2015 8 01

GUYANA No. 104268

SATURDAY AUGUST 1, 2015

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

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Butcher strangles, buries cattle farmer in

shallow grave

DEAD: Henry ‘Beminal’ Lalman

At UWI in Trinidad…

President urges reform of Region's Education system Page Ceremonial cutting of the ribbon to open the Debe-Penal campus in southern Trinidad of the UWI St Augustine. From left, UWI St Augustine Campus Principal, Clement Sankat; UWI Vice-Chancellor, Sir Hilary Beckles; Chancellor of the UWI, Sir George Alleyne; Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar; President of Guyana, David Granger; Trinidad’s Tertiary Education and Skills Training Minister, Senator Fazal Karim; and Trinidad’s Housing and Urban Development Minister, Dr Roodal Moonilall (Photo courtesy of UWI St Augustine)

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Gov’t gives $2M to ACDA

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The Courts family celebrate Emancipation Day

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– for Emancipation celebrations

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 1, 2015

Audit Office reports $1.2M in undocumented purchase

– of fuel, lubricants at CH&PA in 2013

By Derwayne Wills THE Audit Office of Guyana has uncovered undocumented purchases of fuel and lubricants by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) in 2013 amounting to more than $1.2M. These commodities were paid for by the entity that was previously known as

the Ministry of Housing and Water under the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government.

The 2013 Financial Audit of the CHPA, which now falls under the Ministry of Communities, has also revealed that, in that particular year, there were some 113 instances when fuel and lubricants had been purchased in the name of the agency,

but those purchases were not documented by the relevant authorities.

The Audit Office has further revealed that some 18 books were expected to be submitted on behalf of the CHPA to facilitate examination of the 2013 audit year, but ten log books purportedly in the keep of the CHPA were not presented for the audit. The other eight log books that were presented “were not properly maintained to reflect the journeys undertaken and the fuel consumption as per vehicle.”

The report, presented in the National Assembly on Thursday, July 30, revealed there were 36 instances when fuel and lubricants totalling $445,220 were not recorded in log books.

Similarly, there were 58 instances, totalling $590,001, when fuel and lubricants purchased could not be traced to eight log books; and further, there were 14 instances, totalling $233,469, when fuel was purchased in containers for use in generators, but no Turn to page 3 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 1, 2015

At UWI in Trinidad…

President Granger urges reform of Education system in the Caribbean

– says Region must be innovative and focus on long-term value creation, not short-term profit-making

Strolling through the newly opened campus are UWI Chancellor, Sir George Alleyne; and President David Granger (Photo courtesy of UWI St Augustine)

PRESIDENT David Granger has issued a call for the reformation of the Education system in the Caribbean to ensure that regional graduates are equipped to advance the Region’s industries and businesses

in the globally competitive market.

Speaking at the ceremonial topping-off and deed handover ceremony of the new state-of-the-art Debe-Penal campus in southern Trinidad of the University of the West

Indies (UWI), St Augustine, the Guyanese Head of State urged Regional leaders and senior tertiary education officials to recognise that the Region “must be innovative and focus on long-term value creation, not short-term prof-

Jamaica launches new electronic procurement system THE Government of Jamaica announced, yesterday, the launch of the country’s first electronic procurement platform, which will improve the efficiency and quality of public procurement.

The system was funded jointly by the Government of Jamaica and an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) technical assistance programme ‘Implementation of Electronic Government Procurement’.

It will provide an electronic system for government procuring and tendering agencies and suppliers, and automating activities performed by these parties, by integrating them on a single portal.

A statement from the IDB said the new system will result in significant savings

on annual public expenditures for goods, works and services in Jamaica. It will also contribute to decreased administrative costs through the streamlining of processes, increased competition through greater publicity of contracts and standardisation of practices, improved effectiveness of public spending, maximising and leveraging the potential of limited public resources and finally it will also increase transparency and give citizens the opportunity to access and control information about how public money is spent.

“The launching of this eTendering platform will ensure a more transparent and efficient process on government procurement in Jamaica. Suppliers will receive notifications about procurement opportunities,

and will be able to complete all stages of the tendering process electronically. I am certain that all stakeholders will be thrilled about this innovative approach,” said Cecile Maragh, Senior Director of Procurement and Asset Policy Unit.

The newly launched platform will include features such as online access to procurement legislation and regulations for all agencies and stakeholders; online advertising of bids; downloading of bid documents; contract award publication; electronic bid submission; e-mail notification of new bids to suppliers and; and an electronic procurement management information system that facilitates audit, as well as the extraction of data for statistical purposes.

it-making.”

“Higher education in the Caribbean must be reconfigured to support greater innovativeness in architecture, agriculture, culture, manufacturing, medicine, engineering, the sciences and business,” President Granger told the gathering.

President Granger, an alumnus of the UWI campus in St Augustine, Trinidad, said, “Higher education should contribute to the competitiveness of our enterprises and make the Caribbean a zone of prosperity.”

As a former student exposed to the multiculturalism of the Caribbean, the President acknowledged his Caribbean roots while urging the Region’s people to look beyond what divides them and “develop the capacity to conceptualise a collective future made possible by a transformative education system.”

The President said education stands at the center of regional integration, and in this regard, he said, “Caribbean states and peoples must cooperate with each other, not compete with each other, in order to achieve our common goals.”

Speaking to circumstances at home in Guyana, the President outlined what he called the “four horsemen of the Guyana apocalypse.” Those horsemen, according to Mr Granger, are crime, disease, ignorance, and poverty, which could all be tamed and eradicated by encouraging higher education.

Mr Granger, exercising his vast knowledge of history, explained that education was previously used to preserve the elite class, but in contemporary Caribbean, “education is the vehicle to achieve the good life.”

“Higher education in the Caribbean,” the Guyanese Head of State continued, “functions best when inequality is removed, when access is improved, and when an increasing number of persons can be better prepared to be citizens of the 21st century society.”

The President noted the goals of UWI and higher education in building an economy greater than the one inherited from former colonial masters, building cohesive societies, and establishing more inclusive political systems with citizen empowerment at the local and national levels.

Speaking to circumstanc-

es at home in Guyana, the President outlined what he called the “four horsemen of the Guyana apocalypse.”

Those horsemen, according to Mr Granger, are crime, disease, ignorance, and poverty, which could all be tamed and eradicated by encouraging higher education.

“Higher education has a pivotal role in unshackling us from these four horsemen and in opening opportunities to access the good life. Investments in education therefore are investments in the good life,” Mr Granger continued.

Outside of the opening of the south Trinidad campus, President Granger also met with Trinidadian officials including Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Energy and Energy Affairs Minister Kevin Ramnarine, and Planning and Sustainable Development Minister Dr Bhoendradatt Tewarie. (Derwayne Wills)

Audit Office reports... log book from the CHPA could verify this.

While the CHPA was reported to have an expenditure of $9.9M in fuel and lubricants for the audit year 2013, the Audit Report noted, that “the accuracy and validity of the amount expended for the purchase of fuel and lubricants could not be easily verified,” because of poor log-keeping.

Customarily, the management of the Authority is given the right to respond to the findings and recommendations made by the Audit Office.

Where the Audit Office offered a number of recommendations to address their findings, the CHPA management acknowledged the findings with an assurance for all accounts that “systems will be put in place to ensure that log books are maintained and presented for future audits.”

Under the previous Administration, the CHPA fell under the purview of former Housing and Water Minister

Irfaan Ali. The revelations on the CHPA contained in the Audit Office’s 2013 report come as Minister of State Joseph Harmon, under the newly-elected David Granger Administration, reported in June about alleged abuse of fuel from the Guyana Oil Company Limited (GUYOIL) by officials in some Government agencies, as well as by their relatives and friends.

Harmon had called for the oil company to produce a report documenting the withdrawal of fuel from the oil company on behalf of Government agencies.

Three agencies implicated in those allegations were the Ministry of Housing and Water, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Natural Resources Ministry.

The Guyana Chronicle is unaware if that report has been submitted.

Ali had issued a statement in the Guyana Times daily newspaper earlier this

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month calling for the Minister of State to publish evidence to support claims made against the Ministries over which Ali formerly presided.

Apart from his responsibility for the Housing and Water Ministry, Ali had also held responsibility for the Tourism Ministry. He relinquished both positions after the APNU+AFC coalition defeated the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government at the May 11 polls, ending that party’s 23 years in Government.

Aside from the purchase of lubricants and fuel, the report also revealed that $468,183 spent on vehicle supplies were undocumented, which presented challenges to the completion of the audit, since records on which vehicles received the supplies could not be found.

The Audit Office report found that, in this regard, the CHPA had violated the Stores Regulations Act of 1993.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 1, 2015

Walkout at Taliban leadership meeting raises specter of split (Reuters) THE Taliban meeting this week where Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour was named as the Islamist militant group’s new head, several senior figures in the movement, including the son and brother of late leader Mullah Omar, walked out in protest.

The display of dissent within the group’s secretive core is the clearest sign yet of the challenge Mansour faces in uniting a group already split over whether to pursue peace talks with the Afghan government and facing a new, external threat, Islamic State.

Rifts in the Taliban leadership could widen after confirmation this week of the death of elusive founder Omar.

Mansour, Omar’s longtime deputy who has been effectively in charge for years, favors talks to bring an end to more than 13 years of war. He recently sent a delegation to inaugural meetings with Afghan officials hosted by Pakistan, hailed as a breakthrough.

But Mansour, 50, has powerful rivals within the Taliban who oppose negotiations and have been pushing for

Mullah Omar’s son Yaqoob to take over the movement.

Yaqoob and his uncle Abdul Manan, Omar’s younger brother, were among more than a dozen Taliban figures who walked out of Wednesday’s leadership meeting held in the western Pakistani city of Quetta, according to three people who were at the shura, or gathering.

“Actually, it wasn’t a Taliban Leadership Council meeting. Mansoor had invited only members of his group to pave the way for his election,” said one of the sources, a senior member of Taliban in Quetta. “And when Yaqoob and Manan noticed this, they left the meeting.”

Among those opposing Mansour’s leadership are Mullah Mohammad Rasool and Mullah Hasan Rahmani, two influential Taliban figures with their own power bases who back Yaqoob.

But Mansour got a boost late on Friday with the surprise backing of his longtime rival, battlefield commander Abdul Qayum Zakir, a former inmate of the U.S. prison in Cuba’s Guantanamo Bay.

Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour, Taliban militants’ new leader, is seen in this undated handout photograph by the Taliban.

Reuters/Taliban Handout/Handout via Reuters

Akhtar Mohammad Mansour.

Let me assure that this isn’t true”.

A Taliban command-

In a letter published on the Taliban website, Zakir wrote that he had read reports “that I had differences with Mullah

timate Mansour only directly controls about 40 percent of fighters in the field, he said.

That could make it difficult for him to deliver on any ceasefire that could emerge from future negotiations.

And Taliban insiders say that by sending a three-member delegation to meet Afghan officials in the Pakistani resort of Murree earlier in July, Mansour sparked new criticism.

Especially riled were members of the Taliban’s political office in Qatar, who insisted only they were empowered to negotiate.

“People ... were not happy with Mullah Mansour when he agreed with Pakistan ... to hold a meeting with Kabul,” said a Taliban commander based in Quetta.

“The Qatar office wasn’t taken into confidence before taking such an important decision.”

Seven Libyan soldiers killed in clashes with Islamic State near the oil port of Bregaattack, one military official said. Two more soldiers were killed when the government sent reinforcements. Five were wounded.

