Guyana chronicle epaper 12 04 2016

SEE INSIDE

The highs and lows of a

Caribbean Champion

$9.5B injection Matthew Vieira waves the chequered flag in Trinidad (A Mikey Spice Photo)

‒ Matthew Vieira relives his 2016 odyssey

► Page XIII

No. 104755

SUNDAY DECEMBER 4, 2016

Price: $140

(VAT Inclusive)

... Gov’t says tax measures will pour billions into economy

Chronicle shines ... at PAHO Media Awards Page 11

Warm welcome for Prince Harry Centre

‒ as British Royal calls on Region Nine

Page 21

Chronicle reporters (from left to right) Alva Solomon, Rabindra Rooplall, Svetlana Marshall and Ravin Singh with Editor-in-Chief Nigel Williams (2nd from right) and News Editor Tajeram Mohabir at last evening’s awards ceremony (Photo by Cullen Bess-Nelson)

Woman Gov’t: naysayers loses leg, ignoring positives others injured Page 2

... in Herstelling smash-up

in budget

Page 12

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

Laden sand truck, minibus collide at Herstelling ‒ woman loses leg, GDF rank sustains injury

‘A’ Division Traffic Officer-in-Charge, Superintendent Ramesh Ashram, and another rank inspect the oil spilled onto the carriageway at the accident scene, as sand is spread to minimize the hazard to other drivers

A LADEN sand truck and a minibus were involved in a smash-up at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Saturday at about 8:10hrs; and two passengers in the smashed route 42 minibus -- identified as 34-year-

old Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rank Travis Pollard of Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara (WCD) and 50-year-old Shelly Thompson of Timheri, East Bank Demerara (EBD) -– sustained serious injuries. Thompson’s

right leg has had to be amputated during surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The accident reportedly occurred when route 42 minibus BTT 8079, heading in a northerly direction on the East Bank road-

The laden sand truck and the minibus on the Herstelling carriageway

way, became sandwiched between sand truck GVV 6306 and another minibus that had stopped to offload passengers in the vicinity of a restaurant on the Herstelling public road.

According to police information, BTT 8079 tried to

squeeze its way between the truck and the stationary bus when it clipped the truck, resulting in its driver losing control and crashing the bus into a utility pole.

The truck then slammed into this bus.

Minibus driver Davin-

dra Raghu, 24, of Sarah Johanna, EBD, received minor injuries and was taken into police custody; while sand truck driver Lakeram Seemangal has also been detained by police to assist with investigations.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

President Granger promises to deliver ‒ when he assumes CARICOM chairmanship MERE weeks before he assumes the chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), President David Granger has already signalled his intention to put the Region’s economy first.

Speaking last week on his weekly televised programme, ‘The Public Interest’, President Granger made it clear that enhancing the lives of the people within the 15-member bloc will be the main focus of his tenure.

“We have to deliver a certain quality of life to our citizens, and that quality of life would be based on breadand-butter issues,” he said.

President Granger noted that while much has been achieved within CARICOM over the last 43 years, there’s still much more room for improvement.

He made specific reference to the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), an integrated development strategy which was envisioned at the 10th

Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in 1990 in Grenada.

SERIOUS CRITICISMS Over the years, there have been many criticisms about the CSME, in that many are of the opinion that it’s an utter waste of time, while others feel it’s an outright failure.

The objective of the CSME, however, has always been to deepen economic integration by advancing beyond being a mere common market and moving more towards a Single Market and Economy.

By so doing, it was intended to widen membership, thereby expanding the economic mass of the Caribbean Community and progressively inserting the region into the global trading and economic system by strengthening trading links with non-traditional partners.

“We need to get the

CARICOM Single Market and Economy moving,” President Granger said just last week while in Barbados for that country’s celebration of its 50th Independence anniversary.

TIME TO DELIVER He is of the strong opinion that the Caribbean people need to benefit from the wealth of the Region, and noted that his focus would be to ensure high education standards, and that the social obligations of the respective governments are met.

“CARICOM will, in 2017, be 44 years old; we have to make some mature judgements,” he said, adding that among some of the questions that yet need to be answered are, “Is CARICOM moving as quickly as we want it to? And are we serving the people of the Region as they expect to be served?”

President Granger is adamant that, granted that there are other major issues at

President David Granger

stake, such as security, “the most important consideration is the economy.”

REAL BENEFITS Noting that the task for regional leaders in the year ahead will be to translate the accumulated knowledge gained over the years into “real benefits to our people”, President Granger made it clear that the promises made at the establishment of the CSME must be delivered;

that there needs to be more manufacturing, production and trade within the bloc.

Noting, too, that it’s high time that the Region’s natural resources are exploited, President Granger said CARICOM needs to keep abreast of the needs of its people, and to also understand that developed countries in East Asia and Northern Europe are moving at a tremendous pace.

“We have to look at means to be competitive… nobody is going to wait for us,” he stressed, while adding that all the preferential markets have completely disappeared.

Additionally, he noted Guyana’s ‘green’ agenda and said the Region needs to move in that direction. He expressed confidence that the ‘green’ agenda would be able to provide energy from renewable sources while pointing to eco-tourism, education and diversified tourism.

He noted that enhancing the standard of education is critical to young people finding employment within

the Caribbean, but not as tour guides and waitresses but rather as zoologists and botanists.

This, he said, will ensure that the Region becomes “one economic zone”.

REGIONAL SECURITY On the subject of regional security cooperation, President Granger reiterated its importance not only to Guyana, but to each CARICOM state. He referenced the Cubana air disaster, but noted that regional security is not limited to terrorist attacks but to providing relief to citizens when in need, be it during natural disasters as was the case in Grenada, Haiti and The Bahamas over the years.

“We can make more progress in the future,” President Granger stressed, noting that without security cooperation each individual state would be unable to fulfil their security agendas.

“We need to have a more intensive programme for security cooperation,” he stressed.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

China lodges protest after Trump call with Taiwan president [Reuters] - China lodged a diplomatic protest on Saturday after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump spoke by phone with President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan, but blamed the selfruled island Beijing claims as its own for the “petty” move. The 10-minute telephone call with Taiwan’s leadership was the first by a U.S. president-elect or president since President Jimmy Carter switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979, acknowledging Taiwan as part of “one China”.

China’s Foreign Minis-

try said it had lodged “stern representations” with what it called the “relevant U.S. side”, urging the careful handling of the Taiwan issue to avoid any unnecessary disturbances in ties.

“The one China principle is the political basis of the China-U.S. relationship,” it said. The wording implied the protest had gone to the Trump camp, but the ministry provided no explanation.

Speaking earlier, hours after Friday’s telephone call, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointedly blamed Taiwan for the exchange, rather than Trump, a billionaire business-

man with little foreign policy experience.

“This is just the Taiwan side engaging in a petty action, and cannot change the ‘one China’ structure already formed by the international community,” Wang said at an academic forum in Beijing, China’s Foreign Ministry quoted him as saying. “I believe that it won’t change the longstanding ‘one China’ policy of the United States government.”

In comments at the same forum, Wang noted how quickly President Xi Jinping and Trump had spoken by telephone after Trump’s victory, and that Trump had praised China as a great country. Wang said that exchange had sent “a very positive signal about the future development of Sino-U.S. relations”, according to the ministry’s website. Taiwan was not mentioned in that call, according to an official Chinese transcript.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office also called the conversation a “petty” move by Taiwan that does not change the island’s status as part of China. Beijing is resolute in opposing independence for Taiwan, it added.

Trump said on Twitter that Tsai had initiated the call he had with the Taiwan president. “The President of Taiwan CALLED ME today to wish me congratulations on winning the Presidency.

Thank you!” he said. Trump and Tsai noted that “close economic, political and security ties exist between Taiwan and the United States”, the Trump transition team said in a statement. Taiwan’s presidential office said the two discussed strengthening bilateral interactions and establishing closer cooperation.

China considers Taiwan a wayward province and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under its control. Relations between the two sides have worsened since Tsai, who heads the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, was elected president in January. Chinese state media downplayed the possibility of a major blowup in Beijing’s relations with Washington as Trump prepares to assume office.

Influential state-run tabloid the Global Times said in an online editorial that if Trump really overturned the “one China” principle upon assum-

ing office it would create such a crisis with China he’d have little time to do anything else.

“We believe this is not something the shrewd Trump wants to do.” China’s official Xinhua news agency said Trump needed to know Beijing can be a “cooperative partner” as long as Washington respects China’s core interests, including the issue of Taiwan.

“China and the United States are not destined rivals,” it said in an English-language commentary. Washington remains Taiwan’s most important political ally and sole arms supplier, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, the irony of which was not lost on Trump.

“Interesting how the U.S. sells Taiwan billions of dollars of military equipment but I should not accept a congratulatory call,” Trump said in another tweet. Trump has eschewed tradition in other calls with foreign leaders since he won the U.S. election, prompting the White House to encourage him to make use of the diplomatic expertise and counsel of the State Department.

Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway said on CNN that Trump was “well aware of what U.S. policy has been” on Taiwan. Administration officials said Trump’s team did not alert the White House about the call ahead of time.

The White House also said after Trump’s call that “long-

standing policy” on China and Taiwan had not changed.

Advisers to the Republican president-elect have indicated that he is likely to take a more robust policy toward China than Obama, a Democrat, and that Trump plans to boost the U.S. military in part in response to China’s increasing power in Asia. However, details of his plans remain scant.

Trump lambasted China throughout the U.S. election campaign, drumming up headlines with pledges to slap 45 percent tariffs on imported Chinese goods and label the country a currency manipulator on his first day in office. Earlier this week, Trump spoke to Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and praised him, according to the Pakistani leader’s office, as a “terrific guy”.

Islamabad and Washington have seen relations sour in recent years over U.S. accusations that Pakistan shelters Islamist militants who kill U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, a charge denied by the South Asian nation.

Trump also invited Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte to the White House next year during what a Duterte aide said was a “very engaging, animated” phone conversation. Duterte has openly insulted Obama, who canceled a planned meeting with him in September. A statement issued by Trump’s transition team made no mention of the invitation.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

Huge crowds attend final Castro ceremony

[BBC] - The urn with the ashes of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro has arrived in the city of Santiago, the birthplace of the revolution, where he will be laid to rest. Large crowds shouting ‘Long live Fidel!” greeted his funeral cortege.

Fidel Castro

Thousands are expected to pay their final respects shortly at a ceremony in the city’s Revolution Square.

President Raul Castro will lead the tributes. He took over when his brother’s health deteriorated in 2006.

Fidel Castro’s ashes will be buried on Sunday. The leaders of Venezuela, Nicaragua and Bolivia are due to attend, as is the Argentine footballer, Diego Maradona.

Former Brazilian Presidents Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff have also travelled to Cuba for the ceremony.

People waving flags and pictures of Fidel Castro have turned out to watch the cortege on its four-day journey from the capital Havana. “All of us who love Fidel, who is a father to us. He cleared a path for us and the people will follow him,” Tania Maria Jimenez told Reuters. She was among thousands of Cubans watching as the urn with Mr Castro’s ashes was driven past the historic Moncada barracks in Santiago. Fidel Castro was part of the small group of revolutionaries who launched an attack on the barracks on 26 July 1953.

The attacked failed, but it was considered the first act of the revolution that would depose the US-backed government of Fulgencio Batista on 1 January 1959. Opinion on Fidel Castro, who ruled Cuba as a one-party state for almost half a century, remains divided. Supporters say he returned Cuba to the people and praise him for some of his social programmes, such as public health and education.

But critics call him a dictator, who led a government that did not tolerate opposition and dissent. Fidel Castro died on 25 November aged 90. His ashes will be placed in the Ifigenia Cemetery, where Cuban independence hero Jose Marti is buried.

Fans unite in Brazil for crash victims

[BBC] - Thousands of fans have gathered at Brazil’s Chapecoense stadium to pay tribute to those killed when the football team’s plane crashed. Bodies of the victims arrived at the stadium in a procession through Chapeco after arriving from Colombia.

Seventy-one people died in Monday’s crash outside Medellin where the team was due to play. Six survived. The cause of the crash is unclear.

But a recording suggests the plane was out of fuel moments before the crash.

Brazilian President Michel Temer attended the ceremony at the stadium. He watched silently but did not address the crowd. A black sash was hung on the stadium’s outer wall.

ing the rain to God’s tears.

He was dressed in a shirt of Colombian side Atletico Nacional, the team Chapecoense had been travelling to play, and who held a memorial for the victims in their own stadium on Wednesday. The victims’ families circled the pitch. Posters of the deceased players were held in the air, and an announcer repeated each one’s name over the loudspeaker.

“The feeling is horrible, to watch and know, that my son is going to enter here in a coffin,” said Ilaide Padilha, the mother of goalkeeper Marcos Danilo Padilha, before the event.

Mrs Padilha told the Brazilian press earlier in the week that she felt like she had lost

A coffin of a victim of the Chapecoense plane crash being carried into the stadium by the Brazilian military

Giant screens transmitted the speeches to those watching outside in the pouring rain.

Inside, young supporters carried the team’s flag out on to the pitch, alongside the national flags of Brazil and Colombia. The mayor of Chapeco, Luciano Buligon, started his speech by compar-

one son but gained thousands, owing to the outpouring of support across the nation. The victims of the crash include 64 Brazilians, five Bolivians, a Venezuelan and a Paraguayan.

Nineteen of the dead were players with Chapecoense.

Many more were support

staff and journalists covering the team. A minute’s silence will be held before every football match this weekend.

Football’s world governing body Fifa, whose head Gianni Infantino attended the service in Chapeco, requested that all players wear black armbands in remembrance.

The team has been described as having “a fairy story with a tragic ending”. It only won promotion to Brazil’s top division in 2014, but was on its way to the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana final in Medellin when the plane went down.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Sunday Editor

Neil Marks

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

Editorial

An organic economic focus THE organic industry is worth U.S. multi-million dollars and growing as customer demands increase.

The World of Organic Agriculture Statistics and Emerging Trends 2016 Report notes that retail sales for foods and drinks reached US$80 billion in 2014.

North America and Europe, which comprise a third of the world’s organic farmland, are responsible for over 90 percent of the sales. What is instructive in this report is the potential for such an industry in Guyana, given our vast landmass (83,000 square miles).

