2014 09 19

GUYANA No. 103955 FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 19, 2014

The Chronicle is at http://www.guyanachronicle.com

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160 Amerindian villages set to improve socio-economic development Page

UNDP Representative Khadija Musa, Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai and Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh at the signing of the agreement yesterday

PPP seriously questions Ramjattan’s mental stability – says he is delusional Page 2

Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan

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- $1.3B agreement signed for Phase 2 of GRIF project

President urges other private sector companies to follow GT&T’s example – as he re-commissions UG Internet Resource Centre Page

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President Donald Ramotar, GT&T CEO RK Sharma, UG Vice Chancellor Prof. Jacob Opadeyi and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds at the Internet Resource Centre of the University of Guyana

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

PPP seriously questions Ramjattan’s mental stability – says he is delusional THE governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) last evening issued a statement in which it deems as “utter rubbish”, the socalled “public revelation” by Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, that the PPP/C is attempting to “buy off” three Parliamentarians at $30M each to vote against the ‘no confidence’ motion.

The PPP said this startling “disclosure” is tantamount to a smear campaign and follows “a long line of baseless and delusional utterances emanating from the mouth of Ramjattan

which forces the PPP to seriously question Ramjattan’s mental stability”.

The party said it notes with relief that based upon recent disclosures, Ramjattan will not be vying for either the Presidential candidate or Prime Ministerial position for his party and therefore the people of Guyana will not be burdened with a person in such a mental state.

The PPP said, too, that it rejects this outrageous allegation and challenges Mr. Ramjattan to forthwith disclose, publicly, the names of the three Parliamentarians to

which he makes reference and to further make a full and frank public disclosure of all or any information which he claims he has received in relation to this matter.

In addition, the PPP expects Ramjattan to lodge a report with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) forthwith, furnishing the Police with the information he has received with a request to immediately commence an investigation since his allegations border on criminality.

“From all appearances, the AFC appears to be in stiff competition with the APNU in a race to the bottom aimed at grabbing media headlines, thus the reckless statements and challenges emanating within recent times from both Parties,” the PPP stated.

The ruling party alluded to the fact that it has a well-established track record spanning over six decades of defending and struggling for Electoral, Parliamentary and Constitu-

Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, AFC Leader

tional democracy and the rule of law. Our democratic credentials is not only recognise nationally and internationally but can withstand scrutiny from any quarter. The party of Cheddi Jagan will never do anything to undermine the democratic rights and constitutional freedoms of our people.

The PPP holds firmly to the view that within recent times, the AFC has become

unpredictably desperate and is obviously prepared to adopt senseless postures and make irrational statements in their quest to exaggerate their importance and standing. Moses Nagamootoo’s statement about “political diarrhoea” must therefore be situated in that context.

In any event, the AFC must be advised that such statements and postures will get them nowhere save to have them end up with a petard in their hands.

During an afternoon press briefing by the Alliance For Change at the Georgetown Club yesterday, AFC’s Ramjattan declared: “We have gotten reliable information that the PPP’s answer to the No-Confidence motion... is to buy off three Parliamentarians at $30M each to vote No rather than Yes.” Asked whether he could speak on behalf of his own party members accepting such an offer, the AFC leader re-

sponded in the negative, saying that, “the AFC 7 is going to hold true to that position [of a No Confidence Motion] and, I am absolutely certain that they will.”

He further expressed that he is not of the authority to speak on behalf of the 26 seats in the National Assembly occupied by the main Opposition party, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

He did say however that he is “absolutely certain” that the APNU MPs “are going to hold true”, but a cautious Ramjattan urged for “Parliamentarians to be honest with themselves and to be honest with their consciences and to be honest with the people of Guyana.”

The AFC, in early August, delivered to Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, a motion of No Confidence against the Guyana Government which is to be debated by the National Assembly in October.

Political diarrhoea hits AFC as…

Gov’t rejects Ramjattan’s reckless and outrageous 'buy off' allegation – challenges him to provide evidence PPP is attempting to pay three Parliamentarians $30M each to vote against ‘no confidence’ motion THE Office of the President (OP) said it views with “utter shock” the latest public revelation by the Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan that he has received information that the ruling

People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) is attempting to “buy off” three Parliamentarians at $30M each to vote against the ‘no confidence’ motion.

OP, in a statement yesterday afternoon, said this

startling disclosure follows a long line of reckless and baseless utterances emanating from the AFC. “Office of the President rejects this outrageous allegation and challenges Mr. Ramjattan to forthwith dis-

close, publicly, the names of these three Parliamentarians to which he makes reference and to further make a full and frank public disclosure of all or any information which he claims he has received in Turn to page 10

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

President urges other private sector companies to follow GT&T’s example

– as he re-commissions UG Internet Resource Centre

President Donald Ramotar, GT&T CEO RK Sharma and UG Vice Chancellor Prof. Jacob Opadeyi at the re-commissioning of the Internet Resource Centre of the University of Guyana

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar yesterday congratulated the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Company for their contribution to enhancing the social development of students, as a result of their decision to renovate the Information Computer Technol-

ogy Laboratory’s Resource Centre at the University of Guyana (UG).

President Ramotar said that he was pleased that the company took the decision to execute the $20M project, which will “complement Government’s efforts to improve facilities at the Uni-

versity of Guyana”. He said that planned capital works,

improvements in the science and technology programmes, and the planned Centre for Bio-Diversity Studies were just some of Government’s planned inputs.

Noting that education has become vital and pivotal to the development of any society, the president said it can be seen in the fact that the world’s most developed countries have the most educated populations. “The most important factor for our development is our human factor and therefore we have to build that human capital if we are to advance into this century that we are in, and if our economy is to go forward with the speed that it can, and it potentially has”.

Government’s emphasis has always been on the development of the social sector as it benefits most of the population, the President said,

adding that he was extremely pleased that Guyana has far-sighted and far-thinking companies like GT&T, that have recognised this and are also making an investment.

He noted that in addition to the university enjoying the benefits of investments, the private sector also enjoys the “enormous benefit from an educated and a more technologically equipped and scientifically oriented workforce.

This clearly was recognised

by GT&T, and of course it probably signals their intention to expand, and hopefully to more institutions like the University of Guyana”.

President Ramotar called on other private sector companies to follow the move by the telecommunications company, as in doing so they would be reviving a tradition that started with the initial launch of UG’s campus some 50 years ago, and saw two

companies offering scholarships to high performing students.

“I hope this example will become infectious and catches on in the private sector,” and he also called on students to use the facilities for the purpose for which they were intended.

GT&T’s Chief Executive Officer RK Sharma, in his remarks, said that educaTurn to page 10

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

Scottish independence: Voting under way in referendum PEOPLE in Scotland yesterday voted on whether the country should stay in the UK or become an independent nation.

Voters are answering “Yes” or “No” to the referendum question: “Should Scotland be an independent country?”

With 4,285,323 people - 97% of the electorate registered to vote, it was expected to be the busiest day in Scottish electoral history.

Votes were cast at 5,579

Some voters turned up to the polling station in kilts, like this man at Bannockburn

polling stations until 22:00 hrs yesterday. The result was expected this morning.

Strict rules mean the BBC - in common with other broadcasters - is not allowed to report details of campaigning until after the polls close.

A number of councils around the country said polling stations were busy, with some seeing queues both ahead of the polls opening and throughout the

morning.

Stirling Council area counting officer Bob Jack said: “There has been a steady stream of voters and we have been very busy.”

In East Renfrewshire, there were queues before the polls opened Thursday morning and a steady stream since, a council spokeswoman said. Some voters had been kissing their ballots, she added.

Ukraine crisis: President Poroshenko in key US visit (BBC News) UKRAINIAN President Petro Poroshenko has urged the US to provide military assistance to his country to counter pro-Russian eastern separatists.

In an address to a joint session of Congress, he said ill-equipped young Ukrainian servicemen were fighting a “war for the free world”

against Russian aggression.

US President Barack Obama has condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

But he has said that military support will only include non-lethal equipment.

Mr Poroshenko told the joint session of Congress in Washington that Ukrainian government forces needed

more equipment - both lethal and non-lethal.

“Blankets, night-vision goggles are important, but one cannot win the war with blankets.”

His impassioned plea for US support brought applause and several standing ovations.

The Associated Press news agency quotes senior US administration officials as saying that President Obama will announce $46m (£28.1m) in new security assistance for the Ukrainian military when he meets Mr Poroshenko later, but will stop short of providing lethal aid.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

Chile police arrest three over Santiago subway bomb (BBC News) OFFICIALS in Chile say they have arrested three people thought to be behind a bomb attack in the capital Santiago.

The bombing, earlier this month, targeted a shopping centre connected to a subway station and injured 14 people.

Interior and Security Minister Rodrigo Penailillo said police had arrested two men and a woman.

The attack is one of the worst since democracy was restored in 1990.

There have been around 200 bomb attacks in Santiago in the past decade, with anarchist groups claiming responsibility for many of

them.

No one admitted carrying out the latest attack.

Police said the homemade explosive device went off on 8 September at lunchtime in an underground shopping area at the Escuela Militar station.

Officials said about 150,000 people pass through the station daily.

Caribbean chikungunya deaths hit 113 (Trinidad Guardian) THE number of deaths linked to The explosive device was detonated in a busy area of a subway station in Santiago on 8 September

7-foot caiman attacks south family’s dog ( Tr i n i d a d G u a r d i a n ) SAN FERNANDO game wardens Wednesday captured a seven-foot-long caiman in a family’s yard after it bit a guard dog on the face. The female caiman, which appeared to be pregnant, was captured in Marabella shortly after Dinesh Mahabir, 32, alerted game wardens that the reptile was in his enclosed garden at Park La n e, Go pa ul La nds.

Mahabir told the T&T Guardian that around 1.30 am he was awakened by his dogs barking

Chilean President Michelle Bachele called the attack a “terrorist act, one of the most cowardly we have seen”.

The police operation that led to the arrests in the La Pintana neighbourhood of the capital comes as two days of celebrations get under way for Chile’s independence day.

loudly in an area of his garden, which was surrounded by a concrete and wire wall.

“I went outside and went by the dogs. I flashed the light and saw two eyes glittering in the garden and realise it was a caiman.

I pull away the dogs and lock them up. I saw one of the dogs, Sparky, with a cut on his face. The caiman bite him on his face,” Mahabir said. “I was not scared, but I wish I had seen it sooner so I could have prevented it from hurting my dog.”

He said Sparky, a mixed German Shepherd, was doing well after his encounter with the caiman, but said he would have to take the dog to the vet to get treatment on the wound the caiman caused. Mahabir said it was the first time his family had encountered a caiman on their property.

When the T&T Guardian arrived at Mahabir’s home at 10 am, game wardens Steve Seepersad, Bisham Madhu and Jeremy Dindial, together with honourary wardens Darius Baldeo and Ren-

nie Loknath, were on the scene. Dindial, Baldeo, Madhu and Loknath entered the garden and cornered the caiman against a wall. Using a catching pole with a rope at the end, Dindial hooked the jaw of the caiman, which began hissing loudly and struggling wildly as he pulled it into a clearing in the garden.

the chikungunya virus is estimated at 113. And all of the fatalities are reported in the Caribbean.

The latest figures from the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO), which include statistics as of Sept. 12, confirm the Caribbean region’s vulnerability to the disease.

The PAHO report says, however, that it was not yet clear if these deaths were directly attributable to the virus.

Chikungunya itself is not fatal but can result in death when combined with other serious medical conditions. Although all the victims were infected with the virus, health authorities said Chikungunya may not have been the main cause of death.

The Puerto Rican Health Department was investigating whether two recent deaths were related to the virus, Fox News Latino reported. PAHO confirmed 55 deaths linked to the virus in Martinique since last December, when the disease was first detected in the French side of St Martin.

Forty-nine deaths were reported in Guadeloupe, six in the Dominican Republic and three in St. Martin, where the virus was first found in the Americas. A total of 644,686 suspected and 9,640 confirmed Chikungunya cases have been reported in the region as of Sept. 8, the Caribbean Public Health Agency, or CARPHA, said.

The regional organisations emphasised the importance of taking preventive measures to control the breeding locations of the mosquitoes that transmit the two viruses, especially at this time of year, the peak transmission season in the Caribbean due to increased rainfall.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Resonances of humanity THE equations and definitions constraining human and humane conduct have largely become statistics by a society saturated in the sensual and the sensational.

Value systems relate to the dynamics of materialistic configurations instead of the applicability of good conduct, consideration for others, respect for authority and even parents.

The resilience of the human spirit may endure, as it has in centuries of natural and man-made catastrophes, and evolved over time to predominate over individual and societal anomalies, but to what extent has the human collective transmigrated into the quintessential replica of that divine lifeforce most of us pray to

for charting the course of our lives?

How many of us see ourselves as our brother’s – and sister’s keepers? And how many of us can see a suffering child and feel constrained to intercede on its behalf, even if it creates problems for us in our personal lives?

The quality of mercy is largely constrained within the parameters of our individual comfort zones – and this also applies to leaders of nations.

To be a real leader, and a good human being, one has to adopt and maintain principled positions, even when the world turns against you for refusing to compromise integrity for the convenience of popularity.

It is a rare human being,

and one whose self-respect and moral code are unshakeable, who can withstand the buffeting of a societal, national, regional, and global tsunami and emerge with moral pristinity.

Too many persons are like chaff blowing hither-thither in the wind of public opinion, without consideration for truths and the greater good.

But the Lord adjured us to build our houses upon the rock of truth so that it can withstand against the elements and endure – and all our religions teach us that good triumphs against evil, light over darkness.

It is extremely difficult to refuse our peers in the pursuit of wrongdoing, especially when ostracism from their society would ensue as

a consequence, unless one has a strong and in-built moral code that transposes one above the norm to rise unsullied by the machinations of those who take joy in marginalising the existence of others – or policy-makers who gain satisfaction in strategising the dislocation of the socio-economic contours of vulnerable societies.

The sad reality that has hallmarked the evolutionary processes of societies is that moral integrity has majorly been relegated to a dimension of alienation within the mainstream norm, and the acquisition of power and wealth have taken precedence over the adjurations of all our holy texts.

The hypocrisy of many elders who attend mosques, mandirs, temples, churches, and other places of worship, whose lifestyles cannot bear scrutiny, have created agnostics and cynics out of the younger generation, so authority figures – and consequentially the supreme being they purport to worship, have become suspect and unworthy of respect.

This phenomenon has fractured societies, because the various religions of

the world have historically and traditionally been the grounding force melding families and societies into a cohesive unit, mainly harmonising within the philosophies of their doctrines to create communities and countries with soul.

The churches may today be full, but the mechanical, materialistic applications have, except for exceptional instances, created poverty of the soul of humankind.

Injustice to Amerindians Suicide is not IN response to a Stabroek News article (Sat, Sept 13th, 2014) under the caption ‘Miners to challenge Amerindian land extensions - set up fund, legal team for class action suit’.

Kindly allow me to state the following: 1. Let me educate the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) that the legal ownership rights of Guyana’s indigenous peoples to their lands is not a Johnny- come-lately issue but an issue that engaged Guyana’s past Governments for years and continues to engage our current Government. So it is strange that the GGDMA has now decided to fight against the land rights of Guyana’s indigenous peoples.

2. The GGDMA must know that one of the conditions for Guyana’s independence on the 26 May, 1966 was

on Amerindian land rights.

This condition states that the “Amerindians be granted legal ownership or rights of occupancy over areas and reservations or parts thereof where any tribe or community of Amerindians is now ordinarily resident or settled and other legal rights, such as right of passage, in respect of any other lands where they now, by tradition or custom de facto enjoy freedoms and permissions corresponding to rights of that nature. In this context it is intended that legal ownership shall comprise all rights normally attaching to such ownership’’(report of the 1965 British Guiana Independence Conference, Annex C, paragraph 1).

