Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 06 01 2017

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Unauthorised contracts No. 104785

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

–– pharmaceutical companies have not satisfied contractual obligations 3 –– Ministry of Public Health breached procurement, management processes Page

Relief for Mocha –– 135 Mocha/Arcadia residents receive ‘Permission to Occupy State Lands’

Page 15

Minister of State Joseph Harmon and others with some of the beneficiaries of the ‘Permission to Occupy State Lands’ document for the Mocha/ Arcadia community (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

9 VAT Act amended to catch tax cheats Page

Police accused of ‘beating up’ youths Page 13

Linden smash-up 11 claims fourth victim Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 6, 2017

Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Bill passed ––with some reservations from Opposition

Svetlana Marshall T H E M o t o r Ve h i cles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill will enhance tax administration at the level of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and simultaneously reduce the burden faced by Guyanese, Finance Minister Winston Jordan said in defence of the bill in the lead-up to its passage.

The bill was passed in the National Assembly on Thursday, however, without the support of the Opposition – the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

As he opened the debates during the first sitting for 2017 under the watch of the Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland, the Finance Minister explained that the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill of 2016 seeks to amend Section 9 (1) B of the principal Act by

abolishing the requirement for the Certificate of Compliance from the Commissioner-General of the GRA for the pro-

Finance Minister Winston Jordan cessing of a transfer of registration of a motor vehicle.

He noted that the requirement for a Certificate of Compliance was introduced by Act 14 of

1982.

“Basically, the certificate states that the registered owner has in accordance with Section 60 of the Income Tax Act, Chapter 8101, deliberate all of his returns and paid all outstanding taxes or has made arrangements for the satisfaction of the commissioner-general for the payment of taxes due and payable,” Minister Jordan explained.

However, overs the years, persons have been capitalising on other avenues to avoid the need for clearance from the commissioner-general.

Some persons, the Finance Minister pointed out, transfer their motor vehicles by way of irrevocable powers of attorney while others turn to the courts.

“Thus, the abolishment of this requirement of Certificate of Compliance from the Commissioner-General of the Revenue Authority will remove these loop holes,

while at the same time reducing the burden on taxpayers by removing the duplication of documents,” Minister Jordan

PPP MP Nigel Dharamlall assured.

This will no doubt further reduce the processing time, he added, while noting that staff at the Revenue Authority will now be able to re-

direct their attention to more revenue-generating and high-risk activities.

Additionally, the bill seeks to amend the first schedule of the principal Act by increasing the fees for the transfer of ownership/possession of motor vehicles, in addition to the introduction of fees for the issuance of driving permits issued to drivers residing abroad, but visiting Guyana temporarily. That fee is set at $2000.

Drivers will also be mandated to pay a fee of $2000 in order to acquire a letter of authenticity for verification of drivers’ licences.

The bill also seeks to impose transfer fees for motor cycles at a cost of $5000. For other motor vehicles, the fee will be $25, 000 or two per cent of the selling price or current valuation, whichever is greater.

The Finance Minister noted that on an annual basis, the Revenue Authority processes approximately 4, 000 of these transactions at no cost to the recipient, although it is not free.

Now, with the bill being passed, the cost will be shared between the Government and the beneficiaries. For the Finance Minister, the bill presents a “win-win” situation.

“It will improve tax administration by reducing a number of loopholes in the system, thereby of course reducing efforts of corrupting the employees of the Guyana Revenue Authority. It will decrease the burden placed on taxpayers to submit documents, duplicate doc-

uments, and regardless of your tax status now, you will be able to transfer your vehicle freely without having to worry what you owe the tax commissioner,” Minister Jordan noted.

But although the Finance Minister secured the support of his colleagues on his side of the House, PPP Member of Parliament Nigel Dharamlall did not buy into his argument.

According to Dharamlall, the imposition of more fees creates greater hardship for Guyanese.

He pointed out that the fee for the transfer of a registration for a motorcycle has jumped from $500 to $5,000, while the fee for the transfer of registration for other motor vehicles has moved from $1,000 to $25, 000.

“This Government is alienating itself from the poor, the disadvantaged and the vulnerable,” he opined, noting that it is an unfortunate situation.

Dharamlall was supported by his colleague Adrian Anamayah, who argued that while it is good to remove “the red tapes”, imposition of the fees will cause greater hardship. According to him, Guyanese would prefer to apply for the Certificate of Compliance than pay additional fees.

But these arguments were rubbished by the Finance Minister. He said the arguments were flawed, maintaining that the bill will be beneficial to those who would have experienced the very tedious procedure of attempting to transfer ownership of a motor vehicle.

Unauthorised contracts

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 6, 2017

–– pharmaceutical companies have not satisfied contractual obligations –– Ministry of Public Health breached procurement, management processes

By Ariana Gordon THE Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has been in the practice of awarding contracts to suppliers of pharmaceuticals, services and products, though they were not authorised to distribute same.

This, according to a report into the alleged unauthorised disclosure of information by staff on the malpractice and mismanagement in the procurement of pharmaceuticals at the ministry.

The report compiled by retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Winston Cosbert, noted that the procurement and management processes by which the Health Ministry awards contracts for pharmaceuticals, services and supplies to bidders, were not adhered to in many cases.

The Board of Inquiry established to conduct the investigation and submit the report to Cabinet found that companies awarded contracts to provide supplies though not authorised to so do include Caribbean Medical Supplies Inc., which was awarded a contract to supply HIV Rapid Unigold Test kits, and Meditron Inc., for the supply of four haematology analysers.

In the case of Meditron Inc., they received full payment and to date they have not satisfied their contractual obligations under the agreement.

As such, the contract signed between the Ministry of Public Health and Meditron Inc. should be taken before the Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, with a view to “instituting legal proceedings, since it was revealed that the entity failed to honour their[its] contractual obligation under the terms of the contract.”

Additionally, Contract # MMU10-2015-P6 was

signed between the Ministry of Public Health and Caribbean Medical Supplies Inc. for an agreed value of $70, 843, 202 on 100 per cent payment on receipt of goods; however, the money was paid and the items were not delivered.

Additionally, it has been recommended that the letter of authorisation produced by suppliers be certified and substantiated before contracts can be awarded.

The CoI recommended that a criminal investigation be launched to determine the authenticity of the letter produced by Caribbean Medical Supplies Inc., with a view to instituting criminal charges.

It was also noted that contracts are not properly drafted as well as the non-publishing of some contracts. It was observed too that there is no monitoring of suppliers to ensure they fulfil their contractual obligations.

That aside, the report pointed to incidents of unauthorised disclosures of information to suppliers.

That action resulted in the very suppliers calling the Minister of Public Health, at the time Dr George Norton, and making requests to supply pharmaceuticals they were told were out of stock. The shortage of pharmaceuticals was not made public.

“Supplier Edwin Mc Koon, President of Western Scientific Company Limited, called Mortrez Lindore on several occasions enquiring about contracts that were not advertised,” the report stated, while noting too that another staff Nadiola Roach, Stores Attendant Procurement Department at the Materials Management Unit (MMU) reported that Kandasie Aaron, Office Assistant, was seen texting vital information to Mc Koon. Roach reported the matter to Permanent

Secretary Trevor Thomas who took no action.

“Lindore subsequently took photographs of WhatsApp conversations between Mc Koon and Aaron to the Permanent Secretary, Deputy Permanent Secretary and the Principal Personnel Officer and she was transferred without any investigation being

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ret’d), Winston Cosbert conducted. Aaron was not authorised to speak or give any information on behalf of the MoPH,” the CoI determined.

UNSAVOURY RELATIONSHIP From all indications, Mc Koon and Aaron were involved intimately with each other. In a letter sent to the President’s Office and received on October 14, 2016, a “concerned employee” wrote: “Attached are some pictures of text messages between Mr Edwin Mc Koon and Ms Khandasie Aaron from the Procurement Department confirming they are having a personal relationship.

During this time, according to reliable sources, Mr Mc Koon received four flash drives with information about past prices used in tenders

by all bidders, local and international.”

The letter writer contends that the files were given to Mc Koon directly during his “many visits” to Guyana. “Some information was sent through DHL as well,” the letter stated.

“After receipt of this information, there are several tenders (MMU CPTL 05-2016, MMU 29 2016 p1) which Mr Mc Koon boasted during his last visit he is sure to win with his new found information.”

However, it was stated that divulging information at the Public Health Ministry seems to be a “normal practice,” which resulted in the dismissal of former Permanent Secretary Leslie Cadogan and Head of Procurement Department, Prakash Sookdeo.

It was also discovered during the inquiry that the Ministry of Public Health has no mechanism in place to identify the unathorised disclosure of price-sensitive information. This,despite the fact that control mechanisms exist in the Procurement Act,Chapter 73:05,Section 55.

“The MoPH became aware that price-sensitive information was divulged

by Aaron through Lindore’s reporting to the permanent secretary, deputy permanent secretary and principal personnel officer of the MoPH and producing photographs of WhatsApp conversations between Mc Koon and Aaron. Aaron was transferred to another department without any investigation conducted.”

Despite the aforementioned challenges, the CoI determined that the public procurement procedure is one that leads to competition and fairness.

“There is no evidence that the integrity of the system is compromised,” the report stated.

But while the public procurement procedure

has not been compromised, it was found that the management system in the procurement of pharmaceuticals and other items are flawed; and that the staff at the Materials Management Unit are untrained and unqualified to fill the job requirements at the said department.

NOT EFFECTIVE “The permanent secretary and deputy permanent secretary are not effectively supervising the Procurement Department. Under the organisational chart of the ministry, the deputy permanent secretary is responsible for the Procurement Department; however, this position is assumed by the permanent secretary.”

Additionally, it was observed that senior officials of the ministry are not in the habit of writing subordinates in relation to infractions committed, which has resulted in gross disrespect.

Other issues discovered during the inquiry includes the non-appointment of a chief pharmacist within the MoPH for a number of years, and as a result, the CoI recommended that the remuneration package for pharmacists should be examined adequately by the Government, with a view to attracting more pharmacists within the ministry.

Moreover, it was recommended that all pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical suppliers be registered with the Food and Drugs Department and this should form part of the criteria in the bidding documents; a department should be established within the Public Health Ministry to monitor the finalisation of contracts and the Board calls for the Attorney General’s office to review the Food and Drugs Act and Reg-

ulations, with the view to amending the said legislation to include blood, blood products, medical devices, improvement of technology and to cover certain classes of drugs.

The Food and Drugs Act and Regulations do not give the department the authority to regulate blood, blood products and certain medical equipment. Reagents and electronic documentation as it relates to dossiers are supplied by importers for pharmaceuticals (drugs).

It was also observed that there are no cohesive working relationships within the hierarchy of the ministry, and as a result, things are being done in isolation.

Meanwhile, no preliminary testing on pharmaceuticals are done at the Supply Chain Management Complex (SCMC) and items procured by the ministry and items donated by local organisations and non-governmental organisations, are being stored together at the SCMC. Expired products are being disposed of at the SCMC without proper documentation being prepared and without any one from the audit office and the internal auditors being present.

“Items which are shown to be in stock in the Management Accounting System (MAS) cannot be found physically; no coherent or valid explanation is given for such discrepancy,” the Cosbert report added The Board of Inquiry was commissioned in November, 2016, to advise the State on the veracity of the allegations of unauthorised disclosure of information and on the allegations of mismanagement and malpractices in the procurement of pharmaceuticals at the Ministry of Public Health.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 6, 2017

Division in Trump team over structure of spy agencies There is disagreement within President-elect Donald Trump’s camp about the structure of the top U.S. intelligence agency when he takes office and it is unclear whether his national security adviser will prevail in advocating a reorganisation, sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

At issue is the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), which Congress created after the Sept. 11 attacks to better coordinate the efforts of U.S. intelligence agencies to protect the United States.

Trump security adviser Michael Flynn, who as head of the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency under President Barack Obama sometimes clashed with other intelligence agencies, favours restructuring and paring back the ODNI, the sources said.

But one source close to the Trump transition cau-

tioned that the outcome is not certain.

“There is a general consensus that the ODNI is too big and grown too fast.

Some around him (Trump) believe this, but whether they plan to address it or how, I just don’t know,” said the source, who like others requested anonymity to discuss the Trump team’s internal deliberations.

Flynn has had a fraught relationship with the ODNI. After complaints over his management style at the Defense Intelligence Agency, he was fired by Director of National Intelligence James Clapper.

A senior transition official told Reuters on Thursday that Trump has picked former U.S. Senator Dan Coats as his director of national intelligence - a sign Trump does not plan to try to eliminate ODNI. A U.S. official familiar with Coats’ views suggested he would not move precip-

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump

itously to overhaul U.S. intelligence agencies.

“Any possible reforms to the structure of the intelligence community, he would approach with great caution and responsibility,” the official said.

Relations between Trump and U.S. intelligence agencies are extraordinarily rocky even before he is sworn in on Jan. 20.

Trump disparaged the spy agencies’ conclusions that Russia was behind hacks of the Democratic National Committee and the campaign staff of his 2016 election opponent Hillary Clinton. Clapper told Congress Thursday he was “even more resolute” that Russia staged cyber attacks, rebuking Trump’s skepticism.

Trump was scheduled to be briefed on Friday on an intelligence report that reaches that conclusion.

Russia has denied the hacking allegations.

“I think the president-elect is more skeptical of the conclusions that are drawn from the raw data rather than the intelligence in the raw data that’s provided,” Trump spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters on Wednesday.

Coats, according to another U.S. official familiar with his views, said he knew a lot about Europe and Russia and may well “butt heads with Trump over Russia.”

The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that Trump is working with top advisers to restructure and reduce the size of the ODNI. That report largely reflects the views of Flynn, said a source familiar with the retired lieutenant general’s thinking who declined to be identified.

Trump spokesman Sean Spicer on Thursday rejected the report.

“There is no truth to this idea of restructuring the intelligence community infrastructure,” Spicer said.

“All transition activities are for information gathering purposes and all discussions are tentative.”

A broad intelligence reorganisation would require congressional action. Congress created ODNI in a 2004 law that makes it the parent of 16 other U.S. intelligence agencies, ranging from the CIA and the DIA to the eavesdropping National Security Agency and the State Department’s intelligence bureau.

