2014 11 6

GUYANA No. 104003 THURSDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2014

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

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

PRICE: $60

President dismisses Speaker’s challenge to his authority Page

The 19-minute leak…

FITUG: There are ‘graver implications’ for breach of right to privacy Page 4

Four murder accused freed 4

2

– says he is within his right to call sitting of Parliament

Gov’t will bring privileges motion against Ramjattan Gail Teixeira

– Teixeira

CARICOM Heads outline 10-point action plan to stop Ebola Page

Page

3

Page

Khemraj Ramjattan

Labour Minister Dr Nanda Kishore Gopaul outlines authoritarian tyranny, as…

9 PNC dictatorship repressed workers

Minister Dr Nanda Gopaul

Amendment to 8 – also address concerns standing orders cannot be done on floor on Chikungunya Page

– Gov’t Chief Whip

Guyana prepared for national disasters, unrest, emergencies - GDF boss

Page

9

U.S. supports asset forfeiture in local drug/ money laundering cases Page 10

Page

3

INCLUDING VAT

Hundreds more benefit from ‘Because We Care’ initiative…

AG: Gov’t policies geared to improve lives of Guyana’s greatest asset Page

11

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

President dismisses Speaker’s challenge to his authority – says he is within his right to call sitting of Parliament

IN an unprecedented move, Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Raphael Trotman, has challenged President Donald Ramotar’s authority to call a sitting of the National Assembly, saying Mr. Ramotar has no “constitutional right” to do so.

Trotman’s challenge was, however, dismissed by President Ramotar who, in an invited telephone comment to this newspaper last night, said it would seem Trotman does not know what he is talking about as he is well within his right to call a sitting of the Parliament Mr. Ramotar, the Head of Parliament, last week, directed that steps be taken to convene a sitting of the National Assembly within the next 14 days, and on Tuesday evening, in an address to the nation, he disclosed that Monday November 10 would be the date for the next sitting.

There have been disagreements between the Speaker and the Government over who has the authority to call a sitting.

The House has not met since it came out of recess on October 10, and prior to going into its annual two-month recess on August 10, there had been no sitting since July 10.

The Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Sherlock Isaacs has maintained that the power to call a sitting under these circumstances lies with the Government – a position he and Trotman also differ on. The Clerk has also been backed up

‘As the Head of the Parliament, the President is in order to announce a date.

As such, myself and Mr. Hinds have put in place all the normal modalities in preparation for a sitting’ – Government’s Chief Whip, Ms. Gail Teixeira by the former Clerk, Mr. Frank Narain, in his pronouncement that, under the current circumstances, it is the Government’s call to name a date for a sitting.

Meanwhile, the Government’s Chief Whip, Ms. Gail Teixeira, in an invited comment, told the Guyana Chronicle that the President is well within his right as Head of Parliament to call a sitting.

“Myself and the Leader of the House, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, are fully cognisant of the President’s announcement of the date for the sitting and, as the Head of the Parliament, the President is in order to announce a date.

As such, myself and Mr. Hinds have put in place all the normal modalities in preparation for a sitting,” she said.

THE PM’S FUNCTION Trotman, in a statement released yesterday, said, “The annual recess that runs from August 10 – October 10 is not to be confused with a prorogation or suspension of the Parliament.

“Therefore, as Speaker of the National Assembly, I continue to insist that it was beyond the scope of the President’s constitutional authority to set a date for the House to resume sittings after the

recess.”

According to the Speaker, the President is not a member of the National Assembly and, as such, the pronouncement should have been made by the Prime Minister, who is the Leader of Government’s business in the National Assembly.

Trotman said, “What has not been the practice and tradition is for the President to announce when the House will resume sittings after the annual

Raphael Trotman

recess.”

The Speaker, also an Alliance For Change (AFC) Executive, also stated that the President has been ill-advised in moving to call a sitting.

“This is as frightening

as it is tragic, as it clearly demonstrates that there is not even the basic of understanding by those who advise the President, of the three branches of Government – Executive, Legislative and Judicial, and the hallowed doctrine of the separation of powers,” he said.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Additionally, political observers contend that Trotman’s objections are a clear case of ‘much ado about nothing’, particularly since the Standing Orders, which guide the House’s proceedings, are clear.

There have been calls on the Government, which the President heads, from several sections of society in the last three weeks for a sitting to be called.

This fact has been noted

by Mr. Ramotar who, in prior comments, highlighted that not having an immediate sitting after the recess is not a strange occurrence.

“They behave as if this is something strange that the recess ended in October and the Parliament has not met as yet. For years the Parliament was called in November. There are previous years that you can go to and see, historically, that the Parliament was called later

President Donald Ramotar

than they are talking about,” he said last Wednesday, at a public forum.

This fact was confirmed by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Sherlock Isaacs.

“This is not new, not as far as I am aware,” he told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday.

Also, a distinction that is sometimes forgotten is that the National Assembly is made up of the 65 Members of Parliament (MP) from the elected

political parties, while the Parliament is a combination of the National Assembly’s 65 representatives and the President.

Notable, too, is the fact that the Clerk of the National Assembly, since the President’s announcement, has gone ahead with preparations for a sitting and notices have gone out to all MPs, in addition to the Order Paper, the agenda, for the sitting on Monday.

Dynamic Airways regroups under new management

– awaiting GCAA approval to restart Guyana-North America flights - Gerald Gouveia DYNAMIC Airways is now awaiting approval from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in order to recommence flights between Guyana and North America, following its June false start, Captain Gerald Gouveia said Tuesday.

During a press conference at Duke Lodge, Kingston, Managing Director of Roraima Group of Companies, Captain Gerald Gouveia said that due to the false start Dynamic Airways would have experienced during

June and July of this year, “they have regrouped with new management.”

He also said that recently during the revamping of the airline, “myself and wife have been inserted into the planning and management system,” and have been “making their voices heard.”

DOT PERMISSION Gouveia explained that after gaining permission from the Department of Transportation (DOT) in the United States, “the

company has filed all documents to GCAA with the last piece of document filed yesterday (Monday). We are now awaiting their approval which has to be sent to the Minister of Works for the final OK.” He stated that while there is no startup date as yet, “we are hoping to recommence service to Guyana by the last week in November.” He said further that the company does not want to make the same mistake like before and therefore it is making sure all the necessaries are in place before it reintroduces its services.

NO TICKET SALES AS YET He explained that Dynamic Airways is not doing any marketing of ticket sales and have

advised agents doing so to cease until approval is granted by the GCAA. He said he is aware of companies marketing on behalf of the airline, especially TravelSpan. “The Aviation Authority wrote Dynamic on this issue, cautioning them to stop until approval is given, they were very stern,” Gouviea added.

“We have received notification that TravelSpan has been advertising fares and we have asked them to cease,” he said.

Gouviea said further that the collaboration with TravelSpan is one of a ticketing agent like other travel agents. “Dynamic is not replacing Vision, they are a ticketing agent where they have a block seat arrangement in place.”

FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES He said that one of the airline’s Boeing 767 aircraft will be based in Guyana to fly between Guyana and New York and Toronto. Gouveia informed that a major aspect of those flights will be the transportation of fresh fruits and vegetables to Barbados and then to New York and Toronto. He expressed that his company is now in discussion with the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) to source vegetables and fruits for export.

“There is a huge market for the export and our problem before was transportation,” he said.

Gouveia reminded that of the 50 Guyanese that Dynamic had interviewed to become Flight Attendants, 25 have already been trained and are cur-

rently working with the airline.

“I believe they spent the last two weeks in India,” he said. He has given his commitment to ensuring that all services will be of a high level of professionalism this time around.

The airline had suspended all flights on July 8 this year, some two weeks after it had commenced operations, explaining that the suspension was due to operational difficulties the airline encountered while trying to secure time slots at the John F Kennedy (JFK) Airport for the month of July.

Afterwards the company ceased all flights and had given a date of return, but the airline failed to honour its August 8 target date to return to direct flights between CJIA and JFK.

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

Gov’t will bring privileges motion against Ramjattan – Teixeira PRESIDENTIAL Adviser on Governance and Government Chief Whip in the National Assembly, Ms. Gail Teixeira, yesterday disclosed that the Government will bring a privileges motion against the Alliance For Change (AFC) leader, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, in the National Assembly.

The move relates to controversial statements made by Ramjattan in September.

The AFC Leader, at a press conference in mid-September, stated that his party had been “reliably informed” that the PPP/C Government, against whom the No-Confidence Motion has been filed, has plans to “buy out” at least three parliamentarians at $30M each to vote against the motion when it comes up for debate next month.

The main Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has denied that this allegation concerns any of their MPs and the AFC holds

last evening (Wednesday evening) and I have forwarded the matter to the Clerk for his advice,” Trotman said, in a prior interview, last Thursday.

Gail Teixeira

the same position – a fact that has led to questions about the veracity of Ramjattan’s allegation.

Following the AFC Leader’s assertions, Teixeira called on the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Raphael Trotman, to request that Ramjattan produce evidence to support his allegation, retract his statement, or face the Parliamentary Privileges Committee.

However, the last word from the House Speaker was that he is awaiting the advice of the Clerk, Mr. Sherlock Isaacs. “I was reminded by Ms. Teixeira of her request

INDICATION GIVEN Teixeira had expressed the Government’s intent to move to the Privileges committee in a letter, dated September 19, to the Speaker, on the ground

Raphael Trotman

that Ramjattan’s statements had besmirched and denigrated the image and integrity of

all MPs and the entire National Assembly.

Teixeira said: “I am therefore calling on you, sir, as Speaker, to call on MP (Member of Parliament), Mr. Ramjattan, to publicly retract his statement or provide proof of which Members of Parliament were offered bribes and by whom.” “…these pronouncements

by Mr. Ramjattan should not be treated solely in the realm of “political turf wars” of political parties, which the Government and the PPP are capable of handling, but more importantly, these accusations bring all Members of Parliament in Guyana into disrepute, and, in doing so, damage the image and integrity of the entire Guyanese Legislature, including you, as the Speaker.”

According to her, the Government and the PPP/C Members of Parliament are shocked and very disturbed by public pronouncements at an AFC press conference.

She said: “Mr. Ramjattan was quoted as saying that “We have gotten reliable information that the PPP’s answer to the no-confidence motion is

Khemraj Ramjattan

not what is said, but at least by buying off three parliamentarians at $30M each to vote no rather than yes, and that’s the only way …and that’s the only option they have.” He even went on further to say “… but, we can never know, probably the price can jump higher.”

“The Government and the PPP immediately and sepa-

rately publicly disassociated themselves from these slanderous pronouncements by M.P. Mr. Ramjattan and called on the AFC to provide the evidence of this allegation.”

She pointed out that these comments have portrayed to the world, “in this world of rapid communications”, that Guyanese MPs are “corrupt and buyable” – an image that once created in Guyana and globally can never be erased.

“It appears that in Mr. Ramjattan’s blind haste to besmirch the Government and the PPP, he broadsided the entire Legislature and all Members of Parliament. This, I have no doubt, must have disturbed you as the Speaker of the National Assembly,” Ms. Teixeira said.

Ramjattan, when asked by this newspaper for a comment, said, “Tell the Government to haul its ass,” a line that has become his signature response to controversial issues.

CARICOM Heads outline 10-point action plan to stop Ebola – also address concerns on Chikungunya HEADS of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) met in a special session yesterday in Trinidad and Tobago to address the Ebola virus and the Chikungunya disease.

And the Heads of Government expressed considerable concern, not just in relation to the possible health impact of the Ebola Virus Disease, but also about the disruption a single case could cause in the economic and social life in our Region.

The Heads of Government emphasised that responses to the diseases must be a Community effort. No member state of CARICOM must battle these public health challenges on its own.

The Community’s responses to the two public health challenges are being coordinated by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).

EBOLA The meeting accepted that the likelihood of penetration of the Ebola Virus Disease in the Region is low, based on the low level of traffic from affected areas. While there have been no reported cases of EVD in the Region, it urged the strengthening of the Regional Public Health capacity to confront the possibility of an outbreak

of Ebola and any other future public health challenge(s).

The meeting endorsed the measures taken so far by CARPHA; the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO); the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Secretariat and the Government of Cuba, to establish and strengthen regional capabilities to confront Ebola. The Heads of Government extended the Region’s condolences to those affected by the disease, expressed solidarity with international efforts to support the affected West African countries and wished a speedy reversal of the epidemic.

The Heads of Government adopted the following 10-Point Plan of Action to Stop Ebola there and here: ● Strengthen effective, coordinated measures at ports of entry to prevent Ebola from entering our Community, including harmonising travel restrictions; ● Strengthen health systems including training, equipment, laboratories and containment, and enlist the participation of airlines in the Region in transporting specimens and response teams; ● Create a Regional Rapid Response Team (Carib REACT) able to reach any member state in twenty-four (24) hours to

support the national response team to contain/stop an outbreak early on; ● Launch an intensive public education campaign for citizens of the Region, visitors and those outside; ● Organise a comprehensive resource mobilisation effort, including a possible Stop Ebola There and Here (SETH) Fund, to which governments, citizens and businesses here and abroad may contribute; ● Finalise and implement the harmonised regional operational response plan by end-November, coordinated with national response plans; ● Participate in capacity-building efforts at the global and regional levels to gain experience for our benefit; ● Establish a Regional Coordinating Mechanism on Ebola (RCME) with CARPHA as Chair, including the CARICOM and OECS Secretariats, IMPACS, CDEMA, and inviting Cuba to participate.

The RCME will report to the Lead Head of Government on Health, the Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, with the immediate responsibility to develop a comprehensive Regional Strategy to address Ebola preparedness in collaboration with PAHO/WHO; ● Invite PAHO/WHO, the

United Nations, other development partners and contributors to a meeting within one (1) month to expand the effectiveness of our collective response; and ● Review and reinforce the effectiveness of these measures as implemented, at the Inter-sessional Meeting of Heads of Government in February 2015, and again at the Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in July 2015.

The Heads of Government also agreed on the need for enhanced coordination of the measures proposed in the 10-point plan, with clear responsibilities accorded to regional institutions and international organisations based on competencies.

The meeting mandated CARPHA to complete the national assessments in collaboration with PAHO/WHO and other international development partners and to develop a more comprehensive estimate of the resource requirements of the Region to support an enhanced resource mobilisation plan.