“Fighting is continuing some 100 kilometers outside Ajdabiya,” one official said.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement on social media, say-

(Reuters) SEVEN Libyan soldiers were killed on Friday when Islamic State militants stormed a checkpoint manned by forces loyal to the official government, military officials said.

Five soldiers were killed and 15 have been missing since the Islamic State fighters attacked the checkpoint outside the eastern town of Ajdabiya,

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er close to Zakir, Nasrallah Akhund, confirmed by telephone that Zakir wrote the letter.

PEACE TALKS IN JEOPARDY The leadership gathering was held outside Quetta, where many Taliban leaders have been based since their hardline regime in Afghanistan was toppled in a 2001 U.S.-led military intervention.

Afghan Taliban leaders have long had sanctuaries in Pakistan, even as Pakistani government officials have denied offering support in recent years.

Mansour leads the Taliban’s strongest faction and appears to control most of its spokesmen, websites and statements, said Graeme Smith, senior Afghanistan analyst for the think-tank International Crisis Group. But some intelligence officials es-

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ing it had captured ammunition and military equipment. It said it had attacked 200 soldiers.

Islamic State has exploited a growing security vacuum in Libya, where two governments and parliaments are fighting for control four years after the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi.

The official prime minister has been based in the east, working with his cabinet out of hotels, since the capital, Tripoli, was seized by a rival group that set up its own government.

Both sides command loose coalitions of former anti-Gaddafi rebels. After Gaddafi’s ouster,

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the various factions split along political, regional and tribal lines.

Militants loyal to Islamic State, the group which has seized much of Syria and Iraq, has built up a large presence in Sirte, to the west of Ajdabiya.

Separately, India said on Friday that four of its nationals had been detained near Sirte, but that it had secured the release of two of them. The Indian government did not say who was behind the detention of the men but said it was in touch with the families concerned.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 1, 2015

PM: I don’t smoke weed PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said last night that she does not smoke marijuana.

And she is considering creating a Ministry of Defence in her new term if she is re-elected on September 7.

She was speaking during what was dubbed a “leadership exchange” at the studios of state owned Caribbean News Media Group (CNMG) where she fielded questions from a panel comprising political analyst Derek Ramsamooj, economist Dr Morgan Job and former People’s National Movement (PNM) councillor Isha Wells who asked the PM the question on whether she smoked marijuana.

CNMG had invited the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley to

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE: Caribbean New Media Group (CNMG) CEO Ken Ali, left, speaks with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar before the start of last night’s “leadership exchange” hosted by the state-owned media group. Seated from right are the panelists who posed questions to the PM — political analyst Derek Ramsamooj, former PNM councillor Isha Wells and economist Dr Morgan Job. —Photo: Curtis Chase

Beware of traffickers

- cops warn Jamaicans of sham overseas job offers (Jamaica Gleaner) JAMAICANS are being warned that they could fall prey to human trafficking as people, including professionals, seek and are offered employment in other countries. While it is a fact that persons living in abject poverty are at much greater risk, the innate human drive for self-improvement puts everyone at risk of being snared by the lure of chance at a better life.

“Everyone is vulnerable because even as doctors, nurses and police officers, we are always endeavouring to improve ourselves and hence we will try to acquire employment in places we believe are of a more enhanced nature than where we are,” Detective Sergeant Kemisha Gordon of the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Branch told The Gleaner yesterday.

Gordon, who participated in a discussion forum on human trafficking hosted by the Management Institute for National Development (MIND) at its Old Hope Road, St Andrew office, explained why professionals are not immune to the

lure of human traffickers.

“Some of us may desire to go overseas to work, and if we are not careful, we can find ourselves recruited, given the same promises of a certain kind of pay, improved lifestyle and so on, and we can fall prey to these kinds of things.

“It’s much easier for somebody who is poverty-stricken to be trafficked, simply because of their destitute situation, but there is nothing to say that persons who we think are intellectuals will not fall prey, because in the effort to improve ourselves things can happen, but it’s really more the persons who are poverty stricken and trying to make a little money to improve their lives. However, everyone should be on guard, everyone needs to be careful. We need to check and double-check whenever we are getting involved in certain things,” she warned.

“In the 21st Century we are still grappling with the reality of slavery in the most inhumane conditions,” added Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Clifford Chambers, also assigned to the Count-

er-Terrorism and Organised Crime Branch.

More than 200 years after the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade in Africans officially ended in the Caribbean, organised criminals are still swimming in cash from the lucrative, dehumanising trade in human cargo. Chambers told the forum that gross annual earnings are estimated to be in excess of US$32 billion.

With some 800,000 women, girls and an increasing number of boys sold as cargo each year, human trafficking is running a close second to the trade in illicit guns and drugs, “and is now considered to be the fastest growing and largest criminal industry in the world,” SSP Chambers disclosed.

Modern-day slavery affects every country irrespective of sophistication, with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reporting

that victims were citizens of 152 different countries.

The primary target groups include: -Young, bright women who are usually lured with the promise of better jobs or the opportunity to further their education.

- School dropouts - Young single mothers in deprived circumstances - Boys, usually from deprived circumstances - Men deceived by promises of good jobs, only to have their travel documents taken away once they land overseas and forced into back-breaking labour.

a leaders debate but Rowley declined as he had already committed to two debates to be hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Debates Commission (TTDC) next month.

The Prime Minister has said that she was only available to debate on July 30.

Last night Persad-Bissessar answered questions on the economy, national security, governance and human and social development.

Wells pointed out that last year there was a multi-million dollar drug bust where cocaine was discovered in juice cans shipped from Trinidad to Virginia, United States. She asked what was being done to deal with the issue of the drug trade.

Persad-Bissessar said there was always room for improvement in dealing with national security issues and in a new term the country can expect even more stronger measures.

“I’m looking to, in our new term to create a separate Ministry of Defence,” said Persad-Bissessar, noting that at present there are the Ministries of Justice, Legal Affairs,

the Ministry of the Attorney General and National Security.

She said the protective services — the police and defence force fall under the National Security Ministry and a new Ministry of Defence can focus specifically on dealing with border control and locking down this country’s borders to prevent the infiltration of guns and drugs.

Right decision to scrap OPVs She pointed out that her Government procured three of 12 vessels to patrol and protect the borders. Wells asked whether the Prime Minister was admitting that an error was made in scrapping the Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) that the PNM had bought.

“No, I am totally convinced it was the right decision,” said Persad-Bissessar, adding that the money saved was utilised for buying CCTV cameras, police vehicles, GPS systems and putting more human resources in the security system.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 1, 2015

EDITORIAL

Guyana

The significance of Emancipation TODAY is Emancipation day - a day when Guyanese, in particular, African Guyanese, observe the ending of chattel slavery and the dawn of freedom from servitude.

We take the opportunity to salute our African Guyanese brothers and sisters as they celebrate with the rest of Guyana what is easily the most important day on their calendar and by extension the Guyanese calendar.

Emancipation day on August 1, 1838 was an important day, because it brought a formal end to perhaps the most inhu-

man institution in the history of humanity. Of course this institution was a global phenomenon designed and executed by Europeans in pursuit of accumulation of wealth upon which present day European development was built.

This is a critical aspect of the Emancipation Story as it explains the current disparity in development among countries. It was this theory that was so ably articulated by our own Dr. Walter Rodney in his famous book, ‘How Europe underdeveloped Africa’.

Another significance of Emancipation is that it not only draws attention to

the horrors of slavery but it represents in a profound way the overcoming of slavery. It is often a forgotten aspect of the Emancipation narrative. Resistance to enslavement was an integral part of the period of enslavement. Whether it was the runaway slaves or the numerous slave uprisings, the enslaved Africans did not surrender to slavery. Here in Guyana the famous uprisings of 1763 and 1823 are inscribed in our consciousness. Emancipation eventually came not through the slave masters’ change of heart, but by the persistent resistance of the enslaved.

Emancipation also became the springboard for the historic Village Movement. Mere months out of bondage, the freed Africans bought lands and turned them into villages. In doing so they transformed Guyana from a slave castle to a bastion of civilisation.

What we now know as the Guyanese nation can trace its practical roots to the Village Movement. The Village Movement was not replicated in other parts of the African Diaspora - its African Guyanese gift to Guyana and the world.

While Emancipation is an African Guyanese-grounded experience,

it has had wider consequences. When African Guyanese won their freedom, they ensured that other Guyanese who arrived after emancipation could not come in chains. Emancipation freed all Guyanese from slavery.

Despite the above, many African Guyanese scholars and cultural leaders have argued that emancipation is both a moment and a process. The moment in 1838 closed formal slavery, but the legacy of enslavement still haunts

Africans all over the diaspora. So as we celebrate another Emancipation anniversary, let us as a nation redouble our efforts to wipe away the blood and tears of slavery and make Emancipation a reality of Freedom, Equality and Justice for the sons and daughters of the enslaved and for all Guyanese regardless of race, ethnicity and culture.

Happy Emancipation Day to all Guyanese, and to all of our readers!

Gov’t gives $2M to ACDA for Emancipation celebrations THE Government of Guyana yesterday donated $2 million to the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) for the hosting of Emancipation celebrations.

According to a release, the donation is timely as it comes as ACDA prepares to host this country’s 2015 Emancipation celebrations, today.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon handed over the cheque, yesterday, to ACDA’s volunteer Gail Napoleon, on behalf of the Government and President David Granger.

He congratulated ACDA on the work the association has been doing and expressed the hope that Government’s financial contribution “will make the celebration better than it was last year.”

The ACDA volunteer thanked the Minister and said ACDA’s aim is to eventually make it convenient for all Guyanese to participate in her organisation’s annual Emancipation activity at the National Park, free of charge.

Yesterday’s donation brings Government’s financial assistance to ACDA thus far to $5 million, as $3 million was previously handed over to the organisation.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon handing over the cheque to ACDA volunteer Gail Napoleon, yesterday (Jules Gibson photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 1, 2015

Hinds’Sight

Dr. David Hinds ET me straight off wish understand that you can be my African Guyanese all you want to be--socialist, brethren and sisterin a capitalist, Muslim, Chrishappy Emancipation. It tian, non-racist, multirafeels good to hear more cial--and still be Black. In a and more Black people highly race-centered world, using the word Emanci- race is a central part of one’s pation, and celebrating its existence, especially when meaning. Like most Afri- that race happens to be a can-centered phenomena, historically subjugated one. it has been a struggle to As Walter Rodney said, if insert Emancipation in the someone uses your race to popular consciousness. It dehumanise you, then you has always pained me to must use your race to affirm see Black people run from your humanity.

I believe in the brothertheir blackness, but we hood and sisterhood of manseem to be slowly coming kind. But my brotherhood home.

As the Christian song to those of another race is a goes, “Come home, Come mere sham if I deny my own home, ye who are weary racial identity, or, worse yet, come home, calling all sin- hate it. That’s why it hurts when I see Black people in ners, come home.”

There has been no bigger white circles, trying to act sinner against the Blackman whiter than whites, or in since emancipation, than the the case of Guyana, blacks Blackman himself. Most in the PPP behaving more Black people don’t seem to Indian than the Indians. As

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The African Guyanese community must recapture its Emancipation Spirit the calypsonian, Chalkdust, so accurately puts it in one of his most profound calypsos “Though slavery done... there are some black people still providing whites with jokes…How can a Barbadian be more Yankee more than a Yankee…Them people laughing at we.”

