Chronicle 01 06 2016

LGE RACE No. 104423

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 6, 2016

Price: $80

(Vat Inclusive)

… several groups submit symbols to contest elections

Page 3

$400M Stabroek wharf coming Page 13

An artist’s impression of the proposed $400M new Stabroek Wharf

Guyana fights to 8 keep out Zika Page

GAWU pocketed ‘Help us find millions to train Dominic sugar workers Bernard’ Page 13

- father of missing UK teen

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 6, 2016

All aerodromes to be upgraded GOVERNMENT has announced that, in keeping with plans to transform the country’s infrastructure, all aerodromes will be upgraded.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, in a recent interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), said Government recognises that improved infrastructural networks can

serve to catalyse development, hence Cabinet has approved the upgrade of Guyana’s aerodromes.

Ferguson said a committee has already been identified and given the mandate to begin developmental works.

A draft document that outlines such development is expected to be submitted by early March.

“That document would seek to address how best we

can have our aerodromes improved. We have in excess of 160 airstrips in the various regions…some of these airstrips are in a deplorable state…this improvement will not be done haphazardly,” Ferguson explained.

A consultative approach is expected to be taken when developing airstrips in the hinterland. That is to ensure that the various stakeholders,

10 new housing schemes for 2016

GOVERNMENT, through its housing programme, is committed to improving the quality of life of Guyanese by establishing new cohesive communities, and consolidating existing settlements.

This will be done through the promotion of integrated planning, land divestment and affordable housing.

To this end, in 2016, the administration will be enhancing service delivery through home construction and land divestment, improved infrastructure, promotion of public/private partnership, enhanced coordination with governmental and non-governmental organisations, and enhanced community participation.

A total of 100 new ‘turnkey’ houses will be constructed; 200 house lots will be distributed; and 10 new housing

schemes will be developed in Regions 3, 4, 6, 7 and 10.

There will be infrastructural upgrade in 25 communities in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10 in 2016; and the community development programme will be intensified.

The results should realise the building of leadership capacity in 19 communities in Regions 3, 4, 6, 7 and 10.

There will also be allocation of 400 regularised squatter lots, identification of 37 community projects for implementation, and commencement of a comprehensive squatter regularisation and relocation plan. The resulting impact of these approaches would see not only the living conditions and quality of life improved for the beneficiary and household, but ultimately the formation of cohesive and

sustainable communities in which Guyanese can secure the ‘Good Life.’

During the seven months of the administration in 2015, a total of 180 house lots and 290 titles were handed out; outreaches were conducted in communities such as La Parfaite Harmonie, Angoy’s Avenue, Eliza and Mary, and Lethem; more than 20 community leaders were trained; three community projects were implemented; 148 lots were allocated to persons in squatting areas under regularisation; 250 titles were issued to persons in squatting areas under regularization; and a further US$3M had been promised to the administration by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for construction of homes in the hinterland.

Junior Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson

operators and people who live in the community have their say in what is developed.

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, in a previous interview, had indicated that one of his plans entails the Lethem Airport being upgraded to regional status, with similar features in length and runway as the Ogle International Air-

port. However, for this to come into being, cheaper electricity is needed in the region, the Minister noted.

The year 2015 saw $417M being allocated towards air and river transport, in order to provide better linkages between hinterland regions and urban and rural centres.

That figure is expected to be increased in this year’s budget.

Scenes 50 years ago !

The first school to be declared open in 1966, the Mocha school, was built through self-help efforts at a cost of $22, 000. It was built to accommodate 250 children

Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Pope, right, head of the new Guyana Defence Force, called on Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Ptolemy Reid, January 3, 1966

On January 2, 1966, Education Minister Mrs Winifred Gaskin declared open the allage government school at Mocha, East Bank Demerara

LGE race

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 6, 2016

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- several groups submit symbols to contest elections

MANY political parties, voluntary groups and individual candidates from all across Guyana made a last minute dash to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Tuesday to submit their applications for approval of symbols to contest the much anticipated local government elections (LGE).

Submissions were also made through the Returning Officers for the respective municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).

It is suspected that a number of these submissions have been made to the Commission. GECOM Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield told the Guyana Chronicle that his officers

are at this time still doing tabulation.

Yesterday was the deadline for submissions. Applicants are required by law to submit their symbols for approval by GECOM not later than 21 days before Nomination Day for elections. With Government setting March 18, 2016 for the holding of the LGE, Nomination Day has been set at Tuesday, January 26.

President David Granger had said that the APNU+AFC coalition will be contesting all aspects of the March 2016 election.

Speaking to journalists last Thursday on his weekly programme, ‘The Public Interest’, President Granger said, “We have resolved to go into local government

GECOM Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield elections as a coalition. We created a movement on the 11th May which was accepted by the general public, and this is the form

of government they want to see. We will take it to local government elections, not just keep it as a device for general and regional elections. We introduced it because we believe in inclusionary democracy, and we believe in inclusionary democracy as a useful tool for democracy.

“The APNU+AFC will be going into LGE as a coalition,” President Granger affirmed while responding to questions posed by the panel of two journalists.

He added: “What we have determined is that, as far as possible, we will allow the local residents to decide how they’d like to contest the elections…but, generally, we will be contesting neighbourhoods and municipalities as a

coalition. That is our general position.”

Well known social activist Mark Benschop has also signalled his intention to contest the elections.

According to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), in compliance with Article 71 of the Constitution, Local Authority Areas, comprising six municipalities or towns and 65 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), have been established in Guyana.

The two primary objectives of local government are to enable democratic local decision-making and action by and on behalf of communities; and to promote the social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of

communities.

Some of the key goals of the LGE are to improve the local environment; provide and develop local open spaces and recreational facilities; set strategic policy directions; and prepare annual plans, budgets and long-term council community plans.

Local government elections are being held after more than two decades since last being held. It was originally scheduled to be held in 1997 after the last elections in 1994, but had been continuously delayed by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) -- which was in office for 23 years before being defeated by the APNU+AFC Coalition at the last General and Regional Elections.

1 injured in car/motorcycle collision A M O T O R C Y C L I S T, whose name was given as “Tyron”, 21, was injured last evening after he was struck by a speeding car at the junction of Vlissengen Road and Homestretch Avenue.

According to information reaching the Guyana Chronicle, motorcar HC 5336 was heading west along Homestretch Avenue when it attempted to make it over to Croal Street before the lights changed from amber changed to red.

It was during that same time that the motorcyclist reportedly attempted to proceed north along Vlissengen when the driver of the car noticed him and attempted to avoid collision with him, but it was too late.

According to eyewitnesses, the driver's car slightly grazed the motorcyclist, who fell to the ground, even as the taxi driver lost control of the vehicle and slammed into a stomp, before sailing into the canal in the vicinity of the Ministry of the Presidency, which separates South Road from Croal Street.

Police sources identified the driver of the car as Terry

Khan of Sophia.

Initial information suggested that the young man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital in an unconscious state, but regained consciousness while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Meanwhile, the police in a press statement yesterday stated that they were conducting investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of fisherman 49-year-old Shahabudeen

Haniff of Masjid Road, Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara.

The man’s body, according to police was found entangled in a fishing net on a vessel he used to work on. The vessel was in the vicinity of the Berbice River.

The now dead man and crew members departed from a wharf at New Hope, East Bank Demerara , on December 30, 2015.

Investigations are in progress.

The submerged car in the canal

The car after it was pulled from the canal

The driver of the car in discussion with a traffic inspector last evening

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Tourism Ministry remains intact

THE Government has clarified that the tourism portfolio remains intact, allaying concerns by some stakeholders and members of the public, following the recent adjustments in the David Granger-led administration.

In a statement issued by the Department of Public Information it was stated: ”with regard to publicly expressed concerns by some stakeholders about the status of the Ministry of Tourism following the recent changes to Cabinet portfolios the Department of Public Information clarifies the following: the tourism portfolio remains in full effect and has been twinned with the public telecommunications portfolio.”

The DPI said the Tourism Ministry will now be known as the Ministry of Public Telecommunications and Tourism. “The Honourable Catherine Hughes is the Minister of Public Telecommunications and Tourism.

The tourism sector remains a high level priority focus area for the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and Minister Hughes will continue her work in building and strengthening this sector and positioning Guyana as one of the world’s leading eco-tourism destinations,” the DPI asserted. The DPI also stated that the portfolio for Public Information remains with Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 6, 2016

End inaction on gun firearm sales.

Standing in a room filled with victims of gun violence, he explained that the murder of schoolchildren in Newtown, Connecticut, changed him - and that he hoped it would change the country.

Three years have passed since that school massacre, however, and the country hasn’t changed. While some states have toughened their laws, others have expanded gun rights and the US Congress has taken no action.

So Obama did what he could, and wrapped the move in Language that sounded more appropriate for a ceremony announcing the passage of sweeping legislation that, in political environment, has no chance of reaching his presidential desk.

And even this small move will likely be fiercely challenged in court, in Congress and at the ballot box by whichever Republican wins the nomination fight to replace him in 2017.

Gun violence is significantly higher in the US than in other advanced countries, killing about 30,000 people

AN EMOTIONAL US President Barack Obama has unveiled new restrictions on gun purchases at the White House, saying the “constant excuses for inaction” have to stop.

The White House has outlined his plans for Executive action, which focus on background checks.

Most of the actions can be carried out without Congressional approval.

“That’s why we’re here, not to do something about the last mass shooting, but to prevent the next one,” he said.

“The gun lobby may be holding Congress hostage right now, but they can’t hold America hostage,” Obama said.

He gave his remarks surrounded by survivors and relatives of victims of shootings, recalling mass shootings in the US in the past few years and everyday gun violence in cities like Chicago.

An emotional President Barack Obama employed all of his rhetorical skill to justify what are, in reality, Executive actions that modestly expand federal regulation of

each year.

Congress has been reluctant to pass any laws restricting gun ownership, facing pressure from gun owners and the powerful National Rifle Association.

Obama tried to pass expanded background check legislation in 2012 after the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, that left 20 children and six adults dead, but it failed in Congress.

The Executive actions include background checks for all gun sellers, overturning current exemptions to some online and gun show sellers; states providing information on people disqualified from buying guns due to mental illness or domestic violence; increased workforce for the FBI to process background checks, hiring more than 230 new examiners; Congress being asked to invest US$500M (£339M) to improve access to mental healthcare in the US; and the departments of defence, justice and homeland security exploring “smart gun technology” to improve gun safety.

The announcement is already shaping up to be an issue in the 2016 presidential

election.

Leading Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton tweeted: “@POTUS is right: We can protect the second Amendment while protecting our families and communities from gun violence. And we have to.”

Republican candidate Senator Ted Cruz tweeted that the Executive actions are unconstitutional, with a link to sign up for his campaign correspondence on a webpage that says “Obama wants your guns” with a photo of the President in an army jacket and hat.

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush tweeted that he would repeal the actions and protect the Second Amendment.

During Obama’s speech, comedian Amy Schumer, cousin of New York Senator Chuck Schumer, was in the audience. Two women died in a shooting at a movie theatre in Louisiana during a showing of her movie Trainwreck.

Gabby Giffords, a former congresswoman who survived a shooting, was there as well, in addition to many relatives of victims and survivors of mass shooting. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 6, 2016

President to respect LGBT rights

By Ravin Singh

In what could be considered an encouragement for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, President David Granger has said that he is prepared to respect the rights of any adult to indulge in any practice which is not harmful to others.

This revelation was made on Thursday last when the President engaged reporters following his weekly televised show “The Public Interest” which is aired on the state-owned National Communications Network (NCN). It comes against the backdrop of countless calls for the reexamination of laws which discriminate against persons comprising the LGBT community.

According to the Head of State, the issue has been one which has existed throughout human history and given the fact that this period is considered a “modern age,” he is of the conviction that human rights should prevail. “I am prepared to respect the rights

of any adult to indulge in any practice which is not harmful to others” he said.

He continued that, “I would like to feel that there should be some element, first, of respecting the human rights of individuals, and second, at the Governmental level, free choice; that persons should be able to express their views freely without necessarily sticking to a party line.”

However, noting that this is not an issue which has been ventilated at the level of Cabinet, President Granger maintained that human rights are paramount, over party opinions. Presently, Guyana is the only country in South America where homosexual acts are still illegal. Under the laws of Guyana, homosexual acts carry a possible punishment of life imprisonment.

According to the Criminal Law (Offences) Act of Guyana: Section 352: Any male person who, in public or private, commits, or is a party to the commission, or procures or attempts to procure the commission, by any male

person, of any act of gross indecency with any other

President David Granger male person shall be guilty of a misdemeanour and liable to imprisonment for two years.

Section 353 states: Everyone who (a) attempts to commit buggery; or (b) assaults any person with intent to commit buggery; or (c) being a male, indecently assaults any other male person, shall be guilty of felony and liable to imprisonment for 10 years.

Section 354 and 355 further

states that: Everyone who commits buggery… shall be guilty of felony and liable to imprisonment for life.

Everyone who (a) does any indecent act in any place to which the public have or are permitted to have access; or (b) does any indecent act in any place, intending thereby to insult or offend any person, shall be guilty of a misdemeanour and liable to imprisonment for two years. But the law does not specifically define "buggery", "gross indecency", or "indecent".

However, while the Head of State did not divulge on when the review of these laws can be expected, LGBT rights activist, Vidyaratha Kissoon has commended the President’s efforts which seems to encourage acceptance of Guyana’s LGBT citizens. He further highlighted the fact that Guyana is a signatory to human rights obligations which aims to repeal the sodomy laws, cross dressing laws and to amend the Prevention of Discrimination Act to outlaw discrimination

on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.

“The lives of LGBT citizens cannot be determined by any citizen whose religious views encourage discrimination. The President seems cautious in his leadership in trying to be cohesive. However, human rights are not the gifts of religious groups to any other group of the society” Kissoon said. And referencing the fact that all political parties had committed to, in their manifestoes, addressing discrimination against the LGBT community, the activist charged the National Assembly to address its human rights obligations towards LGBTI Guyanese.

The process, he said, must be steered by the President.

A Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) set up to hold consultations on the recommendations to decriminalise adult same sex relations here was divided when it was convened. Joel Simpson, Managing Director of SASOD, has said in the past that the APNU+AFC coalition Government had

campaigned on platforms of national unity, social cohesion, equal rights and gender equality. He also noted that their manifesto states “We commit to putting in place measures which will ensure that all vulnerable groups in our society, including women, children, persons with disabilities, rural and Indigenous women, youth, the elderly and the sick and pregnant, and those marginalised because of sexual orientation are protected and not discriminated against.” On that note, Simpson stated that they expect the new Government to bring action to their rhetoric and take legal and policy measures to prohibit discrimination by including sexual orientation and gender identity as prohibited categories in the Prevention of Discrimination Act 1997 and the Guyana Constitution, repeal laws criminalising same-sex intimacy and cross-dressing and end the discriminatory policy against gays and lesbians donating blood at the National Blood Transfusion Service.

River deaths Fisherman found decreased in 2015 dead in net - no act of piracy recorded The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) saw a reduction of 21.7 per cent in total marine deaths for the year 2015.

This was disclosed during the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s performance review by Director General Claudette Rogers. This decline was attributed to a number of safety precautions, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

In the year 2014, the total number of boat accidents totaled eight while in 2015 the number dipped to five. Also for 2015, the number of incidents recorded dropped from 16 to 12 when compared to 2014. The year 2015 recorded no act of piracy when compared to the 2014 which recorded four, according to the report.

However, the accidents that occurred were as a

result of unlicenced boat and operators. As a result of the accidents, 207 life jackets were distributed to all 10 administrative regions while MARAD helped in promoting safety awareness, particularly in schools.

In addition, the United States Coast Guard, in collaboration with MARAD, held a capacity building training for security officers.

The report also showed that of the $223.690M budgeted for the department in 2015, the sum of $217.690 was utilised by the end of the year.

For 2016, Rogers is hopeful of accomplishing a number of goals in building the capacity of the administration. These include the placement of buoys at the Berbice, Essequibo and Demerara Rivers.

Further, all efforts will

be made to revive the National Maritime Security Committee.

MARAD is working to establish safety centres in various regions around Guyana. Marine Cadets will also receive training on vessels ranging from 50-80 metres in length.

They are expected to be qualified mates by the second half of 2016.

MARAD’s 2015 report also showed that Guyana signed an agreement with Barbados to provide training of pilots and engineers in 2016.

A WEST Coast Demerara fisherman was found dead in his fishing net on Monday, police have reported.

According to a release from the lawmen investigations are being conducted into the circumstances surrounding the death of fisherman Shahabudeen Haniff, 49 years, of Meten-Meer-Zorg, WCD, whose body was found in the net of a fishing vessel that was working in the vicinity of the Berbice River, during Monday. Haniff was a member of the crew of a fishing boat that had sailed on December 30, 2015, from a wharf at New Hope, East Bank Demerara for the Berbice area.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 6, 2016

Oil Talks

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams

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

Editorial

The Parliament

PARLIAMENT (the legislative branch of government) continues to be the nation’s highest decision-making forum. It comprises representatives from each of the ten administrative regions and those at the national level in what is referred to as the national top-up list. It is the forum that makes decisions that are national in character; engages in debates; and votes and approves the national programme for spending, i.e. the national budget Included in its activities is provision for the establishment of sectoral and ad-hoc committees geared towards addressing issues in a more detailed manner.