Flynn, who served as a top military intelligence officer in Afghanistan and

Iraq, is said by those familiar with his views to favor major changes at the CIA as well.

Both on the battlefield and at the DIA, Flynn pushed for intelligence personnel to be moved out of compounds and offices and closer to front lines, where Flynn believed they would be more effective intelligence collectors, said the source familiar with his views.

Flynn would like the CIA to reorganise itself along these lines, the source said. The CIA was just reorganized last year, however, to bring frontline spies and backroom analysts together in new units focused tightly on specific issues or regions.

Republican congressman Mike Pompeo, Trump’s choice for CIA director, is known to share Flynn’s views about the need for restructuring at CIA, the source said. But two other people familiar with Trump transition discussions said Pompeo has not been involved in talks about possible CIA reorganisation.

Friday, January 06, 2017 - 11:00 hrs Saturday, January 07, 2017 - 12:00 hrs Sunday, January 08, 2017 - 01:30 hrs (Night) - 13:30 hrs (Day) Monday, January 09, 2017 - 02:30 hrs (Night) - 14:30 hrs (Day) Tuesday, January 10, 2017 - 03:30 hrs (Night) - 14:30 hrs (Day)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 6, 2017

Brazil plans jail overhaul after riot Brazil’s Justice Minister Alexandre Moraes has announced a plan to reduce violence in prisons, after a deadly riot in the northern city of Manaus.

The authorities say 56 inmates died as rival gangs clashed on Sunday.

Brazil wants to increase co-operation with neighbouring countries to reduce the influx of weapons and drugs into the prison system, said Moraes.

Brazilian prosecutors said one of the factions involved in the uprising had links with Colombia’s Farc rebel group.

“We will set up police intelligence units in every Brazilian capital,” Moraes announced.

“They will gather data focusing mainly on drug trafficking and organised

A worker prepares graves for victims of the Manaus prison riot crime inside and outside prisons,” added Moraes.

The new security plan has three main points: the reduction in the number

of cases of manslaughter; combating organised crime inside the jails, including transnational organisations that smuggle in drugs and

weapons; and the modernisation of the prison system.

Moraes called for a change in the law to reduce the number of people serving

time for minor crimes.

He said that 72 per cent of women in Brazilian jails had been convicted of drug trafficking offences and most of them were arrested in possession of relatively small amounts of illegal substances.

They should be serving alternative sentences or wearing electronic tags outside prison, said Moraes.

He also announced that President Michel Temer had allocated funds for the construction of five new high security jails.

Sunday’s 17-hour prison uprising was the deadliest in Brazil in years. Fifty-six inmates were killed. Many were decapitated.

Officials say police have managed to recapture 40 of the 87 prisoners who escaped. Moraes criticised

the private company that manages the Anisio Jobim Penitentiary Centre.

“We are carrying out an investigation, but it’s clear that the company in charge of the prison has failed,” he said.

“You can’t allow weapons, including knives, other sharp objects and shotguns, to be smuggled into a prison.”

The clashes appeared to be between members of Family of the North (FDN), a powerful local gang, and rivals from the First Capital Command (PCC), Brazil’s largest gang, whose base is in Sao Paulo, in the southeast.

Prosecutor say FDN has links with Colombia’s Farc rebel group, from whom it buys guns and drugs.

(BBC)

Trump threatens Toyota with import tax

D o n a l d Tr u m p h a s tweeted that Toyota will face hefty tariffs on cars built in Mexico for the US market.

The President-elect said the Japanese company would be hit with a “big border tax” if it went ahead with plans to build Corollas south of the border.

American car companies have faced harsh criticism from Mr Trump for building cars more cheaply outside the US. To y o t a ’s P r e s i d e n t A k i o To y o d a s a i d t h e company had no immediate plans to curb production in Mexico.

“We will consider our option as we see what policies the incoming president adopts,” said Mr Toyoda, speaking in Japan on Thursday.

T h e c o m p a n y ’s U S arm issued a statement which said that production and employment levels at Toyota in the US would not decrease as a result of the new plant in Mexico. The company has ten manufacturing plants in the US. “ To y o t a l o o k s f o r ward to collaborating

with the Trump Administration to serve in the best interests of consumers and the automotive industry,” the statement said.

The carmaker’s shares fell more than three per cent in early trade in Tokyo on Friday but have since recovered some ground.

Mr Trump has already targeted American carmakers General Motors and Ford for manufacturing south of the border, resulting in Ford’s decision to cancel its plans for a $1.6bn (£1.3bn) plant in Mexico and expand operations in the

US instead.

The Nafta free trade area, and the lower cost of labour, makes it attractive for firms to build cars in Mexico for sale in the US. B u t M r Tr u m p h a s said he would end this practice, as it was costing American jobs.

Toyota announced in April 2015 it would build a $1bn Corolla factory in central Mexico. Construction began in November 2016.

It has existing manufacturing facilities in Baja, Mexico which were established in 2002. (BBC)

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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

Upholding the law

IT IS not by accident that society sets out to put laws in place. It is also not by chance that independent nations such as ours, having emerged from political domination and oppression, have in place a system of laws to which all are subject.

Though the focus here is not to engage in discussion on the laws of other lands, given that such understandably are shaped by the reality in those societies, the nexus is drawn in so far that respect and enforcement of the laws, domestic and foreign, are key to maintaining a stable and cohesive society. A stable and cohesive society creates the environment for growth and development.

The World Justice Project, an independent, multidisciplinary organisation working to advance the rule of law around the world and in bringing to bear internationally accepted standards, has defined the “rule of law [as] a system in which the following four universal principles are upheld: 1) the government and its officials and agents as well as individuals and private entities are accountable under the law; 2) the laws are clear, publicised, stable, and just; are applied evenly; and protect fundamental rights, including the security of persons and property; 3) the process by which the laws are enacted, administered, and enforced is accessible, fair, and efficient; and 4) justice is delivered in a timely manner by competent, ethical, and independent representatives and neutrals, who are of sufficient number, have adequate resources, and reflect the make-up of the communities they serve.”

In societies, to the extent where the rule of law reigns, it is not surprising that there is greater progress.

This is so because citizens know that regardless of their diversity, socio-economic status, political title/influence/ connection or ‘entitled’ status, if they do the crime,are caught and found guilty, they will have to do the time.

Thus, it is not surprising to hear reports of the ordinary man and woman as well as the connected and influential being placed before the court and once found guilty, sentenced. In such societies, upholding the rule of law is equivalent to a badge of honour, which is also rewarded by the public who hold such persons in esteem.

This is not to say that persons may not deliberately set out to violate the law, fully aware of the consequences. But it makes the point that even when there is ignorance of the law or one feels ‘protected’ to violate the law, by upholding the principle of the rule of law the society’s well-being is safeguarded. Where the law is allowed to rule, people not only cultivate a sense of security, but with security comes assurance. In the instance of the weak/powerless she/he stands a better chance of not being exploited by the mighty/powerful, because redress can be sought and protection under the law demanded.

The businessman needs assurance to invest, in that the law will bring to justice those who rob him, equally as he knows if he fails to respect the law, the law will catch him. The Police Force, tasked with the responsibil-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 6, 2017

Sugar stakeholders’ forum commendable Dear Editor THE commencement of engagement among stakeholders -- Government,the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo),the Opposition and trade unions -- with a view to determining a way forward for GuySuCo, as an organisation, is a first for this society since Article 13 was enshrined in the Guyana Constitution, via constitutional amendment in 2001.

Article 13 identifies the principal objective of the political system, requiring of us as Guyanese to engage in inclusionary democracy, where individuals and groups would be involved in the management and decision-making processes of the State that impact their well-being. This principle was valiantly fought for by citizens/workers under the leadership of Desmond Hoyte, then Leader of the Opposition.

The present engagement sees a composition where the Government’s team is headed

by Vice-President and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, the Opposition

by General-Secretary Clement Rohee, the trade unions

by GAWU President Komal Chan and NAACIE General-Secretary Kenneth Joseph, and executives of GuySuCo. The bitter-sweet history and legacy of sugar run in the veins of every Guyanese, bar none. Though this industry is often addressed in a partisan manner -- political and otherwise -- on this occasion all the groups are urged to leave divisive motives outside of the doors where the engagements are taking place. The future of sugar is not about negotiating or horse-trading (i.e. where you take one, I take one), it is about finding common ground as to the future of GuySuCo. Common ground has to factor in evidence such as

inputs of technical expertise, inclusive of the body of work on the industry by Professor Clive Thomas; the Commission of Inquiry Report on GuySuCo; the corporate services GuySuCo provides via drainage and irrigation on the coastland, health centres, and community grounds; the Consolidated Fund; global price; reconfiguration of the industry; contribution of private cane framers; and social impact for sugar workers and the society. This country in 2017 is poised -- based on the interaction of the stakeholders on sugar on the last day in 2016 -- to prove that diverse views and skills can be brought to bear in charting a course, not only for sugar, but for every other area of governance.

Coming from the bauxite industry, where during 2001-2005 similar calls were made to the government to have stakeholders’ engagement in determining

the future of the industry -though these were ignored -- I am nonetheless encouraged that sugar is being used as a catalyst to bring about a change in our divisive political culture. Sugar belongs to every Guyanese and what is required is a national consensus in determining its future. It is not lost on me that sitting around the same table there may be persons inclined to look at this new beginning as an opportunity to stymie every effort in developing a cohesive position. Sugar must no longer be treated as a partisan issue in creating political fodder.

One of the ways this can be avoided is that the consensus that emerges from the discussion on each day be initialled by all the leaders in the stakeholders’ configuration.

Regards Lincoln Lewis

Forensic audit must be ordered for City Hall Dear Editor, UNFORTUNATELY, it seems that there is never any good news, uplifting information or stimulating reports emanating from the Georgetown municipality, instead there are only advisories about increased taxation, threats of punitive actions against citizens and measures to stifle entrepreneurship.

Most recent of all we learnt of the intention of Royston King to seek an increase in the already costly fines of $10,000, which have to be paid for littering. This is in addition to the whopping 10% increase in property taxes for residences and busi-

nesses in Georgetown. Then came the bad news of having to pay for parking and for containers offloading in the city. Vendors on the Merriman Mall were forced to pay five times more to rent what has been described as ‘Dog Kennels.’

Whilst all of these increases have been effected, the services being provided have never been worse. The city floods after just a few hours of rain; persons are robbed on a daily basis in and around the markets; animals are slaughtered in a most inhumane and insanitary way at the municipal abattoir; staff at the municipal stores in Water Street are forced to sit all day in a poorly lit and

ity to “Serve and Protect,” is better able to discharge its duty, assured that the law safeguards the law-abiding and violators will be held to account.

Elected and appointed members of the legislature, executive or other constitutional office, in taking the oath of office and having pledged to serve consistent with the law are also to be equally held to account, consistent with

unventilated room, whilst enduring a constant drip from the toilet facilities located on the floor above. Most of the buildings from City Hall, to the solid waste building to the South Road Health Centre are all in a derelict state, all of their garbage trucks and other machinery such as street sweepers, loaders, bulldozers, backhoes, tractors etc., are all in utter disrepair.

In the midst of all of the bedlam and turmoil, the Council is seeking to deprive of their livelihoods, vendors who sell chicken outside of the markets; have cruelly forced other vendors into a squalid facility that they have the audacity to call ‘Parliament View Mall’;

have put some hair stylists under some rickety tents on the Merriman Mall,all of whom are catching hell during this rainy season and paying their workers late every month. If the President is serious about the provision of ‘a good life for all Guyanese’ -- which of course includes the citizens of Georgetown -- then he must order the commissioning of an enquiry into the operations of the Council, ordering of a forensic audit regarding its financial malfeasance and removal of the incompetent senior administrators at City Hall.

Regards Nadine Jerrick

the rule of law. For the rule of law is premised on the legal doctrine that it is the law that should govern a nation, not a nation being governed by arbitrary decisions of individual government officials. Guyana must reach the stage when it matters not whether you are in government, opposition, your race, ethnicity, influence, connection or other diversity, the rule of law is applicable to all. (Reprinted)

‘Wake up’ Allied Health Council

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 6, 2017

- radiographer urges Minister Lawrence

By Rabindra Rooplall

MEDICAL professionals are calling on newly-elected Minister of Public Health, Minister Volda Lawrence to activate the Allied Health Council since it appears requests and complaints to the body are not being addressed.

Although many requested anonymity, radiographer/ radiation therapist Arun Bhargavan was willing to go on record with his complaint.

The radiographer said he had written the former Health Minister, Dr. George Norton and the Council pertaining to issues affecting his work in Guyana, but was

Radiographer/ radiation therapist, Arun Bhargavan

never acknowledged.

“As a foreigner, I am the only qualified person who is licensed to give radiation treatment and procedures in Guyana. Moreover when I am leaving Guyana; and

seek employment in another foreign country, their Council will ask for my registration certificate and good standing certificate.

“Therefore, I am inquiring who approves my licence to work in Guyana and which Council I am registered under and what do I do to receive my certificate of employment and work in Guyana,” he questioned.

The therapist said he has been working as a radiographer/ radiation therapist at the Cancer Institute of Guyana for the past three years.

“I understand that there is presently no Allied Health Professions Council active in Guyana.”

However, September

last Minister of State Joseph Harmon had announced that Cabinet had approved the operations of the Allied Health Council.

The Council’s members were appointed to serve for two years from March 1, 2016 to February 28, 2018.

The Council caters for medical associations such as the Medical Technologist Association, the Guyana Physiotherapist Association, the Guyana Association of Rehabilitation Professionals, Nutritionists and Dieticians Association, and the Guyana Radiographers Association.

The radiation therapist noted that the Guyana Radiographers Association appears to be defunct.

Minister of Public Health, Minister Volda Lawrence

Since 2010, the year of the Council’s initial establishment, it goes through a process of reconsideration at the level of Cabinet at twoyear intervals.

In 2014, the Allied Health Professions Act was

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amended to include health professionals who are under the purview of environmental health, counselling and testing bodies.

The Official Gazette dated March 24, 2012, indicates that the Act will govern the operations of environmental health officers, public health inspectors, sanitary inspectors, port health officers and environmental health assistants.