Guyana is not only within the reach of North America, but also benefits from the European Union/ CARIFORUM Trade Agreement. This agreement allows us preferential access and treatment to enter what is evidently a booming market. Where this country has high unemployment, pervasive poverty, human capital flight and the retired looking for economic opportunities, with visionary focus, leadership, and implementation, the sky is the limit for country and citizens.

The demand for organic vegetables, milk, meat, eggs, fruits, peas, beans and rice to name some is growing.

There is also focus on increasing organic cotton production, given its benefits in areas such as breathability, and durability. In 2014, certified organic cotton was produced by 19 countries, but 97 percent of that product came from only five countries, in which Guyana was not included , though she has the potential to be. The report also shows that between 2004/2005 and 2009/2010, cotton production increased nine-fold as interest accelerated for more sustainable textile production.

Digging deeper into the report, Guyana has no pride of place in land dedicated to organic farming. Grenada, Haiti, Barbados and Jamaica, fellow CARICOM member-states, of smaller landmass are represented as countries engaged in structured organic farming.

It would be recalled that Kimbia, in the Berbice River, during the Guyana National Service (GNS) period produced cotton, legumes, peas and beans, and reared poultry and livestock. The foundation may still be there, but definitively within our midst lies the institutional memory, of most noted, are retired Majors-General Norman McLean and Joe Singh.

Organic farming is not a passion or pastime, but an important element in addressing health and longevity. It is about working towards the reduction, and if possible, elimination, of preventable diseases and medical bills.

This industry can open the way for massive production of

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

Is the 2017 Budget malignant?

Dear Editor, SEASON’s greetings to one and all!

Today I went to uplift my old age pension: $18,200 [eighteen thousand two hundred dollars]. After putting aside my tithes, my light bill was paid, my phone bill was covered, and tomorrow my water bill will be taken care of.

Gas is in my tank, I went to market to purchase three items (onions, garlic and potatoes] and that’s it. It’s done!

When I say done, I mean done to the last dollar. Yes, my pension could only do so much, and no more; as I had to leave the cheese alone.

I consider myself a modest [contented] person, who is not very extravagant.

I am now a great-grandfather, and I would have loved to leave a token from my pension for my great-grandson, who is nine [9] months old. But this was not to be.

All things being equal, I also consider myself very fortunate, being a senior pastor within the local church. It means that, at the end of every month, I receive an honorarium to which I am entitled, and I am thankful for it. Other tokens may come my way within the week or month, and I would give my God and Lord, Jesus Christ, all the praise for His favour over my life.

I suppose some people may analyze my income to determine how I live; but before you do so, let it be known that I live and exist by the grace of Almighty God, who is faithful and just.

Editor, the personal information I have revealed of myself is sufficient to convince your readers that this writer is well off, and that may not be far from

the truth. Nevertheless, there is a deeper truth which I would like to express here and now, not for my own gratification or benefit, but for those silent sufferers, pensive pensioners and gullible Guyanese.

It must be know that I am not a specialist or expert at analyzing or surveying national budgets, but being a conscientious and concerned Guyanese in my seventies, and being exposed to various dynamics of economics and planning, I pride myself in knowing enough to make a judgment on same.

All over this dear land of ours, there is a cry that is similar to the cry of the Hebrew slaves in the days of the Pharaohs and the time of Moses. The people were oppressed and were subjected to hardships that sought to decimate their numbers. Then again, more pronounced, my mind goes to the time of Jesus’s coming within the Roman Empire [time of the Caesars] a new tax system was introduced that was suppress and offensive. [Time and space would not allow me to dwell long on this system of taxation].

Here, in the 21st century, we as Guyanese are faced with a budget (2017) that will see more people on the bread line.

Business will certainly be on the decline, families will be decimated, hardships will increase, homes will be in want, students will find it difficult to pursue their studies, income and salaries will be disproportionate, the lower class of wage earners will never get an opportunity to go on a holiday, and general discontent will prevail over the nation.

Editor, there is undoubtedly in the air a feeling that is permeating the regions that this budget is not good for the average Guyanese, especially the self-em-

goods and services, and creating new avenues for employment and economic opportunities.

Organic foods are being pursued through methods of using renewable resources that are free of chemicals and that are not toxic. To meet the need of producing such foods requires a re-education programme which targets the separation of garbage, where items such as ground provisions, fruits and vegetables’ peelings/waste are gathered to be used in the production of compos.

Compos can be used in fertilising the farms, replacing imported chemical fertiliser, saving the country scarce foreign exchange, as it creates local economic opportunities.

There is also the element of trapping liquid waste from the sewage, if effectively applied, can produce liquid fertiliser and compos that can be used in major farms, here again minimising importation.

Pursuing and advancing the industry has to be seen as an element in the Government’s national thrust in creating a green economy, since the fertilisers primarily used on our farms are chemicals. These chemicals adversely impact the ecosystem and people’s health.

Countries that are engaged in organic farming have seen the State providing direct and indirect investments to sup-

ployed and middle income earners. I am certain that the vibes I am having are a foreboding/premonition of a daunting and discouraging period in the history of Guyanese taxation that has not been since the early days of the eighties here in the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

The logistical dynamics of this budget do not indicate/forecast a good life for us Guyanese. Therefore, I use my authority as an Apostle of Christ Jesus to beseech civil society, the business community, religious bodies, the man in the street, the street vendors, mothers and fathers, teachers and nurses, learned professionals, pensioners, right-thinking Guyanese, the hungry and dispossessed, the diaspora, and more importantly the Parliament of Guyana, to raise their voices wherever they are and let soundness and balance be sought and delivered to this national budget.

If you don’t, you will have to ask yourself this pertinent question: Is the 2017 Budget malignant? If it is, then you must give the next generation of Guyanese the reason why you allowed it to pass. And may God help Guyanese out of the clutches of the Pharaohs and the stronghold of the Caesars.

Further, I implore the Honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Winston Jordon, to reconsider reversing some of the measures laid out in this particular budget.

And finally, if my pension were rounded, I would be able to put some cheese and chicken on the table.

Thank you!!

Yours sincerely, APOSTLE VANRICK BERESFORD [Senior Pastor/Author]

port the shift. An instance is the state of Goa in India, where the government has given financial and technical assistance and identified the lands. Indirect investment from the state can also be in playing a leading role in public awareness and training.

With the required economic and cultural shift, citizens would not only produce organic products for their own consumption, but be capable of selling the surplus on the international market. Thus, it is encouraging news that in the 2017 National Budget G$20.6B has been earmarked for the agriculture sector.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan said the Government proposes to diversify the sector and open up the Intermediate and Rupununi Savannahs. Resources are to be set aside for research and services in the hinterland regions in the production of crops, accommodation and laboratory facilities, including research, to support food security in the Region.

If would be to Guyana’s economic interest should some attention be given to this new and growing industry. Evidence of its potential and the availability of the main resources, human and land, to make it possible are unquestioned.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

Dharamlall has no constituency in Region 5 Dear Editor, PLEASE allow me to reply to Mr. Dharamlall’s posting on Facebook.

Mr. Editor, I am including in this letter the actual posting of Nigel Dharamlall, and hope that your newspaper would carry my letter in its entirety. It is very sad that some people, who are self-proclaimed politicians and sit in Parliament because of their party structure, can disgrace the entire Parliament and still be praised by their party. The party they represent therefore has no moral standard, nor do they as individuals.

Politicians are people who need support from the grassroots people, so they have to represent them by all means in the best way possible. Even if the politician has to say “Sorry” at times publicly, the politician must do so. But for some, the word “Sorry” is not in their vocabulary, so they do what they want and yet get the support of their party.

Recently, on his Facebook page, Dharamlall posted some nasty remarks towards HE President David Granger.

For a person who sits in the highest place -- which makes laws that govern the land -- to attack the President’s

personality, it’s shameless and disgraceful. I would understand if someone attacks the Government by going at the President because of bad policies; that, for me, would be okay, because it’s not an attack on the President himself or on his personality, but on his government.

Nigel Dharamlall has shown no respect for the President on Facebook.

He is a disgrace to the people he claims to be representing by doing all sorts of things. Only a few months ago he was under probe for pulling a gun on a man who works for an international organisation.

That incident, according to reports, occurred because of some affair that he claimed the man was having with his ‘former’.

This MP claims he is representing the people of Region 5, particularly the areas of Bush Lot, Bath, No.7, Cotton Tree and other areas.

But he has been fooled, or maybe he is fooling the people of his party, because he has no support in those areas. People hardly know him. So I truly believe that is why he is trying as hard as possible to make the news.

He comes to Region 5 only when there is an election, or whenever his party needs to

GTUC takes quarrels to Jagdeo Dear Editor, ON Wednesday, 30th November, a delegation from the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) met Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, at Parliament Buildings.

This meeting was held at his request, and the GTUC responded in accordance with the Guyana Constitution, which stipulates the office he holds, and the roles and responsibilities of the trade union. The Office of the Leader of the Opposition (Article 110) falls within the Executive (Chapter IX) branch of government. The office holder, in addition to shadowing the Executive, is expected to play a role in proposing ideas and actions for the nation’s development, supporting the Executive when its actions are consistent with the nation and people’s good, and questioning and opposing when such conflict. Should these values be upheld, the nation and people stand to secure their wellbeing and advance their welfare under this supreme instrument.

The GTUC saw this meeting as discharging its responsibilities under Articles 23, 38, 147 and 149C of the Guyana Constitution.

These articles require that

trade unions ensure workers -– past present and potential -- play meaningful roles in the nation’s development while at the same time secure their fundamental rights and freedoms.

The invitation by the Leader of the Opposition (LOP) was primarily to discuss and solicit from us names of persons as possible candidates to fill the post of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The GTUC took the opportunity to remind the LOP that our responsibility does not end in filling the post of GECOM, but includes that of ensuring the appointments of every constitutional commission and office. The non-appointment of these means elected leaders are violating the constitution by abrogating their responsibilities.

The GTUC held further discussions on matters pertaining to fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens (Title 1), with specific attention in this instance paid to Article 147. The issues of respect

for Freedom of Association and Right to Collective Bargaining were raised. The protracted negotiation in the education sector and refusal of the management of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) to engage the recognised union formed part of the discussions.

The issue of labour as a constituent of national character not being given similar recognition as the employer/business community, consistent with the composition of the International Labour Organisation was raised. This composition recognises Government, employer and trade union as partners in the tripartite process in pursuing the economic, social, cultural and political development of society.

The GTUC’s position of Bharrat Jagdeo’s stewardship as president is public knowledge and is well known. Similarly is our position on accountable governance, irrespective of the political party or group in office, and crusade for respecting and advancing

rights and the rule of law.

GTUC holds every administration accountable, including sitting and former governments and opposition parties, for respecting the role of stakeholders in society, the inalienable rights of citizens, and prudent management of the nation’s resources under the

round up its supporters.

He should be ashamed to say he represents Region Five, because he can hardly represent the village he was born in. He is mostly unwelcomed in that very village.

He is not representing anyone, but he is representing his interest.

As an MP, he should be ashamed to attack the President. Mr. Granger has areas that he truly represented before he became President.

He has the support of the village he was raised in. He was supported by the people of the region where he lives presently. What does Nigel Dharamlall have?

Nigel Dharamlall’s party seems to be on the same road, because they have only talked about what he did but didn’t sanction him for his abuse towards the President. I call on the leader (don’t want to mention any name, because everybody in the party claims to be the leader) of the party to uphold self-respect and to sanction this MP for his utter nonsense.

law. These remain our permanent interests in pursuit of a just society.

With the aforementioned being said, it would be remiss not to note the shrewd politics the Opposition is playing. While the GTUC still awaits a date with the APNU+AFC Administration for engagement across the table as a stakeholder in society with specific constitutional responsibilities, the Op-

position is having engagement with the trade union and civil society. What this is saying to society -and it must not be ignored -- is that the Opposition’s conduct in this specific case is giving meaning to Article 13 in the Guyana Constitution.

Regards, ABEL SEETARAM APNU+AFC Regional Councillor Region 5

Regards, LINCOLN LEWIS General Secretary GTUC

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

Government’s accessibility to its supporters ‒ and coalition decision-making

UNLESS people are lying to me, the daily complaints and expressions of frustration I hear from people who voted and/or supported the present Government suggest that the larger coalition of forces which brought the Government to power may be falling apart, or have already fallen apart.

Only this past week, a group of overseas-based supporters of the Government complained that they had been snubbed by the President, a charge that was stoutly denied by the latter. From what I know of the President, he is not one to deliberately snub people, but the fact of the matter is that these people feel snubbed. This suggests that a disconnect somewhere is not being addressed.

One of the constant complaints is the inability to contact ministers, who, prior to assuming office, were quite accessible. At first I dismissed these complaints as frivolous; after all, these are

high Government officials, who can’t take every call or accommodate every meeting.

But on the other hand, the people who complain to me are often friends and comrades of the ministers.

As an aside, some people think that I ‘play’ this unique role of oversighting the Government while being part of it. They think I have ready access to these ministers. The few times I have met with ministers: to make representation on behalf of communities and groups of individuals -- except in the cases of the Education Minister and two other ministers -- I have had to go through the formal channels.

We live in a small society, where high Government officials can be seen driving around the place; so when accessibility becomes a problem, there must be something deeper at play.

I have heard, for example, from coalition supporters and members, of their not being

able to secure audience with ministers. Many complain that those with ready access to ministers and Government jobs were nowhere to be seen during the “hard guava days.” They complain that party members who were in the trenches taking blows for 23 years are now being sidelined and ignored, while the new “big wigs” are running things, often with an attitude of entitlement.

While I do not know the extent of this problem, I know that it exists. I am against giving people jobs simply because they belong to the governing coalition; but it is quite human and normal for people who sacrificed for a cause to expect to be rewarded in some form when the success of that cause comes in the form of office.

The issue of neglect is real, even if in some instances it’s exaggerated.

I think there is a larger problem. This is a new Government, and it is quite

inexperienced in the art of governance, so its officers must be given some slack in that regard. But as inexperienced as they are, sections of the Government have brought into the halls of power some of the bad habits of the old political culture. Some ministers, from all accounts, behave as though they do not owe their positions to the sacrifices and struggles of others.