These hallowed halls are considered sacred. In 1926, when Caribbean labour leaders held their first conference, the Parliament Building was chosen because of its significance and the focus of the labour leaders at that time. It was a time when Caribbean people were agitating for self-determination, which included Caribbean integration, universal adult suffrage, and internal self-government. In holding the meeting there, the leaders were signalling to the colonial political directorate that the masses have within their midst persons capable of sitting in this branch of government and representing their interests.

With voting at that time being the prerogative of the land-owning and educated classes, it meant the majority were excluded from participating in this vital act, and in having an input in determining their future.

Universal adult suffrage was achieved in Guyana in time for the 1953 elections, and its achievement was at the expense of blood, sweat and tears. A vote is an expression of an individual’s choice of representative, or position on given issues. By virtue of this exercise, one accordingly uses one’s power to approve or disapprove of a policy or person as representative. Voting is a right under our law; thus, when a vote is cast in electing party/representative of choice, it follows that representation will be had and valued.

While the parliament comprises a government and opposition side, the average person would admit that, in voting for their representative of choice, it does not mean that that representative/ party would ignore any good suggestion/proposal from the other side. There is a general view among Guyanese that the politicians should, and could, work together.

When elections are over, apart from the leaders, the aggrieved and the few diehards who feel things must either go their way or be sent along the proverbial highway, people basically return to a life of normalcy wherein partisan politics is not a lurking/divisive force in their daily activities.

Were one to take a survey in any communal area (work, social event or market), it is not far-fetched to conclude that there would be found cordial interactions among persons who had voted for different political parties. It is this sense of camaraderie that generally informs day-to-day living and allows for nation-building, since it creates potential for positive relations that can lead to the flow of ideas and the nurturing of respect for each other. With this comes realisation that there can be spirited and robust debates, including disagreements, without the compulsion to feel it necessary to be disagreeable. It is not unreasonable of the masses to desire importation/adaptation of constructive deliberations as a norm in Parliament and among elected officials. This, however, does not mean that the principle of accountability which underpins good governance should be ignored. The desire is out of recognition and appreciation that Parliament was never designed to be an arena for bull fighting, scalping, and bitterness.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and VICE-President Carl Greenidge on Tuesday led a high-level government team in meeting with Stephen Greenlee, President of ExxonMobil.

The giant exploration company has found large deposits of oil and gas off Guyana’s shore.

With Nagamootoo and Greenidge were Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and Business Minister Dominic Gaskin.

Contextually flawed representation Dear Editor, I READ the letters by both highly respected citizens Mr. Hinds and Mr. Christopher Ram, and while I agree with the fundamental thrust of what they are saying vis-a-vis the establishment of a functional human rights environment, I find their specific argument in defence of NICIL’s Mr. Winston Brassington and Mr. Khurshid Sattaur contextually flawed, particularly in the direction in which both arguments seem to be heading.

Mr. Hinds argues that Brassington’s actions were in sum good for the country, and hence he should not be ‘pilloried’ for minor excesses, while Mr. Ram argues that Sattaur’s sole and ultimately forgivable blunder was

the revelation of confidential taxpayer information to Bharrat Jagdeo, and hence apparent current investigations against him appear arbitrary.

While I agree completely that any action taken against an officer of the former administration has to be done within the confines of the law, and that a court of justice is the better arena for tangible action than the court of public opinion, both writers seem wanting to make a case that both Brassington and Sattaur are above censure or investigative action.

In the case of Mr. Ram, while he is correct that the case of professional misconduct was withdrawn against Mr. Sattaur in regard to the revelation of information, he incorrectly conflates this with the presumption of a

Parliament is a forum where ideas are expected to surface, spirited debates follow, and decisions taken through votes. Also factored in is that the programme of the government (executive branch) will not only be laid there, but will be examined and critiqued by members of the house and the interested public, and of which the government will act objectively. And given that the constitution allows for any member to bring a bill, motion or question, it also means the opposition is allowed avenue to be proactive in shaping the nation’s agenda.

Yet, the Parliament has not been without its weaknesses and lack of direction for growth, in keeping with societal changes -- domestic and foreign.

The Commonwealth Secretariat’s Senior Parliamentary Staff

carte blanche for the long-standing head of presumably one of the most corrupt state agencies in presumably the most corrupt country in the Caribbean -– an agency that presumably was used as a weapon against opponents of the former government.

Mr. Ram is a lawyer, and while he makes an ostensibly ethical case against the seizure of Mr. Sattaur’s computer and firearm from his home, he has not even attempted to argue that the actions taken by junior officers, presumably under the direction of the GRA Board, were in any way ultra vires.

For his part, after an extremely elegant argument on the need for national reconciliation, Mr. Hinds says, in defence of Brassington’s NICIL, “On the broad margins, we can scruti-

nize projects and privatizations that together number over two hundred and find imperfections, including preferential treatment and measures that go against the grain of good governance; however, the development of a country does not occur in a pristine vacuum.”

This is flawed logic at best.

The development of a country best occurs when the sort of preferential treatment -- the Sanata deal, for example, that prevailed under the PPP -- is mitigated and kept to a minimum, not rationalized and glossed over.

The reality is that preferential treatment not only artificially amplifies the capacity of the favoured, but dwarfs the capacity

See page 7

Advisor Sir Michael Davies’s 2005 Report on our parliamentary system may be worthy of examination at this time. Outside of recommendations for development, the report included comparative analysis in the frequency of sittings and opportunities given to the opposition to bring motions and issues to the House during the periods of the PNC and PPP governments. The study found that, rather than improvement shown in these areas, the country was regressing.

For this regression to be halted, it requires that both sides of the House bring about the change. It may be important, in this 50th year as an independent nation, to revisit the Davies Report and use it as a catalyst to strengthen our parliamentary democracy and aspiration to become One People, One Nation, with One Destiny.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 6, 2016

Region One outreach…

Well endowed

Dear Editor,

IF incompetence were a value- traded commodity, the APNU+AFC coalition administration would have been well endowed, since the coalition appears to have that particular commodity in bountiful supply.

In this connection, Mr. Vincent Alexander wrote about: 1. A “baseless allegation” in one newspaper 2. Being “stunned” in another, and yet in another, accusing the PPP of

I said.

The explanation is quite simple.

1. A letter addressed to the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament in care of Freedom House will not land in the hands of the General Secretary of the PPP. It will obviously be given to the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, should he visit Freedom House.

2. The Office of the Leader of the Opposition is located at 304, Church Street, Queenstown, Georgetown.

3. “not responding to an invitation or request to participate in jubilee celebrations!

3. A letter addressed to the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament should not be confused with a letter addressed to the General Secretary of the PPP, nor vice versa.

Let me make it clear from the outset that, as General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), I never received any such correspondence referred to by Mr. Alexander, and I stand by what

4. Invitations of the nature Mr. Vincent Alexander spoke about should have been addressed to the General Secretary, People’s Progressive Party, 41 Robb Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, had the intention

been for a representative of the PPP to not necessarily be a Member of Parliament.

As General Secretary of the PPP, I have absolutely no reason to lie about correspondence. That is too petty an issue.

As far as I can recall, Gail Teixeira was identified as the Party’s representative to sit on the University of Guyana Council. If that decision was not communicated to the relevant authority, well, that’s another matter.

Finally, the PPP General Secretary has not received correspondence inviting the PPP to name a representative to sit on the Commission of Inquiry into the Education System.

Mr. Alexander should take note of these clarifications and comments, and make the necessary corrections.

CLEMENT ROHEE General Secretary The People’s Progressive Party

Contextually flawed ...

From page 7 of potential, often better qualified, competitors. Not only did the PPP apply preferential treatment at the large project level, but it completely undermined the public service with ‘preferential treatment’ in the form of unapologetic racism and nepotism.

Further, the preferential treatment in the granting of media licences to only people the PPP found favourable, and to the PPP itself, was a direct attack on the fundamental right of freedom of expression. I know of no functional best practice system, however liberal, in which this is a model of sustainable development.

There are many contractors, service providers, public servants and private citizens who would disagree with Mr. Hinds’s view of development.

The PPP’s viciously discriminatory practices have in fact hurt every single sector, from road construction to education to cultural development. Even more so, those practices have taken on the lives of individuals an immeasurable toll that can never be repaid.

If there is danger in the overzealous prosecution and

pillory of persons like Sattaur and Brassington, there is a far greater danger in failing to bring to justice those culpable for excesses under the previous regime. In doing so, victims of the system are denied justice.

What we would be saying, in essence, is that class and power associations are predominant factors in determining the application of the rule of law and the dispensation of justice, even as those class and power associations have been forged by the despicable foundry of ethnic politics.

Under the former administration, I wrote about the necrotic silence that was slowly creeping over this place. Now that it has been checked, we find ourselves engaged in certain quarters in a compromised conversation that continues to be dangerously skewed towards complete absolution of crimes in which victims were robbed of the very rights of citizenship and humanity under the PPP. In general terms, the representation that speaks of clemency and fundamental rights, currently being made for the formerly powerful, cannot be absent direct representation for

the voiceless that they were instrumental in suppressing.

It is well and good that we show that we are capable of clemency; but first we must tangibly demonstrate that we are capable of the delivery of justice. At this point, more than half a year into the Coalition’s electoral win, we have not.

There are two simple solutions available to the Executive in this dilemma – the first is to let due process and the rule of law prevail without fear or favour; and if deals are to be made, their outcome must be tangible gains in the public interest. The second is to recognize that while the law may be inadequate for the delivery of justice to many people, those who risked and sacrificed for a change in Guyana’s political leadership deserve to have their conviction vindicated in other ways, even if just to be able to voice the injustice meted out to them, or have it represented with the same eloquence with which Brassington and Sattaur now find themselves being represented.

Yours faithfully, RUEL JOHNSON

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No refutation

Dear Editor,

I READ PPP General Secretary Rohee’s response to my letter, which was in itself a response to his public statement that the PPP/C had not been invited to participate in the preparation for, and celebration of, the 50th Jubilee.

In all that he has said, there is no refutation that an invitation was sent, and that there has been no response.

He seeks to claim that he never received such an invitation, but I never claimed to have sent one to him. He built a straw house, demolished it, then attributed its existence to me.

The letter was sent to the Leader of the Opposition, albeit to Freedom House, where it was received and signed for. In his press conference, his reference was not to ‘him’ not being in receipt of an invitation; it was to ‘them’ -- presumably

the PPP/C, the Opposition -not being invited. He failed to prove that the letter was not sent, but implicitly acknowledged that there was no response.

In similar vein, he acknowledged that the letter regarding the UG Council, which was also addressed to the Leader of the Opposition and delivered to Freedom House, had been acted upon, while callously stating that “If that decision was not communicated to the relevant authority, well that’s another matter”. How competent!

In his opening salvo, Rohee talks about incompetence with a broad brush and not an iota of evidence.

That’s another example of the “politricking” that I referred to in my previous letter.

In cricketing parlance, Rohee has spun, been stumped and bowled all over the place. He spun on the

question of to whom the letter was addressed. He was stumped through the exposure of his spinning, and he was bowled all over the place. One time it is apparently incompetent to send a letter to the Leader of the Opposition thru Freedom House, but a similar letter was received and actioned, and a third letter, which was never addressed to him, has not been received by him, as if it was intended to be received by him.

There are no clarifications in Rohee’s letter, but the address of the Leader of the Opposition has been noted.

Rohee’s letter is an instructive lesson in Guyanese politics.

Yours sincerely VINCENT ALEXANDER Technical Facilitator To The Minister Of Education

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 6, 2016

By Navendra Seoraj

Particularly, the MoPH is advising that all pregnant women and children should sleep under a mosquito net. The Zika virus causes some abnormalities in developing fetuses so it is now strongly recommended that all pregnant women avoid being bitten.

Natural substances, household insecticidal sprays, coils, candles, among other things, can assist in reducing the presence of mosquitoes around the home. Screening of windows, doors and other openings along with closing-up in the evening can aid in the reduction of mosquitoes in the home. In order to control the spread of the Aedes aegypti and Aedes polynesiensis mosquitoes, persons should conduct systematic searches in and around their environment for any stored or exposed bodies of water and immediately remove these sources of mosquito breeding.

Additionally, persons should clear their environs of tyres, punch holes in discarded containers and properly cover containers with stored and drinking water. They should pour a little oil in contained water for domestic use, and change water regularly in vases, pet containers and plant saucers.

Guyana fights to keep out Zika

GIVEN the recent revelation that over 1000 persons in Suriname have been affected by the Zika virus, the Regional Health Authority of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) has ramped up its precautionary measures by quarantining and assessing all travellers from Suriname.

Director of Health Services in the region, Jevon Stephens disclosed that subsequent to the news of persons being affected with the virus in Suriname, “we increased the number of health officers at the Molseon Creek port and are quarantining everyone.”

Stephens added that so far no one has been detected with the virus, but they are closely monitoring everyone who turns up at a regional hospital with symptoms similar to that of the virus. The Zika virus, he emphasized, should not be taken lightly, that’s why they began several outreach programmes to sensitise persons on how to take the necessary precautionary measures.

Meanwhile on Monday, the head of the Academisch Ziekenhuis Paramaribo Lab in Suriname confirmed that there are several cases of the Zika virus. According to a Caribbean News Now report, John Codrington bases his estimate on the hundreds of testing applications the lab has received. Some of those who have tested positive include pregnant women.

Based on what is happening in Brazil, with the surge in microcephaly cases seen this year, the Bureau of Public Health Care is advising women to delay pregnancy as a precautionary measure in the short term.

Surinamese health officials have announced an action plan that focuses on fighting the mosquito that transmits the Zika virus, and on educating the community, Caribbean News Now has said.

Puerto Rico yesterday confirmed its first case of the mosquito-borne virus, which has been spreading across South America and the Caribbean, which Brazilian authorities believe is linked to serious birth defects.

In addition to Brazil, Suriname and Puerto Rico, other

Man re-arrested in Bath fiery death POLICE investigating the robbery and burning to death of a Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice housewife on Sunday last, have re-arrested a man they had earlier released, as the investigations continued yesterday.

The re-arrested man is said to have been a former lover of the daughter of the deceased Anita Baichan.

Five other persons, along with this man, were still in custody up to late yesterday afternoon.

Meanwhile, relatives disclosed that Baichan will be laid to rest in the village’s cemetery today after a funeral service starting at 14:00hrs.

Baichan was burnt to death in her home after bandits set fire to it in the aftermath of a home invasion and robbery early Sunday morning last.

After the robbery and the setting of the house on fire, Baichan tried to escape from the building, but could not, because she was gagged and bound, hand and feet with duct tape by two bandits during the course of the robbery.

Her son Moshin Khan, 23, was also gaged and ducttaped and beaten by the bandits, in an ordeal which lasted for more than two and a half hours.

However, while he eventually managed to free himself with the house ablazed, he was unable to free his mother, as the building was by then fully engulfed in flames.

countries in the Americas report confirmed cases of Zika, including Chile, Colombia, Panama, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay and Venezuela, Caribbean360 said.

However, according to Minister of Public Health Dr. George Norton, the Ministry has recently taken a decision to distribute the insecticide-treated bed nets at health centers across Guyana. “When pregnant women attend their regular clinics, they will be given the treated mosquito nets, which they can use within their homes,” the Public Health Minister explained.

Additionally, the Public Health Ministry will spearhead fumigation, commonly known as fogging, in and around Georgetown. Fumigation is a method of pest control that completely fills an area with gaseous pesticides — or fumigants — to suffocate or poison the pests within the area.

Persons who travel to Guyana should inform the Port Health Authority at the airport, seaport or land crossing or contact the nearest health facility, if they had symptoms of fever within the last week. The necessary advice and follow up care would be provided.

‘Help us find Dominic Bernard’ - father of British teen cries

By Shirley Thomas THE father of a London teen who travelled to Guyana on October 14 last, and has since gone missing, is desperate to find his son. Yesterday he held a Press Conference at the Cara Lodge to make an appeal for anyone knowing the whereabouts of his son, 18-year-old Dominic Bernard, Desperate to find his son, Andrew Bernard is appealing to anyone who might have any information to come forward and report to him or the nearest police station.

At the Press Conference , Bernard, the terribly distraught father of the missing teen, told journalists, “I am holding this press conference because my wife and I need your help in locating Dominic.

My son Dominic Bernard is a British citizen. He is 18 years’ old and is missing.

Any bit of information, however small, will be helpful,” he pleaded.

The evidently emotional father said his son left London to travel to Guyana on October 14, 2015, adding, “He landed at Timehri Airport (Cheddi Jagan In-

ternational Airport) at 9.50 pm and has not been heard from since.”

Giving flight details, the elder Bernard said, “My son flew on BW 903, leaving London Gatwick on 10/14 at 12:50 pm,

middle and the arms were fabric. He was wearing white Nike sneakers. He had one suitcase and one piece of hand luggage, his father confirmed.

Updating journalists on action taken so far Bernard said, “I initially reached out to the Surrey Police in London, who began investigation in the UK. Over the weekend I contacted the Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum who made himself instantly accessible and immediately assigned a team to investigate my son’s disappearance. We want to Missing: Dominic Bernard thank everyone for arriving POS at 5.30pm their help.” on the same day. He then Meanwhile, a group of boarded BW 483 from compassionate mothers, on POS to GT at 8.40 pm learning of the Bernards’ arriving at Timehri at 9.50 predicament, and who are pm.” eager to be of help, were “We know Dominic also loud in praise for the cleared customs, after that efforts of the Guyana Powe have no information,” lice Force in mounting a the lad’s father lamented. search for the missing teen.

