Guyana chronicle epaper 09 24 2016

AFC no police of APNU No. 104684

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

– Gaskin says party works well with coalition partners

UN needs more talks with Venezuela

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President David Granger greets members of the Diaspora in New York during a meeting at the Guyana’s Consulate on Friday (Photo by Ministry of the Presidency)

…before moving to juridical settlement ‒ Pres Granger

Cops make breakthrough

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‒ suspects in Better Hope murder confess to crime

Winston Bandits blitz UNDP Moore laid to rest workers Centre

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 24, 2016

Recruits urged to restore ‘glory days’ of Police Force

‒ told to be guardians of public safety

Head of the Presidential Guard, Brian Joseph, takes the salute from the new recruits during the passing out exercise on Friday afternoon (Delano Williams photo)

By Alva Solomon RECRUITS of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were Friday urged to act as “guardians of public safety” and return the force to its glory days.

The call was made by Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph (Head of the Presidential Guard) when he addressed 54 male and three female ranks who completed the police recruitment course and had

their “passing out parade” at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary.

He urged the new recruits to maintain positive contact with citizens while ensuring justice.

The new officers were in training since May at the Felix Austin Police College.

It was the college’s fourth graduation exercise for the year.

Joseph, who inspected the parade, reminded the ranks that the force is one that has service and protection as its motto, and as such they will be referred to as police and law-enforce-

Senior police officers alongside the new recruits who were awarded for their outstanding performances at the end of the force’s recruitment courses Numbers 345 and 346

ment officers. In addition, he told the ranks that they will be required to perform several functions and witness events which they may find uncomfortable.

Describing the profession, he told the ranks that as is the case of social workers, they will be called to assist persons in various ways, such as conveying news of the loss of their loved ones. ”You will help

the elderly and children who are most vulnerable in society and sometime during your career, you will save a life or many lives, putting your own on the line,” he said.

He also cautioned the ranks to never overlook or take for granted the value of their own families, noting that they should treat their loved ones as “gems.”

Joseph told the ranks, who stood at attention under the hot afternoon sun, that they will be called to do the “unthinkable” at some point in their careers.

He said few persons will understand such situations.

He said the ranks should not lose sight of their char-

acters.

He said that the ranks are only at the threshold of their careers in law enforcement and he urged them to place justice at the forefront of their minds.

“Be just, be fair and open-minded, be even-handed and professional and not judgmental in your dealings with everyone,” he said.

“Be collaborative, you must be a team player as your very own successful operation will depend on collaboration,” Joseph said.

As regards their professional conduct, he urged the new recruits not to be afraid to report their colleagues if they do not carry out their duties in accordance with the job’s requirements.

Speaking at the graduation, Force Training Officer (ag) Senior Superintendent Royston Andries -Junor informed the ranks that training did not end with Friday’s graduation.

Several police constables who graduated from the two courses – Numbers 345 and 346 - were presented with awards for outstanding performances during the two courses. Constable 23686 Griffith and Constable 23722 Woolford were adjudged best graduating students.

It was noted too that Constable Apprentice Gilbert, who was adjudged a runner-up at the end of the two courses, was the GPF’s youngest member since he was under the age of 18.

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AFC no police of APNU GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 24, 2016

– Gaskin says party works well with coalition partners

By Ravin Singh THE relationship between the coalition partners the Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) – is not fractured, as is being speculated by some.

This was expressed by AFC Treasurer and executive member Dominic Gaskin, who made it clear that the role of the AFC is not to police the activities of APNU, the larger faction of the coalition government.

Gaskin, who is also Minister of Business and Tourism, was at the time speaking at the AFC’s bi-weekly press conference which was held on Friday at the party’s

headquarters in Kitty. “I think we have a good working relationship with our coalition partners,” the party’s executive member said in response to a question about the relationship between the parties appearing fractured.

Asked by the Guyana Chronicle about the effectiveness of the AFC at the level of Government, and the party’s ability to influence the outcome of national issues, Gaskin said the “effectiveness of the AFC in the coalition can be seen.”

The AFC had contended in April of this year that too many responsibilities were concentrated in the hands of Minister of State, Joseph Harmon. The party had ex-

pressed the view that this was the root cause of many issues that had emerged in the coalition. Controversy was at the time, surrounding the appointment by Harmon of an Advisor on Business Development, and the AFC had said “…the issues surrounding this (disagreement) have their roots in the concentration of the powers of the office of the Cabinet Secretary, the Minister of State in the Ministry of the Presidency, and the effective Head of the Presidential Secretariat in a single person.”

The AFC had gone on to state it was of the view that Guyana would be best served if those powers divided. “The responsibilities

GNBA directors threaten to sue chairman

Chairman of the GNBA, Leonard Craig

GUYANA National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) Directors Anthony Vieira and Vic Insanally are demanding an apology and compensation from chairman of the entity Leonard Craig for recent comments they deem defamatory.

Through their attorneys at the Satram and Satram law firm, the two directors said Craig’s failure to comply with their demands will result in legal proceedings being instituted against him.

Craig in a statement on Wednesday identified board members Vieira and Insanally and said allegations of corruption levelled against them will be fully investigated.

Kaieteur News on the same day had reported that Kenwin Charles, a broadcaster in Essequibo, as saying that two GNBA board mem-

bers tried to force him to sell his operations to a prominent businessman.

Craig in his statement noted that if the allegations can be substantiated, it will constitute a major blow to the integrity of the members concerned.

“I will carry out a complete investigation of the facts relating to matters raised by Mr Charles, I will review the reports of the meetings, elicit a response from the members concerned and will release an official statement in the coming days,” he said.

On Friday, Vieira and Insanally through their attorneys said Charles is an unlicensed operator and a board committee had decided to meet with such operators and seek to regularise their operations.

Anthony Vieira

The two directors say that the allegation raised

by Charles was not brought to their attention at the last board meeting for a response and Craig’s repetition of the allegations made by Charles was malicious and calculated to bring them into public hatred, contempt and ridicule.

Through their attorneys, they added: “There is no truth in the published allegations made by Mr Charles, who is operating illegally and is in no position to sell his operation. You are directly responsible for the circulation of these false allegations which will be deemed to have originated from you.”

The law firm said their clients are entitled to damages for defamation and reputational injury caused as a direct result of Craig’s conduct.

of each of the above portfolios are substantial and of critical importance to the smooth operation of the Government, and would benefit from separate appointments,” the AFC had stated.

The AFC had said that it had mandated its leadership in Cabinet to have those issues raised and addressed “as a matter of national importance.”

Despite this call by the AFC, however, Harmon was not asked to relinquish responsibility for any of the positions, and this was defended by President David Granger.

Asked about this, Gaskin said he does not recall the incident involving the Min-

AFC Treasurer and Executive Member, Dominic Gaskin

ister of State. “I can’t recall the specific incident or the comments attributed to the AFC,” he said.

Gaskin went on to state

that his party was not elected to office to serve as a watchdog for the APNU. “That’s not what we were elected to do,” he said, adding that the AFC was elected on the basis of a manifesto which sets out some clear priorities which Government wants to achieve.

“I think that (our performance) over the period of our term in office is how we will judge the effectiveness of the Government. If you want to sub-divide the responsibilities, you can perhaps look and decide whether the AFC component was effective. What you’re suggesting is that our role is to somehow police our coalition partner, and how effectively we do that. (That) is not what we are there for,” Gaskin said.

Fisherman on murder charge for High Court trial MICHAEL Ridley, 36, known as ‘Nice Guy’ of Lot 182 Garnett Street, Albouystown, has been committed to stand trial in the High Court for the murder of 37-year-old Troy Brutus, who was killed on November 22, 2015 at Albouystown.

He appeared before city magistrate Leron Daly on Thursday and was committed when the Preliminary Inquiry ended in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The matter was prosecuted by Police Corporal Bharat Mangru.

According to the prosecution, on the day in ques-

Michael Ridley

tion, Brutus of Costello Housing Scheme, West La Penitence, went to the residence of Ridley and waited on him to return home from work.

Reports indicated that as Ridley entered his house around 19:00hrs, he was greeted by Brutus who

dealt him several chops to his nose and hand.

Ridley managed to take the weapon from Brutus and chopped him about his body, fatally chopping him to the neck. Brutus was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Reports indicate that the brawl allegedly stemmed from Ridley being in a relationship with Brutus’ ex-girlfriend.

The city magistrate ruled in favour of the prosecution and committed Ridley to stand trial in the next sitting of the Demerara Criminal Assizes.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 24, 2016

Gov’t says Wales diversification plan on course

- GAWU complains of being left in the dark THE Guyana Sugar Corporation’s plan of action for diversification of the Wales Sugar Estate is on schedule, but the union representing sugar workers, GAWU, is complaining of being in the dark.

According to a release from the Ministry of Agriculture, diversification into other agricultural activities remains an important pillar of its plans for national development, since it serves as an enabling environment for more job opportunities.

“Given the current trends (wherein) countries are being forced to adapt to economic and climatic changes to thrive, Guyana remains well on track”, the MoA said.

According to the release, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder and the team formed to craft GuySuCo’s diver-

sification programme met with the Corporation’s management at the Wales Estate.

The objective of the visit was to obtain a first-hand look at progress made thus far in relation to the diversification plan for the industry, using Wales Estate as the model location.

Minister Holder assured that the plan of action for implementation of the diversification programme is on schedule. “The team has been working tirelessly to ensure that the plan comes to fruition incorporating all of the avenues for development…. One of the most effective ways for agriculture to adapt to climate change is to increase its resilience, and I am pleased with the progress made thus far,” he said.

The team met with GuySuco CEO Errol Hanoman and other GuySuCo officials, including Raymond Sangster (General Manager, Agriculture Services), Jevedra Komal (Environmental Manager), Davindra Kumar (Administrative Manager),

and Harold Davis, who serves as a consultant attached to GuySuCo. The diversification team comprised several officials, including Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Agriculture, George Jervis; and Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), Nigel Cumberbatch.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Dr. Oudho Homenauth, and Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Country Representative Wilmot Garnette, were also part of the team.

Meanwhile, GAWU, in a statement on Friday, expressed surprise at the sugar corporation’s plans to cultivate rice at Wales, which the union said it was made aware of via newspaper reports. According to GAWU, in January this year, when GuySuCo officially communicated to the Union its decision to close Wales Estate,

the sugar corporation advised that new ventures would be established at the West Bank Demerara estate, and that the Union would accordingly be appraised.

“In spite of that commitment, GuySuCo did not even inform our Union or the workers about their plans, much less (share) their ideas and intentions and solicit the GAWU’s contribution,” GAWU said.

The union said, “Shunning the workers and the Union represents another blunder by the top management of the corporation and their advisors.”

GAWU made reference to the corporation’s ‘Other Crops Division’, of which rice cultivation was featured. It said the investment was costly and it was later abandoned after it had been deemed unsustainable and unprofitable.

GAWU has deemed the plans for rice cultivation ill-considered; adding that only a small fraction of the displaced workers would be absorbed.

According to GAWU, the matters relative to the

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder (second from right) in discussion with officials during the visit Wales Estate can be overcome through a knowledgeable management, a

motivated work force, and adequate financial support for a limited period.

Cop accused of accepting bribe granted bail A POLICE constable on Friday appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan charged with two counts of corrupt transaction.

