2015 8 07

GUYANA No. 104274

FRIDAY AUGUST 7, 2015

AG Basil Williams says

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Rodney CoI nothing but a

POLITICAL WITCH-HUNT Page 3

30 years after his death …

Guyana remembers Forbes Burnham

Dr Walter Rodney

Crum-Ewing case jacket with DPP Page 10

Page 2

– President Granger lauds his ‘extraordinary, exemplary and visionary leadership’ of our young nation

Courtney Crum-Ewing

Police 9 launch ‘Suicide Helpline’ Page

Leader of the PNC and President of Guyana, David Granger, pays tribute yesterday to the late founder of the PNC and first Executive President of Guyana, L.F.S. Burnham

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015

30 years after his death …

Guyana remembers Forbes Burnham – President Granger lauds his ‘extraordinary, exemplary and visionary leadership’ of our young nation

By Ravin Singh THIRTY years after his death, Guyana still remembers the significant contribution of founding leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC) and first Executive President of Guyana, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, O.E., S.C. These were the words expressed by now leader of the PNC and President of Guyana, David Granger, during the traditional floral tribute ceremony, held yesterday at the Mausoleum, opposite the Seven Ponds Monument in the Botanical Gardens, to commemorate the 30th death anniversary of the former leader.

A solemn, yet patriotic feeling enveloped the atmosphere as the music emanating from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) band forced recognition of historical struggles which fostered the acquisition of independence.

Burnham, who was also Guyana’s first Prime Minister, battled in this struggle for independence, afterwards fitting the role as a counselor, a guide, a leader and a teacher for his pioneering premiership, as was described by the President.

Lauding the efforts of the former President, for his “extraordinary, exemplary and

visionary leadership”, Granger underscored the importance of Burnham’s guardianship of our young nation.

It is as a result of this, he said, that Guyana remembers Forbes Burnham with respect and reverence, and his compassion, even when, upon assuming office in 1964, he faced the challenge of repairing a “fractured nation” which had been wounded by the weapons of internecine war.

“We recall his efforts to restore social cohesion; to promote political inclusion and to nurture national unity. Guyana remembers his initiatives in deepening cultural awareness and understanding; in encouraging national art, dance, drama, literature and music and in constructing a National Cultural Centre where we can congregate to celebrate our oneness; our Guyanese-ness”, the PNC leader told those in attendance.

But not limited to cultural advancement, President Granger also assured the attendees that Guyana remembers his social policies.

His keen commitment to educating the nation from nursery to university which was manifested through the construction of community high schools, hinterland schools and multilateral schools remain trademarks of the visionary leader.

The Mausoleum, located in the Botanical Gardens which houses the remains of former President Forbes Burnham

President David Granger who is also leader of the PNC reflects on the contributions of LFS Burnham to the social and economic development of Guyana.

To his left is PNC Executive member, Basil Williams

Members of the House of Israel who attended the commemoration ceremony yesterday morning

Immediate past leader of the PNC, Robert Corbin, pays his respects to L.F.S. Burnham, yesterday

See page 16

The extension of social protection for citizens from cradle to the grave through the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and Burnham’s “grand plan” to house the nation through his massive construction of human settlements and schemes, were also among his achievements, President Granger stated.

According to him, Guyana remembers Burnham’s investment in infrastructure development, which included a national airline, an international airport, hinterland aerodromes, bridges, highways and sea defenses.

“We recall his efforts to ensure food security by promoting the promotion of local commodities. We recall his economic empowerment of communities; his uncommon commitment to the poor; his profound belief in the equality of women of ethnic groups and of social classes,” the Guyanese Head of State said yesterday.

He pointed out that one distinguished feature of this great leader was his “cou-

rageous and comprehensive” resistance to foreign aggression and the suppression of internal rebellion which threaten Guyana’s territorial integrity.

President Granger alluded to the fact that, even today, we wrestle against the same principalities and the same powers which still seek to appropriate our national patrimony; our land, our sea and our natural resources.

But thirty years after the passing of this leader, “Guyanese are heirs to a rich legacy bequeathed by Burnham (and) we draw strength from our founder leader’s exemplary record. We renew our collective effort to continue his life’s work and to create a good life for all Guyanese” the PNC leader said.

Chipping in with a few words at this commemorative occasion, Executive Member of the PNC, Basil Williams, who chaired the early-morning proceedings,

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015

Walter Rodney CoI nothing but a political witch-hunt - says AG Basil Williams

MINISTER of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Mr Basil Williams, on a programme aired on the National Communications Network, said the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry was nothing but “a political witch-hunt” of the former Administration, which back fired on them.

Minister Williams explained that the Peoples’ Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had a political gambit which failed.

“First of all, they lied about Ms. Rodney’s contacting (former President Donald) Ramotar, asking for such an inquiry to be held into the death of Walter Rodney…She never requested such an Inquiry…

rather we learnt that she received a call purportedly from someone alleging they

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr Basil Williams

were from the Office of the President, informing her of the Commission being formed.”

Williams said the charade of the PPP/C was not tolerated by the populace, as the Guyanese people were not in the mood to stomach the political gambit. “It was a PPP exercise…Thoughts of the Rodney family could not have been uppermost in their minds. They were in power for 23 years and they did nothing, but on the eve of the elections, they tried to have something done”.

According to the Attorney General, the CoI does not fit in to the mood engendered by a change in Government, and as such, having it continue would not serve a useful purpose,

since its conception has not. He said the Rodney family could not have been satisfied with the manner in which the inquiry was conducted.

“I don’t believe the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) or the People’s National Congress (PNC) could be satisfied with the genesis or the origin of the CoI. The rules made, facilitated hearsay upon hearsay.

Obviously the standard was on the balance of probability. One expects a CoI to be attended by fairness. When you have people who were not eye witnesses and who were not on the scene…, the dreams and premonitions of persons were allowed to be entered on the record”.

Minister Williams further explained that the Commission was dragged on because of its modus operandi. Witnesses who were

Dr Walter Rodney not expected to give ‘favourable evidence’, would be shunned to the side. This was done to former Commissioner of Police Cecil ‘Skip’ Roberts, who was flown in and put up at a local hotel, but was never called to testify, because it was believed his evidence would support that of Major

General Norman McLean.

“When the CoI was started with a witness who had a political bang, a witness who had political resonance, they wanted to end with such a witness also.

This fact is corroborated by Shaun Samaroo’s reports.

It speaks to their haphazard approach to their work. Yes, there was a method to their madness but it was haphazard.”

Recently, when the Commissioners met, they requested two weeks to conclude taking evidence from witnesses.

However, Attorney General Basil Williams believes that another two weeks would have been fruitless, as nothing would have come out of it.

The Commission of Inquiry into the death of political activist and historian Walter Rodney has cost the Guyanese taxpayers’ approximately $400M.

GuyExpo shifted to 2016

By Tajeram Mohabir

THERE will be no GuyExpo this year as the event has been shifted to 2016 to coincide with the country’s 50th Independence anniversary.

GuyExpo is usually held in September. Minister of Business, Mr Dominic Gaskin, told the Guyana Chronicle that the timeframe for preparation of the expo to the expectation of the Administration was short. The new Government came to power following the May 11 elections.

“There was no opportunity for a proper analysis to decide quickly that we will have this event in September; it had to be deferred until we do the necessary consultation,” Minister Gaskin explained.

But in recognition of the popularity of the expo, particularly among small busi- Minister of Business, nesses, a national exposition Dominic Gaskin for small businesses will be held in November. It will be designed to cushion the impact of shifting GuyExpo to 2016.

Mr Gaskin said the exposition is still in the planning stages, and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) is deeply involved in the process.

He noted that in addition to GuyExpo and the small business expo in November, the Ministry of Business is encouraging expositions at the national level.

“We are encouraging the other regions, they don’t need much encouragement because some of the regions are already talking about it, to have their own expo. That will be a huge sort of testing ground for

––to coincide with nation’s 50th Independence anniversary –– small business expo set for November

participants, for those regional businesses to test their products and services at the regional level, before coming to GuyExpo,” he said.

FOCUS ON BUSINESS Speaking directly on GuyExpo, the minister said that over the years the event has become an important part of the national ‘entertainment’ calendar, but he said that will change, and strong focus will be placed on ‘business’ instead of ‘entertainment’.

GuyExpo has traditionally provided local businesses with a platform to showcase their products so that their operations could grow and expand.

It also gives Guyanese an opportunity to develop an appreciation of products packaged and produced for local consumption and export.

“I am not sure if it [GuyExpo] has met those objectives over the last few years as a business exposition. As an event it might have been successful in terms of how many people have attended and how much drinks we may have sold, and food we would have consumed, and every one would have had a good time, and people do look forward to it. I don’t think it met its objectives as far as business and business development is concerned.”

Minister Gaskin added: “I want to regain that focus on business development. We want to prepare local businesses for the export market, we want to be able to have buyers from the Region and further away coming to Guyana specifically for GuyExpo and to seriously have a look at what we have to offer in terms of investment opportunities and products and services for export. That has to be the primary focus of GuyExpo and that is what we are looking to achieve.”

GENERATING BUSINESS INTEREST

The focus of GuyExpo 2016, Gaskin said, would be geared towards generating interest in terms of what Guyana has to offer in investment opportunities and products and services it exports.

“That is what I would like to see GuyExpo 2016 do.

I know that the whole Independence celebrations will generate a lot of interest in the diaspora. I believe that the diaspora do form an important or significant target market for Guyanese products and services,” he said, noting that the expo next year will also focus on tapping into these opportunities.

“I know the interest is there and the fact that some of the businesses in the diaspora are already selling Guyanese products, we want to expand on that,” Mr Gaskin told this publication.

GuyExpo began in 1995, but became an annual event in 2004. In that year, the organisers, noting the growth and interdependence of international trade, opened the exhibition to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and other regional exhibitors.

This premier exposition and trade fair is intended to offer business associates the opportunity to meet, network and negotiate with international companies and establishments, as well as showcase their skills, talents and creative works.

This annual event provides a platform for both local and foreign businesses: importers, exporters, retailers, wholesalers. It fuses together a wide cross section of producers of handicraft, furniture, garments, jewellery, and horticulture, pharmaceuticals, tourism, information technology and most of all - our culture.

According to the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), this ideal setting provides the opportunity for businesses to increase their competitiveness and efficiency and foster growth.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015

More than 200 feared dead in sinking of migrant boat Orlando, speaking on Italian television as hearses arrived to take the bodies away, called on European leaders to do more to prevent such disasters and to allow more refugees to re-settle in their countries.

After the survivors disembarked, some were escorted back on board to see if they could identify the dead children.

