2015 9 18

GUYANA No. 104316

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

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

PRICE: $80

INCLUDING VAT

At commissioning of Trans Guyana Airways’ new US$4M aircraft…

President urges renaming of Ogle Airport P.3

– to ‘Eugene F. Correia International Airport’

Trans Guyana Airways’ Raytheon Beechcraft 1900D Aircraft

23-yr-old Woman who died at Kaieteur cremated dies in Chinese employee dies in pit collapse Quit smoking: ACCUSED West Bank CHILD Dr Norton RAPIST tells ‘walking ‘smash up’ FREED chimneys’ P.2

Laleta Sivanand

P.8

KILLED: Mahendra Sugrim

P.2

Compton Bourne

P.14

P.4

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2015

Woman who died at Kaieteur cremated – amid emotional service THE body of Laleta Sivanand, who went missing during an Air Services Ltd (ASL) outing to the Kaieteur National Park (KNP) on September 1, was yesterday cremated at the Good Hope Cremation Site.

The emotional funeral ceremony according to Hindu rites, was performed before a modest gathering of mourners and sympathisers assembled to offer comfort to the bereaved -- her hus-

band Bobby; mother, Devi Panday; her brother, sister and other family members; and to pay their last respects to the departed.

Mrs. Sivanand had observed her 40th birthday a mere few weeks ago.

She was discovered missing from the ASL group of tourists while still at the falls as a tour guide was handing over snacks to the group. An alarm was raised and a search was mounted for her. The information was

also transmitted to Air Services Ltd in Georgetown.

The park was closed off and a major search was initiated involving the Police, Guyana Defence Force, Park Rangers and other entities.

The search continued over several days, and was called off at the end of the first week.

Her body was spotted by a Park Ranger late last Saturday afternoon. The body was reportedly found in a rocky area at the bottom of the falls, and may have

been submerged during high water levels, the Ministry of the Presidency said.

The body was on Monday flown to the Ogle International Airport and handed over to the Lyken Funeral Parlour, where it remained until yesterday’s cremation.

Family members embraced each other and wailed despondently as her body was taken from the hearse and placed onto the burning pyre; but although terribly grieved at her death and that there had been no words of farewell, they were

still relieved that her body had been retrieved, and grateful to have been able to accord her a decent send off, ultimately bringing closure to a prolonged episode of deep grief.

The Ministry of the Presidency has expressed condolences to the bereaved relatives, and has thanked all those officers and entities who had supported the work of the Guyana Defence Force and police during the search and recovery exercise. (Shirley Thomas)

Laleta Sivanand

The body of Laleta Sivanand was yesterday cremated at the Good Hope Cremation Site during an emotional funeral ceremony according to Hindu rites (Samuel Maughn photos)

Chinese employee dies in pit collapse …at CJIA expansion site

AN investigation has been launched into the industrial death of Chinese national, Lui Li, at the site of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project at Timehri.

The Guyana Police Force, in a statement, said 23-yearold Li was doing soil testing yesterday in the Timehri area, when he was trapped beneath a quantity of soil that caved in on him. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, on the East Bank of Demerara.

Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson has confirmed that there was

an industrial death at the site. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure, in a statement on the tragic incident, said that at approximately 10:40 hrs yesterday, while working at the CJIA expansion site, a humus pit collapsed trapping two Chinese nationals – Engineers Zhang Yixun and Liu Li of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).

The ministry said rescue efforts were immediately activated.

Unfortunately, Mr. Li died while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Mr. Yixun, understandably traumatised, is now a patient of the said

medical institution.

Minister Patterson has asked that an investigation be launched into the incident immediately. It is understood that CHEC is responsible for

the health and safety of its employees on the work site.

The ministry and CJIA’s management extend their condolences to the family of Mr. Li.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2015

At commissioning of Trans Guyana Airways’ new US$4M aircraft…

President urges renaming of Ogle Airport – to ‘Eugene F. Correia International Airport’

President David Granger shares a light moment with CEO Correia Group of Companies Michael Correia Jr. after the commissioning of the Beechcraft 1900D Aircraft

President David Granger stands in front of the new Beechcraft 1900D with ministers of government, CEO Correia Group of Companies, Michael Correia Jr., Aircraft pilots and engineers (Delano Williams photos)

By Ariana Gordon PRESIDENT David Granger has called on the Board of Directors of the Ogle International Airport to rename it the ‘Eugene F. Correia International Airport’ in recognition of Guyana’s first Minister of Communications, Shipping and Aviation.

President Granger made the call at the commissioning of Trans Guyana Airways’ brand new US$4M Raytheon Beechcraft 1900D Aircraft at the Ogle International Airport, last evening.

The President’s charge was followed by loud applause as he explained the need to recognise those who have pioneered the aviation industry. “I pay tribute to Eugene Franklin Correia and I have the honour to urge the directors of the Ogle International Airport Incorporated to rename this important, dynamic and forward-looking facility, the Eugene F. Correia International Airport,” said President Granger.

The President dubbed the acquisition of the Beechcraft 1900D as a “good move” noting that it adds not only to the company’s fleet of aircraft but also to the national inventory of approximately 70 operated by dozens of private companies.

“The acquisition of this aircraft represents an expression of confidence in the future of domestic commercial aviation. This aircraft undoubtedly will improve the reliability, quality and competitiveness of aviation services.”

The hinterland, President Granger emphasised, is an essential element in Guyana’s development. “It is the frontier of our economic progress,” he declared, while urging stakeholders to “unlock the hinterland faster” and in a sustainable manner so that the future generation can benefit.

“The hinterland is characterised by poor levels of infrastructure and poor levels of human development,” the President said.

Huge economic and social disparities separate the hinterland from the coastland and, as such, government intends to pay full attention to the reduction of inequalities by improving communications and transportation.

“Domestic Aviation has proven to be one way or one of the keys to unlocking this potential, bringing our people together, developing our communities and exploiting our natural resources,” the president stated.

As such, reliability and regularity in the aviation industry is critical to the development of many farflung communities that are isolated and can only be reached by air.

“We intend to end isolation, we intend to intensify air transport to the rest of the country,” President Granger added. Currently, some 13,500 passengers pass through Ogle International Airport Incorporated on a monthly basis with approximately 50,000 kilograms of

cargo being transported on a daily basis. With this amount of traffic, it is imperative upon all stakeholders, government and private investors to provide reliable and safe service. “We will ensure this sector continues to expand and provide improved services to all Guyanese.”

President Granger gave his unwavering commitment to the aviation industry and encouraged more private investment as government will complement the stakeholders' investments.

Government, he said, remains committed to working with the aviation industry to achieve its four main

objectives as outlined in the Aircraft Owners’ Association Draft Aviation Policy dated 2014 namely ensuring there is independent aircraft accident investigations; enhancing the capacity of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, expanding hinterland aerodromes rehabilitation programme and establishing a permanent national search and rescue agency.

President Granger stressed that with more than 25 cases of aircraft accidents over the past decade there is a real need for prompt and proper investigations to be conducted “so that we can learn lessons from them and improve our legislation.”

Safety and security in the industry are overriding concerns, “we want safe and secure skies in Guyana,” the President stressed.

He urged that stakeholders move to boost institutional and technological capabilities of the GCAA as rigorous safety standards are critical. On the expansion of the hinterland aerodromes, the President believes that all hinterland locations must be reached and as such the routes of the aviation sector must be expanded to facilitate that. “Government intends to devote considerable resources to boost the infrastructure in the hinterlands.

We intend to rehabilitate and improve aerodromes and this will be provided for in our budget next year.”

More access, he said, will have a multiplying effect on economic activities coupled with improved services being provided to hinterland communities.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 18, 2015

Quit smoking: Dr Norton tells ‘walking chimneys’ - Tobacco control bill to be tabled soon

By Tajeram Mohabir THE government will be moving to table and pass the anti-tobacco legislation soonest in keeping with its promise to shore up both the mental and physical health of the citizenry.

Both the senior Minister and the Minister within the Ministry of Public Health yesterday gave their commitment to the safe passage of the bill, and made an early pitch for the legislation to be unanimously supported in the House.

The call came amid celebration of Wellness Week which is being observed under the theme “Smoking Kills: Pass the Tobacco Law for Healthy Parks and Healthy People.”

Wellness Week pays attention to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and has been successful in enabling local environments and promoting opportu-

nities for healthy living in settings where people grow, play, learn and live.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), NCDs kill 38 million people each year, 28 million of the deaths occur in low-and middle-income countries and some 16 million happen before age 70.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr Karen Cummings, speaking at Caribbean Wellness Day and Wellness Week in the Americas 2015, told an audience of city students at the National Cultural Centre that when chronic diseases are considered, cardiovascular diseases account for most NCD deaths.

Some 17.5 million people die from cardiovascular diseases annually. Quoting the WHO, Dr Cumming highlighted that some 8.2 million succumb to cancer, 4 million to respiratory diseases, and 1.5 million to diabetes.

These four groups of diseases, she said, account for 82 per cent of all NCD deaths.

BURDEN NCDs, the minister noted have caused significant economic burden to countries, and are likely to evolve into a staggering burden over the next two decades.

“The burden of disease caused by NCDs and the macro stimulations have suggested a cumulative output loss of US$47 trillion over the next two decades. This loss represents 75 per cent of global GDP in 2010 (US$63 trillion). Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Minister of Public Health Dr George Norton and Minister within the alone costs US$24 billion Ministry of Public Health Dr Karen Cummings at the National Cultural annually in the Americas,” Centre yesterday (Delano Williams photo) if their friends are smokers to she told the lively Wellness ana and by extension the will make Guyana a healthier find new friends.

Day forum.

Singh said the youth of peoples of the Americas to environment.

Against this backdrop, Dr today are the future of toBut, he was quick to point commit themselves to make Cummings said that tobacco the necessary adjustments by out that a healthier environ- morrow and they have a reuse, physical inactivity, the working on the modifiable ment will call for attitudinal sponsibility to themselves, harmful use of alcohol and risk factors by reducing to- change and challenged pol- their parents, loved ones and unhealthy diets all increase bacco use, embracing healthy iticians who are ‘walking humanity in ensuring their the risk of dying from an lifestyles - reducing salt and chimneys’ to lead by example safety, pointing out that a NCD. healthy nation is a wealthy sugar intake, cutting down on and quit smoking.

“I am here to tell you that nation.

Former Cuban President fried foods and utilising fruits this Wellness Week should PAHO Country RepresenFidel Castro, Dr Norton and vegetables which Guyana not be a talk shop, but should tative Dr William Adu-Crow pointed out, gave up ‘puffing’ has in abundance,” she said. have the peoples of GuyThe theme of Caribbean on “the famous Cuban cigars” praised the move by governWellness Day highlights the and it is no big deal for per- ment to pass the ant-tobacco legislation, noting that from a importance of an environment sons here to follow.

He told the young gather- study done here, 21 per cent free from tobacco smoke.

Guyana was among the first ing that too many die young of children aged 13-15 smoke set of countries to sign on to and they can be agents of or had smoked. The Wellness the World Health Organisa- change by (1) saying no to Day event featured a lively tion Framework Convention smoking and (2) respectfully play discouraging youths on Tobacco Control (WHO talking friends and relatives from smoking.

According to the World FCTC) - a treaty which was out of smoking.

The senior Public Health Health Organisation (WHO), adopted by the 56th World Health Assembly on May 21, Minister said the administra- tobacco use kills more than tion is committed to ensuring five million people per year. It 2003. that all in Guyana enjoy good is responsible for 1 in 10 adult health and every school has deaths. Among the five greatLAGGING “We have lagged behind, access to playfields as he est risk factors for mortality, it I have been advised that the emphasised the need for a is the single most preventable cause of death. final review of the legislation balance in learning.

It has reported that 11 per Earlier, Deputy Chief was conducted in preparation for tabling, hence Dr Norton Education Officer (Devel- cent of deaths from ischaemic and I will be working as- opment) Doodmattie Singh heart disease, the world’s siduously to get the tobacco commended the Wellness Day leading killer, are attributable control bill passed,” Dr Cum- activity organised by PAHO to tobacco use, and more than and urged that it be taken to 70 per cent of deaths from mings said. lung, trachea and bronchus Senior Public Health the other regions. cancers are attributable to Minister Dr George Norton tobacco use.

INVALUABLE praised the assistance of the If current patterns conIn an informative presenPan American Health Organisation (PAHO) for working tation, Singh said the event tinue, tobacco use will kill with the Ministry of Public cannot be more relevant more than 8 million people Health to reduce NCDs in since the nation’s children per year by 2030, the WHO are very special and are in- said, noting that up to half Guyana.

And on that note, he said valuable to the development of the world’s more than 1 billion smokers will die prethe administration remains of Guyana.

She appealed to them to maturely of a tobacco-relatcommitted to passing the anti-tobacco legislation which stay away from tobacco and ed disease.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 18, 2015

President calls for renaming ... announced that from October 1, the aircraft will be available for both day and night international charters.

The company will also introduce the Beechcraft on its Lethem service from the same date.

From Page 3

The need for a permanent national search and rescue agency was fully endorsed by Granger who opined that there are too many aviation accidents. He believes that once an accident occurs, the industry must be in a position to react as quickly as possible.

“Ogle can grow into an important sub-regional hub - not only for 120 airstrips in our own countries but also what we call A-Z territories,” he assured the audience.

“We can see clearly now, we can look forward to a bright future without turbulence in this aviation sector,” the President posited.

Meantime, subject minister David Patterson in brief remarks informed members of the industry that his ministry has adopted most of the recommendations proffered and is working feverishly to ensure that finances are available to support the many upgrades. “We plan to continue the development of the aviation sector,” he said while announcing that Government will be launching, for the first time in Guyana, surveillance services in the national airspace.

This, he said, will begin in November. “Guyana will be the first country in the Caribbean and South America to introduce the use of automatic dependent surveillance broadcast and we have made provisions in our 2016 budget to continue this project towards comple-

President David Granger listens attentively to CEO Ogle International Airport Anthony Mekdeci (wheel chaired)

tion.”

He, like President Granger, acknowledged the need for hinterland airstrips to be rehabilitated and maintained to accommodate larger aircraft. He hopes that with the support being provided by government that ICAO compliance can be improved while Guyana elevates to a category one airport.

Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes believes the acquisition of the aircraft represents a significant milestone for the company, and also for the country. She noted that at the moment the aircraft is unable to fly to many hinterland locations because of the length of many airstrips. The Raytheon Beechcraft 1900D Aircraft can only fly to Annai, Lethem and Karanambo.

She called on the relevant authorities to have all other airstrips upgraded and lengthened over the next few months so that they can accommodate large aircraft

like the Beechcraft. “Intensify airstrip rehabilitation,” the tourism minister said as she underscored the benefits of doing same.

The benefits are two, Hughes said noting that it would provide a major solution to transport the peoples of the hinterland regions especially where there are medical emergencies.

Also, she noted that with a growing tourism industry, access to larger air carriers will readily see more tourists exploring Guyana’s natural beauty. She noted that the aircraft would be better poised to transport more tourists to Kaieteur Falls and “hopefully at a cheaper cost”.

At the moment, the airstrip at Kaieteur National Park has to be extended to allow larger aircraft to operate there. Should the Beechcraft begin to fly that route, it will take approximately 30 minutes from the Ogle International Airport and there is a possibility that

the cost will be significantly lower.

“Domestic and inter-regional travel will now be taken to a new level,” she said dubbing the upcoming 50th Independence celebrations as a critical period where members of the diaspora will be visiting Guyana by the thousands. “It is a truly beautiful and modern aircraft…the only way from here is up,” Minister Hughes posited.

The 19-seater pressurized, twin engine turboprop, fixed wing aircraft is one of the most popular 19-passenger airliners in the world and is powered by two Pratt and Whitney Canada Turboprop engines, each rated at 1279 shaft horse power and cruised at about 280 knots, about the same speed as LIAT’s ATRs. The aircraft is certified to operate up to an altitude of 25,000 feet and can fly non-stop charter to Puerto Rico, Manaus, Belem and as far as Aruba. Trans Guyana

GROWTH With the continued growth of the Ogle International Airport as a regional destination, CEO of Trans Guyana Airways Michael Correia Jnr. called for the strengthening of the runway there. He said there are 30 international flights per week with daily services to Barbados, Suriname and Trinidad.

“TGA will also be looking at providing international connecting flights to Boa Vista Airport in the future.

Night operations at Ogle International Airport are our new reality,” he said noting that the Airport is now open until 11 pm every night to accommodate LIAT’s daily

flights to Trinidad.

He too believes that more needs to be done to improve the existing hinterland airstrips noting that “the condition of our hinterland airstrips is worse now, than when GAC operated its HS748 50-Seater aircraft in the interior, in the 1970s.”

The Airline Owners Association of Guyana, he said, worked over the years to identify the main airstrips that are in need of priority rehabilitation and maintenance but to no avail. “I can say publicly that we asked for US$7.5M to be invested over a 3-year period, at least to put us back on track with the GAC days. Sadly, we were continuously ignored by our past minister.”

