Guyana Times Daily

Canje woman jumps off Kaieteur Falls

SunDAY, november 22, 2015 | guYAnAtimeSgY.com

Govt plugs $29M into PM’s residence

he Government has approved in excess of $29 million towards renovation works to be done

Shortly after election into office, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had refused to move into the State residence, saying that it was unfit for inhabitance and would only move in after it is upgraded. Government had initially estimated the total cost of the rehabilitation works to be some $18 million.

However, at the post Cabinet briefing on Friday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, disclosed that Cabinet has given its no objection to the award of a contract for renovations works at the Prime Ministers’ residence. The contact was approved to the value of $29,328,078 and was awarded to contractor, Ivor Allen.

This figure has raised eyebrows as persons continue to take note of the lavish spending by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration. This $29 million will be added to the $20 million for to the Office of the Prime Minister, a $22 million on a duty-free land cruiser, over $10 million in furniture for his residence, salaries over $1.7 million retrospective to July, 2015 and a pension, even if he is to retire tomorrow, that will be higher than the pension enjoyed by any former Presidents, muchless past Prime Ministers.

As it relates to the works to be done at his residence, Guyana Times understands that the scope of the works to be done include roofing and sheeting, external and internal carpentry works, tiling, plumping, electrical

and painting and lacquering, as well as other preliminary works.

A source close to the proj-

ect told this newspaper that the works listed to be done are only to fix basic damages to the building and that additional works will be done under Capital Expenses.

According to the source, the Public Infrastructure Ministry was working closely with the National Trust of Guyana to carry out the works, since the residence is a national heritage build-

ing. He explained that the organisation raised several concerns about the design of the heritage building and is monitoring the repair works to ensure that this is not destroyed. But he has assured that all procedures will be followed so that the architecture of the building is maintained.

The Engineer explained that external carpentry works on the building include extensive repairs to the northern side of the building and on the tower, which leaks, as well as the shutters around the building. He noted that the building has Demerara shutters and they have difficulties scouring new ones so they will replace those that need to be changed.

As it relates to the internal works, the specialist pointed out that because the building is old, there are a lot of repairs to be done, especially to the walls. “The internal walls are made of pitch pine wood so we will have to do some changes to that because we see a lot of ‘granny sugar’ in the walls and other issues. So we will definitely be reconfiguring

internally and definitely do some changes to those walls that are defective,” he stated. Other internal works includes tiling in the bathroom area as well as plumbing. He stated that there was some seepage in the bathrooms that caused damages to the tiles. The engineer added that repairs will have to be done in the main bathroom which had leakage problems while the galvanised piping from the other bathrooms will be replaced.

Since Government had published the invitation for tender inviting firms to bid for the project, over 20 companies have applied for the contact to carry out works on the official residence of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

The residence of the Prime Minister, Main Street, Georgetown

Sunday Editor: Michael Younge

Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Finally: Local Government Elections

Local Government Elections (LGE) are finally on the cards – March 18, 2016. With the last scheduled LGE’s supposed to have been held in 1997, Guyanese will have been waiting for 19 years, if this one actually comes off next March. We have had a checkered history on LGE’s even though our began when the “Free Village” movement introducing Village Management Councils immediately after the purchase of abandoned plantations in 1838. While there were sporadic tinkering with the laws governing the Village and Town Councils, in 1932 a decentralised system of administration via District Commissioners was introduced. LGE were scheduled to be conducted in stages during 1970 but the PPP claimed the initial phase was rigged like the 1968 General Elections, and refused to participate further. The PNC ended up controlling all entities.

In 1973, the year in which the General Elections were rigged with the assistance of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the District Commissioner System was abolished and replaced by a nebulous “Ministerial Regional System”. This started the degutting of the historic autochthonous Village Councils that had served the country so well, while empowering the local people. The Village Councils had been robust bastions of democracy in service of citizens at a level to which they could relate, while the new “Ministerial” system moved power upwards, without improving performance. The tradition of leaders moving to national leadership from the incubator of the Villages was sundered.

With the 1980 Constitution expanding the “regional” system from six to 10; six towns and 65 Neighbourhood Councils (NDC’s) were recognised by the Local Democratic Organs Act and demarcated to “take democracy to the people”. While there was much rhetoric about the improvement in democracy, the agglomeration of several villages into each NDC ensured that the “principle of subsidiarity” – where power is exercised at the lowest possible level – was vitiated.

But even though General Elections were held in 1980, 1985 and 1992, the next LGE after the fatally flawed one of 1970, was finally conducted under the PPP government in 1994. In those elections, the empowerment of the local organs was overshadowed by the contest to control Georgetown. A new party, the “Good and Green Georgetown” (GGG), formed by Hamilton Green who had been expelled from the PNC, contested.

The GGG received 40.7 per cent of the votes with 12 seats; the PNC 31.7 per cent – 10 seats and the PPP/C 26.7 per cent – eight seats. In an early attempt at “power sharing”, there was an informal agreement for a PNC’s candidate to be Mayor for one year, the GGG’s next, to be followed by the PPP’s. As second in line, Greene refused to step aside for the PPP’s nominee and remain as Mayor to this day.

The PPP won Anna Regina, Rose Hall and Corriverton while the PNC secured Linden and New Amsterdam. The PPP/C won more than two thirds of the 65 NDCs since the PNC did not overtly contest those NDC’s. One notable feature of the 1994 LGE was the formation of some 17 citizens groups entering the race yo run the NDC’s.

The overall voting participation was 47.91 per cent but in Georgetown was down to 33.37 per cent. In most other areas it was in the high 50’s and 60’s with some more than 70 per cent. Georgetown voters represented approximately 23 per cent of the total number of eligible voters in the country.

Following the constitutional reform process in 2000, the Local Government Act was amended to give more powers to the NDC’s. While there was a bipartisan PPP/PNC committee to craft the necessary legislation to give effect to the need to make the NDC’s “autonomous”, these were finally passed by Parliament in 2013 and signed into law this year. The pertinent changes had to do with the fiscal powers delegated. However, while there are three additional towns, the mooted re-empowerment of the Village Councils died on the vine. And maybe with it, the opportunity to return “power to the people”.

Military Tattoo

Good governance demands Govt inform citizens of major policy changes

Dear Editor,

Information flowing from a government to her people is not a luxury and privilege enjoyed by those people. It is the Government’s duty to impart and the people’s right to receive information. Indeed, if this time honoured truth could be followed, a nation could spend its time sensibly discussing issues and ideas that would advance her people rather than fighting to have this basic good governance measure followed.

On 28 October 2015, the Chief Education Officer of Guyana sent out a circular where he, on behalf of the Ministry of Education, declared, inter alia, that the grades two and four assessments would no longer be weighted nor form part of the marks for grade six assessment as before and that the said circular was to have immediate effect.

While there were mum-

blings, prior to the circular being sent out, about the possibility of this happening, up to today’s date nobody from the Ministry, not the CEO himself, nor any of the two highly paid Ministers, not the several new advisers nor the newly acquired Public relations consultants, has bothered with honouring their duty to tell the nation of this major change to our education system.

Not surprisingly the people of our country are confused about, and desperate to know, what precisely the circular means and whether its contents are best for our country. I am bombarded with such questions.

Sadly, I am without answers as the circular itself is unclear. Further, I was not consulted nor even told about this big change neither as a citizen of Guyana and mother of children of relevant ages, nor as Shadow Minister of Education in the

National Assembly.

Parents, children and teachers alike would like to know whether those current grades five and six students who already wrote both assessments, which were already marked and weighted, would still have their grades considered at the next two grade six assessments or are their efforts to be abandoned and their grades, already earned, to be discarded?

I would like to know what new measures are being put in place to ensure the grades that will emerge from the new un-weighted assessments will actually be used diagnostically to guide the interventions going forward for each child, thus giving meaning to the reason for assessments in the first place.

I should not have had to ask these questions in the first place as good governance demands that the nation be consulted on and in-

formed fully of major policy changes in any sector.

However, having been forced to ask, I would have preferred to raise these issues from the floor of the National Assembly so that the people who have asked me for answers could hear those answers. Unfortunately with the government’s efforts to dodge the debate on the motion to annul the salary increases with which they have rewarded themselves, the National Assembly has been indefinitely postponed. I am therefore left with no place else but your columns to plead with the Ministers to do their duty and let the nation know what this circular really means for the parents, children and teachers who it will directly and immediately affect.

Sincerely, Priya Manickchand

Abu Bakr should follow the Mahatma

Dear Editor,

In a letter titled, ‘Who is the ‘Indian intellectual’? in the Stabroek News of 11/19/15, Abu Bakr wrote: “An activist called Annan Boodram writes letters a couple of years ago blaming persistent suicide patterns in the Indo-Guyanese community on Burnham/ PNC, a trope for Black people. There was an exchange with me on the subject. One objects because we cannot allow the venom to be injected into veins every time a selfdescribed Indian intellectual opens his mouth. I think Mr Boodram has seen the error as he has initiated a laudable effort in the suicide aware-

ness field.”

This statement is NOT accurate in a number of ways. Firstly, I never ever wrote any letter at any time ‘blaming persistent suicide patterns in the Indo-Guyanese community on Burnham/PNC’.

Secondly my exchange with Abu Bakr, was on social media, not the print media, and was about the genesis of suicide as a huge issue in Guyana.

I simply pointed out that the problem did not suddenly materialise in a vacuum under the PPP administration but actually began much earlier under the previous administration. Thus the factors that impacted suicide

would have been in existence or arisen under the government of the day. Any blame apportioned to the government of the day would have been in so far as they may have been directly or indirectly responsible for the genesis of any of the impacting factors and for any official neglect in addressing the issue. So Bakr’s conclusion that any blame to the PNC is “a trope for Black people” is wholly and solely, Mr Bakr’s intellectual property. Neither did I make such a connection explicitly or implicitly in any media or at any fora.

In fact, Abu Bakr would be only too well aware that

The Caribbean Voice was very vociferous in taking the PPP government to task for its neglect with respect to addressing suicide, even as we consistently lobbied them to take action and even as we made it clear that they could not escape blame for the current crisis. Also, non-Indians, including Blacks, were then committing suicide then as they are now, so any reference to suicide as an Indian problem is not only inaccurate but points to a mindset that is still steeped in a divisive us vs them game with respect to an issue that is now a national crisis.

continued on page 5

As the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) celebrates it's 50th year of service to the nation, the public was treated to a grand Military Tattoo on Saturday afternoon at the GDF head quarters Camp Ayangana

Guyanese urged to nominate Compatriots for Nobel or other recognitions

Dear Editor

The annual winners of the Nobel Prizes were announced in October. No Guyanese has ever won the Nobel although other Caribbean nations (Trinis and St Lucians have won for Literature – VS Naipaul, and Walcott and Economics – Arthur Lewis). There are several Guyanese who have made outstanding contributions in various fields of endeavours and worthy of Nobel or some other prestigious international or even national recognition.

First Hindu temple in Guyana

Dear Editor

tion for awards and to learn about the work of the organization.

We should nominate them for recognition by Nobel or other prestigious prizes. Even if they do not get a prize, the world will come to know of their significant work.

This year’s winners are most deserving of the honorific recognition for addressing serious scientific and economic issues facing society and opposing injustice under authoritarian rule (Peace Prize).

Recent selections were controversial with critics pointing out that some recipients were not deserving of the Prize.

In 2009 for example, it was felt Obama was not deserving of Nobel. There is hardly any public controversy (or outcry) this time around, and the Nobel Selection Committee should be applauded for the diversity in its selections. I had the good fortune of twice visiting (in separate trips) both of Nobel’s offices (named after Alfred Nobel, the Swedish discoverer of dynamite) in Stockholm (Sweden) and Oslo (Norway) and collecting literature about its operations and making nomina-

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo comes to mind for his advocacy on environmental issues. Some Guyanese have gained prominence for their writings or Literature (Dr Churamanie Bissundyal, Dr Bernard Heydorn, Dr David Dabydeen, etc) and in their contributions to Economics (Clive Thomas, Bishnodat Persaud, Amesh Gampat, etc) and other fields especially for altruistic community work (Balram Rambrich, Dave Thakordeen, Karen Desouza, Vishnu Bandhu, Eusi Kwayana, Pandit Ramlall, etc) that could result in nominations for the Peace Prize. There are also outstanding Guyanese scientists (Dr Deborah Persaud, Dr Chris Lakhan, Dr Somdat Mohabir, etc) in the Diaspora who are eligible for nomination for the prize in medicine or the Sciences.