Police said they had detained five men suspected of having piloted the boat that overturned on Wednesday and of having had a role in trafficking the migrants.

Vessels from the Italian and

(Reuters) HOPES faded of finding more survivors on Thursday from a shipwreck in which 200 migrants are feared drowned, as rescue ships were called to the aid of more migrant boats in the same area of the Mediterranean.

“We are witnessing a genocide caused by European selfishness,” said Palermo mayor Leoluca Orlando as the Irish navy ship LE Niamh docked in the port carrying some 370 survivors of Wednesday’s disaster and 25 corpses, including three children.

Irish navies and humanitarian agency Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) saved about 400 people from the fishing boat, thought to have been carrying up to 600 people, mostly Syrians fleeing their country’s civil war.

They found no more survivors after scouring the waters overnight. Italian vessels continued to search the area on Thursday, a coastguard spokesman said.

Seas were very calm on Thursday, perfect conditions to Migrants on board an overloaded wooden boat are rescued some 10.5 attempt the sea crossing, said a miles off the coast of Libya August 6, 2015. Reuters/Darrin Zammit Lupi Reuters photographer aboard the privately funded Phoenix, a vessel run by MSF and the 101 from a large rubber boat, desperate passengers surged Migrant Offshore Aid Station. and the MSF vessel Argos to one side as they spotted The Phoenix was respond- rescued 87, according to their the ship. ing to a distress call for a boat Twitter accounts.

“What happened here carrying about 500 people, he Wednesday’s tragedy oc- was because the boat was said. The coastguard picked curred when the boat flipped so overloaded, and the conup 381 on Thursday morning, over as the LE Niamh ap- ditions were such that the while an Italy navy ship took proached, probably because boat started taking on water and it listed to one side, capsized and sank, all in the space of two minutes,” Irish Defence Minister Simon Coveney said on Irish state radio RTE on Thursday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015

Jamaica will promote economic growth with IDB support JAMAICA will strengthen its structural programme for economic growth with a $130 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) that was approved by the IDB’s Executive Board on August 5, 2015.

This is the second operation of a policy-based loan series, providing budget support for the Jamaican Government’s fiscal policy reform. The first operation was approved in February 2014.

The Jamaican Government has been improving its public finances in recent years in order to set the stage for stronger economic growth.

Under its economic reform programme, Jamaica approved key tax reforms that

Alexandre Meira da Rosa, Vice President for Countries at the IDB aim at broadening the tax base while correcting a distortionary tax system.

Among other measures,

Jamaica’s Minister of Finance, Peter Phillips the programme targets strengthening of Jamaica’s pension system, and most specifically, efforts to ensure that the pension fund is financially sustainable.

Haiti President Michel Martelly embroiled in sexism row

(BBC News) THREE officials in Haiti’s governing coalition announced their resignation on Wednesday in protest at a remark President Michel Martelly made at a campaign rally last week.

The remark was directed at a woman in the audience who had criticised Mr Martelly and his administration.

According to Haitian media, Mr Martelly told her to “go get a man and go into the bushes” at the rally in Miragoane.

A presidential adviser said Mr Martelly’s words had been distorted.

Mr Martelly, who is in the final year of his five-yearterm, is a former singer of Haitian dance music known for his flamboyant style and sometimes colourful language.

The row was triggered by President Martelly’s reaction to a woman at a campaign rally in the port city of Miragoane on 29 July.

The woman complained about the failure of the government to provide electricity to her area, prompting Mr Martelly’s hostile response, which in turn was greeted by cheers and clapping from the audience.

In response to the incident, Women’s Affairs Minister Yves Rose Morquette, Social Affairs Minister Victor Benoit and Secretary of State for Al-

Mr Martelly used to perform as a singer under the name Sweet Micky phabetisation Mozart Clerisson announced on Wednesday that they would step down from their posts.

They all belong to the Fusion of Haitian Social Democrats party, which is part of the governing coalition.

This includes reforming the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). In addition, a fiscal rule has been established.

These reforms will contribute to maintaining and enhancing Jamaica’s sound fiscal programme.

Jamaica’s Minister of Finance, Peter Phillips, stated: “The IDB has been a consistent partner in this programme of economic reform on which we have embarked and we have made considerable progress because of the support received by the IDB. We don’t always agree on everything, but when we don’t, we can discuss and emerge with an

even stronger bond of collaboration and are better off for having these discussions.

This approval, on the eve of Jamaica’s celebration of the 53rd anniversary of Independence, is appropriately timed as we strive to ensure the unfurling of all the opportunities that Independence represents.

Our sincere thanks to the IDB for a partnership that is helping us to deliver on the legitimate expectations of the people in Jamaica for a better life.”

According to Alexandre Meira da Rosa, Vice President for Countries at the IDB, “This agreement had the full

support of everyone on the IDB Board. This is a credit and tribute to the efforts of Jamaica to carry out the reforms necessary to achieve economic and social growth.

We believe that Jamaica is about to turn the corner and harvest the results of its efforts. This agreement is the fulfillment of a commitment that IDB President Moreno and I made to Minister Phillips last year, to walk hand-in-hand with Jamaica on the reform journey. We celebrate the fulfillment of that promise and reaffirm the full commitment of the IDB to Jamaica.”

The IDB loan has a 20year maturity, a 5.5-year grace period and an interest rate based on LIBOR which is currently about 1.2 percent.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015

EDITORIAL

Coming to grips with the Forbes Burnham Legacy FORBES Burnham was one of the founding fathers of Guyana’s independence.

Yesterday, August 6, his party and supporters held observances to mark 30 years since his untimely passing in 1985.

Since his death, Guyana and the world have changed. Guyana has moved from a socialist-oriented political economy to one that is heavily weighted in the direction of a neo-liberal market economy. Were Burnham to come back today he would hardly recognise Guyana.

Gone are his ‘Feed, Clothe and House Yourself’ thrust, his ‘Free Education from Nursery to University’ and his ‘National Ser-

vice.’ Gone are his robust Regional Integration and Non-Aligned foreign policy. Gone is the Guyanese national pride that he championed.

Burnham would be shocked at what Guyana has become. But more than anything else, Burnham would be shocked that he is not recognised. Not many Guyanese know of him beyond a name to be invoked as an attack on political opponents or as a badge of recognition for some who feel leaderless. In the recent Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry, his name was invoked as the author of assassination.

During the election campaign his name was invoked

as the author of doom.

While political leaders must be held responsible for what transpired under their watch, that has to be done without the rancor and hyper-partisanship that often accompany our political conversations. Burnham made some serious mistakes that have sullied his reputation. But he also did some positive things that are often lost in the one-sided debate about him.

In the end we fail as a nation to move beyond our ethnic and partisan prison-politics.

Burnham’s supporters have to come to grips with the fact that Burnham governed at a time when the world was even more com-

plex than it is now.

With the Cold War raging, the ethnic pot boiling at home, and the contestation of the meaning of independence by a younger intellectual generation, the leader had to make some crucial decisions about balancing those imperatives.

That Burnham came down on the side of centralised rule is uncontestable. And in so doing he ended up where the logic of centralised rule takes leaders.

On the other hand, Burnham’s detractors have to understand that Forbes Burnham was a nationalist who sought to create a new nation free from the dependency that haunts

post-colonial societies. He sought to create a political economy that catered to the poor in our midst, to give them more opportunities to realise a life free from social marginalisation. He sought to grapple with the perennial ethnic problem in word and deed.

So on this death anniversary of one of our great leaders, let us commit ourselves to finding a narrative that acknowledges our leaders’ mistakes without defining them by those mistakes. That narrative must also highlight the leaders’ accomplishments

not outside of their blemishes but as part of their larger praxes.

Forbes Burnham has been dead for 30 years now.

Yet many of the challenges he confronted are still with us. It is easy to demonise him, but what have we learned? If there were food shortages while he governed, today there are still shortages of social equality, scrupulous governance and governmental dignity. If Burnham stifled dissent, today the leaderships have turned that into an industry.

It is time we be honest to ourselves.

U.S. to provide technical support to strengthen Guyana’s border security THE United States, through its Embassy in Guyana, is looking to strengthen cooperation in border security under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, and support possible areas of training.

These areas were discussed when Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, met with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Guyana, Bryan Hunt, recently.

The minister also used the opportunity to discuss official document production in light of Government’s push to decentralise immigration services, making it more accessible to residents across Guyana.

Recently, an immigration centre at Springlands in Region 6 was opened, which allows residents to uplift their

Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, greets U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Guyana, Bryan Hunt, before the beginning of the meeting at his office

passports, once they have completed the application process, without returning to Georgetown. Currently, Minister Felix said his ministry is discussing the eventuality of the establishment of an office where passports will be distributed in Region 1. There are existing distribution centres in Regions 2, 5, 6; Springlands and New Amsterdam, 7, 8 and 10.

He noted that works are currently in progress to strengthen the Springlands office, to not only distribute passports but to also process applications. The minister, however, explained that this is a sensitive issue which cannot be rushed.

“Our objective is to achieve just that. We want

to remove the crowds from Georgetown and issue in the other areas, but of course decentralisation is a sensitive issue. It is not easy to divest from the central point. The equipment, the materials; birth certificates and especially passports are vulnerable and in demand, and all sorts of people with ill intent will want to get their hands on it. We need to have the buildings up and secured before we move into that,” Minister Felix said.

As it relates to the discussion on secure document production, he said the issue of guarding against falsification of birth certificates is on the front burner.

He said it is a wellknown fact that there are

weaknesses in the system and as such, these must be strengthened.

“We need to have a system which ensures that passports and birth certificates are secure and are acceptable. However, birth certificates are most vulnerable to falsification and that is what we want to strengthen so that it is easy to detect,” Minister Felix said.

The minister said that the U.S. Chargé d’ Affaires has assured that the Embassy will be providing some guidelines for sources, from which the requisite paper and ink to strengthen the integrity of the birth certificates can be acquired. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015

Minister Ramjattan proposes decriminalising attempted suicide

By Leroy Smith PUBLIC Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan yesterday expressed an interest in initiating debates on decriminalising attempted suicide, a move already made by more than two dozen countries across the world.

Minister Ramjattan was addressing the launching of the Guyana Interagency Suicide Prevention Helpline by the Guyana Police Force at the Police Training College.

The announcement was made in the presence of Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence, Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud and other senior and junior ranks of the Police Force as well as several stakeholders.

Currently Chapter 801, Section 96 of the Criminal Law Offences Act states that anyone who attempts to commit suicide would be guilty of a misdemeanor

Ramjattan stated.

The minister said the move provides an opportunity for the experts to get to the bottom of what really causes persons to commit the act.

