Chronicle 02 09 2016

No. 104457

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 9, 2016

Price: $80

(Vat Inclusive)

Budget debates 2016

US$10M

to create, grow small businesses – Gaskin

SHOCKING ABUSE - Mentally-ill woman caged for 17 years - Crippled woman forced to live in sheep pen for 20 years

By Clifford Stanley TWO West Coast Berbice women – one mentally ill and another crippled – were on Monday rescued from shocking conditions of abuse and neglect.

Officers of the Probation and Social Services Division of the Ministry of Social Protection in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) have now placed the women in better care, after discovering the conditions under which they were forced to live.

The cases follow a similar one discovered on the Essequibo Coast

four days ago, in which a 31-year-old woman who had been imprisoned by her mother for more than a year had been forced to live under inhuman conditions.

A mentally-ill woman, said to be 31 years old, was found living in what the officers described as a “cage” some distance away from the family home at Belladrum village, WCB. She was completely naked at the time officers visited, and they had to break into the facility to get her out. The stench of faeces and urine, the Officers said, was overpowering.

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The trousers that this 39-yearold crippled woman was wearing when she was rescued

There was no bed, no furniture, not even a piece of cardboard on the floor, the officers said. They learnt that the woman had been kept prisoner in that enclosure by her parents and relatives for the past 17 years. The officers said that relatives attempted to justify keeping the woman in that state by saying that she was demon possessed and was often adversely affected by the full moon. On full moon nights, they said, they had to tie her up with rope to restrain her from

This 31-year-old woman was naked in her “cage” shortly before being rescued

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Deadly 2014 King Street fire…

7 More Rodney Report Businessman, opportunities for employee charged delayed by youths in new 10 ‘lack of ink’ with murder housing drive 8 Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 9, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 9, 2016

US$10 million to create, grow small businesses – Gaskin

By Ariana Gordon In a major push to encourage the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, the government will spent some US$10 million, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin said Monday.

This, together with the upgrade and of industrial estates and the resuscitation of two such estates, would lead to the creation of hundreds of jobs, Gaskion said in addressing the National Assembly. But Gaskin, the first to defend the estimates of the 2016 budget, said businesses need to play their part. Gaskin, has urged all businesses -- small and large -- to fulfill their tax obligations so that Government can fulfill its promise to deliver a good life for all Guyanese.

He said Government intends to provide much more support to the business community, but that community has also to do its part by being tax compliant.

“Too many small businesses do not factor into their business models the aspect of taxation. It is important for any Government to ensure that businesses pay taxes,” he said.

The Minister of Business announced that more than 400 small business operators will be trained to better understand their obligations under the tax laws. This training will also help to prepare them to access financing.

A total of US$10 million dollars will be utilized for this purpose.

Praising the 2016 Budget, Gaskin said the budget has “raised the spirits of Guyanese people”. He noted that the budget has raised the bar and set a new standard for effective public spending.

Speaking to job creation, the Minister of Business made it pellucid that the ruling administration is taking steps to ensure that few persons are unemployed. He said it is a fundamental role of any Government to ensure that its economy progresses in such a manner as to keep as many of its citizens gainfully employed.

“Mr. Speaker, during the 23 years the previous administration was in Government, it never saw fit to release any reliable statistics on unemployment. The rate of unemployment in Guyana had been a state secret for the last 23 years,” he said, promising that the current Government will make the necessary investments in the Bureau of Statistics to ensure that the Guyanese nation is regularly updated on the rate of unemployment here.

That aside, he stressed that the $52B capital budget will pump life into the economy, thereby boosting investor confidence, which is critical to the growth of the economy.

“Fortunately, that confidence is growing,” Gaskin told the National Assembly, while noting that “Guyana is a clean, wholesome and profitable place to do business.”

He said Budget 2016 provides the resources for Government to strategically achieve the goals it has set itself.

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin The Ministry of Business has many responsibilities, the minister noted, saying that an allocation of $1,215,817,000 to the Ministry, with current expenditure standing at $668,564,000 and capital budget standing at $547,253,000 will go a long way.

He said it is important for the Guyanese populace to understand the allocations and know what their money is being used for.

In this regard, he explained that $212M will this year be used to develop and fix industrial estates. He noted that those estates will lead to much job creation.

