Chronicle 01 15 2016

PHANTOM KILLINGS No. 104432

FRIDAY JANUARY 15, 2016

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…House clears Coroner’s Bill to help probe Phantom Squad killings P.5

Golden Jubilee

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– a golden opportunity for national unity That’s you sir! Mr. Dhanram Kunchbeharry, Sergeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly points to the several photo exhibits of President David Granger on display on the lower floor of Parliament Buildings yesterday

$700M for Duo charged medical with murder drugs 3 of UK teen 12 P.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 15, 2016

GuySuCo far gone … says Gaskin, urges closure of factories one at a time

By Ariana Gordon RATHER than subsidising the ever-troubled Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO), social activist Ramon Gaskin believes that the money pumped into the industry can be best used to pay off sugar workers and train them to be skills oriented.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on

Wednesday, Gaskin said Government should have a “master plan,” which should include the gradual and strategic closing of the sugar estates and the training of cane cutters to become productive in society.

“Instead of pouring money into GuySuCo, that bottomless pit, take the money, give it to the workers, and train them so that they can receive alternative employ-

ment.”

Gaskin, who worked for a number of years at the Ministry of Finance under the then Finance Minister Asgar Ally said, “Sugar workers need to live their lives outside of sugar estates.”

“Free these people from the slavery of cane cutting,” he told the Guyana Chronicle. According to him, Guyana needs to move away from its traditional sources of income that once boosted the economy. As such, training sugar workers in the areas of construction, masonry, plumbing and other skills will ensure that they are productive.

“Come out of cane-cutting! Who told them they have to stay in cane-cutting.

Guyana is not competitive.

Close the estates one at a time, in an orderly fashion

so that the livelihood of the workers can be sustained and they’d become productive workers.”

MASTER PLAN NEEDED He urged the Government of Guyana (GoG) to come up with a master plan that will benefit not only workers of the sugar industry but tax payers. While the report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the state of the sugar industry referenced several recommendations, Gaskin believes that the commissioners failed to come up with a creative and structured master plan.

“They haven’t come up with a clear plan to get rid of the burden on the state and taxpayers,” he remarked.

The Commission recommended privatisation of

Social Activist Ramon Gaskin

the corporation as early as is practicable, with an aim to complete the process in three years.

“In the interval, as the privatisation process is awaited, the new management of GuySuCo must focus on basic essentials to rehabilitate the fields, factories and infrastructure of GuySuCo. There should be no accommodation for new

projects, which will create demands on the limited funds. This is aimed at making the estates more saleable and attractive to investors, both local and foreign,” the report recommended.

“The management of GuySuCo must immediately direct its attention and focus on reducing operational costs, especially that of employment; returning to basic agronomic practices, rehabilitating its factories, and strengthening supervision,” the list of recommendations concluded.

FAILURE But all mentioned in the report Gaskin says fails to address the heart of the problems facing the sugar industry and as such, Government needs to take a different approach to reducing the burden on the state.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 15, 2016

GOLDEN JUBILEE – a golden opportunity for national unity

By Tajeram Mohabir PRESIDENT David Granger on Thursday issued a rallying call for Guyanese not to dwell on the past, but to look with faith to the future, contending that 2016 presents an opportunity for Guyana to be more united and to hasten economic development.

Guyana on May 26 will celebrate 50 years as an independent nation, and the President urged that the sacrifices of those who died in the struggle serve as an inspiration to guide this country tomorrow and beyond.

The President and Commander-in -Chief of the Armed Forces in an address to Parliament yesterday, struck an optimistic note as he outlined his vision for Guyana in the years ahead.

“We are proud of our accomplishments since achieving political independence over the past 50 years. We now look forward to the achievement of economic independence over the next 50 years. We shall be prouder when we employ our energies and efforts in this special year of our ‘national renaissance’ to remove the remaining obstacles that still keep us disunited, and to chart a course that will bring happiness to our people. It is now time to set forth on a new pathway to progress,” he told attentive parliamentarians from both sides of the House.

Over the past 50 years, Guyana has toiled to repair a country that had been damaged by disunity and division. It strove to create a community of comity and unity and sought to satisfy the needs of her people by expanding public education, health, communication and transportation services.

Guyana has also built an airport, bridges, highways, housing schemes, schools, a university and established new national institutions such as the Office of the Ombudsman and the Court of Appeal.

Aside from these, President Granger also noted that Guyana created a credible foreign service and has cemented international friendships and alliances to secure its territory from external aggression.

RENEWAL “Our Golden Jubilee year presents us with the challenge of renewing the “Independence Covenant” and of rekindling the enterprising ‘spirit of 26th May’,” the President said, noting that it will be devoted to the rebirth and the renewal of the promise of economic independence and resilience.

“Independent statehood vested us with the responsibility of being guardians of our territory, custodians of our national patrimony and masters of our own destiny.

Our new status imposed an obligation to improve our citizens’ access to public services.

“Independence promised expanded opportunities and enhanced security.

It engendered hopes of a “good life” for all. The fulfilment of these hopes rested, in part, on the new nation’s capability to build a resilient economy upon the remnants of the old order.

The old colonial economy had produced an army of landless and impoverished peasants and workers. It had consigned the mass of our people to an existence of persistent poverty. It had doomed our country to a destiny of dependency,” he said.

The new state was expected to surmount the legacy and impediments of three and a half centuries of economic exploitation, educate masses of unemployed young people; enhance the productive capacity of workers; eradicate poverty; and to ensure everyone’s well-being.

These, Mr Granger told Parliament, have not been easy tasks. The old economy was dominated by six commodities – rice, sugar, bauxite, gold, diamonds and timber.

And excessive economic dependence on the export earnings of these six primary commodities exposed Guyana to the volatilities of global commodity prices.

The old economy was susceptible to external shocks.

UNCONSUMMATED “The ‘Independence Covenant,’ therefore, remains unconsummated. Our

GuySuCo far...

“The money is available… it is being wasted when given to GuySuCo … with $1B all of it can be done. Just do it one estate at a time,” he said.

“Spending $12B annually to bail out GuySuCo is ridiculous. It has to stop… and it makes no sense. Where is the master plan to end subsi-

dy? There is none! We have got to put an end to all this nonsense,” Gaskin remarked.

Meanwhile, in a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had said that the APNU-AFC administration will not desert the traditional sectors while stating in the same

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breath that Government cannot afford to sustain GuySuCo for much longer.

“We can’t renegade the traditional industries… but we can’t be romantic either. We will continue to support sugar but it can’t be infinite,” he told Guyana Chronicle. (agordon@ guyanachronicle.com)

President David Granger

task today is to complete our mission by securing, within the next decade, a ‘good life’ for all Guyanese.

The necessity of economic transformation cannot be denied or delayed. We must act resolutely to implement the reforms that are essential to building a resilient

economy — one that is adaptive to the changes and responsive to the challenges of the global economy,” Mr Granger said.

He urged that in doing so, Guyana must recognise some of the other impediments imposed by the circumstances under which it attained Independence 50 years ago.

These impediments must now be overcome, the President said, if Guyana is to achieve the economic basis for a higher quality of life.

“Our Golden Jubilee is a propitious moment for all Guyanese to put an end to hateful and unhelpful political discord, disaffection and disunity. Our Golden Jubilee is a golden opportunity for us to cement national

unity at the political level and at the economic level,” he stressed, adding that it is time to redouble efforts to eradicate poverty.

“Our gvernment is committed to promoting sustained economic growth with enhanced, distributive justice so that inequalities are reduced and opportunities are increased. Our vision is for every Guyanese to be able to enjoy a ‘good life.’

Achieving a ‘good life’ is not a wish or a dream. It requires greater equality of opportunity in order to attain economic growth.

A ‘good life’ is about removing inequalities and providing opportunities for every citizen to be the best he or she can be,” the President said.

$700M for medical drugs CABINET has approved the sum of $700,000,000 for the purchase of essential drugs and other medicine supplies for health facilities in all 10 administrative regions.

The Ministry of Public Health has reported that existing stocks are expected to last until the end of this month, and arrangements will be fast-tracked to deal with any emergency situations.

The Guyana Chronicle was told that on January 12, Cabinet was briefed about current stock levels of pharmaceuticals and other medicine supplies in the health sector, and approved funds to buy medication to treat any outbreak of H1N1 viral influenza. The government has approached a single source to provide the medication as a precaution in the event that anyone should be at risk from the viral influenza, which reportedly has affected persons in some neighbouring states. Already 50-year-old Vishnunarine Sugrim, also known as “Shook,” a city businessman, who was ini-

tially being monitored in Georgetown for Swine Flu caused by the H1N1 virus, died on Old Year’s Day at the Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, where he had been hospitalised for about two weeks.

He was the owner of the Agri Implements store that sold parts for agricultural machinery in Georgetown.

His other brothers own the popular related agri-machinery businesses known as Agri Parts and GuyTrac.

Sugrim’s wife, Geeta, had told this newspaper that her husband had on December 11, returned to Guyana ill from a trip to China. He was taken to the Balwant Singh private city hospital, where a number of tests were done to determine whether he had malaria, typhoid, and even cancer. Public Health Minister Dr George Norton had confirmed that although the patient’s immune system had been compromised, local health officials could not say definitively that he died as a result of the H1N1 virus.

It was after the tests from CARPHA were returned that health officials confirmed

that Sugrim was positively carrying the H1N1 virus. “ Meanwhile, in approving $700M for fresh supplies, the Guyana Government has opted to implement a fair and open bidding process for all suppliers in the pharmaceutical industry to get an opportunity to secure contracts. Whilst in opposition, both the APNU and AFC, which now form the six-party coalition, had declared that when elected they would have ended the discriminatory practice of sole sourcing of medical supplies.

The Ministry of Public Health has received support from the USAID to develop a new standard for an open, competitive bidding system. A bidding document to this effect was approved by the National Tender Administration Board, following which a pre-bid meeting with all potential bidders was held on December 16 2015. A multi-billion pre-qualification, sole- sourcing contract with the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (New GPC) ended in October, 2015.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 15, 2016

House approves Credit Reporting Bill

By Svetlana Marshall N O T W I T H S TA N D ING a few concerns, the pposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) threw its support behind the government-sponsored Credit Reporting (Amendment) Bill 2015.

The bill received the full support of the House on Thursday when it was presented for a second reading by Finance Minister Winston Jordan. Four articles within the Principal Act of 2009 have been amended: Article 11 (Permissible Purpose), Article 12 (Credit Information Providers), Article 13 (Consent) and Article 14 (Data Quality).

In presenting the bill,

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

Finance Minister Winston Jordan explained that the amendments to the Principal Act are aimed at creating a legal framework, which will enable the Credit Bureau to operate effectively within the market while ensuring that financing institutions and

tion. However, it also authorises credit information providers to upload credit information to the licensed credit bureau without the consent having to be given by the data subject.

“Credit Bureaus are essential elements of a country’s financial infrastructure, they increase access to credit, they support responsible lending PPP Parliamentarian and the produce credit losses,” Jordan posited, Irfaan Ali noting that “an efficient borrowers benefit from an functioning Credit Bureau efficient credit-reporting in Guyana will allow for industry. a broader and a fuller “The strengthening leg- access to credit and will islation will… mandate support responsible lendregulated credit informa- ing, while reducing credit tion providers to upload losses. It will also help in credit information to the stabilising the financial licensed credit bureau,” he sector.” added, noting too that utility companies will also be SAFEGUARD CONmandated to upload credit SUMERS information to the licensed Minister of Business credit, providing the gov- Dominic Gaskin, in renewernment is the majority ing his support for the bill, owner. said the amendments will Additionally, it requires also help to safeguard the credit information provid- rights of consumers. ers to obtain the consent of Former Housing Mindata subjects prior to sub- ister Irfaan Ali signalled mitting the request to the the opposition’s support Credit Bureau with a few for the amendments, but to obtain credit informa- maintained the processes

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should not be mandatory, opining, however, that the amendments do not speak to mandatory processes.

“I agree with the minister that in a modern financial system… it is necessary that we have the enabling legislative framework that would allow us to compete and function at an efficient level. But that legislative framework can only give us the results if we have the necessary infrastructural framework, institutional framework to back the legislative framework,” Ali to the House.

According to him, the Finance Minister in putting the amendments before the House, is seeking to make the Credit Reporting System mandatory, but opined that the proposed amendments do not cater for any mandatory framework.

“We have a voluntary system, we are now moving to a mandatory system but when I look at the amendments, none of the amendments here point to a mandatory system,” he pointed out.

BUREAUCRACY However, Ali said, “I am in support of these amendments, but I do not think that another layer of bureaucracy should be

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imposed… at this time. And I don’t think Mr Speaker, that a mandatory credit report will absorb the issue.”

Alluding to the use and dissemination of credit information, the former Housing Minister said the information would only be relevant if it [is] factually correct.

He said in the existing billing system there exist many difficulties with respect to the utility services, pointing out that oftentimes estimated bills are used, while in other cases bills are challenged by consumers.

He said if the information is utilised to rate consumers based on the credit information reported, there is a possibility that the information may not be accurate. The PPP/C parliamentarian also questioned the cost implication of implementing such a system.

His colleagues Joseph Hamilton and Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo also endorsed the amendments but with caution. “We support any legislation that will see a properly functioning Credit Bureau,” Jagdeo told the House. However, he expressed concerns over the likely transactional costs that would be added while using the opportunity to caution the Government against taking the various indices being published on Guyana as the single truth. In response to the concerns raised by the opposition, the Finance Minister said there is scope for review, but said development comes at a cost. (smarshall@guyanachronicle. com)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 15, 2016

PHANTOM KILLINGS

…House clears Coroner’s Bill to probe Phantom killings DETERMINED to clear up the huge backlog of unresolved ‘unnatural deaths’, government on Thursday evening used its majority in the National Assembly to pass the Coroner’s Amendment Bill after a sometimes contentious debate.

The opposition, People’s Progressive Party (PPP), which has been accused of failing to hold any proper inquests into the hundreds of unlawful killings that occurred during the “Phantom Squad” era and prison escapee-led crime spree, opposed the bill. The Bill among other things will see a minimum of four fulltime coroners in Demerara, three in Berbice and two in Essequibo.

Attorney General Basil Williams explained that the passage of the bill will allow for the clearing of the backlog of inquest cases, which have piled up since 2000. Opposition members Anil Nandlall and Adrian Anamayah, in their presentations pleaded for the bill to be sent to a special select committee of the National Assembly, but the government side of the house did not agree. The AG argued against such a move, saying that such a procedure is re-

served for complex bills.