In any government, there would be technocrats who never made tangible or intangible sacrifices for the cause that made the government possible. But they must remember that they are the servants of the people who made the sacrifices ether through direct resistance or through the day-to-day deprivations they endured for 23 years and more.

I have argued before that a government whose only functioning decision-making council is a fifteen-member Cabinet is bound to become

out of touch at some point.

If a small group of people charged with guiding a country listen only to themselves week after week, then they come to believe that they are the country. There is urgent need for the Cabinet to hear from others. The Cabinet, no matter how talented its members are, should not be the sole initiator, developer and judge of what is good for the country.

Take, for example, the showdown that is brewing between the AFC’s Sherrod Duncan and the PNC in the Georgetown City Council.

Duncan has indicated that he intends to challenge the PNC’s Chase-Green for the Mayor’s post. Duncan says he has the support of his party, but the AFC leader says the party is not interfering with the City Council’s affairs —- a case of retail politics for the masses.

I think the AFC’s leadership has had to live with Duncan. He embodies the

political ambition of the AFC, but his decision to rock the coalition’s boat at City Hall runs counter to the AFC’s strategy at the national level. Intra-coalition competition is not abnormal, but if there are functioning coalition councils outside of Government, matters will more likely be resolved before they reach tipping point. A reasonable solution would be to rotate the mayoralty between the PNC and the AFC. I say PNC deliberately, because the APNU is not a player in these matters of power.

That’s the way it is.

More of Dr. Hinds ‘writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics. com

Ambassador Halim Majeed to speak at Guyanese-American Chamber gala GUYANA’S Ambassador to Cuba, Halim Majeed, will be among the speakers at the Guyanese-American Chamber of Commerce Inc. (GACC) Inaugural Awards Gala to be held on December 10 in South Florida.

Ambassador Majeed will make a presentation on the business opportunities open to Guyanese-American-owned enterprises as a result of the re-establishment of diplomatic ties between the United States and Cuba and the movement towards full normalisation of relations between the two coun-

tries after a break of more than 50 years.

According to a release by organisers, the awards gala, to be held at the Bonaventure Resort and Spa in Weston, Florida, will serve not only as a holiday event for networking, but as one that will provide for attendees to be informed and educated about key issues affecting trade and other aspects of business within the U.S. and between the U.S. and the CARICOM region.

“There has been significant interest on the part of Guyanese-owned businesses in the U.S. to tap into the

trade and investment opportunities in Cuba, especially since December 2014 when the two countries announced the re-establishment of diplomatic relations. Some of these Guyanese-American entrepreneurs have also been looking at teaming up with business enterprises in Guyana to take advantage of the opportunities, particularly in light of the longstanding good relations that have existed over the years between Guyana and Cuba,” says president of the chamber, Wesley Kirton.

“So this is an opportunity for Guyanese-American

entrepreneurs and even our CARICOM-American brothers and sisters to be informed about doing business with and in Cuba. This is the kind of facilitation that makes our Chamber relevant,” Kirton said.

The keynote address at the event will be delivered

by Vice-President of the Washington, DC based Caribbean Central American Action (CCAA) Jennifer Nugent-Hill, who is also Government Affairs Director, Tropical Shipping, the ocean carrier giant that counts Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean among its

major destinations.

“Our keynote speaker has had a long history of advocacy for policies that positively impact the Caribbean region and is a well-respected champion of the Caribbean cause in Washington, DC and further [sic] afield.

With legislation currently before the U.S. Congress on enhancing U.S./Caribbean relations, including relations with Diaspora communities, it is imperative that we Guyanese and Guyanese-Americans be part of the strategic planning for implementation of this legislation when it passes, and Ms. Nugent-Hill

is a key player whose input in this process we must garner,” Kirton said.

Three Guyanese-owned companies will be honoured at the event. The honorees have been picked by a special committee set up for this purpose and will be announced next Saturday. Among the sponsors of the event are Tropical Shipping, A & S Storage and Logistics of Georgia, Hawkland Surveying of Texas, Joy Agness Events Planning and The Highland Agency of Florida and the Roraima Group of Companies of Guyana.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

Holding their own

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‒ in the male-dominated field of geo-chemistry

By Svetlana Marshall WHEN Unatha Defreitas started working at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) more than 19 years ago, she was among the few female geo-technicians and geologists in the country.

Back then, ‘Geology and Mines’ was dominated by men. Today, the tide is swiftly changing, with more and more women gravitating to the field of geology.

“I have been in it for some 19 years, and I would have met a lot of geologists but definitely we have had an increase in the number of women entering the field,” the Senior Geologist attached to GGMC’s Geological Services Division said as she sat underneath a makeshift tent at the commission’s base camp, approximately 20 miles from Itaballi in the Cuyuni/ Mazaruni District.

Working in the field of geology is undoubtedly a challenge, she said, but one that can be overcome. While female geo-technicians and geologists have been doing an “excellent” job with the strong backing of their male colleagues at the Geo-Services Division, Defreitas believes that in some instances, their work is underplayed because some persons do not understand the profession.

DATA COLLECTION “Our job, basically, is to collect the country’s mineral information. Now, we do that from the baseline, so when we start our stream sediment sampling, we are actually gathering information on the elemental composition of the areas that we sample,” she said.

“From that information we get an idea…of the types of minerals existing in the area and the types of rocks they would have broken down from,” she explained.

Travelling throughout the length and breadth of

ly 1,800 square kilometres between the Cuyuni and Mazaruni Rivers, with Itaballi and Takutu to the east and west, and Piari and Oku to the north and south.

“Not only do we do geo-chemical sampling, but we also do geological mapping; that has been new to me, so I have been learning and gaining more experience,” she said.

Offering her advice to upcoming geologists, McPherson said: “You have to understand that not everything you see on the map will be on the ground; you have to cater

GGMC Senior Geologist Unatha Defreitas and two colleagues inspecting a rock sample

the country, the team of geologists and geo-technicians attached to the Geo-Services Division not only collect stream sediment samples to determine the country’s mineral potential, but they also map the areas of study.

“We have a passion for the natural patrimony, and we understand that the more information we get, the better position our country will be in,” the veteran geologist said.

In the Cuyuni/Mazaruni district, Defreitas is part of a dynamic team of geologists and geo-technicians wrapping up the Mazaralli Regional Geo-chemical Exploration Project, which is valued at $40M, and entails the collection of 410 sediment and the simultaneous mapping of the area.

PART OF A TEAM But she’s not the only woman on the team, as she’s accompanied by four others; two geologists and two geo-technicians.

Twenty-one-year-old Nkechi McPherson, who this year became the University of Guyana’s Faculty of Technology’s youngest best graduating student, is a part of the dynamic team working on the geo-chemi-

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, and the group of female geologists and geo-technicians attached to the Mazaralli Regional Geochemical Exploration Project

cal project.

Just after completing high school, McPherson, in 2011, began a two-year programme at the university, reading for her diploma in Geological Engineering.

At the time she was on a GGMC scholarship, and so the programme was paid for by that agency.

Now that she has a degree in the subject area, she’s offering her knowledge and skills to the work

of the commission. “I am here permanently to serve back, and the experience has been good, but it is a lot of hard work, so you should be active before you get into the field,” she told the Guyana Chronicle during a recent visit to the project site.

For the first time, McPherson is leading a subunit of the team to areas where samples are required to be taken in the project area covering approximate-

for all of those uncertainties.”

A REWARDING EXPERIENCE For Tricia Tulluck, it is the first time she is in “the fields”, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but the experience has been rewarding.

“So far, it has been quite interesting,” she said. “I like it a lot; I didn’t expect

to like it this much, but it is good; you get to learn different things, and you get to learn so much more about your country.”

Tiace Fraser, who has been with the commission since 2009, says though the field work can be challenging at times, the older women in the field are often her inspiration to push ahead.

“It is a very interesting job,” said 26-year-old Marissa Foster. “It entails a lot of field work, going into the fields collecting sediment samples, doing some geological mapping, and offering technical assistance to miners.”

She was just 22 when she joined the GGMC as a geologist. “It is very empowering to break out from the norm, and to be an inspiration for other young women,” she told this newspaper, while disclosing her intention to pursue Petroleum Geo-science in the future.

LIVING TESTIMONY Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, who has a wealth of experience in the field of mining, said that the female geologists and geo-technicians are living testimonies, like herself.

“People say, ‘Oh! She’s a miner; she’s a pork-knocker!’ But look at me now!

I’m a minister; the sky is the limit!” she said, adding: “I would want to encourage women to get involved; we are tidier; we can make a difference in these areas.”

Minister Broomes said women should be applauded for taking up the mantle.

“I think it is a wonderful thing; it tells you the sky is the limit and I would want to tell women to get involved,” she posited.

More women, she emphasised, should take up greater professions in the field of geology and by extension in the extractive industry.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

Towards a Good Life in a Green Economy Determining climate change adaptation finance …for small developing states: (Part 1)

HAVING looked at the International Climate Change Financing Regime over the past two editions, we begin this two-part series by looking at theories and paradigms that influence climate change adaptation finance (CCAF). And in order to maintain ideational consonance, we repeat the problematic.

THE PROBLEMATIC Notwithstanding decades of conferences and summits, embedded financial provisions in conventions and pledges, SDS, as a whole, have been unable to access sufficient CCAF to meet their CCA needs. In the result, their nation states and economies have become more susceptible to sea level rises and vulnerabilities, exacerbating their economic, social and environmental development. We contend at the outset that international cooperation among states may well decide the extent of success in receiving CCAF. Another significant characteristic of international relations (IR) is the ability of states to forge agreements through multilateral participation and the interrelationships of norms, structures and interests as ingredients in their domestic and international actions.

NEOREALISM Kenneth Waltz posits that neorealists focus on the interaction of states, which produces international anarchical structures where autonomy, operating at the structural level, is the unit level counterpart to anarchy.

Waltz also pointed out that while the anarchical system remains, peace is in essence fragile. In his view, unipolarity is now the new structure at the apex of international state action. As long as states continue to harbour fears about their future, relative gains will be the coveted prize, and anarchy would continue.

Donnelly adds that pressures beyond structures push states in certain directions, resulting in misleading structural expectations.

According to Oye, cooperation under anarchy is possible, but a system of payoffs may be needed, since continued interaction and reciprocity affect cooperation.

Grundig (2006) found that ‘global warming falls within the empirical domain of neorealism and… power-based explanations cannot be ignored’ Further, the presence of neorealism theory in the context of environmental

Mr. Gary A. R. Best is a retired Rear Admiral and former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force. He is an Attorney at Law and is the Presidential Advisor on the Environment. He is a PhD. candidate at the University of the West Indies. He holds a BSc in Nautical Science (Brazil) and Masters Degrees from the University of the West Indies and the University of London. He is also an alumnus of the National Defence University and the Harvard Kennedy School.

His research areas include climate change governance, climate change finance, international relations and environmental law.

issues does not readily suggest that cooperation would be absent. In fact, the presence of power within states influences cooperation among them.

The significance of neorealist theory is important in the context of greening Guyana’s economy, since power-base approaches to international relations may well permeate climate change finance discussions, creating influences that affect small developing states.

In fact, it may well be that self-help at the international level creates a dominance for and of finance resources greater that the ability of small developing states, such as Guyana.

Neoliberalists believe that cooperation between states is achievable through the interaction and interrelationship of institutions. In this regard, Ruggie posits that a set of mutual expectations by actors who depend on rules, regulations, organized energies and financial commitments interrelate to underpin institutions. In this context, neoliberals believe that international institutions that use norms, rules and precise decision-making processes operate to mitigate obstacles to cooperation. They also believe that international relations is not a zero sum game, and that states prefer to focus on absolute gains as they perceive mutual benefits arising out of cooperation in common areas.

Further, neoliberals like Keohane do acknowledge the role of non-state actors in reducing tensions associated with neorealism, while accepting also that states are indeed the principal actors in world affairs. Keohane further posited that there is a need to create

order out of anarchy without any superordinate power, because realism, as a theory, is insufficient for world stability and peaceful change.

However, the dominance is present even without a superordinate power. In particular, the decision-making process within the Green Room, for example, at the World Trade Organization allows for only developed nations to participate.

The members of the International Panel of Climate Change -- the body that advises the UNFCCC on the science of climate change -- and all of its sub-structures are drawn primarily from the developed world. The hundreds of NGOs specifically sponsored by key developed countries and companies such as Rio Tinto, Exxon, Shell & BP that attend the UNFCCC’s annually sponsored climate change meetings are dominated by experts from the developed world.

In this context, it is not too difficult to recognize that the climate finance narrative would be driven by the dominant discourse emanating from these structures.

For Guyana, in its pursuit of a green economy, maximising alliances within CARICOM, Mercosur, and bilaterally on equitable terms becomes important.

On the other hand, Harvey (2005) identifies several failures of neoliberalism. According to Harvey, neoliberalism resulted in privatization and commodification of public assets; financialization driven by speculative practices; management and manipulation of crises, which resulted in wealth redistribution from rich to the poor and state redistribution. Together, these practices, in Harvey’s opinion, worked to create a wider economic and financial gap. Harvey called it ‘accumulation by dispossession’.

Similarly, Castre posited that the financial crisis of 2007, due to deregulation and over-accumulation of the capital mode of production, was a serious blow to climate change efforts, and that market-led approaches to generate

greenhouse gas reductions will fail.

Correcting this situation, he proffered, requires a re-regulation of global financial mechanisms, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

This a particularly significant point to note in the Guyana scenario, as market-led approaches are well enshrined in the recently signed Paris Agreement. It is no easy task for Guyana to be competitive in a market-led approach to climate finance, since we have neither the critical mass required nor the market expertise. However, if we advance as a region, we can better compete. The green economy pathway Guyana has chosen should therefore become the green economy pathway for CARICOM. In fact, a careful examination of the development pathway of CARICOM member states would reflect most of the elements of a green economy.

MULTILATERALISM According to Ruggie, multilateralism is ‘…an institutional form which coordinates relations among three or more states on the basis of generalised principles of conduct’. These principles, when allowed to operate freely, specify the proper conduct for various types of actions in a non-discriminatory manner, levelling the field and leading to problem-solving in the area of the commons (Ruggie).