The meeting also recognised the significant role that Cuba can play in boosting the regional response and urged that this long-standing and valuable regional partner be ur-

gently and integrally involved in the RCME. CHIKUNGUNYA With regard to Chikungunya, the first known cases in the Americas were on the island of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten in December 2013. CARPHA predicted widespread transmission bearing in mind the Caribbean’s susceptible population, abundant Aedes Aegypti vector mosquitoes, and frequent travel. Soon afterward, additional cases were reported in other countries in the Caribbean Region, and the disease spread at the rate of one country every one to two weeks. As of 27 October, 2014, cases of Chik-V had been confirmed in 23 of 24 CARPHA member states (CMS).

Ministries of Health and CARPHA, with the collaboration of PAHO/WHO, and partners such as, the US Centres for Disease Control (CDC) and French Institute Pasteur have been working assiduously to control the epidemic. However, spread has continued with temporary economic disruption in some countries.

Against this background, chief among the decisions that the Heads of Government have taken are: * That there must be a multi-sectoral approach to

fighting the disease that would include education, tourism, media, local government and other sectors and capabilities, including private enterprises, and explore the use of new technologies ● That there must be a well-coordinated, continuous public education campaign on how the disease is spread, targeting the citizenry, travellers, and tourism stakeholders ● The strengthening of vector control response capacity ● The facilitation by PAHO/ WHO of bulk purchase of essential public health supplies, such as bed nets, insecticides and repellent.

The Heads of Government also mandated a partnership among CARPHA, the CARICOM Secretariat and PAHO/ WHO to establish an annual “Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week” to facilitate education and vector control.

The 17th Special Meeting of the Conference, which is being held at the Diplomatic Centre, St. Ann’s, will include ministers with responsibility for health and representatives from Ministries of Foreign Affairs. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), which has taken lead responsibility for the regional response to the diseases, will also be present.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

There are ‘graver Four murder FITUG: implications’ for breach of accused freed right to privacy The 19-minute leak…

FALLING standards in the practice of journalism cannot be left unattended, according to the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), in a statement issued on Tuesday evening.

“FITUG holds the view that the hype around the AG (Attorney-General) at this time really reveals how our right to privacy is being undermined and that our democratic thrust as a country can very well be in jeopardy,” the body said.

The pronouncement follows the release of a 19-minuute recording of the private conversation on October 25, between the AG and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall, and a senior Kaieteur News reporter, Mr. Leonard Gildharie.

The release was made by publisher of the Kaieteur News, Mohan Lall, also known as Glenn Lall. He subsequently made a report to the Deputy Police Commissioner, Mr. Balram Persaud, premised on the contention that the contents of the recording indicate that his life, the lives of his family and staff members are under threat.

Nigel Sookram, 32 and Steve Sahadeo, 27

FOUR alleged murderers who were on trial for the robbery and killing of 68year old Budhia, called “Rhanie,” in October 2008, were all freed by a Demerara Assizes jury on Wednesday.

Following the jury’s verdict of not guilty, Presiding Judge Mr. Navindra Singh, discharged the accused – Nigel Sookram, 32; Steve Sookdeo c/d “Coolie Boy”, 27; Roy Anthony Sewnaraine, 21, and Vishaul Seecharan c/d ‘Marlie, 21.

They all hail from Herstelling, East Bank, Demerara and had maintained their innocence from the beginning.

Prosecutrix was Mrs. Judith Mursalin and defence lawyers were Mr. Huckumchand, Miss Sonia Parag and Mr. Raymond Ali. The trial had commenced on October 17th, 2014.

Yesterday morning, Presiding judge, Mr. Navindra Singh summed up the evidence to the jury in just over two hours before handing over the case to them for their consideration and verdict.

The jury took over three hours to reach their unanimous verdict.

The accused were charged with the murder of 68-year-old Budhia called

The accused on their way to court yesterday – Vishaul Seecharan called “Markie” 21, and Roy Anthony Sewnarine 21

“Rhanie” on October 20th 2008 at Lot ‘F’ Conservancy Dam, Canal No. 2 Polder, West Bank Demerara.

The state had called nine witnesses, including Government Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh.

Three voir dires were held by the trial judge and upon conclusion, caution statements given by Steve Sookdeo, Roy Sewnarine and Vishaul Seecharan were ruled as freely and voluntarily given by them.

In these statements the three accused stated that they and the No. 1 accused, Nigel Sookram, planned to rob the house at Canal No. 2 and they went to that location where they carried out the plan.

Daughter of the deceased, Basmattie Rampersaud, testified that she was awakened on the night in question by her mother screaming. She rushed to her mother’s bedroom where she saw Nigel Sookram, Steve Sookdeo and Vishaul Seecharan tying up her mother with duct tape.

Basmattie Rampersaud screamed. They tied her up also - demanded cash and jewellery and threatened to

rape her 13-year old daughter when she said they did not have more money.

They took over $1 million in jewellery plus $150,000 – GC, US $120 and Canadian $110.00 .

Nigel Sookram & Steve Sookdeo were picked out from identification parades

by Basmattie Rampersaud.

Confrontations were also held between Steve Sookdeo and Nigel Sookram and Roy Sewnarine and Nigel Sookdeo.

Both Sookdeo and Sewnarine said Sookram had planned the robbery.

Sookram denied.

The cause of death given

by Dr. Singh was asphyxiation due to compression injuries to the neck.

All four accused gave unsworn statements from the dock in which they claimed they were beaten by the police.

Counsel for the defence and the prosecution addressed the jury on Tuesday afternoon -- the defence requesting a not guilty verdict and the prosecution calling for a verdict inconsistent with the evidence and the oath they had taken.

DATE: 05/11/2014 A

13 12 08 01 17 19 10

05/11/2014

12

01

25

GRAVER IMPLICATIONS FITUG contends that new challenges have emerged in Guyanese society, highlighting that many of the views expressed focused on the content of the purported tape and which, seemingly, is providing a grand opportunity for, essentially, the politically inclined to do some personal bashing.

“Those who are hastening to take a passing advantage at this turn of events should not be shortsighted, nor should they allow any exultation at this act obscure to its graver implications,” the

07

06

05/11/2014

03

body said.

According to FITUG, over the generations many values have evolved that determine our humanity and respect for privacy is one such and a value and human right.

The body said: “To feel secured in our [society] today cannot be limited to protection from physical harm and of our personal property, but extends to communication with our family, neighbours, friends, workmates, clients, patients, etc. Violation of such private interactions undoubtedly becomes a threat to our democratic culture which is still being consolidated. “…there is the disgusting and illegal nature of the taping of a private conversation by two persons, in this case, school chums. It is scary to know that in our midst are persons who will not hesitate to violate our right to privacy, in this instance, that of our AG.” FITUG questioned the fact that if the AG can “so easily [be] targeted and illegally taped,” who else within the higher echelons of the state apparatus, both Government and the security forces, can be targeted.

“We find it instructive that the voices shunning intrusion of our privacy are not as strong as one should expect. It is also a learning experience to hear from quarters that justifiably consistently condemn criminal activities in our society are so silent in the illegal eavesdropping and taping of our AG,” the body said.

CLARIFIED Since the start of the escalating brouhaha, the AG has made it clear that freedom of the press is the cornerstone of Guyana’s democracy and the free press has a responsibility to the highest ethical standards as they operate in that free environment; he is unaware of any planned violence or extra-judicial sanction against any individual journalist or any newspaper – a contention intimated by Lall in his report to the police; the interpretation that he is involved in some form of financial impropriety, related to taxpayers’ monies is a wrong one.

The AG since the 19-minute leak has filed legal proceedings against the Kaieteur News, Mr. Glenn Lall; the Editor of the

05

06

05/11/2014

Kaieteur News, Mr. Adam Harris; and the National Media and Publishing Company Ltd. The lawsuit is calling for: damages in excess of $10M for libel contained in an article published on page three of the Kaieteur News, yesterday, under the headline “Attorney General Reveals Plan to ‘HIT’ Glenn Lall, Kaieteur News damages in excess of $10M for libel contained in an article published on pages six and seven of the Kaieteur News, yesterday, under the headline ‘Attorney General Reveals Plan to ‘HIT’ Glenn Lall, KNews’; aggravated or exemplary damages in excess of $10M; and other costs.

Nandlall has since said, “It is my hope that these proceedings will examine and determine the legality and authenticity of the recording as well as the liabilities, if any, which arise therefrom.

Additionally, I have no doubt that the appropriate authorities would send the recording for proper forensic analysis….I have every confidence in our judicial system to conduct a fair and open hearing and to deliver justice at the end.”

Additionally, the police investigations into the matter are continuing. However, questions are still being asked as to how Lall came into possession of the recording and if the reporter did not hand over the recording, this could possibly constitute a legal infraction. Questions are also being asked under what circumstances the telephone conversation was recorded; if it was recorded by Gildharie or if it was a result of wiretapping activities – the latter representing another legal infraction.

Also, in some sections of society, concerned Guyanese are calling on the Government of Guyana to take this issue to the United Nations (UN), based on the stipulations included in international law and Guyana’s treaty obligations, which address privacy as a human right. The relevant UN policies include the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN’s International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the UN General Assembly’s December 2013 resolution, “The Right to Privacy in the Digital Age.”

11 05 07 16 09 12 19

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

Twelve-year-old is latest road fatality that her children had returned home from the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH).

She told her husband to go and open the door to welcome the children and before he could get up they heard a loud crashing sound

Dead: Isaiah Khan

ISAIAH Khan, 12, of Lot ‘A’ La Union, West Coast Demerara, became the latest road fatality early yesterday morning, when he was struck down outside his residence, on the La Union Public Road, West Coast Demerara, just minutes after he had exited a taxi.

Police reported that around 00:15hrs on November 5, 2014, Isaiah Khan, 12, of La Union, WCD, was struck down by a motor car on the public road. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH).

The driver of the motor vehicle was tested and found to be above the legal alcohol limit and is in police custody assisting with the investigation.

Mother of the deceased, Natasha Bacchus, 39, told this publication that she was in bed when she heard a car door slam and suspected

Grieving mother, Natasha Bacchus

“blam” and knew that someone had been struck down and immediately got out of bed to investigate.

The distraught mother stated that almost everybody in the house rushed outside to see what was happening and when they saw who the victim was they were inconsolable, since Isaiah died on the spot.

The grieving woman explained that Isaiah had accompanied his siblings, Melissa, 16, and Crystal, 15, the latter, who was not well and they left home about 23:30 hrs on Tuesday night for the WDRH seeking medical attention for Crystal.

However, they were told to return to the hospital the following morning, even though Crystal had a high fever and was in pain. They took a taxi home and after exiting the taxi, a speeding car struck Isaiah as he was nearing the footpath leading to his house.

His sisters managed to get out of the way and fell near the trench while their brother was not so lucky.

Isaiah was a pupil of Windsor Forest Secondary School in Grade Seven and after returning home from school yesterday afternoon, told his mother he wanted “bake” to take to school the following day.

She described him as a loving child, who was reserved and would be missed everyday. He is survived by seven siblings, his parents and scores of relatives.

It was reported that when car hit Isaiah he landed on the bonnet after which he was pitched a short distance away, leaving his brain matter on the vehicle and at the spot where his broken body landed.

Relatives told this publication yesterday there were three occupants in the car along with the driver and Isaiah’s head was almost split in two from the impact and his limbs were broken as the rest of his body.

Isaiah will be laid to rest on Sunday.

Chronicle reporter wins $100,000 in Courts Media Draw COURTS Guyana officially launched their Christmas promotion “Big Prize 2014” on Wednesday and also publicly acknowledged the winner of the Media Draw, Rawle Toney, of the Guyana Chronicle.

During the launch at Courts Guyana Main Street location, Public Relations Officer, Roberta Ferguson re-stated that Courts Guyana

the stakes for the last three will be $3M a person. This promotion, she noted, starts on November 5 and ends on December 20.

Ferguson disclosed that the winning customers will be given the surprise of their lives, “Because we will show up wherever you are with our promotion crew to tell you, you have won, it’s our new way to deliver the

Rawle Toney (right) collects his symbolic cheque from Courts Marketing Manager, Pernell Cummings with the Courts Marketing team looking on

over the years has been rolling out similar promotions, but this year “the biggest promotion ever is the Big Prize 2014.”

She elaborated that Courts will be making six lucky customers millionaires by giving away $15M in cash over the next six weeks.

The first three customers will win $2M each, while

good news.” She noted also throughout the entire month Courts will be giving away cellphones, entertainment packages and other fabulous prizes to lucky customers.

“It’s the ultimate Christmas at Courts,” she said.

Clyde de Haas, Managing Director of Courts (Guyana), congratulated the winner of the media draw,

AN ex-Guyana Police Force constable who was attached to the Brickdam Police Station is now on the run after fleeing from a police patrol and leaving his car (Toyota Allion) with an unlicensed 4.0 Glock pistol.

A senior police official attached to ‘A’ Division told the Chronicle, investigations revealed that the suspect (ex-police) was

4.0 Glock pistol, one like this was found in the suspect’s car

standing next to his car in North Ruimveldt on

Tuesday evening; he said that after the suspect saw the patrol some distance away, he fled, leaving his car behind.

The senior officer also said that when investigators searched the car after the suspect ran away, an unlicensed 4.0 Glock pistol was found; the car was the towed away and taken into the Brickdam Police Station. (Asif Hakim)

Rawle Toney as he stated that: “We at Courts are making Christmas happen, we have started the season here today.” He revealed that this year the big prizes will be “cold hard cash,” no gimmicks involved. He also indicated that only for this year they have “Shop and pay nothing down and nothing until February 2015.”

He encouraged all to shop at Courts and be a part of the fabulous and exciting promotions available.

Speaking with this newspaper, Rawle Toney, a Sports Reporter at the Guyana Chronicle, said that he was ecstatic with the news that he had won $100,000, compliments of Courts. He said: “It’s the first time I am winning anything and I am happy it’s from Courts because I always support them.”

GTA hosts culinary skills training -as part of Tourism Awareness Month

Knowing he was in possession of illegal gun…

Ex-policeman ditches car, flees - police seek him for questioning

Clyde de Haas, Managing Director of Courts (Guyana) during his remarks

Facilitator Doreen Oburmuller with some of the participants

AS a part of activities p l a n n e d f o r To u r i s m Awareness Month, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) on Wednesday hosted a training in the culinary arts.

Approximately seven groups attended the training to enhance their skills in kitchen hygiene and safety, meal planning, methods of cooking and cooking terms,

among others.

Under the watchful eye of Doreen Oburmuller, facilitator of the training session, walked the participants through the theoretical part of the training and then to the practical aspect. She noted that a lot of time was spent on the theoretical part and many questions were asked about the principles surrounding meal planning. However,

participants she said had the basic knowledge of the other sections of training. “The training here today was to enhance what the chefs or cooks already possess and this training is done free of cost to the participants,” she said.