The Nobel prizes are usually announced on the first Monday (for Medicine) in October and daily after that for Physics, Chemistry, Literature, Peace and Economics. This was the 106th edition of the Nobel Prize for Medicine and a few other subjects.

The literature on Nobel prizes note that awards in medicine, physics, chemistry, literature and peace were established by the will of Alfred Nobel. The first awards were handed out in 1901, five years after Nobel’s death.

Each prize is worth eight million Swedish kronor (some US$960,000) and will be handed out with a diploma and gold medal on December 10. The Nobel Peace Prize is presented in Norway while the other awards are handed out in Sweden and each is followed by a banquet. The other winners are invited to the Peace Prize investiture ceremony. That is how Alfred Nobel wanted it in his will.

With regards to nomination, the literature says almost anyone can nominate a deserving person for the Prize.

The criteria for selection in all prizes is in Nobel’s

Abu Bakr should...

As someone who has personally lived the agony of being both a suicide survivor and a once suicidal person, I strongly urge Abu Bakr and all others to please stop locating suicide within the context of race or use it as an issue to score cheap points.

When The Caribbean Voice gets an SOS, we don’t look at race or ask about political affiliation; we simply understand that a life is at stake and we urgently need to ease the pain as a first step towards reversing the suicidal mindset. Ditto

for all suicide prevention activists and NGOs.

Thirdly, I have never ever described myself as an intellectual, either verbally or in writing in any media or at fora. Any reference to myself has always been as an educator, social activist and journalist/media personnel.

Finally, the suicide prevention campaign with which I’m involved was catalysed by a critical need, driven by caring concern and is manned by many volunteers, who give of their time, efforts and resourc-

will, which states: “The awards should endow those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit to mankind”.

As a media report noted, “the peace prize committee is the only one that regularly rewards achievements made in the previous year”. And according to Nobel’s wishes the peace prize should go to, “the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, … for the holding and promotion of peace”.

The nominations are “kept secret for 50 years”, but sometimes people make their nominations known publicly particularly for the Nobel Peace Prize so we can learn of their contributions to society.

I urge my compatriots to nominate deserving Guyanese (Clive Thomas, Bishnodat Persaud, DeSouza, etc or organisations (Red Thread, Saraswati Vidya Niketan, Tain Humanitarian, SASOD, Sevashram Sangha, etc) for Nobel or other prestigious awards.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

About eight kilometres from Highbury, East Bank Berbice, where the first batch of indentured servants landed on May 5, 1838 can be found the village of Lonsdale. In 2014 when my friend Rudy Rampersaud of Back Shop fame in De Edward Village took me for the first time in that area, I noticed a sign on the Sree Ram Khishna Mandir in Lonsdale stating it was built in 1846.

If this is correct it must have been the first temple in the country but which may not have been recorded in history books. Curiosity took us back again in October 2015 but the caretaker was out of the country. We heard stories about the special alligator in the deep pond behind the temple which may be a tale children would enjoy. The pillars and the core structure was certainly unique.

Spirited discussions with a few academics did not resolve the issue. My brief research was not conclusive. On page 35 of Indians in Guyana, Basdeo Mangru states that in 1870 there were no mosques and only two Hindu temples in the county but I could not find the names. Neither could I find an answer in Temples and Mosques by Karna Bahadur Singh.

Sceptics refer to the wandering and unsettled nature of the first Indians who were guaranteed return passage after five years as a reason why they would not want to set up a temple.

From 1838 to 1841 there was an embargo on indentureship, and this was reimposed again in 1848 and was not continuous again until 1851. Why would anyone with hardly a roof over their heads and yearning to go back home build this place of worship? How were they able to fund it?

The number of Hindus actively involved in matters affecting their community seems to have increased recently. Disputes about historical events are also noted since they were not recorded. The Cove and John Ashram rose from swamp land; the premises at Cornelia Ida, WCD, on which sits the highly successful Saraswati Vidya Niketan was once a small temple; an octogenarian told me that the room I slept in at the school at Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice, was the very spot where the first mandir with mud walls was located.

These are only some of the prominent projects with a history that predates the struggle for independence but their accuracy and completeness ought to be reduced to writing for the benefit of posterity. Hopefully there is still an interest in this aspect of the country’s history and our historians/researchers can share with us any documentary or other evidence on the first Hindu temple in Guyana.

Sincerely, Ramnarine Sahadeo Brampton, Ontario

es, both in the Diaspora and in Guyana.

My involvement is the result of a personal journey of agony and soul searching and a realisation that redress cannot be brought about by rhetoric but by applying Mahatma Gandhi’s timeless dictum: “Be the change you want to see.” And so I urge Abu Bakr to jettison his acrimony and join us in applying the Mahatma’s principle, to save lives.

Sincerely, Annan Boodram from page 4

Page Foundation

DAnu Dev

iabetes was in the news last week when “World Diabetes Day” was commemorated. Unfortunately, diabetes is an adverse condition of our bodies that needs a “Day” every single day. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, where the body (pancreas) just doesn’t produce insulin - and most often presents during childhood - Type 2 diabetes can be seen as a modern, lifestyle-induced condition.

There are actually 4 types of Diabetes Mellitus, but the one most people think of and the one that seems to be particularly troublesome in Guyana is Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. And that’s the type I’ll be focusing on in this article.

Now, Type 2 diabetes begins with “insulin resistance”. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and is responsible for lowering blood glucose levels. In Type 2, the pancreas is still

Diabetes...a rising epidemic

“I do not love to work out, but if I stick to exercising every day and put the right things in my mouth, then my diabetes just stays in check.”

– Halle Berry

producing insulin (in many cases at a reduced rate) but the cells of the body are unresponsive to the insulinthey’re resistant. So if the cells aren’t paying attention to the insulin and plucking the glucose out from the blood, that glucose will remain in the blood and cause what people like to refer to as “high sugar” in the blood. In diabetics, since there is so much excess glucose in the blood, glucose ends up being filtered out from the blood into the urine -so that we pass out the energy-giving food and our cells may “consume” themselves to obtain energy.

Nowadays there are several diabetes medications that serve to either stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin and also others that make the cells become more amenable to absorb glucose from the blood (less insulin resistant).

Uncontrolled diabetes is very dangerous and can cause many complications. The kidneys are a prime target of diabetes. In fact, after a heart attack, renal failure is the 2nd most common cause of death from diabetes. Diabetes can also cause damage to the nerves and eyes, make you more susceptible to infections and increases the risk of developing heart disease or suffering a stroke.

Given that there’s currently no cure for diabetes, prevention is definitely better than cure. There are several risk factors that predispose you to diabetes and there are questionnaires that can identify those of us who may be diabetes prone. We can then modify our diets, exercise like Halley Berry (or try!) and engage in lifestyle changes.

Diet is one of the most important factors triggering diabetes. Especially our diet: chock-full of carbs - roti, rice and more roti. And of course, chugging copious amounts of sugary soda isn’t doing your body any favours.

Short of consulting an actual nutritionist or a dietician, there are many apps out there that can give you an idea of the caloric breakdown of your meals. One I would highly recommend, is “My Fitness Pal”. It is a chore to log your meals every single day, but you can keep it up for at least a week or to be able to spot trends in your diet and areas where you’re falling short. When I tried it for a month or so, I realized that I seemed to usually be falling short of the amount of protein I should be eating, so I started incorporating more protein into my diet.

Dietary changes known to be effective in helping to prevent diabetes include a

diet rich in whole grains and fibre, and choosing good fats, such as polyunsaturated fats found in nuts, vegetable oils, and fish. Limiting sugary beverages and eating less red meat and other sources of saturated fat can also help in the prevention of diabetes.

A sedentary lifestyle plays a huge part towards your risk of developing diabetes. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise, can help prevent the development of diabetes. We should walk briskly at least 45 minutes daily. Yoga is also very good and studies show that it can reduce sugar levels.

Re lifestyle changes, I hope we can all figure out by now that a couch potato who munches away at Doritos or Potato chips while chugging super sized sodas, isn’t the way to go. Especially if we’re predisposed to diabetes.

It is important to do regular blood glucose tests, for early diagnosis and to monitor your blood glucose levels if you already have diabetes. Anyone 45 or older should get tested for diabetes or prediabetes, especially if they are overweight or obese.

People younger than 45 should also get tested if they are overweight or obese, and have one or more of risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure or a family history of diabetes.

Business Expo over GuyExpo

“If it’s not broken, don’t fix it” – Irfaan Ali

As the Business Ministry prepares to hosts the first ever Business Expo instead of the much anticipated GuyExpo, former Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali has debunked the idea of making the switch.

During an interview with Guyana Times, Ali firmly stated that “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” in relation to the switch from GuyExpo to the Business Expo this year.

The Business Exposition was launched on Friday and will be hosted at the end of the month at the Sophia

Exhibition Centre, Greater Georgetown.

The issue that is bothersome is the fact that foreign investors are not allowed to participate in the exhibition but rather only purchase products or invest in the small businesses. The former Tourism Minister believes this could result in a breakdown of networking.

“In this new global market, trying to lock yourself out of form and with globalisation, lock your people away from the global competitors… the days of insulating yourself are long gone… international competitors should not be denied from coming in,” Ali said, adding that the GuyExpo system ensured that when foreign businesses participated, they networked with locals to fuse

resources to better their products.

Only recently, several Ministers who were mainly from the Alliance For Change arm of Government went to Canada to lobby for investors in the Diasporas to invest more in Guyana. However, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin said the main difference between GuyExpo and the Business Expo is that the latter focuses more on the business and lacks the entertainment focus.

The former Tourism Minister is however of the view that the Administration seems bent on trying to “dismantle anything associated with the [People’s Progressive Party/ Civic] PPP/C or anything created under the PPP/C, regardless of how successful it is, regardless of the positive impact it brought to society, regardless of the importance in the nation’s frame work”.

He alluded to the fact that that Government has back pedalled with projects such as the Amalia Hydro Electric project, the Specialty Hospital, and the new Demerara Harbour Bridge.

However, Minister Gaskin is contending that GuyExpo “is not done and dusted”, as the Ministry will be looking into avenues to find a way to allow both GuyExpo and business Expo to coexist.

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin

Former Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali

Canje woman jumps off Kaieteur Falls

Another woman plunged to her death from Kaieteur Falls on Saturday, forcing authorities to once again suspend all tours to the tourist site.

Dead is 21-yearold Roshinee Pagwah of Reliance, Canje, Berbice, Regio Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

According to information, the former New Amsterdam Multilateral School student was successful in her attempts despite desperate efforts to stop her.

Captain Gerald Gouveia told Guyana Times that the staff at the Kaieteur National Park did everything they can to stop the woman from jumping but she reportedly made a “rugby move” on the rangers and jumped to her death. Gouveia stated that attempts to retrieve the woman’s body commenced with the aid of the Special Forces of the Guyana Defence Force.

At the home of the young woman – who was an employee of the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL), New Amsterdam location –her mother, Indra Pagwah was in total shock and disbelief.

She told Guyana Times that her only child left home at about 05:30h on Saturday with a friend in the village claiming that she was travelling to Georgetown to clear a barrel. She said later in the morning, she received a text message from her daughter and it was a photograph of the now dead woman with a caption that reads “I coming home before midnight”.

She said that she learnt of her daughter’s death via social media. “She nah had no problem… she was quite and always use to enjoy she self wherever she go. I can’t say what get into she fuh she do something like this,” the woman cried.

The dead woman’s parents separated a while now

Roshinee Pagwah

but up to the time of her demise, she lived with her mother and aunt.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Guyana Times that the Police have launched an investigation into the incident. He noted that the circumstances surrounding the young woman’s death remain sketchy. The tour guides and the passengers have been questioned, he said.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Ministry has since announced that due to the unfortunate incident, the Kaieteur National Park will be closed until further notice.