3. To comply with the above– mentioned legal condition, an Amerindian Lands Commission (ALC) was established in 1966. This became known

as Amerindian Land Commission Ordinance 1966, which was re-enacted as the Amerindian Lands Commission Act Chapter 59:03 4. The ALC, in its report of 1969 that was presented, stated that indigenous communities claimed 43,000 square miles of land, most of which was rejected on the basis of being “excessive and beyond the ability of residents to develop and administer.” The ALC recommended that 128 communities receive communal freehold title to 24,000 square miles of land, including mineral rights to a depth of 50 feet. It is important to note that the ALC did not visit all the areas of Guyana occupied by indigenous peoples and as a result no account was made for a number of communities.

5. So the process of Amerindian land titling and extensions continue by the govern-

ment of Guyana to secure the land rights of its indigenous peoples, consistent with international obligations. The upcoming land-titling, demarcation and extension project funded by payments received from the Guyana/Norway agreement was a recommendation made by indigenous communities at the 2009 Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) consultations. The project is therefore an LCDs project which, for nearly four years the Amerindians peoples have been patiently waiting on.

And for the GGDMA to claim that they will now legally challenge the Amerindian land titling project is totally being unjust and unfair to Guyana’s indigenous peoples, who have a spiritual attachment to their lands.

PETER PERSAUD

The Opposition pot is black indeed I REFER to one Peter Persaud’s letter in your newspaper of Wednesday September 17th, 2014 calling on PNC Member of Parliament Joseph Harmon to provide 1964 - 1991 assessments and compliance reports to the public Library for public reading when the

PNC was in Government.

My opinion on this idea

by Persaud is that I am in agreement since, if Mr. Harmon of the PNC is concerned about public accountability then he should put his money where his mouth is; and if he is unable to provide the past PNC Government’s

1964 - 1991 reports to the National Library for public scrutiny he should submit his resignation.

In this connection, it is important for Mr. Harmon and the others in the Opposition to have recognition and respect for the saying, “those living in glass houses must

not throw stones.”

And my conclusion after reading Mr. Harmon’s outpourings in the daily newspapers is nothing edifying but a typical foolish behaviour where the ‘pot is calling the kettle black’.

BERNARD ISSACS

political fodder MUCH is being made over the publication of a World Health Organisation (WHO) Report which purported to show that Guyana recorded the highest suicide rate in the world. Some Opposition elements are seeking to make political capital out of what can be regarded as an anecdotal occurrence which could conceivably happen in any country of the world.

The truth of the matter is that suicide rates have nothing to do with poverty levels or the socio-economic status of a country. Suicide and suicidal tendencies are what sociologists refer to as ‘sui generis’; that is, they have an objective existence regardless of whether we recognise such existence or not.

It was the famous French sociologist, Emile Durkheim who, in his study of suicide, came up with a typology of suicide in which he posited that suicide and suicide rates are dependent on a number of variables such as types of family structures,

religious and cultural beliefs and drastic changes in life circumstances among several others.

He distinguished between altruistic suicide, which resulted from an over-internalisation of societal norms and anomic suicide, which is caused by a change in life circumstances such as a rapid rise or decline in status. This latter type is more pronounced among stars who sometimes find it difficult to cope with sudden rise or fall from stardom.

According to Durkheim, single individuals are more prone to commit suicide than married couples due to a lack of family support during periods of stress and depression.

The point I am seeking to make is that there is not much to be gained from seeking to politicise what is clearly a cultural, neurological and emotional condition that transcends national boundaries and politics.

HYDAR ALLY

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

ISIS: Illusions versus Reality MUCH has been said about President Obama’s strategy to degrade and eventually “destroy” the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Regardless of the soundness of the President’s strategy, to ensure greater success in defeating ISIS, three distinct interlinked aspects must be factored in: careful consideration of the root causes behind the rise of ISIS, simultaneous inclusion of socio-political and economic development along with the military campaign, and the real, not illusionary, role and capability of the coalition members President Obama has assembled. Bearing this in mind and acting accordingly will permanently degrade ISIS and prevent it from rising again to pose a serious threat to our allies in the Middle East and Western security in the future.

The rise of many jihadist groups can be traced several decades back to the reigns of corrupt and ruthless Arab dictators who grossly violated human rights, deprived their citizens of social justice, and violently suppressed any opposition with impunity.

Adding to this mix is President Bush’s misguided Iraq war, which has ignited the long-dormant Sunni-Shiite conflict, and the violent upheaval in the wake of the Arab Spring that swept several Arab states, culminating with the still-raging civil war in Syria.

ISIS is an offshoot of al-Qaeda (disavowed by them because of their savagery) who converged, among other jihadist groups, into a disintegrated Syria, unleashing the dark-ages forces of Islam in pursuit of their twisted religious historic and cultural agenda that sanctifies Islamic reign.

At the same time, both secular and religious authoritarian regimes in the region have been adding fuel to the fire by supporting one jihadist group or the other financially and with military equipment, while engaging in hate narratives against one another and against the West.

Millions of dispossessed, despairing, and despondent Arab youth are left with no place to go, no hope, and no

future. They are consumed with anger and hatred of their corrupt and unresponsive leaders and the West, who acted only when the conditions served its interest.

For these reasons, the military campaign must simultaneously be accompanied by sustainable economic development programmes to create jobs and opportunities to give the young hope for the future.

The U.S., European countries, and the oil-rich Arab states must raise billions of dollars strictly dedicated to that end and give young men and women the incentive to reject extremism and embrace moderation.

Sustainable development projects will not only galvanise local resources, but allow for the development of own-

ership and a sense of empowerment that builds a social and economic structure from the bottom up. This would allow the people to become increasingly less dependent on government handouts that come with chains and subservience.

We must carefully assess the role and responsibility of each member of the coalition (many of whom remain a mystery) and have no illusions about their importance and efficacy.

Iraq: We should have no delusions about the makeup and effectiveness of the new Iraqi government. Whereas the Kurds will join the military campaign willingly to safeguard their territory and autonomy, the full support of the Sunni tribes is not assured given their long, violent conflict with the Shiite Maliki government over the past eight years.

Before they throw their weight behind the Shiites, they want to know what is in store for them. I maintain that nothing short of autonomous Sunni rule with equitable

revenue-sharing from oil with a loose federalism will suffice.

The U.S. must begin to lay the ground for this eventuality, and make it clear to the Abadi government that an Iraq free of violence depends on the Sunnis’ conviction that their fight against ISIS will benefit them rather than further consolidate the Shiites’ hold on power.

Syria: President Obama’s plans to mobilise and train moderate Syrian rebels to fight ISIS will go nowhere regardless of how welltrained and equipped the Syrian rebels may be. They cannot be effective if they must fight on two fronts— ISIS and Assad’s forces.

The US must target immediately ISIS fortifications in Syria as well as some of Assad’s military assets, especially his air force installations and runways and infantry, to prevent him from continuing to use barrel bombs that kill thousands of civilians indiscriminately.

Moreover, the US should capitalise on the growing sense of uneasiness among the Alawites with Assad, as they are increasingly realising that there will be no end to the civil war as long as he remains in power.

An Alawite-Sunni axis in Syria is possible once the Alawites are assured that Assad’s butchery of the largely Sunnis communities will not be held against them once Assad is ousted and the Sunnis form a representative government.

The American aerial onslaught against ISIS must be overwhelming and simultaneously target ISIS both in Iraq and Syria to prevent them from regrouping, recruiting, and developing new defensive positions and make their recovery extremely difficult.

Saudi Arabia: The war against ISIS is in principle a religious war that transcends the defeat of ISIS. Shiite Iran and Sunni Saudi Arabia are waging a war by proxy in Syria and Iraq to secure regional hegemony. Their battle is one for survival itself and will not abate any time soon.

Saudi Arabia should have every incentive not only to train Syrian rebels but actively participate in the military campaign. The US must insist that Saudi Arabia dispatch ground troops to Syria to fight ISIS. Although this may help Iran, which is also

threatened by ISIS, it will at the same time undermine Tehran’s foothold in Syria.

Iran has and will always be part of all regional conflicts by supporting one side against the other. It is illusionary to assume that Tehran can be a part of the solution.

It has directly supported Assad with money, military equipment, advisors, and even fighters as he is waging a merciless war against his civilian population.

Iran will stop short of nothing to maintain its foothold in Syria, which the linchpin of the crescent of land between the Gulf and the Mediterranean and is central to Iran’s ambitions to become the region’s hegemon.

Regardless of the ongoing negotiations with Iran about its nuclear program, the US must spare no efforts to keep Iran out of the military campaign in Iraq and Syria.

Turkey: President Erdogan, who is guided by his Islamic convictions, will not help the fight against ISIS and nothing should be expected from Ankara other than lip-service. Turkey has and continues to be the gateway for jihadists coming from all over to cross the Turkish border into Syria and Iraq.

The US should stop covering for Turkey and insist that Erdogan stop the flow of jihadists and end the buying of oil from ISIS, which helps finance ISIS’ deadly campaign.

The US should warn that there will be consequences if Turkey does not heed American demands.

There are several Arab states including Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Oman, Kuwait, and others who should assist in different capacities in the campaign to defeat ISIS. It is incumbent on the US to ensure that this war looks, feels, and is an inter-Arab war, with Western powers only supporting the moderate Arab camp while protecting their strategic interests.

To help defeat Islamic extremism, we must condition our future support to any of the Arab states affected by this scourge and insist that they commit to long–term and substantial socioeconomic and political programmes. This will give tens of millions of Arab youth alternatives to violence and instead, give the hope and the opportunity to seek a more promising future.

DR. ALON BEN-MEIR

The justice system is compromised AT one point I had confidence in your Government, but I have lost all faith in the Government of Guyana, and all the news media. I have written so many letters to the media with only a couple of them that were actually published.

I sent emails to several people with absolutely no reply. It sickens me that my husband, Robert Gates, sits in prison and his life is in extreme danger, and all because of charges that were never High Court matters, but civil matters: And since giving testimony at the Walter Rodney COI, his life in prison is in danger.

His health is poor also, and they gave him expired medicines: What kind of

place is this? It seems to me that there is no freedom of speech; but yet I have read plenty of the report that did not have the correct facts.

Once my husband is freed he will never return to Guyana.

I am very disappointed that my letter was never published. The prison even served food that had broken glass in it a couple weeks ago. Sick, very sick!

I will be forwarding all my letters to the U.S. state department. I need to get someone to listen and do something about this injustice that is being done to my husband, Robert Gates.

JULIE GATES

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

Exposing wolves who masquerade in sheep’s clothing

– Kudos to the GRA for exposing this tax cheat and bully

ISN’T it predictable that the Peeping Tom article would carry a column on the deliberate release of privileged information on taxpayers.

Isn’t it even more predictable also that the same Peeping Tom does not find it despicable to have a special column written concerning the abuse of the remigrant scheme by a notorious character who masquerades as a paragon of virtues.

What is even more bias and jaundiced is that the article makes absolutely no reference to public disclosure of a vehicle belonging to a major Chinese investor, which purportedly received full exemption of the tax-

es under a policy of government no different from what applies to the policy of encouraging Guyanese to return to their homeland as remigrants.

This newspaper (Kaieteur News) which is known for its anti-government views expressed under the guise of exposing corruption, would appear to be an asylum for some persons whose sole agenda is not to be respectful to persons who hold public office and who are in the employment of the government and to engage in unbalanced journalism.

How else does one explain the constant harassment and intimidation that public officials are being

subject to through the rantings and ravings of a lunatic posing as a journalist, in a daily column that passes as satire.

Even a little child knows that this column which is an integral part of the newspaper sale, whom it is authored by. It’s time that both peeping Tom and this columnist expose themselves, sheltering behind a pen name before calling for the Parliament to censure persons for doing a civic duty in exposing information that the Guyanese public has a right to know as a matter of public interest. This is the only way we can expose wolves who masquerade in sheep’s clothing.

I am therefore calling on His Excellency the President to officially sanction the release of this information that has been put in the public domain through which the unsuspecting public is much more enlightened as to the true character of this masquerader of the protector of public and moral virtues.

Kudos to the GRA for exposing this tax cheat and bully.

P e e p i n g To m , h o w ironic that you are calling on those who expose information to be sanctioned.

We are now waiting on you to show your true self.

NAME & ADDRESS PROVIDED

Minister Ali speaks out against fare hikes, unfair treatment by minibus operators - says a properly regulated system must come into place

Child Protection Week 2014 to focus on community involvement AS THE Government moves to create awareness of the importance of the prevention of child abuse to ensure that Guyana’s children are protected, and their rights are not violated, the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is preparing to celebrate Child Protection Week 2014.

Child Protection Week is observed in more than 120 countries around the world at different times of the year, under different themes.

According to a press release from the Ministry, “In Guyana, Child Protection Week is used to encourage individuals, local communities and groups, including faith based organisations, to take action to ensure that children’s rights are not violated, and that they live in communities free from harm and abuse. These efforts are aimed at preventing and reducing child abuse and neglect in our society, by instilling the core principle that child protection is everyone’s business.”

The ministry said it is aware that child protection cannot be accomplished by any single entity, but rather the commitment and collaboration of the entire society.

The activities planned for the observance of Child Protection Week 2014 to engage persons at the community level, to increase their awareness of the plight of abused children, and to highlight areas of continued partnership with all stakeholders include: the solution.”

L-R Minister of Tourism (ag.) Irfaan Ali and Small Business Bureau CEO Derrick Cummings, with representatives from the United Minibus Union

By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally MINISTER of Tourism Irfaan Ali yesterday held a press conference with the United Minibus Union as he sought to sensitise the public on the Government’s position that there is no fare increase and the current situation which commuters face is unacceptable.

Speaking during the press conference at the Tourism Ministry’s boardroom on South Road, the acting Tourism Minister noted that it has been several months now that the ministry has been monitoring the present situation of fare hikes and unfair treatment of commuters by

minibus operators.

“Over the past months we have been receiving many complaints from commuters in relation to the imposition of fares that were not sanctioned by the ministry or any authority that has jurisdiction in terms of the setting of fares,” Ali said.

He noted that the ministry has consistently issued notices that outline clearly the fares to be paid by commuters and also outlined the fares that were not to be paid by commuters and still “we have been receiving hundreds of letters expressing concerns over fare hikes, especially from the Georgetown zones, 31(Georgetown to Wales)

and 32 (Georgetown to Parika) route zones.”

REFUSING ‘SHORT DROP’ PASSENGERS He expressed concern that some commuters had related that operators refused to accept ‘short drop’ passengers after 18:00hrs unless commuters pay full price.

The situation as viewed by the ministry and Government is unacceptable and this calls for a comprehensive look at the country’s transportation system.

The Government through the Ministry of Public Works and transportation intervened by providing some relief that is aimed at addressing the

immediate situation. “It is clear that the public pressure is pushing us in the direction to have the public sector playing a greater role in the transportation sector,” Ali said.

According to the Tourism Minister, “it is not our interest to be involved in a way that would see new competition in a service that, more or less, has been provided by the private sector for many years now, but under the current circumstances in which the public is requesting of the Government to act on their behalf in what the commuters feel is unfair treatment, then we will have to do so and come up with a transportation

SEVERAL MEETINGS Minister Ali reported that there were many meetings between the ministry and the minibus operators and their representatives and there was an agreement that “once the gas prices at the GuyOil (Guyana Oil Company) stations, which the Government controls, is less than a $1,000 then the increase in fares would not become necessary.”