The Council is a regulatory body formed to enhance and monitor the functioning of environmental health, a sub-specialty of the field of public health which deals with sanitation, hygiene and water among other factors in environmental health.

Agriculture Road is neglected Dear Editor, AS a concerned resident and taxpayer living in Agriculture Road, I am concerned about some issues in this road that leads to the Guyana School of Agriculture and NAREI. I had observed on the exact day of the Local Government Elections, a hymac and dragline were digging the trench on the left-hand corner of the road, the trench that’s near the Guyana School of Agriculture and NAREI. I also saw a small Hymac digging some trenches in Block 8, where my church is located. To be honest, in over 12 years, these people from the NDC never dug a trench here nor cleaned the corners of the road that has tall black sage bushes, but came suddenly the day of the local government elections. What were they trying to prove?

I guess they were trying to get votes for their personal laziness and incompetence.

My next observation was just as the local government elections were over, I noted with a great deal of interest a new road was immaculately built through Market Street that leads up to the BV/Triumph NDC. Now that these new people are in power, they are concerned only about themselves and does nothing

for the residents in this road.

The trench on the right-hand corner of this road was never dig in 15 years; the BV/ Triumph NDC is responsible for this trench. This trench is very dirty and shallow; just one hour of rain will flood the entire place, but no one at the BV/Triumph NDC is concerned. From the Fibre Tech Industry going back, this trench is like the gateway to hell: it is filled with big bushes and trees; a car can drive over it very easily and it harbours dangerous snakes and alligators.

Not long ago, I killed a dangerous 12-foot snake that came out this trench up my verandah shed. Now with the constant rains the water in this trench is stagnant, it goes no where and the water in the drains in my yard has not been moving for over five days now.

I am calling on the relevant authority at the BV/Triumph NDC to get this trench dug immediately. We have another hazard in this road: the development of huge potholes. From the beginning of this road just opposite NAREI is a big pothole like a little trench; the middle of this road is broken in two, because of a huge pothole.

If one drives this road when it rains, they are left in these holes in cars. Not long ago, a car bounced off a hole and

dropped into the big trench; luckily, residents saved the driver. The Chairman and Administrators of the NDC and the Administrators at NAREI drive this road daily, but it doesn’t bother them.

Only when the Agriculture Minister is coming to the Guyana School of Agriculture or the President will I see those at NAREI or the NDC hustling to throw some sand in those potholes.

Why hustle to build when someone in authority is coming? These educated folk can make representation to the Ministry of Public works to re-surface the bad spots in this road, but they just put a blind eye to it until it got worst. Most of our roads are badly damaged, because no one is maintaining them.

What I see in this country is, we leave things to be destroyed, when it could have been rescued and repaired before its complete destruction.

Most accidents in this country are caused by bad roads and not speeding alone.

When will someone fix these dangerous potholes in Agriculture Road? Maybe until a great accident occurred and residents are killed. If we can’t dig trenches and fix basic roads, then how are we going to govern this whole country? Very soon we will have to offer a new degree at the University of Guyana

to drive in Guyana -- a PhD (Doctor of Pot Holes).

I am calling on the NDC to get these trenches cleared or residents will be flooded out; I am calling on NAREI to make representation to get this road fixed immediately. Most of the flooding

we now see is caused by negligent and incompetent NDCS; why are we really paying taxes? Guess we are paying to be flooded out. I am calling on the Minister of Public works to get the Agriculture Road repaired and other relevant authori-

ties to address this garbage dump by dealing with the residents living there, who make this environment a living hell for those walking and driving on the road.

Regards Rev. Gideon Cecil

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 6, 2017

Environment levy bill passed

By Svetlana Marshall

THE National Assembly on Tuesday passed the Customs (Amendment) Bill paving the way for the imposition of an environmental levy of $10 per unit on the importers and local manufacturers of products using non-returnable metal, plastic or glass container to package any alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage.

The amendment to the Customs Act comes on the heels of a 2014 ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) which resulted in Guyana refunding Rudisa Beverages and Juices N.V a total of $1.2B for environmental taxes collected from that company.

Rudisa had contended, and the court ruled, that the tax violated the rules of trading in the regional trade and integration bloc, CARICOM, of which both Guyana and Suriname are members.

As such, it was viewed that collection of the Environmental Tax from CARICOM importers and not local manufacturers was a violation of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which guarantees the free movement of goods and prohibits import duties on CARICOM goods.

In the House on Thursday, Finance Minister Winston Jordan, in defending the bill, said it allows for the imposition of

a broad-based, non-discriminatory environmental tax that will prevent a re-occurrence.

Minister Jordan said the argument that the tax will result in increased cost to the producer and importer and will likely be passed onto consumers, is flawed, as he pointed to sections of the amended legislation.

“For those units that are proven to the satisfaction of the commissioner-general as

PPP MP Anil Nandlall having been returned reused, recycled, or re-exported a credit will be allowed towards the next payment due and excess credit shall be carried forward to the next period until the credit has been fully utilised,” the bill states.

The Finance Minister reassured the House that “no one will be bearing this cost if the particular container is

returned, reused, recycled or re-exported. They will get back their money.”

PART OF GREEN AGENDA Additionally, he said this measure forms part of the Government’s green agenda, and as such, seeks to protect the environment.

“One just have to look at the unsightly evidence of plastic, glass and other containers being disposed of in a haphazard and dangerous manner in Guyana, leading to clogged drains, canals, rivers. These remind us of the damage and danger posed by this indiscriminate disposal,” he said. He added: “when we protect the environment, we are protecting ourselves and the future.”

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament (MP) Bishop Juan Edghill, offering his contribution to the debate, recalled that legislation was enacted in 1995, putting in place an environmental tax.

“At that time, that levy was only charged to importers who were bringing beverages in containers that were not biodegradable,” he said.

However, he said Guyana was taken to court over the imposition of this Environmental Tax on importers within the regional bloc.

The PPP MP said in 2013

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan and 2014, the then Government (PPP) had made two attempts to put the requisite legislation in place to ensure that the country was in compliance with the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, but those attempts were overturned by the then one-seat-majority Opposition.

He noted that the PPP/C Government had intended to reduce the Environmental Tax to $5, which would have been applied to both local manufacturers and importers, but that proposal was rejected.

Bishop Edghill said at the time, there were suggestions from the then Opposition that the Environmental Tax be removed all together.

“There were suggestions that we don’t even have to collect the tax, because the feeling and the view is that the tax was not necessary; the question that must be asked

is, what has changed? In 19 months, what has changed.”

A BURDEN Edghill’s colleague, Anil Nandlall, told the House that the Government is placing greater burdens on the people of Guyana.

“Not only are we going to pay VAT on water, we are going to pay tax on the container [in] which the water is contained,” the PPP front bencher told his colleagues on both sides of the House.

According to him, the Finance Minister has given false hope to the people, contending that it will be even more costly to reclaim the $10 for every unit non-returnable metal, plastic or glass container used to package any alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage.

“Businesses that have containers brought into country long before the law takes

effect will now be subject to the tax,” Nandlall contended.

He lamented that Government is making this imposition without much-needed consultation with the private sector and other key stakeholders, although, when in Opposition, it had lobbied the then Government to consult with the commercial sector.

In response, Minister Jordan told the House that the environmental levy presented in the House is different from the one imposed by the PPP Government.

“This measure is different from the previous measure that was in place, in at least two ways: one, this is non-discriminatory, it is applied across the board to both local manufacturers, local producers and importers and the second point is, this is not a measure designed to have Government add to its coffers,” he posited.

The Finance Minister pointed out that the Government since 2016 has been putting the necessary measures in place to protect the environment. He pointed out that there are restrictions on the importation of used and reconditioned vehicles; a ban on Styrofoam used in the packaging of beverage, food and food production and exemption on all biodegradable products used to package food and beverages.

Bartica Massacre trial...

‘Chi-Chi’ takes the stand

- recounts his involvement in the gruesome killings

CLEBERT Recce, called “Chi-Chi”, one of five men fingered in the Bartica Massacre, took the stand Thursday, in spite of objections from the defence, and the submissions not being upheld by the judge.

Reece, who early in the trial pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter, told the court when led by State Prosecutor, Diana Kaulesar that after taking a call from his mother in February 2008 to discuss his living arrangements, he reported to the Brickdam Police Station.

In his evidence-in-chief, Reece told the court that from the station, he was taken by police vehicle to a house in Kitty where “an old jail-man” lived, and the ranks who accompanied him conducted a search of the premises.

That done, Reece related, he was taken back to Brickdam Police Station, where he was advised that he should report there every day.

Reece said that because of this obligation, he began

living by his “child mother” in the city, but went to see his mother on Mother’s Day. That is how he came to catch up with his cousin and former co-accused, Michael Caesar, called “Capone”, and be in possession of his cell-phone number.

He told the court that following that chance meeting with “Capone”, he started receiving phone calls from one “Sad Man”. After one of those calls, he said, when he looked outside, he saw a car; and in it were five men, all armed with guns, right down to the driver.

Reece conceded accompanying the men to Parika, where they met two others and a boat builder, and together they waited for the tide to rise before taking a boat around to the Parika Stelling.

He would then give a blow-by-blow account of how the gang spent the night, from the time they left Parika by boat for Tiger Bay, here in the city, right down to their meeting with first Dennis

Williams, called “Anaconda”, and later “Sad Man”, “Small Man”, “Chung Bai”, “Mud Up”, Michael Caesar, “Magic”, and “Kussum” all the way up in Ann’s Grove, on the East Coast Demerara.

He also regaled the court with how “Sad Man”, another alias by which the mastermind, Rondell “Fineman” Rawlins, was known, almost ended his life in the vicinity of Eve Leary on the way back to Parika, just because the boat developed engine trouble.

But for the intervention of “Magic’, he said, he would have been a goner.

But engine trouble would again hinder them on the way to Bartica the night before the massacre, when they were forced to live rough until the boat could be repaired.

He said that when they got to Bartica, he wasn’t allowed to get off the vessel, but was rather left in the care of two armed men while the rest of the gang went about their business.

When led by State Pros-

ecutor Kaulesar, Reece identified Mark Royden Williams and Dennis Williams, who were both in the courtroom, as being the gang members known as “Small Man” and “Anaconda” respectively.

He said it was “Sad Man” who killed the five men on the Banks DIH boat moored at the Bartica Stelling; he recalled that they were told to lie face down on the boat before being shot at the back of the head with a .45 handgun. He was standing on the boat’s bow when it happened, Reece said.

He also told the court that in all there were six men on the boat, but again, “Magic” saved the day by allowing him to escape.

He himself would eventually manage to escape “Sad Man” and the gang’s clutches days later by telling them he wanted to ease his bowels.

This was after some seven attempts, he said.

He will be called upon to testify again today at 09:00hrs when the trail resumes.

9

VAT Act amended to catch tax cheats

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 6, 2017

– strengthens GRA boss’ hand

THE Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill 2016 was passed unchanged in the National Assembly on Thursday night, thereby paving the way for the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to institute garnishment against defaulting taxpayers.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan defended the Bill despite the Opposition’s chant of the amendments being “worrisome,” saying it will strengthen the hands of the Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority and catch the many tax dodgers.

Opposition member Priya Manickchand, elevated as a spokesperson on economic issues for her party, said her main contentions lie in Sections 45 (1) and 51. Manickchand told the House that in the case of Section 51, the Amendment which is to insert “where judgement is granted against a taxpayer, in favour of the Revenue Authority and the taxpayer is a customer with a bank, trust company, credit union or other financial institution, the Commissioner shall by demand or notice, require the bank, trust company, credit union

or other financial institution to remit the amount payable to the Revenue

Finance Minister Winston Jordan Authority as a debt owed to the State,” seeks to allow GRA access to bank accounts without an order of a court.

She argued that the move by the APNU+AFC administration is concerning, as in any civilised country when judgement is granted there is a process before which levying is done. “Section 51 is going against any other process we know…they are not going to court… they are just going and pick this up…no office should be vested by the kind of power,” she stated.

Section 102 of the Income Tax Act Chapter 81:01 has been revised to provide authority to the GRA to garnish funds from bank accounts held by taxpayers, who have outstanding tax arrears.

Meanwhile, speaking to Section 45 (1), Manickchand said the “one-line amendment” seeks to remove the proviso and substituting the colon for a full stop. “Section 45 (1) really worries me … now the Commissioner will decide that a person owes taxes…and without a court order say this person can’t travel. It is removing a proviso we had before.”Manickchand in her argument stressed the need to petition the court before barring persons from travelling, because they have outstanding payments.

“What is the problem when going to the court?

GRA has lawyers…we have not been given any reason in this over the last two years to trust that a provision like this is not going to be misused.”

She described the move by the government as “draconian” and noted the need for the rules of natural justice to be utilised at all times. “We must always give citizens

a hearing…before their rights are infringed. Every person should be able to

PPP MP, Priya Manickchand travel freely except with a court order,” She declared.

The Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) urged the government to “leave this proviso” and “pass this Bill by taking that amendment out. Turning her attention to Section 73 of the Bill, Manickchand said under the amendment, larger penalties for those deemed to be non-payers and called on the Minister of Finance to “show us your bona fides” and remove the proviso.

“Show us you are genuine and not dictatorial,” demanded Manickchand.

But even as the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) parliamentarians argue that the amendments will contravene the rights and freedoms of Guyanese, the Finance Minister said firmly that the GRA is only going after those whose taxes are not up to date.

“The bone of attention is who are we going after?

Are we going after any person whose taxes are up to date…we are going after all the crooks,” he said. Jordan told the House that the “burdened taxpayer has asked us to say ‘enough is enough,’” amid loud thumps by his colleagues in approval.

He argued that the move is geared at strengthening the commissioner- general to ensure that he goes after tax dodgers and cheats.

“We don’t want to deprive any person of their right to travel. We are targeting those who are cheating the taxes…Many people who paid NIS and PAYE are finding themselves in trouble when they turn up and their NIS and PAYE have not been paid,” Jordan said, describing the situation as a “travesty.” “ We c a n n o t , a s a House, be seen to be leaning on the side of tax dodgers,” said the Finance Minister.