The Ministry added that based on information received, the woman was a part of a tour comprising of nine passengers and two guides. The Ministry added that as they were about to head back to the aircraft, Pagwah turned, ran towards the falls, and jumped into the gorge.

“The tour guides on duty were unsuccessful in intercepting her dash. Efforts are underway to locate the body, and gather statements from all witnesses” the Ministry stated.

On September 1, 2015, Gyaneshwarie “Laleta” Sivanand of Durban Backlands, Georgetown, also jumped off Kaieteur Falls and her decomposed body was recovered on September 17.

$660M received from Panama for rice sale –

farmers to be paid shortly

Guyana has received over $660 million in payment for the supply of almost 7500 tonnes of rice to Panama during September to October 2015.

Farmers countrywide are now expected to benefit from the monies which were already paid to rice millers by the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).

The millers are now obligated to pay off rice farmers for the supply of paddy.

According to GRBD General Manager (Ag) Nizam Hassan, the rice milers were already paid in full, so farmers can expect their payments.

He noted too that with payments now coming in earlier, GRDB is confident this is the beginning of the end of the lengthy waiting

periods for payments.

Following the loss of Guyana’s most lucrative rice market, Guyana has agreed to sell its white rice for US$335 to US$400 per tonne, having been previously receiving US$780 from Venezuela.

In highlighting the challenges faced by rice farmers, Hassan had explained that many millers had purchased paddy with the expectation of receiving higher prices than they are currently receiving.

When Guyana lost its Venezuelan market, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder had stated that such a move taken by Venezuela is more feasible for that country due to the plummeting fuel prices globally.

Despite this however, GRDB’s Hassan is confident

that 2015 will be another successful year for the industry.

Statistics for 2015 show 437,448 tonnes of rice exported in comparison to 412,220 tonnes for the same period last year.

Further the GRDB is assuring rice farmers that their paddy will be sold and that measures will be put in place to ensure they are paid in a timely manner. Hassan added that GRDB has a responsibility to ensure, support and encourage millers to pay farmers, but added it is largely a private arrangement.

Through PetroCaribe with Guyana and Venezuela, Guyana had received fuel at reasonable prices in exchange for rice. This ensured Guyana received very high prices for its export-

ed rice, while receiving reasonable prices for fuel from Venezuela.

Venezuela has been by far the major market for Guyana’s rice and paddy, accounting for around 60 per cent of total exports in 2010. In 2014, exports to Venezuela accounted for approximately 38 per cent of total exports.

Currently the rice industry continues to crumble and rice farmers are frustrated and aggravated with the losses being suffering.

The price for a bag of paddy is less than what it costs to produce and if they were to supply the Mexican market then they most likely will have to sell their paddy to millers at an even cheaper price than it is being sold for now.

UK Government sets up £1B fund to fight malaria

The UK Government is to create a new £1 billion fund aimed at eradicating malaria and other infectious diseases.

The Ross Fund will be run in partnership with US philanthropists, Bill and Melinda Gates.

It is named after Sir Ronald Ross who became Britain's first Nobel Prize winner in 1902 for his discovery that malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes.

The number of people dying from malaria is falling but a child still dies from the disease every minute in Africa.

Ministers say the partnership with the Microsoft founder and his wife Melinda marks a "fundamental restructuring" of the UK's aid budget.

The £1 billion will come from the UK's overseas aid budget over the next five years.

Of the total £115 million is earmarked for research into new drugs, diagnostics and insecticides for malaria, tubercolosis and other infectious diseases.

A further £188 million will be spent on improving biodefences and rapid response systems to fast-spreading epidemics such as Ebola.

Chancellor George Osborne said one billion people were infected with malaria and 500,000 children die from the disease each year.

He said the Government's commitment to overseas aid helps to "promote our national security and interests

around the world".

Working with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will help us in "our joint ambition to see an end to this global disease in our lifetimes", he added.

Gates, Co-Chairman of the foundation, said eradicating malaria and other poverty-related infectious diseases would be "one of humanity's greatest achievements".

"With the combined skill and expertise of British scientists; leveraging the weight of both public and private financing; and the continued leadership of George Osborne and the UK, [the] announcement of the Ross Fund will play a key role in reaching that goal," he added.

The "restructuring" plan is expect-

ed to be set out by the Chancellor in Wednesday's Autumn Statement.

The international development department is protected from cuts and has seen its budget increase year-onyear since 2010.

The Government is expected to continue spending 0.7 per cent of GDP on overseas aid.

A report published in the journal Nature earlier this year showed 663 million cases of malaria have been prevented in Africa as a result of concerted efforts to tackle the disease since 2000.

Researchers from Oxford University attributed the reduction mostly to bed nets. The drug artemisinin and spraying homes with insecticide also played a part. (BBC News)

Veteran Journalist, radio announcer passes on

he media fraterni-

Tty was plunged into state of mourning on Saturday as the news spread about the sudden death of veteran journalist and radio broadcaster, Raschid Osman.

At the time of his death he was at Guyana Chronicle newspapers, where he served as an editor. Guyana Times understands Osman died in his sleep at his Bent Street, Georgetown, home.

He was last seen in good spirits at the National Cultural Centre where he attended the National Drama Festival on Friday night.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in a statement described Osman as a “towering figure in Guyanese media and in the arts. His loss is an enormous blow to these fraternities and to the Guyanese society.

Unfailingly committed to his work and to the arts, Osman leaves a rich legacy for young journalists to

emulate.”

The Prime Minister went on to say that his art reviews were par excellence as was his work in radio. On behalf of the Government, he expressed condolences to his immediate family, relatives and friends.

Editor-in-Chief of Guyana Chronicles Nigel Williams related that his working experience with Osman was one that saw him gaining immense

knowledge.

”I would have known him for many years, and he was very thorough with his work. He was very adept with the arts, one would recall his many works in the media along with his popular classical music show,” he stated.

“Raschid was a friend to many journalists, many young journalists would have passed through his hands and they would tell you that he was very kind and very helpful. Many journalists would credit their success to his guidance and wise council. When I joined Chronicles, he was one of the persons that I took guidance from as he was someone who worked with that newspaper for a long time,” he related.

He stated that Osman’s work is commendable and deserves recognition, adding: “All in all, the media fraternity has lost a solid journalist and we could only hope that all the good things he has imparted to

those of us that are still in the business, that we will honour his legacy by performing better and developing our skill and craft so that Raschid’s legacy will live on in journalism.”

These sentiments were also shared by Editor-inChief of Kaieteur News Adam Harris, who declared that he first encountered Osman on the professional level in 1980. “Raschid was more into the arts,” he stated, adding that Osman was a literature enthusiast: “He was very quick to correct, a very patient person… I saw him angry twice, but he was one of the men that would take up the work,” he stated.

He recalled that Osman was a lover of classical music and the arts, adding: “He would take a break to sit down and listen to some classical music.” He described Osman as an excellent conversationalist and a friend who would be missed by all in the media fraternity.

New primary school grading system to take effect 2016

Chief Education Officer (CEO) of the Education Ministry Olato Sam said the new primary school grading system will take effect from 2016.

Students writing the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) will now have their secondary school placements determined on the scores achieved in that examina-

tion alone.

Before, the secondary school placements were determined based on the grades accumulated from the Grade Two, Grade Four and Grade Six Assessments. The Grade Two Assessment would have contributed 5 per cent to the students’ final score while the Grade Four would have contributed 10 per cent and the

Grade Six would have contributed 85 per cent.

Much uncertainty has since emerged about the amendments in the grading system.

For starters, parents are now wondering if the marks achieved by students in Grade Two and Grade Four will be discarded. However, Sam explained that the current process will continue

until the New Year.

“From 2016 round of assessment the Grades Six Assessment will be a standalone exam and only those grades will be used,” he said.

The CEO explained that the Grades Two and Four Assessments were always meant to be diagnostic and the Education Ministry was simply returning the system to its initial principles.

“The assessments were being treated as exams and that was not the nature in which the assessments were devised and it’s not in the best interest of the children,” he stated.

According to him, the examinations prior to the NGSA are to be used to determine strengths and areas of need in all students in the lead-up to the final assessment which will determine their short-term future in relation to their school placements.

Meanwhile, former Education Minister Priya Manickchand expressed some concerns over the reintroduction of this system. In a letter to the Editor, Manickchand noted that she was not even consulted nor told about this “big change” neither as a citizen of Guyana and mother of children of relevant ages, nor as Shadow Minister of Education in the National Assembly.

She also requested to know what new measures are being put in place to ensure the grades emerging from the new un-weighted assessments in Grades Two and Four will actually be used diagnostically to guide the interventions going forward for each child.

In 2007, the Education Minister had introduced the three assessments system.

Eyew tness

Free at last…

…at the grassroots?

Well... the first foot’s dropped on Local Government Elections. But citizens can be forgiven for being a wee bit sceptical whether the other foot’s gonna fall on March 18 next year.

How many times haven’t they heard that song before – before the two big guns getting together in Parliament and announcing one more “postponement” for “one more year”?

You hear that again and again for 19 years and something’s gotta be wrong with you if you didn’t feel a bit skittish! Anyhow, with a whole generation not knowing what the heck’s LGEs are all about, let’s clear that up!: NOTHNG!!! That’s right… nothing’s going to change –excepting those foolish enough to believe it would, are going be mighty disappointed!

In theory LGEs are supposed to give some real power to folks at the bottom. You know… the poor and the powerless who want to climb out of the dungeon. Now… even if you’re just old enough to’ve been weaned off sucking your thumb, you should know that such things didn’t happen here on earth, Maybe in heaven they all share out harps equally and all that.

But on earth? You’ve got to pry power from those politicians’ cold and lifeless fingers – one by one. Power is never conceded without a struggle – and just you never forget that. Imagine Village Councils were the greatest source of empowerment for Burnham’s constituency –which were only allowed because the whites thought the ex-slaves’d fail since they weren’t going to be funded. But Burnham replaced them with this Neighbourhood Democratic Council idea – which, along with Mass Games – had to’ve been imported for the Great Leader of North Korea.

The goal was to have the several villages in the NDC at each other’s throats – rather than if it’s their own single village problems they’re facing, they’ll realise they have to stand together against the man upstairs. Like the villagers used to stand up to the District Commissioners.

So the govt can cut it…slice it…or dice it however they want – the local government changes ain’t gonna give nobody any power to do their own thing. Even with their “power” to raise funds - that’s just the govt using the British ploy to have us poor natives take care of our drainage and irrigation at our expenses. While the big ones get massive tax-free salaries and housing allowances and electricity allowances…..

The bottom line is for them to add another stratum of patronage to hand out perks and jobs for the boys and girls.

So after we spend another billion or two – expect to have to bribe another set of “quasi” political hacks.

…to be his own man?

Nagamootoo took time out once again to swear to the Muckraker that the Cummingburg Accord’s now fully implemented and he’s neck deep in power! He’s neck deep in something all right, but it sure ain’t POWER!! So he means he’s now CHAIRING Cabinet? Or in charge of GOVERNANCE and Trotman’s twiddling his thumbs?

What’s with this fellow? Has the smell of those leather seats in his $100M Land cruiser SUV gone to his head? Or is he tippling that Bush Rum again? Whatever it is Nagamootoo’s deluded. Participating in the Parliamentary Management Committee? Discussing how bills etc are going to be laid before the National Assembly? That’s been there since 2003!

Hoyte fought for that! And as for him being kept abreast of what the other Ministers are doing! What the heck kind of power is that? Every reporter has that power.

The point is – the Ministers don’t have to tell him squat, if they don’t want to.

And most certainly aren’t going to tell anything to this blabber mouth. Loose lips sink ships!

…to play pork barrel politics

“Pork barrel” politics is when govts fund projects just to give supporters and campaign contributors a piece of the action.

Look for who got those $2.9 billion works contracts on Friday!! It’s payback time, baby!