Ali noted that the Government took all the necessary measures to make sure that the gas prices are kept below $1,000 and still some of the operators have increased their fares.

FOUR CORE ISSUES The Tourism Minister explained that the Minibus Union was engaged on four

main event the annual rally on “Breaking the silence on child sexual abuse”, to be held on September 24, from 16:30 hrs at the National Park.

Other activities include: booth day-interaction with the general public and distribution of pamphlets on child abuse awareness and good parenting practices in Regions 2, 5, 7 and 8, from September 23 through 27.

Power point presentations and discussions on child abuse awareness will be held in Region 1 on September 22 and 23. Power point presentations on alternative discipline methods, film and discussion – child abuse awareness, school quiz competition, foster care documentary, sensitisation session, and child protection fair will be held in Region 4 and other regions from September 24 to 27.

Further, community outreach, house to house visits, distribution of flyers, early childhood development seminar with fathers on their roles and responsibilities, child protection rally- breaking the silence on child sexual abuse, television panel discussion among other activities will be held in observance of Child Protection Week 2014.

Activities will be held in all 10 regions.

The Ministry urges the general public to join it and be part of the drive to end child abuse which impacts the social and economic fabric of the country. All cases of child abuse or neglect can be reported to the hotline on 227-0979. (GINA) cores issues as to the Government’s position on the issue of public transportation - the Government would take the necessary steps to keep gas prices under $1,000; the union will immediately revert to the fare structure that was put in place in January 2011; talks between the two entities will commence to integrate the service under the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and workout institutional arrangements under which public transportation will be managed and regulated in the future.

Concluding, Minister Ali emphasised that a properly regulated system must come into place that would see proper rules, procedures, guidelines and modern principles integrated into the public transportation system and monitored by the regulatory agencies.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

160 Amerindian villages set to improve socio-economic development - $1.3B agreement signed for Phase 2 of GRIF project

OVER 160 Amerindian communities, over a threeyear period, will benefit from funding to support their socio-economic development through the implementation of their Community Development Plans (CDPs). The signing of a $1.3B agreement between the Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has paved the way for the projects’ implementation.

Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative and Coordinator Khadija Musa yesterday signed the agreement at the Guyana International Conference Centre that will facilitate Phase II of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) Project under which the CDPs are catered for.

The project is funded under the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) and consequently is overseen by the Project Management Office in the Office of the President.

The communities will receive funding of up to $5M each for the village’s development of a community based project. All CDPs are approved by consensus or majority vote at village meetings, governed by Section 32 of the Amerindian Act of 2006. The UNDP is providing technical support to the project, including administration of social, fiduciary and environmental safeguards.

Projects Projects are to be done in seven sectors: agriculture including farming, agro-processing, aquaculture, poultry and cattle rearing; sustainable

forestry; village infrastructure including construction of village office, multi-purpose building and sewing centre and upgrade of airstrip; manufacturing, including water purification plant, furniture, sanitary blocks and crafts; services including village shop, museum building and bus/transportation; low impact mining and tourism including guest house, nature based and eco-tourism.

During Phase l of the ADF project, 26 communities received disbursements to implement their respective CDPs. Phase l is nearing completion and has seen some achievements, including the disbursement of approximately $112M to these communities. Community and village members have been trained in business development, agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, and apiculture.

Lessons learned from Phase l have been documented in the Phase ll project documentation, and will help to optimise project execution.

An Operational Manual and Business Strategy document has been developed to govern important processes and to outline the approach to important business areas, such as obtaining markets; and a scalable and transparent financial framework for disbursement has been developed.

A few examples of CDPs implemented in Phase l include the village of Santa Aratack, which used the funds to build a guest house. The community had their official launch on September 6, and the guest house complements the community’s ecotourism offerings.

The village of Moraikobai completed rehabilitation works to their Multi-Purpose Centre and has acquired sewing machines, computers and a printer, stove, freezer and

kitchen utensils, to equip the facility.

There were several villages that focused on agriculture in Phase l, including Kurukubaru, Region 8, where funding went to cattle rearing.

This saw the completion of the construction of a ranch house and corral, along with the purchase of a horse and cattle, along with medications, while in Rupertee village, Region 9, five acres of cassava has been planted and a processing facility has been completed.

Phase ll of the project will now begin with the first set of activities to include engaging with the communities to finalise their CDPs.

Amaila project Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh drew attention to the fact that Guyana has forgone development for centuries in acting responsibly, in preserving its natural environment, and for that, he said, tribute must be paid to Amerindian leaders who spearheaded this effort long before the world woke up the reality of climate change.

“This government has placed climate change, and in particular, fighting the effects of climate change, at the top of our policy agenda. We have articulated a Low Carbon Development Strategy that has as its central pillar the argument that accelerated economic development and environmental responsibility need not be conflicting objectives, but instead can be complementary objectives, and we have articulated this strategy, advocated it, made the point that standing forest, and in particular the environmental service provided by standing forests, must be recognised, valued and remunerated.”

Under Guyana’s historic partnership with Norway, that country will be paying Guyana

US$250M for environmental services provided by Guyana’s forests, of which over US$100M has been released.

“We have identified a number of projects, for implementation with the proceeds of these payments for environmental services, one is the Amerindian Development Fund which we are implementing in partnership with UNDP, but there are others worthy of mentioning too- Amerindian Land titling an extremely important project from the perspective of recognising the rights of Amerindian villages to have ownership over the territory within their village area and exercise economic rights over those areas,” he stated.

Dr Singh mentioned others, such as the small and medium sized enterprises which are in the process of being implemented, climate resilient strategy and action plan project, institutional strengthening project to strengthen the institutions involved in environmental management- Environmental Protection Agency, Guyana Forestry Commission, Project Management Office of the Office of the President and the Amaila Falls hydropower project, the flagship project of the LCDS. He reiterated that the Amaila project “will see Guyana migrate from 100% dependence on fossil fuel generated energy to 100% generation of energy from clean and renewable sources... but it is also a project that goes to the core of improving the attractiveness of Guyana as a destination for investment, and improving the attractiveness of the business environment of Guyana. We all know that the cost and reliability of energy is currently one of the most significant impediments to doing business in Guyana. Every investor coming into Guyana

has to carry the cost of electric power … every investor has to cater for redundant power and that’s a cost to doing business in Guyana. That reality undermines the investment environment, undermines our efforts to create jobs, and undermines profitability of businesses operating in Guyana, and undermines prosperity.”

In recognition of this, the Amaila hydropower project has been conceived, conceptualiesd and developed, and is aimed at removing this impediment, aimed at generating environmental advantages to migrating to clean and renewable energy, and at the same time to reduce the cost of electric energy to those doing business in Guyana “We are committed to realising all of these projects, including Amaila; we are committed to working with all of our partners, firstly with Norway, in ensuring that we discharge our obligations. We are particularly pleased with the development agencies that have been working with us. The UNDP has been an outstanding partner…”

Advancing transformation The Finance Minister promised that in Budget 2015, Government will continue to make investments that are critical to advance the country’s transformation, investments and infrastructure, improving the instructional environment, social infrastructure and services and quality of life.

“Initiatives such as this being implemented in partnership with agencies such as the UNDP in this instance, and others in other instances, will feature very prominently. It is our expectation that during the course of the remainder of this year and next year, these projects will see their full implementation.”

Meanwhile Minister of

ago.

In fact, Mabel believes that transport should be opposed unless repayment has being effected.

On this note, Mabel being forever alert is wondering whether the Government has collected all the monies owed for the assets, etc. that formed the sale of Guyana Stores Ltd.

Within minutes of the burning down of the Umana Yana, Mabel heard from the spit press that it was Jagdeo who instigated the engulfment because the view from the Marriott Hotel was being impeded.

She wondered at the morbid thoughts that

are harboured by spiteful Guyanese.

So Laparkan has sold the William Fogarty building causing Mabel to think whether the National Insurance Scheme has recovered the hundreds of millions of dollars loan that was made available as an investment some time

The diction and facial expression of both male and female news anchors on NCN needs to be subjected to serious and urgent scrutiny, with a view of enhancing this aspect of their TV programmes, especially when compared with all other competing newscasts on other stations.

Despite not having the seven-year experience in investigating criminal matters, the managing owner of a daily newspaper is to apply to the authorities concerned for the vacancies for independent investigations to be attached to the

Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai pointed to the fact that the release of the funds is an important landmark for Guyana. She however noted that the projects which began during the first phase are still ongoing, with the exception of the ‘Santac Tours and Travel’ project at the Santa Aratack Village, in Region 3 which was recently launched.

The Minister pointed out that the success of any project depends on support which comes from various corners.

She suggested that the villagers should move to build partnerships to help in the sustainability of their projects.

Minister Sukhai also committed her Ministry’s support towards planned projects, since they were important to the livelihood of the Amerindian people.

The Amerindian Affairs Minister also lamented the cut to the 2014 National Budget which had delayed the development of hinterland residents.

UNDP Representative Khadija Musa pointed out that the programme came after a year of intense work.

She said that there was a pilot phase from which mistakes were recognised and what was learnt was incorporated into the bigger projects.

Musa noted that work was conducted in total partnership during visits to communities, pointing out that there could be an exchange of knowledge among communities. She also commended the work done at Santa Aratack Village. Musa attended the launch of the project where she expressed her satisfaction with the quality of work that was put into the project and lauded the initiative and the residents for what she described as outstanding work. (GINA)

Police Complaints Authority (PCA).

His knowledge and familiarity with criminals will make him an asset in the work of the investigative arm of the PCA, word from within the Editorial personnel confirms.

The call from Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, for Head Teachers to impose disciplinary action against errant teachers, sound ominously bellow, when the whole ministry was exposed to the worst example of defiance exhibited by a very senior teacher at a much vaunting East Coast Secondary.

The spectacle of the teacher taking legal action against the ministry, despite refusing to follow instructions thereby emphasising defiance, was most pathetic.

Mabel believes that the minister should be called to examine the repercussion from this blatant and obnoxious behaviour from one of her senior teachers, if discipline is still being practised.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

New Providence residents complain about Courtney Benn’s 'illegal occupancy' of reserve

The structure that illegally occupies the reserve and a portable toilet can be seen at the back

By Asif Hakim RESIDENTS of New Providence Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara are complaining about what they said is “the illegal occupancy of the neigh-

bourhood reserve” by Mr. Courtney Benn, who had built a structure on the reserve four years ago when he was constructing his house.

The residents want to know when will the struc-

ture be removed and when will they receive an acknowledgement of their letter which was sent to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

One resident said that the structure was created

there four years ago when Mr. Benn was building his house right next to it. The resident said that about eight to ten workers lived in the structure and would go there from time to time.

The resident said that before the structure was put up, residents used the spot for various things. He said that no one since he made his report four years ago has done anything about it because “it’s like Mr. Benn own it.”

Meanwhile, another resident said that a kitchen was built into the makeshift quarters ,which causes a lot of smoke in the area. He said that every week Cevon’s Waste Management would come and empty the toilet at the back of the structure which belongs to them.

The resident said that when the toilet is being emptied by Cevon’s, “it does smell up the whole area and they does can’t leff their food open since when they eat they are feeling upset.”

He said also that the area is a residential one and things like that should not happen.

When this publication visited the illegal structure, a water meter and a GPL

meter were seen, both indicating the distribution of water and electricity to the house he built next to the illegal structure.

The Eccles/Ramsburg NDC is responsible for that area and when the Chairman Mr. Alex Faeed Khan was contacted, he said that indeed having such a structure on the land is illegal. He said that on numerous occasions

the council would have spoken to Mr. Benn but he did not remove the structure.

The chairman added that Mr. Benn doesn’t want to move from the land and it’s like he doesn’t care.

“He feels he big but he will soon be moved because we will take the matter to the ministry and also seek justice,” the chairman declared.

Gov’t rejects Ramjattan’s reckless and...

From page 2

relation to this matter,” the statement said.

In addition, Office of the President expects him to lodge a report with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) forthwith, furnishing the Police with the information he has received with a request to immediately commence an investigation since his allegations border on criminality.

Office of the President holds firmly to the view that the AFC has become desperate and is obviously prepared to adopt strange postures and make wild and irresponsible statements in their quest to exaggerate their importance and standing.

Moses Nagamootoo’s statement about political diarrhoea must therefore be situated in that context.

President urges other private sector...

From page 3

Mr. Benn’s house that he was constructing when he occupied the reserve land

tion as a tool for economic empowerment and development was most evident, and that the correlation between education and national development has been well established. The project can be seen, the GT&T CEO said, in the context of the company’s relationship with UG whereby over the last 10 years they have partnered and contributed to various aspects of the institution’s progress, “We were instrumental in setting up of what was then referred to as the Centre for Information Technology Laboratory. When the facility was opened, we equipped it to the value of $10M and also provided what at that time was deemed to be high speed internet access”. He added that the technical requirements to host UG’s GY domain were also provided for, as well as the provision of five scholarships annually in the technology and natural sciences fields.

It was in April of this year that a memorandum of understanding was signed between GT&T and the univer-

sity, when a commitment was made to provide assistance valued at $3M over a threeyear period, the CEO said.

“This project was formed under that agreement and it entailed the refurbishment of the internet resource centre as we now call it, along with a complete replacement of the 57 computers and provision of additional equipment to enhance the delivery and distribution of the bandwidth.

This was done at a cost of approximately $20M”.

The previous bandwidth of 512 kilobytes has been expanded to 2 megabytes of direct access internet service at a cost of $1.2M monthly, to the centre, he added.

Thanking GT&T for fulfilling the first what he described as some 20 agreements made by companies, UG’s Vice Chancellor Professor Jacob Opadeyi said that it was the first one that actually bore fruit. The agreement has five elements and the re-commissioning comprised the delivery of three.

The other two will see the undertaking of capital works,

in agreement with GT&T, to the value of $4.4M and the provision of a closed user group service package for UG’s administration, in terms of telephone service and other works. The facility will be a boost for students in offering improved access to the internet for research and studies, and teaching will become easier, the professor explained.

“Lectures will become shorter, in fact, lectures will be discussed,” as anything that is on the internet. He added that all the lecturers will have to do is verify that a website is authentic and that will improve how work is delivered, and it will offer a more interactive learning experience. He also made a pitch to the private sector to offer assistance as GT&T did, to UG. UG’s ICT Centre was initially opened in 2004 by then President Bharrat Jagdeo, with GT&T contributing to the Resource Centre with 53 Dell computers and other internetready facilities. (GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

'The Mission Goes On!'

…on International Day For The Preservation of the Ozone Layer MORE than two decades ago the world was rudely awakened to the discovery of the great hole over the Antarctica caused by chloroflourobcarbons (CFCs).

Even more surprising was that these “CFCs” were found in our hairsprays, and our refrigerators and our pesticides.

However September 16, 1987 marked the achievement of one of the most momentous agreements in the struggle

against Climate Change. The Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer was finally agreed upon at the Headquarters of the International Civil Aviation Organisation in Montreal.

Guyana is within the List of Parties in this agreement.

The protocol was designed to reduce the production and utilisation of ozone depleting substances (ODS) in order to protect the earth’s fragile ozone layer.

The protocol came into force on January 1, 1989, but the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is celebrated annually on September 16. This year’s theme is “Ozone Layer Protection: The Mission Goes On.” Dubbed “The world’s most successful environmental agreement,” the Montreal Protocol sparked a frenzy in phasing out and the reduction of producing ozone-harmful substances.

Local Gov’t Ministry working with ‘saner’ faction of City Hall on clean-up – HPS WHILE there continues to be division at City Hall, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon said there is still a faction at the Council that is giving its support to the ‘Clean-up my country’ exercise.

