Chronicle 01 01 2016

No. 104419

FRIDAY JANUARY 1, 2016

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RENAISSANCE YEAR – President calls for unified, peaceful and prosperous Guyana

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Roaring in the Golden Jubilee

A colourful spectacle of Guyanese culture was portrayed in song and dance at the Square of the Revolution at the start of the New Year as the country begins celebrations to mark 50 years as an independent nation. The photos in this collage are by Samuel Maughn. More photos on pages 12 and 13

GDF to 8 Billions to boost GAWU says no to GuySuCo 11 enhance air, infrastructure, river defence other sectors 2 privatisation P.

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RENAISSANCE YEAR 2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 1, 2016

– President calls for unified, peaceful and prosperous Guyana

By Derwayne Wills FOR Guyanese, 2016 marks 50 years since independence was won from the British Government, and President David Granger last evening raised the curtain on Guyana’s Golden Jubilee by calling for Guyanese to work towards remaking the country as the most beautiful and bountiful in the Caribbean, “enabling citizens to enjoy the good life”.

Dubbed the year of “National Renaissance”, President Granger, in his 2016 address, acknowledged the shift in political culture brought on by Guyanese who embraced “a multi-party coalition in 2015.”

“It is time for a new beginning. It is time to redouble our efforts to banish crime, disease, ignorance and poverty. We aspire to strengthen national unity, expand national infrastructure, fortify national institutions, ensure national security, and extend public services,” President Granger declared.

He called for the reinforcement of national unity, wherein all sections of the population can play a role in the country’s development.

“We must, in 2016, dispel hatred among individuals and groups. We must move forward as a united nation, constantly reaffirming our national motto –‘One people, One nation, One destiny’.”

In the area of national infrastructure, the President underscored the need for physical infrastructure to aid integration and development, while providing “greater access to the resources of the hinterland, which can be exploited for the benefit of all of our people.

National infrastructure will provide the means to integrate the coastland with the hinterland”, he disclosed.

The President pointed to the need to defend the National Assembly, Judiciary, and autonomous agencies that “promote a sense of national identity and ensure a stable legal and constitutional environment”.

On the need to return democracy to the hands of the people in the grassroots

President David Granger

level, President Granger championed Local Government Elections set for March 2016. “We shall ensure that Local Government Elections are conducted this year to empower our people to better administer their

communities.”

On the issue of national security, President Granger plugged the continued reinforcement of the country’s territorial integrity “from neighbours to the east and west”.

“We must also secure our citizens from the threat of national and transnational crime, violence and chaos.

We shall continue to work to ensure public trust by improving and extending education; health; sanitation; water supply; electricity services; affordable housing and social protection to the vulnerable; and decent working conditions to everyone,” the President said, adding that these services must be complemented by safe communities with adequate facil-

ities for recreation.

Recalling the many accomplishments of the country in the last 50 years, President Granger said that although Guyana was faced with many challenges after independence, the University of Guyana, multilateral schools, Cheddi Jagan International Airport, and the building of good governance offices all stand as testimony to the country’s perseverance.

“We are proud of our achievements over the past 50 years. We shall be prouder if we use this special year of our ‘national renaissance’ to remove the remaining obstacles that still keep us disunited, underdeveloped and insecure,” the President said.

Accidents haemorrhaging blood bank AS seen in the past, the number of accidents during this season increases, but it is running the blood bank into some bit of tragedy, due to excessive blood loss by accident victims.

“It is a fact that there is a shortage, but immediate action was taken, and we are improving on the amount available…. Accidents have been draining the blood during the holiday season;

as such, much emphasis is placed on the blood bank,” disclosed Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton, during the ministry’s end-ofyear press conference held yesterday.

Currently, although things might have been stabilised to some extent, the blood bank is calling on persons to donate blood.

At this time of the year the demand is high, and the blood bank is short of all types, but especially O Negative and O Positive.

According to a statement from the NBTS, “The goal of the NBTS is for all the blood supplied in Guyana to be collected from voluntary healthy donors. The unit of blood you donate is screened and delivered through a network of blood banks counTurn to page 8 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 1, 2016

Billions earmarked for infrastructure, other sectors

By Ariana Gordon

BILLIONS of dollars will be pumped into the infrastructure, crime and security, communication, climate change and resilience, health and education sectors this year when government unveils its first full-year budget this month.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan said the APNU+AFC administration is currently making some adjustments to the budget. Those adjustments will see massive spending in the area of infrastructure.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle at his Main Street office, Jordan noted that this year’s budget focuses on “infrastructural transformation” aimed at bridging the various gaps that exist across the country.

“The major gap is the gap between the coast and hinterland,” he told this publication. “We keep saying that the hinterland is where all the wealth is, but we have most of the people strung along a narrow strip on the coast. So we really want to bridge that gap. Whether the bridging of that gap be physical bridges, roads, boats, airstrips, communication…. All those areas we are going to tackle,” he added.

Jordan, in his major budget presentation in August last year, presented a truncated budget totalling some $221B. This year’s budget, he said, will be bigger.

“Proper infrastructure is crucial for attracting business, existing business to stay in business… linking our different parts of the country,” the minister stated.

LINDEN-LETHEM ROAD With a bigger budget and the focus being on infrastructural transformation, Jordan said citizens can look forward to seeing work done on the Linden-Lethem road.

He explained that government will be budgeting monies to fix the road and keep it maintained as best it could, while donors are being engaged. Jordan stressed there are many projects that government is looking to have developed in 2016, and is currently exploring all possibilities that exist to have those projects come to fruition.

“On airstrips, we have been able to engage the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)…to interest them in airstrips. Some airstrips need to be modernised at those ports…given the types of aircraft, we can no longer have a little thing dug out,” said Jordan.

He added that, with the interest expressed by the CDB, government is hopeful that the loan would be approved soon. “The CDB is interested, and I don’t know if the loan can be approved by next year, but I am telling you we are aware of this interest and it is one of the several projects they have been looking at. They are excited,” the Finance Minister added.

REPLACING LADY NORTHCOTE Additionally, Jordan said, the government is in the process of securing financing for a vessel that will be replacing the MV Lady Northcote, which operates the North West District route.

In September, Cabinet had approved $69M for docking and repair of the Lady Northcote, despite concerns about maintaining the old vessel that transports persons to Region 1.

“We have India as a donor as it relates to finding financing for the vessel we intend using on the North West District route to replace the Lady Northcote. As far as we know, it is a two-part financing -- one part loan, one part grant. We understand that the loan part has been approved in principle; the grant part, we understand, has been approved in principle but it awaits the Indian Committee on Finance for formal approval. Sometime next year, this will be made available,” Jordan disclosed.

In the communication sector, he said, efforts are going to be made to increase the reach of the National Communications Network (NCN). He noted that money will be budgeted for the expansion of NCN’s reach and for improving the entity’s radio coverage. “That is a critical area we are looking at,” he said.

DEFENCE In the crime and security sector, focus is being placed on strengthening the country’s defence. “Defence

remains a major issue for us, so we would be looking at some spending in that area,” he disclosed.

Climate change and resilience remain steadfast on government’s agenda, said Minister Jordan, who explained that with the effects of climate change, “we’d have to look carefully, both in terms of how we see ourselves living on the coast and our capacity to maintain ourselves here; and in the fullness of time, whether we are going to be moving in terms of habitation towards the hinterland.”

MOVING FROM THE COAST Jordan said one of the reasons government is placing much emphasis on infrastructural development is to facilitate persons moving from the coastland to the hinterland regions in time to come.

“That’s why we are placing this critical emphasis on building infrastructure; so that people can naturally move and have economic activities for sustenance and survival,” he said.

In the area of health, special emphasis would be placed on improving primary healthcare facilities, Jordan said, noting that special emphasis will be placed on maternal care. “There is significant focus on primary healthcare,” the minister said, as he noted that primary healthcare is critical to a healthy nation.

He also said that construction of the Specialty Hospital would be evident this year. “We should start seeing columns and so going up,” he said optimistically, while noting that he has no doubt that Fedders-Lloyd will construct a “first-class hospital.”

He said while he appreciates the criticisms placed at government’s feet on the awarding of the Specialty Hospital contract to Fedders-Lloyd, the company has been in existence for a number of years and has built many state-of-the-art hospitals.

“For all of the discussions that have been going on, which are healthy, it is the government that has to make the decision in the best interest of everybody,” asserted Jordan.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

ALLOCATION TO UG This year’s budget will also see budgetary allocations being made to the University of Guyana (UG). The country’s lone public university has been in a cash-strapped position for a number of years, and has repeatedly lobbied the former administration for financial support.

“On the education side, we want to continue to improve education. Our only public university has been going through some trials, and so we want to see areas where we can, within the limited resources, return this university to the pride and glory that it had in its early days -- 60s, 70s. I don’t know how much we can do,” he said, noting that the allocation to the institution would be a welcome move.

TRADITIONAL SECTORS The Finance Minister emphasised government’s commitment to ensuring that the traditional sectors continue to thrive and impact the country’s economy. He said, “We will continue to support sugar in the context of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI), and see discussions continue. We will continue to support them, but our support won’t be infinite.”

Jordan noted that, sometime this year, an assessment will be done to further conclude the future of the sugar industry here. Beyond that, he said, an extensive analysis would be done on the APNU+AFC government’s view of the sugar industry in 2020, the end of the coalition’s first term.

“We hope to provide as much support as we realistically can,” he said.

Similarly, the minister said, government will continue to support the rice industry, despite the concerns it has.

“We cannot relegate to the dustbin of history the traditional sectors that have served us well. They were there forever, their importance remains even more today - contribution to GDP, employment and way of life,” he added, noting that government would not be “romantic about these industries.

“All the issues about subsidies, big countries can give subsidies; they can afford it, we cannot afford it. There is a limit to what we can afford.

We have to recognise this and try to be as competitive as we can. There are no sympathies out there. People may like Guyana, but when it comes to buying your product, they want it as competitive as the next guy,” Jordan emphasised.

The minister also stressed the need to modernise and improve processes and technology, so that the cost attached to many of the agencies can be reduced.

BUDGET PREPARATION Final preparations are ongoing, he said. He noted that with this year’s budget being the first one in which the constitutional agencies’ budgets are to be presented to the National Assembly for approval, government has to abide by the decisions of the House.

“Once approved by the National Assembly, we can’t touch them. We still have to get those budgets from the National Assembly for inclusion,” Jordan added.

Asked whether there is a possibility that the budget would be presented later than this month, Jordan said: “We don’t want to go down that road. The idea here is to improve the accountability process, which starts with the budget. We don’t want any budget that will go further into the fiscal year, thereby jeopardising implementation of critical projects that already had their jeopardies in 2015 as a result of elections, late budgets, et cetera.”

CONSULTATIONS WITH PPP On the issue of budget consultation with the

People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Jordan denied excluding the party from the budget preparations. He explained that since the preparation of the 2015 budget, he has extended a hand to the main opposition party.

“They can’t complain because, in the 2015 budget, in August during the consultations, I indicated to them that I have an open-door policy where consultations were concerned. It doesn’t have to be a scenario where budget is coming around, I invite them and they come.

They could have always picked up the phone and call me if they have anything they wished to discuss, and so on. They never made use of that door I’ve opened.

The door remains opened,” he said.

He explained that the PPP wants to make demands on him during what is supposed to be budget consultations, and he will not tolerate that. “When having consultations, let’s not have demands and so on,” he said.

In a letter dated November 26, 2015, the PPP requested several documents of Minister Jordan. Provision of those documents include, but are not limited to, GuySuCo’s CoI report, the Five-Year Public Sector Investment Programme, the latest Bank of Guyana report, submissions made by the 10 administrative regions to the Finance Ministry, IMF Article IV Strategy Report, and actual income and expenditure statements to the end of October 2015 and the year in projections. They contended that those documents will aid in “meaningful” consultation.

Jordan said many of the documents requested were already in the possession of that party, and many of the issues raised were previously dealt with by the government. “If we are going to consult, these have to be meaningful consultations; they are not going to be consultations on issues which we have appropriately and effectively dealt with.”

Thus far, he said, the PPP has not accepted the offer for consultations on the 2016 budget. “No, they didn’t accept the offer; they made the offer conditional,” Jordan told this publication.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 1, 2016

Broomes out of labour ... Linden MP for ministerial post PRESIDENT David Granger, after seven months in office, has had the opportunity to identify policy areas that need strengthened ministerial attention, and has made some adjustments to match those national needs with some changes in ministerial responsibility.

A release from the Ministry of the Presidency said the Head of State made it clear that these changes do not involve any changes to his Cabinet, and do not mean that there is an increase in the size of the Cabinet or that there is reshuffling.

They are, instead, a step towards developing capacity in certain policy areas.

Making the official announcement that Minister of Tourism, Catherine Hughes, will now be named Minister for Public Telecommunications while maintaining ministerial responsibility for Tourism, President Granger said, “The reason is that, after seven months, we detected a gap that there is no single spokesperson in the National Assembly, a ministerial spokesperson dealing with the digital economy [and] dealing with informa-

tion technology. So we decided that it was necessary to have a minister responsible for information and commu-

non-Cabinet movement.

While applauding the work that Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection,

concerned with the enforcement of certain practices and regulations in that ministry,” the President said.

Minister Keith Scott will move to the Ministry of Social Protection, and will be

New Minister within the Minister of Natural Resources Simona Broomes

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman

Minister of Tourism and Public Telecommunications Catherine Hughes

New Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Keith Scott

Simona Broomes, has done, President Granger said that her knowledge of the hinterland makes her a great asset to the Ministry of Natural Resources.

“Minister Broomes has tremendous energy and skill, and she is going to be functioning from the Ministry of Natural Resources. She has a very good knowledge of the hinterland, and we are

responsible for labour issues.

A new minister within the Ministry of Communities will be appointed. Member of Parliament and Chief Executive Officer of the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN), Valerie Sharpe-Patterson, has received the nod for that post because of her strong administrative experience.

President Granger iterated that there is no increase

Ministry of Communities Keith Scott, MP, Minister within the Ministry, moves to the Ministry of Social Protection; Valerie Sharpe-Patterson, MP, is appointed Minister within the Ministry.

MINISTRY OF GOVERNANCE This ministry within the Ministry of the Presidency is re-designated Ministry

nication technology.”

Additionally, the Ministry of Governance and Protection of the National Patrimony is being renamed the Ministry of Natural Resources. Minister Raphael Trotman will now be named Minister of Natural Resources.

The President added that there will also be some

in the number of ministries, and added that where gaps are identified, he is prepared to address them.

Below is a complete list of adjustments, effective January 1, 2016.

of Natural Resources. Raphael Trotman, Minister of Governance within the Ministry of the Presidency, is appointed Minister of Natural Resources; Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes, MP, moves to the Ministry of Natural Resources.

MINISTRY OF PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE This ministry relinquishes responsibility for public telecommunications.

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION Minister within the Ministry, Simona Broomes, MP, moves to the Ministry of Natural Resources; Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Keith Scott, MP, moves to the Ministry of Social Protection.

MINISTRY OF PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS This Ministry has been established. Minister of Tourism, Catherine Hughes, MP, is appointed Minister of Public Telecommunications.

Ministry of Tourism Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, MP, will retain responsibility for tourism in addition to her new duties.

Several groups to receive national awards COMMANDER-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Chancellor of the Orders of Guyana, President David Granger, on the occasion of the launch of Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary has announced several appointments for national awards.

The appointments to the Order of Service of Guyana are as follows below.

MEDAL OF SERVICE 1. For its outstanding service over the past 23 years in promoting harmonious race relations, community devel-

opment and in association with international agencies and countrywide organisations, in advancing the educational, social and economic development of Guyana.

The AFRICAN CULTURAL AND DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION 2. In recognition of its sustained contributions in the development of the fine arts.

E.R. BURROWES SCHOOL OF ARTS 3. For long and dedicated service in promoting harmonious relations, support, counselling and accommodation among veterans of World

Wars 1 and 2 and the Guyana Defence Force.

THE GUYANA VETERANS LEGION 4. For its indefatigable efforts in reviving the indigenous culture of the Makushi People of the North Rupununi by the teaching and translation as well as the publication of books in the Makushi language.

THE MAKUSHI RESEARCH UNIT 5. For its 23 years of outstanding service to Guyana in the distribution and servicing of quality products and the development of good

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business, customer and community relations.

MINGS PRODUCTS AND SERVICES LIMITED 6. For its long and considerable contribution in the field of dance and its unwavering commitment to develop and promote this art form.

NATIONAL DANCE COMPANY 7. For outstanding service over the past 23 years in the fields of sports, education and community development.

ROSE HALL TOWN YOUTH AND SPORTS CLUB 8. For sustained, dedicat-

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ed and outstanding service in the field of education and in community and social work.

ROADSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH SKILLS TRAINING CENTRE INC 9. For the resource management of Wapishana traditional lands and communities in South-Central Rupununi through empowerment of the indigenous peoples, poverty reduction and sustainable use of traditional lands.

SOUTH-CENTRAL PEOPLE’S DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION 10. For its considerable and meritorious contributions

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in the form of production and performance in the theatre arts.

THE THEATRE GUILD OF GUYANA 11. For its outstanding role in providing religious, social and educational leadership in the community.

THE CENTRAL ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH 12. For its sustained and outstanding service as a social and religious organisation and its partnership with local communities in which it constructed three schools.

The GUYANA ISLAMIC TRUST

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Don’t tax Styrofoam substitutes

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 1, 2016

-- restaurant owners

By Svetlana Marshall

THOUGH underscoring the importance of banning Styrofoam containers, proprietors within the restaurant industry are calling on the Government of Guyana to waive the taxes on the imported bio-degradable containers.

The ban on the importation of styrofoam containers takes effect from today, January 1, 2016, but the government has given importers and food operators a three-month grace period to utilise the stocks in house or those that have already been shipped to Guyana. It is now encouraging the use of alternative products to closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) for the achievement of a cleaner, greener Guyana.

Francis Bristol, proprietor of Dian’s Deli – a food establishment located in Kitty, on Thursday told the Guyana Chronicle that while he is in support of the ban, taking into consideration the negative impact Styrofoam has on the environment, he is of the opinion that a system needs to be put in place to cushion the impact that will be felt by the “small man.”

He further proposed that government waive the taxes on bio-degradable containers to reduce the impact, explaining that these environmentally friendly containers are extremely expensive when compared to Styrofoam containers. According to him, it is three times higher. On the local market, a Styrofoam box is being sold for approximately $17, while a

are complaining about the cost implication with regard to the switch from Styrofoam to bio-degradable containers, executive member of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and proprietor of Roraima Duke Lodge, Gerry Gouveia, said the ban was long overdue. Like Urling, Gouveia has long ceased using styrofoam containers at his establishments. Questioned Styrofoam containers and plastic bottles clogging one of the many about the cost implication, he said safety is never expensive. drains in the city At the moment, he said only boxes that were purchased “Expensive? Safety is not a few entities are importing and ahead of the ban. bio-degradable box of a similar expensive. Accidents are exdistributing the bio-degradable Former President of the size is approximately $64. pensive. Damage to the encontainers. “Based on the inforGeorgetown Chambers of Com“But if the government vironment is expensive. The mation I am getting there is no merce and Industry (GCCI) and waives the taxes on the bio-defloods and clogged drains are system in place to cushion the owner of German’s Restaugradable containers, the cost expensive. Those are expensive impact or to bring down the cost rant, Clinton Urling, said apwill come down, maybe then not safety,” Gouveia said. For of the bio-degradable containproximately two years ago his it will be affordable and every him, operators within the food ers. Do we even have enough restaurant had stopped using shop will have it in stock,” said industry should buy into this bio-degradable containers to Styrofoam containers after conan optimistic Bristol. change for the safety of the supply the entire restaurant sidering the effects they have on He maintained that the environment. industry here in Guyana?” he the environment, but it came at question must be asked: “What Pam and Steve’s Restauasked. a very high cost. is the government willing to rant and Bakery, Oasis Café, Until a system is put in Like the other proprietors, give in exchange? If you are Hilton and Cara Lodge were place to reduce the cost of these Urling opined that the governgoing to take something from among the first group of enticontainers, Hack said the conment should reduce the tariffs the people, you must be able to ties that commenced the usage sumers would have to feel the on the alternative containers. give something in return, and of bio-degradable containers impact, saying that many food “If the tariffs are reduced, more for me the answer is a waiver after it was introduced by CCI establishments will not be able persons would import bio-deon the taxes.” in 2012. These bio-degradable to subsidise this change. gradable containers,” he further The proprietor of Hack’s containers are designed to deopined.

Halaal Food and Take Away compose within 90 days after TOO COSTLY But while many persons Service echoed similar sentiuse, especially when they come “We will have to pass on ments. Mr. Hack (only name that price to the consumers. We given) said there needs to be a cannot bear the cost at all, it will “tax break” for individuals and be too costly for us,” he posited. enterprises that are willing to Nevertheless, Hack said import alternative containers he was pleased with the three such as the bio-degradable conmonth grace period put in place tainers that are being sold by by government that allows for Caribbean Containers Incorpothe utilisation of Styrofoam rated (CCI).

Cornstarch compostable container

into contact with bacteria, soil, oxygen and sunlight. Besides Guyana, the bio-degradable, food-packaging containers are in full use in the United States, Canada, South Africa and the Far East Asia.

Meanwhile, the ban on Styrofoam containers was an initiative of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government. It was in October, 2015 that the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment signalled its intention to move ahead with the ban on styrofoam.

At the time of the announcement, the department pointed out that it forms part of a menu of measures to address waste management in the country and simultaneously promote the utilisation of bio-degradable materials.

Even as the ban takes effect, the department remains optimistic that this initiative will see a significant reduction in the effects of polystyrene foam products on solid-waste management in the country, and its negative impact on the environment.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams

Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com

Editorial

The dawn of a new year TODAY marks the beginning of the New Year. 2016 will record three major landmarks: the nation’s 50th Anniversary of Independence; the new government’s budget for an entire fiscal year, which is expected to markedly set the tone of its developmental agenda; and the long-awaited Local Government Elections (LGE), scheduled for March.

With independence in 1966, Guyanese were, for the first time, able to develop their own Constitution to manage their affairs. As we welcome this year with pomp and ceremony, the spirit and intent of our motto of One People, One Nation, One Destiny cannot be allowed to go unnoticed. Guyana was created out of a land of six peoples, who, irrespective of the circumstances for their presence, have all, through their unique cultures, played a role in shaping this nation and guiding its destiny.

We are one in spirit and nationality. We are Guyanese. As such, national unity can only be premised on the establishment, maintenance, and development of concepts and programmes that allow for the celebration, involvement, and support of our diversity.

In pursuit of forging national unity, unfortunately, such has not been without experience of a public posture of talking past each other, rather than talking with each other. In talking past each other, time is not taken to understand each other’s perspective, and conversation is devoid of empathy or interaction; which ultimately does not foster healthy relations, solve problems, or craft solutions.

When we talk with each other, time is taken to listen, understand, empathise; and, where necessary, agreement is formed on a common course of action.

In a diverse society such as ours, harmonious relations, peaceful co-existence and development are dependent on the adoption of the latter and rejection of the former.

We are reminded by President David Granger that, in 1966, Guyana was born a broken nation and the country was divided. This jubilee would be an opportunity for us to come together again and strengthen national unity.

The optimist in us would recall the exuberance of political independence, and the potential it posed for building a new nation.

Notwithstanding political differences between two of the nation’s Founding Fathers, Dr. Cheddi B. Jagan and Mr. Linden F.S. Burnham S.C, their embrace at the National Park on the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead marked the flicker that ignited a new flame for nationalism. It is to this we must now return.

We believe that every Guyanese desires national unity, although there are differences in how this should be achieved and maintained. In heterogeneous societ-

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 1, 2016

Greater accountability, transparency from the BoG Dear Editor,

THE 1991 novel Powershift by Alvin Toffler is a remarkable book, whose name captures the transformation that has overtaken progressive societies. Old power structures, which seek to maintain themselves by their entrenched systems of control, find themselves confronted by the inevitable push by humanity invigorated with new knowledge and ideas for economic and social progress. Unable to withstand the forces of democratic change, these old power structures collapse and are replaced by our new guardians of society, the principles of governance, ethics, transparency and accountability. This change or transformation has become an inevitable constant in societies which have embraced it.

In particular, abuses which were the norm in the absence of transparency and proper systems of governance and accountability are being challenged and eliminated. These abuses naturally must first be identified for what they are, with abuses at the lower levels of power being capable of being resolved within the organization or system. Abuses at higher levels ultimately require the combined efforts of groups

of persons within organizations in some instances, or public address for cases in which authority comes from political power.

Dr. Gobind Ganga, Governor of the Bank of Guyana, has spoken out recently at the inquiry into the management of Guyana’s Public Service, identifying the need for greater transparency in the affairs of the public service.

According to him, transparent rules ensure better accountability and improved efficiency in the sector. This is excellent.

In the past there have been issues concerning accountability and transparency at the Bank of Guyana, particularly in respect to the staffing and operations of its Research Department.

To the extent that Dr. Ganga is sincerely committed to the principle of transparency, he may wish to engage the public on a memorandum addressed to Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Finance in 2008, copied to Dr. Ganga, which should make some of the issues and challenges of the Bank of Guyana, in particular its Research Department, more transparent to the relevant authorities and major stakeholders, notably the public. A copy has been made available to the press which they can use at their discretion.

ies such as ours, diversity is a natural component, and is welcomed. Unity is dependent on adherence to instruments that are premised on equality, dignity, and respect for all; and are upheld by all. Some of these are the Guyana Constitution, Laws of Guyana, international, conventions and charters.

To this end, the preparation of the National Budget brings with it opportunity for partnership with various stakeholders, inclusive of the ten administrative regions, municipalities and neighbourhood democratic councils, which are important in bringing about poverty alleviation and helping the government in arriving at a national development policy, programme and strategy.

This also bodes well for Guyana playing her part in the United Nations’ post-2015 development agenda, “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” After more than 15 years, Guyanese will have LGE. This is a welcome step. LGE means that power will be placed in the hands of people and their leaders at the grassroots levels,

To those unfamiliar with these matters, the Research Department of the Bank of Guyana is crucially important to conducting relevant research aimed at promoting an understanding and appreciation of the dynamics of Guyana’s economy, which ultimately guide monetary policy decisions and advise government on matters of fiscal policy. Then, as now, the research function of the Department has been effectively stymied by someone who it seems is afraid of, and challenged by, intelligent professionals. Since its submission, the major risks relating to the management of monetary policy have more than likely been addressed. The principal issues that relate to governance, transparency and accountability within the Bank remain. As of recently, the Research Department is still without its Director, Assistant Director, Division Chiefs for the respective Sections of the Department and a number of senior economists required to facilitate the kind of research expected of the Department. To my knowledge, little if any research papers are being produced, through no fault of the current staff, except that there are no senior staff to encourage and direct junior staff in research en-

deavours.

Society, from financial institutions through to businesses, government and the wider public, needs to demand greater accountability and transparency in the affairs of the Bank of Guyana, which is not anyone’s personal fiefdom, but is in fact a government institution with the level of independence necessary only to effectively execute its mandate.

These are the very real issues which need to be confronted in our push for social and economic development. With the recent May 11 elections Guyana has once again regained its independence, this time from the oppressive government of the previous administration, and has embarked on the process of transition and transformation, building and strengthening institutions critical to our goal of achieving that good life.

The Bank of Guyana is one such institution, and needs to be brought into focus to address its governance, transparency and accountability issues, all of which have been sadly lacking for quite some time.

YOURS FAITHFULLY, CRAIG SYLVESTER.

to manage the business of their communities. Citizens are encouraged to get involved in the process of identifying and electing their representatives to operate on their behalf, which would bring an end to the era of leaders being foisted upon them.

In embracing this New Year, resolutions will be made.

Some will be broken and some will be kept. Ours is the hope that, as Guyana commences events to mark its jubilee, freedom will also bring with it appreciation for critique of self and others, and greater tolerance to diverse views and dissent as we strengthen our determination for nation building.

As the nation matures, so, too, must its citizens. Like other open and democratic societies critique allows for introspection, which allows for growth that comes from acknowledgement that none is perfect, knows it all, can do it all, is above reproach; and that by working together as a team, we are stronger on the domestic and foreign fronts.

Happy Jubilee to Guyana and all Guyanese!

GEA saves millions in 2015 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 1, 2016

By Rabindra Rooplall

AN estimated 4.96 million barrels (13,582 barrels per day) of petroleum were imported by the end of 2015 for an estimated total value of US$365.27 million, which represents an increase of 0.4 per cent and a decrease of 35.0 per cent, respectively when compared to 2014.

The average cost per barrel of petroleum-based imports decreased from US$113.72 in 2014 to US$73.68 in 2015, a decrease of 35.2 per cent.

Additionally, a total of $8,242,550,625 (eight billion, two hundred and forty-two million, five hundred and fifty thousand, six hundred and twenty-five dollars) in fuel payment transactions for PDVSA (Petróleos de Venezuela) were facilitated by the GEA. This is according to Head of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) Mahender Sharma during his presentation yesterday at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure 2015 performance review and projection 2016 held at the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), High Street, Kingston.

Sharma also noted that for 2015, it was projected that GEA would have provided marking

services for more than 350 parcels of imported fuel.

“There were 25 joint operations with members of the task force for the year. A total of 12,500 site visits would be conducted by the end of the year and indications are that illegal fuel was detected at less than 3% of the sites visited.

NINE CONVICTIONS For the year 2015, the Fuel Marking Programme recorded nine convictions,” Sharma said.

“GEA is eagerly awaiting

Head of GEA Mahender Sharma the Standards Council to approve the draft Petroleum Transportation Standards. It appears as if persons were able to tamper with and access the bulk marking injector installed at one of the terminals to pilfer small quantities of marker concentrate

left inline after marking operations have been completed.”

In his presentation, Sharma said it is projected that the Licensing Division would have issued about 1,200 licences for 2015, inclusive of all categories of licences (Importing/ Importing Wholesale/Wholesale, Export, Retail, Consumer Installation, Bulk Transportation Carriers and Storage).

In 2015, he noted, there was significant outreach across the country as a result of increased site inspections and field visits, with an estimated 850 sites visited for 2015.

Following the construction of the addition to GEA’s Head Office, he said, the Licensing Department was relocated, thereby facilitating a more customer-friendly environment and increased space for additional Licensing Officers in the upcoming year.

RESEARCH Meanwhile, the GEA Head said engineers of the agency conducted research in a number of areas: hydropower, natural gas, vapour recovery systems, biomass, wood waste potential, energy potential from rice husk, gasification systems, refrigerant replacement, solar powered and

energy efficient street lights.

GEA also conducted several visits to Bartica, which will soon be a town, based on government’s mandate to transform the area into a ‘Green Town’.

Energy assessments at government buildings and schools, with the aim of reducing energy consumption, examined the potential for roof top grid tie and standalone solar PV installations.

A survey for the installation of LED and solar street lighting was also carried out to assess the suitability of using both grid-powered LED and standalone solar street lights where applicable. GEA also identified a suitable location to conduct wind measurement and is currently awaiting the relevant approval to install a wind mast.

The GEA through competitive bidding, procured a 10 kWp solar PV system which will be installed at the agency’s head office in the first quarter of 2016. This will result in additional annual savings of $920,000 and the avoidance of carbon dioxide emissions of 8.8 tonnes annually.

During 2015, GEA installed 11 energy efficient LED solar-powered street lights, bringing the total number of

PPP supports VAT reduction

THE past year will be remembered as the year the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) ended its 23 years in the seat of power, after defeat at the May 11 polls by the coalition, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC).

As the year closes, marking seven months since the party was voted out of government, former President now Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, has had time to reflect on the issues surrounding his party’s fall from grace.

Pointing to the resolutions for his party in 2016, Jagdeo said the PPP will continue to advocate for the return of benefits to Old Age Pensioners, including the water and electricity subsidies that were cut when the administration increased the Old Age Pension.

He said the PPP will work with the coalition government in the new year to realistically achieve the reduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT), which was mentioned in the party’s manifesto.

“We are going to support the government in implementing all of its manifesto promises,” Jagdeo told the media yesterday.

He noted that the Opposition will push for benefits for

rice farmers and sugar workers, as well as gold miners.

In the same tone, he condemned the recommendation made in the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the operations at the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) to “cut costs”, and “privatise” the entity.

The Opposition Leader said his party will call for more “fact-based assessments on projects, [instead

of] politically-based assessments… so that the country will not suffer because of political decisions in the economic sphere.”

He vowed to “expose the government where there are excesses” as he made mention of “worrying tendencies of not tendering for contracts, [and] single sourcing of contracts.”

Jagdeo said focus will be placed on those issues in

2016.

With Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan announcing Local Government Elections

by March 2016, the PPP gave all indications that they will be contesting and will be conducting their house-to-house campaign, as well as reaching out to potential candidates before Nominations Day in early January.

installed solar-powered street lights to 13 and resulting in annual savings of about $800,000 per year. GEA repaired and rehabilitated a total of 1.655 kW of solar PV equipment at four schools,” Sharma said.