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

Veteran journalist and radio broadcaster Raschid Osman

Demerara Bank opens billion-dollar head office

– President calls for more access to banks in hinterland

Twenty-one years after it became the first corporate commercial bank in the country to be owned by Guyanese, Demerara Bank Limited (DBL) has commissioned its new billion-dollar Head Office and Corporate Banking Branch.

The building was constructed within the space of some 18 months and according to its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pravinchandra Dave, it was constructed with energy efficient materials as the bank commits in playing its part to promote a green economy.

The state of the art edifice, located on Camp Street was commissioned by President David Granger on Saturday evening in the presence of executive members and staff of Demerara Bank, Diplomats and members of corporate Guyana.

Dave in brief remarks said the bank’s Camp Street and South Road Branch was plagued with a number of issues such as insufficient parking, traffic congestion, space and most importantly security. Hence, he noted, the Bank’s Board of Directors took the decision to move to a location that would provide solutions to these concerns; thus, the birth of the DBL’s seventh branch.

President Granger in his remarks lauded the Bank for taking a step in expanding its operations, noting

banking branch

that it is an expression of confidence in the economic prospects of Guyana and also sends a “strong message” to investors.

“These are the signs to which local and foreign investors pay attention when making investment decisions. If the commercial banking sector is buoyant, as your profits seem to suggest, investors will read that as a vote of confidence in the future,” the President said in his feature address to the gathering.

Granger outlined that the commercial banking sector has diversified over the years and forms the core of the country’s financial system. He added that this sector accounts for 81.3 per cent of the total gross assets of the country’s financial sector as at the end of

2014, with total Private Sector loans, advances and securities emanating from the banking sector amounting to $137.7 billion in 2014, representing a 7.4 per cent increase over the previous year.

However, the Head of State highlighted that despite these gains, one of the major deficiencies within the commercial banking sector is the vast landscape in Guyana that has no access to banking services. He particularly mentioned Mabaruma, in Region One (Barima-Waini) and Mahdia, in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); two major gold and diamond-mining zones.

“Vulnerable groups, particularly in rural and hinterland communities are still excluded from basic finan-

Christmas tree light up heralds Christmas season

It was a night of excitement when the switch of the 60-foot tall Christmas tree at Rahaman’s Park was flipped and 3000 bulbs illuminated the night, followed by an awe-inspiring display of fireworks by the Guyana Defence Force.

The event, which saw over 300 children from surrounding communities, such as Agricola, Eccles, Houston and Meadow Bank, was a collaboration between the Tourism Ministry and a number of other businesses including Banks DIH, DDL and Pritipaul Singh Investments. The joint initiative saw the children being treated to food, drinks, gifts and a chance to meet Santa Claus and his helpers.

President David Granger, who switched the lights on, declared that the Christmas tree light up is an important event, not only in Guyana but in the world, and it has become a “public ritual”.

“We are approaching a season which is a very sacred one for our Christians.

60-foot

cial services. Small entrepreneurs are excluded from accessing credit because they lack the necessary capital and assets for collateral. A flexible financial system should be able to connect a larger number of citizens to banks,” he pointed out.

According to President Granger, Government intends to increase access to banking services across the country. However, he noted that those involved in financial intermediation should take it upon themselves to ensure there is the greatest access to banking services for the greatest number.

“Financial services provided by commercial banks must therefore become more inclusive if they are to contribute to these econom-

ic and social goals. The establishment of branches by commercial banksin unserved areas will allow for wider geographic coverage andgreater access to services. It will bring banking to the people,” the President urges the banking sector.

Meanwhile, also speaking at the event, Finance Minister Winston Jordan commended DBL for conceptualising such a unique structure in the heart of the city, which is set to meet new and emerging demands of the business community.

Chairman of Demerara Bank Limited, Dr Yesu Persaud, in his remarks gave a brief history of the establishment of the bank, which was the first in the country to be owned by lo-

cals. Dr Persaud recalled his journey in the banking sector, proudly saying that they have created something out of nothing.

“Inspiring yourself is a thing that is absolutely necessary, that is what I call motivation. Treat your people with value, don’t harass them! If you threat people well, you will get the world out of them. I have done that in several instances and I know it works,” the Chairman advised the management of the bank and the many members of corporate Guyana present at the commissioning ceremony on Saturday.

Demerara Bank has already paid over $1 billion in taxes for 2015.

The President also urged those present to be charitable in the season of giving.

Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes also expressed that the occasion heralds in the Christmas season, which is possibly the most fa-

It is not only about the Immaculate Conception, it is not only about the miraculous birth of Jesus in a manger, it reminds us of God’s love for mankind,” he stated.

voured among all Guyanese. “We’ve always been told that Christmas is a time of joy, peace and happiness. It is the time of year that we’re most willing to put ourselves, our cares and troubles aside and let love reign,” Hughes posited.

President David Granger as he unvails the plaque at the commissioning of Demerara Bank's billion-dollar head office and corporate

The

tall Christmas tree graces Rahaman’s triangle, illuminating the night sky with 3000 bulbs

LGE March 2016

PPP/C identifies candidates

With a date finally set for the long overdue Local Government Elections (LGE), political parties keen on participating are now hastily switching to election mode to prepare themselves for the upcoming polls.

The elections will determine the group of leaders, who will be bestowed with the powers to control the various constituencies within the country.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is already in the process of identifying potential candidates to contest the elections based on the stipulated ratio, which will see 50 per cent non-party members appearing on the list of representatives.

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee at a recently press conference told the media that the Party is actively involved in activities geared towards selecting and preparing the Party’s potential candidates for the LGE, which will be

PPP/C General Secretary Clement

held on March 18, 2016.

“We have our machinery in place; we have our technical and political machinery in place. We are involved in the claims and objections period also; we are involved in identifying candidates on the basis of a 50/50 split to stand as persons that will contest the elections at the various levels. That is the job that is going on right now,” he stated.

Providing further de-

tails, Rohee explained that the PPP/C has a structure which includes various groups, such as the district committees, regional committees, Members of Parliament, Councillors, cluster leaders and caucuses on the ground, that meet in the various regions and communities on a regular basis.

These groups, through the various meetings and consultation process, would have already identified potential candidates to contest, Rohee noted.

Names would then be submitted as recommendations to the Central and Executive Committee of the Party who will then shortlist the candidates. The revised list would then be submitted to the people on the ground so they can examine and determine if they are satisfied, he explained.

Rohee said it would be too premature to pronounce on who the candidates may be, however, he predicted that they will be a mixture of new and longstanding

persons.

“We can have people who are in good standing, people who perform creditably, people who the community have confidence in…and there can be a mixture of new blood,” he stated.

Rohee also disclosed that his Party, given the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GEOCM) lack of awareness campaign on the LGE structure, is currently in the process of conducting its own educational operations for its membership.

“Because we are conscious of that deficiency, we are going about educating the people about how these elections are going to be conducted, etc… In addition, we have party leaders who have been in the system and who were apart of the formulating of the laws who have to expertise and they go about on training programmes organised by the Party to educate our membership on the conduct of these elections,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Guyana has 585 constituencies within the 71 organs for the LGE. Local Government Elections have not been held since 1994.

Politics means, never having to say you’re sorry

Satiricus wondered why the reporters were hounding Minister Hardon. What really should he be “apologising” for? Just because he was a “public servant” he should be bowing and scraping to every Tom, Dick and Harry? And anyhow, he and his fellow Ministers weren’t really “Public Servants” – not even lower case ones like “public servants”.

And it’s a good thing too he and his fellow Ministers weren’t “public servants”. Did they think Paddy Yorde, the president of the public servants’ union would’ve been satisfied with a measly 50 per cent salary increase? “You bet your bottom dollar he wouldn’t!” fumed Satiricus. “He would’ve had his troops marching up and down in front of President GrainJa’s office, belting out ‘Solidarity Forever’ and such exhortations.”

And since Pressie was also getting a raise, he’s have the perfect excuse to take more than the ridiculous 5 per cent they’d given him. “So what if it’s tax-free”, thought Satiricus. “It’s the numbers that count. Can’t have the President of Brazil making more than him, can they? It’s a matter of national pride!” Maybe Minister Hardon could say he was sorry he was not a Public Servant?

Satiricus felt so sorry for Minister Hardon being harassed to say he was “sorry”. When he’d said he wasn’t saying sorry to nobody, he hadn’t meant to be “arrogant” like they were accusing him of. Hardon arrogant?! That was a scream. Hardon meant he wasn’t apologising no PPCEE people. THEY were “nobody” and he wasn’t saying sorry to THEM! He apologises to the PPCEE people and gosh knows where this may end up. Next thing you know they’ll want him to ask the PPCEE people to come into a unity government as Ministers!! “Politics is a game,” thought Satiricus, “where a guy gotta do what a guy gotta do.”

But one thing he ain’t gotta do is to say sorry to the Honourable Gentlemen and ladies across the aisles. Politics means never having to say you’re sorry. To your once and future comrades.

3-year-old survives pit bull attack

Three-year-old Nevaeh Forde of Lot 6 Bowman Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara was viciously attacked by a pit bull dog on Saturday morning.

Guyana Times understands the child’s father Reginald Forde rears various dogs and at about

Business Expo

07:50h he let out the dogs, not realising little Nevaeh was in the yard alone.

This newspaper understands that the child’s mother Christina Stephens heard her daughter screaming and rushed to her assistance. By that time the dog had already bitten the child about her body, causing severe injuries. Police sources confirmed that the child was taken to a private city hospital, where she was treated. She suffered injuries to her head, collarbone and left leg. This newspaper was told the injured child’s father has since put the dog to rest.

IPED to support 30 micro and small businesses

The Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) will be providing assistance to 30 micro and small businesses to participate in the Business Expo 2015 being held next week at the Sophia Exhibition Complex.

In a statement on Saturday IPED said it will lend assistance in that it will cover the costs of booth rental along with a cash contribution to cover part of the “out of pocket expenses” incurred by the business owners to participate in the exhibition.

The businesses being supported will be drawn from the group’s existing customer database that are up-to-date with their loan repayments.

All of the business-

es supported will be within one block in the Annex at the exhibition complex, and IPED is urging visitors to support these micro and small entrepreneurs.

IPED is a non-profit entity that has been serving micro and small business entrepreneurs for 30 years. They provide loans, business advice and training to entrepreneurs of micro, small and medium-sized businesses.

IPED is currently financing and supporting over 4000 businesses countrywide from their 13 service points/branches with a loan portfolio of $2.6B. These businesses provide employment to over 10,000 persons.

Rohee

186 students graduate from UG Berbice campus

One hundred and eighty-six students on Saturday graduated at the University of Guyana, Berbice after successfully completing certificates, diplomas and degrees programmes in Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Education.

Valedictorian Sasenarine Tomby who graduated with distinction in Public Management, urged fellow graduating students to remain in Guyana and contribute to the development of this country.

He noted that all of the grandaunts come from different backgrounds and will have different stories in recounting their journey at

the University of Guyana, Berbice: “I am taking this opportunity to urge all of you graduates to stay in this beautiful country we call home. Make it your ultimate goal today to aid in the momentum of development and make it your ultimate goal to see it reach the status of a developed country,” Tomby said.

In his charge to the students, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said the grandaunts should take ownership of their tomorrows with pride and confidence: “As you leave here you will feel that a burden has come off your shoulders. Your heads will feel lighter from pride, emotions of joy and you will

walk upright in rich self-esteem that you have achieved something you wanted to be; a university graduate, but you will also be haunted by pleasant memories when your personality mingles with books… You will want to come back, to return for a further taste of the nectar of knowledge and skills training, to be better prepared for the competitive world of work.”

Meanwhile specials awarded were presented to the students with the highest grade point average. Tomby received the Republic Bank Award for best graduating student. Padmawattie Jainarain, Devanand Saw Award for second best stu-

Invest in people – Dr Yesu Persaud tells Govt

It is a known fact that Guyana has many resources that are yet to be tapped and if done, could significantly boost the country’s financial status on the international stage, however business tycoon Dr Yesu Persaud believes investment needs to be made on the country’s human resources before anything else can be done.

Addressing an audience at the opening of the Demerara Bank billion-dollar head office on Camp Street, Georgetown, Saturday evening, at which President David Granger was present, Dr Persaud pointed out that Guyana is a country rich in resources but noted that these resources cannot develop themselves.