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 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.”

Families want to know During the debate on the bill, Williams told the House that the legislation paves the way for the State to conduct inquests into unnatural deaths that happened years ago.

“This is nothing partisan, I don’t know why anyone would have an objection to finding the truth…a promise was made to the families of those [who] died in the crime wave…families are still grieving and it is under these circumstances we have proposed the amendment to this Act,” he stated. Government has said recently that it will take up a United States offer to access the testimonies given by convicted drug-trafficker Shaheed Roger Khan, in order to open local investigations into the “Phantom Squad” which the self-confessed PPP government-backed crime-fighter had led. President David Granger himself back in August had given his administration’s clearest signal that he intends to investigate the Bharrat Jagdeo-era killings.

Back in 2003-2006 Khan, had set up a criminal network here, including active policemen and a number of former ranks, ostensibly to go after criminals, but at the same time protecting his narco-trafficking interests. He

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan was nabbed in neighbouring Suriname in 2006 while fleeing local police, and was later handed over to U.S. authorities. Although the PPP government has sought

Attorney General Basil Williams to distance itself from Khan, the drug-trafficker had stated publicly in an advertisement in local newspapers that he was fighting crime on behalf of the Bharrat Jagdeo-led government. Khan had also

PPP, MP, Anil Nandlall implicated former Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy in his escapades, and documents bearing the then minister’s signature authorisSee Page 14

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams

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

Editorial

The Chris Gayle Controversy

THE furore over the remarks made by West Indies cricketer, Chris Gayle, has invariably resulted in a debate on the state of West Indies cricket and the Caribbean society at large. At least three of Guyana’s newspaper columnists, including our own Dr. David Hinds, have made a linkage between Gayle’s remarks and socio-cultural changes in the wider Caribbean society, which they contend have direct and indirect consequences for our cricket and cricketers.

In his column, Dr. Hinds raises two important questions. First, he suggests that Gayle and our current cricketers are disconnected from the noble cricket tradition that has been nurtured and developed by successive generations of our cricketers. He suggests that this disconnection has been caused by the larger political and economic trajectory of the Caribbean over the last three decades that has introduced to the Region a culture of hyper individualism and materialism. These values, Dr. Hinds argues, are the antithesis of the independence promise of collectivism. It is this individualism that he contends is at the heart of Gayle’s recent irresponsible remarks and his general public attitude.

The second issue raised by Dr. Hinds is the culpability of the wider Caribbean society in providing an enabling environment for the individualism he detects. In that regard, he posits that the issue is not really about Chris Gayle, but about the condition of the Caribbean society and its independence. He contends, therefore, that Gayle’s remarks is a reflection that something has gone wrong with the Region’s resolve to maintain its identity shaped over centuries of resistance to domination.

Dr. Hinds’s analysis is grounded in the thesis developed by the acclaimed Caribbean thinker, CLR James, who strenuously argued, with much justification, that cricket in the Caribbean is more than just a game. For James, the Caribbean cricketer and the game represent something that is central to the Caribbean civilisation; something “beyond the boundary.” His book by that name has been a sort of bible for generations of Caribbean scholars and activists and even those beyond the Region. James made his analysis against the backdrop of the 1950s and 1960s, the period of decolonisation and early independence. It was also the period of the early ascendancy of West Indies cricket glory; a period that produced the unmatched Garry Sobers, the Three Ws, Ramadhin and Valentine, Kanhai and Hunte and Hall and Gibbs. It’s hard to avoid making the linkage between the high quality of the players, their success on the field of play and the Independence quest beyond the boundary.

But, the big question we ask is this: does James’s thesis

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 15, 2016

Ram’s letter troubling

Dear Editor

I REFER to a letter by Christopher Ram (SN 2016-01-05) “Treatment of Sattaur by persons from the GRA is not acceptable,” KN, 2016-01-05 “Christopher is concerned about treatment of Khurshid Sattaur”). Mr. Ram laments, protests and reprimands. I, too, am concerned. But I am more concerned about the real danger to the public interest from the imputations, insinuations and aspersions (if they remain unrebutted) in, inter alia, such language in Mr. Ram’s letter as “seven months into a new government…apparent inconsistency…basic rights which no government and no employer should violate.” Mr Ram protests the “humiliating treatment” Mr. Sattaur “is reported to have received from persons from the Revenue Authority.”

He puts on his Lawyer’s hat and contends that Mr. Sattaur’s leave amounts to “constructive dismissal,” he laments about “political direction and control” to the detriment of independence/professionalism in the operations of the GRA, with what he warns, as dire “irreparable consequences.” He closes his case with a veiled and implicit reprimand of Finance Minister Winston Jordan that he”… must ensure that the reputation and integrity of the GRA are maintained.” In all of this, I would suggest that the Attorney has trivialised and diminished two profound and fundamental political and legal truths–(1) in political democracies such as ours, the removal (temporary or absolute) of political appointees upon a change of Government is a legitimate constitutional expectation; (2) article 8 of our Constitution (supremacy) means that statutory ministerial responsibility, cannot, and does not preclude the subject Minister from taking the matter to Cabinet for its deliberation and decision under the doctrine of Cabinet-collective responsibility [article 106(2)] which is no less fundamental in our constitutional architecture than the sep-

aration of powers doctrine. The Minister is a statutory conduit.

Put differently, “Minister in the Revenue Authority Act means Cabinet as the context requires (see Blackman (1994) 45 W.I.R 94, PC).

Readers having an interest in this matter are entitled to be presented the case on the other side, if they are to take an informed, dispassionate position on this matter. So, what is the argument on the other side? I hold no brief for the GRA, or the Minister, I argue out of public interest.

Here are my five arguments:Firstly, the Commissioner-General’s appointment and ‘removal’ from office by the Governing Board (the ‘GB’) “subject to the approval of the Minister” holds no autonomous office, is not a public servant, so enjoys no security of tenure under the Revenue Authority Act (‘RAA’) and is in that sense a political appointee, uninsulated and vulnerable to the vicissitudes of Cabinet politics. If he were removable permanently without any legal opprobrium whatsoever (the most adverse or severe option) what is there to complain or lament about when the GB opts to take the patently less adverse option of sending him on leave? We who are not privy to the deliberations of the GB must do the decent thing and attribute to the GB a rebuttable presumption of regularity and propriety, rather than open the matter to unsupported insinuations and aspersions and negative nuances one associates with the notion of “constructive dismissal.”

Secondly, the veiled reprimand of the Minister of Finance is wholly unjustified. The maintenance of the “reputation and integrity of the GRA” must be related to its purpose as a taxing agency. Taxation is purely a matter of prescribed laws (practice may complement them) to be strictly applied. So, does sending the incumbent Commissioner-General on leave and/or his deprivation of the GRA’s properties inherently compromises, or, is detrimental to the efficient application of those laws? Not at

still hold for our Caribbean? Is cricket still central to our identity, or is it now confined to “within the boundary?” Is it fair to hold Gayle and his generation to the standards of a model that may no longer have relevance to the lived realities of the contemporary Caribbean? Dr. Hinds himself draws attention to the role of Structural Adjustment in diverting the Region from its independence promise—are we past the stage of diversion? These are questions which Dr. Hinds, Sir Hilary Beckles and other members of the Jamesian school must interrogate and answer?

We raise the above questions, not in defence of Chris Gayle. To the contrary, we find it appalling that Gayle’s statements could generate the level of sympathy it seems to be getting from mainly Caribbean males, some from whom we expect better. Even if one makes the argument that Gayle should not be held to nationalist standards, he certainly should be held to standards grounded in respect for women.

The movement for equal rights for women should not escape

all. Has the Minister been shown to have given “policy directives” (section 12 of RAA) inimical to their application? Not at all.

How has he discharged his ministerial responsibility improperly? Not an iota of evidence; even assuming, without concluding his involvement in this leave matter.

Thirdly, relying on the CCJ’s decision in the Brent Griffith case in 2006, the RAA does not insulate appointees of the type of the CG from “political direction and control.” When the RAA vests ministerial responsibility of that type in the ‘Minister,’ it creates a constitutional linkage with the Cabinet [see the case of Blackman, and our IGCA, Cap 2:01, and article 232 (9)], and ipso facto the constitution becomes relevant. It is he,the Minister (and by operation of constitutional law, the cabinet), who decides, questions or matters of necessity or expediency.

So, here too, the decent thing must be to attribute to the Minister a rebuttable presumption of regularity and propriety to any extent that he was involved in this matter. Indeed, Parliament could have opted in sections 12, 21 and 22 to exempt the GB and by extension the CG from the exercise of any subjective discretion of the Minister (and his politics). Instead, the very opposite obtains (the “subject to” effect), with all of cabinet’s political predilections.

Fourthly, our (constitutional) jurisprudence (and I would stress this point) permits and indeed sensibly expects the removal of political appointees (temporarily by leave, or permanently) as the removing authority sees fit upon a change of Government. Lord Diplock eruditely and poignantly explained this constitutional truth in the wellknown Thomas case (1980) P.C when positing the justification for insulating public servants (the CG is not a public servant) from dismissal at pleasure by attributing to them security of tenure and removal for cause only.

Khurshid Sattaur’s employment is no exception. His temporary removal carries no political or legal opprobrium. And it would

be the strangest thing if in the “terms and conditions” of his appointment, the GB/Minister/ Cabinet unwittingly purported to fetter its exercise of this constitutional direction.

Fifthly, what “basic rights” are Mr. Ram advocating? The GRA as employer has an implied right to go to wherever its properties are wrongly detained. The firearm and computers etc, taken from Mr. Sattaur were all GRA’s property (and not his personal property). He was a bailee by licence of them for the purposes of and incidental to the performance of his duties as CG (there are old English case laws on this point). As such a bailee, had Mr Sattaur acted with administrative probity and propriety he ought to have relinquished possession of them upon being sent on leave as the licence became suspended by such leave; and this ‘humiliating treatment’ could never have happened. The GRA as employer – bailor has ‘basic rights’ too – rights at law; inter alia, the right to demand the return or handing over of its property by not acquiescing in their wrongful detention. As employee – bailee “violate” those rights at his own peril, if by assuming to himself rights of ownership and detaining the properties he deprives the GRA as owner of the use of them. A fortiori, where there is an appointed CG (ag) and Mr Sattaur is for the time being (the de jure); not the de facto CG who ipso facto assumes rights of user of those properties The GRA cannot be faulted. Idiosyncrasies ignited by professional comity apart, upon detached reflection critics may yet concede that the GRA acted with both legal aptness, and administrative accountability and rectitude; that Mr. Sattaur is the victim or casualty of his own misarrogation and indiscretion; and that not even equity (that court of mercy and conscience) would be on his side for equity demands that “he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.”

Regards Maxwell E. Edwards

even a casual observer of the society around us. We can only conclude that Chris Gayle is out of step with this reality. We agree with Dr. Hinds that the rest of us must take stock of the society from which the Gayles are recruited. Are we still in this day and age raising our boys to see women as “sexual meat?”

Dr. Hinds also touched on the top cricketers’ preference for playing T20 Club cricket over playing for the West Indies.

This is a failed criticism. The West Indies is the only cricketing nation in which this is an issue. Other countries seem to have struck a balance, whereby playing for the nation is primary with players only availing themselves for T20 tournaments when not needed for national duty. Why can’t West Indian cricketers make the same commitment? This failure on the part of our cricketers has made us the laughing stock of the world.

One cannot help but hear from the Australian commentators, the unwritten and unsaid sentiment that the West Indians are incapable of doing the obvious.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 15, 2016

Region One outreach…

Guyana records first Zika case

By Svetlana Marshall

A 27-year-old woman is the first to contract the Zika virus in Guyana, Public Health Minister Dr George Norton disclosed yesterday while addressing the National Assembly.

Dr Norton reported that the presence of the virus was confirmed by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad and Tobago.

The agency detected the virus in a sample of blood sent from Guyana to the agency and the Ministry of Public Health was informed about the detection on January 12.

According to the World Health Organisation, “Zika fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by Zika virus (ZIKV), consisting of mild fever, rash (mostly maculo-papular), headaches, arthralgia, myalgia, asthenia, and non-purulent conjunctivitis, occurring about three to 12 days after the mosquito vector bites.”

It was explained that one out of four persons may not develop symptoms, but the affected often experience mild symptoms that can last between two and seven days. Its clinical manifestation is often similar to dengue, also a mosquito-borne illness.

It was disclosed that the 27-year-old woman who contracted the virus resides at Rose Hall, Corentyne and also at Covent Garden on the East Bank of Demerara, Region 4.

Based on reports reaching the Guyana Chronicle, the sample was taken on January 4 and was initially tested for ,but the result was negative.

At CARPHA, it was tested for both chikungunya and the Zika virus but came back positive for the presence of the Zika virus. The test was conducted on January 12, 2016.

Upon learning of the presence of the virus in Guyana, the patient was located at her East Bank address on January 13, 2016 and was subsequently visited by an epidemiology nurse the following day.

During the visit, the nurse ascertained the condition and status of the patient and other family members.

Additionally, vector control measures were recommended to the local authorities in both areas and fogging subsequently commenced.

FOGGING The fogging exercise continues according to schedule on the East Bank of Demerara with household inspections, education and larvicidal treatment being provided.

Though the symptoms appear minute, the Zika virus can result in life-threatening defects. Late November,the BBC reported that in Brazil, the Zika fever was linked to a spike in cases of micro-encephalitis – an inflammation of the brain contracted in the first months of pregnancy.

The Brazilian Health Ministry had said that doctors found the Zika virus in the blood and tissue of a baby with micro-encephalitis in the north-eastern state of Ceara.

This disease can stunt the growth of the foetus’s head.

With this in mind, Minister Norton had told the Guyana Chronicle that he was concerned that the virus can result in the development of micro-encephalitis.

“It is important for pregnant mothers to protect themselves from mosquitoes that spread the Zika virus,” Minister Norton had said. The virus is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito which are also carriers of the yellow fever, dengue and chikungunya viruses.

In its quest to help pregnant women protect themselves from being bitten by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the Health Ministry has commenced the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets along the coastlands of Guyana.

INSECTICIDETREATED BED NETS According to Dr Norton, his ministry has recently taken a decision to distribute the insecticide-treated bed nets at health centres across Guyana.

“So when pregnant women attend their regular clinics, they will be given the treated mosquito nets, which they can use within their homes,” the Health Minister explained.

