Issuu

80 teachers fired last year

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…TSC cites fraud, neglect of duty

Discrepancies No. 104797

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

–– probe unearths major weaknesses in drugs supply to NA Hospital drug bond

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Nine wells for Region 9

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–– water catchments also on cards to combat drought

Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Raphael Trotman, makes a point to representatives from the Private sector and Civil Society, during a visit to the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region over the weekend to formalise plans for the digging of the catchment areas

Hide your tattoos

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… joint services get tough on tattooed ranks

Miners get Lone bandit 11 clarity on takes Spready’s tax-assured measures of govt’s Page

‘unwavering support’

for $1M

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 18, 2017

Lone bandit takes Spready’s for $1M By Nafeeza Yahya

A LONE bandit walked into the popular Spready’s Supermarket in Port Mourant, East Berbice at around 14:30hrs, and robbed the Money Gram section of close to $1M in cash, leaving the cashier concussed and visibly traumatised. According to a staff who saw the surveillance footage, the bandit calmly walked into the Money Gram Section of the business and presented himself to the cashier, grabbed her by the hair, and banged her head against the counter. He then reportedly jumped over the counter and emptied the cash register of all the day’s takings. At the time of the robbery, there were no customers in the Money Gram Section of the supermarket. “School did just over, and de place did busy, so he walk in the snackette side and go into de Money Gram section like wan customer,” the staff said, adding: “Then suddenly he pull Rebecca hair and knock she head pon de counter; then he jump over the counter and empty all de money and run out.”

Nirmala Devi Persaud The staff said the man then left with a waiting accomplice on a CG motorcycle, and by the time an alarm was raised, he had already made good his escape. BARE CONFUSION! “We run out behind he and shout ‘Bandit! Bandit!’ Was bare confusion!” she said. “Dem schoolchildren run all over de place, but dem ride through the market street and gone.” When the Guyana Chronicle visited the scene, the cashier, Rebecca Peters was shaking and could not speak.

A relative, however, said that this is the second time Peters has had an encounter with bandits, the first being when her home was robbed two years ago. She was also beaten back then, the relative said. Following the robbery, Spready’s closed its entire operation for the day. And as news of the robbery spread, many businesses in nearby Rose Hall Town immediately called it a day as well for fear of being targetted next. Spready’s owner, Narine Singh, confessed that as a businessman, he’s afraid. He said he’s at his wit’s end, as he’s done just about everything to ensure the safety of his staff and businesses, and never expected a robbery of this nature. And in broad daylight at that!

OVER IN KILDONAN Meanwhile, 50-year-old Nirmala Devi Persaud said she was on the phone with her daughter while cleaning fish in the backyard of her Lot 17 Kildonan Village home when she was held at gun-point and taken inside of her house, where two other bandits were busy ransacking it. According to Persaud, also called “Aunty Doris”, the bandits kept saying to her, “Wheh de money deh? We come fuh de money!” But she kept insisting she does not have any kind of money, and gave them what she had: A purse with some change and a $5000 bill. Not satisfied with

The home of Nirmala Persaud at Lot 17 Kildonan Village this small pickings, the men took her upstairs and continued to ransack the home, hoping to find some sort of valuables. According to Persaud, after they realised she did not have anything else to offer, they forcibly took the earing she was wearing, and tied and gagged her, using duct tape. Persaud, who operates a small vegetable stand, said two of the three men were masked, while the third, who had the pistol, was unmasked and of mixed race. She said they were all “young people”. According to a neighbour, who received a call from Persaud’s daughter asking her to go and check on her mother, she saw the

three men run out of the yard and into a white car. ‘OH MEH MUMMA!’ Said the woman, “She call and tell me that she was talking to Aunty Doris when she heard her say, ‘Oh meh mumma!’ She did not respond, but she could hear commotion in the background, so she asked me to go over and check on her, because she does suffer from asthma. So, when me ah walk over, me see three man run out, and a white car pull up, and dem jump in and drive off.” The neighbour said that as she ran into Aunty Doris’ yard, she saw that the downstairs of the house was ransacked, and could hear

moaning coming from upstairs. “And when me go up, me see “Aunty Doris” tie up; she hand, she foot, she head, mouth and even she nose all cover up wid duct tape,” she said, adding: “Luckily me go in at the same time, or she woulda stifle and dead.” In all, the bandits carted off a cellular phone, a pair of gold earrings and $5000 cash from Persaud. After reviewing surveillance footage from Spready’s Supermarket, law enforcement officers were able to pick up critical information which they are working on to capture the bandits. Investigations into both robberies are continuing.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 18, 2017

Nine wells for Region 9 ––water catchments also on cards to combat drought

NINE wells and two large water catchment areas are slated for in the Upper Takutu -Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) area, to provide relief to residents, during the cyclical El Nino weather patterns, as Government looks to provide longer term solutions to the annual periods of drought. The Brazilian Military will dig the nine wells, with funding from the Brazilian Government, while the two large catchment areas, which will hold about three million cubic metres of water each, will be financed through Public-Private Partnerships. Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Raphael Trotman said that President David Granger had mandated that systems should be put in place to ensure that there is long-term relief for the residents. With this mandate, a team made up of representatives from stakeholder Ministries and agencies, over the weekend, visited the Region, to conduct a reconnaissance of the area and to hold meetings with regional officials and residents ahead of the commencement of works. “Last year (2016) the dry spell; the El Nino was most severe in Region Nine and cattle was affected. But more than cattle, livestock and people were affected and so the President, in particular,

has decided that this must not happen again. He has charged Cabinet Ministers to ensure that there is portable water for use by households, as well as for the livestock and sustenance of life. We spent the weekend in Region Nine looking at two things. One was the idea of creating catchment areas where water would be held by ‘damming’ some areas and holding millions of cubic metres of water so that when the dry weather conditions come, we will not find ourselves without water for cooking, sustaining lives and for livestock,” Minister Trotman said. Additionally, the team examined the possibility of establishing ponds in the area to create opportunities for aquaculture year round for either commercial harvest or household use. Further, the Government of Brazil has committed to ensuring that the nine wells are dug particularly in the South Rupununi area, within the first half of this year. “The first catchment area, which will be about three million cubic metres of water, will be in the Nappi Village area and that will be done by April 1. So things are happening at a very fast rate. We are looking at two large catchment areas and then the Ministry of Agriculture will do a few smaller

ones, maybe about five. The total investment for those two will be about a US$1M. We have met with the Region; We have met with the Village Councils; we have also been engaging mining and other companies, Conservation International and others that have an interest in sustainability in Rupununi,” Minister Trotman said. As it is, the Government is looking at areas such as

among them. Speaking on the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the region is never again unprepared to deal with weather patterns that can result in droughts, the Minister said, “The President’s commitment to himself and to the people of Region Nine [is that this] will not happen again, is being realised.” Colonel Chabilall Ramsarup, Director General of

valuable resource is managed during the wet season so that it can also be available during the dry season. One of the catchment areas, he said, which will hold about three million cubic metres of water can provide for the needs of residents for up to a year. Their needs, therefore, will be adequately met, Colonel Ramsarup said. Meanwhile, also in an invited comment, Chairman

Minister Trotman (centre) and Director General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Colonel Chabilall Ramsarup and other representatives from several of the involved Government agencies, speaking with villagers in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region (Region Nine) over the weekend Parishara, Nappi and other surrounding villages, before heading to South Rupununi. Minister Trotman said that the team is looking at villages, which are bunched together so that the resources can be shared and managed

the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), in an invited comment, said that the Commission, which has responsibility for monitoring and providing relief in such instances, is looking at water harvesting to ensure that the

of the Region, Mr. Brian Allicock said that the residents have welcomed the move by the administration, since it will make their lives easier, once completed. “As I mentioned to Minister Trotman, this could not have come at

a more opportune time. The people have welcomed these two catchment areas that the Government has planned to put in the Region at this time,” he said. Additionally, he noted that the Region, in collaboration with the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will begin exploration in the South Pakaraimas Mountains to see what springs are present there so that the water can be channelled to the residents for usage. In October 2015, Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, had led a team to the Rupununi where residents had been dealing with the drought effects of El Nino weather conditions and had committed the government’s support to ensuring that the impacts of the season are vastly minimised and long-term solutions are found. Minister Harmon, at that time, had said that while the government will be looking to put short and medium term solutions in place for immediate relief to be brought to the residents, there is need for a long-term plan so that the problem is not revisited every year. He had noted that when Government spends money, it must be for a sustainable purpose. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Security, children cause change in Mash route

–– Min Henry says Brickdam replete with history FOLLOWING a decision taken in 2016 as part of the Golden Jubilee Celebration, the Education Ministry through its Department of Culture has opted to stick to the new route for the 2017 Mash float parade. That route includes bands and contingents assembling at Stabroek Square on February 23, reveling along Brickdam and culminating at the Durban Park. In a release the ministry acknowledged that the decision has caused some amount of public outcry on social and other media. However, Minister Nicolette Henry with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sports has offered several reasons for the decision; chief of them being security. “In the past when the procession started at the junction of Camp and Church streets, children were not included but as of last year a decision was taken to add a children component to the parade,

hence, the length of the route had to be made shorter to accommodate them as a more youth-friendly approach,” Minister Henry explained. Explaining the choice to use Brickdam as the main carriageway for the parade, the minister posited that it was the first road paved in Guyana’s history and the movement was to treat with the limited space at the starting point and the bottleneck of costume bands not being able to pass the Irving and Church Street section and farther along. However, chief above the reasons posited is the safety risks and concerns expressed by sections of the national security agencies on Church as well as along Irving Street. “From a security point of view this route is better controlled. It’s more of an issue of safety and security.” Further, the minister said: “we did not just make the decision by ourselves and

based on feedback we have been able to conclude that the new route offers the best view for more persons to see the displays from the safety of the stands at Durban Park.” Those stands can accommodate as many as 30,000 patrons comfortably in addition to those who would wish to view the procession from the 1763 Monument Square. When asked how the public and corporate citizens stand to benefit as well as the small man who ‘hustles’ on small trays, etc. from this route change, the Event Coordinator Lennox Canterbury assured that, “there is adequate vending space at Durban Park and the Square of the Revolution” as was proven during the 2016 Jubilee Parade. Further, with this arrangement, shut-ins at the Palms have no need to come out on the road but can instead enjoy the event from the safety and comfort of the institution’s compound.

On the subject of picnicking, Canterbury said such activity happened on the route, at the Square of the

Minister Nicolette Henry

Revolution and Durban Park as well as along Homestretch Avenue where vending can be done.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Nigeria air strike error kills scores of refugees

A NIGERIAN air force jet has mistakenly bombed a camp for displaced people near Rann in the north-east, killing up to 100 people and injuring dozens more. Aid workers are among the dead, with the Red Cross saying six of its employees were killed. The MSF aid agency said

it was treating 120 injured people, and appealed for help with medical evacuations. President Muhammadu Buhari, whose army is fighting Boko Haram militants, expressed dismay and urged calm. The attack took place near the border with Cameroon, where the military is engaged

The look on this parent’s face says it all

in what it calls its final push against Boko Haram. It is thought to be the first time Nigeria’s military has admitted to making such a

mistake. ‘SHOCKING AND UNACCEPTABLE’ An official from the Bor-

no state government, who was helping to co-ordinate the evacuation of the injured by helicopter, told the Associated Press that 100 people had been killed. MSF told the BBC that although it could not confirm the figure, up to 95 people had died. “This large-scale attack on vulnerable people who have already fled from extreme violence is shocking and unacceptable,” said Dr Jean-Clement Cabrol, MSF director of operations. “The safety of civilians must be respected; we are urgently calling on all parties to ensure the facilitation of medical evacuations by air or road for survivors who are in need of emergency care.” MSF said it had medical and surgical teams in Cameroon and Chad ready to treat wounded patients. Many of the casualties, it said, were believed to be displaced people who had fled from areas where Boko Haram had carried out attacks. “We are in close contact with our teams, who are in shock following the event,” MSF spokesman Etienne l’Hermitte said. Red Cross spokesman, Jason Straziuso was quoted by AP as saying the agency’s dead employees had been “part of a team that had brought in desperately

needed food for over 25,000 displaced persons”. ‘REGRETTABLE MISTAKE’ Army spokesman Major-General Lucky Irabor said the jet’s pilot had mistakenly believed he was attacking insurgents. He said the mission had been ordered after reports of a gathering of Boko Haram fighters. The General, who commands counter-insurgency operations in the north-east, said the air force would not deliberately target civilians, and that there would be an investigation. A spokesman for the Nigerian president said the administration would offer help to the government of Borno state “in attending to this regrettable operational mistake”. Boko Haram has caused havoc in Africa’s most populous country through a wave of bombings, assassinations and abductions. It is fighting to overthrow the government and create an Islamic state. Reuters news agency reports that the group has stepped up attacks in the past few weeks, as the end of the rainy season has enabled its fighters to move more easily in the bush. (BBC

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 18, 2017

‘Ungrateful’ HDC housewife now a paid ‘celebrity’ --appears in party advertisement THE celebrity status of Neisha Wattley, who became a household name after expressing concerns on television about a Housing Development Corporation (HDC) house allocated to her, has risen further to see the mother of four being featured in a party promotion video. Wattley appears in a ‘promo’ for the fete, ‘Bikini Bottoms’, where she asks the viewer, “You ain’t going Bikini Bottoms?” and then delivers her now-famous phrase, “Dat making any sense?” Wattley became a topic

of national conversation, and was made the subject of Internet memes after a TV6 interview in which she said she found the location of the HDC house, in Freeport, to be inconvenient. She said the location made commuting and getting her children to school very difficult, and that she wanted to be relocated. Wattley noted her lack of ownership of a vehicle in relation to her location and asked, “Dat making any sense?” The comments did not sit well with citizens, who accused Wattley of being ungrateful, which she later

denied, saying she was in guidance in adjusting to her new life. Wattley and her family were previously living in what they described as a shack in Chaguanas. ‘MAKING IT WORK’ Her husband, Kris Rambahal, later dismissed his wife’s complaints, and said the family will be staying in the house. Contacted Monday on how the family has been coping since the start of the new school term, Wattley said it’s been “hard”, but they are “making it work”. She said her son has gone to stay with his grandmother