Further, he said GEA engineers and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure replaced 37 high pressure sodium vapour (HPSV) street lamps rated at 250 watts with energy efficient induction lamps rated at 120 watts.

It is estimated that $1,173,000 would be saved annually and 14.7 tons of CO2 emissions would be avoided.

Ten energy efficient LED street lamps rated at 80 watts, 100 watts and 120 watts replaced 10 x 250 watts high pressure sodium lamps. Sixty-five x 100

watts LED street lamps were procured as part of the agency’s ongoing effort to promote energy efficient street lighting and replace existing 250 watts HPSV street lamps. It is estimated that $1,468,000 would be saved annually.

“With support from the Work Services Group, a total of 300 defective photo-sensors on street lights were replaced as part of GEA’s efforts to conserve energy, translating into annual energy savings of about $18.2 million.

Meanwhile, GEA completed Energy Consumption Assessments of 70 buildings in the last three years along with the change-out of inefficient lighting at 28 buildings, the GEA head noted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 1, 2016

GDF to enhance air, river defence

By Leroy Smith

GUYANA Defence Force (GDF) Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips, on Thursday told reporters that greater focus will be placed on air, water and engineer recapitalization over the next five years.

He said this position has received the full support of the Defence Board.

Philips, who was at the time addressing an end-ofyear press conference at the GDF Headquarters, said that, as part of the recapitalization, focus would be paid to the Coast Guard with the aim of increasing the assets of that arm of the Force.

He added that the move is to have better surveillance of the country’s rivers and frontiers.

GDF Chief of Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips

The army, in the past, had purchased some in-shore vessels, but is now looking to acquire off-shore vessels to boost its surveillance and patrol operations.

The Chief of Staff, who was surrounded by his senior departmental heads, reminded that the army already has the “GDF Essequibo”, which is used to patrol and survey off-shore. He was quick to point out the need for, and benefits that attend, acquisition of a support vessel. With another vessel, he stressed, the army would be better able to conduct more patrols and have more flexibility.

Asked about the role of the vessels in light of the ongoing oil exploration activities, if the need to secure the vessels was hinged on those operations, Phillips said there was some amount of consideration given to those operations.

Media operatives were told that effective patrolling of the rivers and high seas

was always something that the Defence Force took seriously, and it was not the oil exploration activities that caused the army to realise the need for additional river patrol vessels.

The Chief of Staff said the need to patrol is always there, but there is need for it to be done more effectively; thus the army hopes, within the next five years, to have at least one more ocean-going vessel to do patrol, even as it keeps the existing ocean patrol vessel serviceable.

VITAL The patrolling of waters offshore is important to prevent illegal fishing in what is the country’s most fertile fishing zone, as well as to ensure there is no illegal traffic passing through the area, the

chief of staff said.

On the issue of the Air Corps, the Chief of Staff was asked what would an ideal fleet in order for the GDF to consider its Air Corps fully equipped.

“An ideal fleetm for the military, moving forward, is a new fleet of aircraft; And we do not live in an ideal world, and what we have in the short terms we will keep serviceable,” Phillips explained.

He also spoke of keeping serviceable the SkyVan as well as two other aircraft of the Guyana Defence Force.

Currently the Bell 512 is under repairs again.

The GDF is working with the Defence Board to acquire a new aircraft, so that there is are short-term, medium and long-term plans for the recapitalisation of the Air Corps,

Coast Guard and Engineer Corps as they remain at the forefront of that programme, Phillips added.

No definitive word could be given on the acquisition date for the resources, but the press was reminded that the Force has five years to do this.

The army will have to scout around for the right equipment, plus there is the bidding and sourcing process.

The Force will also have to do some waiting, according to the number of orders that had been placed before its order.

It is important that the correct type of boats and aircraft be sourced. The GDF is looking to ensure that it gets the resources to enable it to fulfil its mandate.

Accidents haemorrhaging... trywide, and used as needed.

Every day, pregnant women, children, youths, adults and the elderly need blood in both our public and private hospitals.”

The release advises that if a person is 17 years or older, is in `generally good health, is free from any blood-borne disease, and weighs at least 110 pounds, that person can become a voluntary blood donor.

The donation process is

very simple, the release says, and requires the following steps: registration of donor; mini health check, comprising body weight, pulse, blood pressure, temperature and HB (Iron) level. The donor’s blood type will also be identified at this stage. A brief interview will follow, the release said, to determine if the donor’s sexual lifestyle and medical history permit him/her to donate blood.

This session is very pri-

From page 2

vate and confidential. The actual blood donation stage is where a unit (less than a pint) of blood will be taken and refreshments given the donor.

The entire blood-donation process takes 20 minutes, the release said. A person who fits the criteria can donate blood every two months, the release said, as blood donation allows the body to produce new red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body.

Once these new cells are replicated, the individual begins to feel more rejuvenated and healthier. Blood cannot be stored for long periods.

One unit can be processed into three component parts, each of which has the potential of saving a life when used to treat separate medical conditions.

The NBTS is appealing to all voluntary donors and new donors to “give a pint” at any one of the blood-donation facilities at New Amsterdam, West Demerara, Suddie or Linden hospitals, or at one of their mobile units. The NBTS is notifying the public that its facilities will be open from 08:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs from Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays from 09:00 hrs to 15:00 hrs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 1, 2016

One case of H1NI virus confirmed

By Navendra Seoraj

DAYS after a man was flown out of the country subsequent to detecting symptoms of the H1N1 vi-

rus (Swine Flu), Chief Medical Officer Dr Shamdeo Persaud confirmed that the man was in fact affected by the virus.

Speaking yesterday at the

Ministry of Public Health (MoPH)’s end-of-year press conference, Dr Persaud highlighted that, “the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, has been detected in Guyana, with

one person already confirmed as having the virus.”

It was explained that the individual, after returning to Guyana from China, developed the symptoms (body aches, chills, cough, fatigue, fever and headache) within a two-week period.

According to Dr Persaud, the 50-year-old man was admitted to a private city hospital, but was later transferred to another private medical institution. The Public Health

Ministry was subsequently informed.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Laboratory in Trinidad returned the results on Wednesday evening.

As such, the ministry and the private hospital where that person was being treated are now taking measures to vaccinate their staff members, including doctors who were treating the sick man.

“We will be monitoring

close relatives and persons who would have come into contact with him, but at this point there is no need for screening, because a case has not been confirmed,” Dr Persaud explained.

While this is not good news for Guyana, Dr Persaud assured the media that there is no need to panic, as medical institutions are prepared to deal with such occurrences.

Among the symptoms Turn to page 10 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 1, 2016

GPL, GPSU make salary pact

THE Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) reached an agreement on December 29, for the emoluments and benefits of employees represented by the GPSU for the year 2015.

This deal follows negotiations that commenced on November 18 with proposals and counter proposals, a press statement said.

In the final agreement,

junior and senior managers of the power company will receive the following emoluments and benefits: SALARIES For the year 2015, an increase of 6.56 per cent on the existing salary level as at December 31, 2014 at each position of employment, and a “one-off” payment of $5,000 per month or $60,000.00 per annum for the year 2015.

MILEAGE ALLOWANCE An increase of $40 per mile for travelling, from a previous value of $135 per mile in 2014 to $175 per mile in 2015 commencing January 1, 2015.

OVERTIME MEAL ALLOWANCE Commencing January 1, 2015, an increase of $100 from a previous $1,000 in 2014 to $1,100 in 2015.

One case of H1NI... of H1N1 are chills, fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue, and diarrhoea.

Having been monitoring the situation, over the last 12 months, the Public Health Ministry had previously not confirmed an H1N1 case in Guyana.

Dr Persaud said that the Public Health Ministry has had an active disease surveillance system in place, particularly at the main ports in Guyana – the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the Ogle International

Airport.

In dealing with the H1N1 virus and any other types of influenza, the Public Health Ministry has been using the “Keep Ebola and other Infectious Disease out of Guyana” strategy by implementing precautionary measures. This strategy focuses on six main areas: coordination and control; rapid detection, isolation and risk reduction; points of entry; clinical management; laboratory diagnosis; and information, education and communication.

“So we monitor all in-

From page 9

coming flights, and what is mandatorily required is that the flight attendants provide, upon arrival of every commercial flight, general flight declaration. A significant part of that flight declaration is a health declaration for them to provide if there was any sick patient on board, if there was coughing, or if any of the passengers was experiencing fever,” the CMO explained.

It was further pointed out that the ministry has taken a decision to boost its medical team operating at the CJIA Medical Centre.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 1, 2016

Thursday deadline for symbols’ submission

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has announced that January 5 is the deadline for submission of applications for approval of symbols to contest Local Government Elections (LGE).

“All political parties, voluntary groups, and individual candidates which/who are desirous of contesting the Local Government Elections to be held on Friday, March

18, 2016, are required by law to submit applications for approval of their symbols to GECOM not later than 21 days before Nomination Day for the Elections. Nomination Day for Local Government Elections is Tuesday, January 26, 2016,” GECOM said in a release.

Applications for approval of symbols, which must include printed versions (and electronic versions as far as is

practicable) of the respective symbols, must be submitted to GECOM no later than Tuesday, January 5, 2016.

Applications can be submitted through the Office of the Chief Elections Officer, or via the Returning Officers for the respective municipalities and NDCs, the elections body said.

Any List of Candidates submitted by any political party, voluntary group or

individual candidate on Nomination Day without the required pre-approved symbol will be deemed defective, and the defaulting political party, voluntary group, or individual candidate will be deemed to be defective, and the relevant political party, voluntary group or individual candidate would consequently be ineligible to contest the Local Government Election.

Gunplay, stabbing land duo in hospital OVERSEAS-based Guyanese Colin Benjamin, 30, staying with relatives at First Alley, Wismar, is now a patient at the Mackenzie Hospital Complex, after he was stabbed several times in his abdomen when he attempted to avenge an attack on his female cousin.

The incident occurred on Republic Avenue, Linden on December 30 at about 21:00 hrs, and the police report that Benjamin had exited the driver’s seat of a Toyo-

ta Premio, PNN 4839, and had reportedly brandished a handgun, discharging a round at 27-year-old Sherwin Benjamin of Amelia’s Ward, Linden.

The bullet hit Sherwin just above the knee, but Colin found that the weapon was malfunctioning, so he rushed the wounded Sherwin Benjamin, who had taken cover at the side of the car, and dealt him several lashes to his head with the gun.

According to an eyewit-

ness, the two started a scuffle, and Sherwin Benjamin, who was in possession of a knife, reportedly stabbed Colin Benjamin about his body in an attempt to defend himself.

Both Benjamins are currently under police guard at the Mackenzie Hospital, and are in stable condition.

The police say they are not in possession of the weapon but have recovered a 9mm spent shell from the scene.

The incident originated from a Christmas Day party fight in which Colin Benjamin’s cousin, Bonnyann Bobb, was physically assaulted by a friend of Sherwin Benjamin.

This newspaper was told that Bobb attacked Colin Benjamin’s male friend, who retaliated and dealt her several lashes about her body with a piece of wood.

The police are currently investigating both incidents.

A message from the PPP IN the new year, 2016, we will be celebrating our country’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) will be celebrating this historic event in accordance with its own political understanding and interpretation of the evidence it has researched and assessed in respect to our country’s political history and the struggles waged by the PPP for our country’s independence.

Questions have been raised in respect of who planted the seed of Nationhood. As far as the PPP is concerned, we harbour no doubts. The first seed was planted in early 1945

by Cheddi Jagan, who, in an article wrote: “It therefore behooves the working class people to get control of government through their constitutional ballots in our forthcoming elections, with a view towards complete independence.”

A second seed was planted following the establishment of the People’s Progressive Party on January 1, 1950.

The Party, in its first elections manifesto, declared: “The PPP, recognising that the final abolition of exploitation and oppression, of economic crisis and unemployment and wars, will

only be achieved by the socialist reorganisation of society, pledges itself to the task of winning a free and independent Guiana – a society in which security, unity, peace and freedom shall be the heritage of all.”

As we turn towards celebrating the 50th Anniversary (of Independence) we must look at the conditions existing now in our country for moving to achieve these goals, and ask ourselves how near or far we are from achieving them.

Fellow Guyanese, as we approach 2016, the PPP takes enormous pride in its accomplishments in 2014 and in the first quarter of 2015. The party looks to the future with a deep sense of confidence and optimism.

Following the May 11, 2015 Regional and General Elections, the PPP/C administration left in its wake a buoyant economy bristling with energy and confidence, with both local and overseas investors queuing up to take advantage of more and more opportunities that were opening up for them.

For the PPP, the productive sector was held in high esteem, every encouragement and available incentive

was given to both the public and private sectors to boost production and productivity; the sole objective being, at all times, to grow the economy; create wealth; and facilitate prosperity for all.

The fulfilment of long-awaited dreams, such as the development and delivery of hydro-electricity; the extraction of petroleum resources from our territorial waters; the construction of the specialty hospital, a modern and expanded international airport at Timehri, and the juridical settlement of the controversy with Venezuela were on the cusp of delivery in the same way as the Marriott Hotel and the Berbice River Bridge were, only to be torpedoed by the APNU+AFC coalition administration on the flimsy and groundless lamentations about corruption.

Fellow Guyanese, The PPP will continue to forge ahead with its 26-point demand, which was made public earlier this year.

We call on all Guyanese to support these demands as well as our call for electoral reforms. We wish each and every Guyanese best wishes in the new year.

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GAWU says no to GuySuCo privatisation

By Vanessa Braithwaite

THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has taken a position against the recommendation of the Commission of Inquiry to privatise the sugar industry.

President of the union, Komal Chand, told members of the media that even though the union was yet to become conversant with the main findings of the CoI, the union was steadfastly opposed to the recommendation to have the company moved from being state-owned to being privately-owned.

This, the union said, holds the promise of many troubles, especially for the workers, and even for the economy.

The union said it had stood against the recommendation before, and is reiterating its disagreement that privatisation would be the solution to the financial woes now facing the sugar industry.

“As to privatisation, we passed through that era. For the workers, that era was painful, bloody, brutal and ruthless; and the industry gave us several martyrs out of the many struggles that took place.

We do not need to go back to that time,” GAWU said.

GAWU President If private owners can do it, Komal Chand so can the State!

The union is arguing that the State is no less capable of handling the affairs of the sugar industry than any private entity. Being cognisant that sugar plays an integral part in our country’s economy and history, the State should be the ideal owners of GuySuCo, and to remove it from the current financial difficulties it now faces,” GAWU contends. “This process would allow for the country to strengthen its economic independence,” it said, adding: “We are confident it can rise out of its current difficulties without having to be sold off.”

The CoI suggested that until GuySuCo is privatised, the government should provide financial support to the industry on a timely basis. The commission also urged the government to remove all assets, activities and operations currently associated with GuySuCo, and in the interim of this transition of ownership, the IMC should focus on field, factory and infrastructural rehabilitation. The report also revealed that a few expressions of interest, both formal and informal, have been received.

The Commission of Inquiry also recommended that no new projects should be undertaken, as this would decrease the opportunity for sale. It also suggested that no estate must be closed at this time. In contrast to this, however, according to the union, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, said that canes from Wales Estate would be ground at Uitvlugt Estate. The union reasoned that this development would allow for closure of the Wales factory. The union is asking why should such a decision be made when the high-cost Commission of Inquiry requested that a study be done regarding the operations of the two West Demerara Estates.

GAWU is worried that the situation which existed in 1978 when the Versailles Sugar Factory was closed would recur.

That closure assured the cultivation workers of that factory that the cane would be transported via the newly-dug waterway linking Versailles and Leonora Estates.

According to GAWU, that waterway never served its purpose, and all of the workers lost their jobs. The union is of the opinion that this decision put forth by Minister Joe Harmon will allow for a recurrence of hundreds being unemployed.

The GAWU stands firm on its position against the recommendation made by the commission to privatise the sugar industry. “Sugar is still a sustainable business in Guyana, and the State entity should manage this company,” Chand said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 1, 2016

Scenes from Square of the Revolution last evening

New Year, New Guyana THE public set out to wish Guyana the best in New Year posts across social media. The past few months have been a time of transitioning, a time of rebranding and renewed hope for the country.

Persons recapped all the changes -- welcomed or otherwise -- that occurred in the past year; most of all, the change in government which brought with it its own conflicts, but which also saw Guyana receiving many needed improvements.

While all is still not where we want it to be, persons are hopeful that, in the coming year, the momentum of change will continue and the questions that have been posed regarding pertinent issues will be answered.

Shuffling the deck

As the year comes to a close, President Granger is set to do some reshuffling of his ministers, and the public has mixed feelings about it. Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes, is being swept across to the Ministry of Natural Resources. Minister Keith Scott, from the Ministry of Communities, will take Broomes’s place; while Region 10 MP Valerie Sharpe-Patterson will be sworn in as Minister within the Ministry of Communities, taking Scott’s place.