During the practical section of the training, the Guyana Chronicle visited the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) where the session was held.

The participants said that they are very appreciative of the training and the initiative taken by the GTA to have the training done.

The groups that participated during the practical training, at the time of the newspaper’s visit, were OMG sports bar, Waterchris, Maharaja Palace, Upper Crust Restaurant, Gravity Lounge, Windjammer Restaurant and Bar and Antonio’s Grill.

(Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Let’s reject calls for division and strife IN Guyana – pre-1992, the average Guyanese faced a starkly hopeless future.

Real estate was owned by some entrepreneurial dynastic families through great sacrifices and astute investments, some descendants of slaves and indentured immigrants who had the foresight not to sell their ancestral patrimony to others for short-term gains, and the privileged elite who were gifted large acreages of state lands in return for loyalty to the administrative construct of the day.

But the average rankand-file Guyanese masses had scant hope of ever owning their own homes, or of emerging out of poverty; especially with the PNC Economic Recovery Programme which, among other inhibiting strictures to personal development, had frozen the wages of Public Servants at an approximate

$2,000.

This was while the toothless poodle that was the Public Service Union then, and the TUC stayed inactive, until Dr. Cheddi Jagan, post-elections of 1992, told the IMF where to shove their conditionalities and restored bargaining power to trade unions.

The subsequent drive to reduce and/or altogether eliminate Guyana’s debt burden and simultaneous developmental interventions was done through engagements at various fora – nationally, regionally, and internationally; but the Jagans had achieved their hearts’ objective and restored democracy – real freedom to Guyana and the Guyanese people before being forced to succumb to their mortality.

H o w e v e r, t h e y h a d charted the course of this nation’s future through the political infrastructure

they had created and they placed this machinery into the hands of someone they hand-picked.

Bharrat Jagdeo had the simple humility of the Jagans; but he also had the vision, the strength, the courage and the commitment to chart the course of this nation forward as per the blueprint of the Father of the Nation. And he made no compromises to deliver to Guyana and the Guyanese people all that Dr. Cheddi Jagan had promised in the PPP/C Manifestos, albeit with some detours along the way to fit new and emerging challenges.

President Donald Ramotar said that the PPP has not diverted from the course of progress charted by its founding leader although some characteristics had been re-structured and re-formulated to address requisite changes in the administrative constructs and

implementation of programmes created in the original PPP blueprint of Guyana’s development paradigm.

Thus Ramotar has based his Government on continuity – as per his pre-elections promises, but he has found his own challenges in a different socio-political dynamic, no less anti-developmental, destructive and anti-progressive than his predecessors in successive PPP/C Governments had to contend with.

The charge laid on the then very young and inexperienced shoulders of Bharrat Jagdeo by the patriarch and matriarch of the land has been executed, maybe even beyond their expectations.

It has not been an easy road, because the PPP/C’s stewardship of the land was severely constrained by violent protests, crime waves, volatile and inhib-

iting Opposition factions, including hostile media, all of which have strong links to powerful lobby groups in international spheres, and which did not engage in constructive ways with the Government to advance the interests of the nation.

Instead, they devised strategies intended to derail (and sometimes succeeding) Government’s thrust to rebuild all the destroyed and devastated dynamics of this nation.

Yet former President Jagdeo can stride with head high for a job magnificently done; despite the best attempts of his detractors and the pessimists of the land, all of whom are pursuing self-serving agendas; and President Ramotar is maintaining that peculiar strength of will that has

hallmarked every PPP leader.

The sad reality is that the destructive elements in this beautiful country continue to intentionally propagate hatred among the peoples of this land on the erroneous premise of discriminatory practices by the PPP/C administration against some communities, despite overwhelming and abundant evidence to the contrary.

However, most Guyanese – across every divide, throughout the land, have gotten wiser and are rejecting calls for division and strife in the land, opting instead for peace that they know will lead to prosperity and a posterity of promise fulfilled to the maximum of Guyana’s potential for greatness.

If Lall gets off these These depraved souls of Region 4 charges he will stop at nothing in future RELATIVE to the Kaieteur News’ article, ‘Embattled AG finally breaks silence’, this Glenn Lall guy is so barefaced and bold, leading many to believe he is working for the U.S. and this is why he is not afraid of the Laws of Guyana.

If the tape was ‘doctored’ before he took it to the police then it will be up to the experts to detect that.

I remember the OJ Simpson trial where OJ was in a prison cell talking with his lawyer, and telling his lawyer: “… now

everybody thinks I killed Nicole.”

It was recorded but then doctored and played for the world to hear OJ’s voice saying “I killed Nicole”; the words “everybody thinks” was gone.

I think the same thing happened in this case with the AG and his so-called friend.

The KN reporter is the key to all this.

If he is a true friend of the AG then he must step up to the plate and listen to the tape that Lall gave to his police buddy instead of the top cop.

If the reporter was a true friend and knew the phone he was talking on was bugged and the AG called him, all he had to do was tell his friend, “I am busy right now: I will call you back later,” then get another phone to talk crap with his friend.

You bet your life if Lall is not jailed for all the wrong things done here then the next move will be making videos of those he hates most and those he wants to comply with his demands.

T. KING

WHEN armed robbers could invade a church and violently rob the worshipers there then it behooves me to believe that we have totally lost it. We have totally lost the values of respect and reverence for a house of worship and for the sanctity of human life. As members of any community we are entitled to live and worship in peace and freedom. However, with the latest armed attack on the parishioners of The St Phillips Church this freedom is under severe threat. The parishioners were there to worship, and to do so in peace and quietude, not be violently robbed by a bunch of low life individuals.

Guyana was destined for such a state – ever since the PNC-led administration left us a legacy of glorified crim-

inals. Today this party sits in the Opposition but they are still in the habit of defending the criminals, even when they are caught red-handed. This is the pattern of their terroristic behaviour.

Another distressing part of their destructive and destabilising plan is the fact that many guns were handed out to criminal elements. This is evident from damaging testimony coming out of the Rodney COI, where claims of arms and ammunition distribution to party supporters were evident.

Granger cannot hide from these damning revelations because he was a member of the armed forces that was fingered in these ghastly schemes.

Granger cannot make the ridiculous claim that the boys cannot get jobs because, even as I write this, there is a massive short-term employment

programme on in Region 4.

All these unemployed persons have to do is cash into the programme and get themselves gainfully employed. There is no way these guys can get away with that excuse of not finding anything to do.

The point I am making is Granger and his PNC/ APNU colleagues need to hang their heads in shame as to the horrible place we’ve found ourselves. With each despicable act of robbery under arms, an indictable rap sheet is written up against that party. When such notorious crimes are taking place in a Region in which you claim overwhelming support, then your stewardship as a political party comes in for dishonourable mention. The people of Guyana are taking notes on this party and we will speak come next election.

NEIL ADAMS

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

An ‘ounce of brain’ is all it takes to understand this ‘puff of hot air’ THE Kaieteur News of Tuesday 28 October, 2014, carried the screaming headline, ‘Attorney General (AG) reveals plan to hit Glenn Lall, Kaieteur News’.

My immediate reaction on reading the headline was one of alarm. The details of the article flowed from a conversation between a Kaieteur News reporter, Leonard Gildharie and the Attorney General, which the reporter recorded.

The AG contends that the conversation was distorted and manipulated and does not reflect his true dialogue.

He has filed legal proceedings. The police are also investigating the authenticity and legality of the recording.

However, I am writing on the assumption that the recording was lawful and accurately recorded and was a true recording of the conversation.

I read the published transcript of that telephone conversation as well as I listened to the audio recording. Any person with “an ounce of brain” who read that published transcript or listened to the audio recording would recognise immediately that the AG did not reveal “any plan” to hit Glenn Lall and the Kaieteur News.

It really takes a person with less than “an ounce of brain” to advance such a claim.

What then did the published transcript reveal? To understand the statements made by the AG, the context of the conversation between himself and the reporter must be taken into account. Essentially, the AG in this very private conversation with the reporter, was explaining that Glenn Lall was using his newspaper as a weapon to attack people and even innocent people were the subject of attacks and many without the ability to adequately or at all make appropriate responses to unjust attacks, may just walk into Kaieteur News office with a weapon and, “wha come suh do” in other words, what was being said is that if Kaieteur News persists in their attacks on the character and reputation of innocent people, then their continued denigration of those people would lead to catastrophic consequences. That was no more than a few or an opinion of a likely eventuality if

the viciousness and vindictiveness being spewed daily from the pages of the Kaieteur News continue.

Right thinking members in this country, would not consider this as a wrong opinion. Former President Bharrat Jadgeo, Minister Irfaan Ali, Mr. Winston Brassington, the AG himself and a host of other public officials and prominent Guyanese have been victims of the vile and vulgar assault on their character, reputation and professionalism by the Kaieteur News. That newspaper’s feature column “dem boys seh” is the tool of its offensiveness. Probably intended to be a satirical column, it often openly names public officials and is marked by vulgar expressions, and a lewd, course style, reflective of the depressed minds responsible for it, and whom it may be said by deduction are possessed of less than “an ounce of brain.”

The public, will not however, be fooled. The difficulties faced by Glenn Lall for alleged infractions of the criminal law have been noted by such people in this country, who will examine the allegations for which he has been charged against his moralist and virtuous posturing.

Much is known of Glenn Lall.

With the fullness of time all will be revealed. He has used his newspaper to detract from the allegations of criminality, levelled against him. I make bold to say that his claims of a plan to shut down Kaieteur News and to kill him and his staff are only in his imagination. The man seems tortured by his present difficulties in the Courts. The call by his newspaper for public protest in support of his newspaper and for the establishment of a ‘Committee In Defence of Kaieteur News’ marks his vain expectation, that whatever support he can muster from among the less educated, and less informed among us may impact upon the likelihood of a favourable outcome for him in the course and in that state, he appears completely oblivious to the fact that neither sympathy nor public opinion, will be considered factors in the determination of his guilt or innocence.

That brings me to Khemraj Ramjattan, his lawyer and the leader of the AFC. It is understood that Ramjattan

must aggressively represent his client to justify his fee, but this must not be done in the sacrifice of professional standards.

Physical defects notwithstanding, where does Ramjattan see in the public transcript, “a plan” that was revealed by the AG? It does appear that Ramjattan’s judgment, evident in his and his party’s call for the AG to resign, has been affected by political antagonism, rivalry, and no doubt, personal jealousy.

Gildharie was evidently, extremely deceitful to the

AG. According to Glenn Lall, Gildharie recorded his conversation with the AG. Where was his decency; he never informed the AG that he would record the conversation. The phone call emanated from the AG. It was not a solicited interview. It was simply a private call.

Anyway, back to recording, the Bar Association and the Women Lawyers Association, “have observed that in the recording, the AG offered in vulgar and obscene language, knowledge of planned illegal activities.” How on

earth could these supposedly trained legal minds, arrive at such a conclusion. It is troubling that these learned men and women have applied some so called conventions of “public discourse” to a private telephone conversation. If one’s character and professionalism is to be called into question because of the nature of one’s private conversation, then it could be asked, what about a professional who commits an act of rape for which he is not prosecuted but continues in his profession; should not his conscience

and sense of morality guide him to appropriate action and should not his character and professionalism be called into question by those who know of his rape but, find it convenient to remain silent? What a hypocritical bunch.

There may be indiscretions that could be laid at the feet of the AG but, allegations of a threat to hit Glenn Lall and the Kaieteur News must be seen as nothing more than a puff of hot air.

RICHARD MENDOZA

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

Two ‘delayed’ decisions of CARICOM Ramjattan’s red herrings to Heads in T&T garner funds from supporters

From Rickey Singh

TUESDAY’s special Heads of Government meeting in Port-of-Spain avoided any official discussion on either the current dispute involving the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), as well as seeking a “consensus” regional candidate for the post of Commonwealth Secretary General next year.

With some six Heads of Government of the 15-member Community absent, the meeting, chaired by host Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, opted to stick with the primary agenda issue, namely: A concerted regional response to deal with the threat of the dread Ebola virus creating havoc with lives across states of Africa, and the paralyzing effects on thousands of CARICOM citizens from the mosquito-infective chickungunya disease.

The CARICOM Secretariat, member governments and regional health institutions will be involved in a proposed ten-point action

plan to deal with both the Ebola threat and the spreading problems resulting from the so-called ‘chickv’ virus.

The Community leaders, however, signalled before their adjourned meeting, the option to discuss over dinner likely initiatives to help resolve the dispute that has arisen between the WICB and the BCCI as a direct consequence of last month’s unilateral aborting by the WI players of their scheduled tour of India.

Among absent Heads of Government were the Presidents of Guyana, Haiti and Suriname, and the Prime Ministers of Jamaica, Dominica and Grenada.

“Consensus” Commonwealth SG The other issue that was announced for discussion by the Community Secretariat, but again deferred, was the need for “consensus” on a candidate from CARICOM for the post of new Commonwealth Secretary General.

The election is to take place a year from now, in November 2015 at the 54-nation Commonwealth Summit in Malta.

When this issue first surfaced for official discussion at last July’s CARICOM Summit in Antigua and Barbuda, it was deferred for later consideration.

The Community Secretariat, in announcing arrangements for Tuesday’s special Heads of Government meeting in Port-of-Spain, said the leaders “will also seek to arrive at a consensus with regard to the CARICOM candidate…”

Latest indication signalled is that this required “consensus” would now take place next month in Cuba when the latest triennial CARICOM/Cuba is scheduled to be hosted in Havana on December 8.

Among already identified contestants for the post of new Commonwealth Secretary General are Antigua and Barbuda’s nominee, Sir Ronald Sanders, reported to be the current ‘front-runner’; Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Planning and Sustainable Development; Bhoendradatt Tewarie, and Baroness Patricia Scotland of Britain, who is the sponsored candidate of Dominica.

I WAS utterly flabbergasted and bemused when I read about the conclusion AFC’s leader, Khemraj Ramjattan came to, that “AFC risks ‘dead meat’ status in coalition with APNU”; but, as he further stated, that that was his personal opinion and that the AFC will discuss the possibility of such a coalition at various forums and forward a response to APNU. Now who is this guy trying to fool again?

The AFC has enjoyed ‘a common law’ relationship with the PNC since the 2011 General Elections and has vigorously consummated that marriage in and out of Parliament. Now Ramjattan, in his effort to exercise ‘damage control’ is claiming that, “For us to join APNU would defeat our purpose and we risk losing our support base”.

