New york edition 09 30 2016

No. 104560

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2016

Price: $80

Gold on target 17

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

...likely to surpass production hopes

(VAT Inclusive)

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‘Track down Dataram’ …President urges use of all legitimate means Page 22

Mexico rice deal being finalised 12 Page

Border controversy assessment in November - UN Secretary-General

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President David Granger and Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon pose for an official photograph at UN Headquarters Saturday (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

Reviving music in primary schools More CCTV cameras for city streets 19 Centre

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Urgent call for police patrols and street lighting in Ogle Dear Editor,

Colombia’s peace deal after 50-year war

THE Government of Colombia and the guerrilla group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) on Monday, 26th September signed a peace deal.

The deal signed by President Juan Manuel Santos and leftist rebel leader Rodrigo Londoño aka Timochenko, comes after 52 years of hostility between the two sides based on various perceptions, one of which is, the latter’s feeling of exclusion from mainstream policies and decision-making.

Alienation can contribute to doubts and suspicions by those who considered themselves to be marginalised. In the specific case of FARC -- which has its genesis in the communist party – it had attracted peasants and the poor to pick up arms and carry out a military struggle against the establishment. While it may have been the longest guerrilla war in Latin America against a government, it is synonymous with the wars currently being fought in the Middle East by those who consider they do not have a voice and are mistreated. War has its genesis in the resistance to domination and marginalisation.

With changing global outlooks to politics, where human rights are considered an important pillar in governance, such is bound to impact and influence the behaviour of leaders.

On both sides of the political divide, in the changing landscape, persons are bound to step back and question the wisdom, acceptance and rejection of their actions, which would have been influencing factors. In recognition of the gravity of the problems in Colombia, the scars created on humankind and impact on relations, the deal has been given the blessing of the United Nations (UN) and the United States (U.S.). Witnessing the signing were UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, which symbolised support for effecting change through peaceful means. FARC, which is an organisation on the U.S. terrorist watch list, saw Kerry saying after the signing that the country would consider removing the group from the list.

The significance of the event was not lost on the hundreds of participants who attended the signing deal who were decked in white, a symbol of peace and a new beginning. In the streets, while some expressed cynicism and rejected the deal, there were tears of joy that the time has come to give peace a chance. This deal, which came with four years of hard work done mainly in Havana, Cuba, comes with concessions and forgiveness on both sides and requires commitment on the part of government, FARC, society and

IN the light of recent events in Ogle, I write to you with high hopes that my letter catches the eyes of the relevant authorities who will work with residents from this area to restore Ogle back to a safer, secured community.

First, let me express how disturbing it was to learn of a neighbour being robbed in broad daylight by armed men posing as customers. This is where I stress the need for police officers to be a little more active and given the fact that Sparendaam Police Station is within five minutes, by the time police arrived on the scene, the gunmen were long gone. Why was this? I'm still pondering reasons why it took them so long to arrive, but I'm here to highlight the need for their presence both in the day and night. As someone who grew up and has lived in Ogle for well over 15 years, surely, I can say that safety has deteriorated, thus I am calling for

heightened security and very quickly too.

It is not out of the ordinary to have persons lurking, strange vehicles and motorcyclists driving up and down pretending to live there when in truth they are scouting the area. These so-called imposters are who pose a threat to our community, raising uneasiness and fear for women, especially single-parent moms. To know that you can't risk walking to the shop should you run out of an item and or coming home from work at night, or your children from school raise many safety concerns. If we can get our police officers onboard with us to cut back on these regular incidents by patrolling the streets and its environs consistently with spot checks during the day as well as night, there would be no invitation to lurk.

Additionally, I'd like to address the issue of street-lighting. If there's no lighting in smaller streets such as Temple Street, then there's the problem of not enough street lamps on

main roadways as in the case of the Railway Embankment where some corners are lit and others are not.

For instance, after crossing over the Railway Embankment bridge, streets on either side are without lights. The same is true at night for Airstrip Road leading into the Eugene F. Correia airport. Now this is where I emphasise that being the second main airport of the country, don't you for the most part feel a need for safety upon entering and or exiting the only road accessible to and from the airport? Further, imagine a tourist or an airport employee working an oddhour shift, coming off from work and having to walk that road alone in complete darkness, given that public transportation don't always run and taxis aren’t always available at that hour of night. Crime prevention is everybody's business.

Regards, Larraine Lee

Billions being spent for sports development Dear Editor THE government of Guyana recognises the importance of sports and, therefore, has “pumped” billions of dollars towards the development of sports in all forms. This includes the upgrading of our sporting facilities, and the training of our sportsmen and sportswomen in their particular disciplines. One of the several facilities that were upgraded is the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, which is now of international standard.

Also, three (3) scholarships were awarded to Owen Adonis, Emanuel Archibald and Alque Stanley respec-

tively to the tune of five million dollars ($5M). Two more scholarships will be awarded during the course of this year.

A lot more will be done during the remainder of the year and will continue during the ensuing years. Our eyes are on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The sports budget for the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for 2015 amounted to $ 503,244,000 with Current being $ 291,588,000 and Capital $ 211,656,000); for 2016 ,$ 726,053,000 with current being $ 414, 099,000 and capital $ 311,954,000 ); and for 2017 $ 1,578,149,000 with current being $ 548,260,000 and capital $1,029,889,000.

stakeholders, internal and external, to see it through.

Londoño, in moving forward committed, “Our only weapons will be our words.” In what can be considered a gesture to bring healing and provide leadership at this critical juncture, he went on to say, “In the name of the FARC I ask sincere forgiveness to all the victims of the conflict and for all the pain we may have caused in this war.”

Under the accord, FARC vowed to sever all ties with the drug trade, hand over all its weapons and convert into a political party. There will be the establishment of a special tribunal to try war-related crimes. It goes on to say that those who confess to their crimes against humanity will serve alternative sentences which do not entail jail time.

Conversely, the government commits to widen opportunities, including the development of programmes and addressing gross inequalities in the country’s rural communities, which it admitted has been neglected, from which FARC formed

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has pledged its continued, unstinting support to the development of sports in all its forms and to ensure that our athletes are properly trained, so that they will be able to represent the country at the highest level . It is also anticipated that other sports fraternities will throw in their lot so that we can produce athletes of calibre.

Nicolette Henry Minister within the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture Youth and Sport

its base.

On Monday, 3rd October, Colombians will go to the polls to express their approval or disapproval for the deal. At the time of writing, polling shows a majority will vote yes. As participants seek to implement the menu of measures, such could also be used by political leaders across the spectrum and in nations, to seek to avoid what happened in Colombia from occurring in their countries.

The global refugee and migrant crises which were given priority attention at the just concluded UN General Assembly made spirited appeal to address conflicts of such nature that are forcing persons to flee from the land of their birth or fight back in resistance to domination and marginalisation. Monday’s deal is testimony that in spite of differences and past animosity, people can come together for their common good, i.e. survival, growth and development.

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Border controversy assessment in November ‒ UN Secretary-General

SECRETARY-GENERAL of the United Nations, Mr Ban Ki-moon, Saturday said he would make an “assessment by November” on the way forward with regard to the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy.

He gave the undertaking during a meeting with President David Granger at United Nations’ Headquarters in New York, the Ministry of the Presidency stated.

President Granger accepted the timetable and committed to providing any additional information, which Mr Ban may need in order to complete that assessment.

“We have been very impressed with the seriousness with which you have approached the problem and your own sincerity... We have been personally convinced that you want to bring closure to this matter,” the President said

to Mr Ban. In a brief, invited comment, following the meeting, President Granger added, “We support the process. We are confident that this process will lead to a conclusion that is satisfactory.”

Also attending the meeting on behalf of Guyana were Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl Greenidge; Sir Shridath Ramphal, who was present at the signing of the Geneva Agreement in 1966 between the United Kingdom, on behalf of the then British Guiana and Venezuela; and Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Audrey Waddell.

It was on the eve of Guyana’s independence some five decades ago that Venezuela claimed the 1899 arbitral award which defined the two countries’ borders was null and void. An agreement signed in

Sir Shridath Ramphal looks on as President David Granger and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greendige converse at UN Headquarters Saturday (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

Geneva in 1966 provides for the secretary-general to take action to bring a resolution to the contention by Venezuela.

Following statements and actions by Venezuela, President Granger indicated to the United Nations Secretary-General that the process of talks has worn out and that Guyana was interested in a final legal settlement to Venezuela’s

claim that the arbitral award is null and void.