At his post-Cabinet media briefing Wednesday, Dr. Luncheon said, “The City Hall is visibly divided. I think it would be fair to say that the Mayor is on one side and is doing his best to do the worst possible that could be done if things do not evolve according to the mayor’s script, if I don’t get my way there will

be no way.”

Dr. Luncheon however noted, “There are others who are of a saner disposition in the City Hall, who are working with the administration and with whom the objective of the Clean- up Georgetown resonate, and it is with those the Ministry (Local Government) and its team from the Solid Waste department is working.”

During the National Budget 2014 presentation, the Finance Minister announced a $1B allocation for a clean-up my country exercise.

Of that allocation, $500M was allocated for a massive city clean-up which is underway while the remaining sum was allocated for other clean-up projects around the country.

A technical committee comprising various stakeholders was set up, with the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development spearheading the activities.

Before the clean-up exercise commenced, consultations were held in communities which would be benefiting from the initiative. (GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

Region 7 solid waste contractor pleads for stronger anti-littering measures THE Solid Waste Contractor for Region 7 (CuyuniMazaruni), Mr. Wayne Nurse, issued a plea to Local Government Minister, Norman Whittaker to develop “a comprehensive programme” in order to “stop or control the way people throw garbage around the [Bartica] community.”

Nurse, who was awarded the contract through a competitive bidding process, asserted during a

meeting with the Local Government Minister and other officials on Friday last that the size of Bartica makes it easier to “bring the garbage situation under control.”

The contractor regretted strongly that what usually happens is that after “I go out there with my boys” and commence clean-up works at the beach front, or the parks, “people go behind and throw the water bottles on the street corner.”

Frustrated with the costliness of repeated action, Nurse questioned, “How are we going to stop unruly people from throwing their cups and their papers and stuff around”?

He went as far as to suggest that if the current clean-up campaign is to be sustained, then there has to be some forceful measures to sustain the works. Nurse further urged that strong action is necessary, because “One of our problems that

we have in Bartica is people adhering to keeping the place clean.”

Agreeing with the concerns raised by Nurse, Minister Whittaker related that his ministry had always stressed the need for widespread stakeholder involvement in sustainability of the project. “That is why we are trying to have groups that are interested in working with us to keep the environment clean.”

Minister Whittaker disclosed that he presented a solution, which is for Cabinet to provide “funds which we can give to these groups so that they can support the work of the NDCs in keep-

ing the place clean.”

The Local Government Minister cautioned that the greater issue is the question of “how we are going to change attitudes.” To this end, he stated “I don’t think you can ‘legislate’ behavioural changes” except to say that all must “play a part.”

Also at the meeting was Special Projects Officer of the Local Government Ministry, Mr. Bramanand Singh, who for his part said that he had been in contact with the Director of the Environmental Management and Compliance Department of the EPA, Khemraj Parsram.

The EPA Director had

given word that the litter wardens are expected to be deployed to Bartica during this week. Singh urged the NDC to take full advantage of the services of the litter wardens.

Under the Litter Enforcement Regulations of the 1996 Environmental Protection Act, litter wardens are empowered to issue clean-up orders to citizens and businesses.

For citizens, a fine of $15,000 is mandatory if found littering; while, in other cases, a non-compliant resident who resists the order would be expected to pay a maximum of $50,000.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

Education Ministry now has new focus — Minister Manickchand AS the Ministry of Education continues to fulfil its mandate, they have now established a new focus, one which targets quality of learning outcomes.

This was announced on Wednesday by the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand at the commissioning of the St Agnes Primary School new building. “We at the ministry want to raise with you that our focus has now shifted from access to output and we need the nation to rally around this focus.”

During her address, the minister explained that Guyana has attained Universal Primary Education and is currently working on the attainment of Universal Secondary Education. She also noted that while the education system is presently in the best place it has ever been, there is still work to be done.

According to Manickchand, the ministry will be focusing primarily on learning outcomes, especially at the primary level: “With our

new focus set on primary education in particular, this section will receive increased attention and we at the ministry believe that if our children are literate by Grade Four, we have conquered half of the problem we face presently at the secondary level.

“Our focus now will primarily be on learning outcomes; we are in a good place where access to a primary education is concerned; we have attained Universal Primary Education in Guyana; and this simply means that a student of primary education age can have access to an education anywhere in the country, whether it is in the hinterland regions, Essequibo Coast or in the hustle and bustle of Georgetown.”

Reverting to the theme of the National Literacy Action Plan, “Literate by Grade 4 through consistent home, school and community involvement,” the Education Minister related that the ministry understands that there

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand during her feature address at the commissioning of the new St. Agnes Primary School building

are many aspects that need to be addressed so as to make the new focus a reality and urged all persons to play their part. “Now that we have our children in beautifully appointed classrooms, we now have to make sure that when they sit in those classrooms we teach them properly and when they exit at the different

levels, that they are exiting as quality persons so that they can take this country to

the next step,” Manickchand said.

During the recent ceremony held in observance of International Literacy Day, the minister noted carefully that the ministry had conducted a literacy test on the number of students that could read at their grade level. This test was conducted from Grades One to Six, and while this does not say that the students cannot read, it simply opens our eyes that more needs to be done, since “only 32% of our students are reading at grade level.”

Reiterating that presently “we have to make sure we have trained teachers, at present we have 72% of our teachers trained the highest ever in the history of Guyana and over the next five years, we intend to raise the bar to 80% trained

teachers,” she said, explaining that the ministry will be monitoring the levels of education that are given to students and if the teachers need to be re-trained, “it will happen,[because] having the skills that are required to deliver a quality education is a necessity,” noting that this is one of the first steps in achieving quality learning outputs from students.

Another initiative that the ministry has embarked upon is “the writing [of] our own books and having them available in a timely manner,” Manickchand said.

Manickchand concluded by also urging parents that their support, assistance and encouragement are very important to their children’s education and this will also assist the ministry in their new focus.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

Neal & Massay Group continues to make substantial donations to charities THE Neal & Massy Guyana Group of Companies has continued its Social Impact Programme by making financial and stationery donations to 23 charitable organisations across the country during a simple ceremony at Neal & Massy staff facility recently.

Mr. Deo Persaud, Chief Executive Officer, during remarks at the ceremony, said the Group takes its social responsibility seriously.

“The Social Impact programme is not only about donations but we conduct volunteer work in communities in which we operate,” he noted.

Representatives of the 23 organisations pose with Directors of Neal & Massy Group at the presentation ceremony

Mr. Persaud highlighted three projects where Associated Industries Limited (AINLIM) staff recently conducted an enhancement exercise at the East Bank Special Needs School, the rehabilitation of the fencing

at Eccles Primary School by employees of Demerara Oxygen Company (DOCOL) and the cleaning of the Manatee Pond in the Botanical Garden by employees of NMSS and TDI. “We are on a deliberate

engagement where we ourselves at all levels put in hours of community service.

Our group of companies will continue our meaningful engagement in the communities, we see you as partners and we would like to encourage your organisations to continue the good work that you are doing,” Mr. Persaud told the recipients. Representatives thanked the Neal and Massy

Group for its continued support.

The beneficiaries were: B e a c o n o f H o p e , B e rnice Mansell Foundation, Cheshire Home, Childlink Inc., Community Based Rehabilitation Programme, David Rose School for Handicapped Children, Deaf Association of Guyana, East Bank Special Needs School, Hauraruni Children’s Home for Girls, New Amsterdam

Special Needs School, New Opportunity Corp, Prabu Sharan Orphanage, Radio’s Needy Children Fund, Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre, Shaheed Boys and Girls Orphanage and St. Ann’s Orphanage.

The Neal and Massy Group comprise AINLIM, DOCOL, Trade & Distribution Inc. (TDI), NMSL, CCS and NMSS.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

$10,000 school grant for distribution by mid October – Education Minister AS THE government continues to invest in Guyanese for a brighter future, parents of children attending public schools are expected to start receiving the $10,000 cash grant by mid October.

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand Wednesday said the ministry will use

various means to distribute the grants in the different regions. The Ministry has been consulting with parents in various communities to garner suggestions and recommendations as to how the grants should be distributed.

This initiative was announced during the 2014

Natural Resources Ministry breaks new ground in partnership with Argentina IN AN effort to broaden technical exchange programmes and encourage investment from Guyana’s South American neighbours, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, recently broke new ground by leading a successful mission to Argentina.

As a result of the visit, the two countries have agreed to formalise a project focusing on the improvement of parks and protected areas through technical support and multiple exchange visits which are expected to commence shortly.

Facilitated through a cooperation agreement between the Governments of Guyana and Argentina, the mission focused primarily on benefitting from Argentina’s significant knowledge and experience in protected areas and natural resources management.

The team, which included the Commissioner and a Senior Technical Officer from the Protected Areas Commission, met with a number of technical agencies, including Argentina’s National Parks Service,

Ministries of Tourism, Environment and Sustainable Development, Mining, and Foreign Affairs.

Visits were also made to Iguazu Falls National Park and the Biopark Temaiken to assess and identify options for development and improved management of the Kaieteur National Park, the Zoological Park and the Botanical Gardens. Significant progress was made in identifying potential support to Guyana’s efforts at improved mining practices and geological assessments.

The Protected Areas System in Argentina comprises over 30 protected areas, and has been in existence since 1934. The Argentine Administration of Parks, therefore is well advanced, and has a wealth of experience in the establishment and management of protected areas.

It is envisioned that through this partnership, Guyana and Argentina will be able to exchange knowledge and experiences of protected areas and ultimately improve the management o Guyana’s newly created National Protected Areas System.

(GINA)

national budget by Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, and up to 188,406 families of nursery, primary and secondary schoolchildren at public schools are expected to benefit. This programme will cost Government $2 billion.

This cash grant is expected to ease transportation burdens on parents of school-aged children and will provide added impetus to raising enrolment and attendance rates.

Government has been investing significantly in

the education sector, and has implemented a number of initiatives to boost attendance and performance.

Text books have been distributed to every school child as well as other supportive programmes such as the National School

Feeding and the National School Uniform Programmes, both of which have helped to increase attendance rates and in particular in the case of the former, raise classroom attentiveness and participation. (GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

Season for seabob fishing closed THE Ministry of Agriculture’s Fisheries Department has implemented a closed season for Guyana`s seabob (shrimp) fishery. This closure was ratified by Agriculture Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy in keeping with protocols previously established between the seabob industry and the Ministry, according to a release from the Ministry.

The time-frame approved is September 8, 2014, to October 26, 2014 (six weeks), both

dates inclusive. The Minister has also approved the closure of prawn fishery for the same period.

The closed session is supported by the Guyana Association of Trawler Owners & Seafood Processors (GATOSP). All seabob fishing vessels were advised to dock from midnight on September 7 and to remain in port until midnight October 26, 2014.

Closed seasons are specified time periods where no fishing is permitted for a par-

ticular fishery and has been an ongoing activity for several years in Guyana; its establishment is closely monitored by the Fisheries Department on an annual basis. Such an intervention is not only limited to Guyana, but has fast become a global practice aimed at allowing various fisheries to multiply or replenish, thus ensuring growth and sustainability.

The seabob fishery in Guyana has been well known over the years for generating foreign exchange earnings

and revenue through exports regionally and to markets in North America and Europe. The major industrial stakeholders include Pritipaul Singh Investment, Noble House Seafoods, BEV Processors, Guyana Quality Seafoods and Fisheries Department.

Seabob data submitted by these companies are used to conduct annual stock assessments at the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), Annual Scientific Workshop. As much as 17 member states participate annually at these meetings. Guyana has been one of the more frequent attendees. It is important to note that attendance at these meetings support frequent stock assessments of an identified fish stock and it is a pivotal prerequisite to the country achieving Marine Steward Counsel Certification (MSC) for a particular fish stock.

Measures are currently being put in place for the seabob fishery to be assessed to achieve this certification shortly. MSC certification

basically signifies that harvesting and management of a particular fisheries resource is being done in a sustainable manner, which in turn allows for access into global markets for sale of produce.

The press release stated that the seabob stock was last assessed in June, 2013, when it was deemed fully utilised, but not over-fished.

As a result of this, a proposed Harvest Control Rule (HCR), considered as `best practices` in fisheries management, was drafted following deliberations with the consultant, GATOSP and the Fisheries Department. Considerations were given to fisher earnings, political acceptability and the level of precaution required. It was noted that any proposed HCR would undergo further evaluation through future stock assessments, which it was hoped would include improvements on the 2013 assessment. However, it is not anticipated that this would dramatically change any results. An overall days-at-sea limit was proposed, 87 licences each with an allocated 225

days at sea.

The proposed rule was evaluated in June, 2014, by members of the Continental Shelf Fisheries Working Group (CSWG) which comprises representatives from Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. The group endorsed the rule on the basis that was considered to be consistent with attaining maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and maintaining the stock above the limit reference point. This limit was acceptable to the industry, because it would not limit current fishing activity as long as indicators remained high, and would allow the fishery to take advantage of strong recruitments. The stock is currently in a good condition which was indicated by the attainment of favourable catch rates by fishers.

Despite these achievements the current fishing effort employed is lower than the maximum limit stipulated in the HCR which augurs well for sustainability, the press release stated.

(GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

Court grants Willems Non- Resident Timber eight injunctive German Ambassador orders to Guyana appointed

By George Barclay

MADAM Justice Sandra Kurtzious has granted Willems Timber & Trading Company eight injunctive orders against four defendants for, among other things, trespassing on the plaintiff’s property in Essequibo.

The Judge issued the injunctions after reading the ex parte application by way of affidavit for an interim injunction on the part of the above-named plaintiff, Willems Timber and Trading Company Limited, sworn to on September 11th, 2014, and upon hearing attorneyat-law for the plaintiff and the plaintiff through their attorney-at-law undertaking to abide by any Order the Court or a Judge may make as to damages in case the Court or Judge may hereafter be of the

opinion that the defendants shall have suffered any by reason of this Order which the plaintiff ought to pay.

It is this day ordered that the defendants whether by themselves, their servants, agents, workers, officers and directors whosoever and howsoever or otherwise be restrained. And that an injunction be and is hereby granted restraining the defendants whether by themselves, their servants, agents, officers, directors, workers, whosoever and howsoever or otherwise from entering on or remaining on the hereinafter mentioned properties namely: (a) Firstly: Lots 21 and 22 (b) Thirdly: Tract ‘A’ all being portions of State Land Iteballi Landing situate on the left Bank of the Mazaruni River, in the County of Essequibo, Guyana, more fully

described in Lease No.A24303 dated the April 24th, 2013 until the hearing and determination of a summons returnable for the September 23rd, 2014.

The other injunctions were similarly put and the matter was also adjourned to September 23, 2014.

The defendants were Aurelius INC., a company incorporated under the Companies Act. Rafeek Khan 2nd named defendant, Rabindranauth Boudnauth 3rd named defendant, and Melissa Lawrie 4th named defendant.

The writ was issued by lawyers, Mr. Neil Boston, Ms. Carole E. James-Boston, Ms. Marshallet Boston and or Ms. Tiffany Castello, attorneysat-law.

The matter has been adjourned to Tuesday September 23rd, 2014 at 09:00hrs.

HEAD of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon said Cabinet has given the approval for the German Ambassador to Guyana to be appointed.

Dr. Luncheon, at his post-Cabinet media briefing today, said Dr. Louis Herman Jurgen would be the new non-resident ambassador extraordinaire and plenipotentiary of

the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Guyana.