This is so hypocritical. The AFC has joined APNU publicly since the last Election.

He then exposed the real reason for not wanting a coalition, “The AFC’s financiers could withhold their support and this would drastically

affect the party”. So it is all about the money!

Another fact is that the AFC has become ‘dead meat’ a long time ago and this feeble attempt at resuscitating the ‘dead meat’ party will not work. The AFC has joined with APNU to destabilise and stymie the social and economic development of this country and Berbicians are not fools. When some PPP supporters went to the AFC they did not envisage that that party would have sold out to APNU. That was not the ‘CHANGE’ that those persons had wanted. They did not want the PNC to get back into government and that is exactly what the AFC has laboriously been doing. Ranjattan should have done a Rip Van Winkle a long time ago.

It is now too late. Coalition or no coalition AFC is ‘dead meat’. The carrion crows are already hovering.

It will be most revealing for the AFC to recall what happened to the United Force Party when it formed a coalition with the PNC after the 1964 General Elections to get rid of the PPP. The PNC used

the UF to get into power and then rigged the subsequent election to kick out the UF. Granger is so much like the late Forbes Burnham that he is dexterously wooing the AFC to legalise the ‘common law’ relationship so that it can legally depose of the PPP and then kick the AFC out at leisure. The PNC will then rig the subsequent elections and ‘live happily after’. Just look at Granger’s statements: “Even if the AFC does not join prior to the election I would include them in the governing of the country…we must move away from this thinking of majority government’. This is real ‘surhaweh’ (sweet talk).

But as Granger said, ‘read my lips’- it is all lip service.

In conclusion, the AFC has given its members and supporters many reasons why they should not vote for that party again and its ‘no-confidence motion’ will ensure that the carrion crows have a most enjoyable meal.

HASEEF YUSUF AFC Councillor (Region 6)

Amendment to standing orders cannot be done on floor – Gov’t Chief Whip THE main Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), last Friday indicated that it will move to propose an amendment to the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, which are the rules that guide the House proceedings.

And this motion was filed a few days ago, according to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Sherlock Isaacs, who added that the motion has been included on the Order Paper for the next House sitting on November 10.

Meanwhile, in an invited comment, Government Chief Whip, Ms. Gail Teixeira, yesterday explained that if such a motion were to be made, changes to the Standing Orders cannot be made from the floor of the House.

According to her, such a motion normally requires a notice of 12 days or the APNU Member of Parliament (MP) who brings the motion to the House can request that the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Raphael Trotman, suspend the sitting for

its consideration.

Either way, Teixeira said, the motion will be referred to the House Standing Order Committee.

“Changes to the Standing Orders cannot be made on the floor. Changes happen in the committee not on the floor. Once it is referred to the Standing Order Committee, the committee will meet, discuss and make its recommendations to the House,” she said.

CLARIFYING ROLES At the time APNU indicated its intent to move in this direction, General-Secretary and APNU MP, Mr. Joseph Harmon had stated that the Motion was drafted to bring greater clarity to both the role of the Speaker and the majority in the House.

“We will ask for amendments to allow for the majority to approach the Speaker to get a date set for the reconvening or adjourned date for the House…we are going through fresh Standing Orders so as you go through these things you will find that

something is not properly catered for and amendments will have to be made,” Harmon said.

Among the Standing Orders to be amended are: Standing Order 8, 8(1), 8 (2) and 9, which address the convening of sittings of the National Assembly and the House recess.

Standing Order 8, “Ordinary Sitting of the Assembly,” says: “(1) Save as otherwise provided by the Constitution or resolved by the Assembly upon a motion moved by a minister, the Assembly may sit every day except Saturdays and Sundays and, unless the Assembly otherwise should decide, every adjournment of the Assembly shall be to the next Sitting day.”

The second part, Standing Order 8 (2), Sitting convened at the discretion of the Speaker, adds: “If, during an adjournment of the Assembly, it is represented to the Speaker by the Government, or the Speaker is of the opinion, that the public interest requires that the Assembly should meet on a day earlier

than that to which it stands adjourned, the Speaker may give notice accordingly and the Assembly shall meet at the time stated in such notice.

The Clerk shall as soon as possible inform each member in writing, or telegram or by appropriate electronic means of any such earlier meeting. “(3) Every direction under paragraph two (2) of this Standing Order shall be in writing and shall be signed by the Speaker and shall bear the business to be transacted and the meeting to which it relates. “(4) Forthwith upon receipt of any direction under paragraph three (3) of this Standing Order, the Clerk shall inform every Member of the Assembly, personally, if practicable, of the day and hour appointed by the Speaker for the holding of the Extraordinary Sitting of the Assembly and of the business to be transacted at such meeting.”

Also addressed in this section are special Sittings and Standing Order 8 (5) says: “(5) Except by leave

of the Assembly, no business other than the business specified in the direction under paragraph two (2) of this Standing Order shall be transacted at any Extraordinary Sitting of the Assembly.

At the conclusion of the business, unless the Assembly has otherwise decided, the Assembly shall stand adjourned without question being put to the day to which it had originally been adjourned at its last meeting. “(6) There shall be Special Sittings of the National Assembly:-(a) When the President desires to address the Assembly on the State of the Nation; and(b) When the Government desires that a visiting Head of State, Head of Government or other dignitary shall address the Assembly.”

Standing Order 9, “Recess for the National Assembly,” states that: “Notwithstanding anything contained in Standing Order No. 8, unless there are special reasons for so doing, no Sitting of the National Assembly shall be held from10th August to 10th October in any year.”

Harmon has also stated that move for an amendment comes after consultations

between APNU and the Alliance For Change (AFC).

LAST AMENDED Currently, there are 113 Standing Orders that guide the workings of the House.

They were last amended in 2011 by a Special Select Committee.

In 2011, it was reported that MPs had worked assiduously in conducting meetings over a four-year period where they carefully considered each Order: making deletions, insertions, and also ensuring that the language was gender neutral. Also included, for the first time, is a compendium of rulings by the Speaker.

On the 21st July, 2011, the Report of the Draft Standing Orders was adopted by the National Assembly.

These amendments were incorporated in the Standing Orders which have been reprinted for circulation to Members in the Tenth Parliament.

The Standing Order Committee is chaired by the Speaker and has a fivefour membership, with the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) holding the minority.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

RODNEY’S DEATH: AN ENIGMA BEING ANSWERED Special Report on the Rodney Commission of Inquiry by Shaun Michael Samaroo Labour Minister Dr Nanda Kishore Gopaul outlines authoritarian tyranny, as…

PNC dictatorship repressed workers

Dr Walter Rodney

ACHIEVING free and fair elections, democracy and an absolutely free Guyana on October 5, 1992, took a long and bitter struggle against the “dictatorship and oppressive rule” of the People’s National Congress (PNC) Government, Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Kishore Gopaul said yesterday.

Testifying at the Presidential Commission probing the tragic assassination of Dr. Walter Rodney, Dr. Gopaul detailed a prolonged, intense national struggle to free Guyana of the despotic, tyrannical, repressive, authoritarian rule of the PNC. The despotic rule saw the PNC State machinery erode workers’ rights, destroy the national economy, and deny freedom to Guyanese, he said.

In a damning witness statement to the Commission, Dr. Gopaul details his long struggle as a trade unionist in the bitter fight for democracy in Guyana.

He served as leader in various

capacities of the militant union, the National Association of Allied and Commercial Industrial Employees (NAACIE), and worked alongside Dr. Rodney, Dr. Clive Thomas, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Ashton Chase, Charles Ramson and other leading Guyanese fighters for a democratic and free Guyana.

“I believe that with the continued involvement of NAACIE in the struggle for democracy and the close alliance forged with both the PPP (People’s Progressive Party) and WPA (Working People’s Alliance), the heightened militant positions by the WPA invoked the wrath of the PNC Government at that time. On three occasions I recall President Burnham publicly threatened to deal with those whom he perceived to be undermining his Government and Rodney was named and targeted”, Dr. Gopaul told the Commission.

“By 1979, all the basic rights of Guyanese had been denied, including: • Freedom of expression • Freedom to disseminate Information • Freedom of the press • Freedom of assembly • Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining • The right to travel • The right to free and fair elections” “We had thus become a full dictatorship by that time”, the Minister said, noting that “the events leading to the death of Dr. Walter Rodney and the public threats and actions of the

Minister Dr Nanda Gopaul

ruling party at that time caused me to be of the firm opinion that top leadership of the PNC, including President Burnham and top officials of the security forces, were in collaboration in the assassination of Dr. Walter Rodney. There can be no other conclusion that can be drawn based on my recollection of events”.

The serving Minister of Labour in the current Government of President Donald Ramotar said that the PNC Government repressed and suppressed trade unions through intimidation, manipulation and political diktat, harming workers and denying Guyanese their basic rights.

“Nearly all of the estimated 4,000 employees (skilled and career public servants included) were offered cane cutting jobs in the sugar industry …. About 3,500 refused to take on this arduous task and found themselves added to the already vast unemployed list”, the Minister

said.

He said after the national economy fell into severe disrepair and brokenness, NAACIE became militant in fighting for free and fair elections, joining with Dr. Rodney and the WPA, the PPP and several freedom fighters. “With the collaborative work and independent struggles with the other political parties and civic organisations, the country was able to force the dictatorship into free and fair elections under international observation led by former US President Jimmy Carter”, Dr. Gopaul said.

The historic Commission of Inquiry is holding hearings at the High court in Georgetown into the circumstances and conditions that led to the brutal bomb blast assassination of Dr. Rodney on the night of Friday, June 13, 1980.

Worldwide suspicion has fingered the repressive PNC dictatorship as the major suspect in the conspiracy to plot and execute the deadly plan to assassinate Dr. Rodney. The cold case languished for 34 years before President Ramotar convened the distinguished Commission, comprising top Caribbean legal luminaries in its Chairman, Sir Richard Cheltenham, SeenathJairam of Trinidad and Tobago, and Jacqueline Samuels-Brown of Jamaica.

Dr. Gopaul described Dr. Rodney as peaceful and nonviolent. “Dr. Walter Rodney made his views known quite clearly that his mission was one to ensure change by public

By 1979, all the basic rights of Guyanese had been denied, including: • Freedom of expression • Freedom to disseminate information • Freedom of the press • Freedom of assembly • Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining • The right to travel • The right to free and fair elections We had thus become a full dictatorship by that time. but peaceful confrontation of the dictatorship. In short, he was calling on the people to rise up and ensure that ‘King Kong’, as he often referred to the Executive President at that time, must not continue to have his way. He vowed to give the people a ‘Christmas present’ once they stood in unity. In other words, he was assuring people of change.

“The people were responding and by that time the people were turning out in large numbers at meetings. He did not mince words in directly calling for change, but at no time did I ever hear him speaking of violent confrontation.

“On the contrary, acts of violence started to be perpetuated against Guyanese by the State ( the PNC Government)…,” he said.

The Commission has documented a large body of witness testimonies stating that the PNC Government practised violence against people it perceived to be anti-PNC, and Dr. Gopaul said Police aligned with thugs

to harass and intimidate people attending anti-PNC political meetings, with Police beating and tear gassing people at Bourda Mall.

The Minister described to the Commission how the PNC Government practised paramountcy of the PNC over the State, a fact that is emerging at the Commission as crucial evidence that the PNC took control of the economic, political and social institutions of Guyana, and destroyed people’s livelihood, including banning basic food and controlling food supply to the population through mysterious distribution centres known as Knowledge Sharing Institutes . The PNC’s party flag also flew with equal standing as the national flag, the Golden Arrowhead, at the Court of Appeal and Government buildings, Dr. Gopaul said, confirming testimonies to the Commission from earlier witnesses.

Dr. Gopaul resumes the witness stand this morning, where he will face cross examination from Counsels.

Guyana prepared for national disasters, unrest, emergencies - GDF boss SHOULD Guyana find itself in a national disaster, state of emergency or unrest, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will be ready to deal with such cases both in the line of alleviating any suffering of the people as well as effective communication during an inter-agency approach to crises.

This was disclosed by Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Mark Phillips, while addressing a gathering of diplomats; Members of Parliament; Government officials; senior officers of the GDF and the Commander of the United States Southern Command, General John F Kelly, who is

responsible for US military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Brigadier Philips said that today, Guyana has an emergency response operation centre at Timehri and a supplies bond that is stocked and ready to alleviate suffering of the people during times of disasters.

Phillips, whose address mainly highlighted the assistance given to the GDF through the Guyana Government by the United States Southern Command at a reception held in honour of the Four Star General, John F. Kelly, who arrived in Guyana on Tuesday for a two-day of-

ficial visit, said the readiness to address disasters and other situations was complemented by the assistance given by the US army.

Guyana’s disaster- management capabilities which are managed by the Guyana Defence Force have been enhanced by the work of the officers of the United States Southern Command, Phillips reminded.

“Today we have our Emergency Response Operation Centre at Timehri and have a supplies bond that is stocked and ready to alleviate suffering during times of a disaster.”

He pointed to a recent donation of 150 hand-held radio

sets with base stations which would go a far way in facilitating effective communication among troops on the ground in an inter-agency approach.

Mr. Phillips also spoke of the many other gifts which were presented to the GDF over the period, including the three metal shark boats earlier this year, which according to him have been instrumental in the operations of the GDF. The gathering was told that the sharks have been used successfully in a multi-agency illicit traffic operation (referring to the discovery of the submersible submarine a few months back). The sharks according to Brigadier Phillips, also served to enhance the operational capabilities of the Guyana Defence Force and its

readiness.

The GDF was also able to benefit from training at the tactical, operational and strategic levels of officers who are in the leadership of the organisation. In addition, there have been improved medical facilities through the PEPFAR programme and the United States Southern Command.

Meanwhile in his address, Four-Star General John F. Kelly accepted the appreciation on behalf of his command for the work they have been doing in this part of the globe.

He said that regardless of what the relationships are between nations at the political and other levels, all nations do share an amazing amount of common threats which include human rights violations,

human trafficking, economic development, drug trafficking and infectious diseases.

The general said that the United States Government and the US Southern Command are pleased to work with nations on these common issues, while pointing out that one of the most important among the lot to him is the issue of infectious diseases.

On the issue of drug trafficking, the senior United States Military Commander said that the issue is a cancer in every society, while pointing out that law enforcement in Guyana seems to be doing a good job. He said that he was also told of collaboration between the two nations on the issue of countering illegal mining activities.