Guyana has accused Venezuela of a series of acts of aggression, starting with a presidential decree of June 1968. The border controversy flared early last year when American firm ExxonMobil announced that it had made a “significant” oil discovery.

After threatening the com-

pany, the Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro issued a decree on May 26th, 2015, seeking to extend Venezuela’s land claim to also annex the country’s maritime space.

Three years ago, the Venezuelans sent a naval ship into Guyana’s waters and seized a U.S.-chartered oil survey ship and escorted it to Margarita Island.

In September last year, Guyanese authorities also said that the Venezuela army had travelled up the Cuyuni River.

In October, 2015, Canada-based mining company Guyana Goldfields said it had received an “unfounded” notification of possible legal action by Venezuela over its operations in Guyana.

Aviation authority, aircraft owners pledge closer relations ‒ to boost the standard in Guyana THE GUYANA Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana (AOAG) have pledged to cultivate stronger ties in their bid to increase the standard of aviation operations in the country.

The two sides resolved to work together to build the industry when a meeting with the new Aviation Director General, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Egbert Field, was requested by the aircraft operators and facilitated by the GCAA a week ago.

The aircraft owners reiterated concerns that remained within the aviation sector over the years. These include Guyana’s inability to attain International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) compliance or improve its level of compliance; the condition of interior airstrips; security, accident reporting, and new regulations.

Field told the Guyana Chronicle that operators were assured that at least two fulltime Flight Operation Inspectors would be made available

A GCAA team headed by Director General Egbert Field (back centre) met with the AOAG

on the Authority’s staff, since this was one of the matters raised. These inspectors have the task of ensuing safety and compliance during operations; and extensive training is required in this area.

Field said that based on the operators’ agenda, he would address concerns of the current regulations within the scope of the GCAA. He said operators were pointed to the GCAA’s website, where a draft of new regulations would be made available for viewing. “The Authority promised that the draft regulations would be placed on the website for

operators to review and offer their comments,” Field said.

He said that, currently, some draft regulations are already available on the website, while the full review would be available by October.

In relation to being ICAO compliant, Field said, the Authority was in the process of addressing Guyana’s non-compliance issues with the ICAO, and was expecting to be audited by the international oversight body in less than two months.

“We are currently preparing for the ICAO audit, (which is scheduled)

for the end of November,” Field said. He noted that the GCAA had already sought the assistance of the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS) for inspectors from Jamaica to assist Guyana in its preparations. Two Jamaican inspectors are already in Guyana, having arrived two Saturdays ago, to assist local inspectors.

On the matter of security, Field said the GCAA was currently conducting corrective actions based on the findings of a security audit.

He said assistance from a security consultancy firm was

being utilized to facilitate the process. “We are cognizant of the security audit held in June (last), and we are currently developing a corrective action plan for the findings,” he disclosed.

This type of security involves passenger screening and the procedures surrounding it, and screening of baggage. Field said GCAA is in the process of “really increasing its staff in various technical and supporting units.” He said the process involving accidents was one requiring support. At the conclusion of an accident report, he noted, the findings are sent to the

subject minister, who then determines when it goes public. Some accident reports are also found on the Authority’s website.

The Director General described the GCAA/AOAG meeting as “very successful”. He said that based on the operators’ replies, the GCAA was satisfied with the responses to their concerns, and promised to play its part in bettering the industry.

Some of the operators in attendance were Wings Aviation’s Captain, Ronald Reece; CAMS’s Anthony Mekdeci; Trans Guyana’s Michael Correia Jnr; AOAG’s president, Beni Sankar; and consultant Kit Nascimento, among others.

Field recognized, however, that not all of the country’s aircraft operators had attended the AOAG meeting.

He said that as the GCAA pledges closer ties with all aviation stakeholders, he intended to call all operators to the table, whether they represented themselves independently or did so under another umbrella.

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Mexico rice deal being finalised

By Ravin Singh

GUYANESE rice farmers may soon benefit from the Mexico market, as food inspectors from that country are working with Guyana to ensure phytosanitary certification is in order before commencing importation of local paddy.

This was disclosed by Mexican Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency Ivan Robero Sierra Medel, at a reception held recently in honour of that Spanish-speaking country’s 206th Independence Anniversary at the Marriott Hotel.

After losing the Venezuela rice market last year, Guyana, through efforts made by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, was able to secure commitments by the Mexican Government to buy some of this country’s rice.

The commitment was made by Mexico’s Agriculture Minister, Jose Calzada, during a meeting with Nagamootoo, who was attending the Open Governance Global Summit in Mexico City last year.

Mexico, which imports some

Mexican officials are working hard to ensure certification is in order, so that importation of local paddy might begin

one million tonnes of rice annually, has since signalled its intention to fasttrack a paddy deal with Guyana, even as the Prime Minister continues to seek other markets for local producers.

In March this year, Mexican paddy importers met with Agriculture Minister Noel Holder to discuss the way forward in rela-

tion to the rice deal between the two countries.

Speaking at the reception to observe Mexico’s 206th Independence Anniversary, Mexican Ambassador Medel said relations between Guyana and Mexico continue to be strong, especially in the area of food security. He noted that Mexican officials are working hard to ensure certifi-

cation is ready, in order to begin importation of local paddy.

“The Mexican food inspection authority SENASICA is working jointly with NAREI [Guyana’s National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute] to make sure phytosanitary certification is ready, in order to begin the commercialisation of Guyanese paddy,” Ambassador Medel dis-

closed.

The diplomat said the coconut sector is also a priority area.

Bilateral collaboration has begun in order to introduce into Guyana high-yielding varieties of coconut from Mexico.

Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, continues to search for international markets for Guyana’s rice in wake of the closure of the Venezuelan market.

Minister Holder also recently advised that Guyana currently sells rice to 50 countries around the world, and he said that too much of an issue is now being made of the collapse of the Venezuelan market. At a press conference in October, he had said that Guyana was successful in securing an increased market arrangement with Panama, for which shipment has begun. The shipment has been increased from 4000 tonnes to 7,200 tonnes.

The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) is also working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to secure additional international markets for Guyana’s rice.

24-hr religious channel coming

By Vishani Ragobeer PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo has disclosed that discussions have started for the establishment of a 24-hour Guyanese Religious Channel.

He made the announcement at a Music Festival of Peace organised by the Universal Peace Federation Guyana Chapter on Saturday.

Addressing a gathering in the City Hall Compound, the Prime Minister said he would be meeting next month with members of the Inter-Religious Organisation of Guyana to discuss plans for the “betterment” of all Guyanese.

And these plans, he said, include a 24-hour religious television channel that will feature programmes from all the various local religious persuasions. According to Nagamootoo, he has already spoken to the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority, and has begun negotiations for the establishment of this new television channel.

The Prime Minister is of

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

the view that a channel of this nature would be ideal in promoting peace among Guyanese. “In Guyana, there is no war,” he said, but pointed out that “our injuries are self-inflicted… (they are) caused by divisive politics.”

He also contended that “greed” is another major contributing factor hindering peace in Guyana and the world at large. And on that note, he made reference to Venezuela’s claim to 5/8 of Guyana’s territory, even

though Guyana has maintained good relations with that neighbouring country.

“It is greed that is leading to the confrontation…to the conflict,” he said. The Prime Minister told the gathering, which included members of the political Opposition, thus: “We must not wait until we have wars to resolve problems.” He called on every Guyanese to stand up and fight against the “real” problems, which he said are illiteracy, poverty, corruption and lack of transparency.

Several persons with exceptional service to others, and those who have been active promoters of peace, were awarded the title of ‘Peace Ambassadors’ at the festival.

The forum was also addressed by former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Peoples’ Progressive Party/ Civic Member of Parliament Bishop Juan Edghill, Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Greene and Universal Peace Federation (Guyana Chapter) Chairman Roshan Khan.

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Reviving music in

By Neil Marks

T

HE Dora Primary school sits on a white sand hill overlooking Demerara River.

To get to it, you take a drive of about one hour from Georgetown and head to the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

With no sign telling you its specific location, your best bet is to ask anyone as you go along.

Once you are pointed to the exact sand trail, it takes about a three-mile drive through forest before a clear spot opens up and you see the school.

There are three teachers, namely, the head-teacher, a teacher for the nursery department and the guy we’ve come to meet, music teacher Marcellus Cornelius, age 36.