He believes that with support from government, the airline industry can be elevated to a standard it should have reached years ago.

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Guyana

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 18, 2015

First Lady launches workshop to help women

- in marketing their entrepreneurial skills

EDITORIAL

A PLEA FOR THE POOR AND POWERLESS

NOW that the budget has been passed, the government is moving ahead with its agenda. As was expected, a lot is being done to improve our infrastructure and to bring relief to ordinary citizens. In yesterday’s edition of our paper, we reported that 40 households in a small community on the West Bank of Demerara, Free and Easy, would soon receive water for the first time. This was made possible after a visit to the community by Minister of Housing, Keith Scott.

The minister must be commended for moving quickly to correct this wrong. There are far too many communities across the country that do not have access to these basic services.

We believe that development in Guyana would be meaningless if we do not invest in our people. In fact, we make bold to assert that there can be no real development if ordinary people, the bulk of our nation, do not have access to the basic services such as water, proper roads, a quality education, health care and a living wage.

In this age of neo-liberal economics, there is the tendency to sacrifice these needs in pursuit of investments which invariably widens the gap between the rich and the poor. This has to change.

We have noticed that in another section of the media, the government is accused of being anti-capital.

This charge stems from the government’s stance on the side of the people in relation to the Berbice River Bridge controversy. There is also the idle talk about the government returning the country to the socialism of the past. We reiterate that government has a responsibility to balance the demands of capital and labour - both are critical components of any development strategy. But at given moments in a country’s evolution, it becomes imperative that the emphasis is tilted in the direction of the latter. In fact, labour itself is perhaps our most critical form of capital.

One of the objectives of Emancipation and Independence was the creation of a just society where social and other forms of inequality would be eradicated. The extent to which we have achieved that is constantly debated by scholars and commentators. The recent grim findings

FIRST Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger yesterday launched a business/entrepreneurship workshop at the Good Hope Learning Centre for a group of women in that community. The workshop is being conducted by Mr. Wayne Barrow from Interweave Solutions.

Interweave Solutions is a non-governmental organisation that helps local organisations and congregations in developing countries to create self-reliance by providing them with the necessary training to implement and promote their own business plans.

The First Lady explained that this model that is being used has been tried and tested by Interweave Solutions and proven to be successful in places such as Africa, and parts of Central America and South America. The aim is to empower rural women and teach them to manage and sustain their small entrepreneurial ventures.

Moderator Mr. Wayne Barrow interacting with participants at the workshop while First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger looks on The programme which Mrs. Granger said, “A Guyana. “We are trying this lot of our women don’t re- programme here, we want to is being funded by the Ofalise that they do have skills encourage the women and fice of the First Lady is also that they can market and be empower them so that they expected to be launched in successful entrepreneurs.” use their skills and learn to Linden shortly and based She noted that programmes be successful and make some on the outcomes, it will then such as this can unlock the money in the process,” the be expanded to other communities across the country. potential of women across First Lady said.

PPP seeks swift swearing in of Benn, Shadick to GECOM THE People’s Progressive Party said it is concerned at what it termed the delay of President David Granger in appointing Robeson Benn and Bibi Shadick as the two new opposition Commissioners on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Pursuant to Article 161 (3)(b) of the Constitution, Benn and Shadick have been named as replacements for Mahamood Shaw and Athmaran Mangar.

The party said in a statement that it is aware that the

Robeson Benn

Bibi Shadick

Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, wrote to President Granger on September 3, 2015, advising of

this decision. “The absence of these members is hampering the PPP’s representation on the commission.”

of the Caribbean Development Bank that 40% of our young people are currently unemployed cannot be comforting. The revelation that we still have communities such as Free and Easy where people’s basic needs are not being met is a serious indictment of our developmental thrust over the last three decades or so. Structural Adjustment has turned out to be counter-productive for our people.

Yes, government by itself cannot bring about development.

But the private sector also cannot bring about development on its own. In this regard, the GTUC’s call for a tri-sectoral model that includes Labour is in order. That model worked well in Barbados which is now finding out the folly of tinkering with it.

We have to move beyond the Structural Adjustment model and

The PPP said it recalls the undue haste with which the government, using its parliamentary majority, pushed through the National Assembly, the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill 2015. The party is now calling on the President to act with commensurate dispatch and appoint Benn and Shadick so that there is a fully constituted Guyana Elections Commission in the face of the impending Local Government Elections.

reach for something that speaks to the needs of the peoples of our country. The primary question must always be - what is best for the people?

The ordinary people of Guyana, as they have constantly done, has put a lot of faith in this government to do good by them. They want water, and light, and proper roads, and a good education for their children, and adequate health care for all. And above all they want jobs. They want an equal playing field that produces equal opportunities. They want defence against both the rich and mighty and the criminal jungle. They just want to be free from want and to be productive citizens.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 18, 2015

Greenidge assures…

Guyana will continue to pursue path of peace, law

- in wake of Maduro’s fondness for broadcast diplomacy, outburst

By Ariana Gordon FOREIGN Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge says he is unmoved by the Venezuelan Government’s decision to delay accrediting Guyana’s appointed Ambassador to that country.

Greenidge, who is currently on official duty in the United States, said Guyana will continue to be vocal against Venezuela’s illegitimate claims to the Essequibo region and Guyana’s maritime space following the discovery of significant oil reserves by ExxonMobil.

“I regret President Maduro’s fondness for broadcast diplomacy which Guyana will not follow. Guyana will not be silent where its rights under law continue to be denied,” the Foreign Affairs Minister said.

He added that “Guyana has a right to speak on matters affecting it.” The Foreign Affairs Minister, in a statement to the media on Thursday, noted that the illegitimate claims by Venezuela over Guyana’s

Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge

Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro

maritime space and the Essequibo region is a “legitimate matter of concern to Guyana and indeed other CARICOM States,” and as such “Venezuela must recognise that such actions, along with its pursuit of its spurious claim despite the restrictions of the Geneva Agreement, are the bases for Guyana’s response.”

President Maduro’s outbursts every time Guyana defends its territorial space Greenidge said “comes perilously close to revealing a

belief that uniquely, as a nation and as a people, we have no right, either to speak or to state our views on any matter affecting our well-being.”

“On this aspect I say no more,” however, notwithstanding Guyana’s position of Venezuela’s territorial claims, the country remains open to dialogue with Venezuela on matters related to bilateral relations.

“We see the exchanging of Ambassadors as being an important part of promoting such dialogue. Notwith-

standing announced actions

by President Maduro in this regard, we are prepared to carry on these discussions.

Whatever actions Venezuela takes in relation to Ambassadors, we remain ready to adhere to the Geneva Agreement and we rely on the Secretary General to make his decision as to the means of settlement of the controversy as defined in the Geneva Agreement,” Greenidge said.

President Nicholas Maduro ordered his Foreign Affairs Minister, Delcy Rodriguez, to stay the accreditation of Guyana’s appointed Ambassador Cheryl Miles.

The Venezuelan Government has accused Greenidge of launching a verbal attack on that country and as such it will not appoint Miles at this point.

“It is nonsense to initiate the diplomatic way of regularisation, the appointment and admission of ambassadors and suddenly go to the United States to launch attacks against Venezuela,” Maduro said. His statement comes amidst ongoing ten-

sion between the two countries.

But Greenidge is not fazed by the Venezuelan Government’s move stating that the “the path of peace is the path of law, and Guyana will continue to pursue it.”

The Foreign Affairs Minister noted that in the search for a solution to Venezuela’s contention of “nullity” of the 1899 Arbitral Award, Guyana relies heavily on the provisions of the Geneva Agreement.

“In fact, on August 29th last, we received in Georgetown a team from the United Nations. That team was sent by the UN Secretary General to solicit our views on the way forward and we expressed those views to the Secretary General,” he said.

Accordingly, the minister dismissed the claims by Venezuela that he launched an attack on that country.

“As regards my statement in Florida, let me make it clear, Guyana has a right to speak on matters affecting it. Furthermore, I did not act on a sudden urge to visit

the United States. I had a long-standing invitation to address Guyanese and interested persons in the USA on matters affecting Guyana and those of interest to the Caribbean.” The Foreign Minister’s speech in no way differed from what he has uttered publicly in defence of Guyana’s territorial sovereignty.

Venezuela’s move to halt the appointment also comes at a time when the two countries are preparing for the upcoming United Nations (UN) General Assembly Meeting next week. Over the years, the UN has played an integral role in the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute.

Ambassador Miles served under the Desmond Hoyte administration for seven years as Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela until she was recalled in 1993 to serve as Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She spent six years in that post and then headed the embassy in Brazil until 1999 when she exited the Foreign Service.

Traffic Chief loses post

- returned to Deputy Commander position

By Leroy Smith FORMER Deputy Commander of ‘A’ Division, Senior Superintendent Ian Amsterdam was returned to that position and relieved of his Traffic Office duties on Wednesday when he returned to work after being on annual leave.

Amsterdam, who became the Traffic Chief just after the May 11 general and regional elections, had previously served as the Divisional Commander of ‘D’ Division.

The Guyana Chronicle yesterday learnt that the decision to remove Amsterdam was to allow for his temporary replacement, Superintendent Dion Moore, to hold the post substantively.

Moore had previously served as the Deputy Commander of ‘A’ Division but has a lot of experience in the area of traffic, according to police sources.

A senior police source yesterday, who asked not be named, told the Chronicle that the movement of Amsterdam

was nothing unusual as it fits into the normal operational procedures of the Guyana Police Force.

According to the senior officer, persons are placed where they are better suited and most effective. It was also added that officers of the Guyana Police Force must be rotated so that other officers can have the opportunity of gaining experience.

Contacted yesterday for a comment on the issue, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan told this publication that he was not aware that Amsterdam was removed as the substantive Traffic Chief.

However, Ramjattan was quick to point out that he has all confidence in the work and decision-making of the Commissioner of Police.

According to the minister, he will not ‘second guess’ or overlap the operational mandate of the Commissioner of Police since he acts according to what he sees as fitting. He added that the Commissioner of Police deals with operational issues while he, as minister,

deals with policies.

Ramjattan explained that the only way the Public Security Minister may consider looking into a decision made by the Commissioner of Police is if it is exceptionally poor and has the potential to affect policies.

“Seelall Persaud is a very, very good and bright Commissioner of Police and I am very impressed with his work, he is an extremely competent fellow and has earned his pips,” Minister Ramjattan told this publication.

Meanwhile, there seems to be some discomfort among operatives in the Police Force who are of the view that Amsterdam’s return to ‘A’ Division as the number two man is disrespectful and demoralising as it is regarded as a demotion.

After Amsterdam was posted to ‘D’ Division as commander last year, he formulated the C-Pets Project which represents that division’s social crime-prevention programme, something that the Commissioner had tasked commanders to do in the various divisions.

Contacted yesterday for a

comment, Amsterdam would only say that the Guyana Police Force is the organisation for which he works and he has no intention of resisting any posting or directives which are sanctioned by his seniors.

He noted that wherever he is posted, he will perform to the best of his ability and work according to the oath of office he took, which is to serve and protect. He added that he plans to work fully with Divisional Commander Clifton Hicken as it would be in the best interest of the force, the nation and the fight against crime.

Divisional Commander Hicken, on the other hand, when asked if he was aware that he was having a new deputy commander responded in the negative. However like Amsterdam, Hicken believes that the administration of a police division should not be measured on the basis of the personalities but rather the effectiveness of the persons placed to support the commander. He stressed that Amsterdam is no stranger to ‘A’ Division

Ian Amsterdam and while he was not aware of any issues being raised, he thinks that Amsterdam will be a great asset to the

division as he has been in all areas of the force and he is confident that the support will be there.

UG road closure MOTORISTS are advised that a section of the University of Guyana (UG) road – between the Railway Embankment and the Rupert Craig Highway – will be closed to traffic today, September 18, 2015 between 09:00 hrs and 13:00 hrs.

The Force Account Unit (FAU) of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure said the closure is to facilitate installation of a culvert. The ministry apologises for any inconvenience caused.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 18, 2015

French envoy meets Trotman

MINISTER of Governance Raphael Trotman yesterday received a visit from French diplomat Jean Mendelson, who is currently on a world tour to promote awareness of climate change.

The diplomat was accompanied by French Ambassador to Guyana and Suriname, Michel Prom and Melvin Houwen, his sworn translator.

Mendelson, who currently serves as a Goodwill Ambassador of French Republic for Climate Change, for Latin America and the Caribbean, visited Minister Trotman as part of the preparations for the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP21 which will be held in Paris, France, later this year.

The international climate conference will be held at the Le Bourget site from November 30 to December 11, 2015. This will be the 21st annual session

of the Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 11th session of the Meeting of the Parties (CMP 11) to the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.

According to Ambassador Mendelson, the visit was organised out of the need to understand the concerns related to climate change internationally and national situations. Additionally, the meetings are intended to focus on country preparedness for the conference, expectations on the 2015 Agreement and the identification of the points of convergence between the countries of the Region, especially in the area of the transfer of finance and technology.

He also underscored the need for the timely submission of country contributions to the conference.

- ahead of Paris climate change conference As he welcomed the Ambassador to Guyana, Minister Trotman related that the country was in the process of finalising its contribution, while giving the assurance that the final draft will be submitted by October 1, 2015.

Last week, the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment held its National Stakeholders Consultation in an effort to formulate the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) on Climate Change from Guyana, which is expected to be presented at the conference.

INDCs will be foundational for the Paris climate agreement, demonstrating countries’ intent to decarbonise their economies and invest in resilience.

Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman meeting with Goodwill Ambassador of the French Republic for Climate Change Jean Mendelson, and French Ambassador to Guyana, Michel Prom Declaring that “we may be small in population but we are large in our forest resources,” Minister Trotman said Guyana is prepared to

represent its interest at the Climate Change Conference in December. He also signalled the government’s willingness to explore the

areas of transfer of finance and technology and to take advantage of any such opportunities which can be beneficial to the country. (GINA)

23-yr-old dies in West Bank ‘smash up’

By Shirley Thomas ONE man is now dead following the horrific three-vehicle ‘smash up’ at Schoonord Public Road, West Bank Demerara shortly after 21:00 hrs on Wednesday night.

Dead is Mahendra Sugrim, 23, of 82 Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara, the driver of the blue Toyota Avensis, PRR 5229, that was slammed into a nearby trench by an out of control Tacoma motor vehicle, said to have been racing with a similar vehicle.

The badly injured Sugrim had to be cut free from his mangled car and rushed to

the West Demerara Regional Hospital in an unconscious state. He was admitted with multiple injuries, including broken hands, broken legs and ribs, and perforated lungs, as well as injuries to his head.

He succumbed while receiving emergency medical treatment.

The dead man’s grieving mother yesterday told the Chronicle that shortly after 19:00 hrs on Wednesday evening her son, who works in his father’s auto-body workshop, left the home to visit a friend, Amar, at La Grange, and who also does bodywork repairs.

The woman said shortly

‘KILLED’: Mahendra Sugrim, 23, of Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara

after 20:00 hrs she received a call from another friend asking if ‘Sandeep’ (Mahendra) was at home and she replied no. At that point, the caller asked her to come out to the Schoonord road because Sandeep’s car ‘write-off’ and in a trench and he was not seeing Sandeep.

The mother recalled that she rushed out to the bridge.

“When I reach there it was a scene.” She said she gathered that two Tacoma motor vehicles whose drivers were ‘thoroughly drunk’ and (allegedly) racing, were coming from the direction of La Grange, heading in the direction of Vreed-en-Hoop. Also travelling in that direction was a Toyota Carina motorcar, in which a police rank, her husband and their young child were travelling.

She said the driver of one of the Tacomas, in his drunken state, hit the policewoman’s Carina and went on to hit the other Tacoma, then slammed Mahendra’s car over the road, causing him to end up in a nearby trench. At that time, Mahendra was travelling in the direction of La Grange to visit his friend Amar.

At the accident scene, the distraught mother was advised by a policeman to go down to the West Demerara Hospital but when she got there, her son was already under treatment and was unconscious and taking oxygen, and so they were never able to communicate.

She tried to muster courage, just praying that he would make it, but a while later the doctor informed her that her son had passed away and she became hysterical. . Sugrim recalled there was a young woman along with the driver in one of the Tacomas and she appeared to have been hurt and was

also taken to hospital. The policewoman’s son was also injured when an object entered his eye and appeared to have stuck fast. But bearing the brunt of the injuries was Mahendra, the Sugrims’ only son, and the only one who was killed.

But broken in spirit as she has ever been since learning of her son’s accident, Mrs. Sugrim recalled that the most callous reaction was from a police rank moments after the accident.

“My son’s car is an Avensis, and within minutes of losing my son and his car , would you believe that a policeman was there interrogating me in all my grief?

He was asking me things like ‘where did I get the money to buy an Avensis’.

