2015 7 25 by Guyana Chronicle

GUYANA No. 104261

SATURDAY JULY 25, 2015

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President Granger calls for stronger security system for the Region Page

– at William J. Perry Center Graduation Ceremony

Region 10 gets clearance for TV channel Twenty-four Florida National Guard cadets complete training with GDF Centre

Page

The Florida National Guard cadets with officers of the GDF

Harmon wants Every life has value the ‘big fishes’ and purpose Page

– says Gov’t not afraid of Jagdeo as Opposition Leader

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…First Lady tells Women’s Empowerment Conference in Linden

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 25, 2015

Harmon wants the ‘big fishes’ – says Gov’t not afraid of Jagdeo as Opposition Leader

APNU General Secretary and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, during the delivery of his speech at the Stabroek Market Square, last evening

By Ravin Singh ADDRESSING a few hundred supporters of the

People’s National Congress (PNC) under gloomy conditions at the Stabroek Market Square last eve-

ning, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) General Secretary and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, made a declaration that he is going after the ‘big fishes’ who are responsible for acts of corruption as has been alleged in the past. This disclosure by Harmon comes at a time when forensic audits are being conducted at state agencies across the country. According to the General Secretary, who engaged an eager, and responsive crowd, the APNU+AFC two-month-old term in Government has revealed “all sorts of irregularities.” He explained that the

auditors, who are currently engaged, are coming to a situation where they are discovering monies. As such, he pleaded with the citizens to execute patience as the Government seeks to unearth these irregularities which had been hinted at. But according to Harmon, he doesn’t want the “lil’ fishes” that are guilty of exploiting and manipulating the system to favour them. In fact, what he wants are the people behind the small fishes who are the bigger fishes. But to capture these ‘bigger fishes’ a hopeful Harmon said that it would require more time, hence the need for patience on the part of the people.

Using an analogy to convey his point, the fiery General Secretary said, “If you want to find a man with a spliff, you can just go round the corner; the police does that. But it’s the people who are providing the spliff and the people providing the doors are the once we have to find. So the point I’m making to you is that it takes a little longer to get up that ladder.” As it is currently, he said that the Government is at the bottom of the ladder and are being exposed to what has been going on over the years. Simultaneously however, they are “climbing the ladder” which he described as more difficult, as there is a greater need for the exertion of energies. Assuring those in attendance that the APNU+AFC Government remains committed to working in the interest of the people, the Minister related that the onus is now on the Government to ensure what belongs to the State is used to benefit the State and the people. Diverting from the point of State resources, he expressed to the gathering that contrary to popular belief, the Government is not afraid of proposed Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. In fact, he rhetorically posed the question of who wants Jagdeo as an Opposition Leader, responding with “definitely not we.” Linking the criminal enterprise to his ‘big fish’

comment, Harmon stated that it is his belief that following ongoing revelations being made by self-confessed former ‘Death Squad’ member, Sean Hinds, on the murders of several known political figures, a “different story” will surface. “When known criminal characters reveal their backward linkages, or as we call them, the intellectual authors of crime, then we may have a different Guyana” the General Secretary said, adding that, Guyana will become a more lawful place. He further assured that those who are responsible for the killings of their brothers, sisters, and fellow citizens, during 2002 coming forward, will be brought to justice. Just recently, bodyguard of former Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall had been fingered in the execution-style killing of political activist Courtney Crum-Ewing which took place on March 10 of this year. Nandlall subsequently distanced himself from the suspect, Rajput Narine, stating that he was employed as his bodyguard on March 15 – five days after the execution of Crum Ewing – but had his employment ended prematurely due to unsatisfactory preformance. He denied any involvement in the death of the activist.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 25, 2015

President Granger calls for stronger

security system for the Region – at William J. Perry Center Graduation Ceremony

“THE Caribbean needs a stronger collective security system in order to deal with new threats,” declared President David A. Granger, while delivering the commencement address at the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies (WJPC) graduation ceremony, in Washington yesterday. The President, who is a former student and adjunct faculty member at the institution, which is an academic institution for defence and security dialogue in the Western Hemisphere, made a strong

case for the security of small states. He said, “Unless the small and weak are secure, the strong and large will also suffer.” In this regard, President Granger called for collective international and regional mechanisms that include medium and large states and respect for the sovereignty of small states. Speaking of the threat Guyana faces from Venezuela against its territorial integrity, President Granger said that there are a number of issues at stake: the sovereign right of a country to exploit its own resources,

the principles of the peaceful settlement of disputes and the avoidance of the resort to the use of force, threats and intimidation, and the inviolability of international agreements and adherence to international law. Additionally, the President noted that small states also face internal and international threats which can have their sources in political and strategic objectives. He added that there are transnational threats such as the trade of illegal narcotics, illegal weapons and human trafficking. “Small states, on their

own, cannot hope to combat these transnational threats,” President Granger said. He noted that the Caribbean Basin Initiative is a necessary mechanism, but it is not sufficient. “The small state has now become the central focus of international relations in the Region. The end of bipolar international relations has allowed the spotlight to focus on the security of small states,” he said. President Granger told the graduating class that they, along with the William J. Perry Center, have a role to play in hemispheric security and

ensuring that the Region is characterised by cooperation, not confrontation. “You will appreciate the importance of national sovereignty and international cooperation, and more particularly, the need for the Caribbean to remain a zone of peace in this turbulent world,” he said. Dr. Rebecca Bill Chavez, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Western Hemisphere Affairs, described President Granger as a longtime friend of the Perry Centre. “President Granger’s commitment and dedication to the people of Guyana is

something we all admire. I, for one, am deeply inspired by his calls for unity and inclusion.” Ms. Chavez added, “His passion for the entire Caribbean is infectious and will surely generate positive momentum for the defence and security of the Region.” Director of the Center, Mr. Mark Wilkins, said that the institution strives to build bridges throughout the Americas via programmes that promote effective and accountable security and defence sector governance.

WHO urges enhanced measures to prevent viral hepatitis infections WORLD Hepatitis Day will be observed on July 28 and the World health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted that there is an urgent need for countries to enhance measures to prevent viral hepatitis infection and to ensure that people who have been infected are diagnosed and offered treatment. This year, the organisation is focusing particularly on hepatitis B and C, which together cause approximately 80% of all liver cancer deaths and kill close to 1.4 million people every year. KNOW THE RISKS WHO is alerting people to the risks of contracting hepatitis from unsafe blood, unsafe injections, and sharing drug-injection equipment. Some 11 million people who inject drugs have hepatitis B or C infection. Children born to mothers with hepatitis B or C and sex partners of people with hepatitis are also at risk of becoming infected. The organisation emphasises the need for all health services to reduce risks by using only sterile equipment for injections and other medical procedures, to test all donated blood and blood components for hepatitis B and C - as well as HIV and syphilis- and to promote use of the hepatitis B vaccine. Safer sex practices, including minimising the number of partners and using barrier protective measures (condoms), also protect against transmission.

DEMAND SAFE INJECTIONS Approximately two million people a year contract hepatitis from unsafe injections. These infections can be averted through the use of sterile syringes that are specifically designed to prevent re-use. Eliminating unnecessary injections is also an effective strategy to protect against hepatitis transmission. There are 16 billion injections administered every year. Around 5% of these injections are for immunisation; a further 5% for procedures such as blood transfusions; and injectable contraceptives. The remaining 90% are used to administer medicines. For many diseases, injections are not the first recommended course of treatment and oral medications could be used. BE VACCINATED WHO recommends vaccinating all children against hepatitis B infection, from which approximately 780 000 people die each year, but a safe and effective vaccine can protect against hepatitis B infection for life. Ideally, the vaccine should be given as soon as possible after birth, preferably within 24 hours. The birth dose should be followed by two or three doses to complete the vaccine series. WHO also recommends vaccinating adults who are at increased risk of acquiring hepatitis B. These include people who frequently require blood or blood products

(for example dialysis patients), health-care workers, people who inject drugs, household and sexual contacts of people with chronic hepatitis B, and people with multiple sexual partners. Since 1982, over 1 billion doses of hepatitis B vaccine have been used worldwide and millions of future deaths from liver cancer and cirrhosis have been prevented. In a number of countries where around 1 in 10 children used to become chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus, vaccination has reduced the rate of chronic infection to less than 1 in 100 among immunised children. To date, there is no available vaccine against hepatitis C. GET TESTED, SEEK TREATMENT Medicines are now available that can cure most people with hepatitis C and control hepatitis B infection. People who receive these medicines are much less likely to die from liver cancer and cirrhosis and much less likely to transmit the virus to others. WHO therefore urges

people who think they might have been exposed to hepatitis to get tested so they can find out whether they need treatment to improve their own health and reduce the risk of transmission. Earlier this year, WHO issued new guidelines for treatment of hepatitis B infection. These recommend using simple non-invasive tests to assess the stage of liver disease to help identify who needs treatment. WHO also calls for prioritising treatment for those with cirrhosis - the most advanced stage of liver disease - and for the use of two safe and highly effective medicines, tenofovir or entecavir. Continued monitoring using simple tests is important to assess whether treatment is working, and if it can be stopped. In 2014, WHO issued guidelines for testing and treatment of hepatitis C infection. WHO recommends providing testing for people considered at high risk of infection and ensuring treatment for those who have the virus with several effective medicines, including new

regimens that use only oral medicines. WHO will update recommendations on drug treatments periodically as new antiviral medicines become available and as new evidence emerges. WORLD HEPATITIS DAY 2015 This year, WHO’s flagship event takes place in Egypt, a country that has one of the world’s highest hepatitis burdens. It is estimated that 10% of the population between 15 and 59 years are chronically infected with hepatitis C. Between 2007 and 2014, more than 350 000 people with hepatitis C have been treated. Since the introduction of newer, more effective medicines in 2014, the number of people being treated continues to increase. Today, 32 dedicated treatment centres are providing treatment at the Government’s expense. Egypt is also highlighting hepatitis prevention. WHO is helping the country develop national blood-safety standards and has selected it as one of three pilot countries

for its new Global Injection Safety Initiative. WHO will provide support over the next three years to reduce unnecessary injections and help transition to the exclusive use of syringes ?that can only be used once. GLOBAL MOMENTUM TO TACKLE HEPATITIS In September this year, countries will have the opportunity to share best practices at the first-ever World Hepatitis Summit to be held in Glasgow, Scotland. The summit, which is co-sponsored by WHO, the Scottish Government and the World Hepatitis Alliance, aims to raise the global profile of viral hepatitis, to create a platform for exchange of country experiences and to focus on working with countries to develop national action plans.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 25, 2015