While 177 years after Emancipation, Africans have a lot to be proud of, we still have a lot of work to do to emancipate ourselves from self-hatred and cultural blindness or “Mental Slavery’. African-Guyanese are guilty of derailing the foundation left by their ancestors. Somewhere along the way he/she lost his/her way. Somewhere along the way he lost faith in his ability to overcome. Somewhere along the way he dumped the emancipation spirit and stripped himself of his cul-

tural clothing.

Every race has its strengths and they must be celebrated, but progress is premised not only on celebration of strengths, but on recognition of, and struggle against, weaknesses. That is one of the profound lessons of Emancipation. So, as we celebrate Emancipation, we must be conscious of the challenges facing the African Guyanese community; they are enormous. There can be no doubt about the tremendous contribution of the African Guyanese in humanising, nurturing, and holding Guyana together; a contribution that must always guarantee them a permanent role in the governance of the country. As is the case with other races, there is no Guyana without the African-Guyanese.

This Emancipation an-

niversary is a good time to start correcting some of those wrongs. The African in Guyana must begin the task of self-love today. He must begin sending his children to school again. She must begin to engage in productive economic activity both individually and collectively. He must support Black endeavours, not out of spite against another race, but out of genuine intra-group solidarity. She must join African cultural organisations.

Whether in Guyana or the Diaspora, the African man and woman must organise not simply to put a Black party in power or to keep an Indian party out of power, but more importantly, to recapture his/her cultural balance. He/ she must fight not for racial/ political domination, but for equality of opportunity,

equality in management and equality of outcome. Being insulting and aggressive to, and jealous and contemptuous of other races do not lift your race. Being anti-Indian is not the same as being proBlack.

How much longer will we continue this delusionary existence? How much longer will we continue to dance to the drum of defeat, while ignoring the drum of progress? I humbly submit that the African-Guyanese come to his/her senses, the better.

So, Mr. and Miss African, ACDA, Cuffy250 and all the Pan-Africanists-Afrocentric elites and believers, after the Emancipation celebrations, it’s time to get to work. Don’t wait for next August, the task of emancipation is constant.

St. Joseph Mercy Hospital School of Nursing graduates 64th batch

By Michel Outridge THE St. Joseph Mercy Hospital School of Nursing has graduated its 64th batch of Registered Nurses (RNs), and the efforts of the 17 medical professionals were recognised during a ceremony on the tarmac of the school’s Kingston location on Thursday, July 30.

Chief Executive Officer of the School, Dr. Vivakeanand Bridgemohan, in addressing the gathering, urged the graduates to not only reflect on the challenges and successes of the past, but to focus on the potential for a brighter future.

While Dr. Bridgemohan believes that medical professionals today face greater difficulty in the execution of their duties, he is confident that the training these nurses

have received will ensure they excel.

“You are the professional workforce in health care for the Guyana of today and tomorrow. Go out there and demonstrate nothing else but high standard of practice and care. The challenge to excel, to stand out, will be much greater than in the past; but the rigorous and thorough training you had leaves me no doubt that you would excel as high calibre Mercy Nurses,” he told the RNs. Similarly, Director of the School of Nursing, Nurse Elsie Asabere, urged the group of RNs to make the institution proud. She expressed optimism that this batch would continue the promotion of the brand of Mercy Nurses being recognized as among the best in

-seeking to upgrade level to degree in Nursing

The graduates, tutors and other staff of the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital School of Nursing.

the country.

In giving her annual report, Nurse Asabere indicated that 19 students were initially enrolled. There are currently 11 senior student nurses and another 11 juniors.

The School Director in-

dicated an intention to have two intakes, one in September and another in March, which will see the institution making a greater contribution to the national nursing population.

“The nursing school has been around for so many

years, and it is just appropriate that we upgrade our level. We are working with the accreditation council to see if we can upgrade from RN to BSc Nursing,” Director Asabere disclosed.

If successful, the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing

could be offering a degree in Nursing.

This was precisely the encouragement offered to graduates. “You can’t stay an RN forever; you can go as high as you want,” said Nurse Asabere.

The St Joseph Hospital School of Nursing was started by the Sisters of Mercy in 1946. The School was officially opened by Sister Mary Kateri with two classes of twenty students each.

The nurses were and still are of every race and creed, and have served Guyana and the world with distinction.

The School of Nursing is situated on the grounds of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital at Parade St. in Kingston, Georgetown.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 1, 2015

Butcher strangles, buries cattle farmer in shallow grave - in Berbice

THE body of 76-year-old cattle farmer Henry Lallman, called ‘Benimal’ was on Thursday afternoon discovered in a shallow grave at Lot 34 Kingstown in Skeldon, Berbice, in the backyard of a butcher.

This was some two days after he had left his home to collect $220,000 from the butcher.

The Guyana Chronicle was informed that Lallman, of # 55 Village, Corentyne, Berbice is the owner of several herd of cattle, and had credited a man beef as part of a business arrangement. That man has been identified as Asif Hamid of Skeldon, who is now in police custody after reportedly confessing to killing the man.

The information received was that Lallman is also a friend of the father of the suspect and went to the home of the suspect to collect monies for the meat which was credited to him. Upon Lallman’s arrival, however, the man did not have all of the cash to pay him.

The cattle farmer was expected to collect close to $220,000 from the suspect and when the suspect realised that he did not have that amount of cash, he reportedly strangled Lallman.

The butcher then proceeded to dig a grave at the back of his yard measuring six feet in length and three feet in depth, after which he tossed the man’s body inside and covered it with a zinc sheet.

After Lallman’s relatives realised that he was nowhere to be found, they launched a search for him while also filing a missing person’s report with the police. The cattle farmer was last seen on Monday, July 27 at the home of the butcher.

After the grace period had passed for the police to launch an investigation into the man who was reported missing, they also decided to question the butcher in whose presence the cattle farmer was seen on the day in question.

After intensive interrogation, the butcher who is also said to be an alcoholic, confessed to the police that he murdered the pensioner by strangling him and burying his body. He took investigators and showed them where he buried the man and also explained to them why he did it.

According to him, after he was unable to pay Lallman the money that he owed him, he became afraid and killed the man as he thought that he might have returned and informed his (the butcher’s father) that he was not managing the business properly.

Asif’s father had left him in charge of the butcher shop and was expecting him to run same and save the profits to be handed over at intervals. The man however, used the profits from the business to support his drinking habit.

When the police pulled the remains of the cattle farmer from the shallow grave, he was lying face down.

Police sources also confirmed that when they checked

DEAD: Henry ‘Beminal’ Lalman (Photo credit: Inewsguyana) the body they also found that he had marks of violence around his neck which were consistent with the story that was told them by the suspect.

A post mortem was conducted on the body by Dr Vivikanand Brijmohan, at the Skeldon Hospital Mortuary, and the cause of death was recorded as ‘manual strangulation’.

The suspect, a user of illicit drugs, along with his father is currently detained by police. Charges will be laid shortly. (Leroy Smith and Jeune Bailey Vankeric)

CEO Burrowes resigns from Go-Invest THE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Go-Invest, Mr Keith Burrowes, confirmed yesterday that he has resigned from the entity, and he says that his resignation this time is final.

Presently on leave, Burrowes told the Guyana Chronicle that he does not intend to go into the reasons for his resignation, but that he supports the decisions by the Government to improve the image and performance of the investment agency.

This newspaper was subsequently informed that, shortly after he tendered his resignation letter, Mr Burrowes was issued a ‘termination’ letter stating that his services were no longer needed at Go-Invest.

Soon after Regional and General Elections had been held, Burrowes had resigned from Go-Invest following criticism of the agency by some sec-

Go-Invest CEO, Mr Keith Burrowes

tions of the business community; but he had subsequently put his resignation on hold following a meeting with Minister of Business, Mr Dominic Gaskin.

Peeved by the criticism, Burrowes had suggested that his critics should have furnished him with their suggestions before laying blame on Go-Invest.

In October last year, he had resigned as a Director of GuySuCo, and from all indications, his resignation was accepted by the former Donald Ramotar Administration.

Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, had said the country’s premier investment agency is set to undergo major reform, with strong attention being placed on fairness, transparency, good governance, and aggressive promotion of the agency, both locally and abroad.

“Transparency has been very dear to us over the years. We constantly lament-

ed the lack of information available to the public, and we realise, too, that in the absence of hard data, it gives rise to speculation; and most of the time speculation is not healthy.

“It does not help Guyana; it does not build confidence in the system and in our institutions. The thinking is (that) if people have information, people can know what we are doing,” a confident Gaskin had said.

The Government recently appointed a new board for Go-Invest.

The board is being chaired by Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, and the other members are Mr Rajendra Singh, Mr Michael Hutson, Mr Neville Totaram, Ms Patricia Bacchus, Professor Shamir Ally and Mr Basil Blackman. The board would also include a member of the Opposition in Parliament.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 1, 2015

‘Put the stakeholders first’Minister of State tells GGMC at 36th anniversary lunch THE Hon. Joseph Harmon, Minister of State with responsibility for the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC),

Minister of State Joseph Harmon delivering his remarks

He said President David Granger, during the course of the week, met with the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA) and several members of the GGMC, and it was revealed that there were many systems in place which were hampering the work and efficiency of the body and the mining sector as a whole.

This, he related, included the increasing number of court matters engaging the GGMC and the non-enforcement of existing laws governing the sector. “These are matters, which as a nation, we have to address because in the view of many, there are too many injunctions, tied-up injunctions… So the whole system seems to be tied up by injunctions … and this is something we will have to address. ” He disclosed that the Government has given its commitment to ensuring that the GGGMC operates in an environment which “unshackles all of these archaic rules and regulations and injunctions that “tie up” the Commission and make it an ineffective tool of the State.” The new Administration will be appointing a mining officer who will be responsible for dealing with regulatory issues.

“Going to court is wasting a lot of time and we were advised of the provision in the act for a Mining Officer, which is a particu-

Minister of State Joseph Harmon addressing the gathering; also in the picture at the head table are: (from left) Mr. Newell Dennison, Chairperson; Mr. Rickford Vieira, Commissioner, GGMC; Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman; and Dr. Grantley Walrond, Former Commissioner, GGMC yesterday said that as the agency celebrates its 36th anniversary, it must always put the country and its stakeholders first in its operations.

These comments were made even as he promised the organisation new and improved systems, which will be put in place to ensure that the Commission is effectively managed.

Minister Harmon who was at the time speaking to special invitees and staff of the Commission at the anniversary luncheon at the Princess Hotel, said that the GGMC has responsibility for the country’s natural resources and as such, should ensure that every action taken is in the interest of the country and its citizens.

lar magistrate who is assigned to deal with mining matters… We will explore that possibility to ensure that a particular magistrate is designated for that purpose even if it’s one day or two days a week to deal with mining matters, so that these matters can be cleared up as quickly as possible…”, the minister said.

“We believe that the protection of our natural resources, the national patrimony, is a serious responsibility which we have to exercise as a Commission. It is the intention of the Government to provide the GGMC with the resources necessary to carry out duties in a fair and fearless manner,” Minister Harmon said, to much applause from the audience.

A section of the gathering at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s 36th Anniversary Luncheon at the Princess Hotel.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 1, 2015

Technical Institutes offering opportunities to develop viable workforce without charge A Ministry of Education press release has said that the Technical, Vocational and Education Training (TVET) Centres are poised to continue providing quality training across Guyana to meet the increasing demand for persons who are certified, competent, and trainable.

TVET covers those aspects of the education process involving the study of technologies and related sciences, and the acquisition of practical skills and general education. TVET also enables students to cultivate attitudes, understanding and knowledge relating to occupations in various sectors of the economy.