This, he said, can be known when persons are given a chance to be rehabilitated and receive counseling rather than being placed in jail where they then become the victim.

The minister also pointed out that scientific studies have proven that penal actions of that nature could be a whole unnecessary move and very self-defeating.

Many of those persons who commit and/or attempt to Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan commit suicide do so in the speaking at yesterday’s event hope of escaping from grave problems or a position of and liable to imprisonment recent being whether the perceived hopelessness.

He said such persons for two years.

2am (2 o’clock) curfew “So I want to urge a will stop crime or not. I actually need adequate debate on the decriminali- supposed this is anoth- counselling and medical sation of attempted suicide er matter that will create assistance since punishing in our country. It will be some controversy but it is survivors does not address a useful debate, it might a necessary controversy the root causes of the issue carry the line of the most in my opinion,” Minister which led to the attempts in

the first place.

Ramjattan said he anxiously awaits any arguments on the other side as to why the matter of attempted suicide should not be struck off the law books.

According to Ramjattan, he is also of the view, supported in a report released by the World Health Organization in 2014, that doctors need to be more involved in dealing with the cases of attempted suicide and not so much the Police.

“So my recommendation is that Guyana should move towards the decriminalisation of attempted suicide and I will like to hear the arguments on the other side, why it should remain in the law books as an offence,” Ramjattan stated.

The minister said it is also his personal wish for persons, rather than being jailed, to lead a productive life after a period of counselling. He stressed, however, that decriminalising the act itself will not heal

the social ills of individuals who feel inclined to engage in such attempts but the culture has to change as well as cultural programmes of sensitization.

Ramjattan said he hopes the Guyana Interagency Suicide Prevention Helpline will be a real lifeline and not only must it work but it must work and be improved each day.

“We must have it as a system, not a ‘fly by night’ and then it dies by day - we want this thing to work and so I must congratulate the efforts of Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud and all the other agencies,” Ramjattan added.

France was one of the first countries to decriminalise the act of attempted suicide followed by sixty-nine other countries.

The entire North America and Europe have all decriminalised the act of attempted suicide as well as some countries in South America.

CCWU grants 16 bursaries to members’ children

By Michel Outridge CHAIRMAN of the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) Credit Union, Donna Todd, on Wednesday urged the 16 awardees of the union’s annual bursary to “be the best you can be”; and to seek God first in everything, as they have reached a new juncture in pursuit of higher education with their going into secondary schools.

She also charged the youths to elevate themselves; to become better; to be successful in life; and to pursue careers of their choice, since they owe society and must make valuable contributions through the world of work.

Todd added that in a few years’ time, after they would have completed their secondary education, they should become members of the CCWU Credit Union as their parents are, and open their Early Savers Account earliest.

She congratulated the

group for its outstanding performance at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) sitting, through which its members gained entry into top secondary schools countrywide.

During a ceremony at Clerico House on Quamina Street in Georgetown, Todd was loud in praise for the children’s parents, who were awarded for supporting their children and setting that foundation for them to build on.

Also making remarks was Ann Anderson, Secretary to the CCWU Credit Union, who said the occasion was an annual event and was applicable to the children of members. She said that, this year, 16 applications were received, and the union awarded incentives to all 16.

She advised that the money not be used for the purchase of cellphones, since cellphones are a distraction to studies and school, but the incentive

--urges awardees to be the best they can be

Seated in front row are CCWU Credit Union supervisor Pamela Doris; Secretary Ann Anderson;and committee member Sherwood Clarke. Chairman Donna Todd is posing with the awardees. should be used wisely: Committee Members group to be resourceful and erages at the culmination to buy school supplies or Kim Halley, Sherwood to continue excelling in their of yesterday’s ceremony, even open an Early Savers Clarke, and Supervisor studies. and the recipients respondAccount with the CCWU Pamela Doris all made reT h e s t u d e n t s w e re ed by expressing gratitude Credit Union. marks. Each encouraged the treated to snacks and bev- for the bursaries.

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HINDS’SIGHT

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015

Cuffy 250’s State of African Guyanese Forum this Sunday

By David Hinds ON Sunday, hundreds of African-Guyanese will meet at the Critchlow Labour College for the third annual State of the African-Guyanese Forum organised by the Black Consciousness organisation, Cuffy250. The Forum will be addressed by President David Granger and others. Who is Cuffy250 and what is this Forum about?

I have been a member of the organisation from its birth. The Cuffy250 Committee came together in 2013 to observe the 250th anniversary of the Berbice Revolt, led by Cuffy, against the Slave System.

We wanted to celebrate and draw inspiration from our foreparents who resisted slavery. We wanted people to remember that though enslaved against their will, they did not sit and not do anything. They did not accept that they were born to be slaves. They resisted and fought back. But more than that, we wanted to draw attention to the deteriorating economic, political, social and cultural conditions in the African- Guyanese community today and to say to our people that just as your foreparents struggled to change their situation, you can do so today.

We held a forum in Georgetown in August 2013. Over 400 people attend-

ed. We held another one at Bagotville.

We learned that things were not that

President David Granger is slated to speak at the Cuffy250 Forum on Sunday good in the African- Guyanese community. Education was in shambles; our children were not performing as they should.

We learned that the economic situation was equally bad - high unemployment and not enough resources to start businesses. We learned that the social situation was the same. Our young people were the subjects of police violence. Drugs and crime were taking over the communities. Violence against women and children were on the rise. We learned that our people are not sufficiently conscious of their African heritage –their history and culture. In short, the African- Guyanese community is in serious trouble.

There and then we decided something must be done to turn back this situation. We decided that we would do two things: first, we would embark on an education programme intended to make people more aware of our great contributions to humanity in general and to Guyana in particular. Towards this end, we have held Forums every two weeks in Georgetown. Second, we started to go into communities and work with them to use their own energies to correct the situation. We borrowed Walter Rodney’s concept of Self-Activity and Self-Reliance for Self-Emancipation.

In other words, we have been saying that people in your communities can use what you have to begin the process of revitalisation. We went to Linden, to Dartmouth to Sisters-Good Intent, Stanleytown and Bagotville.

Dr. David Hinds We encouraged people to form groups and begin to organise for change.

In August 2014 we held the second Forum. Again our discussion focused on revitalisation of the communities.

We argued that the health of Guyana depends on the health of all of its groups. As a plural society we cannot ignore any one group. Guyanese nationhood means nothing if all groups do not feel an equal sense of belonging.

This year’s Forum is being held under the theme Guyana’s Renaissance: The 50th Anniversary of our Independence and the Positioning of the African- Guyanese. The Forum will discuss the way forward for African- Guyanese and help chart an African- Guyanese Cultural and Socio-Economic agenda as part of the larger national thrust for the next 50 years of independence.

The Forum would also hear a report of Cuffy250’s work over the last year in communities across Guyana.

The Forum begins at 10am at the Critchlow Labour College.

Registration is $200. To pre-register call 663-1549. Apart from the President, other speakers include Nigel Hughes, Audreyanna Thomas, Royston Peters, Realene Andrews, Vincent Alexander, Comica Johnson, Osafo George, Elsie Harry, Dr David Hinds and African American Civil Rights Activist Fiah Rose.

Old guidelines were used to appoint - Cabinet to produce members to State Boards new guidelines soon IN the wake of severe criticism from the political Opposition regarding the composition and appointments to State Boards, Government has advised that the process was done using the already established guidelines, the same guidelines used by the former Administration. However, the Government will soon produce new guidelines for the appointment of mem-

bers to the various State Boards and these will be used in the future.

This is according to Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman who explained that for the recent appointments, ministers were asked to submit names of persons who will represent the various agencies under their purview.

The minister acknowledged criticisms

about the lack of gender and ethnic balance and explained that Government has learnt that, “using the old guidelines can put us in political jeopardy.”

Responding to questions, as to whether the appointees were handpicked by the Government as though they were friends and associates of the administration, Minister Trotman explained, “I know it may seem

that way, but that was not done. All of them [appointees] had previously expressed an interest. Notice was short but, all of these persons had expressed willingness to participate.”

It is anticipated that with the new guidelines, which are soon to be established, some changes may occur to some already-appointed Boards.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015

Guyana needs opportunity to develop its resources without interference

PRESIDENT David Granger is still willing to hold talks with Venezuelan President, Nicholas Maduro.

In a brief interview with media operatives yesterday, the President said there are a number of issues which he wishes to tackle with his Venezuelan counterpart and these issues

PRESIDENT OF GUYANA DAVID A. GRANGER

have nothing to do with any so-called territorial controversy, since that matter was put to bed 116 years ago.

“I would like to discuss the reduction of tension, the removal of aggressive actions on the part of Venezuela and I would like to discuss the restoration of cordial relations among all states of the Caribbean and the hemisphere;those are the things I want to discuss with Maduro. I want to discuss making the Caribbean a zone of peace; I want to discuss giving Guyana an opportunity to develop its resources without interference,” President Granger said.

Over the past two months, President Maduro has issued decrees claiming rights over Guyana’s exclusive economic zone.

In his address to the Parliament last month, President Granger said that, “Guyana has always embraced the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes. But inasmuch as we are a peace-loving nation, we will not allow our territorial integrity to be threatened or violated.”

PRESIDENT OF VENEZUELA, Meanwhile, President Maduro has NICOLAS MADURO moved to the United Nations (UN)

-President Granger with the hope of getting the international community to listen to the Venezuelan rationale for impinging on the rights of a sovereign State and has even requested the appointment of a Good Officer, a decision that Guyana has

‘I would like to discuss the reduction of tension, the removal of aggressive actions on the part of Venezuela and I would like to discuss the restoration of cordial relations among all states of the Caribbean and the hemisphere; those are the things I want to discuss with Maduro…I want to discuss giving Guyana an opportunity to develop its resources without interference’ – President Granger since rejected. Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, at a recent press conference made it clear that the UN initiative has failed.

The Guyanese Foreign Affairs Minister said that, “the good officer’s process to which we have adhered faithfully does not seem to offer any prospect of moving forward…the way I see it our only option is for a judicial resolution of the matter of going forward.”

Police launch ‘Suicide Helpline’

POLICE Commissioner Seelall Persaud yesterday launched a ‘Suicide Helpline’ as another initiative under the Force’s Social Crime Prevention programme.

Persons desirous of accessing the services of the Guyana Inter-agency Suicide Prevention Hotline can contact: Telephone numbers: (+592) 223-0001, 223-0009, 6007896, 623-4444, Email: guyagency@yahoo.com BBM PINS: 2BE55649, 2BE56020 Twitter: guyanaagency, WhatsApp: +592-600-7896, 592623-4444 FaceBook: Guyana Interagency Suicide Prevention Help Line The centre is equipped with suitably qualified and trained persons who will be answering phones and also receiving text messages and emails and other forms of communication Commissioner through social platforms operated and manned by the inof Police, ter-agency centre.

