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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
Linden beauty takes coveted award Stories and photos by Vanessa Braithwaite
‒ at Guyana Fashion Week 2016 SHE may be confined to a wheelchair, but that has in no way daunted her spirit nor prevented her from rising to the occasion and becoming one of Linden’s renowned makeup artists. But the icing on the cake, perhaps, was taking the Most Promising Fashion Designer award at the just concluded Guyana Fashion Week, where she had her debut appearance as a fashion designer. To her fellow Lindeners, the name Setra Oselmo has always been synonymous with anything to do with fashion, so when she did, they were not entirely surprised. As for Selma, she’s still on cloud nine, she says, as she’s still puzzled as to how her creations came to catch the attention of the judges for her to be rated most promising. “I feel overwhelmed,” she said. “Excited, ecstatic, you name it, because I was never expecting the award, given it was my first time, and given that some persons had some negative comments to say about it while some commended me for the pieces,” Setra told the Guyana Chronicle. The pieces of which she speaks are 15 handmade creations. All made of synthetic hair! THE SWITCH Asked what prompted the switch from makeup to fashion, Setra said she’s always wanted to be a designer; since she was young. But the thing that made her participate in this year’s Fashion Week was meeting its Chief Executive Officer, Sonia Noel while showing off some of what she likes to call “my amateur pieces” at Linden’s annual Hair and Nail Exposition back in October. The novelty of her work having caught Sonia’s attention, she encouraged Setra to go for it. And, being the adventurous soul that she is, Setra thought, “Why not!” As she recalled, she had just one month in which to put together her “hairy” collection. With her bare hands, mind you! But though it was a challenge,
Setra says she has no regrets, as that one month was the start of a lifetime of designing, stitching and sewing. And, despite her disability, she is confident of becoming “the next big thing” in the fashion industry, and representing her home-town, Linden, on the international scene. For starters, she is hoping to start her own line of clothing for both fashion and costume designing. And despite this new-found love of hers called fashion, Setra says she has no intention of giving up on makeup, as that is her alltime passion, and what has caused her to evolve into the confident, strong and remarkable young woman she is today, after having, for years, sought comfort in tears, knowing that she will never walk again. “No! I will not give it up makeup for anything!” Setra said. “I super love makeup; it’s just that I love challenges, and I am on that path of fulfilling all the things I dreamt about, and all the things I ever wanted to do,” the makeup diva said.
practising Setra Oselmo skills on a her makeup client
SHATTERED DREAMS Those dreams were seemingly shattered in October 2007 when Setra was involved in an automobile accident which left her permanently paralysed. Even though several surgical attempts were made to remedy her extremely damaged spine, she is still paralysed today, and has to rely on a wheelchair to get around. One of Setra’s Being the active modelled by hair pieces being Zion Monroe young woman who had aspirations of representing her country internationally as a beauty ambas- body building competitions, sador or an athlete, as she formerly Setra was now forced to adapt to took part in pageantry, swimming this life of being differently-abled competitions, weight lifting and overnight.
“It was really hard for me,” she said. “I was so down; so depressed; so frustrated that I even attempted to commit suicide, as I felt life had given up on me.” Thoughts of her level of dependency and how her very active life was
of the house, as I was too ashamed of my condition, and fed up of people pitying me.” This change came about three years after the accident, when she enrolled in a cosmetology class and completed it successfully. She even began taking her therapy more seriously, and attended sessions regularly. It’s a decision transformed Setra’s life completely, and now she is the most sought- after makeup artist in Linden, the most budding fashion designer, the recipient of many awards, and a mentor to
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New Minimum Wage Setra Oselmo takes to the runway after winning the most promising designer award
reduced to staring at the four walls every day threatened to suffuse her. “It took me years to get over the accident and how it has changed me positively,” the Rastafarian beauty said, adding: “I was so fed up of seeing this sad, dull person in the mirror, that I decided to do something about it; I decided that it was time to get out
many, including those that are differently able like she. Setra continues to face the struggles and challenges of having to depend on someone to move her around, but says that her biggest motivators, her parents, have helped her to see that she can reach the sky, and plans on doing so, despite the odds.
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$147M in marijuana destroyed P.10
A police rank pours fuel on bags of the illicit substance prior to the conflagration
The drugs in flames
China, Guyana road agreement
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Bandits 15 Public Service College attempt to rob launched 8 Hand-in-Hand P.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
Guyana, China sign agreement for ECD road-widening project MINISTER of Finance, Winston Jordan, and outgoing Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Zhang Limin today, signed a Framework Agreement for a concessional loan from the Exim Bank of China for the widening of the East Coast Demerara road.= The signing took place at the Ministry of Finance in the presence of Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, Director, Project Cycle Management Division, Tarachand Balgobin and other representatives of the Ministries of Public Infrastructure, Finance, and the People’s Republic of China. Minister Jordan noted that under the agreement, the Chinese Government will provide a loan of US$45.5M to facilitate the widening and improvement of the East Coast thoroughfare. The project will entail the widening of a section of the main road between Better Hope and Belfield, and will link numerous highly populated villages to Georgetown. Some of the immediate benefits to be derived from this inter-
vention include reduced travel time,reduced traffic congestion and vehicular maintenance and accidents, Minister Jordan explained. The project is also expected to enhance local and intra-regional trade, since a significant part of Guyana’s economic activities rely on this thoroughfare. Additionally, the minister pointed out that the agreement is yet another demonstration of the strong bilateral relations existing between the Governments and peoples of Guyana and China over several decades. “Some examples of China’s economic cooperation in Guyana where concessional loans have been provided are the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Transmission and Distribution Infrastructure Development Project, the E-Government Project and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion Project, which is on-going,” Minister Jordan said. The minister noted that other interventions provided by grants from China include “the One Laptop per Teacher Project, acquisition of ferry vessels,and the design, construction
Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, and outgoing Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Zhang Limin sign the Framework Agreement for the East Coast Road expansion project at the Ministry of Finance
Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, and outgoing Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Zhang Limin exchang the signed Framework Agreement for the East Coast Road expansion
and equipping of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, among others.” The Finance Minister highlighted that possible future interventions include support for the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, alternative energy options and a Guyana Public Service Staff College. “The Government of Guyana therefore counts on the Government of China to facilitate an early signing of the loan agreement, as this would allow for the speedy implementation of the project such as the signing of the Framework Agreement for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Extension Project back in October 31, 2012, after which the signing of the loan agreement was done on November 12, 2012,” Minister Jordan said. Guyana has contributed $2.7B towards the project. Works including sand filling and removal of utilities are ongoing. This would ensure that the project will not be delayed like the West Coast Expansion Project and the East Bank Demerara Road Improvement project. Ambassador Zhang Limin said the project is a good initiative to improve infrastructure in Guyana and gave the assurance that the Chinese Government is willing to assist in other projects. The outgoing ambassador noted that his successor is capable of executing his roles effectively to better the relationship between the two countries.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
New Minimum Wage Order AS of January 1, 2017, businesses within the private sector will be required to pay their employees no less than $44,200 per month, in accordance with a new National Minimum Wage Order issued by the Social Protection Ministry. This move represents a more than 25 per cent increase from the $35,000 minimum wage currently being paid this category of workers. In accordance with Section 8 of the Labour Act, Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence ordered that “the minimum rate of wages payable to an employed person shall not be less than $255.00 per hour or $2,040 per day or $10,200.00 per week or $44,200.00 per month, as the case may be.” This order targets persons operating in the food, transportation, manufacturing, social services, health, hospitality and entertainment, security, garment, agriculture and tourism sectors, among others. It was noted, however,
that the minimum wage payable is not limited to workers employed in the sectors or activities listed in the schedule, but shall be payable to all workers in similar categories who are earning less than the sums specified. “Where at the commencement of this Order, a worker is in receipt of a wage at a rate that is higher than that prescribed in this Order, the employer shall continue to pay to that worker wages at such higher rate and not to reduce the rate on account of this Order,” the Social Protection Minister stated in issuing the order. It was noted too that the normal work week remains 40 hours and should not exceed five days per week. “Any hours of work beyond the normal hours shall at a minimum be paid at the rates set out in the Factories Act and the Labour (Conditions of Employment of Certain Workers) Act, or any other law or any collective bargaining agreement in force where workers are pre-
sented by a Trade Union,” the Minister further stated. Any employer who fails to comply with the provisions of the order will be liable upon summary conviction to a fine of $45,000 for the first offence and for any second or subsequent offence, to a fine of $90,000 and one month’s imprisonment. Minister Lawrence presented the Order to the National Assembly during the last sitting on Monday. In October, the Government had approved the proposal which was made by the Labour Tripartite
Committee to increase the minimum wage in the private sector from $35,000 to just over $44,000. Back in January, Junior Social Protection Minister Keith Scott had said that Government was in the process of reviewing Guyana’s minimum wage, with a view to raising it, through the law, for private sector workers. The current minimum wage paid to public servants stands at $50,000, while that of private sector employees is about $35,000. At the time, Scott, who has responsibility for labour, had said that the minSocial Protection Minister Volda Lawrence
istry was conducting a country-wide survey to ascertain what the average employee working in the private sector is being paid. Members of the Board of Directors for the National Tripartite Committee include Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence, representatives of the Consultative Associa-
tion of Guyanese Industries (CAGI), the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG). Among other things, the committee deals with matters relating to industrial relations, human resource management and labour policies.
Major fire averted at NBS in New Amsterdam QUICK response by ranks of the Guyana Fire Service and Guyana Police Force resulted in a major fire being averted at the New Amsterdam branch of New Building Society. The fire was observed by a neighbour while the wife of the manager, Laveena Persaud, smelled smoke and went to investigate. It was around 18:55h on Tuesday that she saw a blaze in the south western inner staircase. The family of four, including the manager, Rana Persaud lived on the upper flat of the two storied edifice, while the banking institution is housed in the lower flat of the concrete building. After seeing the fire, Laveeda Persaud
grabbed her two children, exited the building, raised an alarm and then contacted her husband. During that period, a neighbour contacted the fire service and police, who both responded promptly. This newspaper was told that even though the firefighters had rolled out their hose, it was not put to use, as a fire extinguisher was used instead. It was observed that the inner concreted staircase had Christmas decorations, household items and fixtures which were piled together; an overhead fluorescence bulb was broken. An investigation has been launched into the cause of the blaze.
The New Building Society Office in New Amsterdam
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
Trump unveils first women for Cabinet US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed the first two women to his incoming administration. South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley was nominated as US envoy to the UN and Betsy DeVos as education secretary. Both are former critics of Mr Trump, with Mrs Haley once saying she was “not a fan”, and Mrs DeVos branding the Manhattan tycoon an “interloper”. Mr Trump’s presidential primary rival Ben Carson also hinted he would soon be named for a post. “An announcement is forthcoming about my role in helping to make America great again,” Mr Carson wrote on Facebook.
Mr Trump tweeted on Tuesday that he was “seriously considering” Mr Carson for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The appointments of Mrs Haley and Mrs DeVos will need to be approved by the Republican-controlled Senate. Mr Trump called Mrs Haley “a proven dealmaker, and we look to be making plenty of deals”. “She will be a great leader representing us on the world stage,” he added. Mrs Haley said she was “moved” to accept the assignment and would stay on as South Carolina governor, pending her congressional confirmation.
During the Republican primaries, she supported Florida Senator Marco Rubio and then Texas Senator Ted Cruz. Mrs Haley also strongly attacked Mr Trump’s propos-
ican”. In response, Mr Trump had called her “very weak on illegal immigration” and said people in South Carolina were “embarrassed” by her. Mrs Haley, 44, is the first
al to ban Muslim immigrants, describing it as “un-Amer-
minority and female governor of South Carolina.
Hillary Clinton’s lead over Donald Trump in the popular count of the US presidential election has increased to two million votes. Republican President-elect Mr Trump won
the election by winning a majority of the electoral college votes, and he will be inaugurated in January. But with votes still being counted, two weeks on, the Cook Political Report has his tally at 62.2m and hers
at 64.2m. It is the fifth time the winner of the popular vote has lost the election. In 2000, Democrat Al Gore’s final lead over George W Bush, who won the election after a prolonged legal challenge, was nearly 544,000. The Supreme Court ultimately decided that election by awarding Mr Bush a win in the contested state of Florida.