Essentially, the TVET programme was designed to contribute to the attainment of national goals for technical and vocational education and training, and to meet the changing demand for a skilled workforce. These include: meeting the need for highly skilled craftspersons and technicians through education and training during and after the secondary school level; making education and training opportunities available to all, regardless of ethnic origin, sex, scholastic ability, aptitude, or place of residence; helping to develop competencies needed for successful transition from school

to work, with emphasis on leadership skills, personal employability skills and moral worth; ensuring that students/trainees acquire the competencies needed for employment or self-employment in occupations of their choice and for which there are employment opportunities; promoting programmes which are developed through collaboration with employers; and providing training or retraining for workers whose skills and technical knowledge must be updated, as well as those whose jobs might be made redundant due to increasing efficiency, automation, or economic change.

The release details that a number of persons have continued on to the University of Guyana and were able to pursue careers in various disciplines, including the legal and medical professions.

The Ministry’s focus on developing a well versed workforce speaks to its commitment to Guyana’s human development, the release posits.

The Ministry recognizes that a country with a certified and knowledge-based workforce is an economy that shows significant growth potential; and with links and partnerships with the various sectors and industries, TVET institutions

Sampling a meal from a solar cooker

and the formal education system can achieve education and training for sustainable development.

Through the Council for TVET, the Education Ministry has been working with counterparts in the Caribbean to implement a certification programme that would allow graduates to work in any Caribbean territory through the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ). This certification is based on rigorous quality assurance guidelines set up by the Caribbean Associ-

ation of National Training Authorities, the technical arm of Caricom, and is also internationally benchmarked.

Among the wide range of occupational subjects offered at the TVET Centres are: Plumbing, Light Motor Vehicle, Heavy Duty Operation and Maintenance, Agriculture Machinery, Metal Work Engineering, Fabrication and Welding, Electrical Installation, Carpentry, Furniture making, Commercial Food Preparation, General Cosmetology, Computer & Data Operation, Masonry, Administrative Principles and Practices, Office Ad-

Students view the booths

ministration, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Land Surveying, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil and Building Construction, Science, Telecommunication, Arts and Crafts (Fibre Arts, Surface decoration, Leather Craft), Crop and Soil, and Garment Construction.

These TVET programmes are currently being offered at Centres in Regions 2 (Essequibo Technical Institute); 3 (Leonora Technical Institute); 4 (GTI and Carnegie School of Home Economics); 5 (Mahaicony Technical Institute), 6 (Upper Coren-

tyne Technical Institute and New Amsterdam Technical Institute); and 10 (Linden Technical Institute). Registration is currently ongoing, and application forms are available at all the Institutes. Anyone 15 years and over, who may wish to upgrade a current skill or learn a new skill; may not have completed school; or may be working but without a certificate, is eligible to apply for admission to a programme of their choice.

The Ministry of Education wishes to advise that studying at any TVET Centre nationwide is free of cost.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 1, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 1, 2015

REFLECTIONS ON EMANCIPATION

BY TOTA C. MANGAR

THIS month of August, 2015, marks the 181st anniversary of Emancipation. It was on August 1, 1834, that the despicable system of slavery was abolished in all British colonies, including Guyana, the former British Guiana.

Such a development

emerged as a consequence of intense and persistent struggle, sacrifice, and resistance by the victims themselves, along with the valiant efforts of energetic supporters such as religious leaders, humanitarians, politicians, and enlightened individuals of the day.

Our history tells us that our Afro-Guyanese forefathers were first brought here

by the Dutch to provide enslaved labour during the early decades of the 17th century in the Dutch quest for settlement and colonisation. This was part of a wider and forced movement of people from the continent of Africa to the West Indian islands and the Americas, which was initiated more than a century earlier by European colonisers.

Slavery in the New World was institutionalised by the Europeans on the grounds of economic necessity through the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.

The end-result was that millions of Africans were uprooted from their homeland through trickery, kidnapping, raids, bribery, and other forms of deception and taken against their will to these parts, where

they found themselves thrust into the monstrous system of plantation slavery.

In order to justify their actions, Europeans quite arrogantly argued that slavery was in existence in Africa even before they made contact with that continent. But let me hasten to say that the slavery which existed in Africa before the advent of New World slavery was a completely different system. It was more or less a social institution.

Africans saw it as an honour and obligation to give service to their rulers in the army, in agriculture, in construction works, and in other areas of development. It was a relatively humane system, which permitted upward social mobility and enhanced dignity and pride.

On the contrary, the slavery that emerged in the West Indies and the Americas due to European imposition was characterised by greed, injustice, cruelty, and gross exploitation. There was nothing humane about the system, and the victims were reduced to the status of ‘properties or things’ of their masters. It is little wonder that prominent African scholar Dr. Ajayi aptly states that it is absurd to use the same word “slavery” to describe the two systems, the humane social institution in existence in Africa as against the very oppressive economic institution which unfolded in the New World as a consequence of European imposition.

The Trans-Atlantic slave trade and plantation slavery were degrading, demoralising, and dehumanising to the victims in every sense of the word. From the very outset, it required supreme sacrifice and valiant struggle to survive this obviously harsh and oppressive system.

It was not surprising therefore that resistance quickly

Tota Mangar

became an integral part of the system. Our foreparents resisted capture on the African continent itself; they adopted innovative methods of resistance on board the overcrowded slave ships while crossing the Middle or Atlantic Passage; and on the plantations, they justifiably intensified their resistance to the system of enslaved labour.

Those varied forms of passive and active resistance clearly demonstrated their determination as a people, and their non-compliance with the evils of bondage and oppression.

Malingering, feigning illness or ignorance, hunger strike, deliberately doing poor work, self-inflicted injuries, damage to master’s property, maroonage, and slave rebellions were all part of the strategy to undermine the economic, social, political and cultural dominance the master class enjoyed at the expense of the victims.

The 1763 Berbice Revolt and the heroic efforts of Cuffy, Atta, Accabre and others must certainly have been an inspiration to many in the cause of Emancipation. The same could be said of other slave rebellions, including the 1823 East Coast Insurrection which vividly illustrated the slaves’ desire for freedom.

These very actions of the Turn to page 13 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 1, 2015

REFLECTIONS ON... enslaved Africans undoubtedly instilled fear and uncertainty in the minds of the plantocracy. Above all, they contributed significantly in complementing the efforts of those within the Anti-Slavery Movement to sensitise and mould public opinion in the furtherance of Emancipation.

In the final analysis, the ongoing struggle, sacrifice and resistance bore fruit, as the British Emancipation Act was passed in 1833 and came into force on the 1st August, 1834, bringing to an end the atrocious system of slavery, which for centuries had brought so much pain, suffering and bitterness.

As a matter of fact, at midnight on July 31, 1834, an estimated ¾ of a million men, women and children ceased to be slaves. In the case of Guyana, it meant that approximately 85,000 enslaved Africans became ‘partially freed’ in 1834. Their status was considered ‘partially freed’ because in reality it was not ‘full freedom’ in the initial stage. The Emancipation Act catered for a period of transition, called the apprenticeship system, under which the ex-slaves were apprenticed to their former masters. This apprenticeship system lasted for four years, from 18341838, before ‘full freedom’ was achieved.

During this period, the apprentices had to provide compulsory unpaid labour to the extent of three-quarters of the working week for their former masters, while during the remaining quarter working week they were expected to earn wages.

By opting for the apprenticeship period, the British Government intended to have a smooth transition from slavery to full freedom. It also wanted to ensure a continuous labour supply to plantation owners, thereby ensuring the survival of the dominant sugar industry.

Indeed, the piece of legislation which ended slavery hinted at momentous, far-reaching changes in the society. It transformed the legal status of more than 80 percent of the population by abolishing the legal oddity of property in person, and by substituting equality for all before the law.

It altered the labour base of the society by substituting a wage labour system for unpaid slave labour. It outlined the basis for the existence of a greatly enlarged body of free persons by removing the legal authority which had, over the years, enabled a small elite group (the planters) to exercise unlimited arbitrary power over the activities and lives of the overwhelming majority (enslaved Africans).

In reality, Emancipation

and Apprenticeship created numerous problems. The exslaves quite rightly could not understand why they had to be apprenticed to their former masters, and at the same time, they were being told that they were free. Planters made life more difficult for them by adopting an increasingly hostile attitude. They wanted to extract as much labour out of the apprentices before the period was over.

They arbitrarily reduced wage rates, and even withdrew basic supplies. They indulged in unjust provocation, and apprentices had to fend for themselves. They brazenly practised many features of slavery.

This state of affairs led to the heroic passive resistance staged by Damon and his followers on the Essequibo Coast in 1834, and by labourers elsewhere. It was not surprising, therefore, that the system of Apprenticeship came to a premature end in 1838, and full freedom was eventually achieved.

Undoubtedly, the exslaves had high hopes, aspirations and expectations with the coming of Emancipation.

Their mass exodus from the plantations during the critical period of “crisis, experimentation and change” is testimony to this.

Several decades of cruelty and injustice under the slavery system had resulted in the plantation being seen as the symbol of dehumanisation, degradation and demoralisation, as far as the victims were concerned.

They quite naturally wanted to rid themselves of planter class social, cultural and political domination, and at the same time they were very keen to assert their economic independence, largely through agricultural activities. They wanted to start life afresh, and with dignity and pride.

In spite of the tremendous difficulties these freed men and women faced, it was with great determination and enthusiasm that they embarked on the village movement, commencing with the admirable communal purchase of Northbrook (now Victoria) and other abandoned estates countrywide. Through their laudable efforts, many communal and even proprietary villages emerged. Within a few years after emancipation, the African village population had by far outnumbered that of the estates. Associated with this was their cash crop cultivation, which resulted in a vibrant and rapidly expansive peasantry.

In the face of planter class antagonism, inadequate finance for capital investment and infrastructural development, periodic flooding and destruction of crops, exor-

bitant land prices and high rentals, virtually non-existent transportation and marketing facilities, restrictive ordinances and some unsympathetic administrators, the ex-slaves and their descendants persisted in the 19th century.

It was the free village life which initiated development in many rural communities, such as the establishment of churches, schools, roads, bridges, sea defence structures, drainage and irrigation canals, and of added significance, village management.

The latter was local democra-

cy in its infancy stage.

Emancipation Month is certainly an occasion for rejoicing, and at the same time one for sober reflection. Our Afro-Guyanese forefathers, who endured slavery with all its viciousness, have paid the supreme sacrifice through their toils, perils and lives to help lay the foundation for our country’s development.

Their descendants have, over the years, given and continue to give invaluable contribution to every sphere of activity, including the social, economic, cultural and political fields.

Some of our very prominent politicians, religious leaders, trade unionists, professionals, agriculturalists,

miners, sports personalities, businessmen, artistes, industrialists and the like are descendants of those Africans who dedicated their lives for betterment.

This is clearly a time for us to take inspiration as we strenuously strive for full national unity, so necessary for our country’s continued progress and the well-being of all Guyanese.

We should be heartened by the active roles being played by our local and regional Reparatory Committees in the furtherance of reparatory justice, and within the framework of development cooperation during the last few months.

Only last year, CARICOM Reparations Commission

Chairman and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Professor Sir Hillary Beckles, in addressing the House of Commons in the British Parliament, forcibly argued that Great Britain has a moral obligation to compensate Caribbean nations for the evils associated with slavery.

I salute our African brothers and sisters, and indeed all Guyanese, on the occasion of our 181st Anniversary of Emancipation.