Reports are that Broomes began to feel a bit too empowered, much to the chagrin of her superior Minister, Volda Lawrence, who had before warned her of her behaviour. Yet, on the other side of things, persons have viewed Broomes’s work in the labour sector as impressive.

A few important questions have been posed by the public: Was Broomes doing so well that Volda felt threatened? If Keith Scott was functioning at sloth’s pace in his last ministry (according to reports), what would make him go any faster in another? Could it be that the President is making a mistake? As in all things, we will just have to wait and see, as President Granger seems to be the man with the plan.

Safe - for now

Though calls have been made for GPL CEO Colin Welch to be sent on leave pending an investigation into irregularities regarding the procurement of prepaid meters, Infrastructure Minister David Patterson has said he saw no reason to do so, stating that Welch would not impede the investigation. Well, not everyone is happy about that, especially since Welch’s wrongdoings were blatantly revealed to the public via leaked conversations. But the minister states that such a move is dependent on the type of investigation being carried out, and this type apparently does not warrant it. So, while we may believe that Welch deserves some good time-off, like Brassington (allegedly) and Kurshid received, it looks like he’s safe for now. But the year is fresh, there’s plenty of time to look on and see how this will go; the people need not worry.

Here’s to ringing in the New Year with peace of mind!

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 1, 2016

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New Year’s Eve 2015 celebrations

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Seeta Nagamootoo, at right, dance the New Year in, while Brigadier Mark Phillips and his wife, at left, provided some amount of competition at the GDF Old Year’s Night Ball at Camp Ayangana

Some of the patrons at Guyana Defense Force Ball await the fireworks’ display Commissioner Seelall Persaud and Minister Ramjattan and their wives dance the New Year in at Eve Leary

One of the many fireworks display by the GDF earlier this morning (Delano Williams photos)

Patrons at the Guyana Police Force Ball at the Officers Mess Hall, Eve Leary

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 1, 2016

New Year’s Eve 2015 celebrations

President David Granger broke the New Year in the Church of the Transfiguration, Mandala Avenue, Georgetown

A section of the congregation at the Church of the Transfiguration last night

This young man was among the many who rang in the New Year at the Pegasus Hotel

It was a get together for the family at the Pegasus Hotel

Let’s celebrate! Revellers on the dance floor

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 1, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 1, 2016

Interim report on constitutional reform presented PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Thursday received an interim report from the Convener of the Steering Committee on Constitutional Reform (SCCR), Mr. Nigel Hughes.

The SCCR commenced work on September 1st with a view to completing its work on December 31st. The SCCR had met the deadline

by presenting to the Prime Minister the interim report, but requested an extension for the purpose of completing extensive consultations.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo is favourably considering the request for the extension.

According to a release from the Prime Minister’s Office, Nagamootoo thanked Hughes and the other members of the SCCR for their

tireless work in preparing the interim report, and indicated that he would review it thoroughly before making any public pronouncement.

The Prime Minister had appointed Hughes as the Convener, and had also appointed Prof. Harold Lutchman, Mr. Haslyn Parris, Mrs. Geeta Chandan-Edmond and Mr. Gino Persaud as members of the SCCR in

August last.

The SCCR was tasked with setting up the framework for a substantive Constitutional Reform body, intended to be broad-based and inclusive of all major stakeholders. At the time, Prime Minister Nagamootoo had said, “I am most pleased that Nigel Hughes has agreed to kick-start this stage, to come up with mo-

Attorney Nigel Hughes presenting the report to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

dalities and timeframe for the actual reform process.”

The Prime Minister had also made clear that the SCCR would not undertake any change to the existing constitution, but was tasked with mainly defining the scope of the actual reform process and establish

the terms of reference and mechanisms for consultation to establish a Constitution Reform Commission.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo holds within his portfolio the responsibility for constitutional reform, in addition to being leader of government business in the National Assembly.

Gold glittered in 2015 DESPITE a significant drop in gold prices on the world market, and challenges in the mining sector over the past year, the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) has recorded 451,490 ounces of declared gold, surpassing this year’s target of 380,000 ounces.

With the declarations, the GCB has recorded export earnings of approximately US$500 million, making the mineral, once again, the largest earner of foreign currency for Guyana.

Minister of Governance with responsibility for Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman, said the declaration is a significant achievement in a price-declining market environment and all miners, particularly small and medium-scale miners, must be commended.

“The performance of the gold-mining sector was very impressive and very encouraging. With better regulation and more opportunities for miners, we expect to do even better in 2016. We are happy that the good life is coming to fruition,” Minister Trotman said.

The minister noted that the declaration figures attest to the fact that gold is an important earner in the Guyanese economy and as such, government will continue to support the sector by providing operational concessions to miners and supporting infrastructural works.

At the start of 2015, the London Fix quoted the price of gold at US$1184. The market prices initially fluctuated around US$1,150 before showing increased volatility and declining to a five-year

low of below US$1,100. As such, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) made representation for concessions and incentives.

In October 2015, the government granted fuel and equipment tax concessions to small and medium-scale miners and an agreement was signed by stakeholders; the Ministry of Finance, Guyana Energy Agency and the GGDMA. It was anticipated that despite the volatile gold prices, these concessions would stimulate production, thus ensuring the sector’s viability in 2015 and further into the future.

With the re-introduction of large-scale gold mining in Guyana, Guyana Goldfields and Troy Resources have contributed to the country’s total declaration, during the last quarter of 2015, increasing gold declaration and contributing to an overall increase of 16.5 per cent when compared to December 2014.

In 2016, he said the government will continue to review mining concessions to ensure that mining interests conform with the laws and regulations governing the sector; while the Anti-Gold Smuggling Task Force will continue with its mandate to tighten loopholes to tackle gold smuggling, which has plagued the sector for some time.

Government is grateful to the miners who have made the effort to make mining a worthy enterprise and for making declarations in a timely manner.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 1, 2016

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New Year’s messages

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 1, 2016

From the government of Guyana GUYANA stands at the dawn of a new year, 2016.

This marks Guyana’s Golden Jubilee, a monumental landmark celebrating 50 years as an independent state.

2016 follows a year of political change in Guyana.

That change in government is the second in 50 years. It rejuvenated hope; it brought an end to minority authoritarian governance; but it also came with new challenges -- of threats from

external forces aimed at compromising our national patrimony.

We thank the international community for its unwavering support of our country in defence of our territorial integrity and our sovereignty.

As in the past, so shall it be in this new year and forever more: We will not yield, not even a blade of grass.

As we embark on this historic year of reflection and celebration, as a people, it is incumbent upon us to rally

together to make 2016 a year of meaningful change and progress.

Over the past seven months, the work to transform Guyana started. We can see a new landscape, of a clean and green Guyana, emerging.

However, 2016 must be the year of fundamental reorganization of the manner in which our nation’s business is administered. There are major priority items which must be advanced: a reorganization of our productive sectors,

including sugar, rice and mining; constitutional reform; telecommunications liberalisation; creating a green economy; the expansion of national radio and television to all corners of Guyana; attracting major investments; revitalisation and strengthening of our agriculture sector; creating a business-friendly environment; and repositioning our tourism product.

The issues of constitutional reform and telecommunications liberalisation are espe-

cially critical priority items for 2016. We need to remove all traces of authoritarian powers in our principal law, and to open up Guyana to the new wave of making telecommunications a viable industry.

We need to end one-company monopoly in the telecommunications sector. The archaic telecommunications framework needs to be demolished and replaced with a forward-thinking system which will allow for low-cost connectivity in all forms and across all geographic spaces, without the constraints of limited bandwidth, weak signal and slow access. We need e-governance and e-commerce to be our new mode of doing business.

We need to transform Guyana’s ICT sector. We want our young people, those in the formal education system and those who have graduated from it, to master new technologies to access jobs and develop careers. Our spectrum is a national asset, and it must be used and protected.

Your coalition government is committed to pursuing an agenda which puts Guyana first, and which pursues a good life for all in a green economy. Our coalition government has re-established and reinforced the fundamentals of our democracy: observance of the doctrine of separation of powers among the executive and legislature and the judiciary; respect for the rule of law and the rights

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

of citizens; support for a plural, free and open media; and care for our elderly and children, and our working people.

This is also the year in which Local Government Elections will return after 18 years. All citizens are encouraged to participate fully in these elections, as you exercise your right to elect the community leaders of your choice and re-activate participatory, grassroots democracy in Guyana.

Our government urges all citizens to help make our environment better. We all need to join the clean-up campaign.

We all need to adopt the fresh approach. We need to reclaim our status as both proud and hospitable Guyanese.

The Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana extends to all Guyanese, here and in the diaspora, best wishes for a successful, transformative and peaceful 2016.

The Guyana Public Service Union OH, how quickly the festive season has come to an end!

The new year is with us, and we must be ready to return to our longer-term responsibilities with a renewed sense of commitment to our goals.

The wish of the Guyana Public Service Union is that all of us, public servants and others, return to the discharge of those responsibilities re-energised and eager.

That wish, we daresay, is extended to His Excellency the President and the Government of Guyana. It is our wish that our country is governed wisely in the year ahead, and that the outcomes of wise governance redound to the benefit of the country as a whole.

It was, of course, never our expectation that the new administration would

GTUC President Patrick Yarde

have gotten off to a perfect start; we were realistic about that. There were instances of displeasure and disappointment. We expect, however, that what has been loosely described as its “honeymoon period” drifts further away with the understanding that there will be more rigorous expectations regarding the quality of its governance.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 1, 2016

New Year’s messages

Alliance For Change IT is that time of the year when we reflect on the past 12 months and look ahead to the 12 before us. 2015 was a challenging year, but it was one in which the indomitable will of the Guyanese people could not be defeated.

At the dawn of 2015, we knew that our country was heading towards Regional and General Elections. The prorogation of Parliament and the tabling of the ‘No Confidence’ motion against the PPP government had set in motion the train of change.

On February 14 when we signed the Cummingsburg Accord with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), it became a clarion call for national unity. You heard and responded in your numbers. Your voice, sounded through your vote, sent the message that Guyana would no longer be divided. By giving your support to the AFC+APNU coalition, you elected a government to reconcile all our people and one to work for the equitable and sustainable development of all Guyanese.

In 2015, with your involvement, we started the process of restoring Guyana to a place of beauty and cleanliness. Massive amounts of garbage that had accumulated over many years of neglect were removed. Open spaces are being restored where our children can play, our young people can engage in healthy exercises and our elderly can relax in easy camaraderie.

This project and its continued maintenance will not be confined to Georgetown.

It is already being replicated

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

in communities all across Guyana.

This year 2015 we also welcomed the announcement that three new towns will be added to our list of municipalities, including Guyana’s first ‘Green Town’ - Bartica.

In fact, the green revolution has begun as we continue to find and examine the potential value of a number of promising hydro-power sites and other avenues of renewable energy.

This, however, would not counter our efforts towards becoming an oil-producing nation. Indeed, we were very elated when international oil exploration giant, ExxonMobil, announced in May 2015 that it had made a significant hydrocarbon discovery within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Similarly, we were elated when we learnt that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) had surpassed its 2015 production target for the first time in over seven

years. Rice and gold production also surpassed their set targets this year which bodes well for our future.

Security of people and their property remains a matter of major concern. There is a great deal of urgency that accompanies this issue which remains at the forefront of every national agenda. We were very heartened to learn that the Guyana Police Force was recently able to slow down the spate of serious crimes and we look forward to more laudable results from Operation Dragnet, which was implemented in 2015.

For these and other successes, the Alliance For Change lauds the valiant efforts of every Guyanese at home and abroad.

We are very encouraged by your commitment to realise the development of our nation socially, economically and politically.

The New Year 2016 holds much promise. We believe that the dream of a good life for all Guyanese can be realised. It is the year of our Golden Jubilee. It must be a bright and golden year for all of our people to benefit from increased production in our productive sectors. It must bring golden opportunities for our young people, peaceful years for our elderly, and shining performances from our sportsmen and women.

The AFC takes this opportunity to thank you, Guyana, for your tremendous support in 2015. We look forward to working together with you, to continue serving you in 2016 in order to place you firmly on the road to the good life.

A Golden 2016 to all!

The Mayor and City Council

IT is customary that, at the beginning of a new year, many persons would have made their new year’s resolutions -- for change, growth and positive development in different aspects of their lives and the lives of their families. However, without the resultant determination and will to actually effect the necessary changes, change would be a mere figment of our imagination, or wishful thinking.

The new year’s resolution of this Council is to continue the various restorative projects in every facet of municipal affairs, and to provide a more efficient service in critical areas.

Many of you would have observed a radical change in the city’s aesthetics. This is a result of meaningful cooperation, synergies of resources, and effective public/private partnerships. I am cognisant that change is not easily embraced by all, especially when persons have to alter or change old habits and activities that they have inculcated and which have become a way of life.

The restoration programme we observe includes

City Mayor Hamilton Green

every sector of society: the council, the private sector and civil society. Already, some private enterprises have joined the vanguard and have made significant contributions to the clean-up exercise in the city. To those citizens who have cooperated with the municipality, we say heartfelt thank you.

The Georgetown City Council is on a mission, a mission that must and will be accomplished; a mission to make Georgetown the cleanest, greenest city in the Caribbean. It is time that dignity and pride return to the capital city. This would only be possible with the cooperation of all. Also, there is a need to foster a culture of co-operative governance. This would

The Guyana Public Service...

Our union and its members anticipate much in the year ahead. We believe that it is for the government, in the year 2016, to give real meaning to its expressed desire for a transformed public service. The convening of a Commission of Enquiry into the Public Service was a significant step, though very much a preliminary one in the envisaged transformation of the public service. We expect that the outcomes of the commission’s deliberations will bring early and far-reaching action by the government to create a public service that will take Guyana forward.

Naturally, we expect that

the deliberations that will precipitate change will include other relevant stakeholders, including, of course, the Guyana Public Service Union.

The Guyana Public Service Union believes that the outcomes of the Commission of Enquiry must target some fundamental issues. First, there is the issue of making the requisite structural changes that will bring about the significant qualitative enhancement of the public service and will position it to better serve our country. The second issue is that of better qualifying, better incentivizing, and otherwise creating an enabling environment in

which public servants can perform their duties in conditions that are free from the common frustrations they face on a daily basis. Last, but by no means least, is the necessity to create conditions that will provide security of tenure to all categories of public servants.

What the union also seeks is a sustained and determined effort on the part of government to restore standards in the public service, and to repair what, over the years, has been the eroded status of public servants. It is our expectation that these outcomes will be reflected in the final deliverables of the work of the Commission of Enquiry.

However, the union will not simply sit and wait for the outcomes of the Commission of Enquiry. There are issues to be dealt with, issues that have been outstanding for many years.

In the year ahead, we will continue to struggle for the resolution of those issues, and we expect that the posture of the political administration will be one of inclusivity, which will help to create a convivial environment in which we can work together. Those issues to which we refer are many. Perhaps the best way to approach an amicable resolution of the union’s concerns is for us and the government

From page 18

to begin to work together, early in the year, to create a framework in which those issues can be discussed.

The union calls for such a dialogue, and indicates its willingness to engage in the process with government, sooner rather than later. We are prepared to put everything on the table and to engage in earnest and constructive discourse, and we expect that government would be similarly willing to do so.

At the broader level of our country’s development, the GPSU wishes to restate its commitment to throwing its weight behind the National Development Thrust. Indeed, we are particularly mindful of

constitute effective communication and meaningful interaction between sectors.

This would foster optimum use of resources, both human and natural.

As the new year commences, we need to confront the challenges with optimism, wisdom, co-operation and strength; and work assiduously to restore the order, beauty and majesty of Georgetown. So, as you make your new year’s resolutions, keep the Council in mind, include Council as we seek to restore the city that was neglected.

Fellow citizens, at this juncture, as we work to rebuild the pristine beauty of Georgetown, I can only recall the words of Nehemiah chapter 6 verses 3, which states: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down”.

Therefore, we must continue the work we have started to ensure Georgetown is restored to its former Glory.

May the peace of the divine architect of the universe keep you in this year; may you and your families have a bright, prosperous and green 2016; may God richly bless you. the fact that our country has now entered the 50th year of its independence. The Guyana Public Service Union has been part of all of those 50 years, and we anticipate that we will play a prominent role in the celebration of that historic milestone.

Public servants return to work on Monday, energised and committed to the delivery of an enhanced quality of service in the public interest.

We believe that 2016, our Golden Independence Anniversary Year, will be one of the most important years in our history. Today we celebrate the dawn of that new year. We wait, we watch, and we ready ourselves as the year unfolds.

