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No. 104712

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

Off FATF radar

… Guyana off global money laundering compliance watch

Suspected juvenile 12 thief shot Page

Page

CSEC crème de 5 la crème honoured Page

HPV vaccination project re-launched Page

No decision yet by Cabinet on land acquisition

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-AG to present report next week

CI backs Guyana’s green economy push

centre

Kayshav Tewari, Guyana’s most outstanding performer overall, and Fatima Karim of St. Rose’s High, who gained 19 grade ones and one grade two, pose with their trophies at the National Cultural Centre on Friday (Delano Williams photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 22, 2016

Gun crime at its highest - Former Army Chief-of-Staff calls for stakeholder collaboration

By Alva Solomon FORMER Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Retired Brigadier General Mark Phillips, believes that incidents of gun-related crime in the country are at their highest, and has ranked the issue as the most pressing matter facing the society. Speaking in a private capacity at the opening ceremony of a one-day security forum and expo, organised by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Friday afternoon at the Duke Lodge in Kingston, Phillips said he is aware of efforts made by Government over the years to improve the security situation of the country while simultaneously addressing crime. He opined that six challenges are likely to drive Guyana’s security priorities, and he listed them as: violent crime, territorial integrity, illicit traf-

ficking of arms and people, transnational organised crimes, terrorism, and cyber security/ cyber crime. “I place at number one violent crime, because notwithstanding the crime statistics

that speaks to a reduction in crime, it is my firm belief as a citizen of Guyana that the high incidence of gun-related crimes is today the most pressing problem in the Guyanese society”, Phillips told the

gathering of private security firm heads, among other stakeholders. The Guyana Police Force had earlier this month reported a 21 per cent decline in serious crimes at the end of September. According to statistics revealed by the Force, there has been a 9 per cent reduction in reports of murder; a 5 per cent decrease in gun-related robberies; a 17 per cent decrease in armed robberies where other instruments were used; a 15 per cent decrease in robberies where no instruments were used; a 25 per cent decrease in robbery with violence; a 4% decrease in robbery with aggravation; a 33% decrease in larceny from the person; a 19% decrease in rape; a 13% decrease in burglary and a 21% decrease in break and enter and larceny respectively.

36 years, says Guyana faces a number of external and internal threats. On the subject of citizen security, which the forum focused on, he said that citizens need better protection from various threats. “So we must view security as an all-encompassing condition in which we have the freedom and peace to participate fully in the process of governance, (and) enjoy protection of fundamental rights”, he added. He reiterated his position while speaking as a citizen. “I am simply stating that citizen security is the measure of state security, since the extent to which the people of Guyana can live in freedom and safety is the extent to which the state is secure”, Phillips added. He said that persons would be aware that an increase in

rying out its security mandate. These include mounted surveillance cameras along the roadways of the city; computer data used for analysis; and according to him, the Force has a computer operational centre in which ranks are undergoing training in the use of the computer. “So we have been doing a lot of things as it relates to IT (information technology)”, he said, adding that the police are working along with other stakeholders on the smart city solutions project for the city of Georgetown. President of the GCCI, Vishnu Doerga, told the gathering that security concerns continue to rank high as the barrier to local and foreign direct investment. He said the chamber organized the event on Friday as a means of

Retired Brigadier General Mark Phillips as he addressed the forum

A section of the gathering at the forum Additionally, 67 illegal firearms were seized, comprising 29 pistols, 21 revolvers, and 17 shotguns. Notwithstanding the police statistics, Phillips said, citizens of the country are exposed every day “to more and more violent robberies” at various places, including their places of business, shops, delivery vehicles, rice fields, nightclubs, churches and homes. “No one is safe from violent crime and criminal activity,” he said, noting that it is only a matter of time before the criminals “attack anyone of us.” He said that in a dynamic security context, there is need for collaboration between the public and private sectors and civil society and the media, to explore opportunities and safeguard national interests, especially the promotion of economic development here. Phillips, who retired from the GDF on October 2, after serving that entity for some

violent crime would certainly affect investments, including traditional investments from North America and Europe. But he noted that such crimes also affect investment by Guyanese who reside overseas and are returning to invest in the country. “I am convinced that now is the time (for) both the private and public sectors to embrace the available security technology to improve (their security situation and) to ensure a safer working environment for employees”, he added. Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Williams told the gathering that security indeed has its challenges, and he noted that the situation is becoming serious. He said that technology plays a key role in the operations of the security sector. Speaking on the Police Force, he said the Force has established several systems which assist the body in car-

empowering business owners and the public to be proactive in safeguarding themselves against criminal threats, and he noted that business owners are the prime targets of criminals. He said the GCCI is recommending a review of the entire security sector, noting that, earlier in 2016, the body met with the head of the security sector and discussed the improvement of security in Guyana. Doerga said that while there is much to be done regarding improvement of the sector, a complete removal of duty and value-added tax (VAT) on all security management products is needed. He said that duties on such products currently range from 20% to 25% and 30% in duties under different components, along with VAT. He said a reduction would make the products affordable and accessible. Presenters at the forum noted the importance of securing one’s environment, while Head of the GEB Security Service, Maurice Amres, told the gathering that persons should prevent the movement of large sums of cash, as well as exercise caution regarding information on relatives who are visiting from overseas.

Off FATF radar

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 22, 2016

… Guyana off global money laundering compliance watch

GUYANA has been removed from the ongoing global Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism compliance process of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF);and the global body has also hailed this country for the significant progress it has made in addressing the strategic deficiencies in the regime bequeathed it by the former administration. This development is a major step in Guyana’s fight against financial crimes. “The FATF congratulated Guyana for the significant progress it has made in addressing the strategic AML/ CFT deficiencies earlier identified by the FATF and included in its action plan. Guyana will no longer be subject to the FATF’s monitoring under its on-going global AML/CFT compliance process. The country will work with the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), of which it is a member, to further strengthen its AML/CFT regime,” the global body said in a

statement made at the end of the October 19-21 Plenary held in Paris. President David Granger had met last month with FATF/ICRG officials who were in Guyana to conduct a site visit to assess the progress made by the country to bring itself into compliance with the requirements of the FATF and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF). A report on that assessment was presented at the Paris meeting during which Guyana was cleared. Attorney General Basil Williams had previously noted that the FATF/ICRG team had subsequently indicated to the authorities that Guyana had successfully implemented all the recommendations the body had made regarding strengthening of its AML/CTF framework. At a news conference held just before he departed for Paris to attend the FATF meeting, the AG had said “… we hope now that in Paris that report will be conveyed to the ICRG (International Cooperation Review Group) meeting and plenary, and

Attorney General Basil Williams stands in front of the OECD Conference Centre in Paris, France [we] have an opportunity to be removed from the list.” The delegation that vis-

ited last month included CFATF’s Financial Adviser Roger Hernandez, CFATF’s

Open door policy –Gov’t extends offer to engage Opposition on GuySuCo

GOVERNMENT has again extended an offer to the political Opposition to engage on issues relative to the cash-strapped Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuco), an entity Government is unwilling to turn into a “political football.” Minister of State Joseph Harmon made this disclosure during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Friday at the Ministry of the Presidency. Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo conceded on Thursday that GuySuCo’s troubles began while his party was in office. And while he still lays some amount of blame at the feet of this Government, Jagdeo said he is still open to talks with Government to chart a way forward for the

sugar industry. According to reports surfacing last month, GuySuCo is in US$410M debt, and was at the time making moves to sell 2,000 acres of land to raise cash. GuySuCo has already received more than $21B from the Government to help offset its expenses during 2016. Its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Errol Hanoman, has opined that, based on current trends, GuySuco would need an annual subvention of more than $10B. Against this backdrop, the Minister of State expressed sentiments similar to those of the Opposition Leader, noting that Government always has an open door policy when dealing with matters of na-

Minister of State Mr Joseph Harmon tional importance. “We have always said that we welcome the Opposition Leader [and] we welcome the opposition to have conver-

sation on these matters,” he declared. He also said Government does not wish to have matters of such importance being made into a political football, since the lives of a significant number of Guyanese would be affected. “We believe that it has to do with the economic future of this country, and therefore any conversation which we have to have on GuySuCo, we welcome the Opposition Leader and his crew to discuss it here with us. We’ve said it before: We welcome any intervention by Dr. Jagdeo and his team to talk to us about it,” Minister Harmon said. With the issue even before the National Assembly, Harmon said, Government is still inclined to host discussions

Executive Director Calvin Wilson, Americas Regional Review Group (ARRG) Assessor Gonzalo Gonzalez de Lara, and FATF’s Senior Policy Analyst Kevin Vandergrift. Gonzalez de Lara had said last month that the team was pleased with the Guyana Government’s efforts and the work being done by the various law enforcement agencies. He had also said that the FATF/ CFATF recognised that all of these changes had been achieved in a relatively brief period of time. President Granger had, during the FATF/ICRG’s visit, reiterated his administration’s commitment to compliance with the AML/ CFT requirements and its importance to Guyana’s security. “We welcome your coming here and the work you are here to do, and we look forward to favourable outcomes…. We are committed to ensuring that there is full compliance in every respect,” President Granger had said. He had reminded the team that, as a small country

with porous borders, Guyana is vulnerable to transnational crimes such as human trafficking and contraband smuggling; and, as such, the country has been doing its best to tackle those problems within the limit of its resources. Minister Williams had noted last month that while there was still some resistance to the new measures, the Government has been doing a lot of work to ensure that the population gets a better understanding of the importance of fighting money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Since coming to office in May 2015, the coalition Government has taken steps to ensure the country’s financial systems become fully compliant with AML/CFT regulations. Among the steps taken are enactment of the AML/ CFT legislation, appointment of a director and deputy director for the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and making the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) functional.

outside of the chambersof Parliament in order to chart a way forward for the industry. “The Government always stands ready, willing and able to have a conversation; to have discussions; to have consultations with the Opposition on this and any other matter of national significance. We’ve made that clear, and we want to repeat it.” Meanwhile, in relation to a call by Jagdeo for a further bailout of GuySuCo, Minister Harmon has said that matter is currently engaging the Minister of Finance, who has been approached by the Minister of Agriculture. The Opposition has traditionally gained political sup-

port from sugar workers over the years. However, since its ascension to office, the APNU+AFC Administration has expressed no intention to close the sugar industry –- one of the six pillars of Guyana’s economy -- and according to Minister Harmon, Government does not see this issue as a political issue, but rather a national one. “We’re not running for any elections in December or anything like that; but as a national issue, we believe that the role GuySuco plays in the national arrangement will require that we pay careful attention to what is happening there.” (Ravin Singh)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 22, 2016

Government invites public to donate to relief effort for Haiti - following devastating losses left in the wake of Hurricane Matthew

MINISTER of State and National Disasters Management Coordinator, Joseph Harmon, on Friday invited members of the Guyanese public to donate to the relief effort for the hurricane-ravaged Haiti, a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency said. Harmon disclosed that several accounts will be opened at Republic Bank Limited by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to receive donations.