The now celebrated Neisha Wattley during the TV6 interview that saw her star rise

in Chaguanas, to make his commute easier, while her three daughters have re-

Oops! Wrong hummingbird

IT appears someone at the Ministry of Works and Transport made a boo-boo on the new drivers’ permit launched last week. The holographic hummingbird on the document is an American species, not found locally. This is according to conservationist, Courtenay Rooks and conservationist and founder of the El Socorro Centre for Wildlife Conservation, Ricardo Meade. According to Meade, there are 18 species of hummingbird which have made Trinidad and Tobago home. The ruby-throated hummingbird,

found on the new permit, is not one of them. “What we have is a ruby-topaz hummingbird, and

it’s a beautiful creature. People often refer to the hummingbird as ‘flying jewels’. Someone in the Ministry did

Wrong hummingbird

not do a fact check, and now people are probably laughing at us for this. This is a problem; it shows that no-one took into account the hummingbirds we have here and no-one took the time to be accurate in what they are doing,” said Meade. Rooks also identified and confirmed that the ruby-throated hummingbird is not one of the 18 species residing in the country. This hummingbird is one that migrates between Central and North America, he said. Former head of the Public Service, Reginald Dumas also questioned how the bird ended up on the permit.

mained in Freeport. Wattley said, however, that since her story was aired,

she’s yet to receive appliances and furnishings from Courts Trinidad and Tobago, which had donated $20,000 worth of goods to the family. She was asked to write a letter to the household furnishing’s chain, Wattley said, to clarify whether or not she was accepting the HDC house. “So we still haven’t received anything, and the children are sleeping on the floor,” Wattley said. As for her promotional stint, Wattley said she was approached by the company behind the party to do the advertisement for a fee, and she said “Yes”. (T&TExpress)

--on new drivers’ permit He asked: “Who chose this particular species of non-indigenous bird for a T&T document and why? Was there any prior consultation with local ornithologists, and, if not, why not? Or is it that we prefer to voup rather than bat properly? Or that a hummingbird is a

hummingbird is a hummingbird?” The ministry’s new permit is designed with a holographic film which serves as a security measure put in place, and is in circulation as of Monday. (T&Texpress)

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Passing on the baton

DONALD Trump will be sworn in as United States’ (U.S.) 45th president on Friday. The inauguration is expected to be accompanied by the traditional ceremony and peaceful transition of power from one president to another. America has pride itself on this aspect of its democracy, notwithstanding some evidence to the contrary. The 2016 presidential election captivated the world’s attention, in part given U.S’ role in global politics, who the candidates were, and allegations of foreign interference in the electoral process. There is no denying the significant role the U.S plays in influencing international politics, consistent with its domestic/national interest and the president’s world view. The global economy was affected by U.S’ liberalisation of its economy, which began during the Ronald Reagan years, where the role of government was significantly reduced and the private sector promoted as the engine of growth. The neoliberal approach to the financial system saw countries being influenced to do likewise. With neoliberalism came de-regulation of the financial markets which created opportunities for rouge elements to exploit, resulting in a global recession about 8-12 years ago. In the U.S economy it was said to be the “greatest recession since the Great Depression.” The world was not spared the adverse consequences of the U.S’ big banks and Wall Street imploding. Then Presidents Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar sought to assure us that Guyana was not impacted. But those who relied on remittances- cash or kind- knew such were scaled back, as overseas loved ones had to grapple with U.S changing economic realities, which impacted on their disposable income locally. Barack Obama, in part won the 2008 election to not only end the Middle East wars but also to address the economy, job loss, high unemployment, and evaporating money investments. To his administration’s credit stimulus programmes were injected that not only jump-started the economy, allowed for re-hiring and new types of jobs, lent support to failing banks, extended unemployment benefits, helped the housing market, but also saved the local car industry and brought confidence back into the economy. This bouncing back impacted the world’s economy. The modus operandi to governance changed, consistent with Obama’s described “smart government,” that there are some things government has to do that the people cannot do for themselves. For instance, laws were passed to regulate the behaviour of the financial sector with defining implications for acceptable and unacceptable rules of engagement, in the U.S and global economy. This was also followed through in international trade agreements. Foreign policy on governance focused on impressing on governments to uphold principles of human rights and the rule of law. This included removal of discrimination, stamping out corruption, allowing institutions of state to work, and confronting money laundering and the financing of terrorism. In April 2009 Vice-President, Joe Biden,

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Did Chang have jurisdiction to hear third term motion? Dear Editor

FINALLY, I plead for space to revisit briefly a matter on which I had written an open letter to both President Granger ad Mr. Jagdeo (published in both KN and GC) in which, inter alia, I had cautioned about a Judge whose compulsory retirement is impending and commencing hearing a fresh or new case. I could then, with equal facility of reasoning, have cautioned against a rush to completion of part–heard, so that justice would not thereby miscarry. I notice that the appeal in the President term–limit case is now set for ruling on February 15th, 2017 (see “AG queries haste to complete presidential third term appeal”. – KN, Saturday January 14th, 2017; “February is set for ruling on third – term appeal” – SN, 2017 – 01 – 15). I, myself as an

officious bystander, see this haste to ruling, with some alarm and disquiet. With General Election not due (or anticipated) until 2020, some three (3) years hence, and accordingly it cannot be rationally contended that time is of the essence, or that some serious compelling reason exists, it must be a matter of some considerable curiosity, and intrigue, that this matter is set for ruling without the fullness of oral arguments, but on the basis of written submission not submitted at the instance of the parties, but ordered by the Court. This is a departure from orthodoxy. And the departure is even more alarming, even as it has happened over the objection of one the parties (the AG by prior written request on reasons proffered, and by Counsel representing). What if the written submissions (which are normally only compli-

mentary to oral arguments) are not terribly useful and the court needs further assistance or clarification? Besides, it is settled practice that when there is a change of Counsel (in this case the retirement of the SG, Sita Ramlall) the Court ex debito justitiae (ie arising as a matter of right, a debt of justice) would allow the affected party sufficient time (in all the circumstances) to retain and brief new Counsel–it is a “fair hearing” fundamental right. Be that as it may, I desire to restate my position on this matter, stated in July 2015, viz “Constitutional interpretation on a question of the type raised by Cedric Richardson V. Attorney General and Raphael Trotman, inevitably raises, inter alia, nice questions as to locus standi and jurisdiction. Article 177 (4), raises an interesting question as to jurisdiction,

given the marginal note to article 90 viz “Qualification for Election”. Should not the Chief Justice (ag) have declined jurisdiction to entertain the action in Cedric Richardson? (“The CJ’s decision on term limits” – S.N. Monday July 20th, 2015). Now, I would only add that a “marginal note” has interpretative constitutional force (see section 57 (3) of the I.G.C.A. Cap. 2:01 read with article 232 (9) of the Constitution). And, that it is elementary that a jurisdictional point can be taken at any stage in any court (Butler V. Theking (1939) AC 484) and if not taken by a party, ought to be taken by the court ex mero motu (i.e. of its own motion). If Chang, CJ (ag) had no jurisdiction, his decision is void and of no legal effect. Regards Maxwell E. Edwards Attorney – at – Law

Jagdeo has never stopped in his bid to control Guyana Dear editor THIS being my first letter of the year, I’d like to wish you and your staff a blessed and productive 2017. That aside, allow me to share my thoughts on the Third Term Trial and Mr Bharrat Jagdeo’s power craze. With the third term trial soon to commence, I thought it best to share my perspective on the matter, with the hope of enlightening the PPP members and supporters of the beast they have created and continue to feed. Mind

you, I believe many government officials and supporters have been feeding his ego as well. The third term trial is upon us, because of Jagdeo’s obsession with power and addiction to squandering. Don’t believe me? Then tell me if prior to the oil find, Jagdeo was so concerned about saving the PPP? More so, think of the endless possibilities it provides for him to further allow his business buddies to tap into the sector and create entities/industries allowing for a specific set of people

participating in the Summit of the Americas, held in Trinidad, laid out the administration’s policy position, which was followed through with technical and other support. The Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) was elevated to that of a Cabinet position, which spoke to the value attached to this institution, its principles, and member-states. Domestic policy on Climate Change saw the U.S playing a leading role in influencing the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement, approved by 196 countries, and came into effect 5th January 2017. Leading role was also played in addressing the global refugee and migration crisis. During the 2016 UN Annual General Assembly, Obama announced success in getting over 50 nations and organisations to pledge US $4.5 billion in Refugee Aid to groups assisting the displaced find work and education, of which the U.S contributed $1 billion. Normalising of US/Cuba relation, which Guyana pushes for, saw steady advancement beginning in 2014. The admin-

to control and dominate the various sectors in this country making it difficult for others. I mean, look at Bobby Ramroop, I need not mention the amount of businesses he owns or shares with Jagdeo and don’t forget who made BK what it is today. I believe many of the current PPP members don’t even fully understand the nature of the man Bharrat Jagdeo. Don’t believe me? Ask Ms Westford who has her in her current predicament, or Ramsammy, who made him sign for the spy kit? Or ask

former President Ramotar what happened behind closed doors during his obnoxious stint as President. Jagdeo somehow makes them believe that his actions are for the greater good, like him becoming party general-secretary, leader, and leader of the opposition is supposed to save the party. The Jagdeo that we see and hear now in 2017 claims to be positioning himself to save his party and to ensure that his party gets back into power. However, a few Turn to page 7

istration also distinguished itself by placing greater emphasis on civil engagements and talking through differences across the table rather than through the barrel of a gun. A benefit of that was the Iran Nuclear Deal. To the above Trump has expressed dissimilar views during the election campaign and as president-elect. Should he follow through, via policies and laws, such could carry consequences for the global economy, environment, human rights, and governance. Small state societies like ours experiencing conflicts in valuing and enforcing good governance, and in some instances lacking resources to do so, could be adversely impacted and the masses’ desires deferred. Outside of tweets and a press conference since being elected, Trump’s acceptance speech will be parsed, and the global community and world leaders will look for inkling(s) as to his overarching view of America’s relationship with them during his leadership.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Erosion of integrity

Dear Editor

ONE of the greatest hemorrhages experienced by Guyana following intellectual and capital flight since the early 1990’s is the erosion of integrity. Merriam-Webster defines ‘integrity’ as the firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values. It is further conceptualised as consistency of

actions, values, methods and measures that affect principles, expectations and outcomes. The opposite is regarded as hypocrisy, often manifested by corruptness and a host of other ills. Every day citizens of this country are faced with mind boggling experiences that would be frowned upon or utterly uprooted from most civilized societies. Some include the regularity of inept,

callous and unprofessional behaviour, in both public and private sectors. Others are more glaring, in the forms or bribery, deliberate distortion of records and various forms of evasion, including taxes. These trends invariably lead to unwarranted delays or losses in real dollars. Failure by some lofty addressees to respond to or even acknowledge correspondence is a challenge

Jagdeo has never... things must be recognised: 1. Jagdeo is of the belief that he is the only individual that is capable of running this country, which is a total slap in the face of the other members of the party and their supporters, because a supporter may be more capable of running this country than him. 2. Ever since his return to the political fore, it has never been about what the party has accomplished or what the party can accomplish, but about the party’s failure at the 2015 elections and what Jagdeo can do to save the party and how Jagdeo can save the party from itself, thus the need to amass all au-

thority in the party to ensure that there is no hindrance to what Jagdeo wants. 3. Jagdeo’s intent was not and will never be to serve the people of this country, it’s one of self-satisfaction and manipulation mixed with the divide-and-conquer mentality. Jagdeo has never stopped in his bid to control the country, even while not being president through supporting someone like Donald Ramotar over Ralph Ramkarran. His choice of Donald gave him the opportunity to control the government while not legally in charge. What we are faced with is someone parading as a

From Page 6

master of deception and attracting the gullible, who are mainly supporters, but I urge you supporters to start asking questions -and critical ones too. The man you idolise and praise lies to you bluntly at every given opportunity, but you wouldn’t notice because you never cared to listen, you never cared to question and you never cared to comprehend, but guess what? It’s not too late to save yourselves; take small steps and start by questioning. Regards, Clayon F. Halley

evident in all sectors. The nonchalance and dishonesty that follow the absence of such ethics are simply amazing and harmful to any civilized society. Then there are the ever “busy” bodies; these are office-holders who render themselves inaccessible, while they punctuate their daily duties with frequent and lengthy inter-collegial gaffs or social media engagements. Of the more extremes are the organised white collar racketeers. Those are just a few examples, sampling the new “is Guyana” culture that exposes the deficiency of integrity. This subject found its way in the recent AFC press conference, where the Honourable Ministers David Patterson and Cathy Hughes gave respective insights into

the slow, but steady progress that has been made to date under the coalition government at discouraging and reversing trends of corruption. As much as we know of the issues, responsible personal behavior is the first step we can all take towards restoring integrity in our society. Again, I will reference Minister Hughes and her testimony relevant to the option of paying a traffic ticket or “leffing something” with a police officer who had stopped her for exceeding a speed limit. She opted to pay the ticket instead of greasing the officer’s hand. If she had not demonstrated integrity in that instant she would never be able to face that officer with dignity again, much less talk about it. Recently too, another public servant - a young

police rank stationed several villages up the East Coast, who found a Tradesman’s phone, travelled to Georgetown to return it to its owner. Such honesty is also another wink of integrity. This is the type of mental strength Guyanese need to emulate and seek to re-establish as a cultural hallmark. It is responsible behaviour, and responsibility begins with nobody but us. The discipline to be responsible builds integrity. Maybe the media can also help by playing its part by capturing more instances when persons demonstrate integrity so that it is seen as normative and not just abstract instances or good luck! Regards Orette Cutting

Discrepancies

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 18, 2017

–– probe unearths major weaknesses in drugs supply to NA Hospital drug bond

AGAINST the background of a damning report that exposed several shortcomings in the procurement system for medical drugs, Minister within the ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, uncovered major discrepancies in the supply to the New Amsterdam drug bond during an impromptu visit to the facility on Tuesday. Her visit was part of an ongoing investigation into reports of persistent drug shortages within the region. Cummings and Director of Regional Health Services, Dr. Kay Shako made the unscheduled visit to the New Amsterdam Drug Bond. These