Again, Happy New Year to all of Guyana!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 1, 2016

2016 wishes THE New Year is upon us.

And with a new year come new hopes and aspirations for the productivity of Guyana.

Guyana Chronicle’s Derwayne Wills reached out to a few individuals within the country to listen to what their wishes were for 2016. Here is what they had to say: We want to take a greater look at what’s happening within the regions, and serve the people in a better way. We want to better serve the needs of persons and children in the hinterland with the aim of achieving better overall performance in the education sector.

Jennifer Cumberbatch

At NCERD, we achieve this through systematic continuous training for teachers to under-

stand where their needs are. We hope to be more data-driven at all levels, since decisions must be driven by data. We want to see the gap closed between children on the coastland and those in the hinterland. We are working hard in the areas of Specialist Education Needs (SENs), and Information Communications Technology (ICTs) to reach the growing needs of all children.

ICT is the way to go, because we must try to ensure that teachers use the modern technology in the classroom, and children are increasingly drawn to technology. In literacy, we are not only training teachers, but also training parents who must recognise the need for their children to be literate.

– Jennifer Cumberbatch, Director of the National Centre for Education Resource Development.

To see the land issues resolved. We have to have the Indigenous Lands Commission in place to address these. Education must be the big focus because the Indigenous population is growing, and growing rapidly. We need to look at job opportunities for them. But in order to get jobs, we have to be appropriately educated. We need to have institutions. According to President David Granger’s 10- Point Plan, we need to take education to the people, which entails access to modern technology and information technology; because without information, we would

Ajay Baksh (seen in purple) performs in an April 2015 remake of Shakespeare’s ‘Julius Caesar’ at the National Cultural Centre Yvonne Pearson

Vice-President Sydney Allicock

not be truly a part of Guyana.

We would like to be truly seen as making a contribution towards the development of this nation, and to do that we have to come together. With more information, we can see what is happening on the coast and understand what we can do to play a better role in the unity of our people. This would be the best thing for our indigenous people now feeling ownership and being truly part of Guyana.

– Sydney Allicock, Vice-President and Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister I want to see more things for indigenous people in terms of development. I am not only looking at roads and infrastructure, I am talking about holistic development through education and economic activities. I would

like to see the new government pick up from where we left off addressing the various issues affecting our people. I am wondering what happened to the projects that we left there: The Amerindian land titling, and Amerindian Development Fund.

I would really like to see these things happen for 2016.

– Yvonne Pearson, PPP/C Parliamentarian, and former head of the National Toshaos Council From an advertising perspective, we would like to see more clients. We are more willing to engage local talents. Too many advertisers are looking for foreign accents, and foreign talent to produce advertising designs for Guyana. This is also reflected in the DJs (Disc Jockey) on the radio. We are not embracing what is our own. We hear Jamaican, Trinidadian, and American accents, but not Guyanese. We also hope many more persons start to appreciate and embrace copyright, and start paying for more local photographs and music. Only with their support, local talent can grow. If you don’t

nurture it and fund it, then there would be no room for growth, so we would love for creative freedom. From a Public Relations Perspective, we would like to see more aggressive fact-checking from journalists in their stories.

I think it is essential that more journalists don’t just get caught up with the speed to deliver against accuracy. And from a theatre perspective, this year has not been a very progressive [one] in my opinion for theatre. I think the theatre folks have more drama on Facebook than on stage. They need to get together and work. This industry [which] is in its infancy. I would like to see producers paying actors a living wage, and for actors to do some reflection and figure out where they want to go. And on a personal note, I hope somebody fixes GPL. – Ajay Baksh, Public Relations and Advertising Manager, Perception Inc. Men need to prioritise their lives. They need to develop a relationship with the creator. Once you understand the intimate relationship with your creator, you will be a more responsible human. You will recognise how important it is to be a role model for your children, and in your community. Most of the males are troubled, not only because of their upbringing, but because they are not associating with persons who would help them develop; reading books that would help [them] better their lives.

One of the major challenges of men is that they are not taking care of their health. Men need to take more care of their personal health. Not only their physical health, but in the thoughts they choose to dwell on in the day.

Men don’t have fruitful discussions when they come together.

We are supposed to be the foundation of the family. We had a

men’s conference and President David Granger mentioned that men need the three Rs. They need to be responsible, men need to respect, and they need to resolve. 2016 will be a year when men must redirect their focus and change the flow. My life was impacted by Mr Roy Geddes who was a positive influence to me. His motto is “Discipline is love.” He defined discipline as living with restrictions and imposing strict guidelines on one’s

Victor Adams

self. This should be the motto of every male.

– Victor Adams, President of the Men’s Ministry of the Guyana Conference of Seventh Days’ Adventists My expectation for 2016 is that we, in the media, have a fully liberalised telecommunications sector that will see us having access to greater data speeds, which will facilitate the faster dissemination, and acquisition of information for Guyana, and

Denis Chabrol

people in the diaspora. I hope that editors and publishers pay greater attention to the need and importance of ongoing training for staff members in journalism. We ought not to ever stop learning, so I think training and education are a vital aspect of our profession, whether in the private or public sector.

– Denis Chabrol, Veteran Guyanese Journalist and executive member of the Association of Caribbean Mediaworkers (ACM)

What the people say…

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 1, 2016

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WITH Guyana “roaring in the Golden Jubilee” celebrations with much jubilation and fanfare at the Independence Arch on Brickdam, Georgetown at the stroke of mid-night, the Guyana Chronicle solicited the views of the man in the street, and this is what they told our reporter Clestine Juan. (Delano Williams photos)

NICOLE MCCRAY: I think the golden jubilee would be histoGODFREY YARD: A lot of people are coming into the coun- ry-making; and, in my opinion, the celebration would be unique try to join in the celebration, because this anniversary is a cel- -- something I’m looking forward to, since our 50th anniversary ebration of the country’s Independence -- 50 years as a nation. would be a memorable experience.

LEROY WHITE: I think it’s a nice celebration, and I believe that all Guyanese should join in ushering in the 50th anniversary.

For me, I’m part of a Mercury marching band in the festivity, and through music, we are helping to proclaim Guyana’s Independence.

ASHLEY FORDE: To be a part of Guyana 50th anniversary -- ‘The Golden Jubilee’ -- is something in my life that I won’t forget; and being a Guyanese, this is a hallmark of our efforts for freedom and progress.

FIONA GARNETT: I’m anticipating the Golden Jubilee festivity, for we have come a long way as an independent country, development wise; so we have a lot to celebrate.

RACHIDA GREENE: To me, Guyana’s Golden Jubilee is about the history, the heritage, the pioneers, the achievements of the past, and rejoicing in the unity of Guyanese culture.

Task Force on TIP to reconvene

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THE Ministry of Public Security will this year reconvene meetings of the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons to avoid duplication of strategies among stakeholder agencies.

Provision for the establishment and operation of this task force is provided for in the laws of Guyana, namely the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act No. 2 of 2005.

A release from the subject ministry said the government of Guyana is thus duty- bound to ensure that this obligation is fulfilled. The functions of the task force will be carried out in

accordance with Section 30 of the said Act. The Task Force will be chaired by Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, who according to Sections 31 and 32 of the aforementioned Act, holds responsibility for the collection and dissemination of information on efforts to combat trafficking in persons and the training of law enforcement and immigration personnel, inter alia.

He will be joined by fellow ministers from the Ministry of Social Protection, the Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Legal Affairs, and the

Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, along with the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The task force will also include technical representatives from various ministries, other government agencies and non-governmental organisations, who will work together to carry out activities in the National Action Plan and Report to the Task Force’s ministerial representatives.

The crime of trafficking-in-persons is an international phenomenon which has been said to be the second largest criminal industry in the world.

The Ministry of Public Se-

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 1, 2016

curity has pledged to invest in initiatives geared at reducing the incidence of trafficking-in-persons in Guyana, with the aim of totally eradicating the scourge. One such major initiative will be the formulation of an action plan for the period 2016-2017.

The Ministry of Public Security is encouraging individuals to continue to report suspected cases of trafficking-in-persons to the hotline of the Ministry of Social Protection at 227-4083.

DRUG STRATEGY The National Drug Strategy

Master Plan (NDSMP) 20162020 will soon be released. This plan resulted from a review and modification of the NDSMP 2014-2018, triggered by the need to bring it in line with the most recent national and international dynamics of the drug problem.

The Government of Guyana is committed to ensuring the sustained safety and security of its citizens well into the future, against the drug problem.

In advancing this position, a strategic approach was adopted to remedy the problem. This plan therefore utilises a long-term, balanced approach between public health and public security. It addresses demand reduction, supply reduction, control measures, institutional strengthening and policy coordination, as well as international cooperation. It draws on the views of several ministries and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as the results of outreach consultations conducted

throughout the hinterland of Guyana when the 2014-2018 NDSMP was being prepared.

In essence, the NDSMP will guide the operational plans of all government departments and other bodies involved in the reduction of demand, supply control, and all other aspects of the national fight against drug abuse and its associated ills.

The strategies expressed are based on the existing national situation, but also take into account several international treaties and agreements, including those proposed by regional, hemispheric and global agencies.

Durable collaborative efforts will be a prerequisite at all levels to effectively fight the world drug problem. The National Drug Strategy Master Plan 20162020 is a manifestation of that intent, as it involves the combined efforts of all stakeholders in proceeding continuously towards fulfilling a common responsibility.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 1, 2016

TT announces belt-tightening measures

IN his first address to the nation since taking office in September, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley announced a number of economic belt-tightening measures, including a seven per cent acrossthe-board cut in government expenditure, made necessary by the continuing fall in oil and gas prices.

Oil revenues amount to about TT$20 billion, or one-third of total nation-

al revenue; and, in June 2014, the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI), Trinidad’s benchmark crude oil, was US$106 per barrel. In December 2014, it had declined to US$59, and it is now in the region of US$36 per barrel, Dr Rowley noted.

“You may recall that the 2015 budget was prepared on an anticipated oil price of US$80/barrel.

As the oil price continued its relentless downward slide, we were told, early

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley

NY man ‘plotted New Year’s Eve attack’

U.S. authorities have arrested a man described as a supporter of socalled Islamic State (IS) and accused him of planning an attack in New York State.

Emanuel Lutchman, 25, of Rochester, was charged with plotting to kill people at a restaurant on New Year’s Eve. Mr Lutchman told an FBI informant he would use a machete and knives in the attack, officials say.

Before his arrest, he made a video pledging allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the FBI said.

Mr Lutchman came to the attention of authorities after he began expressing support for IS online.

“I will take a life, I don’t have a problem with that,” Mr Lutchman is quoted as saying in court documents.

Emanuel Lutchman

A convert to Islam, he has a history of mental illness and a lengthy criminal record, officials said.

Authorities in major U.S. cities such as New York and Los Angeles are on high alert for an attack during well-attended New Year’s Eve festivities.

New York has deployed about 6,000 police officers to patrol Times Square, which is expected to draw about a million people. (BBC)

in the year, that there was a new budgetary horizon based on downward adjustment to US$45/barrel.

This never happened, but expenditure remained as if the revenue flows were coming in as originally planned,” he said.

“You will also recall that the incoming new government based the current 2016 Budget on an oil price of US$45 per

barrel in October. Today, the price of oil is hovering around US$36.00/barrel,” he added.

Dr Rowley failed to mention, however, that his People’s National Movement (PNM) manifesto promises, which were made ahead of the September 7 general election, were also based on an oil price of US$80 per barrel, despite clear signs that

this was never going to be realised in practice.

Similarly, the price of liquified natural gas (LNG) in the Japanese market declined from US$16.40/mmbtu in June 2014 to US$15.70/mmbtu in December 2014, and is now around US$9.00/ mmbtu.

LNG prices have declined by similar percentage amounts in European

and South American markets. Even in the United States, where natural gas prices had been lower than in other markets, those prices have since fallen even further.

The Henry Hub benchmark price is now about US$1.90/mmbtu, compared to US$2.75/mmbtu that was used in the 2016 Budget just two months ago. (Caribbean News Now)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 1, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 1, 2016

Sudoku

Crossword

Yesterday’s Results

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 1, 2016

Friday, January 1, 2016 - 10:00 hrs Saturday, January 2, 2016 - 11:30 hrs Sunday, January 3, 2016 - 12:30 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 1, 2016

FRIDAY JAN 1 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 1, 2016

Greater child protection in 2016 – says Minister Lawrence

By Shirley Thomas THE implementation of greater child protection policies will be on the front burner in 2016, says Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence, who was reviewing her ministry’s achievements in 2015 and unveiling projections for the New Year.

Minister Lawrence was at the time addressing the ministry’s first end-ofyear press conference on Wednesday at the Millennium Manor Hotel on Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

INCREASES IN OLD AGE PENSION Highlighting other priorities for the new year, the

minister declared: “Guyanese will continue to benefit from improved safety nets, including significant increases in the Old Age Pension; a stronger focus on gender mainstreaming, including crafting a national policy; stricter enforcement of the nation’s labour laws; greater child protection policies; increased and more timely responses to social ills; and more frequent consultations with stake-

holders on the way forward.”

Reflecting on progress made during the last seven months of 2015, Lawrence expressed satisfaction and observed: “The last seven months have been exciting, educative, and at times extremely energy-sapping.”

It was exciting because of the novel things they have been implementing and the many lessons the Ministry of Social Protec-

tion learned through feedback from the public they serve; and energy-sapping because of the sheer size of the ministry.

However, the minister acknowledged that the challenges faced by the Ministry of Social Protection are myriad: “Finding a permanent solution for the ongoing war against our children is nightmarish; the brutal, bloody, and ever so often life-ending assaults against our women must end; the callous disregard for our elderly is alarming; and those who are temporarily or permanently homeless must not be left to the vagaries of Mother Nature or the unnatural tendencies of the heartless among us.”

CHILD CARE Meanwhile, Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency, Anne Greene, revealed that, for the year 2015, there were reports of over 3,000 children being abused, but that was just the tip of the iceberg. Most of the cases reported involved neglect, followed by sexual abuse. Some 500 had to be placed in foster care as a last resort, but the big problem is that even though reports are made, the culprits are seldom caught.

But while there is need for refuge for children who have been abused in diverse ways by predators and others, the Ministry of Social Protection has made it clear that institutionalization for juveniles is not the answer, and does not work.

“We have to get children out of institutions,” Greene stressed.

MORE DAY CARE CENTRES And noting that child protection is everybody’s business, Ms Greene said the ministry is seriously working towards deinstitutionalization of children, giving preference to foster care. Cognizant that children hardly overcome ‘abuse’, Greene said, the ministry is now calling for a proactive rather than reactive approach to child care and safety. “We have to strengthen families so that they can take better care of children,” Greene said.

There are also plans on the cards for the opening up of

Volda Lawrence, Minister of Social Protection, speaking at the press conference at the Millennium Manor Hotel

a lot more day care centres.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2015 Meanwhile, Minister Lawrence said that among the myriad challenges her ministry faces is the problem of removing the Amerindian population from the periphery of national development. She added that, with assistance from the Canadian Government, the ministry is training a number of those Guyanese to be ‘ambassadors’ who will help bridge existing gaps as “we pursue development of their communities to help them beat the pinch of poverty.”

And within the seven months of 2015, the ministry has created its own Public Relations Department to ensure that, through the media, the public remains au fait with the ongoing plans, policies and programmes of the new government.

GENDER AFFAIRS BUREAU Additionally, the ministry is merging the Men’s Affairs Bureau and Women’s Affairs Bureau into a single unit, to be named the Gender Affairs Bureau in keeping with the government’s vision and global trends.

This unit will be launched early in the new year.

The minister said that, in keeping with government’s vision, the ministry has also delinked the Probation Department from the broader Social Services programme, to have a more focused approach and to help in resolving some of the ongoing challenges and struggles faced by individuals and families.

This focused approach, Turn to page 29 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 1, 2016

New Year’s messages Guyana Trades Union Congress AS Guyanese herald 2016, the GTUC reminds all that in this 50th year of political independence -- which will be marked throughout with celebrations in different forms – cognizance must be given to the fact that freedom was not free.

Independence was not granted; it was fought for. The fight started with

the struggle of the first enslaved, and was maintained until the inking of the proclamation that realised the birth of a new nation on 26th May, 1966.

Every Guyanese, near and far, as we mark this jubilee, must do so with acknowledgement and pride that the sweat, blood and tears of our ancestors are worth it. Even as we

Greater child protection...

From page 28

she said, is by design: “It is part of the reason for the ministry’s name change, because we believe that all Guyanese deserve ‘the good life’.” She declared that the government believes that it MUST support all Guyanese through improved service delivery, greater efficiency, and cutting the response time in meeting public needs.