Dominic is 6 feet tall, They recalled that medium built, with black Dominic arrived in Guyhair, longer on top than ana on October 14 last and on the sides and he was was scheduled to depart the wearing blue jeans, white Cheddi Jagan International sweatshirt with black jack- Airport on November 5, et that had leather in the 2016. “He was reported

missing when he failed to travel on his return ticket back home. A report was made to the Missing People’s Unit in London and they contacted the British High Commission,” the source said.

Commenting on the co-operation given by the local police, the source said, “They have been incredibly helpful, I can’t tell you how amazing they were. The Crime Chief has been incredible. The CID people were extraordinarily persistent and dedicated in their efforts to try and find this boy.”

And while the Bernard family members are working in conjunction with the British police, the case has now been raised to a high profile case in the UK sources said.

At this time, both the UK Police and Guyana Police Guyana are working together to find him. “It’s an absolute mystery. We are hopeful the lad will be found,” the mothers said, tears streaming down their faces.

Persons having any information are asked to call the local number 695- 9065 or email (Mr. Andrew Bernard) at andrew@andlin.co.uk

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 6, 2016

‘Big tanks’ for dry Rupununi

By Alva Solomon AS cultivation of cassava - a staple in the Rupununi - is feeling the effects of the current El Nino dry weather conditions, efforts are being made to actively cushion the problem, including the ferrying of 450-gallon water tanks to affected communities.

Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock told this newspaper yesterday that regional administration is actively addressing the dry weather conditions. The Central and South Rupununi have been hardest hit by the weather phenomenon. The Regional Chairman said that the womenfolk in the region have been complaining about the quality of the cassava as well as the truncated growth of some plants.

“Some plants were dying and the stocks were depleting,” he said, noting that the staple is an important food in the region, given its multiple uses including for cassava bread and farine.

“The leaves are falling off and that is a sign that there is no moisture going to the tubers, he explained. He said that there has been recent rainfall in parts of Central and South Rupununi. He noted, however, the situation remains grim in outlying parts of the region.

Allicock said that the capacity filled tanks will be sent to those affected villages in the event the situation becomes dire, noting that there are frequent updates provided to a Risk Reduction Committee which was set up to address the problem.

That committee is made up of the Regional Chairman and his deputy, members of

the Red Cross, the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), the Lethem Power Company and others, including volunteers.

Reports on conditions in affected and probable areas

digging of wells, mainly at the base of the water source.

The toshao of the village requested assistance from the regional authorities, since the creeks there were drying-up and alternate sources of water

support to improve their water supply. These include the village of Marakanata near to Yupukari. Some 7 households exist there and the water supply there is said to be affected by the dry weather. However,

A dried-up waterway in the Rupununi are collected three days per week and these reports are forwarded to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the relevant ministries in Georgetown. Allicock said that at the moment equipment is kept in store and ready for deployment when the need arises. “It’s two-fold also, because if we have flooding we have to be prepared for those outcomes,” he added.

DIGGING OF WELLS Technical persons from Lethem have travelled dozens of miles south to Masakenari in the South Rupununi to assist the Wai Wai villagers there in the digging of wells.

Allicock said that the community has been experiencing a technical problem in the

were considered.

“The wells they were digging were caving in at the bottom, so we sent some people in to assist with the laying of rings at the bottom of the wells,” Allicock said.

He explained that the wells are stacked with concrete blocks at the base to prevent the bottom from crumbling and he noted that the installation process can also be dangerous.

The team is expected to return to Lethem this week and will be accompanied by the Wai Wais, who are expected to travel to the city to commence works on the Umana Yana in Kingston.

Meanwhile, the regional authorities have identified several villages, which will be assisted with technical

water will also be sourced and filtered to the villages near the south Pakaraimas in the coming weeks, while the regional teams will visit Yorungparu to improve the water system there.

The El Nino dry weather conditions have resulted in a marked drop in the water level in the Rupununi in recent months. Rainfall figures indicate that the weather pattern changed significantly around July-August last year and regional reports have indicated that the trend can stretch into the second quarter of this year.

Recently, the region has been experiencing intermittent rainfall - a trend which residents and the authorities are hoping will improve in the days ahead.

Gayle's Epic Fail

JAMAICAN cricketer Chris Gayle made himself a trending topic for simply asking a woman out. Seems harmless, but Gayle commented on a female reporter's eyes and asked her out for drinks in the middle of her interview on national television in Australia. Talk about inappropriate timing. To add insult to injury, the cocky sportsman told the young professional "don't blush, baby" as she tried to brush it off and move on with her work. The interview has since gone viral and Gayle came under fire for his sleazy move. He was fined US$7,200 by the team he represented and was labelled as sexist for seeming to think that it is okay to impose his charm on a woman at literally any time.

Gayle was made to apologise publicly, and he called it a "joke" and "simple comment", stating that he didn't mean to offend the woman. Call me crazy, but I wouldn't exactly blame Gayle- though his ego plays a major part in the move- but this speaks to the lack of respect that women are given in "male" professions even today. You'd think that in 2016, we wouldn't still be experiencing these things.

Whether Gayle was serious or not, however, public feminist consensus is that this qualifies as harrassment, and as Gayle learned, he's no longer in the Caribbean where such aggressiveness is seen as just part of the flirting culture.

Honestly, though, I bet the appeal of that reporter must have skyrocketed back in Australia. Being asked out on public television by a major sports personality? Epic.

Radio Rebels The public waits with bated breath on a decision as to whether all Jagdeo-issued radio licences will be revoked as was recently reported. The Guyana National Broadcasting Authority has said that while there have been discussions in that regard, a final decision has not yet been made. Of course, skeptics like Ruel Johnson and Javin Singh believe that this may very well be a bluff, as Jagdeo continues to enjoy apparent immunity from his wrongdoings, yet many are hoping that it's true, so as to allow other - perhaps more eligible- parties who would have previously been denied such licence a chance at achieving them this time around.

But this also means that, if this is true, goodbye to Hits & Jams Radio- which we all know is a country favourite, at least among the younger generation. Looks like Robert Persaud - who was also among those issued licences by Jagdeo, chose the right time to sell out and gain his profits.

Maybe he heard the word through the grapevine.

Son reportedly threatened to sodomise father LAWRENCE John snr, 59, of John Ally Christianburg, Linden, testified against his son Lawrence John Jnr at the Wismar Magistrate’s Court, who on Saturday allegedly physically assaulted his father and threatened to kill him.

John told Magistrate Clive Nurse that on the day

mentioned, his son was seen in his coconut tree picking coconuts. He (John Snr) inquired of his son the reason he was picking the coconuts without permission, and he alleged that John Jnr answered him with expletives, “I could pick any f---ing coconut I want.”

According to John Snr,

this led to a physical altercation in which his son dealt him two cuffs to his face, which caused him to lose two front teeth.

He alleged that his son then used threatening language towards him, which prompted him to make a report at the Wismar Police Station.

“He tell me, ‘I gon kill you and cut you head off and put it in a black bag.

Then I gon bugger you’,” related a very emotional John Snr to the Magistrate.

The magistrate asked the father whether he had anything to say as to how he felt about what trans-

pired and he managed to get the word disappointed out, while he sobbed uncontrollably.

The magistrate then asked John Jnr to comment on the testimony given by his father, and he too, in an emotional state, said that on the day in question he was not at his father’s residence.

When asked if he had anything to ask his father, he was unable to speak as he was having difficulty composing himself. The case was dismissed as the statement given by John Snr did not correlate with the evidence presented on the whereabouts of his son on the day in question.

Too expensive

10

-- food vendors cry at price for biodegradable containers, call for consultation

By Svetlana Marshall FOOD vendors across the capital city are in full support of the “Expanded Polystyrene Ban,” or the “Ban on Styrofoam,” but are calling on the Government to hold consultations on the proposed alternatives, contending that the cost for biodegradable containers is too high.

On Monday, many food vendors told Guyana Chronicle that while they were in full support of the ban, they were uncertain of their options and the impact such ban would have on their daily operations.

Selling on the corner of Wellington and Regent Streets, (on the southern side), Adeola Azora said she heard of the ban but needed more clarity. Azora, who has been selling under a makeshift tent in the vicinity for more than eight years, said there was an urgent need for the Government to hold consultations on the alternatives.

“I don’t have a problem with the ban, but I would like to know what my options are,” she told this newspaper as she served one of her daily customers.

Quizzed on the possible usage of the biodegradable containers, Azora said she had never heard of it and as such, was clueless.

“I have never seen it. I never saw it. I don’t know nothing about it but according to what I hear, they pushing these paper boxes but that can’t work, especially for people like me who selling

curry fish and food with gravy. It will go right through the box,” she explained.

On the opposite side of Regent and Wellington Streets, another food vendor who asked to remain anonymous, echoed similar sentiments. “I understand the reason for the ban… but my basic concern is this: What do they have in place and how will it affect us vendors, cost wise?”

NOT A GOOD OPTION Though underscoring the negative impact Styrofoam containers have on the environment and its effects on human beings, the woman said cardboard paper boxes are not a very good option.

“Certain foods cannot be sold in a paper box especially foods that have to do with gravy, it will sag and you don’t want that. For us, it is all about presentation,” she lamented.

Unlike, Azora, she would have heard of the biodegradable containers but said they were being sold at very high prices.

“I am all for progress but they have to understand that consideration must be given to the cost…. So if this biodegradable stuff that they are going to bring is cost effective, and we could manage it and don’t have to pass that cost unto the customers, well then yeah, I am for it. But before they make any decision, what they can do is consult with us… call us to a meeting and let us talk,” she opined.

Gillian Langhorne, who

operates in the vicinity of the Stabroek Market, said she was 100 per cent in support of the ban on Styrofoam containers but made it clear that any additional cost to purchase the alternative containers would be passed onto the customers.

Though stating that she was “ready for this change,” Langhorne said she was still to decide on her alternative.

“I was just telling the person that I would buy my Styrofoam containers from, that after this batch I would not be buying anymore. But I don’t know what I am switching to.”

Ombalisha Roberts, who has been in the food business since 2001, said the ban was a timely initiative but called on the Government to waive the taxes on the alternative food service products such as the biodegradable food boxes and cups.

Roberts, who runs the popular food outlet opposite the Sophia Bus Park – the People’s Choice - said failure to implement measures that would reduce the impact of such a change would result in the regular man on the street feeling the impact.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 6, 2016

One of Anjali’s Food Deli’ waitresses serving a customer her lunch in a cardboard box and cup merly housed the Strand Cinema for more than 20 years, signaled his no-objection.

“I don’t have a problem with it because before we had Styrofoam boxes we had cardboard boxes and if they go back to that I would welcome it. I am ready for this change but for now I am selling in the Styrofoam boxes,” he said. In addition to Styrofoam boxes, Allen serves his customers in ware plates.

Of all the vendors that spoke to Guyana Chronicle on Monday, Parbatie Singh, the owner of Anjali’s Food Deli, was the only business person using an alternative to Styrofoam.

“I have been in the food business since the 1970s so

I know for sure that this ban is the move in the right direction,” she told this newspaper. At her Food Deli, which is situated opposite the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), Singh is now serving her customers in cardboard boxes and cups.

“We started using alternative containers since Thursday, December 31,” she said but explained that it came at a high cost.

“It is not cheaper. It is about four times the cost of the Styrofoam,” she complained while pointing out that in the past she would have purchased 100 Styrofoam boxes at a cost of $2,500 but now she buys the 100 cardboard boxes at a cost of $8,000. “It is not feasible at

all but we have not increased our prices.”

The ban on the importation of expanded polystyrene food products which include food containers, plates, hot and cold beverage cups, egg cartons and meat and vegetable trays took effect from 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 before it takes full effect. It is now encouraging the use of alternative products to closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) for the achievement of a cleaner, greener Guyana.

COST WILL GO UP It was explained that the cost of food would go up since the alternatives are costly when compared with the Styrofoam containers.

Henry Allen, an elderly man who has been selling food at the side of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, the building which for-

Gillian Langhorne serving one of her customers in a Styrofoam box in downtown Georgetown

Adeola Azora serving one of her daily customers chicken curry and rice in a Styrofoam box at the corner of Regent and Wellington streets.

Going back to basics! Henry Allen serving his customer in a ware plate

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 6, 2016

More camaraderie needed among rice farmers - says businessman/planter

By Rabindra Rooplall RICE is one of the major crops feeding the world’s population, and large irrigation projects are often constructed to meet the demand for water in rice production.

Rice is one of the largest water consumers in the world.

Locally, rice farmers are focusing on the weather pattern, which one farmer opined “looks reasonable, since only the occasional light rain is needed to sustain farmlands and refill conservancies.”

Businessman Shiraz Ali, who is also involved in rice cultivation and milling, noted that although there have been many complaints from rice farmers about a wide range of issues, all can be resolved through cooperation, which is needed within the industry.

Noting that one of the many issues pertains to having enough water for cultivation, Ali explained that rainwater and irrigation water are necessary for rice growth in two ways: to maintain soil moisture; and in wet irrigation, to maintain the standing layer of water over the paddy field.

In the major rice producing regions of the world, the crop is grown during the wet (monsoon) season, which reduces the irrigation demand by effectively using rainwater.

Ali thinks that farmers in the industry have not matured.

Sometimes sabotage is used on other farmers within the industry just for the sake of an individual who wants things his/ her own way.

Noting that the Boerasirie Conservancy, which he uses to aid his rice during production, always has more than enough water, Ali said many other farmers would not cooperate to maximise the use of water, which on many occasions is wasted instead of being properly used for the benefit of crops.

“Farmers need to learn cooperation, which will make the industry more prosperous.”

YIELD AND QUALITY Ali explained that another issue about which many farmers complain constantly is their low yield and the prices they receive. He noted that many farmers want top dollars for their paddy, but they do not put in the time and care needed to achieve increased yield and quality.

He explained that millers consider important in food and feed manufacturing things such as grain quality and chemical composition of their grain, such as the starch content. Ali noted that properties such as protein, oil and sugar are also

significant. He said that, in the milling industry, soundness is the most important factor to consider.

The seed producer looks at the high germination percentage, while seed dormancy is the important feature to be considered, Ali said. For consumers, the properties like colour and flavour will be important. When these factors are considered, then farmers can receive top

Seeraj explained that farmers at Leguan, Wakenaam and Hog Island may endure additional cost in production, since they have no conservancy to depend on and water must be pumped by means of tractors to flood their fields. As such, he said, there is always additional cost attached to the paddy.

He noted that the major rice planting is done in May/June to cater for the rainy season, and harvesting is done in the dry

The Boerasirie Conservancy, which is used by rice farmers, was at a low level yesterday, even after a shower of rain

dollars, Ali said, since many who complain are trading damaged grains, which cannot attract the prices they are demanding.

The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB)’s Region Three Field Superintendent, Pooran Seeraj, stated that there has been no formal complaint from farmers pertaining to replanting. However, he said, many farmers may have concerns about the weather, since if sowing their farmlands is not done soon, they will miss the next crop.

season.

Rice milling, he said, can be a one-step, two-step or multi-step process. In a one-step milling process, husk and bran removal are done in one pass, and milled or white rice is produced directly out of paddy. In a two-step process, husk and bran are removed separately, and brown rice is produced as an intermediate product. In multi-stage milling, rice goes through a complex set of different processing steps.

‘Cat eyes’ to guide drivers TRAFFIC Chief Dion Moore said yesterday that the Guyana Police Force was seeking partnerships to have ‘cat eyes’ (coloured reflectors) installed on the roadways to keep drivers in their respective lanes.

The first joint initiative took place last Sunday morning on Carifesta Avenue from Camp Road to Pump Road (J.B. Singh Road), where “cat eyes” in the colour of

white, yellow, red, and blue reflectors were installed on the roadway.

GuyCo Construction Company and the Guyana Police Force Traffic Department partnered in this initiative, which saw the inner and the two outer lanes equipped with “cat eyes” (reflectors).

These brightly reflect light at nights.

Moore told this newspaper that the cat eyes serve as

a guide to drivers to stay in their own lanes and to maintain course while using the carriageways.

He said the Police Traffic Department was hoping for other such partnerships to have more “cat eyes” installed on the roads countrywide.

The Traffic Chief said the Force would, however, be working with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure in this

endeavour, but at the same time, it welcomes all stakeholders.

There have been no fatalities in the new year. However, Moore disclosed that in 2015, speeding, drunk driving and inattentiveness (use of cell phone/texting) were the leading contributors to fatalities and road accidents.

Giving statistics, he said that in 2015, some 126 deaths were recorded from 106 road

accidents; while for the corresponding period in 2014, some 146 deaths have been recorded from 135 accidents.

In 2015, fifteen children were killed on the roadways, while, in 2014, sixteen children met the same fate.

Moore disclosed that in 2015, some 336 serious accidents were recorded, while, in 2014, some 351 had been recorded. As for minor accidents, Moore said, the GPF

Traffic Department recorded 425 in 2015 and 441 in 2014.

Pedestrians topped the list of fatalities, with 42 in 2015 and 60 in 2014. Also, 11 pedal cyclists were killed in 2015 while 20 were killed in 2014. Ten motor cyclists also lost their lives on the roads in 2015, whereas the figure in 2014 was 26.