Seelall Persaud In explaining how it works, the commissioner stated that when a call comes to the centre, once it is able to determine where the call is coming from, efforts will be made immediately via the nearest police station to have one of the counsellors from the Ministry of Social Protection or faith-based leaders who are counsellors to go to the subject and take over the process.

At some stage a determination will be made as to whether the counsellors will work or whether there is need for more professional engagement; and in those cases, the Ministry of Public Health will be contacted, and mental health specialists can be brought in to speak with the subject.

Insel Air carrier grounded at CJIA

THE Central Immigration Office at Timehri yesterday grounded an Insel Air carrier, which was scheduled to depart the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at 06:45hrs.

According to reports, the aircraft was not permitted to depart the CJIA until arrangements were made to transport eight Indian nationals out of the jurisdiction.

A statement from the CJIA said these nationals arrived in Guyana on July 19, 2015 but were refused entry into the country for various immigration reasons and have been in the custody of the Guyana Police Force since then.

The management of CJIA is investigating the incident and said it regrets any inconvenience caused to passengers booked on the said flight.

- ‘You call, we listen and help’

A section of the gathering at the launching of the ‘Suicide Helpline’ initiative yesterday In the presence of senior and junior police officers and Minister of Public Security, Mr Khemraj Ramjattan, and Minister of Social Protection, Ms Volda Lawrence, the police launched the Guyana Inter-agency Suicide Prevention Helpline under the theme: ‘You call, we listen and help.’

Persons who have thoughts of committing suicide can now seek counselling and have persons talk them out of the intention.

Also present at the event were representatives of two agencies that deal with drug rehabilitation since, according to the police commissioner, many persons who commit suicide are hooked on drugs or alcohol and so inputs from the agencies would be necessary.

The initiative will also facilitate the collection of data from persons who make contact with the agency and those who benefit from the counselling services, Seelall noted. He stressed that it was necessary to also allow university students to be involved.

Additionally, there will be a steering committee to review the functioning of the department and evaluate the services being provided. This review will be done weekly in the interim, the Commissioner pointed out.

There is also a communication strategy that the police are looking at which speaks to public service announcements and billboards and also several other public-awareness initiatives.

There is also the need to engage media houses through lectures on the initiative and this will be facilitated by the experts in the field.

Chaplaincy International came to Guyana and began training in the area of suicide prevention and ranks of the Police Force were the beneficiaries of those sessions. (Leroy Smith)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015

Engineers from Crum-Ewing case jacket with DPP Agriculture Ministry

By Leroy Smith

THE police wrapped up investigations into the gunning down of activist, Courtney Crum-Ewing, and the file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for her perusal and recommendations.

Crime Chief Wendel Blanhum confirmed this development yesterday during an invited comment from media operatives.

According to the Crime Chief, the prime suspect in the matter is still in police custody but it is unclear who the other persons are in the investigators’ file that is now with the DPP’s Chambers.

Blanhum yesterday would not divulge details concerning the investigation but appeared confident that the police were able to pull together a good case to take before the court.

However, it is not clear if the State will be appointing a special prosecutor to prosecute the matter.

The ex-bodyguard of former Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall has since been re-

Courtney Crum-Ewing leased from custody. His name was called in the matter by the suspect who is still in Police custody assisting with the investigations.

Additionally, the man who is in custody related to the police that he was approached by someone aligned to a certain political figure of the Opposition to kill another

political activist. This publication later found out that the activist that individual wanted him to kill was former treason accused Mark Benschop.

Benschop had claimed that the prime suspect must know what he was saying since the suspect approached Benschop and told him of a plot to kill him and the suspect was being offered a sum of just under $5M. In March, Crum-Ewing was walking the streets of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, urging residents to go out and vote in the May 11th national polls when he was shot dead execution-style and the carborne gunmen escaped.

The 40-year-old man, who had staged a one-man protest outside of the office of Attorney General Anil Nandlall calling for him to resign, was shot several times to his body and left dead on Third Street, Diamond shortly before 8 pm.

It was the first evening he was galvanizing residents of his community to vote.

for training in Panama

THREE engineers from the Ministry of Agriculture are to proceed on training that would equip them to help manage Guyana’s water resources. The training will be held in Panama, from August 09 - 14, 2015.

The training will provide the theoretical and conceptual knowledge for the collection, storage and use of rainwater and runoff, in addition to the use of renewable energy, with emphasis on productivity and efficient use of irrigation water.

From this training, the country, more so the sector, will benefit from the

building of capacity of the staff employed in the sector. The staff members will ensure that the much needed resources and technical assistance for the growth of the sector is secured.

It is expected that the training will yield the following results: The implementation of an integrated water management approach for agricultural production, which considers ecosystem conservation, recharge, and preservation of water and water reuse.

An improved capacity within the Agriculture Sector Development Unit (ASDU), geared at proj-

ect implementation for the optimisation of water use under reduced availability, the development of storage infrastructure, research, and creation of coordination and governance mechanisms among different water use sectors.

The purpose of training is to acquire technical, environmental, and social elements that will enable the technical staff to carry out planning and implementation of actions in this area, for the benefit of the sustainability of water resources in the watersheds of Guyana.

(GINA)

PPP/C absence from House stalls Govt’s legislative agenda -Public Procurement Commission, AML/CFT Authority still not established

By Derwayne Wills THE absence of the opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic from the National Assembly could derail the legislative agenda of the new APNU+AFC Government (A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change).

The Government needs the Parliamentary participation of the Opposition PPP/C to advance establishment of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) and to establish the AML/CFT authority. These two promises made in Government’s 100day plan both require a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly for passage into law.

While Governance Minister Raphael Trotman, former House Speaker in the 10th Parliament, is optimistic that this situation would not arise, he disclosed that the Government would consider “extra-constitutional” measures in setting up the Public Procurement Commission.

The issue of the PPC comes against the backdrop of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams’s recent legal review of a contract initiated between the former President Donald Ramotar Ad-

ministration and the management of the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (New GPC) for some $1.2B just 10 days before the May 11 elections which it lost.

There were allegations previously levelled that based on the procurement criteria, the New GPC was allowed to maintain its position as the sole source of pharmaceutical drugs to the Government.

Even during its stint in Opposition, the new Administration had levelled challenges against the public procurement process and the way Government contracts were being disbursed. While the APNU+AFC Government hopes to set up the PPC, the absence of the Opposition in Parliament could stall this.

Guyana does not now have a drug supplier because the process that created a monopolistic system in favour of the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation has been challenged.

Minister Trotman is convinced that while this is true, and the New GPC provides 80% of Guyana’s drugs, the country’s stock of drugs is not at a dangerously low level. He said the previous PPP/C Administration was considering other suppliers, including one Caribbean

company whose name was not disclosed to the media. Minister Trotman said that if the absence of the PPP/C in the National Assembly were to continue until the end of this year, the Government would have to consider setting up a procurement body outside of the constitutional framework.

Without the support of the PPP/C, that commission would not be constitutionally recognised.

Trotman said, too, that Government would have to seek legal advice before any such steps are taken. Such advice would consider the “Doctrine of Necessity,” wherein the action of the Government must have been absolutely necessary to satisfy putting constitutional provisions aside.

Minister Trotman remains optimistic that Government would not have to go the way of “the Doctrine of Necessity,” since the Government “would like to stick to the rule of law, and we would like to adhere to the provisions of the Constitution.”

The constitutional method that Trotman is speaking of is to allow the Public Accounts Committee in the National Assembly to consider appointments for the Public Procurement Commission (PPC).

That Committee is made up of Govern-

ment and Opposition parliamentarians, and is traditionally chaired by a member of the Opposition in the House.

With regard to the establishment of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority, Trotman said the Committee on Appointments in the National Assembly must consider the nomination of persons to sit on the 10-member authority.

The AML/CFT Act was approved by President David Granger in early July, and Guyana will come before the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in October of this year to make its case of reassuring financial compliance with the international system.

Minister Trotman said the absence of the PPP/C to advance the AML/CFT Authority is only “hypothetical,” since he is confident that the party would soon make an appearance in the National Assembly. He said that in the interim, “a wise Government would present its case to FATF and indicate that there is no buy-in in terms of the Opposition’s refusal.

He said that after the FATF is made aware of the prevailing situation, the Government would be guided accordingly. “And if need be, we will have to make amendments to the law.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015

GRA holds fruitful discussions with PSC, GMSA

IN its continued pursuit of meaningful dialogue with key stakeholders in the economy, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) said it was pleased to have recently engaged the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA).

The two meetings were held on July 29 and August 4 respectively, the most recent being with the GMSA, to address issues relevant to the Value Added Tax (VAT), the GRA’s role in facilitating the processing of

tax exemptions and clearance of imports and exports.

In both these engagements, timeliness at the level of Internal Revenue and Customs was central to the concerns raised and at the end, proposals were made for corrective action.

The GRA, in a statement, said it remains committed to efficiency while at the same time holding firm to the rules and regulations governing the country’s tax, trade and border laws. At the meeting with the

Gov’t to distribute last batch of laptops to CPCE teachers

––before programme extends outwards

By Shivanie Sugrim THE last batch of laptops under the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) project comprises 10,000 laptops, and those would be channelled to teachers at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), before being extended outwards thereafter.

This disclosure was made by Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, at Wednesday’s post-cabinet press briefing in response to a question on the rationale behind Government’s decision to channel the laptops to teachers.

Trotman said that the rationale is to properly equip teachers with the instruments to deliver the curriculum in a more “electronic” manner, given Guyana’s current technological position,which is backward.

“We [Government] do want to emphasise teachers. I believe in the first instance we would like to target teachers that are currently at the CPCE [and] those that are perhaps pursuing degrees and diplomas at the University of Guyana; and we will roll it out from there,” Trotman proclaimed.

Teachers who are to receive these laptops are those that would have just concluded training at the college, as they would be equipped with a laptop when positioned in their respective schools in the new academic year.

Trotman said Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine is expected to soon bring to cabinet a full policy paper on the proper distribution of the laptops.

After recognising that the education system is “creaking,” Govern-

ment has moved to channel these laptops towards teachers for the better delivery of curricula in schools. The possibility exists that Government would modify the One Laptop Per Family programme to a One Laptop Per “Teacher” initiative.

The reason for the system’s reported “creaking” is the long existence of “outmoded” methods of education delivery that belong to a previous era. In identifying this pitfall, Dr. Roopnaraine said that the system needs to be equipped with new technologies for Guyana to see an actual revolution in terms of education delivery.

