school’s sports programme.

At Coppin, Gavin is studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Journalism. Being a part of Coppin has afforded him several opportunities to improve his skills.

Coppin is continuously

involved in matches throughout the season, which gives him a lot of time to play and challenge himself.

But it was not all fun for him when he first arrived.

Gavin’s dad had passed away just prior to his leaving for his scholarship, and this really shook him up. He really had to push through his emotional pains to put his best foot forward for his new school.

“My first year was pretty good. I didn’t expect to do as well as I did, given the situation I was in when I left for college,” Gavin said.

Smalta Girls Pee Wee Under-11 grand final

West Ruimveldt lock horns with St Angela’s today THE best of the best in the Girls Under-11 football will be on show today in the 3rd Annual Smalta Girls Pee Wee Football Championship grand final at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.

This year’s final will feature new champions when West Ruimveldt Primary lock horns with St Angela’s.

After over four days of high quality action the top two teams will now face off in a thrilling encounter.

On the West Ruimveldt front, their obvious offensive nature will be their strongest suit against their opponents, having found the back of the net some 12 times in their five earlier games.

Nine of those 12 goals

have come from the tournament’s leading goalscorer Gabriella McGarrell. In the process they have set a new tournament record (nine goals) and she is sure to be a force to be reckoned with in front of goal today.

Their defence provides some amount of talk as well, having conceded only thrice in their five games which means that they boast a for-

midable unit.

On the other hand, St Angela’s are aiming to follow in the footsteps of their male team and clinch the championship.

Their strength, however, lies solely in defence and having conceded twice in five matches, it’s easy to see why this is so.

While their offensive record boasts just under a

goal a game at four, it still leaves a great matchup to witness today.

Also today South Ruimveldt will faceoff with St Pius in the third-place playoff at 12:15hrs.

Meanwhile, the positional 5-16 section will occur prior to the start of the thirdplace playoff. In the 5-8 section, dethroned champions St Stephen’s will oppose

North Georgetown and Enterprise will tackle St Agnes at 11:30hrs.

In the 9-12 section, Smith Memorial will engage F.E. Pollard while Tucville will battle Winfer Gardens from 10:45hrs. In the 13-16 section, Redeemer will battle St Gabriel’s while St Margaret’s will engage Stella Maris at 10:00hrs.

37

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 17, 2016

Rohan Auto Spares still on board KMTC’s Boxing Day horse race meet … donates first place trophy and cash prize

ROHAN Auto Spares continues to lend support to the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club’s (KMTC) Annual Boxing Day horse race meet, scheduled for the club’s facility at Bush Lot Farm, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice on December 26, beginning at 13:00hrs.

Yesterday, Managing Director of Rohan’s Auto Spares, Rohan Booj-Raj presented the winner’s trophy for the feature event, which is for horses classified `B’ and Lower over a nine-furlong trip, to Justice Cecil Kennard, at his Police Service Commission office on Brickdam, Georgetown.

In accepting the trophy and cheque, Justice Kennard noted that this is the 11th year that Rohan Auto Spares will be contributing to the event and it is in memory of Rohan’s sibling Gopaul, who died in a vehicular accident on December 26 (Boxing Day) in 2005.

Members of the Booj-Raj family hands over the winning trophy and cash prize to Justice Cecil Kennard. From left are: Gopaul Booj-Raj’ son Avanindra, Gopaul’s sibling Rohan, Rohan’s wife Zulikha and Gopaul’s daughter Sherisa. (Photo by Cullen Best-Nelson) Rohan Auto Spares is located at 843 Good Hope, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, and also has a branch at Number 64 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

The feature event of the eight-race meet will see the winner receive $1.2M and a trophy. The second-, thirdand fourth-place finishers will earn $600 000, $300 000

Hope, Chase stabilise Pride amid showers ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC) - Shai Hope and Roston Chase dodged the showers to bring stability to Barbados Pride after they ran into early trouble against Windward Islands Volcanoes in the WICB Regional 4-Day Tournament yesterday.