When a vacancy arose at the school back in 2004, his father encouraged him to apply, and he did. He completed the teacher’s training college and got down

to working, teaching any subject and working any classroom.

Currently, he teaches Grades 3, 5, 6 and also serves as the sports and music teacher.

Music was added to his list of duties in September, 2015 after he was called to Georgetown to take part in a one-month course in music.

Cornelius was among 90 teachers from Regions Three, Four and the Georgetown district who were selected to introduce music as a timetabled subject in their schools.

“It was always something I wanted to do,” he told the Sunday Chronicle when we visited the school last Tuesday.

The task at hand was to teach the children national school. Before, singing was just about getting the words right.

But now, the children are able to read musical notes and they are familiar with basic musical scales and

Primary teachers play the recorder at their graduation ceremony in August, 2005 pitches.

Things got a bit more exciting last April when the school received a set of recorders to add to its music programme.

Having to juggle so many classes, in addition to sports, there is only so much

time Sir Cornelius can dedicate to teaching music, but he is proud of the fact that two of his students can now play the national anthem using their recorders and just the musical notes in front of them.

“I don’t get enough time

I want. With music, if you’re teaching the children, you have to teach it right and the children have to learn it the right way.”

Now, the school faces the additional challenge of being without electricity for months. The solar system

went down and is yet to be fixed. That robs him of the opportunity to play music videos using the school’s TV or to play the piano accompaniment for the national songs.

But he has brought to school his own music player,

Students of the Dora Primary School use their recorders to play the national anthem as music teacher Marcellus Cornelius holds up the notes

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n primary schools resembling a car, and plays the piano accompaniment, but when the battery dies, as it often does, it’s back to square one.

Despite the time constraint, Sir Cornelius is determined to continue, as he is already seeing the benefits of the music classes.

Sir Cornelius says it important that a child be exposed to music as it only serves to enhance the learning process, something that he has seen personally.

For example, one of his Grade Six students struggled with completing a few lines of poetry, but after he was introduced to the music programme, things improved drastically.

“After learning music, he was learning entire poems, including difficult ones, and now he is off to secondary school!”

Ms Desiree Wyles-Ogle of the Allied Arts Department of the Ministry of Education, oversees the music programme in primary schools.

She says that so far 2,

500 of the recorders have been bought and are now in other schools.

The music programme has now been added to schools in Regions Two, Five and Six with 170 teachers from 85 primary schools having completed training last August.

“We would really like the children to enjoy their school life, to enrich their school life,” MS WhylesOgle told the Sunday Chronicle in a recent interview.

“I find a lot of people feel if you do the arts you’re taking something out of your brain and that it would be distracting to your academic performance.

“But the arts don’t take away, it enhances learning.

Children are able to think creatively, to be disciplined, t work as a team. All of these skills are necessary for learning and will benefit them throughout their life.”

What’s more, she says the focus of national songs in schools is helping to develop children who are passionate about their country.

“We need children who

can have a sense of patriotism and ownership to this country; it just doesn’t come, we have to teach them.”

Apart from the August training programmes, she said the teachers selected for the music programme will be trained periodically.

In order to boost their qualifications, some teachers are being prepared to write the Royal Music Academy exams.

The teachers being trained are all dedicated to the task at hand.

Ingrid Harris, the only teacher from Region One who attended the last training programme, said she would be seeking to transfer her knowledge to the students of the Santa Rosa Primary School.

After completing the programme, she said: “I will be trying my best to impart what I have learnt here when I go back to my region, and help them to bring back music into the school because it is dying in our region.”

Education Minister, Dr. Rupert Roopnarine presents a certificate to a primary teacher who graduated from the first workshop for teachers in August, 2015

Students of the Dora Primary play a national song using their recorders

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$14.9M fire station for Melanie FIRE prevention on the East Coast of Demerara is expected to be boosted with the construction of a new fire station at Melanie Damishana.

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle, in an interview with this publication, said that an estimated sum of $14.9 million was awarded in the 2016 national budget to start phase one of this project. However, next year’s national budget will cater for the completion.

“It is now being advertised; things are still in the tendering process”, he said. “The idea is to give a quicker response to fires on the lower East Coast Demerara, from Beterverwagting to the Nabaclis area,” he said.

He noted that the fire station was expected to be con-

structed north of the Melanie public road, alongside the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph cell tower.

Earlier this year, the Guyana Fire Service said it was looking to establish fire stations in new housing schemes, since it believed the establishment of fire stations in such areas will see a reduction in response time to fire calls.

For the East Coast Demerara corridor, the only fire tenders that respond to fires are from the Campbellville and Mahaica stations. There is a total of 16 fire stations in Guyana. In the year 2015, the GFS saw an increase in fire calls. A total of 2,223 calls were received, with 128 buildings being totally destroyed by fire, 25 buildings severely damaged, and 97 buildings slightly damaged.

President extends condolences on death of former Forestry Minister PRESIDENT David Granger has extended heartfelt sympathy to Mr Kenwyn Carmichael and the other relatives of the late Mr Fitz Uriel Alexander Carmichael, who passed away on Friday.

Carmichael had served as Regional Minister of Regions One and Nine before he became Minister of

Forestry during the Presidency of Forbes Burnham.

Before his ministerial appointments, Carmichael had been a teacher and principal at the Burnham Agricultural Institute (BAIT) at Port Kaituma in the North-West District Carmichael collapsed on Thursday in the vicinity of Camp and Robb Streets,

Georgetown, and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

He was 81 years old.

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

The late Fitz Carmichael

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Nagamootoo on state visit to India

…Greenidge sworn in to perform his functions PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo departed Guyana on Wednesday to participate in the “World Tamils Economic Conference” which is to take place on Sunday October 2nd to Tuesday, October 4th, 2016, Tamil Nadu, India and the 29th Convocation of Bharath University, which will be held on Wednesday, October 5th, 2016.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo, in response to the invitation of participation, said that he “Looks forward to forging stronger ties between Guyana and the World Tamil community, especially entrepreneurs and industrial leaders of Tamil Nadu. Guyana has an open-door policy that welcomes all investors and economic partners.”

The aim of the World Tamils Economic Conference is to bring together the Tamil and Indian communities in the world, in order to foster

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo

cooperation and tap the vast human and material resources for collective growth.

The Prime Minister was also selected by the Award selection committee to receive an Award to honour Outstanding Personalities from the Tamil community.

The title of “Crown Jewel of World Tamils” Award will

be conferred on October 4th, 2016.

The Prime Minister also accepted an invitation to be the Chief Guest of the 29th Convocation of Bharath University, to award the degrees and to deliver the convocation address. The Prime Minister considered the invitation “An honour on his first visit to Southern India from where his ancestors migrated to Guyana almost 170 years ago.” He is pleased to be associated with the “prestigious university, which provides high-quality graduate and post-graduate education to nearly 10,000 students from around the world.”

Bharath University offers graduate and post-graduate research programmes in the Faculties of Engineering & Technology, Medical & Health Sciences, Dentistry, Management, Law, Arts, Science and Humanities.

Prime Minister will also trav-

L-R: Minister of State Joseph Harmon, President David Granger, Minister Carl Greenidge and partly hidden is Director of Protocol, Ministry of the Presidency, Col. Francis Abraham

el to New Delhi to participate in a “Delhi Tamil Advocates Association” programme scheduled for Thursday October 6th, 2016 at the “Plenary Hall, Indian Law Institute (Deemed University), Supreme Court Campus,

New Delhi. Prime Minister Nagamootoo is accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo and OPM Chief of Staff Mr. Omar Bissoon. The Honourable Carl Greenidge, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Second Vice-President,

was sworn in on Wednesday to perform the functions of Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo is expected to return to Guyana on Wednesday, October 12, 2016.

New High Commissioner to India takes up post

GUYANA’S new High Commissioner to India, Dr David Goldwin Pollard, Wednesday presented his credentials to the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee.

According to the Guyana High Commission in India, Dr Pollard is Guyana’s sixth High Commissioner to India since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on May 26th, 1966.

At the accreditation ceremony, President Mukherjee centred his remarks on the advancement of Guyana/India bilateral relations over the last 50 years.

“He highlighted the similarities between the two countries that were once colonies of Great Britain that have now become republics, collaborating to increase the develop-

ment of both their nations and peoples.