Meanwhile, the Bill seeks to amend the VAT

Act, Chapter 81:05 and the amendment increases the limitation period under the Act from three years to five years. Additionally, the Bill increases penalties for offences under the Act. Sections 33, 35 and 65 of the legislation have been amended to reflect a revised Statute of Limitation. The Statute of Limitation stood at three years under the VAT Act, thereby preventing the Commissioner from conducting additional assessments after that period.

Jordan argued that the lack of resources led to advantage being taken of the system and noted that the GRA was overwhelmed by the tax in terms of filings, and the like. Persons, he said, enjoyed the freedom they received by virtue of the statute of limitation as they hoped the entity would not get around to them. “This measure is an attempt to plug a loophole while giving GRA a bit more muscle when it comes to VAT. VAT is a very important tax for the economy,” he said, while noting that since its implementation, it lost its importance because of the various measures put in place to weaken it.

“This is a strengthening measure,” he declared, noting that five years allows for adequate time for the review of taxpayers’ records.

Murder accused gets 15 years for manslaughter

By George Barclay ACCUSED Mark Thompson, who by a majority verdict of 11 to 1 was found guilty on the lesser count of murder, was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for manslaughter by Justice James

Bovell-Drakes on Monday.

The 29-year-old accused, who had chopped to death 45-year old Jose Rodrigues De Oliveira on Sunday 7, 2010, had pleaded not guilty to murder but admitted that Jose had attacked him causing

him to hit out in self-defence.

And his lawyer Peter Hugh had been seeking a not guilty verdict on the ground of provocation and self-defence.

The sentence followed the presentation of a probation report that was requested by

defence counsel.

Before passing sentence, the judge noted that a male life expectancy was 65 and by cutting down Jose at 45, robbed him of 20 years.

But the judge apparently taking into account the defence claim of self-defence and the fact

that he was not master of his mind, being under the influence of alcohol in the commission of the crime, imposed a small sentence of 15 years.

The prosecution’s case was done by Tamieka Clarke and Tuanna Hardy, while defence counsel Peter Hugh and

Latchmi Rahamat took care of the defence.

Mark Thompson, 29, was on trial for the murder of Jose Rodriques De Oliveira.

The killing is said to have occurred at Meladinko, Aranka Backdam, Cuyuni River, Essequibo.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 6, 2017

Police examining surveillance footage –– as probe deepens into shooting of poultry farmer

POLICE are checking surveillance footage as investigations continue into the New Year’s Day shooting to death of a poultry vendor and his friend.

Poultry vendor, Desmond Singh called “Fix Up” was one of two persons who was riddled with bullets around 19:00 hrs on New Year ’s Day at Humphrey’s Street, Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The incident is being described as a planned hit.

Singh, 34, of Lot A-1 Orange Walk, Bourda, and his friend 24-year-old Az-

Dead: Azrudeen Hussain rudeen Hussain, of Little Biaboo, Mahaica, East

Coast Demerara (ECD) were shot just as they were heading to the main road to get a minibus, after leaving a gamecock gambling spot.

Police confirmed that the suspects were picked up in North Ruimveldt, Georgetown after the police acting on information swooped down on the location.

Investigators said that the 34-year-old man, who goes by the alias “Fix up” was shot 15 times about the body with high-powered rifles. He died at the scene while his friend, who was shot once to the neck, died

on the way to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Police said based on investigations, the armed perpetrators concealed their faces with handkerchiefs.

The fact that nothing was taken from the victims is one of the reasons that the police have ruled out robbery as the motive. Two persons are in custody assisting with investigations.

According to one source, Singh who is a frequent visitor at the gamecock gambling spot, won a few bets on roosters earlier in the day at another lo-

Dead: Desmond Singh cation and later in the day went to the Friendship spot

to continue the game.

It was at the latter spot that he lost the money he won earlier in the day. Reports disclosed that after losing his money, Singh borrowed $100,000 from someone there and lost that money in bets too.

It was after losing that Singh and Hussain left to go home when they were attacked by the gunmen, who were hiding in the bushes nearby.

Police believe that the 34-year-old man was the gunmen’s target and his friend just happened to be there at the wrong time.

Spike in Harbour Bridge traffic last year

AN average of 9,756 vehicular movements was recorded on the Demerara Habour Bridge daily in 2016.

The bridge, which provides a critical link between Regions Three and Four, saw a total of 3,599,969 vehicular movements recorded last year, some 430,555 more than 2015.

Brian Singh, Traffic Manager at the bridge, told members of the media at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s year-in-review press conference on Wednesday at the Transport Sports Club, that there are several initiatives which the management of the bridge undertook last year.

These include the fabrication of buoys, the installation of a pontoon at span 8.4 and 9.2, the installation of decking plates along the bridge and the installation of cluster piles along the

bridge’s high span.

The Demerara Harbour Bridge management also undertakes asphalt works on site and in various areas across the country.

Singh said 42,471 tonnes of asphalt was produced in 2016 and the entity played a key role in providing asphalt for works which were undertaken on the Essequibo River island of Leguan last year.

Asphalted roads were laid on the island for the first time in 2016.

Singh said in 2017, several initiatives will be undertaken to maintain the bridge and these include the rehabilitation of three large pontoons, replacement of control cabins as well as the rehabilitation of hydraulic cabins.

A total of $120M has been budgeted for those and other works, Singh said.

A total of 3,599,969 vehicular movements was recorded last year on the Demerara Harbour Bridge, some 430,555 more than 2015

Trio in KN grenade attack for High Court trial THREE men have been committed to stand trial in the High Court for the grenade attack on Kaieteur News, Saffon Street, Georgetown after Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan determined that a prima facie case was made out against them.

One of the accused men attempted to escape Thursday during the hearing. The Preliminary Inquiry (PI) commenced last September with a total of 23 witnesses called to testify, while there was a voir dire (trial within a trial) to determine the admissibility of the statements given to police by the accused.

The men – Leroy Wil-

Alfie Garraway liams, 25, of Durban Backlands, Georgetown; Janeil Howard, 20, of 322 Section ‘C’ Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara; and Alfie Garraway, 36, of Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown are ac-

Janeil Howard

Leroy Williams

cused of conspiring together with other persons to cause an explosion by way of grenade, likely to endanger lives and cause damage to property on June 4, 2016 at 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown.

During the ruling of the Magistrate, Williams slipped off his right side handcuff and was toying with the other side for his escape; however a police officer in the court quickly fixed it tighter.

Williams is no stranger for such tactics and he tried to escape previously during the PI, where he had assaulted a Reporter and damaged the windows of a police vehicle.

Williams is represented

by Attorney Neil Bollers; Attorney Stanley Moore represents Garraway and Howard remains unrepresented.

The Chief Magistrate overruled the no case submissions made by the defense lawyers and placed weight on the evidence provided by prosecutor, Inspector Neville Jeffers.

According to reports, on the day in question, a security staffer heard an unusual

sound coming from near a Toyota Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) - PRR 8398 – which belongs to Glenn Lall, Publisher of Kaieteur News.

The SUV was parked on the western side of newspaper’s Lot 24 Saffon Street, Georgetown office.

On checking the front of the vehicle, the staffer spotted a grenade lying near one of the front tyres.

Video footage from the company’s CCTV cameras showed a grey-coloured vehicle, slowing down as it approached Lall’s vehicle.

The driver accelerated after the explosive device was thrown.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 6, 2017

Linden smash-up claims fourth victim

THE horrific accident on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway on Wednesday night has claimed its fourth victim, 22-year-old Leron Mendonca, who died while undergoing surgery at the Linden Hospital Complex on Thursday morning.

The other victims include Dextroy Griffith, a 22-year-old mechanic; Alexander Dave Primus, a 52-year-old taxi driver and Raul Aaron, who all died on the spot. Mendonca is a national of St Vincent and the Grenadines, who had returned to Guyana to renew his travelling documents; he was the nephew of Primus.

The bodies of Griffith, Pri-

mus and Aaron were transported to the Wismar Hospital Mortuary several hours after the accident occurred as policemen, fire fighters and other public spirited persons experienced great difficulty in extracting them from the mangled cars.

Griffith’s wife, 24-year-old Whitney Ann Griffith, who is four months pregnant and 42-year-old Aletha Kendell are still patients at the Linden Hospital Complex and are said to be stable.

According to reports, Primus, who was at the time transporting passengers to Linden in his HC 5326 Toyota Spacio, was proceeding south when he

overtook a container truck in the vicinity of Loo Creek and collided with motor car PRR 7151 driven by Raul Aaron who was heading to Georgetown.

Aaron was the lone occupant of the vehicle.

According to an eyewitness who was driving a short distance behind the taxi, Primus was speeding while he over took the truck and within seconds collided with the other vehicle.

“The road was a bit wet so I was taking me time but this man pick up a speed cause the

The mangled vehicle following the head-on collision on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway

truck was driving slow and like he ain’t see the light of the vehicle coming but I see the light from way back but I thought the man had good average, but them man end up crashing,” the eyewitness said.

M e a n w h i l e , G r i ff i t h leaves to mourn his newly wed wife, Whitney and his two young children. They would have celebrated their first wedding anniversary next week Sunday. According to relatives, Whitney is unaware that her husband is dead, while Primus leaves to

mourn his wife Rachel Primus and his children along with other relatives.

Linden has been sent into a state of shock as news spread of the fatality. Residents are concerned over the 35 mile thoroughfare that continues to be free of street lights despite several calls for the highway to be equipped with these. Calls are also being made for officials to look into the many young and inexperienced drivers now plying the Linden to Georgetown route in private cars.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 6, 2017

Procurement Unit needs skilled staff –Dr Norton

A LACK of skilled and experienced staff to do high-level procurement has resulted in delay in the bidding process, the Ministry of Public Health has said.

In the past, there has been many discrepancies recorded when it came to the procurement of drugs and medical supplies.

Dr. George Norton at a recent press briefing in the capacity of Minister of Public Health had said that a more skilled unit is needed to deal with procurement.

“All deliveries of pharmaceuticals and health products procured through the Procurement Unit of the Ministry are made to the Supply Chain Management Complex (SCMS), the

MoPH central medical stores located at Diamond, EBD,” Dr Norton said.

This new Open Competitive Bidding process was used for the first time in January 2016 after many years of selected tendering with one supplier. However, the major challenge faced with this new process was the evaluation process using the “line by line” approach, which was time consuming with over 20 bidders participating in the process, some for the very first time, the Minister said.

In 2016, a total of 812 items were procured, as opposed to 1183 in 2015. This represented a 31.4 per cent decrease.

And, the Ministry expended $1,004,270,447 on the procurement of drugs and medical supplies in the said year.

Thus, in order to cut costs and improve services offered, the Public Health Ministry will commence construction of a state-of-the-art drug bond in Kingston which will accommodate cold storage.

This will reduce the expenditure on rental of a facility for such. The Sussex Street bond, Dr Norton said, will still be in use and they will continue to store medication there.

“It is our hope that the recurring issue of the unavailability of drugs and medical supplies will become a thing of the past come 2017, as we aim to make the procurement process data driven. This will ensure the reliable supply of these vital commodities and the avoidance of wastage,” Dr Norton had said.

Miners urged to take precautions during rainy season ACTING Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Newell Dennison, is urging miners to be extremely cautious during the rainy season.

Dennison told the Government Information Agency (GINA) in an invited comment on Thursday, that miners should “exercise extreme caution in their work” in rainy conditions. Last year, seven mining- related deaths were recorded.

Guyana is experiencing its secondary rainy season, which is expected to bring above-average rainfall. The GGMC has previously indicated that mining accidents tend to occur in the rainy season, since the soil is usually weakened after downpours.

Miners are being encouraged to ensure that they

practise safe mining and adhere to the relevant mining laws and regulations. Mines safety is a major focus of the GGMC and the Ministry of Natural Resources. This year, the Ministry of Natural Resources will be working with miners to “cultivate a culture of self-regulation” in the sector to tackle the issue of mines safety, Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman had stated during his budget presentation last December.

Already, the GGMC has developed a Mines Safety Plan of Action which includes strategies for occupational health and safety measures. The government will also be collaborating with the Guyana Mining School to ensure that miners receive training in safe mining practices. (GINA)

CDC monitoring situation as inclement weather continues THE Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is monitoring the severe weather conditions currently being experienced, to determine whether its intervention is needed.

Director General of the CDC, retired Colonel Chabilall Ramsarup told the Government Information Agency (GINA) on Thursday that his agency is “observing and monitoring the situation”.

The Ministry of Agriculture’s National Weather Watch Centre earlier this week issued a weather forecast, predicting heavy rainfall. Col Ramsarup told GINA that minor flooding has been observed in parts of Regions Two, Six and

Five as a result of the inclement weather. However, the CDC’s intervention has not been warranted in these Regions.

The CDC is also monitoring the conditions in hinterland communities.

Col Ramsarup said that no reports have been made of flooding in Regions Seven, Eight, Nine and 10.

Guyana is experiencing its secondary rainy season which is expected to bring above average rainfall as a result of a weak La Nina influence. The rainy season is expected to bring periods of significant amounts of rainfall before it concludes no later than early March.

(GINA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 6, 2017

ARIES Taking your time to notice all the details isn’t the easiest thing to do, but today you have a rare chance to actually enjoy the process. Although you’re still enthusiastic about your activities, you begin to see the wisdom in moving at a more reasonable pace. But it’s not about achieving less; it’s about fully experiencing every moment as it occurs. Practicing contemplation helps you understand subtleties you might otherwise miss. Fellow Aries Leonardo da Vinci wrote, “The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.”

TAURUS Although there may be lots of chores to tackle today, you won’t have any trouble crossing one item after another off your list. Your ability to concentrate now is as keen as an arrow heading toward its target. Your brain is firing on all cylinders when the Moon returns to your steady sign. You instinctively know that a methodical approach to success results in more progress than racing ahead at full speed. Persistence and consistence are your best friends.

GEMINI You’re known to be a natural-born juggler, adept at keeping many projects and thoughts in the air all at once. But you flexible Geminis still need occasional downtime to recharge your batteries. Thankfully, you can effectively pare back your activities if you have a final goal in mind. Your energy becomes less scattered as your intentions grow more specific. Augusta Kantra teaches, “Discipline is just choosing between what you want now and what you want most.”