According to the Chairman of Demerara Bank Limited, little attention is paid to Guyana on the international scene and he would like to see this change but this could only happen by gaining respect from the international financial sector.

Dr Persaud recalled that over two decades ago,he decided to establish a commercial bank here, after realising that all the banks

Dr Yesu Persaud

present at the time were foreign-owned. He said that after being rejected several times, he was finally granted a banking license in 1994. He spoke of finding investors, recruiting personnel and having to conduct training in order to establish the Bank to the status it is today.

“We’ve come a long way in 21 years… So I believe that we have the people here but what we do not have is the expertise. We have to attract people back, to bring their expertise,” he urged.

The business ty-

dent to complete Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science in Public Management.

Bibi Phagoo received the GBTI Award for best graduating student in the Degree in Education (primary) Programme while Andre DeFreitas was best graduating student of the Degree in Education (social studies) Programme.

Thirty-three students graduated from the Faculty of Natural Sciences, one hundred and five from the Faculty of Social Sciences and thirty-six from the Faculty of Education and Humanities.

coon recommended that Government recruit these experts as immigrants, which is a practice occurring the world over and even in the Caribbean.

Persaud further made mention of fellow South American country Chile, which has transformed its economy remarkably, using its agriculture, something which Guyana has in abundance, he noted. He urged that Guyana learn from those Third World countries that are moving upwards into First World in order for it to take that step towards a similar goal.

“We can do it too and we must do it, we have to do it otherwise future generations will look down on us. Is this what we want? We’re suppose to have a country well endowed, I was hearing this since I was a lil child, resources galore but resources don’t develop themselves, people develop resources,” he underscored.

However Persaud stated, the right people with the right mindset will have to be attracted to get things moving.

He pointed out that a country like Guyana needs performance but this is something that is lacking.

Best graduating student Sasenarine Tomby

A section of the 2015 graduating class

Essequibo man wanted by police

– charged for causing death

By: IndrawattIe natram

As the family of Chandanie Dass, 32, killed in an accident on the Essequibo Coast continues to call for justice, Police in G Division (Essequibo CoastIslands) are hunting for the driver, Nicklous Singh, 19.

Singh was charged on November 18 for causing death by dangerous driving and an arrested warrant was issued for him by Magistrate Sunil Scarce. Reports are that Singh was detained following the accident but released on $150,000 station bail pending the completion of investigation into the fatal accident.

It is alleged that on August 2, 2014 on the Annandale Public Road, Essequibo Coast, Singh drove the vehicle PRR 9027 in a manner dangerous

Dead: Chandanie Dass

to the public thereby causing the death of Dass who was the manager at Courts, Essequibo Branch.

In 2014 following the accident, Singh was charged for being an unlicensed driver and

breach of insurance. For those offences he was fined $30,000 and also disqualified from being able to obtain a driver’s license for six months.

The case will continue on December 3.

Roraima Airways Chief Pilot passes on

Guyanese pilot Captain Alvin Clarke passed away early Saturday morning in Canada. He had travelled to Canada for medical evaluation after being diagnosed with cancer a few months ago.

Captain Clarke served the Guyana Defence Force for several years before joining Roraima Airways as its Chief Pilot. He worked at the company until his demise.

Over the years, he has been described as one of the fearless pilots who knew Guyana’s jungle and mountainous terrains. He was showered with praises following several successful medivacs during the many nights.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Captain Gerry Gouveia said Clarke was

an “amazing pilot, colleague and friend.”

He stated that Roraima Airways was privileged to have him as its chief pilot while noting that Clarke was a real life Guyanese hero.

He praised the now dead pilot for his fearless approach to saving lives in Guyana’s interior locations.

“It’s a sick child, it’s a pregnant woman with complications, it’s an accident victim, it’s a Guyanese whose life depend on Captain Alvin Clark flying that plane through the dark nights, over those mountain tops, descending into the darkness of the jungle night”, he stated on his facebook page. He stated that Clarke landed on short unpaved, uneven runways which are visible only by flickering lights emanating from the flames of flambeaus which were positioned by villagers to outline the runways just to save the life of someone.

GPL's glitch knocks out Demerara-Berbice power

Georgetown and other areas across the country experienced a total shutdown of electricity early Saturday morning owing to technical complications at the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).

According to a media release from the power company, the Demerara/Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) had a total shutdown, affecting areas such as Garden of Eden to Timehri and KuruKururu, and from Skeldon to Moleson Creek, other areas along East Bank Demerara and East Coast

Demerara.

The GPL noted that investigations are ongoing to determine the primary cause of the shutdown but initial reports suggests the result was a fault at the Kinston DP3 station, where troubleshooting was ongoing up to press time.

Restoration of power to affected areas was hampered by problems at the Kingston Plant but by 06:10h power was being restored to some areas, with full restoration accomplished by 09:04h, GPL noted.

Digicel launches “Merry Mansion Reloaded” promotion

If you were a fan of Digicel’s “Merry Mansion” Christmas promotion in 2009, then you have a chance to be a part of the promotion once again.

Digicel launched its biggest Christmas promotion yet on Thursday at Palm Court, Main Street, Georgetown, which will see customers getting a chance to win up to $20 million in cash.

All customers have to do is top up with $500 or more, whether electronically or via cards, in order to spell

the word “MANSION.”

Once “MANSION” is spelt, that lucky customer will win $100,000 instantly while gaining the opportunity to search for millions of dollars in Digicel’s Merry Mansion.

Director of Marketing

Jacqueline James described it best, saying “customers have been asking about the Merry Mansion promotion and this year, we listened to our customers because that’s very important… this year the sky is the limit,” James highlighted.

Meanwhile, a few cus-

tomers and media representatives had a chance to win a few prizes at the launch with popular gospel artiste Kester D walking away with one of the prizes. Several others would have also walked away with gift vouchers, complements of King Jewellery World. The launch was also grand as Digicel serenaded their invites with saxophone melodies, as well as Christmas carolling. The promotion began on Friday as customers will have a chance to win big from the ‘bigger better network’.

Chief Pilot Clarke

Kester Deen receiving his prize from the Director of Marketing, Jacqueline James at the launch on Thursday

Our Guyanese dilemma

t’s not that we didn’t know.

IIt is, however, good to have the facts confirmed. The revelations that came from the Wikileaks cables of the 1973 rigging of the general elections brought few surprises. Knowing that even their partner in skulduggery, the US, were agog over the hefty win that Burnham gave himself is useful inside information, but the GDF’s role in the rigging and the anti-Indian racism – which is certainly not limited to just two PNC members – were nothing new.

Ryhaan Shah

As much as they may want to, the PNC/APNU cannot deny the racism especially since it is so glaringly obvious that thirty and forty years on nothing has changed.

President David Granger is acting true to PNC/APNU form in refashioning the civil service to the party’s image, in giving handouts to their supporters in Linden while denying the same to others as in Bath Settlement, in releasing criminals from prison, and in upping the militarization with recruits drawn from the PNC/APNU’s ranks.

I, and others, have mentioned the déjà vu created by having another PNC-led government in place. It cannot be helped. The parallels are too many to ignore. As with Burnham, the US has its chosen candidate and, as the Wikileaks cables confirm, they care only about looking after their own interests.

This is our Guyanese dilemma. All are involved; all are consumed, Martin Carter wrote, and that was never truer than now.

The PPP is once again cast in the opposition role. In many ways, they brought about their own downfall with their own excesses and conceits which made them a ready target for dismissal. Political parties that lose power undergo much soul searching, reform and change in order to right the weaknesses and wrongs that led to their defeat. The ousted UNC in Trinidad and Tobago is going through this process right now.

Not evidently so with the PPP, however. They still seem to lack the maturity to accept, even encourage, criticism in order to effect improvements. They continue to push on as is without any change of leadership, tack, or tact. If they’ve conducted any political analyses while in government or afterwards, they must have known that their diplomatic finesse was sorely lacking and that their days were numbered.

That they managed to gain such large numbers of electoral votes stemmed more from the fear of Indian Guyanese of another PNC dictatorship – and rightly so - rather than their own attractiveness as a party and government. Unless they start the necessary reforms to make themselves winnable, they could well condemn us all to another decades-long performance of the PNC’s gross mismanagement.

Fortunately, the PPP already has onboard a particular inclination that could be advantageous in reshaping the party into a truly national political movement. Whereas for the PNC/APNU, Indian Guyanese are targets for open discrimination, the PPP has always bent over backwards to accommodate and even appease African Guyanese with an idea of winning them over.

This is a genuine sentiment that dates back to the party’s formative, halcyon days when it was a national movement. It was the ideal party. Then the split with Burnham came and everything fell apart and we all continue to suffer from that fallout.

If ever there was a time for the PPP to step up and look to recreating that national grouping, that time is now. However, to bring everyone – Indians, Africans, Amerindians and every other group – on board, the PPP would have to put aside partisan interests and ambitions for the greater good. It would mean a new look and outlook, and new policies that would be fair and inclusive. This is no time for window dressing.

The dark days of the Burnham era are still within living memory and none of us wants our country to be so badly used again by both local and foreign interests. As then, we all stand to lose.

As a sovereign state, it is our responsibility to protect our country against all assaults. To do so in the real world where super powers dominate and can decide our fate demands engagements and strategies that are a fine balancing act. This would entail shrewd and sophisticated politicking on our part.

But with our own battle lines drawn and our divisions in place, we are a country much weakened and open to subversive tactics that play well to foreign interests. We should all have learned enough from the lessons of the past however, to know that we do not ever want to revisit that wrecked country again.

But do we have the courage to engage our future and win?

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to shah@guyanatimesgy.com

Granger inducted as honorary patron of Scouts Association –

increases Association’s subvention to $1.2M

President David Granger was on Saturday bestowed as an honorary patron of the Scouts Association of Guyana, and announced that government’s annual donation to the organisation will be increased from $120,000 to $1.2 million.

This announcement was made at the Scouts Association’s Camporee held on the lawns of the association on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.

President Granger in his address after being inducted into the association stated he was very happy to have been invested with the title of ‘Patron’ of the movement and to be present at the Association’s Camporee.

President Granger reiterated that young people during adolescence, undergo physical and psychological changes as they become

more aware of the people, places and situations around them: “Their young minds search for answers to questions about their place in this world. If they make unwise choices, the rest of their lives can be affected.”

He further shared that youth, at this time of their lives, need advice and guidance, and need to be equipped with the skills to help them make correct choices and decisions. The President further stated

that government is “willing to help those who are willing to help themselves.”

“I would like to see Scouting develop and grow” President Granger added, “each year the government gives a small subvention of $120,000 to support the work of the Scouts Association of Guyana. I shall be increasing that to ten times that amount or $1.2 million per year as of 2016.”

Chief scout Ramsey Ali told those gathered he believes the Association has a lot to offer the nation as they are working to build a more cohesive society. He believes that with President Granger as the association’s patron, it will able to explore more opportunities to contribute to building this cohesive society and leave a legacy for the nation’s youth. (jpinder@ guyanatimesgy.com)

President David Granger being inducted into the Scouts Association of Guyana on Saturday

Fossil power out, Green power in Norway’s threat forces Govt to pursue Amaila

Mounting pressures from the Norwegian government on the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) administration and a threat to withdraw critical financing has led to the government’s decision to bring to the front burner the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP).

The Norwegian government, under the Low Carbon Development Strategy had committed US$80M for the project.

However upon assumption in office in May 2015, the Granger-led Administration had made clear its intentions to abandon the project.

As a matter of fact, Finance Minister Winston Jordan during the 2015 National Budget Debates, had declared that to proceed with the project would be “a downright act of criminal deception “ and vowed his government would abandon the project.

However the minister was forced to take back his words as Norwegian gov-

ernment has reportedly threatened to take back the US$80M as was committed to the project.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan on Wednesday said government never abandoned the Amaila Falls Project.

According to sources, the APNU+AFC administration met with Norwegian officials who made it clear the country was keen on funding a clean and renewable energy project in Guyana and touted the AFHP as a viable option.