“The President expressed his Government’s intention to foster relations between Guyana and India and in so doing, hopes that Guyana’s new High Commissioner will continue to enhance relations, especially in the areas of trade and investment,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

High Commissioner Pollard, in his response, voiced the Guyana government’s intention to focus on economic and commercial diplomacy and to continue to build on the solid and friendly ties that exist between Guyana and India.

The Indian President extended best wishes to Dr Pollard for a successful tenure.

Teen bandit shot by off-duty police A SENIOR police officer of the Guyana Police Force was shot and injured by a teenage bandit when he came under fire Monday night after intercepting a robbery in West Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The officer was exiting his vehicle when he witnessed the robbery and the bandit began to fire at him. He retaliated hitting the bandit about his body.

Police said at about 23:00h Monday an 18-year-old suspect, who in the company of another armed accomplice

robbed a resident of West Ruimveldt of cell phones.

He said the bandit opened fire on the off-duty officer who returned fire hitting him. A .32 revolver with two live rounds and four spent shells were found at the scene. A cell phone, property of the victim of the robbery was found in the possession of the 18 year old suspect. = The suspect is under police guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital. The teenager’s accomplice escaped.

Pranab Mukherjee, President of India (left), accepts letters of credence accrediting Dr David Pollard as Guyana’s new High Commissioner to India

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 30, 2016 GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 28, 2016

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More CCTV cameras for city streets

GOVERNMENT will soon add more closed circuit television cameras (CCTV) across the city as part of its Safe City Project.

In an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Project Manager of the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP), Clement Henry, said his unit was seeking to collaborate with the E-Governance Unit to realise the Safe City Project, and a recommendation has already been made for storage and connectivity.

Henry explained that the Safe City Project is a surveillance project that is integrated with patrol management.

It essentially aims to aid in reducing crime by utilising technology, but is currently in the formulation stages.

“In this phase we’re structuring a way forward,” Henry said, adding that two study tours have been undertaken

as part of this phase.

The Crime Chief had, earlier this year, visited Mexico City to observe the operations of that country’s Safe City programme; and Henry was more recently part of a delegation from the Ministry of Telecommunications to visit China as part of a fact finding mission.

“In the way forward, we are looking to set up a unified command centre. The idea is that squad cars will have cameras,” Henry told GINA. This is where the high speed connectivity through the E-Governance Unit will be facilitated.

The proposed command centre will monitor cameras across the city, and coordinate police response to reported crime. Government is seeking to source an additional 300 closed circuit television cameras to aid in crime fighting. The command centre will also handle emer-

Clement Henry is Project Manager of the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme gency calls.

Meanwhile, Henry explained that the information gathered from the cameras is expected to be stored in a National Data Centre which

the E-Governance Unit is in the process of setting up. The information could be analysed by the police and the Ministry of Public Security’s Crime Observatory to better

aid in the fight against crime.

Funding for this project would be facilitated through the CSSP, a fiveyear programme which has secured US$15M from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and from the Government of Guyana. Back in October last year, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had told a forum in Toronto, Canada that as part of the administration’s overall fight against rampant gun crimes, 300 television monitors covering cameras on every street in the capital city would be installed.

Ramjattan has acknowledged that the crime situation needs to be taken seriously.

He has pointed out that it is obviously a Herculean task, but has vowed that the APNU+AFC coalition government would be the Hercules in surmounting it.

He had also said back in October that a decision would

have been made regarding where the command centre would be located. Ramjattan had described the initiative as a huge development, since 66 per cent of the crimes in Guyana are committed in Georgetown.

“We are going to have many cameras all around the city streets, and a command centre that would see what is happening,” Minister Ramjattan had said. According to Ramjattan, the centre will have many mounted television cameras that could be used to trace incidents and link those with ambulances, the Fire Service and police responses.

“On that screen you will actually know where a police car is, and if there is a robbery you will divert immediately the closest patrol vehicle to the scene of the crime; and as well call 911 or the Fire Service,” the minister explained.

thereto.

tion by Arctex/Romanex on

cence (ML) /1-2009 had been in regulatory suspension October this since agreement is 16, that2014 the for issues of non-complicompany, on commencement ance. Thereafter, Arctex, et of exploration al, entered intoand an mining, agreewould accommodate miners ment to purchase the shares of Romanex on March 13, seeking to mine in the area; 2015.

Arctex became the provided that they abide de by facto owner of the mining the rules of the company and licence subject to technical the laws of Guyana, includand financial scrutiny.

Foling theanon-use mercury lowing technicalofpresentain their recovery.

Minster Trotman was in Lethem over the past weekend, and gave an undertaking that within one month, members of the Closed Areas Committee (CAC) and officers of the GGMC will be visiting the area to meet with residents and miners to give anyone displaced by Romanex’s operations an opportunity to submit applications for lands and/or raise other matters connected thereto.

The Marudi Mining Licence (ML) /1-2009 had been in regulatory sus-

Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) presented Arctex/Romanex with an pension since October 16, MOU in July 2015.

The 2014 for issues of non-comresumption of Romanex’s pliance. Thereafter, activities will be doneArcactex, et al, into an cording toentered an approved work plan, which will be agreement to purchase monitored by the Ministry the shares of Romanex on of Natural Resources and March 13, 2015. Arctex bethe GGMC, and is expected came de factoeconomic owner of to see the increased the mining licence subject activity in the Rupununi. to technical and financial scrutiny. Following a technical presentation by Arctex/Romanex on April 10, 2015, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) presented Arctex/ Romanex with an MOU in July 2015. The resumption of Romanex’s activities will be done according to an approved work plan, which will be monitored by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the GGMC, and is expected to see increased economic activity in the Rupununi.

Romanex cleared resume mining at Romanex cleared to resumetomining at Marudi Mountain … small miners will be allowed to operate under strict rules Marudi Mountain …small miners will be allowed to operate April 10, strict 2015, therules Guyana The Marudi Mining Li- under

THE Minister of Natural The Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman has formally Resources, Raphaelordered Trotthe reactivation of the minman has formally ordered ing licence of Romanex the reactivation of the minGuyana Exploration Ltd., ing licence of Romanex thus paving the way for that company to undertake Guyana Exploration Ltd., exploration andway mining thus paving the for activities in to the Marudi that company undertake Mountain area of Mining exploration mining District No. 6 and Rupununi. activities inhad thebeen Marudi The area characterised by irregular minMountain area of Mining ing, withNo. persons occupying District 6 Rupununi. lands in the area after operaThe area had been chartions of Romanex had ceased acterised irregular operationsbysome time minago, ing, with persons occupying the Ministry of Natural Resources saidarea in aafter statement. lands in the operaAccording to thehad ministry’s tions of Romanex ceased Trotman’s decision to apoperations some time ago, prove the operations follows the Ministry of Natural Reon a process of verifications, meetings andin engagements sources said a statement. held between mining According to thethe ministry’s company, the Rupununi Trotman’s decision to apMiners Association and the prove theWomen operations follows Guyana Miners Oron a process of verifications, ganisation on the best way forward. and engagements meetings than the 300mining smallheldMore between scale gold miners, who had company, the Rupununi

Miners Association and the Guyana Women Miners Organisation on the best way forward.

More than 300 smallscale gold miners, who had been operating in and around the Marudi Mountain area, had called on the government to take urgent action to regularise their operations in light of recent moves by the Canadian-owned company Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael to resume operations in the Trotman area. been operating in and Additionally, thearound resithe Marudi Mountain area, dents of South Rupununi had called on the governhave lodged complaints of ment to take urgent action to illicit movement of people, regularise their operations in weapons and narcotics in the light of recent moves by Canadian-owned company to area.

As a result of this call, resume operations in the area. and the concerns and comAdditionally, the resiplaints made, the Ministry of dents of South Rupununi Natural Resources appointhave lodged complaints of illicit movement people, ed Major Generalof(Retired) weapons and narcotics in Joe Singh to hold mediation the area.

As a result of this discussions between the ag-

call, and the concerns and complaints made, the Ministry of Natural Resources appointed Major General (Retired) Joe Singh to hold mediation discussions between the aggrieved parties during the period April 22 to 25, 2016 and an agreement was successfully brokered between the various stakeholders. One of the agreed terms of this agreement is that the company, on commencement of exploration and mining, would accommodate miners seeking to mine in the area; provided that

they abide by the rules of the company and the laws of Guyana, including the non-use of mercury in their recovery.