However, while the Ministry of Social Protection wants to run with its programmes, it is hamstrung by staff shortage in the Labour Department; staff shortage in the Accounts Department; and staff shortage in the Child Care and Protection Agency. Additionally, there is the perennial shortage of funding to finance the initiatives the ministry has been conceiving.

Expressing confidence that victory is imminent, Lawrence said: “As I see it, we will beat the odds.

Against all odds, we triumphed at the May 11 polls; against the odds, we hiked salaries for public servants and provided those earning less than $500,000 per month a $50,000 to help brighten their Christmas festivities; against the odds, we have also increased Old Age pension payments. We are finding ways to overcome the existing challenges we confront, and we plan doing so in the future.”

Minister Lawrence assured that, in 2016, the nation can look forward for priority placement on Early Childhood Development;

the opening of the Family Court; priority placement on Early Childhood Development; and the critical Counter Trafficking in Persons (C-TIP) Unit to be enhanced with additional staff to combat existing and emerging challenges.

And good news for the pensioners: They will now receive a book to cover the calendar year, instead of the traditional six months; and by 2017, their ID cards will replace the books.

The existing Women of Worth (WoW) programme will become gender-neutral.

Meanwhile Lawrence anticipates the ministry’s relationship with NGOs will be wider in breadth and deeper in scope. Improvement programmes are on the cards for such facilities as the Night Shelter; The Palms geriatric home; the Hugo Chavez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration; the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute, and the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

The minister alluded to plans for the creation of a Special Projects Unit dedicated to finding willing donors to fund the many initiatives the ministry is currently pursuing, and the multitude of others in the pipeline for the New Year.

Other speakers included Gavin Munroe, Chief Probation and Social Services Officer; Lorene Baird, Permanent Secretary; Charles Ogle, Chief Labour Officer; and Whentworth Tanner, Director of Social Services.

celebrate this landmark, it is important not to forget that freedom requires eternal vigilance, sacrifice, and commitment.

As a nation, political interdependence, which is an element of the right to self-determination, is not fully attained when we lose sight of the will/ commitment to fortify and

GTUC General Secretary, Lincoln Lewis

hold steadfast the foundation even as we simultaneously work to deepen and strengthen our civil,

social, economic, cultural and political rights.

This nation, which is birthed out of many peoples, has not been without challenges, which we must collectively work to overcome. As One People, One Nation, One Destiny, our diverse interests, cultures, and backgrounds must be merged to realise a collective sense of well-being. For united we stand, divided we fall.

With continuing threats to our sovereignty, we are reminded that when we stand as one, no external force

can prevail against us.

On the domestic front, the GTUC calls for concerted and conscientious efforts on the part of the political leadership (both government and opposition) to realise that the people’s vesting of the management of their dayto-day affairs into their hands carries with it the sacred duty to operate consistent with the people’s desire to live as a cohesive unit within the parameters of the laws.

Happy and productive 2016 to all!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 1, 2016

Half million touched down at CJIA – more cocaine intercepted in 2015

By Rabindra Rooplall THE Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Corporation has had another successful year in 2015, as 504,717 passengers were shuttled through the port, representing a six per cent increase in comparison to 2014.

This was disclosed by

Commercial and Administrative Manager of CJIA, Dursatty Doodnauth, at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s 2015 performance review and projection for 2016, held yesterday at the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority’s High Street, Kingston offices.

The Commercial Manager said international passenger arrivals for 2015

stood at 250,241, which is also six per cent higher than 2014.

“Imported cargo for the period under review amounted to 3,486,397 kg compared to 3,295,977 kg in 2014, a 6% increase for the corresponding period last year. The cargo comprised industrial supplies, personnel effects, hatching eggs and other consolidated cargo. Exports amounted to 2,693,908 kg, or a 6% decrease for that of the corresponding period in 2014.

Among the cargo were agro industrial products and livestock, while 6% was industrial supplies,” she explained.

“There was 3,486,397 kg for incoming cargo, 71,676 kg were related to mail. Of the 2,693,908 kg of outgoing cargo, 24,948 related to mail.”

Meanwhile, Doodnauth noted that international aircraft landing was 3,725, which is one per cent higher than 2014. She explained that jet aircraft landings increased from 2,884 to 3,199, due mainly to the introduction of additional flights by COPA, Fly Jamaica, Insel Air and Dynamic Airways.

Turbo prop and smaller type aircraft landings reduced from 812 to 526, due mainly to the discontinuation of operations by LIAT from Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Itinerant landings stood at 251, compared to 365 in 2014.

Further, she noted that GuyOil commenced dispensing of fuel on March 31, 2015 at the CJIA, and the company now joins Rubis at the airport to provide aviation fuel at a competitive price to the airlines operating at the airport.

DRUG INTERCEPTIONS In 2015, Doodnauth added, a total of 191.6 kg of cocaine were intercepted at CJIA. This represented an increase in the amount of drugs detected for the corresponding period in 2014, which totalled 185 kg.

Overseas, a total of 86 kg of drugs originating from Guyana were detected.

This can be compared to

126 kg for the corresponding period in 2014. These detections were made in various countries, but mainly in the United States.

Methods of concealment included checked luggage, including carry-ons and false sides; ingestion, milk, alcohol and other food items.

MAINTENANCE WORKS The manager said further that repairs were made to the main taxiways, the secondary runway, and the public car park. A water treatment plant was established incorporating the use of a 20,000-gallon water reservoir. The Executive and VIP lounges were refurbished and upgraded, as well as the Aviation Security Office and Staff Lunch Room. A Staff Centre was established in the EMD compound to facilitate fitness training. A DC3 Aircraft was refurbished in an effort to facilitate school tours, and attracted over 2,000 visitors in 2015.

REVENUE The Airport Corporation collected revenue in excess of $1B for 2015. The income in 2015 almost doubled in the last six years.

Of the income collected, $418M were transferred to the Consolidated Fund in 2015, compared to $393M in 2014.

Expenditure for 2015 stood at $761M, compared to $687M spent in 2014.

The increase can be attributed to a rise in staffing, and additional maintenance work in the Terminal Building and other infrastructure.

During 2015, staffing increased from 171 to 193, due to recruitment in the Aviation Security Department.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 1, 2016

10 Lessons Learned in 2015

THE year 2015 went as quickly as it came, but before the New Year resolutions begin, here are 10 valuable life lessons learned in 2015.

1. Service above everything else: If you want to grow your business, find ways in which you can serve more people, while also looking for more efficient ways to serve your existing customers.

2. The power of a strong, clear and massive vision is incredible: If you need a breakthrough, you must first start to fully believe that the future is going to be bigger than the past. There were a lot of short-term disappointments in 2015, and the only way we were able to keep

moving forward, despite the setbacks, was because of the vision that we created.

3. Persistence always pays off: It may not always be when we want it to happen, but if you stay persistent, day in and day out, you eventually will get to where you want to go. Staying persistent, for most people, is extremely difficult, because most people seek instant gratification and praise.

4. Never settle for average: You may never rise to be the absolute best at what it is you do for a living, but never settle for average, or just doing enough to get by. There have been a lot of people, both athletes and business people, with very

minimal talent who went on to become peak performers, simply because they were hungry enough to not be average.

5. There is more within you right now than you can ever begin to imagine: As long as you are still breathing, there is more inside you to be, do, and achieve. Every morning that you are given the gift of life, there is more waiting for you. Go out and get it.

6. Nothing will reward your life or business more than personal development: If you want to make more money in 2016, grow a more successful business, or even achieve a huge personal goal of yours; look to grow yourself before you set out to do

anything else.

7. Love yourself more of the time: So many of us look to help and love others way before we even start to pay attention to our own well-being and happiness. This doesn’t mean to boast about yourself, but to pay more attention to yourself.

When we love ourselves more of the time, we have that much more to give to the world, our business and other people.

8. If you want to be great, you must have great habits: Those who don’t tap into their full potential and achieve some of their biggest dreams in life don’t necessarily lack in talent or skill but in phenomenal habits. The best of the best know that what they do daily determines their level of suc-

cess and quality of life. Buzz encourages you to come up with five to six world-class habits. These are things that you must do on a daily basis to further advance you to where you want to be. If you have bad habits, you will get bad results.

There is no way around it.

9. Even in a technology-driven era, people still matter most: With all of the new gadgets and technology that promise to automate everything and help you save time, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that people and real human interaction isn’t important anymore. Life is and will forever always be about people, and the more you can understand and put this truth into practice for yourself, the better off you

will be.

10. Life is extremely short: For some, this may seem just like a cliché saying, we don’t fully understand how short life is until death directly affects us in some way, somehow. In the blink of an eye life can start to pass us by if we don’t get serious about living our life to the absolute fullest and pursuing a life of extreme meaning.

Taking a look at what you have learned in the previous year is just as important as planning for the year ahead.

Take the time to give some thought towards some of the lessons that you learned in 2015 that can benefit your life heading into the New Year. (soure:entrepreneur.com)

Artiste of the Week...

T

HIS week, the Buzz will be stepping into the Gospel realm with focus being on the gospel group YADAH. YADAH is Hebrew for ‘To worship with extended hands’. The group, which recently performed at Saumel Medas’ album launch two Fridays ago, comprises four members, three of whom are girls.

The eldest of the group is Melissa Vandeyar, 24, who is in her third year at the University of Guyana (UG) studying Public Management.

The second girl in the group is 22-year-old Judea Chester of Linden, who has been singing since she was seven.

Judea is in her final year at UG studying biology. She intends to be a biologist after finishing her studies.

Next, there’s Judea’s sister, 20-year-old Jevana Chester, who is also a UG student and a budding environmental scientist.

The last member of the group and the only male is Ronnel Gonsalves, 20, who’s been in showbiz since the age of 12, and is majoring in International Relations.

The Buzz asked each member of this young but talented group where they each see themselves in the next five years. The answers followed the same pattern: Solo albums from each of the four, as well as singles, and, of course, multiple group albums.

However, on the personal side, Ms. Vandeyar said she just wanted to be successful in every area of her life, while Mr. Gonsalves saw himself as an international artiste within the five-year period.

The elder of the dynamic Chester sisters sees herself starting her own company, whilst the younger of the two and the youngest member of the group, though a bit undecided, sees herself doing something in the environmental science field.

The group recently returned to Guyana after a successful ten-day tour of Mexico, where they performed songs written by the group as well as other popular Gospel songs.

With God as their focus and the captain of each of their ships, bright successful futures await them, and the Buzz will continue to track the progress of this captivating and group breaking group. Watch out Guyana! Here comes YADAH!

The Gospel group, Yadah

Seen here from left are: JevanaChester, Melissa Vandeyar, Judea Chester, and Ronnel Gonsalves

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Kwesi believes in himself

By Michel Outridge

MAKING it on the local scene as an artiste is an uphill task. But for Kwesi Callender, he is poised for success.

Under the nickname “HazeTheOfficial”, penning and singing hip hop songs in Guyana is very difficult and with two years under his belt from instrumental music, he has morphed into an artiste who prefers hip hop.

Callender told this news-

paper that he has sung four songs titled “One chance”, “Rush Hour”, “What I Do”. and “Chance Day”.

His latest, “Dream West Trilogy”, was released last week, and he is part of a five-member group that operates in a studio locally.

The 21-year-old explained that when he sang his first song, “One Chance” and took the CD to a radio station for it to be played on the airwaves, it was rejected, and the authorities did not even collect it. And just like that, he was shut off. However, that did not

deter him.

Callender said the incident actually motivated him to do more, and to make his name known on the local music scene, because he believed in himself.

He added that he was aware of his talent, and would build on it as he was still exploring possibilities and seeking sponsorship.

Callender said, “Local artistes needs a break, a little support goes a long way and if they are given that push they will succeed.’

At his age, the young artiste said he sees himself

as a voice for the local artistes and will not vanish from the music scene since he is determined to make it big here then further afield.

This ambitious musician spoke about the challenges local artistes encounter but he looks past that because he feels that music is an art form and once one knows himself or herself anything was possible.

Callender has a day job as a Clerk at the Ministry of the Presidency’s Immigration Citizenship Services, and he hails from Pattensen, Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara.

His message to young artistes like himself is to not get disenchanted but look ahead.

Buzz Beauty of the Week...

The breathtaking

Jenell Pierre

THIS week’s ‘Buzz’ beauty, who is already accustomed to the eyes of the Guyanese public on her as a young entrepreneur, hails from Seafield Village, West Coast, Berbice.

The Buzz caught up with Jenell Pierre, and found out more about her.

Jenell is a former St. Stanislaus College student who studied science and graduated in the year 2011. She is now a student of the University of Guyana, and is pursuing a degree in Business Management.

Ms. Pierre is also the CEO of BOWJAY, her own company, which makes handmade fashion accessories that promise the best bow ties in Guyana.

Jenell is also the Guyana winner of The Business Pitch held this year. She is an extrovert, who loves swimming, jogging, plays hockey, and is also a very talented dancer.

Being a Christian and strong believer, her personal mantra can be found in the Bible in Isaiah 40:31, which states: “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

Pierre believes she’s a bubbly person who is serious and focused when it comes to her baby, BOWJAY. She is a people person, and in five years sees herself as regional business tycoon who also provides opportunities for other young people.

Jenell Pierre is an amazing individual, and her beauty shines from both inside and outside. The ‘Buzz’ gives to you the definition of beauty and brains.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 1, 2016

Up and coming artiste, Kwesi Callender

Five quotes for 2016

QUOTATIONS inspire us to make good decisions; they boost our inner spirit. Life without motivation is like sitting in fear in a dark room. People often work like a robot, as they’re afraid to dream big.

God gave us this life to achieve extraordinary things. We all have the qualities and capabilities to get anything; the only thing we need is right guidance.

The following are the Buzz’ Top 5 quotes for 2016: ‘For every dark night, there is a brighter day’ --TUPAC SHAKUR

This beautiful quote describes how to start your day. Good times and bad times both keep on coming and going. So, always remember that there is a bright day after a dark night.

You should be optimistic enough to think on the positive side.

After your hard work, success is bound to come. So, never give up, and keep on putting your best foot forward. Always love your work.

‘All that we are is the result of what we have thought’ --BUDDHA Whatever we receive in this world is as a result of our thoughts. All the achievements are the result of our attitude and power of thinking. Miracles take place in our mind, so think big, and work hard. Do not take a rest until you achieve your goals.

‘Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake’ --HENRY DAVID THOREAU Dreams give us a vision to work on. A person without dreams is as good as an animal. So, the best in life comes when you watch big dreams with open eyes. Dreams keep us inspired. All the big achievers of the world were big dreamers.

They dreamed of achieving the impossible, and worked hard to make them a reality.

‘Impossible is a word to be found only in the dictionary of fools’ --ANON Nothing is impossible! Every task needs passion, positive energy and willpower. Long time ago, journey by air was impossible but today we can do it; Man can fly. So, nothing is impossible. We have reached the moon; we all have the power to achieve whatever we wish for; we just need to wake up and motivate ourselves to realise our hidden potential.

‘Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time you fall’ --ANON Failure and success are all part of life. Many people give up after facing failure; but they should not do that. They must get up and try again with double level of their energy, because now they have gained more experience. Never forget that failures are the pillars of success.

So, do your best to achieve the best with motivational quotes and proverbs. Life is a great teacher. Learn from it, and be a real winner. (Source:ezinearticles.com)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 1, 2016

Buzz Top 10 Songs of 2015

THE curtains are sadly closing on 2015, but what a year it was for music!

We’ve had ‘Bad-Boy Biebs’ win everyone over after cleaning up his act, ‘Drizzy’ breaking the Internet with his dodgy dance moves, and Adele pop in just to say ‘Hello’.

But which songs have completely ruled the year?

Let’s take a trip down memory lane to find out.

10) Sia - Elastic Heart: At Number 10, it’s Sia and the stirring ballad, Elastic Heart. With her recognisable vocals, catchy hook and a cameo from Shia LaBeouf in the video, it was, of course, a huge hit.

9) Major Lazer, feat. MO and DJ Snake - Lean On: In at Number 9, it’s Major Lazer, MO and DJ Snake with ‘Lean On’. Now, this didn’t become the most streamed track on Spotify for no reason. Major Lazer and co. found the perfect balance with this infectious dance number.

8) Years & Years – King: This song hit the airwaves late in 2014, but Years & Years dominated the beginning of this year with King.

The perfect intro to a new artist.

7) Jess Glynne - Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself: This list would not be complete without an entry from Jess Glynne. 2015 was certainly her year, and with its

inspirational message, Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself was undoubtedly a standout.

6) Wiz Khalifa, feat.