Hope was not out on 34 and Chase was not out on 28, as the Pride reached 101 for three in their first innings at the close on the rain-hit first day of their fifth round match, after they were sent in to bat on a hard, true Windsor Park pitch.

The pair of West Indies batsman shared 56 – unbroken – for the fourth wicket, after the Pride stumbled to 45 for three about an hour after the start which was delayed by 3 ¼ hours, due to the weather, which also brought the close about an hour earlier than scheduled.

After the delayed start, the Pride suffered an early setback, when Mervin Matthew bowled Anthony Alleyne, the most prolific batsman this season, for his second duck in as many innings in the third over.

Omar Phillips got the scoreboard moving with Hope with little trouble before he pulled a s h o r t d e l i v e r y f ro m Kenroy Peters straight to the mid-wicket fielder and Shamarh Brooks was caught at leg-slip for one off Liam Sebastien, top-edging an ill-advised sweep seven balls later.

For the remainder of the period before tea, Hope and Chase defied the Volcanoes attack to ease the tension in the Pride dressing room and continued to repel the challenge after the break before the rain came to cut short the day on which only 34.2 overs were possible.

Hope, however, was fortunate on 11, when he turned a ball from off-spin bowler Liam Sebastien, the Volcanoes captain, and short-leg fielder Tarryck Gabriel dropped the ball while trying to celebrate.

Chase too, had a close shave, when he was still in single figures and played back and across to a delivery from debutant left-arm chinaman bowler Audy Alexander, but umpire Jonathan Blades gave him the benefit of the doubt.

Pride made two

changes from the previous match, bringing Omar Phillips and clubmate Kenroy Williams into their final 11 in place o f t h e re s t i n g K r a i g g Brathwaite and out-of-favour fast-medium bowler Justin Greaves.

Volcanoes made three changes with Roland Cato, Audy Alexander and Kenroy Peters replacing the out-of-favour Jerlani Robinson, injured Shane Shillingford and surprise omission Delorn Johnson.

Pride were third in the standings on 43.2 points – eight points more than fifth-placed Volcanoes

SCOREBOARD PRIDE 1st innings

O. Phillips c Theophile b Peters 28 A. Alleyne b Matthew 0 S. Hope not out 32 S. Brooks c Charles b Sebastien 1 R. Chase not out 28 Extras: (b-6, lb-1, nb-3) 10 Total: (3 wkts, 34.2 overs) 101 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-44, 3-45 Bowling: Matthew 6-1-19-1, Mayers 7-3-18-0, Peters 6-1-181 (nb-1), Sebastien 11.2-1-29-1, Alexander 4-0-20-0 (nb-2).

VOLCANOES: D. Smith, T. Theophile, J. Charles, R. Cato, T. Gabriel, +S. Ambris, *L. Sebastien, K. Mayers, A. Alexander, M. Matthew, K. Peters

and $150 000 respectively.

Two seven-furlong races are also set to be contested.

The first being for horses that are West Indies-bred maidens and Guyana-bred

H and Lower horses. The winner will earn $250 000, while the other top three finishers will take home $125 000, $63 000 and $32 000 respectively.

The other seven-furlong race is open to horses classified `G and Lower’ and the winner will collect $280 000, while the second-, third- and fourth-place finishers will receive $140 000, $70 000 and $35 000 respectively.

An `L class’ six-furlong race for non-winners will also be contested and the winner will receive $130 000, while the other top three finishers will earn $65 000, $32 000 and $16 000 respectively.

There will also be a five-furlong race for another set of `L-rated horses, but this will be in the open category and the same prize structure as the first five-furlong race will be in effect.

A six-furlong race for horses classified `E’ and Lower is on the cards and the winner of this event will trot home with $500 000, while the second-, third- and fourth-place finishers will

earn $250 000, $125 000 and $63 000 respectively.