Although not as deadly as chik-V, ZIKV can cause significant illnesses in severe cases. In some cases, co-infection, ZIKV and dengue can occur in some patients. It may lead to auto-immune diseases, whereby the immune system turns on itself and starts destroying different cells leading to possible nerve disorders and bleeding disorders.

However, most persons affected with ZIKV will have only a mild course with symptoms similar to dengue, and will recover in a few days.

According to the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for the Zika virus infection. It was explained that treatment is mainly symptomatic and supportive, including rest and the use of acetaminophen and paracetamol to relieve fever and pain. Antihistamines can be used to control itching.

“Using aspirin is not advised due to risk of bleeding and developing Reye’s syndrome in children under 12 years. Patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids to replenish loss from sweating, vomiting, and diarrhoea,” he explained.

The Zika virus was first isolated in 1947 in Zika Forest, Uganda, in a Rhesus monkey during the transmission of wild yellow fever. The virus was first isolated in humans in 1952 in Uganda and Tanzania.

In 1968 the virus was detected

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

in human samples in Nigeria.

In 2007, the first major outbreak of Zika virus fever occurred on the island of Yap, Micronesia, where 185 suspected cases were reported. In October 2013, approximately 10,000 cases were registered in an outbreak in French Polynesia. Brazil confirmed its first case of ZIKV in May 2015.

Recent outbreaks of the Zika virus in different regions of the world demonstrate the potential of the spread and outbreak of this arbovirus in regions where the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are present.

7

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are carriers of the yellow fever, dengue and chikungunya viruses as well as Zika

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 15, 2016

Bus drivers protest

By Shirley Thomas

Park,” the drivers contend.

MINIBUS drivers and conductors of the Sophia (Number 48) Route have found themselves in a position where they are virtually forced to play “musical chairs” or “pay the ticket” as they daily struggle to get in on the limited parking space on Croal Street, outside of Demico House in downtown Georgetown .

This situation yesterday resulted in Route No. 48 operators at the park temporarily “downing tools” as they headed across to City Hall to seek an audience with the Town Clerk for his intervention in the matter. However, the Town Clerk was at the time unavailable, since he was at a meeting.

Drivers told the Guyana Chronicle that at the park there are about 50 minibuses registered to run the Sophia route – one of the largest around town. The buses satisfy commuters of ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ and ‘D’ Fields Sophia and Pike Street.

But the dilemma the Route No. 48 buses face is that under the new chain-demarcated lane system at the park, there

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH The situation “reached a head” yesterday when the drivers decided that enough was enough and decided to “down tools.” The traffic cops on patrol intervened and the drivers explained their position.

The drivers recalled that advisories were earlier released stating that ranks will be deployed to help maintain order and fair play at the bus parks. They enquired of the police as to the progress being made, but were told that it was an arrangement by the Mayor and City Council. It was on such grounds that they set out to meet with the Town Clerk.

“We are asking the police to allow us, for convenience sake, to park outside of the line, (on a stretch marked ‘No Stopping’ northwest of St. Andrews Kirk) , but they say they can’t allow us.”

The men were adamant.

They argued that the law states that you should not cause, or be likely to cause obstruction to the free flow of traffic, and insist that they are not obstructing the flow, since vehicles do not go there.

Route 48 minibus drivers at the Croal Street bus park want their parking concerns addressed by City Hall

is space available for only about 24 buses in the line.

It means that about 26 buses are forced to remain outside the demarcated area, with nowhere to fit in, forcing them to keep circling around Stabroek Square, until a space is created.

Meanwhile, the police

have placed a white road marker which appears immediately behind the last bus, making it clear that any buses parking outside of that white line are in breach of the traffic laws since it blocks the carriageway. The area under contention is at the corner of Avenue of the Republic and Croal Street,

northwest of St. Andrews Kirk.

It is marked ‘No Stopping,” but the drivers are contending that vehicles do not drive there, hence they cannot be obstructing traffic.

“We will be on the margin of the road and so cannot block the carriageway. It happens at the Plaisance

Belize, Guyana discussing rice-export agreements

THERE is no shortage of rice in Belize, but it is anticipated that this may change as a result of domestic production level being matched with current domestic consumption.

Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder and Belizean Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega during a recent meeting, said that a joint-commission approach is needed to ensure secure relations with the Belize rice market.

The Belizean Deputy Prime Minister pointed to the fact that the main aim of the visit is to reinstate commitments and strengthen relationships between the two CARICOM member states.

It was pointed out that in the past if there were instances of rice shortage in Belize, Guyana would

Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder meets with the Deputy Prime Minister of Belize and other officials. be the only market sought with that of the current do- out so that Guyana can for rice as it has been prov- mestic consumption level. benefit from another en that Guyana produces In the instance where there rice market. The Deputy high-quality rice. The Dep- is a shortage, Belize will be Prime Minister of Beuty Prime Minister also stat- importing rice from Guy- lize is scheduled to have follow-up meetings with ed that the current domestic ana.

As a result, both na- the Minister of Foreign production level, which is averaged to be just below tions are working to have Affairs to continue dis10,000 tonnes, is matched an arrangement worked cussions.

But the overriding concern is the amount of gasolene used as the drivers circle Stabroek Square, playing for time to get into the park. They also argue that traffic tickets keep gobbling up what money they make, given such difficult circumstances.

One elderly man who works from noon to 7:00 p.m. related that on an average he makes only about three Stabroek/Campbellville round trips per day.

Others claim that it could take up to two hours in the line before loading up to move off.

Being aware that there are still inconsiderate bus drivers who continue to work the “hot-plate” outside of the chain, but at the head of the line, the drivers are calling for a level playing field, and would like the police to cease turning a blind eye to the persistent abuse.

They also noted that there are some ‘B’ Field buses that pick up passengers at the back of the line and move on. “We are calling for an end to that too, everybody must wait their turn,” the aggrieved drivers insisted. (sthomas@guyanachronicle.com)

Four Lindeners wanted for Mabura armed robbery

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) yesterday issued a wanted bulletin for Devon Stephen, called “Water Dog” or “Water Cat,” Jevon Scott, Ronald Rodney and Alex Croal, who are all wanted for questioning in relation to robbery under arms.

The robbery, according to the police, was committed on Antonio Jardine and Trevor Jardine on November 21, 2015, at Mabura.

Devon Stephen, is of African descent and his last known address is lot 721 One Mile, Wismar, Linden.

Jevon Scott is also of African ethnicity and his last known address is the same as Stephen – 721 One Mile, Wismar, Linden.

Ronald Rodney, the third wanted suspect, who is also known as “Agla” is of African descent and his last known address is lot 265 One Mile, Wismar, Linden.

The fourth suspect, 46-year-old Alex Croal is also of African descent and his last known address is Blue Berry Hill, Wismar, Linden.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the quartet is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 444-3406, 444-3274, 444-3512, 226-9941, 2256411, 911 or the nearest police station.

The police are assuring the public that any information will be treated confidentially.

Devon Stephen

Jevon Scott Alias: Water Dog/Water Cat Ronald Rodney

Alex Croal Alias: ‘Agla’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 15, 2016

‘Operation Dragnet’ successful

By Michel Outridge

THE top brass of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and other top-ranking members of the Disciplined Forces yesterday witnessed the culmination of a two-day exercise in which “Operation Dragnet” was successful at Timehri, East Bank Demerara.

Operation coordinator David Ramnarine told the media that as they were in the period of “Operation Dragnet,” when there was a heightened sense of security it was the focus and the operational efficiency of various units in the Joint Services that would be on display.

He said that they were in the second day of the third phase of exercise “Assurance” and yesterday (Wednesday) they had two scenarios which were developed and executed.

Ramnarine explained that the first had to do with barricading the suspects. In that scenario, there was a robbery in the Timehri area where the suspects made their way into this general area and that the response from ‘A’ Division Anti-Crime Patrol could not deal with the situation.

The senior officer stated that they came under fire and withdrew, then they took up tactical positions, based on discussions and intelligence and an assessment was made and SWAT was deployed and dealt with that situation

Unity? How?

Members of the SWAT team in action before they rescued the CEO yesterday at Timehri

effectively.

Ramnarine pointed out that while two teams from SWAT were dealing with the barricaded suspects, another piece of information was received from a confidential informant to say that the suspect who was wanted in series of robberies and the murder of a businessman was seen entering a house about half a mile from this area which led into the second scenario.

He explained that the third team from SWAT had to be deployed simultaneously to effect the arrest of that high-profile suspect.

This was eventually done and that completed the activity on Wednesday.

Ramnarine disclosed that SWAT, a highly trained unit with a tactical mode with a lot of skills remained overnight into Thursday (yester-

day) when they arrived at the third scenario.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police said the third scenario in this exercise had to do with the fact that John Jones, who is the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of an oil company, and others, came to Guyana on January 12, 2016 to engage our government in a proposal for oil exploration and were all staying at the Marriott Hotel.

At about 08:00 hrs they were all abducted.

Ramnarine told the media that a meeting was convened with the top officers, including the Commissioner of Police, also with Crime Intelligence, the Anti-Kidnapping Team and the Special Branch of Police, deployed to enhance security at the Marriott Hotel.

He noted that at that point the Minister of Public Secu-

rity was briefed and the Joint Operation Centre was established based on discussions between the Top Cop and the Chief of Staff.

STANDARD OPERATION PROCEDURES “You would understand that based on the high-profile nature of the individual who was abducted, these actions are very necessary and in keeping with standard operating procedures,” Ramnarine said.

The senior officer added that at 10:15 hrs, a call was received by Harry Lowe, the operations manager of the oil company with a demand that the sum of US$20M be paid for the release of the CEO. The person indicated that he would call back in the next two hours to give further instructions.

Turn to page 21►

India gives $8.3M for LGE THE Indian High Commission in Guyana yesterday expressed support for Local Government Elections (LGEs) by handing over a cheque in the sum of $8.3M to Chief Election Officer of GECOM, Keith Lowenfield, in the presence of Chairman Steve Surujbally.

The presentation event was held at the High Commission’s office at Church and Peter Rose Streets, Queenstown, Georgetown.

According to Indian High Commissioner Shri Venkatachalam Mahalingam, the grant of $8.3M from the Government and people of India is to assist GECOM in its preparation for LGEs scheduled for March 18, 2016.

“Elections are an important aspect of democratic systems and India being the largest democracy in terms

India’s High Commissioner, Shri Venkatachalam Mahalingam, (third from left) hands over the grant to Chief Election Officer of GECOM Keith Lowenfield in the presence of Chairman Steve Surujbally and other High Commission officials

of its size and other aspects, we thought that we should show solidarity with the Government of Guyana to conduct elections,” the High Commissioner explained.

He recalled that the High Commission had also assisted with $10.2M for the General and Regional Elections last May.

After receiving the cheque, the Chief Election Officer thanked the High Commissioner for the timely contribution towards the efforts of efficient LGEs in 2016.

GECOM is always grateful for assistance from international partners, Lowenfield said, and the contri-

bution will be utilised for the acquisition of ATVs in one of the municipalities in the North-West District of Mabaruma.

“This will assist our officers on the ground to be more efficient in their delivery of service provided to residents of that community.”

PRESIDENT Granger has finally stood up and made an official call to end the unhelpful political discord, disaffection and political disunity. The president made the call while addressing the National Assembly, and called 2016 the year of National Unity, hoping that after 50 years of independence, the divisions of race, religion and the like would finally be dissipated. Well, on the bright side, it’s good to know that the problem is acknowledged from the highest standpoint. The Bad news is that people remain highly skeptical that this is possible, and this could be seen in their responses to this announcement on social media. Of course, fingers were pointed in a particular direction- as is our favourite pastime, it seems – stating that unity will be impossible to achieve with one side determined to stay divided. This is a tough one, and I must say that making the call is one thing, but what are the steps that will be taken to achieve it? 50 years of division is a long time, just making the call will hardly reap the results that he desires. It’s safe to say that everyone is waiting to see what this year of national unity has in store.

Woes…

Another tough position we find ourselves in is the dismal state of things as regards the increasing instances of suicide among us. Some are saying that the continued reporting of it - while informative - is also causative to future such incidents. Many are calling on focus to be placed on preventive measures, rather than making public the impetus for those who may be considering the act. It’s a catch 22 situation, I suppose. How could you not report the occurrence? People need to know.

But then, once reported, how could you say that said reporting does not or will not encourage those contemplating the act? It’s truly worrying, and you know it has to be serious when even Bharrat Jagdeo makes himself available by encouraging troubled persons to send him messages if they wish to talk.

Soon come…

President Granger said that without proper evidence, no one can be convicted. It looks as though the search for said evidence is ongoing following the announcement that four members of the previous government: Gail Teixeira, former PM Sam Hinds, former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali and the mouthy Nigel Dharamlall have been questioned by the Special Organised Crime Unit regarding irregularities at NICIL. People are anxiously rubbing hands together waiting to see what will come of this, and were abuzz with speculation as to what will be the outcome. Yet, the most disappointing part of this is that the one time you’d expect Dharamlall to be rowdy about something, he remained quiet on the issues- at least on social media.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 15, 2016

New mining union thinks it has the answers

THE NATIONAL Mine Workers’ Union of Guyana, a small body which believes it is a solution to the country’s “troubled” mining industry, is urging the government to invest in the sector.

At its maiden press conference yesterday at Sharon’s Building, Charlotte and King Street suites, President of the union, Sherwyn Downer, told the media that the mining sector has space for many Guyanese.

“If investment is made it can create thousands of jobs for Guyanese,” he said.

However, according to him, the sector remains a

private investment.

Downer highlighted several other issues, which he stated the hinterland-based organisation planned to address; these include labour issues. He said that the industry was plagued and drowning in labour-related issues. “It remains a challenge in the industry,” Downer posited.

He said that in the 2014/2015 labour reports released by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), labour issues dominated other matters. “So it tells the story about what is taking place in the industry,” he

added.

Downer said that over the years there have been many reports of ‘cave-ins’ at mining pits in the gold-mining industry across Guyana and many questions remained unanswered. He questioned whether they were legally operated mines.

Downer also highlighted what he termed the trafficking in gold out of Guyana.

He said that the press had highlighted information regarding the subject in which the United States authorities claimed it had information on who are the perpetrators of this act. He queried why no

CID, Harbour Bridge wireless feed link commissioned

By Rabindra Rooplall THE Criminal Investigation Department of the Guyana Police Force now has live access to cameras strategically placed at both ends of the Demerara Harbour Bridge through a wireless link, which is expected to maximise earlier successes in crime detection.