On the other hand, Gavin characterizes multilateralism as being concerned more about achieving the optimal- sized market for trade.

Higgott, on the other hand, argues that multilateralism is a limited concept, and international problems result from the interplay, over time, of inevitable structural changes within the global governance paradigm, driven by policies of the great powers.

According to Langenhove, multilateralism is also associated with conflicts of interests and identity uncertainly. The European Union is a good illustration in this context, since it does not sit at the United Nations

as a single state, but instead it holds multiple seats at several tables. A key disadvantage, however, is that multilateral inaction may promote unilateral action (Schuller and Grant).

Similarly, CARICOM sit at the UN, not as a single state, but as multiple states. It is contestable whether a single state approach is more advantageous to CARICOM, as opposed to the multiple states approach. However, as we green Guyana’s economy, it would become evident that, unless we have a regional framework for greening, Guyana’s march towards this bold objective can be retarded. A good example that strikes out on the trade side is the following question: What will be CARICOM’s position on Guyana’s possible development of carbon-neutral products versus its importation of carbon-embedded products?

Even multilateralism has its variants. Zoellick called for a new multilateralism that is flexible and not fixed.

He further advocated for a type of multilateralism that is based on shared interest and responsibility, which recognizes climate change as an economic issue that every country must be allowed to mitigate and/or adapt to.

Contrastingly, Robert O’Brien et al. explain that new multilateralism is a form of multilateralism that is built from the bottom and is based significantly on global civil society’s participation, which goes beyond the concept of non-state actors.

Complex multilateralism, according to O’Brien, is a term used to describe global economic governance transformation, resulting from the interaction of multilateral economic institutions and global social movements, primarily reflected through environmental, labour and women’s engagements.

We further contend that within all theories examined above, structures, actors and institutions exist within them which are influenced by norms, interests, intersubjective meanings, ideational structures, agents and identities. Understanding the role of these constructs would undoubtedly enable Guyana to more effectively participate in the dominant discourse in its drive to acquire promised climate change financing to green its economy.

In the next article, I will conclude by examining the theory of constructivism and its influence on climate change adaptation finance.

Chronicle shines at PAHO Media Awards

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

THE Guyana Chronicle last evening swept the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) Media Awards for Excellence in Health Journalism with Senior Reporter Svetlana Marshall being adjudged the overall winner of the competition.

Marshall won in several categories, including in the categories of Best News Feature and Best News Article in the print media and Best News Feature and Best New Article online.

Tajeram Mohabir of the Guyana Chronicle won handsdown the prize for Best News Story (print), followed

by Marshall at second and David Papannah of Stabroek News who was placed third.

In the category of Best News Features (Print), Marshall copped the first prize, followed by Dreylan Johnson and Delicia Haynes.

Jessica Daw, Jeanna Pearson, and Shunza Samuels were the winners in the category of Best Television News Story, while Anadia Holladar and Handel Duncan won in the category of Best Television Feature.

In the category of Radio Feature, Cloreen Joseph and Marcey Parker were adjudged winners, while in the category of Best News

Story online Marshall again emerged among the winners. The other winners were Rabindra Rooplall (The Chronicle) and David Papannah (Stabroek News).

In the category of best News Feature (Online), Svetlana Marshall copped first place, followed by Ravin Singh and Alva Solomon, both of the Guyana Chronicle.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who delivered the feature address told the well-attended gathering at the Pegasus Hotel that there is no room for bias, prejudiced reports from the media.

The Prime Minister, a former journalist himself, noted that partisan journalism and personal attacks must be a thing of the past.

“There must be no room for partisan journalism, for bias and prejudiced reports and accounts. There must be no room for personality attacks and character assassination; no room for reports that incite racism, hatred and religious bigotry.”

According to the Prime Minister, too often unbalanced and lopsided reports are published under the guise of news, and as such, he implored the country’s journalists to “eschew these temptations.”

He noted that big busi-

Overall winner of the competition, Svetlana Marshall, receiving one of several awards last evening

nesses, especially the pharmaceutical industry, have deep pockets and they use journalists to report on shortage of drugs when there is no shortage, or to report about an epidemic when there is no epidemic – all to stimulate need for their medical supplies.

“Journalism, in its most pristine state, must always seek to serve the interest of

the public – to inform and educate the public about affairs which affect their lives and which enrich their existence. Journalists must be ultra-conscious of this and zealously and uncompromisingly guard it.”

The Prime Minister made it clear that journalists can ill-afford slippages and to yield to temptations of gifts and enticements, while not-

ing that the demand for modern-day news causes erosion of basic and sacred tenets of journalism.

Nagamootoo highlighted instances of fear-mongering, hatred and division that resulted in inaccurate reports being published.

“This worries me as it is a betrayal and bastardisation of journalism. We see too the media being used to engineer

Overall winner of the 2016 PAHO/WHO health awards, Chronicle’s Svetlana Marshall (second right), PAHO/WHO Country Representative Dr William Adu-Krow (right), Chief Judge of the awards, Dr Paloma Mohamed, and the other judges of the awards with the 2016 awardees

and perpetuate misinformation and disinformation.”

According to the Prime Minister, since taking office in May 2015, the APNU+AFC coalition Government has not interfered in the work of journalists, noting that the “media have been able to conduct their work freely and openly; have been able to report without fear of intimidation or victimisation, even in the State media.”

Mr Nagamootoo said the administration of which he is a part condemns previous, “brazen acts of intimidation and suppression” of journalists and will not pursue an “oppressive agenda.”

Prime Minister Nagamootoo, who holds responsibility for the communications sector, also encouraged local journalists not to be the purveyors of untruths and falsehoods.

“My Government will continue to guard your right as journalists to work in an environment which allows and affords you freedom and independence, to report and comment on facts,” he said.

Commending PAHO/ WHO for the initiative, the Prime Minister reminisced on his time in the local media fraternity, noting that journalism was never deemed a “rewarding profession.”

“But something new must have happened in Guyana that encourages recognition of the work of journalists, and we must not only welcome this fresh air of appreciation, but must all work to keep it this way,” he said, reminding those gathered at the award ceremony that in the past local journalists who did not toe the line, were lumped among the “enemies of the State.”

He noted that technology has transformed the landscape and workflow of journalism and noted that with the advent of social media, news is delivered within minutes, if not seconds.

But even as the Prime Minister reminisced about the past and assessed newera journalism, he committed his Government’s support to the PAHO/WHO initiative, along with other similar initiatives that seek to recognise the work of media professionals.

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Gov’t working to make business environment friendlier – Minister Gaskin

THE Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG) last night celebrated 20 years of service with an award ceremony to honour its long-serving employees at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown.

The ceremony was held under the theme, “Sustainable development for Guyana’s shipping industry to efficiently function in the global arena.” Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin, delivering the feature address, congratulated the shipping company and the awardees for their service to Guyana. The minister noted that shipping is the backbone of economic activity as a large percent of Guyana’s trade is sea-borne. The minister pointed out that any malfunctioning of the shipping industry will add to the cost of doing business in Guyana.

Speaking to the theme of the event, Minister Gaskin noted that over the last few decades, businesses in Guyana have not had the best operating environment. However, the minister noted that understanding the importance of moving forward is critical.

“The environment in which businesses have to operate must improve if our economy is going to develop in a way that benefits the Guyanese people, and is sustainable over the long-term,” the minister stated.

Minister Gaskin noted that going forward, it is government’s intention to deliver the good life to all Guyanese using a green pathway so that the future generation can benefit. Additionally, the minister noted that if Guyanese were to take a look at economies across the world, they would recognise that Guyana is on the right track.

However, the minister noted that there is still much work to be done, and stressed that the work must be done in unity. “We have a lot of

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

Public Security Ministry to enforce protocol for donations to police PUBLIC Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has said he would examine new protocols for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to receive donations, so that professionalism at the GPF is not compromised.

The intention, he has said, is to establish protocols that stipulate that donations to the GPF be made through the Ministry of Public Security, whereas the current operational protocol states that donations to the GPF must be made to the Commissioner of Police. Minister Ramjattan noted that the current protocol would be enforced in the meantime, so that the professionalism of police officers is not compromised.

Donations from businesses often help to meet an

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan

immediate need at police stations or among officers, Minister Ramjattan noted.

“Indeed, there are times

when the police and/or the CPGs (community policing groups) require the assistance of businessmen, and there are genuine businessmen who give without wanting anything in return, and who will never compromise the professionalism of the Police Force,” the minister pointed out.

However, he emphasized, donations received from businesses do not guarantee donors any protection if they break the law. “We do not want to see businessmen giving and expecting that they, having committed a crime, will now see the CPG group or Police Force compromising the investigation thereafter,” Minister Ramjattan said. (GINA)

Naysayers ignoring positives in Budget 2017

The Minister of Business delivering the feature address at the Guyana Shipping Association’s 20th Anniversary ceremony at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston

work to do, we need to do it together and we need to do it quickly, otherwise we risk becoming independent on yet another non-renewable resource which could make the good life very fleeting and leave nothing behind for the next generation,” Minister Gaskin explained.

One of the challenges that Guyana faces, according to Minister Gaskin, is developing its value -added potential, adding that the time to do that is now. “Now is the right time,” the minister stated, adding that “it is the right time to start planting and harvesting and processing and exporting, it is the right time to get investors interested in setting up processing facilities in Guyana,” Minister Gaskin stated.

Guyana must also take the opportunity to showcase its tourism product to the rest of the world, the minister stressed. However, while it is

the right time to embark on those initiatives, Guyana’s business environment needs to be improved, the minister pointed out.

The Government, Minister Gaskin said is, “concerned with the ease of doing business in Guyana and that we are working to fix the problems.” It is one of the sole reasons the Business Strategic plan was developed.

“Our economy needs to reduce its dependence on primary commodities by diversifying into secondary productivity. This will be achieved through well-conceived and comprehensive investment and export promoting strategies,” Minister Gaskin explained.

During the ceremony, long-serving employees received awards in honour of their years of hard work and dedication to the shipping industry. (GINA)

GUYANESE stand to reap significant benefits when the 2017 National Budget is rolled out from January 1, 2017, but naysayers are focusing only on two of the menu of measures listed by Finance Minister Winston Jordan when he presented the budget under the theme, “Building a Diversified, Green Economy: Delivering the Good Life to All Guyanese.”

Speaking on the programme – “Budget in Focus” – aired recently on the National Communications Network (NCN), Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson and Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan said there is more to Budget 2017 than the 14 per cent Valued Added Tax (VAT) to be paid on water and electricity.

Though this 14 per cent will be felt only by consumers utilizing more on $10,000 in electricity on a monthly basis and more than $1,500 on water per month, these two measures are being misrepresented, the Government Ministers argued on the televised programme.

“A small contractor could right now, walk off the road, form a company, immediately get compliance and tender for a job from January 1, but there are no discussions on those things,” the Public Infrastructure Minister said, as he alluded to the measure that will pave the way for more small contractors to have greater access to government contracts.

Currently, bidders for contracts are required to have valid Income Tax and NIS compliance certificates. However, accessing these has proven difficult for small contractors

in the procurement process.

However, while these requirements will remain, Government is proposing to make it easier for potential bidders to access these documents through an automatic issuance of Temporary Income Tax and NIS Compliance Certificates.

Turning his attention to the 12 measures listed in support of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government’s Green Agenda and its quest to protect the environment, Minister Patterson said existing and even emerging companies can benefit from tax holidays, once operating in the field of renewable energy.

“You can set up a company tomorrow…produce your own electricity and have two years’ tax-free holiday. All the equipment is also duty-free, so it is quite unfortunate that we allowed the discussions to centre around these two things,” Minister Patterson said.

The Public Infrastructure Minister enjoyed the backing of Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, who opined that citizens ought to be more optimistic. “A lot of the measures are directed to allow for and enable a greater takehome pay for the ordinary person,” he said.

In Budget 2017, there is tremendous emphasis on education and health – “two critical areas that impact on the welfare and well-being of our people. If we look at the measures in total, and we are objective about the measures in this budget, there is much to be excited about,” Minister Bulkan said.

“Of course, we all have heard the naysayers out there

seeking to condemn the budget. I hear the Leader of the Opposition refer to it as an ominous budget, but I believe that when the impacts resulting from the execution of the measures that are in the budget are felt, that verdict that we would hear from the average person would be a positive one,” Bulkan added.

In an effort to make his case, and that of the Government, the Minister of Communities emphasised that VAT will be applied only if persons consume more than $10,000 of electricity per month and more than $1,500 for water.

For Government, this is a conservation mechanism being employed to prevent wastage.

“I do not think that there is any secret that there is a lot of waste of water out there, and whilst it is true that there is this popular opinion that water should be free because it is widely available, it is the delivery of that water, purified and treated, that there is a cost incurred,” the minister said.

Based on information coming out of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), of the 138,000 customers subscribing to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), 105,000 residents and 4,800 businesses pay less than $10,000 per month for electricity. As a result, approximately 80 per cent of the consumers will not be affected by this new measure. Similarly, the Government is contending that a vast group of persons pay less than $1,500 per month for the supply of water from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and as such, would not be made to pay VAT.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

President spreads Christmas cheer at Lusignan and Buxton

AS the festive season gets underway, hundreds of children on the East Coast of Demerara received gifts and goodies from President David Granger. The distribution exercise has become a tradition which the President looks forward to at this time of year, a release from the Ministry of the Presidency noted.

He was accompanied by Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally; Minister within the Ministry of Nat-

ural Resources, Ms. Simona Broomes; and Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Ms. Annette Ferguson.

The President’s first stop was at the Good Hope-Lusignan Learning Centre, where over 300 excited children from surrounding communities turned out. According to the release, he said that Christmas is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year and is celebrated by all Guyanese, regardless of their

religious beliefs. The Head of State told the children that apart from the gifts and festivities, Christmas is a special time when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

“Whether or not you believe that Christ was born on Christmas Day, what we do know is that children are important… We believe that you are the future of Guyana and day by day, year by year, we expect that things will be better and you all will be able to inherit a better country

This little lady receives a stuffed toy from President David Granger as Ministers Simona Broomes and Annette Ferguson assist with the distribution at Buxton

This little guy received some special attention at Good Hope-Lusignan Learning Centre, where President Granger distributed Christmas gifts to children

than we were born into,” he was quoted as saying by the Ministry of the Presidency.