Tw o - y e a r- o l d G u y ana-bred maidens will compete in a six-furlong event as well and the winner will earn $220 000 while the other top three finishers will receive $110 000, $55 000 and $28 000 respectively.

The final race on the day’s card is open to horses classified `J and Lower and Two-Year-Old Guyana-bred horses.

The distance is six furlongs and the winner’s is $180 000, while the second-place horse will earn $90 000. The third- and fourthplace finishers will take home $45 000 and $22 000 respectively.

The races are being conducted under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority.

Interested trainers and owners can contact the following persons for more information; Roopnarine Matadial (325-3192), Ivan Dipnarine (331-0316), Justice Kennard (623-7609, 225-4818, 226-1399) or Fazal Habibula (657-7010).

Richardson says ICC wants 15-16 teams playing top-level cricket THE International Cricket Council (ICC) is keen to increase the number of teams playing cricket at the highest level to “15-16”, and is working towards that under the leadership of Shashank Manohar, according to chief executive David Richardson.

“The ICC has a strategy to have more competitive teams playing at the highest level,” Richardson said in Sri Lanka, where he was at the invitation of SLC and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Thilanga Sumathipala to discuss the global development of the game.

“For too long we had 10 Full Members. If we are honest with ourselves, there are eight, probably nine, teams that can play cricket at the highest level.

“We’d like to increase that number to 15-16 countries (with) the likes of Afghanistan, Nepal, Malaysia and various other countries in the Asian region. It’s very important that we develop their cricket to a level where they can play against the big boys on an equal basis.”

Richardson said the global governing body was on the verge of putting forward some proposals “that would

David Richardson: For too long we had 10 Full Members. (AFP)

do wonders for international cricket”. “Those proposals would cover governance and a new revised financial model, which would hopefully provide all the Full Members with a bigger slice of the cake than what it is currently envisaged,” he said.

In early 2014, a constitutional revamp of the ICC had given the boards of India, England and Australia greater authority and a larger share of the revenue, an episode dubbed the ‘Big Three’ takeover by the media.

Soon after he became ICC chairman in November 2015, Manohar had criticised the imbalance of power triggered by that revamp, and said he wanted to end the “bullying” in the game’s administration.

Richardson said he was confident the game will not be affected by another such power war under the current

administration. “The international game has gone through a period of turbulence, where the governance, the financial model, the playing (of the game) was in turmoil by the resolutions passed by the ICC in 2014.

What happened in 2014 took place because unfortunately countries like South Africa, Sri Lanka and New Zealand were not able to stand up to the big boys. I don’t think that will happen again.”

He said the ICC also wanted the ACC to use its resources to develop the game, and the global governing body would provide it with “guidance” and “strategy”.

“Obviously we (the ICC) are responsible for global development, but our resources are limited. It’s important that the ACC, with the resources they have both from a financial and a HR perspective, make best use of those.

“We want to provide the guidance, principles, overall strategy. It is important that the activities that we can carry out at a global level are supplemented by what the ACC can afford to do on a regional basis.”

(ESPN Cricinfo)

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 17, 2016

Resaul, Gentle and Downes reach Trophy Stall Doubles Championship finals

Hamilton’s second century, Jacobs’ five scalps share centre stage

PLENTY action is anticipated as the Trophy Stall Doubles Table Tennis Championship finals continue today.

Guyana’s top three tennis players Heimraj Resaul, Afruica Gentle and Anthony Downes have all reached the finals of their categories in what is being dubbed the leading doubles tournament of the year.

In the Ladies’ Open Doubles semi-finals the budding Afruica Gentle with partner Cristy Campbell easily defeated Shawna Gentle and Fiona Bushell 6-1, 6-1 while Alana Chung and partner Margaret Subryan went down to Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan and Nicola Ramdyhan 6-0, 6-3.

In the Mixed Open Doubles quarterfinals J.