CANCER You relish the notion of spending quiet time with friends or family, but you might not get your chance until later in the day. Thankfully, you possess a deep well of patience and can go about your current activities with a smile on your face. Although an emotional storm may be brewing, you’re motivated to take on anything and anyone who stands in your way. After all, you’re only willing to delay gratification so long. Wake up with determination. Go to bed with satisfaction.

LEO Your optimism may wane as the day unfolds, but there are preventive actions you can take to extend your enthusiasm. Unrealistic expectations could be your downfall today if you are cavalier about your previous commitments. It’s all too easy to assume everything will magically come together now, but good intentions are not enough to positively influence the flow of events. Actions speak louder than words VIRGO Concentrating on what’s possible rather than trying to change what’s inevitable vastly improves your odds at finding happiness today. You’re heading into an emotional storm, but you could minimize the intensity by re-evaluating your priorities and carefully choosing your battles. The bigger the fight you pursue, the more powerful the energies you will unleash. But don’t talk yourself into inaction; just make sure you only bite off what you can chew.

LIBRA A strong dose of pragmatism might be just the remedy you need today. Your key planet Venus is busy making magic with no-nonsense Saturn, colouring your dreams with shades of reality. Rather than resisting this call back to Earth, you’re eager to reap the rewards of your active imagination, even if you must practice self-restraint in the process.

Poet Robert Bringhurst wrote, “Wings are a constraint that makes it possible to fly.”

SCORPIO You can see a problem a mile away and are ready to do whatever is necessary to either avoid it or confront it. Although you might take action today that leads to successfully sidestepping an intense emotional encounter, this kind of denial only begs greater trouble later on. Fortunately, there’s plenty of planetary support for you now if you approach the potential predicament with an open mind and a loving heart. There’s no need to push for immediate resolution. As Gandhi said, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”

SAGITTARIUS You may think that everyone around you is encouraging you toward greater heights.

Although they probably want the best for you, reaching too far outside your comfort zone now can destabilise your life and set you up for failure. Restrictive Saturn is not asking you to give up today, only demanding you take a more sensible approach to your ambitions. Express your truth, be meticulous with the logistics and focus on attainable long-term goals. Promise less, deliver more.

CAPRICORN You Goats rarely choose the easiest path, which sometimes might leave you tired just thinking about the road ahead. You may wake up today raring to go, but a high level of enthusiasm early in the day can only be sustained for so long. Instead of rushing into your work, start off slowly and attack one small task at a time. Once you handle a few items on your agenda, you will begin to gain momentum. A slow start ensures a solid finish. Yard by hard, it’s hard; inch by inch, it’s a cinch.

AQUARIUS Dark clouds are gathering on the horizon, but you see silver linings everywhere you look. Rather than succumbing to the negativity of the general consensus, you’re eager to do whatever you can in order to create a protective bubble around you and those you love. By accepting the fact that you cannot fix the ails of society at large, you’re free to work on the problems that are nearer to home and closer to your heart. Think globally; act locally.

PISCES You are being tested today and will likely pass with flying colours if you’re willing to buckle down and do the work. Although you may be dealing with financial issues, focus on your attitude and not your material possessions. Setting the wrong goals can lead to disappointment when you successfully complete your mission. Personal transformation is more crucial now than dwelling on the symptoms of a deeper malaise. You have a chance to rise above the mundane without experiencing negative consequences. Rumi wrote, “You were born with wings; Learn to use them and fly.”

Police accused of ‘beating up’ youths A MOTHER of seven is calling for a proper investigation into the alleged beating of her youngest child Monday last by police in Mahdia, Region Eight.

The injured man was identified as Manuel Francis, 21, of Campbelltown, Mahdia.

According to the young man’s mother, Inez Francis, her son was with his 25-yearold cousin Otis Williams on New Year’s night when around 23:00hrs,they ended up in a scuffle with plainclothes policemen after greeting and hugging some ladies at a night club located in the centre of the Mahdia township opposite the cenotaph.

She said that her son ran away from the scuffle, after he realised the men were police officers.

The mother said her nephew and another person were arrested and released on $10,000 station bail Wednes-

day.

“He run away and doesn’t even want to go to the hospital for a medical because he is scared of the police.”

“The police were not in uniforms and did not identify themselves, they just went there and start chucking them, so they retaliated, because they thought they were bandits,” one eyewitness said.

“They didn’t even produce their IDs or said anything about themselves being police.”

Meanwhile, investigators said that the men were fighting among themselves and when the police intervened, they were beaten. The policemen called for back-up and two persons were arrested.

Charges are expected to be laid after the conclusion of investigations.

Commander of ‘F’ Division, Ravendradat Budhram, when contacted said that an investigation has been

13

Injured: Manuel Francis launched and if the policemen are found to have been at fault, then the case will be referred to the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).

However, if the other parties involved are found culpable, they will be charged.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 6, 2017

Integrated approach to tackle climate change –– two-day stakeholder workshop hears

By Alva Solomon THE need for closer collaboration between agencies here in addressing climate change was raised on Thursday as the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) commenced a two-day stakeholder engagement in Georgetown.

USAID and the CCCCC have partnered to address the challenges of climate change through the provision of up to US$25.6M in investments over the next four years.

The provision will be made through the Climate Change Adaptation Programme (CCAP), which will be implemented in several Caribbean countries, including Guyana. The initiative falls under the Green Climate Fund.

Janelle Christian, Head of the Office of Climate Change (OCC), told participants at the forum at the Herdmanston Lodge in Queenstown, Georgetown, that the timeliness of the programme is important.

She said Guyana is making strides in strengthening its climate change programmes.

“For Guyana to be [in] a position to really access resources of the Green Climate Fund, in fact Guyana is one of the first countries to have approved readiness and preparations to access resources from the Green Climate Fund,” she said, noting that ongoing work will soon see a consultant working with the national designated authority, the OCC. She said throughout the process, the country’s strategic framework will identify the list of priority projects which will see such projects benefit from the Green Cli-

mate Fund.

“One of the things that I want to emphasise is that we have to work closely in a more integrated, coordinated approach,” Christian told the stakeholders, adding that there should be no “divorce” between climate change adaptation and disaster risk management.

She highlighted the work undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture regarding climate change, mainly via adaptation to the global phenomenon.

“We believe that the involvement of all the agriculture agencies here this morning is critical,” she added.

She said with the support of the CCAP programme through USAID, the OCC will have the relevant knowledge to carry out its mandate.

Ted Lawrence of USAID /Eastern and Southern Caribbean Office, said that CCCCC ’s mandate ensures the building of capacity of

each country.

He acknowledged that in Guyana there is work which is ongoing to ensure access to the Green Climate Fund.

“We want to support those efforts,” Lawrence said.

Regarding the collection of data within each Caribbean territory, he said the issue has to be understood and then information which is usable has to be collected and analysed.

CCCCC Deputy Director and Science Advisor, Guyanese Dr Ulric Trotz, provided the gathering with a historical perspective in which climate change awareness commenced within the Region, noting that since 1997, the CCCCC’s mandate commenced in which developing countries, including Guyana, agreed that climate change is a priority and that the subject needs to be addressed.

He said that the Caribbean Planning for Adaptation to Climate Change (CPACC)

Janelle Christian (GINA photo) which runs for a few years came into being and it was at that discussion stage that moves to address the risks of climate change hit first gear.

According to USAID and the CCCCC, each par-

ticipating country is expected to sign a Programme Participation Agreement and through consultation and collaboration with the CCCCC, identify priorities for implementation.

St Rose’s, North Ruimveldt Multilateral get steelpans –– thanks to Aubrey Bryan

GUYANA-born steelpan player, tuner and maker, Aubrey Bryan, on Thursday donated six steelpans to two city schools, St Rose’s High School and the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School.

Each school received three pans each from Bryan, who resides in the United Kingdom.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, the pan artist said he decided to donate the instruments to St. Rose’s High School, because his three sisters and wife were past students.

Apart from that, Bryan uses the school’s premises to conduct his steelpan lessons; thus, he decided to give back to the students of the school in a way which would bring more musical glory to them.

The steelpan player said

he has a keen interest in developing the steelpan art in Guyana; however, he needs support from local communities as well as the Government of Guyana.

Desiree Whyles-Ogle of the Education Ministry, thanked Bryan and said more persons like him are needed to promote steelpan music in the school system.

Representatives of St Rose’s High School and the North Ruimveldt Multilateral indicated that they use only local pans and the ones donated called nickel pans will be ideal to professionally train the students.

They also said that they intend to use the pans to prepare their students for the Mashramani Steelpan Competition in February.

From left: Education Ministry official Desiree Whyles-Ogle; St Rose’s representative Ras Camo; Aubrey Bryan and Steelpan Competition judge, Godfrey Proctor

Relief for Mocha

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 6, 2017

–– 135 Mocha/Arcadia residents receive ‘Permission to Occupy State Lands’

GOVERNMENT on Thursday came in for high praise when 135 residents of the community of Mocha/Arcadia, East Bank Demerara (EBD) received their ‘Permission to Occupy State Lands’ documents from the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon.

Joyful residents received their documents at a simple ceremony held at the Marks Supermarket, a release from the Ministry of the Presidency said.

The documents which are temporary and valid for three months, offer the residents the option of taking up 50-year leases on the lands for a nominal fee.

Once the fee is paid and the administrative procedures are completed, the residents would be allowed to live and farm on the oneacre plots of land.

The residents, who have been occupying the land for up to 25 years, are only now receiving any form of legal documentation.

Addressing the beneficiaries and residents from the area, Minister Harmon

self-sufficiency, especially in the agricultural sector.

“The granting of these ‘Permission to Occupy’ [documents]… is a correction of what I would call a historical injustice that denied the residents of Mocha Arcadia use of its surrounding agricultural lands and by extension the community, the opportunity to develop the village economy and create employment, especially for its young people.

It is hoped that you the recipients would put the land to full, productive use and bring about a rebirth of the enterprising spirit in your community,” Minister Harmon said.

The Minister of State told the residents that the initiatives, which are undertaken, should be done in an eco-friendly manner and in keeping with the Government’s push for a ‘green’ economy. He further noted that the documents should be used to chart a new course by ensuring that the village’s great potential for agro-enterprises and self-sufficien-

since the advent of the APNU+AFC administration. Your Government has committed itself to returning villages to economic viability and sustainability.

Mocha Arcadia is a good example of a traditional Guyanese village and had it been given the necessary support, would today, I am quite sure, would have been a viable and prosperous community,” Minister Harmon said.

Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC), Trevor Benn detailed the lead up to what he called, ‘the historic day’.

He said that his desk had become inundated with letters from members of the community of Mocha complaining about their inability to access titles for their lands and the length of time many of them had been applying.

“In June 2016, a team from the GL&SC came to the village and commenced the land regularisation. On that first occasion in June, we had approximately 300 persons showing up and that

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon addressing residents and beneficiaries earlier on Thursday at the Marks Supermarket in Mocha/Arcadia where the presentation took place said during the course of 2016, the residents had sent several letters to his office and that of the President, detailing their plight, noting that under the former administration, they had been denied documentation for the land on which they had been doing agricultural work.

Describing the occasion as a ‘new beginning’ for the community, Minister Harmon told the residents that they must now use the land to return to the days of

cy are again at the centre of the nation’s development.

NOTHING NEW “Agriculture is nothing new to this community. This ceremony today, therefore, represents a new beginning for this community and the return to its rightful place as an agricultural community.

However, it is a return with a difference, with a different set of circumstances

triggered what we called a claims and objections period, which allowed people who were occupying land to make a claim. The process ended in November and it resulted in 135 persons being considered,” he said.

Mr. Benn also said that Mocha has, over the years, become a model farming community and the decision was taken by the Commission to give an acre of land each’, which is enough to allow them to live and at a

Minister Harmon presents one of the ‘Permission to Occupy State Lands’ documents to this gentleman from the community minimum, maintain a garden.

“These lots are not the usual lots you would get from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). These are one acre lots. This would allow you to do your farming and live on the land. We are doing it because we recognise the hardships that people in the community face for many years and could not properly utilise their lands and make a living from it over the years. We have given it at a minimal fee for the prospective leaseholders. Anyone who receives the permissions today will be required to pay a minuscule amount,” Benn told the residents.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Mocha/Arcadia Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Mr. Rudolph Adams, in an in-

vited comment, expressed gratitude to the Government for the initiative, noting that it has always been a dream of the community to receive documentation for the lands they have occupied for over two decades. The lands, he said, will now be used to drive self-sufficiency in the village.

VERY APPRECIATIVE “I must say how appreciated we feel for this venture in allotting these leases to the residents of Mocha Arcadia. I think this is long overdue and this would take us a very far way in our economic drive towards self-independence; self-independence as promoted by our Excellency, President David Granger to provide entrepreneurial skills to persons within our community and I think

that this is the beginning of much more to come. We are very appreciative in seeing some of the dreams of ours for our community being realised,” he said.

One resident, who only gave his name as Mr. Mahase, said that he has been living in the area for over 25 years and it is indeed a great feeling to have finally received the Permission from the Government, just after about one year of seeking intervention.

“I am happy. With the previous Government, they wanted to throw us off the land and put us out and all of that but now we can do work on our land. So many years we had the land but couldn’t do anything on it because we didn’t have paper so we are happy to get this so that we can go back and do work on our lands,” he said.

Some of the beneficiaries from the Mocha/ Arcadia community yesterday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 6, 2017

‘Uncensored 8’ delivers!

By Tamica Garnett

THERE was definitely no holds barred; no boundary known at Uncensored 8 last Friday night, where even former Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan and Divisional Commander Clifton Hickens were the butt of some of the jokes, though the two were pretty good sports about it.

“Uncensored” was no place for the politically cor-

Chris Gopaul in his winning act as Pope Emmanuel (Photo by Tamica Garnett)

rect or easily offended. Some members of the crowd even came under fire, but everyone had a good laugh about it.

There was Sean Thompson in chic high heels, Michael Ignatius in pampers

and a tie, and Chris Gopaul in red papal robes.

There were $5000 bills raining down on the audience, followed by actual rain. Lots and lots of rain!

It started with intermittent drizzles; and then came the heavy downpour.

Suffice it to say that holding an open-air show at the Giftland Mall parking lot in December, in Guyana, is a very, very bad idea.