Colin Rodney, 33, of Lot 17 Joseph Pollydore Street, Lodge, was granted $30,000 bail after denying the charges. It is alleged that on June 15 at the Georgetown Seawall, he engaged in a corrupt transaction by accepting money from Hushan Mana and Laeede Gopie.

Rodney’s lawyer Patrice Henry requested that his client be released on self-bail since Rodney was still on active duty.

Police Prosecutor Corpo-

Police Constable Colin Rodney ral Deniro Jones did not disclose the facts in court, neither did he object to the police constable being granted bail.

Constable Rodney was ordered to post $15,000 bail on each count and will return to court on October 19.

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Return and invest in Guyana

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 24, 2016

--President urges diaspora, says security concerns being addressed

By Ariana Gordon

PRESIDENT David Granger has called on the diaspora to return to Guyana because the country has made, and will continue to make, progress in a variety of areas.

Addressing members of the diaspora who gathered at the Guyana UN Mission in Manhattan for a lunch reception on Friday, President Granger said, “I have no doubt at all that the course we are plotting is one that is going to be beneficial to all from every point of view: economic, environmental…

We feel we are on the right course,” he said.

Dubbing Guyana as “the place to retire”, the President urged members of the diaspora to return to Guyana and invest in new industries, thereby demonstrating to all that they don’t have to remain in the US all their lives.

President David Granger strikes a pose with these smiling ladies who attended the meeting for members of the Guyanese diaspora, held at the Guyana Mission in New York stressed, while noting that In his short address, the of your concerns, major ter- the Guyana Police Force will President said he is aware ritorial security problem; but be undergoing continuous of the concerns of many entirely, we are engaging training to ensure citizens’ within the diaspora, and he with the European Union to safety.

“Guyana is going to be noted that efforts are being restart the Security Sector made to ensure that citizens Reform Action Plan (SS- a much safer place,” he asare safe. “We are going to RAP)… There will be more sured, as he noted that aside make sure that the concerns mounted police… [we will from safety and security, his you have about safety [are be] acquiring additional administration is placing addressed]… We are aware assets,” President Granger much emphasis on education

Hanoman quits as Dataram, wife still on the run DEFENCE lawyer Glenn Hanoman is no longer representing self-confessed drug lord Barry Dataram and his wife Anjanie Boodnarine, after they have failed for the second time to turn up in court for their trial.

As the trial continued on Friday before City Magistrate Judy Latchman, Hanoman informed the court that he was unable to make contact with the two defendants since the last court hearing on September 20, and he would no longer represent the duo. However, Hanoman indicated that he would still

be representing the interest of Trevor Gouveia and Kevin Charran, who were present at yesterday’s hearing.

Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor Konyo Sandiford-Thompson informed the court that the arrest warrants issued earlier in the week had been acted upon, but the police have been unable to locate the duo.

Police Constable Anil Saffie, attached to the Wales Police Station, West Bank Demerara, testified and informed the court that, on September 22, 2016, he and two other police officers, along

with a CANU rank, had visited Dataram’s residence at Lot 3 Vriesland, West Bank Demerara and Boodnarine’s residence at Lot 79 Patentia Housing Scheme, WBD, but the defendants were not found there.

The police constable noted that the police party had also visited another residence of Dataram’s at Lot 36 Patentia Housing Scheme, but he was not there either. However, the ranks had met one of his aunts, who told them that he had left for court on Tuesday last and has since not returned.

Meanwhile, following

an application by Prosecutor Sandiford-Thompson, Magistrate Latchman entered the arrest warrants into evidence without objection from Hanoman. The matter has been adjourned to September 27 for the continuation of trial.

The defendants are on trial for the alleged possession of cocaine. It is alleged that on April 16, at Silver Dam, Fourth Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, the defendants had in their possession 129.230 kilogrammes of cocaine (equivalent to 284 pounds) for the purpose of trafficking.

and the number of school drop-outs.

Promoting his 3Bs Initiative, the President told members of the diaspora that they, too, can contribute a bus, boat or bicycle to those in dire need, so each Guyanese child has access to education.

“If you want to sign up for it, kindly do so… There is much hope, and reason for hope, and we are very confident that this year we have turned the corner on some of the problems that have caused you to leave your homeland,” the President told the gathering.

He also informed the gathering that he has opened the door to the Caribbean, while stressing that Guyana is the gateway between the Caribbean and South America.

“Why not come into Guyana? We are the heart of the Caribbean,” he declared.

Meanwhile, the President congratulated Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Michael Ten-Pow, and Consul General Barbara Atherly on their recent appointments. He

noted the growing number of Guyanese working within the UN system, and said he is “happy and proud of the advances and advancement (those Guyanese have made) in the UN system, and here in our Permanent Mission and Consulate”.

The President reminded the gathering of the importance of looking out for each other, and emphasised the need to work together to overcome the many challenges facing Guyana and its citizens.

“It has started to happen,” he said, noting that the change he has seen represents a shift in the mindset of the diaspora, and an increasing interest in the country’s development.

Also present at the reception was Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge; former Commonwealth Secretary General Sir Shridath Ramphal; Under-Secretary General for the General Assembly and Conference Management, Catherine Pollard; and Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela, Cheryl Miles, among others.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

The migration and refugee crises NOT since World War II have so many persons been displaced and hounded out from the lands of their birth. The figures in 2015 are higher than they were in WWII, according to the Associated Press. The United Nations Refugee Agency reports that, in 2015, there were 63.5 million people displaced from their homes by conflict or persecution. Many are also displaced within their own countries, and 21.3 million are considered refugees.

This crisis of persons being persecuted within their own countries brings disruption to the affected country’s stability; those being uprooted and seeking refuge in other countries, although the situation is not of their making, are causing an impact on host countries. One of the major reasons Britain and Wales voted in June to leave the European Union (EU) was the fear that ‘foreigners’ were moving into their countries and changing their lives in ways that discomfited them. The result was a blow to Britain’s Prime Minister David Patterson, who subsequently resigned after calling for the referendum and urging the British public to stay in the EU. Voters sent a similar signal to German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Party on Monday; it came second to the centre-left Socialist Democrats. Merkel’s compassionate refugee and migrant policy is not in accord with sections of the German population, though she vowed to continue it nonetheless.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is also hearing grumblings from Canadians, who feel that authorities are giving preferential treatment to migrants and refugees -- such as free housing -- while homegrown citizens are encountering difficulties to acquire their own homes.

In the Caribbean, there is the situation of Haiti. This country had, in 2010, suffered a devastating earthquake which brought serious dislocation and hardship to the people. Outside of lending support to their Caribbean Community (CARICOM) counterpart in terms of providing supplies etc, Regional governments did not come with a refugee/migrant policy to support those affected or wanting to leave.

When United States (U.S.) President Barack Obama announced that that country would be accepting Syrian refugees, that announcement was met with a public backlash in the form of resistance from Republican members of Congress and from Governors.

Insularity and xenophobia are shaping approaches

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 24, 2016

King making decisions on gut feelings Dear Editor,

PERMIT me to respond to Town Clerk Royston King’s letter to your newspapers titled ‘I didn’t snub Duncan’ (September 21, 2016).

It was a snub most unprofessional; born of pure malice, and the root of which errs in Law. The Town Clerk continues to interpret the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01, with a layman’s eye, and then seeks to implement “policies” that have no sound legal basis. Implementation of a container fee was such an instant.

Counsel is retained by the Municipality for a reason. The Town Clerk, on his own, is not aptly qualified in law, and applies his flawed interpretation of legislation arbitrarily and ultra vires.

Firstly, the function of Deputy Mayor is a political function, and not an administrative one. The Town Clerk is the administrative head of the body corporate, Mayor and City Council; the Mayor is the political head. I sent a memorandum to the Mayor on three matters which occurred in her absence from the jurisdiction recently, for

her information and guidance; copied same to the Town Clerk and Minister of Communities, our subject Minister. The Mayor has not, to date, responded to me directly.

Secondly, the greatest of the three issues, which will detain us here, refers to the absence of transportation for the Deputy Mayor while performing the duties of Mayor. The Town Clerk sought a strained and absurd interpretation that ‘not every time the Mayor is out of the jurisdiction is Her Worship unable to perform her duties, and as such there is no need for the Deputy Mayor to perform such duties’. Such was the occasion of the Mayor’s last sojourn overseas, to Trinidad and Tobago.

Since being elected on April 1, 2016, Her Worship the Mayor has proceeded overseas several times. The Mayor has had jaunts to Suriname, Mexico, Panama, Chile, Panama (again) and more recently Trinidad and Tobago. On every trip save the last, an officer of the administration (coincidentally, always the Deputy Town Clerk) has called me to say that in the absence of the Mayor from the jurisdiction, transportation is available for my mobility.

to handling the crisis, and this is impacting on political leadership. And though some of this is driven by ignorance or fear of the unknown, it is also being stoked for political expediency. In the U.S. presidential election the refugee and migrant issue is a central theme in the campaign.

Republican candidate Donald Trump has campaigned on a commitment to build a wall on the Mexican border to keep out Mexicans, and has said that Mexicans will pay for erection of that wall. He has also called for a ban on Muslims entering the U.S., and monitoring those who reside in the U.S. Such rhetoric won him the nod to run for the presidency.

His Democratic challenger, Hillary Clinton, has taken a compassionate approach to the issue.

Prior to the United Nations’ (UN) Refugee and Migrant Summit on Monday, the Obama government committed US$149M more to the Syrian refugee crisis, bringing the figure to $4.5B since the crisis started in 2011. At the summit, Obama said: “This crisis is one of the most urgent tests of our time,” According to him, “just as failure to act in the past -- for example, by turning away Jews fleeing Nazi Germany -- is a stain on our collective conscience, I believe history will judge us harshly if we do not rise to

In the meeting with the Mayor, September 8, 2016, her Worship communicated her plans to proceed to T&T on a personal matter, and gave me the timeframe of her absence. Having been told nothing on the tenor of which the Town Clerk now effects as policy, I had a legitimate expectation that all the facilities provided on previous occasions would be forthcoming.

But let us follow the Town Clerk’s reasoning: The Town Clerk alludes to the fact that the Mayor being in Trinidad on a personal matter did not render her incapable of performing her duties. And hence no transportation was provided for the Deputy Mayor.

This legal reasoning lacks coherence, since the Mayor previously proceeded to Chile and had also asked for extra time to attend to private matters, and adequate transportation was provided throughout the period.

Additionally, the Town Clerk said that when the Mayor ’s itinerary was looked at, Her Worship had no official function to attend to, which he interprets as no transportation being necessary for the Deputy Mayor.

This, again, makes no practical or logical sense.

Incidentally, for in-

stance, while the Mayor was in Trinidad, I was contacted by the Ministry of Agriculture concerning the Mayor’s attendance at the handing over ceremony of the “Final Report on Project Georgetown Drainage by the Dutch Engineering Students on 7th September, 2016 in the Ministry of Agriculture Main Boardroom at 13:00hrs.” Her Worship would have been out of the jurisdiction, hence the event planners asked yours truly to give remarks on the Mayor’s behalf; which I did. But not without much hardship, since it rained heavily on that said day. I turned up late for the event, given the weather and limitations of transportation.

The larger issue here is that activities may not be officially on Her Worship’s itinerary locally, when she is required to be out of the jurisdiction officially or on personal business; but circumstances occur. Will the administration there and then rent a vehicle for the Deputy Mayor’s usage, as it does in the Mayor’s “official” absence? This makes no sense to me.