Mrs Sugrim is Marketing Manager at CARICOM General Insurance Company on Regent Street where she has worked for the last 13 years. She is married to Jagdesh Sugrim, who owns Jagdesh Autobody Workshop on the premises where they live.

Recalling what a wonderful child her son was, Mrs Sugrim described him as quiet and hardworking as he worked dedicatedly with his father to establish and maintain a standard of efficiency, trust and reliability for their workshop.

When not in the workshop he would be working a small bus they have on the road.

“But all in all, he was a wonderful child to us and brother to his sister, Arti,” she said, fighting to hold back tears.

Mahendra is also survived by his younger sister Arti and other relatives and friends. A post-mortem is to be performed on him today and he is expected to be cremated by Sunday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2015

Berbice water taxis to Hitman revisits crime begin operating Monday scene and details – free ride for students, nurses, pensioners modus operandi Herstelling blockmaker’s murder…

– might be connected to other murders SELF-confessed hitman Oswald Yaw, also known as ‘Outlaw’ and ‘Junior’, who was hired on credit to kill Herstelling blockmaker Nathan Persaud, was yesterday taken to the murder scene by investigators from the Criminal Investigation Department’s Major Crimes Unit.

And he walked the police through the house and provided them with information on how he actually murdered Nathan Persaud on Thursday, September 10.

According to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, the information that he provided was consistent with clues and evidence the police had picked up during their investigation.

Blanhum added that all the information that the suspect provided has thus far coincided with what was provided by the late Nathan Persaud’s wife to the police when she was arrested last week.

Yaw may have to spend some more time in custody of the police as they seek to extend his 72-hour detention to allow for added investigation.

The Chronicle was yesterday informed that the police are checking on his background to determine whether he has a connection to other crimes. This is after

Self-confessed hitman Oswald Yaw, also known as ‘Outlaw’ and ‘Junior’

the police had received information that the photograph appearing in the media has an uncanny resemblance to the face of a strange person that other eyewitnesses had seen in various areas shortly before murders had been committed there.

Reliable sources say the police are looking to call in a few persons to see if any of them can identify the man as being present at previous murder scenes for which the police are still seeking suspects.

Blanhum expressed satisfaction that ranks from the department have been utilising their investigation training in a very skillful manner,

‘KILLED’: Nathan Persaud

and that it has been bringing the force many successes in solving high profile cases.

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, told this publication only yesterday that he was pleased with the work that Blanhum has been doing in addressing the issues of crime in the country.

He pointed to the crime situation in Berbice and the recent solving of major crimes in other parts of the country in making this statement.

According to the Public Security Minister, Blanhum appears to be very intelligent and knows what he is about, and he has been applying himself and his ranks to the job, resulting in the successes achieved.

(Leroy Smith)

By Leroy Smith

WATER taxis are to become operational across the Berbice River from M o n d a y, a n d re l i a b l e sources close to the responsible ministry have informed this publication that the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, has decided to allow all students and nurses attired in their respective uniforms, and pensioners, to travel free of charge in this service.

The river taxis will be working from 06:00hrs to 18:00hrs in accordance with the maritime laws, and a team from the responsible ministry will be heading to both Rosignal and New Amsterdam stellings to examine works currently ongoing to ensure that loading and offloading facilities for the water taxis are erected in accordance with the safety standards of the ministry.

This newspaper has learnt that less than 10 river taxis would be involved in the initial stages of the exercise; and it was also communicated that the government

is now looking to see how best the operation can be commercialised in the long run, so that communities can benefit and employment is created.

Thus far, the most vibrant river taxi services existing in Guyana facilitate travel between the banks of the Demerara River at Linden, between Vreed-en-Hoop and Stabroek stellings, between Parika and Supenaam, and between Parika and Bartica stellings.

CONSEQUENCE The Government of Guyana has decided to introduce this river taxi system across the Berbice River after management of the Berbice Bridge Company (BBCI) indicated that it has no intention of budging from its position of charging what are largely perceived to be excessive tolls for crossing the Berbice River Bridge.

The BCCI has argued that the decision to lower the rates cannot be made at this time, given the potentially crippling effect on investments that lowering the fees to transit the bridge would have.

During its campaign for the May 11, 2015 election, especially in the Berbice area, the government had promised Berbicians that it would review the tolls they have to pay to transit the bridge. That review was slated to be done within the first 100 days of the government being in office.

However after the coalition government got into power, it realised that lowering the fees to cross the bridge or reviewing its fare structure had a lot to do with the involvement of the Berbice Bridge Company, which has thus far been resisting the move.

There are now calls for the government to pay off those companies and persons who invested in the bridge and take control of the operation of the structure as is the case with the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

The Demerara Harbour Bridge has been in operation for well over 35 years, and according to its management officials, the bridge has outlived its life span but continues to serve the public well with constant maintenance works.

Sophia man found hanging in bathroom – police suspect foul play

By Shirley Thomas AS local suicide figures continue to climb, a 34-year-old Sophia man is alleged to have hung himself in a bathroom at his home, adding his name to the growing list of victims.

The tragedy reportedly happened sometime after 22:00 hrs on Sunday last.

Dead is Deon Adams of 1192 ‘B’ Field Sophia, an employee of the National Milling Company (NAMILCO). He was the husband of Candace Adams and son of Julita Adams, of 625 ‘B’ Field Sophia.

But though his death has been ruled a suicide, the police are not entirely convinced and have not ruled out foul play.

It is for this very reason when the investigating rank did not show up for the post-mortem examination on Wednesday morning at the GPHC mortuary, that the procedure had to be re-scheduled and the body taken back to Lyken’s Funeral Parlour.

The dead man’s mother told the Chronicle that sometime after 23:00hrs on Sunday, she was lying in bed when the phone rang. On answering it, she realised that it was her daughter-inlaw, Candace, on the other end, telling her: “Big ‘J’, yuh son, Deon, just hang he’self.”

The distraught woman said she hurried down to her son’s home, where she saw

his wife sitting on a chair by the roadside, and some people with her.

The woman said she ran up to her daughter-in-law, asking, “Where is meh son?

Whe’ meh son?” But nobody said anything. She asked to see him, but that request also fell on deaf ears.

She said when she arrived on the scene, she had at least expected her daughterin-law to hug her and say, “Moms, Deon gone!” But that did not happen.

“But what hurt me even more, is that I never got a chance to see my son, even though I asked to see him,” Julita said. Her eyes brimming with tears, she said it was not until he was taken to the funeral parlour that she was able to catch a quick glimpse of his face.

She said the information she got was that Deon’s

ing by a belt from the roof of the bathroom, and was in a kneeling position.

DEAD: Deon Adams, the marks of violence he sustained after a beating back in July 2013 evident on his back

wife, Candace, said he had hung himself in a bathroom at their home. He was hang-

EVIDENCE TAMPERING It is alleged that when she discovered her husband in that position, Candace and her big son cut him down, placed him on the floor of the bathroom, then called the police. That was shortly after 10:00 hrs. Yet it took her more than one hour to make contact with her, according to her mother-in-law.

Candace, meanwhile, is sticking to her story that she and her husband had no quarrel on the day in question; that they had cooked and had dinner together, then she went to bed, leaving him watching television while he chipped squash for her to cook the following morning.

She said she distinct-

ly recalled hearing him go down the front stairs, but could not say what happened after that. All she knows is that she later went to the bathroom and found him hanging.

However, the dead man’s mother and other relatives are saying that the relationship between Deon and Candace was stormy; that he was often physically abused not just by her, but by her brother and a cousin as well.

She vividly recalls that on one occasion, which was in July 2013, they had beaten Deon so badly, there were severe marks of violence about his body. That matter, she said, was subsequently taken up with a lawyer.

Deon Adams is the father of three, and the fourth of six children for his parents, Julita Adams and Neville Bradford.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2015

Drought related to climate change poses major threat to regional food security – IICA forum agrees

By Clifford Stanley GUYANA is known as “the land of many waters,” but climate change has altered that age-old status very quickly.

The prevailing El Nino weather pattern can become a real arch-enemy to Guyanese farmers, and indeed farmers throughout the Caribbean Region, hence there is need for discipline to be exercised locally and regionally in the trapping and use of freshwater resources, so that severe crises can be avoided.

Climate change and its adverse effects on family farming and solutions to this dilemma were the main themes of discussion at a just concluded four-day seminar held by the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA) on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), and adaptation of family farming

to climate change.

Regional agricultural and land-use officials from Guyana and seven other Caribbean countries are involved in this seminar which ended yesterday. The training also offers them an opportunity for networking, exchanging, and sharing experiences on the way challenges facing freshwater management in the Region can be addressed.

During the opening session of the seminar on Monday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Mr George Jervis, noted that Guyana is among the top five fresh-water secure resource countries in the world per capita.

Despite this, significant portions of Guyana suffer from water stress; too much water for one-third of the year, and too little water for two-thirds of the year.

There are, he said, significant challenges either to bring

Some participants at the IICA-sponsored training course on integrated management of water resources and adaptation of family farming to climate change

water for agriculture or to remove water for agriculture.

He noted that rice cultivation is the major user, and was also the major waster, of freshwater in Guyana.

He noted: “Freshwater, provided it is there, is life… we cannot waste it. We need to have open and closed seasons for rice cultivation. We cannot decide to plant any old

time and hope that someone, somewhere provides the resources to get irrigation water to us.”

He expressed hope that the workshop would enable the participants to develop a more scientific approach towards the quantity of water that Guyanese utilise for rice, with a view to determining maximum extraction values.

He said: “Notwithstanding that Guyana is ‘the land of many waters,’ we need to have some discipline in Guyana with respect to its usage in family farming and in agriculture; with regard to its conservation, particularly given the ever present threat of droughts.”

Local IICA Representative Mr Wilmot Garnett, said freshwater resources management has become an increasingly complex activity, requiring a scientific approach to better understand and develop best practices on collection, use and conservation; in finding good fresh water resource management models.

He said the 2014 - 2018 Medium Term Plan of IICA had defined water management as one of the priority issues of technical cooperation to achieve strategic objectives by 2020. These objectives were as named: (i) To improve the productivity and competitiveness of the agricultural sector; (ii) To strengthen agriculture’s contribution to the development of rural areas and the well-being of the rural population; (iii) to improve agriculture’s capacity to mitigate and adapt to climate change, and make better use of natural resources; and (iv), to improve agriculture’s contribution to food security.

He said the IWRM principles being taught would ensure that water users at all levels are involved in decision-making on the use

Leelawattie Persaud, representative of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), addressing the workshop

of fresh water resources; that this important and finite resource is managed in a participatory manner.

Lead resource person at the workshop Guyanese Dr Muhammad Ibrahim, said climate change is not an abstraction nor a mere projection, but a reality. Climate change, he said, is being experienced through the water cycle – through droughts, floods, depleted rivers, shrinking reservoirs, dried-out soils, and overall shortages of water to grow food.

Dr. Ibrahim, the Guyanese Associate Director for Technical Cooperation at IICA, is based in Costa Rica. He said that at the moment, “even as we speak”, farmers within the Region are facing serious problems because of the prolonged drought brought on by the El Nino effect. This situation had given rise to the

need for IICA to find ways of making family agriculture within the Region more resilient to climate change.

He said the training course was happening at a very opportune time for participants to find ways to promote more horizontal cooperation and exchange of information, so that at the end, they would have acquired techniques for better management of water in the various countries within the Region.

The beneficiaries of the training are representatives of agricultural, water management and land-use agencies in Guyana, Suriname, Jamaica, St. Lucia St. Kitts, Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Participants were given certificates for successful participation in the programme at yesterday’s closing ceremony.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2015

Patterson shuts down talk about Welch’s qualifications – says new GPL board to be appointed soon

By Navendra Seoraj FOLLOWING talk circulating about the Guyana Power and Light’s interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Colin Welch’s qualifications being forged, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson has denied any knowledge about such an allegation.

During a telephone interview with the Chronicle this week, the minister when asked about this said, “I do not know anything of that sort.”

The claims have arisen just three weeks after Welch was appointed as the interim CEO of GPL. In speaking with this publication, Patterson denied having any knowledge of it, but made it clear that the

new GPL Board of Directors will be appointed very soon, when Cabinet confirms the list of names submitted.

However, according to sources, the auditors working on GPL found some revelations while reviewing Welch’s university qualifications.

Welch, a deputy CEO in charge of operations for the State-owned company, was left as the top man after Bharat Dindyal was sent off in August. He was one of two deputies along with Ash Deonarine, the Deputy CEO for Administration.

Deonarine was sent on administrative leave after an audit found that he was instrumental in giving himself a $27.8M back pay.

Last month, Minister Patterson, questioned about an

internal GPL probe ordered

by Dindyal into a number of money claims made by Welch, said that is a matter for a GPL committee.

Welch clashed with his former CEO last month after he had visited the Sheriff Street office with a police rank and seized the office keys and company phones.

He reportedly issued letters to Senior Loss Reduction Manager Loaknauth Singh and Senior Investigator David Kaladin, ordering the officials to proceed on administrative leave. Security was instructed not to allow the two managers back into the office.

Dindyal subsequently sought to revoke the order on the same day, leading to a heated exchange which was captured on video.

Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson

On August 14 last, Dindyal was sent home after the video made the rounds in the news and via social media. Dindyal was heard using profanities and referring to the Minister of Public Infrastructure Patterson, in a

GPL’s Interim CEO Colin Welch

disparaging manner.

Dindyal had charged that Welch had no authority to send any staffer home and ordered that they return to work immediately.

A report made last December by then Board Chairman Winston Brassington

spoke of a stormy relationship between the Board of Directors and management, especially the then CEO, Dindyal.

Welch initially defended his actions by purporting to be acting on instructions from Minister Patterson.

However, asked about this claim, Patterson emphatically stressed that he gave no such instructions. GPL has been under the spotlight for its management of the coastal electricity supply for some time now.

Once faced with a shortage of generators, the company is now battling a high rate of electricity theft and technical losses. Its management of key projects and handling of billions of dollars have also been dogged by corruption accusations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2015

GCSM supports ‘Days of Action’ against Cuban blockade ENDING the Cuban blockade is an issue supported by the majority of coun-

tries in the world and on September 16 and 17, as part of the ‘Days of Action’

against the blockade in Washington D.C., people from around the United

States and Canada visited elected officials to raise awareness about the impact of the U.S. blockade on the Cuban people, according to President of the Guyana-Cuba Solidarity Movement (GCSM), Haleem Khan.

Explaining that these visits are part of a grassroots “alternative advocacy” calling for the end of the U.S. blockade against Cuba as well as an end to regime-change programmes, Khan said the issue of the closure of Guantanamo was discussed in addition to the right of Cubans to travel to Cuba without restrictions.

“In July 2015, a poll from the Pew Research Center showed that support for re-establishing relations with Cuba has increased from 63% in January 2015 to 73% in July 2015. Also equally

broad, and growing, is the support for ending the U.S. blockade against Cuba, from 66% in January 2015 to 72% in July 2015,” the GCSM President noted. The advocate for Cuban solidarity further noted that in 2014 the United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly for the need to put an end to the economic blockade imposed unilaterally by the United States on Cuba.

Last month, the U.S. reopened its embassy in Cuba after 54 years in a symbolic step signalling the warming of ties between both countries. John Kerry, the first U.S. Secretary of State to visit Cuba in 70 years, presided over the ceremony in Havana.

The U.S. flag was presented by the same U.S. marines who brought it down in 1961. Mr Kerry

President of GCSM, Haleem Khan

said the U.S. administration wanted to lift the trade embargo on the island something that the Republican-controlled U.S. Congress has blocked. Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro said the U.S. owed Cuba millions of dollars because of its 53-year-long embargo. Mr Kerry described the hoisting of the flag as a “historic moment.”

Scotiabank wins best digital bank award – for fifth consecutive year

SCOTIABANK has been re c o g n i s e d b y G l o b a l Finance Magazine as the Best Digital Bank (formerly the Best Internet Bank Award) in Guyana for 2015. This is the fifth consecutive year this prestigious title has been bestowed upon the bank.

In total, Scotiabank has received recognition in 21 countries across the Caribbean and Central America in 2015. “ We a r e v e r y p r o u d to have been recognised

by Global Finance for the quality of our digital banking and customer service in Guyana,” said Raymond Smith, Country Manager.

“At Scotiabank one of our priorities is to make it easier for our customers

to do business with us.

Our multichannel, digital platform, which allows customers to bank when and where they want, is an important part of how we are delivering on that,” he said.

Scotiabank also received Best Digital Bank recognitions in Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, The Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Dominica, The Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, The Turks and Caicos Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Winning banks were

selected on the basis of the following criteria: strength of strategy for attracting and servicing digital customers; success in getting clients to use digital offerings; growth of digital customers; breadth of product offerings; evidence of tangible benefits gained from digital initiatives; and web/mobile site design and functionality.

Scotiabank has been operating in Guyana since 1968, offering a comprehensive line of Retail, Small Business, Corporate and Commercial services through its branch network across the country.