Dr. Jurgen will be re s i d e n t i n P o r t o f Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

Courts Guyana Inc., CCWU ink new 2014-2015 collective agreement -employees to receive 5% pay increase COURTS Guyana Inc. and the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) on Wednesday signed a new Collective Agreement for the period 2014-2015, which will see COURTS employees enjoying a 5% wage increase, among other things, for the period.

The signing took place in the boardroom of the Ministry of Labour, Brickdam, Georgetown. Officiating at the exercise were: Chief Labour Officer (CLO), Charles Ogle, who signed on behalf of the Ministry of Labour; COURTS Managing Director, Clyde De Haas and Human Resources Director, Michael Carter, who signed on behalf of that entity.

Heading the Clerical and Commercial Workers’ Union (CCWU) – the union representing COURTS employees was General President, Sherwood Clarke, accompanied by the Principal Assistant General Secretary, Andrea Joseph; Branch Chairperson, Laurie Baptiste and Secretary, Oslyn Mason.

Mr. Michael Carter, on behalf of COURTS, thanked

CCWU General Presi d e nt , S h e r wo o d Clarke presents a copy of the agreement to Chief Labour Officer, Mr. Charles Ogle

Mr. Michael Carter of COURTS presents a copy of the agreement to Francis Carryl, Labour Consultant the union and the Chief Labour Officer, Mr. Charles Ogle for facilitating the process, which, according to him, is an indication that there is a good industrial relations climate existing between the two. He added that COURTS as a good corporate citizen, is always committed to creating the right working conditions for employees.

This he said; is necessary to ensure the presence of a good work environment, which

leads to optimal output and ultimately maximising workers’ efficiency.

Clarke said his Union looks forward to continue working with the company and committed to adhering to all their rules and regulations.

Mr. Sherwood Clarke, on behalf of the CCWU, congratulated COURTS on the occasion of its 21st anniversary of doing business in Guyana. He noted that what was significant during the

period of negotiations, was that over the period 20012014, COURTS was able to offer its employees increases totalling 94.3%. Over the same period, bicycle allowance has been increased from $10,000 to $21,000; the meal allowance package from $1,150 to $2,710; outof-town allowance climbed from $1,000 per 24-hour period to $3,000. Other allowances which have climbed considerably include those for leave, uniforms and protective clothing.

Clarke also congratulated COURTS for the good bilateral relations being enjoyed with the union, singling it out as one of the few work organisations where it does not become necessary to have to visit the Ministry of Labour for intervention into any serious disputes.

Meanwhile, Chief Labour Officer, Mr. Charles Ogle, added that the Ministry

of Labour is pleased that the parties were able to reach agreement, adding that it augurs well for the relationship between management and workers. He confirmed that the agreement signed was done by the two parties without any intervention from the Ministry of Labour or without industrial action.

At this point, the CLO recommended to the parties that, instead of signing oneyear agreements, it would be better to do it bianually or perhaps every three years, especially since some negotiations are protracted. He considered it a good sign when parties could find solutions to their issues, without intervention from the Ministry of Labour.

Mr. Francis Carryl, consultant in the Ministry of Labour, agreed that the signing of multi-year agree-

ments is a very valid one and hoped that the union and management would be able to focus their attention in that direction. He said it was commendable that the parties could have come together and found common ground at this juncture, indicating that it is a sign of maturity.

Carryl observed too, that it is especially commendable, given that the trend around the Caribbean and farther afield, is that businesses are facing tough times. He noted that in North America of recent, work weeks have been reduced by two and three days and commented: “The fact that COURTS could be signing an agreement to increase the benefits of its workers, is highly commendable in this economy of ours.”

Month-end review for Guyana’s money laundering situation - HPS A HIGH-LEVEL team, headed by Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, will travel to Florida at the end of the month where it is expected to be grilled on Guyana’s money laundering situation, particularly its compliance with obligations under the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF).

This was reported

by Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon Wednesday at a post- Cabinet media briefing.

Dr. Luncheon stated that Cabinet approved the team which also includes Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) Head, Paul Geer; Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Head Assistant Commmissioner, Sydney James; and FIU Legal Advisor, Alicia Williams.

The target review will be done by the America

Region Reviewing Group (ARRG).

“They will be meeting in the context of a report that had to be prepared and submitted by Guyana in response to a formal request by the ARRG for information,” Dr. Luncheon said, adding that ARRG had submitted a document that requested a considerable amount of information about Guyana’s commitment to CFATF. Following this review, ARRG is expected to submit a report to CFATF following which a decision will be handed down in October. The HPS recalled that it was the failure of the Parliament to pass the CFATF compliant legislation, “consequent to the Opposition’s non-support,” that had caused the country to be referred for the targeted review. (GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

Guyana delegation receives warm welcome during tour of Ontario Dairy Industry MINISTER of Agriculture Dr Leslie Ramsammy recently led a ministerial mission from Guyana during a tour of the highly successful Ontario dairy industry in Canada.

The Guyana delegation, during the tour, focused primarily on leveraging Ontario’s significant knowledge and experience in the dairy industry. Guyana is preparing to establish a local dairy plant operation that will supply Guyana’s dairy needs in part.

The mission was organised by the High Commission of Canada and led by Canadian Trade Commissioner Nicole Johnson. The Guyana delegation includes a consortium of Government, regional agencies and private sector leaders all of whom are critical players in the development of a dairy production facility in Guyana.

Minister Ramsammy and team were welcomed

by Ontario dairy leaders, many of whom had met with the Guyanese Agriculture Minister on the margins of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture in October 2013.

Among the places that Dr Ramsammy and his team visited in Canada are Grasshill Dairy Farms; Summitholm farm; Caledon Jersey; Kawartha dairy; Mariposa dairy; Maryland Farms; Eastgen and Via Pax ET Led. The team was received by His Lordship Brian Junking who is the Mayor (ag.) for Kawartha Lakes Ontario and Senior Advisor for the Ministry of Rural Affairs Mr. Rick Johnson.

The Guyana Delegation was hosted by the Ontario Ministry for Agriculture Farm and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and Kawartha Lakes Economic Development office. The high level delegation was exposed to the full range of Canadian technologies including: genetics; dairy cattle trace ability; precision dairy management; feed and forage and varying dairy farm operations. These technologies will be instrumental as Guyana establishes a large scale dairy operation.

A statement from the High Commission of Canada quoted Minister Ramsammy as saying that Guyana would be interested in exploring collaborative integration and exchange programmes with Canadian

‘Minister Ramsammy tours Maryland Dairy Farm’: In photo, from left, are Jose Gonzales, Jim Callahan, Dr. Dindyal Permaul, Dr. Doobay, Minister Leslie Ramsammy, Lloyd Wicks, Richard Ross, Shannon McCarthy, Nicole Johnson and Kelly Maloney

Minister Leslie Ramsammy, Shannon Mc Carthy of Ontario Ministry and Nicole Johnson from the Guyana High Commission in Canada feed a kid Goat at Grasshill Farms. educational institutions and farm operations.

Canadian dairy operators responded to Minister Ramsammy’s call and offered GLDA and Guyanese dairy producers the opportunity to participate in exchange programmes to observe and learn from the Ontario dairy industry experience.

Ontario dairy industry operations feature best in class operations. There are over 4000 dairy farm operations in rural Ontario that boasts both environmentally sustainable techniques and precision management technologies for improved efficiency.

During the visit, Minister Ramsammy took the opportunity to meet with members of the Ontario dairy community, regulatory associations and the University of Trent.

Discussions were held on broadening technical exchange and educational programmes between Ontario and Canada. The Guyana delegation also included

Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy observes dairy milking at Grasshill Farms in Ontario, Canada

‘Touring Trent University’: From left, Guyanese-born Canadian Dr. Suresh Narine, Minister Leslie Ramsammy, and Ontario Ministry Representative Ms. McCarthy top brass of the Guyana Livestock Development Agency Dr. Dindyal Permaul; Dr. Dwight Waldron, head of IICA Guyana; Mr. Wilmot Garnett, Guyana’s Private Sector dairy leader; and Sterling Products Quality Assurance Manager Mr. Anthony Ross.

Canadian private sector company Amanitas Group that is currently partnered with Guyanese company D&S Construction, joined

the mission as the company explores opportunities for investment in Guyana.

Minister Ramsammy and the Guyana delegation also met with Canadian education leads including Dr. Arnold Doobay and Professor Suresh Narine. Discussions were held to explore the opportunities for skills transfer, vertical integration and to leverage the expertise of diverse stakeholders towards the development

of a viable Guyanese dairy plant facility.

Minister Ramsammy noted that Guyana could learn much from the Ontario dairy experience as the country prepares to reduce its dependence on dairy imports. In discussing Guyana’s need to set up a dairy plant, Minister Ramsammy pointed out that the Caribbean’s food import bill is $5 billion dollars per year, and this situation provides

an opportunity for Guyana to reclaim its role as the breadbasket of the Caribbean, whilst also contributing to a reduced regional food import reliance.

In discussions with Trent and Guelph Universities, Minister Ramsammy called for the establishment of a consortium between the Guyana Ministry of Agriculture; Trent University; the High Commission of Canada; the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Farm and Rural Affairs; University of Guelph; IICA; and Grasshill farms. This partnership would help Guyana set up a National Soil Laboratory that would offer support between the agriculture and extractive sectors.

The statement said, too, that the establishing of a multi-sectorial grouping would allow for Guyana to leverage the expertise of the partners and will facilitate access to laboratory funding through the Export Development Bank of Canada and private investors.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

Enmore Youth Group makes a positive contribution to its community COMMUNITY development is facilitated by the ability of local people to mobilise resources to address local needs. And in Enmore, a large, relatively peaceful and thriving community on the East Coast of Demerara – a community that is rich in history, the youths are

in a position to be among the stable and long-term contributors that help guide this process. It is even more laudable when the young people, who are members of the Enmore Community Youth Group, use their own initiative and resources, to help make their community

a better place. In this composite photo, members of the Enmore Youth Group are seen painting one of six road signs in their community.

We commend and encourage members of this group to continue in their committed efforts to make their community a better place.

Progress seen despite uncertainty on electoral issues - HPS HEAD of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon Wednesday stated that Government, along with the political Opposition, are both aware of the factors that initiate against the holding of National and Local Government Elections simultaneously.

He added that Cabinet is still awaiting the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. David Granger’s, response to the request for clarity in writ-

ing, regarding his written ultimatum to President Ramotar on the deadline for announcing the date for Local Government Elections.

The HPS added that in the face of A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) renewed commitment to the results of the proposed no-confidence motion, “… general elections are inevitable three months after the resolution of that motion… it seems to suggest that APNU intends to have

their cake and eat it.”

Dr. Luncheon declined to detail the administration’s preference in relation to local and general elections, but maintained that Cabinet feels strongly that both cannot be held at the same time.

Giving an assessment, Dr. Luncheon stated that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) does not seem to be preparing for Local Government Elections, but rather general elections. (GINA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

Telephone Contact # 227 5216 Hi folks, this week, with a smile, I bring you tasty little ‘entertainment cupcakes’ that will leave their intoxicating sweetness lingering on your tongue, your mind, wherever.... Make sure, as you tease and fulfill your reading fantasises, that you make room for a little bit of laughter, a little awe and maybe a mild degree of shock, if there be any. Ensure you peruse all four pages, and join us again next Friday as we serve you another golden platter of ‘Bombshell Teasers’

Bombshell’s Artiste of the Week

‘KEEP YOUR DAY JOB!’ has set sight on stardom

‘KEEP Your Day Job!’ the newest addition to the Kross Kolor Records Krew, is a Guyanese punk rock duo based in Georgetown. Its current members are Gavin Mendonca and Ryan Roberts. There was a third member in Clifton Garraway (Bass/Percussion/Vocals), but he migrated in 2011 to pursue his studies in Canada.

‘Keep Your Day Job!’ was founded by Ryan Roberts and Clifton Garraway. The two are childhood friends who attended primary and high school together (Marian Academy).

They both shared an interest in music from their early teenage years (Clifton’s mom was the Music teacher at Marian Academy) and together decided to start a band. However, neither of them knew to play any instrument, and Clifton was the

only one with any knowledge of music theory, but the desire to be musicians is what ignited the flame. They both acquired guitars and taught themselves to play using videos and tabs on the Internet.

In early 2010, the third member of the band, Gavin, was met while they were all studying at the University of Guyana. Gavin had just recently gotten a guitar of his own, but, just like the other two, he did not know how to play at first, so he, too, later taught himself via the Internet.

After proposing the idea of joining the band, the members met for their very first session together, and immediately began composing original material which, after two weeks, landed them their first gig at Queen’s College

Movie Night. It was a disaster, but it was the beginning of a bright future for the three young men.

Throughout the course of 2010, ‘KYDJ!’ pushed with writing original songs, including ‘Hope!’, Ocean Air, Sorrow, and Leaving Home, among others. They also began playing out more, performing at Marian Academy during lunch hours, UG, at friends’ house parties, and even managed to get to perform at Sidewalk Café for a ‘Walter Rodney Memorial Show’.

The band was also featured in its first media article in the issue five of Apsara Magazine and Youth Expressions 2012. The band began to blow up. Ryan and Gavin decided to use their initiative to go hunting for gigs and this immediately found results.

These musicians have their sights set on stardom They held their first rock show as a duo at the Sidewalk Café. It was very ‘last minute’ but turned out to be quite successful. The show featured local rock veterans Brutas.

Because of the huge support they gained, another show was held, and this was an even greater success.

As they continued in their quest, a demo performance was sent to Kross Kolor, and immediately the company was interested. KYDJ was later invited to Suriname to perform at an event called ‘Unkies

Rock The Guianas’, which also featured two bands from French Guiana and Suriname.

They have continued progressively since, having hosted two successful events thus far for 2013, and having performed at many other events, including at the recently held Jamzone Summer Break Night of Jazz, Food and Fashion and ‘Local Palooza 2013’, a Trinidadian show featuring eleven of Trinidad’s best bands.

Gavin is currently in his second year at the University of Guyana studying Chemistry,

while Ryan focuses just about all of his energies towards the band. They are currently half way thru recording their first full length studio album, which will be produced by Kross Kolor Records.

Most people tend to say that, in Guyana, music must not be a first option; it could only be a hobby. And to survive, one must get a day job.

That is how the band got its name – ‘Keep Your Day Job!’ Their motto is ‘Music is our lives, and we will live our lives to the fullest’.

Trendy Plus hosts ‘Fashion Craze Promotion’ for full-figured ladies WITH party concepts buzzing in the air and the next entertainment gigs unfurling, our full-figured ladies again face the gruelling task of finding something provocative and sexy into which they might fit their luscious curves.

I truly sympathize with our buxom girls, since most of the stores and boutiques are sufficiently insensitive as not to stock

up on appealing full-figured clothing.

Well, you blessed damsels, worry no longer, for Trendy Plus Boutique, with you curvy gals in mind, has every intention of ensuring you are well equipped for practically any event this year.

Located at 83, Robb Street, Lacytown (Opposite Red Dragon Nightclub), management there has embarked on their new, ‘Fash-

ion Craze Promotion’ which features magnificent full-figured designs at affordable prices.

This promotion also brings to the forum some of the pieces one would never imagine could have been flaunted by our big girls.

It depicts pieces raging from cool to sultry, sexy to tantalizing, seductive to sensual, and from provocative to downright

scandalous.

So now our lushly covered divas can practically purchase and fit those curves into just about anything; and this has all been made possible by Trendy Plus Boutique.

But note, divas: this promotion comes to a close at the end of this month. So what are you ‘supa-sized divas’ waiting for? Rush down to Trendy Plus, where appreciative folks will

make your ‘curvy dreams’ come true. Of course you can call them on telephone number 225-7567.