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure yesterday joined with the CID to commission the wireless feed link at a simple ceremony at the CID Laboratory, Eve Leary.

In attendance were Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson; Minister within the Ministry Annette Ferguson; and General Manager of Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, Rawlston Adams; Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud; and Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum.

Minister Ferguson handed over a 48-inch SMART TV monitor to Commissioner Persaud for use in enhancing and monitoring the direct feed.

In addition, there was also a brief demonstration of the link’s capabilities, including the capturing of snapshots of vehicles from live feed; playback of videos; and monitoring

of traffic build-up with zoom-in functions.

According to Minister Patterson, about $3M was invested by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure towards the wireless link, which will enhance a productive partnership between the Harbour Bridge and the GPF. He stressed that the partnership was one which aimed to make Guyana safer and also to provide a better and safer traffic experience for all road users.

He added that that the ministry is willing to do whatever it takes to better the lives of Guyanese and will be looking to better its partnership with the Police Force in other ways.

Commissioner of Police Persaud said that the wireless link went beyond the monitoring of crime as the feed would also aid the police in its traffic monitoring and traffic control.

“This all might appear simple but this is very significant for us. We’re very grateful for the assistance provided here.

In the past Mr Adams has been very helpful and supportive to us,” the top cop added.

TRAFFIC CASES - CCTV CAMERAS He also noted that thou-

sands of traffic cases were also successfully prosecuted with the aid of the CCTV cameras.

Further, Crime Chief Blanhum said that the wireless link would allow live access to cameras strategically placed on both ends of the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

He noted the police have already recorded a number of successes thanks to the use of Harbour Bridge footage, and he expressed thanks to General Manager Adams for the support given over the years.

According to Crime Intelligence Unit Officer-in-Charge, Brian Adams, the establishment of a wireless link with the Police Force was one that had been in the works for more than a year.

He said that he had been approached by Superintendent Phillip Azore in 2014 to extend the Demerara Harbour Bridge feed and in 2015 work began on the project.

By early December 2015, the project was completed.

The project saw the erection of a 100ft tower at Eve Leary which links the bodies. (rrooplall@guyanachronicle. com)

Minister David Patterson, Top Cop Seelall Persaud and Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum look on along with other officials as Crime Intelligence Officer-in-Charge Brian Adams pinpoints the many advantages of the CCTV cameras on the screens ahead

Members of the National Mine Workers’ Union of Guyana, at yesterday’s press conference. The organisation’s President Sherwyn Downer is at centre I give you permission to addition, it aims to advance mine, it is illegal,” he con- or oppose any law, action or one had been brought before tinued. He urged the govern- authority, affecting its memthe courts to date. He opined ment to investigate the issue, bers as well as to understand that the problem might be since valuable resources are how the economy and labour related to the licences which being lost. were issued to miners. laws affect mine workers. In T h e N a t i o n a l M i n e addition, it aims to reinforce He explained that the Workers’ Union of Guyana and encourage contact and authorities issued proswas formed early in the solidarity among different pecting licences as well as third quarter of 2015 and its categories of mine workers. gold-mining licences and executive has been engaging persons with the former According to Downer, it stakeholders in the baux- is the first union of its kind are expected to undertake ite, gold and sand-mining in Guyana which seeks to prospecting activities only. sectors among others, ever unionise and give a voice to Downer alleged that there since it came on stream. To all mine workers in Guyare persons who operate date it has a 500-plus mem- ana. In addition to its Barmining equipment on lands bership. which are required to have tica head office , the union The body’s objectives has offices in Port Kaituma only prospecting activities. include the security of so- and Mahdia .The body is He said that this might cial and economic justice hopeful that now that it is be an avenue through which for all mining workers, to on stream, it will form a the smugglers take gold out strive for a just standard of working relationship with of Guyana undetected. “If living and social security the relevant government I’m in possession of a PL for all mine workers. In ministries. (prospecting licence) and

Kuwait ambassador visits Banks DIH

NEWLY accredited Kuwait Non-Resident Ambassador to Guyana Ayadah M Alsaidi on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to Banks DIH Limited Chairman/Managing Director Clifford B Reis and toured the operations at Thirst Park.

Ambassador Alsaidi, who observed production in the soft drink plant and brewery, said he was very impressed with the operations of the two departments.

The diplomat, who was accompanied by officials of his embassy, held bilateral discussions with Mr Reis.

“I was extremely happy to receive Ambassador Alsaidi, especially at the time when our company is celebrating its 60th anniversary. We spoke on topics that are of mutual interest in relation to Banks DIH and Guyana,” Mr Reis said.

Ambassador Alsaidi presented his letters of Credence to President David Granger on Wednesday at the Ministry of The Presidency.

Banks DIH Limited Chairman Clifford Reis greets Kuwait Ambassador to Guyana Ayadah Alsaidi during his visit to Thirst Park

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 15, 2016

Region One students get bicycles, shoes, books – to boost access to education THIRTY students of Region One (Barima-Waini) received bicycles, while more than 500 received shoes and other school gear on Wednesday under President David Granger’s ‘Boats, Buses and Bicycles’ (three Bs) initiative, aimed at ensuring that all Guyana’s children are able to attend school.

Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Ally and First Lady, Sandra Granger, presented the bicycles to students of the North West Secondary School at a simple ceremony held at the NorthWest Secondary School. The bicycles were donated by a citizen from Essequibo.

Meanwhile, students from the Mabaruma Primary, Hosororo Primary, Koberimo Annex, and Barabina Primary Schools, along with children in the surrounding areas of Wainaina, Kumaka and Mabaruma settlements, received shoes, books and clothing to equip them with the necessary kit they need for school.

Additionally, in fulfilling a promise which was made to the residents of Wainaina late last year, Minister Ally handed over a brush-cutter to the residents to assist them in ensuring that their surroundings are well kept.

The ‘Boats, Buses and Bicycles’ initiative started back in July 2015, when President David Granger celebrated his 70th birthday and made a call for support for the initiative that aims to ensure that transportation is provided, so that children can get to school safely and comfortably.

The First Lady smiles as Minister Ally hugs a Hosororo Primary School student who displays her new shoes

Since then, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said there has been a tremendous national response, with private citizens and businesses donating buses, boats and engines and bicycles to the programme.

Minister Ally, within whose purview the programme falls, told the students that the donations are being made in keeping with realising the President’s vision to ensure that the nation’s children can access a sound education.

“His Excellency is a very passionate President when it comes to education and he wants to see every child in school. He wants to see every child gaining equal access to education and he wants to ensure that the inequalities that exist are reduced. With the many rivers in this region, there is no doubt this region will also be beneficiary of boats,” she said at the NorthWest Secondary School.

REMEDYING INEQUALITIES According to the minister, the government understands that there are children in every region with urgent needs and this initiative is one of a number of steps being taken to remedy inequalities. It is a start, she noted, and the government remains optimistic that the programme will eventually grow to accommodate every child who is in need.

“We are going to do everything that is possible to see every one of our children have access to education.

People want to see this country grow and so they are supporting the President’s initiative,” she said.

First Lady Mrs Granger, in brief comments, charged the students to take care of the bicycles, noting that they must serve to strengthen their resolve and drive to pursue their education.

This shy First Former of the North-West Secondary School holds on to her brand new, pink bicycle as First Lady, Sandra Granger, places a comforting hand on her shoulder

“This is to ensure that children get to school, that you don’t get to school tired, that you can access an education because Guyana needs educated, enlightened persons to take it forward. We are hoping that you can see and dream, and do so in our country to drive us forward,” Mrs Granger said.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Mr Brentnol Ashley, in his remarks, thanked the government on behalf of the region, noting that education is indeed the key to development and that the gesture will help to ensure that the students can perform to the best of their abilities.

“The RDC is grateful for this venture of sharing bicycles and shoes. The RDC remains committed to its pri-

ority of education, to ensuring that every child, in every corner, is given the opportunity of gaining quality education.

We will remain committed to any activity which can ensure that the children of Region One are given a quality education,” he said.

Meanwhile, the shoes, which were donated under the ‘Rethink Initiative – Kind Soles Project’ started by Mr Ernie Ross, Guyana’s Honorary Consul in Trinidad and Tobago, in support of the President’s efforts to ensure that all children are able to attend school, were given to more than 500 students, many of whom had been going to school bare feet or wearing slippers.

This is the second collection of shoes that has been

distributed, from an expected total of 30,000 pairs that will be given to students in need in the hinterland regions of Guyana, over the coming months.

The shoes, referred to as “the shoes that grow,” are specially designed to ensure that it can still fit the children as they age, since it is expandable. The shoes are estimated to be able to fit each child for a period of about four to five years.

To date, five boats, a number of bicycles and hundreds of pairs of shoes have been handed over to schoolchildren in several communities across the country. The President is also expected to commission a number of buses this month.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 15, 2016

Duo charged with murder of UK teen DAYS after police found missing British teen Dominic Bernard’s body in a shallow grave at Kildonan village, they have charged his godbrother and his close friend for murder.

Twenty-year-old Aaron Wilfred Hing, called “Neutral” and his friend, 24-year-old Staymon “Sherwin” George, both of Kildonan Village were not required to plead yesterday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to the capital charge which alleged that they murdered the teen on October 14.

There was near pandemonium at the court as media personnel and others crowded the

courtyard to catch a glimpse of the duo, but they had to wait until late afternoon for the two prisoners to arrive.

The matter was called before city Magistrate Judy Latchman who remanded the men and transferred the case to Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for today.

Representing the two Kildonanian accused was Attorney-at-law, Nigel Hughes, who requested a speedy and fair trial for his clients.

According to Hughes, the police had attached a stigma by giving a prodigious image to his clients. Hughes further pointed out that the police had

brought the accused to court after the expiration of the 72hour detention.

Police prosecutor Vishnu Hunt made no reply to the lawyer’s submission. The police are conducting their investigations and additional advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is being sought.

The teenager reportedly arrived in Guyana on the evening of October 14, 2015 and had not been seen since. His father, during his visit to Guyana for news about his son, met with Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, who promised that the police would do everything

in their power to solve the mystery.

The teen’s godbrother became a person of interest after he disappeared when police attempted to contact him. As law enforcement officers continued to dig for information, George was added to the list of suspects. Wanted bulletins were issued for the two men as suspicion grew about their involvement in the teen’s disappearance.

Police later captured them both: Hing at a city hotel and George at a house in Tucville, Georgetown. They were arrested after the decomposed body of a male believed to be that

Alleged accomplice Staymon “Sherwin” George

of the missing teenager was discovered a few villages from Kildonan, the village where the teen was expected to spend his time during his visit to Guyana.

They later admitted that they had collected the teen from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on October 14, 2015 and on their way to Berbice, they stopped along Sheriff Street where they ate and drank a few beers.

The latest development in the case was the discovery of the teen’s camera and its components. These were dug up after a third suspect, Jameel Sinclair, took law-enforcement officers to an area behind Nurney Village and pointed out where he hid the device.

Sinclair admitted that he was promised payment to hide the teen’s belongings on the night he was fatally beaten.

Later on Sunday evening, the said suspect led ranks to another area where the laptop that belonged to the teenager was reportedly hidden.

To date, they have not confirmed when they actually murdered the teen, since one suspect claimed it was done on the night he arrived in Guyana, while the other claimed it was

Godbrother of British murdered teen Aaron Wilfred Hing

a week after. It was reported that the two suspects had dug the grave two days in advance.

During a press conference held at Cara Lodge, the missing teen’s father, Andrew Bernard, who arrived from London, had said: “My son flew on BW 903, leaving London’s Gatwick Airport on 10/14 at 12:50 pm, arriving POS at 5.30 pm on the same day. He then boarded BW 483 from POS to GT at 8.40 pm, arriving at Timehri at 9.50 pm.

“We know Dominic cleared customs, after that we have no information.” He described Dominic as six feet tall, medium build, with black hair, longer on top than on the sides, and he was wearing blue jeans, white sweatshirt with black jacket that had leather in the middle and the arms were fabric.

He was wearing white Nike sneakers, had one suitcase and one piece of hand luggage, his father confirmed. The family had initially reached out to the Surrey Police in London, who began an investigation in the UK.

Friday, January 15, 2016 - 10:30 hrs Saturday, January 16, 2016 - 12:00 hrs Sunday, January 17, 2016 - 10:30 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 15, 2016

Roraima certified to do aircraft maintenance tion, Airworthiness Inspector attached to the GCAA, Krishnanand Ramlachana, explained that the role of the organisation is to provide maintenance to optimal standards.

He also stressed the importance of Roraima’s new Maintenance Division to maintain the same level of safety and performance that was demon-

Director-General of GCAA, Chaitrani Heeralall, hands over the Approved Maintenance Organisation certificate to Captain Mrs. Debbie Gouveia in the presence of officials of the GCAA and Roraima Airways.

RORAIMA Airways has been certified to conduct its own aircraft maintenance and provide the same service to other aircraft owners.

On Wednesday, Roraima Airways received the Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) certificate from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), a press

release from Roraima Airways said.

This certificate means that Roraima’s Ogle operations new maintenance department has the capacity, and has met the standards and criteria to conduct its own aircraft maintenance and provide the same services to other operators.

Director-General of

GCAA Chaitrani Heeralall congratulated Roraima on the achievement, which she said shows growth in the aviation community in Guyana.

She also noted that with this new development, the aviation sector has changed for the good and development of Guyana.

During the presenta-

strated during the evaluation period to acquire AMO level.

On this accomplishment, Chief Executive Officer of Roraima Airways Inc., Captain Gerry Gouveia, expressed his gratitude to the GCAA for their due diligence in ensuring that Roraima met the standards and requirements.

He also reiterated his commitment to empowering his

maintenance personnel to act and conduct their maintenance as required under the AMO specifications.

In the past, Roraima Airways outsourced its aircraft maintenance, but with its new maintenance division certified with the AMO certificate, outsourcing is no longer necessary, the release concluded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 15, 2016

PHANTOM KILLINGS From page 5

ing the purchase of a sophisticated wiretapping device were produced in U.S. courts during Khan’s trial. President Granger had said the opening of the cases is lawful. Among the deaths which will be investigated is that of former Minister of Agriculture, Satyadeow Sawh, his siblings and the security guard who were gunned down at their home in 2006. “When you have young men being shot in the backs of their heads with their hands tied; when you have so many deaths which have not been investigated; when a minister of the government has been assassinated and you don’t

even have an inquest into his death, it is something stink.