Obama dines with Kenyan family after arriving in father’s homeland where he will co-host a conference on boosting entrepreneurs in Africa before travelling on to Ethiopia. After being greeted by President Uhuru Kenyatta and other top Kenyan officials, Obama was whisked through the capital. Hours before Obama’s arrival, police blocked major roads and emptied streets of traffic in the usually congested capital as part of a huge security operation. In the darkness, excited Kenyans lined parts of the route to his hotel, cheering as Obama’s motorcade passed by. Once at his hotel, the President sat down with the woman he calls “Granny,” also called “Mama Sarah,” who helped raise his now deceased father as a child. Obama’s half sister Auma Obama and a few dozen others extended family members related were also present. Wearing a suit and tie, he chatted amiably with the large family seated at long tables at a restaurant inside the hotel where he is staying. Obama’s family connection to Kenya has cast a trip that is otherwise likely to focus on trade and counterterrorism issues in a personal light. He is not ex-

U.S. President Barack Obama (2nd L) embraces his half-sister Auma Obama (L) and is greeted by Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta (R) as he arrives aboard Air Force One at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi July 24, 2015. Reuters/Jonathan Ernst U.S. President Barack Obama dined with his step grandmother, his sister and other extended family members after arriving in Kenya for his first

presidential visit to his father’s homeland on Friday. Obama’s plane, Air Force One, landed in the evening in the Kenyan capital,

pected to travel to the village where his father is buried. Kenya is a vital ally of the West in the battle against the Somali Islamist group al Shabaab, and Obama is likely to focus talks in Nairobi on security cooperation. The al Qaeda-linked group was behind an attack on Nairobi’s upscale Westgate shopping centre in 2013, killing at least 67 people, as well as an attack in April at a Kenyan university near the Somali border that left 148 people dead. In Nairobi, Obama will preside at a Global Entrepreneurship Summit, pay tribute to victims and survivors of the 1998 U.S. embassy bombing and dine with Kenyatta, whose indictment by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity largely barred Obama from visiting sooner. Charges have been dropped. Deputy President William Ruto, still facing similar charges in The Haguebased court, was not at the airport reception ceremony. He denies having had a role in fomenting violence after the disputed 2007 election. In the year before that vote, Obama visited Kenya when he was still a senator.

Turkey stages first air strikes on Islamic State in Syria (Reuters) TURKISK warplanes attacked Islamic

State targets in Syria for the first time on Friday,

DATE: 22/07/2015

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with President Tayyip Erdogan promising more decisive action against both the jihadists and Kurdish militants at home. The air strikes, which followed a phone conversation between Erdogan and U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday, were accompanied by police raids across Turkey to detain hundreds of suspected militants, including from Kurdish groups. Ankara also said it had

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approved the use of its air bases by U.S. and coalition aircraft to mount strikes against Islamic State, marking a major change in policy that has long been a sore point for Washington. Turkey has long been a reluctant partner in the U.S.led coalition against Islamic State, emphasising instead the need to oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and saying Syrian Kurdish forces also pose a grave security threat. But Friday’s attacks, which officials said were launched from Turkish air space, signalled that Ankara would crack down against Islamic State across the Syrian border, while pursuing the banned Kurdistan Workers

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Party (PKK) - which Ankara describes as a separatist organisation - at home. “In our phone call with Obama, we reiterated our determination in the struggle against the separatist organisation and the Islamic State,” Erdogan told reporters. “We took the first step last night.” Turkey has faced increasing insecurity along its 900km (560-mile) frontier with Syria. A cross-border firefight on Thursday between the army and Islamic State, which has seized large areas of Syria and Iraq, left five militants and one soldier dead. Turkey has also suffered a wave of violence in its largely Kurdish southeast after a suspected Islamic State

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suicide bombing killed 32 people, many of them Kurds, in the town of Suruc on the Syrian border this week. But Erdogan’s critics say he is more concerned with keeping Syrian Kurdish fighters in check, afraid that gains they have made against Islamic State in the Syrian civil war will embolden Turkey’s own 14 million-strong Kurdish minority. “Even though Erdogan has so far failed to achieve his goals in Syria - the overthrow of Assad - and Islamic State has become a problem, it is nevertheless a convenient instrument for him,” said Halil Karaveli, managing editor of The Turkey Analyst, a policy journal.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 25, 2015

Eastern Caribbean on volcano alert ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC) — AN increase in seismic activities at the submarine volcano Kick ‘em Jenny Thursday morning has prompted the National Emergency Council to meet with a team from the University of the West Indies (UWI) seismic unit in Trinidad and Tobago. “We were informed, through the official channel, about the increased activities at Kick ‘em Jenny and like we did before, we again called on all marine interest to observe the no exclusion zone of five kilometres

around the summit of the volcano,” said coordinator of the National Disaster Management Agency, Terrence Walters. H o w e v e r, G r e n a d a ’s Acting Prime Minister Elvin Nimrod, in a statement Thursday night, said that despite increased seismic activities it poses no significant threat to Grenada and the coastal regions of nearby islands. “As a consequence, there is no need to move people away from coastlines,” said Nimrod. “Currently, the volcano is most dangerous for

ships and boats since the gases released by Kick ‘em Jenny can lower the density of the water, causing them to sink even if it is not erupting,” he said. Nimrod called on Grenadians to keep calm and listen only to information disseminated from national disaster management officials. At a news conference following an emergency meeting of the National Advisory Emergency Council, Nimrod said the Seismic Centre is constantly monitoring the situation, and should there be a change

Manhunt for prison escapees fire on a passing police patrol near the Port of Spain prison, on Frederick Street during a jailbreak. Eyewitness said the motionless body was removed from the security guard’s booth at the entrance of the hospital. All entrances and exits were closed except one at the hospital as police searched all vehicles leaving. Soliders and several Prisoner Allan “Scanny” Martin killed during yesterday’s jailbreak. He was on trial for the murder and kidnapping of businesswoman Vindra Naipaul-Coolman.

(Trinidad Guardian) THE T&T Police Service has issued a public appeal for the members of the public to help locate two of the prison escapees identified as Hassan Atwell and Christopher Selby. Atwell and Selby were among the prisoners who escaped from the Port-ofSpain Prison yesterday. Police have concentrated their search for the prisoners in the Belmont district. A third prisoner, Allan “Scanny” Martin was killed by police near the Port-ofSpain General Hospital. A police officer who was shot during the gunfight has reportedly died while undergoing surgery, police said. Earlier panic gripped the city after gunmen opened

units from the Police Service were at the scene. A National Security helicopter was hovering ahead. Police were searching areas in Belmont for the prison escapees and the gunmen. TTPS communications officer ASP Michael Pierre said he received information that they were looking for two suspects “possibly more” and a manhunt has been launched.

Kick ‘em Jenny (Photo: www.stluciatimes.com)

in the current status, immediate advisories will be issued. “There is no need for panic, and people should go about their daily lives as normal,” he said. Thursday, the UWI seismic unit posted an advisory informing the public that it had changed the alert level of the volcano from yellow to orange, starting that at 3:00 am (local time) as a strong continuous signal was observed on instruments monitoring the submarine volcano. “Signs of elevated seismicity (earthquakes) began on 11th July and continue to present,” said the advisory which explained that for the period since July 11 a total

of more than 200 micro and small earthquakes, of varying magnitudes, have been recorded, with the largest, prior to the strong signal, less than magnitude 3.0.” “There have also been observations from divers of degassing occurring off the west coast of Grenada in the Moliniere Sculpture Park area. This activity is being closely monitored by The UWISRC and further updates would be issued as more information becomes available,” the advisory said. An orange alert means there are highly elevated levels of seismic activity or other unusual activity. This means that an eruption may begin with less than 24 hours notice.

The seismic unit said all regional governments will be alerted through disaster coordinators. The release stated that local radio stations in Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados and Trinidad have been placed on alert. In addition, all shipping lines are required to stay outside the first exclusion zone that is 1.5 kms from the summit and non-essential shipping, such as pleasure craft, should stay five kms clear of the summit. Since the rumbling at Kick ‘em Jenny telecommunications service in Grenada has being affected with only the FLOW network apparently operating.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 25, 2015

Editorial

Guyana

Haunting shadows from the past

T seems that dark shadows from the past are hovering over Guyana, and these could haunt us for a while longer. When it had appeared that remarks made by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall about gunmen attacking a newspaper were just idle rumshop chatter between friends, the frightening spectre now looms of the former bodyguard of the former AG and top PPP leader being linked to the assassination of political activist Courtney Crum-Ewing, who was gunned down and killed on March10, 2015 while he was telling his villagers to vote the PPP/C out of office. The slain former soldier is today symbolised in the form of a bull-horn, which he had used in his one-man crusade. His fight was triggered by the perceived threats made by Nandlall of impending terror against a non-government newspaper, and Crum-Ewing had embarked on a 100-day protest outside the office of the then Attorney General. When the dissident elevated his protest to include calls for the removal of the PPP from office on account of claims of wide-

spread corruption, former President Donald Ramotar callously deemed him a “nuisance”. Now, Sean Hinds, a self-professed member of a Death Squad associated with Ramotar’s party and Government, has made what appears to be damning statements that link the killing of Crum-Ewing to a wider, and growingly bizarre carnival of death of opponents of the former regime. Hinds, an ex-cop, gave details to a TV journalist of the many episodes of assassination that included that of civil rights activist, Ronald Waddell, who was riddled with bullets from an AK-47 outside his home in suburban Georgteown whilst Hinds was watching from a vehicle that was parked a short distance away. Hinds claimed that he recalled that chilling murder, for which he named as assassin a former senior police officer. In widely circulated reports, at least two former Government ministers could possibly be implicated in the saga of death at a time when some 500 civilians and security personal were killed in what was originally described as a war among drug dealers.

When a Government Minister, Satyadeo Sawh, was gunned down in his own home, it shattered the myth that the spate of killing was linked to drugs only. Sawh’s death would appear to be political, but no inquiry was ever ordered by the former Government, which had tried to pin that crime on the then Opposition People’s National Congress (PNC). Today, the dark clouds are drifting and hovering over Robb Street, and it is likely that more revealing indictments would be made that might link the PPP to a crime syndicate that was capable of settling political scores not by ballots, but by bullets. The ominous warning of former security Minister Clement Rohee, now General Secretary of the Opposition PPP, that “who not dead will be badly wounded” now comes home to haunt his party.

DHB mobile plant to be deployed to outlying communities

The newly acquired mobile asphalt plant THE recently acquired US$120,000 mobile asphalt plant which has the capacity to produce 25 tonnes of asphalt per hour, will start operations in the near future. The mobile asphalt plant will be able to deliver asphaltic concrete of the highest quality for road works in outlying and remote communities in Guyana. The US$120,000 mobile plant is fully computerised, features pollution control

conforming to the highest environmental standards and has a mineral filler unit, the only plant with this capacity, locally. General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC), Rawlston Adams, who oversees the Garden of Eden asphalt plant and mobile unit, related that the mobile plant will allow the Ministry of Public Infrastructure “to achieve its goal of having paved roads in rural and outlying areas.”