“Two new sites, Mr. Speaker -- one in Lethem, Region 9, which, once completed, will be able to accommodate at least 100 businesses; and another one in Belvedere, Region 6, which is smaller and has space for about 20 businesses….

These projects have been languishing in the pipelines for well over a decade, and our Government will complete them so that appropriate work space can be provided for investors in value-added industries,” Minister Gaskin declared.

Gaskin said that, upon completion, the two sites will fall under the Ministry of Business, as Government “will not allow them to degenerate into replicas of the badly managed Eccles and Coldingen estates.”

Government, nevertheless, has plans to rehabilitate the Coldingen Industrial Site, which will see construction of two new bridges being built to facilitate heavy-duty vehicles transporting materials to and from the businesses which operate there.

“Proper management will become a priority, so they become sustainable and the economy benefits,” he said.

The Minister of Business also said that development of land for value-added activities is also high on Government’s agenda. He noted that, by the end of next year, all of the industrial sites combined will create, at the very least, 1, 500 new jobs. That figure, he said, will increase as occupancy increases.

He also noted that Government will be completing the projects that were left incomplete by the former administration under the Rural Enterprise Development Network. He said Government was forced to put a hold on the projects so that their status could be reviewed.

Gaskin noted that Government intends to construct two call centres, one in Tuschen and the other in Enmore; along with two chip factories, one in Wakenaam and the other in Leguan. However, Government will be unable to proceed with the Chip Factory in Leguan, as that factory is located in an area that is prone to flooding and erosion.

The National Exhibition Site in Sophia will this year receive massive upgrades in time for GUYEXPO, which will be held in May. According to Gaskin, the site is in desperate need of an upgrade, and will see significant sums being saved from the rental of tents.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), along with the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) have also received significant sums aimed at enhancing their work. The GNBS has a valuable role to play in promoting the use of standards, the Minister stressed, noting that the entity is an important tool in building a strong force with the Private sector. $35M have been allocated to enhance the capacity of the GNBS. GO-Invest has been described as a key agency in advancing Guyana’s economic growth. That entity’s capital budget stands at $26M. Additionally, the minister stated that Government is committed to ensuring development and sustainability of a successful small business sector, and will ensure that small operators are given a space in the public procurement pipeline.

Gaskin wants the marking approach of the Small Business Bureau to be enhanced. He noted that persons outside of Region 4 must be able to access the services of the Bureau.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 9, 2016

DEA office long overdue ‒ Private Sector THE OPENING of the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in Guyana is long overdue, say members of the Private Sector.

The DEA office is slated for opening Wednesday.

“What I can say is that it is a long overdue exercise,” Norman McLean, chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) said Monday.

McLean said he was invited to the opening and he plans to attend.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Honorary Secretary of the PSC, Ramesh Dookhoo. He told the Guyana Chronicle that he was pleased that the obstacles which prevented the setting up of the DEA had been cleared and the office can now open.

He said it is an achievement that all businesses in Guyana need to celebrate.

“I think it is long overdue… it is admirable that we now have a DEA office albeit after a long time.”

“Legitimate businesses in Guyana should celebrate and welcome the opening

Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Major General (Retired) Norman Mc Lean

of the DEA office here,” he added.

Dookhoo is hopeful that with collaboration with the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) much progress would be made to tackle the narco-trade.

Like Dookhoo, Captain Gerry Gouveia told Guyana Chronicle that the country’s security agencies would “be greatly helped by the presence of the DEA”.

“It is long overdue and I

Dr. Roger Luncheon

think having the office here is great both from the Private Sector stand point and personally,” he remarked.

Additionally, President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Clinton Williams highlighted the fact that Guyana has been known, locally, regionally and internationally as a transit point for the narco-trade.

“The recent discovery of drugs in all forms coming from Guyana has created this image; so with the establishment of the DEA

Businessman, and Member of the Private Sector, Captain Gerry Gouveia

Honorary Secretary to the Private Sector Commission, Ramesh Dookhoo

President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association, Clinton Williams

office here it is hoped that this image created would be somewhat minimized if not mitigated.”

He said too that the opening of a DEA office here is welcomed.

Similarly, former head of the Presidential Secretariat under the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Dr. Roger Luncheon told Guyana Chronicle that the establishment of the DEA office here while long overdue

will “cement the support of the international community for the efforts being made domestically by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and law enforcement agencies involved in fighting against narco-trafficking”.