L-R Anthony Downes and Afruica Gentle

Kalekyezi and A. Chung knocked off the pair of Philbert Clarke and Diana Bharat 6-1, 6-3 to reach their first semi-finals, but succumbed to the overwhelming power of the An-

thony Downes and Afruica Gentle 6-1, 6-2.

The pair of Heimraj Resaul and Kalyca Fraser defeated the young powerhouse of Mark McDonald and Nicola Ramdyhan 6-1

7-5.

In the Men’s Open Doubles semifinals Heimraj Resaul and Jordan Beaton dashed the hopes of Oswin Coggins and Stephen Bailey by taking them down 6-0, 6-2 while Anthony Downes and partner Jason Andrews defeated Mark McDonald and Ronald Murray 6-4, 6-4 in what was their toughest encounter of the tournament.

The Ladies’ Doubles finals will be played at the National Racquet Centre today from 12:00hrs, with the Men’s Doubles finals and Closing Ceremony to follow.

The public is invited to give these athletes support by turning out to witness Guyana’s best doubles players vie for the top championship titles.

FIFA panel upholds one-year ban on ex-German FA head Niersbach

(REUTERS) - FIFA officials have rejected an appeal by former German Football Association (DFB) president Wolfgang Niersbach, thereby maintaining a oneyear ban on him imposed in July.

The German has responded by stepping down from all his football roles. He also said he would not take his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, putting an end to his career as an administrator.

Niersbach was suspended by world soccer’s ruling body for failing to report potential misconduct surrounding the award of 2006 World Cup hosting rights to Germany.

“The Appeals Committee determined that a one-year ban from taking part in any football-related activity at national and international level was adequate in this case,” the FIFA committee said in a statement yesterday.

“In consequence Mr

Niersbach’s ban for a period of one year is maintained as from July 25, 2016.”

The Appeals Committee said he had violated articles related to disclosure, cooperation and conflict of interest.

Niersbach, who sat on the FIFA Council and is also a member of the executive committee of European soccer’s governing body UEFA, though currently suspended, resigned as DFB president in November 2015.

“His personal decision ... to accept the consequences of misconduct in the past deserves recognition and respect,” the DFB said.

Current president Reinhard Grindel will now campaign for a position on UEFA’s executive committee, the DFB added.

Niersbach was unable to explain a 6.7 million euros ($7.4 million) payment from German World Cup organisers to FIFA. A report in May from

Wolfgang Niersbach, president of the German Football Association (DFB) addresses a news conference at the DFB headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, October 22, 2015. (REUTERS/Ralph Orlowski/File Photo)

the investigatory chamber of FIFA’s ethics committee, an independent body, found Niersbach had violated its ethics code.

The German repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and lodged an appeal. He is also under investigation by Frankfurt prosecutors for suspected tax evasion over that specific payment to FIFA. A DFB-commissioned report revealed in March that while there was no evidence

of Germany paying FIFA members in return for their votes, payments were made to at least one former FIFA official through a web of accounts involving several other firms or individuals, including Franz Beckenbauer.

World Cup-winning player and coach Beckenbauer, who headed the 2006 hosting bid, admitted making mistakes but denied any wrongdoing over the tournament in Germany.

BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) – Jahmar Hamilton hit his second straight hundred for Leeward Islands Hurricanes, whose batting was undercut by an incisive spell of leg-spin bowling from Damion Jacobs in the WICB Regional 4-Day Tournament on Thursday.

The 26-year-old Hamilton cracked the top score of 103, Rahkeem Cornwall supported with 66 and Chesney Hughes made 30, but Jacobs grabbed 5-103 from 37 overs, as the Hurricanes were bowled out for 243 in their first innings.

Scorpions reached 33 without loss in reply at the close on the opening day of the day/night, fifth round contest at Warner Park with Shacaya Thomas not out on 22 and John Campbell not out on nine.

The diminutive Hamilton, a wicketkeeper/batsman from Anguilla, continued in the rich

Jahmar Hamilton

vein of form which he has found following the break in the tournament a fortnight ago, after he made 94 and 125 in the previous match against Windward Islands Volcanoes at Windsor Park in Dominica.