“It is public knowledge that significant strides have been made to improve the quality of roads countrywide; and quality asphaltic concrete is important in achieving this,” Adams stated. The overwhelming requests, he noted, for the standardisation of road construction across the country has prompted the DHBC management in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to source the mobile

unit. An investment that Adams said “will benefit all the intended communities and its citizens.” Adams added, “Soon we will be able to take asphaltic concrete to Regions 1 (Barima-Waini), 7 (CuyuniMazaruni), 8 (Potaro-Siparuni) and 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Esequibo). These areas will have much better roads starting as early as the last quarter of 2015.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 25, 2015

Colombian on ATM robbery spree remanded to August 10 COLOMBIAN national Freddy Riveria Vargas appeared yesterday before City Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer six counts of simple larceny related to fake ATM cards. The 43-year-old pleaded not guilty to all the charges, one of which detailed that on Friday, July 17, at Lethem in Central Rupununni, he stole $90,000 from the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI). Another charge alleged that on Saturday, July 18, at Water Street, Georgetown, he stole $210,000 cash from the GBTI. Another charge alleged that on Sunday, July 19, at Providence, East Bank

Demerara, he stole $90,000 cash from the GBTI. Another charge detailed that on Sunday, July 19, at Water Street, Georgetown, he stole $80,000 cash from the GBTI. Also, on Monday, July 20, at Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara, he stole $250,000 cash from the GBTI. Then on Tuesday, July 21, at Bagotstown, EBD, he stole $330,000 cash from the GBTI. Attorney-at-law Mr. Peter Hugh, in association with attorney Ms. Latchmie Rahamat, represented the defendant. Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones informed the court that statements are

still outstanding, but he said that all investigations should be completed in two weeks’ time. Defence counsel Hugh asserted that his client was visiting Guyana, but was arrested at the Princess Hotel. He added that Vargas is married, has two children, and was visiting Guyana for the first time. The lawyer noted that his client’s passport is in police custody, and he accordingly poses no flight risk. Hugh asked the court to consider placing the Colombian on reasonable bail on ground that the offence is bailable, but the Prosecutor, Mr Jones, indicated that

the defendant has neither family nor ties to Guyana, and the fact that he was staying at Princess Hotel clearly states that he has no fixed place of abode. Jones further noted that the camera had captured the image of a person who was identified as the defendant. On the day of his arrest, the Colombian was seen by a security guard about to make another withdrawal, and the police was present on scene. He was found with other ATM cards in his possession at the time of his arrest. After considering both the defence and prosecution arguments, the magistrate refused the accused bail and adjourned the matter to August 10. (Geeta Rampersaud)

New regulations coming for funeral homes, services

(Jamaica Observer) THE drafting of new regulation governing funeral homes and services is way advanced and will be discussed with stakeholders during consultations as soon as they are ready, said Health Minister Fenton Ferguson. “There is a need to regulate and fine-tune existing guidelines governing the funeral industry, funeral service and mortuary science industry,” said Minister Ferguson as he endorsed the launch of an associate degree in funeral services and mortuary science at the Montego Bay Community College on Wednesday. “One of the major concerns expressed, even by those who are a part of the industry, is the preponderance of untrained, unregistered and unregulated persons carrying out this type of business across the island,” he said. He commended the college and its Canadian partner, Humber College and the Funeral Directors Association of Jamaica, on pioneering the programme in Jamaica

and the wider Caribbean. “I do not doubt that there is interest in the industry as our problem is that there are many players, but I hope that those persons who are already operating and those who wish to join understand the value of getting the right education in the area to be able to advance themselves and the business so that they can truly stand out in a positive way,” he said. The health minister said he did not foresee placing the industry on proper regulatory footing having any impact on the level of business activity but that operators who earned their certification and operated based on guidelines stood to benefit from enjoying greater public confidence. “There will always be a need for funeral and mortuary services. The truth is there is a unique advantage to this business. There will always be customers. This programme will therefore always be relevant. I hope that through this programme we can move closer toward achieving best practice

in the sector,” Ferguson said. Recalling recent threats of infectious diseases, Dr Ferguson said in one way or the other they had a connection with how those who become victims of the process were buried. He also said there were synergies to be developed with health beyond strict public health considerations. “We must consider that there must be linkages between the mortuaries and the pathologists in order to better trace the pathology of diseases and to develop treatment and cures. We in Jamaica are aware that our biggest health issue arises from the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) giving rise to a death rate of over 70 per cent,” the minister said. He added that funeral services and mortuary sciences were service industries that provided indispensable offerings to the public and proposed that they must integrate with health, national security, justice, finance, environment, local gov-

ernment, and develop synergies that will foster an improved business climate and secured socio/cultural environment for the people. Principal of the college, Dr Angella Samuels Harris, said the degree programme was conceptualised out of recognition of the needs of funeral service providers and for a regulatory framework governing the sector. She outlined several areas of collaboration, among them, specialised funeral service programmes, facilitating the sharing of expertise and facilities, commitment to a standards-driven, competency-based approach to preparing and certifying individuals, and to the transfer of technology, systems and expertise. Support for the programme was also pledged by president of the Funeral Directors Association, Melvin Honeyghan; Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Glendon Harris and Dean of Humber College, Dr Jason Powell.

Charges for detained Jamaat 7 by weekend (Trinidad Guardian) INVESTIGATORS involved in the probe into Dana Seetahal’s murder are said to be almost finished with their investigation and may be ready to lay charges by last evening or over the weekend. Leader of the Jamaat al Muslimeen Yasin Abu Bakr and veteran member Hassan Ali were released from police custody on Wednesday after being detained for two days by police for questioning. As Abu Bakr and Hassan have been released, members of the organisation yesterday turned their attention to seven members who remain detained in relation to Seetahal’s killing. Scores of members of the organisation

turned up at the Piarco Police Station Thursday night to hold vigils where the detainees are being kept, in replication of similar action done outside the Central Police Station in Portof-Spain before the organisation’s leader Abu Bakr was released on Wednesday afternoon. In a brief telephone interview Thursday , a Jamaat member said he and other members organised the protest action because police were withholding information on the detainees from their families. “We not staying quiet. In this country you have to make noise for the right thing to be done,” the man, who asked to remain unidentified said, as he claimed the detainees already had been held for 72 hours without police

indicating whether they will be charged or not. “We don’t know what is going on. One brother went to the Besson Street Police Station to drop clothes for his brother and the police insult him and run him,” the man said. The detainees are Hamid Ali, brother of suspected gang leader Rajaee Ali, one of Rajaee’s wives Stacy Griffith, brothers Stephen and Devon Cummings, Ricardo Stewart, Keston Seales and Deon Peters, who are all members of the Jamaat’s Carapo outpost. Rajaee, his brother Ishmael and Jamaat member Garett Wiseman have also been identified as persons of interest. The three men are on remand at the Maximum Security Prison,

Arouca. The Alis are there after being charged with conspiring to murder radio announcer Kevaughn “Lerbz” Savory in December last year. Wiseman is on remand on an unrelated charge. The Ali brothers’ father, Hassan, was also arrested during the police operation on Monday but was freed along with Abu Bakr. The T&T Guardian understands that when they were interviewed on Wednesday, they were informed of some of the evidence police had gathered in the months following Seetahal’s assassination on May 4, last year. She was ambushed and shot dead as she made her way home after a night at the Ma Pau casino, Woodbrook.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 25, 2015

Younger people Carolyn wants more efficient public servants showing signs of dementia …Alzheimer’s disease is also affecting a number of younger persons

(Barbados Advocate) ACCORDING to President of the Barbados Alzheimer’s Association, Pamelia Brereton, people in their 40’s and 50’s are being affected with the disease, which is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia is a broad term for neurological conditions that involve some form of serious mental impairment, such as memory loss, confusion, and/or personality changes. Brereton observed that there are an estimated 4 000 people in Barbados with Alzheimer’s disease and about 47 million people worldwide. She was at the time speaking to The Barbados Advocate at the association’s headquarters at Strathclyde Crescent, St. Michael. She

also revealed that Barbadians are contacting her office seeking information about the disease. “I get at least four to five calls a day. Whether they are asking, ‘Where can I place my mum or dad, what services are available, what services do we as an Association offer?’ This is a growing concern, and it’s not going to go away… We have a number of younger persons now coming down with the disease as well, and as that continues to happen, it’s going to get worst.” The president also disclosed that the Barbados Alzheimer’s Association will be celebrating World Alzheimer’s Month in September with a number of activities. The theme for World Alzheimer’s Month 2015 is ‘Re-

member Me’. “There is a lot happening within the Alzheimer’s Association, not only in Barbados but around the world. We work so closely with Canada and our umbrella organisation in the United Kingdom. However, it is up to the people of Barbados now to access all the information... to keep their loved ones at home. But they need to come to us to get proper training, so that they know how to deal with the person at home. “A lot of times they complain about the person, but it is not really the person… You have to change to meet the needs of the person who has the dementia, they can’t change to suit you,” Brereton pointed out.

U.S. troops to train regular Ukrainian military troops: State Department (Reuters) U.S. TROOPS will begin training regular Ukrainian military forces later this year in an expansion of their current mission, which so far has been limited to instructing Interior Ministry national guard units, the State Department said on Friday. “This training is part of our long-running defense cooperation with Ukraine and is taking place at the invitation of the Ukraine government. This additional program brings our total security assistance committed to Ukraine since 2014 to over $244 million,” State Department Mark Toner said. Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, head of U.S. Army forces in Europe, said earlier this month that U.S. officials were discussing expanding the military training to include regular Ukrainian

troops under the Defense Ministry. The training is part of U.S. efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s security following Russia’s seizure of the Crimea last year and the spread of separatist unrest in eastern, Russian-speaking regions of Ukraine. Hodges said officials were looking at training army and special operations troops, likely focusing on skills like tactics and combat medicine. He said the expanded training mission did not mean the administration would be providing Ukraine with lethal arms. The United States has provided Ukrainian forces with non-lethal aid to help them battle Russian-backed rebels, but the administration has resisted providing lethal arms in hopes of preventing an escalation of the conflict.

Some U.S. officials have called for giving Ukraine more sophisticated counter-battery radar to help them fight back against artillery and mortar fire from the rebels. Toner said he had nothing to announce on any new weapons for Ukraine and that the focus was on providing non-lethal aid. “ T h e r e ’s n o p l a n t o change that,” he said. He said the training would begin in western Ukraine near the Polish border later this autumn. The Pentagon said the training offered to regular Ukrainian military troops would be similar to that given to the national guard forces. U.S. forces in Europe have been training the Ukrainian guard since this spring, focusing on strengthening internal defense capabilities.