Chief Executive Officer, New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, Colin Bynoe, shows a copy of a Combined Issued and Received Voucher (CRIV) to Dr. Kay Shako (Director of Regional Health Services) and Dr. Karen Cummings (Minister within the Ministry of Public Health) investigations were prompted by several letters in the press and complaints that have been brought to the Ministry of Public Health indicating that inadequate supply of drugs were being delivered to health facilities throughout Region Six, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported. According to GINA upon her visit to the bond, Minister Cummings found that a recent supply of drugs had been delivered to some facilities, despite that, there were still shortages. “In terms of our drugs, you know that is a big issue. We have made the news many times so we want to address that so all in all we want to ensure that as we deliver services in the region we are delivering health services more or less to the people and we would like that to be improved.” Minister Cummings was quoted by GINA as saying. The minister pointed out that there is currently an ongoing audit of the Materials Management Unit (MMU) and all other health facilities and drug bonds to ascertain the precise cause of countrywide drugs shortages and to have this issue addressed. Combined Issued and Re-

ceived Vouchers (CRIVS) that were sent to the MMU reflects significant dissimilarities in the amount of drugs and medical supplies requested, issued and delivered. This has pointed to mismanagement and negligence of the persons involved in the processes of procuring, checking off and delivery of stocks. For example, Health Services Director, Region Six, Jevaughn Stevens said that the Region would request a certain amount of drugs but the MMU delivers short supplies without an explanation. “We had some challenges in 2016 and we’re still having challenges with the MMU. On many occasions, critical items come back NIL from MMU. Even for last year, we budgeted $385M to purchase drugs and medical supplies, we would have sent back $320M to the ministry at the beginning of the year so as to pay MMU and send the regular supply of drugs. So we kept in the region $60M to assist in emergency purchases and also oxygen.” The Minister and the RHS director also questioned if drugs issued to the Region are verified before MMU personnel. This was recognised as one of the major areas of discrepancies in the drug delivery process. When the MMU issues drugs and medical supplies, these should be checked off and verified before delivery to the various Regions, and checked again before delivering to the various health facilities. Minister Cummings added, “There are some discrepancies in terms of the distribution of drugs as it leaves the warehouse, that’s Materials Management Unit in Diamond. We have realised that we need to give tax payers value for their money and so we have decided to come and check out the discrepancies. We have found that some of the drugs that were ordered

sometimes it’s different from what is issued and what has been received so we have made note of that and we are going to follow it up.” However, there were some positives that pleased the minister; the information that funds are not an issue for purchasing drugs, and medical supplies that the CRIVS sent to the MMU are efficiently completed which contributes to a faster processing time of these requisitions. Pharmacist at the New Amsterdam Drug Bond, Gregory Ceres, noted, “We have prepared an analysis report of a recent CRIV that we would have received from MMU. We are hoping that she (Minister) takes that report and verify it with MMU and once that report is verified, I think Minister will have the necessary information she needs to make the right decision so that drug management and drug distribution can, not only be improved in Region Six but across Guyana.” The Regional audits that are ongoing are expected to provide the Ministers of Public Health with the necessary information needed to decide on the way forward towards correcting all loopholes within the drug procurement, management and distribution system. Additionally, the minister visited the Region’s Health Institute, which is the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital and was pleased to be informed that the number of persons seeking medical care at the facility was increased in 2016.Minister Cummings attributes this to the fact that persons are having much more confidence in the Public Health System. She however pointed out that if there are so many persons relying on the system for adequate health care, sufficient drugs and medical supplies are necessary to save lives and render more persons healthy.

Minister within the ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings examines a copy of a Combined Issued and Received Voucher (CRIV) shown to her by Drug Bond Pharmacist, Gregory Ceres, for drugs and medical supplies requisitioned

80 teachers fired last year

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 18, 2017

…TSC cites fraud, neglect of duty

THE Teaching Service Commission last year dismissed around 80 teachers with 36 alone in the month of December for a range of misconduct, including fraud and neglect of duty. During last year too some 41 teachers resigned from the profession, the TSC said in a report circulated to commissioners. According to the report some of the frequent complaints being made against teachers are: irregularity, attending University of Guyana without release; constant non-submission of required statutory records; fraud and neglect of duty. Figures have shown that between 2009 and 2015, teachers were being dismissed at a rate of about 150 annually. At an awards ceremony in December 2015 President

David Granger had charged that teachers involved in sexual activity with their students has no place in the profession. The President said then that teachers who misbehave, walk off the job, touch, fondle and have sexual relations with their students and speak in a vulgar manner whether they are trained or not should be separated from the profession. The Teaching Service Commission was established under the Teaching Service Commission Act No.1 of 1975 dated February 07, 1975. However, this body did not come into existence until April 10, 1978. The Teaching Service Commission was appointed by the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana under the provision of the above Act with full executive powers. Under Article

209 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana “... the power to appoint persons as teachers in the public service and to remove and to exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices shall vest in the Teaching Service Commission.” The Commission may delegate any of its powers to anyone or more of its members, or, with the consent of the Prime Minister, to any public officer. Some of the powers were delegated to REDOs and the ACEO (Georgetown) in 1984, but were taken back by the Commission in 2000. The Commission also has the power in Article 226 (3) to regulate its own procedure. Only recently the commission abandoned initial thoughts of appealing a court decision which scrapped its

Bartica Massacre trial ...

State closes case –– Defence to make submissions today, without jury

THE state on Tuesday closed its case in the Bartica Massacre trial, which began in the High Court before Justice Roxane George SC and a 12-member jury in November 2016. State prosecutors Diana Kaulesar and Stacy Goodings led more than a dozen witnesses, including the police, who testified during the months of the trial. The trial will continue today, with the

Mark Royden called ‘Smallie’

chael Caesar and Clebert Reece have since plead guilty to manslaughter separately and have been sentenced. Mark Royden Williams is being represented by Roger Yearwood, Dennis Williams by Saphier Hussain, and Roger Simon by Peter Hugh. During the February 17, 2008 rampage, 12 persons were gunned down by a group of heavily armed men, who descended on

Roger Simon called ‘Goat Man’

defence slated to make submissions without the jury being present in the courtroom. One police witness was recalled for cross-examination last Wednesday and another witness testified before the state closed its case on Tuesday afternoon. On trial are Mark Royden Williams called “Smallie”, Dennis Williams called “Anaconda” and Roger Simon called “Goat Man”, each indicted for 12 counts for the murder of nine civilians and three policemen at Bartica on February 17, 2008. However, two of the five accused, Mi-

Dennis Williams called ‘Anaconda’ Williams

Bartica at nightfall. Those who lost their lives were Bartica residents Edwin Gilkes, Dexter Adrian and Irving Ferreira; Lance Corporal Zaheer Zakir and Constables Shane Fredericks and Ron Osborne, who were all stationed at Bartica; Deonarine Singh of Wakenaam; Ronald Gomes of Kuru Kururu; Ashraf Khan of Middlesex, Essequibo; Abdool Yasseen and Errol Thomas of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo; and Baldeo Singh of Montrose, East Coast Demerara.

method of promoting teachers and will be proceeding in earnest shortly to get a list ready. In July 2015 the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) had filed an injunction against the TSC objecting to the publication of the final list of teachers promoted in 2015. The injunction was granted by then Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang, preventing the TSC from issuing and publishing promotions for 2015. The matter was brought to the High Court by Attorney-at-law Roysdale Forde, who represented the GTU. The union felt that the TSC had strayed from its rules and regulations in the way it processed promotions. The commission was using the assessments given by education officers, head-teachers, Regional Education Officers and not the provision

of the Rule Book governing the Teaching Service Commission to promote teachers. This, the union felt was flawed, as officials and head teachers who had personal grouse with teachers had deliberately given skewed comments, which stifled their promotion. Last year November the matter was decided in the High Court when Chief Justice, Yonette Cummings-Edwards ruled that the procedure used by the TSC was flawed and ought not to have been used. During the run-up to the court case the GTU had said that it had no confidence in the commission or its chairperson. The union had called for a complete review of all the applications made; but TSC was only willing to look at specific ones. The union had also charged that it had enough evidence to prove that many eligible teachers

Chairperson of TSC, Leila Ramson were not promoted for various reasons and that due process was not followed. According to the union the commission had been making decisions on the basis of “comments” penned by respective Regional Education Officers (REDO) and officials at the Education Ministry on the application forms when teachers apply for promotion.

Petroleum directorate being set-up

THE Ministry of Natural Resources is working to have a Petroleum Directorate established and functioning within the first quarter of 2017. Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, told the Government Information Agency (GINA,) that the Directorate follows international models which separate policy development from regulation monitoring. “Those are very important because we now need to start preparing and using the opportunity (of)20172020 when we hope to start producing, to put things in place, as many of the things as possible,” Minister Trotman told GINA. $200.7 million has been allocated in the 2017 National Budget for petroleum management. The monies are to be used for the rental of Minister of Natural a building to house the Resources, Directorate, procureRaphael Trotman ment of equipment and furnishing. Minister Trotman said he is hopeful that the acquisition of the building will be completed by the end of this month and that staff could be hired. “We expect by the first quarter of this year we would have had persons hired but the intention is not to have everyone in place immediately,” Trotman said. An initial 14 persons are expected to staff the Directorate including a Director and Deputy Director of Petroleum, Attorneys at Law, an economist, local content and corporate social responsibility officer, and two geoscientists. Meanwhile, the government is also developing legislation to govern the emerging oil and gas sector. “Legislation is already in circulation for a petroleum regulatory commission,” Trotman said. The government has also been updating and drafting policies and legislation that will governor the new sector. These include: Oil and Gas Policy; Revised Petroleum Act and Regulations; Local Content Policy and Regulations; Petroleum Commission Bill and Petroleum Taxation and Fiscal Legislation Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Regulations and a Bill to provide for Sovereign Wealth/Generational Savings, Stabilization, Infrastructural, Social Welfare and Citizens Participation Fund.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 18, 2017

In her defence By Akola Thompson

EARLIER this week, social media was abuzz with criticisms of women who would have attended a local concept party. Normally, I try not to comment on things drenched in entertainment but this case was particularly interesting. In keeping with the bandwagonist mentality, particularly where there is a chance to sow discord and negativity, women were castigated for wearing either too much or too little. I expected this norm from persons who do not have an in depth understanding of gender politics, the sexual exploitation of women and the harmful implications of such because we all have experiences that hinder our development. I try not to be too angry with them because I was one of them not so long ago. I was lucky to have friends who had zero tolerance for my weird and often ill informed politics and was often flippantly told to go “read this” or that. It took a while for me, as it would take a while for others

seeking re-education about the dangerous cultural norms they follow and encourage to reach a place where you are able to identify your role in all the chaos that exists. No one expects you to change overnight. I still have a lot of things I need to work on, but small bits can lead to change of self and eventually changing of culture. When we continue to say that it is impossible, we are just continuing to stymie our progress towards that end and if you are one of those who believe they don’t need re-education- you do. What I do have a problem with however are the social changers, the youth leaders and the human and women rights activists who know better and still engage in such. I should say that I know how to take a joke. My sense of humour makes me cringe a lot of times because the jokes I like and make are often not in good taste, but there exists I believe, a thin line between humour and blatant disrespect. This episode showed me how even those who are actively fighting against oppression, can be the ones

who continuously uphold and celebrate the same oppressive systems, institutions and culture without even realising it. It shows the depth of how we have been conditioned to believe that if a woman acts or looks a certain way or deviates from the prescribed “acceptable” roles assigned to them, then we will ruthlessly pull them down to shame them unto a more “respectable” path. What a lot of people fail to realise is that these conceptions we have of women are often the very ones that harm them. Being constantly sexualised, even from young ages and thrown into submissive and stagnating roles, aids in the trivialisation of the violence meted out against us. Girls are conditioned to believe that they are weak while boys are conditioned to believe that they must be aggressive in order to be taken seriously. I often get flack for it, but I encourage my daughter hit back those who hit her when other avenues such as talking and telling an adult do not work. I am not about

the normalisation of violence, but I also am not about the normalisation of submission to violence. According to UNICEF, approximately 60, 000 adolescent girls die as a result of violence each year and 120 million girls in the world have been victims of rape or forced sexual acts. This number amounts to every one in ten girls. The sooner we realise that everything is connected within our troubled society, we will begin to understand how we perpetuate hate, encourage violence and disrespect. After much prodding, I saw the promoter of the party offer what some would call an apology to the women who were being targeted. While it is commendable that he, amongst others can recognise that “it is never okay to disrespect women,” I sincerely hope he examines the role he has to play in the formation of that disrespect. The sooner we realise that “all are involved” and consumed, the better off we will all be.