See page 7

this moment.”

Via the media - social and mainstream - many around the globe are observing the sad consequences befalling persons, and the risks they will take in fleeing from conditions they find unbearable. President David Granger, in his address to the UN on this matter, noted that the situation “if left unattended or unresolved, can escalate into regional and even global crises, which can threaten the existence of larger numbers of persons in wider areas, even beyond their country’s borders.” He has, at the UN, committed Guyana to be part of the global solution, in that “we intend to ensure that the root causes of conflict are eliminated, and that peace will prevail in the world”.

Where crises of such nature continue, citizens of the world are questioning why leaders and governments are allowing conflicts to escalate, knowing the dire consequences. The cases in Syria, Haiti and elsewhere are troubling. There is a crisis on the world’s hand, and it behooves governments to work within with their citizens, and between and among themselves to find less confrontational approaches to resolve conflicts. The first place to start is by respecting the human rights of citizens, even as they encourage same for their fellow men.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 24, 2016

Region Six residents support hemp production Dear Editor,

RESIDENTS of Region #6 have pledged their full support for the cultivation of industrial commercial hemp and production of hemp products in the Region and Guyana.

They hereby call on President David Granger and the APNU-AFC Administration to quickly remove the restrictions on industrial hemp, which will create tremendous opportunities, provide employment, and eradicate poverty.

At a very well attended meeting held by the Guyana Hemp Association as part of the Hemp Awareness Week activities held under the theme “Hemp - Guyana Answer - Greening Tomorrow, World’s Today”, on Sunday, September 18th 2016, at the Intersection Restaurant, New Amsterdam, participants pointed out that the cultivation of this most economical and versatile crop will put in to produc-

tion thousands of acres of underutilized lands, and open up new ones as well as establish small industries in the Region.

President of the Guyana Hemp Association, Dr. Turhane Doerga, urged the participants to fully inform and educate themselves and other citizens of the Region on the importance of hemp and its economic and financial benefits. “The introduction of industrial commercial hemp in the country will vastly improve our agricultural sector and make our nation prosper,” he added.

Also making an indepth presentation on hemp production was Mr. Vidjai Doerga, President and Co-Founder of Nervana Company based in the USA. A number of video presentations were also shown.

At the meeting, the Region Six Hemp Farmers Association was formed, with New Amsterdam Town Councillor Mr. Compton

Grant as Chairman. Other Committee members are Vice-Chairman Shawn Smith; Secretary Kareem Hinds, Treasurer George Tucker, with committee members Judezon Bess, Kadem Cameron, Aubrey Chisholm, Orin Sinclair, and Michael Luke. In his acceptance address, newly elected Chairman Compton Grant said the association will target all communities in Region #6 to educate and provide information for the public on hemp production and its tremendous benefits.

Some of the others strategies will include regular radio and television programmes and outreach meetings; and as more people get onboard, more ideas and strategies will develop so as to increase the awareness and involvement in hemp production.

of April 25, 2016, as well, dealt in substantial part with the office of the Deputy Mayor. Nowhere is all the presentations made, and interjections by the Mayor and Town Clerk, was this view of recent vintage espoused by the Town Clerk made known to the Council.

Why then this strange and sudden interpretation of the circumstances of the Deputy Mayor performing the duties of Mayor, in the middle of our tenure?

Thirdly, features which go with the Deputy Mayor performing the functions of Mayor seem to be remembered selectively. Case in point: when Her Worship was out of the jurisdic-

tion to Chile, that period of absence exceeded “seven consecutive days”, yet Section 17 (5) of the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01, to which the Town Clerk alluded in his missive, was not brought into force.

The section states that “during such period, have at his disposal, in lieu of the Mayor, the funds placed at the disposal of the said office in the manner specified for the payment of such funds.”

Regards, GUYANA HEMP ASSOCIATION

King making ...

From page 6

Also, shortly after City Councillors assumed office in April 2016, an orientation exercise lasting three days was held by the Town Clerk at the Cara Lodge. Council’s counsel, Attorney-at-Law Roger Yearwood, undertook to explain the legal framework under the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01. The roles of Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors were all dealt with. Nowhere in the learned Attorney’s presentation was the interpretation now posited by the Town Clerk proffered. Statutory Meeting

Regards, SHEROD AVERY DUNCAN, LLB, JP. Deputy Mayor, Municipality of Georgetown

GuySuCo’s diversification programme includes rice cultivation Dear Editor,

THE Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) is debunking information in an article published in the Stabroek News on September 22, 2016 under the caption ‘GuySuCo opted for rice at Wales after aquaculture deemed unsuitable’. The consultants who are conducting the feasibility study have informed the Corporation that aquaculture is feasible at the Wales Estate, and the details will be in the completed report.

GuySuCo is very surprised to learn that the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) indicated that ‘the union and the workers are important stakeholders, and the fact that they were not informed speaks volumes’.

This statement by GAWU is

not accurate. Over the past months, the Corporation has been disseminating information on a weekly basis to members of the public, stakeholders, and more importantly its employees, on the diversification programme.

This information was disseminated through the change management and other programmes, which include training sessions on Team Building and Communications; awareness sessions – Putting GuySuCo First, presentations; Chief Executive Officer’s briefing session; m a n a g e m e n t a n d s t a ff meetings; general briefing sessions; GuySuCo Insight (the Corporation’s weekly news bulletin); weekly articles – Facts About GuySuCo -- that are published in the Guyana Chronicle and on several local, re-

gional, Latin American, North American and other websites.

Finally, the management wishes to reiterate that its goal is to transform the Corporation into a resilient and sustainable business. The focus is currently on two fundamental areas: increasing production and productivity in sugar, and crafting a strategy for a prosperous future for the Corporation, hence a highly strategic process is being undertaken in an effort to achieve these goals. Other areas which will form a part of the diversification programme are livestock and dairy farming, and fruit crops farming, among others.

Regards, GUYANA SUGAR CORPORATION

se

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 24, 2016

Cops make breakthrough ‒ suspects in Better Hope murder confess to crime

By Rabindra Rooplall TWO men who were arrested on Friday in Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD) have confessed to the murder of David Ramkissoon, 76, called “Short Man” of Better Hope, ECD when confronted with evidence by the police.

Ramkissoon’s body was discovered in his living room with his throat slit around 19:30hrs on August 21. He was the only person at home at the time of the murder.

Police said a DNA test will also be done as investigators found blood under the

suspect’s nail and traces of blood in his home.

Police had initially held the deceased’s son Annand Ramkissoon, his employer and another person at the Sparendaam Police Station in connection with the murder, but they were subsequently released.

Detectives who visited the scene on the day of the murder saw footprints in the mud at the back of the pensioner’s yard, leading to an alleyway. Along with the footprints, they spotted drops of blood that led straight to a shack located a short distance from the slain man’s home.

Neighbours said just after the pensioner’s son and his family left to go to a creek on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, pensioner Ramkissoon went to a nearby shop.

He reportedly failed to lock his door, and it is suspected that the killer sneaked inside.

Police who examined the scene reportedly found several envelopes, in which Ramkissoon had received his pension money, in a refrigerator.

The pensioner shared the home with his son, daughterin-law and the couple’s two children. The daughter-inlaw had said the family left

home around 11:00 hrs on the aforementioned date to go to the creek.

“We left late and he (the father-in-law) was telling us is best we stay home and eat lunch then go to the creek, because the traffic to go to the creek gon be bad. He was sitting in the hammock when we left home,” she said.

The woman added that when they returned home, they noticed that the house was in complete darkness.

“My husband went in the yard and opened the door and went inside to put on the light and he go in his father room and called for him, but he see the room ran-

Dead: David Ramkissoon

sacked and his father wasn’t there, so we went in the other rooms and they were ransacked,” the woman said.

She said that it was when her husband was heading back downstairs that he noticed his father’s body and started to scream.

The daughter-in-law said she and several neighbours rushed into the house and saw Ramkissoon on the floor.

She had related that she had no idea as to why the police would take her husband into custody, since he is innocent and would in no way harm his father.

Asked if she has any idea as to who may want her father-in-law dead, the woman responded in the negative, but claimed that there are a number of unemployed youths in the area who hang out in the streets.

Health sector gets U.S.$420,000 in equipment from China MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings, on Friday accepted medical supplies and equipment worth U.S.$420,000 from Chinese Vice- Minister of National Health and Family Planning Commission Cui Li at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The Ministry of Public Health hosted Madam Cui Li, Vice-Minister (NH&FPC) of the People’s Republic of China, accompanied by her delegation, who are on an official visit to Guyana from September 23 – 24, 2016.

The items donated include

laparoscopic instruments and equipment, eye-testing and eye-care equipment and materials. The equipment and supplies will be used at the Linden Hospital Complex Laparoscopic Centre and the GPHC eye clinic.

During remarks, Madam Cui Li expressed gratitude for the support bestowed on the Chinese medical teams here in Guyana. She said their medical teams have served for more than 20 years here and they strive to provide the best in health care in Laparoscopic and Ophthalmology locally.

She also spoke about the long friendship and relations the

A member of the Chinese delegation to Guyana, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Limin, Chinese Vice-Minister of National Health and Family Planning Commission Cui Li, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr Karen Cummings, Chairman of the GPHC Board Dr Carl Max Hanoman and Permanent Secretary Trevor Thomas after the signing ceremony on Friday at the GPHC Resource Centre

two countries have enjoyed over the years and would like that to be further enhanced.

Meanwhile, China’s Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Limin said China and Guyana enjoy a profound friendship with more than 44 years of diplomatic relations. He noted that pragmatic cooperation in health and other fields keeps deepening and mutual visits and exchanges of health delegations are increasingly frequent.

He pointed out that Guy-

ana is the first South American country to which China sent medical teams and 12 Chinese medical teams have worked in Guyana so far.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr Karen Cummings said every sector in Guyana is experiencing positive reforms, intended to provide tangible benefits to all Guyanese, regardless of their locations, ethnicities and/or socio-economic status.

She noted that one of the

major sectors currently under reform is the public health sector. The Ministry of Public Health is working assiduously to provide much- needed health-care services of the highest quality to all Guyanese.

“Moreover, this timely intervention will impact positively and in a major way on our efforts to ensure that quality health care service becomes the norm in Guyana.”

Dr Cummings disclosed that through bilateral rela-

tions between Guyana and the People’s Republic of China, they have been able to witness the establishment of an Eye Centre at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and the commissioning of a centre for laparoscopic surgery at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) in September 2014. Further, there has been the recent establishment of a much-needed Trauma Centre at the GPHC.

Bandits blitz UNDP workers TWO armed bandits on Friday robbed two employees of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) during which they escaped with a handbag containing $10,000, one iPad, an electronic dictionary and some documents.

Police said that the two employees, a male and a

female, had just returned to the UNDP address at 42 Brickdam and United Nations Place, Stabroek, in their motor car. The female employee proceeded into the compound, but as the male employee was exiting the car, a dark-coloured motor vehicle with the two suspects drove up, exited and accosted the male em-

ployee. He resisted and was pushed to the ground. The suspect grabbed the handbag with the contents, entered the vehicle and sped off. A public-spirited citizen who is a licensed firearm holder witnessed the robbery and discharged his licensed firearm in the process, in aid of the victims of the robbery.