It’s time to show those skinny sisters that bountiful is indeed beautiful!!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

Mr.Guyana Contestant Alexander Fiedtkou

Alexander Fiedtkou

ALEXANDER Noel Fiedtkou was born on March 10th, 1994, which makes him a member of the ‘Pisces’ family. Alexander was born to Guyana`s famous cyclist Noel Fiedtkou and wife, Marcia Fiedtkou. He is the oldest of three (3) children.

When you speak about hobbies, Alexander enjoys almost anything, whether in the air, on land, or even water.

Mr. Fiedtkou attended Mae’s Primary School, then he went on to the St. John’s College for two (2) years.

He subsequently went back to Mae’s Secondary, where he wrote the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations and was successful. Immediately after, he

commenced studies at Global Technology, and graduated with As in Advanced Desktop Publishing.

He further went on to Spectrum Airways, where he graduated as a Private Pilot for aircraft. He is now pursuing his Commercial License at Aerial World Services in Trinidad and Tobago.

Alexander is a very skilled individual. He played and succeeded in numerous sports at the age of nine (9).

Alexander was Guyana’s under-nine (9) Table Tennis Champion. This streak continued until he was thirteen (13). He later moved on to being a force to reckon with at the annual inter-schools and national schools’ ath-

letic championships, where he participated in cycling, swimming, track and field, cricket, and football.

Being a sports enthusiast, he then started playing squash, which ended after his first competition and a third place trophy. He then moved in to the field of motor racing as a junior karter, and became one of the fastest on the South Dakota Circuit.

Alexander was chosen to participate in the Guyana National Men’s squad for a chance to try out for the Pan American Games held in Mexico in 2011.

Later Mr. Fiedtkou started a journey to become a commercial pilot in Ontario.

After becoming a Private

Pilot, he moved to the island of Trinidad and Tobago to become a commercial pilot, and gain experience internationally and fly to different islands in the Caribbean.

He was also featured as Star of the Week in the Guyana Times newspaper.

Mr. Fiedtkou is now a contestant in the Mr. Guyana International 2014 competition, and his platform for this competition is “Crime and unemployment”. One of his many passions is to be a role model for kids, to show them that if you set your heart on something, it can be achieved; to show them that everything you do can make a difference and make you a better person of tomorrow.

Adrian Dutchin presented with Reality stranger than fiction when…

Folk Festival Seemingly dead junkie comes alive Award in NY after being placed in a hearse

ADRIAN Dutchin was recently presented with the 2014 Guyana Cultural Association Award in Brooklyn, New York.

His span of appearances in the Guyanese and Caribbean Diaspora, with a cross section of top name artistes, has been impressive over the years, and has led to this award.

In accepting the award, a humble Dutchin has said it was indeed an honour to have been presented with the award in a room filled with Guyanese well wishers and colleagues. The X2 member thanked the committee for recognising him for his accomplishments in the performing arts, and said he would continue to promote Guyanese music until he takes his last breath.

Dutchin dedicated the award to his fans for their support over the years, and moreso to his family. The proud father of two is also the recipient of the West Indian Music Award (WIMA) for Best Performer of the Year award which he won for two consecutive years – 2012 and 2013. Dutchin also received the award for the Best Soca Song in 2012 with “Jook”.

The Guyana Cultural Association Folk Festival Award is an annual event in Brooklyn, NY. On August 27, the committee presented awards to individuals for their work that represents meaningful contributions to the improvement of inter-ethnic dialogue and feelings of trust in Guyanese society, at home and in the Diaspora.

Also attending the award ceremony was ABC’s Rising Stars contestant and Guyanese power house, Lisa Punch.

Adrian Dutchin

-driver/attendants dash away screaming

Oh me mama whoy!!! Dis drivah and he company musse had de scare ah deh lives when deh see de dead ‘being resurrected’

The crowd almost trampled each other in their haste to flee from the ‘dead’ junkie whom they thought had come back to life

WE do not often get a good serving of life’s hilarious occurrences that would have us doubling over with laughter or collapsing as the ‘mirthful stitches’ seem to want to ‘bust open we belly’.

A hearse driver and two attendants from the Sandy’s Funeral Parlour created quite a stir and more than ‘ah bellyful ah laffs’ when they arrived on spot, yesterday morning at about 07:30 hrs, having being summoned to pick up a body that was

lying in the vicinity of Camp and Croal streets in Georgetown.

The body was actually that of a well known junkie who had apparently taken too much of the ‘illegal substances’ he normally ingests, and he was sleeping as in a deathlike coma.

The ‘junkie’ was reportedly wrapped almost from head to toe in several large garbage bags to create protection from the elements, and he therefore appeared to

many to be dead, being all tied up, and maybe dumped there.

A small crowd of curious onlookers gathered as the hearse arrived to remove the body. The two attendants picked up the body and placed it a bit roughly into the back of the hearse.

Maybe the jolt awakened the supposedly dead man, or maybe the shock of cold metal again his flesh jolted him awake…

In any event, the supposedly dead man sprang up with a loud bellow, creating quite a scene as he attempted to get out of the vehicle.

My dear readers, that action overwhelmed the senses of the attendants and the hearse driver.

The hearse door flew open, and the men -- screaming to the tops of their voices -- almost trampled each other as they sprinted for their lives, eyes bulging with fear.

The small gathering also erupted in shrill screams as they, too, attempted to sprint away to safety. “Maan look!!! If yuh see how dem tumbling ovah each addah and almost digging out deh mattie eyeballs as deh try fuh escape from de ‘rising dead’ And the junkie, bewildered as ever, was angrily protesting being awakened from his sleep. He stared at the melee around him as if the whole world had just gone raving mad.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

Flashback!!!

4 1 0 2 , n o ti a ip c n a m E s is M s p o C Bishops’ High School Girl

THE Miss Emancipation Committee hosted its third annual Miss Emancipation pageant recently, with delegates coming from across Guyana.

With activities ranging from lectures on the African culture to helping young girls accept and love themselves through experimentation and discussions, eight delegates unanimously agreed on the igniting of a sense of pride and consciousness which they plan to maintain.

After contesting in the five segments, four were selected to move on to answer the final question. Once again, with the excellent emcee skills of Mr. Mondale Smith, the audience seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed the pageant, as there were people who sang along with delegates, shouted out names of favourites, and cheered on before all fell completely silent as they awaited the judges’ decision.

The judges, Chief Judge Minister Jenifer Webster, Mrs. Eve Blackman (CEO, Channel 9), Mr. Ron Robinson (entertainment icon), Ms. Jenny Daly (administrator, the Museum of African Heritage) and Prince Willy (PRO, Nigerian Association of Guyana), without cause for dispute or disappointment, made a most satisfactory decision when Ms. Onica Rose was declared Miss Emancipation, 2014.

With sheer excitement and resolve, Miss Rose looks forward to her prize of a full scholarship to the University of Guyana Law programme. This prize

From right in photo are Latoya Freeman (3rd runner-up) Onica Rose (Queen), Miracle Hilliman, Marva Langevine (2nd Runner-up), Dr. Varswyk (Franchise holder), Litishia Chan (delegate), and Monique Meusa (1st Runner-up) is sponsored by the Georgetown American University.

First runner-up was Monique Musa, a sociologist; second runner-up was Marva Langevine, a language teacher; and third runner-up was Latoya Freeman, a CPCE student; together with the other delegates -- Kinesha Richards,

Melissa Beverny, Kendacia Mingo and Leticia Chan, embraced the Queen.

Delegates wore their African garb throughout the two-month period of training, and opted to learn about a specific African dialect. They simply found the courage to wear and love their own natural hair (as a few dis-

played on the Obrey’s photogenic programme on Channel 9 prior to the pageant) – all in keeping with this year’s theme, ‘Go Natural’, and reflective of the nature of the pageant.

The experience culminated on August 24 at the National Cultural Centre, as, with comparative ease, the

delegates contested in five segments the ‘spoken words’ introduction, business wear, talent piece and evening wear, and general question-and-answer segment.

Franchise holder Dr. Melissa Varswyk explained that the delegates were given the task to articulate their ex-

pressions of an emancipated woman in the form of spoken words, which were well executed. She also informed that the question-and-answer segment was based on a series of lectures the delegates attended on African spirituality, Egyptology, and the 1763 and 1823 slave rebellions.

Sonia Noel participates in Caribbean New York Fashion Week SONIA Noel showcased her First Resort Collection this past weekend during Caribbean New York Fashion Week (CNYFW).

The fun and flirty collection was rich with Noel’s signature weave patterns incorporating vivid hues, leopard prints, and polka dots.

Held at The Out Nightclub in New York City, the event coincided with the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, and was attended by members of the press and the Caribbean Diaspora.

Models, many of whom were also of Caribbean heritage, walked the runway to the sweet sounds of soca music.

Later that evening, dancers entertained the audience with a carnival procession on the runway.

The founder of Guyana Fashion Weekend, and the creator behind the Fashion Label Mariska Designs has been designing for over 20 years, and has solidified her status as one of the Caribbean’s leading designers.

Her creations particularly appeal to women who are looking for glamour and sophistication, and her very unique design aesthetics have given her a distinctive edge above fashion labels in Guyana and the Caribbean.

Her product line includes crinkled cotton clothing, wraps, accessories and unique hand-painted linen. A regular participant at fashion events internationally, Noel started Guyana Fashion Week in 2007 to increase local designers’ visibility and promote their creativity.

Caribbean New York Fashion Week is a fashion event showcasing some of the Caribbean’s emerging and estab-

Guyanese designer Sonia Noel and some of her supporters at the recent Caribbean New York Fashion Week lished fashion designers and their collections, Caribbean models, and highlights of Carnival costume designs.

Targeting mainly Caribbean fashion designers and models, CNYFW provides the platform for all talents to

showcase their inspirations in creative fashion designs for brand launching, as well as it creates the forum for fashion buyers and investors.

Other countries represented at CNYFW included Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, St Lucia, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, and The Bahamas.

Another Guyanese designer, Myrna Patterson, also debuted her creations at CNYFW. Though highly anticipated, the show was poorly attended, with many seats remaining unfilled throughout the evening. Face of Fashion (FoF), a modelling and fashion design management company, hosted the event.

A savvy businesswoman at heart, Noel was also spotted at other cultural events around New York City, promoting her Makin’ Style fashion magazine.

At the recent Guyana Fun Day held during the Labour Day Weekend in Brooklyn, fans had the chance to chat with the designer and purchase signed copies of the magazine.

Noel continues her Fashion Week sweep of the City with a visit to the Conversation With Selwyn Live Web TV Show that was held on Wednesday evening, followed by a meet-and-greet reception held in her honour on Thursday night at the Elberta Restaurant on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn.

The next stop for this busy style icon is the island of Belize, where she will facilitate a Fashion Forum and showcase her collection on September 19 at the House of Couture Garden in celebration of Belize’s Independence.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

Miss Guyana Universe 2014 is imminent ONCE again, the team behind the prestigious hosting of the Miss Guyana Universe pageant is poised to unleash yet another leg with great pomp and fanfare.

And to jump-start things this year, the team will begin with the official launch of the pageant which is set for Sunday September 21, 2014 at the Palm Court Night Club.

The nine delegates vying for this year’s crown will officially be sashed on Friday, October 03, 2014 at the Pegasus Hotel, while the live television interviews will be hosted on Tuesday, October 14, via NCN, Channel 28, and the Hits and Jam’s Channel 72 television stations.

The Grand Rehearsal is set for Saturday, October 18, 2014, while the actual pageant will be staged at the Pegasus Hotel on Sunday, October 19, 2014.

With great pride, the Entertainment Bombshell will begin to feature the beautiful faces competing at this year’s pageant, together with their profiles or platforms.

This week, we proudly showcase five of the nine delegates vying for the coveted crown. Ensure you join us next Friday when we showcase the final four dazzling delegates.

ROCHELLE CHEDDIE (Delegate # 5)

SONIA CUMMINGS (Delegate # 3)

Simple, fun, and loving are attributes associated with this delegate, whose aspiration is to become a pharmacist.

Sonia Cummi ngs enjoys caring for childre n, and spending time with them. That aside, she is an avid lover of volleyball and cricket, and also indulges from time to time in public speaking initiatives. Her philosophy is “Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you”.

At the ripe age of 23, she says it has been her lifelong dream to participate in the Miss Guyana Universe pageant, and she intends to take the occasion by storm and give it all she has got.

Sonia’s special interest is in the increase of crimes amongst youths, which has influenced her platform choice for this pageant.

ALICIA KIRTON (Delegate # 2)

From Kuru Kururu on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway comes the beautiful and talented Rochelle Cheddie, who is planning to read for a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology at the University of Guyana.

This damsel always dreamt of participating in a major pageant, and being motivated by her family members, she is now here with plans to cart off the Miss Guyana Universe 2014 crown.

At the budding age of nineteen, her source of inspira tion is her father, who is often quoted as saying, ‘Everyone has a story, and it is wise to take a few pages from their book and place it in yours; because they may have made mistakes that you can learn from”.

Her platform is based on ‘Peer Pressure and its impact on Teenage Pregnancy’.

Alicia Kirton describes herself as being similar to the legendary owl, a creature of great integrity and a wise observer of humanity. The 23-year-old damsel is a proud first grade teacher at Ketley Primary School and a graduate of Cyril Potter College of Education, who sees her life as a blessing filled with precious moments.

This self proclaimed chef enjoys pumpkin and shrimp with roti. She greatly admires her grandmother, who has given her great strength and instilled in her positive morals.

Her platform surrounds the Practice of Inclusive Education.

JYOTI HARDAT (Delegate # 1)

Jyoti Hardat is a twenty-five-year-old graduate of the City College of New York with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. She is also a finalist in the Official State Pageant for Miss New York, USA, 2014.

Her interests include dancing; fitness training; finding new adventures; travelling; and indulging in Extreme Sports, such as Paint Ball.

Her platform is based on issues surrounding Domestic Violence Awareness

CARDELLA WONITA HAMILTON (Delegate # 4)

Cardella Wonita Hamilton is a Berbician who brings to the table confidence and great poise. She describes herself as an ambassador for principles and values that embody a sophisticated woman of purpose.

Cardella views this pageant as a forum to raise awareness with regard to life-changing experiences, topical issues, and the work of true humanitarians. A final year Public Management student at the University of Guyana, this family-oriented individual loves spending quality time with her loved ones.

Cardella’s platform surrounds the dangers of alcohol abuse among young adolescents, especially since she witnessed the deterioration of an uncle who died at an early age because of alcohol abuse.

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Guyanese weightlifter ‘Mr. Clean’ released in U.S. … after serving time for smuggling cocaine

(New York Daily News) GUYANESE champion powerlifter Colin ‘Mr. Clean’ Chesney, 39, who has pumped 800 pounds of iron was brought down by 1.4 pounds of cocaine pellets he swallowed before boarding a flight to Kennedy Airport.

Chesney, who may not be known by his nickname ‘Mr. Clean’ in his homeland anymore, was sentenced Wednesday in Brooklyn Federal Court to time served — four months Colin Chesney who was sentenced to four after his May arrest for months in prison after he was caught with drug smuggling. cocaine in May 2014 at Kennedy Airport.

“I’ve worked hard at becoming the best bodybuilder and weightlifter my whole life,” Chesney wrote in a letter to Judge Margo Brodie. “I finally reached a place to be recognised in my profession and I’ve watched it all torn down by Below rates for September 18, 2014 the results of this horrific Selling action on my part.”