HAPPY EMANCIPATION MONTH TO ONE AND ALL! Tota C. Mangar [Senior Lecturer and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, UG]

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 1, 2015

As we struggle to overcome and win ON the 177th Anniversary of the Emancipation of the Slaves, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) joins other Guyanese organisations, and the Guyanese people in general, in commemoration of this most important milestone in our country’s march towards social and economic independence.

On the first of August 1838, descendants of Africans in Guyana regained their freedom after two centuries of enslavement. Every August, therefore, it is fitting that the entire Guyanese nation should participate in the public celebration to commemorate not only the bloody sacrifices of the Africans who struggled, suffered and were slaughtered for the sake of the freedom we all enjoy today, but also the birth of the nation itself, which was the consequence of Emancipation.

In fact, Emancipation is Guyana’s most important national celebration. It marks the start of the most significant demographic change through the coming of various ethnic groups – mainly the Portuguese, East Indians and Chinese; the transformation of the coastal landscape through the creation of free villages; the diversification of the economy into the production of food crops, gold-mining and logging; and, eventually, the liberation of society through the popular movements for labour organisation, constitutional reform and political mobilisation.

In celebrating Emancipation, we celebrate the diversity of the Guyanese nation and the rich cultural heritage of all our people. Emancipation was not for a few, but for all. It is true that the African foreparents of the Guyanese people fought for freedom 252 years ago in the Berbice

Revolt led by Kofi; 192 years ago in the Demerara Revolt inspired by Kwamina; 181 years ago in the Essequibo Revolt led by Damon; and in so many other places at many other times.

Today, Guyanese of all races are the beneficiaries and heirs of our nation’s first freedom fighters.

After Emancipation, the free people established village communities, which became the crucible of what became recognised as African-Guyanese culture, which rested securely on the foundation of freedom and was manifested in their adherence to the church -- almost every African was a Christian, and almost every village had at least one church; the family home - regardless how poor, everyone was a member of a family and had a home in which to live; the school - in which they were enabled to achieve near universal literacy; and the farm - the provision grounds which made Guyana a major exporter of vegetables to the Eastern Caribbean by early in the 20th Century.

This was the Emancipation Covenant for which the foreparents of the African-Guyanese fought - freedom; faith; family; education and labour. Emancipation was about liberation, not just from enslavement on the plantation, but from all forms of restrictions that prevented them from enjoying a dignified life.

They understood that Emancipation was not a single event that occurred on August 1. It was the start of a continuous process in which the emancipated must continuously emancipate themselves.

Emancipation, after all, was not a finite event that ended 177 years ago. Rather, it was the start of a long, continuous process which must

Best Emancipation wishes to all AS we join in observing the 177th Anniversary of the abolition of slavery, the staff of GINA extends best wishes to all and to Afro-Guyanese in particular.

In saluting the sacrifices made by our ancestors as they struggled for freedom, let us remember that this fight continues in different forms.

Many still need to free themselves from mental slavery,

poverty, a lack of education and negative attitudes to realise full liberation.

Let us all reflect on the struggles made and those gains that are still to be made, as we all seek to truly liberate ourselves.

Happy Emancipation to all!

GINA

aim at affording a higher quality of life to Guyanese of every race.

May all of the many activities taking place during this occasion remind us of the need for continuous struggle in unity to overcome and to win, despite the odds.

Happy Emancipation!

PNCR

African Guyanese must plan as a collective THE Cuffy250 Committee joins with the rest of Guyana in saluting the African Guyanese community on the observance of the 177th anniversary of the formal abolition of slavery.

We urge that, as we celebrate, we should not ignore the uncomfortable truth about the state of the African Guyanese community. African Guyanese communities have been persistent victims of discrimination, stereotyping, and state violence. Stripped of their organisations, knowledge of and pride in their

history and of their economic base, the African Guyanese community is in a worse state than it was in 1838.

In this regard, this year’s observances should serve as a reminder to all Guyanese, especially those charged with governance at all levels, of the Emancipation promise of liberty, freedom and equality.

Cuffy250 calls for a determined commitment, in word and deed, by Government to make good on those promises, a commitment that must go beyond festivities.

African Guyanese must

also participate in the restoration of its equal standing in Guyana. We again urge that African Guyanese begin to plan as a collective to lift themselves. We in Cuffy250 will set the ball rolling at our Third Annual State of the African Guyanese Forum, to be held on Sunday, August 9, at 10:00 am at the Critchlow Labour College, where we intend to raise anew the quest for ethnic equality in Guyana.

ROSHELL BROWNE Cuffy250 Coordinator

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 1, 2015

As we pay homage to our noble ancestors

By Mayor Hamilton Green

THIS Emancipation Day reaches us at what may well be another turning point on Guyana’s road of freedom.

The Guyanese people, including the descendants of

African slaves with others, unexpectedly experienced more than a generation of the opposite of what human freedom was intended.

It is an opportune time for all the ethnic groups, including our mixed and African-based citizens, to

see this Emancipation Celebration as an opportunity to vindicate the struggles, dignities and sufferings of the ancestors.

With new conditions in Guyana and a Leader committed to making education the linchpin for national

development, we look forward to the dreams and aspirations of those freed one hundred and seventy seven (177) years ago, that we can now fully realise those dreams; and the people of Guyana, at home and in the diaspora, can now

Mayor Hamilton Green

exhale and no longer see themselves being suffocated by injustice, corruption, criminality and greed.

Insofar as the City is concerned, we recall that our main canals and waterways inside and outside the City were dug by the slaves with their bare hands. Picture those deep and wide canals dug and shaped, and the mud moved to long distances when there were no excavators, bulldozers, hymacs or trucks.

We hail and pay homage to our noble ancestors, and I pray that our Creator will grant us the wisdom and fortitude to support a caring Government, so that we bequeath to our descendants a country that is truly free, united and prosperous; a country identified for decency, moral structure and peace.

THANK YOU

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 1, 2015

‘Baby Boy’ found on roadway with gunshot wounds A MEADOW Brook resident whose name was given as Desmond McPherson also known as “Baby Boy,” was on Thursday evening found lying on the roadway with two suspected gunshot wounds to the body.

The Guyana Chronicle was informed that McPherson who is unemployed and resides at Lot 1 Meadow Brook Gardens, Georgetown, sustained two gunshots to the chest.

According to information reaching this publication, the young man was reportedly shot from the back with one bullet entering the right side of his back and exiting the right side of his chest, while another bullet was lodged in his chest.

Up to late yesterday afternoon the man was still being treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and was said to be in a critical condition.

The police were able to recover a .38 revolver with three rounds at the scene right next to where McPherson was lying. Police sources who spoke with this publication are of the view that the weapon that was recovered at the location might have been the property of the said McPherson, who was

unable to draw and use his weapon in a timely manner to retaliate against his assailant(s).

Speaking with one source close to the injured man, it was revealed that the now injured man had a misunderstanding with the son of another man. It is unclear if the shooting might have had anything to do with that misunderstanding.

The police however have called names and genuine names for the persons with whom the 23 year old had issues and those persons are presently being sought, as they are now of interest to the police and are of interest for questioning in relation to the shooting.

Yesterday the Guyana Police Force Public Relations Department confirmed the shooting and discovery of the injured man as he lay on the roadway at Turning Point.

Three weeks ago there was also a similar shooting incident at Turning Point ,Tucville, which saw the victim later succumbing to his injuries while another person had to undergo treatment at the GPHC after he was shot accidentally.

Four seriously injured in ‘pitbull’, car smash-up AN horrific collision involving a car and a speeding “pitbull” minibus on the Houston Public Road yesterday morning has left four persons s e r i o u s l y i n j u re d a n d hospitalised up to press time.

The driver of motorcar HA 5086 has been identified as Joel James, 59, with three passengers: Daphne Layne, 82, who is in a serious condition, Christopher Naipaul, 16,

and his mother, Amanda Ram, 34.

The group was heading to the Meadowbank wharf when a speeding “pitbull” minibus PMM 3891 registered to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) hit the side of the car, which crashed into a utility pole.

Reports said shortly after 08:20hrs the car was travelling at a normal rate of speed when the accident occurred, after which the driver of the heavily tinted

minibus drove away from the scene of the accident.

However, the injured driver and passengers of the car, a Toyota Carina 150, were pulled from the mangled car by passers-by and taken to the hospital for medical attention .

The police were summoned and the bus was detained, while the badly damaged car HA 5086 which is beyond repair was taken away from the scene by a canter truck.

The mangled car after the accident

Post-mortem shows miner died from throat wound A POST-MORTEM performed on the remains of murdered miner, Rishada Dusrajh, 29, of Kitty, yesterday revealed that he died of an incised wound to the throat.

The body also bore several chops and other marks of violence.

One person who confessed to the murder, has since been charged for the murder, appeared at the Bartica Magistrates Court and was remanded until August 26, 2015.

Initially, police arrested three men, two of whom claimed that they assisted in transporting the body from the mining camp to the abandoned pit, where it was anchored and dumped.

The men have been identified as colleagues of the deceased, the main suspect and Dusrajh called “Tali or Taliban,” used to oversee operations of the mining camp at Oku Backdam, Puruni.

Detectives were told that the main suspect and the victim had a falling out and it was he who hacked Dusrajh to death, but they assisted in transporting the body after which it was dumped.

A relative of the deceased, who wished not to be named, told this publication that they first chopped Dusrajh to his face around3:30

pm on Saturday last following an argument after a drinking spree.

She added that the men returned to drinking and left Dusrajh in the camp sleeping. When they returned later that evening, he was dealt multiple chops about the body, after which he was tied up and anchored by a wheel in an abandoned mining pit some distance away by his fellow miners.

It was after he was reported missing on Monday that the dredge owner journeyed to the interior location where he launched a search and found the body. He then informed the man’s relatives and the police and the suspects were arrested by public-spirited citizens and miners and handed over to the police.

The dredge- owner however, related to relatives of the deceased that with the amount of blood he observed at the mining camp, it was impossible for Dusrajh to be alive and initiated a search for his body.

The relative told this publication that Dusrajh had been unmarried and this time he stayed about a year in the interior without visiting, but would often call via cellphone.

She explained that he would stay by her whenever he came out of the “bush”

after a few months but would sometimes go to their hometown in Essequibo, where her mother and brother reside.

Dusrajh spoke to his mother on Mother’s Day and his sister a few weeks ago and relatives first learnt that he was missing when a friend telephoned them to report that he was missing and that something had happened to him.

She said he was a soldier but had left the army, after which he went to work in the interior as a miner. He however obtained employment with a private security firm, but after some time he returned to the interior where he spent most of his time working.

Police in a press release said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of miner Rishada Dusrajh, 29, of Station Street, Kitty, whose body was found in an abandoned mining pit at Oku Backdam, Puruni, on July 28, 2015, with a wound to his throat.

Three men are in police custody assisting with the investigations.

This year, the Guyana Police Force has so far recorded 29 disorderly murders which took place mostly in the interior, while in 2014 they had tallied 15, which shows an 81% increase in such murders.

Den Amstel police turn away complainants – Leonora ranks want them to travel miles to feed recovered stolen animals OFFICERS of the Den Amstel Police Station in the Police ‘D’ Division are being accused by a family of Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, of turning them away when they visited that police station to make a report pertaining to two stolen sheep.

According to information received by the Guyana Chronicle, from the Cornelia Ida New Scheme Block X family, three men while travelling in a 192 Carina Motorcar PGG 7216 on Thursday, stole two sheep belonging to the family.