Spent shells were found at

the scene and investigators are in possession of CCTV footage and are currently conducting further investigation.

Assistant Commissioner Marlon Chapman, commander of ‘A’ Division, subsequently visited the scene, spoke with the Chief Security Officer, other officials and the victims.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 24, 2016

City Hall rehires Former Forestry Minister Fitz Carmichael passes on Puran Brothers to clean up central G/t FORMER Minister of Forestry, Fitz Uriel Alexander Carmichael, collapsed on Thursday in the vicinity of Camp and Robb Streets, Georgetown, and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was rushed. He was 81 years old.

A female relative of Carmichael’s told the Guyana Chronicle that he had left home for a walk. Although advanced in age, he was reportedly in fairly good health and had been very active.

His Guyana address was Lot 205/206 Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, but he had also

CITY HALL has decided to rehire Puran Brothers Disposal Services to help the municipality with its garbage collection in Georgetown’s central business district.

Some weeks ago, City Hall had said it was equipped with its own staff and trucks to collect garbage on its own, and had suspended the services of the two major solid waste companies, Puran Brothers and Cevons Waste Management Inc, who operated in Groups 7, 8, and 10.

City Hall said it was trying to save cost this way, but Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen said she felt it necessary to re-hire the private contractors because she was not satisfied with what was happening in the City as it relates to the garbage collection.

The municipality has subsequently recruited once again the services of Puran’s to help clear the business district. The company will clear once a day, and City Hall’s trucks will clear the other time. Hence the business community will again benefit from the two-time collection that was previously being enjoyed.

Meanwhile, Groups 7 (Costello Housing Scheme; West, East and North East La Penitence; Middle Road, La Penitence; Jeeboo Land, and an area known as Extra Nuclear) and 8 (Queenstown, Alberttown, North and South Cummingsburg, Kingston and Woolford Av-

enue) will continue to be cleared only once a week by City Hall’s trucks.

The M&CC has since said that its garbage trucks would serve West Ruimveldt on Mondays; East Ruimveldt on Tuesdays; Middle Road, La Penitence on Wednesdays; East La Penitence on Thursdays, and North East La Penitence on Fridays.

Following the suspension of the private contractors, the mayor has said that there have been continuous complaints of garbage all over the city. On one occasion, she received a report that one truck had dumped a load of tyres in the cemetery.

She also spoke of instances when garbage was left on street corners and in front of businesses after City Hall’s trucks had failed to pick it up.

Meanwhile, there have also been complaints from residents that City Hall’s trucks were not working according to schedule, and would turn up without them being informed. This has often resulted in garbage being left at households, and garbage piling up.

Town Clerk Royston King had told the Guyana Chronicle that the new system was working well, given the Council’s “very, very limited” resources. He said the once daily clearing of garbage for businesses is not sufficient, but is the best the Council could do, given its financial constraints.

The Council, he added, was optimistic that there

would be a different cost for the collection of commercial waste during 2017. He noted that it was unfair for businesses to be paying the same amount as residents.

“It’s a very expensive service, and we need to separate the two,” King said, because it is imperative that businesses have adequate garbage receptacles so that refuse does not spill on to the pavements and thoroughfares.

King had also said that the suspension of business between the council and the private garbage contractors was temporary. He had said that the services of private garbage contractors are important, but the Council was not in a position to utilise those services currently, due to financial challenges.

He disclosed that both garbage disposal companies would be paid their outstanding balances by the end of this month. Together, they are owed more than $200M.

The late Fitz Uriel Alexander Carmichael

been living in the United States, from whence he had

recently come, and where he had been scheduled to return next month to fulfill a doctor’s appointment.

His son Kenwyn Carmichael hailed him as “a man who was the pillar of strength, support and discipline; (and) whose love for family was never questioned”.

Carmichael had served as regional minister of Regions One and Nine before he became Minister of Forestry during the Presidency of Forbes Burnham.

Before his ministerial appointments, Carmichael had been a teacher and principal at the Burnham Agriculture Institute (BAIT) at Port Kaituma in the North West District.

18 months jail for man who grabbed teen’s vagina TWENTY - four - year old Corwin Anthony, who touched the vagina of a 14-year-old girl as she walked by the Islington seawall, East Bank Berbice, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment

by Magistrate Alex Moore at the New Amsterdam Court.

The custodial penalty was imposed after he was found guilty of indecent assault.

Prosecuting, Corporal Winston Poliah said that on May 30, the victim was walking with her younger sibling along the seawall when the defendant remarked: “Fish does not only swim at sea, but on land,” before grabbing the teen’s vagina.

A report was made to her parents, who accompanied her to the Central Police Station,where a report was made.

Sophia to get water through taps by October RESIDENTS of Sophia can expect access to running water through their taps by the second half of October, the Guyana Water Inc, said on Friday.

This new development will signal the completion of the ongoing project in which transmission mains were extended from a newly rehabilitated well in North Ruimveldt to supply ‘C’, ‘D’ and ‘E’ Fields, Sophia.

According to GWI, the distribution from the North Ruimveldt well will be further supported by the Turkeyen well, which is situated in the University of Guyana compound. “The community of Sophia is also

expected to gain relief from the installation of transmission mains from the Sophia Water Treatment Plant”.

In the meantime, GWI said, it will be beefing up the number of trucks sent to distribute water to Sophia, even as it continues to adjust its schedule to facilitate those who are not at home during the day.

To date, four trucks filled with three or four 450gl black tanks of water are sent to ‘C’, ‘D’ and ‘E’ Fields, Sophia to supply residents. Each truck makes at least six trips per day.

GWI is appealing to all residents to be wise in their daily consumption of water.

Elderly Essequibo man commits suicide A 63-year-old man of Richmond Village, Essequibo Coast, took his life on Friday morning by ingesting close to half a bottle of gramozone.

The incident occurred at approximately 09:00hrs and according to the female caretaker who resides in the lower flat of the building, Nahai Persaud known as Patrick, spoke to her moments before the incident and told her that

he would be relocating to Georgetown on Saturday to live permanently.

According to the woman, the elderly man also expressed dissatisfaction with his state of health as he suffers from Parkinson’s Disease and relies heavily on medication.

The man was found by his daughter and her husband and was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he

died while receiving treatment. It is believed that it was a pre-meditated act, since the man had made several telephone calls informing his relatives before consuming the deadly substance. He also left behind several suicide notes.

One neighbour described him as an easy-going person, but had complained about his deteriorating health condition.

Dead: Nahai Persaud

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 24, 2016

Land raiders overrunning mines …large miners worry, urge swift action by GGMC

By Vanessa Braithwaite THE Guyana Gold and Diamond Miner’s Association (GGDMA) on Thursday complained about incessant raiding of lands in the

mining districts and have called on the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to urgently fix this situation which has negatively impacted their earnings.

Vice-President of the association, Andron Alphonso, told the body’s Annual General Meeting in his report that raiding has become a much bigger problem than it was in the past. He gave the af-

fected miners full assurance that the issue will be dealt with forcefully. Alphonso revealed that though law-enforcement officers have tried to tackle the issue, in some

raider was still working his land and though he won the case, there was no compensation for the minerals that were extracted from the land. Similar sentiments were expressed by another miner who requested anonymity and who owns and

Alphonso said. He called on all miners to not be involved in these activities and to legally apply for lands.

Members of the GGDMA acknowledged the contributions of the larger companies, especially in providing jobs, but are urging

(L-R) GGDMA Executive Secretary Tony Shields, GGMDA President Terrence Adams and Vice-President Andron Alphonso

cases physically removing the raiders, it is only a matter of days that they return.

“This level of lawlessness must be addressed,” Alphonso declared, while calling on the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission to impose stronger sanctions against these raiders who continue to show lack of respect for the rule of law.

Wayne Habeli, a miner from Bartica, stressed that he is a living example of his land being raided and has not been receiving any satisfactory representation from the GGMC and the Guyana Police Force. He revealed that he was even charged for representing his own land that was raided by a Brazilian national.

“The guy was on the plot raiding land for three years, I made nuff report to GGMC, I actually make four helicopter trips at the cost of $900,000 per trip to stop that raiding, GGMC ain’t doing nothing…I could afford it, but what about the small miners?” he asked.

The miner said that after nine months, the Brazilian

mines land in close proximity to the Venezuela border.

He said that his land is being raided by Venezuelans who are everyday creating a greater presence in not only the North-West District, but other places.

A recommendation was made to have the Guyana Defence Force create a presence in the interior, since the police are having difficulty stamping out raiding.

Vice-President Alphonso revealed that there has not been any definitive solution to the problem, but the suggestion will be taken to the relevant authorities.

The miners said there is a nexus between illegal raiding, trafficking in persons, prostitution and drug dealing. This is often reported in the media, thus shedding a negative light on the entire industry.

“The linking of these types of establishments with the mining community further heightens the negative perception of our miners that we are in favour of the this out-of-order behaviour and it is not good for the image or reputation of the industry,”

the government to create a level playing field for small miners by granting equal concessions enjoyed by the larger firms. Concessions in the areas of fuel, spares and vehicles were granted to local miners, but a lot of small miners did not benefit from same. The miners are also calling upon the government to remove the Value Added Tax from all heavy-duty machinery, as it is integral to the development of mining in Guyana which significantly contributes to the country’s economy.

The miners are calling upon President David Granger to meet with them to discuss the various challenges being faced by these small miners who are keeping the economy on a continued growth path.

“The GGDMA has been requesting a meeting with His Excellency President David Granger for quite some time…we would definitely call on him to meet with us as there are many pressing matters to discuss…some matters can only be addressed with the President,” he said.

City businesses get 14 days to connect pipes to sewerage system TOWN Clerk Royston King has given all property owners in Georgetown’s central business district 14 days to connect all pipes to the sewerage system as opposed to the city’s alleyways and street drains.

In an advertisement placed in last Wednesday’s edition of the Stabroek News, King said the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will begin a campaign on October 5, 2016, to prosecute all property owners who have their soil

pipes and other related (pipes leading from water closets, baths and sinks) flowing into city drains.

“This is against the Georgetown Building Construction Public Health Provision Regulations, Section 19: Every new building shall be provided with such number of water closets, urinals, sinks, bath wastes or other sanitary conveniences in accordance with the Georgetown Sewerage Regulations, as may be required by the City Engineer,”

said King.

He said the M&CC will also be moving to prosecute all property owners who have their roof gutter down-pipes draining directly into street drains and alleyways.

“This is against the Georgetown Building bylaw Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01.

Property owners, who are in breach of these regulations, have 14 days to correct this negative public health situation,” King said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 24, 2016

Consultations ongoing for whistleblower, witness protection bills

ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams will on October 10 open public consultations on the draft of the Witness Protection and Protected Disclosures (Whistleblower) bills.

According to information from the ministry, the consultation will take place at the Pegasus Hotel (Savannah Suite) and will hear remarks from Minister Williams and other representatives.

Back in November last year then Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman had mentioned that with the enactment of the bill, a Witness Protection Programme will be established for the protection of witnesses who give evidence in the courts of Guyana. “The legislation would ensure protection of witnesses and their families against intimidation and/or physical harm during and after their involvement in court proceedings,” Minister Trotman had said.

Protection for state witnesses in criminal matters here has been a thorny issue over the years. This had come into sharp focus when a number of high-profile murder cases collapsed because of the lack of witnesses.