Scotiabank is a leading financial services provider in over 55 countries and Canada’s most international bank.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2015

expects ‘bumper ACCUSED CHILD Essequibo rice harvest’ this crop RAPIST FREED - Judge tells him ‘I think you are very lucky’ SIXTY-YEAR-OLD Compton Bourne was indeed lucky when he was freed by a Demerara Assizes jury on Wednesday after being accused of raping a girl under 16 years in 2010.

Legal pundits who followed the case saw the unanimous not-guilty verdict as a surprise and were not amazed when the trial judge, Madam Justice Roxanne George told the freed man, “You are free to go - I think you are very lucky.”

Bourne, who had pleaded not guilty to a charge of raping his 15-year-old god-daughter on the 22nd of August, 2010, was unrepresented by counsel and conducted his own defence.

State lawyers Diana Kaulesar and Shawnette Austin, who prosecuted, led evidence to show that after the alleged offence, the girl had tearfully reported the matter to her mother who called in the police.

FAVOURABLE weather conditions permitting, rice farmers on the Essequibo Coast can expect a bumper harvest this crop, surpassing the targetted 1.5 million bags of paddy.

This is according to Regional Vice-Chairman, Nandranie Coonjah, who says harvesting is currently in progress at Hybonnia, Riverstown, Golden Fleece, Coffee Grove and Windsor Castle, which amounts to some 38,283 acres of land under cultivation.

According to the Guyana Rice Development Board

Compton Bourne on his freedom journey, after being found not guilty of rape. He was discharged by the judge on Wednesday (Adrian Narine photo)

The girl was taken to a doctor but the medical report was not available to the jury since the nurse who had taken her for the medical examination was too ill to attend court.

The accused was 55 years old when the offence of raping a girl under the age of 16 years was allegedly committed. The girl was 15 years old at the time. (George Barclay)

(GRDB) office at Anna Regina, some 1,464 acres of land have already been harvested, with production averaging 35.4 bags per acre.

The only fly in the ointment, however, is the negligible prices being paid by millers across the coast of between $2,000 and $1,600 per bag of paddy, when production cost is all of $2,700 per bag.

Word is that some farmers who have already sold their paddy, are none the wiser as to what price they will be receiving for their produce.

Coonjah, who is responsible for the region’s drainage and irrigation, said the regional administration, with the assistance of the Water Users Association (WUA), is chipping in and levelling access dams in the rice-growing areas, so that farmers could transport their paddy quickly from field to factory.

However, farmers who have sold their paddy to some millers said they were not told what prices they would be receiving for their produce. (Rajendra Prabhulall)

$100M to clean key areas – and surrounding in Georgetown communities AS the Government of Guyana continues with the ‘Clean –Up My Country’ campaign, the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown has embarked on the cleaning and desilting of street drains, alleyways and canals. Areas being targeted are Agricola, Mc Doom, Houston, Ruimveldt, Bourda, Lacytown, Le Repentir and South Cummingsburg, with in excess of 5 million dollars allocated for the cleaning of avenues and verges in the latter.

The Bourda Cemetery is being cleaned of garbage and overgrown weeds and similar works are due to begin at Le Repentir Cemetery, which is in the process of being

fenced.

According to City Hall officials, the cemetery will be weeded on a regular basis, once the weather permits. Also, the parapets and verges in Carmichael, Main and Camp Streets have been manicured and the City Council will continue similar works in other wards of the city. In the wards of Lacytown and Bourda more than $65 million has been budgeted, for similar interventions.

Works completed thus far have seen the Bourda Cemetery being rehabilitated at a cost in excess of $6 million.

At Agricola, Mc Doom and Houston in excess of $25 million will be spent to enhance the communities.

It is the intention of gov-

ernment and other stakeholders to restore Georgetown to its previously designated state as the Garden City, of the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown will, this morning, launch its ‘Green Conference and Expo’ at the Parade ground.

The actual conference is slated to be held from 30th October to 1st November 2015. The M&CC said it will “transform the parade ground into a replica of a Clean Green City”.

The main objectives of the conference and Expo are to raise awareness of the current state of Guyana’s green economy efforts.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2015

Gov’t receives report on mining pit collapses – CoI finds GGMC hamstrung by ineffective communication, incorrect database, lack of engineering inputs

By Ariana Gordon LACK of effective communication and feedback, incorrect geographic coordinates in the database, arbitrary responsibilities of officers and lack of sufficient engineering inputs were dubbed injurious to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s ability to carry out fully its mandate with respect to mining inspections and follow-ups.

According to a report resulting from a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into mining pit collapses, the GGMC has many issues with respect to “compliance monitoring and inspection.”

Compiled by Dr. Grantley Walrond, Jo Bayah, Collin Sparman and Gary Hall and already submitted to government, that report has listed the following situations as injurious to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) being able to fully discharge its mandate with respect to mining inspections and follow-ups: A lack of effective communication and feedback; incorrect geographic coordinates in the database; arbitrary responsibilities of officers; and lack of sufficient engineering inputs.

INPUTS OF MINING ENGINEERS, COMMUNICATION The report says it is not enough for mines officers to visit and monitor operations then issue cease-work orders when breaches have been observed in mining operations.

“Relevant remedial advice to cure the technical and other deficiencies [is] essential”.

As such, the report contends that more training is required for mines officers in areas of engineering and occupational health and safety.

It was also found that the lack of engineering inputs from officers of the GGMC has rendered the entity lacking in the “capacity, focus and strategy to ensure that operations are meeting their legal responsibilities.”

The report has therefore stressed the need for GGMC officers to be leaders in geotechnical parameters in order to guide and support miners.

“If ever there was a time for the development of an appropriate extension service to the mining industry, it has to be now, when there is a willing pool of winners who need guidance”, the report has said.

The findings of the CoI have revealed that the GGMC lacks the requisite focus, and has failed to do its work properly. As such, “the GGMC is not aggressive and/or proactive in pursuing its mandate

of safety in mining pits, and this must change”, the report asserts.

The report urges that “GGMC must defend statutory obligations vigorously -legally and via engineering”.

The entity’s lack of aggressiveness in pursuing its mandate may be “unwittingly subverting the morale” which is deemed critical for it to accomplish its goals. More importantly, it has been observed that the information flow at the GGMC and decision-making “are not aligned to proper best practices in management.”

“Decision-making appears to be at the lowest levels, with communication at the highest levels reduced to ‘noted’, ‘for your information and guidance’ and ‘seen’. Decision nodes at the executive level are not visible, and follow-up is too ad hoc and perfunctory,” the report asserts.

Additionally, it has been determined that management of the GGMC “lacks appropriate feedback mechanisms for ongoing actions, with the loop being systematically broken until an affected client raises the issue again. And too often the files go missing, with the onus on the client for re-recreating the file.”

Files, the report said, appear to be “open-ended, with no closure”.

Following a review of the GGMC files on mining accidents, the CoI has come to the view that mining safety and compliance could not have been the central concern of the GGMC. “The content of the information flows, the timeliness of the movement of the files, lack of decisions/ directions at the senior levels, the lack of closure on even peripheral issues, were causes for concern”, the report asserts.

Those observations were raised with the commissioner, who indicated that he expected those matters to be dealt with by the functionaries below him, viz, the Deputy Commissioner and, more particularly, the Manager of Mines.

INCORRECT COORDINATES According to the report, the GGMC has a “huge database”, with recordings of mines officers’ inspections as well as digitised production books; “but in some cases, [the database] contains significant mistakes, such as incorrect geographic coordinates.”

As a result, it has been recommended that all paper maps demonstrating locations checked should be produced, filed and signed by the rele-

vant officer for each monthly report. Those maps should also be subjected to an “external audit, either physically or by comparison to satellite images”.

The commissioners have stressed the importance of accurate reports, especially since litigation can accompany mining accidents, whether or not fatalities have occurred.

The Mines Division has five units, namely: Mines Technical, Surveying Section, Mines Inspectorate, Mineral Processing Unit, and Mines Clerical/ Administration. The Mines Technical, Surveying and Inspectorate units of the GGMC are focused mainly on inspection, with the aim of establishing conformity of titles with the regulations, the monitoring of activity of the title holders, and the provision of advice to miners.

“A Mines Technical Section composed exclusively of mining engineers, which has to be independently serviced and which has a programme designed by itself, is denying the Mines Division of a cost-effective, integrated approach in which its inspectorate staff, including engineers, could be involved in the regulation of mining titles’ compliance with the law,” the report said.

ARBITRARY RESPONSIBILITIES Accordingly, the division of personnel into environmental officers, mines technical and mines officers, to name a few, with regulatory responsibilities, “is quite arbitrary”.

“They are all involved in establishing the compliance of title holders to the conditions of their titles, whether in the small, medium or large scale systems”, the report contends.

Given the nature of responsibilities of the listed officers, it has been recommended that “all the relevant officers should be considered as part of the Inspectorate, as opposed to the artificial divisions currently established.”

Except in exceptional circumstances, any officer in the field should be able to make environmental observations of “the locational kinds of considerations and any other requirement imposed by the Mining Act and regulations,” the report stated.

What it means, therefore, is that major divisions of personnel should not be on “arbitrary, functional lines”, but rather on “district lines”, depending on the levels of activity.

The report noted however that while there is a district focus in existence, it needs to be re-aligned so as to ensure

that multiple sets of officers with arbitrary functional titles do not visit the same place to finalise an inspection.

MINING AUDIT DIVISION The CoI team has proposed a Mines Audit Division that will ensure quality assurance in the activities of the inspectorate, while following up disputes that occur inevitably in the sector.

This division will have “relatively senior/experienced technical personnel”, and they will report directly to the Deputy Commissioner, who supervises the Mines Division.

The unit must have an

independent budget, and unannounced checks must be done on each district to ensure the law is observed.

“They would also manage a much-desired complaints desk in Georgetown,” the report said.

TRAINING The Mining School should design and implement suitable “short courses” for GGMC and the public. Once implemented, this recommendation can see personnel becoming equipped in their respective fields, whether as mines managers, mines officers, rangers, or environmental assessors, to name a few.

Also, it is believed that,

with the current transition of the mining sector to a highly mechanised one, the complexity of the processes necessitates “that targeted training of the professional engineering talent must also be contemplated.”

“A better appreciation of geotechnical and ground water issues, coupled with an understanding of the constraints imposed by the prevailing geology, and more robust prospection operations, may be required,” the CoI found, thereby recommending that there be an enhanced programme at the University of Guyana and training overseas to facilitate same.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2015

First Kazakhstan Ambassador to CARICOM accredited – US$250,000 MoU inked for Caribbean Water Resource Management

HIS Excellency, Konstantin Zhigalov, Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan to Canada and Concurrent Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba, The Dominican Republic and Jamaica, on Tuesday last became the first Kazakhstan Ambassador to be accredited to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The presentation of credentials took place at the CARICOM Headquarters, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, and was followed by a reception at the

Marriott Hotel, where several diplomats and government officials were in attendance.

The accreditation was followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Government of Kazakhstan to the tune of US$250,000 at the reception. The MOU was signed for the development of a water-resource management plan for the Caribbean Region, including Guyana.

Among the guests at the

event were: Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin; Secretary General of the Caribbean Community, Irwin LaRocque; British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn; Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Ventakachalam Mahalingam; U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Guyana, Bryan Hunt; Suriname’s Ambassador to Guyana, Nisha Kurban-Baboe; Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland; and Resident Coordinator for the

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Marianne Flach.

Secretary General of CARICOM Irwin LaRocque, in brief

remarks, expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Government of Kazakhstan for funding the project, which is expected

Minister of State Joseph Harmon shares a moment with newly accredited Ambassador to the Caribbean Community, Konstantin V. Zhigalov

as well as research and developmental programmes; and so we see the fostering of a good relationship,” the Ambassador said.

Speaking to the issue of climate change and the effect on the Caribbean Region, Ambassador Zhigalov committed his country’s assistance and support to CARICOM in times of disasters and distress.

“We understand the serious threats facing the small islands in the Caribbean Region and Kazakhstan stands ready to support CARICOM in its challenges and unforeseen circumstances - hurricanes, floods, by contributing much needed financial assistance,” he said.

Ambassador Zhigalov also offered collaboration and guidance on energy policies for CARICOM countries.

“One of the growing forces in the CARICOM Region which is challenging is energy and this is an area that

Secretary General of CARICOM, Irwin LaRocque and Ambassador Konstantin Zhigalov signing the agreement for the US$250,000 Water Resource Management Plan

to begin immediately and run for approximately three years.

Minister Harmon in welcoming Ambassador Zhigalov to the country and the Caribbean, expressed the government’s wish to develop and foster good relations with the Republic of Kazakhstan for the good of the citizens of both countries.

The newly accredited Ambassador to the Caribbean Community said the new relationship between the Region and the Republic of Kazakhstan will see many engagements and projects being implemented for the development of the Caribbean Region, including Guyana.

“We see the development of CARICOM countries, especially Guyana, on regional and global affairs. We see many opportunities for cooperation with CARICOM and Guyana. Kazakhstan and CARICOM share common approaches to many international challenges such as economic, social, environmental and technological problems,

Kazakhstan is leading in and we want to explore initiatives that can be of help. We are ready to work with the Caribbean Community in energy, capacity building, technology transfer and institutional development. There is a lot we can learn from each other,” Ambassador Zhigalov told the invitees.

His Excellency Zhigalov will act as the Non-resident Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Caribbean Community and will be based in Ottawa, Canada.

On Monday, Ambassador Zhigalov met with Minister Harmon at the Ministry of the Presidency and solicited Guyana’s cooperation in seeking membership for Kazakhstan to have a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. He also presented a letter to President David Granger from the President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2015

12 yr olds drinking rum, using ganja and cocaine – according to new study on drug use in schools

By Rebecca Ganesh A NEW study on drug use among local school children has found that 12 year olds are drinking rum and smoking cocaine and marijuana.

Compiled by the Guyana Drug Information Network, the report says schoolchildren from as young as 12 years old are using marijuana, cocaine, other illicit substances along with alcohol and tobacco.

“It’s an outrage, and we have to come up with a strategy to curb this”, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan told a workshop held at Cara Lodge on Wednesday to launch the report.

Minister Ramjattan admitted to being very disheartened to stand and report that 52% of the students polled during the survey admitted to consuming alcohol once in their lifetime, 31% said they were drunk in the last 12 months, 16% had consumed alcohol in the last 30 days, and 4.9% said they were binge drinkers.

“My intention here is not to create a moral panic, but in all honesty, these statistics paint a picture which shames us all. It is an outrage, and we must do something about it,” the minister declared.

He noted that the government would seek to reduce drug demand and minimise harm by harnessing the resources of communities, law enforcement agencies, and the Ministries of Public Security, Health, Education and Social Protection. “We will be mimic men and not seek to reinvent the wheel when we know what is right and proper,” he posited.

Ramjattan said methods such as sports, recreation, music, positive parenting, and supply reduction to stabilise and eliminate street supply need to be implanted.

“The objective is to reduce demand through the promotion of opportunities. We have to somehow prevent and delay drug use,” he opined.

The survey was spon-

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan receiving a copy of the report from OAS Representative Jean Ricot Dormeus

The cover of the report

sored by the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Inter American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD). The report states that the average first-time marijuana user is 12.8 years old; the average first-time cocaine user is 12.1 years old, and the age of the average first-time user of other stimulants is 11.7 years.

In terms of marijuana, the one-year prevalence rate for public schools was 3.2%, while the one-year prevalence rate for private schools was 11.6%. Similarly, the one-month prevalence rate for public schools was 1.8%, while the one-month prevalence rate for private schools was 6.7%.

Cigarette use in private schools showed a significantly higher lifetime prevalence rate than public schools. The lifetime prevalence rate for private schools was 23%, while the lifetime prevalence

A section of the audience

rate for public schools was 16.3%.

The report said males generally showed greater prevalence rates and higher risks to drug use, while students at private schools showed higher prevalence rates when compared to their counterparts in public schools.

The survey found that, overall, students are aware of the dangers of drug use.

The report recommends that efforts be taken to reduce students’ access to drugs in public places such as sporting events and other outings of similar nature, and from being able to purchase alcohol and cigarettes in shops.

OAS Representative Jean Ricot Dormeus, Canadian High Commissioner Pierre Giroux, and Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United States, Bryan Hunt, also spoke at the launch.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 18, 2015

SASOD begins advocacy training seminar – Trotman calls for more informed, cohesive Guyana

By Rabindra Rooplall THE Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) is looking forward to working with the new government for the protection of vulnerable

groups in the society.

A three-day public advocacy training programme for vulnerable Guyanese communities commenced on Wednesday at the Regency Hotel in Hadfield Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown.

The programme is a collaboration between the European Union and SASOD. Project Coordinator John Quelch opened the ceremony, highlighting the objectives of the project and the intended outcomes that

will benefit the work and advocacy of civil society organisations representing marginalised communities.

Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman who was listed to speak at the event was absent, but his prepared remarks were read on his behalf by Co-Chair of SASOD, Joel Simpson.