West Berbice double murder accused for High Court trial THE three West Berbice men accused of the murders of an octogenarian businessman and his reputed wife at Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice, a little over a year ago, have been committed to stand

trial in the High Court for the offence. Magistrate Rhondell Weever, presiding at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court, ruled that a prima facie case had been made out against

Rooplall Ibrahim, also called Vijai,24, of Bath, West Coast Berbice, Gokool Madanpaul, also called Clown,18, also of Bath and 19-year-old Nezamadeen Rafik, also known as Shazim, of Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice, at the end of a preliminary inquiry into the capital charge. During the PI thirteen witnesses including policemen and civilians led by Prosecutor Corporal Racquel Mars, laid depositions. The Prosecutor also tendered twenty five exhibits in support of the case of the police. During the PI Magistrate , ruled that the confession statements obtained from the three men were free and voluntary and therefore admissible as evidence. The three men allegedly murdered Doodnauth Arthur Rajkumar, 81, and his 49-year-old partner Dianne Chamanlall, also known as Devi, of School Dam, Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice, on January 9, 2016. The victims who lived together in the upper flat of the two storeyed building at lot 93A Middle Dam, Bush Lot, without any other companions died from multiple chop

wounds about their bodies, killings which horrified many with the savagery and the cruelty of the attack. Two of the three men namely Rooplall , 24, of Murphy Dam, Rosignol Village, West Bank , and Gocoul Madanpaul, 18, of Bath Settlement, also in West Berbice, had been charged also with the murder of Bath Settlement cash crop farmer Ms. Anita Baichan, between January 3rd and 4th 2016. Bandits entered the home of Ms. Baichan at Bath Settlement, by removing a grill at the back of the building. They then tortured the woman and her son Moshin Khan, 23, for over two and a half hours; gagged the hapless pair, binding them hand and foot with duct tape and then set their home on fire, before fleeing on a bicycle. Moshin Khan, managed to escape from the burning building with minor injuries but his mother died in the blaze. Abrahim and Madanpau, had been committed to stand trial in the Berbice High Court on this matter late last year.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 18, 2017

Miners get clarity on tax measures –– assured of govt’s ‘unwavering support’

GOVERNMENT ministers on Monday allayed the fears of miners who had been previously told that the recent budget measures announced by the administration spelled doom and gloom for the industry. The Ministers of Finance, Winston Jordan; Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman along with Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes met with representatives of the Guyana Women Miners Association (GWMA), the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and a number of small miners at the Ministry of Finance to discuss the 2017 budgetary measures regarding the mining sector and general issues affecting the miners. The ministers were accompanied by Newell Dennison of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Godfrey Statia, among other senior officials. The stakeholders of the industry were keen to discuss the tax measures announced in the recent Budget presentation, which they perceived as ‘over-taxation of the industry’ and their fears that those mea-

sures may have a deleterious effect on the industry, a release by the Ministry of Finance said. Minister Jordan reit-

once they are tax compliant. According to the release, he reminded them too, that the only criterion used by the GRA for the issuance of

ship among the entities and stakeholders involved: 1. The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will shortly begin a series of awareness

GRA to have their outstanding tax matters settled. Additionally, miners who do not have a TIN will be allowed to file their tax

Government ministers and other officials meeting with miners on Monday erated government’s “unwavering support for the sector and appreciation of the invaluable contribution of every miner to Guyana’s economy”, the release noted. In doing so, he reportedly clarified that the change in the With-holding Tax announced in Budget 2017 is not an additional tax as perceived by the miners, and that existing concessions are available to all miners

concessions is compliance. Jordan told the miners that the Ministries of Finance and Natural Resources and the Guyana Revenue Authority stood ready to provide any assistance that the miners may need to help them improve their knowledge of the taxation system and their accessibility to its benefits. Further, the following measures were agreed on to improve the relation-

programmes which will specifically target the members of the industry; The GGDMA and GWMA will collaborate to provide GRA with the Tax Payer Identification Number (TIN) of all miners under their purview. Miners who are found to be compliant will be able to access concessions, while those who are non-compliant will be allowed to enter into an arrangement with the

returns using a temporary TIN. A notice will be placed at entry of the GRA stating that “Miners submitting their tax returns will not be refused if they do not have a TIN.’ Besides, a help desk will be set up at the Ministry of Natural Resources; a list of all the roads that are earmarked for repairs within the mining communities is to be made available to

the miners who will then suggest others that can be included. Small miners were also urged to band together so that they can benefit from concessions granted under the Investment Development Agreements (IDAs). The ministers and the stakeholders pledged continuous consultations and committed to greater collaboration in resolving the challenges encountered by the sector. Two weeks ago a Chartered Accountant told miners at a meeting that the cost of production in the mining industry will more than likely increase for them as he sought to explain the implications of the menu of tax measures being imposed by the Government. From the inception of the meeting, which saw an overflowing of miners from the halls to the compound of the association’s North Road Bourda Head Office, the Executive Secretary, Tony Shields made it clear that, though miners are not against paying taxes, the Government never consulted with GGDMA on the measures being imposed as he spoke in the presence of the President, Terrence Adams and Vice President, Andron Alphonso.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 18, 2017

Dr Norton meets religious, other groups … to advance social cohesion in Guyana

MINISTER of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton on Monday held introductory meetings with representatives of various religious and social groups to ensure continuity and increased areas of collaboration as part of advancing the social cohesion agenda. “Even our Constitution speaks of inclusionary democracy and that is one area that leads into social cohesion and

hence national unity… but more and more, one is seeing the need for social cohesion and our work can only make Guyana the reality of ‘One people, One nation, One destiny’,” Minister Norton was quoted as saying in a release from the Ministry of the Presidency. The meetings were held with representatives of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), the African

Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), the Viraat Sabha Organisation, the Guyana Rastafarian Association and the Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT). According to the release, during each meeting the Minister said that he is a strong believer in an “open door policy…to collaborate effectively in order to bring Guyanese, regardless of ethnicity, social

class, religion, geographic location and political affiliation, closer together.” Director of Education within the CIOG, Mr Shaikh Moeen-ul-Hakh said that the organisation is happy with the Minister’s appointment and committed the same cooperation that was given to the previous Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally. “Social cohesion is one of the objectives of Islam and the CIOG; it is part of our religion… Our scriptures speak about unity, not only among members of the faith, but those outside of the faith… So we are either brothers and sisters in faith or in humanity… Our religion is very strict when it comes to the rights of non-Muslim brothers and sisters,” the release quoted him as saying.

Representatives of the Guyana Islamic Trust iterated similar sentiments, but member of the GIT’s Administrative Council, Mr. Wazir Baksh said that the organisation is also looking forward to working with the Minister to establish a core group of representatives that will represent all the Muslims across Guyana from various organisations and Mosques. Meanwhile, Executive Member of ACDA, Mr. Eric Phillips highlighted the need to focus on the economic rights of various peoples with regard to encouraging cohesion. He also suggested to the Minister that key individuals within various groups must be identified and engaged to help to influence smaller factions of society. Pandit Ravi Persaud, representative of the Viraat Sabha

Organisation, told the Minister that it is important to look at the unity among the Hindu community, which will then auger well for social cohesion as a whole. Members of the Guyana Rastafarian Association said that their community could also help to spread the word of social cohesion through their use of music and art and expressed their willingness to work with the Minister in this and other areas in order to help promote national unity. Following the meeting, Minister Norton said that he is impressed by the readiness of the organisations to work with the Ministry to foster a strong relationship going forward and added that he looks forward to charting a fruitful course of action within the Ministry.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton and Technical Officer within his Ministry, Mrs. Pamela Nauth (left) pose with members of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana, Treasurer, Mr. Raza Ally (centre), Director of Education, Mr Shaikh Moeen-ul-Hakh and President (Ag) Mr. Shabudeen Ahmad

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton met with members of the Guyana Rastafarian Association; from left, General Secretary, Ras Khafra, Ms. Yolanda Jackson, Mr. Lambert Joseph, president Ras Simeon and Ras David

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 18, 2017

Drainage works in Ruimveldt, other flood to commence soon

THE newly established Georgetown Drainage Authority is set to commence critical drainage works in the Ruimveldt and other flood prone communities. Head of the National Task Force and leader of the Georgetown Drainage Authority, Lennox Lee told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that the team which was established last Friday will commence priority works in several critical areas shortly. “We will be looking at one of the major drainage

channels for instance the Downer and Cummings Canals, La Penitence, Ruimveldt, Agricola, Lamaha Street, Kitty, Agricola, Rome and the sluice gates at Meadow Bank,” Lee explained. He added that a design is currently being considered for major overhaul works in the Kitty area since the pumps were recently damaged. Lee further explained that the Ruimveldt areas are more easily flooded because of the squatting. He pointed out that the drainage works cannot be carried out be-

cause there are many houses on the government reserve preventing the works. This has resulted in these areas being prioritised. Additionally, Lee pointed to the need for maintenance of the drainage systems. The Head of National Task Force is confident that his team will ensure that there is routine maintenance. “These works we expect will be done but will be maintained, one of the main problems we have in Georgetown is maintenance, things are done but not maintained. And that is one of the things we are

going to be pushing for; the maintenance of anything that is done.” Lee noted that all 13 outfall channels in Georgetown will be cleared, de-silted and de-weeded. The team is awaiting small excavators to commence works in other areas. According to the Head of National Task Force, culverts will be placed where there are none and small inefficient ones will be replaced with new ones. There will be culverts in Sophia, Bel Air, North and South Ruimveldt, Newtown Kitty and the along the railway

embankment “almost immediately”, Lee explained. Following the initiation meeting on Friday, five terms of reference were implemented. These include, “to identify the critical need for drainage in the city, make recommendations for long and short term maintenance of sluices, pumps and outfall channels within the city, determine the priority drainage works within the city and schedule site visits to monitor and evaluate ongoing drainage and related works, assess the need for remedial works and drain-

age and finally to formulate a national policy for drainage within the city.” The team will be guided by these terms of reference Lee said. The team which was mandated by Ministers of Communities and Public Infrastructure, Ronald Bulkan and David Patterson, respectively, is comprised of members from the Mayor and City Council, Ministries of Communities and Public Infrastructure and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 18, 2017

GCAA not equip to track illegal planes THE Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is tasked with ensuring the safety and management of Guyana’s airspace and has come under scrutiny following the illegal landing of a suspected drug plane in the south of the country. A Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the landing of the plane and the operation that allowed it to stay hidden from authorities more than a week after its arrival was set up and carried out by retired Brigadier Edward Collins. Several breaches of the Authority’s rules and reg-

ulations were committed information on the Col stated. Head of the agency, Captain Egbert Field said those breaches included but were not limited to the aircraft illegally flying in Guyana’s airspace without registration. Field said the plane was not registered in any of the International Civil Aviation Organization countries. As it relates to Guyana, the Authority’s rules says, “An aircraft shall not fly in or over Guyana unless it is registered in a Contracting State; or some other country which has an agreement with Guyana which makes provision for aircraft to fly in or over Guyana.” The aircraft displayed a false registration number against the order of the GCAA. “An aircraft shall not bear any marks which purports to indicate that the aircraft is registered in a country in which it is not in fact registered.” “Every aircraft before commencing a flight must file a flight plan with the relevant authority which was not in this situation.” Given some of these breaches, Field noted that the flight therefore was illegal in the jurisdiction. The GCAA Head also pointed out, that the current and more modern tracking system recently adopted by the industry, the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) is for “monitoring and man-

agement of legal air traffic in our airspace.” Field told the newspaper that if flights do not check in with the country’s relevant aviation arms there is no way to know that a plane would have entered the airspace. It was explained that ADS-B requires cooperation between both ends of the communication chain since the pilot would have to activate his system, make the connection with the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) who thus provide guidance as the pilot uses the airspace. Prior to the ADS-B system which is still not widely utilised across the sector, operators depended heavily on radio communication. Several breaches outside of the aviation scope noted by the COI such as local collusion with the aircraft operators were highlighted. It suggested therefore, major upgrade of the Guyana Defence Force’s actions in the region such as deployment, surveillance and networking. An upgrade in transport and other equipment was also suggested. It was recommended that the GCAA provide an aircraft recognition handbook of Guyana’s aircraft in flight and landed, along with registered and authorized airstrips in Region Nine. It should be made available to the GDF, village councils and police force, the report recommended.

Police awaiting DPP advice on Moruca miner’s death THE police are awaiting the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) before they proceed to

Dead: Robert Ferreira charge a man, who allegedly stabbed to death a miner of Moruca Village, North West District (NWD) on Sunday.

Reports indicate that Robert Ferreira, 30 called “Bobby” was killed as a result of an argument with another miner. The suspect is accused of breaking a bottle which he used to stab Ferreira to his upper right leg. The injured man was subsequently picked up and rushed to a nearby hospital, but it was too late. Ferreira leaves to mourn his parents, and almost a dozen siblings. It’s the second incident of its kind in recent times in the area. During the early hours of Boxing Day in December 2016, Remington Dindyal was stabbed following an altercation with another man. He recovered from his injuries soon after.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 18, 2017

Cops to clampdown on bikes without lights

UNLIGHTED pedal cyclists and stray animals are responsible for many of the serious traffic accidents in Berbice, officer in-charge of traffic in ‘B’ Division (Berbice) Superintendent Boodnarine Persaud said. “We will be going for zero tolerance against the unlighted cycles. Persons will be ticketed if precautions are not taken, the fine is $5,000, and when that is paid the cycle will not be released until lights and reflectors are purchased and placed on the cycle…I would also like to see unbranded animals seen on the roadways be confiscated as many animals are not branded and when accidents occurs, there is no signs of the owners,” he said. Although drunk drivers and speeding contribute to the most of the fatal accidents in Berbice, Persaud said diligent works by traffic ranks resulted in a decrease in fatal accidents for 2016. In making a comparison, the Superintendent said in 2015 there were 22 fatal accidents resulting in 30 deaths while in 2016 there were 15 accidents and 16 deaths. Of the 16 deaths in 2016 six

were pedestrians, three were motorcyclist and the remainders were pedal cyclist. He said 10 of these fatal accidents occurred during the day and five in the night, while eight of the fatal accidents occurred on the weekends. In 2016 eleven of the persons killed were between the ages of 7-35 years of age which represent a young population. The driver involved in these accidents range from 16 -40. In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Persaud said last year 8,078 persons were charged for speeding within the division and 796 for driving under of the influence of alcohol. Lamenting that the fines for DUI’s is too low Persaud opined that it should be increased to $50,000 and over for driver who continue to flout the law. “Drivers under the influence of alcohol should use a taxi to get home instead of driving, which can result in a fatal accident. Many people who are drunk feel to themselves they can drive safely to return home, but based on what we see on the roadways this is not the reality, many

More jail time for convicted murderer CONVICTED MURDERER, Calvin Bailey, was sentenced to an additional two years imprisonment for stabbing another inmate at the Camp Street Prison in 2016. Bailey is currently serving 15 years behind

Calvin Bailey bars for the murder of his son. He was found guilty by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for unlawfully and maliciously wounding Dwayne King, a fellow inmate on November 6, 2016, at the Georgetown Prison on Camp Street. The matter was led by Police Inspector Neville

Jeffers, who called several police witnesses during the trial, while Bailey called two witnesses for his defence, including Chief Prison Officer Romulus and a nurse who was stationed at the prison at the time of the incident. In her ruling, the Chief Magistrate said that the court is satisfied with the evidence presented by the prosecution and found Bailey guilty of the offence. The additional two years will be a separate sentence to the 15 years Bailey is already serving. The victim, Dwayne King, was stabbed twice with an improvised weapon during an altercation with Bailey in a section of the prison known as the “new wing division.” Bailey was charged in April, 2007, for murdering his 18-month-old son, Shaquan Nero, during an altercation with the child’s mother, Bernadette Nero. He was freed in March 2016 following three hung juries. However, his case was retried and he pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

… seen as a main cause of serious accidents in Berbice

never return home,” Persaud said. He said in 2016 there were 90 serious accidents, 89 minor and 103 damage accidents while in 2015 there were 69 serious, 104 minor and 129 damage accidents Meanwhile, the Traffic Superintendent said persons choosing to use private hire cars must be aware that if there is an accident they will not be covered by any insurance. “We cannot drop our guard and we will intensify our effort in protecting citi-

zens,” he said. Focusing on the positives adopted by Traffic ranks in Berbice, Persaud said a special televised programme titled “Road safety and you” gives citizens the opportunity to voice their concerns, which are eventually addressed. He said in 2016 thousands of flyers on DUI’s were shared out to drivers while several driver seminars were held. Persaud said during road safety month over 90% of school in Ber-

bice had lectures and there were four road safety rallies. He explained that in order to keep road fatalities on a low traffic ranks patrol the Upper Corentyne, Central Corentyne, New Amsterdam and Canje, Berbice. “All these measure resulted in a safer roadway since we are aiming for less accidents and deaths on the roadways,” Persaud said. The educational programmes will continue for 2017.