The family raised an alarm and persons in the area along with other persons gave chase after the vehicle with the occupants and the animals.

Once that was done, the

family went to the Den Amstel Police Station where they requested assistance, but were reportedly turned away and directed to the Leonora Police Station.

During that time, the men with the stolen animals were heading east along the West Coast Demerara to the Vreed –en- Hoop junction. The family then used their mobile phones and telephoned the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station to alert them about the development and ranks at that station immediately set up a roadblock.

As the suspects approached the roadblock, they began to take evasive action and the police gave chase forcing the men to abandon the car and flee. The police then took possession of the animals and the vehi-

cle but were still not able to apprehend the suspects.

Subsequent to taking interim measures that saw the recovery of the stolen animals and the securing of the vehicle that was used to transport them, the police at Vreed-en-Hoop then directed the complainants to the Leonora Police Station.

According to the family, while at the Leonora Police Station, which serves as headquarters for ‘D’ Division, the complainants were not pleased with the treatment they received. According to them, while they sought to explain to the police what the issues affecting them were, one rank continued interrupting them only showing interest in the worth of the two animals.

Turn to page 23 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 1, 2015

At RDCs leadership forum…

Communities Minister urges: ‘Cooperation, not confrontation, must characterise our actions, efforts to develop Guyana’

By Ravin Singh ESSENTIAL for the advancement of regional development which seeks to aid in a long-term national achievement, is the key ingredient of “cooperation”which must characterise the actions and efforts of Guyanese, as was described

by Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, during a Regional Democratic Council (RDC) leadership forum held yesterday.

The forum which was hosted by the Ministry of Communities at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre under the theme “Unveiling a vision of Regional Empowerment,” formed part of the ministry’s efforts to enlighten and restore the roles and responsibilities which were traditionally invested in the regional democratic organs, but had over the years been absorbed by central government.

Facilitating a delegation from each of the 10 administrative regions, led by regional chairmen and regional executive officers (REO), the forum stood as testimony to the United Nations Development Programme’s(UNDP’s) encouragement and committed support as was expressed by UNDP RepresentativeKhadija Musa.

Praising the move by the ministry to facilitate such a timely forum, Musa described the collective effort as being one which bears testimony to the Government’s commitment to advance human development in Guyana.

She alluded to the fact that, “When Presidents, communities and their leaderships are involved in a collective way to achieve their development goals, social cohesion can be achieved.”

In this regard, she underscored the importance of residents in these regions charting their own local initiatives, which she said can be the drivers of development in their communities.

But why is this initiative is being executed in a timely manner? tTe UNDP representative said it is because it follows the passage of the Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2015, which vests financial and administrative powers in the Local Government Commission, removing them

Ministers of Community; Ronald Bulkan (centre); Dawn Hasting-Williams (at right); and Keith Scott (at left), flanked by regional executives at yesterday’s RDCs Leadership Forum

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, during the delivery of his presentation yesterday at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre

from the subject ministry.

According to Musa, this bill will advance local government reforms and result in the loss of substantial power by the minister, and this is a demonstration of the importance placed by the government on giving power to the people.

As it relates to Guyana’s highly centralised coast, Musa noted that decentralization is considered an important element of participatory democracy and represents the means to strengthen the roles of local actors in contributing

to public policy.

“The challenge for local governance and decentralization in Guyana and the rest of the Region, respond to a range of factors related to history and the very institutional design of governmental, political, economic and social assistance, empowering local government and providing them with the space, offers them a unique opportunity not only to continue to strengthen democratic practices, but also to respond to citizens’ demands with greater efficiency,” she said.

To this end, the UNDP country representative reaffirmed the organisation’s support and commitment to the ministry in areas related to strengthening local governance.

Although absent due to him representing the country abroad, President Granger’s brief remarks were delivered

by Minister within the Ministry of Communities Dawn Hasting-Williams, who was eager to assure Guyanese that the APNU+AFC Government will adhere to an empowerment policy that regularly renews local democracy by ensuring that local government elections are held this year.

Relaying the President’s speech, Hasting-Williams told the attendees that “We shall fortify grassroots democracy by ensuring that residents are allowed to play a greater role in managing their regions and villages.”

She continued that, “Government envisages a Green Guyana; one that sustains economic prosperity, environmental security and social well-being. Government would like to challenge regional councillors that we all ensure that Guyanese in every region, town and village have a good life through social, cohesive and empowered communities.”

Demanding the spotlight

next was Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, whose presentation was nothing short of an impressive contextualized overview of the roles, challenges and requirements of the RDCs. Reflecting on the May 11 General and Regional elections, Bulkan told the gathering of just over 200 that the results did not register a victory, but provided an opportunity to establish a government of national unity and to create inclusionary democracy which the constitution prescribes.

He dismissed the idea that the elections had been a single one, offering that there were 11 elections that were held simultaneously.

This was the philosophy upon which the leadership forum was being executed, the minister said, adding that it is an exercise which is customary and one which is traditionally held by central government as an induction and orientation of new councillors of the 10 RDCs. These 10 RDCs, Bulkan claimed, have the task of advancing development in the regions and by extension, the country, as was noted

by President David Granger some time ago, when he said, “strong regions will lead to a strong country.”

But as it relates to the roles of the RDCs and their

ability to adequately execute their mandated functions, Minister Bulkan disclosed that it is regrettable that “the regional administrations are treated as step children” with their authority ignored and their roles understated. He added that it would not be unfair of him to claim that the RDCs are being treated as children, who are to be seen and not heard.

“The role of the RDC goes beyond the conventional conception of it being merely responsible for taking care of the physical environment and extends to other areas, including even the preservation of law and order and to stimulate economic activity and improve production and efficiency,” Bulkan told the attendees yesterday.

Furthermore, he highlighted that the Constitution is unambiguous with regard to roles of all local democratic organs, which include the RDCs. Referencing these roles of the RDCs as are stipulated in the Constitution, he pointed to Article 12 of the Local Democratic Organs Act which states that local government by freely elective representatives of the people is an integral part of the democratic organisation of the state.

Additionally, Article 71:1 Turn to page 22 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 1, 2015

Employees at the National Library beautifully dressed to mark Emancipation Day

Traffic Chief says…

Ministry of Housing: The Housing staff was as colourful as any other

Do not pay the police a bribe under any circumstance

By Michel Outridge

FOLLOWING receipt of many complaints by motorists concerning daily police harassment, Traffic Chief Ian Amsterdam has advised members of the public not to give the police any money.

He said that, regardless of the matter, they should go to court for traffic infractions instead of fuelling corruption by giving traffic cops money as an inducement.

The senior officer voiced his conviction that some people need to stop paying the police, especially in traffic-related matters, proceed to the court and ask the Magistrate to be lenient with them.

Amsterdam said, “Don’t give them (traffic cops) anything, because they cannot put you in the lockups for that, and incidents where motorists feel they were intimidated, there are many avenues (to address that problem): they can file a report in all the divisions, rather than coming to the city.”

He disclosed that if a ticket has been issued, the driver should pay the fine, but the driver should not pay the police; at no time should that be encouraged.

He said reports can be entertained at the Police Office of Professional Responsibilities (OPR) at Force Headquarters, Eve Leary, as well as at the Police Complaints Authority or at any police station where there is an officer to take citizens’ complaints of misconduct by ranks.

The Senior Superintendent told this publication that OPR is especially there to deal expeditiously with such reports of misconduct, and he said if the rank is found culpable he/she can be charged or disciplined departmentally.

He explained that when people pay the police and it is reported, depending on the case, both parties can be charged, or the case may be dismissed in the court in regard to matters of traffic.

Amsterdam added that once rogue cops are caught, they would face the full force of the law, since the hierarchy of the Force has been cautioning them ever so often. He said, however, that he has been told that rogue cops have adopted new ways of soliciting money and other incentives form citizens by asking for a ‘raise’, or a ‘start’, or by plain begging of some sort for money, food, beverage etc.

He said, “If they (traffic ranks) do not want to hear (the cautions from the GPF), they will feel”.

From time to time, there have been reports of misconduct and corruption by traffic ranks. Some people feel they are being harassed unnecessarily and intimidated into giving them money. The Traffic Chief, in response, has said that at the end of the day, the ranks have to do their job; but it is up to them to be professional and conduct themselves in a proper manner, desisting from accepting bribes.

He said the question of morale and integrity comes into play since some ranks are bent on their ways of taking people’s money to turn a blind eye to traffic violations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 1, 2015

Bank of Guyana employees all decked in their Emancipation attire yesterday

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 1, 2015

Ministry of Health: Not to be outdone, the Health Ministry staff

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Ministry of Business: Business staff

Colourful and dashing, the Ministry of

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 1, 2015

GNNL staff splendid in their Emancipation attire

Communities...

From Page 18 which described local government as a vital aspect of democracy and states that it shall be organised so as to involve as many people as possible in the task, managing, and developing of communities in which they live, was also alluded to.

To this end, he highlighted Chapter 28:09 of the same Local Democratic Organs Act, which, at section seven, provides the duties of the local democratic organs as: A – To maintain and protect public property B – To protect and improve the physical environment C – To improve working and living conditions D – To stimulate economic activities and improve production and efficiency E – To promote the social and cultural life of the people F – To raise the level of civic consciousness G – To preserve law and order H – Consolidate socialist legality I – To safeguard the rights of the people J – To give advice, encouragement and support to the people, their daily activities and to give leadership by example.

But not limited to Constitutional provisions, the minister was reminiscent of the fact that, following the swearing in of regional chairmen recently, the President had urged that each democratic council fashion a Plan of Action for Regional Development (PARD) which will include initiatives for attracting investments leading to new economic activities and job- creation.

He revealed yesterday however that the regions will not be left on their own to craft their respective PARDs for the period up to 2020. Instead, this will be done through the full support and active cooperation from the Ministry of Communities.

“In this regard, the ministry is already engaging the Ministry of Finance, which has agreed to provide technical consultants that will work with the RDCs to provide specialised skills needed for this highly specialised undertaking. We have approached as well, the UNDP, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and UNICEF, all of whom are willing to provide support,” the minister disclosed to the regional executives present at the forum yesterday.

He assured them too that the ministry will continue to approach and lobby the support of other international agencies to guide their councillors on the crafting of this document.

But for the regions, Bulkan advised that a mindset which sees residents taking more ownership of the region must be adopted.

“Individually, they have to set themselves targets to attract investors… We must challenge ourselves and others,” he said.

Making presentations at the function too were representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Governance, Health, Education, Tourism, Business, Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, and Public Infrastructure.

Scheduled to provide presentations too were representatives from the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T); Digicel and E-networks; Annette Arjoon-Martins, Committee Member, Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana; Beni Sankar, CEO, Kayman Sankar Group of Companies; and Lloyd Rose, CEO, Dynamic Engineering Ltd. At the end of the event, the regional chairmen each received a specimen of the Guyana flag and an emblem for each region, together with the description and writeup on each region.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 1, 2015

GTU wants salary increases, debunching payments for teachers

– in new multi-year agreement THE current wages and salaries multi-year agreement is slated to end in December, and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) is already making big demands as the Ministry of Education and the union head into new negotiations.

During the Bharat Jagdeo Administration, the then Minister of Education, Shaik Baksh in 2011 had negotiated a multi-year salaries and wages agreement. The agreement, apart from the yearly five percent salary increase for teachers, included a host of other non-salary benefits.

The agreement sought to address an anomaly that has been existing for years: teachers who have been in the system for years receiving the same salary of a teacher of the same status, who has recently joined the profession. Hence, the implementation of the “debunching” payments, where-by teachers would be allocated according to qualifications.