He described the opening of the DEA office as “a long overdue gesture sought by the law enforcement authorities in Guyana.”

The DEA office was set up here to assist the author-

ities in fighting the drug trade.

In 2014, former US Ambassador Brent Hardt said the DEA would be bringing equipment and personnel to Guyana to ensure the office is adequately furnished.

The APNU-AFC coalition government has said that with the establishment of the DEA office here would enhance the fight against the narco-trade.

(Ariana Gordon)

Balram Persaud remains hospitalised ‒ showing signs of improvement

By Leroy Smith FIFTY-FOUR year old Assistant Commissioner of Police (Administration), Balram Persaud remains hospitalised, but is showing signs of improvement.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle Newspaper on Monday on the corridors of the Public Buildings, Georgetown, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan indicated that he visited Persaud in the company of Com-

missioner of Police Seelall Persaud Sunday afternoon.

“Thank God he is reacting; he recognized me,” Ramjattan stated, noting that this was an improvement of Persaud’s condition, since he was admitted to hospital in

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an unconscious state Friday.

According to the minister, he has been briefed by doctors on Persaud’s condition.

He said that the Assistant Commissioner is being constantly monitored.

Reports are that on Friday last Persaud lost control of the vehicle he was driving and slammed into a utility post

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on the West Bank Demerara, close to the approach of the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

There has been no official word from the Police Force on the accident; Public Relations Officer Ivelaw Whittaker on Monday told the Guyana Chronicle that the Force will not be issuing a statement since the details of the crash was already made public.

The Police Traffic Department has commenced their investigation into the crash and based on information reaching this publication no

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breathalyzer tests was conducted on the senior officer to see if he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

It was not possible to carry out such a test since Persaud was admitted to hospital in a critical condition and doctors would not have allowed anyone to get close to the Assistant Commissioner.

Persaud is soon to proceed on his pre-retirement leave and was at the time of the accident on annual leave.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 9, 2016

Broomes vows to bring ‘order’ to Natural Resources sector

By Fareeza Haniff MINISTER within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, has vowed that the APNU+AFC Government will continue to fight against corrupt practices in the mining sector.

In her contribution to the 2016 Budget debate in the National Assembly on Monday, Minister Broomes

Government,” Minister Broomes told the House.

“We need to turn around.

Rolling back the tides of gold smuggling is a priority.

“It must surely disturb this House as whole that, as a nation, we appear unable to benefit directly for more than half of the gold that we produce. That is unacceptable,” the Minister declared.

She pledged Government’s commitment to tack-

alone cannot bring about the transformation that we seek. I strongly believe that we must provide incentives and the encouragement to the creation of committed professionals.”

MINERS’ CONTRIBUTION It was noted that, in spite of a 13.4 per cent downturn in quarrying, the mining

there are plans to invest in educating miners, with safety being a priority.

“This Government… intends to keep miners honest as far as the safety of workers is concerned. In that regard, there will be training put in place to teach managers how to prepare

pointed out that the gold mining sector is one of the areas which pose challenges for the Government. She said that falling gold prices have hit the mining sector hard, but there are “things that we can, and must, change.”

According to Minister Broomes, the real challenges lie in changing “old habits”.

In referring to corruption in the sector, she said: “Even now, the pockets of poor administration, lack of attention to safety and health, and corrupt practices in the areas of the sector continue to unfold. It is a situation in which the more you peel away the layers of decay, the more you discover.

“Bringing a sense of order to the natural resources sector is one of the challenges of this APNU + AFC

ling corruption on all fronts.

“This administration must set its face against corruption and corrupt practices.

We must close the loopholes. We must ensure that we work towards re-directing that which we have been losing overtime,” she said.

The Minister noted that Government intends to ensure that all players in the sector are treated fairly. She pointed out that the task is to create a vibrant natural resources sector.

TRAINING Additionally, Minister Broomes said there is need for continuous training, so that performance standards can be enhanced. She commended Government for the sum of money allocated in the budget for more training, but said: “Training

sector had grown by 9 per cent, and gold production had grown by 16.4 per cent.

“What makes me particularly proud is that our own local miners, through their hard work in the face of many challenges, made their own important contribution to that production increase.