Trotman had said the bill will include several measures such as the establishment of safe houses, granting assistance to participants and the provision of new identities where necessary. He said too that the Witness Protection

Bill which will subsequently lead to the development of the Witness Protection Programme, forms part of a CARICOM crime security initiative. It was pointed out that Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica have already been collaborating in the area of witness protection by facilitating the movement of witnesses before, during and after trials.

Barbados is also participating in the process, but to a lesser extent.

Only recently Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan said that the absence of a witness-protection plan has affected government’s efforts to go after public officials who have allegedly stolen the State’s finances and properties.

Minister Ramjattan told reporters at a news conference hosted by his party, the Alliance For Change (AFC) that it is difficult for the government to take such matters before the courts as witnesses have refused to give written statements, because they are fearful for their lives. He said the lack of a witness-protection plan for witnesses and their families is a major hurdle that the government is currently fighting, while noting that the Witness Protection Bill will be tabled in the National Assembly soon; but until then, there is nothing the administration can do.

“You can give a lot of the evidence to an auditor, but when it comes to criminal

Saturday, September 24, 2016 - 12:30 hrs Sunday, September 25, 2016 - 13:30 hrs Monday, September 26, 2016 - 14:30 hrs

prosecutions, you have to do the written statements and some of these persons who have to give and testify when they know what the investigations are all about have been telling some of the police… that they are scared to death,” he said. In many cases the minister said, the witnesses are friends of the suspects, making it even more difficult for them to come forward with the information. He said there are many stumbling blocks and noted that the witnesses had no issue providing information to the forensic auditors, but will not go beyond that.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 24, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 24, 2016

First Lady tells U.S. forum: Global solidarity key in addressing gender inequalities GLOBAL solidarity is a prerequisite to ensure gender inequalities are stamped out in keeping with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, Guyana’s First Lady Sandra Granger said as she made remarks during a panel discussion at the Annual General Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) in New York.

Such a move is critical, if Goal Three of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal is to be achieved. The other panelists included Prime Minister, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Timothy Harris and Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund (UNDP), Babatunde Osotimehin.

The First Lady’s presentation garnered a pledge of support from the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, who delivered introductory remarks at the forum for ‘Every Caribbean Girl, Every Caribbean Woman’ initiative (ECGECW), which is spearheaded by CARICOM and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and said CGI’s involvement can lead to stronger support mechanisms; legal processes that are less intimidating; health and social protection systems that reduce the inequalities, discrimination and stigmatisation that disproportionately affect the poor and marginalised.

First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger at the Clinton Global Initiative panel forum

Mrs Granger explained that in the area of education, women and girls in the Caribbean outperform their male counterparts, yet unemployment among this gender demographic is notably higher, while in other cases they earn far less than men. “These factors impact negatively on empowerment and especially on the health and well-being of our women and girls. This is why CARICOM First Ladies are championing ‘Every Caribbean Girl Every Caribbean Woman’,” she said.

The First Lady also addressed the need to improve healthcare for women in the region as she alluded to the high incidence of HIV/AIDS and cervical cancer. This, she said, underscores the

need for health and family life education in our schools curricula and in the media, increased awareness and for the implementation of a stron immunisation campaign to eliminate this scourge.

“We are even more disturbed when we consider girls, who are victims of trafficking, rape and incest.

These young women have not only had their human rights violated, they are at risk of pregnancy and are also more vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases and to HIV/AIDS… All stakeholders must collaborate to reduce teenage pregnancy, so that the Caribbean no longer ranks second behind sub-Saharan Africa in this regard,” she said.

Speaking about on-going efforts in Guyana, the First Lady informed that panel about her work with Women Across Differences organisation to provide counselling and training in sexual and reproductive health and life and parenting skills, as well as assisting girls to complete their secondary education.

Additionally, the First Lady’s Office has rolled out training programmes in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the Self-Reliance and Success in Business workshops that promote economic empowerment among rural women.

“The Caribbean is drawing support from its national and regional partners and

First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger and wife of the UN Secretary-General, Mrs Ban Soon-taek

hopes that additional support may be forthcoming as we roll out from the pilot in Jamaica to deal with specific national priorities…The cries of these women and girls cannot be ignored. Help us achieve our potential as vibrant, viable members of our communities,” the First Lady said.

This forum was held with the aim of discussing how girls and women in the Caribbean can be supported though financial resources, medicines and other supplies, exploring technical expertise that can benefit government, policy and pilot implementation and examining culturally relevant media and communications strategies, which are important vehicles for educating parents and

young people about the benefits of both prevention and care-seeking.

The First Lady is currently with President David Granger at the 71st Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

However, she has a series of engagements on the sidelines of the UN meeting. On Tuesday, she attended a reception hosted by the Wife of the UN Secretary-General, Mrs Ban Soon-taek and over the next two days, she is scheduled to attend a Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) forum organised by the Bridge the Gap organisation and other activities at the Flatbush Seventh Day Adventist Church in Brooklyn.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 24, 2016

‘Outstanding jurist’ Win

By Shirley Thomas POSITIVE thoughts were expressed and pleasant memories relived of the late Justice Winston Mc Lenan Moore, Ombudsman of Guyana, during a Thanksgiving Service for his life at St. Andrew’s Kirk, Brickdam, Georgetown on Friday.

Following that service, which began around 09:00 hrs, the flag-draped casket

bearing his remains was transported to St. Saviours Presbyterian Church, Auchlyne, Corentyne, Berbice for a second service and viewing preceding his interment in that village.

Justice Moore transitioned this life on Friday, September

16, after a prolonged period of illness. He was 72, and left to mourn his passing is his wife Mrs. Vera Moore; their four children: Nicole, Gairy, Gavin and Kevin; and other family members and friends.

Hundreds turned out to join the bereaved relatives in paying their last respects to the distinguished legal luminary. Among the gathering were Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (performing the duties of President); Speaker

tribute on behalf of the Government of Guyana, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo hailed Moore as “an outstanding public servant and a distinguished jurist.”

“I wish, on behalf of His Excellency President David Granger; myself; members of our cabinet, and our families, as well as on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, to extend sincere condolences and our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Vera Moore

church has lost an elder; civil society has lost a leader, and the Government has lost an outstanding public servant.”

“Born in Alness on the Corentyne, Justice Moore was my ‘countryman’; and that was how we greeted each other while he served as a judge, lawyer, and then ombudsman. He was a great all-rounder; that was also said from the first tribute that was made, and his scoreboard is impressive,” the Prime Min-

republic. He has also given sterling service as an elder of this church and as a leading member of the Lions club of South Georgetown and Georgetown Stabroek. His record of service to our nation is truly worthy of emulation.”

According to the PM, the fact of his appointment as ombudsman – “an official who is appointed to receive and investigate complaints of abuses and capricious acts of public officials, and who is

The body of Justice Winston Moore being escorted out of the church of the House, Dr. Barton Scotland; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Attorney General Basil Williams, and former President Mr. Donald Ramotar.

Meanwhile, in paying

and the family of the late Justice Moore,” the acting Guyana President said.

Nagamootoo told Mrs. Moore: “Today, we all share your loss. You have lost the head of your family; this

ister remarked.

“Mr. Winston Moore has worked in the private and public sectors for fifty-five years as a clerk, soldier, lawyer, lecturer, judge, and finally as ombudsman of our

expected to achieve equitable settlements” -- is testimony to his character; to the perception of his honesty (and) fairness; and to his ability to dispense justice.

“Madame Moderator, la-

dies and gentlemen, as we commiserate with the family of Justice Winston Moore at his passing, and as we celebrate his life, we may take this opportunity to reflect on our individual selves with regard to our mortality, humanity, and obligations to our society.

Perhaps the best tribute to his passing would be for us to resolve to emulate this outstanding son of the soil in his contributions to our society,” Nagamootoo said.

Meanwhile, in the eulogy read by Moore’s sister, Claudette Whyte, she recalled that, at an early age, Winston exhibited a capacity for learning and displayed signs of being very mature-minded, and so naturally excelled academically.

UN needs more talks with Ve …before moving to juridical settlement - Pres Granger

By Ariana Gordon in New York THERE needs to be additional consultation and cooperation with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy before the United Nations Secretary- General moves the process forward.

This was revealed on Friday by President David Granger following a meeting between CARICOM leaders and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at UN Headquarters, New

York. President Granger said while the secretary-general alluded to the need for more consultations with Venezuela, “the door has not been closed.”

The UN Secretary-General is to meet with President Granger today on the matter.

It is Guyana’s hope that before Ban Ki-moon demits office, he points the ongoing controversy to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). “As far as Guyana is concerned with [the] territorial controversy—[we] don’t want to start process again… we have come to the conclusion some

25 years ago that the Good Offices process is not working….our intention is to go forward.”

The Guyanese leader made it clear that while Guyana recognises the “shuttle diplomacy” which has taken place among Venezuela, Guyana and New York, there is satisfaction with the effort and focus placed on the controversy by the outgoing UN Secretary-General (SG). “We are satisfied that by now the SG would have been able to arrive at an assessment of positions taken by Guyana and Venezuela,” he stated.

Meanwhile, President Granger described the meeting of CARICOM heads of Government and the UN Secretary-General as “useful” and said the meeting was arranged so that the secretary-general would be apprised of some of the critical issues affecting the region. The president said CARICOM leaders also bade farewell to Ban Ki-moon, who will demit office on December 31. “He has been a great friend of the Caribbean… he has attended two Heads of Government meetings which is rare for SG of UN… a very busy person.”

He said that under the secretary-generalship of Ban Ki-moon, he pioneered one of the most important environmental agreements which would affect the development of small islands and developing states. “Most of the Caribbean as you know is made up of islands and therefore the threat of rising sea levels and global warming are prominent in terms of the environmental agenda… these are important achievements of Moon’s 10 years’ service.”

President Granger served as chairman of Friday’s meeting and invited six CAR-

ICOM member states to address the meeting: The Bahamas, Belize, Guyana, Haiti, St Vincent and the Grenadines and St Lucia. Belize and Guyana he said were mostly concerned with its territorial issues, while Haiti was concerned with the consequences of environmental disasters and the fact that several hundreds of involuntary migrants, those expelled from The Dominican Republic are suffering from an outbreak of cholera.

The Bahamas, St Lucia and St Vincent, were particularly concerned about

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 24, 2016

nston Moore laid to rest

Mrs. Vera Moore and other bereaved family members during the Thanksgiving Service at St. Andrew’s Kirk He was remembered as thoughtful; an in-depth thinker; generous, and a stickler for discipline. And with a special bonding existing between him and their mother, he was soon to develop a love for classical music as well, which was her

forte.

In his early working life, Moore became employed with the Demerara Life Assurance Company and the Inland Revenue Department, (IRD), the precursor to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). But it was perhaps the discipline

enezuela the effects of correspondent banking and the fact that Caribbean countries have been stigmatised and treated unfairly. President Granger said each country is not being investigated individually, but as a bloc and as such the Region is being treated as “a bloc of delinquent states which is unfair.”

The UN Secretary –General, President Granger said, referenced the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy and noted that he is engaged with the two countries and acknowledged the concerns of the other territories. The is-

sues of correspondent banking and de-risking fall outside of his portfolio.