(Trinidad Guardian) PUBLIC servants must become more business-like and efficient if the public service is to effectively deal with the changes of the modern world, said Minister of Public Administration Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan. “The new public officer should be e-savvy. You are business savvy and most important is that you must understand value for money. You are receptive to change and you will continue learning. You are innovative. You are the 21st century public officer ready to carry on the public service. The general public wants a public officer who is honest with them, who is fair, who is transparent,” she said. Seepersad-Bachan spoke at the launch of a four-day Community of Practice forum for Ministries and

Agencies participating in the T&T Diamond Standard branded Interact at the Yara Auditorium, Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business, Mt Hope. She also said in an era of declining revenue for the national treasury, the public service can make a bigger contribution once it becomes more efficient. “You learned value for money, in times of declining revenues, once you continue along this way T&T’s public service is well poised to be able to deliver the kind of revenue and be more efficient and potent and have value for money,” she said. She added that the current inefficiency of the public service affects T&T’s ranking on the ease of doing businesses ranking internationally. “We have taken on the challenge that we will im-

prove our ranking,” she said. Jennifer Daniel, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Administration, who also spoke, said there was a lot of disillusionment in the public service because of low productivity levels but she encouraged public servants to work hard to motivate those who want to turn it around. “Sometimes I am disheartened that the public service will be left behind, the trajectory over the last couple of decades is that the public service has been on a downward spiral but it encourages me that there are people in the public service who want to make a difference. There are people who have become disillusioned but I encourage you to seek them out and inspire them for that passion in the public service,” she said.

‘Hundreds’ of migrants now target Eurotunnel every night (BBC News) Incursions b y “ h u n d re d s ” o f m i grants into the Eurotunnel terminal in France have become a nightly occurrence, the cross-Channel rail operator has said. Passenger and freight services were again hit by delays on Friday as the firm tried to run services on one of the busiest days for holiday travel. Eurotunnel said police were being called each night to remove migrants from its Coquelles base. The operator briefly suspended services just before midnight on Friday. Services have now resumed, subject to delays, it tweeted. The company’s director of public affairs, John Keefe, said hundreds of people were being removed from around the terminal perimeter, the railway or platforms each night. He said people were so desperate to reach the UK they were prepared to throw themselves at trains travelling at 90mph. He said: “We’re dealing with people-traffickers working together to create diversions and distract security. It’s well-organised, co-ordinated activity.”

Lorries have now been parked on the M20 for a total of 19 days over the past three months

On Thursday, the body of a teenager was found on a train at the Eurotunnel terminal in Kent. The latest overnight migrant activity coincided with a peak-time holiday weekend as the rail operator dealt with heavy passenger and freight demand. Operation Stack has remained in place in Kent to deal with cross-Channel disruption and police have warned it could continue until Sunday. ‘FROM EDEN TO HELL’ Kent’s police and crime commissioner, Ann Barnes, has called for national funding to deal with Stack, which is when Frenchbound lorries park on a closed section of the M20 to await crossings.

Lorries have now been parked on the motorway for a total of 19 days over the past three months. With it currently closed to all but freight between junctions eight and 11, Mrs Barnes said the bill should not be picked up by Kent taxpayers as the situation had become a “chronic national problem”. She said Kent had gone from being “Eden to Hell”. And the Freight Transport Association (FTA) told BBC Radio 5 Live that Stack - brought in repeatedly over the summer because of strikes by French ferry workers and migrant disruption to Eurotunnel services - had cost the haulage industry more than £14m in the past three months.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 25, 2015

Food for the Poor presents Digicel makes financial contribution to Moruca Expo NGSA students of orphanages with gifts FOOD for the Poor (Guyana) Incorporated held its annual Angels of Hope “Day of Celebration” yesterday to honour the works of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) students from various orphanages. The event, staged at the Carifesta Sports Complex Ground on Carifesta Avenue, saw participation of children from several orphanages and officials of Food for the Poor presenting

the children with a fun-filled day. The orphanages that benefited from this exercise were Alpha Children’s Home, Camal Home International, Joshua House Children’s Center, St. John Bosco Boys’ Orphanage, Save the Kids Children’s Home, Bright Horizon Children’s Home, Bless the Children, Children of Promise, and A Sanctuary Children’s Home. The children from these orphanages had sat

the Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations earlier this year. As such, the donors (both overseas and local) felt the need to reward them with hampers and certificates for their efforts. Regular visits are usually made by Ms Asha Wayne, coordinator of the “Angels of Hope”, who would supply the children with monthly clothing, food, toiletries, school supplies and other necessities. (Sherah Alleyne)

Food for the Poor representatives handing over certificates to NGSA students

‘PRAY FOR BARBADOS’ (Barbados Advocate) TWENTY church leaders and their congregations will gather for Operation Intercession – 24 hours of continuous prayer. However, an invitation is also being extended to all Bible-believing churches, and interested persons to join the initiative, which will be held on August 2 at 7 p.m. until 7 p.m. on August 3, at the Word Alive Christian Centre, Trinity Court, No. 36 Warrens Industrial Park. According to Reverend John Carter, National Co-ordinator of Operation Intercession, this is being seen as a critical and timely intervention, in light of the different events that have been affecting the island. “We are at a critical juncture in the history of our nation. There has been significant decline in the spiritual life of our nation in regard

to our relationship with Lord Jesus Christ,” he observed. Reverend Carter went on to point out that there has been increasing praylessness in Barbados, which is evident by the decline in attendance at prayer gatherings. He highlighted that social problems, including increasing lawlessness, are manifesting in various ways – fatherless homes and the steady rise in the incarceration of males taking them away from productive endeavours. “As it relates to criminal activity, an examination of our newspapers over the last 18 months would reveal that our men are trekking through the gates of Dodds at an average of 80 persons per month, and these are mostly young men. In the 18-month period, 34 murders were recorded. Safety of all residents is a major

AS part of being a good corporate citizen, Digicel Guyana yesterday made a donation in the form of a cheque to a representative of the Moruca Expo 2015, which started on Thursday in Region 1 (Barima-Waini). On hand was Chairperson of the Moruca Expo Committee, Ingrid Harris, who said the event will last for three days this year since it is packed with activities, which include swimming, canoe racing, tug-o-war, bicycle/road race, archery, top-spining, slingshot, shooting and other fun games. The event is being held at the Kumaka Recreational Ground, Santa Rosa, where there will be floodlight football and volleyball as well. Harris said the theme of this year’s Moruca Expo is: “One culture, many livelihoods” and about eight villages are participating in the three-day activities. At the presentation ceremony yesterday at Digicel Guyana headquarters at Fort and Barrack Streets, Kingston, Georgetown, Harris, on behalf of the Moruca Expo Committee, expressed her gratitude for the financial contribution and undertook to ensure that the money is spent wisely to enhance the event. She pointed out that in previous years, the event lasted for two days but it was extended because some vendors who have booths

Digicel Guyana Events and Sponsorship Manager, Gavin Hope, as he hands over a cheque to chairperson of the Moruca Expo Committee, Ingrid Harris, at the company’s headquarters at Fort and Barrack Streets, Kingston

said they need more days to make profits, since the time was too short considering that they travelled from outlying areas to be a part of the event. Harris stated that so far, the event has been very successful and the response has been overwhelming with very little rain. Over the next two days there will be a pageant in which five delegates will be vying for the crown. She added that they have also received financial support from businesses in the region, as well a from several businesses from the Essequibo Coast . Meanwhile, Events and Sponsorship Manager, Gavin

Hope, who made the donation on behalf of Digicel Guyana yesterday, said in the past the company had made significant contributions to culture, youths, sports among other things and with the Moruca Expo 2015 it is no different. Hope noted that Digicel however endorses the activities and is very pleased to be associated with the event, because the converging of people augurs well for development and it is up to the organisers to use the money as they see fit. He stated that they have a booth at the event and they have surprises and special offers, especially for those in attendance.

– Operation Intercession to be held on August 2

PLANS REVEALED FOR OPERATION INTERCESSION: (from left) Bishop Delson Allen, Pastor at Faith Tabernacle; Reverend Paul Watson, Pastor at Messiah’s House; Reverend John Carter, National Co-ordinator of Operation Intercession; and Apostle David Coulthrust, Pastor at Word Alive Christian Centre

issue.” The Reverend disclosed that the dates for Operation Intercession were selected because “it is a matter of

urgency. It is not because of Kadooment weekend, but is a convenient public holiday and a long weekend”. Operation Interces-

sion will be praying for the seven pillars of society: government; family, health and social care; business, innovation and

technology; media, education and its institutions; arts, entertainment and culture; and church and religion.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 25, 2015

Every life has value and purpose …First Lady tells Women’s Empowerment Conference in Linden

First Lady Sandra Granger addressing the conference at Linden

FIRST Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger has saluted Guyanese women for the sterling contribution they have made to national development through the

diverse roles that have played in moulding their families, communities, and the nation at large. Speaking at the Annual Women’s Empowerment

Conference held at the Egbert Benjamin Centre at Mackenzie, Linden, the First Lady spoke of young Guyanese women who died at the hands of their partners long

before they were able to realise their true purpose and reach their optimum potential; of women who are lured into prostitution under false promises of employment,

and of teen mothers who are forced to drop out of school. She informed that nearly 25 percent of babies born in Guyana are for women under the age of 19, and one percent of that amount is for girls under the age of 16. She noted that 88 girls under the age 15 delivered babies last year -- a clear indication of the level of statutory rape being committed. These girls, she said, are made to feel that their lives lack value and purpose. “I believe that conferences such as this and the work of organisations such as WOMI can bring about the changes we need in our society by helping girls and women achieve their full potential…. Every life has purpose and every life has value. Too often we, as women, undervalue ourselves,” the First Lady said. During a panel discussion, Member of Parliament Valerie Patterson spoke on

entrepreneurship opportunities and financing for women. She said that women can be just as successful as their male counterparts in any field they choose. Patterson pointed out that, in Linden, more women are heading businesses because they are known to be more prudent and can better interact with suppliers and buyers. She said there is still a huge equality gap that must be bridged, since women have to overcome the challenge of balancing business and family. “The world needs women entrepreneurs and we must provide the necessary tools and resources to ensure that women-led enterprises flourish,” Patterson said. Adding to this discourse, Region 10 Chairman Rennis Morian spoke out against the bureaucracy that prevents women from branching off as entrepreneurs. He gave Turn to page 12 ►

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 25, 2015

Education Minister commends Republic Bank for investing in Music Literacy AS the Ministry moves ahead with the reintroduction of music into schools, the Minister of Education, Dr. Roopnaraine, pays recognition to Republic Bank for the implementation of a music literacy programme. On Thursday the Republic Bank Limited hosted an award ceremony for children who participated in the Bank’s Right Start Music Literacy: Pan Minors Programme. The Minister, invited to give the feature address, said that the young people who have benefited from the programme are not merely learning a musical skill, but they have started a process that would see them becoming part of the living embodiment of what we are as a people, which was forged by the history of Guyana and the Region. The Minister said, “ Republic Bank deserves recognition and applause for its role in supporting this Pan Music Literacy Programme in itself, as well as part of its wide commitment to the re-development of steel pan music in Guyana.” He added that this is a very important investment in creative educa-

Minister of Education Dr Rupert Roopnaraine with representatives of Republic Bank and the Early Start awardees

tion, especially since creative industries account for billions of dollars in this hemisphere, and with Caribbean nations re-tooling themselves to take advantage of this sphere of economic activity. The Minister told the gathering that the bank’s investment in this

area of education may well be an incidental investment in human resource development for the regional creative economy. His hope is that, in the not too distant future, the RBL and other financial institutions are going to see investment in the creative

SASOD decries hazardous conditions under which its members operate By Michel Outridge JOEL Simpson, founder and managing director of the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), has said that transgender sex workers operate in a very unsafe environment, and they are not being treated as normal employees. His remarks follow the homicide of transgender sex worker Noel Luther this week, while plying his trade in downtown Georgetown. Simpson added that in SASOD’s 12 years of existence, its members have been operating in a dangerous environment, which he describes as hazardous to occupational safety and health standards. Simpson pointed out that transgender groups are not benefiting from lawful protection like other workers, because of their gender; but he contends that they have a right to earn a living in a safe environment like any other employee, and society needs

to change its attitude towards transgenders. He said SASOD has reached out to transgenders on numerous occasions, has had empowerment sessions with them, and has worked in collaboration with the Guyana Transgender Union and the Guyana Sex Coalition, but there is only so much SASOD can do. Simpson said SASOD does not want to duplicate the work of other organisations, and the murder of Noel Luther raises several issues regarding the vulnerability of transgenders and the level of violence to which they are exposed, given the areas out of which they operate. Simpson said it is sad what transgender sex workers endure simply because they are stigmatised and generally not accepted by society. He recalled an incident that happened a year ago, when an enraged and jealous man knifed to death two of his ex-lovers’ friends at Leopold Street in Georgetown before taking his own life.