Charlie Puth - See You Again: At Number Six, it’s Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth with Fast & Furious 7 ballad, See You Again.

Written in tribute to the late actor, Paul Walker, this song had everyone shedding tears, not to mention it’s passed more than 1 billion views on YouTube.

5) Fetty Wap - Trap Queen: Now, our Number Five literally came out of nowhere this summer. Fetty Wap scored a massive hit with the drug-fuelled love story, Trap Queen, but his subsequent success proved he is no one-hit wonder.

4) The Weeknd Can’t Feel My Face: The Weeknd isn’t new to the music scene, but Can’t Feel My Face marked his crossover from brooding R’N’B star to crossover pop sensation.

3) Justin Bieber – Sorry: If you weren’t a fan of Justin Bieber, you probably are now. The pop star completely transformed his image this year, and Sorry marks his new beginning as a matured pop star.

2) Adele – Hello: Thanks to Adele, nobody can say Hello without “it’s me” coming after. Yes, the global superstar stormed back onto the charts with this incredi-

ble ballad, and needless to say, her third album 25 continues to break records. This is one comeback well done.

1) Drake - Hotline Bling: Our Number One spot, the best song of 2015.

It absolutely, most definitely has to go to Young Money star, aka ‘Drizzy’, aka ‘Drake’. The rapper had a sleeper hit on his hands with Hotline Bling, but it

Top 10 Parties of the Year THE year 2015 was an amazing year where parties in Guyana were concerned, with top guns like Pulse Entertainment (a perennial all-star when it comes to throwing a party), The Georgetown Hockey Club, and HJ never failing to deliver.

The Buzz ranks the top 10 parties of the year.

10: ‘Midnight Enchantment’ December 31, 2014 Pulse Entertainment rang in the New Year at the 704 Lounge in style. With pulsating rhythms, body shots at the door, and a dress code of elegantly casual, this was one of the places to be.

However, since it started in 2014 and ended in 2015, it can only fall at number 10 on this list.

Buzz approval rating: 3.8

Ground as well as the Demerara Cricket Club, and both of these locations promised glitter, water, great music and an atmosphere that they each delivered on. Look out for a return of the Wet Fete in the new rear.

Buzz approval rating: 4.2 7: ‘Olatunji alongside DJ X-Bass’, February 21, 2015 The Soca artiste, Olatunji brought here by ‘Pulse’, once again showed the creativity and vision of an entertainment mogul in the Guyanese industry.

Olatunji wowed and performed hits at the 704 Lounge, alongside DJ X-Bass and set the tone for Mashramani.

Buzz approval rating: 4.3

9: ‘Launching 2015 in Gravity’, January 3, 2015 Fresh from the hype and buzz from Midnight Enchantment and the success of that night, Pulse Entertainment continued the trend of promising parties with this one at Gravity, and set the tone for what would be a promising year.

Buzz approval rating: 4

6: ‘Sun, Water, Sand’, July 6, 2015 HJs Sun, Water, and Sand has been one of the events to kickstart the summer since it was first introduced here, and 2015 lived up to the hype with music from HJs 94.1 Boom DJs and an atmosphere that was electric.

The masses filled the Providence Stadium, and the sounds could be heard from Providence all the way to South Ruimveldt Gardens.

Buzz approval rating: 4.4

8: ‘Jouvert: Soca Wet Fete’, February 22, 2015 The ‘Soca Wet Fete’ was held at both the Parade

5: ‘We Love to Party’, July 25, 2015 ‘We Love to Party’ was one of the hottest parties of

the summer. ‘Pulse’ has consistently maintained its high standard throughout the year, and halfway through the year, they kept up the consistency.

Buzz approval rating: 4.5

both the Villain for ensnaring party goers, and the Hero for taking them on a ride they

never forgot.

The Buzz approval rating? #Breakthescale

Buzz Rewind...

4: ‘Dancehall Superstars, RDX’, Gravity Lounge, October 23, 2015 Even if you are not a dancehall fan, you would have heard of RDX, with songs like “Kotch”, “BroadOut” and other hits that frequent the airwaves. RDX are not just musicians, but entertainers, and Pulse managed to capture the magic of these performers, and unleash them on their waiting fans.

Buzz approval rating: 4.7 3&2: ‘Hockey Party’, Georgetown Hockey Club, August 29 & December 19 The Georgetown Hockey Club held two of its Hockey parties at the Gravity Lounge, and if you missed them, you definitely missed out. Even with the 2am curfew in force, party goers partied like there was no tomorrow.

Buzz approval rating: 5 1: ‘Thriller Halloween Party’, October 31, 2015 Unequivocally, irrevocably, undeniably, the biggest and Number One party of the year was Pulse Entertainment’s Thriller Halloween Party. This party was themed, “Hero or Villain”, and with a party this good, ‘Pulse’ was

completely took off when he premiered the music video that spawned thousands of memes. Admit it! How many of you have ever tried his moves?

Well, that rounds up our countdown of the best songs of 2015. Which singles have you been loving this year, and who will dominate 2016? We look forward to finding out in the New Year.

(Source:ibtimes.co.uk)

‘Thriller Halloween Party’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 1, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 1, 2016

GMRSC Message

John Carpenter President Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club

“2015 WAS a special year for motor racing as we celebrated 60 years of the sport in Guyana. It was fantastic. We hosted our traditional circuit and drag meets and returned to the No. 63 Beach where racing began in the 1950s.

We also retained the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship with the bulk of praise for that being heaped on the drivers and riders.

We want to thank all who assisted us, during the year in the race - marshals and volunteers, committee members and the office staff as well. We cannot forget our sponsors who were a hefty part of the success of the organisation and we look forward to their assistance in 2016.

In the coming year, we celebrate 60 years of racing at South Dakota with more entertainment and events planned and we look forward to the support of the majority supporters, you, the fans!

GTTA New Year’s Message 2015 CAN BE described as a year of consolidation of the association’s efforts where we thought it best to take a few steps back in view of crafting a pathway that would put the sport on a long-term and sustainable path with the institution of key developmental programmes and planning long-term.

In this regard we felt it was key to focus the core activities and work of the association in the direction of player and coach development, athlete training support and competition, instituting Hopes type activities among other key activities that would come into fruition in 2016.

Highlights were the team’s performance in the Jamaica Open and U.S. Open team Championships and Chelsea Edghill scholarship award to Lindenwood University Missouri.

We feel 2016 holds tremendous potential, and the introduction of table tennis in schools - a partnership project between the Government of Godfrey Munroe Guyana through the National President Guyana Table Tennis Sports Commission, Ministry Association of Culture Youth and Sport, the Guyana Teachers Union and the Guyana Olympic Association - will truly provide the impetus for the true development and sustainability of the sport.

This is one of the many major goals we have set for 2016 which would see a very productive year for the sport: ‘Building the Pillars’

New Year’s Message from the Guyana Hockey Board “ON BEHALF of the Guyana Hockey Board I would like to extend best wishes for the season to all of our sponsors, stakeholders and supporters.

Your contribution has enabled our Federation and the sport of hockey to continue its development and progress throughout 2015.

With this support, we have been able to deliver positive results in international competition, as well as to introduce an enjoyable pastime to the children of Guyana, which are our two primary objectives.

Philip Fernandes We look forward President with keen anticipation Guyana Hockey Board to growing our hockey family in the new year through continued partnerships with dedicated companies and the support of hockey enthusiasts.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 1, 2016

Reuben Stoby crowned ‘Male Road Racing Athlete-of-the-Year’ in BVI GUYANESE journalist and road racing athlete, Reuben Stoby, was named Male Road Racing Athlete-ofthe-Year 2015 when the British Virgin Islands Athletics Association (BVIAA) held its 7th Athletes Awards Gala presented by Sol on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at The Moorings’ Mariner Inn on Wickham’s Cay II, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

It was the crowning moment for Stoby who has enjoyed tremendous success on the road racing scene in the British Overseas Territory as he ran unbeaten in 2-mile, 5K and 10K competitions for the year, while setting a number of course records and placed 2nd in the Virgin Gorda Half Marathon in May. A fourth-place finish in the BVI Half Marathon and second in the Ring of Fire, a semi-ultra marathon, in December completed the year for the athlete who aims to

Reuben Stoby receives his plaque for Road Racing Athlete-of-the-Year from BVI Athletics Association Race Director Stephanie Russ-Penn.

GKC records outstanding year

By Stephan Sookram 2015 has been described by the Guyana Karate College as the one which provided lots of positive prospects both in and out of the Dojo.

Senior instructor of the Guyana Karate College Sensei Jeffrey Wong, in an invited comment, said “2015 was an interesting year for Karate at the Guyana Karate College. We had a lot of pluses from this year in that a lot of our students excelled, especially at the youth level and we are proud of this.”

“A major part of our 2015 was our participation in the International Karate Diagaku’s World Cup in Toronto Canada,” Wong contended.

Guyana finished second in that Championship which was held at the Ryerson University from July 15 to 19, 2015 where the competing countries included Canada, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, USA, Philippines, Jamaica, Antigua and Puerto Rico.

Trinidad won the World Cup with 46 gold medals and Barbados came in third with 36 gold medals. Altogether 33 members from the GKC attended this event and were named the best supporting group at this event capturing 38 gold medals.

On day one the Guyana Karate College gained 12 gold medals in Team Bunkai. With day two came nine more gold medals in team Enbu and day three, nine gold medals in team

Kata and five gold medals in individual Katas.

Wong also thanked their major sponsors GT&T, Digicel, Gafoors, Demerara Harbour Bridge, Giftland Officemax, Guyana National Bureau of Standards, Republic Bank, C&V Shipping, Pritipaul Singh, MACORP, Guyana Forestry Commission, Engineering and Construction Inc., Hand-in-Hand Mutual Fire Ins. Co. Ltd, Camex Ltd, Bosai Minerals Group, RK Security, Apex Insurance, Citizens Bank, National Hardware, MP Insurance and Bettencourt’s.

He also noted that over 100 students had been graded in the year by head of the international Karate Diagaku (IKD) Sensei Frank Woon-A-Tai and had advanced their Kyu, noting an upsurge in the number of young students who were showing their dedication to the sport.

Sensei Wong said, “We also want to thank Guyana Government for their support during the year. They assisted us with a lot of things and as always, it is always a good feeling to have the blessings of your leaders when embarking on any journey.”

“In 2016, we would again like to embark on the same partnerships that we had in 2015 with both government and the private sector because we think that they are very important stakeholders for us to ensure that this year, we progress even further,” the GKC vice-president said.

come stronger in the longer distances in 2016.

Although he only started running in 2013, Stoby said his passion to succeed, discipline, determination and hard work, enabled him to be competitive and eventually become BVI’S Road Racing Champion.

Of his amazing sequence of running Stoby said “In October, I was selected to represent the BVI at the NACAC 10K in Petit Bourg, Guadeloupe, where I competed against some of the best in the world, including from Kenya, Canada and France.

In November the Athletics Association of Guadeloupe invited me to take part in another 10K where again I gained valuable exposure competing against some of the best in the Caribbean.”

Meanwhile, another Guyanese athlete, Julius Farley, had also received nomination for Male Road Racing Athlete-of-the-Year.

No place for Lanferman, Somerset at Adidas MLS Combine

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has received correspondence from the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) through the office of its general secretary regarding the participation of Jumane Somerset and Delon Lanferman at the recently concluded CFU/MLS Combine held in Curacao, December 17 -20.

“It is with deep regret that the CFU has informed the GFF, that neither Somerset nor Lanferman was selected to further participate at the Adidas MLS Combine in Florida, January 8-13.

According to Diedre Davis, General Secretary of the GFF, “We are happy to have afforded Mr Somerset and Mr Lanferman the opportunity to attend these sessions. It is our (GFF) intention to continue to support the development of players within Guyana with the intention of realising their selection to a professional club within the global football network.”

Meanwhile, the CFU officials said that they were pleased to have decentralised the third annual initiative, giving more Caribbean players the opportunity to be seen by the MLS scouts and they’re confident that continuation of this will augur well for regional players in the future.

The CFU/MLS Combine caters for players between ages 18 and 22 years and is an annual showcase of Caribbean football talent, organised jointly by MLS and the CFU, with the inaugural Combine being held in January 2014.

The Combine provides opportunities for Caribbean players to be observed by MLS scouts with the hopes of being invited to the MLS Combine, an invite-only showcase event held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, prior to the annual MLS SuperDraft.

Through their partnership with CFU, the MLS conducted combines in St Kitts and Nevis, and Curacao and the scouts would later only invite 21 year-old Jamaican Jorginho James to their Combine in Florida next year.

James has made three senior national team selections for Jamaica, and the midfield player who suits up for Harbour View Football Club has also represented the ‘Reggae Boyz’ at several International Youth Tournaments.

Maximum Sports Combat and Strength jump-starts 2016 MAXIMUM Sports Combat and Strength sports show, aired every Friday on NCN, is set for a special, spectacular New Year’s night 90-minute presentation.

Tonight’s show will run from 20:30hrs to 22:00hrs, beginning with prayers from highly regarded representatives of Guyana’s religious denominations, (Christian, Muslim, Hindu, & Rastafari), something the show producer says is a symbol of nationwide inclusivity for the positive and continuous momentum of viewership growth, with its inspiring, informative, and entertaining content.

The Producer, sports enthusiast Max Massiah, noted that due to the overwhelming response from sports personalities and the general public, comprising all ages and ethnicity, and with the first programme for 2016 actually being on the first day of the year, the success of any and all endeavours begins with prayers.

The Producer added that other guests on tonight’s programme will be the representatives of Combat & Strength sports, (boxing, bodybuilding, powerlifting, and martial arts) such as the Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation, the Guyana Powerlifting Federation, Guyana Boxing Board of Control, Guyana Olympic Association, the Guyana Sports Commission, Senior Instructors of Martial Arts Schools,

and president of the Guyana Boxing Association, Steve Ninvalle.

‘Max’, as he is popularly known, has received invitations to travel to countries such as Pakistan and Russia, to attend tournaments, for the purpose of acquiring valuable video footage for the programme, but unfortunately was unable to attend due to other pressing engagements and priorities, but stated that in 2016 he will ensure such opportunities are accommodated for the highly beneficial value of the show’s viewers.

Massiah holds a Certificate in Television Production presented by the University of Guyana’s Centre for Communication Studies, is a Certified GBA Boxing Coach, Referee, and Judge, a 2nd degree Black Belt Martial Artist, been involved in bodybuilding for over 35 years, and has an unquenchable passion for sports/fitness health development, which are all assets for a quality programme.

Fitness Express, Guyana Karate College, Jermins Enterprise, Hand-in-Hand Insurance, Industrial Supply of Guyana, Nexgen Global Marketing, and Comfort Sleep are the show’s sponsors.

Giftland Mall is a ‘Special’ sponsor, while A. Ally & Sons is the main sponsor. Support has also been given by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport. The programme enters its 79th edition tonight.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 1, 2016

Three new faces in Jaguars Super50 squad HARD-hitting opener Kevon Boodie, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie and fast bowler Romario Shepherd are the three new caps named in the Guyana Jaguars squad to participate in this month’s NAGICO Super50 tournament, to be played in St Kitts and Trinidad

herd and Royston Crandon.

Devendra Bishoo and Rajendra Chandrika are on duty with the West Indies team in Australia. As soon as they are available, they will replace two players.

Guyana depart for St Kitts on January 4 as the NAGICO Super50 tour-

format with the eight teams equally divided into two groups. Each side will play six matches during the preliminary rounds, with each playing the others in their group twice.

The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals at Queen’s Park Oval (Trinidad),

KEVON BOODIE

GUDAKESH MOTIE

ROMARIO SHEPHERD

and Tobago.

The 14-man squad will be captained by Leon Johnson with Christopher Barnwell the vice-captain.

The full squad reads: Leon Johnson (captain), Christopher Barnwell (vice-captain), Assad Fudadin, Kevon Boodie, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Vishaul Singh, Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble, Steven Jacobs, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Paul Wintz, Romario Shep-

nament opens on January 7, and will again be contested among the eight teams, comprising the six territorial franchises, as well as the Marooners and an ICC Americas composite side.

The Jaguars have been placed in Group ‘B’ alongside Jamaica Scorpions, Windward Islands Volcanoes and Leeward Islands Hurricanes with St Kitts and Nevis being the host country.

The preliminary competition will be played under a non-elimination

where the group winners play the runners-up from the opposite group in a one-off match for a place in the Grand Final on Sunday, January 24, at the same venue.

This number equals a total of 27 matches for the biggest, senior regional domestic 50 overs-a-side tournament ever staged by the WICB. Group ‘A’, which will be played in Trinidad and Tobago, comprises Red Force, Marooners, Barbados Pride and ICC Americas.