This year, Mrs Clinton scored large tallies in states like California but Mr Trump won most of the so-called swing states, which ultimately decide the outcome of elections. The electoral college system favours candidates who win by a small margin in lots of states over ones that win by a landslide in just a few. A group of academics, lawyers and data experts
Nikki Haley, left, and Betsy DeVos will need Senate approval
Born Nimrata “Nikki” Randhawa to Indian parents, she was raised in a Sikh household and now identifies as a Christian. Mrs Haley was praised by members of both parties in 2015 when she ordered the Confederate battle flag to be removed from the grounds of the state capitol. Mrs DeVos said she was honoured to accept her appointment. But the billionaire Republican donor from Michigan once described Mr Trump as an “interloper” who “does not represent the Republican Party”. Mrs DeVos also contributed to Mr Trump’s rivals Carly Fiorina, Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush - during the
election race. She previously supported the Common Core education standards that Mr Trump and many conservatives have pilloried. Mr Trump, however, said Mrs DeVos would be “a brilliant and passionate education advocate”. Her husband is heir to the Amway fortune, with a wealth estimated by Forbes at $5.1bn (£4.1bn). So far Mr Trump has appointed Jeff Sessions for Attorney General, Mike Pompeo for CIA director, Reince Priebus for Chief of Staff for his top team. More announcements are expected after the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday weekend. (BBC News)
is also trying to persuade the Clinton team to join their effort to investigate the results in three states to check there was no foreign computer hacking that manipulated the outcome. They are curious why Ms Clinton performed worse in counties that relied on electronic voting machines compared to paper ballots and optical scanners. But her campaign has not indicated any interest in joining a fight for a recount. The Green party candidate, Jill Stein, is raising funds to request a recount in the same states - Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, all won by Mr Trump. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has issued a Thanksgiving message in which he urged the country to join his effort to “rebuild the country” and heal after a
bruising and bitter election campaign. “Emotions are raw and tensions just don’t heal overnight,” he said. “It doesn’t go quickly, unfortunately, but we have before us the chance now to make history together to bring real change to Washington, real safety to our cities, and real prosperity to our communities, including our inner cities.” O n We d n e s d a y, M r Trump made two more appointments to his new Government - Nikki Haley as ambassador to the UN and Betsy DeVos as education secretary. He was interviewed by the New York Times on Tuesday, and said his sprawling global business empire would provide no conflict of interest when he assumes power. (BBC News)
Clinton leads popular vote by 2M
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
Clashes erupt after Haiti election Police in Haiti have clashed with supporters of presidential candidate Maryse Narcisse, as the country awaits results of Sunday’s elections. Both Ms Narcisse’s party and that of another presidential candidate, Jovenel Moise, are claiming victory. But official results are not expected before the end of the week. Vote counting in elections is often slow but has been further delayed this time due to widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew. Haiti voted in presidential, parliamentary and local elections on Sunday. Supporters of Ms Narcisse and her Fanmi Lavalas party threw rocks and set tyres alight in the capital, Port-au-Prince, on Monday and Tuesday. Election officials called
for calm and for people to be patient while the counting continued. They said more than half of the tally sheets had now reached the capital from outlying areas. They also warned the public not to believe what they called “pseudo-results”. Twenty-seven candidates ran in the much-delayed presidential election. It was held more than a year after the previous poll was annulled following allegations of widespread fraud. Observers said that Sunday’s elections went off relatively smoothly. Supporters of Mr Moise, of the Parti Haitien Tet Kale (Haitian Bald Head Party), even sent out text messages saying that a second round would not be necessary given the size of
his lead. In Haiti, a presidential election goes into a run-off if none of the candidates wins more than 50 per cent of the
vote. Whoever is eventually declared the winner will face the challenge of reconstructing a country that has been ravaged
by natural disasters. The most recent, Hurricane Matthew destroyed 90 per cent of some of Haiti’s southern areas. (BBC News)
Colombia’s Government says it will sign a new peace accord with Farc rebels on Thursday, after a previous deal was rejected in a referendum last month. The new revised agreement will be submitted to Congress for approval, rather than put to a popular vote. But opposition groups
fore world leaders in the Colombian city of Cartagena on September 26. But Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos had said from the start of the negotiations that he wanted the Colombian people to have a say in the peace process. He asked them to endorse or reject the peace
peace deal, to listen to his objections. The government and the Farc then went back to the negotiating table to try to strike a new deal acceptable to those who had voted “no”. Changes were made to all but one of the 57 points in the original agreement. President Santos has an-
Its leaders say that the changes are only “cosmetic” and object to the fact that the government has said the new deal is “final”. It wants more of its demands met, including harsher sentences for Farc rebels who have committed crimes. It also demanded that the revised deal be put to
the people by refusing to put the revised deal to a popular vote. But others say Congress represents the Colombian people and its approval should suffice. Shortly after President Santos announced that the revised deal would be signed on Thursday, #Presidente-
Supporters of Maryse Narcisse are convinced she has won
Colombia to sign new Farc peace deal
President Juan Manuel Santos (L) and Farc rebel leader Timochenko signed the original deal on 26 September say it still does not go far enough in punishing rebels for human rights abuses. The deal is aimed at ending five decades of armed conflict, which has killed more than 260,000 people. After four years of formal talks between rebel and government negotiators, the two sides reached an agreement earlier this year. The deal was signed in an emotional ceremony be-
agreement in a popular vote held on October2. Polls had suggested the deal would pass by a comfortable margin but in a shock result it was narrowly rejected. A bilateral ceasefire was extended until the end of the year to give the two sides time to plan their next steps. President Santos met former President Alvaro Uribe, a vociferous opponent of the
nounced that the revised deal will be signed in a lowkey ceremony in a theatre in the capital, Bogota, on Thursday. The deal will then be sent to Congress, where the government has a solid majority, with a vote expected to be scheduled for next week. The Democratic Centre party, founded by ex-President Uribe, has already said it will vote “no”.
another popular vote, which President Santos and the Farc have both ruled out. Other parties in Congress have given the deal its backing, so it is expected to pass. Public opinion remains divided into those who supported the original deal and those who remain suspicious of the Farc and their motives. Some say President Santos is ignoring the will of
JustDoIt began trending on Twitter in Colombia. The posts urged Mr Santos to go ahead with the implementation of the peace deal. But there were also those who condemned the new agreement, saying that the venue for its signing, the Colon Theatre in Bogota, was appropriate for “this political theatre”. (BBC News)
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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
THE electorate in three developed countries voted against what some consider their countries’ best interest. Analysts and political pundits will continue to examine the reasons for the electorate acting as they did and whether the signs were overlooked or taken for granted. In the meantime, it helps to make sense of what the world is presently facing or likely to face from the expressed will of the people. In June, against polls prediction the United Kingdom (UK) electorate delivered a mixed verdict to exit the European Union (EU). Northern Ireland and Scotland voted to remain, while Wales and Britain voted to exit. Together this represented 52 % who wanted to exit and 48 % who wanted to remain. Arguably several factors have influenced the exit vote. One has to do with lack of knowledge of the consequences of exiting and the benefits derived to the country and the people being in the Union. Other significant underlying factors for wanting to leave are opinions that the UK is losing its sovereignty to the EU, and the influx of migrants and refugees are posing threats to maintaining things the way they were. There has been outcry that the healthcare system is overburdened and quality care compromised as a consequence of immigrants. The presence of multilingual conversations in the public sphere and non-English cultures, and having to be accepting of these from the perspective of the natives are reflections that the society is losing its traditional English values and culture. The point of this editorial is not to debunk or support such views but to recognise that they exist. And in that they exist and continue to inform how people vote cannot be ignored. Nationalism speaks to patriotic feelings, principles and efforts, but nationalism can also lead to extremism and a sense of superiority. This definition is fluid across countries, people and cultures. If for some nationalism constitutes retaining one’s culture in its original form, and immigrants have the responsibility to adapt to the values of the adopted country, it cannot be ignored. The Middle East conflicts and spread of terrorism, even though some are home grown, have come to be associated with an ethnic group, place, or ideology. And where such perception is accepted as truism the indigenous community is inclined to isolate this suspect demographic. In September, Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, party suffered two defeats at the polls in what was said to be the Germans rejection to her open migration policy, though she vowed to stay the course. This month the United States (U.S) elected Donald Trump, president. And while the result defied polls prediction, at the same time it cannot be ignored Trump’s hard charging campaign rhetoric of America losing its ways and Americans getting a raw deal
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
Public office is not a gravy train
WHEN persons lose sight of principles and focus on personalities, it undermines productive discourse and objective decision-making. This is a problem we see far frequently in our society. The issue of a bill tabled in the National Assembly addressing primarily the pension of Hamilton Green as former Prime Minister cannot stand the test of scrutiny in its present form. Those who have taken the position that Green serving as prime minister does not deserve a pension on what is perceived as intransigence during his tenure in office, buttressed by their assessment of the PNC’s record in office, lack merit. The most disturbing and reckless arguments being used to deny the pension have emanated from the Guyana Human Rights Association and Transparency Institute of Guyana Incorporated. Pension is a right under the Guyana Constitution. Any organisation or individual that takes a position to deny
an individual a pension he or she should be entitled to is engaging in a human rights violation. With that being said, a non-contributory pension is not meant to sustain one who is no longer employed in the said position at the same standard of living. Neither is a pension meant to pay one who is not doing the job the same sum as the one actively doing the job. A pension is meant to provide income at a percentage of what one would have earned during the work period of one’s work life. This is the principle that must guide the thinking in determining fixing of pension, and the Government must set the standard for it. The Former Presidents (Benefits and other Facilities) Act is flawed. This law is self-serving and is meant to reward those no longer serving with the same remuneration as the person who is actively employed, expected to turn up to work, and ac-
count for his or her day-today activities. It is unfair and indiscriminate, and the society must question and hold accountable those who evidently see public office as a gravy train. The society must be concerned that former presidents are receiving pensions at the sum the sitting president is receiving as salary. The bill in the name of Green seeks to do the same thing, but in this case applicable to the Office of the Prime Minister. What the society needs, and the Minister of Finance must address, is creating a formula that is grounded in universally acceptable principles of what constitute a pension for members of the National Assembly and ministers of Government. This formula must not lose sight of inflationary consideration. The Bill in the name of Green must be reconsidered. Pension must be about public office, not about persons. Likewise, this 11th Parliament must move to bring
a bill that regularises pensions for those who served as members of parliament and ministers of Government. According to the Constitution any member of parliament on either side of the House can bring any bill to the National Assembly. Pension must reflect a reasonable percent of income, not the full income. An example can be taken from the United States. As wealthy as that country is, the President’s pension is equivalent to that of the head of an executive department (i.e. a minister) and this sum is taxable income. When Barack Obama leaves office, he will not receive the US$400,000 per year salary as pension, but $203,700 per year which is the equivalent of a minister/Secretary’s income. Guyana remains a donkey-cart economy, and elected leaders must live in accordance with the economic reality.
Dear Editor,
rests in the ability of our Lord Jesus Christ to build His Church against which the gates of hell shall not prevail, we, as followers of Christ, especially as leaders, are called to “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called”, and to live exemplary lives. Arguably, our exemplary lifestyle as Christian Leaders acts as a powerful witness to the world that we are indeed transformed by our faith in Christ. Thus it is understandable that many in our society and abroad would express such concern about a religious minister involved in such conduct. Those of us who promote the cause of Christ are admonished by Scripture to let our light shine in this dark world. Christ stated: “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your
good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16). It is true that none of us, as mere men, has the right to judge or condemn another, for we are all vulnerable to the attacks of Satan the Adversary. However, we ought to restore, build up and encourage each other. Scripture further admonishes us: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1). As leaders, we all have obligation to be examples to those we lead; and yes, we do so at times even while we are bleeding. Finally, I remind that God’s grace is always available to us when we falter
and fail. This divine grace, however, is not an excuse to sin; rather, it enables us to live right, and provides the opportunity for us to get back up and do right by God and the people we lead. 1st John 1:9 admonishes us: “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” It is my hope and fervent prayer that people everywhere know that the Church still stands uncompromised against sin. I remind that God is not surprised at the failings of us as men or women. God will continue to build His Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it!
LINCOLN LEWIS
An obligation to be exemplars I AM a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and as such feel compelled to address the issue concerning the recent revelations of inappropriate sexual behaviour by a self-proclaimed leader. These unfortunate revelations were publicized by local and social media, and naturally have sent shockwaves throughout the Christian community, nationally and further afield. This scandal has caused the name of Christ to be spoken of in blasphemous terms, Christian ministers to be ridiculed by outraged individuals using the vilest of terms, and the Christian Church as a sacred institution to be frowned upon. Though my confidence
in global trade. In promising to “make America great again” Trump played heavily to the argument that immigrants are undercutting America’s values, as in the case of Mexicans and how they were presented, Americans’ jobs which are being shipped overseas, and he will move to create a system where Muslims will be monitored, in addition to rejecting Syrian refugees. In the Mid-West, where companies have moved their businesses overseas, resulting in economic dislocation, Trump’s campaign promise to scrap U.S trade deals resonated. It is also known that by 2050 the non-white races will comprise the majority, even though as a group the white race will remain the majority. And whereas some are accepting of it, others feel threatened.
In Christ, BISHOP JOSEPH INNISS
On Monday, in a released video message via YouTube, Trump said he is committed, as priority, when he assumes office to quit the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement, which during the campaign he said was a potential disaster. In the same recording he committed that he will “direct the Department of Labour to investigate all abuses of visa programmes that undercut the American worker.” Whether it is called nationalism or not, something is happening that have caused the UK, German and U.S electorate to deliver victories to those who promote the view these countries are losing their identity and preferred choice of living. Ignoring or ridiculing such thinking will not erase it, nor the choices made at the ballot. While there is no magic bullet to addressing it, a sensible proposal would be listening to the people and addressing their concerns.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
Media leaders highlight challenges – at first China-Latin America Media Summit
PRESENTERS from the Caribbean at the first China-Latin America Media Summit on Wednesday in Santiago, Chile, highlighted challenges presented with the plethora of social media platforms. The summit opened on Tuesday at the International Convention Centre of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean in San Diego. It concludes today. At today’s session, Editor-in-Chief of Hours of Suriname, Alirio Polsnroek noted the economic impact newspapers face as a result of the development of social media. Polsnroek said reporters and journalists have adopted ethical standpoints and standards as they confront these challenges. Editor-in-Chief of the Jamaica Observer, Vernon Davidson, likened the development of communications technology to international track superstar Usain Bolt of Jamaica, noting that years ago people would not have imagined that records in both platforms would have been broken. Davidson pointed
out that social media technologies have impacted traditional media, and suggested that these platforms ought to be embraced by traditional media.