The President also expressed his Administration’s appreciation to the founder of the Good Hope-Lusignan Learning Centre, Ms. Sandra Shivdat, who has been working in the Diaspora, particularly in the United States of America, to cater to the needs of children in that community. Last year, the Government donated $2M to the Centre to support its work.

Over at the Wilson Gas Station tarmac in Buxton, there was a similar atmosphere as hundreds of children from the Buxton-Friendship area showed up to meet the President and to receive their early Christmas gifts.

“Coming here is a very important part of our duty…

Our Government is concerned about children, what is good for the children of Guyana is good for everyone in Guyana and if you can be happy, if you can be educated, if you

can be well-fed and if you can be well-entertained, Guyana is going to be a better place,” the President said.

President Granger thanked Mr. Morris Wilson and his wife and Mrs. Jocelyn Wilson, who planned and organised the event, which he has personally attended for the past six years, at Christmas. The Wilsons also organise another activity at Easter as a way of giving back to the community.

President David Granger being assisted by Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ms. Simona Broomes, to distribute toys at the Good Hope-Lusignan Learning Centre

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

The National Budget and Fidel Castro THE 2017 National Budget is receiving mixed reviews, including non-support from persons who would have normally defended the government’s position. What comes through clearly is a greater reliance on taxing the people more. When real wages are already depressed, poverty prevalent, and unemployment high, citizens/ workers will understandably be upset with government in placing greater reliance on garnering revenue by taxing them more.

Putting VAT on water and electricity, in spite of the quality of and access to these services, has angered the masses, with justification. If it is the government’s intent to bring about conservation and optimum realisation of these products through changed behaviours, it did not communicate that. The budget failed to

say what role government will play in assisting or redirecting changed behaviour outside of the punitive tax.

It would have helped had government started a public awareness programme to re-educate citizens of the need for conservation, and secondly, put in place technical support to help track and manage consumption, with the goal of staying within the non-taxable range. It needs to be noted that vat is paid on the total amount once the maximum non-taxable is surpassed. Example $10,000.00 per month is vat free. $10100.00 attracts 14% vat from the first $1.00.

Talks about conservation over the years have been absent of any sustained programme of helping citizens tracking the equipment and appliances of high consumption, the periods when they use more of these utilities, and rewarding reduced

consumption with credits, even though these have proven to be great incentives in achieving the objective.

If we are talking about changing behaviour, it must be across the board, and applicable to government officials, given that the taxpayers are paying their bills. Government officials who occupy State residency or the State is paying their bills where they occupy, must be subject to paying their utilities bills once they attract vat.

The issue of PAYE continues to be a bugbear and the new percentage in the budget deserves further deliberations.

Guyana needs an indigenous, Comprehensive Tax Reform.

A report was done by a committee established by Minister Jordan and delivered to him.

The public and stakeholders need to know the recommendations in the report, which must

also be tabled in the National Assembly.

This budget is conflicting in focus and direction. Though we are no longer in a Structural Adjustment Programme, the measures being applied by Finance Minister Winston Jordan are that of the International Monetary Fund/World Bank dictates. On the other hand, the budget is speaking to a Green Economy. It cannot be both economic approaches given that their policies, objectives, and programmes are vastly different.

In addressing a green agenda, the philosophy, that is, Sustainable Development, Environment and Labour Policies -- pillars on which a green economy is built -- was not adumbrated, which means that reliance and materialisation will be problematic. Evidently clear was the absence of the Labour Policies. For any economy to work it cannot

happen without the workers.

As a trade unionist and given the government’s treatment of Labour thus far, I am inclined to suspect the workers’ rights and Rule of Law safeguarding them will continue to be trampled. The Government is being reminded that the Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and CARIFORUM requires respecting and upholding these core policies.

The comment given to the creation of jobs is noted, which in itself acknowledges the responsibility of government to lead the way in putting the people to work. This attention must not be an attempt to appease society, but must see a policy of creating employment.

The bonus for public employees cannot be fiddled with.

While it was started under the Bharrat Jagdeo government, it is a condition of employment.

Though the trade unions and

government may not have negotiated it, the government cannot arbitrarily deny the workers of it. For there to be termination of this benefit, the unions and government have to agree. Should the Government act contrarily, the trade unions are urged to take this issue to the International Labour Organisation and have the Government cited.

Our elders continue to be denied their due reward. Taking credit that within the last 18 months Old Age pension has increased by 45 percent, in the absence of stating subsidies on electricity and water have been taken away, this increase has not alleviated the deprivation of those who have given most of their lives to this nation’s development.

The Government needs to rethink and revisit this budget over the next week. There exist many concerns that can form disincentives for the worker, self-employed, employer, retired, and unemployed. Gone are the days when it could be felt that people will grumble or resist only for a while, forget, and move one.

FIDEL CASTRO Castro’s ashes will today be interred. He made an indelible mark in world politics. The developing world and oppressed in developed societies have positively benefitted from his life’s work. At age 32, he shook the developed world when he took the reins of government from their ally, Fulgencio Batista. He is called hero by the masses in Cuba who prior to 1959 felt oppressed. His became an icon for those fighting for political independence and other forms of liberation.

In the Liberation Struggle, he contributed significantly to Southern Africa.

The citizens/workers of Guyana have benefitted in several ways from his friendship such as scholarships and through exchange programmes. What universally will never be forgotten is that he successfully defied 11 United States presidents; a country considered the world’s most powerful nation. Fidel will be missed, but his legacy lives on for present and future generations to review and build on.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

PM Nagamootoo’s visit to Cuba DURING his recent visit to Cuba, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo interacted with several world leaders and also with the staff of Guyana’s Embassy in Havana. The Prime Minister was in Cuba to attend the State Funeral of the late leader of that country, Fidel Castro, who passed away two Fridays ago.

At the million-person Commemorative Rally in tribute to Fidel Castro, PM Nagamootoo met with the former President of Namibia, the great Freedom Fighter Dr. Sam Nujomo (centre). At left is Dr. Pohamba, also a former President, and at right is Dr. Hage Geingob, the current Namibian President. Heads of 90 countries attended the November 29th event in the Square of the Revolution. The Prime Minister and Parliamentarian Gail Teixeira represented Guyana

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (red shirt) poses for a photograph with staff at Guyana’s Embassy in Havana. Ambassador Halim Majeed and staff are seen with the PM

‘Reckless’ Security guard minibus driver shot during in court again botched robbery MINIBUS driver Orwin Sagon of Prospect, East Bank Demerara appeared on Friday before City Magistrate Faith McGusty to answer two traffic-related offences that stemmed from his crashing an overloaded minibus in Mandela Avenue, Georgetown a week ago.

One charge that the 25-year-old faces alleges that on November 25, at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, while being the driver of minibus # BNN 7545, he transported more that the amount of persons permitted to travel in a minibus.

The court heard that the minibus had more than 25 passengers, whereas no more than 15 persons are allowed to travel at any one time in a minibus.

The other charge Sagon faces alleges that he was driving the minibus on the said day in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby endangering his passengers’ lives.

He pleaded guilty to the first charge and was fined $10,000. However, he pleaded not guilty to the reckless driving charge and was grant-

Minibus driver Orwin Sagon

ed $25,000 bail.

According to reports, on the day in question, Sagon, driving minibus BNN 7545 at a fast rate along Mandela Avenue, lost control of the vehicle and crashed it.

It was related to the court that Sagon could be dubbed a traffic hazard, since he has had past brushes of a similar nature with the law. He was

also deemed a ‘regular’ at the city traffic court and at the Providence Magistrate’s Court, where he has been charged with traffic-related offences.

The court also heard that, in September 2014, he was badly injured when his minibus crashed into an electricity post because of his reckless driving. The minibus he was then driving was loaded with passengers, mostly schoolchildren.

The rate of road fatalities is said to be increasing in Guyana because motorists are failing to adhere to the traffic laws. Last October, the Guyana Police Force recorded an 18% increase in road fatalities, which is more than that recorded for the same period last year.

There was a reduction in serious and minor accidents, but an increase in damage accidents. Speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and inattentiveness continue to be the main causes of fatal accidents.

A total of 48,585 persons have thus far been charged with traffic offences for this year, the GPF has disclosed.

…bandit drops loaded gun in hasty retreat

The fleeing bandit dropped this 9mm Beretta pistol with 16 matching live rounds at the scene of the confrontation

AFTER shooting a security guard of the E.C. Vieira Investments Limited of Houston, East Bank Demerara -- injuring his leg as he was in a vehicle at Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara -- an armed bandit was forced to flee on a waiting CG motorcycle, abandoning an attempt to steal the company’s wages from the vehicle the guard was in, and dropping his loaded pistol in the process of beating a hasty retreat on Friday afternoon.

According to a police report, at about 13:50hrs on Friday, EC Vieira Investments personnel were returning to Houston in a company motor car that had gone farther up the East Bank Demerara, and while snarled

in slow-moving traffic at Peter’s Hall, the armed bandit approached the front passenger seat where security guard Lionel Nixon was seated and discharged a round at him, shattering the front windscreen and injuring his upper left leg.

Car driver Joseph Ferria, who was armed with a licensed handgun, immediately discharged a round at the bandit, who forthwith dropped his 9mm Beretta pistol with sixteen matching live rounds and fled the scene on a waiting CG motorcycle, escaping in a northerly direction.

Nixon was rushed to, and admitted at, a private hospital. One spent shell was recovered at the scene by investigators.

Police are investigating this incident.

Warm welcome

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

–– as British Royal calls on Region Nine

By Tamica Garnett PRINCE Harry of Wales, born Henry Charles Albert David, was yesterday accorded a heart-warming welcome as he spent the second of his three-day sojourn here, visiting with residents of several indigenous communities in close proximity to the internationally-acclaimed Iwokrama Rainforest Project in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

The welcome party gathered at nearby Surama in

ready. Some took shelter in the shade of trees, restless children wandered around, and as the hours went by, the anticipation grew. Some talked of the great benefits the Prince’s visit will bring to tourism in the area.

TOUCHDOWN Then, just after 10:30hrs, the royal touchdown finally came, and they got their first glimpse of the 6’ 2”-tall Prince as he and his entourage disembarked the Roraima Airways Britten-Norman Trislander air-

Two-year-old Chaliss Butler waves a British flag (the Union Jack) as she anxiously awaits Prince Harry’s arrival at the Surama airstrip their numbers, some since 08:00hrs, braving the sweltering heat as the scenic mountains stood watch in the distance, all waiting to be among the first to witness the arrival of the 32-year-old Briton, fifth in line to the British throne, as he touched down at the Surama airstrip.

Children of the local schools in and around Surama, mothers with their children and even a few tourists made up the welcoming party, many with their Union Jacks and Golden Arrowheads at the

craft.

Included in the entourage was British High Commissioner, Gregory Quinn. Prince Harry’s party was first greeted by the Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock, who hails from Surama, and was adorned with a breast-plate necklace by an excited schoolchild.

Children from the Surama Nursery and Primary Schools, as well as students from the BINA Hall Institute all lined the pathway waving their flags, seemingly unmindful of having to don

their school uniforms on a Saturday.

They excitedly flocked him as he walked down to the Totem Pole that marks the village’s meeting place, where he was adorned with an Amerindian head-dress, and was treated to a number of cultural performances.

SWEET TAMBOURINE MUSIC It was now the Prince’s turn to brave the sun’s heat, as a small group, led

by Cultural Leader Glendon Allicock, performed a dance item to the sounds of a tambourine and rattles, the beads of the dancers’ traditional Amerindian outfits being sweet music unto itself. The Prince took it all in, hands akimbo.

Finally moving out of the sun, the cultural programme moved to the Village Office where Prince Harry is seated and the BINA Hall Institute’s students choir performed “My Rupununi”.

The toshao for the Annai district was on hand to make brief remarks and there was more singing and more dancing. The Prince’s blue eyes silently took in the scene before him, and ever so often he offered an approving smile or a chuckle, as he swayed along to the music.

He focused intently as the minister’s niece, Mae Allicock, performed a spoken piece boasting of the beauty of the interior district. He laughingly declined when a dancer extends an invitation, so she moved her invitation along and Minister Allicock accepted.

GIFTS GALORE The performances ended, and then it was time for gifts. Lots and lots of gifts.

Gifts for the Prince, for the British High Commissioner, and for the minister.

The Prince received a hand-band, a painting, a shirt, and a map of Guyana sculpture. He closely inspected each, asked questions, and thanks them all.

Quinn received a necklace, and for Minister Allicock, it was another shirt.

Prince Harry addressed the residents, thanking them for their warm hospi-

A touching moment with students of the Surama Primary School

Students beam with joy as Prince Harry distributes books

Prince Harry being entertained by dancers of the Surama Culture Group

for Prince Harry SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

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The Prince being greeted by students of the Kurupukari Primary School tality, and encourages them to preserve the beauty of their surroundings.

WHISKED AWAY The Prince was then whisked away for tours of

the Surama Primary and Nursery Schools, before another flight took him to nearby Fairview, where he also met the children of the Kurupukari Primary and Nursery Schools, shared

Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs Sydney Allicock poses with Prince Harry at the famous Kaieteur Falls

out books, and lovingly talked and took pictures with them.

Lunch for the day was at the Iwokrama Nature Resort overlooking the facilities stunning lake.

Then it was off on another flight to the Kaieteur Falls Nature Park, as his busy day started to come down to an end. He was taken on a trek to the Falls, where his appreciation of the majestic landmark was evident.

And as the sun began to set, it was time to head back to Georgetown and touched down just after 17:30hrs. More photo opportunities awaited him, and then the dust finally settled as he was bustled away in his diplomatic vehicle.

Prince Harry was gifted an Amerindian Head-dress and a traditional ‘breast plate’ necklace by residents of Surama, Region Nine. With him are Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock (left) and British High Commissioner, Gregg Quinn (behind Prince Harry).

Prince Harry in conversation with Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs Sydney Allicock, shortly after arriving at Surama

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

‘Christmas Market at Giftland’s ‒a veritable one-stop shop for the Yuletide Season

By Shirley Thomas A GRAND two-day women’s Christmas Market kicked off yesterday at the Giftland Mall at Liliendaal, ECD. It offers shoppers a whole new range of classy, affordable, and much-soughtafter products and services for the Christmas holidays.