He said that man’s transgender ex-lover is very fortunate to still be alive and be able to recuperate from a very abusive relationship. Twenty-year-old transgender sex worker Noel Luther, called “Nephi”, of Durban Street, Wortmanville, was fatally shot to the chest by one of two men at about 02:35 hrs on Wednesday morning, while plying his trade at Quamina and Carmichael Streets in the vicinity of the Bishop’s High School. Reports are that a male client had earlier visited Luther for a paid sexual encounter, but was apparently not satisfied with the services he had received. Not being pleased with Luther ’s response to his complaint, the client returned with another man, who reportedly fatally shot Luther before fleeing the scene in a sports utility vehicle. Luther was conveyed to the GPHC where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

industries as a viable path for diversification of their financial portfolio. Meanwhile, Dr. Roopnaraine took the opportunity to reiterate commitment to mapping, consolidating and replicating such efforts as

this, not just in music, but in all of arts education. He believes that this is a model that can be replicated by other corporate partners. The Minister urged the RBL and other corporate partners to turn their atten-

tion to the Theatre Guild, a vital national resource that must not be neglected, stating, “Books are for the mind; music is for the soul. The aim of education must be the education of the whole child.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 25, 2015

Armed bandits beat farmer, rob and terrorise family at Moblissa By Joe Chapman A family of three has survived last Thursday night’s ordeal to tell a harrowing tale of being robbed at their Moblissa home by marauding bandits, who had threatened to set their two-storey wooden-and-concrete home ablaze in the backdam after demanding cash. Simangal Van Lowden, a farmer who also does distribution of the Mora Spring Water in Linden, his wife Carlita DeAbreau and their 14-year-old son Vandee Van Lowden were lucky to survive an hour-long ordeal when five armed and masked men wearing black outfit invaded their home, some eight miles from Linden and approximately one mile in from the Linden Highway at Moblissa. Speaking about what transpired on Thursday night, Carlita related that the rob-

bers “kick my husband in he head; and after they done kick he in he head, they tie we up and soak he with kerosene oil and methylated spirits, and say they are going to light the house afire. “And then they tek the lil boy, my son, upstairs and tell he if he don’t show dem where the money deh, they will kill he and shoot he. But eventually they did not shoot or anything, and they left and go way. They were in the house for about an hour, and (they) ransacked the house, cut the chairs, tumble everything, including the drawers.” The woman said, “It was just after 19:00 hrs (on Thursday night), and they left about 19:55 hrs, before they left and go away. All of them wore masks and had on black clothes, black pants, everything black; and the five men, they had three guns, two cutlasses and a long knife. This is the very first time this has happened to us.”

Nursing wounds about his upper body, the elder Van Lowden stated: “As soon as they come in, (they) push open the door, because we had just finished bathing and we get inside and I sit in the chair and put on the television and just brace back like this, and all of a sudden I see the door open with a gun, (and they said) ‘Get down on the ground!’ “I thought it was like a joke, and before I could think in terms of to get down on the ground off of the chair, the other one run in with two cutlasses. Whilst I getting down, that is when I get the first lash; and the first lash actually got me out of my mind. I was totally stupid. And after I went down on the ground, they ask me, ‘Where is the money?’ “I tell them the money is in my wife’s shoulder bag right on the table, and one of dem dash and collect the bag and throw it out, pick

An injured Simangal van Lowden and his wife Carlita De Abreau

up the money and ask where are all the cell phones. I tell dem me cellphone is right on the table, and they pick up all three of the cell phones, the money, and (then) they come back and give me another lash. They stamp me in my head and kick me across here, where swell up.” In obvious pain, the man recounted: “When they done, they carry we upstairs and got we; and they go and get the kerosene from the stove and soak me from head to toe. Right now this whole area, I don’t even know if I got on underpants, everything is swollen from my waist down. After they done that, they open a bottle of methylated spirits and throw it on me also, then put me to

lay down and tie me up me hand and foot, duct tape me mouth, using a towel to make a rope around me mouth and tied it behind, and duct tape me mouth up. Then they threaten to light me afire. I was just thinking ‘Oh my, if they light a fire, we all are going to die’. “They put me wife and son to the post after they finish doing that. They took the pickup key, but could not start it. So one of them came back inside with the remote for the car and asked me if that is the key for the car. I told him no, and they asked where is the car key, but I could not talk. “They went back and start the car. The other one was still in the house with a

cutlass searching, tumbling around, and then they jumped in the car, close the door and turn off the light. “When they left with the car, how they tie me hand and tape, I manage to free my hand and my son also was able to free his hand. We eventually freed ourselves, but there was no cell phone; but we had to walk about a mile to reach somebody with a cell phone, but they had no credit. One of the neighbour’s sons collected an old phone earlier in the day, which he charged, and it so happen that his father had a sim, and that is how we got a call to my other son, Edward, and he took us to the station and then the hospital, and we stayed by him the night until morning. “The police came and took information, but could not find any fingerprints, as these robbers wore gloves and were masked and (had) things tie across their faces. You could not see anything to identify them.” Still exhibiting some amount of fear, the farmer continued: “If they had light a fire, the upstairs is wood and downstairs concrete, and there was also a gas bottle which they threatened to shoot to create an explosion, or scratch a match. I was hoping that did not happen, because we would not have been here to tell the tale. “The car was recovered at the junction of the highway in Moblissa, and they threw away the keys. We do not have the keys for the pickup and house either. They got over $100,000 in cash, with gold and cell phones; with an estimated loss of over $300,000.”

Every life has value... assurances of the support of the Regional Democratic Council to prioritise issues affecting women. The issue of domestic violence was also thoroughly discussed. Carwyn Holland, who was part of the panel, said that two out of three Afro-Guyanese women in Guyana experience physical violence from their partners. He stressed the need for the Guyana Police Force to be more proactive and professional when dealing

with reports of domestic violence. Lurlene Nestor, who served in the Eighth Parliament, spoke on women in politics, and outlined the challenges and sacrifices that they are forced to make in order to take up roles in the political arena. She urged women to become more active in politics, so that they can be part of the decision-making process. The conference,

From page 10

which was held under the theme “Knowing your purpose”, was organised by the Women of Mission International (WOMI), a non-profit organisation based in the United States. The aim of WOMI is to develop social, economic, and educational development programmes for women o f a l l a g e s ; p ro v i d i n g them with necessary resources to make th em self-sufficient.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 25, 2015

Education Minister says…

Audits reveal education system on ‘life support’ By Shivanie Sugrim EDUCATION Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, convinced that the education system is “creaking” and is on “life support”, has recently issued a directive to carry out audits in schools countrywide. Since assuming office, Dr. Roopnaraine has been on a quest to address the issues faced by the education system, the most pressing of which, according to the minister, are the lack of quality educators and equity in the school systems, specifically between the coastland and hinterland schools; value-for-money audits, and more focus needing to be

placed on the enhancement of teachers in schools. He has therefore sent audit teams to schools in every region to assess their current situation and gain information on issues that plague them. The teams have also been tasked with conducting environmental audits of the schools. Thus far, all schools have been audited, with the exception of two schools on the coastland. The results of the audits have confirmed the Minister’s conviction that the system is indeed “creaking” and is on “life support”. “They (the reports) have come in and I have looked at them, and it is what I

Education Minister, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine

expected. The system is creaking, and a lot of it is on life support,” declared Dr. Roopnaraine. This substantiated conviction has been communicated to the media when he was recently questioned on the progress of the audits of schools. In relation to “creaking,” Dr. Roopnaraine said the system needs reinvigorating and renewing in a lot of ways. The sector, he said, is in a “pre-crisis” stage. Additionally, he pointed out that most of the problems are regional. These issues, said the Minister, stem from “outmoded” methods that belong to a previous era.

Therefore, he said, to tackle these issues, the system needs to be equipped with new technologies for Guyana to see an actual revolution in terms of education delivery. A Commission of Inquiry (CoI) has been set up by the Education Ministry to bring it up-to-date with the state of the current education system. The CoI will seek to determine what is lacking, and recommend measures that could be implemented to improve the education sector countrywide. The audits will feed into the CoI so that the commission would be in a position to provide directives on how

to solve some of the difficulties faced by the schools. The CoI would involve teachers, education officials, citizens from across the country, and experts in various fields. With the steady talk of bridging the equality and quality gap between the students on the coastland and those in the hinterland, the CoI is expected to deliver as promised, given that the audits have been completed in the regions. Dr. Roopnaraine holds a firm view that education is a big challenge in the 21st century. The Ministry of Education is nevertheless committed to combatting that plague the sector.