According to President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Mark Lyte,

this aspect of the agreement has never materialised as teachers have never received this benefit. The GTU on several occasions had taken industrial action against this in the past.

“Debunching” payments will then be prioritised and will act as one of the GTU’s big demands in the new agreement, apart from salary increases.

Annually, as outlined in the current agreement, teachers are to receive a five percent salary increase. Lyte asserted that this increase has not been received this year. As president of the union, Lyte has been advocating salary increases since assuming office.

This five percent, he said, is not sufficient for any teacher; as such, the GTU expects to negotiate with the new Administration, a possible 25-35% increase in salaries.

The present agreement also states that teachers are to receive an annual clothing allowance of $8,000 per annum. This has also faced a similar fate to that of the five

percent increase that was to be received this year, given the recent elections and an unissued budget. The new agreement will therefore call for an increase in the clothing allowance, given that cost of living at present, is high.

Given the supposedly annual allocation of $40M for the Housing Revolving Fund for the next five years to facilitate the construction of houses for teachers as outlined in the current agreement, this along with “debunching” payments, the clothing allowance and salary increase, has not been received.

Lyte proclaimed that only a few teachers would have benefited from this aspect of the agreement. As such, the GTU will negotiate for this in its new multiyear agreement, as well as duty-free concessions for not only headteachers, but also for Senior Masters and Heads of Department as well as senior lecturers at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).

Also to be negotiated for

the new agreement is a 150% increase in station allowances and hardlying allowances, so that teachers from the hinterland can move freely

to the coastland, and vice versa.

The GTU is contemplating to establish a three -year wages and salaries

agreement instead of a five- year one, so that the union can act upon constant changes within that timeframe.

Den Amstel police...

After one hour at the station, the family was told to leave and return on Friday morning, which they did.

Up to late yesterday the animals were still tied up at a police station in the area while the owners of the animals were instructed by ranks at Leonora that they needed to fetch grass and water from Cornelia Ida to ensure that the animals were fed. It was up to late yesterday afternoon unclear to this publication if the police station where the animals were being held has a functioning pound.

When the complainants asked to speak with the officer who has the authority

to authorize the release of the animals, they were told that the officer was not going to be at work until late on Friday evening, and that the animals will have to remain in the custody of the police until the persons who stole the animals came forward.

The family is adamant that they have no problem cooperating with the police, but the request by the police for them to travel more than 12 miles daily to look after the animals until the police complete their investigation is totally out of order and unnecessary.

Contacted yesterday afternoon, police sources who are close to the investigation

From page 17

informed this publication that the family’s claim that they are being asked to take grass and water for the animals sounds a bit far-fetched, since the police station where the animals are being kept has those facilities and the animals of that family are not the only ones being held there by the police .

Additionally, the police ranks up to late yesterday afternoon were said to be in several areas within the division trying to ascertain who the owner of the car is as they seek to complete the investigation in a timely manner and have the animals returned to the owners.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 1, 2015

Aries Be open to any invitations that come your way or any new people you meet. Change is in the air for you, and you need only be receptive in order for it to come about. You may even meet someone at a social event who winds up being your partner for life. Explore all your interests and trust your intuition, for it will be a reliable guide.

Taurus Today you may wake up and realise that there is serious room for improvement. If decorating isn’t your strong suit, why not call in the professionals? In the meantime, there’s a lot you can do by simply clearing away the clutter and reorganising your bookcases in a more attractive way. Mingle some artwork and knickknacks among the books for a more interesting visual effect.

Gemini You tend to keep to yourself, but today you could be inspired to join a group activity. Perhaps some friends have invited you to come out for drinks. Or maybe a neighbour asked you to consider joining a neighbourhood organisation. Whatever the scenario, all signs indicate that any group activity you join will be worthwhile. You will do some good and likely make new friends, too.

Cancer Technology is highlighted for you today. It could be that you install a new phone or computer system, which will make life just a bit easier.

Or perhaps you decide to take a course to learn to master a technical area that has been difficult for you to grasp. Whatever you do or learn today is bound to make you happier and more productive.

Leo You’re a social creature, and today you can expect to attract a lot of attention. You’re feeling good and looking even better - and don’t think that people don’t notice! Make it a point to get out and mingle with others. You’re a talented, capable person in your own right, but you really shine when you’re with others. This is especially true today.

Virgo You have a romantic soul. Today your thoughts are on love and romance. You may be thinking of that special someone in your life, grateful that you’ve found each other. Or you may wish you had someone important in your life and spend a good part of the day plotting how to find a mate. If you’re serious about settling down, draw on all of your resources to make it happen.

Libra Something big could be occurring close to home today. It would be advisable to stay inside, if possible, or at least not stray too far. Traffic may be gridlocked and the sidewalks crowded with pedestrians anxious for a closer look. Use this self-imposed “house arrest” to do some neglected chores. Play music and have fun while you organise bookshelves and clear the clutter from your closets.

Scorpio You have hidden talents that may be revealed to you today. Perhaps collaboration with someone new has you doing things you never thought you could. Perhaps you discover a talent for writing, graphic design, or money management. You can’t help but delight in this discovery, as it opens up a world of new possibilities. You don’t need to take action now. Revel in your untapped potential.

Sagittarius You’re a kind, caring individual. Today your concern for others may be so strong that you take steps to do something concrete to save, if not the world, at least a few of the individuals in it. You may hear of a worthy cause that’s about to fold for lack of volunteers. You could turn out to be just the saviour they need. One person truly can make a difference.

You can prove it today.

Capricorn Today you may develop a deeper understanding of what’s really important to you. You may be surprised by what you discover. The material means far less to you than the spiritual. It may have taken you a while to learn this, but now there’s no going back. Your possessions feel like dead weight. The mere thought of your family and friends fills your heart with love and light.

Aquarius Your life is likely to enlarge today, either through a new group affiliation or people you meet. You may be invited to a party where a whole world of new and exciting events opens up to you. You may be reunited with a good friend from your past who can open all sorts of professional doors for you. Be receptive to anyone and everyone you meet.

Pisces Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than smart. You’ll learn this today as good fortune puts you in the right place at the right time. You may meet someone who makes a big difference to your career. Perhaps he or she turns you on to a good job prospect or introduces you to someone who ends up being a business partner. Your life may change if you’re open to possibilities.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 1, 2015

Courts in Emancipation mood

Courts Guyana Inc. celebrated the Emancipation anniversary with staff, patrons and friends yesterday at its Main Street operations.

Patrons were greeted by drumming after which there was a display of traditional African wear by members of staff, who were a part of its annual traditional dress competition.

The audience saw cultural presentations, from the Happy Feet Dance Group and a poem by Eric Phillip. There was also a surprise dance by the Directors of Unicomer.

Among those present were Mr Eric Phillips, See Page 26

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The struggle for freedom must continue ONE hundred and seventy-seven years ago the cry of freedom reverberated throughout the British Commonwealth. It was the cry of Africans, enslaved for hundreds of years in chattel slavery, now free!

The achievement of emancipation, which was not without struggles, was among the first major accomplishment in a people’s march for self-determination. It is a march that has been paved with setbacks, challenges and achievements. Most importantly, this experience ought to serve as reminder that freedom was/is never free. Freedom requires eternal vigilance and sacrifices to preserve and defend gains, even as achievements are marked along the way, and work is intensified to strengthen, deepen and advance the cause.

The United Nations Declaration fortifies the principle that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights….are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” This principle is safeguarded in the Constitution, notably, Title 1 that guarantees the ‘Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Individual.’ These instruments serve as a reminder that the struggle must not cease until attainment is achieved for all.

And though the African community has much to be proud of, there remain concerns that ought to be addressed. Among the accomplishments are the roles played in laying the foundation of modern Guyana such as the establishment of the Village, Cooperative and Labour movements.

Among concerns are the community’s socio-economic status and treatment in the political order.

Thus it means the struggle for equality and freedom must continue.

As this generation marks the achievement of their ancestors 177 years ago, may efforts be redoubled to safeguard and build on it.

Happy Emancipation! * Lincoln Lewis * Guyana Trades Union Congress

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday August 1, 2015 From Page 25

representing the African Cultural & Development Association (ACDA); Mr. Clyde De Haas, Managing Director of Courts; and members of the Directors of Unicomer ACDA executive member Mr. Eric Phillips, in his presentation, congratulated the management and staff of Courts for their initiative in hosting this cultural event as Guyana celebrates its Emancipation Anni-

versary. Â Emancipation pageant, which is the traditional display of African wear from some members of the Courts staff, saw employees Michelle Griffith and Ryan Charles emerging the winners.

The Managing Director of Courts, Clyde De Haas, made a monetary donation to ACDA for its celebrations for Emancipation. The cultural presentation concluded with winners exhibiting their attire for the audience.

For Saturday August 1, 2015: 05:30hrs For Sunday August 2, 2015: 05:30:00hrs For Monday August 3, 2015: 05:00hrs

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GCB honours victorious U-15 team

AMERICAN RACING TIPS Saratoga Race 1 Cozy Kitten Race 2 Ready Dancer Race 3 Knuckle Curve Race 4 Vouch for Kitten Race 5 Holy Boss Race 6 Dreaming of Gold Race 7 Request Race 8 Rock Fall Race 9 Innovation Economy SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Greyville 08:30 hrs Chestnuts N Pearls 09:30 hrs Abashiri 10:20 hrs Hot Ticket 11:05 hrs Futura 11:45 hrs Athina 12:25 hrs Night Trip13:05 hrs Easy Game 13:40 hrs Barbosa ENGLISH RACING TIPS Thirsk 08:50 hrs Feral 09:25 hrs Richter Scale 10:00 hrs Ace Master 10:35 hrs Art Obsession 11:10 hrs Saigon City 11:45 hrs Saraha 12:20 hrs Intense Tango GOODWOOD 09:00 hrs Fast Track 09:35 hrs Dartmouth 10:10 hrs Legatissimo 10:45 hrs Huntsman Close 11:20 hrs Folkswood 11:55 hrs Flash Fire 13:00 hrs Highland Duke NEWMARKET 09:15 hrs Sahrawi 09:50 hrs Ediye 10:25 hrs Nemoralia 11:00 hrs Khalaas 11:35 hrs Dpeculative Bid 12:10 hrs Mustadaam 12:45 hrs Mister Brightside IRISH RACING TIPS Galway 09:40 hrs Dylrow 10:15 hrs Pyromaniac 10:50 Kitten Love Roses 11:25 hrs Hoppala 12:00 hrs Bribe The Bouncer 12:35 hrs Breenainthemycra 13:05 hrs First Figaro

THE Guyana Cricket Board on Thursday evening honoured the victorious Under-15 team that retained the West Indies Cricket Board title. At a brief cocktail ceremony and reception president of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Drubahadur lauded the work of the unit and congratulated them on producing a title-winning performance.

He alluded to the hard work put in by both players and management team and also congratulated his team on pulling off the tournament, despite the weather being a major challenge.

Secretary of the GCB, Anand Sanasie, told the members present that the current crop of U-15 players represents the future of the game and urged the players to continue to work diligently.

Meanwhile Director of Sport Christopher Jones, while offering his congratulations to the champions Guyana, indicated that all the players can consider themselves champions as they have won the right to represent their

country at the prestigious tournament.

The sport director told the gathering that the government stands willing and ready

Director of Sport Christopher Jones to support any organisation that puts the development of sport and athletes first.

He went on to disclose his plans for the

development of the sector.