PAHO), said that Haiti needs help now more than ever. He reminded that Haiti has suffered tragic losses and urged Guyanese to come together to show solidarity by contributing to the rebuilding effort. At this time, with many of the locations still cut off and inaccessible to the Haitian authorities, monetary relief, he said, is most appropriate. “It is part of our responsibility as a CARICOM country, as member of the United

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, presents the Certificate of Pass to this participant from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). Minister Harmon, who Nations system to respond in was at the time addressing the a way that is consistent with participants of a recently con- our own circumstances, to a cluded Mass Casualty Man- country affected in this way agement Systems Workshop as Haiti has been affected. I held by the CDC in collabo- want to lay out the response ration with the World Health that Government has actually Organisation/ Pan American put in place already and some Health Organisation (WHO/ additional responses we want

to put in place. We have pledged US$50,000 initially, but we would like to have a much stronger response to this situation, so we are asking the Guyanese people to rally to the cause of the people of Haiti. The CDC, as part of the disaster management system of the region … is the body responsible for coordinating the country’s response. So I am asking anyone who wants to make a donation to the people of Haiti, to the rebuilding of the nation, [the] CDC is where it needs to happen,” Minister Harmon said. The Minister of State said too that based on information from the Haitian Emergency Operations Centre and the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), monetary donations are preferred, since other forms of aid could take weeks and months before it reaches the country. There are no guarantees too that the aid would be able to reach the areas which have been significantly affected in a timely manner, while the specific needs for many of those areas have not yet been identified. “In the past we have come to the aid of Haiti, Dominica, Montserrat and several other countries, but because of the logistics train, which has to move from Guyana to those countries and then to the areas affected, sometimes

19-year-old committed to stand trial N I N E T E E N - y e a r- o l d Nicholas Hercules of Lot 44 Princes Street, Georgetown, was on Friday committed to stand trial in the High Court after the conclusion of the preliminary inquiry into the murder of Carlos Solomon. City Magistrate Judy Latchman told the court that

based on the evidence, a prima facie case was made out against Hercules. The city magistrate said the teen will face trial at the High Court during the next sitting of the Demerara Assizes. According to the police, on April 1, while residing at the same location, Solomon and Hercules reportedly

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had a misunderstanding which resulted in Hercules stabbing Solomon to his armpit. The victim was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he succumbed. Hercules had alleged that he was injured by Solomon.

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the aid [doesn’t] get to the people until months after the disaster would have struck. I am advised that [on] the last occasion there were at least 25 containers that left Guyana for Haiti and it took several months before it got there. So what I am asking is that persons who [wish] to make a contribution, in the initial stages, we are going to ask that these donations be monetary contributions and as the situation is clearer, when CDEMA or the Haitian Operations Centre declare exactly what it is that they want and where, then we can take it to the next step to have other contributions made like water, clothing, food, medical supplies,” he said. While the bank accounts will be opened on Monday, October 24 at Republic Bank Limited, there is a 24-hour hotline at the CDC, which persons can call to make donations. The telephone numbers are 226-1114, 2261117 (extension 228) and

600-7500. “I am asking that we cast our minds on the people of Haiti and to see how blessed and fortunate we are. Stay focused and connected,” Minister Harmon said. Meanwhile, the minister presented certificates to 44 persons who completed the Mass Casualty Management Systems training on Saturday, October 15. The fourday Instructors’ Training in Mass Casualty Management concluded last week, while the second phase began on Monday, October 10 and concluded on the evening of Saturday, October 15 with a written assessment and practical exercise. The training aimed to achieve a satisfactory level of knowledge transfer, where the participants were taught the principles of mass casualty management in keeping with the PAHO Mass Casualty System. The participants were required to complete a written examination as well as a practical exercise and

achieve the 80 per cent minimum pass rate before they are awarded internationally recognised certificates from the PAHO/WHO. Director-General of the CDC, Colonel (ret’d) Chabilall Ramsarup, said that the training stemmed from the weaknesses which were recognised during Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations, which were held at the D’urban Park. After discussions with the Minister of State, PAHO was contacted and agreed to lend its support in this endeavour. Dr. William Adu-Krow, PAHO/WHO Representative in Guyana, remarked that while Guyana is a blessed country, systems must be put in place to ensure that in the event that there are incidents, interventions can be made. “It is imperative that we strengthen its capacity to respond with effective and timely interventions,” he said.

Bartica man to stand trial for murder of young mechanic TWENTY-ONE-year-old Rayon Jones of Fourth Avenue, Bartica, was committed to stand trial in the High Court by Magistrate Leron Daly for the murder of Puranand Andrew Baljit, who was stabbed to death in his Timehri, East Bank Demerara home. It was alleged that on June 9, 2016 at Madewini, East Bank Demerara, he murdered the young mechanic during the course of a burglary. In his initial appearance, his lawyer, Latchmie Rahamat, requested that the

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preliminary inquiry be done by paper committal in order to save the court’s time. The magistrate made the ruling based on the facts presented by the prosecutor; she stated that sufficient evidence was led by the prosecution to have the defendant stand before the High Court at the next sitting of the Demerara Assizes. During his teenage years, Jones was arrested several times and appeared at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on break and enter and burglary charges.

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Jones was arrested on the Georgetown seawall by police after being lured there by his reputed wife. Baljit, 23, called ‘Andrew’ was found with several stab wounds about his body, mainly to the chest and shoulder. Following Jones’ arrest, he allegedly admitted to investigators that he had entered Baljit’s bedroom earlier that night and had secreted himself until the victim was asleep. He said that Baljit woke up suddenly and they had a fierce scuffle.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 22, 2016

CSEC crème de la crème honoured WITH the hope of one day becoming President of Guyana, Kayshav Tewari, the 16-year-old Queen’s College (QC) student who topped Guyana with 19-grade ones, at the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC), received the Presidential Scholarship Award for Most Outstanding Performer-Overall. At a National Award Ceremony for Outstanding Performances held at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) on Friday, the Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD) lad was also the Most Outstanding CSEC Performer for Guyana 2016 and Best Performer Sciences – Guyana. He was also awarded as one of the Best Senior Secondary School Performers at the 2016 exam. Larissa Wiltshire, a former QC student, copped the Presidential Scholarship award for Most Outstanding Performer-Overall award for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), copping the Best Performer award for year 2015-2016 and CAPE Best Performer Year 2016. Wiltshire, who gained 12 subjects at CAPE, is currently furthering her studies in Jamaica, at the University of the West Indies (UWI) and her awards were received by parents Justice Roxanne George and Garfield Wiltshire. Sarah Hack of Queen’s College was the second winner of the Presidential Award for CAPE. Fatima Karim of St. Rose’s high, who gained 19 grade ones and one grade two, also received the Presidential Scholarship Award for CSEC, and was named among the top two performers at the 2016 examinations. CSEC’s Best Creative and Expressive Arts award was won by Esther Hercules of Bishops’ High, who secured Grade one passes in Physical Education and Sports, and Theatre Arts among other subjects. Those receiving Best Performers award for CAPE were Deonauth Mohabir (QC), who scored 6 grade ones and 1 grade two; Karissa Kissoon

of Bishops’ High (6 Grade ones), Ashley Anthony (6 grade ones) QC, Joash Gobin QC (6 grade ones), Larissa Wiltshire (6 grade ones), and Shannon Woodroffe of QC (6 grade ones). The Desrey Caesar-Fox scholarship award was won by Lennox Hernandez of North West Secondary who scored nine grade ones and two grade twos and also emerged best overall performer for Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine. Those awarded Best Senior Secondary School performers were Kayshav Tewari (QC), Fatima Karim (St. Rose’s High), Adela Ali (QC), and Suriah Singh (QC).

Graham’s Hall Primary and Chelsea Barnes of Success Elementary Schools for emerging as the top four students at the 2016 examinations. Carnegie School of Home Economics Best Performers for 2016 were also awarded for their outstanding performances, with Iodele Bovell as Best Performer in Garment Construction; Monette Thornhill for Commercial Food Preparation; Gizelle Lopes for Catering and Hospitality; and Susan Saunders for distinction in General Cosmetology. Craft Production and Design Best Performers are Nikita Alicock (Visual Arts) and Shonell (Garment Construc-

Fatima Karim of St. Rose’s high, who gained 19 grade ones and one grade two, also received the Presidential Scholarship Award for CSEC from Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo at the National Cultural Centre yesterday

Science Diploma and Tomika Bobb who received a Diploma in Computer Science. The Best Graduating Student at the Cyril Potter College of Education awardee was Herani Persaud of the Anna Regina Centre. Most Improved Senior Secondary School award was won by McKenzie High, while Bushlot Secondary received the Most Improved Junior

Secondary School award. The Most Improved Primary School award was won by Providence Primary School. Meanwhile, Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine described the national award ceremony as a bitter-sweet one for him.He explained that while he recognises the merit of the awards for recognising the hard work and success of the top perform-

ers and for being a motivation for those to come, he also bemoaned its limitation of continuing to be all about awarding academia. He pointed out that there were no awards for the outstanding non-academic or hybrid aspects of students’ performances and said that this is an indictment of the nation’s education system. The minister noted the strain that the system is subjected to when it seeks to provide tuition for as many as 20 subjects. “The result is less time for extra-curricular activities, less time for core subjects and [it] creates a need for extra lessons to supplement the work done in schools, lessons which some cannot afford, and hours of tuition sometimes commencing as early as 5:00 am and ending as late as 10:00pm,” the minister said. In addition to distribution of the trophies, laptops were handed to the top Presidential Scholarship Awardees, CAPE and CXC performers.

Presidential Scholarship Awardee Kayshav Tewari receives his award from Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, for being Guyana’s Most Outstanding Performer-Overall at the National Award Ceremony for Outstanding Performance, hosted by the Ministry of Education at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) on Friday

Awarded for being Best Junior Secondary School Performers were Ramkumarie Ramdass of Swarswattie Vidya, who gained 18 grade ones and 1 grade 2; Joash Indergeet of Skeldon Linepath Secondary with 17 grade ones; Kimberly Najab of Swarswattie Vidya Secondary with 15 grade ones and two grade 2s. Meanwhile, at the primary level, Anthony Ferreira of Maes Under-12 Primary School and Arian Singh of Dharmic Rama Krishna School shared the top spot for the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) Examinations and were awarded along with Serena Razak of

tion) Among the awardees from the Guyana Technical Education Examination (GTEE) were Romeo Matthews who secured a Technical Certificate in Telecommunications; Richard Kinsanally who received a Technical Diploma in Land Surveying; Trishana Edwards who received a Diploma in Commerce, Rachelle Webster who received a

Saturday, October 22, 2016 - 10:30 hrs Sunday, October 23, 2016 - 12:00 hrs Monday, October 24, 2016 - 13:00

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial Cybersecurity threats and U.S. politics THE United States (U.S.) presidential election has brought to the fore the clear and present threat to cybersecurity. While Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump are trading words about Russia and President Vladimir Putin’s alleged role in the U.S elections and leaked emails, at the core is the issue of cybersecurity and its impact on relations and security, domestic and foreign. According to whatis.techtarget.com cybersecurity is “the body of technologies, processes and practices designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access.” U.S. Government and several security agencies have accused Russia of hacking the email accounts of the Democratic National Committee and that of Chairman of the Hillary Clinton Campaign, John Podesta, a charge which Russia has denied. The infiltration has not only caused friction within the camps of candidates Clinton and Bernie Sanders, but has led to the resignation of the party’s Chairman, Debbie Wassermann Schultz, based on what was contained in some emails. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who is enjoying asylum in Ecuador, living in its London Embassy, has, within past days, been releasing emails from Podesta’s account, allowing insight into candidate Clinton; which her camp, though downplaying, is also concerned about the leaks and its potential to influence the election outcome. It is being learnt that through quiet pressure from the U.S., Ecuador has blocked Assange from using the Internet, hence halting the release. Last year, the U.S. faced international backlash and condemnation from some of its most trusted allies in Europe as a result of information leaked without authorisation in 2013 by Edward Snowden, computer professional, former employee of the Central Intelligence Agency, and contractor for the U.S. National State Agency. The information leaked was to the effect that the U.S. was spying on its allies.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 22, 2016