According to Trotman, the ‘Guyanese vulnerable communities capacities strengthening project’, funded by the European Union, recognises the importance of the seminar.

“An active, vibrant, well informed populace is critical to ensuring that their interests are addressed by the leaders and civil society’s advocacy is a vehicle through which this goal can be achieved,” Trotman noted.

Advocacy should not be seen as trampling on the rights of others in an effort to achieve new goals, the Governance Minister said, and this must be exercised with the intention of building relationships and strengthening democracy.

“Civil society organisations that actively work with the most vulnerable are best positioned to inform and

guide the process towards the creation of public policies that are inclusive and effective,” he stressed. “The Government of Guyana is one for all people in this land and embraces active, respectful engagement with representatives of civil society in the creation of policies and their implementation.”

He said the development of Guyana depends largely on the ability of its diverse groups to collaborate and make decisions to move the country forward. “As such, I call on each of you participating in this capacity- building exercise to envision over the next three days how you can positively influence and impact the creation of a better Guyana, a more informed and cohesive Guyana.”

Public Policy Commonwealth Research Consultant, Gordon Floyd, said the threeday programme is to provide an intensive and focused introduction into the principal practices of effective public policy advocacy for members of the Guyana Equality Forum.

“The agenda we have put together for these three days grow out of the work of stakeholders’ consultation which took place last April… it will be a busy agenda we will be pursuing for the next few days,” the consultant

emphasised.

Head of bilateral cooperation, delegation of the European Union to Guyana, Benedikt Madl said SASOD has been one of the Union’s long-standing partners in civil society in Guyana.

As such, Madl congratulated SASOD for the initiative in their approach with decision and policy-makers in Guyana. He said the idea of the training is to provide participants with principles and practices of effective public policy in consultation with local policy-makers.

The EU representative explained that civil society perform's a vital role in bridging the gap between the general populace and policy-makers. He applauded the move by SASOD to host the seminar under the Guyana Equality Forum which fights to rid the country of the scourge of child abuse, domestic violence, discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and heterosexual people and all forms of human rights abuses.

“I really feel it’s crucial for this forum to combine human rights issues in Guyana and I would really want to promote this further, because I think civil society needs to be more united,” he declared.

Arson suspected in Ashok’s fire – Fire Chief

By Michel Outridge CHIEF Fire Officer Marlon Gentle said arson is suspected in last Friday’s fire which razed the interior of four businesses at Ashok’s on Regent and King Streets, Georgetown.

Gentle, in a comment to this newspaper, said the Guyana Fire Service have almost completed their probe.

He noted that from the outset there was that suspicion which has not changed and a report will be made known shortly on the findings of the investigation into the blaze which razed the interior of Ashok’s Dry Goods Store, Sabrina’s Store, another small clothing store and a real estate office.

The storage bond of those haberdashery businesses were also destroyed, resulting in millions of dollars in losses and employees going on the breadline.

During the early hours of September 11, 2015 fire ripped through the old wooden building that accommodated the stores, an office and storage bond.

Owner of Ashok’s Dry Goods Store, Hemant Keswani, an Indian national, told this publication that he was at home when he received a

‘FLASHBACK’: Investigating ranks at the fire scene last Friday morning

telephone call informing him that his store was ablaze at about 01:00 hrs.

When he arrived on the scene there was nothing he could do but watch as his business place went up in flames, leaving several store workers jobless.

Keswani stated that he had remigrated many years ago and invested in the store that sold clothing and other articles. His losses would run into millions, he said, and he was unsure how he would cope.

The businessman said he closed and secured his store at 16:30 hrs the previous afternoon and was sure that all electrical points had been switched off before he left for home and so he could not say what caused the blaze.

Gentle told the Chronicle that the stores were housed

on the ground floor of the building and the upper flat was the storage bond. The fire was seen in several parts of the building when firefighters forcibly entered the place.

He reported that the Guyana Fire Service received the fire call at 12:42 hrs and four fire tenders and one high-rise tender responded with an adequate number of firemen.

Gentle stated that when they arrived, thick smoke was billowing from the building which was secured with shutters and padlocks and they had to force their way in.

After they gained entry, he said, fire was observed at multiple parts of the building and they went into fire-fighting containing and extinguishing the blaze from spreading to nearby buildings.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 18, 2015

Successful kidney transplant done

- at Georgetown Public Hospital A TEAM of general medical practitioners from the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), headed by a Guyanese-born transplant surgeon from Canada, has performed a successful kidney transplant on a 24-year-old man.

The team was spearheaded by transplant surgeon, Dr. Kishore Persaud, who is a product of the University of Calgary in Canada. The university cooperated with the GPH and its team of doctors, making their first surgery a success. The operation was free of cost.

Dr. Persaud, after being approached by kidney transplant patients from GPH, decided to put together a team of local doctors, the majority being general practitioners, and staff of the hospital.

The team which was under intense training for about five months was able to successfully pull off their first kidney transplant surgery on Monday, and more surgeries are planned for November.

“We (team) are hoping that the new administration will provide us with the support of such service for a longterm benefit for the entire country,” said Dr. Kishore.

The general practitioners told this publication that the possibility exists for further training in transplant surgery so one day they would become renowned transplant surgeons.

Thus far, ten patients are lined up for kidney transplant surgeries for the next few months, and four of them are scheduled for November. All ten of the patients already have kidney donors. (Shivanie Sugrim)

Two soldiers shot, robbed - on Kitty seawall

INVESTIGATIONS are being conducted into an incident that occurred on the Georgetown Seawall at about 22:30 hrs Wednesday night, in which two members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were shot and injured.

Police investigations have revealed that Andries Henry and King Pablo were with other persons on the seawalls, when they were approached by three men during which one of them discharged rounds from a handgun at the soldiers and escaped on motor cycles.

Pablo was shot to his right foot, treated and sent away while Henry’s condition is said to be critical and was still a patient at the hospital up to press time. He reportedly underwent a surgical operation to remove a bullet which was lodged in his abdomen.

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In photo from left are: General Practitioner (GP) Dr. Gorvinski Fraser, Claudia White (Pharmacist), Dr. Joel Joseph (GP), Transplant Kidney Surgeon Dr. Kishore Persaud, Dr. Josmond Austin, a social worker, and Dr. Zuxujun at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the GPH, yesterday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 18, 2015

President urges Mexico to help keep R

- as country marks 205th Independence Anniversary ties, President Granger said that the disparity in wealth and size aside, the two have many things in common such as a strong adherence to the values of democracy, liberty, respect for human rights, sustainable development, the rule of law, and peaceful solutions to international controversies.

Mexico’s technical assistance, for instance, especially in the field of training and education, he said, complements Guyana’s national efforts to create a more competent workforce, which is sorely needed to

provide vital services to support Guyana’s development.

“The groundwork for the intensification of bilateral activity between our countries has been well laid,” he told his host, Ambassador Ivan Robero Sierra Medel. “ We h o p e t o w o r k closely with your embassy here in Georgetown to bring these projects to fruition,” he said. “We hope also to deepen the dialogue between our two countries, and to explore and exploit the considerable potential which exists for increasing

Research shows…

President David Granger delivering his address at the reception in commemoration of Mexico’s 205th Independence Anniversary at the Marriott Hotel. Looking on, from left, are Ambassador Ivan Robero Sierra Medel and his wife; First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger; and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

PRESIDENT David Granger has called on Mexico to use its considerable geo-political influence to help address the many challenges facing the Caribbean, particularly where the threat of force and/or security is

concerned.

“Mexico’s geo-political role will be fundamental to addressing the many challenges faced by the Caribbean Region, especially in the area of food security, climate change and trans-national organ-

ised crime,” he said here Tuesday night.

“We wish, therefore, to urge Mexico to use its influence in the hemisphere and on the international stage to reject the use of, or threat of the use of force between States, to promote development and to

preserve the Caribbean as a zone of peace,” he told guests at a reception at the Georgetown Marriott to mark Mexico’s 205th Independence Anniversary.

As to how he perceives relations between Guyana and Mexico in the 43 years since they have cemented

Viva Mexico! President David Granger and Ambassador Ivan Robero Sierra Medel toast to continued friendly bilateral relations between Guyana and Mexico

Heavy drinking, i - influences high rate of

By Rabindra Rooplall

THE harm associated with the consumption of alcohol, particularly among young people, is an area of growing concern that presents a major challenge to all levels of government, experts say.

Research indicates that much alcohol use and the associated harm to young people occur in public drinking environments.

GUYANESE CULTURE Research further reveals that developing policies and initiatives that attempt to influence drinking behaviour is notoriously difficult, largely because the consumption of alcohol is both widely accepted as a significant part of Guyanese culture but at the same time it is responsible for a range of social and health-related problems.

Statistics also show that the drinking culture where bymost persons “drink to get drunk”, frequently at excessive and harmful levels, is associated with many forms of entertainment and participation in social

events.

VIOLENCE However, the evidence relating to the range of individual and social harm associated with alcohol misuse is strong. The consumption of alcohol, especially at high levels, is a significant risk factor for violence.

Alcohol-related crime and disorder can have a significants adverse impact upon the perceptions of safety among the broader community. This concern and perception extends well beyond those who have been directly involved in an incident of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour or harm.

UNDER-REPORTED Experts say that a relatively small proportion of incidents involving alcohol-related violence are reported to police. As a result, many violent offences involving alcohol go unrecorded, making it difficult to determine the full extent of alcohol-related violence.

According to one study, among those people who were physically abused by someone under the influence of

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 18, 2015

Region stable investment opportunities between Guyana and Mexico.”

In response, Ambassador Medel said there is scope for a more dynamic engagement with the greater Caribbean, and that Mexico has every intention of working closely with Guyana on broadening the political dialogue, improving economic exchanges, and making strides in international development cooperation.

“Mexico salutes the vibrant democracy in Guyana, and wants to join efforts with the government of His Excellency, President David Granger to build stronger ties,” Ambassador Medel said.

Over the years, Mexico has provided significant assistance to Guyana in the area of capacity-building.

Its next project will be the digitisation of the National Archives, which is set to commence shortly.

Additionally, Mexico will be sending experts to provide training to secondary school teachers in CARICOM countries.

There has also been collaboration between the countries in areas such as agriculture and health.

Guyana and Mexico established bilateral relations in March, 1973. This was further strengthened with the establishment of the Mexican Embassy Mexico’s Ambassador to Guyana, Ivan Robero Sierra Medel re-enacting the ‘Grito de Dolores’ in 2009. (Ministry of the or ‘The Cry of Dolores’ on the morning of September 16, 1810 by Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla to officially start the revolution against the Spanish colonial system Presidency)

intoxication associated with physical aggression intimate partner violence in Guyana

alcohol or other drugs within a 12-month period, nearly three-quarters (70%) did not report the incident to the police.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Reports also cite alcohol as an important risk factor for domestic violence, child abuse and neglect. The high rate of alcohol involvement in intimate partner homicide has already been reported.

The consumption of alcohol, either by the offender or victim or both, is also a significant contributing factor in incidents of non-fatal domestic violence, with research demonstrating that women whose partners consume alcohol at excessive levels are more likely to experience domestic violence.

Despite this strong body of evidence, the relation-

ship between alcohol and violence, like many other complex social phenomena, is not a simple or straightforward one. Research shows that heavy drinking and intoxication are associated with physical aggression. In fact, a significant proportion of alcohol-related assaults occurred within a private setting.

Researchers have studied intimate partner vio-

lence (IPV) by listening to victims’ reports and by conducting surveys among the general public that ask participants whether they have perpetrated this type of violence themselves.

The acts of violence considered by researchers are varied, ranging from slapping and pushing (moderate violence) to battery or using knives and other instruments to inflict pain (severe violence).

HIGH RATE OF IPV Studies conducted among patients in treatment for substance abuse problems, victims of battering in women’s shelters, and peo-

ple selected from household samples in the community, indicate that a high rate of IPV occurs in Guyana.

Research suggests that while drinking a small amount of alcohol is generally not harmful for most people, regular drinking of a lot of alcohol can cause health, personal and social problems for a person over the long-term. People who drink heavily may become dependent on alcohol.

There are degrees of dependence, from mild dependency to compulsive drinking (often referred to as ‘alcoholism’). Alcohol dependence can be a physical problem,

or psychological, or both.

For instance, to some degree many of us are psychologically dependent on alcohol if we feel that we cannot socialise at a party without a drink.

In the case of an alcoholic person who is both physically and psychologically dependent, alcohol becomes central to his life.

Such a person would suffer withdrawal symptoms such as trauma, nausea, anxiety, depression, sweating, headache and difficulty sleeping, if they were to try to stop drinking or to cut down the amount they drink, without adequate support mechanisms.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 18, 2015

Pupils still

‘underachieving’ - teachers should pay more attention to weaknesses of pupils, says Chief Education Officer

By Shivanie Sugrim THE primary school system has been dogged by failure for many years, and Chief Education Officer (CEO) Olato Sam has attributed this failure to poor

accountability and negligence, among other factors on the part of teachers.

Though indicators such as the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) reveal that the primary school system is improving, the Chief

Education Officer disclosed that the vast majority of pupils are still “underachieving,” mainly because most of the teachers are not competent enough to deliver the content, while some are too often reluctant to adapt to

Some of the Head Teachers and Regional Education Officers at the Arthur Chung International Convention Centre, on Tuesday the change in the education landscape.

This disclosure was made at a “leadership” sem-

inar held as part of Education Month activities. That seminar was attended by head teachers and Regional Education Officers (REOs) at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, on Tuesday.

“It bothers the mind that after six years of exposure to primary education, our children fail to demonstrate the basic competencies,” Sam pointed out after declaring that he has made a commitment to eradicate those elements that would have contributed to these failures.

And he says he is starting with refining teachers.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) will soon embark on widespread capacitybuilding exercises to improve the system by firstly enabling resources for basic competency, given that most of the teachers have limited ability to deliver content because of inadequate qualifications and exposure, which is the principal element that has contributed to the failing of the system.

“Many of the weaknesses the students possess reflect on the teachers’ failings,” Sam said, while pointing out that this would often lead to restructuring the lines of practice at the secondary level to compensate for deficiencies at the primary level.

In mending this, the Education Officer said the MoE will take it upon itself to ensure that there are sufficient capacity-building exercises to improve the level of competence of teachers in all primary school systems.

There has also been a widespread reluctance displayed by many teachers to adapt to constant changes in the education landscape and the implementation of strategies necessary to ensure that learning takes place, Sam proclaimed.

“We have been preaching for years that there should be more approaches for child development, and that it makes no sense teaching the curriculums when we know fully well pupils are incapable of grappling with the materials being delivered,” said the CEO, while adding that teachers should focus on the strengths and weak-

nesses of a child, rather than on any external grade ‘A’ expectation.

It is important to note that the ministry is burdened with the responsibility of dragging along with those teachers who consistently fail to meet basic expectations and honour the commitment to educate the children since, unlike private schools, the public schools do not have the latitude to dismiss them.

Sam pointed out that in the new Education Strategic Plan, the MoE has committed to bring, on an annual basis, report cards on the performance of teachers for every public school.

Addressing the issue of negligence, the CEO said teachers should pay more attention to the needs and weaknesses of the pupils, so as to implement measures to combat the failings in the system.

Mere days ago, International Literacy Day was celebrated worldwide, and statistics reveal that globally, the number of people unable to read and write continues to fall, though the trends vary considerably across regions and countries.

According to the Institute of Statistics, 757 million adults, two-thirds of whom are women, still lack basic reading and writing skills.

The international community, according to UNESCO, has pledged to reduce illiteracy rates by 50%, and Guyana forms part of that international community to end the scourge of illiteracy.

Head teachers and Regional Education Officers of all regions, with the exception of Region 8, during ground-breaking discussions at the seminar, have all vowed to lift the literacy and numeracy rates in the school system upon returning to their respective regions, while Education Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine has reassured of his commitment to the development of the primary school system and the funding of necessary resources so as to reduce the burden on the secondary school systems.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 18, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 18, 2015

Sophia records highest sexual violence rate

By Shivanie Sugrim

NINETY cases of sexual violence against children were reported during last year to the present, with the most incidents occurring in the community of Sophia.

For this reason, Director of ChildLink Ms Omattie Madray, has issued a call for the presence of more Child Advocacy Centres (CAC) in regions across Guyana, given that Regions 3, 4 and 5 are the only ones that have CACs. The CACs were started in September 2013 in partnership with ‘Forward Guyana’ and the Ministry of Social Protection and the Child Protection Agency. The first centre was set up in Georgetown to offer support to those children and families dealing with the trauma of sexual violence.

After much success, ChildLink brought its international partners on board: Family for Every Child, the European Delegation and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which are all lead agencies that fund and implement projects fostered by ChildLink in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection.

Thereafter, CACs were expanded in Regions 3 and 5 whereas the other regions have to be dependent on the Guyana Police Force to aid in solving sexual-violence cases.