Something stinks, and we are going to investigate those deaths,” President Granger had told a gathering at Critchlow Labour College in August last year.

NECESSARY TIME Williams, in his arguments to the House, said the bill comes at a necessary time when the period of 2000 to 2009 is taken into consideration. According to the AG, this period represents a time when there were unnatural deaths with bodies “turning up in trenches, isolated roads,[and] people’s living rooms.” The Attorney General said this bill serves to satisfy families of the bodies found, that were reported killed by death squads, phantom squads, specifically in cases where no causes of death were attributed, and where there were no police cases.

Placing blame at the foot of the former administration that now sits on the opposition side of the National Assembly, Williams said “the government of the day was either unwilling or they lacked the political will to investigate these unnatural deaths.”

The nature of the amendment proposed by the Attorney General was to increase the pool of persons designated as Coroners under the law.

Williams said the original

Act, added to Guyana’s law books in 1887, designates magistrates as coroners in their respective districts with the right to conduct inquests into unnatural deaths by murder. He said with this limited pool, “none of these inquests were completed.” Williams complained of the potential for intimidation of magistrates against completing inquests, even as they had their magisterial duties on a daily basis.

“It was in these circumstances that we have proposed the amendment to the Coroners Act to increase categories of persons to perform functions of coroners.”

The bill, according to Williams, would grant the Judicial Service Commission a constitutional body, the power to appoint “fit and proper” persons as coroners with an additional amendment for persons “who shall be full-time coroners.”

Williams called it “unthinkable” that the opposition party would call for the amendment bill to be taken to a Special Select Committee in Parliament. While agreeing with a recommendation made some years ago for holistic amendments to the bill, the Attorney General said, “At this time… this would not be convenient.”

CUT AND PASTE Anamayah called the bill a “cut and paste” job that takes from similar legislation

in Trinidad and Tobago. He questioned the “piecemeal amendment of the legislation,” calling it “laziness” and “incompetence” that does not reflect concerns in Guyana’s jurisdiction. He supported the need for families of unnatural death victims under his party’s rule to have justice, but he called for there to be qualifications set for Coroners outside of being “fit and proper” by the Judicial Service Commission.

Another Opposition MP, Clement Rohee, who served as Home Affairs Minister for almost a decade before elections last May, called the bill “politically inspired.” His main position was for the bill to go to a Special Select Committee in Parliament. However, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan criticised the former administration for not passing those amendments.

He defended the “cut and paste” amendment “if it is going to meet the requirement the government is seeking.” He went on to defend the utilisation of the Judicial Service Commission since the body is “insulated from political mischief.” Nandlall for his part called for repeal of a section of the Bill which allows Justices of the Peace to act as coroners. He called on government to engage the opposition within the parliamentary system, and not at consultations held outside the Parliament.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 15, 2016

Unidentified man at Fort Wellington mortuary A MAN of East Indian descent and about 60 years old recently died at the Fort Wellington Hospital, but no one has come forward to identify and claim the body.

Region Five Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Gavin Persaud, said Rosignol residents had called the police on Christmas Day to

bring him (unidentified man) to the hospital, since it had appeared that he was starving and no one knew him.

The man was kept at the Fort Wellington Hospital and died on New Year’s Day. While at the hospital, the staff was unable to get information from him regarding his identity.

“Unfortunately, there is no picture of him whilst he was alive. I sent my staff to ask a lot of people, showing the deceased’s photo, but still no one was able to identify the body,” the RHO said.

Dr Persaud is appealing to the man’s relatives to come forward and claim the body.

Linden motorists want double-lane bridge THE residents of Linden, especially motorists, are calling on the relevant authorities to build a double-lane bridge across the Demerara River.

The single-lane bridge, which connects Mackenzie to Wismar, is in a deplorable state and is currently operating under a manual traffic system.

With the influx of motor vehicles in Linden, the bridge experiences a heavy flow of traffic, especially during the peak periods of the day. This would result in an unfavourable buildup of vehicles, even though the bridge spans less than a quarter of a mile.

In addition to this, the bridge is closed several times during the week for repair work and the residents are arguing that given the life span of the bridge, it would be better to invest in a new bridge, rather than constantly repairing the one-lane bridge that can no longer sustain the amount of vehicles crossing daily.

Guyana Chronicle was at

the bridge when drivers became irritated over the long wait for vehicles to cross from one side of the river to the other. The traffic rotators are deemed incapable by the drivers to efficiently allot equal timings to vehicles on both sides to cross. The vehicles on the Makenzie shore were forced to wait over five minutes before being given a chance to cross the bridge.

One driver revealed that it is far worst during the morning and afternoon peak periods, when persons are going and returning home from work and school.

“This is real nonsense, this is ridiculous to be waiting so long to cross a short bridge and these men really don’t know to control this traffic,” shouted one driver, as the others blew their horns as a display of impatience.

Much to the surprise of the drivers, even though this unfavourable situation exists, the management of the bridge decided to raise the toll at the beginning of September.

This was met with a neg-

ative response from the public, especially the buses and car drivers plying the bridge as public transportation. The toll was raised from $40 to $60 for cars and $60 to $80 for minibuses. In addition to this, the traffic department of E’ Division is calling upon the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to institute a traffic light at the bridge that will facilitate easier flow of traffic and decrease the confusion that happens due to the manual system.

Shawn Massay, Sergeant-in-Charge,had revealed to this newspaper during Road Safety Month that a traffic light being installed at the bridge would be welcomed by the Division.

Regional Vice-Chairman Elroy Adolf revealed that plans for constructing a double-lane bridge is in the region’s Plan of Action for Regional Development (PARD). This plan, which serves as a guide for the region’s budget, will see commencement of infrastructural development during 2016.

Game of ‘Weak Spot’ led to sex ALLEGED rapist Venket Primo was playing the game ‘Weak Spot’ with the victim when he touched something that ended the game and resulted in the commission of the offence of rape with a 14-year-old girl.

Since a girl under the age of 16 years cannot consent to a sexual intercourse, the accused was arrested by police investigators.

Prosecutrix Miss Tamieha Clarke delivered the opening address to the jury before Presiding Judge Ma-

dame Jo-Ann Barlow yesterday, disclosing that evidence would be led to show that because of the girl’s tender age, what the accused had done by means of penetration constituted a criminal offence.

The jury was told that during the ‘Weak Spot’ game, the accused tried to touch the girl’s private parts.

This resulted in the accused asking the girl for sex and she complied.

The prosecutrix added, “I want to point out to you right

now though, that a girl of 14 years cannot give permission for sexual intercourse, because she is below 16 years.

The main witness that the State is relying on to prove its case is the victim herself.

This is quite normal in sexual offence cases because they usually occur in private.

“The victim will come and tell you what happened. She will give you the details. Similarly, the other witnesses will tell you what they know about this matter,” the prosecution’s spokesperson said.

Green: Zeal lacking for LGE GEORGETOWN Mayor Hamilton Green has said zeal is lacking for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE), and has asked City Councillors to help generate interest in the elections.

G r e e n m a d e t h e o bservation at the council’s recent statutory meeting at City Hall. The Mayor said his view was based on interaction at “different levels,” and contended that “A lack of zeal is bad for democracy.”

LGEs have been set for March 18, 2016. The elections were last held in 1994.

Bulkan had said that the LGEs will result in new councils with new energy,

new enthusiasm and with the zeal arising from the confidence that would be placed in them by citizens.

Citizens from local communities depend on their locally elected representatives to ensure towns, municipalities and villages are effectively managed to ensure clean environments, street lights, and maintenance of roads, streets, drainage canals and playgrounds.

These will contribute to a “good life” for residents.

Bulkan had emphasised that Guyanese have been waiting for too long to elect new councillors to the municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).

Mayor Hamilton Green

Since Bulkan’s comments, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has confirmed that the secretariat is in full operational mode for the conduct of the elections.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 15, 2016

Police ignoring DPP’s advice in Westford’s fraud case THE Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on Thursday said that the police have been ignoring legal advice given them regarding

their investigation into the alleged fraud at the Public Service Ministry by former Minister Jennifer Westford and her Personnel Officer Margaret

Cummings.

In a release, the DPP said that the 24 police files captioned: “Alleged Larceny by Public Officer Committed on the Public

Service Ministry By Dr. Jennifer Westford and Margaret Cummings” were received from the Guyana Police Force on the 9th, 23rd,28th and 30th December,2015.

“These 24 files have been returned to the GPF today Thursday 14th January, 20LG with legal advice given to the police for them to complete their

Jennifer Westford

investigations,” the release stated. “The DPP’s Office wishes to note that this is the third occasion that these 24 files are being returned to the GPF with specific instructions for them to comply with previous legal advice given pertaining to the clarification of issues and the conduct of further investigations.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 15, 2016

103 individuals, groups indicate interest in LGE – Lowenfield

By Rabindra Rooplall IN accordance with the statutory requirements of Local Government Elections (LGE), 103 individuals, voluntary groups and political parties have indicated an interest in participating in the March 18, 2016 polls, according to Chief Election Officer of GECOM, Keith Lowenfield.

These elections were last held in Guyana in 1994 for only the second time in the history of post-independence Guyana.

However, Lowenfield said that GECOM will continue in their thrust to ensure that education about LGEs is done; and since last September the elections body has been inviting members of the general public and stakeholders to attend meetings within their respective communities.

“I can say that the turnouts to those locations have been very low, while we have afforded ourselves the opportunity, the agency has provided opportunity within the communities to have all persons, but their response was pretty poor, we did not receive the kind of turnouts we wanted, but we will continue.

“Now that individuals and groups are saying that we are in, I think that interest has been boosted and we are ready and prepared to engage the entire citizenship as the processes undergone for the hosting of LGE,” Lowenfield added.

NOMINATION DAY Meanwhile, he said that

GECOM Chief Election Officer Keith Lowenfield

Nomination Day for the upcoming local government polls is Monday, January 26th and on that day, there will be 71 locations where nominations and subsequently elections will be held; and it will not be a central activity as was done for General and Regional Elections.

All parties contesting are required by statute to submit a symbol for approval by GECOM prior to Nomination Day. Any List of Candidates submitted by any group on Nomination Day without the required pre-approved symbol, will be deemed defective and the defaulting party would be deemed ineligible to contest the LGEs. Guyana has 585 constituencies within the 71 organs.

The Joint Services will be voting on March 8th, 2016, Lowenfield said.

The GECOM CEO said further that preparation for LGE is on stream and the workplan approved by the commission is on track for the delivery of the elections.

He said all the major subsets of the plan are in place and the official lists of voters who are on the list of their respective constituencies in their

CIOG praised for work with disabled

THE Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) recently presented the Disability Act to United Kingdom lecturer Shak Fayed Mohamed Seid as it continues to raise awareness and need for support of this vulnerable group.

The handing over was held at the CIOG Headquarters on Woolford Avenue. Minister within the ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings commended the CIOG for raising awareness on disability, and urged others to emulate their good work.

“Persons living with disability are simply ordinary persons seeking ordinary lives,” said Minister Cumming as she called for an end to marginalisation of person living with disability.

Mr Seid has been in Guyana since January and will be donating some US$1000 to the CIOG to assist disabled persons.

respective local authority areas have been finalised and approved by the commission.

Lowenfield added that the acquisition of sensitive and non-sensitive materials has been initiated for the LGEs. “As far as the acquisition of ballots go, we are engaged with an overseas company, we are at the point of establishing a memorandum of understanding that seeks to ensure those ballots will be produced in a timely manner and returned to Guyana to facilitate firstly the

Disciplined Services balloting day, and then afterwards for the general populace and local authority areas,” he explained.

STAFF TRAINING Underscoring that GECOM is proceeding with the training of staff required at polling stations, Lowenfield said 71 returning officers were hired to operate in the 71 local authorities where the elections will be held. “We are working out the details as far as

supervision of these elections, each local authority will have elections for their own councillors and the commission is working out the details of method of supervision as far as receipt of statements and the declaration of results,” he noted.

According to Lowenfield, the plan is very advanced and GECOM is confident that the body is on track for an efficient delivery of elections to the nation.

The Municipal and Dis-

trict Councils and Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill was passed last month in the National Assembly.

It amends the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01, to provide clarity on its application with respect to the new local government system.

The legislation also amends the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, Chapter 28:03, to ensure consistency in its application, as obtains in the Municipal and District Councils Act.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 15, 2016

YEAR OF RENAISSANCE Address by President David Granger, to the National Assembly on Thursday 14, January 2016 WE, the Guyanese people, this year, celebrate the Independence we gained 50 years ago on 26th May 1966.

We were inspired then by our national motto – ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny.’ We are encouraged now by our efforts to make that motto a reality. We renew our pledge to make our cherished homeland a place of unity, security and prosperity.

We, Guyanese, commemorate this 50th anniversary of our nation’s Independence – our ‘quinquagenary’ – with determination to improve our citizens’ quality of life, to transform our national economy and to pursue a path to progress.

Guyana became independent after 350 years of Dutch and British imperial rule. The new nation was born under a state of emergency. The acrid odour of civil conflict hung like a pall over the land.

The vista of divided villages scarred the landscape. The voices of disunity and enmity echoed in marketplaces and bottom-houses. We had a new name, a new national anthem, a new flag, a new coat-ofarms, new passports, new postage stamps, new coinage, a new Constitution and a new National Assembly. Those new symbols did not make us independent. We were very much still British Guiana on the night of 25th of May, 1966.

The Governor-General, the titular representative of the British Queen, was a foreigner. The Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force was a foreigner. The Commissioner of the Guyana Police Force was a foreigner. The Governor of the Bank of Guyana was a foreigner. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana was a foreigner. The Anglican Bishop of Guyana was a foreigner. The Roman Catholic Bishop of Guyana was a foreigner. The major industries – bauxite and sugar and the banking system – were in the hands of foreigners. We became an independent state by appellation, but remained a dependent economy in actuality.

Political Independence was neither the work of one person nor one party, nor was it a sudden event. It was a process that took place over a long period of several decades. It was the climax of a popular movement. Legislators, workers, ex-servicemen and ordinary people agitated to achieve political Independence. We are heirs of their

efforts, successors to their struggles and, now, possessors of their patrimony. Political Independence did not come easily or cheaply. It came only after decades of distress, distrust and, tragically, deaths.

Let us not now dwell on the pain of the past, but look with faith to the future. Let the sacrifice of those who struggled and died inspire us today and guide generations to come tomorrow and beyond.