The Government has therefore taken this into consideration and has decided to push for technological advancement in schools, starting with investing laptops in teachers so that they can provide first-hand information to students, rather than relying solely on textbooks to deliver content to students.

Meanwhile, teachers are upbeat about the Government’s intention to provide them with laptops. Many have deemed the initiative “laudable”, and suggested that the Government should ensure availability of Internet access once the distribution is done.

The One Laptop Per Family project was one of the many projects initiated by the former Administration. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, has indicated that the project was stalled and is now linked with the E-Governance Project, at which approximately 12 OLPF staff members will be employed.

PSC, the perpetuation of a tax-compliant mining sector and the need for investment guidelines and project plans were seen as preconditions to the issuance of Tax Exemption letters for investment agreements, particularly with the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) and the mining sector.

Similarly, the GRA said manufacturers eligible for tax exemptions must apply in writing to the Commissioner-General and submit an up-to-date list of the raw or packaging material used in their manufacturing operations. They must also submit a schedule showing their products on a monthly basis and co-operate fully with the prerequisite verification exercises by the GRA to determine the eligibility of the items.

As it relates to the processing of customs declarations for imports and exports, the GRA gave the assurance that customs officers are being assigned specifically to expedite the processing of such documents and to report short shipments upon discovery.

Only recently the GRA made amendments to its customs import policy requiring im-

porters and licensed Customhouse Brokers to submit their Customs declarations (otherwise known as Form C 72) in triplicate. The amendment will cause no undue processing delays.

There were also suggestions to fast-track the examination and release of goods at the wharves and transit sheds as the PSC continues to decry the impact of delays on business competitiveness, sale, and profits. The GRA, however, said it remained firm on its position that monitoring and surveillance must be maintained to guard against smuggling of prohibited, restricted, under-invoicing, and undeclared goods. As such, GRA’s Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) will continue to re-examine goods based on its intelligence-gathering and risk-management assessments.

GRA said the discussion on VAT focused mainly on the timely release of refunds. It was agreed that reputable and tax-compliant companies and businesses should not be subject to undue delays.

However, there must be greater scrutiny of those who are recalcitrant.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015

Gov’t preparing for global Climate Change conference

– sets up Taskforce ahead of COP21 CABINET has approved the appointment of a Taskforce to advance Guyana’s engagement in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process.

This was disclosed by Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, who submitted the memorandum to Cabinet, seeking its approval for the appointment of this Taskforce.

This approval, according to the minister, will ensure that by September 28,

2015, Guyana’s position on its intended nationally determined contribution will be in place, putting Guyana in a better position to participate meaningfully in the Sustainable Innovation Forum (SIF15) annual Conference of Parties (COP21), scheduled for December 7-8, 2015, at the Stade de France in the Le Bourget area of Paris, France.

According to information from the official COP21 website, approximately 40,000 delegates representing each country, observers and civil society

members will participate in this crucial event.

The COP is made up of all ‘States Parties’ to the Convention and is the supreme decision-making body. It meets every year in a global session where decisions are made to meet goals for combating climate change.

COP21 will be a crucial conference, as it needs to achieve a new international agreement on the climate, applicable to all countries, with the aim of keeping global warming below 2°C.

The host country will therefore be playing a leading international role to ensure points of view converge and to facilitate the search for consensus by the United Nations, as well as within the European Union, which has a major role in climate negotiations.

This Framework Convention is a universal convention of principle, acknowledging the existence of anthropogenic (human-induced) climate change and giving industrialised countries the major responsibility for combating it.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015

Green energy is something to be pursued – Minister Patterson

MINISTER with responsibility for Energy, Mr David Patterson, is passionate about green energy. “We have to stop our dependence on mechanical generation…I have a few ideas on solar,” Patterson told a recent forum of regional officials.

According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), he explained that in the hinterland, the overall cost for solar energy is about US$0.7 cents per watt.

“The Hinterland Electrification Project is doing 65 watt panels which works out to about $80,000 for a solar panel that will light two 40-watt lamps, a cellular phone charger, and one radio and they’re reasonably accessible”.

The solar photovoltaic (PV) panels usually have a 20-year life span.

He encouraged Regional Democratic Councilors to budget for the acquisition of some of these solar panels, which will best serve their communities, rather than waiting on central Government to acquire them. “Do not depend on Government alone to do that, …it’s cheaper to put solar on a far-flung house rather than run a line,” Minister Patterson advised the councillors.

He also outlined an additional investment which can be looked at to bring electricity to an entire community. “We can also look at large panels that can produce 3,500 kilowatts, which can power an entire building. With batteries and everything, it could cost the region approximately US$28,000, which will take you off the grid, powering most of your daily consumption. A 1.5 megawatt solar panel would cost about US$12M that would power a small town, for example Bartica…it’s a solar panel,” the minister said.

The minister added

that, considering what is being paid monthly to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) for power, the investment is a worthwhile one, which will see the region functioning economically over a fiveyear period. It would allow saving much needed cash which can be spent to develop another area of the region. “I’m looking at a new grid system which will reduce the cost on solar panels from US$0.8cents to US$0.3 cents per kilowatt hour… you put up a large solar panel, it powers your battery during the day and at nights you switch it off and utilise power from the line (GPL’s),” he said.

The minister explained that with this new system, people would be able to sell their excess power to the grid which would be generated from the solar

Minister David Patterson panel.

Minister Patterson indicated that those were some of the issues that he will challenge Regional Councils to examine, as the entire thrust of the ministry is to remove complete dependence on central Government.

Friday, August 7, 2015 –– 11:00 hrs Saturday, August 8, 2015 –– 12:00 hrs Sunday, August 9, 2015 –– 13:30 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015

Draft National Youth Policy completed - to be sent to President, Education Minister

A DRAFT National Youth Policy 2015 has been completed and a copy of it will soon be in the hands of President David Granger and Minister of Education, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine. This is according to Presidential Adviser on Youth Empowerment, Mr Aubrey Norton.

Norton told the Government Information Agency (GINA), yesterday, that the completed draft was largely restructured. He said it now reflects clearer policy objectives and that performance measures are included for every objective.

Norton said once the Policy is taken for

analysis and endorsement to the higher level in the Government structure, the next step will be popularisation of the document.

He explained that following the buy-in from the public, more importantly the youth segment of the population, a National Youth Policy Action Plan is to be crafted for the implementation of the Policy.

Norton explained that the intention is to engage the technical people to develop the clear Terms of Reference for this five-year strategic action plan - 2016 to 2021.

The National Youth Policy 2015 is a comprehensive policy document that states

Taxi driver beaten unconscious by remand prisoner

- allegedly in presence of cops

By Rajendra Prabhulall AN Essequibo Coast taxi driver says he was punched several times to his face and head and beaten unconscious by a remand prisoner at the Supenaam speedboat stelling road.

The injured driver, Ramnarine Mohabeer, said he was standing on the stelling road at Supenaam looking on as prisoners were being brought ashore from a speedboat by the police.

Then suddenly, a prisoner who was not in handcuffs rushed up to him and began punching him in his face.

Although the prisoner’s feet were in chains, the man continued the attack until the driver fell on the ground unconscious. According to Mohabeer, the Police officers did not offer any assistance to him but drove away with the prisoners in their pick-up vehicle, leaving him on the ground.

Mohabeer said further that other drivers who were nearby did not offer any assistance also, probably because they were afraid of the violent prisoner

and the policemen.

He claimed that several persons who witnessed the incident said they were puzzled that the prisoner was allowed to get off the speedboat without wearing handcuffs.

Mohabeer said he reported the matter at the Aurora Police Station and also gave a statement at Anna Regina Police Station. The driver said he is unable to work at present because of constant pain in his face, but he visited the Suddie Hospital and was issued a medical certificate.

Asked if he had any problem with the remand prisoner, the driver said he learnt that after the attack the man was heard saying that Mohabeer did not compensate his son who had suffered injuries in an accident while travelling in his car. However, Mohabeer said he did have an accident with his car at Supenaam some months ago and compensated the young man who had been injured.

The police are investigating the matter.

Presidential Adviser on Youth Empowerment, Mr Aubrey Norton the vision of the Government of Guyana (GoG) for the youths of the country, and also how this vision will be realised by the Government.

The Policy caters to the needs of the youths in the age-group of 15-35 years, which constitutes over 50 percent of the population.

It identifies the vision and the five key objectives that are further sub-divided into several priority areas for youth development.

It further suggests policy imperatives that should be implemented in each of these identified priority areas.

The National Youth Policy 2015 seeks to achieve a nation, where all the young people are safe, healthy and in a society in which they have equal access to opportunities, can participate in public life, and are empowered to meaningfully contribute to Guyana’s sustainable, national development.

In their Manifesto for the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, now Government, had pledged to prioritise youth development.

Among the promises was the timely convening of a National Youth Conference to push the Terms of Reference and programme of action for the long-awaited National Youth Policy and National Youth Policy Action Plan.

This conference, which was convened in early June, brought together youths from across the nation, in a working session that discussed a draft profiling of the ideal Guyanese youth, in addition to the National Youth Policy document. The conference was critical in arriving at the final document that is to be sent to President Granger and Minister Roopnaraine.

16

Guyana remembers ...

From page 2

boasted of the ability of the party, after 22 years, to commence the day’s proceedings with the leader of the PNC –a person who sits as the President of Guyana.

Burnham’s thoughts, memories, teachings and philosophies, Williams said, have all endured through thick and thin and through trials and tribulations. But now, an opportunity of re-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015 demption has been awarded, he stated.

Williams, who is currently Guyana’s Attorney General, said this opportunity of securing the reins of Government, has placed them in a better position to implement those policies which the founder leader and the people that he had with him in those formative

years of this nation had postulated.

Following this was the traditional floral tribute where members of the PNC and supporting secular and religious groups were afforded the opportunity to present their floral arrangement around the Mausoleum, to pay their tributes.

A vocal champion of the anti-apartheid movement

across Africa who played a key role in the establishment of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Burnham died at the age of 62 at around 10:45 hrs on August 06, 1985 at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

He had reportedly entered the hospital earlier for surgery but suffered a heart attack during the procedure.

Mayor of Georgetown, and former Prime Minister, Hamilton Green lays a floral tribute yesterday (Adrian Narine photos)

President David Granger and a section of the gathering at yesterday’s ceremonial proceedings at the Botanical Gardens

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015

Social Cohesion is integral to national development

17

- Minister Ally tells Lindeners

Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms Amna Ally, responding to questions. Also in picture at the head table are: (from left) Mr Jermaine Figueira, Member of Parliament; Mr Trevor Benn, Representative, UNDP Guyana; and Mr Renis Morian, Chairman of Region 10

MINISTER of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally, on Wednesday last took the message of social cohesion to the mining town of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Upper Berbice), telling those present that the time has come for all Guyanese to work to achieve national unity and togetherness. This, she said, while elusive for the past 23 years, is not an impossible task.