“It is my hope that in the near future, we can see several multi-purpose centres being established across the length and breadth of the country, which will cater for several disciplines at the same time and, of course, cricket is way in advance of many of the other disciplines but of course we will take cricket into account.”

Guyana won three of the five matches with the other two abandoned to take the title with 19.5 points ahead of the Windward Islands 18.2 points (3 wins, 1 loss and 1 abandoned match). Barbados finished third with 12.9 points (2 wins, 1 loss and 2 abandoned matches) while the Trinidad and Tobago team finished 4th with 6.8 points (1win, 1 loss and 3 abandoned matches).

Jamaica’s 0.2 point was gained from their 4 losses and 1 abandoned match while the Leeward Islands had 2 losses and 3 abandoned matches.

Guyana won back-to-back titles in 1998 and 1999 then picked up their third title in 2014.

Mohammed looking for podium results THE Group 3 category of the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) is heating up with driver Rameez Mohammed already setting his eyes on a podium spot.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport, Mohammed said that following the unfortunate Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) Trinidad leg, where he had mechanical troubles, he has been forced to return to his ever-trusty Ep-82 Starlet.

“What happened with the Levin, we got it back late, so we didn’t really know exactly what was the problem until we got it back. We didn’t know what was damaged on the car. Now we know and I have placed the order (for new parts). I don’t think the parts are going to arrive in time for this race meeting so I will be racing the Starlet.”

Nonetheless he noted that the car is ready and raring to go with final testing to be done soon. “Everything

is finished; we are going to do final testing later today. I am looking to podium on this occasion.”

Mohammed since joining the Group 3 scene has been at the back of his group-mates’ mind as a competitor that gives it his all. He is sponsored by B.M Soat Auto Sales, Prem’s Electrical and Truck Masters and is also a top contender in the Regional Championship. How-

ever, after his mishap in Trinidad he has slipped to sixth in the Group 3 championships, with 2 legs to go.

The National Race of Champions, set for South Dakota Circuit will be sponsored by South Land International through the Carlsberg brand, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), Fly Jamaica, Rent-a-Tent and Ganesh Parts. (Stephan Sookram)

Rameez Mohammed’s Starlet. (Photo by Donavan Montague)

Beijing to host 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics BEIJING has been chosen to host the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, beating the bid of Kazakhstan’s Almaty.

Having hosted the 2008 Olympics, the Chinese capital will be the first city to host both a summer and winter Games.

Beijing and Almaty were considered outsiders when the 2022 bid race opened two years ago, but after a host of European cities withdrew for political or financial reasons, the

Chinese bid beat Almaty by 44 votes to 40 with one abstention.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said that Beijing was awarded the Games because it fitted its new agenda for a “stronger focus on sustainability, legacy, and transparency”.

Despite the IOC estimating costs for “Olympic villages, sports venues and other infrastructure” would be £962m ($1.5bn), it said Beijing “will rely heavily on existing venues, in-

cluding those built for the Games in 2008”.

The statement continued: “Thanks to an additional contribution from the IOC of approximately £564m ($880m) to support the staging of the Olympic Winter Games in 2022, Beijing is confident that it will either break even or make a profit.”

The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia was estimated to have cost £31bn ($51bn), making it the most expensive Olympics in history.

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WICB Regional U-19 50-over …

Guyana bulldoze way into final GUYANA pulled off two comfortable wins in rounds six and seven of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Under-19 50-over competition to make it into the final, scheduled for August 2.

Yesterday, the defending champions achieved a 139-run victory target set by Canada, to win by four wickets. They will face Jamaica, who were in a must-win position to progress to the championship match.

Prior to today’s match, Guyana led after six rounds with 25.2 points and claimed another 6.8 to amass 32 points.

They are clearly out of the reach of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago who were in a battle for second on 21 and 20.4 points respectively, each with one match to play.

However, Jamaica battled to a 39-run win over Barbados to claim their six points and become the other finalists.

T&T were unfortunate to end up in a ‘no-result’ against the Leeward Islands in which they were rewarded 2.1 points to finish on 22.5.

Canada U-19 won the toss and took the opportunity to bat but found themselves in immediate trouble losing wickets in batches and eventually crumbling to 138 in 34.1 overs.

Ronaldo Alimohammed with 3-25 from four overs led the bowling charge as Balchan Baldeo, Keemo Paul and Sherfane Rutherford claimed two each and Grisean Grant accounted for the other Canadian wicket.

In reply, Guyana stormed to 142 in 24.1

overs but lost six wickets in the process.

Paul led the run chase with an aggressive 51 while Rutherford struck a cameo unbeaten 30 and Baldeo, 30.

Harsha Thaker with 4-38 from his ten was responsible for troubling Guyana early on.

On Thursday, Paul and Kassim Khan both hit half-centuries to rally Guyana to a convincing 85-run win over Windward Islands, in their sixth round.

Paul stroked 54 and Khan 51, as Guyana piled up 257 all out off 49.5 overs at Ewarton Recreation Park. Prolific opener Shimron Hetmyer chimed in with 40 while Tevin Imlach supported with 36.

Off-spinner Dornan Edward claimed three for 40 while Othneil Lewis (2-33) and Gidron Pope (2-55) grabbed two wickets apiece.

Khan then returned with his left-arm spin to pick up four for 32 as the Windwards were dismissed for 172 off 39.3 overs.

He was supported by Akshaya Persaud (2-27) and Baldeo (2-30).

Gidron Pope hit a top score of 40 while Josiah Hilton scored 28 and Johnnel Eugene, 27.

In reply, the Windwards wasted an opening stand of 61 between Pope and Hilton, as they crashed from 89 for two, losing their last eight wickets for 83 runs, to a total of 172.

Pope lashed a four and five sixes in a cameo knock that needed just 28 deliveries while Hilton hit four fours in a patient 68-ball innings.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 1, 2015

GFF seeks legal advice following FIFA’s response to protest THE Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s (FIFA) has responded to the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) protest over the use of a player (James Garvin) by the St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVGFF) Football Federation.

The GFF on June 16 had requested FIFA’s investigation and adjudication on a possible violation of the FIFA rules by the SVGFF for fielding a player not in possession of a St Vincent & the Grenadines

Passport during the World Cup Qualification match on June 14, 2015 at the Guyana National Stadium.

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee ruled that “after careful examination of all the requested information and documentation, it was considered that no further intervention was necessary in such context”.

The GFF is currently seeking legal advice on whether to appeal the ruling to the FIFA Appeals Committee.

Bell steers England to victory, hosts take 2-1 Ashes lead IAN Bell guided England to an eight-wicket victory over Australia in the third Test at Edgbaston yesterday to put the hosts 2-1 up in the series with two matches to play.

Bell (65 not out) and Joe Root, with an unbeaten 38, anchored the chase after England were set to 121 to win on the third day at Edgbaston where a dominant performance banished memories of a heavy defeat at Lord’s.

England lost Alastair Cook (7) and Adam Lyth (12) to set a few nerves on edge but Bell, dropped on 20 by Australia captain Michael Clarke, made his second 50 of the match to spark raucous celebrations after Root hit the winning runs.

The hosts took command on day one when Australia were shot out for 136, James Anderson, who will miss the next Test with a side strain, taking six wickets -- a feat matched by the recalled Steven Finn in the second innings.

“It’s been a fantastic three days,” Cook said.

“I don’t think the pitch was 140 all out but the way Jimmy bowled, backed up by Steve was fantastic.”

Victory at either Trent Bridge, in the fourth Test which starts on August 6, or The Oval in the last match would guarantee England winning back the Ashes which

they so dismally surrendered in a 5-0 loss in Australia in 2013-14.

England’s celebrations will be tempered, however, by the major blow of losing Anderson, possibly for the rest of the series.

Australia’s tail wagged yesterday, adding 97 to their overnight total before they were dismissed for 265 just before lunch.

England had hoped to quickly take the three remaining second-innings wickets but Australia pushed their lead to 120 before Moeen Ali removed Mitchell Starc.

Starc had led Australia’s resistance with some big hits in his 58, sharing an eighth-wicket stand of 64 with wicketkeeper Peter Nevill (59) who held up England for 147 balls in compiling a maiden Test half-century.

Finn eventually made the breakthrough when Nevill was caught down the leg side, the paceman taking a Test best 6-79 after a two-year absence from the side.

Clarke, who admitted his poor form with the bat was a big cause for concern, said credit must go to England.

“I was proud of how the boys fought,” he said. “I think around 180-200 would have given us a chance but England played well.

“Our goal is to win the series. I still believe we can do that. We have to play well but it’s pretty simple.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday August 01, 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)

(2)383 sixes

(1) Warriors, Tallawahs, Tridents & Red Steel

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who were the on-field umpires in the Hero CPL 2015 final?

(2) Who top-scored in the Hero CPL 2015 final?

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 1, 2015

Multi/Chase Academy promising enthralling finale tomorrow DESPITE Christianburg/Wismar Secondary’s juggernaut status in the Digicel Schools Football tournament, their clash against Chase Academy tomorrow in the final is far from being a David versus Goliath battle.

It will be the Lindeners’ fifth consecutive appearance in the final, having lost only to Georgetown Technical Institute (GTI) in the tournament’s first installation - a record the school’s head coach Anthony Stephens says he will let God decide when it will be broken.

As for their (Linden) opponents, coach Vurlon Mills is adamant that the title will be coming back to Georgetown, where he said it belongs, despite showering the defending champs with praise for not only being the number one football-playing school in Guyana, but sticking to a programme that works.

While it is the first meeting in the Digicel football tournament, the two schools had met twice earlier this year in a scrimmage/practice match; drawing the first game 1-1 and Christianburg/Wismar walking away 4-3 winners in the other contest.

“The results of the practice matches mean nothing to us,” said Mills. The diminutive attacking midfield player is one of Guyana’s most gifted football players, being a prominent member of the Golden Jaguars.

But over the last two years, Mills has decided to take another approach to the game; one which will allow him to impart his wealth of knowledge in the sport - coaching.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF), in recognising his ability to connect to players and translate the game of football to youngsters, has made him a ‘mentor coach’ while pushing him along the lines of being certified.

“From what I know, the champions will be the ones who are always under pressure so my team have nothing to lose. I see them working hard to win this because they understand the task that is ahead. ‘Multi’ are a good team and they didn’t win all the time by mistake. It shows that Multi got a bunch of committed players that are dedicated to the sport, so I know we have to go out and do our best,” Mills added.

Stephens however stated, “We’ll go out there and play, and we let God decide the winners of the game.”

Asked what is his formula for success, Stephens attributed the love for sports in his school and the fact that his players are all members of clubs in Linden.

“We don’t play school teams. We always want to keep our level of play high, so when we’re training and want practice games we use the first division clubs in Linden. (As a) matter of fact, I want to thank those clubs for working with these guys so when they come to me in the school, it makes my job easy. The players all play first division which makes them seem tougher than the other teams,” Stephens calmly stated at yesterday’s press conference.

The winners will pocket $1M for their school.

Kick-off time is 18:00hrs.

39

Sport CHRONICLE

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

GCB honours victorious U-15 team

SEE STORY ON PAGE 37

Multi/Chase Academy promising enthralling finale tomorrow SEE STORY ON PAGE 39

The ‘Holy Grail’! The two finalists face-off yesterday.

WICB Regional U-19 50-over …

Guyana bulldoze way into final SEE STORY ON PAGE 38

GFF seeks legal advice following FIFA’s response to protest SEE STORY ON PAGE 38

KEEMO PAUL

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Saturday August 1, 2015