Jagdeo should be charged for crimes against humanity Dear Editor, MR. BHARRAT Jagdeo’s public utterances -- that the APNU+AFC has no idea for a national programme and is therefore using the projects initiated by the PPP/C; and that crime is at its worst, and freedom is being challenged today -- need to be addressed frontally. The thinking that the construction of a road or any project that commenced under one government must be terminated under a succeeding government is a lack of understanding that any project initiated by any government must be to the benefit of the people. The projects that commenced under PPP/C governments are expected to be examined by the APNU+AFC government, and must be brought to fruition, if possible, with necessary adjustment. The sums of money invested in these projects belong to the taxpayers, not the PPP/C or APNU+AFC; and for this reason it would be foolhardy for the current government to abandon projects already in the pipeline and billions of dollars invested. On the issue of crime, it is instructive that Jagdeo is being allowed to lecture this society about current criminality when he presided over a criminal enterprise. During his period as president, citizens across the country were fearful to sleep, be it day or night. Drug lords and phantom squads reigned supreme, and their members had association with officialdom. Buxton was held under siege and innocent people lost their lives. Massacres

happened on Jagdeo’s watch, and these unfortunate situations were used to escalate racial tensions and divide the country to advance political ends. Rights were trampled with impunity, and the rule of law treated with contempt. The Consolidated Fund was violated, and the resources of the nation were plundered without conscience. Jadgeo is the last person to be talking about crime. In fact, he is deserving of being placed before the courts in Guyana and The Hague for his criminality and for crimes against humanity. Having said that, crime is an anti-social behavior; its cause and effects must be addressed. And while the statistical reductions are noted and commended, we must continue to strengthen our crime-fighting techniques, and put systems in place not only to arrest, but avoid, criminal activities. And this brings me to the issue of white collar crime. This government must not continue engaging in acts of violating the rules that guide withdrawal and accounting for the moneys in the Consolidated Fund. This society must also hold this government accountable, as was done during the tenure of the previous government, for conducting the nation’s business within the confines of the laws, universally acceptable standards and best practices. Wrong is wrong and right is right. Development can only happen when we remain consistent in demanding and upholding these

According to Snowden, his reason for leaking the information was that he could not [in good conscience] “allow the U.S. Government to destroy privacy, Internet freedom, and basic liberties for people around the world with this massive surveillance machine they’re secretly building.” He has since been charged by the U.S. for espionage, and is residing in Russia, where he has been given temporary asylum since 2013. It is said that what can be seen as a threat to one is empowerment for another. And though there is some merit in this cliché, especially when it comes to governments who engage in unbecoming practices and withhold non-classified information from the people, there must be mechanisms put in place to prevent attacks that can undermine a country’s operations and its security. In the presence of continuous leaks, the Chicago Tribune, in its editorial of 19th October, said the post-Snowden reforms have fallen short, and has posited that: “At a time when Russia has dramatically stepped up its hacking activities and other countries and groups pose similar cyberthreats, this country needs to feel confident that its own cybercapabilities and top secret data remain exactly that — top secret.”

principles. On the issue of freedom in this society, it is reminded that during the Jagdeo presidency fear stalked this land; and individuals and leaders of non-governmental institutions were fearful to speak out of recognition that the reprisals from him would have been harsh and deadly. The society need not forget, for it was only yesterday. He is alive, and must be held accountable for his stewardship. The nation needs to be reminded that Stabroek News and Kaieteur News were denied state advertisements, and private businesses were pressured to likewise deny them business. Media personnel were banned from attending press conferences held by the Office of the President, or Jagdeo. There was a report in Kaieteur News that he was seeking to limit or deny the paper the opportunity to question him at his press conference. He needs to be reminded that he is Leader of the Opposition, which is a constitutional office and is therefore answerable to the people. Where he continues to treat any media personnel or media with contempt, the media is called upon to collectively treat with him by boycotting his press conference. Arrogance and contempt for the people by public officials who are paid by the people must have no place in our new political environment. Regards, LINCOLN LEWIS

In Wednesday’s presidential debate, Mrs. Clinton bluntly said Russia is engaged in espionage to influence the outcome of the election, because Putin prefers a puppet (a reference to Trump) than a leader (a reference to her). This is a serious charge, and is bound to create concern not only in the U.S., but further afield; and moreso among its allies. And what is most instructive in these breaches are the players involved, giving rise to speculation whether they are operating independently, cooperatively, or have a common interest in influencing U.S.’ politics -- and by extension the world’s -- in another direction. It should be said that with claim made that Russia is involved in espionage, it recalls an eerie sense of the Cold War era, when developing countries were called upon to take a side in support of either the West or East. In the meantime, our Government is encouraged to pay heed to these developments and moving parts, and the importance of tightening our security, not only with an eye to domestic interest, but also foreign, where the potential realignment of politics exists, given what is taking place in the Middle East, clear repositioning of Putin, and strained U.S./Russia relations.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 22, 2016

No decision yet by Cabinet on land acquisition -AG to present report next week By Ravin Singh

CABINET will make a decision on the possible acquisition of two plots of privately-owned land which could be acquired for public purposes, after the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, presents them with a report next week. Minister of State Joseph Harmon made this disclosure to reporters at a post-Cabinet press briefing held at the Ministry of the Presidency on Friday. It was revealed recently that Government had issued an order to acquire the eastern quarter of Lot 92 Middle and Carmichael streets under The Acquisition of Lands for Public Purposes Act. The Official Gazette of September 24 described the lands as follows: “East quarter of Lot numbered 92 …Middle and Carmichael Streets…with all the buildings and erections thereon, save and except the building and erections situate on sub-lot lettered ‘A’ part of the said quarter lot, the property of Patrick L. O’Dowd, and save and except the said sub-lot `A’ as shown and defined on a plan by Sugreen A. Ne-

haul, Sworn Land Surveyor, dated 19th June 1947, and deposited in Deeds Registry on 26th June, 1947, transported to the said Patrick L. O’ Dowd on

the issue, and has hinted at possible legal action. And while the AG has said that the acquisition process was initiated by the former administration,

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, and his predecessor, Anil Nandlall, in conversation 23rd May, 1960 – No.910.” The plots of land belong to Guyana’s High Commissioner to Canada, Clarissa Riehl, and the Beharry Group of Companies. Stabroek News has reported that the Beharry Group has since retained an attorney to deal with

that party has since denied those claims. Minister Harmon said Cabinet decided on Tuesday, in the absence of Minister Williams, that he (Williams) is to provide a report on the matter, after which a decision would be made on the way forward.

The AG was at the time in Paris, France, attending a meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). In the interim, however, Harmon noted that nothing more is to be done in regard to the acquisition until such time that the AG presents his report and Cabinet deliberates on it. The AG has until next Tuesday to present his report to Cabinet. Minister Harmon also made it clear that subsequent to the disclosure of attempts to acquire the lands, Cabinet was briefed on the matter, but at that time, the AG was also out of the country. Contrary to reports carried in the Stabroek News and Guyana Times last week, both of which were later debunked by the Government, no decision was made by Cabinet last week to have the AG submit a report. Rather, the decision for a report to be submitted was made this week during Cabinet’s meeting.

Meanwhile, the Legal Affairs Minister has since maintained that when he entered office, he began making attempts to establish a permanent law

Minister of State Mr Joseph Harmon reform commission and a law-review unit, but the current premises could not accommodate those units. As such, he opted to rent a building to house those units, and expres-

sions of interest for that rental have been received. Subsequently, however, he was made aware that attempts had already been made by the former administration to acquire the plots. “So the issue of the compulsory acquisition was something inherited from the PPP,” he said. However, the PPP’s spokesperson on Legal Affairs, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, has described the move to acquire the lands as one which “sent chills down the spine of right-thinking Guyanese, especially property owners.” The PPP, during its term in office, had compulsorily acquired several plots of land, including a large portion on Water Street to facilitate vending and lands in Berbice acquired from the Berbice Bharati Saywa Sangha for the construction of the University of Guyana’s Tain Campus.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 22, 2016

CoI into death of Keon Wilson…

Land dredge unregistered and unlicensed By Avalon Barclay

THE ACTING Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Mr. Newell Dennison, has said he believes that the recent mining pit accident that claimed the life of Keon Wilson at Rock

informed of the tragedy in a call from Senior Mines Engineer Michael Howard. According to the report he received, Mines Officers Steve Burnett and Lennox Wilson had in late September inspected the area where the accident occurred and had observed that no mining was

Retired Guyana Defence Force Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Gary Best, making a point on Friday during the CoI into the death of Keon Wilson Stone Creek resulted from a land dredge owned by Eventon Daly of Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD) operating although it was unregistered and unlicensed. Speaking at the first hearing of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) established by President David Granger to investigate Wilson’s death, Dennison said he was

taking place there. However, they had told him there was in the vicinity a camp housing seven miners. Wilson had been employed as a General Manager on Daly’s dredge, but at the time of his death he was acting as a ‘jetman’. Asked by Commissioner Gary Best whether, based on the observation of the officers, it could have been

deduced that mining operations were going to take place there, Dennison replied, “Burnett and Wilson knew not that mining was going to take place, since seven men (were) not enough to carry out mining operations.” Additionally, the mines officers were informed during their investigations that mining had not taken place there for two months. The six-inch land dredge owned by Daly was not registered, and had been unlicensed by GGMC. Accordingly, it had been issued a “cease work order” for unsafe mining practices, in accordance with Regulation 214 of the mining regulations, which states that “a mines officer has the power to order work to cease if in his/her opinion the said work was being done in a manner that endangers life and limb”. Daly, however, did not heed the cease work order, and had continued his mining operations; but he was issued another cease work order by the GGMC immediately after Wilson’s death. Guyana Chronicle understands that George Alphonso is the owner of the property being mined, but Daly had obtained a mining privilege from the GGMC on 21st June, 2016 for a period of 12 months. Dennison also said that Wilson could not be deemed a worker, as his name was not endorsed at the back of the privilege issued by GGMC. As such, Wilson was expected to pay 10 per cent of his gold to Daly, since he was considered the tributor (a miner who was paid a

percentage of the value of whatever ore he mined). Additionally, owner of the property, George Alphonso, had granted Daly permission to operate on his claim, but there was no evidence that Wilson had been so permitted. Commissioner Best, in his assessment of the situation, dubbed it an “act of negligence”. He said GGMC ought to have had documentation of all unregistered and unlicensed dredges circulated to all outlying offices, so that mining officers could enforce the law. Dennison said in response to Best’s claims that miners are often charged, fined, and have their equipment seized for operating unlicensed dredges; but none of those options was used in this case. “The general manager is responsible (for making) sure that the site is of good standard to work on, while the mining officers and engineers will carry out extensive checks to verify that construction of the mining pits is well in order,” Dennison offered. In this case, he said, it was the responsibility of the tier one mines officers, who are considered the ‘life blood of enforcement’, to have inspected the mining area to ensure that it meets the criteria for safe mining practices. Dennison stressed that following the September in-

spection of the area, when it was discovered that there was no mining taking place there, the officers did not verify that the location was safe for mining. In response, Commissioner Best said the next step should have been for all unlawful operations to have been seized. It was, however, explained that when persons are found with unregistered dredges, they are given time to register the dredge before it is seized. It was explained that it is not an unusual occurrence for a general manager to perform the duty of a jetman, which

Wilson had been doing at the time of his death. Dennison said a jetman controls the hose in the hydraulic process, so that the flow of water can break down soil particles, thereby allowing mining to take place. He said, too, that there is no law in place preventing a general manager from also acting as a jetman. In wrapping up Friday’s hearing, Commissioner Best called for the two mines officers and the mining engineer to be present at the next sitting to give their versions of the story when the CoI resumes. The CoI has been adjourned to Monday, October 24, 2016.