But many of those diehard “Uncensored” fans, who came out in their numbers, refused to let the rain get the better of them. And, astoundingly, there was still quite a number of persons that stayed on, even after a big downpour at 23.30hrs threatened to shut down the show. Indomitably, the show went on, and all the comedians got to finish their acts.

ENCOURAGING Patrons were encouraged by the kind and heartfelt words of the show’s organiser and night’s chairman, Lyndon “Jumbie”Jones, who profusely thanked the crowd for their unshakable support, constantly apologising for the wet weather conditions.

Of course, those who went home with a few crisp $5000 bills, which “Jumbie” handsomely showered on a section of the crowd, probably didn’t mind that much.

On stage, some of the comedians really had the crowd roaring. Others only

-But so did the weather!

Smiling it off! Former Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan, took a lot of hits at “Uncensored 8” but smiled through it all (Photo by Tamica Garnett)

got a few laughs, while in the final act of the night, openly gay comedian, “Sir Mars”, usually a top-billed jokester, turned some people off in his stretch to fit, all-green female bathing suit and matching high heel platforms. Many were expecting more from the unruly comedian.

One of the better acts of the night was definitely Kirt “Chubby” Williams, and it was surprising that of the 12 performers that were in the competition, he did not get a top spot.

SHOW STEALER But at the end of the day, it was Gopaul and his many jokes which parodied the recent sex scandal of Pope Philbert London, that the judges thought was the

best act of the late-night-intoearly-morning show.

Entering the stage on a Yamaha R6, a thick girl in tow, Gopaul set the stage for the next 10 minutes of nothing but laughs.

Despite encountering DJ problems and having to pause his acts a few times, Gopaul kept the jokes coming.

The audience laughed Chris to his winnings, which included $300,000 cash and a $10,000 gift voucher, all compliments of Game Express. He also won himself a $100,000 gold chain, compliments of Elegance Jewellery and Pawnshop, a silver ring from Sanjay’s Jewellery, a $100,000 gift voucher from Giftland’s, and a towering trophy.

Dressed in a costume

inspired by a disco ball, last year’s joint winner, Leza “Radika” Singh, took second place, to the surprise of some.

For the position, she got a laptop worth $90,000, and a $50,000 gift voucher all from Giftland’s, and a $10,000 gift voucher, courtesy of Game Express.

Mark Luke Edwards was third, also winning a $50,000 Giftland gift voucher, as well as a $90,000 LG flat-screen TV, compliments of Payless.

Mark Kazim, well known for his “Chineyman” impersonations, was fourth. His wins included a cell-phone from Gizmos & Gadgets, and a hamper from Banks DIH Limited.

Other acts who were part of the competition included

Kirk “Chubby” Williams

Leza “Radika” Singh

Jermaine Grimmond and new comer, Randolph Critchlow.

Intertwined between the 12 competitors were several supporting acts who were not vying in the competition.

These included Chow Pow, Maranda Austin, and even “Ghetto Scholar”, Malcolm Ferreira, though his act was cut short after he frustratingly walked off the stage when the accompanying projector slide show was out of sync with his act and bust his jokes.

The crowd had mad love for the veteran, Chow Pow and his jokes that spoke of racial unity, and learning to love the cultural differences of Guyana’s top two ethnic groups.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 6, 2017

Haunted by a troubled past -Our legacy of bad governance

THE year 2017 is now with us; and so, too, are the guns in criminal hands, and the grassroot Cultural Industry of Jewellery that crime has spawned.

People were afraid to go to the aid of an old lady on Light Street late New Years Day, as two young men wrestled her for her handbag.

Citizen cowardice? No! Just citizens being realistic!

The street thug could be armed. And they will shoot!

Because they, the thieves, are themselves nervous and afraid; and because of this, they have, on more than one occasion, shot each other to death.

My wife doesn’t do a lot of walking; until the last few months. She came home upset one evening close to Christmas. Passing on the pavement by Fogarty’s, she witnessed some new additions to the drug addict population: Young men in their late teens to mid-twenties.

We dwelt on the subject anew, this time with not only her full attention, but her added fiery enthusiasm.

MACABRE SUB-CULTURE We have had some experience with that macabre sub-culture of addiction, but confronted by its collective consequences is something else.

I outlined to her the list, some items from my practical experience, of all that needed fixing: Education, health, our laws, creating jobs, which latter, so far, none of the political or media columnists with their myriad analyses seem to have one single proposal for.

We live in circumstances that envelope us, but we have to learn from every predicament, for knowledge is indeed power.

So, how did we get here?

As Paloma once wrote, in a poem recited in the presence of Mrs Jagan, “How did it come to this?”

There is no one answer, but many hesitations, failures and bouts of wishful thinking by the authorities as they contemplate the usefulness of the lumpenproletariat and

their higher-echelon confederates, some their friends, to possible schemes.

Letter writers lament the youthfulness of our criminals; surveys as far back as 2012 have lamented youth unemployment. In past articles, I have outlined the causes for the severe shrink in muscle-based semi-skilled jobs.

The peculiar haunt of our time is the violence of crime today. Our school systems, to date, do not train students for self employment. Though there were attempts to have business persons engage students, those business persons could not, however, without guidance, articulate at the level necessary, as the majority of businesses are housed vendors, and not manufactures, or hardly innovators.

There are no school-related programmes in this area, targeting young minds; encouraging the exploration of self-managed careers.

RECENT HISTORY Now, to necessarily flashback on the recent history that is the legacy of our time. The suitcase trading in the 80s filled the void in commodity shortages, and opened the minds of Guyanese to other places and other options.

Soon, they were smuggling marijuana to Guyana from Jamaica, then from Guyana to Barbados etc.

Then, in the mid-80s, cocaine entered the fray. One

of the first hits occurred in Roxanne Burnham Gardens, and was said to be organised by a reputed wife against her reputed husband.

Social Guyana, as usual, was indifferent, and the creature grew. But the chasm that currently haunts us was formulated in the era President Granger coined ‘The Troubles’, when, for the first time in the history of this country, a president and his Cabinet would engage and surrender the authority of dealing with a social breakdown between 2002 to 2006 into the hands of a criminal enterprise, whereby a minister obtained sensitive equipment and place it into the hands of the local broker of the Latin American narcotic industry, namely ‘The Roger Khan drug cartel and its criminal militia’.

This period, presided over by President Bharrat Jagdeo, has never really been explored for the damage it has inflicted on the national psyche, especially on those with no references of a previously normal, better time.

Guyana’s young would suffer the most, psychologically. Imagine killers, career criminals and known “bad people” being sworn in as rural constables; the Police Force being told to step one pace back, with orders being given to special death squads that if you see a wanted man, “Shoot!”, regardless of the civilian casualties.

Our young men especial-

ly were lured into becoming untrained soldiers in defence of private political officials, many of them with unbecoming tastes, but with adequate funds to spoil and steal their souls.

In my many letters to the newspapers back then, I lamented the destruction of traditional values; values that insisted that if the child didn’t show aptitude for academics, then they learn a trade, but never, never to become gunmen, with assurances that they were above the law, and that murder was a career. **Now we have a generation of unskilled, semi-literate and unemployable youth that seem to know nothing else. That political mismanagement of Guyana stole the normalcy from our way of life, and its legacy is far from gone, because the culture of the criminalised nation overflowed into our public ministries and into religion, tainting the Joint Services and officialdom in general.

THE NOUVEAU RICHE But elements of all mentioned did not begin with the Roger Khan intensification.

Before that were the political policing groups that began to exceed the authority of the Police Force with fatal results for citizens in many cases. Most of that group constituted the nouveau riche of the criminal business class, an accepted group within the post- 1992 Administration.

Darkness does not tip the social scales unless unleashed by leadership so inclined;

the callousness that prevails today was nurtured and empowered by characterless leadership.

On January 3, 2017, I saw the father of Alisha Foster in the Bank. As a father myself, I feel the weight of that man’s grief; he doesn’t smile anymore.

Though I was told (but did not verify) that the man who ordered her execution died from a Viagra binge the very night he received the document that this young professional, in doing her job for the EPA, had prevented him from obtaining on legitimate grounds, it was no conciliation.

He did not fire the gun; and her killers may still be out there. They have not paid, but a prevailing social and political atmosphere permitted solving things with ‘hitmen’ almost sure that with the right connections one would not be answerable.

The deeper concern our society has wavered is the mental state of the ‘killer’.

In this regard, not the man or woman who, in a heated struggle with another human, had resulted in someone’s death, but the cold predator who creeps up on at times a defenceless person and murders that person.

I have known a policeman, one Sergeant Cummings, who belonged to one such squad. The last conversation we had, which was during the Veerapen investigation, he had become a shell of the man I once knew him to be. Before his demise, he

sought refuge in alcohol. No State should commit servicemen to extrajudicial murder, because, how do you turn them off?

A classic example is another sergeant now before the court; there is no real difference between them and the ordinary street thug. And now we have inherited the legacy of drugs to dumb the senses, to create, as Sigmund Freud did in Bavaria, the loss of apathy, and the product of the perfect killer.

This is a human reality.

Enquire how many mental sanatoriums did the warring nations have to build after WWII, and we will begin to fathom the damage that period did.

January 2017 places every Guyanese with a social conscience to awaken to where we are and why, and to examine our efforts.

When we look at politicians parading across public and social media, we must begin to see them in the context of their contributions, not by the postulations and melodramatic gesticulations in the pretence of having a concern for our wellbeing.

The present is in the shadow of the recent past, but the future rests in our ability to silence the past for its crimes, and to mould the present for the future, to return respect for the law, compassion and social conscience and to not spare the rod and create the next social manifestation of the scourge of “Ali Baba and the 40 thieves”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 6, 2017

Old Year’s Night/New Year’s Morning Celebrations LAST weekend it was all about those Old Year’s Night parties, ringing in the new year in good spirits surrounded by good vibes and great fun!

The Buzz hit some of the top spots around Georgetown and took in just how things went down before the ball dropped, when the ball dropped, and after the ball dropped!

Here’s where it happened, and how it all went down!

Silent Night! at Gravity

The Ball Dropped at the Tower Poolside

Fireworks at the Seawalls (Photos by Delano Williams)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 6, 2017

Beenie Man, Alkaline trade words RiRi calls J.Lo ‘desperate’

AFTER veteran dancehall artiste, Beenie Man, took a shot at fellow artiste Alkaline, claiming the young deejay had abandoned his Jamaican fans, Alkaline, backed by his fans, earlier this week apparently fired back.

While performing recently at Galiday Bounce held at Ewarton, St Catherine, Beenie Man reportedly told his audience that Alkaline “nah

do no show a Jamaica, him dun with dutty Jamaica, him nah perform fi we.”

Some reports say Beenie Man merely echoed sentiments expressed around the music industry that Alkaline, arguably the most popular artiste in Jamaica today, had been deliberately pricing himself out of the local market, because he had no desire to perform locally.

This Saturday is famed dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel’s 41 birthday, and while the incarcerated singer will have to pass it behind bars others can exercise their freedom to head down to several spots that will be paying homage to the Gaza Boss.

Other places like Aura, 704 and Palm Court are going to have regular club nights, most of which are going to be free all night on Friday and Saturday.

Not much happening Sunday night as people prepare to wrap up the partying and prepare for work on Monday!

So, here’s what will be buzzing this weekend:

TONIGHT

Vybz Kartel’s Pre-Birthnight Party, called “Dancehall Hero”, is on at the Aracari Hotel Resort on the West Side, and admission is just $1000. However, ladies are free before 22:00hrs.

And if it’s the poolside that inspires you to go for a swim, then it’s just $500 to take a dip.

Ladies, Boss Lady Fridays are still on at the Tower Suites’ Club Privilege! So if you’re starting your year off as a boss, then head on down and enjoy ladies free all night!

Men, it’s $2000 for you! But there will be bottle specials all night long!

It’s a free Friday on tonight at Club 704, where everyone is free, all night long! DJ Tallest will keep the vibes flowing, and keep you entertained!

It’s also free to enter at Palm Court.

Chutney Night continues at Pegasus Hotel’s Aura Louge night club and chill spot! And yeah, that’s free too!

TOMORROW The Vybz Kartel week of birthday celebrations heads to Club 704 for “Hey Addi”! World Boss fans, look out for free giveaways including T-shirts, and party away in a safe atmosphere!

Sounds will be provided by DJ Garwin and other guest DJs. Golden Smile Family’s 10th Anniversary Flash Back Old Skool Party is on at the National Park Tarmac.

Selector Diamond and DJ Rawle will be on site! Tickets are $2000.

Weather permitting, Majestic Band will provide live entertainment for the buffet dinner at the Pegasus Poolside, where it’s US$23 per person to enjoy the finger-licking cuisine of the night!

It’s free entry night at the Palm Court and Aura night clubs. At the Aura, there’s going to be special prices on drinks all night long!

SUNDAY Marvelous Entertainment presents The World Boss Birthnite Celebration Party at Club Monaco, called “Gaza Mi Seh”!

Juggling by Stereo Sonic and DJ Energy!! It’s the last-lap party for the season; so feel free to go out and party hard!

“Mi just want yu to know ah dat him say outta him mouth, and oonu same one ah say ‘whoi’, mi just wan oonu know, people mi a one of the dutty Jamaican who like come a Jamaica fi perform fi the dutty people dem.

Oonu like me?” the King of Dancehall said, before performing Rum and Red Bull to vociferous cheers from the audience.

Then on Wednesday afternoon, in an instagram post, Alkaline shot back: “Big p**** Beenie me know yuh? how yuh so lie? Tag him.”

Within an hour, the post received more than 600 comments, with fans lashing out at Beenie for starting an unwarranted feud between himself and Alkaline, the Jamaica Star reported.

According to the Jamaica Star, comments ranged from anger to flat-out threatening.

“He’s just mad that his career is over and you’re doing well. I don’t know why these old artistes nuh guh sit and mek the youth dem rise,” one fan posted.

JENNIFER Lopez and Drake are totally dating, and there’s one person who is NOT happy about it: Rihanna!

The Barbadian beauty, 28, had an on-again, offagain relationship with the “One Dance” singer, 30, for seven years, and sees this new fling as “The ultimate betrayal.”

An insider exclusively tells In Touch that RiRi feels the 47-year-old is “desperate”.