Superintendent Boodnarine Persaud

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 18, 2017

Police hunt serial bandit in Upper Corentyne … suspect attacked pregnant woman with cutlass

POLICE in ‘B’ Division are on the hunt for a lone bandit, who is creating havoc in the Upper Corentyne area following several reports of robbery and attempted break and enter within the Number 44-47 villages on

Kerpaul Dammar fired three warning shots to scare the suspected bandit Saturday last. The first report is that of 27-year-old Melisa Narine of Lot 13 Number 45 village, was awaken by a cutlass wielding bandit wearing her clothes. According to Narine, who is seven months pregnant, the bandit flashed a torchlight in her face before placing the cutlass to her neck and demanding cash. “Around 11’ o clock me feel like something bright over me eyes and when me open am, me see wan man a wear me pregnancy dress and towel on he head, stand up ova me and pull out wan cutlass and put am on me neck. He ask me ‘weh de money deh’ and me tell am me nah get money.” Fearing that he would hurt her and her unborn child, she decided to fight him off by pushing him away as she attempted to get off the bed. He reportedly ran after realizing Narine was resisting him and escaped with her bicycle. Upon venturing downstairs, Narine realised the bandit had spent some time in the house before waking her up, since he already emptied her bag, which contained money and jewellery. The pregnant woman estimates her loss to be approximately $100,000. Meanwhile, in the neighbouring village at approximately 11:20h, Kerpaul Dammar, the owner of a trucking

service, was alerted by his wife that a bicycle was parked in front of their gate. Fearing that someone was trying to steal parts from his trucks, he decided to arm himself with his licensed firearm and wait to see if anyone would show up. At around 12:45h, Dammar said he saw someone wrapped in dark clothing jump the fence and he decided to fire a warning shot to scare him off; however the suspect remained hidden next to the truck, so he decided to fire two other warning shots in the air. The person then quickly escaped on a bicycle. Dammar said he and his son attempted to trace the suspect but only managed to retrieve the shirt that was wrapped around the head and face of the person. When Dammar returned home, he realized that the lower flat of his two story home was broken into and ransacked. “When we come back home we see the downstairs open and tumble up. He mix tea and drink it wid biscuit and eat out all the apple and grapes from the fridge. He carry way two bottle pepper sauce we had in the cupboard and $4000, plus he carry way me grandson book bag wid he books,” Dammar said. The bandit also managed to gain access to a bus, which was parked in the yard and stole some candy which was inside. Additionally, 77-year-old Somawattie Partab also of #46 Village said she was awaken by her 69-year-old husband around 12:30h, who told her about noises downstairs. Upon venturing down the stairs and into the kitchen, Partab saw a man pushing his hands through a window he had broken, in an attempt to open it. “He wrap up he hand wid wan towel fu nah get cut and abee halla and me call the police and he pull out he hand quickly but the towel lef on the window,” the woman said. Partab said in her 60 years of living at the said residence, this is the first attempted burglary; she is now fearful that the person may return. The residents are calling on the police to increase their presence in the area and to do everything possible to catch the serial bandit.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 18, 2017

Media to get training on reporting on TIP …as gov’t rolls out packed programme for 2017

IN an effort to combat Trafficking In Persons (TIP) here, Government, through its Ministerial Task Force will be partnering with several organisations in its training and awareness campaigns in 2017. Training had already started in 2016 with the Ministry of Social Protection empowering and equipping with certificates some 38 staff of several organisations, including relevant government ministries, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defense Force (GDF). Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes had also organised a seminar to train several GGMC officers in identifying and dealing with TIP cases in the mining districts in 2016. Acting Coordinator of the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons (TIP), Oliver Profitt told the Guyana Chronicle in an interview that several other agencies are to receive training in identifying and correct handling of TIP matters. The justice sector will benefit from such programmes, and the media will also be trained in identifying and reporting TIP issues. A special programme will be designed to get students more involved in the fight against TIP, while they will be enlightened too on how to identify and resist suspicious offers, he said. Profitt told the Guyana Chronicle that government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) had collaborated and started a programme in schools to address TIP issues. Now, the Task Force is getting students more involved through participation in public campaigns. “We want to look at some schools… (we want to have) more interaction and give students (the) opportunity for more interaction,” he said through brochure, poster and other commercial designing opportunities. The Ministerial Task Force on TIP includes staff of the Ministry of Public Security (which is the head of the Task Force), Ministry of Social Protection (TIP Unit and Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA)), and fifteen other agencies including the GGMC, GPF, Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO), Help and Shelter, Food for the Poor and other non-governmental and govern-

mental organisations. Just recently Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally said every citizen should join the fight to end the scourge of human trafficking, a horrific social problem which “strips all victims of their rights: the right to make their own decisions; the right not to be violated in any form; the right to trade their labour freely; the right to wages when they work; and the right to communicate freely with whom they choose among a long list of others.” She said that when those rights are forcibly snatched away or are extended illegally, beyond their limits, it becomes a crime. “Trafficking is also a debasement of our common humanity and it ought to concern every nation, every community, because it strips down our social fabric. These human trafficking perpetrators commit merciless and criminal acts on persons from dysfunctional families and others extremely anxious to improve their lives and therefore make life-changing decisions on the basis of false promises made to them,” she said. She said government is committed this year to uphold the United Nations TIP theme for 2017 and bring restoration to the representation of the rights of all. “Victims of this sort of crime are stripped of their right but I can assure you that we will work to put the right back into the rights guaranteed to all our citizens. As a modern civilized nation we must reject such inhuman injustice and cruelty. Our government is dedicated to eradicating the scourge of human trafficking from our society and will pursue all perpetrators wherever they operate,” Minister Ally said. She said while government is working assiduously in ensuring perpetrators face the law, all Guyanese must be aware of human trafficking signs and report suspected cases. “Some of these signs include limited social interaction; lack of access to education; lack of access to their parents or guardians; being prevented from communicating with people especially if the ‘boss’ is around. As we become increasingly aware of the illegal practice let us not forget that we all have the right to report even our slightest suspicion of this crime in our communities,” Minister Ally said.

Hide your tattoos

By Shauna Jemmott

THE joint services have taken a decision to rigidly enforce policies governing its personnel and have turned away several new recruits sporting visible tattoos, while giving ranks with the body art a few months to get them removed. While a young man took to the media with his plight of being turned away from accomplishing his military dream because of having the clearly visible skin designs, many are left to wonder, “Should legal policies governing an organisation be adjusted to accommodate a common trend?” Dictionary definition of a tattoo is that it “is a form of body modification, made by inserting ink, either indelible or temporary, into the dermis lay-

er of the skin to change the pigment.”

ALL MUST UPHOLD POLICY Tattooing has become a popular style, and many younger people go wild, branding their skin with a design without understanding the consequences. The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Public Relations Personnel, Major Delbert George said Tuesday there are policies outlining the operations of the army and all of its officers, including new recruits, must uphold the standards of the military. He said the regulation speaks to tattoos that are visible in any form of military attire, including PC shorts and military training T-shirts. Article 4066 within the GDF Personnel Policy which was seen by the Guyana Chroni-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 18, 2017

… joint services get tough on tattooed ranks

cle, clearly states that “Ranks shall not acquire tattoos that are visible while wearing military uniform or any kit while engaged in organised sports, except swimming, or tattoos that could be deemed to be offensive (for example, being pornographic, blasphemous, racist or political) or otherwise bring discredit to the Guyana Defence Force.” The policy is not against officers wearing tattoos in places that will result in them being displayed while in military attire, including military uniform and military T-shirts and shorts during physical exercise. Army hopefuls sporting tattoos on the chest and ‘number plates’ may be allowed if the individual otherwise qualifies to become a

The top brass of the security services possibly soon be an army the process of removing the GDF Officer. With the rigid training and of men senior in age. Many body art is quite expensive. practices within the military youths tattoo for style beA source from the Guywhich involves body contact, fore even considering a ca- ana Fire Service also told the military policies Article reer and have the skin art in the Guyana Chronicle that 4067 also states “Tattooing is places which can be visible recently the force enforced discouraged as it can lead to even in uniforms. the policy of refusing to acdamage of the blood vessels cept persons with visible MAY 2 DEADLINE and even HIV infection. It tattoos and has asked all staff Meanwhile, Police Pub- with such to remove them by has also been observed that tattoos have a negative impact lic Relations Officer, Jairam May 2. on employment opportunities Ramlakan said individuals One member of the joint have been turned away by services told the Guyana in the civilian sector.” One concerned citizen the Guyana Police Force Chronicle she was given a took to social media and crit- because the same policy May 2 deadline to remove icised the move of the GDF which the army applies is the tattoos. She said she conto turn away new recruits used by the Guyana Police sulted a local hospital and who sport tattoos, calling the Force (GPF) and all other was told that she must first army’s policy an “archaic members of the joint ser- pay $4000 consultation fee regulation.” The comment vices. “As long as you have to arrange for the tattoos to stated that in enforcing this visible tattoos on any part be removed. She said fees policy, the GDF is preventing of your body, you wouldn’t to remove the tattoos vary young people ready to serve be enlisted…a lot of young per session and it takes over the country from doing so, at people qualify but they have five sessions to remove them. a time when Guyana’s sover- the tattoos,” Ramlakan told $5000 is charged for the rethe Guyana Chronicle on moval of a small tattoo, $10, eignty is under threat. The commenter suggest- Tuesday. 000 to remove a medium size He said while the GPF and $15,000 for the removal ed that traditions be broken from the law which was would also inform the young of a large tattoo. written since in the 1950s recruits that they should reSeveral members of the since, with such rule be- move the tattoos and return to joint services have tattoos ing upheld, the GDF could complete test, it is aware that visible on their bodies.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 18, 2017

Guyana, British Columbia Parliaments sign pact to foster cooperation THE National Assembly of the Parliament of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia, in Canada on Tuesday signed an agreement to foster the development of inter-parliamentary co-operation. The partnership agreement was signed between the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia, Linda Reid during a simple ceremony at the Public Buildings on Tuesday in recognition of the historical friendship between Guyana and the Commonwealth Legislatures. Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally, who is also Chief Whip of the government, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana and Suriname Pierre Giroux and Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs were among the officials present for the signing. The agreement will now pave the way for improved understanding of the functions of both institutions, particularly in the fields of leg-

islation, culture, economics, health, science and technology. But most importantly, it will reinforce greater friendship, goodwill and mutual understanding of traditions, customs, procedures and practices of each House. Noting that the agreement

resolution. Dr. Scotland said the agreement establishes a framework under which the parliamentary bodies can forge greater collaboration. Reid, while alluding to the fact that Guyana and Canada have extensive economic and security relations, expressed

James Douglas was born in Demerara in 1803, and spent his early childhood here in Guyana. At the age of 16 he signed on with what was to become part of the Hudson’s Bay Company, and was a leading trader and statesman in the Pacific Northwest,”

In observance of the 150th Anniversary of the Colony of British Columbia, identical statues of Sir James Douglas were erected in Mahaica and Fort Langley, British Columbia in 2008. “Today, it is fitting that we continue to honour our

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia, Linda Reid makes a point in the presence of Speaker of the National Assembly of Guyana, Dr. Barton Scotland, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana and Suriname, Pierre Giroux and Clerk of the National, Sherlock Isaacs was reached with some degree of speed, Dr. Scotland said that the agreement was first discussed at the level of the Management Committee of Parliament before approval was sought from the National Assembly via a

the hope that the twinning arrangement can strengthen Guyana’s ties with the Province of British Columbia. “There are long historical connections between Guyana and British Columbia. More than two centuries ago, Sir

Reid pointed out. She further noted that Sir Douglas went on to become the first Governor of the Colony of British Columbia, and was one of the most influential people in the founding of British Columbia.

shared history by establishing a new partnership between our Parliaments. Guyana and British Columbia already enjoy many opportunities to exchange information about the work of our Parliaments as we meet at conferences

and seminars and exchange visits,” Reid said. Under this new agreement, the National Assembly and the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columba will actively work towards developing the professional relationships between the two Assemblies. According to the signed agreement, the partnership now comprises two sections – Guyana and British Columbia – with the Speakers, Deputy Speakers and other presiding officers of the respective Legislatures, and the Clerks or their designates as Members of the partnership. Additionally, according to the agreement, the Speakers from both Assemblies will be the Presidents of their respective sections and will chair the meetings. Periodically, members of the partnership are expected to meet on dates agreed by both Speakers. The costs of such meetings would be shared to the extent that each jurisdiction has the resources to do so. Where this is not possible, each Group will seek funding from a donor agency.

FDD gets tough with importers ––Moves to enforce labelling laws

IMPORTERS of food, drugs, cosmetics and medical devices can see their goods being refused entry into Guyana if they are not properly labelled. On Tuesday, the Government Analyst – Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) issued a stern warning to importers, stating that the exact name and complete address of manufacturer and the country of origin must be stated in English on all labels. Director of the Food and Drug Department, Marlon Cole has said that the requirements are in keeping with the Food and Drug Act Chapter 34:04, and the Food and Drug Regulations Part (II) Regulation 18. “The Department has been consistently encountering imported items where the name and address of the manufacturer are not stated, and in some cases the country of origin is unknown,” Cole said Tuesday in a statement. “There are also some

cases where only a website and or a third party retailer is stated on labels,” he added. He further said that the Department would be enforcing the legislation, and will be refusing entry to items which are inadequately labelled. As such, consumers are being advised to purchase

has: “A Brand Name, a Common Name, the Net Contents, List of Ingredients where necessary, Storage Instructions, Expiry Date, the Address of Manufacturer and the Country of Origin.” Another stipulation, Cole said, is that all information must be in English.