“When we look at the statistics, Region 4 carries the highest figures since we are much more populated, but then again we don’t know about the unreported cases in this region, and even so in all regions,” said Madray.

The director explained that there is a growing number of reported cases of sexual violence against children. On an annual basis, she said, there

– ChildLink Director calls on gov’t for more child advocacy centres in regions

Director of ChildLink Guyana, Omattie Madray are approximately 600 cases of sexual violence against children that the CACs in the identified regions would record.

“The community of Sophia carries the highest figures

so far from Region 4 that are recorded by the CAC,” the director disclosed.

In view of Child Protection Week which will commence next week, under the theme “Strengthening Families to Protect Children,” Madray has issued a call for government to come fully on board to expand this CAC initiative in all regions across Guyana, given the worrying statistics. Madray is also urging the government to enforce the penalty for perpetrators of sexual violence.

I n 2 0 11 , C h i l d L i n k launched a “Tell” Campaign in 500 primary schools across Guyana, aimed at training teachers to interact with children who would often display symptoms of sexual violence or other forms of abuse.

Friday September 18, 2015 - 05:00 hrs Saturday September 19, 2015 - 08:30 hrs

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Aries Squabbles may break out among members of your group. You might wonder what the big deal is since what they’re arguing over seems rather silly.

Apparently it’s important to them! If you feel up to it, get your friends out of their emotional chaos and view the subject more objectively. It might not calm them down, but at least you’ll have done something!

Taurus Someone may skip out on responsibilities today, causing extra tasks to fall to everyone else, including you. This might stir up some anger and resentment and it’s definitely going to cause more stress. Delegate tasks if you can.

Put yours in order of urgency and then take them one at a time slowly and carefully. If the less important ones have to wait until tomorrow, so be it!

Gemini If you’ve been planning to set off on a trip soon, make a list of what you need to do beforehand and check off each task as you complete it. Otherwise you might panic at the last minute because you’ve forgotten something important. Stay calm even if it seems impossible. You’re less likely to forget anything if you stay focused.

Cancer You may be the party-pooper today unless you do something to remedy your serious tone. This is a day for light, social activities and fun-loving times with friends. Don’t worry if things don’t seem rational. Sometimes it’s the unlikeliest route that ends up being the best. Don’t discount the fanciful and bizarre. Take a walk on the wild side.

Leo Today you might find it necessary to turn down an invitation to a social event, and the host might for some reason seem offended. Your friend is probably overworked and stressed and apt to overreact to just about any situation. Relax a little. Explain things to your friend and then propose that you get together at another time. That’s all you can do now.

Virgo Have you been doing a lot of walking lately? If so, your feet may be sore.

This could affect your energy level considerably, not to mention your ability to get any work done. Concentrate on routine tasks that require little thought and can be done sitting down. Stay out of any squabbles! Relax in a hot bath tonight.

Libra Give your adventuresome, world-traveling spirit room to soar. This is a good time to embrace and express your dreams. Write them down, talk to others, and say them out load. Communication and information are key elements today. Things may move quickly, so stay alert and tuned into the energy that’s buzzing all around you. The best things in life may come on a whim.

Scorpio Do you sometimes go about things backward? Are you caught up in the rat race of trying to have more money and security with the idea that eventually you’ll earn the freedom to do what makes you happy? The happiness factor actually works in reverse. You must first be who you are and then take the necessary actions in order to have what you really want.

Sagittarius An angry call from someone who lives far away might catch you off guard today. In your mind, the person has no reason to be angry and is blowing things out of proportion. They probably won’t listen to reason. Say as calmly as you can that you’ll get in touch tomorrow and then hang up. Give this person time to calm down before even trying to straighten things out.

Capricorn Today you might spend a lot of time looking for a lost object. This item may only have sentimental value. Still, it’s important to you that you find it. This isn’t a good day to search. You’re in a rather frenzied state and could look right at it without seeing it. Wait until tomorrow to look. What you seek is probably nearby and just hidden in some way.

Aquarius A minor quarrel or separation could take place with a love partner, probably over something that seems trivial. It’s likely to get your dander up to the point where you may never want to see this person again. Go for a workout or brisk walk to clear your head, get the endorphins going, and view the situation more objectively. Then phone your friend and work it out.

Pisces Too much stress from overwork could have your nerves on edge today.

When someone makes an offhand remark, you might see insult where none is intended. Don’t get so jumpy that you imagine traitors behind every door.

Work alone if you can, and take a walk to clear your head. This will put you in a better frame of mind and a more relaxed space

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 18, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 18, 2015

With great pleasure , ‘The Buzz’ brings you satisfying entertainment just the way you like it... Peruse our four pages for party hideouts, excellent features and the exploits of our local artistes... Check us out for ready information on the treks of entertainers and see who makes it in the coveted spots sought after by many. Grab ‘The Buzz’ this and every Friday and curl up with a cup of hot cocoa as you enjoy entertainment, Guyanese style...

Calypso The effervescent showdown Charmaine set for NCC Blackman tomorrow

Entertainers who continue to shine…

––brand new car up for grabs

COME tomorrow evening, all roads all been working tirelessly on making lead to the National Cultural Centre this show a success. where the first Mr. Triumph, ever ‘Champione of the key on of Champiarchitects behind ons’ Calypso the event besides Competition is ‘Rebel’, said this billed to take show is going to place with be a show to repomp and cermember, whereby emony. patrons will leave And for sure, wanting for more. the competitors He also noted that must be excited, all the contestants since it is also are champions the first time from the past, who that the winner will all gather in a will take home fiery showdown a brand new before the Chammotorcar. Other pion of Champiprizes include ons is declared. a refrigerator, a Those in hot sponsored trip contention for the to a destinacrown are: tion yet to be Linden Stewnamed,, and a art (Mighty Smokmotor scooter. er ); reigning This compemonarch, Manoel tition, accordFerreira (King ing to Geofrey Pearai); and LesPhillips, better Charles (De ter known as Professor).

‘Mighty Rebel’, Slated to perReigning Calypso will showcase f o r m also are: Monarch King Pearai high standards Winfield James, and professionRoger Hinds alism. It will also be different from (Young Bill Rogers); Rudolph Kendall other related competitions, in that the (Sweet Kendingo); and John Marcus, main goal is to bring back respect to better known as ‘Ras Marcus’. the art form.

The show is scheduled to comThe Champion of Champions com- mence at 20:00hrs, and tickets are mittee comprises Patrick Triumph, being sold for $1000, $1500 and Basil Bradshaw, Cecil Semple, Simone $2000 at the National Cultural CenAbrams and Daria Barrow, who have tre Box Office.

–of ‘Ge dem moh fuh talk’ fame SHE has been the object of intense criticism and much ridicule with regard to her ability to sing and entertain.

And while we are all entitled to our own opinions, only the honest at heart will concede that in spite of all the flak, Charmaine Blackman has proven herself to be one of the most entertaining songstresses of our time.

And, my oh my! This woman certainly loves to ‘ge dem moh fuh talk’! She has done that time and again, and shut the mouths of many by making it on to the cover of Guyana’s most prestigious entertainment magazine. Charmaine was the cover girl for the 58th edition of GEM Magazine.

That was back in 2013, when, decked out in navy and white, with matching hat and white pumps, she cut such a dashing figure that even her severest of critics couldn’t help but take notice. Talk about ‘knock em dead’!

Charmaine, not so long ago, married her long-time partner, singer and producer Bonny Alves; she’s also served two stints as celebrity judge on the GT&T Jingle & Song Competition.

She continues to increase her fan base through her performances and fashion statements. Her 20 years in the music business also helps give credibility to her input in the industry.

And Charmaine is now a seasoned campaigner, and certainly does not care for the silly notions and ridicule of her many critics.

Asked how she’s been able to deal with her haters all these years, she replied: “At first, I used to lose sleep over it, because some of it was unfair; based on hearsay. And people were just following the crowd. But, with time, I learnt to deal with it. And now, I just GI DEM MO FUH TALK!”

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Firefest Productions to stage massive ‘Guyana Night’ event

CHUTNEY sensation, Mahendra Ramkellawan and the folks from the Firesfest Productions are at it again! And this time around, they are coming with a mega event that will feature several of the explosive faces in local entertainment.

This event, according to many, is dubbed as the ‘clash of the locals’, and will feature just a few international entertainers.

While the promoting outfit has been popular for hosting massive shows showcasing internationally celebrated acts, come October 31, 2015, they are bringing to the platter an initiative that will make room for lots of local talent.

Slated for the Betterhope Community Centre Ground, this event will see dazzling performances from Mr. Ramkellawan him-

self, Jumo ‘Rubber Waist’ Primo, international act, Terry Gajraj, and local chutney stalwart, Rajesh Dubraj.

Carded to perform also are character dancer, ‘Granny Ivelaw’, Young Bill Rogers, the entertaining Charmaine Blackman, Prince JP, Aaron Dasrat, Cecilia Samaroo, and Bunty Singh.

Fans can expect a kaleidoscope of dance from the Firefest Dancers, Roshini Boodhoo Dance Troupe, the Shalita Dance Troupe, and the Nach Gana Academy of Dance. The MC will, of course, be WR Reaz.

Fans are anticipating the scorching presentations of local belly dancer, ‘Sandella’.

The artistes will be backed by the ever popular Shakti Strings Band.

Creating ‘de Buzz’ New Era style THERE are some dudes who manage to make quite arresting fashion statements wherever they go.

Be it a slacks and t-shirt, or boxers and slipons, these dudes prove, every time, that they are born to be fashion gurus.

And the ‘Nu Era’ duo is no exception. Kishaun Doobay and ‘The Sugar Daddy’, as his partner prefers to be called, certainly turned heads recently at the launch of Sonia Noel’s ‘Making Style Magazine’.

These dudes surely rocked the venue. Way to go guys!

Nu Era dudes

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 18, 2015

Club 704 presents...

Yellow it out’ with Lisa Punch HERE they come again with yet another exciting party concept, and this time around, folks at Club 704, on Lamaha & Albert, are ‘flipping it up’ with their ‘Yellow it out Affair’.

This event, when ignited, will showcase dazzling performances by Guyana’s ABC Rising Star semi-finalist, Lisa Punch, who, incidentally, has recently been crowned as our representative to the upcoming Miss World Pageant.

Party fans are urged to deck out in their most sizzling yellow outfits, and come out to have a rollicking good time, as the song diva belts out some of her pulsating singles.

That aside, patrons can mingle, and soak up the vibes as DJ Breeze, Selector

Andre and DJ Puffy create a ‘musical inferno’ like never before.

The MC for this event

is no other than Malcolm ‘Mr. Wickedde’ Perreira and admission has been set at $2000.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 18, 2015

Artiste of the Week

Vintage Sammy Baksh, reloaded

GUYANESE Sammy Baksh, whose singing career dates back to the early 1970s, is back home, bringing with him several hot new compositions of rock-reggae fusion, a genre made popular by groups the likes of ‘Slightly Stoopid’ and ‘UB 40’.

Baksh told ‘The Buzz’ last week that he and his band intend to hold live shows countrywide this year, starting with one possibly at the National Stadium at Providence.

The group is also likely to use Guyana as a base for forays into Suriname, Brazil and French Guiana, as he is s home to work out the details.

TO BE LONELY Baksh left Guyana in 1994 to live in New York. Among the folks of his generation here, he is still remembered and highly regarded for his hit tune, a ballad

released in 1980s titled ‘To Be Lonely”.

He was a popular artiste on the Georgetown scene, and performed with several local stars at the Kamoa Nightclub on America Street, a veritable hot-spot in the city back in the day. He also toured extensively with the Yoruba Singers before leaving.

Following the release of ‘To Be Lonely’, Baksh sang in night clubs in Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil, Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados, Canada and any country where tunes such as ‘Who’s Gonna Love You’, ‘Look Out For Judy’, and ‘The Sun Won’t Shine On Me’ were well received.

He has done numerous ‘gigs’ and studio recordings with his New York-based band, Sammy Baksh and The Prodigal Sons throughout the United States.

MARLEY INFLUENCE He told ‘The Buzz’ that he started his

This talented son of the soil still has some musical fire left in him career while still a youth living in Kitty, Georgetown by singing ballads. His music, however, became heavily influenced by artistes such as Bob Marley and the Jamaican reggae band, ‘Third World.’

He was privileged to meet Bob Marley in Jamaica in the early 1980s, and learnt much from touring with Third World, which turned 40 last year.

His greatest influence, however, is Bob Marley. “He’s one of my favourite artistes of all time,” Baksh said. “He has the kind of lyrics I have always aimed for.”

Baksh said that over the years, he has changed his style of music, going from from ballads to reggae fusion, essentially a genre of music that mixes reggae with other genres, such as pop, rock, rhythm & blues (R&B) and jazz, with a bit of drums and bass thrown in for good measure.

At interviews, offices, presentations at college, parties, people won’t take you seriously unless you wear a good pair of trousers; jeans tend to give one a casual look. Today, there is so much more variety in trousers.

for the Dudes...

SHIRTS I have earlier focused on how apt linen shirts are during the hot weather.

But a cotton shirt is not a particular ‘season pick’; you can wear them all through the year. Available in various cuts, patterns and sizes, they’re the best and safest for a man to opt for. Preferably in solid colours. A white and a black shirt are a ‘must-have’!

Tuck it in, or leave it out, you can play around a lot with them. Casual shirts in pastel colours can be used as a layering tool over a dark-coloured tee, and vice versa.

P.S: Nothing matters more than an exceptionally good fit! And of course, don’t wear an un-ironed garment; it’s a major turn-off!!!

Make a grand entrance! Every time!

EVERYONE loves to look good. And why shouldn’t they? My charming men, you have as much right to dress as well as a woman!

I’ve always wondered why men shy away from trying different patterns, textures, colours and styles. Is it because of the fear of being mocked at, or making a fashion faux pas? Or is it just the fear of standing out from the regulars?

We know you’re a man who doesn’t care what the world thinks. But if you continue with that attitude, maybe someday, the world will forget your existence.

Now, there are a few things you’d better know: Most often than not, women get attracted easily to a well-dressed guy. People do judge you by the way you dress, and dressing well boosts your confidence level. (Trust me on this one!) It also helps with enhancing your overall personality. And lastly, you de-

serve to look your best! At all times!

When I say ‘dress well’, I do not mean buy the most expensive shoes, wear the funkiest jacket, nor wear belts from premium brands. Nor do I mean spend hours deciding what to wear, follow fashion trends, or dress in an ‘uber chic oufit’. Dress presentable at all times, by all means, and do be impeccable and neat while you’re about it!

Here are five ways to bring out the ‘show stopper’ in you: POLOS Replace your normal t-shirts with polos.

My best friend and I swear by it for a reason: They look smarter and mature! Other brands are okay, once in a while; but good polos can take your look a long way, be it a party, going for coffee, shopping, or just any regular day.

The best part is that they barely need ironing; that’s exactly what you need on a ‘too-bored-

Some bands which have popularised the genre include the Dirty Heads, Pepper, Third World, Rebelution, Police, Iration, The Expendables, Bad Brains, UB 40, Papafish, Soldiers of Jah Army, and Bob Marley and the Wailers.

His music is also influenced by the rock band, ‘RUSH’, with a heavy focus on guitars as against synthesisers.

“I love to focus on tunes that are more guitar-centric; something along the lines of ‘Hotel California’ by the Eagles,” Baksh said, adding: “You will remember that apart from winning the Grammy Award for the best song of the year in 1977, that song also won an award for the extended section of electric guitar interplay between band members Don Felder and Joe Walsh.”

He is currently trying to get ITunes to market his music worldwide, he said.

to-dress’ day, or on days when you have little or no time to play ‘dress-up’.

TROUSERS Everyone owns a good pair of denims. But how many of you own a pair of well-fitted trousers?

BLAZERS Irrespective of how old you are, and what your job is, you will definitely need a blazer. For a meeting, a wedding or a presentation, there’s nothing like a tailored blazer. You may team it with your denims for a party to obtain a classy look. One need not stock up on them; a few classic ones are enough for any occasion. I would advise that you to go for black, ash grey and royal blue.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 18, 2015

Princess Star contestants get juicy record deals

Silyne Griffith

Lashaun Charles

S

Dameon Apple

EVERAL contestants from the Princess Star 2015 Karaoke Competition have benefited tremendously from their participation in the event, as evidenced by their recent award of smashing recording deals, courtesy of members of the local recording fraternity.

The event, which began in early June this year, not only attracted singers from all across the country, but also piqued the interest of several recording studios looking for fresh vocal talent.

At the quarter-final leg of the competition, Kross Kolor Records surprised contestants by attending the session and awarding recording deals to two lucky participants, namely West Demerara’s Daniel Dondrake and Romichelle Brummell of Georgetown.

The company, however, regretted not being able to offer the same deal to Georgetown’s Lashaun Charles, who was

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

Vizion Sound Heatwave Band rocks!!!