Addressing a small gathering at Lichas Hall in Linden, Minister Ally noted that the purpose of the activity was to involve citizens at the community level in a national conversation on the promotion of togetherness and national unity. This, she explained, was one of the primary mandates of her ministerial portfolio.

Minister Ally said that “social cohesion” is des-

An elder, Mr James Douglas, shares his views with the audience and Minister Amna Ally at the consultation in Linden on Wednesday last

perately needed for the country to develop and reach its potential.

She further noted that when citizens - individuals and groups alike- fail to find common ground on issues that affect their development, the country is ultimately affected.

In this regard, she said her ministry wants to build trust among communities and for that to happen there must be behavioural changes and the creation of an atmosphere for peace and acceptance.

“Your relationships in the community are important. We want to promote useful and productive relationships within and among groups at the community level. How you relate to neighbouring communities, regardless of your ethnic background, is also important,” she said.

This was later supported by an elder of the region, who said it is the people who must change themselves if social cohesion efforts are to bear fruit.

As she outlined her plan as Minister of Social Cohesion for the achievement of cohesiveness in the country, she reiterated that the work must not be left solely on Govern-

ment, but citizens too have a responsibility to support the fulfilment of the mandate set out.

“You have the clear responsibility to foster unity among diverse populations and create a vision for a common future that pivots on the acceptance of differences with a view to harvesting the strengths that are inherent in diverse societies…You can make a positive change in our country…we recognise that behavioural change is a pillar to reconciliation in this country and we must all contribute to achieving the good life that we all want right here in Guyana,” she said.

Mr James Douglas told the audience at Lichas Hall that if the mandate were to be fulfilled, then “We must change our attitudes to move forward. We must have attitudinal metamorphosis. I understand that to mean then the persons in this region must change our attitudes. This is a new day indeed for us…and I want to say that we have the fortitude to succeed and to allow programmes and policies put forward to take us to the next level as a people.”

Residents welcomed the exercise in the region, while they pointed out ways in which citizens can become involved for the fulfilment of the social cohesion mandate.

In the meantime, Renis Morian, Region 10 Chairman, informed the gathering that the town is actively pursuing the realisation of a bitumen plant which will significantly boost the region’s economy by reducing unemployment, while the television station will be up and running within the next two weeks.

The event was attended by Mr Trevor Benn, Programme Analyst with responsibility for governance and poverty at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Members of Parliament Jermaine Figueira and Valerie Patterson; and Project Manager Sharon Patterson.

A section of the participants at Lichas Hall, Linden, on Wednesday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015

Police ‘F’ Division launches youth initiatives at Itaballi, Baramita

IN keeping with the Social Crime Prevention Initiative of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Police ‘F’ Division (interior locations) launched a three-week community project at Itaballi in the Mazaruni.

Creation of community projects is an activity that is on stream in all police divisions. It places particular focus on youths of the various communities and has the specific aim of strengthening police/community relations.

Launched by Divis i o n a l C o m m a n d e r, Senior Superintendent Ravindradat Budhram on Sunday, August 2, 2015, this Police ‘F’ Division project involves 64 youths between the ages of seven and 17 years who are attached to the

–seeking closer relationship with residents

The launching at Itaballi of the Police ‘F’ Division initiative. Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Ravindradat Budhram is seated at centre.

Purple Heart Police Youth Group.

The police will be assisted in the venture by facilitators from the community, and the intention behind the launch of this initiative is to engage the youths in skills training, craftwork, sports, and educational talks in areas such as health issues, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, child abuse, and conflict resolution.

This police division recently established another youth group at Baramita, North West District, which comprises 34 youths. The business community at Baramita has already extended its support with donations of sports gear that include footballs, bats and soft balls.

(Michel Outridge)

Demolition Day!

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015

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…City to reclaim one of many alleyways from residents, businesses

By Derwayne Wills

to reclaim the City’s alleyways. She said the public will be informed as IN an effort to reclaim the city’s alleyways which are those activities continue important for draining and storing storm waters, the Similar exercises might very well City Administration will today demolish a section of the be done to a nearby building, just one fence of the IMEX International building on High and corner away from the IMEX building Schumaker Streets, in downtown Georegtown. on High Street.

The City Administration is complaining that it has been It is unclear who owns the buildblocked time and time again by the massive structure which ing as efforts by this publication were has taken in the alleyway that is no longer visible. unsuccessful since the only name The Guyana Chronicle could not locate the owner of the provided was “Chinee”. building but the publication was informed by the Public ReFrom an elevated view, it appears lations Officer of City Hall, Deborah Lewis, that notices of the owner of the second building, warning were sent out to that person, but no responses were which is unnamed, had built his made to those warnings. property over a considerable portion The PRO cleared the air that the exercise is not to victimof the alleyway running parallel to ise the businessman, but will form part of an intense campaign the Lombard and High Streets. This blocked all access to the alleyway.

Even more challenging, the City Ad- The second building located on a cross street between ministration would Lombard and High Streets. The red gate shows where the have to remove a alleyway used to be level of City Hall since the City’s Administration would have massive generator which has been placed over the space of what received not only the building plans for these structures, but would have also approved those plans and further inspection used to be the alleyway.

Lewis told the Chronicle that the City works to ensure those plans were adhered to.

Efforts to contact City Engineer Colvern Venture were Administration, in a collaborative effort between the Engineer’s Department and the unsuccessful.

City Constabulary, will be taking a team to the site today to have the fence of the building A bird’s eye view of the second building showing where torn down.

Nearby access to the alleyway has been cut off businesses in the area occupied by the two encroaching buildings have complained of flooding in the area which is partly due to heavily silted alleyways that have not been cleaned by the - had asked girl: “Do you love me?”

City Administration.

Passers-by who were faBy George Barclay miliar with both properties al- The IMEX International Building located on the corner of High and luded to some collusion at the Leopold Streets JUSTICE Dawn Gregory took a very serious view of the rape of a 13-year-old girl and had expected that a probation report would have accompanied the sentencing phase.

The judge had ordered the report some days ago after the jury found Sherwin Sharples guilty.

But yesterday the judge was told that the probation report would not be ready until a certain time, but by then wall, while two others stood guard outside. two members of the jury would be out of the jurisdiction.

The men held up Tulshi’s wife, Indranie Takean, 32, and The judge then decided to base her sentence on the took away $100,000. evidence and the circumstances of the case.

THE terrifying armed robbery committed by a gang of Ranks of a police mobile patrol responded to the report The judge took into account that the accused and the five men on a family at #48 Village, Corentyne, Berbice on and on approaching the scene, came under fire. The ranks girl were neighbours, and the child was 13 years old at Wednesday night is under police investigation. the time the offence was committed.

The police reported that around 01:30hrs on August 5, returned fire, but the perpetrators managed to escape into the It was noted also that the accused was 40 years old 2015, three men, armed with firearms and cutlasses, entered No. 48 Village backlands.

The police vehicle was damaged during the exchange and that when he was indulging in the sexual violation of the premises of rice farmer Tagraj Tulshi, 38, of No. 48 of gunfire. the girl with his finger, he had enquired from the victim, Village, Corentyne after cutting their way through a wooden “Do you love me?”

The judge also considered that the accused had gone into the home behind the girl. In the circumstances, the judge said, “I am going to sentence you to eight years imprisonment.”

ANOTHER mining tragedy has occurred this time at Toroparu Backdam in the Cuyuni River, which has claimed The accused committed the offence on the 10th of the life of a 38-year-old miner of Queenstown, Essequibo.

June, 2013 in the county of Demerara, where he penetratPolice reported that at about 11:45 hrs on August 05, 2015, a mining pit caved-in at Toroparu Backdam, Cuyuni River, ed the child of 13 years with his finger. which resulted in the death of miner Omet Samuels, 38, who was trapped beneath.

It was hoped that the punishment would serve as Investigations are in progress. There have been numerous deaths reported in the interior due to the collapse a deterrent. of mining pits.

Man jailed for eight years after penetrating neighbour’s child with his finger

Armed robbers cut way into rice farmer’s C/tyne home - cart off $100,000

Another miner dies as pit caves in

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015 Tel: 619-1952

Georgetown and Bartica singers locked in dead heat in

Katherina Roshana salutes Lisa Punch

Miss World Guyana The captivating 2015, the and beautiful - Miss World Guyana, 2015 incomparable Katherina Lisa Punch Roshana AND here is Bombshell’s exclusive of Katherina Rosha- unify our great peoples and our unique country. Music is the na’s salute to Miss World Guyana 2015, Lisa Punch: essence of life; it unites and creates life, and empowers the “It is with great respect and much honour that I send con- hearts to love and joy. gratulations to Lisa Punch.

Lisa Dear, we in the Third World have our difficulties.

“Lisa’s selection is one made with great thought. This When going on the international realm for experience and young lady is one whom I am pleased to articulate with as a personal development, let it all be a great source of education. friend. She is a young lady who has enormous talents, tal- Look, Dear Sister of Guyana, and the Spirit go for the best, do ents which have brought so much accolades in Guyana and your best in the international competitions, knock them down internationally. with your illustrious voice, poise beauty and charm; and raise “Everything this young lady does is like the proverbial the international organisers of Miss World, the Judges and all mystical ‘Touch of Gold.’ Her personality evokes attention the contestants to heights unimaginable. Whatever the judges and awe. Her charisma shines forth from her eyes, and her do, I hope and I pray you champion. But if not, be a better spirituality and spiritedness are the driving force of her rec- person and a better you......... always. ognition and her talents.

“Win you can, and what a glory it will be for Guyana, the “It is unfortunate that I am not in Guyana at this time to Caribbean, and for all humans. Always be a good teacher, as personally applaud her, to support and even give a bit of my a good student you are. experience internationally as a wise counsel;, but with modern “I call on all Guyanese the world over to please do not technology, I am just a click away, Dear Lisa. break her heart as she heads for great achievements and mar“This amazing young lady is blessed with the most en- keting of our peoples and nation. She, like all contestants, dearing, powerful, yet soothing voice that heals the souls of has to undergo many difficulties in mental, psychological and mankind and inspires the good in all of us as Guyanese and physical preparation. She and all others will need your love as Citizens of the World. Her voice is like a clarion call to and encouragement. I call on the Guyanese peoples to please humanity to do the best we can, give the most we can, and just encourage and give her strength, as this is the time, like know we are all the children of God, and so we must strive all other contestants locally and internationally, will need for the Glory of God, and make the earth a sanctuary for all them the most. creatures.