Currency Buying 208.43594 Chesney had agreed to G$/US$ 205.98625 340.54264 G$/GBP 336.33027 carry the drugs in his stom189.76721 G$/CAD$ 187.60297 ach to raise money for med268.48633 G$/euro 265.12168 ical treatment for his ailing 102.89094 BDOS$ 101.86969 mother, according to court 76.21551 G$/EC$ 75.45903 papers.

32.50282 G$/TT$ 32.18021 “Mr. Chesney has been personally affected by this more than any client I’ve had in long time,” Peter Kirchheimer said in court.

“He calls me every day from jail asking about his case. It’s inconceivable he would do anything like this again.”

Chesney had attracted the suspicion of Customs and Border Protection officers after he arrived on a Caribbean Airlines flight from Georgetown because he appeared “unusually nerFor Friday September 19, 2014 -14:30hrs vous … physically shaking and sweating,” according to For Saturday September 20, 2014 -14:30hrs court papers.

For Sunday September 21, 2014 -14:30hrs He admitted ingesting the cocaine and was taken to a special lavatory where he passed 33 pellets containing cocaine.

Chesney faced a maximum of six months in prison and the judge did not impose a fine.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

Aries March 21 - April 19 You might find yourself reeling from shock when an old friend suddenly seems to show romantic interest in you. Conflicting emotions could come up, but don’t write it off if you’re available. There could be potential for a good relationship with this person. Don’t feel that you have to either jump right in or forget the whole thing. You can test the waters for a while!

Taurus April 20 - May 20 Today you may be asked to speak to a gathering or lead a discussion group. You tend to be shy, but today you’ll be all for it and enjoy being in the limelight, albeit temporarily. You’ll certainly shine, and others may pay you sincere compliments. After the event, go to an intimate cafe with friends or love partner.

Enjoy your day.

Gemini May 21 - June 21 Romance continues to soar today. You should feel especially sexy. You’re likely to attract admiring glances from those around you, including strangers. If you’re single, you might even attract an exciting new love partner. If you’re already involved, your beloved could fall in love with you all over again. Schedule an intimate evening together and make the most of it!

Cancer June 22 - July 22 You could feel like a millionaire today. Money matters seem to surpass your expectations. You might want to spend time fixing up your home or perhaps shopping for yourself. Do you have a hot date tonight? A sexy new item might make your friend’s eyes pop! Increased self-confidence adds even more juice to an already enhanced appearance. Dress in your favourite colours and have fun.

Leo July 23 - August 22 Someone you’ve never met before who you find exceedingly attractive could pass you today. You might decide to go say hello and discover not only a physical attraction but an intellectual compatibility as well. Your feelings are probably reciprocated! If you’re single, this attraction might be worth pursuing. If you’re involved, at least you might make a new friend.

Virgo August 23 - September 22 Career and money matters continue to go well for you, and probably romance, too. Your life may be the envy of others, but you probably feel there’s still something missing. This is a good day to explore metaphysical and spiritual studies. It’s a time of transition, and this sort of interest can make things easier for you, especially if those close to you share your interest.

Libra September 23 - October 22 Romance and creativity are the driving forces in your life today. You might find that feelings for a special person provide lots of inspiration for creative projects.

Your creative energy makes you that much more attractive to the one you love most. This could prove to be an emotionally and aesthetically satisfying day.

Make the most of it!

Scorpio October 23 - November 21 You tend to be down to Earth and practical, but now you feel like indulging in some flights of fancy. Romance or fantasy novels could be especially appealing right now. You might even toy with the idea of writing one of your own. If you’re currently romantically involved, your sweetheart might want to take you out for a special dinner. Enjoy your day.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21 An affectionate letter, phone call, or email could come to you from an old friend, expressing gratitude for past favours. This is going to make you feel warm and loving toward this person, and you’ll want to reciprocate in kind. Invite him or her for coffee and have a long conversation. The bond between you is strong.

This isn’t a friendship you’ll want to let go.

Capricorn December 22 - January 19 Have you been thinking about changing careers? You might hear of some opportunities today, possibly through a colleague. This could be the right time to make a change. Positive professional developments are indicated for you.

List your options and then do some research on each one. You might be headed toward some exciting possibilities.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18 You may feel especially warm and loving, and romance could be on your mind.

Time spent with a love partner from another state or country might seem especially appealing. This is a great day to schedule an intimate evening alone with your friend and see where it takes you. All signs indicate that your friend returns your feelings, and you might end up just where you want!

Pisces February 19 - March 20 Erotic dreams could wake you up in a strange mood. You could long for a romantic encounter, but the impact is likely to be stronger than that. These intense dreams might stimulate your creative juices. If you aren’t currently working on a project, ideas could flood your imagination. Let them stew for a while. There’s no rush to pick one. Enjoy your day.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

GCB Developmental.... GPA in collaboration....

From back page

Needlessly, he looked to hit Carmichael over long off, but picked out Kemo Paul who took a well-judged catch, after the hard-hitting middle order batsman had struck four sixes and four fours from the 57 balls he faced for his 56, as he added 80 for the third wicket with Peters, at 105 for 3.

From 105 for 3, Essequibo slipped to 136 for 6, losing Peters for 44 (130 mins, 103 balls, 8x4), Shivendra Hemraj (13) and Parmesh Parsotam (0), as Jacobs and Sankar worked in tandem to restrict their scoring, before Anthony Adams 27 (41 balls, 3x4; 1x6) and Mark Gonsalves added 34 for the seventh wicket.

Essequibo skipper Anthony Adams was in a pugnacious mood, hitting Yatesh Dhanpaul for back-to-back fours, followed by a six off Sankar before he was lbw to Sankar at 170 for 7. At tea Essequibo progressed to 201 for 7 with Gonsalves on 20 and Brian Herbert 16, that included two fours and a six off Sankar.

After the break, the GCB Developmental side wrapped up the Cinderella County lineup, with Kemo Paul removing both Herbert 31 (4x4; 1x6) and Gonsalves 27 (3x4; 1x6), while Sankar induced Hemchand Persaud (0) to push one into the waiting hands of David Latchaya at forward short leg.

When the GCB

Durham’s Rushworth takes 15 wickets in a day against Northants (REUTERS) Durham seam bowler Chris Rushworth took 15 wickets on Wednesday as Northants were bowled out twice in less than 3-1/2 hours on their way to an innings defeat.

Rushworth, who has led the Durham attack this term with Graham Onions injured, took 9-52 either side of lunch as Northants were dismissed for 83 and, when following on, 90.

Hosts Durham had scored 392 in their first innings in the match at Chester-le-Street.

The 28-year-old Rushworth finished with match figures of 15-95, the best by a Durham bowler in a county championship fixture.

Relegated Northants lost by an innings and 219 runs, their 12th defeat in 15 matches this season.

From back page

Developmental XI began their reply, the left-handed pair of West Indies Under-19 and Guyana first class openers Chanderpaul and Hetmyer posted 37 for the first wicket, with Chanderpaul working Herbert deftly through midwicket for two fours, before he was bowled by Anthony Adams for 11.

Hemraj opened his account with a sweetly-timed drive through extra cover off Fredericks and followed with another boundary in the same off the same bowler two overs later, posting his team’s 50 before the close of play.

Meanwhile at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Demerara ended the day on 320 for 3 off 92 overs, after they won the toss and chose to bat first in hazy conditions. They were led by centuries from skipper Vishal Singh and Rajendra Chandrika.

Singh stroked 16 fours in his 153, while Chandrika has a similar number of boundaries in his unbeaten 138, as they added 300 for the third wicket, following the quick demise of Robin Bacchus (3) and Trevon Griffith (12), who were both dismissed by Raun Johnson, who returned to break the thirdwicket partnership when he bowled Singh to end the day with 3 for 55.

The action will continue at both venues from 09:30hrs today.

During his address, Kumar issued a call for sports associations to work closely with the GPA and to engage their services for the betterment of their athletes.

The Director of Sport noted that injury management is very important and this is why such seminars are needed.

He suggested that the seminar should be an annual one and committed the National Sports Commission’s unflinching support for such an activity.

Kumar suggested that such an activity “could be held in each county of Guyana and every region” and his ministry will lend its support.

He said he is looking forward to Guyana establishing a Sports Institute, from which coaches, athletes and administrators will benefit.

The coaches, Kumar said, need to work closer with their charges, since the latter need to know about warm-up exercises as well as nutrition which play an integral part in any athlete’s

career.

President of the GPA, Ariane Mangar in delivering her opening remarks stressed the need for coaches to be educated about the prevention and treatment to injuries.

Beverly Nelson, one of the tutors at yesterday’s seminar, in stating the objectives of the seminar, endorsed Kumar’s sentiment about coaches’ knowledge of what is required of them, since the athletes need to be educated and the coaches are the ones to educate them.

She said the GPA has a healthy relationship with some associations, but there are others that never requested their (GPA) assistance.

Topics covered during yesterday’s seminar included: warm-ups, flexibility, stretching-importance, methods, benefits, practical examples, nutrition and supplements; recommendations for sports, the importance for proper equipment in sports and hydration (importance, consequences of dehydration and recommendations for hydration).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

Kings XI open with dominant victory … Thisara Perera puts in all-round show on KXIP debut

THE loss of Mitchell Johnson to a rib injury had left Kings XI Punjab’s bowling looking a little suspect ahead of their Champions T20 opener, but it proved a bit of a blessing in disguise for them, with his replacement playing a crucial hand in

an five-wicket win over Hobart Hurricanes.

With the four-foreigner limit leaving no room for him in Kings XI’s starstudded line-up, Thisara Perera didn’t play a single game for them during their 2014 IPL campaign With Johnson’s absence

giving him an opportunity, Perera grabbed it, taking two wickets in a three-over spell in which he conceded less than a run a ball before coming in to bat in a thorny situation and scoring an unbeaten 20-ball 35 that steered Kings XI to a win with 14 balls remaining.

The margin of victory looked fairly wide in the end, but it could have gone either way when Kings XI were 51 for 4 in the eighth over, chasing 147.

This, though, was where the quality and depth of their batting came to the fore, with Glenn Maxwell playing strokes that belied a twopaced pitch on his way to a 25-ball 43 and George Bailey showing a cool head that his Big Bash League franchise could have done with during their innings, in putting on an unbroken 69 with Perera.

During the IPL, Kings XI had won six out of seven matches batting second, and had chased three 190plus targets successfully.

But on a greenish Mohali pitch where the back-of-alength ball behaved a touch unpredictably - moving sideways when new, stopping on the batsmen later on, and often bouncing more than expected - their top order were quickly in trouble. Virender Sehwag’s first-ball dismissal owed more to his impetuosity than to the conditions, but Wriddhiman Saha, David Miller and Manan Vohra were all discomfited by the extra bounce, and ended up

skying catches to mid-on or mid-off while going hard at length balls.

Under these circumstances, Maxwell’s innings showcased his rare talent, as he somehow found ways to slap the seamers inside-out or loft them back over their heads, while also playing one of his trademark reverse-sweeps against the leg-spinner Cameron Boyce.

It was an over from Boyce that reversed the momentum of the game back towards Kings XI, immediately after Maxwell had edged Evan Gulbis to the keeper.

Perera found the third-man boundary via a streaky edge before hitting Boyce back over his head for six. Bailey then found the gap between deep midwicket and longon when Boyce dropped his last ball short - 18 came off that over, and it left Kings XI needing 50 off 48.

Bailey and Perera kept their heads, attacked the loose balls - which for Perera was mostly whatever he could swing over the arc between midwicket and long-on - and the win, when it was achieved, came with time and wickets to spare, Bailey clouting Gulbis for

successive fours in the 18th over.

Hurricanes’ innings, after they had been sent in to bat, lacked a sustained period when the batsmen were on top of the bowlers. Ben Dunk and Aiden Blizzard, the two left-handers in their top three, struggled for timing early on and got themselves out just as they were beginning to look comfortable. Perera dismissed both of them, and both times the extra bounce caused them to mishit length or back-of-a-length balls, to deep and short cover respectively.

At 78 for 4 in the 13th over, Hurricanes seemed to be going nowhere when Jonathan Wells joined Travis Birt. They proceeded to add 52, with the left-handed Birt flourishing while hitting the leg-spinner Karanveer Singh with the spin and the right-handed Wells cutting and driving fluently through the off side. Just when the partnership was threatening to take Hurricanes to a biggish total, however, Wells ran himself out, and Kings XI tightened the screws once again, conceding only 14 runs off the last 14 balls of the innings. (ESPN Cricinfo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

SCA playoffs set for this weekend … HACC seeking five consecutive titles

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada – Winning 14 consecutive matches on the trot, albeit two via the walk-over route, is an undeniable feat in any sport. Such is the achievement of Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) in the 2014 Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Premier League tournament.

Already with a record four consecutive titles and aiming to complete a helmet trick, HACC accumulated a whopping 159 points to emerge clear winners of Conference ‘B’, their nearest rivals being Deccan Hawks Cricket Club with 85 and Bawa X1 who trailed on 78 points to claim the third spot.

The club’s reign of successes in finals started in 2010 when they defeated Panoli Cricket Club and this was followed by triumphs over East West XI in 2011, Victoria Park in 2012 and Bawa XI in 2013.

Despite HACC’s unbeatable run, their real test and endurance come this Saturday when the predominantly-based Guyanese team will face off with Kokuvil Cricket Club at the Ashtonbee ground here as the SCA playoffs get under way.

HACC president Narchand ‘Archie’ was quietly confident that his charges will once again bring home the bacon but warned against complacency. An excited Mohan, who lauded his team for “their unbelievable run over the last few years” described their performance as fantastic but pointed out that he would be more elated “when the job is completed”.

Mohan alluded to the fact that HACC’s performance was more commendable since

they missed the services of former West Indies one-day player Royston Crandon and former Guyana fast bowler Trevon Garraway, both of whom played last year, but opted to compete in the Toronto and District League this time around.

HACC after one of their 14 victories this season, At extreme left (stooping) is president Archie Mohan, while skipper Hemnarine Chattergoon is at extreme right (standing).

While praising the two for their efforts over the years, Mohan felt their absence spurred the other players on to greater heights and the leadership of former Guyana and West Indies youth player Hemnarine Chattergoon was once again exemplary.

So dominant were HACC during the season, they amassed an amazing 618 in

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their allotted 50 overs against Durham with former Guyana youth player Harrinarine Chattergoon slamming a monumental 268, an individual record, thereby ending with the leading aggregate of 565 runs.

Not to be outdone was the consistent

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all-rounder Zaheer Allard who ended with 467, which included two centuries. The left-arm seamer also claimed 26 wickets, which included a hat-trick.

Opener Reyaz Prahalad, classified as ‘Mr Dependable’ in the team, tallied 320 runs while former Guyana opener Krishna Arjune, was also in the limelight with 269 from a mere three innings, including a rapid

169 from one.

Another player who excelled was Azhad Amidon with 202 runs, including one hundred while skipper Chattergoon, who wasn’t required to bat frequently, made 168 runs but emerged as the most economical bowler with 17 victims. Left-arm spinner Mahadeo Moonasar (14 wickets) and fast-medium Chidanand Shiwram also chipped in with useful performances. The lineup also included former Guyana wicketkeeper Azib Ali Hanif who has also been performing creditably.

The other Conference ‘B’ encounter brings together Deccan Hawks and Bawa X1 at Lamarouex Park while in Conference ‘A’, Victoria Park oppose East West Cricket Club at Ellesmere Number one, and Highland Creek ‘A’ battle Scarborough Cricket Club/ Star CC at Ashtonbee.

In First Division action, Bilal Cricket Club and Tiranga X1 square off at Ellesmere while Toronto Smashers and Islanders United meet at Ashtonbee.