VIZION Sound Recording’s Heatwave Band after a recent successful tour of North America is all set to leave the local shores of Guyana, and this time they will be in back up mode for Jamaican Super-

star ‘Alkaline’ in Surimane. This band has been performing to rave reviews around the Caribbean, and is also scheduled to perform at the Pangi Puman 2015 Festival in Maripasoula, French Guinana.

JOKE OF THE DAY -a bellyful ah laughter

For any information relating to ‘The Buzz’ Call Alex Wayne on phone number 592-619-1952

eventually declared the best singer overall, because she was way above the required age limit.

At the semi-finals, Vizion Sound Recording Studio dropped in, and the very fortunate Azzaruddin Laljie and winner of the event Dameon Apple were the proud recipients of a same offer.

Last Saturday, these individuals attended their first training session at Kross Kolor Studios, since both entities have collaborated to train and make them ready for the world of music.

Bartica’s Dameon Aplle won the event and was awarded $100 000, a trophy from

E

ACH time Naya Zamana comes around, it never fails to leave fans spellbound at the intricate and dazzling choreography that unfolds before there very eyes.

I for one have always marvelled at the versatility of the very young dancers who never miss a beat in their brilliant routines.

Naya Zamana Productions has, over the years, brought new meaning to the art of dance in Guyana. While all the dancers deliver the best we can ever ask for, I was particularly smitten this season with the likes of the very young Vani Ranglall and Farzana Khan, who danced like fairies at the event’s recent hosting.

With such brilliant creativity, they were just fitting for this coveted spot on our pages. If you ask me, these two little ladies and the entire cast of Naya Zamana are well deserving of international recognition.

Azzaruddin Laljie Trophy Stall, Bourda, a weekend for two at the Princess Hotel, a recording deal, and the opportunity to compete in Trinidad.

Second place winner, Lashaun Charles won a trophy (from Trophy Stall), three months free gym membership (from Princess Hotel), and one month free pool membership from the hotel.

In third place was crowd favourite, Silyne Griffith who won herself a trophy (from Guyana Chronicle’s General Manager), two free passes to Princess Hotel’s theatre, and the $50 000 Song Diva Prize.

Azzaruddin Laljie was awarded the prize for Most Promising Contestant.

Ph of oto We the ek

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday september 18, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 18, 2015

England in ‘shape of Thirsty World their lives’ to face Fiji Cup fans to get

- Rowntree

LONDON, England (Reuters) - England are in the “shape of their lives” for the Rugby World Cup. They will peak from the

opening game and can handle the pressure of being tournament hosts, forwards coach Graham Rowntree said.

Twickenham will be a cauldron of noise and expectation when England play Fiji today to open the global showpiece.

GRAHAM ROWNTREE “We’re peaking now for opening night,” Rowntree told a news conference yesterday.

“Data doesn’t lie. The guys are in the shape of their lives ... hitting pbs (personal bests). We’re ready for tomorrow.”

Rowntree said Stuart Lancaster’s squad were feeding off the excitement and the atmosphere that would only grow in intensity.

“We’ve prepared well for this game. For our guys it’s the time of their lives. On our own turf ... 15 million

ENGLISH RACING TIPS Ayr 08:30 hrs Prying Pandora 09:00 hrs Constantino 09:30 hrs Giddy 10:05 hrs New Bidder 10:40 hrs Compton Heights 11:15 hrs Easton Angel 11:50 hrs Amour De Nuit 12:20 hrs Rockcandy Mountain NEWBURY 09:10 hrs Operative 09:45 hrs Satellite 10:55 hrs Special Season 11:25 hrs Montalcino 12:00 hrs Nathra 12:30 hrs Kastini 13:00 hrs Berland HEXHAM 11:30 hrs Great Fighter 12:05 hrs French Seventyfive 12:35 hrs Number One London 13:05 hrs Chicago Outfit 13:35 hrs Worldor 14:05 hrs King’s Song IRISH RACING TIPS Listowel

watching on TV at home and millions more around the world.

“We can feel the excitement and support. It reminds me of the (2012 London) Olympics. It simmered and simmered and then it’s here and the whole country got behind it. Tomorrow night will show that.”

Asked if the hopes of an expectant nation meant more pressure, he responded: “We’re pretty aware of the support. which teams the pressure is on? They are ready ...”

Fiji, Rowntree said, would pose “some challengers across the board”.

“Their second row (Leone Nakarawa) ... got to keep him quiet, never mind the number nine (scrumhalf Nikola Matawalu).

We’ve done our homework on them. Our guys are a handful as well. They have to stop us on home turf.”

England forward Geoff Parling cautioned that the Fijian forwards were more of a threat than in the past.

“They are much better organised and have improved immensely in the past two seasons,” he said.

S t r u g g l i n g t o p ro nounce Nakarawa, he described the Glasgow Warriors lock as “one hell of a player”.

“If we’re not on they’ll be a threat. But it’s about what we can do against them.”

09:05 hrs Time For Art 09:40 hrs Apache Gold 10:10 hrs Champagne Or water 10:45 hrs Sr Cartage 11:20 hrs Pyromaniac 11:55 hrs Texas Jack 12:25 hrs Grecian Tiger 12:55 hrs Winter Breeze SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Greyville 11:55 hrs Viva La Var 12:25 hrs Township Talk 12:55 hrs Swan Dance 13:25 hrs Taku Wind 14:10 hrs Tales Of Mombo 14:43 hrs Bold Inspiration 15:10 hrs Mambo Mime 15:37 hrs Salesman AMERICAN RACING TIPS Belmont Race 1 Jules N Rome Race 2 Compliance Officer Race 3 Indian Trail Race 4 Chico Grande Race 5 Moon Medal Race 6 Stormin Stephen Race 7 Tapitsphere Race 8 Sand’z Slew Race 9 Miss Kew

the beers in

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Thirsty beer drinkers will sink over 25 million extra pints in public houses during the six-week Rugby World Cup, the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) predicted yesterday.

Rugby fans are renowned for their capacity for alcohol consumption and the showpiece, which starts today when England take on Fiji at Twickenham, is expected to provide a big boost to turnover in pubs.

The BBPA said total impact on turnover for pubs, in beer sales alone would be around £86 million ($133.50 million).

“Nothing can match the atmosphere of the Great British pub when it comes to big matches, apart from actually being there. And for those visiting the UK for the tournament, the pub is a huge attraction,” BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds said in a statement.

Most of this boost to beer sales will come from UK residents (20 million pints) but the BBPA also expects the thousands of overseas fans following their teams around England and Wales to boost sales by five million pints.

Race to football’s ‘holy grail’...

From back page Stadium in April, where Slingerz FC walked away with the $4M first-place prize following a 2-0 victory.

In fact, only Alpha United and the GDF can boast of defeating the Vergenoegen-based team. The only trophy missing from their fast crowding showcase is the NAMILCO Championship.

The hunt for their first national title sees them chasing the team who are considered the most successful in the sport of football.

Alpha United are a five-time national champions, winning their titles consecutively from 2009 to 2014, a third place CFU Club Championship finish (2011) and are the only team from Guyana to play at the CONCACAF Champions League.

Philbert Moffat who played with Slingerz FC last season and helped them to win the Kashif and Shanghai Tournament this year, has returned to Alpha United, from where he was transferred.

Grenada’s top striker Kithson Bain will suit up for Alpha United once again tonight along with Jamaicans Wayne Ellis and Kirk Duckworth.

With Slingerz FC playing without Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams, Devon Millington and Clive Nobrega, it will be interesting to see how they will adjust to withstand the firepower of Alpha United.

In the opening game, Pele FC will be without Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson who is still overseas but the return of Travis Grant to the club will certainly boost their chances of coming out on top against the young GFC line-up.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 18, 2015

Holder will need to separate the politics - Smith

By Andrew Miller

GRAEME Smith, the former South Africa captain who took charge of his country’s Test fortunes as a callow 22-year-old in 2003, hopes that Jason Holder can put the team politics to one side when he takes over as West Indies’ Test captain for the first time in Sri Lanka next month.

Holder, 23, was named as Denesh Ramdin’s successor for the two-Test series that gets under way in Galle on October 14 after displaying impressive leadership credentials at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand earlier this year.

Coming only months after a pay dispute led to West Indies’ withdrawal from their tour of India in October 2014 - a move that landed the WICB with a multimillion dollar bill for

compensation which is still being thrashed out - the team battled back from an early defeat against Ireland to reach the quarter-finals, where they eventually lost to the finalists, New Zealand.

Despite his tender years, Holder has already received the endorsement of one of the region’s greatest players, Brian Lara, who praised his “demeanour” during that tournament and likened his stature to that of a young Clive Lloyd.

“Clive Lloyd was not the best batsman, he was not the best bowler back in the early 70s but you could tell that a lot of the players respected him,” Lara told ESPNcricinfo ahead of the Help for Heroes charity match at The Oval.

“I hope that Jason gets the same respect from the players, and also the board.

He finds himself in a very tough situation where there are unhappy players but if the board gives him the

support that he needs and he can express himself, then he can become a very successful captain.”

There are no better role

Graeme Smith went on to lead South Africa for 11 years and 109 Tests after being appointed captain at age 22. models for young captains than Smith, whose tenure began against the backdrop of South Africa’s humiliating early exit as hosts of the

2003 World Cup, and with the Hansie Cronje match-fixing scandal still an open wound for many of the country’s leading cricketers.

He went on to lead South Africa for 11 years and a record 109 Tests after being appointed at an even younger age than Holder.

However, Smith recalled how he had been forced to learn on the job in the early years of his captaincy and warned that Holder would face as many challenges from outside the dressing-room as from within it.

“I think he’s got to understand the unique challenges within West Indies cricket,” Smith told ESPNcricinfo.

“From my perspective I had to do that in South African cricket also. It took me three or four years to come to terms with it.”

“I think when I was 26, I had captained South Africa for four years and I only really started figuring it out then. I think that next period was probably my best period as captain, when I understood my team, the type of players I had, myself as a leader, and how I wanted the team

to play.”

Smith sustained his authority in the intervening years through his sheer weight of runs, not least his extraordinary scores of 277 and 259 in the opening two Tests of the tour of England in 2003. But, by his own admission, he “bumped his head” as a leader on several occasions, not least during a feisty one-day series in 2004 when he was outmanoeuvred

by New Zealand’s veteran captain, Stephen Fleming.

“The sooner (Holder) learns his own strengths and weaknesses, the better he’ll be able to lead that team,” Smith said. “We all know West Indies have the unique challenges. I wish him all the best but we all know it’s not going to be easy.”

Smith added that the best means of sustaining his authority and escaping the pressures caused by the inter-island rivalries that have often beset cricket in the Caribbean was for Holder to foster a team environment that protects and nurtures West Indies’ competitive spirit.

“You’ve got to separate the two,” he said. “You have

to understand and manage that space as well as possible outside, but if you can protect that environment, you can get those players playing for you and get the most out of them.”

“The minute the two environments leak (into each other), when there’s a lot of politics, it’s tough. He’s got to find a way of galvanising that environment, and create a culture within that team space where the players want to play for him, want to do well, and separate the two in many ways.”

Lara praised the selectors for the appointment of Holder, but reiterated the need for the WICB to follow that move up by backing their captain. However, he also believed the new leader would be fully capable of looking after himself.

“He’s a tall, good-looking guy,” said Lara. “Nobody would have backed Clive Lloyd into a corner back in the day, looking for a fight. I don’t think anyone is going to back Jason Holder into a corner. I think he’s going to get a lot of respect from his team-mates.”

(ESPN Cricinfo)

Kaka dropped, Corinthians pair recalled for World Cup qualifiers RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - Brazil have recalled Corinthians pair Gil and Renato Augusto and dropped former AC Milan and Real Madrid midfielder Kaka for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Venezuela, coach Dunga announced yesterday.

Barcelona striker Neymar is suspended for both matches and was left out, although an appeal is pending.

“We would like to have Neymar but that’s not possible,” Dunga told reporters.

“We need to get behind the players we have.”

Dunga has subjected his 23-man squad to yet more chopping and changing.

Chelsea midfielder Ramires was left out after appearing in the squad that beat Costa Rica 1-0 and the United States 4-1 earlier this month, and Atletico Madrid’s Filipe Luis was recalled after missing that double-header.

Kaka, who missed the Copa America in June and July, was surprisingly recalled for the Costa Rica and U.S. games but the Orlando City midfielder has been left out again.

“We used 55 players in

the last qualifiers, so gor some that are not in this first call-up, there will be a long preparation period, and they should be ready, they will have a chance,” Dunga said.

Renato Augusto, one of

Orlando City SC midfielder Kaka the stars of Corinthians’ rise to the top of Brazil’s Serie A, is included for the first time since 2011, and centre half Gil returns after missing the Copa America.

The South American qualifiers are in a round-robin format with all 10 teams facing each other home and away.

Brazil, who have never failed to qualify for the finals, kick off their campaign away to Copa America champions Chile on October 8 and then face Venezuela in Fortaleza five days later.

Squad: Goalkeepers: Jefferson (Botafogo), Marcelo Grohe (Gremio), Allison (Internacional) Defenders: David Luiz (Paris St Germain), Marquinhos (Paris St Germain), Miranda (Inter Milan), Gil (Corinthians), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid), Fabinho (Monaco), Rafinha (Bayern Munich), Marcelo (Real Madrid) Midfielders: Luiz Gustavo (VfL Wolfsburg), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Elias (Corinthians), Renato Augusto (Corinthians), Oscar (Chelsea), Willian (Chelsea), Lucas Lima (Santos) Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool), Douglas Costa (Bayern Munich) Forwards: Lucas (Paris St Germain), Hulk (Zenit St Petersburg), Firmino (Liverpool)

37

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 18, 2015

Four-time champion Josiah-Tanner registers for COURTS 10K 5th edition

By Michael DaSilva

in a time of 42 minutes .08 seconds, and if Tanner should show up for this Sunday’s event, then it will be a `different UNITED States-based Guyanese athlete Euleen Josi- kettle of fish’ as the saying goes. ah-Tanner has registered her name for the 5th edition Hudson told Chronicle Sport Tanner did not register of the annual COURTS Guy. Inc. 10K road race set for for the Massy race last Sunday, but she has done so for Sunday. this Sunday’s event.

According to president of the Athletics Association Tanner, who has been competing in and out of the of Guyana (AAG) Aubrey Region for quite some time Hudson, Josiah-Tanner has with insurmountable success, confirmed her participation clocked 38 minutes 30.09 in the much-anticipated event seconds in winning last year’s by way of registration.

COURTS race and has since Hudson said he saw Tanbeen branded `owner of the ner’s registration but has event’. not seen her personally to The race will have five confirm if she is indeed in categories, namely juniors Guyana.

(16-19), seniors (men 30The U.S.-based athlete 34), women (30-39), masters has been the most domi(women 35 and over), masters nant female road race run(men 40-54) and masters (men ner of the event, having 56 and over). won all of the four previous All categories will attract editions. cash prizes and trophies.

Josiah-Tanner will no The route of the doubt be the one to beat on race begins in front of race day.

COURTS, Main Street, Over the years, Tanner proceeds north to Seawall has won the prestigious Road, east along SeaCARICOM 10K Road Race wall Road, continues east and has placed in the top US based Guyanese athlete Euleen Josiah-Tanner along the Rupert Craig order of the Caribbean’s Highway northern carleading 10K races. riageway to turn at Church Road, Rupert Craig Unlike last year, she is expected to get keen compe- Highway’s southern carriageway into Kitty Public tition from Alika Morgan who was not a part of last Road, south on Vlissengen Road, west on Lamaha year’s COURTS 10K event, as she was on national duty Street, south on the eastern carriageway on Main in Indonesia.

Street, turn around at the Cenotaph, to finish on Josiah-Tanner was expected to have been a part of last the western carriageway on Main Street in front of Sunday’s Massy 10K Run which Morgan won quite easily COURTS.

Late Jones strike earns W Connection vital win PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Captain Alvin Jones struck late to earn W Connection a vital win over Saprissa FC and break the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League club’s winless run in the CONCACAF Champions League here Wednesday night.

Playing at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, the game appeared headed for a 1-1 draw when Jones found the back of the nets in the 82nd minute, to give W Connection a 2-1 victory.

The win came on the

back of two heavy defeats in Group A where they suffered 4-0 defeats to Mexico’s Santos Laguna and Saprissa.

T h o s e re s u l t s l e f t W Connection on the verge of being dumped from the competition but they hit back in style on Wednesday to avoid their third straight defeat.

They went in front in the 34th minute when St Lucia International Kurt Frederick eluded his marker in the 18-yard corner to nod home from a left-sided corner kick.

However, the Costa Rican side were back on level terms just four minutes later when Daniel Colindres ran onto the end of a defence-splitting through-ball to beat goalkeeper Julani Archibald with a left-footed finish.

Locked 1-1 at halftime, neither side appeared able to break the deadlock as they searched for the winner early in the second the half.