The issue of global warming and climate change were also discussed and continues to be a cause for concern of Caribbean states. “It was a useful engagement…we are very happy… he is leaving on a good note in terms of his relations with Guyana,” said President Granger, who noted that the secretary-general presides over an array of complex programmes which include employment, youth, trafficking in persons, poverty alleviation, women and

inherent in him that led Moore to gravitate towards the Guyana Defence Force, where he became an army officer, serving until 1973. Making a radical shift, he eventually moved to Barbados, where he entered Law School in 1980 and began his legal career as

an Attorney-at-Law in 1983, serving with distinction.

In 1998, he was appointed High Court Judge, and in 2007, served as the Judge Advocate for the Guyana Defence Force. On January 13, 2014, Justice Moore was sworn in as the Ombudsman

of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana under the then People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) administration. That position had remained vacant for a number of years. His duties included the investigation and resolution of complaints relative to public issues.

According to his sister Claudette White in the eulogy, “A simple country boy [maturing into manhood], her brother had high regard for ‘The Queen’s English’. He lived for an occasion to give a speech, and cultivated a fine mind, which served him to the end. Each day he would listen to the BBC to ensure that he got the pronunciation of words correctly. He’d often read poetry lines and verses from the Holy Bible, and so kept himself in tune.

Expressing pride at all her brother’s achievements, she added: “But his most outstanding achievement was his appointment as Ombudsman.”

And in perspective, he considered his children to have been ‘his greatest accomplishment in life’, she said.

Justice Moore’s son Kevin, who was among family members offering tributes, recalled the strength and courage his father demonstrated throughout his illness, and his absolute faith and trust in God to see him through.

He painfully asserted: “He [our dad] was prepared to face whatever eventualities might have come.”

Justice Moore was also acknowledged as having served the Presbyterian Church with distinction to the time of his passing. He was also appointed Legal Advisor of the Presbyterian Church in Guyana, and worked assiduously towards improving the management of the estate. Noting that he has transitioned and is continuing to serve the Lord at the highest level, Reverend Maureen Massiah observed that Elder Moore’s work was outstanding and thorough. She added that he has set examples in diligence to service.

President David Granger shares a light moment with St Lucia’s Prime Minister Allen Chastanet and Sir Shridath Ramphal on Friday at UN Headquarters in New York. gender issues, reduction of diseases and the environment, to name a few.

Notwithstanding the aforementioned, the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy remains “top

priority” for Guyana and President Granger said “we will continue to engage the secretary-general as far as

possible to ensure that [the] matter is brought to a juridical settlement.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 24, 2016

EU forum puts spotlight on gender-based violence THE Delegation of the European Union (EU) in Guyana on Wednesday hosted a civil society forum on Gender-Based Violence [GBV] at the Georgetown Marriott Hotel.

The event was attended by a wide cross-section of civil society stakeholders working in areas of human rights and gender rights, the EU Delegation said in a release.

The event took the form

of a skit performance on domestic abuse by Merundoi Incorporated called Leave Before It’s Too Late, and an excerpt from a documentary film called Six Days, which deals with the work of women’s rights activists

in difficult and dangerous circumstances.

Addressing the gathering, Head of Delegation of the EU in Guyana, Ambassador, Jernej Videti? highlighted that ‘’The EU has supported a number of ini-

The skit being performed at the EU gender-based violence forum on Wednesday

tiatives in Guyana to tackle gender-based violence in recent years, including providing financial support to organisations dealing with domestic abuse such as Help & Shelter, Merundoi, ChildLink, the Child Care and Protection Agency, and others.’’

He further pointed out that ‘’violence against women and girls is an extreme manifestation of gender inequality and systemic gender-based discrimination. The right of women and children to live free of violence depends on the protection of their human and legal rights. In this year, the 50th year of Guyana’s independence, it is time to finally remove the scourge of gender-based violence.’’

Representing the Ministry of Social Protection, Gender Specialist Adel Lilly pointed out that ‘’Awareness-raising campaigns are critical to prevent gender-based violence, not only by raising awareness of what constitutes violence

and its unacceptability, but also to challenge the underlying attitudes and behaviours which support it.”

Gender-based violence is one of the most pervasive violations of human rights in the world, one of the least prosecuted crimes, and one of the greatest threats to lasting peace and development. This violence against women and children has tremendous costs to communities, nations and societies. If left unaddressed, these human rights violations pose serious consequences for current and future generations and for efforts to ensure peace and security, to achieve long-term development. The effects of violence can remain with women and children for a lifetime and can pass from one generation to another.

Studies show that children who have witnessed, or been subjected to violence are more likely to become victims or abusers themselves.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 24, 2016

Imad takes five ...

From back page

(21) smashed the first six of the day as he and Bravo put on 66 to get the Windies past their lowest ever T20 total of 79, with the latter clearing the ropes twice after seeing so many wickets fall at the other end.

Pakistan lost Sharjeel Khan (22), bowled by Samuel Badree (1-27), in reply, but Azam and opener Khalid Latif (34 off 32) combined for an unbroken stand of 88 to seal an emphatic win, with the recalled Umar Akmal not required to bat. (Omnisport.com)

SCOREBOARD

WEST INDIES J Charles b Mohammad Nawaz 7 E Lewis c Mohammad Nawaz b Imad Wasim 1 +A Fletcher b Imad Wasim 2 M Samuels lbw b Imad Wasim 4 DJ Bravo c Umar Akmal b Sohail Tanvir 55 N Pooran c wkp Sarfraz Ahmed b Hasan Ali 5 K Pollard b Imad Wasim 9 *C Brathwaite c Khalid Latif b Imad Wasim 0 S Narine run out 1 J Taylor b Sohail Tanvir 21 S Badree not out 1 Extras (lb2, w5, nb2) 9 TOTAL (all out; 19.5 overs) 115 Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Lewis, 0.5 overs), 2-11 (Fletcher, 2.2), 3-15 (Samuels, 2.4), 4-17 (Charles, 3.4), 5-22 (Pooran, 4.3), 6-47 (Pollard, 10.3), 7-47 (Brathwaite, 10.5), 8-48 (Narine, 11.3), 9-114 (Taylor, 19.2), 10-115 (Bravo, 19.5).

Bowling: Imad Wasim 4-0-145, Sohail Tanvir 3.5-0-26-2 (w2), Mohammad Nawaz 4-0-16-1, Hasan Ali 3-0-32-1 (w1, nb1), Shoaib Malik 1-0-5-0 (w1), Wahab Riaz 4-1-20-0 (w1, nb1).

PAKISTAN Sharjeel Khan b Badree Khalid Latif not out Babar Azam not out Extras (lb1, w3, nb1)

22 34 55 5

TOTAL (1 wkt, 14.2 overs) 116 Did not bat: Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, *+Sarfraz Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Imad Wasim, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir, Hasan Ali Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Sharjeel Khan, 3.5 overs).

Bowling: Badree 4-0-27-1 (w1), Taylor 1-0-8-0, Narine 3-0-21-0, DJ Bravo 2-0-16-0 (w1), Brathwaite 2.20-29-0 (nb1), Pollard 2-0-14-0 (w1).

Banks DIH on board with COURTS 10K Road Race AS they look to add to the quality of the event, beverage company Banks DIH Limited will be partnering with COURTS, under its Rainforest Waters and Powerade brand, to sponsor the annual COURTS 10K Road Race, set for tomorrow, starting in front of COURTS’ Main Street branch.

The event is a collaboration between COURTS and the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG).

COURTS Marketing Assistant Roberta Ferguson and AAG president Aubrey

Leonora ...

From back page holders Jamaica on October 11.

The much-anticipated clash with the Reggae Boyz was in jeopardy after it was made known that the Guyana National Stadium was unavailable to host the game.

The GFF, in a determined effort not to surrender home advantage like they did in the second round versus Curacao, wrote the CFU seeking approval for the Leonora facility which led to the inspector’s affirmative response.

Guyana begin their third round campaign away to neighbour and nemesis Suriname on October 8. (Ras Wadada)

Hutson expressed gratitude to Banks DIH for coming on board as a sponsor of the races. Banks, no stranger at sponsoring athletics events, has been supporting the COURTS 10K for some time now.

The partnership will provide athletes and officials with Rainforest Waters and Powerade, a sports drink with electrolytes along the route, and at the completion of the event, which begins at 06:00hrs.

Commenting on behalf of Banks DIH was Communications Manager Troy Peters,

South Africa Racing Tip Durbanville 08:35 hrs Logan 09:15 hrs Fifty Cents 09:50 hrs Moonlight’ N Roses 10:25 hrs Gimme Six 11:00 hrs My World 11:35 hrs Come On Inn Irish Racing Tips Navan 08:45 hrs Tamlough Boy 09:15 hrs Crystal Pearl 09:50 hrs Red Giant 10:25 hrs Teacher’s Pet 11:00 hrs Chitu 11:35 hrs Myles Ahead 12:10 hrs The Rory Story English Racing Tips Newmarket 08:50 hrs Neshmeya 09:20 hrs Best Of Days 09:55 hrs Queen Kindly 10:30 hrs Mehmas 11:10 hrs Celestial Path 11:45 hrs Romantic View 12:20 hrs Von Boucher Market Rasen

who conveyed the company’s joy to be associated with the annual event as it helps to foster closer relationship with the nation’s athletes and business partner COURTS. The races which start and end in front of COURTS Furniture Store on Main Street will attract the country’s top athletes in the feature 10K while employees of COURTS and corporate entities will be featured in the 3K. The event is open to runners in the Junior, Senior and Masters categories for both males and females.

09:00 hrs Cliffs Of Dover 09:35 hrs Cloonacool 10:10 hrs Fix Appeal 10:45 hrs Sonneofpresenting 11:20 hrs For Goodness Sake 11:55 hrs Deserter 12:30 hrs Captain Sam Ripon 09:05 hrs Await The Storm 09:40 hrs Fleeting Dream 10:15 hrs Maldonado 10:50 hrs Snap Shots 11:25 hrs Discreet Hero 12:00 hrs Alquffaal 12:5 hrs Blue Jean Baby American Racing Tips Philadelphia Park Race 1 Sandy’s Song Race 2 Pea Shotter Pro Race 3 Best Bard Race 4 Rich ‘ n ‘ Tuck Race 5 Gloves Off Race 6 A Fleet Attitude Race 7 Pink Elephant Race 8 Mr . Jordan

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 24, 2016

Kiwis reply strongly on rain-hit day

By Amlan Chakraborty

KANPUR, India (Reuters) - Captain Kane Williamson and opener Tom Latham led a strong New Zealand reply with unbeaten half-centuries before rain washed out the final session of the second day of the first Test against India yesterday.

The pair shared an unbroken 117-run stand to take New Zealand to 152 for one at tea before it started to drizzle at Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium and no further play was possible.

Having bowled out the hosts for 318, New Zealand lost Martin Guptill (21) before lunch but the leftright combination of Latham and Williamson negated the home spinners with aplomb.

Latham was unbeaten on 56 with Williamson on 65 as New Zealand trailed India by 166 runs with nine wickets in hand.

“We were disciplined, we stuck to the game plans.

When the Indian bowlers missed, we jumped all over,” New Zealand batting coach Craig McMillan told reporters.

“The way they rotated the strike, their left hand-right hand combination throughout the partnership was crucial.”

Guptill could not convert the start he got and was trapped lbw by a full, swinging delivery from Umesh Yadav.

Latham and Williamson, however, looked comfortable against the spinners who did manage a few leg-before appeals but could not separate them.