GGMC Commissioner Newell Dennison

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 22, 2016

Nagamootoo touts ‘all-inclusive institute of arts’ By Shauna Jemmott

AN all-inclusive institute of arts will soon be added to the country’s education sector, acting President and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has announced. The announcement was made on Friday during his feature address to awardees of the Ministry of Education’s National Award Ceremony at the National Cultural Centre. ‘Integrated education’ is what will be offered to ensure an inclusive, rounded education for Guyana’s students. “… I look forward to the day where the Minister of Education will cut the ribbons to a new institute – all-inclusive institute of arts, fine arts in Guyana… A museum (is) also to be attached to the fine arts (division) and I understand that this is something on the agenda of the Ministry of Education,” Nagamootoo stated. He said it is all in government’s plan to offer an integrated education of art and culture, which will include fine arts, dance, sculpting, painting and architecture, among other subject areas,

all of which “would help to strengthen the quality of education and to make education all-inclusive… We need to have an inclusive, rounded education.” MUSIC IN EVERY SCHOOL The acting President said too that it is government’s desire that children be taught national patriotic songs, and that music is taught in every school across the country. While this will help students develop a sense of patriotism and a deeper love for their country, he told students that they must love the nation which has given them worth. “We are nothing without a conviction of love of our country. It is our country that moulds and brings us up into citizens of worth in the world. And therefore it is our music, it is the sport that is introduced in schools to give you time off from concentrated studies… (and which) will add to your character.” He said though a rich academic education is key, there are some who have become

recognised for their muscular skill. He noted that while on a recent visit to the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, he was asked about Guyanese international cricketers Alvin Kallicharran and Shivnarine Chanderpaul instead of the country’s great politicians. “They are from Guyana and they are known in the world because they excelled in the muscular art of cricket. They became artistes in the field of sports.” DREAM KILLERS Nagamootoo charged the students to always maintain their honesty and integrity, and to avoid criminal activities which are dream killers. “There is nothing more worthy of recognition than honesty, than integrity. Whatever you do, if you choose to pursue the path of work or the path of academia, you must stand up for somethings you believe in… even if you are the only one standing, you must always stand [up] for principles that would touch and influence not only your lives, but others around you,” he remarked.

The dreams of many have been killed behind iron gates because they chose what they consider to be an easy path for life, said Nagamootoo who noted that, “(It is) the path that

your great achievements so far… keep the flag of Guyana flying in whatever you do, wherever you go, we’ll be proud of you once you embrace your country

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo delivers the feature address at the Ministry of Education National Award Ceremony for outstanding performances yesterday. (GINA Photo) would lead you to earn a livelihood off other people’s sweat and labour, the path that leads you not to the broad highway of a new glorified future, (but) leads you to a dead end of prisons, of hard labour and confinement and to the death of your dreams.” Instead, he urged the awardees to look to the skies and identify themselves among stars. “Keep going forward, keep making waves, keep achieving, keep adding to

with love and commitment… That is for me the finite aspect of ambition that your education has imbued you with certain craving … your ambition is to shine and to excel and to be on top of the world,” he added. MATHEMATICS Meanwhile, the acting President expressed disappointment that many students failed to reach the mark of excellence, especially in the area of mathe-

matics; the key to opening wide the door of science and technology here. Guyana, he said, must understand the importance of mathematics in its drive for development in the sciences. “The countries moving forward today are those that have chosen to adopt science and technology within the education system, and we must have it right. We cannot fall back, and we cannot lag in the areas of mathematics, generally in the area of science and technology,” he said. Guyana’s education situation needs a critical evaluation to investigate why there is little success in the subject of mathematics. “…Those who study mathematics for example, they do not graduate in the same numbers as in other subjects… Mathematics is key to opening the door to the world of science and technology, as also with the information [and] communication area,” Nagamootoo stated. He hailed the recipients of awards, who excelled at the National Grade Six Assessment Examinations (NGSA), Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC), Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), Guyana Technical Education Examination (GTEE), Carnegie School of Home Economics (CSHE) and the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), as “new exemplars of our nation.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 22, 2016

PM Nagamootoo served with Court Order – to refute claims of providing wrong advice to President

THE acting President, substantive Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, on Friday made it clear that he intends to rebut the “false claim that he wrongly advised” President David Granger to investigate whether Carvil Duncan should be removed from constitutional office. In a statement to the media, the Prime Minister said he was served with an Order of the Court in a matter of an application by Duncan to the High Court for Writs Certiorari and Prohibition. “The Order, made by Mr. Justice Franklin Holder in Chambers, also directed that a Rule of Nisi of Prohibition be issued to the three-member tribunal to put on hold its hearing into whether Mr. Duncan ought to be removed from office,” the statement from the Office of the Prime Minister has stated. The tribunal set up to do this investigation comprises Madam Justice Roxane George, Justice (Rtd) Winston Patterson and attorney-at-law Robert Ramcharran. The acting president, who is also an attorney, said he has additionally taken note of “sensational and contemptuous claims” reported in the media by both Duncan and his attorney, Anil Nandlall, whilst the tribunal was sitting: that service of a letter to Duncan was not effected. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had written to Duncan, calling on him to explain why a tribunal should not be appointed to investigate whether he should be removed from constitutional office, but that letter had gone unanswered. Duncan is contending that he never received any correspondence from the Prime Minister. Acting on the advice of the Prime Minister, President Granger had, on October 5, 2016, sworn in the tribunal to do the investigation. It last met on October 20, and was expected to submit its finding within another week. “The establishment of the tribunal was triggered by investigations against Mr. Duncan and his subsequent arraignment on criminal charges of larceny and conspiracy to commit a felony whilst he held the constitutional post of Chairman of the Public Service Commission and membership on the Judicial Service Commission and the Police Service Commission,” the statement said. President Granger last week suspended Duncan,

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC), with immediate effect, pending the outcome of the proceedings of the tribunal. Duncan was suspended the same day he indicated through his attorney that he would be moving to the High Court to challenge the legality of the tribunal appointed to determine whether he should be removed from constitutional office after being charged with fraud. Duncan was also suspended from performing constitutional functions as ex-officio member of the Judicial Service Commission, the Police Service Commission, and other functions as ex-officio member of the Commission of the Board of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). This decision, the Ministry said, is in accordance with Article 225 (6) of the Constitution, which states: “If the question of removing the officer from office has been referred to a tribunal under this article, the President, acting in accordance with the advice of the prescribed authority, may suspend the officer from performing the functions of his office, and any such suspension may at any time be revoked by the President, acting in accordance with such advice as aforesaid, and shall in any case cease to have effect if the tribunal recommends to the President that the officer should not be removed from office.” Meanwhile, Duncan has alleged that he had been offered a “financial package” by both President Granger and Minister of State Joseph Harmon in exchange for his resignation, but this claim has been emphatically denied by Government. It must be noted, however, that both the President and Minister Harmon had met with Duncan in a bid to

have him voluntarily vacate the constitutional posts, as it is undesirable for one to be facing criminal charges whilst holding constitutional office. Duncan is currently before the court on fraud charges after it was discovered by auditors that he had paid himself approximately $1M and had allegedly conspired with Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of the Guyana Power and Light, Aeshwar Deonarine, to transfer an unapproved sum of approximately $27M into Deonarine’s personal account.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 22, 2016

Suspected juvenile thief shot POLICE are investigating the circumstances in which a male juvenile sustained gunshot wounds to his body during a confrontation near the premises of the Republic Bank Limited at the corner of Waterloo and New Market Streets in North Cummingsburg, Georgetown on Friday morning. The police said a female security guard who was on duty at the time observed the young man in the compound of the bank at about 04:00hrs, taking away her handbag which she had left on a table. She raised an alarm and the suspect dropped the bag and scaled the fence.

The woman then alerted her supervisor from the Professional Guard Service, and a patrol responded shortly after. A male fitting the description of the suspect was seen in the area and was confronted; and in the intervening process, a round discharged from the shotgun which was in the possession of a member of the security service patrol injured the suspect. The suspect was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he underwent surgery for gunshot wounds to his face and body. Police are investigating this incident.

Man robbed of $1.2M at Electronics City - security guard shot to abdomen

A SECURITY guard is nursing a gunshot wound to his abdomen after he confronted a bandit during a robbery at the Electronics City store inside the Fogarty’s building on Friday. The injured man’s last name was given as “Daniels.” Reports are that around 11:15 am, an employee attached to Unique Apart-

ments in the city had moments earlier completed a business transaction at Republic Bank on Water Street and he assumed that he was being watched by persons. The man decided to enter the Fogarty’s building to allay his fears; however, he was soon confronted by the bandit. The man, who was seen on CCTV footage wearing a blue top, with short pants

and white hat, whipped out a firearm and grabbed a package the man was carrying. The package contained $1.2M. The gunman then fired a shot as he exited the building and in the process, a bullet struck the security guard. The wounded man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital and was later transferred to a private medical institution. The police are investigating the incident.

HPV vaccination project re-launched THE Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with Merck Sharp and Dhome (MSD), on Friday re-launched the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination project, to guard against cervical cancer in Guyana. “Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers out there. It is the number one cause of death in Guyana,” said Dr. Vikash Chatrani, a medical doctor from Barbados. The re-launching of the HPV project has seen a host of local nurses, midwives, doctors and practitioners from both the public and private health sectors in Guyana being encouraged to educate persons about HPV. Dr. Morris Edwards explained that, based on research dated 2003 to 2012, it

has been found that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Guyana. He revealed that Afro-Guyanese women have the highest incidence of cervical cancer, followed by Indo-Guyanese women. Citing a distinction between the highest incidence and the highest rates of cervical cancer, Dr. Edwards said that based on his research, the Chinese in Guyana has the highest rates of cervical cancer, followed by Afro-Guyanese. He said that Amerindians have the lowest rates of cervical cancer here. “The age group most affected by cervical cancer ranges from age 15 to age 39,” he noted. This doctor’s research has shown that for the period 2003 to 2012, there have been more than 6,500 cancer diagnoses; and he says that

evidence has shown that females are one and one-half times more affected than men. Region Four has the highest number and incidence of cancer in Guyana; and there is significant underreporting of cancer cases and mortality in Guyana. The Ministry of Public Health hopes that with the re-launching of the vaccination project, all women in Guyana would be encouraged to get involved in the prevention of HPV infection. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shamdeo Persaud has said the Ministry hopes to start an immunization process in boys as well, as is done in other countries. However, this is still in the planning process, awaiting budgetary releases.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 22, 2016

Miss Guyana World meets Minister of State

MISS Guyana World 2016, Nuriyyih Gerrard, on Wednesday met with Minister of State Joseph Harmon and discussed her Mental Health platform. She explained that a large percentage of the local population suffer from some form of mental health illness, while stressing the need for support. ““As a young person I chose to focus primarily on the youth and children…I’ve founded a Non-Governmental Organisation called ‘One Act Foundation’…we basically want to show civil society, other Non-Governmental and governmental organisations that together we all can make or have one act of kindness that can have a significant impact on someone’s life,” said Gerrard. She believes that her background in theatre over the years has proven useful as she travels Guyana with the aim of educating persons about mental health. “We utilize ‘One Act’ with skits that we try to use as a tool to address mental health issues…we are also working along with Software developers in India to help develop applications.” Meanwhile, Minister of State Joseph

Harmon, congratulated the 2016 Queen on what he described as her “impressive efforts” and encouraged her to establish a strong connection with the Ministry of Public Health. Harmon said mental health remains one of the government’s main focuses and disclosed that additional resources will be placed in the 2017 budget to address the problem. He stressed the need for the international community to learn about the “uniqueness of Guyana” and committed to providing Gerrard with any information that will aid her in speaking confidently about Guyana when she participates in the upcoming Miss World pageant. Gerrard paid a courtesy call on the Minister of State and also presented him with a plaque which expresses gratitude for the support he has shown to her during her journey as Miss World Guyana. She was accompanied by Miss World Guyana Franchise Holder, Winston Martindale, and Miss World Guyana Business Consultant, Brian Backer. (Office of the Minister of State)

Minister of State Joseph Harmon interacts with Miss Guyana World, Nuriyyih Gerrard; Miss World Guyana Franchise Holder, Winston Martindale; and Miss World Guyana Business Consultant, Brian Backer on Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Dharmic Sabha East Bank Demerara Diwali Motorcade, cultural show billed for today THE East Bank Demerara Praant of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) will today be hosting their annual Diwali Motorcade and Cultural Show at the Diamond Market Tarmac at the Diamond New Housing Scheme, EBD. Showtime is 7:00 pm, and more than fifteen floats have confirmed their participation in this motorcade. It is expected to leave Timehri, EBD at 5:00 pm., and floats will be assembling at the G3 Building, where the first phase of the judging would be conducted, according to a GHDS press release.