Minster Trotman was in Lethem over the past weekend, and gave an undertaking that within one month, members of the Closed Areas Committee (CAC) and officers of the GGMC will be visiting the area to meet with residents and miners to give anyone displaced

by Romanex’s operations an opportunity to submit applications for lands and/or raise other matters connected

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

grieved parties during the period April 22 to 25, 2016 and an agreement was suc-

cessfully brokered between the various stakeholders.

One of the agreed terms of

20

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 30, 2016

10% pay hike very good ‒ GCCI says economic climate does not allow for bigger increase

PUBLIC servants should be appreciative of the increases being offered by the Government, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Vishnu Doerga said on Tuesday.

In August, the Government said it was prepared to pay a 10 per cent increase to persons earning $99,000 or less; six per cent to persons who earn between $100,000 and $299,000; five per cent to public servants earning between $300,000 and $799,000; two per cent for those earning between $800,000 and $999,000; and one per cent for those earning above $1M. However, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has rejected what Government said was its “final offer,” and just last week expressed a desire to enter into conciliation. Weighing in on the issue during a press conference at GCCI’s Waterloo Street Head office,

Doerga said such an increase would not have been possible if the country was being run as a private entity.

“If we were to look at Guyana as a private entity, there would have been no way there could have been a salary increase, given that we are just 2% ahead of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth,” Doerga explained.

In August when the midyear economic report was compiled and presented by the Finance Ministry, the country had only recorded a 2 per cent growth during the first six months of the year, primarily due to the Extractive Sector. Though the economy is in recovery mode, the GCCI President, from the private sector perspective, said it would have been extremely difficult to offer such an increase.

“I am happy I am not the Minister of Finance because there would not have been any (increase)…because the

GCCI President Vishnu Doerga

2% came from gold which is not circulating within the economy,” he posited.

Doerga questioned how is it possible to pay 10% on wages and salaries for public servants when there is just a 2% growth in the economy.

Cognizant of the state of

the economy, he is of the opinion that public servants should be appreciative of the offer being placed on the table by the Government.

“From a purely private sector perspective, they should be very appreciative of the offer. I know they

wouldn’t like that but from a private sector perspective there is no way that the private sector would have been able to offer that,” he said.

Nevertheless, amid major objections from the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), the increases on wages and salaries intended to be paid out by Government next month will mean well for the economy, Doerga contended. He said unlike gold where there is little or no multiplier effective, when the increases are paid, the monies will be circulated through the various sectors.

The multiplier effect refers to the increase in final income arising from any new injection of spending.

However, the size of the multiplier depends upon the household’s marginal decisions to spend or to save. Alluding to the state of the economy, the GCCI President said Government is moving along the right path in its quest to further

diversify the economy but said there is need for more “urgency.”

In May, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had urged Guyana to expand its economic diversification programme. However, this has long been the vision of President David Granger, who had told Parliament back in January that 2016 presents a new opportunity for Guyana to “hasten economic development” by diversifying the traditional sectors and getting into more value-added enterprises.

“It is time for a fresh start–a new beginning.

It is time to redouble our efforts to eradicate poverty. Our government is committed to promoting sustained economic growth with enhanced distributive justice so that inequalities are reduced and opportunities are increased,” the President said, in an address to the Eleventh Parliament.

Guyanese woman fatally stabbed City to prosecute businesses by husband in Brooklyn home draining faeces in drains

Town Clerk Royston King

The man accused of murdering Hannah Donald (KEN MURRAY / NY DAILY NEWS)

[New York Daily News] - A HUSBAND who was kicked out of the house two months ago returned home Monday and stabbed his Guyanese wife to death, police said.

Hannah Donald, 47, was rushed to Kings County Hospital with multiple stab wounds to her chest, neck and arm just before 18:00h after an argument turned violent inside the woman’s home on E. 17 St. near

Dorchester Rd. in Flatbush, police said. She later died of her injuries.

A dishevelled man identified by friends as Donald’s 58-year-old husband was taken into custody at the Cortelyou Rd. Q train station around 21:30h, witnesses said.

Friend Izafet Colok, 57, who works at a nearby laundromat, said the husband had harassed the victim after she kicked him out.

“She tell me, ‘He’s coming to bother me.’ I told her just change the locks. Every time I tell her,” Colok said.

“She’s a quiet lady, so nice. She always help everybody,” he added. “He’s drinking, he’s not nice, he comes to my laundry and complains. I know he’s like a bum.”

Charges were pending against the estranged husband early Tuesday.

TOWN Clerk Royston King has said that serious public health problems will arise should city businesses fail to connect their soil pipes to the sewerage system instead of to the city’s drains and alleyways.

He explained that many times, Council workers are confronted with human faeces as they clean City Hall’s drains and alleyways on a daily basis.

“What they are doing is allowing raw faeces to enter into drains, and that is totally unacceptable!”

Speaking at City Hall’s statutory meeting on Monday, King said businesses in Georgetown were warned over and over again to fix the

situation, but have continued to ignore such warnings.

“Those people have been warned before verbally and through the statutory notices. We have spoken to them over and over again. Their soil pipes should be connected directly to the sewerage system,” King maintained.

He said they have been given 14 days to remedy the situation which represents the statutory amount of time that is given to those who are in breach.

“It’s totally unacceptable in any city. We will prosecute these persons by taking them to court.”

Meanwhile, in an advertisement that the City Council placed in the media, King

said the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will begin a campaign on October 5, 2016, to prosecute all property owners who have their soil pipes and other related (pipes leading from water closets, baths and sinks) flowing into city drains.

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

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

“This is against the Georgetown Building bylaw Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01. Property owners, who are in breach of these regulations, have 14 days to correct this negative public health situation,” King said.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 30, 2016

21

City takes aim at derelict Waterloo St. building

…several others on radar for demolition WHEN the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) begins its campaign of demolishing derelict buildings in the City, the first one to go would be a building on Waterloo Street, a few doors away from John Lewis Styles.

At the Council’s fortnightly statutory meeting at City Hall on Monday, Town Clerk Royston King informed that numerous complaints have been received about this very building, and because people are very fearful for their lives, this one would be the first to be demolished.

City Hall is currently trying to ascertain the owners of some 52 buildings located in North Ruimveldt, Kingston, Campbellville, Werk-enRust, Lacytown, and several

other areas in order to serve them the requisite notices.

The City Engineer’s Department, King said, had conducted inspections and had found each of these buildings a threat to life and limb.

While four of these buildings were taken down last year, City Hall will begin demolishing the current set during the first week of October.

King explained that the municipality would be taking down the unoccupied buildings first, and then would be moving to deal with the occupied ones. However, he said the municipality would be seeking the support of other agencies in relocating the occupants of these condemned buildings.

“Many of these (condemned buildings) do not

have the basic sanitary facilities; they are extremely dangerous,” he said. King also said that once the buildings are taken down, City Council would attach the cost of demolition to the rates and taxes of those concerned.

The Town Clerk had previously told this newspaper that the decision to remove derelict buildings follows the launch of the Green City initiative which is intended to restore Georgetown to its former glory. “We’re having a holistic approach to cleaning up Georgetown and to pushing this whole concept of a clean and green city.

It is an inter-departmental approach wherein all the departments will be involved, including the Con-

This building on Waterloo Street, a few doors away from John Lewis Styles, is to be demolished

stabulary, Engineers and Public Health departments,

along with the volunteer corps as part of the Green

City initiative,” King had said.

Plans moving apace Policeman to restore Stabroek charged with rape Market clock of young relative THE iconic Stabroek Market clock will soon be rehabilitated thanks to the United States (U.S.) Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation.

Representative of the U.S. Embassy in Guyana, Mr. Albert Razick, visited the City Council last Monday to inform councillors of the plans that are in store for the clock. Speaking before the full council, Razick said this project, which was chosen by the U.S. Ambassador himself, has been ongoing since the previous Council and has now reached its final stage.

“We put together a proposal with the engineer that we thought would be attractive to the folks in Washington,” he said.

According to Razick, they were in the past trying to get approval to restore City Hall’s roof, and to have

The Stabroek Market clock

some dialects in the Amerindian community upgraded and written. But these projects were not approved.

“This is a project that the ambassador chose himself.

He went to the top of the Stabroek clock and he said,

“This is it. This is going [to] be our project.”

Razick observed that the view from the clock is spectacular and he said the hope is to restore it, so that a nominal structural fee could be implemented for those who wish to go up there.