Moore said that 21 drivers were killed in 2015, and 16 in in 2014.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 6, 2016

GDF insists Sgt Pyle was on legitimate operation THE Guyana Defence Force said on Tuesday that the late Sergeant Robert Pyle, a member of its Intelligence Unit, had been deployed on a legitimate operation in support of the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) when he and his wife met their deaths last week Wednesday in a horrific accident on Carifesta Avenue.

“It is normal for the Guyana Defence Force to support the law enforcement and regulatory agencies of Guyana in operational activities, especially at this time, as part of OPERATION DRAGNET,” the GDF said in a statement. “Defence Headquarters once again takes this opportunity to offer condolences to the families of Sergeant Robert Pyle, Mrs Stacy Pyle and Mr Linden Eastman, who all lost their lives in the vehicular accident of last Wednesday evening.”

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has said in correspondence that it is saddened by the deaths of the Pyles and Eastman, but is also alarmed by media reports in regard to the circumstances leading up to the accident. These media reports have alleged that the soldier had been engaged in a surveillance operation targeted at civilians; and further, that he had been engaged in a high-speed deadly car chase through the

streets of Georgetown, chasing a vehicle which he believed contained the teenage daughter of Winston Brassington, the PSC has said.

Since these media reports have not been refuted by the relevant authorities, the PSC has said, it calls upon the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force and the Commissioner of Police to bring clarity on whether the allegations in the media are true, and whether this was an authorised assign- Public Security Minister ment carried out on behalf of Khemraj Ramjattan either of these agencies.

“This matter has caused immense apprehension in the business community, and we believe that answers are needed, not only by us, but by the larger society,” the PSC statement added.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan on Monday debunked claims by General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee, that the security forces were being used for political work. He is insisting that investigations into alleged wrongdoing by Brassington will continue.

Police have launched a criminal investigation into the operations of NICIL following recommendations by a commissioned audit. Minister Ramjattan told the Guyana Chronicle: “Pyle was part and parcel of the investigation, and was doing his legitimate function….”

He said that units such as the SOCU, of which Pyle was a part, will go after those whom they suspect of wrongdoing.

The PPP believes the Government might be using members of the security services for political proposes, but Minister Ramjattan asserts that senior officers who might have given Pyle that assignment are not to be blamed, neither can (the operation) be classed as political.

“Nevertheless,” Minister Ramjattan said, “we will proceed and prosecute, because we are doing our jobs by ensuring that persons who have breached the law, whether Government official or any other citizen, are penalized.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 6, 2016

$400M Stabroek Wharf coming

By Navendra Seoraj APPROXIMATELY $400M are to be spent on rehabilitating the dilapidated Stabroek Market Wharf, according to Town Clerk Royston King, yesterday in an invited comment to this publication.

Mr. King noted that the unsightly structure is soon to be torn down and replaced with a mall-like facility, complete with a boardwalk and entertainment area.

The Town Clerk said that subsequent to the passage of the 2016 budget, which will include the proposed sum for the project, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure will commence demolition and subsequent reconstruction of the wharf.

He indicated that a meeting has been set for tomorrow (Thursday) with the vendors who occupy the area, and they will be advised to temporarily relocate to the Transport and Harbours (T&HD) section of the market.

“Vendors ought not to worry, as they will be given first preference to return, once the project (has been) completed.

However, due to the modernisation, they will be asked to pay a little more rent,” King explained.

The portion of the stelling, which faces the Demerara river has, for years, been an eyesore for the thousands who use the speedboat service every day. The pathetic sight of this ramshackle stelling, with zinc sheets dangling dangerously, since a section of the roof caved in a year ago, is what greets

those coming in on cruise and other ships, which use the Georgetown docks.

Collapse of a portion of the roof two Septembers ago did not deter vendors from conducting business there. Many stallholders have been determined to hold on to the spots they have occupied in this facility over the years, and some have even been occupying those spots for decades.

“The facility is not only an eyesore, it is ruinous and dangerous to the health and lives of persons who use it,” King said.

The M&CC has drafted a plan on which is depicted a newly modernised wharf designed by Kabila Hollingsworth, which will surely vanquish the eyesore and bring a better sight for the public.

motor vehicles plying the roadway. Several of the bottles exploded spilling their contents on the road. It was a miracle no one was hurt and that the bottles did not descend onto parked or passing motor vehicles.

The traffic police were called to the scene and assisted

in restoring traffic control. Before long, the traffic build up extended from outside DIDCO on Ramp Road to Meadow Bank, causing much time wasting and inconvenience.

Eventually, a container truck had to be contracted to pick up and transport the consignment to its destination.

‘Oil spill’ at Ruimveldt

TRAFFIC Tuesday afternoon ground to a halt for a prolonged period at the junction of Mandela Avenue and Ruimveldt Public Road, after several five gallon bottles of oil fell off the tray of a truck.

Instantly, there was a gush and dozens of bottles tumbled onto the roadway, posing a serious threat to pedestrians and

Oil bottles strewn about the roadway as workers hasten to remove them

The consignment of oil comes tumbling out as the left rail of the truck gives away.

GAWU pocketed millions to train sugar workers

By Ravin Singh The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report has recommended that GuySuCo discontinue payment for employees’ participation in courses run by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers' Union (GAWU) Labour College.

The recommendation was made in light of the fact that between 2011 and mid of 2015, the corporation has had to finance almost $18M in services which were rendered to employees of GuySuCo by the Labour College of a union which has long been described as having been closely aligned to the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

According to the report, GuySuCo pays each worker their average day’s pay for each day of the course. And using an average of $3000 per worker per day, the total cost to GuySuCo for the period between 2011 and August of 2015 would have been almost $18M which the corporation was required to pay to the Union. This is taking into consideration that an average of 236 persons would have benefitted from the training annually, during this time.

In light of this, volume two of the comprehensive report suggests that while GAWU is permitted to offer courses to sugar workers who wish to pursue same, it should not be done at the expense of GuySuCo. “Nothing is wrong with the Union running these courses for their benefit, but why must GuySuCo foot the bill, especially at a time when its very survival is at stake and there is no indication of any tangible initiative or effort on the part of the Union to stop?” the CoI questioned in the report.

But what was interesting to note, and perhaps disturbing, as was described in the report, was the fact that the increase in number of employees being paid by GuySuCo to attend the training, coincided with the closure of GuySuCo’s Management Training Centre at Ogle.

The typical agenda and curriculum for the five-day course for estate workers includes opening remarks; GAWU/GuySuCo Labour Agreements; Courtesy visit to Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (Red House); film show: Workers struggle/Thunder in Guyana; GAWU emergence GAWU’s President, and highlights of its strugKomal Chand gles; Labour Relations; the importance of ideology and Marxism-Leninism as the ideology of the working class; strengthening the Unions’ Organisational structure; Capitalism-Imperialism-Globalisation; Class struggle and the development of society; global crisis and its impact on workers; the role of the Ministry of Labour; our National Insurance Scheme (NIS); Occupational Safety and Health Act and safe work habits; Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act; Prevention of Discrimination Act; various forms

of violence; suicide – causes and effects; alcohol and drug abuse and social habits (for male participation); cancers in women (for female participation); work standards and quality control; GuySuCo corporate issues; cultural activities; and evaluation and closure of the course.

And according to the report which was compiled after extensive research and investigation into the operations of the industry, most of the content in the curriculum share no direct or indirect relevance to the interest of GuySuCo. Additionally, the report highlights that the move to shift the training appears to be in consonance with the tendency for the corporation to abdicate its primary responsibility for managing the industry, or to seek refuge in deference of the growing “imbalance of power” between the employer’s and the employee’s representatives.

“Since nationalisation of the industry, the relative power relationship has apparently shifted significantly in favour of the union. While it is unwise to pursue any temptation to engage in power plays, it is necessary that the primary relationship between the employer and the employee be preserved” the report recommended. The CoI report also recommended that the corporation invite capable, respectable retirees to function as on-the-job trainers, coaches and counsellors. Just recently it was reported that the CoI had suggested, in the report, that GuySuCo should be privatised, given the severity of its blows, and its high dependence on Government bailouts over the last few years. Surprisingly, the corporation managed to reduce its $82B debt to $78B in the latter part of 2015.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 6, 2016

PSC backs Coroners, Law Reform bills … PPP wants them sent to select committee

THE Private Sector Commission is supporting the amendments to the Coroners Bill and the establishment of a Law Reform Commission, saying these amendments and change are necessary to strengthen democracy.

However, the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said while it supports the legislative changes in principle, the bills should be sent to a Special Select Committee for scrutiny.

The PSC threw its support behind the bills after participating in consultations on Monday at the Attorney General’s Chambers.

In a statement on Tuesday, the PSC said an agreement was reached with the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams on the appointment of Commissioners.

“The Private Sector Commission, being wholly cognisant of the many obsolete laws,

which remain in the Laws of Guyana and the need for careful culling of contradictory laws, fully supports, with minor amendments, the Law Reform Commission Bill.”

The Law Reform Commission Bill, if enacted, will allow for the establishment of a Law Reform Commission, which will have no less than three Commissioners and no more than seven.

“It shall be the duty of the Commission to keep under review all the laws applicable to Guyana, with a view to its systematic development and reform, including in particular, the modification of any branch of the law, the elimination of anomalies, the repeal of obsolete and unnecessary enactments, the reduction of the number of separate enactments and generally the simplification and modernisation of the law,” Section 7 of the

Bill explains.

However, with respect to the Coroners (Amendment) Bill, the PSC said the substantive Coroners Act needed to be fully reviewed. The Coroners (Amendment) Bill – Bill No. 11 of 2015 seeks to insert an additional section immediately after Section 3. This section referred to as Section 3A states that notwithstanding anything in Sections 2 and 3, the Judicial Service Commission may appoint fit and proper persons as coroners. Additionally, it seeks to implement a system that would allow the County of Demerara to have at least three coroners, the County of Berbice at least two and the County of Essequibo at least one.

It also provides for coroners to have all the powers, privileges, rights and jurisdiction of a Magistrate and Justice of the Peace as are necessary for the performance

Former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall of his duties.

Williams, in tabling the Bill in the National Assembly had explained that at present “the Magistrate of the magisterial district, in which an unnatural death occurs, is the coroner. If that Magistrate cannot conveniently or speedily be found or is unable to act the nearest Justice of the Peace, who is able to act shall be the coroner.”

He added, “The amendment affected by this Bill to the Act does not affect the law as it stands, except that it widens the meaning of a coroner.”

REJECTED But despite his explanation, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) continues to signal its objection to both the Coroners (Amendment) Bill and the Law Reform Commission Bill. Former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, in presenting the interest of the PPP/C, on Tuesday alleged that during the consultations on Monday the views of his party were rejected. The PPP/C has been pushing for the Bills to be sent to a Special Select Committee.

“The Attorney General rejected our request. More

diction. In this regard, special considerations must be given to the Georgetown Magisterial District which has several magistrates exercising jurisdiction over the same geographic area.

In the end, the Bill must make it clear to each magistrate that they have a duty to carry out their responsibilities under the Principal Act,” he further explained.

Additionally, he proposed that the qualifications of CorAttorney General and oners be fixed and not left to Legal Affairs Minister, be determined at the discretion of any commission or authorBasil Williams ity. At a minimum, a Coroimportantly, he indicated that ner should have a university the two (2) Bills were apdegree, preferably, in Law, proved by Cabinet and no Nandlall opined. consultation can go beyond Turning his attention to the the scope of those Bills. I Law Reform Commission Bill, quickly realised that what the former Legal Affairs Minwe were engaged in was an ister said the bill should exexercise in cosmetology and pressly state that the commisnot meaningful consultation,” sion is an independent body.

Nandlall said in a statement “The Bill vests the authority issued on Tuesday. to appoint in the President Nevertheless, he reiterafter consultation with the ated his party’s position that Minister of Legal Affairs. By the Coroners (Amendment) this mechanism the Executive Bill 2015 should be sent to a is consulting with itself. This Special Parliamentary Select is simply absurd,” he opined.

Committee where the PrinciIt is his view that a forpal Act should be subjected to mula be used to determine a “holistic review” in accorthe names of the persons who dance with the recommendaare to sit on the Commission. tions of the Disciplined Forces As such, Nandlall and by Commission. extension the PPP/C are proAccording to him, the Bill posing that a nominee from in its current form does not the Chancellor of the Judiaddress the real “mischief” in ciary, who should be a retired the Principal Act. “The real judge, a sitting judge or a mischief can only be addressed person who holds the qualiin a comprehensive review fication to be a judge, should of the Bill,” he said. “One of be appointed chairman. Addithe main problems with the tionally, he is proposing that principal Act is that, because nominees be taken from the of its language, it induces an legal profession, the council of abdication of responsibility on the University of Guyana, the the part of the Coroner in the Private Sector Commission, different magisterial districts. the religious community, the This must be rectified to ensure labour movement, the major that magistrates are mandated political opposition in Parliato conduct inquests in the areas ment and an organisation that in which they exercise jurisrepresents human rights.

Granger gives boat to Region 10

PRESIDENT Granger has fulfilled a promise made to the people of Region 10 on his last visit, to provide transportation in whatever form to students, having difficulty attending school because of transportation issues.

This promise was materialised last week when the President handed over a boat to the Regional Democratic Council to transport children living in communities down the Demerara River. The majority of the children formerly attended the Christianburg Primary School that was burnt down a few years ago.

They are now experiencing difficulty attending school in Central Linden, hence, the residents of these riverine

communities made a request to the Regional Chairman, who engaged the President on the issue.

The Regional Chairman posited that the boat is in the possession of the Council, but in the interim, they will be putting all systems in place to have this boat serve the residents, particularly the children of these communities for the purpose intended. The President has already distributed boats to several hinterland communities to eliminate the challenges children experience in attending schools in these rugged terrains.

He told the people of Linden that his vision is to have every child attend school and he will provide

the means to make this possible.

“If they need a boat, they will get a boat, if it’s a bicycle, a bus, a truck or whatever, I will provide it because education is very important and I want every child to be in school,” Mr Granger said.

The residents of Malali and Riverview are also rallying for a school boat as they experience similar challenges and the Regional Chairman promised these residents, especially those of Riverview that they will be provided a boat in the near future to cut the daily burden of transportation cost for the children who attend school in Bartica, Region Seven.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 6, 2016

Training to strengthen community governance AFTER this year’s Local Government Elections (LGE), elected officers are expected to benefit from training to manage the system in a three stage approach aimed at strengthening the system of local governance at the level of the neighbourhood.

The move is in keeping with the Ministry of Communities’ new philosophy, which is to equip and empower Local Democratic Organs to function with independence.

The Ministry stated in an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA) that LGE allows for a democratic renewal, with capacity-building and institutional strengthening within the new councils recognised as being of key importance to the process.

“What will occur is that following the elections of March 18, 2016, whilst these new councillors will bring enthusiasm and energy, many of them may lack the experience required to properly discharge their responsibilities,” GINA stated.

It said that the second approach entails its responsibility to provide training to local government officers, namely the new town clerks, overseers, administrative personnel, and councillors.

Against this backdrop, the Ministry is currently involved in putting together training manuals to address this obligation. As regards the financing of the councils, the Ministry said, funding from Government will be decided by Cabinet after a revaluation and evaluation of property tax exercise to assist in the area of self-funding.

Universally, councils receive funding from local sources that are within their jurisdiction. However, this has not occurred in Guyana since the Central Government controlled the funding and by extension operation of the council.

“The foundation is

being laid so that, going forward following the elections of March 18, next year, there will be no more central control,” the release stated.

COOPERATION AND COLLABORATION While reiterating the independence of the local democratic organs, the Ministry said that the “hand of control”, which existed in the past will be replaced by “a hand of cooperation and collaboration”.

It added that the Central Government, Ministry of Communities and the Regional and Local Democratic organs will go forward in partnership, following a new strategic direction in which the local organs will be allowed to function with the autonomy and the authority that are needed for them to be effective.

Local Government Elections were last held in Guyana in 1994 and after assuming office last May, the David Granger administration has pledged to fulfill its promise to hold LGE made during the elections campaign.

According to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), in compliance with Article 71 of the Constitution, 71Local Authority Areas comprising six municipalities or towns and 65 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) have been established in Guyana.

The two primary objectives of a local government are to enable democratic local decision-making, and action by and on behalf of communities; and also to promote the social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of communities. Some of the key goals of the LGE are to improve the local environment, provide and develop local open space and recreation facilities, set strategic policy directions, and prepare annual plans, budgets and long-term

council community plans.

FRAMEWORK In addition, the elections are aimed at providing an infrastructural and planning framework in which communities can

grow and the economy can flourish. Its goals include the coordination with other agencies operating locally, such as the police, and the promotion of cultural and sporting events, local visitor and tourism events.

To vote in the elec-

tions on March 18, one must be 18 years or over by a qualifying date to be set by GECOM. He /she must be registered and be living in the municipality or NDC and the constituency in which he/she is desirous of voting, to be able to vote under both

the Proportional Representation and the Constituency components of the election. Eligible candidates must also be listed on the Register of Voters for the Municipality or NDC in which are desirous of voting.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 6, 2016

Fees increased to compensate environmental damage

By Alva Solomon

ENVIRONMENTAL damage done by sand and gravel contractors at Lethem has led to restructuring of the fees for mining either commodity at the border community. The new fee structure is reportedly aimed at regularising what was allegedly a “free for all” system which existed in the area.

This is according to Carlton Beckles, Chairman of the Interim Management committee (IMC) of the Ireng/ Sawariwaru Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) in the Region Nine community.