There would be several attractions for the cultural show, including Prince Wazir & Band, the Nachgana Dance Academy, artistes from various mandirs, and a special appearance by Ms. India-Guyana, Britney Singh. Admission is free, but patrons are not allowed to bring alcohol to the event, the release added. Meanwhile, this is the second year running that the date for the celebration of Diwali is mired in controversy. Government had earlier announced that the national holiday is to be observed on Saturday, October 29.

Miss Guyana World Nuriyyih Gerrard presents a plaque of appreciation to Minister of State Joseph Harmon on Wednesday.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 22, 2016

Labour Dep’t invites Barama for talks … says concerned about employees’ future

THE Department of Labour of the Ministry of Social Protection has invited the management of Barama and the workers’ representative trade union for talks concerning the future of employees following that company’s decision to pull out of the logging business here. In a statement, the Ministry of Social Protection said it is always concerned with the socio-economic affairs of workers throughout the entire employment spectrum of Guyana. “Whether they are from the public sector or the private sector, the well-being of workers is always foremost in the focus of the Ministry.” According to the ministry, such issues as worker-management relations, working conditions, occupational safety and health and security of tenure are always positioned within the immediate interest of the ministry. “Hence, any action and or contemplated action which is designed to disrupt the comfort and well-being of any employee will impact the ministry’s agenda, and interest.” According to the ministry, its philosophy is one which is conditioned proactively and the maintenance of prudent industrial relations practices, hence its interest has been aroused by news that the BARAMA Company Limited’s decision to adjust its operations in Guyana. “Out of concern for the employees as well as the future of the company, the ministry has invited the company along with the last known recognised trade union for discussions pertaining to the possible impact the company’s contemplated actions is likely to have on the workers’ future.” Government on Thursday said that Barama’s decision to close its logging operations presents an opportunity for stocktaking, whereby it can objectively assess the value of the standing forest through its contribution to the ecosystem, while simultaneously examining the value of the past 25 years to the people of Guyana. Barama had announced on Wednesday that it will not be seeking to renew or extend its Forest Concession Agreement with the Government of Guyana. The company said its Concession Agreement expired on October 15 and since then government has been informed of that status. “The company will also not be seeking the renewal of extension of the Investment Agreement that mainly relates to the Forest Concession which expired on Saturday, 15th October, 2016.” However, the company said it will be continuing all of its other projects here inclusive of veneering, plywood manufacturing and sawmilling. “Barama very much regrets having to make the decision to close our Forest Concession operations after having, over the past 25 years, invested approximately $45B in the development of Guyana’s forestry industry,” the statement added. Representatives of the company approached government for the first time on September 2, 2015, with a proposal for both the renewal of the Investment and Forest Concession Agreements. Since then, the company has been continuing discussions with government on the agreements. The company said too that earlier this year, by virtue of correspondence with government, it had advised that economic conditions influencing the company’s continued investment in the country’s forest industry were not encouraging. “Barama has , as a consequence, now regrettably concluded that it is no longer viable for the company to continue its forestry operations,” but looks forward to engaging government to explore the continuation of its other operations so as to sustain value-added and job-creation potential here as well as to determine a new Investment Agreement. The company thanked its shareholders for the support given to it over the years. The Ministry of Natural Resources said that it has since mandated the Guyana Forestry Commission to work with BCL to ensure a smooth closure of all concession-related activities within the stipulated period. Additionally, the parties will ensure that all labour and other related issues are fully addressed in keeping with applicable laws and regulations. “The Government thanks BCL for its involvement over the past 25 years, and will be engaging the company in further discussions on its stated interest in the continuation of the added-value activities.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 22, 2016

Diversifying agriculture key in adapting to climate change

THE need to diversify the agriculture sector in Guyana to adapt to climate change was on Thursday discussed by stakeholders at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) as part of World Food Day activities. Stakeholders spoke of the need for alternative crops and farming practices in order to adapt to climate change. The discussions were centred on the theme for World Food Day 2016: “Climate Change is chang-

ing; Food and agriculture must too.” During his address, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, George Jervis, noted that “predictions for climate change are dire for Guyana.” He said that as a longstanding worker at the Agriculture Ministry, he can attest to local agriculture and agricultural practices being modified by the major flooding which took place in 2005. Those modifications include better drainage and

A visitor perusing the mini exhibition, which displayed a variety of pulses

Summations in Lloyd Britton murder trial for Monday LAWYERS who were to make their final addresses to the jury in the Lloyd Britton murder trial on Friday will now have to do so on Monday, as one of two witnesses who were expected to testify in the matter was unavailable on Friday. Lloyd Britton is facing Justice James Bovell-Drakes and a mixed jury at the Demerara Assizes for the alleged murder of Elvis Fernandes, which reportedly occurred on July 26, 2013 when Fernandes was reportedly in a minibus and Britton allegedly shot and killed him. Britton was subsequently arrested and charged with murder, but has since denied the allegation. State Prosecutor Orinthia Schmitz is heading the case for the prosecution, while Attorney Nigel Hughes is defending the accused. The prosecutor had earlier told the jury that if, at the end of the case, they were unsure of the guilt of the accused, it was their duty to find him not guilty. She also urged the jury not to have sympathy for anyone -- the deceased, the accused, or their families. However, she warned: “If you are sure that the accused is guilty of murdering Elvis, then it is your duty to find him guilty.” The jury’s decision must be based on the evidence “in this court and nothing else”, she admonished. Following the presentation of evidence by the last witness, defence and state counsels will begin their addresses to the court. Thereafter, Justice BovellDrakes would sum up the evidence to the jury, after which he would hand over the case to them for their consideration and verdict.

irrigation systems, introduction of more than 200 more shade houses and the use of ‘high dams’ when managing livestock. However, Jervis noted that climate change is an impending phenomenon and Guyana needs to adapt its agricultural practices to facilitate the resultant changes. With the exception of rice, he said, “no new varieties of crops and livestock are being developed.” He also said there are pertinent needs for new varieties of crops and livestock to withstand the temperature changes and rainfall intensity that are associated with climate change. Meanwhile, Food and Agriculture Organisation representative to Guyana, Reuben Robertson, stated that climate change is a major hindrance to achiev-

ing the Sustainable Developmental Goal of Zero Hunger. “Guyana is food secure,” Robertson said, while noting that “we cannot feel that this will be so all the time.” He urged that all farmers build resilience in the event of the striking of natural disasters, especially since Guyana’s Low Coastal Plain is below sea level. The United Nations has declared 2016 the International Year of the Pulses (dried leguminous seeds). As such, focusing primarily but not entirely on pulses, the panellists at this forum discussed the alternative methods of farming that must be used, and the alternative crops that can be planted. FAO (Guyana) Communications Consultant Alexis Stephens said, “We (the FAO) are encourag-

FAO Representative to Guyana, Reuben Robertson, addressing the GSA students ing the use of pulses and the planting of pulses, because (pulses do) less harm to the environment.” She also said that pulses happen to be protein-rich

food, and though they have fancy names, these foods are common items in our society, like split peas and ‘black eye’ and red beans.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 22, 2016

U.S. investigator to probe Gafoor’s fire to arrive Monday A PRIVATE American forensic investigator will arrive in Guyana on Monday to begin an investigation into Gafoor’s second major fire, which is suspected to be arson, a source close to the investigation has revealed. “Most often, origin and cause deal with insurance companies. These companies hire a private investigator to explain what happened, and who should pay for the damage. A private fire investigator is needed because in order for reimbursements to be approved, and rebuilding underway, a complete investigation looking at all angles need to be done,” one police source told the Guyana Chronicle. Six months after a major conflagration ravaged 60 per cent of its compound and left billions of dollars of damage in its wake, tragedy struck again on October, 10, 2016 at the Houston, East Bank Demerara complex,destroying a bond containing 52 containers of stocks for the Christmas season. The combined value of the destroyed stocks and building totals US$4M. Local investigators said 405,000 square feet of stocks including tiles, generators and non-combustible items were completely destroyed in 10 hours. Meanwhile, it has been reported that a businessman

allegedly paid two men $40,000 to set fire to the Gafoor’s Houston Complex bond on October 10. The bond went up in flames the first day it was reopened after it was destroyed in a blaze on May 9. Executive Chairman of Gafsons Industries, Sattaur Gafoor, told the Guyana Chronicle that there is a great need for a private investigator to examine the circumstances surrounding the cause of the fires. “There is too much at stake, we have lost profits for this period of time when we are out of business. All I can say we have tried over the years to offer the best possible service; we have always paid our taxes; we have always been honest to our employees and above all we have honoured our commitments to society; we have fulfilled our corporate responsibilities and we avoid confrontation,” Gafoor told the Guyana Chronicle. He told reporters that over the past 64 years, there has never been a fire — “not even during the tumultuous years of the 1980s; our first fire was on the 9, May 2016 — basically 64 years after we started business.” Explaining the cause of the first fire, Gafoor said there was no electricity within the bond where the fire started, neither electrical wires but combustible items inside. He said the fire quickly spread to the other bonds — bonds two, four, five, six — then to the administration building, conference room and storage building. “We have lost all records, personal possessions and things that can never ever be replaced… historical records were lost and my library was gone, and only one building that was badly burnt still stands,” he said. The company operates business complexes at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara; at Parika, East Bank Essequibo; and at Rose Hall on the Corentyne. Gafoor’s started in 1957, when Sattaur Gafoor built the company to become one of Guyana’s leading distributors and manufacturing entities. In January 2002, all operations of the company were centralised at the Houston Complex.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 22, 2016

Min Cummings leads team to health workshop in T&T

MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings, this week led a team of Guyanese professionals to participate in a two-day Strategic Planning Workshop with the European Union/ ACP funded One Health, One Caribbean, One Love Project in Trinidad and Tobago. The primary purpose of this workshop was to gather leading Caribbean policy-makers together to draft a relevant and coherent five-year One Health Strategic Plan for the Caribbean. This process of collaborative planning allows key decisions to be made on the direction for One Health in the Caribbean by 2023, as they relate to goals, priorities, and actions to be taken by Caribbean governments. The objective of the two-day workshop was to make recommendations for approaches to the satisfactory governance of One Health in the Caribbean and agree on the requirements for successful implementation of the agreed strategy at regional and country levels, the Ministry of Public Health said in a release. Some of the issues addressed were: Assessing the One Health Landscape in the Caribbean, Reviewing of the One Health SWOT Analysis, Framing the Vision and Mission and Guiding Principles for One Health, and Defining the Strategic Priorities, Outcomes, Performance Measures for One Health for 2023, among others. “The One Health concept is a very important one that plays a pivotal role in the preservation of the health and well-being of humans, animals, and the environment. All Caribbean leaders must do what is necessary to ensure they ad-

vance the One Health agenda in their respective countries, particularly through an inter-sectoral, multidisciplinary approach,” Minister Cummings said. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Strategic Action Plan, “One Health” is a unifying force intended to safeguard human and animal health, to reduce disease threats and to ensure a safe food supply through effective and responsible management of natural resources. The “One Health One Caribbean One Love” project is funded by the European Union and implemented by the University of the West Indies (UWI), with PAHO/WHO FAO, CIRAD, Ministries of Agriculture, Public Health, and Grenada and St. Kitts as project partners. Accompanying Minister Cummings were: Senior Environmental Officer (Agriculture, Fisheries and Tourism) – Environmental Protection Agency – Ms. Camille Adams; Agricultural Health Specialist – Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) – Ms. Maxine Parris-Aaron; Deputy Chief Executive Officer – Guyana Livestock Development Authority – Dr. Dwight Walrond; Veterinary Surgeon and Zoo Technologist – Guyana Livestock Development Authority – Dr. Rennard Overton; Technical Advisor to the Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Samantha Kennedy and Personal Assistant to the Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Mr. Richard Francois. This visit was funded by the One Health, One Caribbean, One Love Project.