“Good luck and God’s Blessing, Dear Sister of Guy“Lisa has the talents, the personality, the charisma to ana”.

Miss United Continents Guyana is seeking sponsorship and donations THE newly appointed Miss United Continents Guyana 2015, Cherese James, and the Miss United Continent Guyana National Director are currently seeking sponsorships or donations to assist in the preparation and expenses for the Miss United Continents 2015 Pageant to be held in Guayaquil, Ecuador on September 12th 2015.

Any assistance given them in this regard would be most highly appreciated.

Please, therefore, see the bigger picture -– which involves the reputation of our beloved Guyana –- and find it in your heart to give generously towards this most worthy cause.

Thank you ever so much.

Princess Karaoke Star Show

LAST Saturday, the battle was fierce as eleven singers contested for top spots in the Princess 2015 Karaoke Star Competition.

As the singers had all predicted, almost everyone took their act to the extreme, hoping to demolish the competition. And rap enthusiast Gino Fullington got the shock of his Dameon Apple life when fellow rapper Jamal Benjamin used him as a target to unleash a tirade of lyrics that seemed to tear a hole in Fullington’s stomach.

Benjamin’s showcase was riveting, and he received a standing ovation from the audience and judges at the end of his performance. He placed fifth in the competition, with Fullington having to settle for the eleventh spot.

As expected, Georgetown’s Lashaun Charles brought ‘liquid drama’ to her showcase, and her vocals seemed to be at their best as she raked in the top spot she shared with Bartica’s Dameon Apple, who was a ‘scene stealer’ at the event.

Lashaun Charles

Aalyaih Maria Rosheuvel was grieving the passing of her father, but nonetheless came out to deliver an emotional presentation of the song ‘Hallelujah’, which found favour with the judges. She shared the second spot with Bartica’s Silyne Griffith who, according to the judges, seemed nervous during her performance.

The next available spot went to Romichelle Brummelle, and she shared it with Azzrauddin Laljie.

In the eighth spot was Georgetown Powerhouse Iodele Gilbert, with Jonathan Basteano placing in close tow. He was followed by newcomers Daniel Dondrake and Louis Ebenzer respectively.

Eliminated from the competition are DJ Mongo Slade and Victoria’s Michael Spencer.

Come Saturday, August 15, the singers will move to the quarter finals; and at this leg, the audience will dictate who moves to the next round from their response to the presentations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015

Cupid’s arrow strikes Rhoda and Nelson

--exchange hearts in blissful marriage vows

Chronixx

8 for Guyana Show on Aug

yana Concert slated ing at the “Plant It” Chronixx Gu ence, East Bank ‘CHRONIXX’ will be perform vid Guyana National Stadium, Pro for Saturday, August 8, at the CE), the show is Demerara. ement Creed Empowerment (RA Promoted by Rastafarian Advanc tain sus ability of Rasrians to plant organic food for the being held to encourage Rastafa slated to perform. tafarians across the world. headlining act, with several others The Jamaican artiste will be the ana’s own First Born, on the night of August 8 are Guy Those who will grace the stage ss Igina, along with pre Kid, Empress Idama and Em Ila Man, Benjie Diamond and Gad stes will be backed by the Irits Band out of the l arti Sister Petra and others. The loca . ce Redemption mining town of Linden ana on August 3 with the Zincfen Chronixx expectedly arrived in Guy aborative effort by Rastafarians in Guyana and is a coll of organic foods.

Band out of Jamaica. The concert initiatives promoting the planting t ges big w a large foloverseas, and is one of the or, the initiative is bound to dra With Chronixx as the ambassad rity grew throughout 2012, with significant popula fest and a show lowing. The Jamaican artiste’s es at festivals such as Reggae Sum gston, which anc form per and aica Jam in lay Kin airp in Records nightclub/restaurant in December at the Tracks and e”, and he toured was attended by Usain Bolt.

Jamaica” and “Here Comes Troubl In 2013, he had hits with “Smile emption Band. ted States with the Zincfence Red e, as a Peace AmThe United Kingdom and the Uni bas ya, where he has a large fan In March 2013, he travelled to Ken Tuka Rada Peace the at ed election, and perform eral gen ’s ntry cou the ing dur or bassad and Entertainer of Concert in Nairobi. ist of the Year, Best New Artist, In May 2014, he won Culture Art York. His singing career has blossomed since, in New the Year at the Linkage Awards him back. g din nces, among other and there is definitely no hol several television and radio appeara ing mak be l wil In Guyana, he e and $3000 at activities. a Concert cost $2500 in advanc Tickets for the “Plant It” Guyan the gate.

SOME have said that the days of fairytale romances are over, while others just dismiss “the fable” of Cupid’s arrow striking hearts. But having just recently witnessed the blissful wedding ceremony of a couple, and having listened to their story, I am now a great fan of fairy tales, if that is how loving climaxes are now described.

Cupid’s arrows are reputed to strike when they are least expected, and that was certainly the case for Nelson Springer, who was desperately searching for the ‘perfect wife’. You see folks, Nelson had, for years been begging his brother Clint to ‘hook him up’, and Clint, of course, had always refused. However, in March 2014, Clint called Nelson, who resides overseas, to tell him he knew of a very beautiful young lady who was willing to speak with him. Nelson felt his brother was joking, but he nevertheless kept his hopes high, and a few weeks later, Rhoda and Nelson chatted for the first time on the telephone.

A delicious, mysterious connection was instantly evident from that very first “Hello?”, and as they chatted in the weeks that followed, they employed the use of Skype, the telephone, and every possible medium that could keep them connected.

There are some discrepancies on the exact date of their first chat. Rhoda says it was April 3rd, Nelson says the 4th… But we all know who will win this battle! Rhoda, of course!

After 3 months of talking daily on the phone and Skyping for long hours, Nelson scheduled a trip to Guyana to meet Rhoda face to face. He told her he was coming on a certain day, but completely surprised her by coming a day early.

A shocked and ecstatic Rhoda happily received Nelson a day earlier than expected. Nelson had this to say: “From the moment I saw Rhoda’s shocked beautiful face up close and in person, I knew that she was the woman I wanted to spend my life with.”

The connection that had grown between the pair through phone calls and Skypes over the weeks was stronger when they were together in person! It was so strong that Nelson proposed to Rhoda that same night, and Rhoda excitedly said “Yes!!”

Before Nelson returned to New York, he asked Rhoda’s mother for Rhoda’s hand in marriage, to make it official. The couple got married on July 25, 2015 in front of their family members and friends in Greater Georgetown, Guyana. “He that findeth a wife findeth a good thing and obtains favour of the Lord.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015

Heatwave Band

to perform at French Lafayette Celebration GUYANA’s number one band, The Heatwave Band, is set to perform at the French Lafayette Celebration in French Guiana this Sunday.

The band continues to make positive strides in the music industry, and is making its name not only as a backing band, but as a performing band as well, with Guyanese lead singers Calvin Burnette, Mark Batson and Diana Chapman.

Music has proven to be life, and when it hits you, you feel NO PAIN. The Heatwave Band has embraced that thought, and, through music, has proven that vibes also connect to every part of the human body.

Combined with soul catching melodies, high energy performances and pulsating rhythms that speak languages only the body can comprehend, the Heatwave band has reinvented music in Guyana, France, Suriname and the Caribbean.

For the past seven years, the Heatwave Band has been wowing the music arena with its performances. “Our musical abilities were proven when we were called to provide musical accompaniment for many local and international artistes to the likes of Machel Montano, Lil Rick, Onasis Joseph, Glen Washington, Turbulance, Admiral Bailey, Rupee, Flowa Dan, Natty King, Lady G, Daville, Warrior King, Alkaline, among others who have performed here in Guyana and overseas”, said a member of the band.

Whether entertaining 10 or 10,000, the Heatwave band always delivers an energized performance. The inimitable Heatwave performances cover all genres of music and produce original music from its lead singers.

“While few critics ever doubted our ability to succeed, we have achieved a lot during our six years in the life of entertainment. Our talents attract the major companies who promote major events here in Guyana; companies such as

Heatwave Band

Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, which conducts the GTT Jingle and Song competition which runs for three months; ANSA McAL, which runs Carib Soca Monarch in February of every year; Hits and Jams Entertainment (Jam Zone); and many others. We perform at numerous concerts and at the National Communication Network Mash Media Jump Up, accompanying numerous artistes.”

In January of 2013, the Band included three sassy and energetic dancers to uplift its performances. “Upon seeing our full package, we are now called to perform at Mash Jump

Bulletin!!! Bulletin!!! Bulletin!!! Bulletin!!!

Miss India Guyana coronation set for August 18

Reigning Miss India Guyana, Divya Sieudarsan

THE word is out and it is generating quite a buzz!

Chandini Rambalack and folks from the ‘Apsara Camp’ are preparing for the grand coronation of the 2015 Miss India Guyana, on August 18, 2015 at the Marriot International Hotel.

To spice things up a bit, Ms Rambalack has indicated that she will be bringing the first runner-up of the 2014 Miss India Worldwide Pageant, Cynferth Turrian, whose dancing presentation earned her a standing ovation.

The event will also showcase dazzling dances by the Apsara Dance Troupe.

Tickets for the event will be on sale shortly, but I must warn that the amount is limited. Persons are more than welcome to call Ms. Rambalack on telephone number 6402085 for more informa- The 2014 Miss India tion, or send her mails to Worldwide 1st Runner-up, apsara_guyana.com Cynferth Turrian

Up; BOOM concert; Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports’ float parade; Bartica J’Ouvert; North West Showdown and Old Skool Reggae”.

Hardly getting time to hit the studio, the band is working on some songs to hit the airwaves very shortly.

While the true Heatwave Band is a musical family of well talented members and love what they do (Anthony Johnson, Earl Bishop, Joshua Dennis, Devon Roberts, Calvin Burnett, and Mark Batson) each adds a unique ingredient to the pot of success.

Blue Berry Bar returns with a bang!!!

“IN de good ole days, we used to rush down to de Blue Berry Bar at Better Hope village, and de action was always smashing…”

Then the proprietor, ‘Dharmin’ closed shop because of unforeseen circumstances, and fans near and far were certainly disappointed.

Well, I have news for you, folks! The Blue Berry Bar is back with a bang and with lots of exciting

features! This bar now opens all week, and from Monday, fans can enjoy ‘After Lunch Limes’ as thy listen to pulsating sounds made possible by one of the top local DJs. And that’s not all: On Fridays the venue explodes with the ‘Friday Night Hangout’, and Saturday of course is their Saturday Night Fever showcase.