Region 10 gets clearance for TV channel Dallan Harris provided technical advice. Prime Minister Nagamootoo and Mr. Khan had earlier held discussions with Mr. Virgil Harding, who manages the opera-

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo with Sharma Solomon, right and Valmiki Singh

HEAD of the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU), Mr. Valmiki Singh, has advised that the Region 10 Broadcasting Inc (RBI) could be assigned a channel for use as a regional television channel. Mr. Singh gave the technical recommendations during talks yesterday with Mr. Sharma Solomon, one of the directors of the new company representing the people of the bauxite community. The tripartite meeting was convened by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo,

who holds the information and telecommunications portfolios. Mr. Singh has undertaken to make an assessment of the company’s transmission equipment. In anticipation of being granted a licence to broadcast, equipment was purchased since 2012. However, the previous government failed to honour the commitment it had made to Region 10 in an earlier agreement. This significant development comes following the announcement by Minister of State Joseph Harmon that the government will honour

the 2012 agreement with Region 10. The ownership and management of a community television station formed part of that agreement and the company was set up for the purpose of applying for the licence to broadcast in Linden and surrounding communities. Consultations commenced over a week ago and were initiated by Prime Minister Nagamootoo and Director of Public Information, Mr. Imran Khan. National Communications Network Chief Engineer

Social Cohesion Ministry to embark on country-wide outreaches THE Ministry of Social Cohesion,yesterday convened a stakeholder sensitisation and consultation session at Cara Lodge in Georgetown. The aim of the forum is to garner a wide cross-section of views which will inform programmes and projects that the ministry will spearhead to strengthen social relations among Guyanese; reduce disparities, inequalities and social

exclusion. Today’s forum provided the opportunity for the ministry to engage with civil society and explore ways in which all stakeholders can work together towards the common goal of social cohesion, national unity, peace and development. This stakeholder forum sets the tone for the community outreaches that the ministry is set to embark on over the next few weeks,

starting at Belladrum, Region 5 tomorrow and in New Amsterdam and Skeldon in Region 6 on Sunday.Subsequent to the regional outreaches, the ministry will host a Social Cohesion Roundtable on Thursday,September 3,2015. This much-anticipated event will contribute to the framework on building social cohesion and addressing equality throughout Guyana.

tions of Radio Paiwomak, the Annai- based community radio station. These discussions included efforts to strengthen the operations of Radio Paiwomak along with extending the broad-

cast range. Prime Minister Nagamootoo has indicated that discussions have commenced with regard to extending NCN Television’s range beyond Linden to hinterland communities.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 25, 2015

reaffirms commitment Police on suspects UNDP to supporting Parliament trail in sex worker murder probe SLEUTHS have visited the residence of one of two suspects who are being sought by the police for questioning in relation to the murder of transgender sex worker, Noel Luther, called “Nephi,” 20 of D’urban Street, Georgetown, early Wednesday morning while plying his trade in the downtown area of Carmichael Street. Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum told the Guyana Chronicle Thursday that detectives visited the man’s home twice in an effort to locate him, but his whereabouts were unknown up to press time and if he is not located soon, a wanted bulletin will be issued for his arrest. He disclosed that the visit by investigators came about as

a result of the reviewing of footage and information received. However, in respect to the other suspect, Blanhum said he will not disclose any information since it may compromise the probe. Noel Luther was fatally shot by one of two men at Quamina and Carmichael Streets, while conducting his usual business. He was shot once to the chest in the vicinity of The Bishops’ High School at about 02:35 hrs on July 22, 2015, when he was confronted by two men during an argument over a paid transaction. Reports said a male client had earlier visited the transgender sex worker for a paid sexual encounter, but apparently he

Gunned down: Noel Luther

was not satisfied with the services he received and returned to Luther. Not being pleased with the response, the client returned with another man who reportedly shot and killed Luther then fled the scene in a sports utility vehicle. Luther was conveyed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

THE United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is committed to continuing its support to the National Assembly, especially in the areas of improving governance and assisting the Parliament Office in its quest to reduce its paper use. This was disclosed by Ms. Jessica Faieta, United Nations Assistant Secretary General and UNDP Regional Director of the Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean, when she called on Speaker of the National Assembly Barton Scotland in the Speaker’s Chamber, Public Buildings, Brickdam on Thursday. Ms. Faieta, who is in Guyana for a joint meeting between CARICOM and the United Nations, took the opportunity to congratulate the Speaker on his election to office and briefed him on the UNDP’s work to increase citizen democracy (citizen participation in governance of their coun-

Speaker Barton Scotland with UN Assistant Secretary General Jessica Faieta

try) in several countries. She expressed the hope that this work could also be done in Guyana. Speaker Scotland

Saturday, July 25, 2015 - 08:30 hrs Sunday, July 26, 2015 - 09:00 hrs Monday, July 27, 2015 - 09:30 hrs

thanked her for her visit and assured her that the Parliament Office is keen on continuing its partnership with the UNDP. In responding to Ms. Faieta’s queries on Guyana’s plans for constitutional reform, he said there are a number of areas in the Constitution that can benefit from reform. He said he therefore envisages a lot of work to be done in the 11th Parliament. Though Ms. Faieta has visited Guyana on many occasions, she had never viewed the Parliament Chamber; she was therefore taken on a brief tour of the Chamber after which she signed the ceremonial visitor’s book. Through the assistance of the UNDP, the Parliament of Guyana enhanced its capacity to discharge its constitutional functions – by passing quality legislation, improving its oversight of the executive branch of Government in the delivery of services, and implementing law. The UNDP has also been continuously providing procedural training for staff through attachments with other Parliaments.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 25, 2015

Public Health Ministry to establish special Fund for vulnerable adolescents – monthly cooking/feeding programme to be introduced By Tajeram Mohabir ADOLESCENTS in need of help are expected to receive much-needed support as the Ministry of Public Health moves to establish a special fund to assist this vulnerable group. Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr. Karen Cummings, said the Ministry will be engaging its United Nations partners to support the initiative. The Minister made the disclosure in her address to a “Nutrition Awareness We e k 2 0 1 5 w o r k s h o p ” Thursday at the Ocean View International Hotel and Convention Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. She explained that the fund will be used to sponsor community and private gardens, where vegetables and other staples of good nutritional value will be cultivated for consumption. “The Ministry of Public Health will sit with our international partners to iron out the details of this idea of Gardening for Healthy Lifestyles to see how this practical pilot project could help achieve the shift from nutrition awareness to nutrition access in healthy foods,” Dr. Cummings said. She told the gathering at the workshop, themed “Healthy Eating and Active Living: You, Your Health and Your Future” that the Government will commit to a CARING Packing Programme that targets adolescents in the various regions. “The agenda is not only to translate the science of nutrition into healthy lifestyle practices and holistic values, but my Government will introduce a monthly cooking/feeding programme for adolescents most in need of access to basic foods items. The shift from Awareness to Action will function as a bridge over troubled waters,” the Minister told the gathering of teenaged mothers. JOINT VENTURE She noted that in the anticipated joint venture with farmers and food-chain

providers, the Ministry of Public Health will partner with them to supply food items needed to create a basket of healthy foods. “This token of our commitment to nutrition is critical to reinforcing our philosophy that good health increases the overall wealth of the nation. Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton recognises the need to promote our Government hands-on intervention approach to move from policy and education, to tackling the problem of access to basic food items head on,” Minister Cummings said. The Ministry of Public Health aims to advance a holistic approach to Public Health that factor in all determinants of health, and to empower the citizenry. T h i s a p p r o a c h , D r. Cummings said, would be particularly appropriate for addressing the nutrition in adolescents. “Over the next couple of years, we will be advancing health policies, creating supportive environments, strengthening community action, developing personal skills for healthy lifestyles, and re-orienting health services,” she said.

The Ministry of Public Health is touting a Gardening for Healthy Lifestyle Project to graduate from nutrition awareness to nutrition access in healthy foods

Such policies would include creating supportive environments for good nutrition; school-based nutritional programmes; and strengthening abilities to choose, produce, to purchase, and prepare foods. The dissemination of public consumer information for young people, and the general public would be done, Minister Cummings said. GREATER EMPHASIS She said the Ministry of Public Health would continue to place greater emphasis on the ability of health-care providers to conduct nutritional and dietary assessments of adolescents for surveillance as

well as for taking relevant action. The Ministry will be collaborating closely with other ministries and civil society organisations for greater impact and inclusion towards creating an environment for healthier people. Investing in you, in your health, and well-being would be one way of securing a brighter future that will give us tremendous returns,” Dr. Cummings said. The two-day workshop was organised by the Food Policy Division of the Ministry of Public Health and was part of activities in observance of Nutrition Awareness Week, 2015.

Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr. Karen Cummings

Planning of the week began on July 19 and will end July 25. The exercise was done in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The workshop featured practical and educational sessions facilitated by the Food Policy Division and the Adolescent Health United of the Ministry of Public Health as well as Women Across Differences. ISSUES TO BE COVERED The issues that will be addressed at the forum include safe motherhood, health diet and meal plan-

ning, early childhood development (focusing on breastfeeding), empowering teens to return to school and anaemia (including the use of Sprinkles). A survey of Iron, Iodine and Vitamin A Status and Antibody Levels in Guyana (2012) yielded valuable information on the iron status of the local population. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, 24 per cent of young children under five years, 20.8 per cent of schoolchildren and 41.3 per cent of antenatal women were anaemic. Anaemia is a major public health problem in both developing and developed countries. In Guyana and the Caribbean, it has been attributed to poor dietary intake. Although there are other causes, it is most often a reflection of iron deficiency, which is the most common and widespread nutritional disorder in Guyana. As a consequence of its effects on health, anaemia can lead to a reduction in work capacity, endurance and impaired brain function.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 25, 2015

Twenty-four Florida National Guard cadets complete training with GDF

TWENTY-FOUR cadets of the Florida National Guard, who are in Guyana on the third edition of the Guard’s Cultural Understanding and Language Programme (CULP), completed their training with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Friday. The cadets were awarded their certificates at a simple ceremony at the GDF’s Colonel Robert Mitchell Jungle and Amphibious Training School (CRM-JATS) at Makouria, on the Essequibo River. Addressing the graduating cadets, Acting Chief of Staff, Colonel KemrajPersaud, lauded their endurance. “Your training with us has occurred at

a critical time when our country faces threats from our western neighbour. You would have, during your training, realised our level of preparedness for such a challenge. Exercises like this help us to forge strong bilateral relations with our partners who can assist in our efforts to remain a peaceful nation. The highlight of your week of training was the jungle- survival element. That you are alive and well is testimony to your fortitude and determination to endure. You were challenged to survive very harsh conditions, designed to test that very element of endurance. Indeed, the training would have also enhanced aspects of your character. Character is important

for all good leaders and its development determines how successful, as individuals, you become.” Colonel Persaud encouraged the cadets to embrace values such as loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, integrity and personal courage. He also spoke to the issue of personal courage, saying that personal courage was “... not the absence of fear, but rather, the ability to cast fear aside and do what is necessary.” He observed that the physical aspect of courage required overcoming the fear of bodily harm in doing one’s duty. “It is the bravery, for example, that allows a soldier to take risks in combat, in spite of the fear of being wounded or dying. In contrast,

moral courage is the willingness to stand firm on your values, principles and convictions. These traits enable leaders to stand up for what they believe, regardless of the consequences,” he said. The cadets endured three days of Spartan Warrior, an exercise staged at the GDF’s battle school at Tacama, during which they engaged with GDF officer cadets in training. They then completed four days of Jungle Fighter “Operation Stay Alive” at JATS. They will remain in Guyana for another two weeks and will be taking part in cultural exchange programmes in the Rupununi before departing for the USA..