China’s President Xi Jinping Davidson also called on Latin America and China not to treat the Caribbean as a spectator, but rather as a partner as the Caribbean has a lot to offer. Many presenters noted the role the media play in bringing people together by bridging the physical divide, through the use of technologies that drive new media platforms. The summit heard how Latin American media outlets have benefited from their Chinese counterparts. Among the issues raised
were the need for communications and media reports to support and present developments taking place in both hemispheric blocks, the need to deepen collaboration, and the benefits of media outlets establishing their presence across both regions. Presenters also spoke of challenges facing the media in both hemispheres, including the challenge traditional media face in light of the development of social media platforms. Guyana was represented by the Director of the Government Information Agency Beverley Alert, Editor- in- Chief of the Guyana Chronicle, Nigel Williams and Editor at the National Communications Network (NCN), Onika Jones. They were among 80 representatives from 24 outlets that participated in the summit. Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Alicia Barcena noted the importance of China as a trade partner. Barcena pointed out that in 2014 China replaced the European Union (EU) as the
second largest trade partner in the region. Barcena added that trade between Latin America and the Caribbean, and China multiplied 22 times since 2000 before declining during 2013-2015 due to the slowdown in China’s economic growth. Meanwhile, China’s President Xi Jinping, who was on an official visit to Chile, also addressed the participants at the opening of the summit. The Chinese leader committed to forging stronger media collaboration between his country and Latin America and the Caribbean. President Xi announced that China will host and train 500 media workers from ECLAC countries over the next five years. According to the Chinese Head of State, the summit is important for a number of reasons, including understanding the challenges developing nations’ media face. The president noted that the summit can contribute to closer collaboration in a number of areas, including forging mutual learning and support to strengthen the influence and use of technology to
The Guyana delegation at the Summit. From left to right: Director of the Government Information Agency, Beverley Alert; Editor- in- Chief of the Guyana Chronicle, Nigel Williams, and Editor at the National Communications Network (NCN), Onika Jones
show the world the reality of situations in China and
Latin America and Caribbean countries.
Parika to Eastern Wakenaam ‘Turn System’ - almost costs elderly woman her life Dear Editor I HAVE no communication with the Honourable Minister of Public Infrastructure, hence I am requesting a space in your newspaper to relate an unfortunate situation that almost cost my grandmother her life. On November 16, 2016, I, my mother, and grandmother, who is 74 years old, reached Parika at around 13:00 hrs, and were told that the Aditya Boat Service was loading. We went into the boat and waited for almost two hours for it to full. When the boat was full, it left Parika, but instead of heading to Eastern Wakenaam, the captain went all the way around the island to the Transport and Harbour’s Stelling located at Sans Souci. We spent close to 35 minutes in the rough river, which we never expected. When we reached the
Wakenaam Public Stelling at Sans Souci on the south-western side of the island, to my surprise, there was no ramp for us to disembark. I am 35 years old; weigh 120lbs;, and had to open my feet to almost seventy degrees to disembark the boat. I immediately began to quarrel, because I was upset to know that my life was not treated with consideration by the Aditya Boat Service. Notwithstanding the above, I felt the pain my 74-year-old grandmother went through to disembark that boat. She literally had to crawl like a caterpillar, with the help of six other passengers. Editor, it hurts! It does! Words cannot begin to express how hurt I am. After this situation, I would never ever return to Guyana; and my grandmother holds the same view. Considering the above,
permit me to ask Minister David Patterson the following questions: 1. Why was the boat allowed to travel from Parika to southwestern Wakenaam when it is licensed to travel from Parika to Eastern Wakenaam? 2. Why are passengers not allowed their democratic right to travel freely with whichever service they choose? 3. What are the factors that were considered to implement a system that once failed? In closing, I call on all the departments that would have caused this trouble to fix it. To my islanders, if it is not fixed, then I am just sorry for you. Yours faithfully, OVERSEAS-BASED GUYANESE WHO WOULD NOT COME BACK
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
Public Service College officially launched MORE than 60 young people will benefit from training at the newly launched Bertram Collins College of the Public Service as part of efforts to improve the public service sector. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon told the young cadets that they were the faces that would represent the improvements that are being made in the public sector at today’s launch of the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service held
at the Department of Public Service, Durban Street and Vlissengen Road, Georgetown. “You are the ones that we are relying on to make the face of the public service different than it was many, many years ago,” Minister Harmon told the 17 to 21year old cadets at the launch. The college is part of President David Granger’s commitment to build capacity and improve the efficiency of the public service. The
From left to right: Permanent Secretary of the Department of Public Service, Reginald Brotherson, Senior Executive Director of the Public Service College, Col. Rt’d. Lawrence Paul and Minister of State Joseph Harmon
The initial batch for the Cadet Programme at the newly launched Bertram Collins College for the Public Service
realisation of the college “is a testimony to the importance which his Excellency, the President pays to training of our public service,” Minister Harmon said. The one-year cadet programme is designed to ensure that entry-level public servants have the “expert knowledge and a high level of intelligence that are needed to carry out their functions,” Senior Executive Director of the college, Retired Colonel Lawrence Paul said. Cadets will receive formal and informal training in 17 areas in preparation for public service. Paul said there will also be visits and attachments to public institutions as part of the training. “The visits and attachments are meant to better prepare the cadets to take up their assigned roles in public service and widen their understanding of the structure and function of public institutions, but more importantly they should be able to understand how Guyana works and should better appreciate why they should dispense their duties with integrity, impartiality and objectivity,” the Ret’d Colonel added.
The college will also seek to become the transformative institution that can bring about fundamental improvement in the performance and behaviour of public servants, Paul added. The physical college will eventually be established at the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) headquarters in Ogle, East Coast Demerara. Paul noted that construction works are still on-going. Meanwhile, Guyana has been collaborating with the Canadian and several Caribbean governments to standardise “high level management” Public Service training across the Caribbean Region, the Minster of State pointed out. “When our Public Service heads of departments and the Permanent Secretaries, when they retire, they can also find work all across the region because they have similar training,” Minister Harmon explained. The Department of Public Service’s training division has been continuously training public servants at all levels as part of improving the image and efficiency of the public service sector.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
Government commits to making GNPL competitive, financially viable
OPERATING since 1939, the Guyana National Printers Limited (GNPL), which was once the primary printing source for all Government documents today, is struggling to be competitive and profitable. However, the current administration believes that this national institution remains relevant and can still serve the printing needs of the public sector. This position was made clear by President David Granger, who toured the La Penitence facility earlier today, and assured of his Government’s commitment to providing the infrastructure and equipment needed to transform it into a compet-
itive enterprise. The President lauded the 80-plus staff members, many of whom have worked at the printery for over 30 years, and who have accumulated considerable expertise and experience working under trying conditions. However, he noted that with improved technology, training will become necessary to improve overall efficiency. He urged the new Board of Directors, to submit proposals for the rehabilitation and retooling of the facility. Speaking to the staff members, the President explained that it is necessary to adapt to changes in a rapidly evolving society. “The experience that you have now
President David Granger listens intently as a senior GNPL official makes a point
has to be transformed into success in the future… I want to ensure that your employment is secure; I want you to be assured (that) we are going to continue to ensure that GNPL will overcome its obstacles and is made more competitive. You have to be able to compete with your competitors, who have better equipment… We have to look at recapitalising GNPL to ensure that the equipment you have is abreast with the technological age,” he said. In 2015, the GNPL suffered financial losses to the tune of some $60M as a result
of poor oversight and poorly functioning equipment. However, as of October this year, the new Board has worked to reduce that loss by $7.4M. The company is now looking to break-even by the end of this year and hoping to start turning a profit in 2017. President Granger said, “Once you start making a profit you will create what is called a virtuous cycle, which means that as you get more money, you will acquire better equipment so that you can create a better product, which will ensure that you get a bigger share of the market,
President David Granger inquiring about the printing process of exercise books
which will in turn give you a bigger profit.” With more advanced equipment, GNPL will be able to undertake 90 percent of the printing needs of the Government. The company also aims to diversify into the packaging business. Among some of the key products of the GNPL are exercise books for distribution in schools, birth, death and marriage certificates, gazettes and other parliamentary documents, including the budget estimates, calendars, labels and cardboard boxes.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
$147M in marijuana destroyed A TOTAL of weight of 294.2KG of marijuana carrying a street value of $147M was destroyed by ranks of the Guyana Police Force anti-narcotics branch on Wednesday midday. The illicit substance was burnt at the incinerator on Princes Street in the city under heavy police guard. Superintendent Wayne Dehart, Officer in Charge of the police narcotics branch, told the media that the drugs were netted over a two-year period between 2015 and 2016, following a number of busts. Tomorrow another quantity of cocaine will be dumped in the Atlantic Ocean in a similar exercise.
A police rank pours fuel on bags of the illicit substance prior to the conflagration
On the run from cops for five years A SOESDYKE man was on Wednesday committed to stand trial for murder. He had been evading the police for over five years before he was captured. Steve Allicock, 33, of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara was committed by city magistrate Judy Latchman to stand trial in the High Court for murdering Albouystown resident Wendell Tappin. Particulars of the charge stated that on December 31, 2009 at Albouystown, he murdered Tappin. The man was allegedly killed during an altercation over a cell phone battery. Tappin, of 88 James Street, Albouystown, was rushed to the Georgetown
Public Hospital on December 31, 2009, when he was pronounced dead. Magistrate Latchman, who presided over the preliminary inquiry into the charge, found that sufficient evidence was presented by the prosecution to have the defendant stand trial at the next sitting of the Demerara Assizes. Back in 2010, two other men, Leonard Allicock and his brother Randolph Allicock, were charged with Tappin’s murder. Randolph never appeared before a judge. After a lengthy High Court trial conducted by Justice Diana Insanally before a 12-member mixed jury, Leonard Allicock, was acquitted of murder.
Murder accused committed FORMER policeman Colin Bailey and co-accused Colin Grant were last Tuesday committed to stand trial for the murder of businesswoman Sirmattie Ramnaress between August 30 and31, 2013. The magistrate who presided over the preliminary inquiry into the charge, found that sufficient evidence was presented by the prosecution to have the defendants
stand trial at the next sitting of the Demerara Assizes. Ramnaress was found dead on August 31, 2013 with a stab wound and injuries to her head and body in the garage of her Diamond home. The woman’s body was discovered after the fire service had been called about a fire.
Remanded on murder charge A MAN WAS remanded by Chief Magistrate Anne Mclennon for the murder of a Venezuelan national. Twenty- one-year old boat operator Tony Rampersuad was not required to plea to the indictable charge which stated that on November 19, 2016 at Eteringbang Landing he stabbed Henry Mendonca. According to a police report, the two who
both reside in Venezuela came to Guyana and were drinking at Eteringbang Landing, when they had a misunderstanding. It was during the argument that Rampersaud is said to have broken a bottle and stabbed Mendonca twice to his abdomen. He was taken to San Martin Hospital in Venezuela where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
A police rank takes a picture of the drug in flames
Man shot in suspected carjacking THE police are trying to ascertain the identity of a man who was shot in the abdomen Wednesday morning in the D’urban Backlands area. The unidentified man is currently undergoing a surgical operation at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation
(GPHC). Commander of ‘A’ Division, Clifton Hicken, said the man is under sedation and as soon as he can talk, he will be interviewed by police, to find out what happened. He is suspected to be the victim of a robbery/carjacking.
New homes to be commissioned at Onderneeming THE New Hope Community Development Housing Project, Onderneeming, West Coast Berbice, will be inaugurated on Tuesday, November, 29, 2016. Some 43 houses with sanitation facilities, water components and a community centre were constructed as part of this initiative under the Food For the Poor (Guyana) Inc Housing Projects. Food For the Poor has built similar houses for underprivileged families across Guyana.
The New Hope Development Project was financed by Joseph Roetheli, a citizen of the U.S. and it will bring great relief to the beneficiaries who previously lived in trying conditions. Food for the Poor provides medicines, educational materials, homes, support for orphans and the aged, skills training and much more to those in need. More than 96 per cent of all donations go directly to programmes that help the poor.
Back in court again A NORTH Ruimveldt businesswoman has found herself up the court steps again, facing another charge for human trafficking. Fifty-year old Patricia Williams who was charged in 2013 under the name of Patricia Crossman for a similar crime made her appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. Williams denied the allegation which stated that between June1 to July 30, she trafficked a 15-year-old girl for the purpose of sexual exploitation in Region Seven. The matter was held in-camera given the
age of the alleged victim. Magistrate McLennan remanded Williams and adjourned the matter to January 17, 2017, when it will be heard at the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court. In 2013, Williams was charged with recruiting a young woman for the purpose of trafficking. It was believed that on June 14, 2013, at Sussex Street, Charlestown, she used the promise of a bartending job to lure a young woman into prostitution at 14 Miles Issano, in Region Seven. The matter was dismissed after the main witness could not be found.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
Big progress in addressing AML/CFT deficiencies ‒ Attorney General informs House
By Svetlana Marshall
GUYANA has made significant progress in correcting the deficiencies within its Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime in keeping with the standards established by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), but the country must now be cognisant of the challenges that exist in the Fourth Round of Mutual Evaluations. “Exiting the FATF ICRG process and both the CFATF follow-up and CFATF ICRG processes all in one year is definitely a great achievement for Guyana,” Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams said, as he updated the National Assembly on “Guyana’s progress under the 3rd Mutual Evaluation.” Financial institutions in Guyana, the Legal Affairs Minister said, can now conduct their transactions with ease as a result of the milestone achievement. However, he noted that the country has been warned by the regional and international financial watchdogs. “Guyana was however warned by both the FATF and CFATF to be cognisant of the fact that exiting the third round means that we are now in the 4th Round of Mutual Evaluations with which comes tremendous challenges,” he said. Under the fourth round, countries are assessed for technical compliance with the FATF-revised 40 recommendations, as well as the level of effectiveness of its AML/CFT system. “This, therefore, means that we still have a lot of work to do,” the Legal Affairs Minister told the House. Minister Williams recalled that it was in May 2011 that Guyana’s 3rd Round of Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) was adopted by
the CFATF Council of Ministers. The report was subsequently published on July 25, 2011. As a result of the country’s overall level of compliance with the FATF 40+9 recommendations, Guyana was placed in expedited follow-up at the CFATF May 2011 plenary and was required to report under the CFATF follow-up process every plenary. Between May 2011 and November 2016, CFATF published 11 follow-up reports on Guyana. “Guyana was finally removed from the CFATF follow-up process at the recently concluded CFATF plenary held in the Turks and Caicos Islands from November 2-10, 2016,” Minister Williams said with a sense of accomplishment.