Political Independence meant change. It meant, at the collective level, a change from colony to nation. It meant, at the individual and at the psychological level, a change from subject to citizen, and from discrimination to dignity and equality. Statehood, however, meant more than political change. Our first Prime Minister, Forbes Burnham, wisely advised: “Independence … is a means towards an end. The end must be the changing of our society and the revolutionising of the economy.”

Changing the name of a country was [a] simple matter.

Revolutionising the economy, indeed, was a difficult and never-ending process. This Year – 2016 – is an opportunity to hasten our economic development. Our Golden Jubilee year presents us with the challenge of renewing the ‘Independence Covenant’ and of rekindling the enterprising ‘spirit of 26th May.’ This year has been designated the ‘Year of Renaissance.’ It will be devoted to the rebirth and the renewal of the promise of economic independence and resilience.

We became independent and made a covenant among ourselves that we would, in a free state, aspire to enjoy a better life than we had to endure in a colony. We toiled to repair a country that had been damaged by disunity and division. We strove to create a community of comity and unity. We sought to satisfy the needs of our people by expanding public education, health, communications and transportation services. We erected an airport, bridges, highways, housing schemes, schools and a university. We established new national institutions such as our Ombudsman and our own Court of Appeal. We created a credible foreign service and cemented international friendships and alliances to secure our territory from external aggression. We contributed to the establishment of CARIFTA CARICOM and the ACP. We took our place in the international community.

GUARDIANS Independent statehood vested us with the responsibility of being guardians of our territory, custodians of our national patrimony and masters of our own destiny. Our new status imposed an obligation to improve our citizens’ access to public services. Independence promised expanded opportunities and enhanced security. It engendered hopes of a “good life” for all. The fulfilment of these hopes rested, in part, on the new nation’s capability to build a resilient economy upon the remnants of the old order.

The old colonial economy had produced an army of landless and impoverished peasants

today is to complete our mission by securing, within the next decade, a “good life” for all Guyanese. The necessity of economic transformation cannot be denied or delayed.

We must act resolutely to implement the reforms that are essential to building a resilient economy — one that is adaptive to the changes and responsive to the challenges of the global economy.

We must, in so doing, recognise some of the other impediments imposed by the circumstances under which we attained Independence 50 years ago. These impediments must now be overcome if we are to achieve the

every Guyanese to be able to enjoy a “good life.” Achieving a “good life” is not a wish or a dream. It requires greater equality of opportunity in order to attain economic growth.

A “good life” is about removing inequalities and providing opportunities for every citizen to be the best he or she can be.

It is in pursuit of achieving greater economic independence that we have reconfigured an executive cabinet to give leadership to the renewed national effort to rebuild our economy. It is for this purpose that we have come to the Legislative branch of government to appeal for collaboration in our common pursuit of

President David Granger inspects an exhibition at Parliament yesterday

and workers. It had consigned the mass of our people to an existence of persistent poverty.

It had doomed our country to a destiny of dependency.

The new state was expected to surmount the legacy and impediments of three and a half centuries of economic exploitation. It was expected to educate masses of unemployed young people; to enhance the productive capacity of workers; to eradicate poverty and to ensure everyone’s well-being.

These have not been easy tasks. The old economy was dominated by six commodities – rice, sugar, bauxite, gold, diamonds and timber. Excessive economic dependence on the export earnings of these six primary commodities exposed us to the volatilities of global commodity prices. The old economy was susceptible to external shocks.

The “Independence Covenant,” therefore, remains unconsummated. Our task

economic basis for a higher quality of life. We are proud of our accomplishments since achieving political independence over the past 50 years.

We now look forward to the achievement of economic independence over the next 50. We shall be prouder when we employ our energies and efforts in this special year of our ‘national renaissance’ to remove the remaining obstacles that still keep us disunited, and to chart a course that will bring happiness to our people.

It is now time to set forth on a new pathway to progress.

A FRESH START It is time for a fresh start – a new beginning. It is time to redouble our efforts to eradicate poverty. Our government is committed to promoting sustained economic growth with enhanced distributive justice, so that inequalities are reduced and opportunities are increased. Our vision is for

economic independence. The Executive and Legislative branches, together, can continue to pursue policies which emphasise economic openness and competitiveness. We can, together, continue to seek investment for the sustainable development of our natural resources. We can, together, ensure that the benefits of the exploitation of these resources redound to enhancing the quality of life of all Guyanese.

The Ministry of the Presidency has been reconfigured to combine the offices of the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ministers of State, Citizenship and Social Cohesion. This combination enhances governance and, especially through the Office of the Prime Minister, manages the government’s business and legislative agenda in the National Assembly.

Our Ministry of Social Cohesion, a ministry within the Ministry of the Presidency,

will continue its arduous work to reinforce national unity. We can be one nation only if all sections of our population feel that they share in our country’s economic development. We must, in 2016, dispel enmity among individuals and groups.

We must move forward as a united nation.

Colonial rule fomented divisions of race, religion and region which have imposed a big burden on the slender shoulders of our small society.

These divisions, for 50 years, have frustrated our economic development, making national unity elusive. National unity does not preclude the existence of differences in philosophies or opinions. It does include a willingness to respect each other’s rights.

Our Golden Jubilee is a propitious moment for all Guyanese to put an end to hateful and unhelpful political discord, disaffection and disunity. Our Golden Jubilee is a golden opportunity for us to cement national unity at the political level and at the economic level.

Our Ministry of Citizenship, a Ministry with the Ministry of the Presidency, will implement systems to ensure that every Guyanese child’s birth is registered and will develop policies to ensure greater control over illegal aliens. The ministry, in this era of global terrorist threats and transnational crime, will work with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Public Security and Social Protection to confront the challenges of international terrorism, migration and trafficking in persons.

PUBLIC SERVICES The provision of public services is an essential and indispensible function of our government. Public services build public trust through common access, fairness, timeliness and usefulness.

Public services play a vital role in creating an enabling environment for businesses and the efficient functioning of markets. The quality of public services determines citizens’ quality of life.

We will continue to re-engineer government to ensure that our public services are accessible by all citizens this year. Public services must be people-friendly. Public servants must be trained and [be] “unbribable.” We shall continue to reform the Public Service to enhance its efficiency and assure its integrity.

We have recruited a resourceful team of 14 ‘line’ ministers from our six-party

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 15, 2016 coalition for the purpose of promoting economic growth.

Our Ministry of Business will improve the ease of doing business; attract increased foreign and local investment; support the development and export of value-added industries and products; support industrial development through the establishment of industrial estates; encourage small- and micro-enterprises and revitalise our village economies. It will continue to support the traditional sectors of the economy and create favourable conditions for investors.

We will pursue economic diversification, augment value-added industries and introduce new developmental portals. We will, also, reduce Guyana’s vulnerability by expanding the economy into the services sector and building strong tourism and hospitality industries by developing a diversified mix of tourism products.

Our Ministry of Agriculture has been confronted with the reality that some traditional sectors which have been the mainstays of our economy are in a crisis. The sugar industry suffered serious setbacks. Rice is facing competition from other low-cost producers and its export markets are threatened.

An agricultural diversification plan has to be launched. This must involve the restructuring of the traditional agricultural productive sectors.

DIVERSIFICATION The plan is to diversify agriculture into new crops and to open up new areas of cultivation, particularly away from the flood-prone coastal plain. We will expand rice cultivation and establish a stabilisation fund for the export prices of rice. We will improve drainage and irrigation systems; strengthen the regulatory framework governing the fisheries sector and promote large-scale agriculture in the intermediate savannahs.

Our Ministry of Finance, over the next decade, will develop policies and provide incentives, to encourage greater value-added activities in the productive sectors. This will ensure that our economy can be better insulated from external shocks. It will ensure that our young people benefit from the increased employment generated by greater value-added activities. It will ensure enforcement of the law through rigorous suppression of contraband smuggling and tax evasion.

Our Ministry of Public Telecommunications, formally established at the start of the year, is evidence of our government’s commitment to a digital economy as a new portal of development. Data and information and communications technologies, increasingly, will become drivers of economic growth.

Wide gaps have opened in income between rich and poor and in levels of development between rural and urban and between hinterland and coastland. A key objective of our government is the reduction of these inequalities by expanding infrastructure to promote geographical integration and economic inclusivity. Integration and inclusivity, in turn, impact positively on reducing inequalities.

President David Granger

They will allow us to develop new products and services, improve competitiveness and transform the business, health and education sectors. We will ensure that more teachers, more students and more schools go online over the next decade.

Our Ministry of Communities will move progressively towards reaffirming the primacy of local government and creating a ‘green economy’.

Our efforts have started with cleaning up our environs to restore a sense of order and cleanliness to our communities and municipalities. Our determination to conduct local government elections, our decision to promote local democracy and our establishment of new towns to strengthen regions have opened a new chapter in public administration.

Our Ministry of Education is committed to realigning our educational system so that it produces the skills necessary for economic transformation.

It has become an article of faith of this administration that every child must go to school. It is our mission and our obligation to make universal primary and secondary education a total reality. We will use every resource at our disposal to ensure that every Guyanese child, in every part of the country, has access to transportation – by bicycle, boat or bus – to get to school.

ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION Guyana’s economic transformation over the next decade requires that we invest in a skilled and healthy workforce.

It will also depend on our ability to deepen national unity and strengthen our national identity. We are committed to restoring national pride, fostering respect for our national symbols and monuments and protecting them from damage and degradation. We shall assert our identity and celebrate

our achievements.

Our Ministry of Social Protection will restore the dignity of vulnerable groups, reduce gender disparities and protect the disabled. It will reduce major social ills such as child and elderly abuse, violence and sexual abuse, labour violations, suicide, trafficking in persons, youth crime and youth unemployment. It will provide support to those facing difficult circumstances.

It will improve enforcement of employers’ obligations for national insurance protection for working people. It will also ensure safe working conditions for everyone and will suppress trafficking in persons.

Our Ministry of Legal Affairs is committed to the independence of the judiciary and the autonomy of Constitutional offices. We shall defend the integrity and independence of our National Assembly.

Independence requires the preservation of national institutions which promote “national identity and ensure a stable legal and constitutional environment.” We are committed to the strengthening of the institutions which were created as a consequence of Independence. We reaffirm our commitment to the supremacy of the Constitution.

We reassure the nation of our support for the strengthening of the National Assembly as an essential pillar of democratic rule.

Our Ministry of Public Infrastructure will extend our physical infrastructure in order to intensify integration and promote development. We will, at the same time, provide greater access to the resources of the hinterland which can be exploited for the benefit of all of our people.

Political independence was intended to benefit all Guyanese. Independent Guyana is a unitary state. We are one nation. The challenge of Independence was to move forward as an undivided nation.

GREATER CONNECTIVITY Our government, this year, 2016, will continue to place emphasis on greater connectivity between coastland and hinterland and between rural and urban areas. Our economic programme for 2016 will include important investments in internal transport infrastructure – especially aerodromes, bridges, ferries and stellings.

We will also support plans for the expansion of communications infrastructure so as to support existing and new investments. This year will see increased emphasis on investments in infrastructure to improve access to those areas where our natural resources are located and also to support the development and integration of the hinterland to the coastland.

Our Ministry of Public Infrastructure will lead Guyana’s drive towards cheaper and cleaner forms of energy. Our economic transition towards developing a competitive manufacturing sector requires cheaper energy.

Our country’s goal is to achieve a ‘green economy’ – one characterised by greater use and dispersion, throughout Guyana, of renewable sources of energy such as wind, solar and hydro power.

We will pursue climate resilience as another portal of development. Climate change is an indisputable reality. Guyana, as a small, developing, low-lying coastal state, ignores the consequences of climate change at its peril. The rise in sea levels and the extremes of the weather, all associated with climate change, will present formidable challenges to our nation.

Our infrastructure is incapable of coping with the consequences of flooding, drought and damage to our sea defences. We will, over the course of the next decade, be implementing a national climate resilience and adaptation strategy that includes disaster risk-reduction measures.

Our Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs will continue to play a pivotal role in protecting the livelihoods of our indigenous peoples and promoting the development of their communities. It will improve educational access; reduce poverty through skills training and entrepreneurship; promote sustainable agricul-

ture and community-based tourism; extend a hinterland energy programme with a strong bias towards use of renewable energy technologies.

PRIMARY HEALTH Our Ministry of Public Health will improve equity and quality in the delivery of primary health care through the strengthening of regional health systems. It will contribute to increased productivity by instituting a nation-wide system of accessible, quality health care. It will intensify its efforts to uncover the underlying personal and social causes of suicide.

Our Ministry of Natural Resources will oversee the sustainable exploitation of our resources which require investments in infrastructure, particularly in the hinterland where our natural resources abound. We can open up our bountiful resources for development only if adequate infrastructure is in place.

Independence bequeathed the resources of our country as the common patrimony of its citizens. Guyana’s natural resources need not be left idle. They can be exploited sustainably and in an environmentally friendly manner for the benefit of all of our people.

We will continue to improve the management of our natural resources in an environmentally conscious manner in order to ensure that our ecosystems make a contribution to global climate change solutions and the protection of our citizens.

Independence imposed the obligation on the state to secure its borders and to ensure the safety of its citizens.

Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to advance Guyana’s economic interests and secure protection for the defence of our territorial integrity within the international community. Guyana will continue to reinforce national security in order to protect the country’s patrimony in the face of threats by working with the Secretary-General of the United Nations to seek a swift, juridical solution to the spurious claim of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to our territory.

Our government will continue to exercise vigilance over our territory and sea space.

We will continue to advance Guyana’s trade and economic interests, especially with our sister states in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) through vigorous bilateral and multilateral diplomacy.

Our Ministry of Public Security will implement policies to secure our citizens from the threat of national and transnational crime, violence and disorder. We will, in 2016, establish an environment of enhanced human safety and public security. The govern-

ment will continue to place emphasis on improving investigative and detective capabilities and regaining people’s confidence in the Guyana Police Force. We shall equip the enforcement arms of the state with the resources to enable them to serve our citizens and safeguard our independence.

THE YEAR OF RENAISSANCE The Legislative and Executive branches of government, this year, must work together. This is the year for national unity. This is the year of fulfilling the unrealised objectives of economic independence. This is the year for recommitting to the vision of a free, united and prosperous country – one in which “a good life” is attainable by everyone.

We, the elected political representatives of the people, must lead by example. The people of Guyana look to us for leadership. We must open avenues of cooperation and agreement, so that we can join hands and hearts for the common good. We invite this honourable House to combine its talents to realise the aspirations and ideals to which we committed 50 years ago.