An initiative of the Association of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), the event brought together more than 15 women who are in business, and would like to showcase their products and services while getting a boost in sales for the holidays and beyond.

Members of the Association of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) are, from left, Ruth Johnson: Vice-President of AWE, and co-founder and owner of Simple Solutions and Wedding Events; Godlyn Lyte of ‘Ghod Arts’, and Grace Williams of ‘Everything Bella Events’

According to Vice-President and Co-Founder Ruth Johnson, items on exhibition and being offered for sale include a wide range of colourful and intricately designed floral arrangements and ornaments; a variety of wigs, hair products and make-up; and trending designs in name-brand garments.

Also on sale are books on health and nutrition; candies of all flavours and descriptions for the kids; Nysha’s home-made ice cream; party supplies and rentals; a variety of coconut-based products for both culinary and cosmetic purposes; and a whole lot more.

Entrepreneurs include Simple Solutions Weddings and Events; Wedding

Events by Lou Johnson; Everything Bella Events; Godldyn Lite Ghod Arts; Cake Face Make Up by Dhali: Lee Cosmetics; Constantine Business Enterprise; Pretty Castle Supplies and Rentals; Nysha’s Home Made Ice Cream; Party Supplies and Rentals; Amy Samaroo; Mohamed Construction and General Services; Intricate Hands Coconut Products; D’s Body Therapy, and Lisa’s Salon and Beauty Supplies.

With just hours more to go before this special Christmas promotion comes to an end, everyone is urged to hurry down to the Giftland Mall, where the amazing items on display are guaranteed to astound fortunate shoppers.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

Lombard Street rehabilitated THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure in keeping with its mandate of improv-

ing infrastructure is working towards rehabilitating the deteriorated Lombard

Street which has been in a deplorable state for years.

Speaking with the Gov-

Workers from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s Special Projects Unit applying asphalt on Lombard Street

A section of the rehabilitated ‘A’ Field, Sophia road

A section of the completed Lombard Street

ernment Information Agency (GINA), Head of the Special Projects Unit (SPU), Lawrence Mentis, said that the works which commenced last Saturday stretches from Broad Street to Parliament Building at Hadfield Street.

Mentis said works should be completed by today.

Mentis explained that the scope of works include two inches thick compacted overlaying with asphalt.

“We have a team with six to seven persons who work from 07:30hrs to16:30hrs or

later. The road is one of the main routes used by vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, so we are making haste to not hinder traffic on the road,” Mentis explained.

According to the Head of the SPU, the road was in a deteriorated state and urgently needed attention to better allow access to vehicular traffic. Mentis noted that the works are being completed with funding from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s maintenance of roads fund.

Rehabilitation works are also

ongoing in ‘A’ Field, Sophia.

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, noted in his 2016 budget speech that “we have a golden opportunity to execute our work programmes and thus fulfill promises we made to the electorate in our 2015 APNU/AFC Manifesto….I would like to support the call to join us to build this beautiful country of ours together; in unity…in the interest of all Guyanese and the greater good of the country.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

Tax measures will inject over $9.5B into economy ‒ employees will have greater take-home pay THE new tax measures announced by Minister of Finance Winston Jordan will inject some $9.595 billion into the Guyanese economy, a release from the Department of Public Information noted.

According to the release, this represents the amount which the government will forego from the national treasury and is in effect a massive stimulus package. It was noted that the reduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 16% to 14% alone will dent the national treasury by $4.8 billion, while the loss from the reduction in Personal Income Tax will cost another $3.8 billion.

These figures have been provided by the Ministry of Finance.

Following are the details of how much each measure is calculated to cost the treasury: 1. VAT reduction from 16% to 14%: Cost to treasury: $4,817,000,000 2. Reduction of Personal Income Tax from 30% to 28%: Cost to the treasury: $3,826,000,000 3. Reduction in Corporate Tax from 30% to 27.5%: Cost to treasury: $752,000,000 4. Increasing of VAT threshold from $10m to $15m: Cost to treasury: $200,000,000 Total cost to the treasury: $9,595,000,000

“Further, the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana assures all employees that under the new proposed

Sunday, December 4, 2016 - 05:30 hrs Monday, December 5, 2016 - 08:30 hrs Tuesday, December 6, 2016 - 09:30 hrs

Personal Income Tax system, ALL employees will have a take-home salary, come January 2017, which is higher than their current take-home salary,” the release noted.

Persons are asked to use the Salary Calculator at www. dpi.gov.gy/salary which computes salaries under the new system. The Salary Calculator will show the increased take-home salary, total taxes to be paid and the National Insurance Scheme contribution.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

Racing Tips

English Racing Tips Huntingdon 08:30 hrs Demographic 09:00 hrs Trojan Star 09:30 hrs Wistari Rocks 10:00 hrs Josses Hill 10:30 hrs Top Tug 11:00 hrs Oh Michelle 11:30 hrs Mrsrobin

KELSO 08:20 hrs Mount Mews 08:50 hrs The Dutchman 09:20 hrs Kelka 09:50 hrs Pulpitarian 10:20 hrs Royale Knight 10:50 hrs Dynaste 11:20 hrs Hurricane Rita IRISH RACING TIPS Fairyhouse 08:40 hrs Lando fhopeandglory 09:10 hrs Saturnas 09:40 HRS Shaneshill 10:10 hrs Copy That 10:40 hrs Diamond King 11:10 hrs Forever Gold 11:40 hrs Getabird SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Scottsville 08:40 hrs Captain At Sea 09:10 hrs Mr Roy 09:40 hrs Midanswer 10:10 hrs Sea Fever 10:45 hrs Eternal Ice

Gayle, Sammy fail but Kings win to keep playoff dream alive

DHAKA, Bangladesh, (CMC) – Chris Gayle failed again and so did Darren Sammy but Rajshahi Kings still managed to pull off an uncomplicated six-wicket victory over Chittagong Vikings in the Bangladesh Premier League here yesterday.

Playing at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Vikings could only muster a paltry 111

for nine from their 20 overs, a target Kings chased down with over six overs to spare.

Sent in, Vikings were undermined by 17-year-old off-spinner Afif Hossain who became the youngest player to take a five-wicket haul in Twenty20s with five for 21.

He was well supported

by West Indies T20 seamer, Kesrick Williams, who was

brilliant in taking two for 11 from his four overs.

The left-handed Gayle laboured for 15 deliveries over five before he became the second of Afif’s victims, bowled in the seventh over to leave Vikings on 29 for four.

Pakistani Shoaib Malik then guided the innings with an excellent unbeaten 67 off

GFF-Stag Elite League ...

From back page first point, but against the League’s only perfect side,the challenge presented is huge.

The home side will be looking to the home turf and support advantages to lift them from the bottom position they have occupied after two rounds of matches.

The goal-thirsty Army,

who have been emphatic in their wins, having scored 11 goals and conceded only one, would be the stiffest opposition for the Lindeners.

Sherwyn Caesar and Delroy Fraser have accounted for seven of the team’s tally and must be closely marked if Top XX hope to prevail, but the fit and ready-looking

Army outfit have other plans to notch up their third consecutive victory.

Linden fans are hoping that the soldiers can bring out the best in the Top XX side so that the team can open their points account.

The first game of the Stag Elite League to be played in the mining town will feature a struggling Buxton United

54 deliveries, a knock which included six fours and three sixes.

In reply, New Zealander James Franklin lashed an astonishing unbeaten 63 from just 27 balls, with five fours and fours sixes, to fire Kings to victory.

Captain Sammy managed just three.

The victory moved

Kings into a three-way tie in second on 12 points with Vikings and Rangpur Riders but while Chittagong advanced to the playoffs courtesy of a superior net run rate, Kings will have to wait on the outcome of other matches to know their fate.

The preliminary round of the competition ends today.

against leaders Fruta Conquerors at 16:00hrs. Both sides played last Friday so recovery is going to be pivotal for this game.

Another win for Conquerors today will push them to 10 points and sustain their lead at the top, with the most crucial game to end round one against the GDF set for the Buxton ground on December 12. The Army, with a game in hand, also has Monedderlust to play as

they eye the coveted Championship.

The GFF will be hoping that the Elite football-starved Community in Linden would come out in their numbers to the MSC ground this evening as fans have been very few so far at the other venues in this ‘season two,’ diluted by the withdrawal of four teams, including the top two from the inaugural season.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

Brazilian soccer team hangs on to underdog spirit after crash

By Brad Haynes CHAPECO, Brazil-(Reuters)-For the scrappy soccer club from southern Brazil that lost nearly all of its players in a plane crash this week, the challenge ahead is not just fielding a new team but rebuilding a culture that made them outperformers despite tight budgets and limited star power.

Big-name clubs from P o r t u g a l ’s B e n f i c a t o Spain’s Barcelona have offered players and charity matches but officials at grief-stricken club Chapecoense say the key to recovery will be staying humble and avoiding the excesses of Brazil’s major clubs.

“We don’t want anyone to pity Chapecoense,” said Victor Hugo Nascimento, head of scouting and analysis, one of the few coaches who was not on the flight. “Any help

Players of Chapecoense soccer team that didn’t travel to Colombia pay tribute to teammates at the Arena Conda stadium in Chapeco, Brazil.REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes is welcome but what we really want is to rebuild with the same dignity that got us here.”

Nascimento said the club would remain selective in choosing its personnel, despite the offers flooding in.

“We don’t want a su-

perstar,” he said. “We have to maintain the profile the club had. No one is reinventing anything.”

That strategy includes a balanced budget even in tough times to avoid the debt that almost wrecked Chapecoense a decade ago,

said acting President Ivan Tozzo.

He helped to lift the club from the fourth division to Brazil’s top league in five years.

Of the club’s five main directors, Tozzo and a colleague were the only ones

not on the flight that plunged into a hillside in Colombia on Monday night on the way to the finals of the Copa Sudamericana, the biggest game in the club’s history.

Even if clubs from Brazil and abroad lend players at no cost, as many have prom-

ised, it will take time for the club to restore that culture, according to former player Everton Costa, who was a good friend of many lost in the accident.

“It was, it is, a family club,” he said. “It was such a solid group. People knew each other well. And now you’re going to get a player from here, a player from there. To rebuild all that is going to be difficult.”

“We lost athletes. We lost directors. We lost people. But this club is well structured,” he said. “We never spend more than we have ... We always make decisions collectively.”

Chapecoense’s players had forged a rare bond with Chapeco, a city of 200,000 in remote southern Brazil, as the club blended young local talent with undervalued journeymen who often brought their families to town and stayed after retirement.

Holder laments lack of vision for the advancement of sports in Region Two

By Elroy Stephney FORMER president of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) Prince Holder remains critical of the Regional Administration’s inability to craft a viable and achievable concept for the advancement of sports in the region.

Holder, who currently serves as the president of the North Essequibo Cricket Committee (NECC), is further of the view that the Region is continuing along a spiral trend, a legacy he attributed to the previous regime.

Asked to comment on the current state by Chronicle Sport, the forthright administrator made some wide-ranging observations that he thinks need prompt attention.

He was eager to comment on the expansion and beautification of recreational parks along the Coast.

While he supports the ventures, he contended that

they are not being fully utilised, nor is there value for taxpayers’ money on those projects.

He further revealed that the installation of toilet facilities, benches as well as the planting of trees within the parks should have been done in playgrounds instead.

According to him “not many families or young people are utilising the parks; instead animals are trampling in them”.

He also made the point that primarily cricket and football are played under deteriorating conditions, yet large crowds are seen at those venues. Given such a scenario then, he is advising the Regional Administration to re-channel some of its resources towards upgrading the sports grounds to some degree of respectability and comfort to players and spectators.

Holder is also concerned that due to the lack of acceptable sporting facilities, the youths are being pressured

into committing illegal acts.

According to him, Region 2 was once a peaceful territory, but increasing criminal activities, including drug abuse, pornography and burglary, are destroying the fabric of many communities.

“The villages are just not safe and loving anymore; he remarked. Holder then further chastised the administration for not providing the newly appointed Sports Organiser with the requisite resources to meaningfully execute the region’s mandate, stating that the officer has been given a basket to fetch water.

He opined that more sports officers are needed, given the geographic layout since he believes that institutionally most of the clubs and organisations are dysfunctional. He further pointed out that there is no official record to establish a formal connection between the region and sporting bodies.

“Such an unacceptable

and disrespectful development existed for far too long and must be corrected if the current government has any interest in sports and youths in Essequibo,” he lamented.

Former ECB president Prince Holder The former national long-distance record-holder and gold medallist, who ran in the U.S., Cuba, Bahamas as well as several other Caribbean countries, also disclosed that he will remain a

staunch crusader for the welfare and elevation of sports men and women from the region, given the sordid past, as he declared that athletes remain unrepresented and even neglected.

Holder also won gold at the Hampton International World Games staged in Trinidad and Tobago in 1986 and now serves as a mentor for aspiring athletes.

D i v e r t i n g f ro m t h e track, he was swift to express his disappointment with the surprise omission of Ransford Beaton from the senior national cricket squad. Beaton is the country’s leading fast bowler who was recently selected for the West Indies ‘A’ team tour to Sri Lanka where he was instrumental in the team’s success.

“The GCB is frustrating the future Test bowler he said, while elaborating that ‘the Essequibo Cricket Board is toothless even as they continue to support an illegal GCB’.” Where is the voice

of Fizul Bacchus and Auto Christiani? They are only masquerading as officials, they are an embarrassment to the people of Essequibo and cricket in general.”

He is also appealing to the GCB to publicly state the reasons for Beaton’s omission, noting that the impressive fast bowler cannot be too far away from senior WI selection.

“Is this the way the GCB treats Essequibians, despite the unrepentant past that denied many of our players their rightful place, he questioned?”

He once again vowed to hold the relevant sporting institutions accountable including the Regional Administration.

Holder also represented Essequibo at cricket and is a member of the Henrietta United Football Club. While he has now cast aside his spikes and bat, he claims that he is still prepared to run the distance in resurrecting the ignominy of a seemingly visionless sporting region.

28

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

Chaos as Chelsea signal intent with win at Man City

By Ian Chadband LONDON, (Reuters)-Chelsea made the most emphatic statement yet about their Premier League title credentials as they forged clear at the top of the table with a dramatic, chaotic and emotional 3-1 win at Manchester City yesterday.