10

Limited fuel shortage ends

– triggered by delayed Venezuela fuel vessel

The fuel tanker delivers fuel into the underground tanks which feed the pumps at the Guyoil Service Station

MANAGING Director of Guyoil, Mr Badrie Persaud on Tuesday confirmed to Guyana Chronicle that the fuel shortage at some outlets, mainly in Region 3, has ended.

His comments came after Prime Minister Samuel Hinds on Monday told this publication that the shortage which was mostly over the weekend was being resolved and it may have resulted from increased sales.

On Tuesday, Persaud in a telephone interview said that the shortage had to do with a delay in the arrival of the vessel coming from Venezuela with fuel. He said that the delay was compounded by the low fuel price at Guyoil outlets, which brings a huge demand.

DELAY IN CURACAO Persaud said that the fuel liner was delayed in Curacao. He, however, was quick to point out that the companies that sell fuel to countries would usually have as part of their contractual agreement a clause which says they will try their “very best” to have the goods and services delivered within the booking times of the customers.

The Managing Director said that the fuel liner arrived in Guyana on Sunday and docked at the main Guyoil Terminal in the Demerara River before making fuel deliveries to another one of the local oil retailer’s three terminals.

ALTERNATIVE Asked what could have been the likely effect had the vessel not arrived on Sunday, the senior company executive told this newspaper that arrangements were already made with another company. Another fuel liner was already on its way to Guyana from Antigua and that vessel arrived on Monday evening and began unloading fuel.

Tuesday morning the Guyana Chronicle observed that the Guyoil Service Station on Regent Street was closed temporarily to facilitate the refilling of its underground fuel tanks. The operations of the gas station soon returned to normalcy with motorists being able to access fuel from the outlet.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

Hundreds of GWI customers reconnected during ‘Free Pass’ campaign FOLLOWING the launching of the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) “Free Pass” campaign last month, the water company has reported that the response so far has been good.

GWI had offered free reconnection with no penalties for tampering until November 29 in its ‘Free Pass’ campaign which initially targeted 10,000 domestic customers.

However, GWI Public Relations Officer, Timothy Austin told this publication that by next week they are hoping to surpass the 1,000 mark since persons are seizing the opportunity to have their services re-connected using their “Wallet Friendly” payment plan.

Austin explained that the “Free Pass” campaign has proved to be very useful thus far and they are very pleased with the response and so GWI is urging more customers to come forward and have their services re-connected.

He stated that some defaulters who had their service removed altogether and some who were not paying up are back in the GWI system, and there have been good responses from Georgetown and Berbice customers.

Austin told this publication they will intensify their campaign on the West Coast Demerara, East Coast Demerara, Linden, and in other out-of-town areas.

CAR WASHES, EATING HOUSES He pointed out that on November 29, 2014 businesses will be disconnected since they were not entitled to the GWI service and some of those defaulters include car washes, eating houses and a few hotels, some of which have illegal connections.

Austin said those businesses in arrears were notified via letters which were dispatched in the first week of this month and if they do not pay up, the names of those businesses will be published as GWI sees fit.

He added that if businesses ignore GWI’s notice to pay up, their service will be entirely removed when the countrywide disconnection campaign starts on December 1 as there is a rigid enforcement team in place.

During a press conference yesterday at GWI headquarters, Vlissengen Road and Church Street, Georgetown, Customer Services Manager, Jeannette Thomas said the water company is offering huge incentives before the massive countrywide disconnection for non-payment begins.

‘GWI FREE PASS’ Thomas announced that starting today, domestic customers who were disconnected can apply at any GWI commercial office for a ‘GWI Free Pass’ which entitles them to a reconnected service without paying the usual $6,000 reconnection fee.

She added that the ‘GWI Free Pass’ is also for domestic customers whose service connections were entirely removed for large debt and customers who would be required to pay $25,000 for reconnecting their service will also receive exemptions under the ‘GWI Free Pass’ programme.

Thomas said that in addition, customers whose entire service was removed for tampering can save $10,000 with the ‘GWI Free Pass’ for the replacement of their water service.

END-OF-YEAR DISCONNECTION She explained that to benefit from the limited time offer, customers must visit a GWI commercial office and apply since the ‘GWI Free Pass’ promotion ends November 29 and the programme is being launched prior to the company’s annual large scale countrywide disconnection campaign which commences on December 1.

Thomas told the press that the campaign is geared towards providing disconnected customers with the opportunity to pay all outstanding arrears without the burden of reconnection or tampering fees.

Thomas said, “We urge all disconnected customers and those with illegal connections to apply for the ‘GWI Free Pass’ and avoid paying additional money in penalty fees.”

She explained that after November 29 all penalties will be in effect and most disconnected customers will find it difficult to pay all arrears plus penalty fees which can be as high as $25,000.

Thomas said, “We are urging every disconnected customer to apply for a ‘GWI Free pass’ while it is still available.”

The GWI Customer Services Manager said, “It is vital that persons with illegal services apply for the ‘GWI Free Pass’, noting that the enforcement teams will be policing communities from December 1 to remove all illegal services as well as those services which were illegally reconnected. “This is a chance for these customers to regularise their GWI service with zero penalty payments required.”

US supports asset forfeiture in local drug/ money laundering cases THE United States Government stands ready to assist Guyana in going after drug traffickers and money launderers as well as to assist in the prosecution, imprisonment and dismantling of their networks and forfeiture of their assets.

This commitment was reaffirmed by the U.S. Charge d’Affaires, Bryan Hunt, on Tuesday while addressing a gathering at the official residence of the U.S. Ambassador during a reception in honour of

visiting United States Southern Command General, John F. Kelly, who is responsible for U.S. military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean and arrived in Guyana on Tuesday for a two-day official visit.

CBSI GOALS Hunt said that the U.S. Southern Command’s role in this part of the world is designed to assist in increased capacity to address the many joint challenges of nations,

including combating narcotics, weapon smuggling and human trafficking under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI).

The CBSI goals, Hunt reminded, include the reduction of trafficking in narcotics, weapons and persons. In addition, it aims at the reduction of crime and violence while increasing social justice.

ONGOING PARTNERSHIPS The U.S. Charge d’Af-

faires pointed out, however, that achieving these goals is far more complex and requires ongoing partnership and coordination at all levels between the Governments of the United States and Guyana in seeking to disrupt and dismantle well established and well financed criminal organisations.

In addition, capacity building of Guyana’s security forces is a very critical but not sufficient element in achieving the goals outlined under the CBSI. Moreover, the efforts

of the security forces must be complemented by a robust programme of investigative and prosecutorial activities which result in the successful conviction and imprisonment of criminal elements.

Further there must be collaborative efforts which should be undertaken to seize the financial assets of criminal organisations and dismantle their sophisticated money laundering networks, Hunt told the gathering.

COMPLIMENTS ON SOCU To this end, Guyana was complimented for

i t s e ff o r t s w h i c h s e e m to be moving in that direction with the establishment of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) which the Government of Guyana is working to bring on stream.

Hunt said that the U.S. Government stands ready to work with the Government of Guyana and other international partners to ensure that the soon to be operational unit receives the necessary training and assistance to operate effectively.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

Hundreds more benefit from ‘Because We Care’ initiative…

AG: Gov’t policies geared to improve lives of Guyana’s greatest asset AG and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall addressing the hundreds of parents and guardians at the Hope Secondary School on Tuesday

OVER 800 parents and guardians turned up at the Hope Secondary School on Tuesday to uplift their cash vouchers, part of the Government of Guyana’s ‘Because We Care’ initiative.

And Attorney-General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, in his address, stressed that the current Government recognises that Guyana’s greatest asset is the children of this country.

“Every policy that we promulgate, every initiative that we implement, is designed to impact and improve the lives of our young people,” he said to the packed auditorium in the secondary school.

GREAT IMPORTANCE He highlighted that great importance is paid to the principle of child welfare in Guyana’s Constitution.

“Over the years the Government has designed and initiated policies which are intended to target the young people of our country, with the view to better prepare them to meet the challenges of a more advanced, technological world than the one we now live in,” Nandlall said.

The AG added that the Government, in its social development thrust, continues to build new schools and increase the capacity of others; expand Technical Vocational Education (TVET) throughout Guyana; and ensure that students attending the University of Guyana have access to student loans, among other advances.

BUDGET CUTS This year, the National Budget allocated $32.3B, over 30 per cent, of a whopping $220M budget. The national estimates were geared to fulfil the many promises made to the people of Guyana during the 2011 campaign. However, it was slashed by the Opposition.

This year the cuts totalled a whopping $37.4B, reducing the $220B National Budget to $182.6B. Last year, the combined Opposition cut the Bud-

get by $31B; and in 2012 by $21B. Prior to 1992 the investment in the social sector was a measly eight per cent of a small national budget, as compared to the 2014 and prior budgets.

Also, in 2013 for example, 15.9 per cent of the National Budget was spent in the education sector, followed by 13 per cent this year. In 1992, it was a mere five per cent.

“Every child, irrespective of where he or she lives, has equal access to education. Education has been identified as the surest vehicle to transport a people out of the vicious cycle of poverty,” Nandlall stressed.

EQUAL ACCESS The AG emphasised that the Government of Guyana has a policy of even and equitable distribution of resources in the education sector, to guarantee every child equal access to all resources that are available in every region.

He said, “The Government has seen tremendous success from this policy... you know, that twenty years ago, only a few schools in certain urban communities were producing the top students at Common Entrance, at CXC, and at CSEC. But in recent years, more and more students from the rural areas such as Anna Reginna, Linden and Berbice are topping the entire Caribbean at CSEC. “This year, a student from Cotton Tree on the West Coast of Berbice, topped the entire Caribbean in Technical Vocational Education. We must be doing something right!”

For 2014, Guyana took home three other awards: Aliyyah Abdul Kadir and Ryhan Chand, also of QC, who took top regional awards for Most Outstanding in Humanities and Most Outstanding in Business Studies respectively, and Kishan Crichlow of the New Amsterdam Multilateral School was awarded the Most Outstanding Student in Technical Vocational studies.

Other indicators of equal access to education include the

fact that: ● Over the past 22 years Government has managed to build or refurbished more than 1000 schools across the country.

Today, there are 130 nursery schools across the hinterland, 250 primary schools, and 17 secondary schools. ● A total of 72 per cent of teachers spread across the country are trained, compared to 30 per cent trained two decades ago. More than 50 percent of the teachers in the hinterland regions are trained, through the Guyana Basic Education Teacher Training Programme, and other initiatives that facilitate distance training. ● Ninety-two per cent of the clusters have access to a Learning Resource Centre (LRC). ● Ninety percent of the schools have a teachers’ house and 90 per cent are equipped with sanitary blocks, 45 per cent with electricity and 83 per cent with water facilities.

According to the AG, these are significant indicators that the current Administration’s policies, backed by significant investment in the education sector over the years, are producing tremendous results.

“It is in this context of our investment in education, and the equity of distribution of resources, that this $10,000 Education Grant must be viewed, because we care,” Nandlall said.

The $10,0000 cash grant initiative was announced by Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, during the presentation of Budget 2014, at which time he noted that the programme is meant to provide more support to parents with schoolage children and increase the disposable income of parents with school-age children with a view to raising enrollment and attendance rates.

And in line with the decisions taken after more than 55 public consultations, parents and guardians are able to uplift their vouchers and encash them at Western Union/Bill Express locations. The vouchers can also be cashed at banks, Mobile Money and MoneyGram locations, as well as at post offices.

This is in fact the first programme of its kind in the Caribbean and indeed anywhere else in this part of the world where every public school child is entitled to this benefit.

The disbursement of the grant continued yesterday at several locations, including: Grove Primary; Diamond Secondary; New Diamond/Grove Primary; Golden Grove Primary; Golden Grove Secondary;

“Every policy that we promulgate, every initiative that we implement, is designed to impact and improve the lives of our young people.” - AG and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall Enmore/Hope Primary; Enterprise Primary; Paradise Primary; Bladen Hall Secondary; Friendship Primary; Buxton

Secondary; Annandale Secondary, and Lusignan Primary.

The roll out of Government’s ‘Because We Care’

$10,000 Cash grant initiative continues across the country until November 21. (Vanessa Narine)

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

13

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

Republic Bank launches seventh Youth Link Apprenticeship programme

Managing Director of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, Mr. John Alves, making his address

REPUBLIC Bank Guyana Limited has launched its seventh Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme, welcoming 32 apprentices into the Republic Bank Family.

Tuesday at the Georgetown Club, the bank rolled out its seven-month-long programme in the presence of Chief Education Officer, Mr. Olato Sam; Managing Director of Republic Bank Guyana Limited, Mr. John Alves; and other officials of the Republic Bank.

In remarks, Mr Alves noted that Republic Bank is pleased to welcome the 32 eager and enthusiastic teenagers into its family. He added that this initiative is another occasion for the bank to achieve its vision of building successful societies, and making a difference by playing an integral role in national development.

Alves stated that since the launch in October 2008, the bank has engaged and influenced the lives of some 156 students from all regions in which Republic Bank operates.

He noted that, during the seven-month programme, apprentices would be taught all the elements of professionalism and customer service, and would also participate in field trips in which they would have time to relax and interact with each other. Moreover, they would be involved in the bank’s annual staff party and in much more.

Alves added that this batch of Republic Bank Youth Apprentices would be the first to benefit from the newly introduced Competency Based Education (CBE) Programme.

Republic Bank is in the process of registering with the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), and is now able to offer and deliver Competency Based Education (CBE).

In brief remarks, Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam noted that the Ministry of Education (MoE) commends the Republic Bank for consistently contributing towards development of the knowledge of the youths of today.

Sam said this is great opportunity for the young apprentices, and he hopes they make the best use out of it. He further said he is urging other entities to support young people by instituting programmes such as this.

Sam added that the MoE also has a duty to provide more safety nets for young people, and that ministry is continuously working towards fulfilling this objective.

Chief Education Officer Mr. Olato Sam addressing t

Participants benefit from week-long Moni and Evaluation workshop - Finance Ministers address clo

Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh THE Finance Ministry’s workshop facilitator, Dr. Ray week-long Monitoring Rist and other officials, and and Evaluation (M&E) participants of the workshop.

In brief remarks, Finance workshop for central government and public sec- Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh tor workers, which was noted that the workshop repheld at the Police Officers resented an ongoing effort to Training Centre at Eve build an effective institution Leary, Kingston, came to to train workers who carry out services for both the Governan end on Friday last.

Present at the closing ment and the public sector.

He said Government has were Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh; Minister been trying to build such an within the Ministry of Fi- effective institution for the nance, Bishop Juan Edghill; past 10 years, and as they go

along, more workers will develop their managerial skills and will be able to do their jobs more efficiently and effectively.