STUMBLING BLOCKS However, he said before acquiring such an achievement, it was faced with many stumbling blocks which led to it being placed on the CFATF ICRG process during the May 2011 plenary. At the time, the country was rated as partially compliant. “Due to insufficient progress made by Guyana under the CFATF ICRG process, Guyana was featured on three CFATF Public Statements (May 30, 2013, November 20, 2013 and May 29, 2014) and was subsequently referred to the FATF ICRG in May 2014. In June 2014, the FATF decided to take up Guyana’s deficiency matter,” he recalled. However, when the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government took office, President David Granger gave a high-level commitment to the President of FATF of Guyana’s intention to apply the FATF’s recommendations. Months after this commitment was made, Guyana just this month was removed from the CFATF ICRG process during the
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams briefs the National Assembly on Guyana’s progress under the 3rd Mutual Evaluation during the last sitting
just concluded CFATF plenary in the Turks and Caicos Islands. “It should be noted that following Guyana’s referral to FATF-ICRG in May 2014, Guyana continued to report to the CFATF under the CFATF follow-up process, but had ceased to continue to report to the CFATF
ICRG under the ICRG process even though Guyana remained in the ICRG process,” the Legal Affairs Minister explained. FATF-ICRG had taken up Guyana’s deficiency matter at its June 2014 plenary. Guyana had then agreed to an Action Plan with the FATF-ICRG in August 2014. Criminalising money laundering and financing of terrorism; confiscation and provisional measures; financial institution secrecy laws; customer due diligence and beneficial ownership; reporting of suspicious transactions; targeted financial sanctions related to terrorism and terrorist financing; AML/CFT supervisory regime and Financial Intelligence Unit were the eight areas outlined in the action plan. At the FATF plenary and Working Group Meetings held in October 2014, the FATF Plenary approved the Action Plan which was agreed between the FATF-ICRG and Guyana and featured Guyana for the first time on the Public Document-Improving Global Compliance: Ongoing process. Guyana remained on the FATF Public Document until June 2016, having been featured on six Public Documents (Oct 2014, Feb 2015, June 2015, Oct 2015, Feb 2016, and June 2016). Subsequent to the approval of the action plan and an on-site visit, a decision was made in October to have Guyana removed from the FATF Public Document. That moved easily paved the way for the country to exit the CFAT Public Document.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
Mount Sinai man remanded Arrested for West Ruimveldt man’s murder on gun, ammo charge RAYMOND LaFleur of Mount Sinai, West Canje, appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court, charged with being in possession of a firearm and ammunition, without having a licence. He was also charged with having a tinted vehicle. LaFleur pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded to prison on the firearm and ammunition charge, but was granted self-bail on the traffic offence. Prosecutor, Police Inspector Godfrey Playter told the court that on November 15, 2016, at 10:30h, a party of policemen headed by Superintendent Simon, conducted a search on the home of LaFleur of Lot 28, Mount Sinai, West Canje. During the search a .765 Taurus pistol with 10 live .32 ammunitions were found in a wardrobe belonging to the defendant. The items were wrapped in a shirt. During the search, his alleged accomplice, Milton Van Lewin, was present in the house and
he was arrested. He has since been charged. Following the raid on the house, police then launched a search for LaFleur, but on November 22, he arrived at the Central Police Station with his Attorney Murseline Bacchus. In the courtroom, Attorney-at-law, Bernard Da Silva argued that his client was not at home at the time of the search and that someone else is before the court for the same offence. The lawyer further asked that the prosecution withdraw the traffic related charge, which alleged that on November 22, on the Vryheid Public Road, the defendant drove motor car, PSS 4044 with the glass so tinted of such an extent to obstruct the identification of the driver or person travelling in the vehicle. Da Silva argued that the tinted vehicle was parked under the defendant’s home, and it was taken away by police on November 15. Meanwhile, Prosecutor Playter objected to bail based on
Raymond LaFleur
the nature and gravity of the offence. The prosecutor said he was instructed by his superiors that the investigations are ongoing and there is a likelihood that additional charges will be forthcoming. As such, the Magistrate granted the prosecution a two-day adjournment to report on additional matters. Failure to give a substantive report, will see La Fleur being granted $150,000 bail.
An injured West Ruimveldt man has been arrested as police continue their probe into the murder of Paul Rodney, who was gunned down in Avocado Street, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown early Monday morning. ‘A’ Division Commander, Clifton Hicken told the Guyana Chronicle that the man was taken into custody on Wednesday morning and he is cooperating so far as a witness. The man will be taken to the hospital in an effort to determine if the injury he has is a gunshot wound and his hands will be tested for gun powder residue. The detained man claimed to have witnessed the incident in which Rodney, 29, was shot seven times to the body by unknown persons during a party in East Ruimveldt. It was reported that at the party, there was a row between Rodney and two men, who followed and shot him. Investigations revealed that police ranks on a mobile patrol on Mandela Av-
Paul Rodney
enue, heard several loud explosions and went to investigate. Upon arrival, a group of men was observed running amid several loud explosions and Rodney was seen lying motionless in a pool of blood.
He was immediately taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed 30 minutes after, while receiving medical attention. Several spent shells of a small calibre weapon were found at the scene.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
Caribbean media houses invited to set up offices in China ...centre of excellence also proposed CHINA has proposed to build a centre of excellence to train Latin American and Caribbean journalists and has also invited media companies here to set up shop in Beijing or send reporters to operate from out of that country. These proposals were made when the Chinese leader, President Xi Jinping, addressed the opening of a two-day media leadership summit being held in Santiago, Chile. Guyana is being represented at the Summit by Director of GINA, Beverley Alert, Editor- in- Chief of the Guyana Chronicle, Nigel Williams and News Editor of NCN Onicka Jones. The Chinese president said that his country’s alliance with Latin America and the Caribbean countries was of “strategic” importance
even as he reaffirmed Beijing’s comprehensive strategic partnership with Latin America and the Caribbean to promote the development of its peoples in the current global circumstances. “Shared aspirations unite us, even if we are far away,” Xi Jinping said. The summit is being attended by over 100 representatives of the media from 24 countries. “Media exchange is an important part of China-Latin America-Caribbean relations,” because they can do a great job to give continuity and momentum to the friendship between the two sides,” Xi Ping said. The Chinese president then proposed three specific areas to promote exchange between the media: first, to support each other to jointly
boost their influence in both regions, relying on new technologies and internet to show the reality of China and Latin America and the Caribbean, making clear their positions on such transcendental issues as peace and development and the defence of the common interests of the developing countries. Here he proposed that Caribbean media houses increase the number of journalists in China. Xi Jinping also praised the United Nations Economic Commision for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) for playing an important role in boosting cooperation between China and Latin America and the Caribbean. “I hope you can continue to present more fruits and studies based on accumulated experiences to promote the articulation of
our development strategies and make continuous new contributions to the development of our ties,” the Chinese head of state said. For her part ECLAC’s Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena thanked the President for sharing his vision. “...your presence here reaffirms the visionary proposal China gives to its friendly relationship with Latin America.” According to her, trade in goods among Latin America and the Caribbean and China has multiplied 22 times since 2000 and peaked in 2013, after which it has experienced two consecutive years of decline. However,she disclosed that between 2013 and 2015 the value of the region’s exports fell 23%, which is explained by the slowdown in China’s growth, which has led to
lower demand and sharp declines in the raw materials that make up the bulk of the regional export basket to that market. Bárcena also noted that China has displaced the European Union in 2014 as the second largest trading partner in the region and looked forward to seeing progress in the Cooperation Plan 20152019 approved at the First Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum held in Beijing In January 2015, including US$ 500 billion in trade and US$ 250 billion in reciprocal foreign direct investment (FDI) stock. “These opportunities entail jointly rethinking globalisation to achieve better economic and financial governance, trade multilateralism without protectionism, and greater climate security, peace and stability.” She
added” establishing innovation as a pillar of development, with the stimulus of science and technology, providing incentives for productive diversification and adding value to exports; promoting an inclusive and sustainable economy, strengthening open regionalism with more trade and investment, with cooperation on matters of energy, natural resources, infrastructure, industry, innovation and connectivity, as well as with the circular economy, accompanied by an environmental big push and low-carbon development; improving the distribution of gains (income and capital); and increasing cooperation and cultural exchange between both sides.” Also speaking at the event were media leaders from China, Latin America and the Caribbean.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
M&CC must be run as a business - Duncan GEORGETOWN Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan has reiterated his belief that the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) ought to run the municipality as a business, as is the view of President David Granger with regard to capital towns. Duncan, who is now performing mayoral duties, was speaking to the Chronicle Wednesday in the context of Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan’s recent comments that government is not inclined to grant the $600M ‘bailout’ to the municipality. Duncan said if government time and again chips in to provide assistance to the municipality, then that would be fine. However, it should not be a case where every time someone runs up the council’s
accounts, the government has to be summoned. On the issue of the $600M, though, he said he is not exactly sure what the minister’s mind on the matter is, as no official correspondence was received from him by the council. At the council’s most recent statutory meeting, Councillor Junior Garrett moved a motion to approach government for a $600M bailout to assist with outstanding payments to garbage and other contractors. But Minister Bulkan subsequently said: “This $600M bailout that we all have read about in the newspapers, where that particular council is looking for that support, what I can say…and from my own understanding and the limited
current engagement that I have had with colleagues in the administration, is that, I do not think that there is any appetite on the part of the central government to be favourably disposed towards that request.” The minister last month requested a financial statement from the City Council because he said he saw the need for a perusal of such in order to enable proper decision-making, and a source at City Hall had informed that after being provided the statement, the minister has concluded that municipality is not in a financial crisis that the public is led to believe. Nevertheless, Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and Town Clerk Royston King have continued to insist that the City Council has spent all of
its money on clean-up and other works in the city, and at the moment, is in a dire cashstrapped state.
DAMAGE CONTROL Meanwhile, in a recent interview with this newspaper, the deputy mayor had criticized the management style of the town clerk, accusing him of micromanaging the affairs of the council and producing only “flawed” decisions. “I have no malice against the Town Clerk; nothing against the man and the person. I know little of him, but what is glaring is his management style and the way in which he leads,” Duncan stated. “Every time we try to implement something, there is push-back from the public, or
the Government has to step in. Who can lead like this? You are micromanaging somebody, because every decision that you make is a flawed one, and that is a cause for concern. “If you have an employee and every decision that employee makes you have to go and correct him consistently,
something is wrong. And six months more of this and it might as well (be) as (if) we didn’t even have Local Government Elections; because the Government has to keep stepping in in every instance in every major decision that has been made,” Duncan said.
Safe Christmas for Region Seven
‒ says ‘F’ Division Commander COMMANDER of ‘F’ Division, Senior Superintendent Ravindradat Budhram has presented his Christmas Policing Plan to stakeholders at the Regional Democratic Council Administrative Building Board Room, Bartica, on Tuesday. From the presentation, a surplus of information was disclosed to members of the public and stakeholders to make them fully aware of what are the motives, aims and goals of ‘F’ Division ranks and ultimately the Police Force. Comparative statistics shown to the audience indicate that for the years 2015 and 2016, serious crimes went down by 40 per cent. Also from a total of 19 reports of murder, 15 were solved. This aside, seizure of cannabis increased from last year and several marijuana fields were discovered and destroyed. A total of 33 illegal fire-
arms were taken out of the hands of criminals compared to 16 last year, with Region Seven taking the bigger slice of the pie. Mention was made by the ‘F’ Division Commander of various forms of patrol which will be executed primarily during this Christmas season to ensure all communities and residents have a sense of confidence that all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure their safety. The busy areas where people traverse and do business will see an increase of policemen on foot, ready and alert to serve and protect members of the public. Bicycle patrols will be deployed covering the wider areas. Mounted patrols which are stationed at Lethem will be deployed to do their part in the fight against crime. Marine patrols will secure the water tops from piracy and bandits.
Thursday, November 24, 2016 - 14:00 hrs Friday, November 25, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Saturday, Novemeber 26, 2016 - 14:30 hrs
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
Bandits attempt to rob Hand-in-Hand men exiting a motorcar, looking as though they were up to no good and confronted them. A scuffle ensued with the robbers, and recognising that they were in trouble, they abandoned their mission but not before discharging three gunshots which resulted in injury to a passerby.
At the time the suspected bandits visited the company, it was already closed and as such they did not get to rob anyone. Police say a firearm was found and two men have been arrested and they are looking for the car used in the attempted robbery.