Public Health Minister Dr Karen Cummings and her team at the workshop

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 22, 2016

CI backs Guyana economy push President David Granger and Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Conservation International (CI), Mr. Peter Seligmann, President David Granger chats with Vice President of Conservation Policy, Ms. Lisa Famolare just before the official Board Dinner commenced last night other nations in northern R E S I D E N T D a v i d International (CI) -- which ing chairman of CARICOM ident Granger said: “In the northern Brazil. We have to South America to join us Granger has said that was attended by former Pres- and as leader of Guyana, to Guiana Shield itself, we need collaborate…. It is obligato- in ensuring that the Guiana cooperation on protection ident of Iceland, Olafur Rag- work to develop and expand to build a stronger alliance, ry -- not optional -- for us to Shield remains the second of the environment should nar Grimsson, and former regional cooperation for con- because the Guiana Shield collaborate… ‘Garden of Eden’.” “My closest [CARICOM] be seen as an obligation, President of Kiribati, Anote servation efforts. incorporates part of ColomGuyana, the President and not an option. Tong -- at the Decatur House Articulating his vision bia, part of Venezuela, all of neighbour is Suriname, and said, is focused on develSpeaking at a dinner host- in Washington, DC, USA, for the development of the Guyana and all of Suriname: we have already engaged in opment of protected areas, ed on Thursday by the Board the Guyanese leader gave Guiana Shield, in the heart of all of La Guyane and part of some level of collaboration; wildlife management, coastal of Directors of Conservation his commitment, as incom- which his country sits, Pres- Amapá and other parts of and I would like to invite the zone protection, and development of renewable sources of energy, even as the country’s value to the world as a new carbon sink in the reduction of climate change is emphasised. H o w e v e r, P r e s i d e n t Granger stressed that the education of his people is important in ensuring that they understand the value of their natural resources in an economy with historical reliance on the extractive sectors. “There are challenges largely because of ignorance, and we need to educate our children about the potential or possibility of making better use of our environment,” he said. Speaking on the value of agreements like the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund and Norway Partnership, the President declared they are models that can be replicated through similar agreements with other states, since countries like Guyana are providing a service to the world. “By protecting our forests, we are making a conFrom left are: Mr. Russell Mittermeier, PhD., Executive Vice Chair, Conservation International; President Ian Khama of Botswana; Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Conservation International, Mr. Peter tribution to the world, and Seligmann; President David Granger; former President Anote Tong of Kiribati; former President Olafur Ragnar we are very happy to have Grimsson of Iceland; and Chairman of the Executive Committee, Mr. Rob Walton such an agreement… It is a

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 22, 2016

a’s green

- Granger sees environmental cooperation as obligation

President David Granger in discussion with Mr. Russell Mittermeier, the Executive Vice Chairman of Conservation International, shortly after his arrival at the Watergate Complex in Washington DC, where he was invited to participate in the organisation’s Annual Board Meeting.

President David Granger meeting President Ian Khama of Botswana on Thursday at Conservation International’s Annual Board Meeting in Washington DC ter Seligmann, has hailed timely. We have seen so good model, and we would President David Granger many of the forest areas on like to renew that model… as a visionary and steadfast this planet disappear, and and embark on similar agree- leader while committing your leadership and engagements with other industri- Conservation International ment and stimulus to others alised countries; because we to supporting the President’s is really important; and I just are providing a global asset, ‘green’ agenda. want to say for everybody In his address, Seligmann in this room and everybody a global facility, by absorbing so much carbon dioxide,” he said Guyana’s future depends at CI (that) we are totally President David Granger and Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder on the protection of standing committed to helping you,” of Conservation International, Mr. Peter Seligmann, who chaired declared. He admitted that he looks forests, and he said it is com- Seligmann declared. the panel discussion at the official Board Dinner forward to the renewal of that mendable that the President Meanwhile, President Gaborone Declaration for French Guiana and the ation leadership. agreement, which allows for has committed to working Granger, having met with Sustainable Development other states of the Guiana within the Guiana Shield “[President Kama] has the development of renewBotswana’s Head of State, in Africa, where several Shield -- Brazil and Venand CARICOM to establish been a leader in pioneerable energy options beyond President Ian Khama, destates cooperate to pre- ezuela -- to do the same strong regional cooperation in ing inter-state cooperathe current options for hyclared after that meeting serve their environment; thing. So we are heading defence of the environment. tion for environmental dro-electricity. that while the two countries “He has made a commit- are different geographically, protection, and he has and Guyana, too, as a part in the same direction, and Expressing gratitude for brought together several of the Guiana Shield, is I believe that we have lesthe work CI has been doing ment (to put) 10 per cent of there are opportunities to African states. There’s the working with Suriname, sons to learn,” he said. in Guyana for more than his nation into protection: learn from regional coopertwo million hectares; and 14 years, President Granger noted that a lot of the environ- that is just the first step. mental protection education He has come here to meet that has already occurred in with CI -- to meet with you Indigenous communities in -- to learn how we operate, Guyana has been through that and what it is that we can do to support his visionary organisation’s work. “Conservation Interna- efforts as he looks at how tional has been a very import- you engage and involve ant partner; it is a very pow- Indigenous people, how you erful non-governmental orga- transform oil and gas revenization (that) has done work nues into forest conservain Guyana. A lot of work has tion, and how you actually been done in the protected create a strong economy areas in the hinterland, partic- that is balanced with the ularly in the Rupununi…. We protection of nature. This have a lot to learn from their is the type of leadership experiences, and I believe that the world needs,” Sewe have a lot to benefit from ligmann said. The CEO of CI declared their participation in future the organisation’s commitenvironmental projects,” the ment to supporting President Head of State said. Granger’s vision of a green The Chairman, Chief economy and green region. Executive Officer and “It is extraordinary lead- Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Conservation International, Mr. Peter Seligmann, Co-founder of Conservachairing the panel discussion with President David Granger and President Ian Khama of Botswana ership, and (it is) really, really tion International (CI), Pe-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 22, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 22, 2016

Pune to host first India-Australia ...

From page 36 the prospect of picking specialist players for different conditions. Australia captain Steve Smith is not averse to the idea and said most current teams in the world play well only at home. “You want guys improving and getting better in those kinds of conditions (away from home),” Smith told the Cricket Australia website (www.cricket.com.au). “But I think you need to have the team that’s most suited to those conditions as well. “You pick different teams from T20s to one-dayers to tests, so why not sometime in the future pick teams for certain conditions? “That could be a possibility

somewhere down the track.” Schedule: 1st test - Feb. 23-27 – Pune 2nd test - March 04-08 Bengaluru 3rd test - March 16-20 Ranchi 4th test - March 25-29 Dharamshala

English Racing Tips Newbury 08:15 hrs Crimson Black 08:45 hrs The Grape Escape 09:20 hrs Frontiersman 09:50 hrs Imperial Aviator 10:20 hrs Cristal Fizz 10:55 hrs African Beat 11:30 hrs Scorching Heat 12:05 hrs Aflame Doncaster 08:35 hrs Laurence 09:05 hrs Nuclear Power 09:40 hrs Humidor 10:15 hrs Huge Future 10:50 hrs Yucatan 11:25 hrs Alphine Dream 12:00 hrs Novoman 12:35 hrs Castle Harbour Cheltenham 08:50 hrs Theatrical Star 09:25 hrs West Approach 10:00 hrs Gibralfargo 10:30 hrs Boondooma 11:05 hrs Anteros 11:40 hrs Shantou Village 12:15 hrs Brahms De Clermont Irish Racing Tips Punchestown 08:55 hrs Stretchingthetruth 09:30 hrs Stand Up And Fight 10:05 hrs A Twist Of Faith 10:35 hrs Identity Thief 11:10 hrs Disko 11:45 hrs Moss Grove 12:20 hrs Bel Ami De Sivola South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:15 hrs Wrecking Ball 08:55 hrs Turn Back Time 09:30 hrs Al Fahad 10:05 hrs Pivotal Pursuit 10:40 hrs Seal My fate 11:15 hrs Tokyo Drift American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Born for a Storm Race 2 Death Passage Race 3 Hot City Girl Race 4 Weekend Hideaway Race 5 Iron Mizz Race 6 `` Kharafa Race 7 Gold for the King Race 8 Wonder Girl Race 9 Fourstar Crook Race10 Governor Malibu

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 22, 2016

Vandersay’s six-for headlines Sri Lanka A series win LEG-SPINNER Jeffrey Vandersay took 6 for 47 in the final innings to lead Sri Lanka A to victory in Dambulla. West Indies A were set a target of 333 but with no one even managing a fifty, the hosts wrapped up a 138-run victory, and with it the series 2-1. The chase had begun positively with Kieran Powell, who had briefly flirted with a career in baseball, back at the top of the order and kicking things off with a 41-ball 44. West Indies A were 124 for 3 - chugging along at a run-rate just under four - when Vandersay blitzed through their middle order to bowl them out for 194. He took two wickets in the 48th over, including that of captain and top-scorer Shamarh Brooks for 46, handed the opposition five of their six single-digit scores and completed his ninth fivefor in 29 first-class matches. While the bowling they faced was good, West Indies A would rue the fact that they collapsed from reasonably strong positions. In the first innings they had Shimron Hetmyer - 94 off 91 balls, with 17 fours - and Brooks - 54 off 100 balls -

Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay bagged six for 47.

doing well before they lost eight wickets for 104 runs to concede a lead of 75. In the second innings, West Indies lost seven wickets for 70 runs to concede the match. Another measure of where West Indies A lost the match lay in the number of partnerships over 50. There were eight overall - and they contributed only two of them. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka A had begun the game with an agenda-setting 133-run stand between openers Kusal Perera (69) and Sandun Weerakkody (79) in the first innings. It was key to building a total of 318. Then fast bowler Kasun Madushanka and left-arm

wrist-spinner Lakshan Sandakan took three wickets each and left-

arm seamer Lahiru Gamage chipped in with two to bowl West Indies A out for 243. All three were picked in Sri Lanka’s Test squad to play against Zimbabwe in Harare next Saturday. Sri Lanka A swelled a lead of 75 to match-andseries-winning proportions in their second innings with Weerakkody smacking 48 off 36 balls and Asela Gunaratne collecting 69 off 126 balls. Rahkeem Cornwall was the only opposition they faced, the off-spinner picking up 4 for 87 from 26 overs to finish with 23 wickets from three matches. (ESPN Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD SRI LANKA A 1st innings 318 WEST INDIES A 1st innings 243 SRI LANKA A 2nd innings (o/n 211 for five) K. Perera c wkp. Hamilton b Cornwall 20 S. Weerakkody lbw b Cornwall 48 L. Thirimanne c Hetmyer b Corwall 27 A. Gunarathne c wkp. Hamilton b Joseph 69 C. Asalanka c Johnson b Cornwall 4 R. Silva c Chandrika b Joseph 44 D. Shanaka not out 33 Extras: (b-6, lb-2, w-3, nb-1) 12 Total: (6 wkts decl., 74.2 overs) 257 Fall of wickets: 1-67, 2-72, 3-135, 4-141, 5-192, 6-257. Bowling: Roach 10-0-43-0 (w-2), Johnson 18-4-57-0, Cornwall 268-87-4 (nb-1), Jacobs 9-0-32-0, Joseph 11.2-3-30-2 (w-1). WEST INDIES A 2nd innings (target: 333 runs) R. Chandrika lbw b Sandakan 30

K. Powell lbw b Sandakan 44 S. Hetmyer c Sandakan b Asalanka 18 S. Brooks c Thirimanne b Vandersay 46 V. Singh c Gunaratne b Vandersay 6 J. Hamilton c Asalanka b Vandersay 25 R. Cornwall lbw b Vandersay 0 K. Roach b Sandakan 4 D. Johnson c Gunaratne b Vandersay 0 D. Jacobs c Asalanka b Vandersay 5 K. Joseph not out 4 Extras: (b-6, lb-1, nb-5) 12 TOTAL (all out, 67.2 overs) 194 Fall of wickets: 1-63, 2-88, 3-108, 4-124, 5-171, 6-171, 7-184, 8-184, 9-186. Bowling: Gamage 9-4-33-0, Madushanka 3-0-23-0, Asalanka 8-1-16-1, Sandakan 21-6-61-3 (nb5), Vandersay 21.2-5-47-6, Shanaka 5-1-7-0.