Wi t h t i m e t i c k i n g away, however, W Connection won a free kick about ten yards outside of

the box and Jones stepped up to curl his delivery over the wall and into the net, leaving Saprissa goalkeeper Danny Carvajal flat-footed.

With the win, W Connection picked up their first points but remained bottom of the three-team group on three points.

Saprissa top the standings with six points while Santos Laguna are second on three points.

W Connection face Santos Laguna in another crucial fixture here next Tuesday.

Albion beat Police by seven wickets in Berbice River Bridge semi-final THE mighty Albion reminded giant-killers Police that they are arguably the best cricket club in Guyana by whipping them by seven wickets in their postponed semifinal encounter played at the picturesque Cumberland Cricket ground in East Canje.

After winning the toss, the lawmen chose to take first strike and enjoyed a good start of 40 through openers Norwayne Fredericks and Brentnol Woolford. Trouble started when they lost Woolford off former left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie for 11.

Police never showed any more resistance from there on, with Motie leading the destruction with 5 for 19 off 10 overs. He was supported by Sri Lanka-bound West Indies leg-spinner DeDEVENDRA BISHOO vendra Bishoo with 4 for 25. They were eventually bundled out for 88 off 27 overs.

In reply, Albion stuttered a bit losing national Under-17 batsman Adrian Sukhwa for 7 with the score on 9. Balchand Baldeo followed for 12 and national wicketkeeper-batsman Anthony Bramble also fell cheaply.

Under-19 middle-order batsman David Latchaya joined forces with Bishoo and took their team home comfortably at 91 for 3. Bishoo showed off his batting skills with an unbeaten 36 and Latchaya provided solid support with 24 not out.

The final is fixed for Port Mourant this Sunday pending the outcome of a protest lodged by Port Mourant Cricket Club.

NOTABLE DATES

GUYANESE junior middleweight boxer Brian Muller secured his 18th professional victory on September 18, 1985. Muller TKOed American resident Humberto De Los Rios in the third round of a fight, staged at the Forum in Inglewood, California, USA. Rios was knocked down in the second round and referee Marty Denkins called a halt to the encounter at two minutes 38 seconds of the third round. The fight was one of five that Muller had at the venue during a one-year period.

Muller joined the professional ranks in February 1979 at the age of 24. A master of the art, the southpaw Muller would be remembered for epic battles against Reggie Ford, Mark Harris, Albert Browne and the legendary Lennox Beckles.

Muller twice battled Harris, Browne and Ford.

In 1982 he pounded out back-to-back victories over Brown, while he drew with Ford in December 1979 and won on points in February 1983.

Muller was undefeated in nine fights when he met Mark Harris for the second time. The fight was held in December 1980 and Harris became the first and only Guyanese to defeat Muller when he won the 12-rounder by split decision.

Muller, a Cancer-born southpaw, followed up by securing 12 consecutive victories before he suffered another loss. His seven-year career produced 20 wins (11 KOs) three defeats and one draw. Muller now resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 18, 2015

Elliot Vieira stoked over lap record performance

Elliot Vieira

By Stephan Sookram NOT many youngsters own a racing lap record and the occasion becomes elite when they own one outside of their home country.

But Guyanese Elliot Vieira can safely say that he is now turning Caribbean motor racing heads, having reset the Bushy Park’s Motorbike record on Sunday in the third leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship.

Elliot, the youngest of the Vieira riding clan, blistered the newly resurfaced Bushy Park raceway in chase of his older cousin Stephen

who ironically held the old record at the Barbados Raceway.

The new record, which now stands at 1:04.269 (one minute four point two six nine) seconds, is big chunk off the old record of 1:05.3 (one minute five point three) seconds, with the new holder saying, “It feels really good, I’m really stoked about it and it’s a great achievement.”

He continued, “I had a bad start as everyone knows, and my cousins (Stephen and Matthew) went all the way in front so the aim was to catch them back and I slowly

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Friday September 18, 2015) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 183 wickets (47 Tests) (2)Chris Gayle (22); Brian Lara (19); Desmond Haynes (17); Gordon Greenidge (11) Today’s Quiz: Who is the first WI to take a hat-trick in Tests?

Who is the first player to take an ODI hat-trick?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

started to gain on them and I kept pushing; and that was the lap record.”

Vieira noted that the facility is a fantastic one.

“It is mind-blowing what they have achieved at Bushy Park.”

Elliot added that he was not as confident riding in wet conditions but he stuck to the basics and didn’t

over-push, which led to podium spots.

His red and white Kawasaki, sponsored by Ramchand Auto Spares has him sitting in second spot of the Regional Championships with 119 points, 14 points off current leader Stephen Vieira while Jamaica’s Robert McDonald is third on 45 points

England tour financial success for region: WICB ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – England’s Test tour of the Caribbean earlier this year proved a financial success, grossing US$73.2 million across the region, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) announced on Wednesday.

In a release, the WICB said the result of an Economic Impact Assessment had shown that the three Tests, which were played between April 13 and May 3, had realised a real “economic impact” of US$59.8 million.

“The key outcomes of the Economic Impact Assessment which was conducted during the England Tour of the Caribbean earlier this year revealed that the region, as a whole, largely benefited from hosting the three Tests,” the WICB said.

“The study revealed that generated gross expenditure related to the Tour was approximately US$73.2 million, of which the economic impact was US$59.8 million or 82 per cent of the generated gross expenditure. The lion’s share of this impact was driven by the spectators’ spend, i.e. US $50.1 million.”

According to the report, the tour also pulled in 15 660 unique visitors, including 3 150 who used tour packages.

In an analysis of the West Indies as an advertising brand, the report showed that there were “1 477 verbal mentions of West Indies as a ‘brand’ counted, generating a media value of US$1.1 million.”

The report also showed that of the host venues for the Tests, Antigua received the largest amount of brand exposure with 40 per cent while Grenada gained 39 per cent.

However, the Barbados Test which ended in three days gained only 21 per cent.

The England tour historically has been the most lucrative Home Series for the region, with large numbers of visitors making the trek to the Caribbean – mostly from the United Kingdom.

Again this year, all three Tests were well subscribed as West Indies managed to pull off a creditable 1-1 draw in the series.

They drew the first Test in Antigua, lost the second in Grenada by nine wickets before rebounding to win the final game at Kensington Oval in Barbados by five wickets.

Pitch International signs on to drive new WICB commercial strategy ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has hired the United Kingdom-based company Pitch International in a multiyear deal to develop and implement a new commercial strategy, with the aim of boosting the organisation’s revenue.

Pitch International, a leading sports marketing agency, will serve as the Board’s exclusive commercial consultant and sponsorship sales agency, and have identified four objectives of the new commercial strategy.

In addition to increasing revenue, Pitch Interna-

WICB president Dave Cameron tional is expected “to create a clear commercial identity for West Indies cricket, create a cost-effective

marketing platform that delivers for commercial partners and (establish) a strong digital platform.”

“The WICB is delighted to secure a long-term partnership with Pitch International,” WICB president Dave Cameron said.

“This is an extremely important relationship for the WICB, as we look to grow the appeal of Windies cricket on the global stage. We are excited about the opportunities our partnership with Pitch International offers and we look forward to welcoming them as an extension of our commercial team.”

The WICB said it would

soon be revealing elements of the new commercial strategy.

Jon Varney, partner at Pitch International, said the company was anxiously looking to the partnership.

“Our goal is to implement a sustainable commercial strategy which offers genuine regional and global marketing platforms for sponsors, and delivers longterm mutually beneficial partnerships,” he said.

“The WICB is making positive steps to return the Windies to their glory days, and we are delighted to be working with them to help grow their business.”

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 18, 2015

Stag Elite League more than just a league – Shabazz

By Rawle Toney TONIGHT, eight clubs will embark on a journey to revolutionise the way football is looked at in Guyana when the Stag Elite League gets on the way at the Leonora Track & Field and Football Facility.

Alpha United, Slingerz FC, Monedderlust, Fruta Conquerors, Pele, Georgetown Football Cub (GFC), Buxton United and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) are the eight teams vying to cash-in on the league’s $15M prize.

“Outside of facilities, this (Stag Elite League) is the most important step for Guyana’s football, especially as it relates to the National Team,” said head coach of Guyana’s senior nation men’s football team,

National men’s coach Jamaal Shabazz Jamaal Shabazz.

Shabazz’s Golden Jaguars were sent packing by St

Vincent and the Grenadines from the FIFA 2016 World Cup Qualifiers and many are

of the view that the Trinidadian head coach should look at rebuilding the nation’s beloved football team.

Bolton Wanderers’ midfield player Neil Danns, along with Matthew Briggs and several other overseas-based players turned out for the Golden Jaguars during their lead-up to and at the World Cup Qualifiers, sparking a call by many, after the team were knocked out of the competition, to have a strong locally based National Team.

However, Shabazz while addressing the media recently, pointed out that the Stag Elite League now provides “an opportunity for the local players to do just what he foreign-based players are doing; training in the week, competing week in, week out and I think this is so

important” The always candid Shabazz further added that support for the league by fans “would demonstrate to us and the whole nation, the people who really, really love football, because it starts with the clubs and it starts with the local competition and it filters out to the National team”.

“It’s important that we recognise this moment because everybody wants to see the final product, but this is the beginning of what they want to see, this is where we build the passion of the sport in the country,” said Shabazz.

Shabazz, who also owns Trinidad and Tobago ProLeague side Caledonia AIA,

pointed that from a social standpoint, the Stag Elite League will generate economic activity and “all the spinoff of hosting an event will come with this league and I think we are going to have some exciting days the players are going to be competing at a high level and the excitement that brings.”

The competition opens tonight with a double-header, starting from 18:00hrs with two of Guyana’s most storied clubs Pele and GFC going head-to-head.

After the opening encounter, the gala opening ceremony will take place, followed by the clash between local foot-balling giants Alpha United and Slingerz FC.

Ten gyms for Blackmoore Cameron urges support for celebrity game for Dominica relief Intermediate

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – West Indies Cricket Board president Dave Cameron has urged support for the Twenty20 celebrity charity match which will be played in Barbados later this month, to raise funds for the Dominica Emergency Relief Fund.

Legendary former West Indies batsman Brian Lara, ex-Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke along with Jamaican sprint star Yohan Blake, have all confirmed their participation in the game scheduled for Kensington Oval on September 26.

The game is collaboration between the WICB and the University of the West Indies and will see a WICB President’s Invitational XI oppose the UWI Vice-Chancellor’s Invitational XI. “We are grateful for the support of the UWI and the celebrities that have graciously agreed to take part. Using

Brian Lara (left) and fellow Trinidadian Dwight Yorke ... have been confirmed for the Charity game. the power and contribution of cricket, so that the recovery efforts under way in Dominica can continue and life can steadily be restored to normalcy in the island, is very crucial,” Cameron said yesterday.

“We hope West Indies fans will get behind the effort and help raise money for the Dominica Emergen-

cy Relief Fund to help the people and families who have lost their homes and, in some instances, their livelihoods.”

Tropical Storm Erika ripped through Dominica last month, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake and resulting in the deaths of over 30 people.

Infrastructural damage in the tiny Caribbean nation has been estimated at US$227 million.

Recovery efforts have already begun with several Caribbean countries already pledging funds to help with rebuilding.

Cameron said it was important that the WICB should play its role in contributing to Dominica’s relief efforts.

“Like most people in the Caribbean, we’ve all seen the devastating effect of these weather systems on Dominica, and we got together and tried to determine what we could do to assist,” said Cameron.

“West Indies cricket has brought the people of the Caribbean together like nothing else, so the WICB and our players are committed to doing our part to help in the face of disaster, as has occurred in Dominica.”

The WICB will donate all proceeds from the game to the Dominica Emergency Relief Fund.

THE first-ever Lennox Blackmoore National Intermediate boxing tournament will punch off tomorrow evening at the East Ruimveldt Community Centre ground (California Square), with a number of gyms from across the country battling for honours.

Over 65 pugilists representing 10 gyms would be involved in the two-night affair, which is expected to see defending champions Guyana Prison Service (Republican Gym) have a ding-dong tussle with the Guyana Police Force and Guyana Defence Force.

The Republicans roughed up the Guyana Defence Force last year, pushing the once dominant army into second place. Also listed to participate are: Linden’s Carryl Boxing Gym and Pocket Rocket Gym, Rose Hall Jammers of Berbice, Essequibo Boxing Gym, Forgotten Youth Foundation, Harpy Eagles and New Opportunity Corps.

NOC is being represented by a five-member team of boxers and arrived in Georgetown yesterday morning. The team later made a courtesy call on GABA president Steve Ninvalle. The tournament is named after Guyana’s first Commonwealth champion.

Lennox Blackmoore won the Commonwealth lightweight title in October 1977.

Sprint king Bolt aids ailing alma mata

K I N G S TO N , J a m a i c a (CMC) – Sprint icon Usain Bolt has donated JAM$1.3 million (US$10 960) along with equipment, to bolster the ailing sports programme at his alma mater, William Knibb Memorial High.

The Jamaica Gleaner newspaper said Bolt visited the school, based in the town of Falmouth on Jamaica’s north coast, in a response to

a plea from authorities there, after they ran into difficulties in funding the sports programme.

Bolt, who still resides in Jamaica, said he had an obligation to help the school whenever there was a need.

“William Knibb played an integral role in the athlete and the man that I am today,” the multiple-time World and Olympic sprint

champion said.

“So anytime they call or if there is anything I can do to give back, I’m more than willing.”

In keeping with his dynamic personality, Bolt posed for photos with students and also spent time talking with teaching staff.

Bolt, who attended William Knibb between 1998 and 2003, shot to global

prominence during the 2008 Beijing Olympics when he won both the 100 and 200 metres in record time.

He repeated the feat the following year at the Berlin World Championships, setting new records in both events.

His 9.58 seconds in the 100 metres and 19.19 in the 200m, remain World records.

President of GABA Steve Ninvalle (right) poses with the team from New Opportunity Corps.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Thirsty World Cup fans to get the beers in See story on page 35

Race to football’s ‘holy grail’ begins tonight

By Rawle Toney

Alpha United’s ‘goal-getter’ Kithson Bain

THE Stag Elite League opens tonight at the Leonora Track & Field and Football Facility with eight of Guyana’s top clubs (Georgetown Football Club, Guyana Defence Force, Pele, Monedderlust, Fruta Conquerors, Buxton United, Alpha United and Slingerz FC) beginning the race to football’s ‘holy grail’.

Two of Guyana’s oldest clubs – Georgetown Football Club and Pele FC – will face off in the league’s first game from 18:00hrs, after which the gala opening ceremony will take place where several dignitaries, including ministers of the government, sponsors and other officials, will be present and the league will be declared officially open..

When the dust settles from the opening ceremony, tournament favourites Alpha United and Slingerz FC will reignite a rivalry unlike any other in local football over

the last two years.

The two juggernauts of the country’s beloved sport have spent millions on strengthening their roster for the league in order to cash-in on the $15M cash prize.

Slingerz FC, owned by ‘West Side’ businessman Javed Ali, recently signed National U-23 forward Domini Garnett from Caledonia AIA along with St Vincent and the Grenadines National goalkeeper Winslow McDowall.

The 28-year-old McDowall and his ‘Vincy Heat’ teammates; defenders Jolanshoy McDowall and Keith James arrived in Guyana after helping their country to the next round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers where they (St Vincent) will now clash with the USA. The last time the two sides met was in the final of the Kashif and Shanghai Football tournament at the Guyana National See page 35

Slingerz FC captain Vurlon Mills

FIFA suspends Valcke after ticket allegations

By Mark Hosenball and Mica Rosenberg ZURICH/NEW YORK, (Reuters) World football body FIFA put Secretary General Jerome Valcke on leave yesterday just hours after an ex-footballer raised allegations Valcke may have been involved in an improper deal to resell 2014 World Cup tickets for a lucrative profit.

FIFA, which has been rocked by ongoing corruption investigations by Swiss and U.S. authorities, said in a statement it was made aware of allegations involving Valcke and has requested a formal investigation by the FIFA ethics committee.

FIFA did not specify what allegations they were referring to in the statement, which said Valcke would be “released from his duties effective immediately until further notice.”

Valcke’s lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Earlier yesterday, former Israeli football player Benny Alon said at a press conference in Zurich that he agreed in 2013 to pay cash to Valcke to secure plum World Cup tickets. He said the plan was to then sell the tickets to fans at a markup and split the proceeds with Valcke.

Alon said the deal fell through and he never paid the football official any cash. Reuters could not inde-

pendently confirm Alon’s claims.

FIFA controls the rights to sell all the World Cup tickets and has sanctioned officials in the past for reselling the coveted World Cup spots at a higher price.

Alon’s allegations come on top of ongoing probes by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Swiss Attorney General’s Office into corruption at FIFA following the indictment of 14 senior football officials and sports marketing executives in May. Earlier this week U.S. and Swiss authorities said they were expanding the investigations and more arrests were expected. Valcke faces no charges in either the U.S. or Swiss FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke investigations of FIFA.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015