The batsmen brought up their individual fifties in successive overs, but not before Latham had survived a scare.

He went for a sweep shot against Ravindra Jadeja and the deflection hit his boot and popped up for Lokesh Rahul to take

the catch at short leg.

The decision was referred to the third umpire who ruled in the batsman’s favour after replays suggested the ball had touched the chin strap of Rahul’s helmet.

According to regulations, parts of protective gear must not come into play while taking a catch.

India’s batting coach Sanjay Bangar said an early wicket was all the home team needed when play resumes today.

“It’s a matter of getting that breakthrough and putting the pressure back on them,” said Bangar.

“We were in a similar position wherein we were 150-odd for one at one point in time. Obviously when the ball starts to get older and the batsmen tire a bit, you get a breakthrough and it can be a different ball game.”

Resuming on 291 for nine, the Indian tail wagged to take the hosts past 300.

Kane Williamson used his feet to negate the spinners during his unbeaten 65 on the second day in Kanpur.

With number 11 Yadav (nine) at the other end, Jadeja (42 not out) took the onus of scoring on himself, contributing 26 of the 27 runs India added to their overnight score.

Jadeja hit Mitchell Santner for a six but could not get to his second Test half-century as Neil Wagner had Yadav caught behind to end a 41-run partnership for the last wicket.

Scoreboard INDIA 1st innings (Overnight: 291-9) L. Rahul c Watling b Santner 32 M. Vijay c Watling b Sodhi 65 C. Pujara c & b Santner 62 V. Kohli c Sodhi b Wagner 9 A. Rahane c Latham b Craig 18 Ro. Sharma c Sodhi b Santner

35 R. Ashwin c Taylor b Boult 40 W. Saha b Boult 0 R. Jadeja not out 42 M. Shami b Boult 0 U. Yadav c Watling b Wagner 9 Extras: (b-5, lb-1) 6

Total: (all out, 97 overs) 318 Fall of wickets: 1-42, 2-154, 3-167, 4-185, 5-209, 6-261, 7-262, 8-273, 9-277.

Bowling: T. Boult 20-3-67-3, N. Wagner 15-4- 42-2, M. Santner 232-94-3, M. Craig 24-6-59-1, I. Sodhi 15-3-50-1.

NEW ZEALAND 1st innings M. Guptill lbw b U. Yadav 21 T. Latham not out 56 K. Williamson not out 65 Extras: (b-8, lb-1, nb-1) 10 Total: (for 1 wickets, 47 overs) 152 Fall of wickets: 1-35.

Morris sidelined for two months by knee injury SOUTH Africa all-rounder Chris Morris has been ruled out of the upcoming series against Australia with a left knee injury.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) revealed Morris has been managing the problem for the majority of 2016 and has been encouraged to take a break in order to recover.

Dwaine Pretorius, previously uncapped, will replace the 29-year-old for the series against Australia that begins at Centurion on September 30.

However, it is hoped Morris will be available for selection when the Proteas face Sri Lanka in a three-match Test series starting on December 26.

“Chris has been carrying a chronic left knee patella

South African all-rounder Chris Morris. tendon injury for the last eight months which we have treated and managed up to this point,” said South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee in a CSA release.

“The injury has flared up considerably over the last two weeks leaving us with no option but rest and rehabilita-

tion to allow the knee time to fully recover.

“He will take no further part in the match against Ireland today and the series against Australia and will target a return back to international cricket for the Test series against Sri Lanka in December.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 24, 2016

Roland-Jones hat-trick leads Middlesex to County title TOBY Roland-Jones took a hat-trick to lead Middlesex to the English County Championship title with a dramatic 61-run victory over Yorkshire at Lord’s yesterday.

Yorkshire, chasing 240 for a win that would have secured the trophy for the third year in a row, collapsed to 178 all out, Roland-Jones claiming the final two wickets in successive deliveries to clinch victory with less than five overs to spare. The rightarm seamer also claimed a wicket with the last ball of his previous over.

Somerset, who beat Nottinghamshire on Thursday,

would have won the title for the first time if the game at Lord’s had ended in a draw.

That looked the likely outcome when Yorkshire laboured to 153 for five but Roland-Jones completed figures of six for 54 as the visitors lost their last five wickets for 18 runs to give Middlesex the trophy for the first time since 1993.

“The way the day went, it was a bit up and down,” Roland-Jones told Sky Sports. “I think we set them a pretty good chase.

“At different stages they looked like they were going well. For it to finish like that

is an unbelievable feeling.”

Roland-Jones, called into the England Test squad this year, bowled Andrew Hodd and Ryan Sidebottom with the first two balls of his 13th over to seal victory.

“There’s been so much hard work over the past five years,” the 28-year-old said.

“We’ve been on an upward curve and to finish it off like this and finally manage to get there – I’m sure we’ll enjoy it tonight.”

Middlesex, unbeaten in the championship all season, finished four points ahead of Somerset with Yorkshire 15 points further back in third.

YBG School Basketball Festival off to successful start -Marian, Plaisance Academy among winners

By Daniel Haynes THE 11th annual Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) National Schools Basketball Festival (NSBF) started yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The tournament was initially tipped for July but was postponed due to the Caribbean Basketball Championships (CBC) which Guyana hosted.

However the postponement of the festival did not stop a successful tip off.

The first game featured a female match up to jump start the day with the Girls from President’s College taking on the Girls from St. Rose’s High School where President’s College would come out the eventual winner 13-0. Demelza Nicholas came wast the top scorer for the game turning in 10 points with 3 rebounds and 8 steals.

In the second game of the day, Marian Academy came out winners over a fighting President’s College in the U14 category.

The game finished 12-8 and despite being a low scoring affair, was tightly contested.

For Marian, Arwin Gainda finished with 4 points, Corey Graham had 2 points while Jaden Daziel and Jether Harris finished with 3 points

Nigel Bowen on his way to the rim for two out his twenty two apiece with Harris pulling match up 33-22. Led by CBC down 8 rebounds to go with player Nigel Bowen who 4 steals. On the other side shot his way to 22 points to of the scoreboard, Richard finish with a day high indiSemple had 7 points and 3 vidual score. However, he steals in a losing effort. also pulled down 20 rebounds In the third game of on his way to finish with a the day, newcomers North double double. For PresiGeorgetown took on St Jo- dent’s College Siplo McEvan seph High School and won finished with 5 points to top in a hard fought match. The score in the losing effort.

Joseph side struggled to find According to YBG Diany amount of consistency rector Chris Bowman, “We and despite spurts of scoring, are happy to see the games they fell 28-24. It was the tip off in such fine fashion combo of Jamal Charmical and we look forward to and Jarrol Shepherd who seeing even better games were the leading scorers within the next 8 days of the with 9 and 6 respectively. competition.

For Joseph’s both Shakeem The games are played Wilson and Denzil Ross fin- in a loser go home fashion ished with 7 points apiece and will see last night’s to contribute to most of the winners progressing to the scoring. next round. Action conP l a i s a n c e A c a d e m y tinues today at the same capped off the night with a venue four games being dominating win over Pres- played with tip off being ident’s College in the U16 15:00hrs.

James Franklin, Middlesex captain, leads the celebrations as Middlesex claim the County Championship tile at Lord’s, yesterday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 24, 2016

2016 OSCL 2016 season climaxes tomorrow … Conference B finalists already decided

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada - The Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) 2016 season climaxes tomorrow at the Ashtonbee ground here with both the Conference A and B 20over finals on the numbers one and two fields respectively.

While the Conference B finalists have already been decided with Enterprise down to face Carr Tec, the highly anticipated match-up for the Conference A will not be known until today when the semi-finals are played at the same venue.

Already assured of the 10/10 and 15-over crowns, Dant will start as overwhelming favourites when they clash with Rebels on the number two ground while the other game brings together Sunshine and East Coast in what is expected to be a keenly contested affair.

Dant, who are seeking a repeat performance of their debut season (2014) when they swept all the major titles at stake, have signalled their intentions with a lob-sided victory over Better Hope in last Saturday’s quarter-final, routing the opposition for a mere 51 in reply to their 182 for four in the allotted 20 overs.

The in-form Shaun Deonandan (56) and former national player Damodar Daesrath (35) led the way for the eventual winners.

Rebels, on the other hand, created quite a storm with a thrilling last-wicket win over Rems, their highly

seeded counterparts. While they don’t possess the big names as Dant, they are not to be taken lightly as was seen last Saturday when with only 10 players, they sent Rems packing.

Former Guyana Under-19 player Troy Gobin, a player known for his exploits when it matters most, is once again expected to play a leading role if Rebels are to advance to tomorrow’s final.

The East Coast/Sunshine battle seemed evenly poised. However, according to reports, Sunshine will be without their inspirational skipper Mahendranauth ‘Bobby’ Parasnauth because of work-related matters. A prominent all-rounder in his own right, and one player who revels in ‘big games’, his absence will be a severe blow to Sunshine’s hopes.

Sunshine’s batting will depend heavily on the likes of Azam Haniff, Anil Etwaroo, Avinash Sukhdeo and Anil Ramotar while the bowling is in the capable hands of Sukhdeo, Etwaroo and Wally Bacchus.

Sunshine were severely tested over the last weekend, having had to play GT Bannas both Saturday and Sunday, after the first game ended in a tie and the second ended with the West End team edging to victory by a mere one run in the replayed quarter-final.

Despite their under-achievement during the preliminary rounds and what can be considered an ordinary season, East Coast have

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday September 24, 2016) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Lendl Simmons-65 (2) Devendra Bishoo-4/17 (4 overs) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many Pakistanis played in all four T20 games against the WI, prior to the current series?

(2) How many WI played in all four T20 games against Pakistan, prior to the current series?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Troy Gobin

Damodar Daesrath

Bharrat Latchman

shown they are capable of romping with the ‘big guns’, recording an easy victory over Caribbean Sensation last Saturday.

The key to their success lies with the Deosarran brothers (Krishna and Surujpaul), burly all-rounder Roohit ‘Beast’ Dutchin and the flam-

boyant Rakesh Dyal.

Tomorrow’s B Conference final is also expected to be eye-catching, with the unbeaten Enterprise looking to maintain their one hundred per cent record against Carr Tec who are bent on stopping them in their tracks.

Both captains, Rabindra Diaram (Enterprise) and Bharrat Latchman (Carr Tec), have exuded an air of confidence after easy semi-final wins versus Scarborough Angels and GTA Storm respectively and are raring to go.

Enterprise have looked impregnable during the

season, their lone loss coming against GTA Storm in the 10/10 final while they also defeated Carr Tec during the season. Their strong batting lineup hinges around Sharaz Hamid, Seenarine Narine and Avinash Singh while Diaram and Imtiaz ‘Crasher’ Ali spearhead the bowling.

The man with the ‘golden arm’ Terry Mathura has been a thorn in the flesh of batsmen recently and played a pivotal role in last Sunday’s semi-final win versus GTA, with a brilliant four-wicket haul. He’s primed for tomorrow’s final.

While Carr Tec are expected to miss the services of former Guyana Under-19 batsman Harrinarine Chattergoon, their all-round abilities should make for an interesting encounter.

Den Amstel aiming to beat Stewartville tomorrow in NAMILCO Under-17 clash WHEN competition in the West Demerara leg of the GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Intra-Association Under-17 League continues tomorrow, home team Den Amstel will be seeking to record yet another win.