On Sunday, the Second Division teams take to the field and including in the action are SCA Colts, who are fully sponsored by the SCA and whose manager Vish Jadunauth is confident they will upstage their more senior opponents. They will face off with Caribbean Strikers Cricket Club at Ellesemere while Scarborough Cricket Club/ Star CC will tangle with Blackhawks Cricket Club at Ashtonbee.

The SCA grand dinner and presentation ceremony is set for Saturday, October 19 at the Seatown Banquet Hall here. At last year’s occasion, HACC took took away the lion’s share of prizes and look set to repeat this time around.

Hikers Hockey Club fourth Annual Junior Indoor tourney commences today THE fourth Annual Hikers Hockey Club Junior Indoor Tournament is scheduled to take place at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, from tonight and will conclude on Sunday.

According to the Guyana Hockey Board over 100 junior hockey players are expected to compete in the TeleSky Under-13, inter-communication Under-16 and Woodpecker Products 21 categories, as well as Global Technology Inter-School category.

This event is planned and executed by the juniors of the Hikers and Saints Hockey Clubs as part of their junior development programmes.

The tournament’s secondary purpose is to raise funds for their annual junior teams’ tour to Trinidad in November.

Last year’s Under-13 champions Marian Academy dominated their opponents with unprecedented efficiency by scoring 19 goals and conceding none on their way to the title.

Their dominance will be seriously challenged this time around since a number of their players have aged out of the category and teams such as GCC, Hikers and Saints have improved considerably.

GCC Under-16 teams are favourites to retain their titles although their girls will be hard-pressed by the

ever-improving Old Fort and Hikers girls. Their boys will find it even tougher going against the likes of the Omar Hopkinson-led Old Fort Vikings and the Saints Silencers.

In the Under-21 girls’ category, defending champions GCC have been weakened by the absence of a number of their top players and are expected to receive a stern test from the full-strength Hikers and Old Fort sides. On the boys side perennial powerhouse Hikers have also seen their margin of victory reduced with each passing year and will have to be on top of their game against the much-improved GCC and contenders Saints and Old

Fort.

In addition to championship trophies and medals for the top three places, the MVPs of TeleSky. Net Communications and Woodpecker Products age categories will receive gift certificates for varying amounts redeemable at Woodpecker Products.

The entire team of the champion school as well as the MVPs of the Global Technology inter-school category will benefit from computer classes of considerable value at the institution.

The tournament will get under way today from 17:30hrs with play in the girls and boys Under-21 category.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

WICB, WIPA ink new ‘watershed’ agreement BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – A new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), hailed as a critical turning point in West Indies cricket, were inked yesterday between the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA).

President Dave Cameron signed on behalf of the WICB while WIPA president Wavell Hinds penned the deal for the players association during a ceremony at the Accra Beach Hotel in Barbados.

Hinds has hailed the CBA and MOU as a watershed moment in the history of the game in the

region while Cameron has hailed the signing as a new partnership to advance the sport in the region.

“This CBA and MOU covers everybody in full and will look to take care of the players in West Indies cricket,” said Hinds, a former Jamaica captain and West Indies batsman.

“This means stability and means we are operating in an environment which speaks to partnership and putting West Indies Cricket first. It will make sure that the pillars are in place to look after the players and the key stakeholders of West Indies Cricket – who are the fans.”

The signing ceremony was also attended by Clive Lloyd, former West Indies

Live Wire Entertainment to host basketball grudge match in aid of Monique Amsterdam tonight THE finals of the Victory Valley Royals Anniversary Basketball tournament will be re-enacted tonight at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court at 20:00hrs, but this time, it will be in aid of Monique Amsterdam.

Amsterdam, 14, diagnosed with Scoliosis in 2012 is expected to undergo surgery in the USA. However, it will cost the Mackenzie High School student and her family US$20 000 (G$4M).

Tonight’s activity is called the ‘Amsterdam All-Star’ and will see Retrieve Raiders face the Bulls and Amelia’s Ward Jets come up against the Victory Valley Royals.

Also in an effort to raise as much funds as possible, players will be involved in several novelty events featuring and East versus West three-point shootout and slam dunk contest.

The National Communications Network (NCN), the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA), Movements Sound, Somerset Fish Shop, Movements Sound and Digicel are

some of the sponsors for tonight’s event.

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. While scoliosis can be caused by conditions such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the cause of most scoliosis is unknown.

Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but some children develop spine deformities that continue to get more severe as they grow.

Severe scoliosis can be disabling. An especially severe spinal curve can reduce the amount of space within the chest, making it difficult for the lungs to function properly.

Children who have mild scoliosis are monitored closely, usually with X-rays, to see if the curve is getting worse. In many cases, no treatment is necessary. Some children will need to wear a brace to stop the curve from worsening.

Others may need surgery to keep the scoliosis from worsening and to straighten severe cases of scoliosis.

WICB president Dave Cameron and WIPA president Wavell Hinds (WICB Media/Randy Brooks) captain

and

Chairman

of

Selectors;

Michael

Muirhead, Chief Executive Officer of the WICB, and Richard Pybus, Director of Cricket of the WICB. The CBA and MOU cover 105 cricketers in the region who will be involved in the sport all year round.

15 will be part of the regional team on international assignment while 90 will participate at the regional franchise level.

“The one word to stress is partnership. Right through the theme is partnership.

Everything we have done we have done in partnership,” said Cameron.

“This is the most important thing we have done for West Indies cricket in the last couple of years.”

Meantime the regional season will start in

November and run until next March – including the Regional Four-day Championship and the NAGICO Regional Super50 tournament, expected to be played in Trinidad & Tobago.

“There is nothing revolutionary about this.

This is what is best practised across the world and this is the direction we need to go,” said Pybus.

“This is going to be fantastic for the players. We will have structured support mechanisms for the players and provide for them better and provide a competitive wage in a competitive marketplace which is going to be fantastic in terms of the product we put on the field.”

Chanderpaul in top three of ICC Test rankings … Benn, Roach achieve careerbest places

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CMC) – Veteran West Indies left-hander Shiv Chanderpaul has returned to the top three of the ICC Test batting rankings, following his heavy scoring against Bangladesh in the recent two-Test series in the Caribbean.

The 40-year-old has jumped two places to number three and now lies only behind the top-ranked Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka and South Africa’s AB de Villiers.

Chanderpaul completed his 30th Test century on Tuesday when he made an unbeaten 101 in the second innings of the second Test at the Beausejour Cricket Ground which West Indies won by 296 runs to sweep the series comprehensively.

He also scored an unbeaten 84 in the first innings and also hit 85 not out in the first Test which the Windies won by ten wickets at Arnos Vale in St Vincent a fortnight ago.

Meanwhile, Darren Bravo slipped four spots to 26th after gathering just 115

Bangladesh series with career-best rankings.

Roach, who picked up 11 wickets, has moved up one spot to ninth while Benn, who finished with 14 scalps, is now ranked

21st after jumping three places.

New-ball bowler Jerome Taylor jumped 20 places to number 40 to be the biggest mover in the latest rankings.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday September 19, 2014) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Shiv Chanderpaul is back in the top three of the ICC batting rankings. runs but 21-year-old opener Kraigg Brathwaite moved up two places to 46th on the back of his series-best 324 runs.

Fast bowler Kemar Roach and left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn were also rewarded for their good showing in the

England, 1994

(2) 10; 2 struck centuries (RohanKanhai& Alvin Kallicharran) Today’s Quiz: (1) Name the Berbicians who made their Test debut at Bourda?

(2) How many WI have played Test cricket against Bangladesh to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 19, 2014

Digicel acquires SportsMax REGIONAL cellular service providers Digicel yesterday announced that it has acquired majority ownership and control of St Lucia-based International Media Content Ltd, parent company of regional sports broadcaster SportsMax and North American broadcaster CEEN-TV, for an undisclosed sum.

Under the terms of the deal, the founder and a number of the lead principals will continue to have an ownership stake and be involved in the dayto-day running of the IMC operation.

Currently available in 23 countries across the Caribbean, SportsMax is the Caribbean’s first and only indigenous 24-hour dedicated sports cable channel featuring a strong mix of international, regional and local sports content. Its large inventory of coveted content includes the Barclays Premier League, UEFA Champions League, West Indies Cricket, the Indian Premier League and the IAAF Grand Prix.

IMC has been responsible for the broadcast of major international events such as the FIFA World Cup tournaments since 2006, including this summer’s event, and the 2012 London Olympics. In 2013 SportsMax launched its 24-hour Spanish language channel, CDN SportsMax, in the Dominican Republic which includes similar

Digicel Group COO, Andy Thorburn, and Patrick Rousseau, Chairman of IMC and SportsMax (front row left and right) celebrate with Phillip Martin, Deputy Chairman of IMC and SportsMax (standing left) and Oliver McIntosh, CEO of SportsMax (standing right). content as SportsMax plus Major League Baseball.

Ranked as the number one viewed sports channel in the region, the move to acquire IMC/SportsMax comes hot on the heels of Digicel’s entry into the cable TV market with recent acquisitions in Anguilla, Dominica, Jamaica, Montserrat, Nevis and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Commenting on the acquisition, Digicel Group CEO, Colm Delves, said; “As a complete communications solutions provider, it’s all about ensuring our customers enjoy access to the best multimedia content on the best devices via the very best network and that we meet all of their communication, entertainment and

networking needs.

SportsMax represents the perfect blend of sports entertainment and infotainment with a Caribbean flavour and I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the team to the Digicel family.”

Patrick Rousseau, Chairman of IMC and SportsMax, comments; “Our commitment to excellence and blazing a trail across the region mirrors Digicel’s own commitment to delivering the very best for its customers. We are delighted to be joining with them and working together to continue delivering the best sports on television and growing our audience and reaching across the Caribbean and North America.”

Guyanese Patrick Haynes appointed to FIBA Governance Commission AFTER the FIBA World Congress in Sevilla, Spain, FIBA’s Central Board convened its first meeting of the 2014-2019 term of office under the leadership of newly-elected president Horacio Muratore on Saturday, September. 13. Key appointments were made to complete the composition of the Central Board and its Commissions.

Guyanese Patrick Haynes who is presently the vice-president of Finance and Marketing for the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC), a Board Member of the Confederation of Central America and Caribbean Basketball (CONCENCABA) and an Honorary General Secretary for the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), was appointed to the FIBA (Membership) Governance Commission.

As the Hon. General Secretary of the GABF, Haynes oversees the international operations, including international recruiting, fundraising and seeks to ensure GABF compliance with FIBA statutes.

Haynes also works closely with the GABF and the CBC on the day-to-day operations of all digital assets, including Guyana Basketball. com, CaribbeanBasketball. com, CBC Rebound Digital Magazine, CBC Mobile and the CBC social media.

In addition, he manages digital development, operations and content manage-

ment for all CBC Championships and is a former player of the Pacesetter Basketball Club and was selected to represent Guyana as a player in the 1993 U19 Inter-Guiana Games (IGG) and was also a member of the New York University - Polytechnic Institute (NYU-Poly) NCAA Men’s Basketball team from 1994-1997.

The Membership Commission has the responsibilities for monitoring the relationship between FIBA and its national member federations and provide advice to the Secretary General for appropriate action when requested and required, monitoring the evolution of the Statutes and Internal Regulations of the national member federations and to

Patrick Haynes

draw up proposals for their improvement and alignment with FIBA’s General Statutes and Internal Regulations, and to review applications for membership.

While Commission members bring the knowledge, skill, and expertise from the national member federation and from the Zone from which they are drawn, they must act in a responsible and independent manner, in the interests of FIBA. The FIBA (Membership) Governance Commission comprises of the following members: Chairman: George Vassilakopoulos - Greece; Deputy-Chairman: Usie Richards - US Virgin Islands, Members: Abdullah Al Ansari United Arab Emirates; Maimouna Bah Diallo- Guinea; Mabel Ching - Hong Kong, China; Terry Donovan - England; Patrick Haynes Guyana; Jean-Michel Ramoroson- Madagascar; José Luis Saez Regalado - Spain; Giancarlo Sergi, Giancarlo - Switzerland and Burton Shipley - New Zealand.

In a release issued yesterday, the GABF extended its congratulations to Haynes; a Guyanese whom they said “has worked relentlessly for the development of basketball in Guyana from the youth to the senior level. Mr. Haynes has also played in key role by contributing in cash and kind to basketball stakeholders in Guyana”.

Sport CHRONICLE

Digicel acquires SportsMax

The Chronicle is at http://www.guyanachronicle.com

See story on page 39

GPA in collaboration with the MoH holds Sports Medicine Seminar for local coaches

By Michael DaSilva THE Guyana Physiotherapy Association (GPA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH), yesterday held a Sports Medicine Seminar for local coaches drawn from across Guyana.

The seminar which was held at the National Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue, attracted coaches from various disciplines who were all happy to have been a part of the day’s activity which some (coaches)

said would benefit the athletes at the end of the day.

In brief opening remarks, Director of Sport Neil Kumar welcomed the thought of the GPA to hold such a seminar, stating that in the long run, local athletes stand to benefit from their coaches’ knowledge as they will be more edified with what is required of them to avoid and/or treat injuries sustained during training or competition.

Coaches from various disciplines pay rapt attention as Director of Sport Neil Kumar delivers the opening address at the GPA’s MoH Sports Medicine Seminar yesterday at the National Resource Centre.

At Kumar’s left is GPA president Ariane Mangar.

(Sonell Nelson photo)

Turn to page 35

GCB Developmental XI in charge over Essequibo after Sankar’s exploits … Singh and Chandrika hit tons for Demerara

By Calvin Roberts INSPIRED by some early swing bowling from Kellon Carmichael and clever bowling from Steven Sankar and Kemo Paul, the Steven Jacobs-led Guyana Cricket Board Developmental XI were in charge at the end of the first day of their GCB four-day Inter-county encounter against Essequibo at the Demerara Cricket Club ground.

Sankar took 4 for 36, Carmichael 3 for 50, and the lively Kemo Paul 2 for 8 as Essequibo were decimated for 232 off 71.3 overs, after being 105 for 2, with Ricardo

Adams 56, Ricardo Peters 44, Brian Herbert 31, Mark Gonsalves 29 and skipper Anthony Adams 27 offering resistance to the home team’s bowling attack.

At the close of play, the GCB Developmental XI were 60 for 1 off 20 overs, with Shimron Hetmyer and Chandrapaul Hemraj on 27 and 15 respectively, needing another 163 runs to take first-innings lead in a contest that may not reach Sunday’s final day.

Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Essequibo saw Royan Fredericks start with four off Niall Smith, followed by another through point off Carmichael, before he was

caught driving on the up at extra cover by Steven Sankar off Carmichael, two balls after hitting the bowler for four.

Kevon Boodie, who stroked a doublecentury against the Under-198 in the 50 overs tournament, struggled against the swing of Carmichael, who recently returned from England where he played with Hadleigh and Thundersley Cricket Club, and was bowled for 6.

Ricardo Adams and Ricardo Peters pushed the score to 61 for 2, off 13.3 overs, with their team’s 50 coming off 11.1 overs, before rain forced a halt in play and an early lunch in the process, with Essequibo on 61

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for 2, thanks to 20 from Peters and 19 from Ricardo Adams.

When play resumed for an extended postlunch session, Essequibo saw the muscular Ricardo Adams hit Jacobs for three sixes and one four in two overs, pushing the score to 89 for 2, off 17 overs, with his personal score moving to 42.

Another six off Yatesh Dhanpaul over squareleg, posted Ricardo Adams’ 50 from 50 balls with four fours and a similar number of sixes from 65 minutes of batting, realising Essequibo’s 100 in the 20th over of their innings.

Turn to page 35 FRIDAY, September 19, 2014