COLWYN Harding, the young man who alleged that he was brutally baton-raped and otherwise assaulted by two police officers while in custody in 2013,was supposed to continue his testimony on Friday, however, the court was forced to adjourn the matter once more after Harding failed to appear. The trial was scheduled for contin-

for his arrest. On Friday, July 10,2015, the magistrate was forced to adjourn the trial, after the prosecutor failed to make an appearance on the second day of the trial. The two defence lawyers Sobers and Hanoman on that day had made a joint application for dismissal of the matter in

gagged him with his underwear and continued beating him. The witness explained that he was then dragged into the kitchen, where he was further interrogated and brutally beaten by the said officer, causing him to fall to his knees. Police Constables Devin Singh, of Lot 125 Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, and Roselle Tilbury-Douglas of Alliance Road, Timehri, East Bank Demerara, have been jointly charged with assaulting

slapped with an additional and separate assault charge. According to reports, the two police officers who were based at the Timehri Police Station, pushed a condom-covered baton up Harding’s anus in November, 2013. Harding, who was at the time a prisoner on remand for allegedly assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest, had suffered a ruptured intestine. Harding later underwent two private examinations, one at a private hospital

Police Constable Devin Singh

Female Police Constable, Roselle Tilbury-Douglas

uation at 10:30hrs at the Providence Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Leron Daley. However, also absent were special prosecutor Nigel Hughes, who was appointed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Attorney Glenn Hanoman and his client constable Devin Singh. The other defendant in the case,fem a l e p o l i c e o ff i c e r R o s e l l e Ti l bury-Douglas was joined by her lawyer Mr. Leslie Sobers,who was ready to proceed, but was greeted with the disappointing announcement of the August 17 adjournment by the magistrate. Magistrate Daley explained to the court that she had received a letter from prosecutor Hughes explaining that he was out of the country. There was however,no explanation for Constable Singh’s absence and as a result, the magistrate issued a warrant

the absence of the prosecution. However, the magistrate rejected the application. At the first hearing of the trial, Harding was called upon to testify about the incident leading to the charges,but suffered an emotional break- down while testifying. Before breaking down, Harding had testified that the police went to his home at Timehri,on November 15,2013 when he was with his girlfriend Tenisha Evans, and kicked down his backdoor. Harding said Constable Singh handcuffed him and dragged him into the bedroom,while the other officers continued to search the house. Singh, Harding had noted, had become annoyed when he denied being a member of the notorious “Hot Skull” gang and began beating him; when he tried to scream, he said the constable

Colwyn Harding assault trial again adjourned

Assault and baton-raped victim, Colwyn Harding Harding during the period November 1 to November 13, 2013, at the Timehri Police Station, so as to cause him actual bodily harm. Devin Singh was also

here and the other in Jamaica and the conclusion from both examinations was that a foreign object had been inserted into his anus.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 25, 2015

The Florida National Guard cadets with officers of the GDF

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 25, 2015

Abram Zuil Secondary wins regional science competition in Florida THE Ministry of Education wishes to congratulate the students and teachers of the Abram Zuil Secondary School, Essequibo, for excelling by winning first place at the recently held Sagicor Visionaries Challenge Regional Competition in Tampa, Florida. The national winners of the Sagicor Visionaries Challenge won the regional first place with its Rice Husk Particle Board Project. The Guyana delegation led by Athina Indar and the supervising teacher, Jerome Rajpersaud, went on an all-expense paid, seven-day STEM Ambassador Programme from July 12 to 18. The Rice Husk Particle Board Project illustrated how the rice husk particle board could be used as a low-cost, durable building material, while reducing the carbon dioxide emissions that result from burning of the rice husk, an agricultural waste product. Globally, there are several uses for rice husk, however, the project team decided to focus on its use for the manufacture of the rice husk particle board as a substitute for wood. Wood is commercially used in the construction industry, which has resulted in deforestation in many parts of the world. While Guyana enjoys a forest cover of over 80%, loss of the world’s forests has resulted in the

Marliene Chin, Sagicor Life Inc., Athina Indar, lead student and Mr. Jerome Raker, Teacher

reduced absorption of carbon dioxide which in turn has led to the enhanced greenhouse effect. This project looks at a two-fold solution: by using an agricultural waste product from the rice industry (rice husk) as a substitute for wood; and reducing dependency on the forest for wood. The Abram Zuil Secondary School won US$5,000 for the upgrade of the science programme at the

school. Later in the year, Sagicor Life Inc. is also expected to visit Guyana to make an official presentation to the school. The project was judged through a video conference on June 25, 2015 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The students were each allowed a four-minute presentation and an interactive session with the judges who were stationed in Barbados. The judg-

Winning project

es were selected from UWI – Cavehill, and CXC through the Caribbean Science Foundation. Abram Zuil’s project was the national winning project selected from over 63 entries. Guyana hosted the largest national fair in the Region in 2014 with the most entries. The team received a computerised Mobile Science & Technology Centre known as the “Vernier system” from the Caribbean Science Foundation, six CXC-approved science kits, a chal-

lenge trophy, and certificates. The other participating countries were Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, St. Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago and Tampa (Hillsborough County, U.S.A.). Queens College, Barbados, came in second position with their project - “The Green Way To Get Styrofoam Away.” This project was inspired by Styrofoam containers and how to not only get rid of them, but gain something else from the product. Using a lime juice concentrate, the students dissolved the containers into re-usable glue. The Bishop Martin Secondary School of Belize placed third with their projects by highlighting the use and benefits found in “Chaya,” a plant which has many healing components and nutrients. The Sagicor Visionaries Challenge is an annual, regional competition. It is a collaboration between the Caribbean Examinations Council and the Caribbean Science Foundation that seeks to boost institutional capacity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in secondary schools and provide students with a practical, hands-on approach to solving some of the problems facing their communities through effective, innovative and sustainable solutions.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 25, 2015

Usain Bolt wins 100m at Anniversary Games SIX-TIME Olympic champion Usain

Bolt had only raced once over 100m

Bolt dipped below 10 seconds to win

in 2015 before yesterday - 10.12 seconds

the 100m in 9.87 at the Anniversary

in April.

Games.

Competing on the track where he won

The Jamaican, who has been strug-

three gold medals at London 2012, Bolt

gling for form and fitness, won both his

started poorly in the final but overpow-

heat and the final in the same time in wet

ered his rivals in the last 10 metres.

conditions at the Olympic Stadium.

America’s Michael Rodgers was

“I really wanted to run faster,” said

0.03secs behind in second, while Bolt’s

Bolt, 28, who defends his world title

compatriot Kemar Bailey-Cole was

next month. “But it’s getting there.”

third in a personal best 9.92.

Bolt’s performances were season’s

Meanwhile, Britain’s double Olym-

bests and equal sixth-fastest times of

pic champion Mo Farah received a

the year over the distance.

great reception as he won the 3 000m.

Six-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt eases over the finish line ahead of Michael Rodgers, Kim Collins and Chijindu Ujah.

Hero Caribbean Premier League

Warriors and Red Steel clash for spot in final

… Simmons favours Queen’s Park win THE Amazon Warriors are hungrily pursuing their first Caribbean Premier League title but will face an in-form and dominant Red Steel later today in the second playoff of this Hero-sponsored 2015 edition. The Steel thumped the Jamaican Tallawahs on Thursday evening and now come face-to-face with the team that denied them the top of the table finish. Nonetheless, the Warriors are banking on their knowledge of the Queens Park Oval pitch and one player, Lendl Simmons feels that the pitch will suit

positive and having confidence in yourself that you can do well. Form is not like when you are hitting the ball cleanly or what the case might be. That happens as normal for every batsman. When you are consistent, that is when you are considered as having form. So I think it’s about going out there and expressing my form.” Meanwhile the Red Steel have their own in-form hitter, Darren Bravo, who has been hitting oppositions out of the Park. Darren alone slammed 86 (63 balls, 4x4 6x6) to put the Jamaican Tallawahs

several batsmen. “Going to Trinidad is a familiar pitch to me, Denesh (Ramdin) and Sunil (Narine) and we could use that to our advantage and I think that it might be a little better for stroke play for guys like (Brad) Hodge and (Umar) Akmal where the ball comes on a little better than in Guyana.” Simmons, who on Tuesday hammered an impressive 65 not out to deny the Red Steel their top-of-the-table spot, says that he will remain positive and confident as he heads to his home country of Trinidad and Tobago. “I think that form is just being

out of the competition on Thursday and has been the heart of the Steel’s resurgence. His older brother and Steel captain Dwayne Bravo chipped in as well with a 5-wicket haul to cap an emphatic win for the side. After the match, Dwayne shared his views about the side’s current performance. “We all enjoyed Darren batting and he is peaking at the right time. This was another match-winning innings and it is very important for us as a team for our best batter to be among the runs.” Today’s match begins at 16:30hrs. (By Stephan Sookram)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 25, 2015

WICB Regional U-15 tournament …

Guyana, T&T game washed out without a ball bowled

Trinidad and Tobago coach Glen Dwarika

THE round one game o f t h e We s t I n d i e s Cricket Board (WICB) R e g i o n a l U n d e r- 1 5 50-over tournament between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago was washed out without a ball being bowled yesterday at the Albion Sport Complex. The boundary edges

GUYOIL throws support behind blind cricket By Stephan Sookram THE Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL) has thrown its support behind the Guyana Blind Cricket team, set to take part in the Regional Blind Cricket Tournament in St Lucia. The company yesterday handed over $200 000 to the team to assist in offsetting their meals and accommodation for the tournament. Speaking during the brief ceremony, Theresa Pemberton, treasurer of the Guyana Blind Cricket Association, indicated that the

the weather, we were able to go and practise there during the morning hours. Of course we had our indoor practice at the gymnasium. We had two encampments which brought out a lot of the players and we know they are ready. We have a very young team.” Managing Director (ag) of GUYOIL, Lesley Benjamin indicated that they were surprised by the efforts made by the differently-able persons and are more than happy to contribute to the voyage. “We received a letter and we reviewed it with management and we came to the

Theresa Pemberton, treasurer of the Guyana Blind Cricket Association, is receiving the cheque from Managing Director (ag) of GUYOIL, Lesley Benjamin. National players Crystal Aulder and Musa Haynes, along with GUYOIL’s Senior Confidential Secretary Lynette Riddle share the moment. move by the company is one that has put several minds at ease. “It’s very significant. In fact, it’s heralding the move for our amazing accommodation because we were really worried about that. It would have been very uncomfortable for our players to give their best when they don’t know where they (were) going to stay. “However, we are very, very grateful to GUYOIL. They have done something for us that we cannot begin to say thanks for.” She has indicated that preparation-wise; the side had been hampered by the lack of a facility to practise as well as the weather but is still confident of a good showing. “We have been practising even though we had a tough time getting grounds. Malteenoes, we must say thanks to them. Once there was

decision that this is something that we want to be involved in. Being blind is already a challenge and seeing that these blind students can play cricket, we just wanted to give them a little push in the accommodation and meals and hope that our small donation can help them this year. Hopefully next year, we would increase it.” Meanwhile, it was revealed that of the $4.7 million budgeted for the tour to St Lucia, the team is still in the hole by $546 000. They however remained confident that Corporate Guyana will come to the fore and chip in. The government had contributed by granting tax waivers firstly to the team before handing-over $2M for the journey. The opening ceremony is billed for tomorrow with Guyana set to open their campaign on Wednesday against Barbados.