Detectives at the scene following the attempted robbery
AN act of bravery by a female security guard attached to Instant Security Service (ISS) prevented two gunmen from entering the Hand-in-Hand Trust Corporation Inc branch on Middle Street, Georgetown on Wednesday. Around 14:30hrs, the guard observed two young
Hand-in-Hand Trust Corporation Inc was the target for bandits on Wednesday afternoon
Police reach out to Essequibo youths SOME 36 youths are currently being trained in a skilled area at the Essequibo Technical Institute, through efforts of the Guyana Police Force’s ‘G’ Division. The training programme commenced on October 03, 2016 and the exercise is geared at equipping them with a skill that will make them eligible for employment on the job market.
Some of the skilled areas that the youths are being trained in include welding, electrical installation, construction and heavy-duty equipment operation. On November 19, 2016, the Charity Police Youth Group was also launched with an initial 42 members. The youths were encouraged by the Division’s Deputy Commander, Dep-
uty Superintendent Siwnarine to use their free time in a way that is constructive and beneficial to themselves and their community. On November 20, the Divisional Commander, using funds acquired from a fund- raising activity bought and donated a sewing machine to the Good Hope/ Aurora Police Youth Group, in an effort to de-
velop its members. The handing over was done at an opening ceremony on the ‘Day of Sports’ for Police Youth Groups’ in that division, which was held at the Affiance Community Centre Ground. Some 250 youths from nine groups were in attendance, and winners of the various sporting events were rewarded with cash prizes and trophies.
Youths being awarded for their excellent performance in several sports activities by a policeman at Affiance Community Centre Ground, Essequibo
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
Remove fees from Veterans Home ‒ Colonel Gomes By Shirley Thomas WITH a total of 86 persons on the Guyana Veterans Legion ‘shut-ins’ list, ranging from the able-bodied to the infirm, the need for veterans’care is now more evident than it has ever been. This situation has prompted the Chairman of the Guyana Veterans Legion, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) George Gomes, to rule in favour of the veterans, affirming: “We have to institute systems to ensure veterans’ care is readily available.” Colonel Gomes made these remarks in his recent address at the annual wreathlaying ceremony at the Veter-
ans’ Monument, Base Camp Ayanganna last Friday. Veterans, after serving in the army for several years, and for some – all their working lives -- it is only fitting that on retirement from the army they can live and dwell in dignity and have their health and other basic needs taken care of. But for some of the 86 veterans of the Guyana Veterans Legion, this is but an elusive dream, some veterans recently disclosed to the Commission of Inquiry into conditions of our army veterans. Addressing the issue of the challenges faced by veterans wishing to be admitted to the Veterans’ Home in Lamaha Springs, Colonel Gomes, adopting a ‘no-nonsense’
Chairman of the Guyana Veterans League, Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d), George Gomes addressing the gathering
approach, declared: “We have a national veterans’ rest home in Lamaha Springs and to stay there, a veteran has to pay $25,000 per month. That I think, is a little bit more than the minimum pension.”
Veterans listen attentively to Chief-of-Staff Brigadier George Lewis during their wreath-laying ceremony at Camp Ayanganna last Friday
REMOVE IT Against this backdrop, the chairman on that occasion made an open call for the fee paid by veterans for admission to the facility to be removed. Moreover, he disclosed that the home has accommodation for 24 veterans, but as at today’s date – after five years of existence -- it has only 11 residents and all are not from the army. Considering that the fee has made access to the facility prohibitive for the veterans, the chairman, incensed at this development, considered it ludicrous that literally thousands of prisoners of all ilk in the prisons are benefitting from free “feed, house and clothe” and getting (in army jargon) ‘three square’ meals a day. On this note, he interjected: “And we can’t mind 24 veterans free of charge?” As if to say, “Enough is enough!” the Chairman stoutly declared: “I am making a call here for that fee for the veterans’ home to be removed, so that the home can have its 24 residents, and if possible, whenever it’s extended they can have more, but it must be a free institution for veterans.” Gomes said a meeting was held with the Chief-of-Staff and a visit was made to the facility about two weeks ago. PLEDGE OF SUPPORT Meanwhile, Brigadier George Lewis said that as Chief-of-Staff, he was cognisant of the many challenges that face veterans today and
Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier George Lewis
asked them to be patient and not to expect everything to happen overnight. He explained that any additional benefit that may come to them has to be funded and those funds are not readily available. He, however, pledged to support them, but within limits. Empathising with the veterans, the Chief-of-Staff continued: “We also understand that one day all of us who are currently serving will step out of our uniforms and sit where you are sitting; that we will grow old, and that we will transition to civilian life and someday another generation of servicemen will gather here to honour us.” And commenting on veterans’ care, Brigadier Lewis said: “As I reflect on veterans’ care, I believe that it is evolving and gaining recognition in Guyana. I believe that veterans’ care is in its formative stage; that it is now evolving and gaining recognition; that progress is slow and that it will take time before it will evolve into organisations similar to those in the United States or the United Kingdom.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
‒ Minister Gaskin urges private sector
Minister of Business with responsibility for Tourism, Dominic Gaskin unveiling the cover of the magazine – Explore Guyana along with President of THAG, Andrea de Caires and the publisher, Lokesh Singh
By Svetlana Marshall GREATER private sector investment is needed to transform Guyana’s Tourism Sector, Minister of Business with responsibility for Tourism Dominic Gaskin said, minutes before unveiling the 18th Edition of Explore Guyana. Addressing a small but distinguished audience of tourism enthusiasts at the historic Umana Yana on Saturday evening, Minister Gaskin said private sector investors such as those in the gold-mining industry and the developing oil and gas sector must be willing to pump monies into the development of the tourism industry here. “The right people are the people with the money, whether its oil or gold, the right people are those who are prepared to take the risk and put very big money into a project that would not yield returns in the shortterm,” he told those present. In 2015, Guyana recorded approximately 207,000 visitors while its neighbour to the east, Suriname, recorded 250,000 visitors, Minister Gaskin pointed out. In 2015, St Lucia recorded 350,000 visitors, Barbados approximately 600,000, Ice Land just under a million visitors, Jamaica approximately two million,
Costa Rica 2.5 million and Morocco approximately 10 million visitors. With the “right” amount of investment by the “right people”, Minister Gaskin believes that by 2025, there can be more than 800,000 visitors coming to Guyana. He said that while the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government is playing its part with support from organisations such as the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), the private sector must step up to the challenge. A National Tourism Policy, which was piloted and crafted under the direction of the former Minister of Tourism, Cathy Hughes will soon be made available for implementation, Minister Gaskin pointed out. President of THAG Andrea de Caires said tourism in Guyana must be treated as a “profession and not a side benefit”, noting that it creates job opportunities in places where there were no jobs. She said too that the country must strive to meet the expectations of the international tourist. Operators in the industry, de Caires said must be able to provide safe and comfortable transportation to places such as the Rupununi.
But there is ever so often the question of affordability, and as such, the President of THAG is calling for concessions to be granted to operators within the field. “Concessions for tourism are not only accepted, it is applauded,” she emphasised. THAG, which was established in 1992, is the producer of Explore Guyana – the official tourist guide of the country. As is customary, the magazine was presented last week at the largest travel trade show – the World Travel Market in London. ADVENTURE TRAVELLER “It answers the question, why Guyana?” the THAG President noted while pointing out that this year, the magazine focused on the adventurous traveller. It tells the story about the legendary Harpy Eagle, which is featured on the cover, in addition to stories about the Mighty Essequibo, the Majestic Kaieteur Falls and about the search for Lau Lau – the largest catfish in the world. Homage was also paid to Sir Shridath Ramphal, Guyana’s Diplomat Extraordinary and Guyanese anthropologist, Jennifer Wishart. The publisher Lokesh Singh said he was pleased to be associated with Explore Guyana, a magazine he has
been publishing since 2013. Singh said over the last
13 years the magazine has truly evolved as a piece of art. “When we started this magazine, it was 64 pages, it was stapled in the middle, it was printed 10,000 copies. Thirteen years later we are producing a 104-page publication, high quality glossy paper, special perfect binding, and special effects that we have introduced into this publishing industry that no other publisher has led before,” said a proud Singh. He stated that the stateof-the-art publication is now produced in the volume of 35,000 copies for free distribution not only in Guyana but around the world. For the first time, copies have been sent to all the overseas missions of Guyana. Singh disclosed that the company has introduced a new element to the magazine in a quest to stay abreast with the evolving world of technology. Once the layar app is downloaded on a tech-
nological device primarily a phone, and the cover of the magazine is scanned, “it comes alive”. Readers would then be able to access the magazine online. In addition to unveiling Explore Guyana, the winners of THAG Essay Competition were recognised and awarded. In the Primary School Category, 11-yearold Purnima Totaram of East Berbice won the top prize, while the Secondary School Category was won by 16-year-old Cheri Frank of Queen’s College. In addition to their prizes, they were presented with certificates by the 2015 winners Omari Joseph and Victoryne Mohabir. The launch was also attended by Minister of Public Telecommunication, Cathy Hughes and her husband Nigel Hughes, who also chaired the programme, and the US Ambassador, Perry Holloway and his family.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
Linden beauty takes coveted award Stories and photos by Vanessa Braithwaite
‒ at Guyana Fashion Week 2016 SHE may be confined to a wheelchair, but that has in no way daunted her spirit nor prevented her from rising to the occasion and becoming one of Linden’s renowned makeup artists. But the icing on the cake, perhaps, was taking the Most Promising Fashion Designer award at the just concluded Guyana Fashion Week, where she had her debut appearance as a fashion designer. To her fellow Lindeners, the name Setra Oselmo has always been synonymous with anything to do with fashion, so when she did, they were not entirely surprised. As for Selma, she’s still on cloud nine, she says, as she’s still puzzled as to how her creations came to catch the attention of the judges for her to be rated most promising. “I feel overwhelmed,” she said. “Excited, ecstatic, you name it, because I was never expecting the award, given it was my first time, and given that some persons had some negative comments to say about it while some commended me for the pieces,” Setra told the Guyana Chronicle. The pieces of which she speaks are 15 handmade creations. All made of synthetic hair! THE SWITCH Asked what prompted the switch from makeup to fashion, Setra said she’s always wanted to be a designer; since she was young. But the thing that made her participate in this year’s Fashion Week was meeting its Chief Executive Officer, Sonia Noel while showing off some of what she likes to call “my amateur pieces” at Linden’s annual Hair and Nail Exposition back in October. The novelty of her work having caught Sonia’s attention, she encouraged Setra to go for it. And, being the adventurous soul that she is, Setra thought, “Why not!” As she recalled, she had just one month in which to put together her “hairy” collection. With her bare hands, mind you! But though it was a challenge,
Setra says she has no regrets, as that one month was the start of a lifetime of designing, stitching and sewing. And, despite her disability, she is confident of becoming “the next big thing” in the fashion industry, and representing her home-town, Linden, on the international scene. For starters, she is hoping to start her own line of clothing for both fashion and costume designing. And despite this new-found love of hers called fashion, Setra says she has no intention of giving up on makeup, as that is her alltime passion, and what has caused her to evolve into the confident, strong and remarkable young woman she is today, after having, for years, sought comfort in tears, knowing that she will never walk again. “No! I will not give it up makeup for anything!” Setra said. “I super love makeup; it’s just that I love challenges, and I am on that path of fulfilling all the things I dreamt about, and all the things I ever wanted to do,” the makeup diva said.
o practising Setra Oselm skills on a her makeup client
SHATTERED DREAMS Those dreams were seemingly shattered in October 2007 when Setra was involved in an automobile accident which left her permanently paralysed. Even though several surgical attempts were made to remedy her extremely damaged spine, she is still paralysed today, and has to rely on a wheelchair to get around. One of Setra ’s Being the active modelled by hair pieces being Zion Monroe young woman who had aspirations of representing her country internationally as a beauty ambas- body building competitions, sador or an athlete, as she formerly Setra was now forced to adapt to took part in pageantry, swimming this life of being differently-abled competitions, weight lifting and overnight.