He struck 10 fours and two sixes from 200 balls in 4 ½ hours of batting and reached his milestone from seven fewer deliveries, when he swung Jacobs over the deep mid-wicket boundary for his final six before Rovman Powell had him caught at slip to bring the curtain down on the Hurricanes innings.

Hamilton shared two vitals stands that propped up the Hurricanes’ batting. He put on 72 for the fourth wicket with left-hander Hughes, his fellow Anguillan, to rescue the home team from a wobbly 24 for three, and shared 102 for the sixth wicket with Cornwall after the hosts stumbled to 96 for five.

Jacobs made the breakthrough after the Hurricanes elected to bat, when he trapped left-handed opener Kieran Powell, the home team captain, lbw for 18 in the first half-hour.

The wickets of Montcin Hodge, caught in the slips off returning Scorpions fast bowler Marquino Mindley, and Kacey Carty, run-out, both for ducks, left the innings at the crossroads before Hamilton came to the crease and put the visitors on the back-foot with Hughes with typically effervescent batting.

After taking the Hurricanes to the dinner break on 77 for three, Hughes played back to a flatter, faster delivery from Jacobs and was bowled, a similar fate four overs later that befell Tonito Willett, playing a regional first-class match for the first time in more than 2 ½ years.

But Cornwall came to the wicket and defied the Scorpions for a little over 1 ¾ hours to add backbone to the Hurricanes batting with Hamilton. They carried the total 183 for five at tea with the heavy-set Cornwall reaching his 50 from 62 balls with two sweetly-timed on-drives.

After the break, Hamilton tickled Jacobs to deep fine leg for a boundary to bring up the 100-partnership, but the leg-spinner bowled Cornwall and Jeremiah Louis for a duck in the space of four deliveries with the first batting point in sight.

Hamilton continued his charge towards a hundred and carried the Hurricanes past 200 with Gavin Tonge before the home team lost their last three wickets for 16 in the space of 23 balls.

Carty, a member of the West Indies Under-19 World Cup-winning squad, all-rounder Willett and fast-medium bowler Quinton Boatswain were brought into the Hurricanes lineup from the previous match in place of the ill Nkrumah Bonner, as well as out-of-favour Akeem Saunders and Jacques Taylor.

Mindley was the only change to the table-leading Scorpions, replacing fellow fast-medium bowler Derval Green.

Scorpions lead the current standings with 46.8 points and Hurricanes are fourth with 36.6.

SCOREBOARD HURRICANES 1st innings

K. Powell lbw b Jacobs 18 M. Hodge c Blackwood b Mindley 0 C. Hughes b Jacobs 30 K. Carty run-out 0 J. Hamilton c Campbell b Powell 103 T. Willett b Jacobs 1 R. Cornwall c wkp. D. Thomas b Jacobs 66 J. Louis b Jacobs 0 G. Tonge c King b Miller 13 A. Joseph c Blackwood b Miller 4 Q. Boatswain not out 0 Extras: (lb-2, w-2, nb-4) 8 Total: (all out, 80.5 overs) 243 Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-23, 3-24, 4-92, 5-96, 6-198, 7-227, 8-243, 9-243.

Bowling: Leveridge 6-0-27-0 (nb-4, w-1), Mindley 7-3-22-1, Jacobs 37-6-103-5 (w-1), Powell 9.5-2-40-1, Miller 21-3-49-2.

SCORPIONS 1st innings

J. Campbell not out 9 S. Thomas not out 22 Extras: (lb-1, nb-1) 2 Total: (without loss, 9 overs) 33 Bowling: Cornwall 3-3-0-0, Joseph 2-0-7-0, Tonge 2-0-9-0, Louis 1-0-11-0, Boatswain 1-05-0 (nb-1).