Dr. Singh said the workshops would also teach workers how to manage their resources in their working environments, so as to achieve better outcomes and also to conserve on their resources at the same time.

In closing, he noted that the workshop is very beneficial to workers, and would be an ongoing programme to afford more persons opportunity to participate in the beneficial M&E workshop.

Minister Edghill, in his address, noted that this was the 13th group that the Ministry of Finance had formally put together to receive training.

He said that 600 persons have participated in this type of workshop since its incep-

Ray Rist (standing) with participants tion 10 years ago.

Edghill added that several million dollars have so far been invested into this programme, and the Government is determined to give continued support towards it.

He noted that M&E provides the only consolidat-

ed source of information to agencies in order for them to achieve a progress report.

‘VERY BENEFICIAL’ In closing, Edghill stated that the 33 persons who had participated in the M&E workshop would be able to

show improvement in their managerial skills.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, two of the participants noted that the programme was very beneficial and that they were fortunate to have participated in such a workshop. They also urged

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

The batch of young apprentices gathers for a group photo taken with officials of the Republic Bank

National Road Safety Council unveils activities for Road Safety Month

the gathering yesterday

itoring

osing session the Government to continue investing in workshops such as this.

M&E WORKSHOP MODULES Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Dr. Rist explained that the mini-International Programme for Development Evaluation Training (IPDET) five-day workshop covers eight modules, half of which make up the actual graduate programme, which lasts for two weeks.

He noted that because of the timeframe given, only the eight modules could have been covered, but the students would be added to a computerised list so that they would be able to complete their courses.

In closing, Dr. Rist said the Government can use Monitoring and Evaluation as a tool to allow agencies to increase their performances.

IN observance of Road Safety Month, the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) on Friday held a press conference at the Red Cross building, Eve Leary, Georgetown, during which they rolled out their list of activities to celebrate the month.

The press conference collectively called for stiffer penalties for drunk drivers associated with road fatalities as they observe the month under the theme: “The time is now, don’t drink and drive. Drive defensively.”

At the head table, GNRSC Chairman, Dennis Pompey, said the National Road Safety Association has its presence in all the divisions countrywide; as such, they will be hosting activities to commemorate Road Safety Month.

Pompey revealed that for this year there were 79 road accidents with 85 deaths, including nine children; and for the corresponding period last year they had tallied 110 accidents with 204 deaths, including 13 children.

He disclosed that in Georgetown there were 15 road accidents with 15 deaths; of that number, two were children and on the East Bank of Demerara 14 accidents were recorded with 16 deaths, including one child.

Pompey reported that in New Amsterdam they had one accident and one death,

Members of the head table at the press conference on Friday while on the Corentyne they celebrations with a church cially those who drive must had recorded 10 accidents service, re-paint pedestrian be extra alert to exercise care with 12 deaths, including crossings as they partner with and caution for others. three children. the Lions Club and other orMeanwhile, the West He pointed out that ganisations, after which they Coast Demerara Road Safety there were 12 accidents on will have a drivers’ seminar, Association Chairman, Shathe West Coast of Demerara and a walk in remembrance hab Hack, said that they will with 12 deaths, including of road accident victims. usher in their activities also one child, and on the West Earl Lambert, Secretary with a church service and Bank of Demerara there of the GNRSC, said con- have several other activities were five accidents with sideration must be given to to mark the occasion. five deaths. strengthening the laws, since He added that they will In Linden, Pompey said some drivers seem to be get- have a training workshop at they had recorded four ac- ting off too easily. He gave the Leonora Police Station cidents with six deaths; the several examples of road ac- on road safety education on Bartica/interior region had cidents which had resulted in November 16; on November three accidents with three the loss of two or three lives, 19, 300 pupils will march deaths, and in Essequibo as a consequence of drivers with placards from Vreed10 accidents with 10 deaths. being under the influence of en-Hoop Stelling; painting Georgetown Road Safe- alcohol; yet the drivers had of pedestrain crossings and ty Association President, been granted bail. call for more persons to Victor Graham, told the He also asked that all volunteer. media yesterday morning road users use the roads Hack stated that they that they will begin their exercising the five Cs, espe- will also erect road signs and

will take schoolchildren to the West Demerara Regional Hospital to visit road accident patients; there will also be a road-safety campaign with taxi and minibus drivers to sensitise them on CPR. In addition, they will conduct educational sessions at both primary and secondary schools in collaboration with members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

As for Linden, Carol Dougan told the press conference that they have a series of activities planned as well and will undertake a drivers’ seminar too, a school education campaign and painting of road signs and pedestrian crossings.

Berbice will also roll out their activities in both Upper and Lower Corentyne with an essay competition for schoolchildren, an outreach programme and painting of pedestrian crossings in that division.

Also present was Coordinator of the GNRSC, Ramona Doorgen, who urged more persons to come out and join them on Sunday as they intend to paint pedestrian crossings.

She explained that the paint was donated by the Ministry of Public Works and they will assemble at the Red Cross building at Eve Leary, after which they will be divided into groups and go to all divisions to undertake the painting of pedestrian crossings.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

FFP donates tons of medical items towards Ebola threat FOOD For the Poor (FFP) Guyana Inc. recently donated tons of medical items to the Ministry of Health (MOH) in an effort to aid in the prevention of Ebola.

Speaking at the presentation, FFP’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kent Vincent noted that they are highly aware of the Ebola threat and the effect it can have if

the virus infiltrates Guyana.

He noted that in an effort to assist the MOH in the prevention of this virus, they have donated several items which include gloves, gowns, pillows, blankets, drapes, towels, tablecloths and much more.

Vincent added that the more donations they receive, the more Guyana’s health

sector will benefit from FFP. In brief remarks, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud stated that these donations represent a timely gesture because Ebola is posing a serious threat to countries worldwide.

He noted that the MOH is doing everything in its power to assure the safety of the Guyanese citizens from

CMO, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud (left) receives one of the donations from the CEO of FFP, Mr. Kent Vincent

the deadly Ebola virus.

Dr. Persaud added that they have recently developed a treatment centre at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and also one on the West Coast of Demerara.

These treatment centres were developed so that if persons who are suspected of being infected with the virus enter the country, they can be quarantined and treated

there.

He stated that the medical items that they have acquired from FFP will go towards making the treatment facilities operational.

Dr. Persaud also noted that the MOH is thankful for the generous donations which they have received and he urged more entities to give support to the Ebola virus prevention programme.

274 animals impounded last month MINISTER of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee reported that a total of 274 animals were impounded in pounds in ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ and ‘D’ Police Divisions during the month of October, 2014.

The Georgetown Unit accounted for 265. comprising of 75 cows, 65 goats and 125 sheep. The Berbice Unit accounted for nine, comprising five horses and four cows.

Meanwhile, the Home Affairs Ministry continues

its appeal to all cattle owners to ensure the safety of their animals by properly supervising them during their grazing period.

Owners are also advised to desist from grazing their animals on the parapet along the public roads, since such a practice can lead to animals being involved in accidents which can result in the loss of life, serious injuries to the animals and persons and damage to property.

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

Society and the police need value for money – Hicken discloses at youth group launching

THE Guyana Police Force, having launched more than fifty youth groups in the various police divisions countrywide, ‘A’ Division Commander, Senior Superintendent Clifton Hicken has made it clear that the police, and by extension the society, is looking to have value for monies spent.

Addressing senior and junior officers as well as young people and their parents at the Central High School launching of one such group in his division, the Commander pointed out that the police would be rolling out a programme that would be conducive for the children in the community, but this would have to be done amidst analysis. He added that for the programmes to be sustained the GPF has to invest money which comes from its coffers and those of the members of the business community and other donors, and all donors are expecting to see value for money and favourable returns in the form of transformation of communities and lives of young people with whom the police seek to work.

The police would therefore adopt an approach wherein they would engage the children apart from their school curriculum and away from the communities, as they seek to let them see that there is a world outside their respective home community and that there are opportunities other than what may have been told to them by persons who have been acting as unhealthy role models to them.

The commander called on parents and adults to be more involved in the lives of children within their communities, and to try spending at least fifteen minutes each Saturday at the gathering that the police would be having with the children, so that they can see that the police are getting the support of the elders of the communities, hence the children would understand that it is okay for them to communicate and cooperate with the police.

The gathering was, however, told that the GPF would not be allowing its work with the young people and those who wish to support the police to be clouded against

Thursday, November 6, 2014 - 14:30 hrs Friday, November 7, 2014 - 05:00 hrs Saturday, November 8, 2014 - 05:30 hrs

their real role of ensuring law and order and ridding the communities of persons who are of questionable character and are bent on acting as negative role models to the young people.

“We will deny you of those role models. Some people will be made uncomfort-

able in our effort…, and this is very important, lest they remain to spoil your children and poison their minds by having them transporting drugs and other banned items in their haversacks and by other means,” Commander Hicken elaborated in his address to the gathering.

He further cautioned that such persons are not people whom parents want their children to be associating with, since their deeds are not good and only bring harm to innocent people.

The police would also be assisting school children with school supplies during the

upcoming school term, the commander disclosed.

The senior officers of the No 1 Sub-Division were also encouraged to keep a very close tie and relationship with the members of the newly formed groups and their guardians and parents.

18

Visiting Guyanese shot during robbery at Bush Lot

DOCTORS at the Balwant Singh Hospital were up to Monday still observing the condition of 46-year-old Patrick Mohan, a father of one of Bellevue, WCB who was shot to the head on Friday at about 20:15 hrs in Bush Lot, WCB in what some are calling a robbery.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle Monday afternoon, the injured man’s mother, pensioner Katie Mohan, said her son was improving gradually although he is not speaking much about the incident at this time. She, however, confirmed that the man is alert and is communicating with relatives.

The bullet is still lodged in his head, and efforts to have the bullet removed on Friday night were unsuccessful, as X-Rays had to be done to determine the positioning of the bullet.

Mohan was first taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital before being transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, after which relatives moved him to the Balwant Singh Hospital.

Family members who spoke with witnesses to what had transpired in a Chinese shop at Bush Lot, WCB

related they were told that Mohan had been sitting inside the restaurant when the gunman walked into the facility, went up to the counter, and then turned around to Mohan. He pulled his cap down to hide his face, pointed the gun to Mohan’s ears, and pulled the trigger; but Mohan, realising that the man was going to shoot him, moved his head, and the bullet failed to penetrate his ears although he was shot in his head, where the bullet is still lodged.

Mohan was hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital in an alert state on Saturday last, after the shooting incident of Friday night. Information reaching this newspaper and confirmed by the police in a press release indicate that Mohan had been inside the restaurant when he was approached by the gunman who shot him to the head.

The police did not disclose what may have led to Mohan’s shooting, but this newspaper understands that after the man had been shot and had fallen off the chair, the bandit snatched his gold chain and band and hurriedly boarded a waiting car. Family members believe that the

shooting was more of a hit on the man, since his gold rings were not taken.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Saturday evening, the man’s brother, Rohan Mohan, said that Patrick, his brother, does not reside in Guyana but lives in St. Martin, where he works on ships. He explained that his brother had arrived in Guyana only the night before the shooting.

This newspaper was told that the man is awaiting surgery to have the bullet removed from his head, since it has been lodged in the back of his head. In addition, one of his eyes was swollen and appeared to be blood clotted, but doctors are working to have those clots removed.

Rohan said his brother appeared to be out of danger, and was alert and communicating with family members.

However, they have been reluctant to question him much about the incident because of his condition.

This newspaper was told that the man did indicate to relatives that he was not familiar with the person who had shot him, since the incident had happened very quickly.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

Miss World Guyana takes Shatter the Silence' Campaign to secondary schools

Miss Guyana World, Rafieya Husain, and some of the students with whom she interacted

THE reigning Miss World Guyana, Rafieya Husain, visited three secondary schools in Georgetown on October 20 to bring awareness of “Teen Dating Violence” (TDV) which comes as part of the focus of her “Shatter the Silence” campaign.

In her address to the students of St. Joseph’s High, North Georgetown Secondary and Tutorial High schools, Ms. Husain shared some of the signs and types of Teen Dating Violence that are becoming prevalent

among adolescents. These included sexual and physical violence, and emotional abuse.

Disclosing that she was once a victim of Teen Dating Violence, Ms Husain encouraged the students to be knowledgeable about its signs, and to strive to develop healthy relationships.

The students were presented with bracelets that reinforced positive messages of hope and love, which are a part of the awareness campaign for TDV. The schools were also presented

with booklets, composed by Ms. Husain and the Miss World Guyana team, which focus on educating youth on Teen Dating Violence and the necessary actions one can take in seeking help should one be a victim thereof.

Her visit to schools in Georgetown culminated on Friday, October 24, 2014. Ms. Husain is scheduled to represent Guyana at the upcoming Miss World pageant billed for November 2014 in London.

Dr. Gordon-Boyle heads new GRPA Board

Works on Windsor Forest pump station at an advanced stage THE Windsor Forest pump station, which will house one of the eight fixed site Surendra pumps, is expected to be completed soon, as works are at an advanced stage.

In 2012, the contract was signed for the 14 pumps to be supplied by Surendra Engineering Company, six mobile and eight fixed site pumps, but initially the programme consisted of 39 pumps which will be placed across the coastland of Guyana. However, only 14 are to be supplied by Surendra.

The other seven fixed site Surendra pumps will be placed at Canal Number One, Rose Hall, Gangaram, Eversham, Number 43 Village, Lima and Paradise.

Several of the new pumps are expected to be

Members of the new GRPA Board of Directors. (Missing from photo are Dr Faith Harding, Mr. Joel Simpson, and Rev. Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth)

Works at an advanced stage on the new pump station (Photo by Vanessa Narine)

commissioned over the next few weeks.

The US$4M award was given to Surendra Engineering Company after competitive bidding and approval by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, in

2012. The company was not contracted to build the machines, but rather to supply them, fabricate or procure from another firm, for drainage purposes.

The work at Windsor Forest is being done by Samaroo Construction.

THE Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) is known as the Ministry of Health’s number one ally in the promotion and provision of sexual and reproductive health services in Guyana.

Last week GRPA inaugurated its new 13 member Board of Directors which was elected at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting held at Cara Lodge on October 14th, 2014.

The new GRPA board includes the Executive Director of the institution, Rev. Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth and 4 times elected Treasurer, Gaitrie Shivsankar who, along with the other members, will govern for two years.