Winners Connection hunting ‘hat-trick’, Silver Shattas eyeing first title ... Topp XX, Netrockers battle for third place THE Federal Winners Connection and upstarts Silver Shattas football clubs are billed to battle for the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) GT Beer Football Championship tonight, at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground in Linden, with the winners pocketing $800 000.

Winners Connection needled (1-0) Topp XX, while Silver Shattas booked their spot in the final, following a 2-0 win over Netrockers when the semi-finals were held last Wednesday.

Tonight Winners Connection will pin their hopes on the wily veteran Rawle ‘Boney Gittens and youthful

Marmarlaque Davidson with their midfield centred on Chris Young and Gary Thompson.

Defenders Derrol Dainty and the experienced Marlon Maxius will also be expected to play their part in helping to see Winners Connection through to their third title.

Silver Shattas are the surprise finalists, but the club feel confident that they have reached thus far and can take home this championship.

The team, based in the Silver City/ Victory Valley area, will have on the forward line the in-form Rawlston Fraser and Colwyn Drakes with the

goalkeeping duties done by Kellon Adams.

The experienced captain Leon Clement will be stabilising his charges with Rommel Matthews, Wesley Hall, Tashawn Thomas and Kellon Major all being part of their (Silver Shattas) starting line-up.

Meanwhile, Topp XX and Netrockers will face off for the third and fourth place at 18.30hrs.

The team in the second position will get $500 000, third-placers collect $300 000 and fourth-placers $100 000 along with several trophies, replicas, and other awards.

YWCC, Canje Pathfinders to clash in Sunday’s final YOUNG Warriors Cricket Club (YWCC) and Canje Pathfinders will clash in the final of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)-sponsored Ramnarine Appiah T20 tournament on Sunday at the picturesque Cumberland Cricket Club of East Canje, Berbice.

The grand finale is set to commence at 13:30hrs and promises to be an exciting affair with the visitors having in their lineup, Videsh Singh, the most prolific scorer in the competition so far.

He will be supported by Kishan Gangaram and Kishan Sobhai among others.

On the other hand, the slightly favoured home team is made up of a nice blend of youth and experience, being led by former national senior cricketer, coach, selector and administrator Hubern Evans.

The aggressive Mortimer Fraser and Berbice youth batsman Alex Algoo will lead the batting, with support from the in-form Rudolph Baker, all-rounder Zaheer Moakhan and former national junior cricketer Balram Samaroo.

Further, Betsy Ground Triple Star will square off with the exciting Kendalls Union A in the third place playoff from 09:30hrs.

Cash incentives and trophies totalling over $100 000 will be up for grabs.

LABA/Malta Supreme Basketball Championship

The unbeaten Raiders battle the ‘raging’ Bulls

IT WILL be the experienced and tried Retrieve Raiders against the Half Mile Bulls’ bursting vigour of youth clashing tomorrow night when the respective sides meet in the final of the Malta Supreme basketball championship at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court in Linden.

This final is set to bounce off at 21.00hrs with an ‘East’ versus ‘West’ Under-19 all-star game being played at 19:00hrs.

Retrieve Raiders will be heading into tonight’s final with a host of former national players in their line-up; captain Neil Marks, Dwayne ‘Brown Sugar’ Roberts, Abdulla Hamid and Marvin Hartman along with current national Keon Cameron and Louis Webster along with the promising players like Alexander Rose and Duel Garner.

The Bulls have an abundance of youths with the young three current national players in their captain Terron Welch, Dennis Niles and Michael Turner and the likes of the busy Keifer ‘Skipper’ Tappin, Shane Lewis, Kevin Easton to complement their unit.

With so much at stake in this Banks DIH-sponsored tournament where cash incentives, trophies and medals, the Bulls will be hard to beat with their fast-paced running game, but the Raiders with all their experience will have to come up with a strategy to counter that running game style of the Bulls.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 1, 2016

Name the Stands at our Stadium!

Says Rajiv Bisnauth RENOWNED Guya n e s e s i n g e r, D a v e Martins, once asked, “Where are your heroes, Caribbean; show

SHIVNARINE CHANDERPAUL them to me!”

Naming the stands at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, is a great opportunity to showcase some of Guyana’s Cricketing Heroes to the World.

Why the wait?

Why so long? Are we

ashamed of the men, w h o , t h ro u g h t h e i r deeds on and off the cricket field have forever branded a positive image of our beautiful, but small country on the international scene?

Are we as ungrateful as a nation to the men in white, who took our exciting brand of cricket triumphantly to the many countries and venues around the world? Or is it that we just don’t care?

I am flabbergasted and angry that after eight years of having such a state-of-the-art facility the previous administration was not interested in putting names on our stands.

Touring journalists, who have covered cricket at our National Stadium continue to laugh at us. Cricket presenters at the Kensington Oval in Barbados can refer to the Hall and Griffith Stand, the Greenidge and Haynes Stands.

In Trinidad and Tobago we hear of the Gerry Gomez Media Centre. What about Guyana? The Green

Stand! The Red Stand!

The Orange Stand! The Media Centre!

The time has come; we must name the stands at the Stadium. It is not only an honour to our heroes, but also motivation for our youths playing the game.

The Guyana National Stadium was built in time to host matches in the 2007 50-Over Cricket World Cup. It has since hosted two Test matches, 13 ODIs and six T20 Internationals.

CLIVE LLOYD My humble suggestions are as follows: What about the Lloyd and Kanhai National Stadium?

Why not let us name the Green Stand, Kallicharran and Fredericks stand?

Alvin Kallicharran,

a left-handed batsman played 66 Tests and 31 One Day Internationals, scoring 5 225 runs altogether, while Roy Fredericks, also a left-handed batsman played 59 Tests and 12 One Day Internationals, scoring 4 645 runs altogether.

The Red Stand should be named the Hooper and Chanderpaul Stand.

Carl Hooper represented the West Indies

in 102 Tests and 227 One Day Internationals, while Shivnarine Chanderpaul, West Indies is the most prolific Test player, with 164 Tests, and 268 One Day Internationals. Together the two players scored 32 168 international runs.

The Orange stand can be called the Camacho and Butcher Stand.

Basil Butcher and the late Steve Camacho have played 55 Tests

between them, scoring 3 744 runs together.

Name the southern stand the Gibbs and Croft Stand!

Lance Gibbs and Colin Croft played 79 and 27 Tests respectively. Gibbs, an off-spinner took 309 Tests wickets, while Croft, a fearsome fast bowler took 125 wickets.

What about the Reds Perreira Media Centre and the Dave Martins Grass Mound?

Shimron Hetmyer to captain West Indies at ICC Under-19 World Cup GUYANA’S Shimron Hetmyer has been named as captain of the West Indies Team for the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Under-19 World Cup 2016.

The top-order batsman will play in the tournament for the second time. He was a member of the West Indies squad at the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2014 in the United Arab Emirates.

He is one of two players in the squad with first-class experience along with fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, having played six matches for Guyana Jaguars in the WICB Professional Cricket League (PCL).

Joseph made his debut for Leeward Islands Hurricanes a year ago and has so far captured 17 wickets in five matches, with best figures of 7-46.

The ICC Under-19 World Cup 2016 will be played in Bangladesh from January 22 to February 14.

Prior to the tournament, Windies will face Bangladesh in a three-match 50-overs series, which will form part of their prepa-

ration camp.

Speaking on the squad, Chairman of Selectors Clive Lloyd noted: “We

SHIMRON HETMYER have put together a group of players we believe will perform for the West Indies.

We see them as future Test cricketers

for the West Indies and this tour is an opportunity for them to be exposed at the international level against strong opposition.”

FULL SQUAD Shimron Hetmyer (captain), Keemo Paul (vice-captain), Kacey Carty, Shahid Crooks, Michael Frew, Jyd Goolie, Tevin Imlach, Ryan John, Alzarri Joseph, Kirstan Kallicharan, Obed McCoy, Gidron Pope, Odean Smith, Shamar Springer and Emmanuel Stewart.

TEAM MANAGEMENT Dwain Gill (team manager) Graeme West (head coach) Corey Collymore (bowling coach) Khevyn Williams (physiotherapist) Neval Grazette (strength & conditioning trainer) Dinesh Mahabir (analyst)

WARM-UP SERIES SCHEDULE

Monday January 11: vs Bangladesh – Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur Thursday January 14: vs Bangladesh Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong Saturday January 16: vs Bangladesh Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong

WORLD CUP FIRST ROUND SCHEDULE Friday, January 22: vsScotland – Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium, Fatullah Sunday, January 24: vs South Africa – Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium, Fatullah Friday, January 29: vs England – Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong Sunday, January 31: vs Fiji – MA Aziz Stadium, Chittagong Tuesday, February 2: vs Zimbabwe – Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 1, 2016

The ‘8 Foundations’ of the Lady Jags

By Colin Benjamin

THE ‘La Masia’ Academy in Catalonia, Spain, has become very famous in recent years. That academy is renowned as the developmental hub responsible for the ‘Tiki-Taka’ football style of Barcelona’s recent success in European top flight football, which has captured the imagination of football fans worldwide.

Spain’s preeminent rise in international football which saw them win three consecutive international tournaments (European champions 2008, 2010 & 2012) was a direct result of Barcelona winning four consecutive La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League titles during that period.

Eight players of La Masia upbringing who were present in almost all those triumphs for Spain were namely: Xavi Hernandez, Carlos Puyol, Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta, Sergi Busquets, Pedro, Cesc Fabregas and Victor Valdes.

From a Guyana perspective, the country’s senior national female football team – Lady Jags – who completed a historic 2-1 win over the Jamaica Reggae Girls on November 20 to advance to the Olympic Qualifiers round meant that by default, along with their appearance in the 2010 CONCACAF Gold Cup, they have done more than the men’s team on the international stage.

Similarly as aforementioned with the Spain/Barcelona connection, eight ladies for the Lady Jags have been at the foundations for these two notable successes: Captain Ashley Rodrigues, Alison Lawrence,

the atmospheres and circumstances surrounding both these iconic results highlight an unfortunate lack of appreciation for the current crop of Lady Jags in the Guyanese football fraternity.

While the men on that famous night in 2011 had the luxury of superb home crowd at the Guyana National Stadium, alongside television coverage where the goal by Ricky Shakes can be seen by anyone on youtube today, the Lady Jags played on neutral territory in central Trinidad where the game was

fessional career at Louisiana’s North Western State University and League One Ontario.

“We have always just wanted support of the GFF. I’m not going to get too involved in the politics, just going to stay focused on what we can control on the field,” said national captain Ashley Rodrigues She continued: “The way we played in CFU round makes us all very optimistic and I believe we will surprise some people, but not ourselves because we deserve to be there” The oldest member in the squad, Alison Lawrence, who plays in the Michigan Women’s League further believes that the majority of the squad would have found playing professionally during the five-year period has helped to off-set the inactivity.

“This belief is evident when you look at how our level of play has progressed even though we were not together,” explained mid-fielder Lawrence.

“I believe all the ladies are now more mature, aggressive, confident and skilled by virtue of having collegiate/semi pro experience under their belts. I am optimistic that the current leaders in place at the federation will support us going forward as we seek to put Guyana on the map and become a formidable contender in the arena of women’s football.”

Considering that all eight foundation members plus a few other squad members are born in Canada, the opening encounter on February 11, 2016 provides a game of strong emotional and football standpoint for the Lady Jaguars.

Defender Kayla De Souza, who recent-

KAYLA DE SOUZA

ASHLEY RODRIGUES Briana and Kayla De Souza, Ashlee Savona, Mariam El-Masri, Justine Rodrigues and Olivia Gonzales.

From a personal media perspective I was lucky enough to be present at easily the two most significant games in the complicated history of international football for the Guyana senior teams. No doubt the ladies beating of Jamaica was as significant as the men topping Trinidad on November 11, 2011.

However this is where the comparison with the men’s and women’s teams ends as

not recorded and only a select few who saw Mariam El-Masri’s excellent goal, would be able to reminisce on its excellence.

However the Lady Jags are a humble and resilient bunch and five of the ‘Foundation 8’ spoke about their journey with the national team as they prepare for February’s 2016 Olympic qualifiers in Houston, Texas, versus Canada, Trinidad & Tobago and Guatemala.

Since their appearance in the 2010 Olympic qualifiers, Guyana football has arguably gone through more administrative mess than any Caribbean sporting institution. This has had a direct implication on the Lady Jags since they became totally inactive.

In the words of team right-winger Ashley Savona, the Lady Jags are treating the potential uncertainty as ammunition ahead of the Olympics qualifiers.

“We never knew why we weren’t playing and watching other teams play friendlies was disappointing. But it has created a fire in the belly, that these games could be our last major set for a while and we want to show the world what we are made of,” stated Savona who currently works as an assistant coach at the University of Alabama alongside her pro-

ASHLEE SAVONA ly was awarded defender-of-the-year for her League One Ontario Club, Durham FC United, is simply eager to wear the Guyanese

colours in the fixture.

“All the Canadian-born players are very excited to play against Canada just like any other country. Once we put on the green, gold and red jerseys we represent Guyana - the country, the people and our families - that’s who we fight for.”

“Hearing both countries’ anthems before the game will be an emotional one”, noted Kayla’s sister and fellow defender - Briana De Souza.

“Guyana just making the 100 ranking will definitely be the underdogs, which means we have nothing to lose. Although it won’t be an easy one, we will do our very best to perform at our best and come out with a desirable result. Anything can happen in football and I’m confident it will be a good match.”

BRIANA DE SOUZA “It is with great pride that I play for Guyana against my birth country Canada.

I have a lot to prove and it has been a blessing that coach Mark (Rodrigues) has faith in me to compete with my Guyana sisters at such a high level. It will be a lifetime achievement to compete against one of the best teams in the world,” said Lawrence.

One of the notable factors of the Lady Jaguars is the philosophy of coach Mark Rodrigues: that playing international football is an honour and they should do it for free. This is widely supported by all the ladies in the camp and as captain Ashley Rodrigues eruditely summarised - the current group of Lady Jags are essentially playing to inspire the next general of Lady Jags especially the local-born Guyanese to take up the sport.

“A big part of what we are doing is to help female football in Guyana.

“Nothing of what we are doing is for the glory, that’s why all the girls understand that and accept the non-pay position. We don’t expect to get paid to represent a country that we want to in the first place.

“We hope to inspire for however long our journey together lasts, we will have inspired young female footballers in Guyana to want to play football,” concluded captain Ashley Rodrigues.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday January 1, 2016

Fireworks expected when Western Tigers face Riddim Squad ... Santos clash with N.A. United for third spot

THE Guyana National Stadium will be the battle ground for tonight’s final of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA)/ Banks Beer Cup between Western Tigers and Riddim Squad. With $2M on the line, fireworks are expected when the two teams collide for the coveted title.

Western Tigers advanced to the final following their dominant 3-0 win over New Amsterdam United while Riddim Squad edged the youthful Santos FC on a nail-biting 3-2 penalty shootout when the semi-finals were held at the GFC ground on Wednesday.

Of the two finalists, Western Tigers have been most dominant throughout the tournament and forward Randolph Wagner believes that his West Ruimveldt unit have what it takes to cart off the title.

“Western Tigers are ready, we are prepared to play anyone,” exclaimed the team’s head coach Anthony ‘Lambada’ Stanton.

Stanton, a former national stand-out

Randolph Wagner and also a foundation member of the Western Tigers team from yesteryear, noted that “finishing is the main thing (we worked on). Finishing is everything.”

Meanwhile on the other side, the Riddim Squad captain Sceyon Hope added

that in their 3-2 penalty win over Santos, the side had played without two integral players and hoped that they would be back in time for today’s final.

“As in any final, nothing comes easily, you have to work for it; and it’s a final and you know Western Tigers got good players and they would never ever stop until the last whistle, which we intend to do too; play hard football and play with a positive mind,” Hope said.

He told the media that should these players not return, the coach will have to come up with another plan in order for them

to hoist the trophy.

Meanwhile third-place action will bring together an interesting game between Santos and New Amsterdam United.

The runners-up will take home $1M and a trophy while the third- and fourth-place teams will carry home $500 000 and $250 000 respectively.

The first game (third-place playoff) will take place at 18:30hrs while the final will commence at 20:30hrs. Jamaican Dancehall superstar will also be performing live at the after-game concert.

Fireworks expected when Western Tigers face Riddim Squad See story on page 43

Name the Stands at our Stadium!

See story on page 41

KEON SEARS

Winners Connection hunting ‘hat-trick’, Silver Shattas eyeing first title See story on page 40

SHIMRON HETMYER

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

Shimron Hetmyer to captain West Indies at ICC Under-19 World Cup See story on page 41

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 2016