Despite efforts by the Guyana government to promote other locations, Norway was firm on its position to move ahead with Amaila.

The Norwegian government is adamant that Amaila is a viable option and threatened that if this was not proceeded with, then Guyana faces the possibility of losing the US$80 million for clean energy as well as pulling the plug on any continuation of the Guyana/ Norway Forest preservation deal.

Critics are seeing Jordan’s pronouncement of Norway funding a final “feasibility” of the project as an attempt to sidetrack from the embarrassment of having to return to a project he once rejected.

AFHP was designed to generate 165MW of electricity to satisfy consumer and industrial demand. Presently this is achieved solely from imported oil which consumes scarce foreign reserves. The utilisation of renewable water resource to generate electricity would – after the investment were paid off in 20 years – allow these funds to be utilised for social or infrastructural spending.

However, the then Opposition APNU and AFC early on dismissed the project as a “pie in the sky” dream of former President Bharat Jagdeo. Yet it was subsequently revealed from studies conducted by the World Bank in the 1970s, that they always knew Amaila Falls was a contender for a hydro-electric facility.

39 hinterland ICT hubs to

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock has confirmed that 39 Information Communication Technology (ICT) hubs in hinterland communities will be fully equipped with computers and Internet

Younge’s Take

No apologies

State Minister Joseph Harmon cannot seriously think Guyanese will accept his half-baked “apology” following the many arrogant positions adopted by the recently elected A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change coalition Government after it unilaterally increased the salaries of already well-paid Ministers and other officials.

Guyana will put in US$100 million (of which US$80 million would come from the Norwegian Fund accessible to Guyana); the build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) partner Sithe Global US$152M; Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) US$175M, and China Development Bank (CDB) US$413M.

Meanwhile, with ExxonMobil facing possible fines in the billions of US$ for ducking data in its possession to show the nexus between global warming and carbon emission from fossil fuels, the entire energy industry is taking another hard look at green energy such as hydro and wind power.

Against this background, Norway’s insistence on “use it or lose it” on the US$80M it transferred to the IDB fund that undergirds Guyana’s contribution to the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, has evidently convinced the government to reverse its former opposition to the project.

The fact that Minister Harmon and the entire cabinet continue to enjoy the significant salary increases while public servants, rice farmers and sugar workers are paid starvation wages, adds insult to injury.

Therefore, there is nothing honourable or praiseworthy about the Minister’s second attempt at a publicity stunt aimed at white-washing his image.

The first attempt failed to repair his public image even though he chose to donate the increase to various villages.

Also, the tone and manner in which the alleged apology was given undermines its intent. If the Minister really wanted to apologise, he should have done so in an unreserved and unconditional manner.

But instead he chose to attack the PPP, which in this case is in the right, explaining that that party is not deserving of an apology. The truth is, the public is not outraged at the PPP for being insensitive. It is upset with the APNU and the Minister in particular.

The public wanted to hear the Government’s chief spokesperson say “we are sorry for breaking your trust and faith in us. It was a bad move and after much discussion, we have decided to repeal the increases. We promise in the future never to demonstrate such high handedness even if we will eventually be vindicated in the end”.

That is the apology Guyanese expect and nothing less. If the Government and its advisors continue to act as though they are in the right, they will surely reap the benefits of their hardened resolve and refusal to listen to the people.

Additionally, this Government appears to have a serious attitude problem. The Ministers often demonstrate an unwillingness to accept advice and offer genuine apologies when they need to.

This must change. Minister Harmon must also encourage President Granger to genuinely apologise for the many blunders made by his Government to date. Included in this apology should be the issue of widespread dismissals and the misuse of public funds for the personal and private comfort of APNU/AFC officials.

be equipped by December

connection by next month.

Speaking to the Government Information Agency (GINA), Allicock explained that government is moving to take ICT to the hinterland. This initiative he said will allow Amerindians to keep up with technological advancements, and ensure

they are kept up-to-date with national and international events.

“We will continue into the next year, where we will be able to have more of these communities benefiting. Hopefully we will be able to give every village council an internet connection.”

Additionally, govern-

ment will also be expanding the reach of Radio Paiwomak located at Bina Hill, Region Nine. Similar initiatives will also be extended to Regions One and Seven.

The intention is to ensure Amerindians, even in very remote areas, have access to information.

Michael Younge

Minister Allicock’s assessment of ALT was superficial

Last week, Indigenous Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock related to the media that the Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) project suffered a setback due to the May 11 Elections.

While this is true, it is insufficient to justify the Ministry’s inability to respect the timeframe outlined in the Project Document as well as the Annual Work Plan (AWP) which was prepared and submitted before the end of the first year of project implementation in June.

While it could be acknowledged that projects in most Ministries were delayed to accommodate the Elections, it is unacceptable that six months later, the new administration has still not resumed work - at least not within the core of the project.

Yet, Minister Allicock and his team of advisors were presented with all reports and documents produced in keeping with Project deadlines under the ALT since it began in June 2014, on the very first day they assumed Office. The Minister’s allusion therefore, to there being need for a bigger team to execute the project is irrelevant at best, considering the progress the previous team had accomplished in the space of six months after the first disbursements were made.

The team delivered six of the 11 Absolute Grants targeted, while the other five were submitted for Cabinet examination. The reports for these remaining five villages (Tasserene, Kangaruma, Parabara, Katoonarib and Rockstone) were submitted to Minister Allicock and it was his duty to present them for examination to the new Cabinet. Six months have passed and yet no titles were issued by this administration.

In parallel, the ALT team had commenced work in 15 other villages which had requested extensions to their titled lands, namely: Bethany, Capoey, Mashabo, Mainstay Whyaka, Akawini, Saint Monica, Wakapoa, Santa Rosa, Nappi, MocoMoco, Yupukari, Potarinau, Sand Creek, Little Kaniballi and Karrau. Of these, the first four were ready for Cabinet examination, and the remaining were being researched and investigated. Yet, after six months, the Allicock administration has not concluded any of the cases.

Special attention must remain on Tasserene and Kangaruma, which applied for title more than eight years ago. One would expect that by now, considering the progress made under ALT, the Village Councils would have obtained their titles. Like all other Village Councils and Community Councils, they actively participated in the land titling process and were kept informed regularly.

Mining being the main obstacle in these villages, the ALT team vigorously engaged the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and pressured former Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud into cooperating. Despite its reticence, his Ministry did concede to facilitating and fast-tracking the process.

Now, months later, the cases remain suspended. This is despite the Indigenous Affairs Ministry benefitting from the legal expertise of APA executive David James, who actively defended indigenous land rights throughout his career as a lawyer. With the contribution of so many APA land rights militants – a cooperation which they denied the former Government - the Allicock administration should have excelled at its implementation of the Amerindian Land Titling Project by now.

However, it appears as though now, it relinquished most of its responsibilities in managing the project, and has been incapable of adhering to the principle of continuity as is expected in each Government institution.

But while Tasserene and Kangaruma await Absolute Grants, the GGMC is entitled by law to disregard the proposed title area and issue mining and prospecting permits. Up to June of this year, there were no less than 117 medium scale blocks in Tasserene, where at least 20 were granted at the discretion of the GGMC during the implementation of ALT.

Whether the Allicock administration was able to pressure the GGMC into halting the issuance of new permits and facilitating the relocation of mining blocks is highly doubtful, considering that neither of the two communities was titled to date.

Au finale, Minister Allicock’s assessment of the setbacks suffered by ALT was merely superficial, and did not address the underlying issues which challenged the project’s delivery rate. This is unsurprising considering his refusal to engage the previous ALT team in the transition phase of the Ministry, thus excluding the possibility of obtaining a proper insight into the project.

(Please send question and comments to sundayarrow@gmail.com)

Anna Correia

SunDAY, november 22, 2015 | guYAnAtimeSgY.com

Around the World

Putin to meet Ayatollah Khamenei during Iran visit on Monday: Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a visit to Tehran on Monday, the Kremlin said, as Moscow goes on a diplomatic push over the Syria conflict.

Talks with Iran’s leadership will focus on “issues in bilateral relations, including atomic energy, oil and gas and military-technical cooperation”, Putin’s top foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov said Friday, with the Russian President also set to meet his counterpart Hassan Rouhani.

After the visit to Tehran – Putin’s first there since 2007 – the Russian lead-

er will host Jordanian King Abdullah II on Tuesday and French leader Francois Hollande on Thursday in Russia.

Russia and Iran are both militarily backing forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, with Moscow flying a bombing campaign and Iran believed to command thousands of troops on the ground.

Putin has stepped up his push for a broader coalition of countries to fight Islamic State jihadists in Syria after confirming this week the bombing of a Russian passenger jet over Egypt and following last week’s bloody attacks in Paris. (Excerpt from The Times of India)

Brussels put on maximum alert on risk of Paris-like attack

Belgium put the capital Brussels on maximum security alert on Saturday, shutting the metro and warning people to avoid crowds because of a “serious and imminent” threat of coordinated, multiple attacks by militants.

Paris bombings and shootings carried out by Islamic State militants, of whom one suspect from Brussels is at large, Brussels was placed on the top level “four” in the government’s threat scale after a meeting of police, justice and intelligence officials.

Soldiers were on guard in parts of Brussels, a city of 1.2 million people and home to institutions of the European Union and the headquarters of NATO.

“The result of relatively

precise information pointed to the risk of an attack along the lines of what took take place in Paris,” Prime Minister Charles Michel told a news conference on Saturday after a meeting of the national security council. The Paris attacks left 130 people dead.

“We are talking about the threat that several individuals with arms and explosives would launch an attack perhaps in several locations at the same time,” Michel said, adding people should be alert but not panic.

He declined to elaborate, but said the government would review the situation this afternoon. The metro system is to remain closed until then, in line with recommendation of the government’s crisis centre. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Argentina to go to polls in first ever presidential run-off

Argentina will go to the polls today for a runoff election – the first in the country’s history – after neither presidential candidate managed to win the initial vote outright.

Daniel Scioli, the governor of Buenos Aires province, is up against Mauricio Macri, the city’s Mayor. On the eve of the vote, centreleft candidate Mr Scioli lags behind his centre-right rival in the polls.

Scioli was marginally ahead in the first round, with 36.7 per cent to 34.5 per cent.

But under Argentinian law, a presidential candidate needs 45 per cent of

the vote or a minimum of 40 per cent with a 10-point lead over the nearest rival to win outright.

Both candidates have been back on the campaign trail in the month since the first round. Today’s vote will mark the first time a presidential election in Argentina has gone to a second round. Scioli, a close ally of current President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, had been expected to win by a greater margin in October. A member of President Fernandez’s Front for Victory party, he was handpicked by the outgoing leader, who cannot seek a third term. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Vatican leaks scandal: 5 people charged

The Vatican has charged five people over a scandal that saw confidential documents leaked to the media. Highranking priest Lucio Vallejo Balda and former employee Francesca Chaouqui were arrested early in November.

They were members of a commission set up by Pope Francis to advise him on economic reform.

An assistant to Monsignor Balda and two journalists who published books with the revelations have also been charged. A preliminary hearing has been set for 24 November.

They were questioned after information contained in the documents – including details of alleged corruption, theft and uncontrolled spending in the Holy See – appeared in books by Emiliano Fittipaldi and

In a statement, the Vatican said magistrates “notified the accused and their lawyers of the charges filed... for the unlawful disclosure of information and

Bangladesh hangs Chowdhury and Mujahid over 1971 war crimes

Two Bangladesh opposition leaders have been executed for war crimes committed during the 1971 independence struggle against Pakistan. Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury and Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid were hanged in Dhaka’s central jail.

They were convicted of genocide and rape – charges they denied. Chowdhury has been an influential politician – he was elected MP six times. Mujahid was a top leader of Bangladesh’s largest Islamist party. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said they were hanged after

President Abdul Hamid rejected appeals for clemency by the two men. However, family members have dismissed reports that the men had made any such appeals, which would have also required admissions of guilt.

“My father said he did not seek any mercy,” Chowdhury’s son, Humam Qauder Chowdhury, told AFP news agency, after meeting his father for the last time hours before his execution. “He has always said he’s innocent.” The Supreme Court upheld their sentences earlier this month.