He said the intention is also to upgrade the system from a mechanically operated one to an electronic one, inclusive of a solar-powered system.

“It will look the same; it will retain the same charm, but it will have a new system inside. It will work more efficiently and if it breaks down, it will be easier to fix.”

Further, there will be the installation of a lighting system to the four faces so that the clock could be visible at night. Some of the stairs, too, need repairing.

‒ granted bail AN Inspector of Police was Wednesday charged with indecent assault and sexual activity with a young child when he appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrates’ Court and was granted bail.

Marc Anthon, 46, of Lot 50 Stanleytown , New Amsterdam , Berbice , and of Eteringbang Police Station in ‘F’ Division, appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore, who granted him a total of $150,000 bail.

In addition, the magistrate stipulated that the policeman’s travel documents be lodged with the Clerk of Court.

Particulars of the charge said between January 1 , 2003 and April 30, 2010 at Liverpool Village, he indecently assaulted a female child.

Further, it was stated that between September 1 and 30, 2012 at Lot 41 Stanleytown , New Amsterdam, he engaged in sexual penetration with a child.

Police Corporal Winston Poliah, prosecuting , said the policeman who has 23 years of service , allegedly inserted his finger into the vagina of the female child while the minor and him shared a home at Liverpool Village, Corentyne.

With respect to the other charge, it is alleged that whilst he lived at a relative’s home at Lot 41

Mudflat , Stanleytown, he would buy various items for the minor and would later ask the child to repay him. However, whenever the virtual complainant informed him that she did not have money, as she is unemployed , he would demand sexual favours.

He is represented by Mursulene Bacchus, however ,Ms Tania Clement Warren held the brief, as the senior lawyer was out of the jurisdiction.

With respect to the indecent assault case, the matter was transferred to the Whim court and is set for hearing on October 24, while the other case will be recalled at the New Amsterdam court on October 20 for statements.

Gold on target 22

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 30, 2016

...likely to surpass production hopes By: Tiffny Rhodius Gold declaration is 94 percent more than it was at this time last year and remains on track to surpass the 555,000 ounces projection set at the start of 2016.

Speaking with the Government Information Agency, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman said, “In mining we are doing relatively well.

According to Trotman, gold declarations for the first quarter of the year stood at 161,942 ounces. Declaration

could reach 600,000 ounces for 2016.

Trotman also revealed that the sector has been making positive developments in reducing instances of gold smuggling. However, he said those developments would be made public later this year.

In addition, the sector has been making strides in eliminating the use of Mercury in gold mining. “There is some resistance but, at the same time I would say that a majority of miners are willing to comply,” Trotman said.

The elimination of Mer-

cury from mining is part of modernising the technologies used in the extractive sector.

The Government has been working on an action plan aimed at minimising and eventually eliminating the use of Mercury in mining.

Meanwhile, for other minerals, the minister said bauxite continues to improve in production when compared to last year.

However, the mining of stones has been problematic. Trotman said he will be making a statement on this next week.

‘Track down Dataram’ PRESIDENT David Granger is urging mem-

bers of the local law-enforcement community to work with their counterparts in neighbouring countries and to use every possible legitimate avenue to locate and transport convicted drug lord, Barry Dataram, back to Guyana.

According to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency, President Granger said that while he will not lay blame at the feet of any agency or individual, Dataram’s flight from Guyana was something which could have been avoided.

In the recording of the Ministry of the Presidency’s weekly television programme, The Public Interest yesterday, President Granger told journalists that information suggests that Dataram is not a Guyanese and might have absconded using a passport not issued by the government of Guyana. The President assured the media though that the police commissioner has been asked to make every effort to locate the suspect. “…so my information is that he is not travelling on a Guyanese passport.

So after his disappearance, and we weren’t aware of his disappearance, we continued to work with our partners in the Caribbean to bring him to justice. If he is in Suriname as is suspected, the commissioner of police has been instructed to try to ascertain his whereabouts in neighbouring countries, but he is not using a Guyana passport,

that much we know,” the Head of State said.

The self-confessed drug lord was found guilty of being in possession of a quantity of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking by Magistrate Judy Latchman earlier this week.

Convicted drug trafficker Barry Dataram

In his absence, he was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment and fined GYD$164,268,000. However, the charge was dismissed against his common-law wife, Anjanie Boodnarine, Kevin Charran and Trevor Gouveia.

Arrest warrants have been issued for Dataram and Boodnarine, who failed to turned up at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on September 20 and September

…Presidetn urges use of all legitimate means 23. They have not been seen or heard from since; they were on bail pending the outcome of the case.

“Mr. Dataram is a person of interest. He is a wellknown character in Guyana and I would expect that even though the judicial branch is separate, there should be a greater level of alertness on the part of the magistracy, in the judiciary, in matters like this and I don’t regard it as a failing on the part of law-enforcement agencies, but it is definitely an error which ought to have been avoided. The danger posed in having somebody who is now a convict out there, out of the jurisdiction is going to be harmful to our national interest; so I would urge the law-enforcement agencies to alert their counterparts in neighbouring states.

“Even though Mr Dataram might have a foreign passport, it might be a forged passport. I would urge all law-enforcement agencies to use every legit-

imate measure to bring him back into this jurisdiction so that he can serve his sentence,” the President said.

According to the release, the President observed that while more could have been done, it must be noted that the resources currently available to law-enforcement agencies are not sufficient to patrol every kilometre of the country’s borders and ports.

The release further noted

however that the government is currently acquiring the equipment necessary to aid the fight against narcotrafficking and other forms of illegal activity.

“It is physically impossible to control every kilometre with our present resources. We are working on the acquisition of surveillance aircraft, we are placing mounted police in wide open areas, we are acquiring ATVs and surveillance equipment,” he said.

On April 16, 2015 at Dataram’s house located at 661 Silver Dam, Fourth Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme, 33 parcels of cocaine were found in an upstairs bathroom, 180 pieces in a blue baby tub and 92 pieces in a black garbage bag in the downstairs dining room, and 142 pieces in a freezer with shrimp in the outer yard area.

The cocaine amounted to 129.230 kilograms, which is equivalent to 284 pounds.

...set free

...set free

...set free

President David Granger

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 30, 2016

23

MHS scores big in Maths and English

WHILE THERE was a significant decline in the overall passes in Mathematics at this year’s CSEC results, the Mackenzie High School in Linden has booted in exceptional grades in Mathematics and is seeing this as an achievement to be noted.

Though the overall pass rate for the school is 84%, the analysis of the results shows that the lone High School in Region 10 has done very well despite facing several challenges.

A total of 25 students received grade ones in Mathemtics while the overall pass rate stands above 70%. English A pulled in a total of 39 grade ones with an overall pass rate of 90%.

The school also ranked

Ornissa Gordon

in 100% passes for Agricultural Science, Building Technology, Clothing and Textile, EDPM and Food and Nutrition. Over 90% of the students in the 2016 batch passed Economics and English A, while 80% passed Biology, Caribbean History and Geography.

The school has also copped 8 of the 10 spots for the Region’s top 10 with the top business student gaining 7 grade ones.

Not only is the CSEC results remarkable but the Carribbean Advance Proffiency Examination (CAPE), also saw noticeable success with 100% overall passes in several subjects. These include Agricultural Science, Caribbean Studies, Chemi s try, C o m m u n ic a t i o n Studies, Environmental Science, Geography, Law Unit 1, Management of Business, Mathematics Unit 1 and 2, Physics and Sociology Unit 1 and 2.

The top CAPE student is Ornissa Gordon who is now pursuing her degree in Economics at the University of Guyana.

Asher Marks Newly- retired Head Master Gary Roberts expressed elation over the results achieved just before he gave up his post. “I feel good, elated because we had an improvement over the last couple of years, we kind of set new records, for the first time we had

that amount of grade 1’s in Mathematics and since I was coming off I was even more happy, I would have left a kind of legacy....I think I am more than elated,” he said.

Top CSEC student Asher Marks who hails from the business stream told the Guyana Chronicle that his achievement of 7 grade ones and 4 grade twos can be deemed the fruit of hard labour. The lad cedited his performance to his ability to balance his time, attending a lot of lessons and studying hard.

“I’m very happy that I have been able to accomplish this. This was a result of hard work and now I can prepare for the next road which is 6th form. He plans on returning to MHS to pur-

sue business subjects in the Caribbean Advance Profienciency Examination. The top student gave foremost thanks to God for bringing him through the journey. “I would like to thank God, my family, my teachers and friends for helping me through this journey,” he said.