were the most affected areas and after three inspections, the umpires called off play at 13:30hrs. There was disappointment in both camps as well as for the spectators, who were mostly Trinidadians. Trinidad and Tobago coach Glen Dwarika believes that if the ground staff had worked more

diligently both teams could have enjoyed some cricket. “I am disappointed with the ground staff not doing their work. I know there are some patches up on the outfield and the boundary could have been brought in a little, but if the mopping up was done how it was sup-

posed to be done we could have had some cricket,” Dwarika said. Guyana coach Julian Moore said while it was disappointing, his players are now focused on the games ahead. Guyana will play the Leeward Islands in round two today at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 25, 2015

Three newcomers in Junior hockey team for Trinidad’s Players Tournament MESHACH Sargeant, Eleomar Silva and Troy Hodge are the three newcomers to the National Junior men’s team, as they intensify preparations for the 2016 edition of the Junior Pan American Championships, in Trinidad and Tobago. According to the team’s management, the August 1-8 tournament is the second phase in the team’s preparations. The players have been in training for a year, ending Phase 1 in December 2014, fol-

lowing a developmental tour of the Twin Island Republic, where they won 3 of their 4 matches. During that initial tour the players were able to train and compete on artificial turf, many doing so for the first time. Sessions were also conducted by some of Trinidad’s most senior national players who shared their experiences and techniques with the juniors. The coaches also indicated they were pleased

A session under the watchful eyes of coach Robert Fernandes

GABA Novices competition pushed back THE Guyana Amateur Boxing Association has postponed its National Novices boxing competition. The competition was scheduled to be held today and tomorrow at the East Ruimveldt Community Centre (California Square). However, GABA president Steve Ninvalle said that the recent spate of inclement weather has forced the association to push back the competition to August 8-9. He noted that California Square is an outdoor venue and rain is forecast for the next few days. When it punches off, the competition will put the Guyana Defence Force on a direct collision course the Guyana Prison Service. GDF were surprisingly dethroned by the Guyana Prison Service at the last Novices staged at the same venue. The Republicans, as the Prison Service is known, inflicted heavy damage on the army last year mainly due to hard work done by National coach Wincell

Thomas. The Boys from Camp and D’Urban Streets walked away with the Champion Gym trophy leaving GDF to play second fiddle. Meanwhile, this year’s competition will see the return of the Pocket Rocket Gym which has been relocated to Linden. The Region Ten-based gym is a part of nine gyms shortlisted to compete. The gyms are: Essequibo Boxing Gym, Forgotten Youth Foundation, Guyana Defence Force, Police, Harpy Eagles, New Opportunity Corps, Rose Hall Jammers, Republicans and Young Achievers. Last year the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) made a return to competitive boxing after an absence of over five years and would be participating again this year after GABA president held discussions with Brian King, Assistant Director of Youth in the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport.

with the Guyanese youngsters’ performances and ability to match skills with the higher-ranked Trinidadian National Squad in their 3-match series. The team’s participation in Trinidad’s Players tournament will present a new challenge for the squad with the team required to play two matches per day on some occasions. Head coach Robert Fernandes expressed his disappointment that the teams from Pakistan and Mexico, who were originally scheduled to participate, had since withdrawn. “I was hoping that the boys would get to experience the intensity and creativity that teams from those countries bring to the game. It would have contributed greatly to their development and helped to prepare them for the tough task we face next year of competing against the Pan American region’s best. This tournament will, however, allow us to assess players’ ability to perform under the significant pressure and physical demands this tournament will create.” According to the tournament’s current format Guyana will play Trinidadian Clubs Fatima, Queen’s Park, Malvern and Paragon twice in the

round-robin phase to qualify for the semifinal round. The team’s management is also working towards arranging a match against Trinidad’s Junior national side on the tournament’s rest day. The 18-man team, led by captain Mark Sargeant, features three players who were part of Guyana’s bronze medal-winning men’s squad at the Indoor Pan American Cup in Uruguay in 2014 - Andrew Stewart, Aroydy Branford and Sargeant. Shaquille Leung who was originally selected for the tour had the misfortune of having to undergo an appendectomy recently which ruled him out of the team. Other members include Medroy Scotland, Kareem McKenzie, Keon McKenzie, Rosario Ramsammy, Aroydy Branford, Andrew Stewart, Leon Bacchus, Stephon Sprosta, Deheron Wilkinson, Hilton Chester, Paramanand Dindial, Shemar Boston and Ato Greene. The ,anager is Devin Hooper and the coaches are Dwayne Alleyne and Robert Fernandes. The team has been fortunate to be partly funded by an Olympic Solidarity team preparation grant, thanks to the Guyana Olympic Association.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday July 25, 2015) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Tridents & Hawksbills (2) Lendl Simmons (Warriors vs Tallawahs, July 20, 2014)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) What were Sunil Narine’s bowling figures in the Warriors/Zouks Hero CPL 2015 game at Providence? (2) How many CPL games the Tridents have played at their home base?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Kenilworth 08:30 hrs Alpha Pegasi 09:10 hrs Priceless Jewel 09:50 hrs Sea Cat 10:55 hrs Ready togorightnow 11:30 hrs Sea Spray ENGLISH RACING TIPS York 08:45 hrs Chain Of Daisies 09:20 hrs Above The Rest 09:55 hrs Bragging 10:30 hrs Tanzeel 11:05 hrs Point Of Woods 11:40 hrs Corona Borealis 12:10 hrs Majestic Bond

Newmarket 08:55 hrs Muntazah 09:30 hrs Nayel 10:05 hrs Wee Jean 10:40 hrs Handsome Dude 11:50 hrs Wekeyli 12:25 hrs Fibre Optic ASCOT 09:05 hrs Besharah 09:40 hrs Portage 10:15 hrs Enlace 10:50 hrs Golden Horn 11:25 hrs See The Storm 12:00 hrs Plane Song IRISH RACING TIPS Wexford 09:25 hrs Georgia On My Mind 10:00 hrs Mr Right

10:35 hrs Nova 11:10 hrs Torthai An Ghra 11:45 hrs Rockview Emperor 12:20 HRS Askmour 12:50 hrs Raise The Beat AMERICAN RACING TIPS Saratoga Race 1 Boalt Hall Race 2 Rare Eagle Race 3 Smarty Kitten Race 4 Stay Tuned Race 5 Saratoga Mischief Race 6 Lewys Vaporizer Race 7 Bedford Land Race 8 Zambian Dream Race 9 Cocked and Loaded

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 25, 2015

Digicel Nationwide schools football reaches quarter-final stage AFTER a lull in action, play in the Digicel Nationwide schools football competition is set to resume tomorrow with quarterfinals planned for three venues. Defending champion Christianburg/Wismar will continue their quest for a fourth title when they face Region 4 champions Annandale at Wisburg ground. The hosts, who have looked an improved side after every encounter, will be depending on the likes of the skilful Omar Brewley, Dequan Hercules, Javon Bobb and last-time hero goalkeeper Tevin Crawford to bolster their chances of advancing. On the other hand, Annandale’s search for a semi-final place will rest on the shoulders of Damentry Grant, Trioni Semple and Jan Dooker. Last year’s beaten finalists Waramadong travel to Burnham Park in Berbice to take on Berbice High School and this encounter is a stern test for the three-time unlucky championship contenders. They will be looking towards the services of captain Mcferen George, Dean Rodrigues and Delman George to orchestrate a win, while BHS quest for victory will be spearheaded by the

likes of the prolific Shenar Arrindell with support from Rawle Bourne, Tozu Aaron and Derick Taylor. The other two matches at Leonora will see Chase Academy tackle Charity and Dolphin up against Annai. Chase Academy must be favoured to win this matchup, especially with Kelsey Benjamin in their line-up. This young ball-weaver has consistently shown his quality as a potent striker and stopping him will take some doing. The supporting casts are also capable of dominating opposing teams and are also deadly inside the penalty area. Players of the calibre of Jaleel Hamilton, Sese Norville, Andre Trotz and Job Caesar all possess skills that will make any defensive alignment tremble with fear. Charity, too, have some excellent players and Samson Culpepper, Barry Fraser and Ariel Chester are good enough to cause serious damage to Chase Academy’s aspirations. The Dolphin and Annai clash should see the latter move forward in emphatic fashion. Dolphin, who suffered a lopsided defeat against Sir Leon Lessons in their

Fernandes returns home... From back page resides. The Wales international, according to Fernandes has been assisting in off-season training. “It’s fantastic to have Deon here because she helps a lot. A lot of the top guys are not here, guys like Kristian (Jeffrey) and Alex Arjoon, so it’s been great having her here.” Meanwhile the world No. 44 says that she is overjoyed to have been invited to Guyana, describing her time so far as highly enjoyable. “It’s been perfect. I’ve had the opportunity to see Guyana and then train as well. It’s a nice compromise.” She indicated that this year, the players have been given a breathing room in terms of international competition. “This year we are lucky because we have had a really long summer break and we’ve had about three months rest. Last season we only had 5 weeks rest because of the Commonwealth Games.” The duo have about seven weeks before they return to competition which in some cases would run until the following year.

Georgetown Zone final, were reinstated following a protest, but will have to improve immensely in a short space of time to beat a very good Annai outfit. Shawn Mohamed and Malachi Nelson have been among the best players for them so far and they will have to play out of their skins to engineer a win.

Annai on the other hand are a very solid team both on the offensive and defensive ends of the field and skipper Garville Daniels and Naron Williams are a two-man wrecking crew and extremely potent in attack. They hold the edge and should progress to the next stage. All matches commence at 16:00hrs.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

GABA Novices competition pushed back See story on page 30

TONIGHT

Hero Caribbean Premier League

Warriors and Red Steel clash for spot in final … Simmons favours Queen’s Park win

See story on page 28

Digicel Nationwide Fernandes returns home for off-season training schools football reaches quarter-final stage By Stephan Sookram

NICOLETTE FERNANDES

GUYANA’S highest-ranked squash player Nicolette Fernandes is currently undergoing off-season training in Guyana with the aim of improving her world ranking. Chronicle Sport caught up with the world No. 24 to gain an insight as to how training is going. “A lot of it is off the court, it’s basically building your body back up after a long, gruelling season of on-court stuff and I think that the work that is put in during the three months off-season takes you through the season physically, because once a tournament starts you don’t have much time to improve physically. This is the big period. If you are going to improve physically, then it’s now.” The Guyanese has also brought a sparring partner this time around, the world No. 44, Deon Saffery, who is also her partner in England where she

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See page 31 Three-time defending champions Wismar/Christianburg Secondary School

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SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2015