Position: Scorpions trail by 210 with all first innings wickets standing

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, December 17, 2016

Guyanese swimmers impress on day one in T&T IT was a good day for the swimmers from the Dorado Swim Club who are representing Guyana at the Amateur Swimming Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ASATT) International Invitational which begun on Thursday.

The first day was a successful one with good performances from the Dorado swimmers. In the Girls 15 & Over 1500m freestyle, Soroya Simmons took home gold with a time of 20:26.44, meanwhile in the 1500m Freestyle Boys 15 & Over, Daniel Scott finished third with a time of 19:20.05 improving by 2 minutes and 20 seconds on his entry time.

In the 1500m freestyle, Boys 12 to 14 years Alex Winter finished third with a time of 19:58.50 also improv-

The Dorado team representing Guyana in Trinidad

ing 1 minute and 30 seconds on his entry time.

Lian Winter placed third yesterday in a gruelling 200m butterfly in the Girls 1112 category with a time of 3:08.77. Meanwhile in her 50m freestyle in the same age group she finished 0.6 seconds faster with a time of 35.73.

In the 50m backstroke, Girls 9-10 Monique Watson improved 1 second on her entry time finishing with 21.91. In the Boys 9-10 Ethan Gonsalves improved by 2.40 seconds with a time of 40.33 while Elliot Gonsalves improved on his time by 1.04 seconds finishing with 42.00.

Also winning gold was Amy Grant in the 1314 1500m freestyle. She finished with a time of 22:35.55. (Daniel Haynes)

TTFA agrees to pay businessman TT$1.2m THE long-running financial impasse between the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) and businessman Imammuddin Baksh appears to be at an end.

This as the TTFA has agreed to pay the TT$1.2m it owes the businessman in installments, the first of which is due at the end of December.

In response, Baksh has withdrawn his application before Justice Frank Seepersad to freeze the TTFA’s bank account for its failure to

pay the sum of money arising from a judgment in Baksh’s favour over a year ago.

The matter had come up in court in November but was adjourned in an effort to have the respective parties reach an amicable resolution.

On Thursday, according to the Trinidad Guardian, the parties informed the judge they had arrived at a settlement. The judge directed by consent order that the first payment of $262,413.19 be paid

by December 31, 2016,

followed by five monthly payments of $200,000 commencing from January 21, 2017.

The Guardian reported that the association also agreed to pay costs and interests in two parts - $145,333.58 by February 28, 2017 and $239, 858. 48 by June 30, 2017.

Baksh, the former secretary of Jack Warner, had taken the TTFA to court over money owed for work done during the 2010 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.

CA defends ‘notification of pregnancy’ policy for women CRICKET Australia (CA) has defended its policy of asking women players to declare if they are pregnant when they sign a central contract.

CA’s chief executive James Sutherland says the organisation has not broken any antidiscrimination rules and the policy is a “health and safety issue”.

He added: “We are fully aware of our obligations as an employer.”

The England & Wales Cricket Board says it does not have a “notification of pregnancy” rule for women cricketers.

“As employees of the ECB, England women’s centrally

James Sutherland contracted players are supported by the full terms of maternity conditions, as per any other female non-playing ECB employee,” an ECB statement

read.

“They are not required to declare if they are pregnant before they sign their contract.” (BBC Sport)

West Ruimveldt lock horns with St Angela’s today See story on page 36

PCL 4-Day Tournament

VEERASAMMY PERMAUL

By Rajiv Bisnauth HOSTS Guyana Jaguars capitalised on a dismal Trinidad and Tobago Red Force batting display, to close the opening day of the fifth round Regional Four-Day Championship fixture on top, after a rain-reduced day at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The two-time defending champions produced a superb all-round bowling performance, with left-arm spinner Veerasammy Per-

Disciplined bowling display puts Jaguars on top maul being the pick of the bowlers as he returned impressive figures of 4-31.

However, it was the seamers who first inspired the hosts. Left-arm seamer Raymon Reifer (3-32), Christopher Barnwell (220) and Keon Joseph (1-30) were all instrumental in ensuring the hosts seized an early advantage.