He encouraged the students now approaching 5th form to master the art of balancing time in addition to working hard and being determined to succeed. Other top students were: Tiffany Thomas also achieving 7 grade ones; Sheralyn Vangenderen; Risa Retemyer; Daycia Ceasar; Caleah Barker; Tricia Hutson; Myranda Johnny; Williamson Moonique and Kyresse Chapman.

Disabled man gifted with motorised wheelchair IT IS THE INNATE desire of any man to be able to work so as to adequately provide for his family.

When such a privilege is taken away from him because of unforeseen circumstances, he would most naturally feel frustrated, unable to fulfill his purpose as a family head. Such was the feeling of Godfrey La Rose of Constabulary Compound, Linden who lost his legs as a result of uncontrolled diabetes.

La Rose was pitched into a state of depression. The former employee of Guymine who for many years served in the capacity of Security Constable began suffering with severe diabetes and lost his right foot to the disease 1n 2012 - below the knee. He then got an artificial foot which allowed him to move around normally. “I was walking normal and nobody knew it was a false foot,” La Rose revealed.

He then became an employee of Banks DIH, Linden Branch but unfortunately, three years after he lost the other foot above the knee.

That became the end of his working career as he was now confined to a manual wheel chair.

This confinement pitched La Rose into state of depression as he was always the bread winner of his family. Despite these trials he tried to rely on the strength of God to go by and his faith has been opening

Happy in his new motorised wheelchair doors as his family is always taken care of. He also thanked his wife that has been there for him through thick and thin even when his frustration was at peak.

“Regardless of your faith sometimes you do get frustrated and stressed because when I sit down on my verandah and I see people passing going to work, I feel

a sense of worthlessness.”

His latest blessing was that of being gifted with a motorised wheel chair from the USA arm of the Ex Guymine/ Linmine Constabulary Organization. The chair was presented at a simple ceremony at the Constabulary Hall. The organization recently held a reunion where it was noted by members in

the Diaspora that La Rose was in dire need of the wheel chair.

Member of the organization John Domer told the audience that the organization was a newly-formed one and the gesture was only a fraction of what was in store.

La Rose was in high spirits when he received the chair and

continued to give God praise and thanks. He said, “This thing is about faith that no matter what happens you do not give up. There is a true and living God. You have gotta be with God to know that there is God.” Though he would not be working, he said he would now be moving in fine style.

24

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 30, 2016

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 30, 2016

25

100 institutions connected to eGovernment network THE eGovernment Agency has completed the first phase of the Improving Digital Equity, Access and Learning (IDEAL) Programme, which provided for 100 institutions to be connected to the eGovernment network along the Coast.

This was stated by Chief Executive Officer of the eGovernment Agency, Floyd Levi on Tuesday during a visit to Pomeroon-Supanaam (Region Two) where the Agency conducted assessments at the 11 institutions which benefitted from the initiative in that Region.

To this end, the CEO said that the Agency is now embarking on the second phase of this project.

IDEAL, according to a statement from the agency, includes the provision of a database for the creation of an interconnected e-government network within Ministries and their related agencies across the country.

It also provides for the cre-

ation of ICT Hubs, within communities and the now completed educational institutions.

The first phase of IDEAL was the Secondary Schools Internet Connectivity Project, and this included the installation of free WiFi Services in educational institutions in Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two), Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three), Demerara Mahaica (Region Four), Mahaica-Berbice (Region Five) and East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six).

The installation of these institutions began in August and took approximately one month to complete.

According to the statement, during the visit on Tuesday, officials met with the Regional Education Officer Baramdai Seepersaud, who said that based on interactions with several of the schools, the service has since been working extremely well and will certainly aid in research and access to

A student of the Johanna Cecilia Secondary School uses a computer in the school’s lab which is equipped with eGovernment’s 4G LTE Internet service

information.

The agency reported too that the trip also allowed for further recommendations to be made as to the expansion of phase one of the project in the Region.

Visits were made to Abram Zuil Secondary School, Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School, Charity Secondary School, Cotton Field Secondary

School, Johanna Cecelia Secondary School, Aurora Secondary School, Essequibo Technical Institute, the Region Two Regional Education Office (REDO), Eight of May Secondary School, Cyril Potter College of Education and New Opportunity Corps (NOC).

Also, during a visit to the New Opportunity Corps

(NOC), the Agency was able to commit to the provision of 15 computer systems for the institution’s Information Technology Laboratory.

Here, the CEO said that the Agency will seek to fill the gap created by a shortage of teachers to provide training for the juvenile-residents at the NOC. He said too that just like other students, the juveniles at the NOC deserve an equal opportunity.

“These students need life skills that can serve them well in the future and these things form very much a part of their future. So they have to be prepared that when they leave here they can integrate well into society and can lead meaningful and productive lives.”

Meanwhile, the second phase of the IDEAL Programme includes the establishment of Community ICT Hubs, which will also see the provision of free internet services within identified communities.

In addition, the agency

said that this project also involves; meeting with key stakeholders to identify communities and meeting with the community members; the installation of systems in identified locations that are accessible by all community members; and engaging with the private sector collaborations for the equipping and furnishing of hubs, where needed.

To this end, Levi said that following meetings with the Regional Administration, several villages have been identified for the implementation of this project.

These include; Dartmouth, Lima Sans, Good Success, Charity and Aurora.

Also, during consultations with the Regional Executive Officer of Region Two, Mr. Rupert Hopkinson, the Agency was able to secure space at the Regional Office in Anna Regina, where it set up a permanent location so as to monitor the eGovernment services in the Region.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 30, 2016

What it means to be a student of QC

By Vishani Ragobeer

LABELLED as the premier secondary institution in Guyana, Queen’s College is a diverse institution that has surmounted 172 years of existence. As a student of Queen’s College, I can attest that this school fosters academic and co-curricular growth of its students, though many may contest otherwise.

Many times our Guyanese folks and even those in the greater Caribbean, look at Queen’s College as the paramount academic institution. This is as a result of their cognizance of the unfaltering levels of exceptional CSEC and CAPE results produced every year.

Writing more than 11 subjects at the CSEC level is a highly controversial topic in our society, but happens to be a common feat at Queen’s College.

At this year’s Education Month rally held on 16th September, the Minister of Education, Dr Rupert Roopnarine said “Children who come out with a deep sense of culture, who understand comradeship, whose humanity is enlarged” are the attributes he wishes all children in the education system would possess, instead of writing many subjects.

Two of this year’s CSEC top students from QC, Aadilah Alli and Kayshav Tewari, who copped 22 and 19 subjects respectively, participated in many co-curricular activities. Kayshav actively took part in sporting activities while Aadilah was involved in arts and craft; they were both actively involved their respective religious clubs and in debating.

At Queen’s College, no student is exclusively academic. We have a multitude of clubs and societies that caters for each student’s individuality and interest. Need I add that we are also very social? Dance and Drama, Debating and Sporting competitions aren’t left out either- as we

participate in these too, and sometimes we win!

Stepping entirely outside of the academic realm of QC however, there is the rich history and legacy that accompanies the institution’s existence since 1844. This history and legacy is one which is celebrated throughout the world by the young and the old- who all share the commonality of being a QC student.

The institution has surpassed both World Wars and honours the past masters and old boys from QC that fought in these wars each year at the annual Remembrance Day Ceremony.

The Guyanese culture is not left out of the mix- as we also have our annual Inter-house cultural dance competition and Cultural Day, which both take place right around “Mash” time, where Guyanese wear and dance are displayed and food and drink are on display (and well... for sale).

Let’s not forget our Annual Inter-house Sport’s Day… or should I say month? All through September, each year, every single student is involved in marching, or in throwing sports such as discus, shot put and javelin- or in athletics- or all of these events. Throughout “Sports Month” the students all try their hardest to earn points for their respective “houses.” There is also a “Fitness Competition” where the houses send forth their fittest warriors in each age category to compete in this event.

On Sport’s Day, the month-long events culminate into the March Pass- a kaleidoscope of the school’s houses adorned in their house colours and then the Athleticswhere the best of QC’s ten houses emerge victorious!