The Board comprises the

President Dr. Karen Gordon-Boyle, Vice President Mr. Jason Shepherd, Secretary Ms. Mena Carto, Assistant Secretary Ms. Ayana McCalman and membersDr. Faith Harding, Mr. Joel Simpson, Ms. Sharon Roopchand-Edwards and youth representatives – Ms. Chelsie France and Mr. Travis Bruce.

The Board also includes three trustees – Ms. Dela Britton, Ms. Glenis Archer and Mr. Ramsay Ali. Trustee Member, Mr. Ramsay Ali says the new board features a wide cross section of individuals with various skill-sets to effectively execute the duties of the GRPA. Mr. Ali added that the GRPA board is well represented by youths, the LGBTI community and is

gender balanced.

President of the Board, Dr. Gordon-Boyle looks forward to her team supporting GRPA to fulfil its mission to ensure access to quality health care, education and information for all individuals and families across Guyana.

Meanwhile, Board Treasurer Gaitrie Shivsankar says she hopes to see definite and impactful fundraising efforts within the next year to further the work of the GRPA, especially as it gets ready for a number of new initiatives including free breast examinations to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and also in November free PSA testing and testicular examination for prostate cancer screening.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

India adamant over demands THE Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is adamant it will pursue the £26.2M demanded from the West Indies Cricket Board.

The BCCI is asking for

compensation after West Indies players abandoned a tour of India in October in a dispute with their own board over pay.

“There has been a direct and disastrous impact to India,” BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel said.

“The collateral damage to the BCCI and its stakeholders is irreparable.”

West Indies left India four matches into a five-game oneday international series, with a Twenty20 and three Tests still to play.

“BCCI has always believed that all the fellow members of the cricketing fraternity are interdependent to grow this glorious game and West Indies in particular has been an integral part of our fabric,”

U.S. Track Star Castlin visits... so it’s an important event to have here because it doesn’t limit the athlete.”

But as simple as it may seem, the American was adamant that those in authority have to make sure that, more importantly, the coaches have to be educated.

“It’s a very technical event and there’s so much that goes into it; so it will take a lot from the coaches’ standpoint and it will take a lot of research because the coach has to be very knowledgeable, learning the technicality and how to polish the athlete because the hurdlers cannot be their very best if their technique is not

very good.” Castlin said.

Meanwhile, Guyanese will get a chance to see first hand, the American in training at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) when the AAG hosts a cluster sports day and practice for national competition and according to Castlin “I’ll be going through my normal routine and some key elements that I use when I’m racing and I think it will be a good opportunity for coaches to learn and pass on to their athletes so I’ll be giving a lot of pertinent information” Castlin is expected to visit several schools in the city today and will wrap up her visit to Guyana tomorrow.

Arab Emirates Racing Tips Meydan 10:45 hrs Year Of Glory 11:20 hrs Centrifugal 11:55 hrs Etijaah 12:30 hrs Genius Step 13:05 hrs Antinori 13:40 hrs Shaishee

English Racing Tips Fakenham 08:50 hrs Mr Maynard 09:20 hrs Weybridge Light 09:50 hrs Chestnut Ben 10:50 hrs Nicholas Chauvain 11:20 hrs Cresent Beach 11:50 hrs Jack Frost

American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Seven Steps Race 2 Oohlala Race 3 South Sound Race 4 Southern Sunshine Race 5 Marbre Rose Race 6 Jimmy Soul Race 7 Sean and Matt Race 8 M J Plus Race 9 Simple Love

Musselburgh 09:00 hrs Separate Shadows 09:30 hrs Crinkle Crags 10:00 hrs Shine A Diamond 10:30 hrs One For Hocky 11:00 hrs Nexius 11:30 hrs Foot The Bill

From Back Page

South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:25 hrs Olympic Spring 09:05 hrs Berlinetta 09:45 hrs Benbow 10:25 hrs Melody Of Magic 11:00 hrs Parade Prancer

Irish Racing Tips Thurles 08:55 hrs Old Castletown 09:25 hrs Embracing Change 09:55 hrs Couleur France 10:25 hrs Pops Well 10:55 hrs Silver Sally 11:25 hrs Diamond Dame 11:55 hrs Bowencourt

Patel added.

“We tried our level best to survive the series and I had to personally dash to

Kochi before the first ODI to intervene and ensure that the match took place.

“Unfortunately, WICB

chose to ignore the consequences at that stage and created an avoidable situation.” (BBC Sport)

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

Masakadza hits unbeaten 154 as Zimbabwe reach 331-5 HAMILTON Masakadza defied Bangladesh spinners with an unbeaten 154 to take Zimbabwe to a respectable position in the second Test in Khulna yesterday.

The tourists had reached 331-5 in their first innings by stumps on the third day, trailing Bangladesh’s total of 433 by 10

Masakadza made the most of the home team’s sloppy fielding to hit 17 fours and two sixes after starting the day on 15.

He was dropped thrice by the same fielder, Shamsur Rahman, in the slips when on 15, 19 and 74. Rubel Hossain, Taijul Islam and Shakib Al Hasan were the

unlucky bowlers.

Masakadza, who made just one half-century in six previous Test innings in Bangladesh, shared an unbroken stand of 142 with Regis Chakabva (75 not out) for the sixth wicket.

Chakabva was on four when Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim missed a simple stumping off Shakib.

When he reached nine, the batsman was reprieved by the Decision Review System (DRS) after being given out leg-before off Shakib.

Masakadza celebrated his fourth Test century with a boundary off Shakib through the third man region.

Shakib, bowling steady left-arm spin, picked up the

Hamilton Masakadza raises his fourth Test century against Bangladesh on the third day in Khulna. wickets of Brendan Taylor first Test in Dhaka by three (37), Craig Ervine (17) and wickets last week.

Elton Chigumbura (one) in The third Test between the post-lunch session to rethe two lowest-ranked teams duce Zimbabwe to 189-5.

- Zimbabwe at number nine But Masakadza and Chakand Bangladesh at 10 - will abva defied the spinners in the be played in Chittagong entire final session to lead a from November 12 to 16. spirited fightback.

The Tests will be folBangladesh lead the threelowed by five one-day intermatch series after winning the nationals. (AFP)

BANGLADESH 1st innings 433 (S. Al Hasan 137, T. Iqbal 109, M. Mahmudullah 56) ZIMBABWE 1st innings (o/n 53-1) S. Raza lbw b T. Islam 11 B. Chari c Iqbal b T. Islam 25 H. Masakadza not out 154 B. Taylor c M. Haque b Al Hasan 37 C. Ervine c Rahim b Al Hasan

17 E. Chigumbura c M. Haque b Al Hasan

1

R. Chakabva not out 75 Extras: (b-2, lb-7, nb-1, w-1) 11 Total: (for 5 wickets, 112 overs) 331 Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-84, 3-15, 4-181, 5-189.

Bowling: S. Hossain 11-2-24-0, T. Islam 30-6-94-2, S. Al Hasan 30-6-70–3, J. Hossain 18-2-63-0 (nb-1) R. Hossain 13-4-31-0 (w1), S. Hom 7-0-27-0, M. Haque 1-1-0-0, M. Mahmudullah 2-013-0.

Rossouw fires South Africa to T20 victory over Australia

SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Rilee Rossouw smashed a sparkling 78 off 50 balls to drive a youthful South Africa side to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Australia at the Adelaide Oval yesterday the first of three Twenty20 internationals.

The 25-year-old lost his debutant opening partner Reeza Hendricks on the third ball of the innings but put on 128 with Quinton de Kock (46) for the second wicket to put the tourists well on their way to their victory target of 145.

Australia captain Aaron Finch won the toss and chose to bat but a disciplined performance from South Africa’s bowlers, with Kyle Abbott (3-21) the standout, restricted the home side to 144 for six on a good wicket.

All-rounder Shane Watson, in his first international since April, scored 47 from 36 balls but smacked an Abbott delivery straight to JP Duminy to end his 57-run partnership with James Faulkner (41 not out).

Right-arm quick Pat Cummins, who took 6-79 against the Proteas in his only Test in 2011 but has not played for his country for more than two years, finished with 1-21 off four overs.

The next match in the series is in Melbourne tomorrow with the third and final clash coming in Sydney on Sunday.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

SA ODIs the perfect pick-me-up for ailing Australia SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - A disappointed Michael Clarke arrived home from United Arab Emirates yesterday eager to shake off Australia’s Test series loss to Pakistan and begin his side’s World Cup buildup in a one-day series against South Africa.

Clarke’s side were hammered by Pakistan in the twoTest series, losing the first game in Dubai by 221 runs and second in Abu Dhabi by 356 runs for a first series loss to Pakistan in two decades.

The 33-year-old captain also struggled with the bat 57 runs in four innings -- but

Michael Clarke speaks after returning to Australia.

he was keen to refocus his attentions to the five-match

series against the Proteas, who are the top-ranked one-

day side in the world.

“I’m extremely disappointed with our results,” Clarke told reporters at Sydney airport. “I’m more disappointed with my personal performances.

“But we have had a couple of days to think about things and in a week’s time we have a really important one-day series against South Africa.

“I guess I see that as a positive with the quick turnaround. We’re back on the field. I know it’s a different format but in Australian cricket, winning is what’s important.”

Clarke, Australia’s best batsman for the last three years, was somewhat taken aback at having to field a question over whether his captaincy was in jeopardy.

“I think my performances over the past five years have been pretty consistent and I think my captaincy’s been pretty consistent over that period as well,” he said.

“So hopefully I’m not judged just on two Test matches.”

The series against South Africa is the beginning of Australia’s final warm-ups before they seek a fifth oneday World Cup title in the

February 14 - March 29 tournament they co-host with New Zealand.

“The one-day series against South Africa is huge for me. They’re the top oneday side in the world,” he said.

“The World Cup is not far away so the one-day guys are very focused on building momentum in every series we play in.

“If anything, it gives you more hunger if you fail (so) ... I’ll be at the physio this afternoon. I’ll be training tomorrow morning.

I’m keen to make some runs.”

Limp Windies collapse to big defeat in second T20 ADELAIDE, Australia (CMC) – West Indies Women produced a limp performance to crash to a comprehensive 86-run loss in the second Twenty20 International of the fourmatch series at the Adelaide Oval here, yesterday.

Chasing a challenging target of 161, the Caribbean side’s run chase never got off the ground and they hobbled to 74 for nine off their allotted 20 overs.

The defeat left them 2-0 down in the series and extended their poor record on the road.

Sent in, Australia Wom-

Leg-spinner Shaquana Quintyne snatches two for 32 to shine for West Indies.

en were propelled by a series of cameo innings from their top three.

Opener Elyse Villani top-scored with 50 off 34 balls, Jess Jonassen hammered 47 from 39 deliveries while captain Meg Lanning struck 45 from 26 balls.

The right-handed Villani struck eight fours in an attractive innings, adding 93 from 68 balls for the first wicket with lefthander Jonassen whose knock was decorated by one four and three sixes.

Both fell within the

space of 13 balls with 12 runs, removed by leg-spinner Shaquana Quintyne, but the innings was kept on course by a 42-run stand off 25 balls between Lanning and Jess Cameron (11).

Quintyne was the best bowler with two for 32 from her four overs.

In reply, prolific opener Stafanie Taylor top-scored with 19 and was one of only three players into double figures as the batting collapsed.

They slumped to five for two in the second over with Hayley Matthews (2) and mainstay Deandra Dot-

tin both back in the pavilion. They slipped further to 19 for two in the sixth over before Taylor and Shemaine Campbelle (15) staged the biggest stand of the innings in a 20-run partnership.

O n c e Ta y l o r w a s stumped, giving leg-spinner Kristen Beams the first of her three wickets, the Windies Women’s innings slid into turmoil and never recovered.

Fast bowler Ellyse Perry (2-10) and left-arm spinner Jonassen (2-12) picked up two wickets apiece.

Ramdin’s unavailability reason behind captaincy change: T&TCB PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Cricket authorities here have rejected Denesh Ramdin’s claim that victimisation was behind the decision to overlook him as national captain for the upcoming first class season.

In a release on Tuesday, the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (T&TCB) said the only consideration behind the decision was the West Indies Test captain’s anticipated unavailability because of the regional side’s heavy schedule over the next several months.

The board said this was conveyed to Ramdin at a meeting held Monday. “… the T&TCB sought to get an idea of Ramdin’s willingness to represent his country following the cancellation of the Indian tour and the ongoing impasse with the (West Indies) Cricket Board (WICB),” the TTCB said.

“At the meeting, Ramdin

Denesh Ramdin

stated his commitment to T&T and his willingness to represent T&T once available and T&TCB president Bassarath informed him that the National Selectors have made a recommendation for a new captain and vice-captain.

“Reason put forward was that Ramdin was not expected to be available to represent T&T in the upcoming season because of the tight WI international schedule as he

is current Test team captain.”

Ramdin was quoted as saying Monday that he had been axed as captain of the national side, and believed it was victimisation for the role he played as part of the squad that abandoned the recent one-day tour of India.

West Indies walked out on the tour after four games of the six-match limited overs series, in protest over the terms and conditions of their new play-

ing contracts.

“I think they are trying to victimise me and some of the other players, but I am not going to let it disrupt me mentally,” Ramdin told the Trinidad Express newspaper.

However, the TTCB explained that with Ramdin expected to be missing for large chunks of the regional season because of West Indies duty, all-rounder Rayad Emrit would have been a better option for the captaincy role.

“Ramdin was expected to be leading the WI team in India at this time, followed by the tour of (South Africa) and then the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand,” the TTCB explained.

“This schedule meant that WI players will be returning to the region in late March 2015 by which time the regional season would be at an end.

The regional season runs from November 14, 2014 through

March 23, 2015.”

He added: “Both Ramdin and Dwayne Bravo, the regional and national ODI

captain were expected to be very involved in these series hence making them unavailable to represent T&T.

Rain completely ruins final Windies A one-dayer COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (CMC) – Rain had the final say in the one-day series between Sri Lanka A and West Indies A, washing out the third and final game at the Sinhalese Sports Club without a ball bowled here yesterday.

Adverse weather plagued the entire series, curtailing Windies A’s run chase in the first game in Dambulla and sending them to a six-run defeat under the Duckworth/ Lewis method.

In Monday’s second game, rain reduced the contest to 38 overs per side before ending Sri Lanka’s reply to the visitors’ 193, after only 13 deliveries.

West Indies A conceded the series 1-0.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

Tendulkar reveals captaincy despair THERE was a phase in Sachin Tendulkar’s 24-year international career when he felt so “scarred” and “devastated” by the Indian team’s ineptitude under his captaincy that he wanted to completely move away from the sport.