The comeback victory gave Chelsea 34 points from 14 matches, three clear of second-placed Arsenal who romped to a 5-1 victory at West Ham United thanks to Chile forward Alexis Sanchez’s 15-minute hat-trick in the second half.

Chelsea are four points clear of Liverpool, who visit Bournemouth today, and Manchester City. Tottenham Hotspur stayed fifth after a 5-0 thrashing of Swansea City featured another Harry Kane double.

The drama in the day’s big match came with Antonio Conte’s leaders coming from one down at halftime to reply through the league’s top marksman Diego Costa -- he now has 11 -- Willian and Eden Hazard as they

claimed a remarkable eighth straight win.

Andy Carroll marked his return from injury with a late consolation goal for the Hammers who are now one point above the relegation zone.

Tottenham responded well after losing their unbeaten league record at Chelsea last week by thumping hapless Swansea with Kane marking his new contract with two goals and Christian Eriksen also scoring twice.

The plight of champions Leicester City worsened with a 2-1 defeat at Sunderland that leaves them two points above a bunching relegation zone in what is turning out to be one of the worst title defences in the top flight.

A Robert Huth own goal and an expert finish by Jermain Defoe saw Sunderland home as they climbed to 11 points, within two of Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester and two clear of bottom club Swansea.

“From the own goal you can see the luck is not with us but we have to stay compact, stay together and react

Chelsea’s Eden Hazard celebrates scoring their third goal Action Images via Reuters / Jason Cairnduff Livepic amid ugly scenes as the 22 strongly,” Ranieri said.

The chaos emerged deep players and the coaching into stoppage time with staff got involved in a meCity duo Sergio Aguero lee following the Argentina and Fernandinho sent off striker’s knee-high lunge on

Late Ramos header denies Barcelona in Clasico

By Richard Martin BARCELONA,(Reuters)-Sergio Ramos again proved Real Madrid’s last-gasp hero by heading a 90th-minute equaliser to force a 1-1 draw at champions Barcelona and preserve his side’s six-point lead at the top of La Liga yesterday.

Zinedine Zidane’s team looked set to lose their 32-game unbeaten run in all competitions after Luis Suarez climbed highest to head in Neymar’s free kick in the 53rd minute in a ‘Clasico’ that failed to live up to its billing early on.

Neymar then curled a shot just over the bar after a breathtaking run into the box while Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi narrowly missed the target for the hosts.

Real captain Ramos earned a point that could prove decisive in the title race by powering in Luka Modric’s free kick, just as he had done in the 2014 Champions League final against Atletico Madrid.

“We did everything we could to take the three points. We were the superior team but if you don’t take your chances this is what happens,” Suarez said.

“We have to stay strong, keep going and hope Real drop points here and there.

There’s still a long way to go.”

Barca coach Luis Enrique deployed the same team that he said produced the worst display in his tenure to draw 1-1 at Real Sociedad last week and they struggled to prise open an organised Real side.

Visiting winger Lucas Vazquez had a

penalty appeal waved away in the third minute when he went down under a challenge from Javier Mascherano while Barca called for a spot kick at the other end when Sergi Roberto’s shot was blocked by Raphael Varane.

TOO MUCH POWER Suarez’s header opened up the game and Barca went all out to try and kill off their rivals.

Neymar sliced open the Real defence but put too much power into his shot while substitute Iniesta shot into the side netting after magnificent play from the Brazilian.

Real took their time to offer a response but upped their pursuit of an equaliser as the game wound down. Ramos headed over the bar and Cristiano Ronaldo had an effort cleared off the line by Jordi Alba.

Just as Barca thought they had got away with it, however, Ramos had the final say.

“We had more chances in the first half and lacked effectiveness but hard work is always rewarded and we still have a big advantage,” said Ramos.

Real are top with 34 points from 14 matches while second-placed Barca have 28. Atletico Madrid can move to within a point of the champions when they host Espanyol later on Saturday.

Third-placed Sevilla missed the opportunity to take advantage of the ‘Clasico’ draw as they suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at Granada who recorded their first league win of the season.

David Luiz.

The emotion was on view even before the game at the Etihad Stadium when the crowd immaculately observed a minute’s silence for the victims of Monday’s air crash involving Brazilian team Chapecoense, a tribute that was mirrored at matches throughout the league.

Chelsea’s Brazilian pair Willian and defender Luiz also held their black armbands aloft when the midfielder put his side 2-1 up.

“I give this victory to the people who died,” said Luiz whose former Vitoria team mate Arthur Maia was one of the victims. “It was a difficult week for us especially emotionally.”

Manchester City were left reeling after dominating for most of the first hour.

They went ahead just before halftime through a Gary Cahill own goal and then almost put the game to bed when Kevin De Bruyne was presented with an open goal but crashed the ball against the bar.

The Belgian’s failure to slot home a cross from three

metres out proved costly as Chelsea, showing what manager Conte called “good character”, exposed City’s defensive deficiencies on the break with three goals in the last half-hour.

PITCHSIDE BRAWL City’s frustration was evident from Aguero’s shocking challenge deep into stoppage time that saw him sent off and sparked a pitchside brawl culminating in another red card for Fernandinho for pushing Cesc Fabregas over advertising hoardings.

Manager Pep Guardiola apologised for his side’s part in the melee as he pondered the prospect of losing two of his key men because of suspension over the next few weeks.

Arsenal bounced back from their midweek League Cup defeat against Southampton by destroying West Ham with goals from Mesut Ozil, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and a clinical treble from Sanchez who struck in the 72nd, 80th and 86th minutes.

Australia’s Maxwell hit with team fine over Wade row (REUTERS)-Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been hit with a team fine for criticising Matt Wade over his decisions as captain of the Victoria state side, skipper Steve Smith said yesterday.

Maxwell was recalled to the squad for Sunday’s one-day international against New Zealand and took the opportunity to express how “painful” it had been for him to bat behind wicketkeeper Wade for Victoria.

Australia coach Darren Lehmann said on Friday he would speak to power-hitting Maxwell to try to resolve the issue and on Saturday Smith said the players had decided to take action.

“Everyone was disappointed in his comments, I’ve expressed that with him myself and spoke to the team,” Smith told reporters.

“One of our values is respect and having respect for your team mates, opposition, fans and media.

“I thought what he said was very disrespectful to a team mate and his Victorian

captain. The leadership group got together and we decided to fine Glenn. We thought that was a sufficient punishment.”

Maxwell will still be con-

Aussie all-rounder Glenn Maxwell sidered for today’s series opener at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“He’s available for selection and obviously the selectors will weigh up what they think is the best team for tomorrow,” Smith added.

With Maxwell having apparently burnt his bridges in Victoria, the Sydney Morning Herald reported

on Saturday that New South Wales would be prepared to offer him a home from next year.

Although undoubtedly a hugely talented batsman, Maxwell has struggled for runs and failed to nail down a spot in the Australia team over the last year, missing the series against Sri Lanka and South Africa.

Australia are ranked number one in the world in the 50-over format but, after being swept 5-0 in South Africa, have plenty to prove in the series against New Zealand, which also includes matches in Canberra and Melbourne.

The Black Caps also hold the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy after beating the world champions 2-1 in a series in New Zealand in February.

“We’ve generally played some pretty good cricket here in Australia,” Smith said.

“They are a quality team so we’re going to have to be at our best to beat them in this series.”

29

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

IAAF special Congress vote 182 to 10 in favour of sweeping reforms

By Gene Cherry MONACO,(Reuters)-A sweeping reform package that changes how the scandal-hit governing body of world athletics operates was overwhelmingly passed at a special Congress yesterday.

“This is a very important moment in the history of our sport,” IAAF President Sebastian Coe said after Congress members voted 182 to 10 in favour of the reforms.

“This is a ringing endorsement of our commitment to do things differently,” Coe told a news conference.

“We now have structures, frameworks and foundations that will create a safety net.”

The “Time for Change” proposals, the centrepiece of Coe’s agenda for moving the sport forward from its tainted past, established new independent anti-doping, integrity and disciplinary functions along with a greater voice for athletes in the organisation and more gender balance.

vote.

Saudi Arabia and a handful of African and Asian nations were notable among those casting “no” votes.

IAAF President Sebastian Coe

said.

The Briton, who became IAAF President in 2015, said before the vote that the changes will restore trust in athletics and return confidence to clean athletes.

“Our partnerships and revenue streams are directly under threat if we do not act promptly and decisively,” he wrote in introducing the proposals.

“I hope the public perceptions of our sport is helped by what they have seen today, but that is not primarily why we did it. We did it because we were in need of change,” Coe said.

Lamine Diack, who along with his son Papa Massata Diack is currently under investigation by French authorities on corruption and money-laundering charges involving millions of euros.

“It’s bad enough that any of this happened, but it cannot happen for a second time, not on our watch, not anyone else’s watch,” Coe

INTEGRITY UNIT Portions of the restructuring will become effective in 2017, including the launching of an integrity unit and a disciplinary panel, with others changes set for 2019.

No major athletics country voted against the proposals although Jamaica, the world’s dominant sprint power, surprisingly did not

C o n c e r n s w e re e x pressed about the increase in gender equity and area representation as well why the vote was publicly recorded.

“Transparency sits at the heart of everything we have been talking about,” Coe said of the open vote.

If the reforms had not been voted in, it would have

The reforms also place more governance power in the hands of the IAAF Executive Board.

Previously, much of that authority rested with since disgraced former president

Former IAAF president Lamine Diack

been the final nail in athletics’ coffin, British world marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe had said on Twitter before the vote.

An independent World Anti-Doping Agency (WAD) investigation last year said “corruption was embedded” at the IAAF under Diack who, it added, ran a clique that covered up organized doping and blackmailed athletes while senior officials looked the other way.

The investigation also exposed state-sponsored Russian doping, leading the IAAF to ban the Russian athletics federation and its athletes from participating in this year’s Rio Olympics.

Another report by Canadian professor Richard McLean on Friday is expected to reveal more damming details on the organisation and doping in Russia.

The IAAF also confirmed a three-year agreement with Japanese sportswear giant Asics Corp to take over from

Adidas as an official sponsor of the ruling body.

Adidas, which had signed an 11-year sponsorship contract with the IAAF that was set to run until 2019, said on Friday it was ending the deal three years early.

The special congress concluded a four-day meeting of track and field officials during which the IAAF decided to continue its ban on Russian athletics.

Task force head Rune Andersen said progress had been made, but issues still needed clarifying, including how IAAF and RUSADA (Russian Anti-Doping) will be able to carry out testing without interference.

The governing body also celebrated the selection of nine- times Olympic champion Usain Bolt, who is retiring after 2017, as its male athlete of the year for a sixth time and chose Ethiopian 10,000 metres world record holder Almaz Ayana as the top female athlete.

Kumar to lead ICC Americas at 2017 Nagico Super50 CANADA captain and St Lucia Zouks allrounder Nitish Kumar has been named to lead a 15-man ICC Americas squad that will play in the 2017 Nagico Super50 competition in Barbados from January 24 to February 18.

Kumar is one of eight holdovers from the ICC Americas squad that went winless in their debut appearance at the Nagico Super50 in Trinidad & Tobago this past January The 22-year-old Kumar currently attends MCCU Loughborough and is one of six Canada players in the squad. He was the team’s leading wicket-taker with six wickets in five games at the 2016 Nagico Super50 and was also one of four players to finish with at least 100 runs.

Srimantha Wijeyratne, who was ICC Americas

leading scorer after making 130 runs in four innings, and Trinbago Knight Riders wicketkeeper Hamza Tariq have also been retained.

Ruvindu Gunasekera, who captained the ICC Americas squad in 2016, has been left out along with fellow Canada batsman Navneet Dhaliwal and fast bowler Jeremy Gordon. Gunasekera who had made his Canada debut at 16 after migrating there in his youth, stated in a recent interview that he had moved back to his native Sri Lanka to pursue a professional career there. He opened the batting for Moors Sports Club, making 28 and 1, in a loss this week to Colts CC to begin the Sri Lanka first-class season.

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots offspinner Nikhil Dutta, who was omitted from the 2016

ICC Americas squad after a lacklustre performance in an open trial held at Indianapolis in September 2015, has been picked along with fast bowler Cecil Pervez, who tied for the team lead in wickets during the 2016 Auty Cup in Los Angeles against USA. Left-arm spinner Saad Bin Zafar is the other new Canada player in the squad.

Eight Americans have been picked, down one from the 2016 ICC Americas squad. USA captain Steven Taylor has been named Kumar’s vice-captain while allrounder Timroy Allen, fast bowler Ali Khan, legspinner Timil Patel and batsman Alex Amsterdam have been retained.

Fahad Babar, who made two half-centuries against Canada during the Auty Cup, has been picked for the first

Nitish Kumar led Canada to victory in the 2016 Auty Cup and has been chosen to captain ICC Americas in Barbados. time along with fast bowler Jessy Singh and batsman Nicholas Standford. Akeem Dodson, Danial Ahmed, Muhammad Ghous and Hammad Shahid are the four players from USA who were

part of the squad in 2016 that have been replaced for 2017.

Babar and Singh have just arrived in Sri Lanka to spend the next seven weeks with the Kalutara Physical Culture Club in Tier B of the Sri Lanka first-class competition.

The opportunity was facilitated for them by USA coach and former Sri Lanka Test cricketer Pubudu Dassanayake. Both players will remain with Kalutara PCC until the end of the competition on January 22.

Allrounder Kamau Leverock has been chosen as the only Bermuda player in the 15-man ICC Americas squad. Leverock took 5 for 30 against a Canada Developmental XI on October 23 and then impressed with the bat at WCL Division Four, striking 137 off 111 balls including ten fours and eight sixes in a win over Jersey.

Bermuda left-arm spinner Delray Rawlins was also considered but had to withdraw from consideration due to commitments with Sussex and England Young Lions.

ICC Americas first match is against Combined Campuses and Colleges on January 26. They are joined in the five-team Group B by Guyana, Jamaica and hosts Barbados Pride. Group A consists of Trinidad & Tobago, Windward Islands, Leeward Islands, West Indies U-19 and English County side Kent.