Several contractors have recently expressed concern over the fees being increased from $2500 to $5500, but Beckles told this newspaper yesterday that when he as-

sumed office in July last year, along with other members of the IMC, “we found that a lot of things were not done in a

right way”.

He said one such matter was the extraction of sand and gravel within the boundaries

of Lethem. A system was initially implemented, he said, and contractors were asked to pay $500 and $1000 per load

CONTRACTORS at Lethem have been sourcing white sand from the Takutu River bed, seen here. The current dry weather has resulted in the water level of the river dropping significantly in some parts

of sand or gravel, depending on the size of the truck. He said the contractors did not adhere to that system. In one instance, a contractor paid $10,000 to the NDC for removal of sand, with a promise to remove loads corresponding to the prices paid. However, that contractor removed in excess of 100 loads of sand, and it was later pointed out that the other companies were also removing sand and gravel from the sites at nights.

Sand is mined at both the Tabatinga area and from the bed of the Takutu River. According to Beckles, the contractors were depleting the amount of sand at these areas, while the non-payment of fees was the least of their concern. He said that the new IMC, which replaced the one installed under the last government, decided to take action by holding broad-based discussions with stakeholders, including the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC), and was supported by businesses as well as the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI).

He said that officials of those entities and officials of the IMC visited the areas where sand and gravel are mined, and also held discussions with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) on the issue.

Last October, an agreement was put in place to implement a new fee structure, and this, Beckles noted, was discussed with the contractors.

He said there was initial agreement by the entities, but the contractors later objected to the $3000 loading fee as well as the presence of one company at the sites to load the sand and gravel.

“The problem was that everyone wanted to go and dig sand at their own free will,” he said.

IRRESPONSIBLE Additionally, some persons used their machinery and damaged parts of the banks of the Takutu River while taking advantage of the current dry weather. Beckles noted that whenever the weather changes there might be resultant consequences. In addition, he said, the concrete structures at the sides of the roads were broken and removed to enable contractors easier access to remove sand from the Takutu River.

He said that Dalip Construction Company was contracted to work at the sites to load sand and gravel onto the contractors’ trucks. “We do

not have our own machines and we can’t afford those now, so Dalip Construction is being paid by the NDC to work at the site,” he explained. He noted that Dalip Construction has a fairly good reputation and that the fees collected by the company are paid to the NDC. Beckles noted that the loading fee was introduced to assist in regularising the process. He opined that the amount is a fair price, given the sums of monies charged by the contractors.

“The trucks charge as much as $30,000 per load of sand,” he said, disputing the $20,000 fee mentioned by several contractors who had spoken with this publication.

“It was a total free-for-all, and we decided to try to bring some order into the matter,” he said. He noted that among the measures to be implemented is the naming of days on which sand and stone will be removed by the contractors, as well as the stockpiling of the materials to avoid depletion.

This is being considered to cater for the rainy season.

Beckles said that, at the moment, the NDC is indebted to several agencies, including the GGMC, which it owes some $300,000. These and other expenses are being considered under the new fare structure put in place at the mining grounds. He said position of the NDC will remain permanent, and that the business community and residents have supported the move.

The IMC chairman said persons have customarily been making payments to officials in order to obtain favours, and this has caught the attention of the new IMC. It may imply a practice which occurred under the previous IMC, he said.

“In the NDC, you can make millions,” he added.

Several contractors told this newspaper recently that the doubling of the fees has been affecting their businesses. They claim that the move was made without discussion, and one contractor even alleged that Dalip Construction was not the ideal entity for the job, given its past performance undertaking works in the region.

Lethem is being prepared for township status, and the government has indicated its intention to support the development of the region in various areas, including agricultural and infrastructural. The Brazilians have also pledged their support towards the development of the area, which has benefited from the economic linkages made by the Takutu Bridge.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 6, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 6, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 6, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 6, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE WEDNESDAY Wednesday January 6, 6, 2016 GUYANA CHRONICLE, JANUARY 2015 TO LET  semi furnished 2 bedroom bath tub nice $90 000 call Eric 616-5914.  ECD: 2-bedroom house. Parking etc. $45 000. 681-2499. -bedroom bottom flat apartment, recently renovated.

Contact 681-8627, 651-2478.  space in Alberttown, 2-bedroom apartment in Kingston 621-5282.  2- & 3-bedroom $60 000 & $80 000, Diamond 1-bedroom with hot & cold and AC $55 000. 684-6266.  Space for studio, classes, office located in Queenstown. Call 658-5454. -bedroom $40 000, one-bedroom $30 000 Norton Street, Lodge. Call 687-2825, 261-5635.  3 bedroom upper flat tile floor, parking etc. Agriculture Road call Eric 616-5914.  available, two-bedroom apartments, fully furnished and unfurnished, both local and overseas clientele accepted. Tel: 658-5454.  Street, Kitty: Fully furnished one- and two-bedroom apartment from US$2 0 daily.

227-5852, 638-4404.  bottom flat at Royal Drive, 68 Campbellville Section M. Price $65 000 650- .  bottom flat apartment. We rent sell your property. Call Guyana Property Management. (592) 644-6608.   new William Street AC, parking $90 000 & 2 bedroom furnished $90 000 call Eric 616-5914.  place, Sandy Babb Street: Large two-storey concrete building. No flooding Tel: 642-0636.  bedroom concrete house in Providence, fully grilled, water, light and parking Tel: 638-6005.  3-bedroom semi-furnished one-bedroom, fully furnished at Atlantic Gardens. Contact 220-7648, 626-2066.  furnished house AC, Wifi, laundry room, security camera, 2-bedroom apartment, Diamond H/S. $35 000.

680-3481.  furnished two-storey house at 107 Second Street, Alberttown, Georgetown. Call 231-3480, 661-8110, 655-6737.  spacious 3-bedroom bottom flat at Mon Repos ECD, with inside toilet & bath $45 000 monthly. Tel: 629-5300.  furnished 2-bedroom apartment, 2 bathrooms, washer, water filter system. Call for appointment, 667-9963, 680-4490.  Building: Available limited mall space on ground floor and modern office space on 3rd floor. Contact 2254413, 225-0283.  Building: 5th floor open space suitable for restaurant or sports bar, with roof top view. Contact 225-4413, 225-0283. -bedroom apartment, Eccles, EBD. Single male preferred.

Available from 1s6 January, 2016.

Call 233-2272, 668-5741.  lower flat situate at Nandy Park, unfurnished.

Price $35 000 monthly Tel: 2336742, 615-7378.  concrete house at Lot 145 Samatta Point, Grove Housing Scheme, fully grilled, laundry room, toilet and bath, overhead tank and yard fully concreted. Call 625-4071.  4-bedroom apartment in highly residential area,, hot & cold filtered water, swimming pool, tennis court. Call 226-4405, 645-8400.

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TO LET

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE PROPERTY

PROPERTY FOR SALE

   US$650, Campbellville US$1000, Atlantic Gardens US$550. Have properties to let or sell? Then call Diana 227-2256, 626-9382.

 property, East Bank of Demerara. Interested persons are asked to make contact on 675-2147.

 unfinished 3-bedroom flat house on 18th Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme. Call 222-0555 or 655-8388 for more information.

 and land with furnishing in Vryman's Erven New Amsterdam. Tel: 333-2915, 624-5568.

 Margot, ECD: One 2-storey concrete house on 100'x100' land, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Contact 623-3874, 615-9089. Strictly no agents.

 - Turkeyen, ECD, 4th Field, one two-storey concrete and wooden building, price $12M, Sophia wooden two storey building, $12M - Tel: 225-3737, 651-7078.

 - NORTON Street flat three bedroom concrete building with driveway $12M, Durban Street business spot two storey concrete building $33M, Eccles BB flat concrete building $20M, Little Diamond two storey concrete building $12M - Tel: 6517078, 673-1665.

   Georgetown: Furnished twobedroom lower flat $70 000 preferably single person or couple. Contact Trudy 225-4712, 696-2435.  upper flat concrete, verandah, parking $60 000 and 2 bedroom Better Hope upper flat $40 000 call Eric 6165914, 220-0131.  Regent Street $160 000, $500 000, $800 000, Robb Street $500 000, Brickdam $100 000, $160 000,Lamaha Street $60 000, $120 000 call Eric 616-5914.  concrete house at Lot 145 Samatta Point, Grove Housing Scheme, fully grilled, laundry room, toilet and bath, overhead tank and yard fully concreted. Call 625-4071.  Ruimveldt Gardens: One unfurnished upstairs and downstairs 3-bedroom house in a yard by itself, garage accommodation for two vehicles, house meshed, other facilities $100 000. Call 610-5087, 693-9386.  Street, Croal Street, Republic Gardens US$1100; Forshaw Street, Queenstown US$900; University Gardens 6-bedroom, unfurnished US$2600; Le Ressouvenir 3 properties at US42500 each; office buildings South Road, Thomas Street, Lamaha Street, etc. and much more in our comprehensive listings - Contact us Alfred Mentore/Lifetime Real Estate & Management Tel: 225-3466, 6230235, or visit our office at 54 Robb Street, Bourda, Georgetown.  Reid's Realty: Vreeden-Hoop 3-bedroom top flat unfurnished $60 000 neg., Newtown 3-bedroom top flat unfurnished $100 000, 3-bedroom unfurnished in South Ruimveldt Park $85 000, house by itself unfurnished $140 000, 2-bedroom bottom flat unfurnished $60 000, executive apartments US$900, US$100, US$1500 and upwards, bond and office space. Call now 646-1712, 693-8532, 669-3350, 226-1064, 225-5198.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

-style house $40M. Tel: 611-0315, 690-8625  concrete property D'Aguiar's Park.      property, Friendship Public Road, EBD. Call 6216878.  $12M neg., 2-bedroom house, land 110x40.

Call 627-1893, 694-4148  3-storey property in Plaisance. Price $35M neg. Tel: 612-6417, 687-5653.  2-storey house, South $100 000, bond space $120 000. 684-6266.  Park: 2-storey concrete house, 5 bedrooms, price $45M neg. - Tel: 619-2525.  house $30M, Nandy Park $40M. 226-0012, 600-0762, 613-8115. , Subryanville $110M, land Providence $4.5M 226-0012, 613-8115, 600-0762.  3-BEDROOM house in Thomas Street, Kitty, Price $35M. - Contact: 610-3821.  built concrete properties at Canal No. 2 and La Parfaite Harmonie, WBD. 254-0373.

-bedroom flat concrete house, Block 8 Mon Repos, ECD. Contact 697-1269, 648-7724.  2 North Road Bourda, 163 Alexander Street, Kitty. Call Ricky 616-2101, 686-3101.  upstairs with bottom flat on corner lot in Lusignan $9.5M. 609-5633, 600-6176.  Margot: Beautiful two-storey 4-bedroom house on double lot. $45M neg. Call Carol 623-0070.   Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, 4-storey concrete, 70x28 ft. domestic storage, business. Contact 226-7968.. -bedroom apartment fully grilled in Campbellville. Contact 641-8241.  Street: Back house with driveway, 2-storey, 3-bedroom house $18M neg. Call Carol 6230070.  Garnett Street (Campbellville) $35M, land Lamaha Springs $6M (neg.) 2252540, 695-6412, 628-7605. 3-storey building in Plaisance Village. Tel: Attorney Bristol 628-0668, 231-7128, 612-6417, owner.  for sale: at lot 23 North Sec., Canal #2 Polder, asking $18M neg. - Call 226-1716. -storey property in 118 Cowan Street, Kingston.

Call 677-3005, 677-3956.   4-bedroom, 2-baths, concrete, 2-flat house in Industry, plenty yard space, $29M.  & 2-storey building: Lot 180 Charlotte Street, Bourda Tel: 227-6817, 624-7341.  Park, Annandale Public Road: 3 buildings on double lot. Call 660-7200.  property on the Parika Beach Road also properties at Ruimzeight Gardens, WCD. Tel: 269-0020.  Real Estate property on Church Street opposite Bourda Mall..Price $140M neg.

Tel: 622-0445, 226-6525.  Land Investment. We deal in land. We buy and sell residential house lots all across Guyana. Call Ron: 611-7223, 604-2207.   ECD: 2 houses on land $14.5M neg. Contact 672-0811, 658-1523, 6383622, 231-8567.  Street: Two-storey building on land $11.5M neg.

Contact 672-0811, 658-1523, 6383622, 231-8567.  Street: Good for business, two houses on land $32M neg. Contact 672-0811, 658-1523, 638-3622, 231-8567.  and land, length 560x33 ft,. one-storey, 3-bedroom wooden house at Triumph Agriculture Road, ECD - $14M or double land for $19.5M. Tel: 642-7370, 602-9415.       - Mon Repos, Melsha Street, concrete and wooden building. Price $16M, Plaisance, ECD. Three-storey concrete building. Price $40M. Tel: 651-7078, 673-1665.  4-bedroom concrete property with 2 self-contained rooms, tiled yard, concrete fence, concrete drains .Block 8 Mon Repos. Price neg. Tel: 623-9713.

 Street: Great location for business or residential, lot size 60x100. Call 658-5730.0

 house in Windsor Estate, EBD; solar panel, new stainless appliances, $ 3 8 M - Te l : 6 9 2 - 0 8 0 8 , 2 2 5 7802.

4-flat commercial concrete building in central Georgetown 130ft x 35ft x 4 flats. 693-5610, 2270190 Ext. 100, 616-9727.

 (1) 3-storey building situated at Lot 79 Robb Street, Bourda - Contact 223-7478, 6901440.

 $5M, Herstelling $4M, La Parfaite Harmonie $1M, $1.3M, $1.5M, Zeelugt $1.6M. 611-7223, 604-2207.  in New Amsterdam, road to alley - $35M. Contact Tel: 225-3466, 623-0235.  East Bank Demerara, residential, commercial, cultivation plot of land with buildings and movable assets including 4 vehicles. Contact 650-5112.  - Republic Gardens, large concrete building $37M; Republic Park, two-storey concrete building $45M, $35M - Tel: 2253737, 651-7078.  157 Friendship, ECD, 2 houses on land, D'Urban Street, 2 houses on land. Bent Street twostorey building Call 672-0811, 6581523, 638-3622, 231-8567.   $14M, Paradise $15M, Eccles $24M, East La Penitence $14M, Agricola $34M. Call: 658-2667.  Brook Gardens $40M, Lamaha Gardens $75M, Atlantic Gardens (land) $14M, LBI, Queenstown, Prashad Nagar, Republic Park and many more.

Call Carol 623-0070.  - Republic Gardens: land $10M, $12M, Diamond $8M, $10M, Grove $6M, $5M, $4M, Martyrsville Mon Repos $4M, Eccles $3.5M - Tel: 225-3737, 651-7078.  - Crane public road double lots $35M, Leonora New Scheme $4M, Parika Riverside $12M, 15 acres in Hydronie $15M - Tel: 225-3737, 651-7078.  - ECCLES, three-bedroom concrete building, price $22M; Durban Street business spot, two-storey concrete building for $35M - Tel: 225-3737, 651-7078.  - Annandale, Courbane Park - Two-storey concrete building on double lots, concrete fence, tiled walkway/driveway, and benab, enclosed parking, etc., price $33M - Tel: 225-3737, 651-7078.  - Eccles, flat concrete building $20M; Plaisance, ECD, threestorey concrete building in Prince William Street, no repairs, price $40M - Tel: 225-3737, 651-7078.   LOCATED@ CORNER OF HUNTER ST @ INDEPENDENCE BOULEVARD, NORTH ROAD. BENT ST. ALBOUYSTOWN. CONTACT: 6505112  - Providence, EBD two concrete buildings on land price $30M; Diamond, newly constructed concrete building, $35M, $40M - Tel: 225-3737, 651-7078.  Eccles, Tuschen, De Willem, Blankenburg, Hague, Grove, Kitty, Cummings Lodge. 629-8253, 615-3728. - Good Hope, ECD, 4 house lots with two buildings, 14 feet driveway, from East Coast Public Road, price $60M - Tel: 2253737, 651-7078.  - Non Pariel, ECD, twostorey concrete building $14M; Little Diamond, EBD, two-storey concrete building $14M; Grove $14M; Sophia $14M - Tel: 225-3737, 6517078.  - Just off Mandela Avenue into Norton Street flat three-bedroom concrete building price $11M - Tel: 225-3737, 6517078  - Turkeyen, ECD, just off UG road, large incomplete twostorey apartment building, very good investment; and apartments, price $80M neg. Tel: 225-3737, 6517078.

  4-bedroom house on ECD for sale or rent; prime business property to rent on ECD, Public Road - Tel: 624-6772.  - LEONORA, WCD, new two-storey concrete building, price $30M, Crane $20M, Windsor Forest $20M - Tel: 2253737, 651-7078. - GUYHOC Park: twostorey concrete and wooden building, $13M; Middle Road, La Penitence two buildings in yard, $20M - Tel: 225-3737, 651-7078.  - Providence, EBD two concrete buildings on land price $30M; Diamond, newly constructed concrete building, $35M, $40M Tel: 225-3737, 651-7078. - Good Hope, ECD, 4 house lots with two buildings, 14 feet driveway, f r o m E a s t Coast Public Road, price $60M - Tel: 225-3737, 651-7078.  offer $29.9M neg., 259 David Street, Kitty. Business with 2 bedrooms, 3 washrooms, security camera, air-conditioned built-in closets. All windows grilled. Call Nasier 231-8690, 6173058. Agents welcome.  & Son Real Estate, Lot 185 Charlotte & King Streets, Maraj Building Tel: 227-0265, 227-1881, 627-805., Croal Street, Robb Street, D'Urban Street, Non Pareil, Norton Street. Land: Friendship, Diamond, Plaisance, Truimph, Queenstown  - Nandy Park, twostorey concrete and wooden building, $38M, two - storey concrete building in prime residential area, Queenstown, price $65M - Tel: 225-3737, 651-7078    apartments with self-contained, AC, hot & cold etc. Location Mon Repos ECD. Price $75 000, $100 000 Tel: 618-0626. -bedroom semi-furnished apartment, grilled, top flat in La Parfaite Harmonie $30 000 monthly or $7 000 weekly. Call 615-1201  storey house, three (3) bedrooms- 48' x 28' sqft, at 5th Avenue, Diamond. Vacant possession, 30 million negotiable.