“Rihanna and Jennifer used to be good friends.

She’s even confided in J.Lo about her rocky relationship with Drake over the years.

Rihanna is very hurt,” says the source, adding she even “branded her former pal a traitor.”

Yikes!

Dating rumours began swirling after Drake attended her All I Have residency show in Las Vegas last month, and the two shared selfies from the occasion.

“He’s obsessed with her.

This is crazy; he posted pics of her on his social media at her Las Vegas concert. He never does that,” a source told Hollywood Life at the time. “He was putting the moves on J.Lo heavy in Vegas; he was flirty with her the entire time, telling her how she’s f---ing ageless and beautiful.”

The couple was spotted again a few days later at LA hotspot, Delilah, when the mother-of-two accompanied him to a party. Since then, they’ve done next to nothing

to hide their affection for each other, between matching Instagram snaps and kissing in public.

Jennifer even showed up at the Hakkasan night club in Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve, where the Degrassi alum was performing.

She cancelled her own scheduled performance in Miami for that evening to be with her family.

The Shades of Blue star split from longtime beau, Casper Smart back in August.

Drake and Jlo

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 6, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 6, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 6, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 6, 2017

T&T face uphill task after going down ...

From back page Juliaans forced a diving save out of goalkeeper Adrian Foncette.

Charles and Hughtu Hector then came close to opening the scoring but it was Suriname who poked their noses in front through Kwasie’s deflected effort, from just outside the 18-yard box.

T&T were back level in the 81st minute, however, when Charles produced a brilliant curling free kick from 25 yards out to leave Kohinor with absolutely no chance.

The equalising goal injected new fervour into T&T’s game but they failed to come up with the winner inside the 90 minutes.

In added time, Suriname found the killer blow in the 109th minute when 71st minute substitute Rozenblad got free from his marker, pivoted five yards outside the box and fired a long range, right-footed volley which beat Foncette all ends up.

T&T clash with French Caribbean side Haiti in the final game of the series on Sunday at the same venue.

The winner of the qualifying series will face the fifth-placed side from Central America in another playoff which will determine the final place at this July’s CONCACAF Gold Cup in United States.

ARAB EMIRATES RACING TIPS Jebel Ali 08:15 hrs Special Boy 08:45 hrs Bochart SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Greyville 12:05 hrs Lil Gambler 12:40 hrs Alesnado 13:10 hrs Mostarda 13:40 hrs Lavender Bank 14:10 hrs Wavebreaker 14:40 hrs Sounds Positive 15:10 hrs Gingerbread Man 15:40 hrs Roy’s Hollyhock IRISH RACING TIPS Dundalk 12:55 hrs My Gopod Brother 13:30 hrs Teagan Angel 14:00 hrs Rock In Peace 14:30 hrs Dance Alone 15:00 hrs Zanjabeel 15:30 hrs Fisherman’s Blues 16:00 hrs Walkabout 16:30 hrs Chatterton

ENGLISH RACING TIPS Wetherby 08:35 hrs Dusty Raven 09:05 hrs Happy Diva 09:35 hrs Baywing 10:10 hrs Westend Story 10:40 hrs Amber Gambler 11:10 hrs Espoir De Teillee 11:40 hrs Hear No Evil LUDLOW 08:50 hrs Ckalco Des Loges 09:20 hrs Overtown Express 09:50 hrs Abbreviate 10:20 hrs You Do Pet 10:50 hrs Fidux 11:20 hrs Pearlesque 11:50 hrs Cockney Wren KEMPTON 10:00 hrs Burauq 10:30 hrs Still Waiting 11:00 hrs Saleh 11:30 hrs Tambour 12:00 hrs Gone Viral 12:30 hrs Steelriver 13:00 hrs Pretty Bubbles

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 6, 2017

Devastating Rabada takes second haul as SA seal series

By Mark Gleeson

C A P E TO W N , S o u t h Africa (Reuters) - Kagiso Rabada claimed a six-wicket haul yesterday as South Africa bowled Sri Lanka out for 224 in

their second innings to win the second Test by 282 runs with a day and a half to spare and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Sri Lanka failed to last the first session of the fourth

day at Newlands, having resumed on 130-4 and being dismissed after just over 100 minutes of play.

They added 94 runs for their final six wickets to fold easily after being set a huge 507-run target on

Wednesday.

“We have been relentless, never letting Sri Lanka into the game. We really stood up at key moments of the game,” said South Africa captain Faf du Plessis.

The 21-year-old Rabada, who finished with figures of 6-55 and a second 10-wicket haul in a Test, ran through the visiting batsmen in a

Kagiso Rabada makes short work of Sri Lanka’s middle order on the fourth day in Cape Town. fiery seven-over spell, first having Dinesh Chandimal (30) caught as he flicked the ball up to Stephen Cook at short leg.

Upul Tharanga was next to go as he swung the bat through a brief knock of 12 runs off seven balls, perishing when he got a bottom edge through to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock.

Rabada, having taken two overnight, then claimed his fifth wicket of the innings, surprising captain Angelo Mathews with some extra bounce and finding the edge of the bat for de Kock to take another catch.

Mathews went for 49, the top Sri Lankan score of the Test.

Suranga Lakmal (10) was next, as a rising delivery from Rabada brushed his glove on the way through to de Kock. Rangana Herath and Lahiru Kumara showed some resistance for the ninth wicket before quick glovework had Kumara stumped off Keshav Maharaj for nine.

Nuwan Pradeep was bowled by Vernon Philander to end the match, leaving Herath not out on 35.

“I felt my rhythm was a little off in the first innings but then it all clicked in the second innings and it all just got a lot better,” Rabada told reporters.

South Africa dominated the Test, save for the first session on the opening day, scoring 392 in their first innings with Dean Elgar and de Kock both getting centuries.

Philander and Rabada then took four wickets each as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 110 in reply but South Africa did not enforce the follow-on, batting again instead and declaring midway the third day on 224-7.

South Africa won the first Test in Port Elizabeth by 206 runs and will be seeking a whitewash of the series in the third Test at the Wanderers in Johannesburg from January 12 to 16.

“It’s obviously disappointing to make the same mistakes in a second successive Test match. The batsmen let the bowlers down,” said Sri Lanka captain Mathews.

SCOREBOARD SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings 392 (D. Elgar 129, Q. de Kock 101; L. Kumara 6-122) SRI LANKA 1st innings 110 (V. Philander 4-27, K. Rabada 4-37) SOUTH AFRICA 2nd innings 224 for 7 decl. (D. Elgar 55; S. Lakmal 4-69) SRI LANKA 2nd innings (o/n 130-4) Target: 507 runs) D. Karunaratne b Philander 6 K. Silva c Cook b Rabada 29 K. Mendis c Elgar b Philander 4 D. de Silva lbw b Rabada 22 A. Mathews c de Kock b Rabada 49 D. Chandimal c Cook b Rabada

30 U. Tharanga c de Kock b Rabada 12 R. Herath not out 35 S. Lakmal c de Kock b Rabada 10 L. Kumara stp. de Kock b Maharaj 9 N. Pradeep b Philander 5 Extras: (b-6, lb-5, nb-2) 13 Total: (all out, 62 overs) 224 Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-25, 3-66, 4-69, 5-144, 6-165, 7-166, 8-178, 9-211.

Bowling: K. Abbott 15-3-46-0, V. Philander 14-1-48-3 (nb-1), K. Rabada 17-3-55-6 (nb-1),K. Maharaj 16-3-64-1.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 6, 2017

Aussies on top despite Younus unbeaten 136

By Nick Mulvenney

SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Pakistan’s Younus Khan notched his 34th Test century but Australia had reduced the tourists to 271 for eight, still 68 runs short of avoiding the follow-on, at close of play on the rain-disrupted third day of the third Test yesterday.

The 39-year-old reached the milestone for the first time in Australia in the hour after tea to complete his career set of centuries in each of the Test-playing nations.

He was unbeaten on 136 at stumps alongside tailender Yasir Shah (five not out) but Australia will be confident of securing a 3-0 series sweep with a lead of 267 on the back of their first innings 538-8 declared.

“Hopefully, (the wicket) will start playing some tricks,” Australia bowling coach David Saker told reporters.

“I would assume that we will go out and have another bat and put some more wear

called for a run.

Azhar hesitated and was left stranded as Mitchell Starc swooped and hurled the ball to Peter Handscomb, who was standing in behind the stumps for the sick Matt Wade.

Younus Khan brings up his 34th Test hundred on the third day in Sydney. in the wicket and have a bowl in the last day and a bit.”

Persistent rain sweeping in from the Pacific Ocean had prevented Pakistan from resuming on 126-2 until four hours after the scheduled start at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Younus had forged a 120run third-wicket stand with Azhar Ali to stall Australia on Wednesday and the home side were desperate to make a breakthrough once play even-

tually got underway.

The pace attack failed to do the job and ultimately it was a breakdown in communication between the batsmen that ended the key partnership on 146 runs.

Nathan Lyon had just come on to huge applause from a crowd largely bedecked in pink for Glenn McGrath’s breast cancer charity and Younus slapped the spinner’s second delivery past a close fielder and

RHTY&SC donates to BCUA, Foster inducted as Honorary Member T H E R o s e H a l l To w n Youth and Sports Club M.S kicked-start the new year with a timely donation of twelve u m p i re s P o l o t - s h i r t s , trophies, medals and other items to the Berb i c e C r i c k e t U m p i re s Association (BCUA).

Secretary/CEO Hilb e r t F o s t e r, s t a t e d t h a t the club has always enjoyed a cordial relationship with almost every cricketing organisation in

RHTY&SC, executive member Sohan Harry makes the donation to BCUA president Joseph Simon.

BCUA Secretary/CEO Moses Ramphal inducts Hilbert Foster as an Honorary Member.

the Ancient County.

The Polo t-shirts would assist the umpires to be properly uniformed in matches, while the medals and trophies

would be used to honour outstanding umpires at an award ceremony.

The long-serving S e c re t a r y / C E O h a i l e d the Berbice Umpires Association as one of

the pillars of Berbice cricket, and noted that over the years they have played a major role in making sure that the true tradition of the game is maintained.

Foster urged the umpires to uphold their professional standard.

President of the BCUA, Joseph Simon, expressed gratitude to the RHTY&SC for the timely contribution.

In recognition of F o s t e r ’s c o n t r i b u t i o n to the development of umpiring in Berbice, the BCUA inducted him as an Honorary Member of the association.

AZHAR’S MILESTONE The 31-year-old Azhar was clearly disappointed to depart for 71 but can take pride from the fact he had surpassed Mohsin Khan’s 33-year-old record for a Pakistan batsman in a Test series in Australia.

Azhar’s 395 runs in five innings over three Tests, with one more to come, bettered the 390 Mohsin managed in five matches in 1983-84.

Pakistan skipper Misbahul-Haq departed shortly after tea, holing out in the deep for 18, and Asad Shafiq followed for four when Steve Smith, at slip, brilliantly caught a Steve O’Keefe ball that went off bat, pad and wicketkeeper’s thigh.

Younus had hammered a huge six over long-on to move to 98 and completed

his century by sweeping the ball to deep square leg for his 12th four.

“It’s probably his last tour to Australia so it’s a really happy, happy moment for each and every one of us,” Azhar said.

“He’s been part of the team for so long and he’s done so well for so many years for Pakistan. He’s mentally very tough and keeps working hard on his game.”

Younus’ partnership with Sarfraz Ahmed (18) lasted only until the new ball was taken when the wicketkeeper almost immediately got a thick edge on a Starc delivery which flew to Jackson Bird at gully.

As the evening shadows crept across the field, Lyon removed Mohammad Amir for four and Wahab Riaz for eight to finish with figures of 3-98.

Bird took two catches while on as a substitute fielder for Wade, who retired to the team hotel after two overs suffering from

diarrhea.

His teammate Matt Renshaw also left the field complaining of a headache and will be assessed overnight after taking a second ball to the helmet in three days while fielding at short leg.

SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA 1st innings 538 for 8 decl. (M. Renshaw 184, D. Warner 113, P. Handscomb 110) PAKISTAN 1st innings (o/n 126-2) Az. Ali run-out 71 Sh. Khan c Renshaw b Hazlewood 4 B. Azam lbw b Hazlewood 0 Y. Khan not out 136 Misbah-ul-Haq c sub b Lyon

18 A. Shafiq c Smith b O’Keefe 4 S. Ahmed c sub. b Starc 18 M. Amir c Warner b Lyon 4 W. Riaz b Lyon 8 Y. Shah not out 5 Extras: (b-3) 3 Total: (for 8 wickets, 95 overs) 271 Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-6, 3-152, 4-178, 5-197, 6-239, 7-244, 8-264.

Bowling: M. Starc 21-5-65-1, J. Hazlewood 25-7-53-2, S. O’Keefe 18-3-37-1, N. Lyon 272-98-3, H. Cartwright 4-0-15 -.

Abbott, Rossouw turn backs on SA to join Hampshire KYLE Abbott and Rilee Rossouw have turned their backs on South Africa to sign Kolpak contracts with Hampshire.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed after the Proteas sealed a Test series victory over Sri Lanka yesterday that paceman Abbott's national contract has been terminated by mutual consent.

The 29-year-old paceman has penned a four-year deal with Hampshire, while 27-year-old batsman Rossouw has signed a three-year deal with the county to seemingly bring their international careers to an end.

Abbott told the media after the Proteas' 282-run win at Newlands: "I signed this deal while I was with Worcester last season, so it's been I think five months.

"Everything has gone pretty much to plan playing for South Africa in the last couple of months, so there have been a few evenings where I've gone to sleep thinking if I've made the right decision, but I've always woken up the next morning thinking actually I have.

"I've had a great run with Cricket South Africa, I've no regrets at all. I've been involved in some unbelievable games and series, but I feel it's a time in my life where I need to make a career decision.

"I'm going to be 30 this

Kyle Abbott

year and I think this is the right one for me."

CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat said in a statement: "Regrettably we have no option but to sever our ties with both Abbott and Rossouw as they are no longer available for South Africa.

"It is a disappointing day not just for South African cricket but also for international cricket as these players have given up their opportunity to be seen in action on the international circuit.