2017 ICC Americas squad Nitish Kumar (capt), Hamza Tariq (wk), Timroy Allen, Alex Amsterdam, Fahad Babar, Nikhil Dutta, Ali Khan, Kamau Leverock, Timil Patel, Cecil Pervez, Jessy Singh, Nicholas Standford, Steven Taylor, Srimantha Wijeyratne, Saad Bin Zafar

30

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

Horse Racing Authority in limbo –– No meetings for the past 10 months since Ouditt demitted office

By Rajiv Bisnauth CONSTANT bickering has left the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) racing to a new low as executive members have not met to discuss GHRA’sbusiness for the past 10 months.

Vickram Ouditt, the last president of the GHRA told Chronicle Sport that he demitted office in February this year following the expiration of his term, but officials of that body say they have not been officially notified.

Ouditt was elected President of the horse racing body at the Annual General Meeting on February 9, 2014; and according to the GHRA, new elections are due every year.

However, Ouditt is claiming that after his term in office expired,he decided not to seek re-election to the

top post, and as such he had informed some members of the racing authority of his decision.

To this end, acting secretary of the body, Chattergoon Ramnauth,told Chronicle Sport that Ouditt has never informed him as secretary or any other member of the authority of his decision.

“The fact is, we at the GHRA never had a meeting since February this year,” Ramnauth said. He added “Elections were supposed to be in February, but truly speaking I have no idea.In my opinion the GHRA is non-functional at this time because no meetings were held nor was there any form of discussion;be it oral or written”.

Ouditt, who replaced Justice Cecil Kennard as president, had faced a torrent of criticisms from the horsing

racing fraternity ever since he was first elected president of the body, when the sport was resuscitated almost a decade

Vickram Ouditt ago.

Things went well for some time. However, because of the attitude of certain members of the authority,he did not seek

re-election at election time.

Khemraj Rai succeeded him as president and carried on for about six months.

Unfortunately,differences arose between members of the authority. He resigned as he felt that he was not getting full support from some of the members;fter which Kennard was elected.

While the sport has become one of the major sporting disciplines locally, the backbiting within the body is one reason the sport has not been a bigger success story in Guyana.

The lack of adequate legislation is another reason the sport is not properly run.

Dubbed the ‘Sport of Kings’, horse racing, since its resuscitation locally, has been operating under a legal document that was registered under the miscel-

Forty-one goals scored in Smalta Girls 11 and under football tournament AS the Smalta Girls 11 and under football tournament continued yesterday, there were some 41 goals scored in the 16 games played.

The first game of the day featured St Stephens versus St Margarets with St Stephens winning via a walkover.

In the second game,Tucville sneaked past Redeemer 3-2. For Tucville,it was two own goals and one

by Sheri ah Headley that saw

them take the one goal margin over Redeemer. Kelisha Patterson and Rayna Peters scored for the losers.

West Ruimveldt demolished Smith Memorial 6-1 with Gabriella McGarrell scoring five of the goals while Priscilla Edwards scored one. Aaliyah Beverney was the only scorer for Smith Memorial.

Game 4 saw North Georgetown defeating Winfer Gardens 3-0 with Alicia James bagging a hat-trick in

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday December 04, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Guyana Jaguars (33.6 points) (2) Barbados Pride (33.4 points)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who has scored the most runs after the third round matches of the WICB PCL? (2) What his average per innings?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

the process. Amana McPherson also scored a hat-trick when her St Agnes side defeated St Gabriel’s 5-0.

Shequeena Smith and Divine Williams were the other scorers in the game.

In game 6,Enterprise held off F.E Pollard 2-1 after Emmaria Mercier scored in the 12th minute.

Cedranessa Benn equalized in the 13th while Tanya Mohabir scored the decisive goal one minute after her in the 14th.

The seventh game finished early as St Angela’s was also awarded a walkover from Stella Maris.

In the final game of round one. South Ruimveldt fell to St Pius 3-2. Karen Jupiter netted two goals and Kerry Boyce scored 1 for the victors. Raven Jacobs was the lone scorer for the St Pius side.

In the second round of games, Redeemer and F.E Pollard were the first teams to win as they were awarded walkovers. St Ste-

phen’s went on to knock off Tucville 3-0 with Kezia Parkinson bagging two goals and Odelli Straughn scoring one.

North Georgetown and West Ruimveldt played to a 1-1 tie.Alicia James scored in the 20th minute for North Georgetown.However, Gabriella McGarrell equalized in the 24th minute for West.

St Angela’s held Enterprise to a 0-0 draw.However, fans were not left short on entertainment as St Pius trounced St Gabriels -7-0.

Kerry Boyce and Donna Lowe both recorded hattricks with Karen Jupiter scoring the other goal.

St Agnes practically defeated themselves with an own-goal in the 21st minute to give South Ruimveldt a 1-0 win .

The Smith Memorial versus Winfer Gardens match was ruled a no contest. Games continue today from 10:00hrs at the Ministry of Education ground.

laneous Deeds Act. But back in 2014, a key step to regularise the sport was taken when the then Legal Advisor to the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA), Rajendra Poonai, handed over a draft legislation on the sport to then Sports Minister Dr. Frank Anthony.

Nothing much was done by the previous administration with regards to the implementation of the legislation.

However, the present Government cannot escape their fair share of criticism since a copy of a horse racing legislation has been with the government for some time now.

In fact, an official from the GHRA has confirmed that the copy was handed over to the National Sport Commission late last year but remained sceptical about the

status of the document.

Assistant Director of Sport,Brian Smith,confirmed that NSC had indeed received the document which was sent to the Attorney General Chambers.

The draft Guyana Horse Racing Authority Act which will allow the sport to run more effectively and to deal with violators includes:increasing the membership of the Racing Authority from nine to 15; including the Bush Lot United Turf Club as a member of the GHRA and implementing a two-year term for members of the Authority.

The legislation which was championed by former GHRA president Justice Cecil Kennard, will also give the GHRA the power to schedule race dates for race meetings in the event that a club is unable to run off a race meeting.

Fruta Conquerors cruise past Monedderlust FC 4-0 ... heads Elite points table now FRUTA Conquerors FC have taken the leaders position of the GFF-Stag Elite League after cruising past Monedderlust FC 4-0 last Friday in the ‘nigh-cap’ played at Tucville Community ground.

Leon Richardson broke the deadlock in the 10th minute, and one minute after the first-half break Eon Alleyne opened his season’s account to make it 2-0. In the 65th minute ‘Super sub’ Kwame La Fleur made his presence felt, after coming off the bench six minutes earlier, with his 2nd goal of the season to give his side a 3-0 advantage.

Jermaine Junior made the final breach of the Monedderlust’s citadel seven minutes from the end with his 3rd goal of the competition and 7th for Conquerors whose

Kwame La Fleur goal is yet to be penetrated after three games.

The three points have propelled the Tucville based team to 7 points and to the top of the 6-team points’ table while the 2nd placed Army, on six points, have a game in hand. It was the 2nd loss for the West Berbice side who remain on 3 points.(Ras Wadada)

31

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 4, 2016

GBA 100 Mile Walk realises $500,000 Above: GBA president Steve Ninvalle (right) and vice president Maurice Rajkumar (centre) take to the West Berbice road.

THE Hundred Mile walk organised by the Guyana Boxing Association(GBA) realised $500,000 yesterday as the event continued from Rosignol .

President of GBA,Steve Ninvalle,and vice- president Maurice Rajkumar battled the midday sun to roll into Region Four by evening.

Pledges for assistance came in from several businessmen on the way as the two

executives were continuously on their cell phones throughout the second day of the walk.

The GBA organised the walk to raise two million dollars needed to send a team of referees ,boxers and coaches to the Caribbean Development Tournament scheduled for Barbados this week.

The walk will conclude outside the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall today.

GCN 2016 season climaxes with awards ceremony tonight THE Guyana Cycling News (GCN) will end its reporting of the 2016 cycling season with an Awards Ceremony slated for the Bunker 80 Bar, situated at Lime and Hadfield Streets, this evening, starting at 18:00 hrs.

At tonight’s ceremony, local pedal pushers who performed outstandingly on the local and international circuit during the year will be recognised for their determination, dedication and achievements for 2016 when there were 49 programmes locally that included road, circuit and

Geron Williams

stage races.

Among the special awards will be one for Most Oustanding Cyclist on the international circuit and one each for the Most Improved Male and Female cyclists.

Continental Cycle Club’s Geron Williams who is based in the United States of America (USA) has been named Most Outstanding Rider on the international circuit, while Shaquile Agard and Christopher Griffith are joint winners of the GCN’s Most Improved cyclists for 2016

Orville Hinds

in the male category and Whitney Poyer is the Most Improved female cyclist.

In the senior open points’ classification, Team Evolution’s Orville Hinds heads the list ahead of his teammate Michael Anthony, Team Coco’s Agard, Raul Leal (Team Evolution) and Marlon `Fishy’ Williams (Team Evolution).

The Masters’ under 45 years category is headed by Junior Niles. Second in this category is Jaikarran Sukhai, while Warren McKay is third.

In the junior category points standing, Raphael

Leung lead’s ahead of Andrew Hicks and Christopher Cornelius,respectively.

The female cyclist of the Year Award will go to United Kingdom-based Claire Fraser-Green, the 2016 national road race and individual time trial champion, while Christine Mattheson is the runner-up.

The 2016 Outstanding Masters over 45 years award will go to Raymond Newton, while Keon Thomas will receive the Most Outstanding Mountain Bike rider award.

Funeral honours begin in Brazil for Chapecoense plane crash victims CHAPECO – Funeral honours got under way here Saturday in Brazil for the members of the Chapecoense soccer club who died in a plane crash in northwestern Colombia earlier last week.

Coffins draped with the club’s flag and containing the remains of 50 victims arrived in two military planes from Medellin, Colombia, starting at 9:30 am and were received with military honors amid a heavy downpour at the Serafin Enoss Bertaso airport in this southern city.

Brazilian President Michel Temer was on hand to pay tribute to the victims.

Some 100,000 people, according to the team’s estimates, have gathered inside and outside the team’s Arena Conda stadium to pay their final respects to the victims, who are due to arrive there via a funeral cortege.

Chapecoense players, executives, coaches and other staff, along with spe-

club and a score of journalists.

The bodies of many of the media professionals

The coffins of the Chapecoense soccer team members, who died in a plane crash in northwestern Colombia last week cial guests, journalists and a crew of nine, were on board a charter flight operated by Bolivia’s Lamia airlines that departed Santa Cruz, Bolivia, and crashed in the mountains Monday night before it could reach Medellin’s airport.

The pilot had been given priority to land after frantically alerting the control tower that the plane was running dangerously low on fuel, but he did not have enough time to get to the runway.

Chapecoense, a club based in the southern Brazil-

ian state of Santa Catarina, was traveling to Medellin to play in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana final against Atletico Nacional.

The Brazilian victims of the plane crash included 19 Chapecoense players, 25 executives, coaches and special guests of the

who died in the crash were transported Saturday to their respective home cities for burial.

GBA 100 Mile Walk realises $500,000 See story on page 31

GFF-Stag Elite League

makes debut in Linden today

... Top XX aiming to stop perfect Army march

By Ras Wadada HOME side, Top XX is aiming to stop the unbeaten run of the Guyana Defence Force, early leaders in the GFF-Stag Elite League season two,when the two sides clash in the feature

game of this evening’s double-header slated for the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground.

After losing both opening matches,the ‘Pride of Linden’ is determined to register its

Delroy Fraser and Sherwyn Caesar have accounted for seven of the Army’s goals so far.

See page 26

Black Pearl blank Order and Discipline 6-0 ... Uitvlugt Warriors upset Conquerors 2-1

The battle for ball possession was intense in yesterday’s U-19 League fixture when Uitvlugt Warriors (All Black) upset Fruta Conquerors (Orange and Blue) 2-1 at Tucville.

Bolt ready to shirk 200m workload

World’s fastest man Usain Bolt

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BLACK Pearl FC hammered Order and Discipline FC 6-0, while Uitvlugt Warriors upstaged home side Fruta Conquerors in yesterday’s matches of the Fruta Conquerors U-19 Academy league played at the Tucville Community ground.

Double strikes by Daniel Joseph and Nicholas Jordan piloted the Sophia-based side to their 2nd win in as many appearances in Group ‘B’. Joseph netted the first two goals while Tevin Andrews scored the 3rd in the 27th minute to give Black Pearl a comfortable 3-0 half time advantage.

Jordan’s brace within a 5-minute spell in the 77th and 82nd minutes ended the stout 2nd half resistance of Order and Discipline, while Oriette Andrews scored in the 90th minute to end a woeful afternoon for the losers.

There was no play in the scheduled 2nd game of the tri-

ple-header as Botofago FC of Linden was a no-show against Eastville FC in Group ‘A’.

The final encounter of the day resulted in the first real upset of the competition as the guests, without five of their regular starters, suffered their first defeat, going under to the West Demerara contingent.

Randy Layne, in the 14th minute, gave Conquerors their only advantage of the match that lasted 50 minutes. A seventh minute double-strike by Kevin Fraser stunned the home team and steered Warriors to their first victory in the competition. Fraser’s match-winning strikes came in the 64th and 71st minutes.

The 12-team U-19 competition organised and run by Fruta Conquerors will continue tomorrow at Tucvile when Santos confront Tavelle’s Academy at 17:00hrs,while Pele FC tackles Western Tigers at 19:00hrs.(Ras Wadada).

WORLD’s fastest man Usain Bolt insists he is essentially finished competing in his favoured 200m event.

Bolt the double world record holder has announced that he will be calling time on his career following next year’s IAAF World Championship in London.

The 30-year-old has been the dominant force in the sport for the past eight years, particularly in the half-lap event where he has been virtually unbeatable. In past seasons the sprinter has targeted lowering the 200m world mark, but admits that feat is in likelihood entirely beyond him.

“After last season, I kind of figured out that no matter how hard I work at this point, it probably is going to be hard to get the 200-metre world record,” Bolt said.

Heading into the World Championships the sprinter is looking to cut down on the amount of training required ahead of his swansong.

“And it’s a lot more work and for me, coming to the end of my career, I’m not trying to do too much work,” Bolt said.(Sportsmax.com).

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2016