For further details call Singh-6420402 Or Bibi 616-6214.  (2) bedroom flat house, 55' x 34' sqft, at La Parfait Harmony, West Bank Demerara.Vacant possession, 19 millions negotiable.For further details call Singh-642-0402 Or Bibi 616-6214. - Success Street bond, 45'x70' -30 ft high container, can enter rental $300 000, selling price $35M; Agricola, EBD, just off Public Road, two-storey concrete building on land 50'x200', price $40M - Tel: 225-3737, 651-7078.  house Diamond New Scheme $22M, 5-bedroom house, Eccles New Scheme $24M, 3-bedroom house 2nd Street Grove H/S $10M, 2-bedroom house Lima Public Road, Essequibo Coast. Tel: 680-3481.  - Friendship, EBD Wooden building on riverside land 80'x240', nice for business, wharf price $65M; Supply, EBD, land with wooden building Public Road to river 50'x150', price $20M - Tel: 225-3737, 651-7078.  - Atlantic Gardens - Large five-bedroom concrete building on double lots, concrete fence, corner spot, two entrances/exit fully air conditioned, with solar heater water pressure, and purification system, and fully furnished, just move in, price $65M, Tel: 225-3737, 651-7078.  upstairs with 2 - two apartments downstairs $16m, 1 - 3 Bedrooms upstairs with 2 - two apartments downstairs $22m (newly constructed) Located at Peter's Hall E.B.D 628-1079, 642-7711, 2335292 (Brian or Tracy)

  two-storey concrete building $19M, Coldingen ECD on main road twostorey concrete building on three lots $30M. Anna Catherina WCD two-storey concrete business property $40M, Windsor Forest $20M, Leonora $26M Tel: 225-3737, 651-7078.  - CANAL NO 2 Polder: three-bedroom concrete building, large side shed, overhead and large water storage, on eight acres of land, part cultivated, 5000 pineapples, citrus, foundation for poultry pens, price $25M - Tel: 225-3737, 651-7078.  2-storey property Industry $28M, 2 properties Atlantic Gardens $45M, $48M, $28M, 2-storey property BV $28M, Eccles $27M, $36M, $45M, Montrose 4-bedroom property 2 houses from main road, opposite Atlantic Gardens.  Street $95M,Albert Street $120M, Subryanville $75M, Church Street $135M,Regent Street $300M, Kitty $35M ,Cummings Street Queenstown,Sheriff Street, Industry, Montrose, Main Street.2231765,641-2664.  $70M & $ 8 0 M , Garnett Street $35M, L a m a h a Gardens $40M and $100M, Middle Street $195M neg. & $110M, South Ruimveldt $18M, $22M and $35M, Avenue of the Republic US$1.7M, Diamond $15M - $20M, Robb Street, US$M, $175M, $35M, Republic Park $85M, $35M and $40M, Rep u b li c G a r d e n s $ 4 7 M a n d $27M n e g.  new concrete flat house situated at Republic Gardens, EBD (2500 sq. ft) 80x30 three bedrooms 3 bathrooms, each room contains 2 built-in closet, large family room, large kitchen with breakfast counter, island, pantry, all natural wood, cabinets, granite counter large laundry room, tile throughout house, large parking space for several vehicles (Price $27M). Price neg. Call Ali 6 3 9 -8182, 660-7320, 233-5118.  Mentore and Lifetime Real Estate & Management, list with you properties for sale at Charlotte Street with walkway close to Albert Street $10M, Robb Street close to Albert Street road to alley $65M, Queenstown 2 investment turn-key apartment properties US$800 000, Duncan Street $60M neg., Newtown apartment complex good for investors $75M, Ogle $50M, South Road going corner $140M, Queenstown sound building (good for rental property investment) $90M, Subryanville two storey building $50M, Montrose ECD property and land on 1.7298 acres, building 26 000 sq. ft. US$3M, Robb Street property US$1.2M, Robb Street Bourda going concern $90M, South Road going corner $140M, Kitty with driveway $15M. Tel: 2253466, 623-0235, or visit our office at 54 Robb Street, Bourda, Georgetown.

FORSALE

FOR SALE

 .           units, shop front shutter 642-1475.   music set 8 bass (QSC amps, bas  tables any size, 2204372, 685-2794.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE , WEDNESDAY JANUARY 6, 2015 GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday January 6, 2016

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

VEHICLES FOR SALE

VEHICLES FOR SALE

 Premeir double door fridge $190 000 neg. - 641-1030.

 blowout New Year's lumber sale - greenheart, purpleheart from as low as $180 per BM. Transportation provided for large quantities. Tel: 694-2399.

  Samsung Blu-Ray Laptop, Macpro Desktop, Samsung 55" Smart 3D TV, Bose/ Beats headphones, Bose 901 speakers, Ipad Air, Iphones, LG G4, Crown/QSC 2450/5050. DBX Driverack, JBL/RCF/B&C speakers, EV horns, Yamaha/fender,/Gibson guitars, Pioneer/Denon jugglers, Canon/Nikon professional cameras 32" LG/Sony Smart TVs Tel: 623-2477.

 Toyota Premio, PSS series, AC, CD, rims, lady-driven.

Tel: 645-4669.

 Axela 2006 Model.

Ladies driven, PRR Series. Excellent condition. Contact # 678-7085 or 690-2819.

 Fielder wagon, dark interior, body kit, fog, roof rack, rear spoiler, TV. 6175536.

 BMW 318i, black PPP series, fully loaded with 18" rims.

Price $3M neg. Contact 6453854, 654-2526.

 110 Sprinter low mileage 38 000, lady driven. 2007 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner LED headlights, 22-inch rims - $2.8M. 652-5668.

, PMM series, immaculate condition with mag rims, flat screen, music deck. Contact 622-7831.

PMM series, old model, excellent condition $925 000 neg. Tel: 649-0329, 639-5824.

 Axela PPP Series Automatic transmission. Excellent Condition. $ 1.7M negotiable. Call 673-2433

 Sprinter AE 91, immaculate condition with mag rims, private car. Reasonable price. 660-9598, 229-6297.

  

 Allion, PMM series, excellent condition. Price $1.45M. Tel: 646-1338, 645-6823.

 buy and sell vehicles for cash. We also do trade-in of vehicles Tacoma, AE 100 680-3154

 520M Sport, 2007 model from England, right-hand drive, immaculate condition.

Price neg. Contact 603-1231.

 65 KVA Perkins with 4236 engine. Price $1.5M. Tel: 623-9761 , coins, stamps, old bottles, lobby cards, etc. Contact David 629-1466, 222-6796   Galaxy phone (new), unlocked, excellent. Price.

Call Anthony 664-5251.  Road, Georgetown, land. Tel: 600-9375, 649-4888.  delivery to spot, also bobcat and excavator rental. 617-5536.  canter 4D30 engine - $400 000. Tel: 628-7829.  Toyota Call:613-8843.

Premio

         Massey Ferguson 165 tractor, in excellent working condition, (first owner). Contact 679-8454.  Tutor for a 6 year old.

Must have experience contact rtilak@adamantiumholdings.com  Thoroughbred horses. Already in racing shape. Call: 686-0328 / 917-545-7502  25 KVA industrial single phase 480/240/ 120V USA. Price $370 000 Tel: 623-9761.  B12 for parts, engine in good condition $200 000.

Call 611-5842.  minibus parts engine, gear box, seats, lights etc.

Contact 225-6009, 692-2644.  chair, salon chair, air-conditioning unit, freezer, dryer, all in good condition. 6814700, 687-9046. , AC unit, carpenter clamp, typewriter, toilet bowl, sink, water bottle stand, mat, stool.

Everything half price. 226-9929.  Caterpillar backhoe 4x4, good working condition, one welder generator on wheels. Call 623-3404.  ICONA/W7 tablet/ computer i5 processor, 4GB ram, 3 USB ports. Excellent condition. Call Anthony. 664-5251.  LONG boom CAT excavator, Laverda 3600 combine.

Both in excellent working condition. Please contact 656-2350.  Hilux Solid Def gearbox, springs, steering knuckle (grass knife) lights, fenders, rear driveshaft. Tel: 691-2077.  Used CSEC & CAPE textbooks, in good condition (other books available as well). Call 619-9589.  monitor, point, tap, drag with your finger Windows XP/7, rugged, reliable, CD provided, MS Office ready..

(657-0356)  Fiat 110-90 tractor with Baldan 20-dish plough, one Massey Ferguson 590 tractor. Phone 6046121, 602-2352, 607-6121.  60'x120' clear span, 7 metal thrusts with greenheart - 4 178 bm, complete with zinc sheets 102 pcs - 30' Price $3M. Tel: 623-9761.     100 colour printer, 2 used Dell computers, tablet, industrial sewing machine. Call 616-8570.  Glass Door Refrigerator, Excellent Condition, Works Perfectly (crack on door) Asking $65,000.Call 693-2396 for details.  brand new 3500-gallon fuel tank, $3.8M each neg., one Brazil-made Massey Ferguson $5.5M neg., one new plough $680 000. Tel: 254-0373.  counter top, gas stove, one airbrush compressor with gun, table model dryer (hack tools), one oven two shelves with broiler (summit brand), 613-2618.

 three-bedroom two-storey concrete house 8th Street, Foulis, H/S $18M neg, Dachshund puppy, pure breed, 2 ½ months old $15 000. Tel: 256-3360, 685-8485.  Daewood refrigerator double door, excellent condition $75 000, Johnny Walker Blue Label $60 000, Gold Reserve $20 000, Explorers Club Collection $20 000, Swing $10 000. Call 615-1017.  freezer, working condition, one three-piece sofa, brand new, house amplifier Yamaha, Kenwood and Sanyo, and surround amplifier working with CD. One chop saw and speakers 15", 21", 6". Tel: 220-7252.  Hair Salon, 207 Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown, Georgetown between Oronoque and New Garden Streets, 2 small fridges (used), 1 thread mill (manual). Tel: 2260205 between 09:00hrs - `17:00hrs.  Honda generator, 11 000 watts, 620 CC, BBQ grill, food warmers, outdoor cooker, food transporter, toilet set, ice cream freezer, ice shaver, commercial vac master, commercial stove. Tel: 688-3820, 621-2911  old Yorkshire Terriers, mixed, 1 - 220v washing machine, 1-220v dryer, oil and water paintings (framed) for your walls; Dutch jugs and bottles - 661-8836, 225-9741.      150CC motor identical to the honda Ruckus available in various colours.

Contact 226-5590, 667-9048.   Johnson outboard (electric start), Johnson outboard remote control, 1 pair Toyota Dyna Canter springs, Toyota Hilux body kit (roll bar/roof rack/bull nose), Tatu 3 disc plough, 1 farm trailer (14x6) ft. - Tel: 614-8400, 254-1591.  6354, 4236, 1100 and 1004 engines, model M with winch/320 BL and L Caterpillar excavator, TCM forklift, pallet jacks, complete 6" land dredge, 4" and 6" fire hose, 4" flex hose, 416 Caterpillar backhoe . Tel: 691-2921.  for rent or sale, flowers, vases, plant pots, stands, 1-42" TV & stand, 1 Xbox 360, Surround system, 2 keyboards, wares , sewing machine, fridge, amplifier, stove, lamps, tools, grinding machine and lots more - Call: 614-4923.  beautiful 19ft family fibreglass sport boat, equipped for fishing rod holders, live wells ice box etc. powered by 175 Yamaha salt water series, 55 mph trailer included Tel: 611-7031, 667-7963.  One SHARP portable air conditioner (excellent condition), used about 5 times $62 000 neg. One Viper car alarm (new) covers 1 mile radius $45 000 neg.

One air bed (22-24" high when inflated). Price neg. Call 654-0163.  DAF 55 truck, excellent condition, Tacoma excellent condition, John Deere 135 HP generating, 40 HP electric plant motor. Owner re-migrating Tel: 675-4287.  mining equipment sold in a set or separately, a set of brand new Chinese gold mining equipment are up to 50% off, including wheel loader, generators, gold sluice, electric welding machine, freezer, washing machine, air compressor, water pump. Can be sold in a set or separately. Interested?

Please call 616-0806.  bed frame, plastic drawers, plastic barrel, 7-piece dining set, printer, lazy-boy recliner chair, blinds, carpets, mattress, 32" Sony TV flat screen, bed base, baby crib combined with drawers, wall pictures, stove, gas bottle, shelves, water bottle.

Owner leaving 669-0828.

VEHICLE FOR SALE VEHICLES FOR SALE         Tacoma 3RZ engine 2002. 639-4320.  minibus SS series with mags. Contact 665-8724.  192: price $700 000 neg.

Contact: 603-4767, 654-8161. Mark II back wheel drive.

Tel: 660-6110. Price $200,000.                          Mitsubishi 2-ton ice box canter. Tel: 692-4962.     GX90 Mark II going cheap, AC, CD, mags etc.Tel: 642-6159  LANCER. Contact 691-0713.  Hilux GNN series. $1.2M 694-2065..  BRR 9001 minibus, excellent condition. Contact 6106739, 216-4141.           2005 Mazda Axela, excellent condition $1.5M. Call 617-7113.  Toyota RAV4 (old model) $1.3M, Tel: 642-6159 Toyota Tundra V6, 2WD $1.3M neg, Tel: 642-6159  Toyota Spacio black, 17inch mags etc. PTT series $1.4M neg. Tel: 642-6159.  new model 212, PKK series, silver. Price neg. Excellent condition. Tel: 642-7813.  3Y double cab, 4wheel drive pickup, in excellent condition. 685-0942, 645-0240.  Spacio HC 3281 Year 2001 $1.3M good condition - 624-6069.  Axela, white, like new, PSS series - $1.4M. Call 616-5914.  Atlas (2-ton) $1.4M, Ford F150 - $1.8M, Isuzu enclosed canter $2M. Tel: 336-6416  RZ EFI minibus, BKK. Owner leaving country. Price $900 000. Call 692-2602.  Allion, fully loaded, excellent condition. $1.6M neg.

Tel: 615-9089.  Mercedes Benz C180, PPP series, excellent condition.

Call 629-1559.  Mitsubishi 2-ton canter, GTT series, excellent condition.

Call 629-9861.  Axio, excellent condition, first owner (PPP series) $1.9M neg. Call 654-0163.  PPP series good condition $1.3M. Call 641-1883, 6416671. Fielder wagon PNN series. One owner, very good condition. Call 663-3375.  Nissan Bluebird Sylphy car, silver, PTT 9838. $2.2M. Call 654-0476, 658-4495.  suitable for Racing. 600K negotiable. Call 6483067/685-0448, 658-2677.

 series Allion 17" rims, TV, viper alarm $2.9M neg.

Tel: 669-7298.  Foden double axle truck in good condition - Call: 672-7376, 332-0205.  new model, PJJ series, excellent condition, price for quick sale. Call Tel: 618-3093.  318i, fully powered, mags, AC in excellent condition.

Price $1.9M neg. Tel: 234-0230, 613-7238.      Sale! Sale! One F156 pickup with brand new parts. Sale as is. 233-5424, 671-1598.  G-Touring wagon. No reasonable offer refused. Contact cell 691-7167.  RAV4 PMM 4625, new model, excellent condition, female-driven. 622-1080.  Honda CRV immaculate condition. Price $1.65M neg. Tel: 626-2884.  Axela, white, like new, PSS series - $1.4M. Call 616-5914. car (air wave) fully loaded, with sky roof and excellent condition. Contact 2234413, 225-0283.  Allion PMM series mags, AC in excellent condition. Price $1.6M. Tel: 2340230, 613-7238.  extra cab, GMM series, diesel turbo excellent condition $3.3M. Tel: 641-6671. Honda CRV, low mileage, hardly used, RDS, 2001.

667-0524.

 Toyota MK2 GX 115, PPP series, with mags, great condition $2.5M neg. Contact 6223015.  model Raum AC, TV, mags PMM excellent condition, never worked hire $1.35M Tel: 619-1047.  Sprinter fully powered, automatic, excellent condition, first owner, rims, spoiler, alarm, music, $795 000. 643-6565.  2006 Toyota Premio, PRR series excellent condition first owner $2M neg. 614-8773, 684-2313.  Sprinter, repairs needed to back, engine in excellent condition, power windows - Call: 694-4148, 627-1893.  BHH series, $650 000; 1 Toyota Rav4, PKK series, $1.4M - Tel: 233-6705; good condition.

 Mitsubishi Pajero needs engine, low mileage, never used off road. 667-0524.

  Civic, PKK series, AC, alarm, DVD, 17" rims, price neg.; 1 250-Night Hawk motor cycle - Tel: 618-5509.

  excellent condition, TV, alarm, remote start, reasonably priced. Tel: 614-2500.

  series Allion 1 7 " r i m s , T V, v i p e r a l a r m $ 2 . 9 M n e g . Te l : 6 6 9 - 7 2 9 8 .