“Our own Guyanese miners accounted for more than 90 percent of the 451,490 ounces declared at the end of last year,” she declared.

According to this minister, the increase in declaration was due to the change in the working environment as well as the incentives granted the sector by the APNU/AFC Administration.

She said the Government intends to ensure that all the players in the sector are treated fairly, and she said

COMPLIANCE DIVISION She further revealed that the Ministry of Natural Resources is in the process of establishing a Compliance Division, which will be

“Even now, the pockets of poor administration, lack of attention to safety and health, and corrupt practices in the areas of the sector continue to unfold. It is a situation in which the more you peel away the layers of decay, the more you discover.”

– Minister Broomes their mining pits in accordance with the occupational health & safety practices.

We will take the training sessions to the miners at the location where they work,”

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, making her presentation during the 2016 Budget debates [Samuel Maughn Photo]

she declared.

tasked with ensuring that all the agencies and sectors under the Ministry are compliant with the relevant regulations and policies.

“That is where the pro-

cess of effective management has to start. Effective management…cannot be built on a free-for-all foundation, where people simply do as they like, ignore the rules and regulations entirely, and simply proceed as though everything is normal. Much of that has been happening in the natural resources sector. The position of this administration is that all of this has to change,” Minister Broomes declared.

The Compliance Division will be staffed with skilled personnel who will be directly responsible for ensuring that operatives in the mining sector are in compliance with the law.

In seeking to erode corruption, the Minister pointed out, the aim is to create a vibrant natural resources sector. She noted that Government is not interested in political confrontations over what had obtained in the past.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

REPUBLICAN STATUS THIS month, Guyana marks 46 years as a republic.

Republican status means that Guyanese have broken the final yoke of domination and are solely responsible for chartering our destiny. It is a destiny (common aspiration) grounded in One People (Guyanese), happening in One Nation (Guyana).

Having achieved this status, Guyanese have secured the right to self-determination, having crafted our own constitution, which has been assented to by a president of our own.

This is a departure from the past, where laws were assented to by the representative of the Queen. In this process of self-government, we developed our own laws, and we need not lose sight of the importance that, at all times, our laws ought to be consistent with the Constitution. Every element of our laws and their application are required to reflect the society’s cultural conduct, i.e. our experiences, given that laws are made for society, and not vice versa.

Having come thus far, we have our own National Assembly, which, according to the Constitution, is the nation’s democratic organ or highest decision-making forum that is tasked, among other things, with the responsibility for making laws, a President with Executive responsibilities; and an independent judiciary.

As we celebrate these achievements, it requires dexterity to use our laws and other institutions to protect and advance the desires of all Guyanese. Republican status was not only an aspiration, which started with the resistance exerted by the first enslaved. It was a continuous struggle waged for centuries, with an earlier significant marker on the 23rd February 1763. This, as we know, marks the rebellion by Cuffy and the other enslaved in Canje, Berbice. This was a struggle deeply rooted in the inalienable right of man to be treated as equal in dignity and respect.

Some have argued that this rebellion failed, but failure only happens when one’s dream and struggle for the right to self-determination dies. In spite of the odds and hurdles, once persons are prepared to never give up, relent and keep hope alive, they can overcome. Forty-six years after, even as celebration in various forms has started (calypso competition, children’s costume competition and so forth) to mark this significant milestone in our development, such must also be accompanied by introspection and actions that would strengthen and deepen our resolve to be free from the shackles and bondage of any form of oppression -- domestic or foreign.

For the republican spirit imbued in our people not only lies in the determination to bring about positive changes in their lives, but also to ensure that the society and its institutions work for and on behalf of them, not against them.

To this end, when voices are raised similarly as in the days of yore, it must be recognised that such generally