“It was really hard for me,” she said. “I was so down; so depressed; so frustrated that I even attempted to commit suicide, as I felt life had given up on me.” Thoughts of her level of dependency and how her very active life was
of the house, as I was too ashamed of my condition, and fed up of people pitying me.” This change came about three years after the accident, when she enrolled in a cosmetology class and completed it successfully. She even began taking her therapy more seriously, and attended sessions regularly. It’s a decision transformed Setra’s life completely, and now she is the most sought- after makeup artist in Linden, the most budding fashion designer, the recipient of many awards, and a mentor to
Setra Oselmo takes to the runway after winning the most promising designer award
reduced to staring at the four walls every day threatened to suffuse her. “It took me years to get over the accident and how it has changed me positively,” the Rastafarian beauty said, adding: “I was so fed up of seeing this sad, dull person in the mirror, that I decided to do something about it; I decided that it was time to get out
many, including those that are differently able like she. Setra continues to face the struggles and challenges of having to depend on someone to move her around, but says that her biggest motivators, her parents, have helped her to see that she can reach the sky, and plans on doing so, despite the odds.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
Linden municipality staff over the moon ‒ can’t stop thanking council for salary increase
SEVERAL employees of the Linden Mayor and Town Council on Monday expressed satisfaction with the recent announcement that their November salaries will see a 15% increase. The announcement was made by Linden Mayor, Mr Carwyn Holland, who revealed that the decision was agreed after some deliberation among councillors. Many of the employees, mostly women and single mothers, were high in praise as they related the ordeal they endured, having to survive on a meagre salary, in some cases less than $30,000 a month while most received as much as $38,000. The Council, given its cash-strapped state and limited means of generating income, was, over the last three years, unable to offer workers salary increases, or to even meet the constitutionally required minimum wage of $55, 000.
out with the little money, because I am a single parent; I have Courts to pay, the bank to pay, lesson fee to pay, because my daughter is writing Common Entrance. Plus, I got day-care fee, so, every month, I does got to make it do, and it really use to be tough; it was very challenging.” Similar sentiments were expressed by Mr Dexter Gordon, a carpenter who’s worked at the Council for the past 16 years. “We gotta thank God for li’l mercies,” he said, “because it does be a real stress. Some days you don’t even feel fuh come, but me ain’t
PROMISES, PROMISES One worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the increase is a good start, and a sign of better things to come, as all she’s heard in the last three years she’s been employed were promises, promises. “This 15% is a start; and I know we will get there, but it’s a start,” she said, adding: “It was very difficult making
want beg people, because if me ain’t work Saturday and Sunday, is $8, 000 a week yuh going home with. And I get two children; so I thank God for the li’l increase. At least it gon full some hole.” Rates Collection Officer, Ms Jocelyn Smart, who has worked with the municipality for over 20 years, said the increase will serve as a motivation to come to work, as it was very stressful doing so every day, knowing that there was not much to benefit. “We ain’t had an increase for the longest while,” she said, “so now that is Christmastime, you can be able to
budget and buy stuff.”
MAKE MINIMUM WAGE Some workers, however, stressed that the Council should strive to reach the government’s minimum wage of $55, 000, as many of them will still be earning below this, in spite of the 15% increase. Ms Natasha Claxton, who’s an assistant building inspector, said that she thinks the increase is acceptable; and she is looking forward to continuous increases. “Every time your salary increase, the market demands get higher than your salary, so you have adjust yourself to
suit the market demands,” the mother of three said. Mayor Holland said that the Council is willing to meet the minimum wage as stipulated by the government, but this may only be possible if the government is willing to bail the Council out of its $200M debt. Said he: “Once we can get rid of that monkey on our backs, which is the $200M in debt that we inherited as a Council... This is something that we came and we met; it’s a whole host of bills we have to pay that we were unaware of and unable to pay so far. “We are asking the government for a bailout; I think
we need a bailout to get out of this.” Holland also revealed that the Council needs about three more investments like the toll booth to stand on its own two feet, and to clear all expenses and to pay workers effectively. “The 15% increase will still keep some of the staff under the minimum wage,” he said, “so if we have the bailout, we will have some monies saved that we can put towards salary, and a smaller increase to bring people to the minimum wage; they are deserving of it, because they work very hard.”
Some records department employees who will benefit from the 15% increase
Good news for Region 10 residents with respiratory problems ‒ Linden Hospital now has its own spirometry ‘lab’ GIVEN the high rate of respiratory diseases plaguing the mining town of Linden, the Linden Hospital Complex can now accurately test and diagnose these ills. This is thanks to the newly established spirometry unit replete with Canadian sourced spirometer. According to the institution’s Medical Superintendent, Dr. Steve Mark, the installation of this unit is very timely, given that Linden, because it is a bauxite mining community, is red-
olent with dust and smoke, which does not augur well for its residents. He said that because the number of respiratory cases being treated at the hospital are overwhelmingly high, the hospital can now accurately diagnose and treat these problems. “It is not only to test asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and bronchitis and so forth; the lab will attempt to give holistic care as needed,” Dr Mark said, adding:
“When you come, you will have your diagnostic testing, as you can accurately diagnose how the lung is functioning. “Some respiratory conditions mimic each other, and with the equipment, we can accurately diagnose you; and if you are accurately diagnosed, then you can be accurately treated.” Dr. Robert Levy, a Canadian Lung Specialist who has been in Guyana with his team for some time now, A patient being tested with the spectrometer
Turn to page 21 ►
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
Thieves making life unbearable
‒ for elderly Ituni farmers
A GROUP of elderly subsistence farmers from the small, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) community of Ituni is now left with nothing much to sell as thieves are reaping their crops before them. The men, whose main income is from selling the produce from their smallscale farms, said the situation is extremely frustrating, since the little old-age pension they get cannot meet all their expenses. And now they are no longer as spry as they used to be, they say they can no longer log, which is the mainstay of the small community; so, all they’re left to do now is use whatever little strength they have left in their weary bones to farm. While most of what they plant they use, what’s left when they’re done they sell at the community’s market. But of late, the men say they have been sowing but not getting to reap the fruits of the labour. Samuel George, who is 80, says the situation is “unbecoming”. He normally sows eddoes, dasheen, plantains, cassava and bananas. “When you plant, people reaping; and that is bad, Mr George said. “I wasn’t feeling well, so I went away for a four weeks at my daughter. And when meh come back, all meh big-big eddoe dem gone! Is sand alone dem lef’ fuh me to
Some of the elderly farmers in discussion with Regional Vice-Chairman, Mr Elroy Adolph, second left
plant back fuh dem! A former employee of the bauxite company, Mr George says it not like him to beg for anything; so that is why he tries to help himself. NOT LIKE BEFORE He said the Ituni he knew of old is no more; back then, he said, everyone went about their business without fear. “Ituni is not like the Ituni they had before; they got a lot of dif-
ferent people coming in the community and spoiling it.” And it’s pointless making a report, he said, as they have no idea who the culprits are. “It is unfair to know an old old man helping me’self and people doing these things to me,” he said. Another of the elderly farmers is Mr Clifton Thom, who lives all alone. He said he normally does subsistence farming in the backlands of Ituni, and has
been having the same experience of late as Mr George. He, too, said the situation is very unfair for old men like them. And to make matters worse, they both said, not only do they have to contend with thieves but stray cows as well! These animals not only break down the fences around the farms, but also trample on the produce. Mr. George said the last time his farm was so beset, he
lost around $30,000 worth of crops, and is still waiting on the cows’ owner to compensate him for his loss. But he’s lucky that someone did come forward and claim ownership of the animals, as most times no-one does, which makes it hard for justice to be served. Both Mr George and Mr Thom are recommending that more land be given to residents of the community so that
they can have their own farms rather than steal from others. They also recommend that more job opportunities be made available for young people, so they will not be tempted to steal. They also hope that something can be done about the stray cows, preferably that the authorities employ stray catchers, which would certainly go a long way in helping cattle owners be more responsible.
Good news for Region 10 residents... was responsible for the sourcing and installation of the spirometer, as well as training persons to man the operation in Linden. A FIRST The Linden Hospital Complex is reportedly the first regional hospital here to be equipped with such a unit, but the second in the country to have one. Dr. Mark posited that now that the hospital has such a unit in place, there will be less emergency visits, less absenteeism from school and work, and more persons being fully educated about their ailment.
Dr. Levy is in total agreement, saying that from a holistic perspective, health care will be much more improved in Linden. “Our objective here is to improve health care, to decrease health care cost, increase the experience for patients, as well as health care givers,” he said. Many of the diagnoses that were made before the unit was established, he said, were based on assertions, as there was no equipment to actually do the testing. And so, many persons were wrongfully diagnosed and wrongfully treated. “We had one patient who
was an older patient who came in with a diagnosis of COPD, when in fact he had a completely normal lung function,” Dr Levy said. Noting that tens of thousands of Guyanese are being diagnosed with asthma or COPD, and are using medications that they should not be using, Dr Levy said that with the installation of this unit in more health care facilities countrywide, the Ministry of Health will, among other things, be able to decrease the cost of medication. TELE-MEDICATION Though Dr Levy and
his team will be returning to Canada shortly, Dr. Mark revealed that through tele-medicating, their input and assistance will still be used by the doctors and nurses that are is being trained to operate the machine in Linden. Since the machine has been installed, some seven to eight patients have already been diagnosed and treated. The Unit will be opened to the public Monday to Fridays, but will not substitute for emergency care in the event of an emergency.
From page 20
Canadian lung specialist, Dr. Robert Levy (left), and Dr. Steve Mark, Medical Superintendent of the Linden Hospital Complex
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
‒ Making a difference in the local manufacturing sector AFTER almost 40 years of manufacturing a range of local culinary products, John Caesar, founder of Chanzar’s Enterprise, continues to use his gifted hands to make the best spices needed for a well prepared meal or cup of porridge. This octogenarian has not grown weary of the smell of various spices and the manual labour needed to make them,
but becomes motivated and energised every day to serve his faithful customers whose preference is to complement their meals with locally produced spices and seasonings. Though advanced in age, Mr. Caesar continues to play a pivotal role in the day-today production of his business. MEMORY LANE It all started during the
Burnham regime, when Guyanese were encouraged to produce locally, and foreign products were scarce on the local market, and Mr. Caesar decided that he needed to do whatever was necessary to feed his family. “During the Burnham era, we had to survive; so, from then on, I began to create things in my own way in the kitchen. And that is how it all started,” he said.
“When yuh back against the wall, your intellect opens to create things; and that is how come I do this,” Mr Caesar added. After sharing his products with a few persons, they became so popular in the community of One Mile Wismar, that Mr. Caesar had to resort to buying a bicycle to keep up with the demand. The first of his many products were plantain flour, breadfruit flour, corn flour and black pepper. “I used to ride and sell all over Linden; I started pounding with a mortar stick dem time. Then I buy a small hand-mill and grind with my hand,” Mr Caesar said. Then, realising that he was actually the first and only local producer in Linden, he decided to expand his enterprise, though this would pose many a problems, as at that time, Lindeners were not allowed to go into the food business, as the town was deemed an industrial zone, given the thick bauxite dust. But despite this setback, Mr. Caesar found a way to produce his products without their being dust-contaminated, and today, he has over 15 products to his name. “I got black pepper, curry powder, Chinese spice, curry powder, barley flour, plantain flour, eddo flour, pepper sauce, green seasoning, jerk seasoning, geerah, all-purpose seasoning, garlic powder, cassereep, ginger powder and orange powder,” he reeled off. He also plays a pivotal role in the branding and pack-
Mr. John Caesar in his shop
aging of the products, so that not only the contents are of good quality, but the presentation is pleasing to the eye. GIVE TO GET Despite the many imported items of the same kind on the market, Mr. Caesar is not bothered by this, as he does his best to create quality products to meet the satisfaction of his customers. “Is the judgement of the people to buy what is made and produced in Linden; to buy local. So we have to up our quality; and those that buy would tell you,” he said. He, however, believes that Lindeners should be more supportive of their own, as supporting one local business means supporting many more. As a local manufacturer
and agro-processor, he only supports local farmers. “I encourage the farmers to plant more. We need plantain to make plantain flour; we need eddo, we need thyme, ‘marri’d-man poke’. So, we buy from our farmers and encourage them,” he posited. Supporting the local businesses, he said, also brings in employment that is much needed in a community that has a 70% unemployment rate. Currently there are 10 women employed at Chanzar’s Enterprise, and if the business continues to gain the support of Lindeners, many more will be able to gain employment there, as the business is striving to capture the international market in the next five years.