From 63-5, though, the Red Force lower-order put in a good performance to reach a half-respectable total of 162, with Roshon Primus putting some of the more

accomplished batsmen to shame with a knock of 42.

The Jaguars were 9-0 off 2.1 overs when rain brought a premature end to the day’s play, with 8.5 overs remaining. Rajendra Chandrika is on eight, with Shimron Hetymer yet to score.

When play finally started some 70 minutes after the scheduled time, the visitors’ decision to bat first in overcast conditions backfired, as their openers could put together only 28 runs before both were dismissed in the

space of five balls.

Kyle Hope kick-started the innings, with an impressive extra-cover boundary off Joseph, but after that stroke, the Guyanese seamers were particularly effective in tandem, and kept a probing line to trouble both Hope and fellow opener Imran Khan.

The conditions were overwhelmingly pacer-friendly, and Reifer provided the first breakthrough in the tenth over, when he bowled the 28-year-old Hope (15), with a ball that shaped

into the right-hander.

With the floodlights in effect, the visitors continued to struggle in the conditions. However, Christopher Barnwell, whose selection once more remains questionable, got into the act when he had Khan caught at forward-square by Vishaul Singh.

Isaiah Rajah, in partnership with Jason Mohammed, then took the Red Force to within ten minutes of lunch when rain brought them early relief. The visitors were 28-2 after 11.4 overs.

RAYMON REIFER Play was then suspended for a further 84 minutes.

On resumption, the visitors’ innings plunged into further trouble with the loss of Mohammed and Yannic Cariah.

Both batsmen fell off consecutive balls from Reifer, who continued to swing the ball both ways.

Mohammed (7) played a lazy shot attempting to follow a ball that was angled across him, and got an edge to wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble, while See page 32

Bolt, Thompson lead nominees for Jamaica’s male and female Athlete-of-the-Year USAIN Bolt and Elaine Thompson lead the list of nominees for the RJR Sports Foundation Athlete-of-the-Year Awards announced Thursday during its launch at the Jamaica Pegasus in Kingston.

The awards will be held at the hotel on Friday, January 13, 2017.

Bolt is one of three male nominees.

The 30-year-old track and field icon became the first sprinter in history to win the 100m, 200m and sprint relay at three consecutive Olympic Games at the Games in Rio in August.

Also nominated is 110m hurdles OIympic champion Omar McLeod, who became the first Jamaican male to win the sprint hurdles gold at an Olympic Games.

The 22-year-old student at the University of Arkansas, also won the World Indoor Championships in Oregon in February.

McLeod was also the only sprinter hurdler to go below 13 seconds during the year in which he also became the first sprinter hurdler to break 13 seconds and 10 seconds in the 100m.

The third and final male nominee is

Elaine Thompson and Usain Bolt batsman Marlon Samuels, who was the hero of the ICC T20 World Cup Final in India.

Samuels scored an unbeaten 85 off just 66 balls to help the West Indies to a four-wicket

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

win over England as the West Indies became the first team ever to win the T20 World Cup twice.

Samuels was also named West Indies

One Day Player-of-the-Year.

Thompson, who won both the 100m and 200m at the Olympics in Rio, leads the five female nominees that included three Olympians, one female cricketer and a swimmer.

Thompson became the first woman in 28 years to win the sprint double at the Olympic Games. She was also the Diamond winner and had the fastest times in both the 100m and 200m for 2016. Her personal best of 10.70 tied the national record held by Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

Also among the list of nominees is Olympic 400m bronze medallist Shericka Jackson, who also set a personal-best time of 49.83s in the semi-finals. She was also a key member of Jamaica’s team that won the silver medal in the women’s mile relay.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who overcame injury-plagued season to win bronze behind Thompson in the 100m in Rio, is also among the nominees.

Fraser-Pryce who ran a season-best 10.86 in the final in Rio, also anchored the women’s sprint relay team to a silver medal.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2016