An example of a label with inadequate MFG information that will be refused entry into Guyana items of food, drugs and cosmetics and medical devices that are adequately labelled according to the Food and Drug Regulation, in that it

The Guyana Chronicle understands that importers whose products have not reached the requirements under the law have request-

ed that their products be re-exported.

STERN ACTION In recent times, the FDD has been taking stern action against importers who have failed to adhere to the Food and Drug Act and the Food and Drug Regulation. Just last week, a 20-foot container of Awal Junior Milk from the Kingdom of Bahrain was refused entry into Guyana after the product was found to be contaminated with vegetable oil, and had only 1.5 per cent milk fat. The Food and Drug Regulations for dairy products mandate that ‘flavoured milk’ must contain 2.5 per cent of milk fat. Last November, the Court had ruled in favour of the FDD in a matter placed before it by local businessman, Rafik Ahmad, who was prevented from importing a container of sweetened condensed milk into Guyana. Cole had refused entry to Ahmad’s container after it was established that the latter was attempting to import

Director of the Food and Drug Department, Marlan Cole Moi sweetened condensed milk, a product made from vegetable fat-based milk, and not a dairy product as is required by Part IV, Division 5 (Dairy Products) (13) of the Food and Drug Regulations of 1977. Acting Chief Justice, Yonette Cummings-Edwards had ruled that the decision by the Food and Drug De-

partment was lawful, and done in accordance with the Food and Drugs Act, Chapter 34:04 and the Food and Drugs Regulations 1977, in conjunction with Section 43 Schedule 11 of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:04. Currently, the Department is investigating several importers who may be in breach of the law.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 18, 2017

Help on the way for Moblissa –– Regions 10 & 4 to join forces to bring community relief

By Vanessa Braithwaite RESIDENTS of the small community of Moblissa, on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, have been promised help by the regional authorities of both Regions 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica),through a collaborative approach. The community was paid a visit recently by Region 10 Chairman, Mr Renis Morian and several Councillors, and Regional Vice Chairman of Region Four, Mr. Earl Lambast, and together they took the opportunity to hear what the residents had to say about issues relating to the school, health post, security and land occupation. This joint visit by the regional authorities came about because though Moblissa straddles the border separating the two regions, it has not been categorically ascertained whether it is in Region 10 or 4. So, while the demarcation issue is being sorted out, the two regions have decided to collaborate by lending needed assistance, since the community had been shortchanged in the past. Denise Cornelius, a distraught resident, had related to the Guyana Chronicle prior to the visit that the situation is frustrating. “When we come to Region 10 for help, they would tell we that yuh know, we can’t get help here; we have to go

to Region 4,” she said. NOT LISTED Regional Chairman Morian had revealed that in the past residents had approached the Region 10 RDC for assistance, but the

school built, and to make representation for the children to be assisted with transportation, as where the school is currently being held is some seven miles off the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. It was also brought to the

complain about the daily struggle children are having with getting to school. “ We h a v e 1 4 H i g h School children coming out of Moblissa to go to school every day; it is seven miles in from the Highway, and

The fence-less and security-less Moblissa Health Centre administration was unable to help them since the community is not listed as one of Region 10’s. The residents were, however, given a glimmer of hope last Wednesday when promises were made to have these issues addressed at the earliest opportunity. Ranking as very important is the provision of a primary school, since classes are presently being held in a church. Mr. Lambast of Region Four, has promised to have a

we don’t have any transportation running in Moblissa. We have to pay $2500 to get out and $2500 to get in,” one concerned Moblissa parent said, adding: “Because of the transportation problem, we have a lot of drop-outs. Yuh know de youths dem; when they reach a certain age, they don’t want to walk anymore! We have a lot of teenage pregnancy, and all these things!” The lone health post in the community is short of staff and without electricity; the compound is not fenced, and there is no security to protect the few female staffers. With the absence of electricity, the clinic is unable to store many drugs that should be stored at freezing temperature, and therefore the residents have to travel all the way to Long Creek or Linden, if the need arises. The visiting authorities have promised to look into

those matters, too, so that Moblissa residents can receive better health services. Pleas were also made for better roads, and the reconstruction of a new access bridge, given the deplorable state the present one is in. Residents said that since 1997, the former administration visited the community and expressed interest in refurbishing the dilapidated bridge and even brought two plastic tanks to be used as culverts, but this was never done. “It was never the intention to build the bridge; they didn’t want to do anything, so we are asking this administration to build the bridge for us,” one resident said. To this day, the tanks are where they were left all those years ago, and residents are calling on this administration to commence repairs on the bridge.

attention of the authorities that children living in other villages also have the same problem, as they often reach to school late. One of the five teachers present, all of whom reside in Linden, suggested that the school bus can bring in the primary children, and take out the secondary ones who are attending school in Linden. A DAILY STRUGGLE Parents continue to

Moblissa Primary School teachers with Regional Officials after their meeting

Babita Sarjou murder PI

Cell phone records, video footage, PM report tendered as evidence THE Post Mortem (PM) report of Babita Sarjou, her cell phone records from the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), along with video footage of investigators digging up her skeleton remains, was tendered into evidence Tuesday as the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into her murder continues at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court. Sarjou’s ex-husband, Sharnandand Narine, called ‘Anand’ of Lot 51 Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown and Darel Ponton called ‘Yankee’ of Lot 54 Broad Street, Charlestown are on remand for the woman’s murder. Police Detective, Corporal Laundry tendered the call records from Sarjou’s phone which was given to him by the carrier, GTT. He also

Sharadananda Narine, called ‘Anand’ tendered the post mortem report which was compiled by Government Pathologist Dr. Nehal Singh. Meanwhile Lance Corporal Orralan Alleyne, Crime Scene Technician attached to the Police Serious Crime Unit, testified and tendered video footage he took while Sarjou’s remains were being

Dead: Babita Sarjou dug up by police in the yard of her ex-husband. It is alleged that on November 4, 2010, Sarjou left her Timehri, East Bank Demerara home, informing her mother that she was going to meet her husband and son at the Kitty Seawall to view the annual Diwali Motorcade. When she did not return home that night, her mother

Alleged murder accomplice, Darrel Ponton, called ‘Yankee’ became worried and filed a missing person’s report. After many months of searching and treating the case as a missing person, the case was closed. However in 2016, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum reopened the case, treating it as a homicide, since new information had

The remains of Babita Sarjou which were found in a shallow grave in her Ex-husband’s backyard. surfaced. Following new investigations into the matter, Sarjou’s estranged husband was questioned, and he subsequently led the investigating team to the shallow grave of Babita Sarjou, which

had been dug in his own backyard. Investigations have also revealed that Narine had paid Ponton GY$50,000 and had promised him a trip to Trinidad if he killed Sarjou.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 18, 2017

Malicious desertion

–– Legal Aid assists with over 1,100 divorces in 2016

FOR 2016, statistics from the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic (GLAC) revealed that 1,101 persons were interviewed for divorce cases; 797 sought advice and representation while 253 were given advice. In the majority, officials from the court, in almost all of the cases filed the main reason given was malicious

desertion. For decades, lawyers have struggled to convince judges, using the Matrimonial Causes Act (Divorce Law) that was first enacted on December 30, 1916, that there was reasonable ground for a married couple to be granted a divorce. However, the law was amended in 1953 and again in 2009. Guyana’s divorce laws

are based on the “fault” principle, and to obtain a divorce one party had to prove to the satisfaction of the High Court, one or a combination of a number of factors which included cruelty, adultery, or malicious desertion. Court officials are reporting a significant backlog, not only in criminal matters, but also with divorce cases as

well. The Family Court is expected to now deal with matters such as divorce, division of property, domestic matters, adoption, guardianship and custody. Eight years after plans were finalised, the long-awaited family court is now up and running and so dozens of matters have been heard by the two judges

assigned. The family court which is located in the High Court compound, heard its first case in June, 2016. The launch of the court is a welcomed development to many as it now means that family law cases, like

divorce and child custody, can be concluded more sp eedily and that the High Court will be less burdened. The two judges hearing matters at present are Justice Dawn Gregory and Justice Sandra Kertzious.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 18, 2017

3 years jail, $4.1M fine for cocaine mule By Clestine Juan HASLYN O’Neal Thom, 46, was sentenced to three years jail and fined $4.1M after admitting to trafficking over three pounds of cocaine in his suitcase. The construction worker appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on

Tuesday at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, where it was revealed that on January 14, 2017 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), he had 1.54 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor, Kunyo Sandiford told the court that on January 14 about 13:58h, Thom was an outgoing passenger on a Dynamic Airlines flight, destined for New York. Thom went to the airport check-in counter and tagged his suitcase and proceeded to the scanner, where he placed his carry-on suitcase. A CANU officer stationed at the airport noticed two suspicious objects immediately on the screen and then approached Thom. The officer asked Thom if the contents inside the suitcase were his and whether he packed it himself. He responded in the affirmative and was taken into a search booth at the airport, along with the suitcase. The suitcase was emptied in Thom’s presence and a small incision was made into the walls of the luggage

Haslyn O’Neal Thom when a whitish substance was observed. A field test was done on the substance which disclosed that it was cocaine. Two packets of cocaine were pulled out from walls of the suitcase. The man was taken to CANU headquarters where he confessed to an officer that he bought the drug for $US4,000. Thom was represented by attorney George Thomas and told the court that he has a medical condition which requires surgery. Additionally, the Attorney begged the Magistrate to impose a lenient sentence on his client since Thom didn’t waste the court’s time.

Wednesday January 18th, 2017 - 09:30 hrs Thursday January 19th, 2017 - 10:30 hrs Friday January 20th, 2017 - 11:30 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 18, 2017

South Ruimveldt man guilty of ‘ganja’ possession

LOUIS Byas, 41, was sentenced to three years in jail and fined $157,000 on Tuesday by City Magistrate Leron Daly after he was found guilty of having 105 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. Byas has been on the remand for the past two months and his trial commenced Tuesday after which he was found guilty by the Magistrate. He was caught with the illegal substance on November 26, 2016, at his South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, home. Police Prosecutor, Inspector Bharat Mangru called a total of three witnesses to

testify; he also tendered as evidence a pair of scissors, two scales and a quantity of zip-loc bags. The court heard that on the day in question, officers busted Byas while he was in his lower flat cutting up plastic to make into Ziploc bags. The cannabis was found in a plate on a table next to the defendant. The man reportedly told the cops, “Officers I does smoke weed that is meh hobby… I ain’t getting no job so I buy the weed to sell.” However, when Byas was called to lead his defence, he denied being at home when the narcotics was found. He told the court that he was on the road “smoking a joint.”

Man accused of raping young girls A FORTY – ONE - year old man remains in police custody after a medical report revealed that two of his close relatives, ages 12 and 13, were sexually molested. The suspect, who works in New Amsterdam, is alleged to have violated the girls during multiple instances at his home. This newspaper was told that the sexual acts commenced during October 2015 and continued until December 2016. The ordeal was reported on January 16, 2017, to police ranks at Central Police Station by the mother. This newspaper was reliably informed that the suspect has a terminal illness and was once charged with an offence of a similar nature.

… 3 years jail, fined $157,000

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 18, 2017

Port Kaituma man charged with stabbing step-brother … over $5,000 bill

A 37-year-old man was remanded to prison on Tuesday by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for allegedly wounding his step-brother over a $5,000 electrical bill. Warner Welcome, a Port Kaituma shopkeeper, is charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Steven Benn with intent to main, disfigure or cause grievous bodily harm, on January 15, 2017 at Port Kaituma Water Front. The unrepresented man pleaded not guilty to the charge. According to the police allegations, the two are step brothers and on the day in question, Benn approached Welcome about the payment of the Guyana Power & Light bill, which amounted to $5,000. According to the allegations, Welcome, who was under the influence of alcohol at the time, broke a glass mug and stabbed his step brother to his neck. The man was rushed to the hospital. Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones objected to bail on the grounds that the victim is still in a critical condition at the hospital. Bail was denied and Welcome was remanded until February 7, 2017. The matter was transferred to the Matthew’s Ridge Magistrate’s Court.

Farmer remanded on gun, ammo charge CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Tuesday remanded a 45-year-old man, who was recently busted with a shot gun in the South Rupununi region. Orvin Roberts pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on January 14, 2017 at Aishalton Village, South Rupununi, he had a 16 gauge single barrel shotgun in his possession when he is not the holder of a firearm licence. He also denied that on the same day and location he had a 12 gauge cartilage in his possession. The unrepresented man was remanded until March 7, 2017, and his matter was transferred to the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 18, 2017

Seven sports to challenge cut from UK’s Olympic funding (REUTERS) - Seven sports, including badminton, are looking to chal-

lenge UK Sport’s decision to stop funding their programmes for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Despite Chris Langridge and Marcus Ellis winning the men’s doubles bronze in last year’s Olympics, badminton had its funding cut and is among five sports which were funded for Rio 2016 and are ready to challenge the decision. “We’ve got a really strong case. Our understanding is that UK Sport doubt our Olympic medal credentials,” Badminton England chief executive Adrian Christy told BBC Sport. “However, we have players who have not only won Olympic medals but also won world tour titles

and super-series titles and these are the biggest events in our sport and we are regularly beating the best in the world.” The five sports are joined by goalball and table tennis -- not supported in 2016 -- as the administrators believe these sports contain a few medal prospects for the 2020 games, according

to British media. Apart from badminton, goalball, table tennis, archery, fencing and weightlifting all had until yesterday to bid for a reprieve. Great Britain finished second in the medal table at the Rio Olympics, as they picked up 67 medals, including 27 gold medals.