Beauty of the week
A future doctor on the catwalk
SHELLON Massiah is truly a sight for sore eyes. This young beauty who struts he stuff on the runway with the ease of a professional has managed to capture the attention of all the big names in the industry, and is on the verge of being the next big thing in the fashion industry internationally. But though pageantry and fashion may close to this youngster’s heart, she still thinks it is important that beauty should be coupled with wisdom and intelligence to create the perfect concoction for a bombshell diva. Currently a second-year medical student at Texila University, Shellon aspires to become one of the best cardiologists Guyana has ever had. So, in a few short years, she will be modelling her scrubs in the day, and her designer pieces by night. Her favourite quote is: “Do not go where the path may lead you; go, instead, where there is no path, so that you can leave a trail.” Besides modelling and medical school, Shellon enjoys baking, babysitting, reading and going on long nature walks.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
Phillips, Caesar, Williams take sprint wins, as Linden continues to lead
By Tamica Garnett
NORTH Georgetown’s (District 11) Kenisha Phillips, and Linden’s Compton Caesar and Daniel Williams gave some of the best sprint performances of the day, yesterday, as Upper Demerara/Kwakwani (Linden - District 10) continued to lead in the athletics competition of the 56th National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships when the action continued at the National Stadium, Providence. The day also saw North Georgetown (District 11) picking up several much-needed wins as
athletes such as Claudrice Mckoy, Samuel Lynch, and Maria Urquhart governed the 800m races. However,that was not enough to propel a besieged District 11 closer to defeating their longtime nemesis, District 10. As the day saw the completion of another 31 finals, for a total of 51 finals, last year’s second place finisher North Georgetown continued to struggle in 9th position among the 15 districts, as West Demerara (District 3) gained enough traction to now stand in second place in the athletics competition behind the Lindeners. As at the close of yesterday’s competition, District 10 had already accumulated 239.5 points, keeping a tight hold on the lead. District 3 is on 210.5 points while North West (District 1) has so far registered 208 points, to hold on to the third spot. After finishing in third position on Tuesday, Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon (District 2) was knocked down to fourth in line, now having 171.5 points. Corentyne (District 6) has 149.5 points, but could easily be overcome if East Coast Demerara (District 4) builds on the 144 points that they have. West Coast Berbice (District 5), with 139 points, could also be a challenge for Corentyne. Another Berbice team follows in the lineup as New Amsterdam (District 15) has 136 points. With less than half the points of District 10, District 11 comes in with 112.5 points. Phillips gave District 11 their only 100m win, as
she took the girls’ under 16 victory in a time of 12.10, pipping District 10’s Deshanna Skeete to retain her title for that race. The 100m got off to a blazing start with Compton Ceasar winning in 10.60 seconds in the boys’ under-20, just shy of equaling the current 10.5 seconds record. His nearest competitor was District 5’s Titus Webster who clocked 11.13 seconds. The next boys win belonged to South American Youth silver medalist, Williams, who had to battle against the challenge of District 13’s Umkosi Vancooten. But Williams was just a bit more than Vancooten could handle, as he crossed the finishing line in 11 seconds flat and Vancooten was behind in 11.1 seconds. In the 800m for girls’ under-20,District 3’s Kezra Murray tried and failed to challenge Urquhart for that win, where the winning time was 2:28.60s. McKoy, on the other hand, had a comfortable time dominating her pack, where she clocked a time of 2:28.50s in winning the girls’ under-18, 800m. Lynch took the 800m for boys in a time of 2:02.20s. District 3’s Joanna Archer was disqualified from the 800m for girls’ under-18,for stepping over the line, inside of the track. The competition is set to continue today at the same venue, with the 200m and 1500m finals,with Phillips, Ceasar and Williams being touted to collect sprint doubles. 11:10 hrs Mossy Island 11:40 hrs Sharps Choice
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
FIFA’s Infantino wants video
replays at 2018 World Cup By Julien Pretot | ROISSY, France (Reuters) - FIFA president Gianni Infantino is hoping video replays will be used at the 2018 World Cup in Russia to help referees avoid serious mistakes during the tournament. Speaking to reporters after the first executive summit of the world governing body yesterday, he said video replays could help with decisions on penalties, goals and red cards. “It will not answer all the questions a referee can have but it will help them not to make serious mis-
FIFA president Gianni Infantino (L) and Noel le Graet, head of the French soccer Federation (FFF), speak during a news conference after the governing body’s first Executive Football Summit in Roissy, France, yesterday. (REUTERS/Charles Platiau)
Spanish prosecutor wants jail time for Barca’s Neymar By Richard Martin BARCELONA, Spain (Reuters) - Spain’s public prosecutor has called for Barcelona soccer player Neymar to be sent to prison for two years for his part in a corruption case over his transfer from Brazilian club Santos to the Liga champions in 2013, said a court filing yesterday. Judge Jose Perals also called for a five-year sentence for former Barca president Sandro Rosell and a fine of 8.4 million euros ($8.9 million) for the club, but called for charges against current president Josep Maria Bartomeu to be dropped. The case stems from a complaint by a Brazilian investment group, DIS, which owned 40 percent of Brazil forward Neymar’s transfer rights and which alleges it received less money than it was entitled to, as Barca concealed the real transfer fee. Altamiro Bezerra, CEO of Neymar’s company, told Reuters they were “very relaxed” because there was
“nothing new”. “... It (the case) had been filed away, and now the Public Ministry has to present new reasons to show why it is asking for it to be reopened, and present evidence, and then ask for a sentence; this isn’t a new case,” he told Reuters. “The whole process has still to happen. The Public
Neymar Ministry presents its arguments for reopening the case, the judge can reopen it and will still have to hear the prosecution and the de-
fence. The process is going to drag on.” Barcelona have been engulfed in legal troubles over Neymar’s transfer since 2013. Rosell resigned as the club’s president in 2014 for his role in the affair and testified in court in February alongside Bartomeu, Neymar and Neymar’s father. The club struck a deal with prosecutors in June to settle a separate case and paid a 5.5 million euro ($6.2 million) fine and avoided trial on charges of tax evasion over the transfer. Barca thought they had brought the affair to a close when judge Jose de la Mata archived the case in June, although Spain’s public prosecutor successfully overturned the ruling in September, allowing the case to proceed. At a news conference in Madrid yesterday, Jose Barral, chairman of Sonda, umbrella group for DIS, called for stiffer prison sentences and said Barca should pay compensation while Neymar should be banned from playing during the trial.
takes,” Infantino said at the regional gathering of FAs. “How? With a referee in front of a TV monitor who looks at the footage and in the space of two, three, four seconds can advise the field referee if he is asked or if he has not seen a serious mistake. “Once again, it would be for game-changing decisions - goals, penalties and red cards - that is essentially on these decisions that video replays can intervene.” Infantino, who was elected in February, believes it is about time referees were assisted by video replays. “We’ve been talking
about this for 50 years and now we’re testing it,” he said, adding that further tests could be conducted at next month’s Club World Cup in Japan or at next year’s Confederations Cup in Russia. Australia, Brazil, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and the United States have all been conducting tests. The second and third of 11 FIFA executive summits will be held in Singapore from December 6 to 8. “We will be testing all this, we will experiment and make mistakes, but the first results are positive and
I really hope that in 2018 we will be able to help the referees at the World Cup. “It is a paradox that the only one not seeing a serious mistake is the referee while all the spectators at the stadiums or with their phones or at home see it immediately, while the referee cannot see it, not because he does not want to but because he is not allowed to,” Infantino added. In March, IFAB approved a two-year trial of a system in which a so-called Video Assistant Referee (VAR), with access to replays, helps the match officials review key decisions.
Uncapped Cartwright in Australia’s ODI squad H I LT O N C a r t w r i g h t , the Western Australia allrounder, is in line for his ODI debut after being named in Australia’s 14-man squad for next month’s Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series. Cartwright is the only uncapped member of the group, which also includes fast bowler Pat Cummins, who has not played for Australia since September last year, and recalled allrounder Glenn Maxwell. The three-match series against New Zealand slots in between Australia’s two Test campaigns this summer and will take place in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne on December 4, 6 and 9. Interim chairman of selectors, Trevor Hohns, said the panel had been interested in the progress of Cartwright, a 24-year-old who was born in Zimbabwe, for some time. “Hilton bowls useful aggressive medium-pace and is a very good striker of the ball,” Hohns said. “He is an exciting young prospect for Australian cricket and we have been watching him at
the pathway level for some time now.” Cummins missed the 2015-16 season due to a stress fracture of the back, but performed strongly during the Matador Cup in October, when he collected 15 wickets at 18.60. He was the equal leading wicket taker in the tournament. “It is fantastic to see Pat
in the squad having been dropped from the ODI side during Australia’s tour of the West Indies earlier this year, and then left out entirely from the ODI squad that toured Sri Lanka. Australia ODI squad D a v i d Wa r n e r, A a r on Finch, Steven Smith (capt), George Bailey, Travis Head, Glenn Max-
Hilton Cartwright back in Australian colours again,” Hohns said. “It has been a frustrating period for him but we are certainly excited to have him fit and firing ahead of this series.” Maxwell has been named
well, Mitchell Marsh, Hilton Cartwright, Matthew Wade (wk), James Faulkner, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa. (ESPN Cricinfo)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
IBE beat Enterprise Secondary by 89 runs to win ECD zone final ENTERPRISE Secondary School failed to click with both bat and ball and were whipped by International Business Education (IBE) by 89 runs in the East Coast Demerara zone final when the 2016 edition of the Guyana Cricket Board National Secondary Schools Cricket League was completed yesterday at the Enterprise Community Centre ground. While the eventual winners were guilty of throwing away starts, the hosts never got going and eventually folded for 64, chasing 153 for victory. A disciplined bowling, with excellent fielding, ensured the dominant victory, with only Himnauth Dindyal (24) offering any fight for the hosts. Earlier, after they decided to bat first, opener Tameshwar Permaul hit a fluent fifty to lift the visitors to 152. Permaul was watchful at the start but switched gears after getting his eyes in. He shared a second-wicket stand of 87 in 90 balls, with Khemraj
Pararam, after medium pacer Yogendra Samaroo provided the early breakthrough when he trapped Daniel Motoo (1), leg-
in particular showed great composure in his 61. However, the visitors then lost their remaining batsmen
Pararam made 22 while Teeran Rajcoomar (12) was the other batsman with double figures. In the run-chase, the hosts
walking for boxing
THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will attempt an ambitious project next week. The association’s president, Steve Ninvalle, will make a bid to walk 100 miles within 48 hours. The reason? To raise funds to send a team of boxers to the Caribbean Development tournament in Barbados.
Steve Ninvalle The victorious IBE team before at 12-1. The partnership not only revived the innings, but put their team in a position of dominance. The pair were cautions at the start of their innings, but eventually batted with assurance as the innings progressed. Permaul
for 53 runs as the hosts spintwins, Suraj Dookram and Rafeek Azeez, shared seven wickets between them. The off-spinner Dookram finished with figures of 4-22, while leg-spinner Azeez ended with 3-33.
were never allowed to settle, as wickets fell on a regular basis. Mario Franklin (2-12) was the main destroyer. Permaul, Motoo, Nandalall, Sankar Raju and Nicolas Narine, all claimed a wicket. (Rajiv Bisnauth)
Azeez, bowlers spark easy win for Enterprise Primary School THE Enterprise Primary School produced a magnificent all-round performance to capture the Lower East Coast zone title, when they whipped Graham’s Hall Primary School by 36 runs in the Guyana Cricket Board Scotiabank Kiddy progression one cricket tournament final yesterday, at the Enterprise Community Centre ground. The hosts were first led by an entertaining half-century from opener Rafeek Azeez, which eventually laid the foundation in their total of 153-7. The 11-year-old Azeez batted with skilful execution and rose to the challenge in his 19-ball innings, which was embellished with seven fours and three sixes. The right-hander’s batting brilliance also inspired his partners, with Hanoman Singh contributing an unbeaten 21, captain Azam Mohamed chipped in with 21, while fellow opener Davendra Lall made 16. Extras contributed 24 to the total. Tawana Courtman was
GBA president
the best bowler for the losing side with 3-4, while Crystal Lewis had 2-4. Susanna Ketuaroo and Samuel Saroop also chipped in with
Azariah Matthews (13) and Carlos Gonsalves (11) were the only batsmen with any meaningful contributions. They eventually reached
around Guyana will benefit from the 2016 programme. Scotiabank’s Kiddy Cricket first bowled off in the year 2000, a joint effort between
The winning Enterprise Primary School with teacher Videsh Lall (left) and coordinator of the zone, coach Latchman Yadram. a wicket apiece. In the run chase, Graham’s Hall Primary were never in the hunt for the winning total, with only opener Joshua Alves put up some resistance, with a solid 44. Saroop (16),
117-7 when the innings expired. Keiza Leon, Yugeshwar Rampersaud, Vinita Ballkishun and Vamauth Hardeo were the successful bowlers for the hosts. Some 210 primary schools
the financial institution and the West Indies Cricket Board. The showpiece has grown among 14 Caribbean countries, with more than 750 000 now participating. (Rajiv Bisnauth)
The tournament started in Guyana last year and had 13 countries participating. The host team won the most medals. “This is the most important and prestigious tournament in the region. For some reason sponsorship is unbearably slow even though we have written to all and sundry. It is hoped we would have a better response from the general public,” Ninvalle declared. “We also hope that it would
raise awareness of the sport of boxing which pound-forpound has done better than any other.” The walk is scheduled for December 2 to 4 and will commence in Corentyne, Berbice and end in Georgetown. The hope is that it can realise a further $2M needed to get the team of 13 boxers, five referee/judges and three coaches to the Mecca of Caribbean tournaments. The walk has already produced results as USAbased promoter Seon Bristol has pledged $1 000 for every mile covered. In addition K. Juman-Yassin, president of the Guyana Olympic Association, has handed over $500 000 to assist the team’s travel to Barbados. Yassin has also promised to accompany Ninvalle for a part of the walk. President of the Guyana Table Tennis Association, Godfrey Monroe and Athletics Association of Guyana Aubrey Hudson have pledged to be a part of the walking party. Next week’s walk will be the second time that the GBA president attempts a 100-mile trek. In November 1994 he teamed up with amputee William France to cover the distance in order to raise funds for France to purchase a prosthesis.
GFF/NAMILCO Football
Final two of round one matches billed for Saturday T H E re m a i ni ng t wo matches in the East Bank Demerara leg of the Guyana Football Federation/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 League will be played on Saturday at the Grove Playfield. In the opening fixture fixed for a 13:00hrs start, sixth-placed Diamond United will tackle fourth-placed Circuit Valley Jaguars, while the feature game will see Kuru Kururu Warriors battle against Agricola Red Triangle from 15:00hrs. It is expected that both matches will be keenly contested as a win for the thirdplaced Warriors and fourthplaced Jaguars will propel them both to 16 points, eight points shy of league leaders Grove Hi Tech who played unbeaten in their eight matches and have accumulated 24 points at the end of round one. Should both the Warriors and Jaguars come out victorious in their respective fixtures, both teams will earn three points and the second-place spot will have to be decided on the better goal difference. At the moment, Warriors have a plus 13 goal difference while Jaguars have a plus four.