In his autobiography Playing it My Way, to be released today, Tendulkar has dwelt on the frustrations he faced during his tenure as captain. He led India in 25 Tests between 1996 and 2000 - losing nine, winning four and drawing 12 matches.

“I hated losing and as captain of the team I felt responsible for the string of miserable performances.

More worryingly, I did not

The one-off Test against Australia in Delhi in 1996 was Sachin Tendulkar’s first match as captain.

(Clive Mason/ ALLSPORT)

know how I could turn it around, as I was already trying my absolute best,” Tendulkar writes in the book.

“I confided in Anjali (his wife) that I feared there was

nothing more that I could do to stem the tide of defeats.

Losing a string of very close matches had left me badly scarred. I had given it everything and was not sure that I could give even 0.1 per cent more.

“It was hurting me badly and it took me a long time to come to terms with these failures. I even contemplated moving away from the sport completely, as it seemed nothing was going my way.”

Tendulkar specifically mentions the tour of West Indies in 1997 as a low point of his leadership. After drawing the first two nTests, India needed to score only 120 in the fourth innings in Barbados to win the third match but were dismissed for 81.

“Monday, March 31, 1997 was a dark day in the history of Indian cricket and definitely the worst of my captaincy career,” Tendulkar writes. “And yet it had promised so much. In fact, over dinner at a restaurant in St Lawrence Gap in Barbados the night before, I remember having a joke with the waiter, who was predicting a West Indian win. He was confident that Ambrose would bounce India out the next morning.

“Now, in the first innings of this match, Franklyn Rose had bowled me a bouncer and I had pulled him into the stands for six.

So I reminded the waiter of the shot and jokingly said to him that if Ambrose

tried to bowl me a bouncer, I would hit him all the way to Antigua.

“I was so confident of our chances that I pointed to the fridge and said he should immediately chill a bottle of champagne and I would come and open it the next day and pour him a glass to celebrate winning the match. Instead, we collapsed for a miserable 81 all out, handing West Indies a 38-run victory.

Frankly, there can be no excuses for such a poor batting effort, even though it was a difficult track. I certainly don’t want to point fingers at anyone for the defeat, as that’s not my way.

In any case, I was part of that team and as captain it

was my responsibility to steer us to victory. I did not get the feeling that we were over-confident, yet none of the batsmen, apart from Laxman, even reached double figures in the second innings and it was one of the worst batting displays I have been part of.

“I myself got out for just four. In my anxiety to get a feel for the ball I got a tentative edge. I should either have left the ball alone or tried to counter-attack. The defeat left me totally devastated and I shut myself in my room for two whole days trying to come to terms with the loss. I still feel the pangs of that defeat when I look back at the series.”

Spinners fight back for Singh’s XI on rain-curtailed second day

By Calvin Roberts

OFF-spinner Steven Jacobs and left-arm orthodox spinner Raj Nannan fought back for Vishaul Singh’s XI, at the end of a rain-interrupted second day in the Cricket Guy Inc. four-day practice encounter at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, yesterday.

Responding to Singh’s XI first-innings score of 349, Johnson’s XI were 106 for 4 at the end of the day’s play, trailing by 233 runs with Narsingh Deonarine on 23 and Christopher Barnwell on 4, as Jacobs and Nannan have so far taken two wickets each for 27 and 32 runs respectively.

Earlier in the day, Singh’s XI resumed on their overnight score of 311 for 6 with Chandrapaul Hemraj on 39 and Ricardo Adams yet to score and failed to survive the bowling of Veerasammy Permaul who ended with 8 for 96, as they were bowled out for 349 despite losing the entire first session due to early morning showers.

Hemraj stuck three fours and two sixes in his 42, while Ricardo Adams had two fours, one each off Permaul and Narsingh Deonarine in his 14, before Narsingh Deonarine (1 for 62) removed Hemraj caught by Trevon Griffith at 314 for 7.

Ricardo Adams and

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Thursday November 06, 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 Tuesday’s quiz: (1) 25 (2) 11 Today’s Quiz: (1) Against which team Viv Richards played most ODIs? (2)Which two made their ODI debut in the same game?

Devon Thomas; DevendraBishoo; Andre Russell; Kirk Edwards; Gavin Tonge Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Kemo Paul, whose 12 included a six off Deonarine, inched the score to 336 before Paul was caught at the wicket by Anthony Bramble off Permaul at 336 for 8, even as Permaul bowled Adams to close off the innings.

In their reply, Griffith and Rajendra Chandrika started positively, with both batsmen hitting Raun Johnson for boundaries through

extra cover in the ninth over of the innings, prompting Singh to call on Steven Jacobs’ off-spin with the aim of quietening the rampaging openers.

The introduction of Raj Nannan saw the demise of Chandrika who was caught at short extra cover by Singh for 29 (3x4), followed soon after by Griffith who was lbw to Jacobs for 20 (3x4) at 56 for 2 on the

stroke of tea, with Leon Johnson who had replaced Chandrika, on 2.

After tea, Johnson was joined by Deonarine and together they pushed the score to 92, with both batsmen hitting Nannan and Jacobs who bowled in tandem for boundaries, while Johnson cleared the ropes once off Jacobs, before Shimron Hetmyer took a well-judged catch under the bat to account for

Johnson 19 (2x4, 1x6) off Nannan.

Jacobs removed the dependable Shivnarine Chanderpaul (2), who was taken by Hetmyer at forward short-leg in the following over off a leading edge, as Jacobs extracted bounce and turn off the strip, before light showers and bad light stopped play at 16:00hrs with Johnson’s XI trailing by 233 runs.

Goodwill Boxing Games plans on stream THE Guyana Amateur Boxing Association has commenced plans to stage the second edition of the Goodwill Boxing Games.

The president of the association Steve Ninvalle said yesterday that the projection is to have at least six countries participate in the competition which is scheduled for February 2015.

“We have started talking to potential partners. Our intention is to have a much bigger Goodwill next year.

It is my hope that it will become an annual event of our calendar where we can see many of our Caribbean brothers show off their skills here,” Ninvalle said.

The first Games were held in February of this year at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with the hope of it evolving into a competition that would involve all Caribbean territories.

Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and St Lucia participated in the inaugural event.

The Guyana Olympic Association was the main sponsor, with assistance from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, COURTS and Ansa McAl. Ninvalle said that it is expected that Barbados and at least one of the French-speaking territories will participate next year.

“Earlier in the year we spoke to both Martinique and Guadeloupe and they have shown interest,” Ninvalle said. The GBBA boss added that registration would com-

mence in December.

At the last competition Guyana were crowned champions after grabbing the lion’s-share of the gold medals as bantamweight Delon Charles, lightweight Imran Khan, light welterweight Bert Braithwaite, welterweight Eion Bancroft, middleweight Dennis Thomas and female middleweight Theresa London all struck gold.

Thomas and London received Best Boxers awards.

Messi equals Raul record as Barca beat Ajax AMSTERDAM, (Reuters) - Lionel Messi scored twice to equal Raul’s Champions League scoring record as Barcelona secured their spot in the knockout stages by beating 10-man Ajax

Amsterdam 2-0 yesterday.

Argentina forward Messi struck in each half and Joel Veltman’s 71st-minute red card completed a disappointing evening for the hosts.

Messi matched Raul’s Champions League record tally of 71 goals thanks to a 36th-minute header and a 76th-minute tap-in, beating Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo

to match Raul’s mark.

Barcelona lie second in Group F on nine points, one behind Paris St Germain who beat APOEL Nicosia 1-0 in Paris yesterday.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 6, 2014

Coaches interact with U.S. Olympic hopeful … drill Director of Sport

By Leeron Brumell IT’S NOT often world-rated international athletes visit out shores to ‘re-ignite a spark’ of a long lost event or interest in current events.

The U.S. Embassy has flown 100m hurdler Kristi Castlin here to do just that – to inspire young athletes to develop their talents to compete on the world stage.

But they’ve also made provisions for the elite athlete to interact with our local coaches.

At the National Sports Resource Centre on Woolford Avenue, coaches, mainly those from athletics, had a two-hour session with Castlin. And while they tentatively asked questions of her, most were

CASTLIN SHOWS: U.S. 100m hurdler Kristi Castlin demonstrates hurdle drills for coaches. Second right is AAG president Aubrey Hutson.

intended for the Director of Sport Neil Kumar.

Castlin is a hurdler but boxing coach Terrence Poole asked if she would have an input in re-starting the event in Guyana.

The event has not seen the ‘light of day’ at local meets in over a decade.

Kumar told the gathering that government was in the process of sourcing necessary equipment and infrastructure to re-introduce track and field events that were dropped from local meets.

The equipment of course will be sent to the Synthetic Track at Leonora, which also has provisions for the Steeplechase and a net for the hammer throw. A hammer is a metal ball, like a shot put, con-

Chet Singh promises to be faster and better on November 16 ... tips Guyana to retain Country Championship get ready for the third and final leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) at the South Dakota Circuit on Sunday November 16.

The ‘Group 2’ driver said, “My car is working perfect! I’m going to be faster and better on November 16. We’ve done some work on the engine, got it up to about 1800cc and as it is, right now I’m just ready and anxious to race.”

Chet Singh’s ever-dependable Honda

CHAMPION Driver Chet Singh is sending a message to his competitors

and it’s not one that many will welcome as the region’s best cars and drivers

NOTABLE DATES SUPER bantamweight Leon `Hurry Up’ Moore gained a majority 10-round decision over Venezuelan Breilor Teran Herrera on November 6, 2010 at the Princess Hotel and Casino.

A known knockout specialist, Moore found his opponent too tough to put away.

Earlier in the year Moore travelled to Singapore to face off with Marangin Marbun of Indonesia.

He won the 12-round fight by a unanimous decision and in the process claimed the vacant PABA super bantamweight title.

With approximately 25 cars expected to be on the grid in Group 2 come November, Singh and his ‘Team Best Buy’ believe that it will be one of the most competitive categories on Race Day. Singh calls his group ‘The Battle of the Hondas’, noting, “I think we’ll see the best driving in my group (Group 2) and I know that the Trinidadians and ‘Bajans’ who are coming will be a tough match up. Some of the cars

are already here so we’re hoping for people to just come out and support us.”

According to the ‘Car #10’ driver, Guyana stand a good chance at retaining the Country Championship which they won last year, but it would take an almost flawless day on the track by all the Guyanese. He is encouraging all to ensure that no matter what, the South Dakota Circuit should be their home for November 16.

(Rawle Toney)

nected to a handle.

A time-frame on when these hurdles and other equipment will reach these shores was not given by Mr Kumar.

On that point Castlin told the coaches of the importance of improvising, thinking outside the proverbial box and investing what they may have into developing their athletes.

‘The only person you can rely on is yourself. If you’re responsible for your athletes, you got to invest, get on facebook, twitter, because a lot of the time things are not the way you expect.’

President of the Athletics Association of Guyana, Aubrey Hutson, was also part of the session. The Director of Sport had earlier ‘called him out’ on a medium and long term proposal to introduce and in some instances re-introduce events to local meets.

Hutson is hoping Castlin’s visit will inspire particularly female athletes to become involved and/ or work harder to develop themselves.

That aside, Castlin told the coaches of her experiences competing around the world, her diet and pre-competition training.

When the ‘sit-down’ aspect was over, Castlin took the coaches onto the field outside to demonstrate warm-up drills and explain the rationale behind choosing a particular type of drill.

WICB directors reject captaincy sacking rumours THREE WICB directors have told ESPNcricinfo that, contrary to speculative reports in the Caribbean media, no decision has been taken to sack the three international captains: Denesh Ramdin (Test), Dwayne Bravo (ODI) and Darren Sammy (Twenty 20).

On Tuesday some of the directors had a meeting over teleconference, including WICB president Dave Cameron, but the WICB did not issue any release.

According to Azim Bassarath, who did not participate in the conference call, no one had informed him about the trio being removed.

He said the task force set up by the three warring parties – players, WICB and WIPA – would report back with steps to resolve the situation. According to him, the next board of directors meeting was scheduled for

December 13 in Jamaica.

Another director, who briefly attended the conference call, denied any decision had been taken. “We have not selected the squad yet (for South Africa) so I don’t know where that news is coming from. We had a teleconference meeting; I did not stay for the full duration of the meeting.

“I am not told yet (of anything decision) because I would have the benefit of (what happened) at the meeting.

“I am told there is another meeting today and possibly the matter will come up there. I also heard Clive Lloyd will join that meeting. But I am yet to hear about the Thursday meeting officially.”

Meanwhile, a third director said he could not say “whether that is true or not true” but declined to make any further comments. (WICRICNEWS)

Sport CHRONICLE

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

India adamant over demands See Story on Page 23

U.S. Track Star Castlin visits Leonora Synthetic Track

... excited about the challenge of teaching hurdling to Guyanese

By Rawle Toney U.S. Track Star Kristi Castlin’s lit up the Leonora Synthetic track with her magnetism and heart-melting smile as she embraced scores of schoolchildren and officials from the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) and the Ministry of Sport upon her visit to the facility.

“I feel honoured and appreciated coming here to Guyana, I would love to spend more time actually doing some hurdle clinics,” Castlin said while speaking to reporters at the venue.

Castlin is a seven-time NCAA All American athlete.

She’s also a five-time Atlantic Coast Conference (AAC) Champion in the 60m and 100m hurdles. In 2009, Castlin ran 12.91 seconds to be the 100m American Junior record-holder, the same year she became the Pan American Junior record-holder over the same distance.

At present, Guyana do not compete in the hurdles and some had questioned how much her visit will

Kristi Castlin is flanked by students of Leonora Secondary yesterday. (Sonell Nelson photo) inspire the local athletes to take up hurdling.

Nonetheless, the world-rated hurdler pointed

out, “Hurdles is a very dynamic event because a lot

of people who can do the hurdles are very diverse,

strong, ballistic, explosive,

See Page 23

Minister Anthony officially welcomes Kristi Castlin to Guyana AMERICAN hurdler Kristi Castlin paid a courtesy call to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony, yesterday at his Main Street Georgetown office.

Castlin, who is making her first visit to the South American country said that she was ecstatic about her

visit and thanked the U.S. Embassy for making it possible.

Minister Anthony said that her visit will help athletes break new ground in terms helping to pioneer hurdling and said also, it shows the country’s ability (L-R) Embassy’s Public Affairs Officer Bobby Adelson, Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport to attract sports personal- Permanent Secretary Alfred King, Director of Sport Neil Kumar, Kristi Castlin and Minister ities as Castlin’s calibre. of Sport Dr Frank Anthony (Sonell Nelson photo)

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2014