We, Guyanese, chose to change the country’s political culture from the divisive, degenerate and dangerous “winner-takes-all” model to one of inclusionary, participatory, multi-party democracy.

We aspire to strengthen national unity, expand national infrastructure, fortify national institutions, ensure national security and extend public services. We shall continue to work to regain public trust by improving and extending education, health, sanitation, water supply, electricity services and, affordable housing to the people.

This New Year – 2016 – must bring us closer to the goal of realising our mandate to remake Guyana as the most beautiful, most bountiful and greenest country in the Caribbean. Our mission is to enable everyone to enjoy a “good life” which they deserve as citizens of an independent state. Our aim is to ensure that the ‘Independence Covenant,’ conceived 50 years ago, is consummated.

Let us come together to realise the objectives of this grand project. Let us [come] together to ensure that 2016 will be Guyana’s glorious year of ‘national renaissance.’ Let us [come] together to grasp the opportunities that this year provides for us – to recapture the spirit of Independence and to secure “a good life” for generations to come.

May God protect this National Assembly! May God protect our people! May God protect the Cooperative Republic of Guyana! I thank you.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 15, 2016

GWI utilising geotubes to recycle sludge THE Guyana Water Inc (GWI) has commenced exploring the possibility of recycling the sludge which remains after the treatment of water, utilising polymers and geotextile containers, referred to as ‘geotubes’.

The company commenced testing in June 2015 under a programme being led

by GWI’s Scientific Services Department, a GWI press release stated.

According to the company’s Senior Chemical Engineer, Deon Anderson, “The geotubes are capable of thickening and dewatering the sludge by trapping solid constituents and separating the liquid component through the walls of the fabric, with the aid of a polymer.”

This provides a dry product (25-30 per cent solids) that can be easily handled and disposed of, and this process would allow GWI to dispose of the solid sludge in a more efficient manner. In addition, the separated water, which is removed from the sludge, can be re-used in the treatment process.

“Another benefit of using geotubes is the possibility of re-using the filtrate, which is water removed from the sludge in the treatment pro-

A sample of filtrate removed from sludge to be re-used in the treatment process

cess. Ninety per cent of the sludge volume is reduced and recovered as filtrate,” stated Anderson, and “in addition to this, about eight per cent of treated water, which was once wasted through backwashing processes, can also be re-used in the treatment process, thus recovering significant costs.”

ENVIRONMENTALLYFRIENDLY According to Anderson, the use of the geotubes is the most environmentally friendly option that GWI is currently exploring to manage the sludge which remains after the water-treatment process.

“Indeed, geotubes are the most feasible option, they offer the best economic benefits with high-quality filtrate for recycling,” stated the senior chemical engineer.

This new technology also allows GWI to continue to be in compliance with the environment protection policies and guidelines. The use of the geotubes is also in line with GWI’s sustainable management practices, as they allow the water removed from the sludge to be re-used in the treatment process.

The geotubes, which are currently being tested for effectiveness by GWI at the company’s Shelter-Belt Water Treatment Facility, Georgetown, are supplied

by Tencate, a multinational company established in Almelo, The Netherlands.

The investment by GWI to employ the use of geotubes would cost in excess of GY$5M, which is the most cost-effective option the company has explored with regard to the disposal of sludge. Anderson also noted that “based on the supplier’s design of the geotube units, 2-4 geotubes would be recommended to treat the required amount of sludge, which would cost GWI

US$5,000 per tube.”

The initiative would provide GWI with a more

effective method of disposal - one that does not require the need to release signifi-

cant amounts of sludge into the Irving Street Canal, the release concluded.

President invited to become Red Cross patron

President David Granger and President of the Guyana Red Cross Society (GRCS), Teni Housty, listen attentively to the Society’s General Secretary, Dorothy Fraser, during a meeting at the Ministry of the Presidency

PRESIDENT David Granger has been invited by the Guyana Red Cross Society (GRCS) to become the patron of the organisation.

The Society’s President, Mr Teni Housty, and its General Secretary, Dorothy Fraser extended the invitation to the President during a meeting with him at the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday.

In a brief comment after the meeting, Housty said while the GRCS is an independent body, it supports the State’s initiatives to address

social issues.

Currently, the GRCS is undertaking a programme geared at assisting residents of the Rupununi to deal with the impact of the prolonged drought the area has been experiencing.

Mr Housty also said that the GRCS has a wide programme of activities that includes initiatives in health care, child protection and other areas.

“We also deal with Meals on Wheels, the Red Cross Convalescent Home and other

activities, which we know will be enhanced by the patronage of His Excellency,” he said.

In 1948, a branch of the British Red Cross was established in Guyana and in 1967, after Guyana gained its Independence, the society’s name was changed to the Guyana Red Cross Society.

On February 21, the GRCS will be hosting a tea party on the lawns of State House, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 15, 2016

‘Operation Dragnet’...

“Upon receipt of this information, we knew we were dealing with a kidnapping and therefore, the Anti-Kidnapping Team was dispatched under the command of an officer.

Ramnarine stated that the team went to the Marriott Hotel and engaged the Operations Manager at 12:10 hrs a second call was made to the same operations manager,

that time from a cellphone belonging to the missing CEO. He said that during this conversation, the operations manager and based on the role of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, he spoke with the caller and established that the CEO was alive. The call that was made was eventually traced using normal technology and other apparatus to the general

From page 9

Timehri area.

Ramnarine stated that after the CEO was contacted, the Operations Manager pleaded with him for more time to accumulate the money, but the caller said he would call back and he abruptly disconnected the call.

The senior officer told the media that as they were awaiting that call and at that

time the CEO had multiple medical complications and his condition was deteriorating.

A further trace done by the Crime Intelligence Unit narrowed down the location where the hostage was being held in Timehri, Ramnarine said.

He said the Crime Intelligence Unit provided a complete description of the location including a car fitting the description of one being used by the kidnappers, and photos taken by the Crime

Intelligence Unit of armed men at the location when compared with surveillance footage that was obtained by the Marriott Hotel confirmed that two of the suspects and another car were seen in the yard.

The Assistant Commissioner said the Crime Chief was ,then the Top Cop was briefed after which the relevant authorities were also briefed and a high-level meeting was called and ended in keeping with Standard Operating Procedures. SWAT

was deployed as instructed by the Commissioner.

Ramnarine added that SWAT was deployed and the operation was successful; the CEO was rescued and the suspects who were not shot were arrested and those injured taken away from the scene for medical attention.

The operation lasted just over two hours and it was observed to have been well executed, much to the delight of the hierarchy of the GPF. (mOutridge@ guyanachronicle.com)

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PM, Kuwaiti envoy discuss areas of cooperation

KUWAIT Non-Resident Ambassador Ayadah M. Alsaidi on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, during which the two officials discussed ways to expand ties and other forms of cooperation.

Earlier in the day, President David Granger had received Letters of Credence from Alsaid at the Ministry of the Presidency. Ambassador Alsaidi, who brought greetings on behalf of the Emir of Kuwait, His Highness Shaykh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah,committed to working to strengthen relations between Guyana and his country. He added that the two countries enjoy strong political relations, but noted that in the past year, economic and trade relations were not as strong as they could be.

The Ambassador promised that he would do his best to work to strengthen ties in these areas and indicated that his country would welcome proposals for projects that could benefit the people of Guyana. President Granger, echoing those remarks, said that he is confident that during Ambassador Alsaidi tenure, the two countries would find practical ways of moving their collaboration further.

The Head of State said: “Your Accreditation takes place at a time of economic transformation for both our countries, albeit at different levels. Guyana, like Kuwait, is striving to further develop its natural resources to accelerate economic growth and ensure the good life for all of its citizens. Guyana remains deeply committed to its efforts to reduce poverty and unemployment and to provide better social services for all. There are ample opportunities for our two countries to collaborate in this regard.”

The President noted that Kuwait and Guyana have worked closely at the multilateral level on areas such as the preservation of sovereignty and terri-

Falklands official calls on Nagamootoo Ian Hansen,a Member of the Legislative Assembly of The Falkland Islands on Thursday called on Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo at his office. In this OPM photo, Prime Minister Nagamootoo greets Mr Hansen ments,” he added. torial integrity, and share Guyana and Kuwait a number of similar posi- established diplomatic relations on global issues. “We tions in August, 1995. Kuhave given added life to our wait supported Guyana’s relations in recent years, candidature for a non-perthrough the conclusion of manent seat on the United several cooperation agree- Nation’s Security Council ments, especially in the areas for the period 2014-2015, of communication, culture, and Guyana is currently commerce and investment. supporting that country’s We are confident that during bid for 2017-2018. Both your tenure we will be able state representatives used to find practical ways of the opportunity to express implementing these agree- thanks for that support.

Kuwait Non-Resident Ambassador Ayadah M. Alsaidi and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo following their meeting

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 15, 2016

Sudoku

Yesterday’s Solution

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 15, 2016

Advantage Eagles! Pele recovering well from hip Pepsi Sonics advance to Division-2 finals

By Rawle Toney EAGLES Basketball Club took a 1-0 advantage over Pacesetters in the ‘best-ofthree’ finals of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) League Championships which bounced off at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Wednesday.

The Eagles flew to a 95-86 points win, doing so in overtime to clinch the first game in dramatic fashion.

With the scores tied at 77, Eagles’ Travis Belgrave saw his attempt blocked by Pacesetters’ Roger John.

Three seconds remained on the game clock at the time of John’s heroics and his play forced the game to an extra five minutes.

Pacesetters had erased a six-point deficit (67-61) to lead 76-71 with just over one minute remaining in the fourth quarter.

Jason Squires However, a determined Eagles team pulled the game back in their favour, trailing by one point (76-75) with 50 seconds left to play.

Pacesetters would want to blame their inability to close the game out on Jaleel Duke.

Duke was fouled with 13 seconds in the game and was sent to the ‘charity’ line to shoot two shots.

He made his first and

tied the game (77-77), but his second shot went short and Eagles held onto the loose ball.

It was then John pulled off a game-saving block shot for Pacesetters on Eagles’ Belgrave, who had attempted to ‘punch’ the lane for a lay-up.

However, in overtime, the Eagles Basketball Club took complete control of the game, scoring 18 points in the added five minutes of play, as compared to Pacesetters’ nine.

Stephen Peters was Pacesetters’ only shining hope in the extra period, scoring eight of his team’s nine points, while Eagles turned to Darroll Williams who also scored eight points and Somesh Danram supported with three points.

But despite his failed attempt at a game-winner, Belgrave poured in a gamehigh 29 points for Eagles.

Williams was the team’s second highest scorer with 20

points. Kevin Wiggins also contributed 18 points.

Pacesetters leading scorer on the night was Jaleel Duke (25 points), and was assisted by Stephen Peters, Nathan Saul and Marvin Durant who scored 16, 13 and 10 points respectively.

Meanwhile, Pepsi Sonics clinched their berth to the Division 2 final, when they defeated Melanie Patriots 77-51.

The dependable Jason Squires led all scorers with 21 points and was supported by his back-court partners Aubrey Smith and Kerwin Jackson who had 14 points each.

Shaquille Eversley, Ashton Adams and Orison Amsterdam netted 11, 10 and eight points respectively for the East Coast Demerara unit.

The win for the Sonics means that they will now come up against rivals Republic Bank Nets in the best-of-three final.

surgery in New York

Brazilian soccer legend Pele gestures during a news conference in Sao Paulo.

PELE is recovering well from a small operation to repair his replacement hip, an official who works with the former Brazil, Santos and New York Cosmos great said yesterday.

The 75-year-old triple World Cup winner had the preparatory operation at the Special Surgery hospital in New York on December 3, Pepito, his long-time press officer, told Reuters. “(Pele) took advantage of his holidays to spend time in New York with his daughters and granddaughters and he

had this small reparatory procedure,” Pepito said.

He is currently undergoing physiotherapy and “everything is under control,” Pepito added.

Pele had a new hip fitted in 2012 and has had several other health issues since. He spent two weeks in hospital for a urinary infection in 2014 and last May had prostate surgery.

With more than 1 280 career goals, and a record three World Cup titles, Pele, whose given name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is considered by many to be the greatest football player of all-time.

Scotiabank renews sponsorship of RHTYSC

SCOTIABANK has renewed its sponsorship of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC).

Scotiabank and the RHTYSC established the highly successful relationship in 2009, and the sponsorship package for 2016 is worth $365 000.

RHTYSC executive Mark Papannah stated that the RHTYSC, apart from being one of the top cricket clubs in Guyana, strongly believes in making a positive difference in the lives of youths, the elderly and less fortunate.

The sponsorship covers support for the club’s annual youth review magazine, Tribute to Teachers, Inter-School Essay Competition and Annual Awards Ceremony.

Papannah, highlighted that the RHTYSC last year complet- SCOTIABANK Marketing executive Jennifer ed a record of 302 programmes/ Cipriani hands over cheque to RHTYSC activities for its Silver Jubilee executive Mark Papannah. anniversary year and has committed itself to completing 300 sure that deserving Berbicians associated with the RHTYSC, an programmes for 2016 under the are honoured for their contribu- organisation which has a remarksub-heading of sports, educa- tion to the development of the able history of achievements.

The bank strongly believes tion, charity, awards/honours, Ancient County and Guyana.

The Tribute to Teachers pro- in investing in youths, education religious, jobs among others.

The Bank over the last gramme would involve ten teach- and sports as part of its corposix years has become a major ers in the Lower Corentyne area, rate responsibilities, and hailed sponsor of the RHTYSC, and while the essay competition would the RHTYSC as a role model Papannah hailed the Bank for be open to all schools across Ber- organisation. bice, with the topic being related She congratulated the club its support.

Secretary/CEO Hilbert Fos- to Guyana’s 50th Independence on its Medal of Service award and urged its executives to ter disclosed that special em- Anniversary celebrations.

Scotiabank Marketing ex- redouble their commitment phasis would be placed on the promotion of sports and educa- ecutive Jennifer Cipriani stated to always strive in pursuit of tion in 2016 along with making that the bank was proud to be excellence.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 15, 2016

National Sports Awards confirmed for May 7

By Stephan Sookram

THE National Sports Commission (NSC) says plans are progressing smoothly with regard to the 2016 National Sports Awards, with the body aiming to host the new-age ceremony on May 7 during the 50th anniversary celebration.

Director of Sport Chris Jones, during a press briefing on Monday, confirmed that plans are moving along smoothly with an eye to ensuring that this year trumps the previous years’ ceremonies.