On the other hand, Warriors and Jaguars’ respective opponents – fifth-placed Agricola and sixth-placef Diamond United – will be seeking wins to boost their morale. At the moment, Agricola have 12 points with a goal difference of minus two and Diamond are on 10 points with a minus six goal difference. The second round of the league will start during the month of January 2017, minus two teams that were part of the first round. The two teams are Friendship and Mocha Champs. Friendship had signalled their intention to participate in the league but never made a single appearance for their eight fixtures, while Mocha Champs only showed up for one match which they won and secured three points. The East Bank Football Association executive has since taken a decision to drop both teams for the second round. Meanwhile, Grove HiTech closed out the first round with their eighth consecutive win from as many matches with a 2-0 win against CV Jaguars last Saturday.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
Lewis’ maiden ton in vain as Sri Lanka clinch dramatic one-run win BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe (CMC) – Evin Lewis struck his first ODI century but his knock was in vain as West Indies panicked in the death overs to hand Sri Lanka a nail-biting one-run win in the fifth game of the Tri-Nation Series at Queen’s Club here yesterday. Lewis scored an enterprising 148 to keep West Indies on course for victory, while cameos from captain Jason Holder and Carlos Brathwaite brought the Caribbean side within striking distance. But with ten runs needed in the final over to successfully chase a 300-plus target for the first time in ODIs, the Windies were bogged down by deliveries at the death from Nuwan Pradeep in a thrilling finish. Sri Lanka’s win secures a spot in Sunday’s final while West Indies and Zimbabwe meet tomorrow to decide who will advance. Victory guarantees West Indies a place in the finals while a tie or a no-result would knock Zimbabwe out. Lewis’ maiden ODI cen-
19, put together 45 runs for the seventh wicket to drag Windies within 24 runs shy of Sri Lanka’s score. Brathwaite was one of two victims of Nuwan Kulasekara who was Sri Lanka’s top bowler with two for 72. West Indies, who were cruising to the target for most of the game, found themselves needing 19 from ten balls, before ten runs were required from the final over. Sulieman Benn sparked excitement in the Windies camp when he hit the second delivery of Pradeep’s over, over deep midwicket and then holed out to sweeper cover with three needed from the final three deliveries. Holder, who then needed three from the final ball, managed a shot to cover for a single as Sri Lanka prevailed. Holder, who was not out on 45, also finished as the leading wicket-taker for his side with three wickets for 57 runs. Earlier, two Sri Lankan batsmen missed out on centu-
ries by exactly six runs after the home side recovered from the loss of Kusal Perera in the third over with the score on 18. Niroshan Dickwella 94,
Guyana men’s basketball team set to depart for Tri-Nation series in Jamaica
to them.” In explaining the quality of the players chosen for this trip, Hinds said: “It is a fantastic mix of young and senior players with a bias for the junior players. We are giving our younger talent an international platform to shine and gain confidence and exposure. “We have a 6’10” U-19 player on the team - we hope our coaches really make him into a player all Guyana can be proud of, among others.”
ALTHOUGH the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) is beset by a number of financial matters due to moneys owed to them, the governing body for the sport in Guyana is leaving no stone unturned, as it seeks to further give its men’s team international exposure. The team will visit Jamaica for a series of matches starting this weekend. The GABF Senior men’s team will participate in the Jamaica Basketball Association-hosted Tri-Nation Basketball Invitational from tomorrow through Monday, November 28, at the Jamaica National Indoor Sports Centre. Apart from Guyana, teams for the Tri-Nation Basketball Invitational are American Basketball Asso-
tury contained 15 fours and four sixes as he kept West Indies in line with the asking rate for most of the chase. The Trinidad and Tobago batsman shared in two half-century partnerships that powered his side’s innings to 329 for nine after the home side amassed 330 for seven after they were sent in. He featured in an opening stand of 63 with Johnson Charles who scored 26 and 70 for the second wicket with Kraigg Brathwaite who got 16 and rode his luck several times during his backbone innings. Lewis, dropped on 26 and 41, survived an lbw decision on 53 as well as a run-out chance on 114 before he was stranded mid-pitch as a result of a mix-up with Holder. He was one of three batsmen who went by the run-out route, the others being Shai Hope for 25 and Jonathan Carter. Lewis’ departure saw West Indies slip to 262 for six with 69 needed from 57 balls until Holder and Brathwaite, who contributed
ciation’s (ABA) semi-professional outfit – the Libertyville Vipers, Jamaica Seniors and Jamaica Under-21 As the federation awaits an expected tax waiver for tickets for the team to travel, GABF boss Nigel Hinds noted, “We have creditors that we owe approximately $20M, I have been in talks with them for a repayment plan.” Currently, according to the federation boss, they are expecting payments from the National Sports Commission worth $8M and the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) some $4M. Hinds is adamant about the payments being made to the federation, saying the federation is working through the challenges despite being owed millions of dollars.
Hinds has endeavoured to put basketball first in promoting the game internationally, which is ultimately aimed at getting the players in line with what obtains at the international level. This past week the federation has sought the waiver of taxes that will allow for the lessening of costs attached for the team to travel. This will therefore determine when the team departs for Jamaica. Notably it conprises a mixture of experience and youth to take on their Jamaican counterparts at home in a one-week series. According to Hinds, “The GRA tax waiver letter for CAL will finalise the team’s departure leg in terms of cost. We have paid already for the tickets except for the tax, according
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday November 24, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Bulawayo (2) Upul Tharanga Today’s Quiz: (1) What were Ashley Nurse’s bowling figures in his ODI debut game? (2) Rovman Powell scored 44 on his ODI debut. How many deliveries he faced? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
Evin Lewis sweeps during his maiden ODI ton in Bulawayo, yesterday
Kusal Mendis 94 and Dhananjaya de Silva 58 were the top scorers for Sri Lanka who lost to West Indies at the start of the series.
SCOREBOARD
SRI LANKA innings D. de Silva c & b K. Brathwaite 58 M. Perera b Gabriel 7 N. Dickwella lbw b Holder 94 B. Mendis c Hope b Nurse 94 D. Jayasuriya b CR Brathwaite 9 W. Tharanga c Nurse b Holder 26 D. Gunaratne c Powell b Holder 6 S. Pathirana not out 24 Extras: (lb-7, w-5) 12 Total: (7 wickets, 50 overs) 330 Fall of wickets 1-18, 2-123, 3-230, 4-258, 5-277, 6-291), 7-330. Bowling: Gabriel 5-0-29-1(w-1), Holder 10-0-57-3, C. Brathwaite 7-0-64-1 (w-2), Nurse 8-0-58-1, K. Brathwaite 100-56-1 (w-1), Benn 10-0-59-0 (w-1). WEST INDIES innings J. Charles c Tharanga b Lakmal 26 E. Lewis run-out 148 K. Brathwaite b Gunaratne 16 S. Hope run-out (Pradeep) 25 J. Carter run-out (Tharanga) 6 R. Powell lbw b Kulasekara 10 J. Holder not out 45 C. Brathwaite b Kulasekara 19 A. Nurse c Dickwella b Lakmal 2 S. Benn c de Silva b Pradeep 11 S. Gabriel not out 0 Extras: (lb-6, w-15) 21 Total: (9 wickets; 50 overs) 329 Fall of wickets 1-63, 2-133, 3-175, 4-198, 5-224, 6-262, 7-307, 8-312, 9-328. Bowling: Kulasekara 10-0-73-2 (w-3), Lakmal 10-0-67-2 (w-3), Jayasuriya 4-0-20-0 (w-1), Pradeep 10-0-65-1 (w-3), Pathirana 7-0-51-0, Gunaratne 9-0-47-1(w-1). Points: Sri Lanka 4, West Indies 0.
The Guyana touring team will include the following 13 players: Shane Webster, Jermaine Slater, Nathan Saul, Dominique Vincente, Nikkolio Smith, Terron Welch, Michael Turner, Travis Belgrave,
Stanton Rose, Roger John, Jason Squires, Curt English and Akeem Kanhai, The officials are head coach Mark Agard, assistant coaches Abdul Hamid and Junior Hercules, with manager Troy Green.(Joe Chapman)
Messi back at the double after illness to sicken Celtic By Jamie McGeever
GLASGOW,(Reuters)-The dazzling Lionel Messi returned from illness to score yet another double to help Barcelona ease into the knockout stages of the Champions League for a 13th successive year with their 2-0 win at Celtic yesterday. Messi, who missed the goalless draw with Malaga on Saturday with a sickness bug, was back to his tormenting best just as he had been when scoring a hat-trick in Barca’s 7-0 win in the their Group C fixture at the Nou Camp two months earlier. The Argentinian followed up an impressive first-half strike from close range with a penalty after the break, and was a constant threat throughout the match alongside Brazilian team mate Neymar.
The brace took Messi’s Champions League total to 92 goals, including nine in this season’s group stages alone, and though he narrowly missed a hat-trick, his genius ensured Celtic exited all European competition while Barca will progress as group winners.”It was a game that we expected. In one of the toughest groups, we have come top. I have to congratulate the team,” said Barcelona coach Luis Enrique. Celtic coach Brendan Rodgers had impressed upon his players not to give their illustrious opponents too much respect as they had done in Barcelona and they were certainly not humiliated in the same manner as they were in September. They had some decent goalscoring opportunities which fell to striker Moussa Dembele, but he failed to add to his three goals in this sea-
son’s group stage. For all Celtic’s pressing and possession, however, Barca had too much class with Messi their executioner again, latching on to Neymar’s dinked through ball to fire first-time past Craig Gordon in the 24th minute. He doubled his tally from the penalty spot in the 56th after Luis Suarez was fouled by Emilio Izaguirre. Messi had further opportunities to add to his tally and only a remarkable save by Gordon from a Suarez header in the first half prevented the winning margin from being wide. “The players gave everything,” said Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers. “We restricted them to one or two chances and at 1-0 we had a real chance to equalise. However, they went up to the other end and scored a second.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 24, 2016
West Dem, District 3, holding on to lead in teachers’ competition WITH wins by Lisa Gill and Attoya Leander, West Demerara(District 3) continues to put up a good defence of their title in the teachers’ competition of the National Schools’ Championships ongoing at the National Stadium, Providence, where they are currently in the lead. Being held alongside the students athletics competition, the teachers are also getting their chance to show off their athletic capabilities and win points for their respective districts. As the competition continued with the field events and the 80m, 100m and 800m races yesterday, District 3 ended with 98 points.
Following closely behind is Bartica (District 7) with 91.5 points and South Georgetown (District 13) with 91 points. The other Georgetown districts are also making way in this competition with East Georgetown (District 12) and North Georgetown (District 11) following with 78 and 74 points, respectively. While they are dominating in the students competition, District 10 needs to pick up the pace with their teachers’ team falling behind with 63 points. Last year,Linden ended second in this competition. Other districts in the running are North West District(District 10) with 53.5 points, East Bank De-
merara (District 14) with 39 points, Corentyne (District 6) just behind with 35 points, and New Amsterdam (District 15) with 26 points. The West Demerara female team is out-performing the male team, with the district topping the female side but third among the districts on the male side. Gill picked up some top points for the district when she championed the female teachers’ discus after covering 20.01m on her second throw;she also ruled the shotput with a distance of 9.80m. Leander won the Under- 21 discus throw (17.27m), javelin throw (15.43m) and shotput (6.70m).
West Demerara (District 3), Lisa Gill during one of her throws with the discus
District 11’s Samuel Lynch takes a massive win in the boys’ under 18 800m finals
Police threaten to halt football
at ground over gang members
District 3 Moses Best struggles to first place as he tries to outdo North West’s Daniel Henry in the boys’ under 16 800m
District 11’s Claudrice McKoy makes her way to the finishing line for a comfortable win in the girls’ under 18 800m finals
HAMILTON, Bermuda, (CMC) — The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) has threatened to call a halt to football being played at Police Field if clubs using the ground continue to allow gang members to play for them, the Royal Gazette newspaper reported yesterday. Promising a new “zero tolerance” approach in a letter sent to the Bermuda Football Association (BFA) and the island’s clubs after a meeting earlier this month, Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Martin Weekes said it was time for clubs and teams to stop allowing gang members to travel to away games. The newspaper said it understood that Boulevard Community Club and Paget Football Club had already received letters from the police, informing them that several of their players are no longer welcome at Police Field. Boulevard, who attempted to rid the club of gang members several years ago, are be-
lieved to have had four players who were deemed unacceptable while Paget had two. “It has been the Bermuda Police Service’s position for some time that the dangers caused to the public and to the footballing community by the practice of teams fielding persons that are identified as being actively involved in gang and criminal activities outweigh any benefits that their skill on the field can bring to Bermuda football,” Weekes wrote. “It is time for teams and clubs, particularly, to recognise the liability i s s u e s s u r ro u n d i n g t h e continued practice of travelling to ‘away’ games w ith gan g memb ers on their teams when violence, which could otherwise have been avoided, ensues during or after games.” Weekes said getting its own house in order was the BPS’s first priority. “With a view to setting standards at our own club premises, the Bermuda Po-
lice Service wishes to inform you that, going forward, we will operate a ‘zero tolerance’ attitude to persons we have identified as persons involved in gang and criminal activity, utilising the Police Field,” Weekes wrote in the letter addressed to BFA general secretary David Sabir. “Officers will be in attendance at games played at Police Field going forward and will work with club officials to identify these persons and to inform them that they are not welcome to play at the Police Field.” Weekes told Sabir and the clubs that police would also clamp down on spectators smoking marijuana at Police Field. In response, the BFA said in a statement: “The BFA supports any efforts to protect the game and the match-day environment. We look forward to ongoing dialogue with the Bermuda Police Service as it pertains to football.
Spanish prosecutor wants jail time for Barca's P.28 Neymar
Phillips, Caesar, Williams take sprint wins, as Linden continues to lead See story on page 27 ►
Linden’s Compton Caesar taking the boys’ U-20 100m win
Kenisha Phillips continues to dominate the girls’ Under 16 100m as Linden’s Deshanna Skeete fails to get pass her
Linden’s Daniel Williams is the first to cross the finishing line in the boys’ U-18 100m
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2016