The red-hot side will be seeking to add Stewartville to their list of casualties when the two collide at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground from 12:00hrs. In their latest match last Sunday, Den Amstel edged Slingerz FC 4-3 in an exciting clash.

The home team wasted

Keswin Fraser

little time in sending a clear message to Slingerz, the reigning Elite League Champions of Guyana.

A brace each from Ruben Dainty and Keswin Fraser was a clear enough message to Slingerz and the rest of the teams in the competition of what Den Amstel’s overall aim is.

Dainty hit the back of the net in the 2nd and 35th minutes while Fraser followed suit in the 3rd and 70th. Slingerz struck in the 6th minute when Odel Duncan slammed in the first of a brace for him also but it was not enough to unsettle Den Amstel.

Duncan was again on the score sheets in the 47th minute to further reduce the score line; and even with a 57th minute strike from Ronaldo Macey, which added to the excitement of the match, Slingerz still found themselves one goal short at the end of full time which handed Den Amstel the win and full points.

Last Saturday’s encounter which should have brought together Wales United and Beavers resulted in the former gaining full points without breaking a sweat as the latter side failed to show up.

Marco van Basten appointed to FIFA role FIFA president Gianni Infantino has welcomed the appointment of Marco van Basten to football’s world governing body.

Netherlands great Marco van Basten has been appointed FIFA’s Chief Officer for Technical Development. van Basten departed his role as Netherlands assistant to Danny Blind last month and confirmed he would be taking up a new position with football’s world governing body.

The Ajax and AC Milan legend will be involved in the overseeing of all technical ar-

eas including football technology innovation and refereeing.

“It’s a great honour for me to be appointed for this assignment,” van Basten, who also enjoyed coaching spells with Netherlands, Ajax and AZ, said via a FIFA statement.

“I’m very proud to have the opportunity to work in the home of FIFA, the home of world football. I hope to be able to give my contribution to ensure that football remains the number one sport in the world.

“Football is spectacular and it has to stay spectacular

in every sense. We all love this sport.

“That’s why I will work hard to develop football technically in the way that our sport will give to the fans and the players always emotions and joy.”

FIFA’s statement explained that van Basten’s appointment was part of president Gianni Infantino’s “commitment to put football centre-stage at FIFA”.

“Marco van Basten is football,” Infantino said.

“Discussing with him the last few months and hearing

his visions for the game, knowing of course what he has done for the game, for me it was immediately clear that Marco van Basten is a fantastic asset for FIFA, for the whole technical area of FIFA. “We have to cherish football, we have to protect football and develop football.

Marco is a great expert, not only a legend.

“There is a lot he can do for football, for the game and around the pitch in the world. I’m extremely happy that he joined our team and I’m sure that he will do a great job.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 24, 2016

Jaguars Franchise League 3-Day Tournament

West Dem make strong reply after Georgetown bowled out for 170

By Rajiv Bisnauth

WEST Demerara closed the opening day of their fifth round Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Jaguars Franchise League Threeday tournament at 165-2, with Tagnarine Chanderpaul unbeaten on 94 and Akshaya Persaud on 49, replying to Georgetown’s first-innings total of 170, yesterday at the Lusignan Community Centre ground.

The duo shared an unbroken third-wicket stand of 125, after they were reduced to 40-2. The left-handed Chanderpaul has so far played a measured innings, inclusive of two fours and five sixes, while his skipper reached the boundary on six occasions, as West Demerara are just five runs adrift from their opponents’ first-innings total.

Earlier, the City batsmen fell to careless strokes, after they won the toss and chose to bat on a two-pace wicket.

Off-spinner Richie Looknauth (4-34) and pacer Romario Shepherd (3-56) were the chief destroyers.

West Demerara grabbed an early advantage after their bowlers reduced George-

Tagenarine Chanderpaul was unbeaten on 94 at the close. town to 112-8 at lunch and it took them another hour in the second session to pack them off.

Although spinners are expected to dominate on a dry surface, it was Shepherd who tore into the Georgetown top order.

Georgetown were left wobbling from ball one after Shepherd bowled opener Robin Bacchus without scoring.

Shepherd and Mahendra Dhanpaul caused the early

damage with some accurate pace bowling.

The pair reduced Georgetown to 30-3, with Dhanpaul removing Sunil Singh, caught at the wicket for 16.

Shepherd, bowling with pace and variety, then had Christopher Barnwell also caught at the wicket for two.

Andrew Lyght Jr played cautiously for 112 minutes, before the spinners created more problems for the city

team.

Jahran Byron was the first to be dismissed, caught at the wicket off Yutesh Dhanpaul for 17 before Lyght Jr was removed by fellow off-spinner Richie Looknauth for 47.

Dextor Solomon was bowled by Shepherd for 12 before Ronaldo Alimohamed created a double blow by Looknauth, who removed (10) and Gajanan Sukanana (0).

After the lunch interval Devon Lord and Kellon

St George’s footballer Dominic James died of cardiac failure - autopsy A PATHOLOGIST at the University Hospital of the West Indies concluded on Thursday that 18-year-old St George’s High School Ma n n in g C up captain Dominic James, died of cardiac failure.

The player was apparently suffering from a condition known as Cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathy is a group of diseases that affect the heart muscle. Early on there may be few or no symptoms.

Others may have shortness of breath, feel tired, or have swelling of the legs due to heart failure. Those affected are at an increased

Dominic James risk of sudden cardiac the 2013-2014 season, was death. named captain of St George’s James, who also played during the pre-season. He Manning Cup football for died at the start of his sixth Jamaica College (JC) until game of the season.

Reports said James collapsed on the field about three minutes into the game and was attended to by three doctors. He was eventually taken to the Medical Associates Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

His death triggered an emotional outpouring from the football fraternity, including the Jamaica Football Federation as well as the Waterhouse Football Club with whom James won an Under-20 championship in 2014.

James was remembered as an outstanding student and midfield player who had a bright future ahead of him.

Carmichael forged a superb 59-run alliance, with the latter dismissed for 40, and Lord contributed 18.

However, both were removed by Looknauth and Keshram Seyhodan respectively.

West Dem then lost Ronlado Renee (0), and Safraz Esan (21), before the tea interval, at 40-2, with leftarm seamer Andre Stoll and Sukanana, the wicket-takers.

However, Chanderpaul and Persaud survived the remaining overs before tea and then batted the entire final session without much difficulty.

Meanwhile, summarised scores from the other three matches are as follows: At Port Mourant: Upper Corentyne declared with their score at 206-9.

Skipper Rajiv Ivan stroked 93. He was well supported

by Kevlon Anderson who made 33, playing his first match of the competition.

Bowling for Essequibo, Kevin Gordon had 3-41 while Anthony Adams also had 3-46.

Essequibo in reply were 99-4 at the close with

Shivnarine Chanderpaul on 21 and Ricardo Adams on 1.

Eon Hooper has so far taken 2-24.

At Enterprise: West Berbice won the toss and decided to bat. They were led by Kayron Fraser who scored a century batting at number 10 as he led West Berbice to a formidable 407-9 at the close.

He is on 120 not out while Collis Butts is on 34 not out. Andrew Dutchin earlier made 71 while opener Avinash Sewkarran chipped in with 50. Bowling for East Bank, Steven Jacobs and Arshaad Ali has so far taken 3-99 and 2-39 respectively.

At Albion: East Coast Demerara posted 277 all out on the back of Chandrapaul Hemraj’s 91. Guyana youth Under-19 all-rounder Bhaskar Yadram stroked a composed 71. Lower Corentyne in reply closed on 70-1 with the in-form Jonathan Foo not out on 36 and Surujnarine Kandasammy on 27.

Play continues today beginning at 09:30hrs in all matches.

Region Three schools football finals on today

THE finals of the Region Three Primary and Secondary schools football will be played today at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground, beginning at 13:00hrs.

The tournament which attracted ten teams in each division is being sponsored by the Ministry of Social Protection under the theme, “Try walking in my shoes”.

The opening act of today’s triple-header will bring together losing semifinalists of the Secondary division - West Demerara and Goed Fortuin.

This will be followed by the primary schools final when La Parfaite Harmony do battle with Den Amstel.

The final encounter to determine the Secondary Champs will kick off at 16:00hrs when Vreed-en-Hoop tackle Uitvlugt in what is expected to be a close affair. Vreed-en-Hoop had the better of Goed Fortuin in the semis, on their way to the final while Uitvlugt breezed past West Demerara in their match-up.

Coordinator of the tournament, Joel Gibson, told Chronicle Sport that “lots of talent were discovered, but the high level of discipline by all schools was the most satisfying feeling of this inaugural competition”.

Gibson added that it is his hope to make the tournament an annual event but to played during the August holiday. (Ras Wadada)

West Dem make strong reply after Georgetown bowled out for 170 (See Story on page 31 )

First T20 in Dubai

Imad takes five as Pakistan thrash Windies IMAD Wasim became the first Pakistan spinner to claim a five-wicket haul in a Twenty20 International as world champions West Indies were hammered by nine wickets in the opening match of the series.

Pakistan finished their tour of England on a high note by thrashing England this month and carried on where they left off in a one-sided encounter in Dubai yesterday. Scores: Pakistan 116 for 1 (Azam 55*, Latif 34*) beat West Indies 115 (Bravo 55, Taylor 21, Wasim

Imad Wasim had a memorable night in Dubai with figures of 4-0-14-5.

Leonora facility approved by CFU THE football fraternity of Guyana will have the opportunity to see their Golden Jaguars in 3rd round action of the Scotiabank-sponsored Caribbean Football Union’s (CFU) Senior Men’s Championship.

After an inspection of the Leonora Stadium by CFU’s appointed official inspector, Barbadian Patrick Beckles, last Thursday night, in the presence of some top officials of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and government, the venue was given the green light to host the See page 27

CFU Iinspector Patrick Beckles

5-14) by nine wickets).

All-rounder Imad was the star of the show, taking 5-14 - the eighth-best figures in a T20 International - in a magnificent spell as the Windies were bowled out for only 115 in their first competitive game since the departure of head coach Phil Simmons.

The tourists slumped to 48-8 before Dwayne Bravo (55 from 54 balls) ensured they were not totally humiliated, but Babar Azam (55 not out from 37) made his maiden

T20 half-century for Pakistan and Andre Russell, with as they got home with 34 balls Mohammad Nawaz (1to spare in the first game of a 16) cleaning up Johnson Charles (7) and debutant three-match series.

Imad, opening the bowl- Nicholas Pooran (5) also ing on a scorched, cracked failing, to leave them 22-5 The outstanding Imad pitch after Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss, had the Windies had five wickets to his in dire straits when he dis- name after bowling the missed Evin Lewis (1) from dangerous Kieron Pollard the fifth ball before removing (9) and also getting rid of Andre Fletcher (2) and trap- captain Carlos Braithwaite ping Marlon Samuels (4) in without scoring.

It was not until the 13th front in the same over.

Things went from bad over that Jerome Taylor to worse for a West Indies side missing Chris Gayle See page 27

Banks DIH on board with COURTS 10K Road Race

Banks DIH Brand Manager Errol Nelson hands over the sponsor cheque to COURTS Marketing Assistant Roberta Ferguson while AAG president Aubrey Hutson, Troy Peters and Clive Pellew of Banks DIH look on. (See story on page 27)

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2016