“So far, so good, we are in the process of sending the letters to the various associations/federations, informing them that they could make the submissions identifying the sports men, women, journalists and associations.” said Jones “They will not be collec-

tively identified individuals but will be individually identified individuals and based on the amount of votes for an individual or association, a different group will actually be the people who put those together and confirm who is the individual that would win the sport award,” confirmed the director.

He stated that contrary to previous years, there will be anonymity in the selection, adding “no one individual knows who will be an awardee until the day. So on the day (of the awards), those envelopes will be opened and if there are four nominees in that particular area, that one individual will be identified only when that envelope is opened.”

Guyana and West Indies spin bowler Devendra Bishoo is the reigning Sportsman-of-

Flashback! Winners of the National Sports Awards earlier this year pose for a photograph.

(Delano Williams photo) the runner-up Sportswomrapher and Print Journalism the-Year, while track athlete Cassie George won both the senior and junior Sportswoman-of-the-Year awards.

Motor racer Kristian Jeffrey received the runner-up Sportsman-of-theYear award, while squash

Finn and Stokes wickets give tourists edge ENGLAND took wickets regularly to have the better of the first day of the third Test against South Africa.

The tourists recovered from a poor morning session to reduce the home side from 117-1 to 267-7 in Johannesburg.

Steven Finn and Ben Stokes each took two wickets, with Stuart Broad and Moeen Ali adding one each.

Too many of the South Africa batsmen wasted starts, but an unbroken stand of 42 between Chris Morris and Kagiso Rabada gave the Proteas a late boost.

That took the home side from 225-7, where they were in danger of surrendering, to a position where they could reach a par score of about 300.

England, 1-0 up with this and one more Test to play, will look for the final three wickets on the second morning then set about batting long enough to secure a first-innings lead.

On a pitch offering the most pace, bounce and encouragement for the fast bowlers than any of their previous five Tests this winter, England were guilty of erring too often in the morning session.

Broad seemed affected by illness, while James Anderson is still feeling his way back after a calf injury.

AB de Villiers, in his first match since replacing Hashim Amla as South Africa captain, took the bold move to bat first under grey skies and looked like being vindicated during the early part of the day.

Dean Elgar and Stiaan Van Zyl scored 44 watchful runs for the first wicket before Stokes

Hashim Amla was part of a South Africa slip from 117-1 to 225-7. induced Van Zyl into the first of a series of misjudged South African pull shots.

Then Elgar and Amla, who mixed fortune with cover drives, looked set to be laying a decent platform with a second-wicket stand of 73.

However, England were revitalised after lunch, especially through Finn, who was the pick of the bowlers throughout.

It was off-spinner Moeen, though, who made the breakthrough, getting one to turn and bounce at Elgar, with the lefthander feathering behind for 46.

And when Finn, who at times looked unplayable, produced a beauty that nipped away to take the edge of Amla, South Africa had lost two wickets for 10 runs. At 127-3, England had an opening. de Villiers was intent on counter-attacking but he was caught behind on 36, attempting an ugly hook off Stokes, and South Africa began to subside.

For all the menace presented when the bowlers got it right, the surface also allowed

batsmen to score if the bowling was off-target.

For that reason, South Africa can reflect on a wasted opportunity, particularly as they managed to avoid falling to England’s good deliveries yet somehow gave wickets away to the poor ones.

The watchful Faf du Plessis was caught on the leg-side boundary off Finn and wicketkeeper Dane Vilas - rushed to the Wanderers from Port Elizabeth on the morning of the match after an injury to Quinton de Kock - hooked Broad to long leg.

In-between, Temba Bavuma, looking comfortable after a maiden century in the second Test, was run-out for 23 after being called through by Vilas substitute fielder Chris Woakes firing in the throw that Jonny Bairstow did well to pick up and remove the bails in one movement.

In the end, it needed the correct Morris and fortunate Rabada to score off the second new ball. The value of their contribution will be measured when England come to bat.

player Akeila Wiltshire was the runner-up Junior Sportswoman.

The runner-up Junior Sportsman award went to Shemron Hetmyer, while track athlete Jason Yaw collected the Junior Sportsman-of-theYear award.

Multitalented athlete Alisha Fortune won

a n - o f - t h e - Ye a r a w a r d .

The Guyana Rugby Football Union also cashed in on the Most Improved Association, the Sports Association-of-the-Year and the Sports Team-of-the-Year awards.

Stabroek News’ Orlando Charles and Emerson Campbell won the Best Photog-

award respectively, while Guyana Television Channel 28’s Avenesh Ramzan won the Best Sports Journalist (non-print), GRFU president Peter Greene won the Male Sports Personality award and National Rugby coach Theodore Henry won the Sports Coach award.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 15, 2016

National Futsal team selected

By Rawle Toney

TECHNICAL Director of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Claude Bolton yesterday released his 10-man team who will represent the ‘Land of Many Waters’ at the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Futsal Tournament in Cuba from January 22 to 26.

While no captain for the team was announced, the line-up features Pele FC pair Travis ‘Zorro’ Grant and Konata Mannings, Slingerz FC defender Solomon Austin, Alpha United’s Sherwin Skeete and Daniel Wilson, along with Eusi Phillips and Jerome Richardson of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). Travis Bess and Richard Reynolds are the

... to begin three-day encampment today

Daniel Wilson

goalkeepers.

Bolton, who once served as Canada’s National Futsal Team head coach, will lead the Guyanese contingent and will have Joseph ‘Bill’

Travis Grant

Wilson as his assistant and Denzil Thompson as the goalkeeper/coach. Mark Young was named as team manager.

“It is a significant moment in our football development. The assembly of this National Team demonstrates our commitment to grow

Konata Mannings

the game of futsal,” explained Bolton.

He added, “This venture, regardless of results, can be the catalyst for the new Futsal Association to organise the game across the country and deliver it to a new breed of players” As it relates to the composition of the team’s

composition, Bolton highlighted, “It is a talented group that at first glance seem excited and anxious to see what the tournament will hold.

“They genuinely look eager to get to know each other on field. However, they do understand where we are right now and that this is a starting point. Importantly it is a group most proud to don the colours of Guyana,” Bolton said.

The team will head into their three-day encampment today and will depart Guyana on January 19.

Guyana will be placed in Group ‘A’ with Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda and Haiti, while in Group ‘B’, hosts Cuba will be joined by St Maarten, Costa Rica and Guadeloupe.

The top two teams from the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) tournament will advance to the CONCACAF Futsal Championship. The 2016 CONCACAF Futsal Championship will be held in Costa Rica in May. Same as previous editions, the CFU Futsal tournament acts as the CONCACAF qualifiers for the FIFA Futsal World Cup. The top four teams of the tournament will qualify for the 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Colombia as the CONCACAF representatives.

Guyana last participated at the CFU Futsal Tournament in 2008, finishing fourth behind winners and hosts Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti (second place) and Suriname (third place).

GCA tournaments resume this weekend GRFU Executive Committee aiming THE Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) tournaments will resume this weekend in the city with the Gise/Star Party Rentals and Trophy Stall first division two-day and the New Building Society 40-overs championships.

In the first division tournament Georgetown Cricket Club will host Transport Sport Club while Demerara Cricket Club will entertain GNIC. Both games start at 09:30hrs.

In the second division tournament on Saturday, Malteenoes Sport Club will host UG and on Sunday MYO will play UG at Malteenoes. Both games start at 11:00hrs.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday January 15, 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 Thursday’s quiz: Sew Shivnarine & Basil Williams (WI vs AUST, Bourda, 1978) Lawerence Rowe & Alvin Kallicharran Today’s Quiz: Who is the first WI to score a Test double-century in Australia?

How many Test wickets Michael Holding took against Australia?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

for early start to 2016 season AGM set for Sunday, January 31

THE Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) is planning to capitalise on an early start to the 2016 season , having suffered a sluggish start to the new Executive’s tenure in September of 2015.

President of GRFU, Peter Greene, confessed to a somewhat lethargic start to his return at the helm of the sport, but contended that it was unavoidable.

“I’ve been mandated to lead the union with a bunch of young people, so many of them thought that it was a piece of cake but I have to guide them on the constitution in the ways and means of world rugby, the issues and all sort of things, but the fact is they are very inexperienced and they need to be guided,” said the veteran

Rugby action in the National Park

administrator.

The GRFU will have their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, January 31 at the Nation-

al Resource Centre, from 10:00hrs.

Greene noted that the GRFU is keen on ensuring that Guyana’s consti-

tution is in keeping with that of the International Rugby Board (IRB) in order to access grants and funding.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday January 15, 2016

Coach Rodrigues names Lady Jags squad for CONCACAF Olympic Qualifier Tournament

By Rawle Toney HEAD coach Mark Rodrigues yesterday released his ‘Lady Jags’ roster for the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifier Tournament in Houston, Texas next month.

Guyana’s senior National female football team, more popularly known as the ‘Lady Jags’, will attempt to be one of two teams who will head to the Olympic Games in Brazil as CONCACAF representatives.

The tournament, scheduled for February 10-21 in Houston and Frisco, Texas, will see Guyana play a game against Canada on Thursday, February 11, at the BBVA Compass Stadium.

Coach Rodrigues’ roster reads: Chante Sandiford, Simone Busby, Ruth George (GK), De-

The Lady Jags prior to kickoff in the CFU qualifiers fenders: Julia Gonsalves, Kelly Pelz-Butler, Justine Rodrigues, Briana DeSouza, Bria Williams, Leah- Marie Ramalho, Kayla DeSouza.

Midfielders: Mariam El-Masri, Alison Heydorn, Ashley Rodrigues (C), Kailey

Leila, Ashlee Savona, Dana Bally, Olivia Gonsalves, Brittany Persaud and Forwards: Calaigh Copland and Otesha Charles.

Clement Brown will serve as Rodrigues’ assistant, along with goalkeeping coach Richard

Reynolds, Sheron Abrams as manager and physiotherapist David Lawrence.

It will be only the second meeting between Guyana and Canada with the first being at the 2010 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Jason Holder to play in Unity Cricket JASON Holder became the youngest to captain the West Indies team when he was appointed skipper of the ODI team for last year’s World Cup and, on January 30, the 24-year-old Barbadian all-rounder will be among a galaxy of T20 stars who will participate in the Unity Cricket at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The West Indies captain, who has played 13 Tests, 35 ODIs and four T20 Internationals, will replace Jamaican leftarm pacer Krishmar Santokie in the all-star line-up which includes the world’s number one T20 batsman Chris Gayle.

Lindl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Sulieman Benn, Samuel Badree, Darren Sammy, Rayed Emrit, Nicholas Pooran, Raymon Refier, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, Chris

Chris Gayle and Jason Holder Barnwell, Jonathon Foo, Rajendra Chandrika, Ronsford Beaton and Anthony Bramble and others will also be involved in the event which has been organised by Legacy and

007 Promotions.

According to Public Relations Officer (PRO) Sean Devers, ‘Early Bird’ tickets will go on sale from Monday (January 18) and will cost $2

000 if bought before January 26 and $3 000 afterwards.

Tickets will be sold at locations in Georgetown, West Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice.

Gates open at 10:00hrs and a fun day will be held during the day on the tarmac for the children while five softball matches, involving Guyana’s top softball cricketers from Berbice, Essequibo and Demerara in both male and female categories, will be contested before the feature match is played.

The organiser stated that fans can win US$500 if they take one-handed catches in the stands.

Demerara has already announced its teams to compete in the Masters and Female matches and the female squad began practice sessions last Monday at the Police ground.

The World Cup champions (USA) will face Costa Rica to open the eight-team CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament.

The United States have won the past three tournaments that determine the Olympic representatives from CONCACAF, and went on to win the gold medal in the last three Olympics.

Meanwhile, Ashley Rodrigues, who will be wearing the captain’s band in her second major CONCACAF tournament (the 2010 Gold Cup being the first), said that she’s proud of her team’s accomplishments since resuscitating Guyana’s women’s football programme in 2009, and she’s looking forward to the tournament in Texas.

“I feel that our team is very ready for the challenge. There’s an excitement among our squad, and a true sense of determination and will to give this our all.

We’ve responded well to team training and preparations. We know that the time we have to train together leading up to com-

petition is crucial and everyone puts a large emphasis on using the time as efficiently as possible,” said Rodrigues.

Despite their spirited performance at the 2010 in Cancun Mexico, Guyana failed to pick up a win, but Rodrigues is optimistic that this time around things will be different.

She added: “We’ve always been an underdog in these competitions, and that hasn’t changed.

The great part is we like it that way. We know we’ve earned the right to be where we are, nothing has ever been handed to us, or been easy for us. It’s because of these things, that six years later, we’re determined to earn better outcomes this time around” It’s been six years since the Lady Jags played a match in Guyana, but the team’s captain thanked the fans locally who throughout the years are always in support, as she pointed out, “we don’t play for the personal recognition; we play for you, for Guyana.”

The Schedule: Wednesday, February 10 – Toyota Stadium 18:00hrs (17:00hrs) Puerto Rico vs Mexico 20:30hrs (19:30hrs) USA vs Costa Rica Thursday, February 11 – BBVA Compass Stadium 18:00hrs (17:00hrs) Guatemala vs Trinidad & Tobago 20:30hrs (19:30hrs) Canada vs. Guyana Saturday, February 13 – Toyota Stadium 13:30hrs (12:30hrs) Costa Rica vs Puerto Rico 16:00hrs (15:00hrs) Mexico vs USA Sunday, February 14 – BBVA Compass Stadium 13:30hrs (12:30hrs) Guyana vs Guatemala 16:00hrs (15:00hrs) Trinidad & Tobago vs Canada Monday, February 15 – Toyota Stadium 18:00hrs (17:00hrs) Mexico vs Costa Rica 20:30hrs (19:30hrs) USA vs Puerto Rico Tuesday, February 16 – BBVA Compass Stadium 18:00hrs (17:00hrs) Trinidad & Tobago vs. Guyana 20:30hrs (19:30hrs) Canada vs Guatemala Friday, February 19 – BBVA Compass Stadium 17:30hrs (16:30hrs) 1B vs 2A 20:30hrs (19:30hrs) 1A vs 2B Sunday, February 21 – BBVA Compass Stadium 17:00hrs (16:00hrs) Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2

Jason Holder for Unity Cricket

See Story on Page 35

Coach Rodrigues names Lady Jags squad for CONCACAF Olympic Qualifier Tournament

The ‘Lady Jags’ after qualifying for the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifier tournament

See Story on page 35

National Futsal team selected

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

See Story on Page 34 FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016