Minister of Education declares IGG Games open MINISTER of Education, Rupert Roopnaraine emphasised the great role that sport plays in breaking social barriers during the speech he made just before declaring the Inter-Guiana ‘Goodwill’ Games officially open last evening at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora. Before an audience of Guyanese and Surinamese athletes and officials Minister Roopnaraine said that sport provides a great avenue for people to look beyond the social boundaries, especially racial ones, and focus more on the abilities that persons possess.“I can think of nothing better than sports to deal with our ethnic issue, ethnic division and such things. You know when you are on a cricket team or a soccer team you don’t look to see who is of what race, you look to see how well he can defend his position, how well he can bat, bowl and those issues. So sport remains a major area in which we can deal with ethnic issues and ethnic difficulties.” Roopnaraine said. Also making remarks at the ceremony was Suriname’s Director of Sports, Luciano Mentowikromo, who started off by commending the Department of

Sports for the tremendous effort that has been put into hosting the event, with athletes from Suriname and Guyana taking part this year. Mentowikromo also spoke of how the event works to bring the youths of the countries together in unity, and helps to develop themselves as athletes. Usually called the Inter-Guiana Games and held among athletes from Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana, the event goes without French Guiana this year. This follows no hosting of the Games last year. During his speech Mentowikromo touched on his regret that French Guiana could not be here. Nonetheless, Mentowikromo is convinced that this year’s hosting will be successful and will continue in the objectives of sportsmanship and fun. This year the athletes of the two countries will compete in seven sport disciplines, namely athletics, basketball, volleyball, swimming, badminton, table tennis and futsal. Following the brief opening ceremony the athletics competition began where Guyana bagged a number of wins.

No formula to stop Messi, says Valencia’s Prandelli Pune to host first ( R E U T E R S ) - Va l e n c i a coach Cesare Prandelli has conceded there is no point trying stop Lionel Messi as he prepares to face the inform Barcelona talisman when his side host the La Liga champions today. Former Italy coach Prandelli got off to a winning start in his first game in charge of the struggling six-times La Liga champions, overseeing a 2-1 win at Sporting Gijon to move clear of the relegation zone. Prandelli, set for his first

Lionel Messi game at the Mestalla stadium, admitted he was facing an impossible task to tame a rampant Messi, who scored a hat-trick in Barcelona’s 4-0 thrashing of Manches-

ter City in the Champions League on Wednesday. “I will sleep very well because I know there is no formula to stop Messi, he is magnificent,” Prandelli told a news conference on Friday. “Messi is fantasy football, he is what every child dreams about, because he is proof that when you have character, determination and talent you can make history. All the children in the world want to be Messi and I’m proud to face him.” Barcelona are fourth in

the La Liga standings on 16 points, two behind leaders Atletico Madrid while Valencia are 14th on nine. “We’ll need to maintain concentration throughout the game and be organised tactically. Whenever we lose the ball we need to press Barca quickly,” Prandelli added.”When you face Barcelona you know you’re going to suffer, but in certain moments of the game we have to know how to make them suffer.”

India-Australia Test in 2017

(REUTERS)-The western Indian city of Pune will stage its first Test when the home side plays Australia in the opener of the four-match series starting February. The Pune Test starts Feb. 23 before Australia travel to Bengaluru for the second match from March 4. Two more venues -- Ranchi and Dharamshala -- will also host their first tests with the third and fourth matches of the Border-Gavaskar series.

The scheduling will force some Australia players, who play all three formats, to miss a three-match Twenty20 international series against Sri Lanka at home, with the first test in India starting a day after the final game against Sri Lanka. With Australia suffering a 3-0 thrashing in their recent Test series in Sri Lanka, there have been talks about

See page 35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 22, 2016

Tamim leads Bangladesh fightback

(REUTERS) - OPENER Tamim Iqbal led Bangladesh’s fightback with a dogged 78 after the hosts had got off to a wobbly start in reply to England’s first innings 293 on the second day of the opening Test yesterday. At stumps the match was delicately poised with Bangladesh on 221 for five, trailing England by 72 runs, with all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan (31) and nightwatchman Shafiul Islam (zero) at the crease. England captain Alastair Cook called on Moeen Ali, who top-scored for his side with 68, to bowl the final over of the morning and it took the bearded 29-yearold just two deliveries to break Bangladesh’s opening stand. The openers had looked untroubled until then but Moeen got the ball to spin past Imrul Kayes’ bat to hit the off-stump before number three Mominul Haque edged behind without scoring to leave Bangladesh reeling on 29-2.

ready in the match, he managed to get the umpire’s decision overturned on review. Replays showed the ball has missed the edge of his bat. He was finally out caught behind to off-spinner Gareth Batty who is playing his first Test in more than 11 years. Bangladesh edged towards England’s total as captain Mushfiqur Rahim (48) and Shakib dug in but Ben

Stokes had Mushfiqur caught behind by wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow near the close of play to leave the game evenly balanced. England had earlier resumed on 258-7 and added 35 runs before debutant off-spinner Mehedi Hasan completed a six-wicket haul with the dismissal of Stuart Broad after left-arm spinner Taijul Islam had removed Chris Woakes and Rashid.

SCOREBOARD

Tamim Iqbal picks the lengths of England spinners in his dogged innings of 78. The hosts almost went through the second session unscathed after Moeen’s threat diminished on a baking afternoon with Tamim and Mahmudullah defending resolutely to keep En-

gland at bay at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. Bangladesh lost Mahmudullah (38) to leg-spinner Adil Rashid on the stroke of the tea interval but not be-

fore he had shared in a vital third-wicket partnership of 90 with Tamim. The left-handed Tamim was given out caught at slip off Moeen, but as on numerous occasions al-

ENGLAND 1st innings (o/n: 258-7) A. Cook b Al Hasan 4 B. Duckett b M. Hasan 14 J. Root c Sa. Rahman b M. Hasan 40 G. Ballance lbw b M. Hasan 1 M. Ali c Rahim b M. Hasan 68 B. Stokes b Al Hasan 18 J. Bairstow b M. Hasan 52 C. Woakes c M. Haque b T. Islam 36 A. Rashid c Sa. Rahman b T. Islam 26 S. Broad c Rahim b M. Hasan 13 G. Batty not out 1 Extras: (b-14, lb-4, w-2) 20 Total: (all out, 105.5 overs) 293 Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-18, 3-21, 4-83, 5-106, 6-194, 7-237, 8-258, 9-289. Bowling: Sh. Islam 9-1-33-0, M. Hasan 39.5-7-80-6, K. Rabbi 8-0-

41-0 (w-2), S. Al Hasan 19-6-46-2, T. Islam 24-11-47-2, Sa. Rahman 3-0-11-0, Mahmudullah 2-0-17-0, M. Haque 1-1-0-0. BANGLADESH 1st innings T. Iqbal c Bairstow b Batty 78 I. Kayes b Ali 21 M. Haque c Stokes b Ali 0 Mahmudullah c Root b Rashid 38 M. Rahim c Bairstow b Stokes 48 S. Al Hasan not out 31 Sh. Islam not out 0 Extras: (lb-4, w-1) 5 Total: (for 5 wickets, 74 overs) 221 Fall of wickets: 1-29, 2-29, 3-119, 4-163 T. Iqbal, 5-221. Bowling: S. Broad 8-2-12-0, G. Batty 17-1 -51-1, C. Woakes 7-2-15- 0 (w-1), A. Rashid 13-1-51-1, M. Ali 19-2-66-2, B. Stokes 8-3-17-1, J. Root 2-0-5-0.

India to trial DRS Uitvlugt favoured to take points lead in WDFA STAG Beer Senior League in England Tests

(REUTERS) - India will use the Decision Review System (DRS) on a trial basis in the upcoming five-Test series against England to assess improvements made to the technology, the country’s cricket board said yesterday. The influential Indian board (BCCI) has long been a staunch opponent of the DRS system, which aims at reducing umpiring howlers by detecting edges and predicting the ball trajectory to ensure correct catch and leg-before decisions. “In the meeting with the ICC and the Hawk-Eye officials, the improvements made to the system were further evaluated by the BCCI team, who were satisfied that most of the concerns and suggestions that were expressed by BCCI over a period of time, were addressed to a significant extent,” the board said. India played in the first series that used DRS against Sri Lanka in 2008 but the BCCI have since refused to allow its use in any bilateral series involving its team. Test captain Virat Kohli recently hinted that India were finally ready to embrace the system.

BCCI president Anurag Thakur “We are happy to note that Hawk-Eye has institutionalised all the recommendations made by BCCI, and we confirm that this improved version of DRS will be used on a trial basis during the forthcoming series against England,” BCCI president Anurag Thakur said in a statement. “Based on the performance of the system and the feedback that we will receive, further continuation in forthcoming series will be decided. “We recognise the enhanced role of technology in sport and BCCI will lead such initiatives in coming days, and enrich the viewer experience.” The first Test between India and England will be held in Rajkot from November 9.

THE Uitvlugt Football Club are highly favoured to take the lead in the points standings of the West Demerara Football Association’s (WDFA)/STAG Beer Senior League when they take on Wales United in the opening fixture of a double-header card, billed for the Den Amstel Community Centre ground from 14:00hrs. Uitvlugt have to date played seven matches and have won six of those encounters while playing to a draw in the other, securing 19 points in the process. They are three points adrift of league leaders Den Amstel who have 22 points,

but with seven wins and a draw from their eight matches so far. However, while Den Amstel lead in terms of points, they have a mere plus 12 goal difference from their eight matches, compared to Uitvlugt’s plus 22 from seven matches. With this in mind, it is anticipated that the Uitvlugt unit will be going all out for a victory today from 14:00hrs when they take on the seventh team Wales United, who have eight points from 10 matches and a minus eight goal difference. In the feature game from 16:00hrs, eighth-placed Golden Warriors with five points to

their name after eight matches and a goal difference of minus nine will oppose Jetty Gunners, who have a goal difference of minus 25 after playing nine matches, winning won one, drawing one and losing the other seven. They are currently on four points. The league will continue tomorrow at the same venue with another double-header that will see ninth-place Beavers tackle bottom-ofthe-table Veggae Boyz from 14:00hrs, while the feature game brings together fourthplace Pouderoyen and sixthplace Eagles. Beavers have so far played

seven matches. They won one, lost five and drew the other and are on four points with a minus 12 goal difference. Veggae Boyz, on the other hand, have played nine matches. They won one, lost eight and have three points with a minus 29 goal difference. Pouderoyen have played seven matches. They won five and were held to draws in the other two. They are on 17 points with a goal difference of plus 21. Eagles have 12 points from eight matches. They won three, lost two and were held to three draws. Their goal difference is plus 10.