 Runx, PRR series, and one RZ minibus. Contact 2296533, 613-2798.

 Allion, PMM series, excellent condition. Price $1.45M. Tel: 646-1338, 645-6823.

 double cab L200 pick-up, needs minor repairs.

Call 656-2350.

 Toyota 212 Carina, charcoal gray, stereo, AC, PTT series. Asking $1.3M. Call Marlon 623-6622.

 MASSEY Ferguson tractor in immaculate condition. Call 671-7450, 626-5306.

 in stock: Allion, Premio, headlamp $24 000, RZ minibuses park light & trafficator $4 000, Pitbull headlamps, bumpers, grilled etc.

Kitty Public Road Call 680-3154.

        Mazda pickup with an enclosed cabin working with 3Y engine and gear box, excellent engine condition 621-1936, 683-9586.  CRV fully loaded, roller bars, sun roof, chrome mirrors and lights etc. Tel: 6269500, 644-5054.  PJJ series, good condition. Price $1.1M neg. Owner leaving country. Tel: 685-3832, 332-0205.  Hilux Vigo, excellent condition. Price $4.5M. Contact 675-4453, 621-0427.  long base, excellent condition. Price $400 000 Tel: 609-9479, 654-1153. extra cab $3.3M, diesel turbo, manual, lift kit, tray cover.

641-1883, 641-6671.  fully loaded Toyota Allion PTT series, excellent condition $1.65M. Contact 6005550.  - 2005 & 2007, MANUAL & AUTO 4 X 4, FULLY LOADED.CALL: 227-1511, 668-5171.

J's Parts Imports: New arrivals 2006 Toyota Premio, 2004 Toyota Premio, 2006 & 2007 Suzuki Escudo, duty paid or dutyfree. Tel: 609-2815.  minibus (Pitbull) 2008 model, AC, DVD, navigator, excellent condition, BSS series $2.7M neg. Serious enquiries only. Tel: 690-4373, 639-4165.    n e w m o d e l To y o t a Allion, 2008, remote and push start, 17-inch chrome rims, alarm, fully loaded. $2,95M. 649-3848, 677-4179.  Renault box (fibreglass) truck with 6 cylinders, Cummins engine, low mileage, hardly used in Guyana $4.5M neg. Call 6540476, 658-4495.  Bedford model MJ truck, never used in Guyana, with winch & original engine, gear box $4M neg. Call 654-0476, 658-4495.                

 6640 New Holland tractor & trailer, four-wheel drive. Price $4.5M neg. Call 227-1511, 668-5171.

 Cami, hardly used, late PTT series, mag rims, fully loaded. Noah straight from Japan, never registered. Prices neg. Contact 611-9150, 612-5850

 model Toyota Allion, PTT series, white, brand new chrome rims and tyres. Price $2.95M neg. Tel: 618-3109.

 2301 - 2006 model, owner ready to purchase his next duty free vehicle, $3.5M neg. - Tel: 6438131, 259-3157.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

 hard-to-get spare parts for Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Honda, BMW, etc - Call 645-7800/656-5592/642-4776.    Toyota Ractis motor car, PRR, silver, press start, fully loaded, roof rail, low mileage, $1.65M. 6275743, 220-0367.  axle Leyland DAF 75, excellent working condition, no reasonable offer refused - Contact I. Persaud: 623-0330, 256-3684.  new 2015 Yongkang Ruckus 150cc motorbike, identical to the Honda Ruckus, available in various colours. Contact 226-5590, 667-9048.    immaculate condition, remote start, 15" rims 3" DVD surround sound system. Price $1.2M. Contact 624-3380 .  Massey Ferguson from Canada MF 165 - $1.7M, MF 135 $1.1M, MF 265 $2.2M, Tundra $1.9M, 2005 Tacoma $2.3M. Call 682-5230, 628-9596                                  Benz C200 car - PMM 5127, year 2003, excellent condition, serviced with only original Mercedes parts, $2.9M neg. - Call: 624-6069..  discounts and free gifts on purchase of any unregistered car - Allion, Mazda, Fielder, Blue Bird, RAV4. One used Nissan Frontier. Call City Motors 626-7478, 616-3413.  2-3 ton cant e r wit h tail lift, 4-door canters also L 200 pickup, Nissan vans a nd Hilux pickup 2011, Vo l k s w a g e n c a r. 6 1 D e n n is Street, Georgetown 693-5610, 227-0190 ext.100, 616-9727.                                          Cab Toyota Pickup, solid def back and front PGG 7020 with 3Y engine, chrome bars, fog lights etc. excellent condition, year 1991, model # YN 105, $3.5M neg. Call: 624-6069.  212 in excellent condition with 15" rims, racing spoiler, AC, music for $1M neg. One Caldina wagon recently sprayed over, with 15" rims for $550 000 neg. Tel: 638-7904, 679-2066.  TK labour lorry GHH series, TK truck without tray & dump GHH series, TL dump stuck GDD series, TK scrap truck, Super GL RZ minibus BTT series, 212 Carina PMM series, Toyota IST PRR series. Contact 256-3405, 664-9595.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 6, 2016

Australia T20s chance to test Bavuma combination, says India’s Dhoni becomes ...

By Sudipto Ganguly

MUMBAI, India (Reuters) - Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is glad India will play three Twenty20 matches in Australia and hopes it will help the team identify the right combination before the World Twenty20 at home in March.

A lone T20 match is mostly the norm for an Indian team in a bilateral series but this time they will have more opportunities to hone their skills after playing five one-day internationals Down Under.

Though conditions in Australia will be starkly different to what they will get at home during the March 8-April 3

MS Dhoni at the pre-departure press conference in Mumbai, yesterday tournament, Dhoni felt India will have ample opportunities to test batting and bowling combinations during the series.

“I agree the conditions will be very different to where we will play the T20 World Cup but at the same time it is at least good to have three T20s together,” Dhoni, who now leads India only in limited-overs matches, told reporters.

“Now ... we have ample opportunity to try different people at different slots, different bowler combinations so we will be in a better position by the start of the World Cup as to what our playing eleven will look like and what will be the best suited strategy for the team.”

India lost both their 50over and T20 series at home against South Africa recently

and Dhoni said the team still needed to address a few problems in their line-up.

Spinner all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja made a comeback to the limited-overs format in the Indian team riding on his strong show against South Africa in the Test series and will have to fight with Axar Patel for a spot.

“I think Jadeja is bowling really well,” Dhoni said ahead of the team’s departure for Australia. “At the same time Axar is also in the team so we have two spinning all-rounders who are competing for a slot which will be very good for the team.”

With batsman Suresh Raina dropped from the ODI side after an inconsistent run, Dhoni has to decide who to use at the crucial number six slot in the batting order.

Batsman Gurkeerat Singh Mann and all-rounder Rishi Dhawan, who are yet to play for India, and greenhorn Manish Pandey are contenders for the spot but Dhoni was yet to decide whether he should demote himself to take on the responsibility.

“Number six-seven is the most difficult place for any batter to come if you are making your debut,” Dhoni added. “It is one place where not many have been successful.

“The tricky part is whether to push that individual to bat at six or give that individual the chance to bat at five and I take that extra pressure of batting at six.”

Henry takes five as NZ win Sri Lanka ODI series (REUTERS) - Matt Henry took the second five-wicket haul of his career to bowl New Zealand to a 36-run victory over Sri Lanka in the fifth one-day international and seal a 3-1 series victory at Bay Oval in Mt Maunganui yesterday.

Henry, who took four-wicket hauls in two other appearances in the series, finished with 5-40 as Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews had threatened to steal victory for his side.

Mathews combined with his strong middle order to guide the run chase for 295, to snatch a draw in the series but when he was the eighth wicket to fall for 95, it effectively ended Sri Lanka’s chances and they were bowled out for 258 in 47.1 overs.

Martin Guptill top-scored for New Zealand with 102 to

give the hosts a competitive, though not daunting, total of 294 for five.

“It was a hard-fought match,” New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said in a televised interview.

“Credit to Sri Lanka and it shows how even the two teams are when they’re playing good cricket.

“It was just great to get across the line and take the series win.”

New Zealand had ripped the top off Sri Lanka’s lineup to reduce them to 33-3 in the 10th over but Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal (50) responded with a 93-run partnership.

Mathews and Milinda Siriwardana (39) then put on 62 runs in 6.4 overs to take the visitors to within 72 runs of victory with nine overs remaining.

From Backpage

that South Africa include four players ‘of colour’, one of which must be a black African - and England clearly expected to dispose of him and the tail quickly. Instead the 25-year-old showed he really does belong very much on merit.

There were signs of nervousness as Bavuma neared three figures and he was to join the long list of beneficiaries of England’s butter-fingered fielding when he was dropped by a diving Jonny Bairstow off

Stuart Broad on 77.

But that did not stop him receiving an emotional ovation when he edged Steven Finn just wide of slip for the boundary that took him to a hundred and a seminal place in South African cricket history.

As Newlands rose to the boy from the Cape Town township of Langa and Bavuma’s father Buyo was swamped in celebration in the stands, Stokes was one of the England players offering warm applause, a nice postscript to their clash.

(Daily Mail)

GFF likely to ...

From Backpage $7.312M. Chronicle Sport was privy to the contract which was signed by Co-Director Kashif Muhammad and Normalisation Committee Chairman Clinton Urling on September 4, 2015.

To date, the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation has received $3.656M and will collect the balance in two phases; $1.828M one week before the commencement of the second half of the league and $1.828M the week after

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the completion.

The GFF is yet to announce a commencement date for the League (Finale) since an established review committee is at present re-evaluating the event to come up with avenues that would eliminate several shortfalls.

A contact member of the management team said that they are unaware of any move by the recently voted in Executive Committee of the GFF to terminate their contract, but the move, if done, wouldn’t come as a surprise.

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24

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 6, 2016

England survive as second Test heads for stalemate

By Mark Gleeson CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuters) - England’s openers came through the last half an hour unscathed after South Africa declared on 627 for seven and the second Test was heading for a draw yesterday.

South Africa captain Hashim Amla made a dou-

ble-century and Temba Bavuma struck his maiden Test hundred on the fourth day to take South Africa to within just two runs of England’s mammoth first-innings total.

England reached the close on 16 for no wicket with an 18-run lead after Alastair Cook and Alex Hales negotiated six overs as South Africa sought to turn the pressure

back on the tourists after dragging themselves back into the match.

Amla scored 201 and the diminutive Bavuma 102 not out as South Africa forced England to bowl 211 overs in searing heat at Newlands.

It made the prospect of a result highly unlikely with just one day to play, but the hosts’ morale should be lifted after a

Hashim Amla marches on to a doublecentury on the fourth day in Cape Town.

241-run loss in the first Test in Durban and a series of mediocre results in 2015.

Amla whose captaincy had been criticised was the cornerstone of the fightback, spending almost 12 hours at the crease and facing 477 balls. He was dropped twice on Monday but showed impressive concentration. South Africa were still under pressure at the beginning of the fourth day at 353 for three but it was only after the third new ball was taken after lunch that England made a breakthrough when Stuart Broad bowled Amla for 201.

Faf du Plessis went three

balls later after making 86 off 216 balls, edging a low

catch to Ben Stokes at third slip off the bowling of James Anderson.

Quinton de Kock fell for a trap set for him as he pulled a ball from Broad straight to Anderson at short square leg.

Bavuma played an array of attacking strokes to race to his fifty off 52 deliveries before tea and brought up his century, which included 16 fours, to earn a standing ovation from the crowd.

His pulls and hooks made for an entertaining innings, although he was dropped by wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow and got away with several thick edges.

Chris Morris played a good supporting role in his first Test and was looking odds-on for a ton of his own before driving on the up and being caught by Root at short extra over off Steven Finn for 69.

SCOREBOARD

ENGLAND 1st innings 629 for 6 decl.d (B. Stokes 258, J. Bairstow 150 n.o., A. Hales 60, J. Root 50) SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings (o/n 353-3) D. Elgar c Compton b Stokes 44 S. van Zyl run-out 4 H. Amla b Broad 201 A. de Villiers c Anderson b Finn 88 F. du Plessis c Stokes b Anderson

86 T. Bavuma not out 102 Q. de Kock c Anderson b Broad

5 C. Morris c Root b Finn 69 K. Rabada not out 2

Extras: (b-4, lb-9, w-13) 26 Total: (for 7 wickets declared, 211 overs) 627 Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-85, 3-268, 4-439, 5-439, 6-449, 7-616.

Bowling: J. Anderson 35-12-77-1, S. Broad 34-8-94-2 (w-2), M. Ali 5214-155-0, S. Finn 39-5-132-2 (w-2), J. Root 20-4-54 -0 (w-5), B. Stokes 28-4-100-1 (w-4), A. Hales 3-1-2-0.

ENGLAND 2nd innings A. Cook not out

8 A. Hales not out

5 Extras: (nb-3) 3 Total: (for no loss, 6 overs) 16 Bowling: M. Morkel 3-2-4-0 (nb-1), K. Rabada 3-0-12-0 (nb-2).

Creating Test competition priority for ICC in 2016

By Mark Gleeson CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuters) - The International Cricket Council( ICC) will be seeking to move closer to the establishment of a formal competition for Test cricket as one of its priorities for the year, chief executive officer David Richardson said yesterday.

Discussions with full members about a possible competition and its format had already begun and will continue over the next months before a concrete proposal is placed in the organisation’s annual general meeting in June.

“We want to make a huge effort this year to put something in place that will help us sustain the value of bilateral cricket and, in particular, the profile of Test cricket,” Richardson told reporters in Cape Town where South Africa are hosting England in the second of their four-Test series.

“The Ashes are still extremely successful and gener-

ate lots of money and generally Test series against India will generate money, but there are a lot of series that happen that do not make much more than just cover the costs.

“We are consulting with all our members to see what we can do to give more context and meaning to bilateral cricket, whether that is introducing a Test league or Test championship or whether it’s introducing proper qualification leagues, like they do in football, for ICC events.”

“If something does come of it, existing television deals mean it would only be able to be implemented after 2019,” he added.

TECHNOLOGY The ICC’s other priorities for this year were the standardising of the Umpire Decision Review System (DRS), to ensure a successful Twenty20 World Cup in India and to develop the game in the U.S, he added. “We have engaged MIT (Massa-

chusetts Institute of Technology) to do research on all the DRS technologies and, in particular, the edge-detection and ball-tracking so that we’ve got an institute with credibility to pronounce on that.

“Once we have those results, we can review all the principles and policies around how the technology is used with the aim to produce a uniform DRS system that we can provide wherever international cricket is played.

“I can’t promise that everyone will accept it as yet; that’s an unknown, but once the MIT results are known hopefully that will make it easier to achieve.”

Richardson said cricket in the U.S. had potentials with more active players than Test-playing nations like New Zealand and Zimbabwe.

“There are 18 leagues around the U.S. but they are very fragmented and for that reason the country has made no progress. We have gone in to try and unite everyone.”

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 6, 2016

Ethics watchdog recommends nine-year ban for FIFA’s Valcke ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuters) - FIFA’s ethics watchdog has recommended a nine-year ban for secretary-general Jerome Valcke over alleged corruption involving the sale of World Cup tickets, among the dozens of scandals rocking football’s crisis-plagued governing body.

Cornel Borbely, chief investigator for FIFA’s independent ethics committee, requested that Valcke be fined 100 000 Swiss francs after completing an investigation into the Frenchman’s conduct, the watchdog said in a statement.

The allegations against Valcke stem from former

Israeli football player Benny Alon telling a news conference in September in Zurich that he agreed in 2013 to pay cash to Valcke to secure plum tickets for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

He said the plan was to then sell the tickets to fans at a markup and split the proceeds with Valcke, who was righthand man to banned president Sepp Blatter. Alon said the deal fell through and he never paid the football official.

A statement issued on behalf of Valcke’s U.S. lawyer said the ethics committee had “chosen to ignore Jerome Valcke’s exemplary conduct and extraordinary

‘Ball by ball’ commentary for Super50 ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Radio stations in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago have confirmed they will broadcast the upcoming NAGICO Super50 championship which begins tomorrow, January 7.

According to a release from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), the broadcast is being coordinated by GEM Radio Five Limited, part of the One Caribbean Media Group.

The commentary team is headed by noted commentator Andrew Mason and he will be accompanied by Philo Wallace, Tony Gray, Colin Murray among others. The full group is 10 and will have ball by ball commentary on all games live from both St Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago.

General Manager, GEM Radio Five Limited, Richard Purcell, is thrilled to be associated with this event again and said, “We decided to make the commentary feeds available at no cost to the broadcasters in order to ensure that the matches are carried live in all the territories and by so doing, keep alive the great West Indian tradition of listening to cricket on radio.”

Commercial Manager, WICB, Nelecia Yeates, is also pleased with the partnership

contributions during his long tenure as Secretary General”.

“Today’s press release is

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke nothing more than a self-serving public relations effort to

and “wants listeners to tune in to the very exciting games that will be on for the duration of the championship.”

She added that the WICB is “making every effort to allow consumers access to the game on radio, live streaming and on television.”

The tournament opens with defending champions T&T Red Force playing the Jamaica Scorpions in the feature game at the Queen’s Park Oval; and after that the Barbados Pride take on the newcomers ICC Americas at the UWI grounds; while in St Kitts, Leeward Islands Hurricanes will go up against the CCC Marooners and the last year’s second-placers, Guyana Jaguars will play against Windward Islands Volcanoes.