The legacy and diversity that emulates from Queen’s College and the fact of Queen’s College students being well-rounded while remaining steadfast to their academics- all show what it means to be QC.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending September 30, 2016

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Witness Protection Programme for public consultation soon THE Draft Bill for Guyana’s witness protection programme is currently being fine-tuned at the Attorney General’s Chambers, and will be the focus of a public consultation on Monday, October 10, at 9:00hours at the Pegasus Hotel.

The Draft Bill, which was first brought to the National Assembly by the APNU+AFC government in 2015, provides for the establishment of three agencies to deal with the administrative, investigative and protective aspects of the witness protection programme, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported yesterday.

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, according to GINA, recently told media operatives, “That Bill is currently at the Attorney General’s Chambers to be fine-tuned, after which Cabinet will look at it…,” and “…then the recommen-

– Minister Ramjattan dations that we will make in relation to that Bill will go back to the draftsperson, Cecil Durjohn (Chief Parliamentary Counsel), and then be brought to the National Assembly.”

ADMINISTRATIVE CENTRE The Bill provides for establishment of three agencies through which witnesses will be processed and protected.

According to Part II of the Draft Bill, the Administrative Centre will be responsible for the development and management of the Witness Protection Programme. It also bears responsibility for deciding on the persons who need protection or assistance under the programme, and signing a memorandum of understanding between the “client” for protection and

the agency, among other things.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Additionally, the administrative arm of the agency is tasked with providing the client with documents to establish a new identity whenever necessary; providing financial assistance to the client for meeting costs associated with relocation; and ensuring the client gets assistance to ensure self-sustenance, among other matters.

Meanwhile, the agency’s investigative arm will be tasked with, among other things, investigating prospective clients of the programme, and submitting its findings to the administrative agency. The investigative agency’s assessment must include a valuation of the

PM holds wide-ranging discussion with private sector

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Agriculture Minister Noel Holder met with members of the Private Sector Commission at the Herdmanston Lodge on Thursday evening

AT A corporate dinner held on Thursday evening at the Herdmanston Lodge, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo engaged a large delegation from the Private Sector Commission (PSC) for some four hours on a wide range of issues of concern to the business community.

Performing the duties of President, Nagamootoo was accompanied at the session by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder. The PSC Team, headed by Ramesh Dookhoo and Vice Chairman Desmond Sears, included Manniram Prashad, Norman McLean, Komal

Singh, Beni Sankar, Annette Arjoon-Martins, Chris Fernandes and Nicolas Boyer.

Discussions centred around some 25 issues, including the future of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the energy sector, security concerns, establishment of Integrity and Public Procurement Commissions, strategic plans for both sugar and rice sectors, and Government procurement of locally-produced drugs and food products.

According to a release, Prime Minister Nagamootoo said the marathon session with the business sector was the first he had encoun-

tered since his assumption of office. He considers it useful not only to know the key business leaders, but to stimulate the process of consultation and inclusion of business in the tripartite process with Government and labour.

The business consultation followed closely after the International Labour Organisation (ILO)-sponsored Decent Work Programme meeting at the same venue on Wednesday last, when the Prime Minister delivered the keynote address on issues concerning the labour sector and job creation.

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan

threat and risk to which the client may be exposed.

The protective arm of the agency of the Witness Protection Programme will be responsible for submitting reports on the suitability of clients; interviewing clients to determine suitability for

the programme; conducting a threat-and-risk assessment; relocating the client for protection; and carrying out periodic reviews of the threats and risks, among other things.

GINA said further that, when passed, the Draft Bill would aid in the prosecution of high profile criminal cases for which witnesses are usually too scared to come forward.

“The need for witness protection came long before forensic audits. Not because of the white collar crime that the forensic audits might have revealed, but long before that. People (giving evidence) in narcotics offences were saying they wanted some protection because they feel narcotics persons (persons connected to the drugs trade) can kill them,” Minister Ramjattan explained.

Witness Protection protects from harm witnesses involved in high profile

criminal matters before the courts. While a witness may require protection only until the conclusion of a trial, some witnesses are provided with a new identity, and may live the rest of their lives under protection.

“What the witness plan might do will need a lot of finances, because some of the witnesses might have to be put up in Trinidad and faroff places because they might not be safe in Guyana. That will be very expensive an exercise,” the Public Security Minister noted.

When fully implemented, Guyana would join several other Caribbean nations in enacting such a programme. Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados have active witness protection programmes -- in which witnesses are moved out of the country before and after trials -- to protect them, GINA has added.

SportS CHRONICLE

'Terribly embarrassing' if WI don't get automatic WC qualification ‒ Dujon JEFF Dujon, the former West Indies wicketkeeper, has said it would be a "terrible embarrassment" if West Indies were unable to qualify automatically for the 2019 World Cup. West Indies are currently jostling with Pakistan for the final automatic qualification spot in the one-day rankings ahead of the series in UAE, which starts tomorrow.

If Pakistan can repeat their 3-0 scoreline from the T20 series in the ODIs, they will jump ahead of West Indies into eighth place.

The cut-off for qualification is September 30, 2017, with the ODI nations who sit outside the top eight then joining the qualifying tournament which is currently scheduled to take place in Bangladesh.

West Indies missed out on a place in next year's Champions Trophy after being pipped for the final berth

by Pakistan and Bangladesh.

"It would be a terrible embarrassment for West Indies to not automatically

qualify," Dujon, who played in the 1983 and 1987 World Cups, told ESPNcricinfo. "It would be damaging for any team who have tasted what it's like to be in the top echelon of world cricket.

"As someone who played in a very successful era, it's very embarrassing but it has to be an indication of exactly where we are at and something needs to be done.

It hurts.

"We can't be fooled by the fact that we've just won two tournaments - the World T20 and the U-19 World Cup - the fact we are still struggling to qualify shows we shouldn't get carried away with that."

On the eve of travelling to the UAE, Phil Simmons was sacked as coach - less than six months after West Indies won the World T20 with the WICB citing "differences in culture and strategic approach." Dujon does not believe a satisfactory explanation has been given for Simmons' departure, despite the strained relationship he

Former West Indis wicketkeeper Jeffrey Dujon

had with the board following comments about one-day selection last year.

"The sacking of Phil Simmons was a surprise.

I'm not sure we have the real reasons, reasons we were given were a bit sketchy," he said during a visit to London for a Lord's Taverners event honouring wicketkeepers.

"It's disappointing for me that we haven't been able to find a settled situation in the coaching area which would give the team some direction.

It's a setback. Jason Holder as captain also still has a lot to prove so things are in a pretty unstable situation now."

Simmons' last engagement was the Test series against India where, although West Indies lost 2-0, there were moments of encouragement, particularly with Roston Chase's match-saving maiden Test century in Jamaica and the promising returns of young quicks Miguel Cummins and Alzarri Joseph.

"The talent is still there,

it's a matter of who is going to work with them to help them develop," Dujon said.

"We are still in a situation where we are trying to solve the problem from the top down rather than the bottom.

"A promising move recently is that it seems we are going to have more A-team tours which is vital for development. They are meaningful when you go and play in countries who are better than you, it gives you a better gauge of where you are at.

That has to be the focus, as expensive as it may be, and hopefully we'll have a better quality of player coming through to the top level in the next four or five years. Right now, some of the players who have come to the top level are not the complete article."

The Lord's Taverners is the UK's leading youth cricket and disability sports charity whose objective is to give disadvantaged and disabled young people a sporting chance.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

Gayle to join BPL's Chittagong Vikings WEST Indies star batsman Chris Gayle has signed up with Bangladesh Premier League’s (BPL) Chittagong Vikings for the 2016-2017 season.

Gayle, who previously played for Barisal Bulls, will, however, not be available to play for the team until the latter half of the tournament.

The Vikings, who finished last season at the bottom of the points table, have done major retooling for the new season.

In addition to Gayle the team has added Dwayne Smith and Shoaib Malik, both of whom played for Comilla Victorians last season, and Rangpur Riders' Chaturanga de Silva and Mohammad Nabi.

Gayle scored a total of 139 runs for Barisal last season. Smith has, however, not played in the tournament in 2013, while de Silva finished as the leading wicket-taker in this year's Dhaka Premier League.

Mahela Jayawardene, meanwhile, is set to join his teammate Kumar Sangakkara at Dhaka Dynamites, who also signed up

Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo and Ravi Bopara.

Jason Holder, Lendl Simmons, Ryan ten Doeschate, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Grant Elliott, Ahmed Shehzad and Herschelle Gibbs will be the other star attractions at the players' draft. (Sportsmax.com)