On Sundays folks can wind down and de-stress as they enjoy a ‘musical mix’ like never before.

This bar will soon see appearances by various live bands, and a special Miss Bootilicious package is planned for this venue. Of course you can enjoy succulent ‘cutters’ and any beverage you take a fancy to. Check out this joint especially on weekends, and you are bound to return.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015

Digicel Classic horse race meet to return

DIGICEL is currently mulling the return of the Digicel Classic horse race meet, according to Digicel Events and Sponsorship manager Gavin Hope.

The communication giant pulled out of the fourth edition last year, but Hope is optimistic that the one-day event will return shortly.

“Last year we had some concerns, hence the reason we didn’t have the meet last year. But we are looking forward in the near future to restart that Classic,” Hope revealed.

He added, “We want to see the return of the Digicel Classic because, like I said, we know the importance of the event and we know the importance to be a part of horse racing fraternity. We know the benefits towards the horse racing fraternity and we want to be a part of the development of horse racing, so you can look forward for the return of Digicel Classic.”

The Digicel Classic was first held in 2011, and the Norman Singh Memorial Turf Club, located on the

West Coast of Berbice, has played host to telecommunications service provider for that year as well as 2012.

In 2013, the Bush Lot Corentyne-based Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club (KMTC), which, in its own right is Guyana’s oldest horse racing club, hosted the third edition.

However, the Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC) was expected to host last year’s event, but separate horse-race meets between

the PMTC and Budhan’s Memorial Sports Complex and Race Track had forced Digicel to pull the plug on its sponsorship deal with the PMTC. Both the PMTC and Budhan’s Memorial Sports Complex and Race Track had planned separate horse race meets for July 27, but Digicel ended the partnership, claiming that as a corporate entity the company wishes to stay clear of conflicts.

Digicel’s Gavin Hope

Ashes 2015

Stuart Broad takes 8-15 as England eye Ashes win

STUART Broad took 8-15 as Australia were bowled out for 60 and Joe Root hit a century as England put themselves in a strong position to win the Ashes on the first day of the fourth Test.

Broad passed 300 wickets and equalled the fastest Test five-wicket haul - 19 deliveries - as the tourists were dismissed in 111 balls at Trent Bridge.

It was the shortest first innings in Test history.

Root’s unbeaten 124 helped England to 274-4 at the close, a lead of 214.

Alastair Cook scored 43 and Jonny Bairstow made 74, sharing a fourth-wicket stand of 173, at more than five runs an over with Yorkshire team-mate Root.

Victory will give En-

South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:45 hrs Line Of Fire 09:25 hrs House Of Lorraine 10:05 hrs Evoke Emotion 10:40 hrs Strong Scent 11:10 hrs National Road English Racing Tips Musselburgh 09:00 hrs Tholen 10:00 hrs Beijing Star 10:30 hrs Invoke 11:00 hrs Future Empire

Stuart Broad celebrates during England’s domination of Australia in the fourth 2015 Investec Ashes match. gland an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match se-

ries and see them regain the urn they lost, courtesy

of a 5-0 whitewash in Australia in 2013-14.

11:30 hrs Titus Bolt 12:00 hrs Tapis Libre

13:55 hrs Top Of The Bank 14:30 hrs Toni’s Star 15:05 hrs Qeyaadah 15:35 hrs Dawn Missile

15:45 hrs Thousand Stars

Newmarket 12:45 hrs Montsarrat 13:15 hrs Digi 13:45 hrs Emotionless 14:20 hrs Devonshire Place 14:55 hrs Timba 15:25 hrs Picture Dealer Haydock 12:55 hrs Oskar Denarius 13:25 hrs Foundation

Irish Racing Tips Tipperary 12:05 hrs Zebgrey 12:35 hrs Monsieur Joe 13:05 hrs Great Wide Open 13:35 hrs Port Douglas 14:10 hrs Santa Monica 14:45 hrs No Way Jack 15:15 hrs Escapism

American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Best Man Race 2 Mind Magic Race 3 Matuszak Race 4 Watershed Race 5 Zvarkhova Race 6 Frosty Margarita Race 7 Awesome Sky Race 8 Run of the River Race 9 Night Prowler

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015

COURTS committed to grassroots athletics COURTS Guyana Inc. yesterday reaffirmed its commitment to the development of athletics when the entity handed over $1.8M at its Main Street office to the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) for the 5th edition of its 10k Classic, set for September 20.

The event will move from the company’s Main Street office at 06:00hrs. It will proceed to Conversation Tree on the lower East Coast of Demerara and return to the starting-point where the various winners will be crowned and prizes will be distributed.

Athletes at the junior, senior and masters divisions in both males and females will compete for over $1.3M in prizes, cash and trophies with a 3k event organised

for the staff of the furniture and electronics company.

During a press briefing yesterday, Managing Director Clyde De Haas reaffirmed his company’s support for the sport, adding, “It is part of our corporate social responsibility to support and build sport especially the grassroots and across the whole of Guyana and this is true for our motto, bringing value home, we want to bring healthy lifestyles home.”

President of the Athletics Association of Guyana, Aubrey Hudson, indicated that general improvements will be made to the 5th edition of the event.

He said, “We plan to have at least three medical teams as a part of

this event to ensure that unfortunate incidents (do not occur) - like last year, we had athletes collapsing at the finish line and were not adequately taken care of.”

Hudson also spoke of smoother logistical plans which are aimed at running the event more efficiently and also of the move to award hampers to the first 15 masters to cross the line He said that the COURTS 10k has over the years been one warmup for Guyana’s athletes, ahead of the South American 10k, which will this year feature participants from as far as the United Arab Emirates and other African countries.

Seon Erskine, repre-

From left to right: AAG’s Assistant Competitions Director Yvonne October, president Aubrey Hudson, COURTS Managing Director Clyde De Haas, representative of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Seon Erskine and COURT’s Roberta Ferguson at the head table. senting the Sport Director Christopher Jones, who was unable to attend the proceedings, gave the blessing of the National Sports Commission (NSC)

while advocating for more events aimed at developing a healthy lifestyle.

(Stephan Sookram)Aubrey Hudson, COURTS Managing Director Clyde

De Haas, representative of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Seon Erskine and COURT’s Roberta Ferguson at the head table.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday August 7, 2015

GFF appeals FIFA’s decision THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF), through General Secretary Richard Groden, today dispatched an official Letter of Appeal to FIFA’s Appeals Committee, following the world governing body’s decision to favour St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) against the protest filed by Guyana.

The letter was addressed to Mr Larry Mussenden, Chairman of FIFA’s Appeals Committee.

The GFF on June 16 had requested FIFA’s investigation and adjudication on a possible violation of the FIFA rules by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (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”.

However, the GFF is of the view that the Disciplinary Committee gave no explanation for its ruling and no reference was made to the ineligibility of the player for presenting a Passport other than that of the country of the participating member association (SVG) he was representing.

The GFF challenge was premised on the fact that the player in question, Garvin James, did not have a SVG Passport as required by FIFA Regulations for the FIFA 2018 World Cup Russia.

Referring to Article 7 of the ‘General Provisions’ which states that “The Regulations and all directives, decisions, guidelines and circulars issued by FIFA shall be binding for all parties participating and involved in the preparation, organisation, and hosting of the 2018 FIFA World Cup”.

Under Article 19, paragraph 3 of the Regulations, it states “The ONLY document considered to be valid proof of a player’s identity and nationality shall be a passport

that explicitly states the player’s day, month and year of birth. Identity cards or other supporting official documents shall not be accepted as a valid means of identification. The participating member associations shall present each player’s valid national passport for the country of the participating member association to the FIFA Match Commissioner on the day before the match. A player without a valid passport shall not be entitled to play” The GFF also reminded FIFA, for the WCQ, Guyana did not play four players who did not have a Passport in their possession but who had met all requirements for citizenship.

“If a stamp in their passports of the countries of birth or some other form of documentation from the Guyana government, other than a Passport, would have sufficed, the GFF would have fielded those players and the outcome of the matches might have been different,” Groden said in the letter.

RHTYSC teams assist other clubs THE ROSE Hall Town Youth and Sports Club’s (RHTYSC) Pepsi Under-19 and Bakewell Under-17 Cricket teams on Monday assisted the Heart of Oak Football team of New Amsterdam Region Six (6) and the Kwabanna Village Volleyball Club of Region One. The teams as part of their personal development programme donated several football trophies, a carton of food boxes and fifty copies of the Club’s Youth Information to the football club for its Annual ‘Teach them Young’ Camp.

The teams also donated a volleyball and a volleyball net to the youths of the Region One club after a request was made to the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club.

Twelve copies of the Youth Information booklet were also handed over to the Kewbana youths to assist them in their development.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster noted that each year, the eight cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club undertake a total of 160 activities with the main aim of making a positive difference in the lives of youths, the elderly and less fortunate.

The long-serving Club Secretary/CEO hailed the work of the Heart of Oak Football Club under the leadership of Neil Humphrey as a role model organisation and expressed pleasure at assisting them to successfully host the 2015 Summer Camp which has attracted over 80 youths in the New Amsterdam/Canje area.

Neil Humphrey of Heart of Oak Football Club and Stanley Alexander who received the volleyball equipment on behalf of the youths of Kwabanna expressed gratitude to the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club and its cricket teams.

Joel Pike and Clement Brusch Jr of the RHT Pepsi Under-19 team hand over the donations to representatives of the two organisations.

Digicel supports Guyana Cup horse race meet

Digicel’s Events and Sponsorship manager Gavin Hope presents the cheque to Nazrudeen Mohammed Jr, a member of the Guyana Cup Organising Committee, in the presence of Rovin DeSouza.

DIGICEL continued its support for sports across this nation with another timely gesture, this time to the Guyana Cup Horse Race meet, billed for August 16 at the Port Mourant Turf Club.

The presentation was done yesterday at Digicel’s main office in Georgetown, where Digicel’s Events and Sponsorship manager Gavin Hope presented a cheque to Nazrudeen Mohammed Jr, a member of the Guyana Cup Organising Committee.

Hope, speaking shortly after the presentation, said the company was once again pleased to be supporting horse racing locally, adding that it was not the first time that the sport has benefited from Digicel’s goodwill.

“This is another solid demonstration of our commitment to sport activities across Guyana,” Hope said.

He further disclosed that Digicel has made significant contributions towards the development of sports in Guyana and the company intends to continue to do so in the future.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Jr expressed gratitude to Digicel for its support, adding that the Guyana Cup will definitely live up to its expectations.

The event will be staged on Sunday, August 16 at the Port Mourant Turf Club where over $25M will be at stake in cash and prizes.

Sport CHRONICLE

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Friday August 7, 2015