Chowdhury was the most senior leader of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party to be sentenced for crimes against humanity.

Two years ago, a special war crimes tribunal found him guilty of nine out of 23 charges including genocide, arson and persecuting people on religious and political grounds. (Excerpt from BBC News)

confidential documents”.

The two journalists have been charged with soliciting and exerting pressure to obtain the information. Fittipaldi told local media he was “stunned” by the de-

cision. “Maybe I’m

but I believed they would investigate those I denounced for criminal activity, not the person that revealed the crimes,” he said.

Former Trinidad PM blames conspiracy for election loss

Former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister and current leader of the Opposition Kamla PersadBissessar, has blamed a conspiracy within her own party and people she trusted for the general election loss on September 7. It appears, however, that any such conspiracy may be carrying over into the United National Congress (UNC) leadership elections on December 5.

At a public meeting this week, Persad-Bissessar said she trusted her ministers and members of parliament but “some of them, it appears, conspired to help us lose (the election)”.

“I also promise you I will never depend on anyone to be my mouthpiece again,” she said. However, recent inaction and

broken promises by people close to Persad-Bissessar she apparently relies on to do her bidding have the potential to derail her bid for re-election as party leader, leaving her and others open to embarrassing legal claims, especially in relation to egregious attacks on local media workers leading up to the September general election. According to one person close to Persad-Bissessar, “This is Trinidad… there’s a lot of politicking going on.” She is being challenged by former ministers Dr Roodal Moonilal and Vasant Bharath for the UNC leadership. Both men have put forward separate teams so there will be three full slates vying for the 16 executive positions in the UNC.

(Excerpt

Gianluigi Nuzzi.

naive

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Putin has stepped up his push for a broader coalition of countries to fight Islamic State jihadists in Syria

The five were part of a commission set up by Pope Francis

Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid (pictured, left) and Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury have been executed

After Buttler’s 46-ball century, how fast can ODI hundreds get?

When England’s Jos Buttler smashed his 46th delivery against Pakistan on Friday over the midwicket boundary, it brought up a century of breathtaking artistry, audacity - and speed.

Eighteen months ago, the record for England’s fastest one-day century stood at 69 balls. Since then, Buttler has beaten it not once, not twice, but three times.

Around the world, a group of super-charged batsmen is revolutionising ODI cricket.

Leading the way is South Africa’s AB de Villiers, who smashed a 31-ball hundred against West Indies in January.

But with strike-rates rocketing and records tumbling, just how much lower can batsmen go?

If a batsman hits every ball he faces for six, the soonest they could reach three figures is 17 balls.

Impossible, right?

Or is it? As bats get bigger and batsmen get bolder, could we see a day when someone achieves the toughest feat in sport?

WHY ARE HUNDREDS GETTING FASTER?

First, let’s examine the science behind the global surge in boundaries.

Former England spinner Phil Tufnell identifies four key factors.

“Bigger bats, smaller grounds, amazing wickets. And players are bigger and stronger than ever,” he tells BBC Sport.

But it’s not all about brawn - brain plays a part too, according to former England batter Ebony Rainford-Brent.

“Since the Indian Premier League started, there’s a lot of learning that goes on in the global game,” she says.

“For example, Eoin

Morgan will learn from batting alongside West Indies’ Chris Gayle.

“It helps facilitate the speed at which players are learning new skills and feed information back.”

Tufnell agrees. “The whole attitude to batting has changed - they’ve invented new shots,” he adds.

“Five or six years ago, people weren’t playing the ramp shot, people weren’t reverse sweeping for six.

“Next thing you know, they’ll be playing the Chinese cut deliberately.”

HOW FAST CAN HUNDREDS GET?

Tufnell, who played 20 ODIs between 1990 and 1997, believes centurymaking may already have reached a natural ceiling.

“I can’t see it getting much better than 31 - that’s three a ball!” says Tufnell. “Anything in the 20s would be ridiculous.”

But Rainford-Brent says “something like 22 is possible”.

She adds: “To hit a six every ball is nearly impossible, but someone can hit one or two singles then tee off - in the near future, nearer than we possibly think.”

IS THE ‘PERFECT’ HUNDRED POSSIBLE?

So could anyone ever reach the magic 17-ball mark?

“You can’t hit every ball you face for six,” says Tufnell.

“There are too many variations: yorker, short ball. You’re going to get yourself in the wrong position at some point.”

It may be a near-impossible task, but one thing is certain - nothing will stop this new generation of explosive batsmen from aiming lower and lower.

“It’s a bit like the fourminute mile,” says RainfordBrent. “Once people know it’s possible, everyone starts improving.

“The more records fall, the more people think about what might be possible and go for it.” (BBC Sport)

Haniff wins Grand Coastal golf tourney

Namibia’s van Schoor dies after on-field stroke

Namibia wicketkeeper-batsman Raymond van Schoor has died in Windhoek at age 25, five days after suffering a stroke during a match. Van Schoor was batting on 15 during Namibia’s five-wicket win over Free State in a CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge when he collapsed on field and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital.

Van Schoor remained hospitalised since then but never recovered and was pronounced dead on Friday night. Cricket Namibia president Richard Frankle told ESPNcricinfo by phone on Saturday morning that van Schoor had battled in hospital throughout the last week but was ultimately unable to recover due to complications following the stroke suffered last Sunday.

“He had a massive stroke and this caused a lot of swelling on the brain,” Frankle said. “The doctors were unable to get the swelling to come down or stop. They did a number of blood tests and could not find any plausible medical reason for what happened. I’m not sure whether they are going to do anything more in terms an autopsy but at the end of the day, what happened in this past week is that his brain continued to swell and there was nowhere more for the swelling to go. You could progressively see how the swelling affected all his other functions.

“Cricket in Namibia is most definitely in mourning today. It was most certainly a shock that at 25, Raymond was taken from us. His teammates were all at his bedside

yesterday and they’ve taken it very hard.”

In a message on Cricket Namibia’s Facebook page, Frankle had said: “Raymond was a tremendous asset to Cricket Namibia and the national cricket team. He was taken far too early from us. We however accept that Almighty God needed him to represent the heavenly angels! May his soul rest in peace!”

Van Schoor was a mainstay of the Namibia batting line-up since making his national team debut in the CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge against North West at age 17 in 2007. In the same week, the right-hand batsman made his first-class debut against Canada in the Intercontinental Cup, opening the batting for Namibiamaking 46 and 2 - in an eightwicket win. In all, he played 92 first-class matches, scoring 4303 runs at 27.40 including five centuries and 20 halfcenturies with a career-best 157 in 2010 against Bermuda in the ICC Intercontinental Shield.

Across all formats, van Schoor scored more than 8000 runs for Namibia in 265 career matches, making him the most-capped Namibian cricketer ever ahead of Craig Williams, who has played a total of 239 matches across firstclass, List A and Twenty20 cricket for Namibia. Van Schoor is currently ranked second all-time in first-class runs for Namibia behind only Williams, who has 5017 runs in 73 first-class matches. Van Schoor’s 2618 List A runs put him third behind only Gerrie Snyman’s 3671 and Williams’ 3016 while his 1550 Twenty20 runs in 70 matches rank No. 1 all-time for Namibia.

At age 22, van Schoor was named the Player of the Tournament at the ICC World T20 Qualifier in the UAE after topping the averages with 324 runs at 54.00, including a career-best 79 not out against USA. During the event, van Schoor won three Man of the Match awards - against USA, Uganda and Italy - and finished the group stage as the leading scorer with 323 runs in seven matches as Namibia went 7-0 before losing to Afghanistan and Ireland in the knockout stage.

That same year, van Schoor was recognised for his top form from Cricket Namibia after he was named 2012 Cricketer of the Year at their annual awards. Van Schoor served as both vice-captain and captain for Namibia in the past, leading Namibia a total of 40 times, including in the 201112 and 2012-13 Cricket South Africa Provincial One-Day Challenge and Three-Day Cup competitions. (Cricinfo)

Veteran player Fazil Haniff on Saturday copped the top podium spot in the 11th annual Medal Play golf tournament sponsored by Grand Coastal and organised by the Lusignan Golf Club.

Haniff finished with a net of 67, and was followed by Parmanand Persaud with net 69 and Lakeram Ramsundar third with net 70. Patrick Prashad, who ended in fourth spot, also copped the Nearestto-the-Pin prize, as well as the Best Gross of 80.

In photo are (from left) winner Fazil Haniff, Kevin Daby, Patrick Persaud, Lakeram Ramsundar and Hilbert Shields.

Jos Buttler’s three ODI centuries have spanned 46, 61 and 66 balls

Raymond van Schoor

Isabella Smartt/Bernadette King memorial female tournament…

RHT Metro to face Tucber Park in three-match series

The Area ‘H’ ground will come alive today when the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) stages a rare cricket tournament for female cricketers in Guyana.

The club will be hosting the Isabella Smartt/ Bernadette King memorial female tournament between the Rose Hall Town (RHT) Metro Female team and their counterparts from the Tucber Park Cricket Club. The tournament would be played over three matches and the winner would receive the Smartt/King memorial trophy.

Secretary/CEO of the RHTY&SC, Hilbert Foster, expressed gratitude to Carl Moore of the Tucber Park Cricket Club for assembling a female team at a short notice and accepting the RHTY&SC’s invitation to be a part of this rare tournament.

The tournament is part of a massive developmental programme the RHTY&SC is promoting to develop female cricket at the local level as none of the cricket boards or organisation in Guyana seem interested in female cricket, a release from the RHTY&SC indicated.

Female cricket, Foster stated, has been very productive for the RHTY&SC with numerous players going on to represent Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies over the last eight years.

He added that special emphasis will be placed on the game in 2016 and the team’s official sponsor Metro Office and Computer Supplies has committed itself to sponsoring the team with a bigger package next year.

Rose Hall Town Metro female challenge will be spearheaded by West Indies

all-rounder Shemaine Campbelle, her counterpart Erva Giddings, Plaffiana Millington, Sheneta Grimmond, Melanie Henry, Serica Campbelle, Marian Samaroo and Shaunda Vanderstoop.

Much is not known of the Tucber Park female team, but their challenge will be spearheaded by West Indies all-rounder Tremayne Smartt with support from Steffi Rodney, Natasha Gangoo and Katana Mentore. The 30-over match will bowl off at 11:00h.

Support rolls in for Guinness football

Colours Boutique and Trophy Stall in Bourda Market have partnered with the organisers of the 2015 Guinness Greatest of the Street Futsal Football tournament as sponsors for the Georgetown leg of the national championships.

The popular Robb Street boutique will be outfitting the teams with uniforms, while Trophy Staff will be the provider of the trophies.

Manager of Colours Boutique, Rodwell Greaves, handed over the gear to Banks DIH Limited’s representative Shivini Tulshi during a simple ceremony at

Thirst Park last week.

Both Greaves and Trophy Stall proprietor Ramesh Sunich expressed appreciation for being a part of the tournament.

The Georgetown leg of the tournament kicked off two Fridays ago and will run until December 12.

The remaining zone playoffs will take place in Berbice, West Demerara, Linden and East Coast

Demerara leading up the National championships where Guyana’s representative team will be selected to participate in the Guinness Caribbean Street Football Challenge in June 2016 in Castries, St Lucia. The Guinness Greatest of the Street is organised and sponsored by Banks DIH Limited and Guinness, in association with the Petra Organisation.

Ramnarine spurs Kennard’s Memorial to playoffs

The 2015 New Building Society (NBS) second division 40-over cricket competition continued in Berbice recently with former Berbice Under-19 leftarm spinner Karamchand Ramnarine spinning his Kennard’s Memorial team to a huge 138-run win over Mibicuri Jaguars.

He bagged 7-20 from five overs, as Mibicuri Jaguars were skittled out for 68 in pursuit of 207.

With Big Star also defeating Mibicuri Jaguars, Kennard’s Memorial and Big Star ended tied at the top of the points table, but Kennard’s Memorial with a better run rate was adjudged the winner of the zone to move into the last 16 playoff.