Nine matches fixed for this weekend in GFF/NAMILCO U-17 League THE Guyana Football Federation/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 League will continue this weekend with nine matches being contested in three associations. Today, Soesdyke face Agricola from 10:00hrs and Grove take on Diamond from 12:00hrs in the East Bank

Football Association (EBFA) League. Both matches are billed for the Grove Playfield. In the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) League, Slingerz come up against Wales United from 12:00hrs at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground. Buxton Stars will take on

Ann’s Grove from 13:00hrs and Plaisance meet Buxton Youth Developers from 15:00hrs in the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) double-header at the Golden Grove ground. Tomorrow, Herstelling tackle Kuru Kururu from 10:00hrs in an EBFA fixture, while in the WDFA leg, Den

Amstel will host Eagles from 12:00hrs. Two matches are billed for the Golden Grove ground when the EDFA stages a double- header. From 13:00hrs Buxton United tackle BV/Triumph and Victoria Kings battle Bachelor’s Adventure/Paradise starting 15:00hrs.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 22, 2016

Andrea Foster

–an aspiring Olympian T

HIS week’s Noble House Seafoods’ Personality-of-the-Week is 19-year-old Andrea Foster, a national athlete, who has represented Guyana numerous times both regionally and internationally, and has acquired several medals under her belt. Andrea is a multiple CARIFTA Games bronze medallist and gold medallist at the Hampton International Games, while she was also once selected to represent the prestigious World Championships. An aspiring Olympian, Andrea is currently a student of the Essex County College, thanks to her athletic ability. Andrea was offered a sports scholarship to study for an Associate Degree in General Science at the college after her continuous outstanding performances. Andrea is a middle distance athlete, specialising in the 800m and 1500m distances, though she never shies away from the challenge of also contesting in the 3 000m and 10km distances in events. She describes athletics as “her life”. Though she now confidently speaks of her dreams of representing Guyana at the Olympics, Andrea was not always enthused at the idea of being an athlete. As the daughter of former national sprinter, and current bodybuilder Alisha Fortune, many thought Andrea would have a natural inclination for sport, but she actually did not. It was not until she was continually prodded by her teachers in high school for having an athletic mom and not being an athlete that Andrea finally gave in. And so it was in 2011, after dabbling in debating as an extracurricular activity, she decided to also do athletics. “It was my teachers that got me to run. They said my mom can’t be an athlete and I’m not,” she recalled So goes the tale of another athlete, who got involved in sports through influence at school. Representing her school Bladen Hall Multilateral, Andrea advanced through the different levels of the National Schools Championships, or Nationals as we’ll call it, in 2011

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday October 22, 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 Friday’s quiz: (1) 80 wickets (2) Wasim Akram (PAK vs SL, Lahore, 1998-99) Today’s Quiz: (1) How many runs Darren Bravo scored in the first Test of the current WI/PAK series? (2) How many wickets Devendra Bishoo took in the just-concluded WI/PAK first Test? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

and continued every successive year. In 2012, she had her first chance to represent Guyana regionally at the CARIFTA Games, and on her first time out she won a bronze medal for her efforts. Then in 2013 she was again on a national team among those who represented Guyana at the Tri-nation Inter-Guiana Games. Last year, her local performances were enough to see her selected to represent Guyana at the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) World Championships in Beijing, China. For this year, she has won another two bronze medals at CARIFTA Games in her 800m and 1500m events. She later won gold in both these events at the Hampton International Games. She also continued her dominance at the local level. But then she departed Guyana in August for the USA, where she now represents Essex and continues her training and hopes of perhaps representing the Golden Arrowhead at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Action in round three continues today in COURTS/Petra Pee Wee football FOOTBALL action in the 2016 COURTS/Petra Under-11 Pee Wee football continues today with thirdround action from 10:00hrs at Banks DIH Thirst Park. St Angela’s Primary and Tucville Primary will be the first two teams on the pitch with Success and School of the Nations playing alongside them. From 10:45hrs, F.E. Pollard and Comenius Primary will have a chance to decide the better of the two teams while South Ruimveldt Primary take on St Stephen’s.

Part of the action in round two of the COURTS/Petra Under-11 Pee Wee football last weekend. (Photo by Delano Williams)

Mae’s Primary confront St Pius Primary while Smith Memorial have been pitted against Winfer Gardens Primary. Redeemer take on Rama Krishna from 12:15hrs while Stella Maris Primary play St Agnes Primary at the same time. J.E Burnham tackle St Margaret’s from 13:00hrs alongside the Marian Academy vs North Georgetown game while in the afternoon’s final matches St Gabriel will clash with St Ambrose and West Ruimveldt play Enterprise.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 22, 2016

Suriname draw first blood in Inter-Guiana Games basketball By Daniel Haynes AS the Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) basketball best-ofthree series tipped off yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Guyana’s male and female teams came up short, losing their opening games. Suriname made sure Guyanese fans had heavy hearts as their females had a dominating performance and their males came from behind to win. In the first game of the day, Suriname females cruised to a 69-25 win as Guyana simply looked nervous and outmatched in their encounter.

Suriname’s team comprised mostly players from the recently concluded Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) U-16 Championships. For Guyana, despite having players with IGG experience and three players with CBC experience, Suriname were the better team on the day. Suriname never relinquished the lead after jumping out to a 5-0 start in the first two minutes of the game. Suriname finished the first half 32-7, halfway home to a dominating performance. Most of their points came from captain Cyarah Kensmil who had

17 points in the win, with Stephanie Hubard and Mirelva Marica each finishing with 10 points. For Guyana, Kennesha Leacock had a team-high 9 points. It was the male encounter that gave fans a match despite Guyana falling 74-68 to the visitors. From trading baskets to both teams going on runs, Suriname came back to hold onto a 6-point victory. It was a learning experience for Guyana. Led by Travis Belgrave, Jamol Gilkes and Stanton Rose who had 15, 13 and 14 points respectively, Guyana showed flashes of a team

… Both Guyana teams suffer losses

Action from the female matchup (Daniel Haynes photos)

Emile LaRose with breakaway dunk

that could certainly contest for the gold medal. However, Suriname’s trio of Charf Elburg, Bjorn Ewijk and Dancell Leter, who finished with 17, 13 and 14 respectively, spoiled the party for Guyana. Guyana trailed by 2 points at the end of the first quarter but came back to lead by 7 points at the end of the first half 36-29 behind GIlkes’ shooting and Belgrave’s punching the lane for finishes at the rim.

The second half saw Guyana lead up to the 5:18 mark in the third quarter when Donyell Samson had back-to-back layups to extend it to a 43-39 lead after Elburg hit a three to tie the game 39-39. The change in the game, however, came when Emile LaRose of Suriname had a breakaway dunk to start the pulling away for Suriname. The fourth quarter saw Guyana try to battle back from

an 8-point lead for Suriname, but only managing to cut it to 6 at the end of the game. The turnover battle was won by Suriname whose high-pressure defence saw them home. According to Guyana coach Junior Hercules, “We have not shown our best, we’ve seen Suriname at their best; we just have to correct our mistakes.” Action continues today at 17:00hrs at the same venue.

Younis returns with classy century on opening day

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – Younis Khan, the veteran Pakistan batsman, proved his recent bout of dengue fever was no hindrance, as he hit a classy century against West Indies on the opening day of the second Test at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium. The 38-year-old showed no signs of lethargy or sluggishness as he crafted his 33rd Test century – 127 quality runs as the home side ended the day on 304 for four. The other senior statesman in the team – Misbah ul-Haq closed the day unbeaten on 90, as Pakistan thrived on two dropped chances by the West Indies. A half-century from Asad Shafiq also added to the punishment as the West Indies continued their struggle for success in this series. Shannon Gabriel bowled his heart out to finish with two for 43. Earlier, Misbah who was captaining Pakistan for a record 48th time in Tests – to equal Imran Khan’s record – won the toss and predictably took first strike. Preferring not to bat last on this pitch and with the average first-innings score here on this

Younis Khan celebrates his 33rd Test century, against West Indies, on the first day of the 2nd Test in Abu Dhabi. piece of mud being 394, Misbah was smiling from ear to ear. However, that soon turned to sadness, as his triple centurion in the first Test in Dubai, Azhar Ali, was bowled by Gabriel with only six runs on the board.

The right-hander got one that cut back into him, taking an inside edge and crashing into his sticks for a duck. Within the first hour skipper Jason Holder decided to play his trump card and went to

leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo. He struck almost immediately bowling Sami Aslam with a big leg-spinner for six. Younis returning from a bout of dengue fever was next in and he looked like he never left. Within minutes his bat started to broaden and the runs began to flow. Shafiq, who was timing the ball beautifully from ball one, continued his good work and reached his half-century of 68 balls with six fours. When lunch was taken, the score on the dusty scoreboard out in the middle of the desert read 95 for two, with Shafiq on 54 and Khan 29. The session was two and a half hours long to facilitate Friday pray Jumma Salah. They were then given an hour-long break to allow the Muslim players to pray and then have lunch. After the resumption, Younis continued to look good but soon lost Shafiq, who was bowled of an inside edge by Gabriel, playing away from his body. He faced 121 balls and struck seven fours. Misbah joined in and gave the crowd on hand lots to cheer about.

He looked in supreme form and, with Misbah batting so beautifully at the other end, the West Indies looked incapable of getting the breakthrough. A chance came with Khan on 84 but Kraigg Brathwaite was unable to hang on to a caughtand-bowled chance. Misbah brought up his half-century off 93 balls with two fours and two sixes and soon after he was dropped by stand-in wicketkeeper Shai Hope off the unlucky Gabriel. The burly pacer got one to square up to Misbah on 54, which found the outside edge but the Barbadian failed to hold on to the one-handed effort. Hope replaced fellow Barbadian Shane Dowrich who broke down before the start of play with a ligament strain on his right shoulder.

After the let off both men continued to plunder runs and targeted leg-spinner Bishoo who claimed a Test-best eight for 49 in the last game, bowling them out for just 123. Time and time again they employed the slug-sweep against him and this killed his effectiveness, as he had to adjust to a more defensive approach. Khan brought up his century off 169 balls with eight fours and a six. The Pakistan 300 was also raised and the two looked inseparable. However, just before the end of play which was called six overs early, due to fading light, Khan fell, again playing the slug sweep, but this time against part-time off-spinner Brathwaite. His final stats read 127 runs, 205 balls, 10 fours and one six.

SCOREBOARD

PAKISTAN 1st innings Sami Aslam b Bishoo Azhar Ali b Gabriel Asad Shafiq b Gabriel Younis Khan c Chase b Brathwaite Misbah-ul-Haq not out Extras: (lb-6, nb-7)

6 0 68 127 90 13

Total: (4 wkts, 84 overs) 304 Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-42, 3-129, 4-304. Bowling: Gabriel 14-1-43-2 (nb-7), Cummins 15-1-43-0, Holder 14-431-0, Bishoo 20-0-92-1, Chase 120-53-0, Brathwaite 9-0-36-1.

Younis Englandreturns Women with classy beatcentury WI Women by 5 on wickets in 5th ODI opening day See story on page 39

Minister of Education declares IGG Games open (See Story on page 36 )

The Guyana delegation at last night’s IGG opening ceremony.

Guyana’s Compton Ceasar (left) making his way to the finish line in the boys’ 100m

The Suriname delegation at the IGG opening ceremony last night

Guyana’s Kenisha Phillips takes the IGG girls’ 100m in stunning style at the Leonora National Track Field Centre (Delano Williams photos)

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2016