This is third year of the NAGICO Super50 and the championship is co-hosted

by St Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago. The full schedule and squad listings are available on windiescricket.com

Borbely completed his investigation on the day that Valcke’s suspension was due to expire and requested that it be extended for a further 45 days pending a final decision in the case, the committee statement said.

His report, which alleged that Valcke had violated seven articles of the FIFA code of ethics, including ones on loyalty and conflicts of interest, has been handed to FIFA’s chief ethics judge Hans-Joachim Eckert, who will decide on sanctions.

Valcke has already implied that he would stand down following February’s election for Blatter’s replace-

ment.

Valcke joined FIFA in 2003 as marketing director but was fired in December 2006 for his part in botched sponsorship negotiations with credit card firms MasterCard Inc and Visa Inc. Eight months later, he was re-hired as secretary general and oversaw the preparations for both the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

Blatter and UEFA boss Michel Platini, the two most powerful men in world football, were banned for eight years in December for ethics violations. Both deny wrongdoing.

of three foreigners, two of whom died.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) said preparations for the January 22 to February 14 tournament were continuing and Ireland had been invited to replace Australia.

remains of the view it is appropriate for event planning to continue as scheduled.”

Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hassan told Reuters Australia’s withdrawal was “unfortunate”.

“We are ensuring high-

desh closely since pulling out of the Test tour and their head of security had travelled to Dhaka last week.

Australia’s football team played a World Cup qualifier in Dhaka without incident late last year after the cricket side withdrew from their tour.

Sutherland said in November, however, that a oneoff match was quite different from a three-week tour.

The ICC is no stranger to dealing with security concerns in South Asia.

Pakistan have hosted all their international matches in the United Arab Emirates since a bus containing the Sri Lanka team was attacked by 12 gunmen in Lahore in 2009.

“The ICC’s own security team, supported by an independent security agency, will continue to monitor closely the situation in Bangladesh,” Richardson added.

“Security plans associated with an event of this size and stature are always subject to continual review to ensure that they remain appropriate and fit for purpose, and this event is no different.”

Australia pull out from U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh

By Nick Mulvenney

Andrew Mason

wrongly attack Mr Valcke in a desperate attempt to try to prove that FIFA can police itself. Mr Valcke did absolutely nothing wrong as any independent and fair review of the facts would establish.”

Valcke had been suspended for 90 days on October 8 - a move almost overlooked amid the suspension then of Blatter and the charging of 41 people, including top FIFA officials,

by U.S. prosecutors for offences including corruption, fraud and money-laundering.

He had been placed on leave by FIFA less than a month earlier.

SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Australia have withdrawn from the Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh later this month because of concerns over the safety and security of their squad, Cricket Australia said yesterday.

Cricket Australia postponed a Test tour of Bangladesh in October for similar reasons and chief executive James Sutherland said the situation had not improved.

“Regrettably, the advice from our government suggests that the security threat to Australians travelling to Bangladesh remains as high now,” Sutherland said in the statement.

“Included in that is reliable information suggesting there is a high threat to Australian interests in Bangladesh.

“In the end, with all of the information and advice we have received, we feel we had no alternative other than to make this difficult decision.”

Muslim-majority Bangladesh faces what appears to be a growing threat of militant violence and has seen a string of incidents last year including the shooting

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland “Whilst the ICC notes and respects the position of Cricket Australia ... we are obviously disappointed with the decision,” chief executive David Richardson said in a statement.

“The ICC takes its responsibilities around the safety and security of ICC events extremely seriously ... and

est security,” he said. “We don’t see any security issues in Bangladesh. You just can’t stop games considering one or two incidents. Terror attacks are happening everywhere in the world. But games are taking place.”

Sutherland said Cricket Australia had monitored the security situation in Bangla-

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 6, 2016

2015 was a special year for Boodie thrilled with Squash, says David Fernandes senior call-up

THE year 2015 was a special year with regard to Squash in Guyana, according to president of the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) David Fernandes.

According to Fernandes, “It was another great year for Squash in Guyana. We hosted nine tournaments locally which are the most ever held for a single year in recent memory. We say thanks to all of the sponsors and players who took part during the year.”

On the international front, the GSA boss commended the national team for another great showing, adding, “Our National junior team once again did our country proud by retaining the overall Team title at the Junior CASA championships held in Barbados last July for an unprecedented 11th year in succession.”

“Our Boys Team (Nyron Joseph, Ben Mekdeci,

Alec Melville, Daniel Islam, Shomari Wiltshire, Anthony Islam and Alex Cheeks) placed first and the Girls Team placed second in the competition. In addition, we captured 2 Individual titles, namely: Akeila Wiltshire in the U-19 Girls and Shomari Wiltshire in the U-13 Boys,” contended Fernandes.

In August, the body sent a Junior Girls team to the Junior World Championships in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, where they placed 15th overall.

The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) also assisted a team of three players to represent Guyana at the Junior Commonwealth Games in Samoa during September where they were able to secure a bronze medal in the Girls’ doubles competition through Larissa Wiltshire and Taylor Fernandes.

Meanwhile, in December, 7 juniors represented Guyana at the Canadian and U.S. Junior Open Tournaments where the experience and exposure gained will immensely help to improve the level of Squash being played

GSA president David Fernandes locally.

The president reminded

of seniors Nicolette Fernandes and Sunil Seth, who continuously represent Guyana on the professional world circuit.

In the senior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) division, the president recalled that the women dominated that section.

“The Ladies team (Ashley Khalil, Ashley de Groot, Mary Fung-A-Fatt, Akeila Wiltshire, Larissa Wiltshire and Victoria Arjoon) won the Women’s Team title while the Men’s Team placed third, earning the team the thirdplace spot Overall.”

He noted that other events in 2015 featured the qualification of the men’s team for the Pan American Games in Toronto where the experience gained was immense.

Fernandes concluded by thanking all the sponsors of the sport in 2015.

Guyana’s Junior CASA team for 2015

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Day three of Sydney

(Wednesday January 06, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 116 Tests (2) Deryck Murray & Leonard Baichan Today’s Quiz: (1) How many Test matches Rohan Kanhai played?

(2) Who is the first Australian to score a Test century at Bourda?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Test washed out

SYDNEY,(Reuters)-Rain washed out the whole of the third day of the third Test between Australia and West Indies at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday.

The covers stayed on the pitch all day as rain lashed down on the ground with play officially abandoned at 3:30 p.m (0430 GMT).

It was a further disruption in the dead rubber contest after three hours of day one and all but 11.2 overs of day two were lost to wet weather.

West Indies, already 2-0 down in the series after thumping defeats in Hobart and Melbourne, will have to wait until today to resume their first innings on 248 for seven

By Rajiv Bisnauth

THE culmination of weeks, months and years of toil and graft will be rewarded when Kevon Boodie walks to the crease to make his full Guyana senior debut on January 7.

The Essequibo batsman jetted off with a 14-man strong Guyana Jaguars squad yesterday bound for St Kitts where they will play their preliminary games in the 2016 NAGICO Super50 tournament.

It is the latest spike in a career already chock-full of high points for the 22-yearold.

Speaking with this publiKevon Boodie cation yesterday, Boodie said that he was thrilled over his call-up, adding that his hard work with the bat had finally paid off.

“I’m absolutely delighted at the moment about the selection. I’ve been scoring runs so I’m happy it’s been rewarded,” said Boodie.

Boodie has practically batted himself into the senior team’s fold after he smashed his way to 217 in the second round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Senior Inter-County 50-Overs tournament in 2014.

The hard-hitting opening batsman has matured in his approach to the game, and after much persistence, confidence and hard work he is now closer to his dream of playing the game at the highest level.

“My plan is to continue playing the way I have been playing and it should continue to bring me runs as well as help the team to win the title,” Boodie acknowledged.

Boodie joined left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie and fast bowler Romario Shepherd as the three new caps named in the Guyana Jaguars squad.

The NAGICO Super50 tournament will again be contested between 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. Group ‘B’ will be played in St Kitts.

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

GDA raffle drawing now January 15 THE Guyana Darts Association (GDA) is pleased to announce that the Raffle which was originally scheduled to be drawn on December 18, 2015 will now be drawn on January 15, 2016 at the Malteenoes Sports Club, Thomas Lands, Georgetown at 20:00hrs.

The GDA also wishes to apologise to the purchasers of tickets who would have been inconvenienced in any way.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday January 6, 2016

Lady Jags to wrap up camp in Toronto today

By Rawle Toney GUYANA’S Senior National female football team – the Lady Jags – will wrap up their one-week training camp today in Toronto, Canada, as the team heighten preparation for their participation at the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifier tournament.

The Lady Jags will play their first game of the tournament against Canada on Thursday February 11, at the BBVA Compass Stadium in Texas, in the February 10-21 tournament in Houston and Frisco, Texas.

Guyana were placed in Group B of the tournament, along with Trinidad and Tobago and Guatemala, while Wo r l d C h a m p i o n s U S A head the perceived ‘Group of Death’ that also includes rivals Mexico, Puerto Rico and Costa Rica.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport, yesterday, head coach Mark Rodrigues detailed that

his Lady Jags had a practice game against a men’s team of former and current pro and college players.

He added that the game provided his team with a fiercely competitive environment that forced the players to play quicker, battle for possession and then apply what was taught to them in maintaining possession while looking to penetrate.

“The team performed as we expected and highlighted areas that we need to address in upcoming sessions,” Rodrigues said.

The Lady Jags head coach pointed out that the team’s fitness “continued to be aggressively reinforced especially when players are not encamped. Elite Fitness coach David Lawrence and Elite Physiotherapist Chris Harris have been extremely busy assessing and working with the players in areas of fitness, nutrition, recovery and in designing them individual programmes to ensure peak performance at the

The Lady Jags team, managers and coaches pose with the men’s side whom they competed against during a recent practice session in Toronto, Canada.

Championships”.

Head coach Mark Rodrigues will have his assistant Clement Browne, goalkeeping coach Richard Reynolds and technical director Claude Bolton in Toronto to help in getting the Lady Jags tournament-ready.

This will be the team’s last time together before trav-

Indian schoolboy breaches 1000-run mark in an innings MUMBAI, India (Reuters) - Maharashtra schoolboy Pranav Dhanawade rewrote the record books yesterday, hammering an epic 1 009 not out in an inter-school cricket tournament to register the highest individual score in an innings in any form of the game.

The 15-year-old smashed 129 fours and clobbered 59 sixes in his staggering 323ball knock played over two days before his team, KC Gandhi School, declared their innings on a staggering 1 465 for two.

An admirer of India’s limited overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Dhanawade’s monumental knock drew praise from batting great Sachin Tendulkar.

“Congrats Pranav Dhanawade on being the first ever to score 1 000 runs in an innings. Well done and work hard. You need to scale new peaks!” tweeted the former India captain.

Dhanawade, who opened the innings against Arya Gurukul School, had

elling to the USA in another attempt to create history and qualifier for the Olympic Games in Brazil later this year.

Guyana finished third in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) qualifier tournament behind winners Trinidad and Tobago and second-placers Puerto Rico, to be the re-

Only the top two teams from the tournament will advance to Brazil as CONCACAF representatives at the Olympic Games.

Guyana will play their second game against Guatemala on February 14 and their final group game against Trinidad and Tobago two days later.

Gayle fined A$10k for ‘disrespecting’ TV reporter

… batsman says he is really sorry

By Nick Mulvenney

Fifteen-year-old Pranav Dhanawade scores a record 652*, in Mumbai, yesterday. gone past Arthur Collins’ told the Hindustan Times 628 not out, the previous after Monday’s play. highest in minor cricket “When I started I never scored in 1899 in England, thought about breaking the on Monday. record. The focus was never The son of an auto rick- that. I just played my natural shaw driver, Dhanawade had game, which is to attack also gone past the highest from the word go. individual score by an Indian “After reaching 300, in minor cricket, a record my coach Harish Sharma previously held by Prithvi told me to play on. I did Shaw who scored 546 in the not know of the world reHarris Shield in 2013-14. cord, but we had the Indi“I have always been a an record (Shaw’s 546) in big-hitter,” Dhanawade mind.”

gion’s representatives at the CONCACAF showpiece.

Placed in Group B of the tournament, Guyana are alongside Trinidad and Tobago, Canada and Guatemala.

Tournament hosts USA, regarded as the best women’s football team in the world, will come up against rivals Mexico, Puerto Rico and Costa Rica.

SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - West Indies batsman Chris Gayle has been fined A$10 000 ($7 197) by the Melbourne Renegades Twenty20 team for asking an Australian TV reporter out on a date and directing personal comments at her during a televised pitchside interview.

Gayle had earlier suggested Monday’s incident was a “simple joke” that had been “blown out of proportion” but the Renegades acted after widespread condemnation of the incident.

“Chris’s comments were completely inappropriate and disrespectful. There is simply no place for these types of comments at the Melbourne Renegades,” Chief Executive Stuart Coventry said in a team statement.

“The club would like to extend a formal apology to Mel McLaughlin. We think of her very highly and the club and players will ensure we work with her in a professional and respectful manner in future.

“We’ve had several discussions with Chris over the past day and he has acknowledged that his comments were out of line.”

Gayle had just hit 41 from 15 balls to help the Renegades

to victory over the Hobart Hurricanes in the nationally televised match in Tasmania when he was approached by Channel 10 reporter McLaughlin.

After suggesting that he had played well in order to get an interview with McLaughlin, the big-hitting

Chris Gayle batsman proceeded to direct personal comments towards her.

“To see your eyes for the first time is nice,” the 36-yearold said. “Hopefully we can have a drink afterwards. Don’t blush baby.”

The comments were immediately condemned by the Big Bash League and Channel 10, who said McLaughlin had been angered and upset by the

encounter.

Gayle, speaking to reporters on his return to Melbourne yesterday, said he had not meant to be disrespectful or offensive to McLaughlin. “(It was a) simple comment, a simple joke. It seemed to be blown out of proportion,” he said.

“If she felt (offended), I’m really sorry for that. There wasn’t any harm meant in that particular way.

“It wasn’t any harm done and like I said, I will leave it at that. I’m sorry for that. We have to move on, simple.”

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said the comments were a “pretty significant mis-hit”

by Gayle and certainly no laughing matter.

“I think that anyone who sees humour in that is misunderstanding and somewhat delusional about the situation,” he told reporters at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

“I think they’re forgetting it’s a workplace situation. It’s inappropriate and it’s very, very public. It just goes to the point about how inappropriate and not cool that is.”

Gayle, a big draw for Twenty20 leagues around the world, earns around $250 000 for playing in the Big Bash League, according to media reports.

Lady Jags to wrap up camp in Toronto today See Story on Page 27

Bavuma becomes first black South Africa cricketer to score Test century

… the sixth black cricketer since 1991

T

EMBA Bavuma made history yesterday as he became the first black South African man to have scored a Test century.

England toiled in the Cape Town field as the hosts clawed their way back into the match by declaring on 627-7, led by Hamish Amla and Bavuma.

The pint-sized batsman, who many believe is playing here only because of the colour of his skin, reached his century off 141 balls and finished on 102 not out.

“It’s a moment to cherish forever, especially here at Newlands, my favourite ground,” he said.

“I can’t tell you what was going through my mind but there was a lot of emotion and relief. I’ve been wanting to cross off that first Test hundred.

Batsman Temba Bavuma celebrates after making history in becoming the first black South African man to score a Test century.

“It’s a special moment for my family too - they flew in from their holiday to be here in time.”

England made it to 16 without loss before the end of day four and are 18 runs ahead, but the second Test seems destined to finish in a draw.

Bavuma, who stands at just 5ft 3in, became only the sixth black South African cricketer since readmission in 1991 when he made his debut last year, and was the first specialist batsman.

His innings yesterday was not without its fortune, as he inside-edged Ben Stokes at the start of a superlative century that led South Africa to safety.

‘You are absolutely s***,’ mouthed Stokes at the local township boy who vindicated South Africa’s controversial selection policy.

On the sledging, Bavu-

ma said after the day’s play: ‘It was words of encouragement, if I could put in politely.

‘It was almost like being back at school cricket with guys going hard at me for being small. But it enabled me to knuckle down and concentrate a bit harder.

‘Pressure is always there.

As a young guy there is always pressure. I just tried to keep calm and use my opportunity. I want to make a mark on international level.’

England were convinced after Durban that Bavuma, with one half-century against Bangladesh in his previous six Tests, was little more than a walking wicket.

His selection ahead of JP Duminy here smacked of political interference – with the unwritten rule insisting ’See Page 23

GFF likely to terminate Elite League management team’s contract

By Rawle Toney

Kashif Muhammad (L) and Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major

THE Wayne Forde-led Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is currently in the process of reviewing the management team’s contract for the STAG Elite League, with the likelihood of termination.

Admitting that the league (Genesis) ran at a loss of millions, the GFF president

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

GFF president Wayne Forde

had stated that his entity will be searching for ways where they can cut back and according to one credible source, to get rid of the management team’s contract will help them (the GFF) to save millions.

Under the Normalisation Committee, the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation was awarded the contract to manage the two-part league

after being awarded following a public tender.

Tagman, headed by Alex Graham was the other company that submitted a tender bid.

Though the GFF is yet to make the figures attached to the contract public, the credible source at the GFF revealed that the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation will be paid ’See Page 23 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016