Also advancing was Scottsburg United, which completed a clean sweep of Zone O after they defeated Springlands by nine runs. In that match, they were restricted to 134 in 26 overs, but with their right arm legspinner James Hart picking up 4-31 from six overs, Springlands fell for 125.

Registering five-wicket hauls were Kumar Ganesh of Mibicuri Jaguars and United States Under-19 cricketer Chetram Persaud of Tucber Park.

Below are the summarised scores from the

games.

At Bush Lot Farm: Kennard’s Memorial beat Mibicuri Jaguars by 138 runs. Kennard’s Memorial 206-9 in 25 overs (Somesh Mangra 51, Suraj Seelall 42, Andrew Persaud 37, Kumar Ganesh 5-15, Franklyn Johnson 2-35) Mibicuri Jaguars 68 all out in 14.5 overs (Karamchand Ramnarine 7-20, Devendra Sydney 2-10).

At Mibicuri: Big Star beat Mibicuri Jaguars by 84 runs. Big Star 124 in 23.2 overs (Dwayson Watson 3-24) Mibicuri Jaguars 40 all out in 15 overs (Michael Tyndall 4-10, Patrick Tyndall 4-12).

At Scottsburg in Corriverton, Scottsburg United beat Springlands by

nine runs. Scottsburg United 134 in 26 overs (James Hart 39, Trishan Ramdass 3-18, Victor Pedro 3-21, Safraz Ali 2-20). Springlands 125 in 31 overs (James Hart 4-31, Oddel Kyte 2-23, Curtis Williams 2-35).

At Edinburgh: Tucber Park beat Police by nine wickets. Police 82 in 18.2 overs (Martin Singh 30, Chetram Persaud 5-25, Joel Seitram 2-13) Tucber Park 83-1 in 16.4 overs (Hakeem Hinds 35*, Amir Seecharran 26).

At Chesney: Chesney beat Jai Hind by seven wickets. Jai Hind 100 in 29.3 overs (Riaz Ramcharran 2-16, Fazir Bacchus 2-18, Riaz Khan 2-19) Chesney 101-3 in 12.2 overs (Youardan Gurudyal 36).

NBS second division 40-over cricket…

Shemaine Campbelle

Tremayne Smartt

James Hart

Ramesh Sunich

Karamchand Ramnarine

Manager of Colours Boutique, Rodwell Greaves, hands over the gear to Banks DIH Limited’s representative Shivini Tulshi

YELLOW PAGES

Yelyco impressive at Tradewind Tankers volleyball

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Suriname’s top club side Yelyco has been a dominant force so far in this year’s fifth annual Tradewind Tankers International volleyball tournament at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

The competition started on Friday evening, and up to press time on Saturday, Yelyco male and females

teams had won all three of their games.

On Friday, Yelyco, the defending champions of the female category, made a winning start to their campaign, making light work of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) 25-5, 25-9, 25-17.

In other game on the opening night, defending male champions Big Sepos

of Trinidad and Tobago earned a hard-fought win over Berbice. The twin-islanders won 25-17, 19-25, 25-21, 25-12.

On Saturday, Yelyco won both their games, with the male team managing a 26-24, 26-24, 16-25, 2927 victory over Demerara. Yelyco females also defeated GDF 25-11, 25-16, 25-5. Trinidad and Tobago did

not field a female unit.

The competition, which continued late into Saturday evening, will conclude today with the male and female finals.

The tournament is exclusively sponsored by Tradewind Tankers, the shipping company for the Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL), to the tune of $2.5 million.

GTT doing more for young cricketers

Telephone company

GTT has thrown its full support behind Attorneys-at-Law Charles Ramson Jnr and Sanjeev Datadin, who have undertaken to assist in the development of three promising young cricketers.

The partnership, which was finalised on Friday last at the company’s headquarters in Brickdam, saw the cricketers signing contracts which will allow them to benefit from a monthly stipend of $30,000 each, compliments of the two attorneys and GTT. The agreement is expected to last for one year.

Ramson Jnr said that because they are aware of the profusion of talent that resides in Guyana, they felt compelled to act.

“We know of the talent that Guyana has, but of late it hasn’t translated into greatness and we felt that with the right kind of assistance some of that talent could eventually emerge,” Ramson Jnr said.

Ramson Jnr, who referred to the project as a Pilot Programme, commended GTT for partnering with them in a process that can best be described as taking a chance.

According to Ramson Jnr, the players will have to commit themselves to do well during the period, adding that it is an investment in human beings to take them to the next level.

The three players, who will benefit from the Programme, are wicketkeeper/batsman Ronaldo Renee and all-rounder Malcolm Hubbard of Everest Cricket Club and all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford of Demerara Cricket Club.

GTT’s Marketing Manager Anjanie Hackett told the gathering that the company was happy to be part of the partnership, adding that coming from a background of being a former player she knows how important it is to have that kind of assistance.

Hackett congratulated Ramson Jnr and Datadin for recoginsing the need to assist in the development of the players, who were all referred to as possessing an abundance of talent, and helping them to reach the next level.

Former Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Performance Consultant, Robin Singh, who accompanied the players, spoke of the process which was used to select them, informing that it was rigorous and detailed.

“The selection process started with about 15 play-

ers and we looked at every aspect of the game including the player’s ability, character and mental approach and we eventually came up with these three who are all very talented,” Singh disclosed. He said they have an excellent chance to advance their talent and urged them to grab the opportunity with both hands.

Renee, speaking on behalf of the three players, said they were grateful for the opportunity presented to them by GTT and the two attorneys and were willing to make the best use of it.

Part of the action between Demerara and Yelyco on Saturday afternoon (Akeem Greene photo)

GTT Marketing Manager Anjanie Hackett hands over a gift to Ronaldo Renee in the presence of PRO Allison Parker (right), Charles Ramson Jr (left), Robin Singh (third right) and the other two cricketers

Inter-Ministry/Corporation Futsal...

Banks DIH crowned champs after 8-5 win over MOFA

By TreisTon Joseph

Banks DIH Limited won the first edition of the Banks Beer Inter-Ministry/Corporation Futsal championship on Friday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

In front of a large crowd, the Banks DIH players were able to pull off an 8-5 win against the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in a high-scoring finale that thrilled the fans in atten-

dance.

The high paced game saw no shortage of action as both teams were bent on an attacking style of football that sometimes lacked a bit of defensive prowess. Both teams, versed in their attacking ways, also displayed crisp passing and game flow during the final.

Devon Forde led Banks DIH with a double in the 16th and 27th minutes, while Andre Trotz also delivered with a double in the

seventh and 36th minutes.

Additional scoring came from James Meredith, Eron Hayde, Phillip Rowley and Eric Moses in the third, 22nd, 28th and 35th minutes respectively to complete the victory for the beverage giant.

For MOFA, Courtney Britton netted in the fourth and 25th minutes, while Shamar Wilson, Jeffrey Newton and Godfrey Powers scored in the 19th, 30th and 34th minutes respectively.

Gayadin pleased with performances at CMRC

- Xtreme Motor racing to treat St John’s Orphanage during Christmas season

By Akeem Greene

Race car driver Gavin

Gayadin is pleased with the performances he produced at the recently held fourth round of the 2015 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships at the South Dakota Circuit.

The win allowed Banks DIH to cop the first place prize of $200,000 and the championship trophy. MOFA walked away with $150,000 and a trophy.

Meanwhile, in the third place playoff, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure crushed the Ministry of Public Health 10-3.

For the win, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure pocketed $100,000 and the trophy.

Gayadin, a Group Three driver who endured some difficulties during the time trials, due to tire troubles, started in 15th place and got third and sixth in his two races.

The Xtreme race car driver is happy that his BMWE30M returned without much damage. “I’m happy with how the car performed; everything went well, I have not being racing for about three years now, so I think I was a bit rusty, but the team did well compared to previous years.”

Group Three had some fierce competition, as eventual winner Paul Vieira was pushed to the limit.

Most notably, Gayadin explained that his Xtreme racing team will be going to the St John’s Orphanage during the Christmas period, to host a party for the children as part of their plans to give back to the less fortunate.

Gayadin is extremely grateful for all the sponsorship given by companies such as Royal Castle, Tourist Villa, Auto Stop, among others, as without them his journey would not have made it this far.

The driver is already looking ahead to the 2016 season and is hoping more sponsors can come onboard to allow him to tour the other countries, where the meet is usually held.

Part

Group Three driver Gavin Gayadin’s BMW- E30M

Singh storms Providence with second straight century

– Late wickets put Guyana Jaguars in total control

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Vishual Singh hugged the limelight on day two of the third round of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) Fourday game against Barbados Pride at the National Stadium, Providence, on Saturday.

Displaying his wide repertoire of strokes, the 26-yearold decimated the Pride attack with a scintillating 121,

his third First-class and second in succession. However, a dramatic collapse tarnished the high-quality hundred, as the Jaguars lost their last six wickets for 35 runs, to stumble to 337 all out.

In reply, the visitors were left with much work to do, after the Guyana Jaguars successfully chipped away with the wickets of Kraigg Brathwaite (11) Jonathan Carter (4), Kyle Corbin (16) and Shamarh Brooks (9) during the final session.

Ramdass impresses on overseas sojourn

ormer Demerara

FUnder-19 opening batsman Steve Ramdass recently completed successful stints in Trinidad and Tobago and Canada, racking up some solid scores and also featuring among the wickets.

The talented cricketer, who plays for local side Lusignan Sports Club, appeared in the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board’s

When bad light stopped play, Barbados Pride were 60-4, still facing a first innings deficit of 277 with six wickets at their disposal. Roston Chase and Mario Rampersaud will resume today on 12 and five respectively.

Earlier, the Jaguars resumed on the overnight position of 170-2 and within the first half hour, the Pride players were celebrating, as Miguel Cummins (1-55) induced an outside edge from Leon Johnson that was held by Sulieman Bennat first slip. Johnson’s defiant stay, which started early on day one, ended at 74.

The other overnight batsman Singh, who began the day on 30, then joined forces with the senior batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul and they took the total to 213.

The diminutive Singh’s 114-ball half-century came up with his fifth four, but fellow left-hander Chanderpaul, who was playing a typi-

cal supporting role, was dismissed soon after for a 50-ball 11, caught at the wicket off Ashley Nurse.

The Pride, and Nurse, should have another crucial strike 21 runs later, but wicket-keeper Mario Rampersaud floored a regulation chance off Singh on 77. Singh took full advantage of the chance, and along with Raymond Reifer helped the hosts’ progress to 262-4 at lunch. Singh was on 87 and Reifer on 22.

Singh wasted little time after lunch and once he entered the 90s, he slammed a couple of sweetly timed boundaries off Best to reach the milestone off 207 balls. The innings was scripted with the help of 11 fours.

Chase (2-28) then provided the visitors with the breakthrough, removing Reifer for 32 to end the 89-run fifthwicket partnership. That dismissal saw the Jaguars losing their last six wickets, minutes before the extended second session.

Kevin Stoute (3-40) removed Anthony Bramble (7), Veerasammy Permaul (0) and Singh, while Chase and Benn (2-63) removed Steven Jacobs (7) and Ronsford Beaton (11). Permaul, playing his

first game this season, then claimed the wickets of openers Brathwaite and Corbin, while Beaton got rid of Carter and Gudakesh Motie had the wicket of Brooks in quick succession.

SCOREBOARD

championship level competition for Rousillac United CC. It was his second year with the club.

With the bat, Ramdass chalked up 635 runs with five half-centuries from 14 games, averaging 45.33 per innings. For good measure, he snapped up 26 wickets with his off-spin.

Over in Canada, Ramdass turned out for Vikings Cricket Club in the Toronto District League. Joining the team at halfway through the season, the right-handed batsman featured in both the Elite and Premier Leagues, scoring 310 runs from nine matches at an average of 38.75.

Of his three half-centuries, the highest was 97 against Toronto Cricket Club. He also chipped in with 11 wickets.

Satisfied with his performance, Ramdass is looking to forge his way into Demerara senior team for the Inter-county competition with the aim of one day represent Guyana and the West Indies.

Veerasammy Permaul

Steve Ramdass