Fierce double-header to restart STAG ... From back page

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Kenilworth 08:10 hrs Aviatrix 08:55 hrs Juddering Angel 09:35 hrs Shall Be Free 10:10 hrs Not On My watch ENGLISH RACING TIPS Lingfield 08:50 hrs Strong Challenge 09:25 hrs Mitigate 10:00 hrs Darebin 10:30 hrs Major Ben 11:05 hrs Ascot Day 11:35 hrs Poetic Force 12:05 hrs Arcanista MARKET RASEN 09:00 hrs Monbeg Oscar 09:35 hrs Wicked Willy 10:10 hrs What A Diva 10:40 hrs King’s Odyssey 11:15 hrs Attimo 11:45 hrs Vancouver NEWBURY 09:15 hrs Final Choice 09:50 hrs Hidden Cargo 10:20 hrs Max Ward 10:55 hrs Bob Tucker 11:25 hrs Theatre Territory 11:55 hrs Bang On Frankie AMERICAN RACING TIPS Gulfstream Park Race 1 Wild Good Race 2 Summer Whites Race 3 Golden Treasury Race 4 Infractable Race 5 Make Me Race 6 Refer Race 7 South Race 8 Fight Thru

Samuels, Dexter Allen, Julian Success, Garfield Millington, Shakeel Grant, Ron Lyken, Omari Bentham, Jovano Dos Santos, Keon Williams, Dwayne Alleyne, Graham Thomas, Joshua Wilson, Ray Reddock, Sion Bacchus and Steffon Boucher to bring another win their way as well as a quarter-final berth. Grove Hi Tech are hoping to, apart from home advantage, bank on the experience and collective on-field skills of Teshawn Blackman, Dexter Archer, Seon Thompson, Orson Francois, Sherman Doris, Trevor Jones, Clive Matthews, Kevin Padmore, Akel Forde, Delroy Dodson, Moses Fraser, Shane Singh, Antony Stanton, Nicholai Matthews, Denzil Crawford, Joel Dick, Mervin Squires, Devon Joseph, Akeem James, Alwyn Haynes, Jermaine Benjamin and Ronaldo Romalho to take them one step closer to the top prize and a possible third title. Tonight’s opening clash will be just as intriguing with East Demerara’s Ann’s Grove locking horns with the West Side’s Den Amstel. Like Grove Hi Tech, this will be Ann’s Grove’s first match of the championship and they will be hopeful of stepping over this first hurdle as they have done successfully in the past two tournaments. Winning this match will be important to the East Coast unit as they have succumbed in the past two finals to Grove Hi Tech and would want to set that right this time around, but would first have to get past a tough Den Amstel who downed Kuru Kururu Warriors 4-2 in their playoff match. Gavin Graham and Kevaughn Ward, who netted a double each for Den Amstel in their win over the Warriors, would be aiming to transfer that form into tonight’s match to produce another win for their team. They will have support from Maurice Charles, Kerwin Ward, Clevon Pryce, Travis Hilliman, Akimbo Henry, Joseph Payne, Wycliff Simon, Derron Wilson, Alista Lynch, Keon Marcus, Ryan Hunte, Prince Payne, Kevin Murray, Colin Benn, Jamal Perreira, Kerry Harvey, Welton Jordon and Anton Jackman. Ann’s Grove will be featuring Ryan Seales, Quincy Barry, Quincy Johnson, Antonia Jackson, Anil Hernandez, Steve Francis, Daniel Francis, Kevon Barry, Daniel Pellew, Andri Francis, Phillip Williams, Levon Adams, Jermaine Clarke, Mervin Hardy, Gerald Sobers, Odel Gulliver, Travis Allen, Maxton Adams, Navado Denny, Oswald Duke, Nickose Denny and Jamain Rogers as they go after win number one this year.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Djokovic, Nadal through to Australian Open second round DEFENDING champion Novak Djokovic reached the second round of the Australian Open tennis yesterday by beating Spain’s Fernando Verdasco in straight sets. The 12-time Grand Slam champion secured a 6-1, 7-6(7-4), 6-2 victory in an entertaining match in Melbourne. World number nine Rafael Nadal earlier reached the second round with a commanding display. The injury-hit Spaniard, who lost in the first round last year, beat Germany’s Florian Mayer 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. World number two Djokovic will next face Denis

his first Grand Slam title since 2014, will play Marcos Baghdatis.

Rafael Nadal won the Australian Open in 2009 but has struggled with injury in the last year.

Istomin or Ivan Dodig while Nadal, attempting to win

‘MELBOURNE FEELS LIKE HOME’ Djokovic, 29, was hardly stretched as he took the first set inside 31 minutes as Verdasco, who received warm support from the crowd, badly mistimed several shots. But Verdasco broke straightaway in the second set, putting Djokovic under pressure. He eventually forced a tie-break despite a slew of unforced errors. However, his inconsistency meant he could not capitalise on Djokovic’s errors and the Serb went on to secure his

place in the second round. “It feels like home,” said Djokovic. “It feels like coming to the place where I have an amazing number of incredible memories. “When I saw the draw I thought to myself, this is going to be the only match I could focus on.” IMPRESSIVE NADAL CRUISES THROUGH Nadal, 30, had played just four matches since September’s US Open after struggling last year with a wrist injury. He dominated Mayer from the start, taking just over two hours to secure a straight-sets victory in 39 degree heat. “I was healthy enough to practise the way I wanted to, so that’s important for me,” Nadal added. “I’ve had a longer period of time here in Australia; it was a great experience and I was able to play in Brisbane.” RAONIC AND DIMITROV MAKE SECOND ROUND Third seed Milos Raonic went through with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Germany’s Dustin Brown.

The 26-year-old Canadian, a semi-finalist last year, hit 18 aces and 46 winners, and will next face either Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller or American Taylor Fritz. Brisbane International champion Grigor Dimitrov beat Australia’s Christopher O’Connell 7-6(2), 6-3, 6-3, while France’s Richard Gasquet also advanced after a 6-4, 6-4 ,6-2 over Australian Blake Mott. HISTORY ON COURT 19 Croatia’s Ivo Karlovic and Argentine Horacio Zeballos played out a mammoth match on court 19 lasting five hours and 14 minutes. Karlovic, the 20th seed, eventually took the fifth

set 22-20 after a total of 84 games. He won 118 of the 226 points played. The match, which Karlovic won 6-7 (6-8), 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 22-20 is the longest at the Australian Open in terms of games since tie-breaks were introduced for the first four sets in the 1970s. It is the joint-second longest in terms of time, alongside Nadal’s semi-final win over Verdasco in 2009 and behind only Djokovic’s defeat of Nadal in the 2012 final. However, it falls almost six hours short of -John Isner taking 11 hours and five minutes to beat Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon in 2010 in a match decided 70-68 in the final set. (BBC Sport)

World number two Novak Djokovic has won the Australian Open six times.

Second seed Serena beats Bencic to progress to second round

SIX-time Australian Open tennis champion Serena Williams progressed to the second round yesterday with a straight-set win over Swiss teenager Belinda Bencic.

The American, 35, beat her 19-year-old opponent 6-4, 6-3 in 79 minutes in scorching conditions in Melbourne. The world number two, attempting to win a record 23rd Grand Slam singles title, said she “has nothing to lose”. “Every match I’m playing for fun. I get to travel the world and do what I do best play tennis,” she added. Williams lost the Australian Open final last year to Angelique Kerber but won Wimbledon to equal Steffi Graf’s Open era record of 22 Grand Slam singles titles. She has barely played since the US Open last September because of injury,

and lost in the second round of this month’s Auckland Classic. But she eased doubts about her form and fitness with a typically powerful performance in temperatures of about 35C. Williams will face Lucie Safarova in the second round after the 29-year-old Czech saved nine match points before beating Belgium’s Yanina Wickmayer 3-6, 7-6(9-7), 6-1. Safarova saved five match points on her own serve in the second set and another four in the tie-break. “It’s not fun,” said a stunned Wickmayer. “I think she served very well on certain points and other points I didn’t go for enough. “But it’s normal when you have match point and you want to play it a little bit safe. Then after, you realise it’s not the best option.”

BEST OF THE REST Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska, seeded third in the Open, beat Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova 6-1, 4-6, 6-1. She will now face Croatia’s Mirjana Lucic-Baroni. Fifth seed Karolina Pliskova, who beat Williams in last year’s US Open semi-finals, went through thanks to a 6-2, 6-0 victory over Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo. “Even when you’re not playing your best, somehow you have to win,” said the 24-year-old. “I know I can be dangerous deep in the tournament, quarters and semis, and when there are big players I can beat them.” Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki did not hang around as she beat Australian Arina Rodionova 6-1, 6-2 in just over an hour to set up a meeting with Croatia’s Donna Vekic. (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 18, 2017

AB de Villiers quashes retirement talk

… 2019 World Cup remains his career priority (REUTERS) - South Africa batsman AB de Villiers has ruled himself out of the team’s three-Test series in New Zealand in March, but insists he is not retiring from the longest format of the game. de Villiers has recovered from an elbow injury which kept him out of the recent home Test series wins over New Zealand and Sri Lanka, as well as the away victory in Australia in November. He has handed over the Test captaincy to Faf du Ples-

sis and admits that playing at the 2019 50-over World Cup in England and Wales remains his career priority. “I’ve made (myself) unavailable for the Tests in New Zealand,” de Villiers told reporters yesterday. “I’m not there yet. I need a bit of time just to settle things in my head. For me the goal is the 2019 World Cup – I want to lift that trophy.” But with an away Test series in England to come in July and August, as well as high-profile home series

in the next South African summer against India and Australia, de Villiers said he would make a Test return at some stage. “I’m not retiring out of any format, that’s for sure. I am not prepared to do that,” he told South Africa’s Radio 702. de Villiers, who turns 33 next month, has played 106 Tests averaging 50.46 but feels the need to manage his workload across all three formats of the game. “My main aim is to get

to that 2019 World Cup and I am going to do everything possible to get there,” he said. “It’s important to play the other formats but mentally and physically I need to be in a good space come the 2019 World Cup and that’s what I am aiming for. “I am going to have to make certain choices. It’s not easy for me. I have always been the go-ahead guy, the team man, never want to miss a game for South Africa and I still do, but the schedules these days, it’s really

AB de Villiers has ruled himself out of the New Zealand Test series. tough to play all formats.” de Villiers is scheduled to play in the third Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka in Cape Town

on January 25, and then captain the side in the fivematch One-Day International series that starts three days later.

Ireland keep Desert T20 hopes alive

Andre Ayew’s goal is a personal landmark for the midfielder.

Ghana make winning start against Uganda GHANA’S Andre Ayew surpassed his father’s record by scoring the goal that beat Uganda 1-0 in their Group D match yesterday at the Africa Cup of Nations. The West Ham winger slotted in a penalty on 32 minutes after captain Asamoah Gyan had been pulled back. Ghana also threatened through two Gyan headers, while Ayew and Christian Atsu tested Uganda goalkeeper Denis Onyango. Uganda came close when Faruku Miya hit the outside of a post but they could not force their way back into the game. It was a disappointing return for Uganda, who are playing at their first Nations Cup since 1978

when they lost in the final to then-hosts Ghana. T h e C r a n e s c re a t ed few opportunities of note and struggled against the Black Stars, who were happy to defend their lead. Ghana were far more positive in the first half, w i t h A n d r e Ay e w, h i s brother Jordan and Atsu posing a huge problem for the Uganda defence. Andre Ayew should have scored from a great cut-back by Jordan, while Atsu relentlessly tormented defender Isaac Isinde, who conceded a penalty by tugging back Gyan after losing control of the ball. The spot-kick gave Andew Ayew his seventh Nations Cup finals goal

- one more than the number scored by his father and legendary former Ghana captain, Abedi Pele. But he remains one African title behind his father, who lifted the trophy in 1982. Ghana had a good chance to add a second late on when Atsu was clean through but his 12yard drive was superbly saved by Onyango. The only downside for Avram Grant’s side was an injury to defender Baba Rahman, who was taken off with what looked like a hamstring injury after 39 minutes. Ghana will next take on Mali on Saturday while Uganda will face record seven-time champions Egypt on the same day.

IRELAND kept alive their hopes at the inaugural Desert T20 tournament as they beat Namibia by five wickets in a close contest in Abu Dhabi. Chasing Namibia’s 146-9, the Irish sneaked home with two balls to spare, helped by Gary Wilson’s unbeaten 38 and two late Andy McBrine boundaries. Earlier, Louis van der Westhuizen struck 50 for the Namibians with fellow opener Stephan Baard contributing 32. They put on 81 for the first wicket in 8.4 overs as a big total looked likely. However, after van der Westhuizen’s departure, the Namibian innings lost momentum as O’Brien, Joshua Little, Craig Young and Jacob Mulder all took two wickets. Stuart Poynter also hit 38 for Ireland with Kevin O’Brien notching 22. After the departures of Paul Stirling and skipper William Porterfield left the Irish on 25-2 after 3.4 overs, Poynter and O’Brien put on 48 for the third wicket before they were out in quick succession to leave the innings on 83-4. At that stage, Ireland looked to be running out of batsmen but Wilson and Greg Thompson produced a crucial 45 partnership before McBrine’s two boundaries in the final over helped guide the Irish to victory. After losing their opener against Afghanistan on Saturday, the Irish needed a victory to get their qualification hopes back on track. Victory against hosts United Arab Emirates, in Dubai tomorrow will guarantee the Irish a place in the semi-finals on Friday, with the final also taking place on the same day. (BBC Sport)

Andre Ayew's goal is a personal landmark for the midfielder.

FA mulls retrospective bans for diving (REUTERS) - The Football Association (FA) is considering introducing retrospective bans for players who dive, according to a media report. Diving came under the spotlight yet again after Hull City’s Robert Snodgrass won a spot-kick during a 3-3 draw against Crystal Palace last month and later conceded that the penalty should never have been awarded. T h e FA w i l l s e n d officials to Scotland to see how the punishment works there, according to the Times. “On the face of it, it’s a

good idea. The devil is in the detail, but as a tool to penalise blatant simulation versus ‘did he dive or slip?’ it is now being investigated,” the newspaper quoted an unnamed FA official as saying. “It is being discussed with the SFA (Scottish Football Association) and some FA people are going up to Scotland for a meeting on how it is working.” Premier League managers, including Burnley’s Sean Dyche and West Bromwich Albion’s Tony Pulis, have called for retrospective bans to eradicate diving.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Central FC, Portmore lock horns in opening round of Caribbean Club championship MIAMI, USA (CMC) – Twotime defending champions Central FC have been drawn in a tough Group D for the 2017 Caribbean Club Championship which kicks off next February. The Trinidadian outfit will come up against the likes of Jamaican powerhouse Portmore United, Scholars International of Cayman Islands and SV Transvaal from Suriname. The group will be hosted at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Port of Spain from March 6 to 13. Central won last year’s tournament when they beat fellow Trinidadian side W Connection in the final at the Stade Sylvio Cator in Portau-Prince. In 2015, Central also beat

W Connection in the final at the Ato Boldon Stadium. Montego Bay United will host Group C at the Sports Complex in the western Jamaica tourist resort city, and will clash with Elite Sport Club of Cayman Islands, Grenades FC of Antigua and Barbuda and Club Barcelona Atletico of the Dominican Republic. The group runs from February 27 to March 6. Meanwhile, Antigua’s Greenbay Hoppers will host Group A at the Antigua Recreation Ground February 20-27 while Vincential outfit System 3 Sport Academy will host Group E at Victoria Park in Kingstown. A record 20 sides from 11 countries, divided into

five groups, will contest the preliminary phase from February 20 to March 13. The group winners will advance to the final round carded for May 13-21, with the top three sides qualifying for the upcoming edition of the 2017 CONCACAF Champions League.