"From CSA's perspective it is a loss as we invest immeasurable amounts which include premium time, finance, technical, high performance coaching followed by development tours and pro-

viding general player welfare over a long period of time.

"By way of example, Rilee has spent a lengthy period on the injury list while we spared no expense in providing him with the best medical support.

"Both Rilee and Kyle have been given opportunities over the past year to play at the highest level and were firmly in our plans for the future.

"We have encouraged Rilee and Kyle to reconsider their decisions but both have indicated that they wish to take up Kolpak contracts.

Whilst this is a loss for South African cricket we can only wish them well with their overseas careers.

“We will continue to invest heavily in our local talent and provide opportunities for those individuals who wish to realise their dream of playing for their country; we will not contract players who do not commit to play for South Africa."

Abbott has played 10 Tests for South Africa, taking 39 wickets at an average of 21.30. He has also claimed 34 wickets in 28 one-day internationals and picked up 26 from 21 Twenty internationals.

Rossouw scored three ODI centuries in 36 appearances, averaging 38.71, and was selected for 15 T20s.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 6, 2017

Preparations for CBC 3×3 tournament to begin next week PREPARATIONS for the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) U-17 National 3x3 Tournament are set to commence in the new week, says Guyana Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) Junior Hercules.

The tournament is set to be hosted in February in the island of St Lucia. According to Hercules, the official email which includes tourney dates and other details will arrive in the new week.

“Preparations will start in the new week specific to readiness of the players and

rules etc,” said Hercules.

He added that during the upcoming week he will reach out to the players for their passport documents and verifications.

He was also of the opinion that in order for there to be good preparation, access should be afforded to multiple all-weather playing venues.

“I will discuss a possible engagement with the Federation to see the selected team’s training time, rules overview and games to test (their) readiness” Hercules stated.

The Kwakwani Combine side (L-R): Jamal Gilkes, Jonathan Mangra and Timothy Thompson

Thunder name Brathwaite to replace injured Russell S Y D N E Y, A u s t r a l i a (CMC) – Twenty20 star Carlos Brathwaite has joined reigning champions Sydney Thunder for the remainder of the Big Bash League campaign, replacing West Indies teammate Andre Russell who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

The 28-year-old Barbadian, who was vacationing overseas recently, is expected to link up with the franchise shortly but there was no confirmation on if he would be ready for Sunday’s clash against Hobart Hurricanes at Blundstone Arena.

“Carlos is dedicated to learning and advancing his game. With both bat and ball he’s a very skilled T20 cricketer,” said Thunder coach Paddy Upton said.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with him for a season in the IPL and he really is the highest quality individual. “He’s a top quality cricketer and person, which ticks the two big boxes when it comes to Thunder recruiting players.”

Brathwaite came to prominence during last year’s Twenty20 World Cup in India when he lashed sixes off the first four deliveries off seamer Ben Stokes in the last over of the final against England, to propel West Indies to a dramatic win.

He is a hard-hitting low-

er order batsman and steady seamer, and completes his all-round game as a sharp fielder.

Brathwaite is a member of both the Windies Test and One-Day International sides, and also captains their T20 squad.

He replaces Russell who on Wednesday pulled up

Scorchers game and several interventions implemented to assist his symptoms and allow him to continue playing.

“Unfortunately Andre’s playing fitness has been compounded further by an injury to his left hamstring – the extent of this injury to be confirmed further via

The National team that will be representing Guyana is the Kwakwani Combine team which featured three Junior Na-

tional players who competed in the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) in October.

The team is made up of Stanton Rose, Jamal

Gilkes, Timothy Thompson and Jonathan Mangra with the former two hailing from Kwakwani. Rose is also the reigning Road to Mecca 3 MVP and National School Basketball Festival MVP. Commenting on the team Hercules stated, “Rose is the best young p l a y e r i n t h e c o u n t r y, Thompson has shown he has the potential, Mangra has some experience and has proved he can play.

Gilkes is very talented and just needs some polishing so for that age group it’s the best we have.”

Hercules highlighted strategy, skills and consistency as the factors needed to win the tournament.

Barcelona lose first leg of cup tie in fiery Bilbao affair

Carlos Brathwaite with an injured hamstring during a game against Melbourne Stars and had to be stretchered off.

Thunder announced yesterday that the Jamaican would be out of action for up to six weeks, ruling him out of the remainder of the Big Bash.

“Andre has been playing with long-standing tendinitis of the right knee, that flared up in the opening rounds for the BBL,” Thunder physio Murray Ryan said.

“This was investigated via MRI following the Perth

scans in Sydney tomorrow; however initial signs suggest a minimum four to six week recovery.”

Thunder will also lose key batsman Eoin Morgan who has been called up to England duty where he will captain the one-day side in India.

He has been replaced by countryman James Vince.

Thunder have struggled in their title defence and lie bottom of the eight-team standings on two points.

Their win on Wednesday broke an opening fourgame losing streak.

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta react after scoring. (REUTERS/ Vincent West)

By Richard Martin | BARCELONA, Spain (Reuters) - King’s Cup holders Barcelona have a fight on their hands if they are to remain in the competition after losing a fiery first leg of their last-16 tie at Athletic Club 2-1 yesterday despite playing the final 10 minutes with a two-man advantage.

Spain striker Aritz Aduriz headed Bilbao in front in the 25th minute and the veteran produced an audacious flick

to tee up youngster Inaki Williams to volley in the second three minutes later.

Talisman Lionel Messi pulled a full-strength Barca side back into the game with a free-kick in the 52nd minute which came off the underside of the bar and over the line.

Brazilian forward Neymar had a strong penalty appeal turned down in the first half and was the victim of more aggression after the break, leading to Raul Gar-

cia and then Ander Iturraspe being shown second yellow cards late in the game.

Roared on by the famously passionate San Mames faithful, Athletic produced a resilient display to hold on for the win despite a barrage of late attempts by Barca, which included Messi hitting the post with the last kick of the match.

The second leg takes place next Wednesday at the Nou Camp.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 6, 2017

2016 was the year of the juniors - GHB

By Stephan Sookram THE Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) has dubbed 2016 as ‘the year of the juniors’, with several major accomplishments for that division.

According to president of the GHB Philip Fernandes, “We’ve had several junior tournaments that were successful locally and I think it has broadened the base of the juniors. A lot of kids are

getting to enjoy the game and to participate in the game.”

The GHB boss was quoted during an interview yesterday as saying, “We hope to repeat the same type of events for 2017 and then perhaps look forward to getting new targets for these kids; start to put together national junior squads and that sort of thing so they can have something to focus on going forward.”

“The clubs themselves,

at the encouragement of the board, each held its own competition and all of them had a junior feature. So we had a lot more children playing the game. We had Under-10s, Under-14s, Under-17s, Under-19s and a lot of those kinds of competition,” Fernandes continued.

He added that the performance of the men’s junior national team at the recent Pan Am tournament in Toronto, despite finishing closer

to the bottom, portrayed the skill needed to belong in that section of the world.

“Every single match, even against the top teams, they competed and gave a good account of themselves,” he added.

President of the Guyana Hockey Board Philip Fernandes

DOWNSIDES TO 2016 The GHB boss believed that there were some downsides to the sport in 2016, saying, “Our outdoor season was cut short. We wanted to

be able to at least complete the outdoor tournaments that we usually complete.”

He continued, “The weather was a factor, the availability of grounds was also a factor but I think our focus on several other things (the junior tournaments) caused this as well.”

Moving forward, however, Fernandes believes that with more planning, the board can achieve its required goals.

Adams set to take over as West Indies director of cricket FORMER West Indies captain Jimmy Adams has been offered the role of director of cricket for the West Indies.

Adams, who turns 49 on Monday, is understood to have originally applied for the position of head coach but was invited to consider the director of cricket role by the West Indies Cricket Board. He is now understood to have accepted the job but is currently negotiating some details with the WICB and has not yet signed a contract.

He will replace Richard

Jimmy Adams spent five seasons as Kent coach before leaving in October to return to Jamaica.

Bolt’s coach against wiping out all existing records GLEN Mills, coach of the two fastest men in history – Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake – said he is not entirely in agreement with recent suggestions that track and field’s governing body, the IAAF, should close the book on existing world records and start anew.

The most recent suggestion came from Gianni Merlo, president of the International Press Association, who suggested that such a move would help the sport improve its image, tarnished by recent incidents of doping, most notably the recent scandal involving the reported widespread institutionalised doping of athletes uncovered in Russia.

There have also been incidents involving a number of African athletes who last year were arrested at a hotel in Spain in June 2016.

“If the fight against doping has come to this point, if it is as difficult as we all agree it is, then I think that

Glen Mills the moment has arrived to close the world record books in athletics and open new ones,” Merlo said in an open letter to IAAF president Sebastian Coe. However, Mills, who has coached Usain Bolt to world records in the 100m (9.58) and 200m (19.19), believes that wiping the slate clean would be a disservice to athletes who are competing clean.

“It is a suggestion that has some merit but in the interest of balance, one is assuming that all records that are there are tainted and I do not believe so,” said the man who has steered Bolt to a historic three consecutive Olympic 100m and 200m titles.

“How do you address the injustice that would be done to those who worked hard to achieve excellence?”

Mills was not alone in his stance against Merlo’s suggestion.

Former Olympic high jump champion Stefka Kostadinova has also hit out as the proposal.

The 51-year-old Kostadinova, who is still the world record holder with a jump of 2.09 metres from the 1987 world championships in Rome, said the suggestion of expunging all existing records would be “unfair to all (athletes) who absolutely honestly reached the peak of their careers.”

Pybus who has been in the position since November 2013. Pybus’ initial contract was for a period of three years and was due to expire late last year.

Adams would appear to have a better chance than most of uniting all parties involved in Caribbean cricket.

He is admired for his record as a player - he averaged 41.26 from his 54-Test career - and his work as a players’ representative while serving as secretary of the West Indies Players Association and president of the Federation

of International Cricketers’ Associations.

Combined with his coaching knowledge - he has most recently completed five seasons in England as head coach of Kent - he would appear to have the respect of all parties for his integrity as much as his experience.

The role of head coach remains vacant. While rumours continue to link Stuart Law with the position, it would be a surprise if any appointment is made before Adams’ elevation is confirmed. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Cook to decide captaincy future ALASTAIR Cook's future as England captain could be resolved over the next few days. Cook is expected to meet Andrew Strauss imminently - perhaps as early as today to discuss his future with an announcement expected to follow shortly afterwards.

Cook cut a somewhat beleaguered figure at times in India. As well as a run of losses - England have lost six of their most recent eight Tests - Cook looked jaded by the demands of the job and the time away from his family.

He briefly returned from the tour of Bangladesh to witness the birth of his second child, but was able to spend no more than a few hours with his family before he was obliged to fly back to work.

It may be that a period of rest and reflection has proved enough to revive his enthusiasm for the job. Or it may be

Alastair Cook that the relative speed with which he appears to have reached a decision is a sign that his mind was resolved to step down long before the end of the tour.

Either way, Strauss who is expected to arrive in the UK last night after a Christmas break in Australia - is expected to meet Cook upon his return to discuss the situation and, realistically, to learn of his decision.

It remains unlikely that Strauss will sack Cook.

While there might be legitimate concerns over the apparent divide of methods between Cook and the England coach Trevor Bayliss, Cook retains a huge amount of respect from his team and there is no sign of any willingness for change from either the players or the coaches.

The coaching staff have been at pains to state they prefer the no-change option and express the hope that Cook continues until the end of the Ashes.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

Jaguars hopefuls commence outdoor training Leon Johnson is assisted by Clive Grimmond during his training yesterday.

Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul and Assad Fudadin share a light moment ahead of their training yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. (Photos by Adrian Narine)

DESPITE some light showers for the most part of yesterday morning, members of the Guyana Jaguars training squad had their first outdoor training, under the guidance of head coach Esaun Crandon, assistant coach Rayon Griffith, Michael Hyles Franco and Clive Grimmond at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The players went through their regular fitness drills along with a number of routine exercises.

The biggest concern for the squad in terms of preparation remains the weather, but Griffith is optimistic that the players will make full use of whatever outdoor preparations are made available.

The Guyana Jaguars will do battle in Group B of the Super50 which runs from January 24 to February 18 in Antigua and Barbados.

Group B comprises last year losing finalists Barbados Pride, Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners, Jamaica Scorpions and ICC Americas.

Meanwhile, title-holders Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Windward Islands Volcanoes, the West Indies U-19s, and visiting English County Kent Spitfires have been installed in Group A.

CONCACAF Gold Cup

T&T face uphill task after going down to Suriname 2-1 PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago were left with an uphill task of reaching the CONCACAF Gold Cup after slumping to a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Suriname, in the opening game of the Caribbean Football Union qualifying series here Wednesday night.

Following a goalless first half at the Ato Boldon Stadium, the hosts fell behind in the 76th minute through a Guno Kwasie strike but equalised five minutes later thanks to a Tyrone Charles bombshell.

With all to play for in added extra time, Ivanildo Rozenblad netted in the first period to break Trinidad’s hearts, and leave their qualification hanging by a thread.

“We knew it would not have been an easy game. In football there are no easy games,” head coach Tom Saintfiet told a post-game media conference.

“I think for the first 70 minutes we played in a good organisation and could create a lot of opportunities from there. If you count the amount of corners we had and the

T&T’s Carlyle Mitchell, left, rises above Suriname’s Miquel Darson while contesting a header during action from Wednesday night’s clash.

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danger we create out of these corners, it was quite a lot. The only problem is we didn’t score out of these chances.”

T&T suffered a blow prior to kick off when striker Cornell Glen was injured during warm-up and ruled out of the contest.

However, the hosts had the better of the exchanges in the first half but failed to really seriously threaten the Suriname goal.

Akeem Roach, in for the injured Glen, produced a long-range shot in the 30th minute but this was easily handled low down by goalkeeper Claidel Kohinor.

On the stroke of halftime, Roach sprayed a pass to Nathan Lewis on the right wing just outside the 18-yard box, and he picked out Hashim Arcia who failed to control the ball in a dangerous position just in front of goal.

Against the run of play, T&T almost conceded just seconds before halftime when 19-year-old Sorencio See page 23 FRIDAY JANUARY 6, 2017