EGYPT goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary became the oldest player at an Africa Cup of Nations tournament as he kept a clean sheet in their draw against Mali. El-Hadary turned 44 on Sunday and came on in the first half after an injury to Ahmed El-Shenawy, who collided with the post following Moussa Marega’s cross. Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny wasted two first-half chances for Egypt, striking over and hitting an effort wide. Osmane Coulibaly headed over from close

range for Mali late on. The results leaves Egypt second in Group D behind Ghana, who beat Uganda 1-0.

VETERAN GOALKEEPER GOES ON Legendary Egyptian goalkeeper El-Hadary was

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – A new national men’s senior coach could be announced as soon as this week, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association has said. Speaking in the wake of the latest fiasco surrounding the position, FA president David John-Williams said he did not expect the search for a new head coach to be a protracted one. “I feel within the next three to five days we will have a new coach,” John-Williams said in an interview last weekend, without hinting at any likely candidate. Since the shock resignation of Belgian Tom Saintfiet almost a week ago, several names have emerged to fill the vacant position.

In a letter sent to the FA, the current group of 23 national players called for the return of the popular Stephen Hart who was sacked only last November, following a series of poor results. The players also put forward the names of W Connection’s Stuart Charles-Fevrier, former England defender and experienced coach Terry Fenwick and former national player and local coach Angus Eve. Colombian Francisco Maturana, who has coached T&T in the past, is also said to be among the candidates to replace Saintfiet. Regardless, the FA’s new choice will face an uphill task with Trinidad and Tobago winless in the ongoing CONCACAF fi-

2017 CARIBBEAN CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURES Group A (Antigua Recreation Ground – ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda) February 20 – 27 Greenbay Hoppers FC (ATG) Bequia United FC (VIN) Inter Moengo Tapoe (SUR) Racing FC (HAI)

Group B (Stade Sylvio Cator – PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti) February 27 – March 6 Don Bosco FC (HAI) Cibao FC (DOM) Police FC (MSR) USR Sainte‐Rose (GLP)

Group C (Montego Bay Sports Complex – MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica) February 27 – March 6 Montego Bay United FC (JAM) Elite Sport Club (CAY)

Grenades FC (ATG) Club Barcelona Atletico (DOM) Group D (Ato Boldon Stadium – PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad & Tobago) March 6 – 13 Central FC (TRI) Portmore United FC (JAM) Scholars International (CAY) SV Transvaal (SUR) Group E (Victoria Park – KINGSTOWN, St Vincent and the Grenadines) March 6 – 13 System 3 Sport Academy (VIN) Club Sportif Moulien (GLP) Flames United SC (SXM) San Juan Jabloteh FC (TRI)

on the bench for the game, but got the call for his 148th cap after El-Shenawy’s unfortunate injury. He is widely regarded as one of Africa’s best-ever goalkeepers, winning the domestic league title eight times, as well as the domestic cup and African

Champions League on four occasions each. Playing in his seventh tournament, having picked up a winners’ medal in 2006, 2008 and 2010, El-Hadary was not fully tested, but was confidently off his line to punch the ball clear and showed good

speed by sprinting out to thwart Mali forward Marega. In a game of few chances, Egypt’s best effort came to striker Marwan Mohsen, whose header was pushed away by a flying Oumar Sissoko save. (BBC Sport)

Two-time defending champions Central FC

Keeper El-Hadary, 44, helps Egypt to draw

Rabada catapults past Steyn, Amla moves to sixth Essam El-Hadary is closing in on 150 caps for Egypt.

TTFA could reveal a new national round of qualifiers for men’s coach this week nal next year’s World Cup in

Russia. Last November, they went down 2-0 to Costa Rica before crashing to a 3-1 defeat to Honduras days later. They face Panama and Mexico in their next set of qualifiers in late March. National goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams, who has spoken on behalf of his teammates in recent days, said there was still belief T&T could reach the World Cup. “The dream is still alive obviously and I think we know as players that we have a lot of work to do,” Williams said. Saintfiet stepped down as head coach after just five weeks and four games in charge, citing a lack of support from the local FA as one of his main reasons.

HASHIM Amla moved up four places to sixth in the latest ICC rankings for Test batsmen after he struck 134 in his hundredth Test in Johannesburg. Kagiso Rabada, meanwhile, moved up three spots to fifth in the Test bowling rankings after returning match figures of 5 for 94. Amla, who became only the eighth batsman to score a century in his 100th Test, had earlier dropped to tenth after a string of poor performances in 2016. He had moved to first in the Test rankings back in February 2013 and at one point had held top positions in both the ODI and Test rankings. Rabada’s strong performances in the series against Sri Lanka made him South

Africa’s highest-ranked Test bowler, moving him one place above Dale Steyn, who is recuperating from the shoulder fracture he suffered during South Africa’s tour of Australia in November. Rabada’s ten-wicket haul in the second Test in Cape Town had earlier helped him break into the top ten. Australia captain Steven Smith continued to lead the Test rankings for batsmen while India’s R.

Ashwin topped the bowlers’ rankings. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Kagiso Rabada

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday January 18, 2017)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Andy Flower-115* (ZIM vs SL, New Plymouth, 1992) (2) Bert Oldfield (AUST)-52 stumpings (54 Tests) Today’s Quiz: (1) What is the highest individual score in a Test innings to date? (2) What is the highest individual score in an ODI game to date? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Lucozade league integral to 2016 hockey success

By Stephan Sookram

THE Guyana Hockey Board believes that the inaugural LUCOZADE indoor league was integral to the development of the sport in 2016 and that it played a major role in expanding its base of players. “The Lucozade league

was very vital to us,” head of the GHB, Philip Fernandes, told the media, likening the league to the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) STAG elite league. He contended that in the league format, there were many positive spinoff effects, stating, “Usually our indoor hockey is played

over a weekend, maybe a few days running into the weekend so it’s compact. Teams play consecutive nights and are unable to change much tactically between the first game and the last.” He noted that the vibrancy exhibited during the tournament allowed

Saints striker Kevin Edwards and Pitbulls’ Trevon Spencer battle for possession at this year’s LUCOZADE indoor hockey league.

Bounty GCC’s Daniel Hooper weaves through the Old Fort defence during this year’s LUCOZADE indoor hockey league

for interesting play at both league and weekend tournaments which overall allowed for a greater level of competitiveness. “The Lucozade league is different because teams were able to compete and then they would have

significant gaps between matches,” Fernandes said. “So they (teams) were able to meet; to train a few evenings and to review video to improve the quality of the play and then come back and compete with maybe different and new

tactics.” Fernandes hopes this development can continue locally, especially with the body looking to put two teams in training for the PAN AM championships later this year at a venue to be decided.

Just two nominees for AAG president India begins work on £84M stadium, the largest in world cricket

GUYANA Defence Force (GDF) Major Shen Fung and incumbent president Aubrey Hutson are the only two nominees for the post of president of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), when that entity holds its elections of office-bearers on January 22.

Aubrey Hutson There are seven nominees to fill the two vice-presidents post, however, including Police Progressive Youth athletics club coaches Lyndon Wilson and Mark Scott, and business man Colin Ming, Guyana Olympic House (GOA) secretary-general Hector Edwards and former AAG president Colin Boyce. It was from Boyce that Hutson took over the presidency in 2013. Hutson

was not nominated for any other post up for elections, but says he’s confident of being re-elected to the helm, despite surrounding controversy. The AAG elections comes on the heels of the GOA elections, that was another surrounded by controversy but nonetheless saw its president K. A Juman-Yassin return to power. Current vice-presi dents, Minister Dr George Norton, and Paul Arthur were not on the VP candidate list. Current treasurer Niall Stanton was nominated to remain as treasurer. If he loses there he could still go for the assistant-treasurer position, as he’s also nominated for this position along with Carla Roberts, Carlota Abrams, coach Raymond Daw and former athlete Elton Bollers. The most nominations – eighteen – came in for the council members, of which the executive body has five. Wilson and Scott were also nominated for this post as well. Nominations for the varying posts closed on January 6, where any of the nine eligible clubs was allowed to submit their candidates for the varying posts. Come

… Complex to take two years to complete

By Dan Hawkins

Lyndon Wilson

elections day each club will have one vote. Those voting are the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Police Force (GPF) club, Super Upcoming Runners (SUR), De Challengers, Upper Demerara, Christianburg Wismar Secondary School, Running Braves, Mercury Fast Laners and New Amsterdam United Conquerors.

Mark Scott

MELBOURNE Cricket Ground (MCG) will no longer be the world’s largest cricket ground, with construction company Larsen & Turbo (L&T) due to start work on a new-look Sardar Patel Gujarat stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad. The previous stadium had a capacity of 54 000 before it was demolished in 2015 to allow for a big-scale renovation, meaning the new site will hold 110 000, putting MCG’s 100 024 to shame. The new stadium, when completed, will be the largest cricket stadium in the world which will be made to meet all the latest the international standards,” read a press release from the Gujarat Cricket Association. The overall cost of the project will be around £84M ($103M) but will be more than just a cricket ground. The complex will house 76 corporate boxes, four dressing rooms, a clubhouse and an Olympic-size swimming pool, as well as three

The new arena will be built on the site of the Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium. (Getty images) practice grounds and an in- was modernised and reduced the capacity by 40%, door cricket academy. And to cope with the and the Salt Lake stadium inevitable traffic problems, in Kolkata, which holds the stadium will have three 68 000. Gujarat Cricket Associentry points instead of just ation’s vice-president and one. The Sardar Patel cricket Rajya Sabha MP Parimal stadium in Motera has host- Nathwani has also hinted ed 12 Test matches and 24 at the possibility of a new one-day internationals since name for the stadium once completed. it was inaugurated in 1982. The completed stadium India already has some of the world’s largest crick- is also expected to be the et arenas, the hallowed home of Indian Premier Eden Gardens once accom- League side Gujarat Lions. modated 100 000 before it (IBT)

Seven sports to challenge cut from UK’s Olympic funding See story on page 31

Fierce double-header to restart STAG Nations Cup football tonight

NA United will be banking on the form of these players. From left, Leonardo Adams, Grahan Thomas, Jovano Dos Santos, Steflon Boucher and Shakeel Grant.

… Grove Hi Tech face NA United; Ann’s Grove battle Den Amstel

RIVALRY in the STAG Nations Cup knock-out football championship is set to resume this evening at the Grove Playfield with what is anticipated to be a fierce final two matches in the round-of-16 from 19:00hrs. These matches were scheduled for December 23 at the same venue but due to consistent rainfall, that double-header and remaining

matches were put on hold. It’s now back to business for the teams, fans and all others. If teams were not active during the past couple of weeks they had off, involuntarily, those who were would be walking all over them whenever they collide, as more pretenders are expected to walk the plank come this evening - two to be exact. Home team Grove

Hi Tech, winners of the three-association format of what was the STAG Super16 in 2014/15 and 2015/16, will be matching skills with New Amsterdam United of Berbice for the final quarter-final spot up for grabs. This feature clash will no doubt be keen as both teams will want to be in the reckoning for the top prize of $2M

and they are also the only teams left standing from their association’s quota of three and four, respectively. Already walking the plank for the East Bank FA are Kuru Kururu Warriors and Herstelling Raiders while for the Berbice FA, Mahaicony Thunders, Cougars and Rosignol United were booted, which makes this match a must-win for

either side and a must-see for the fans. What the sides also share in common is the #1 spots in their respective associations. NA United won an intense and nerve-racking playoff match 4-3 on sudden-death kicks from the penalty mark against Golden Stars to get into the round-of-16. Their coach revealed that it was the first real competi-

tive match for the year for the club and it is left to be seen how they will stand up to the challenge of taking on the pride of the East Bank. They will again bank on the services of captain Adrian Adams, Leonardo Adams, Jason Drakes, Quinn Hazel, Rei Joseph, Delroy Dean, Jamal Butts, Jeremy Turn to page 31

Maradona charms Naples on anniversary of first Serie A title

(REUTERS) - Argentina’s World Cup-winner Diego Maradona returned to Naples this week to regale audiences with memories of his heroics in helping Napoli win the 1987 Italian league title and took a pot-shot at fellow football great Pele. The 56-year-old Maradona hosted his two-hour show ‘3 Volte Dieci’ or ‘Three times ten’ at the venerated Teatro di San Carlo opera house on Monday to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Napoli’s first Serie A championship. Maradona quit Spanish giants Barcelona to sign for Napoli in 1984 and became their captain and record scorer with 115 goals. “With this shirt I dreamt a dream,” he told the crowd while holding a Napoli shirt.

“When I came to sign for Napoli (then vice-president of Barcelona, Joan) Gaspart told me: ‘Do not leave. I will give you five more years, with twice the money you are earning at the moment’. I told him: ‘No. No. I will follow my heart.” Maradona left Napoli in 1992 after failing a drugs test but is still revered by the club, where he also won the UEFA Cup in 1989 and another Serie A title in 1990. The Argentine, who led his country to the 1986 World Cup title, said he had priced tickets for his show at 300 euros (259.38 pounds) so they were more expensive than those to see Brazil’s 76-year-old three-time World Cup-winner Pele. The pair have long sparred over the moniker of football’s greatest-ever player.

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Argentinian soccer legend Diego Armando Maradona waves as he arrives to take part at the Italian soccer Hall of Fame 2017 event in Florence, Italy, yesterday. (REUTERS/Leonardo Bianchi) WEDNESDAY JANUARY 18, 2017