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 9, 2016

Single mother seeks help after house destroyed by fire CIDEL HECTOR, the female security night, but she had declined. guard who lost all her belongings in a fire Ms Hector told the Guyana which left her two-year-old son with first, Chronicle she had lost everything second and third degree burns, is seeking in the fire, and would welcome help to rebuild her life. any help from Government, or She spoke to Guyana Chronicle from other organizations and inon Monday at the Georgetown Public dividuals. Ever since the fire, she Hospital, (GPH) where her son Malachi has been spending her days and is still a patient. She said her son had nights at the Georgetown Hospiundergone skin grafting. Skin grafting is tal, where her son is still a patient. a process by which skin is removed from A neighbour in Ann’s Grove had one area of the body and transplanted to offered Cydel a small shop to stay another. in, but Cydel’s mom also told her The boy was hospitalized after sufshe prefers that she stays at her fering burns to his right arm and both home. Cydel says that while her knees during the early morning fire at mother’s home is the better place Two Friends Village, East Coast Demerfor her to stay, the house is not ara two Mondays ago. He was rescued large enough to comfortably acby Guyana Defenc Force soldier Colin commodate them all, and so she Jack, who braved the heat and climbed is asking for assistance from relthrough a window of the burning home Cidel Hector, the mother whose Two evant donor agencies to construct Friends home was destroyed by fire a home for herself and children. to rescue the boy.

His 4-year-old brother, Nathaniel, She said she was informed was, seconds earlier, grabbed by another neighbour, Do- that a Food for the Poor representative, Patricia Sam, was nette, while their single-parent mother was at her security searching for her, but because of the time she has to spend guard job. with her son daily at the GPHC, she has not been able to The two children were left alone at home after Cidel, get in contact with Ms Sam. then working the night shift, could not have found a Cydel told Guyana Chronicle that she is being babysitter for the night. The woman who usually babysat allowed leave from her workplace, COPS Security, the children said on Monday that, on Sunday afternoon, to attend to her son. Her other son is currently in his the mother of the boys had asked her to keep them for the father’s care.

SHOCKING ABUSE

◄ From page 1 harming herself or others.

“The mother told us that she would bathe her by throwing water on her through holes in the wall,” the officers said.

The Social Services Officers disclosed that festering sores on the victim’s legs just above her ankles suggested that she had been frequently tied up or restrained by rope in the enclosure.

This thirty-one-year-old woman was taken to a hospital for medical treatment, and is expected to be transferred to the National Psychiatric Hospital for observation and treatment.

And a crippled woman, said to be 39, was found living in horrific conditions in an outhouse that officers described as a sheep pen, located near where her relatives lived “in a spacious house” at Weldaad Village, WCB. She was found in a dirty and unkempt condition, and the living quarters reeked of urine and faeces, they said. This disabled woman could only drag on her buttocks. The officers said the seat of a pair of dirty trousers she was wearing had been worn out. are driven by an abiding interest, individually and collectively, to see the nation soar.

This is not to say that there aren’t persons in our midst who would rather prefer the nation flounder if they are not at the helm or in charge. Yet, among the so-called negativity and condemnation, there are citizens who are equally protected under the law, and may offer something worthwhile or can spark a brilliant idea.

As this nation grows, so, too, must our tolerance for the right to expression, and cultivating the keenest of mind to be discerning, or as our older folks would say, “pick sense from nonsense.” As social beings, let’s not forget the desire

The woman told the officers that she had been living in the sheep pen since taking ill some twenty years ago. She alleged that while sharing the pen with animals, she had been frequently beaten by her mother for not keeping the enclosure clean.

The woman said one of her sisters, a school teacher, sits as a Councillor on the Region Five Democratic Council, and is a candidate in the upcoming Local Government elections.

This crippled woman was also hospitalized shortly after being rescued. Officers have said she will be taken to the Hugo Chavez Centre at Onverwagt, WCB for accommodation and treatment after her discharge from hospital.

The Ministry of Social Services has said it is ironic that the relatives of both women had been collecting social assistance money for the maintenance of these women.

They disclosed that the raids leading to the discoveries were done in collaboration with the police, and they are fully expecting that charges will soon be laid against those who had kept the women living under such cruel conditions. to express ourselves comes naturally. From expressions we are able to understand each other and issues; shape and impart knowledge; cultivate value systems; plan, develop and execute programmes; and trade, all of which are necessary in our quest for self-determination. Our republic is grounded in our common struggle to free ourselves from domination and control, by forces near and far, and to charter a course that is consistent with our common needs, hopes, dreams and aspirations.

To lose sight of this noble vision is to lose sight of ourselves and what our ancestors have struggled for and bequeathed to us.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 9, 2016

More opportunities for youths in new housing drive

By Svetlana Marshall "We will fix the housing problems with lasting solutions," Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsible for Housing Valerie Adams Patterson said Monday as she addressed the National Assembly, noting that restrictions faced by young people in accessing house lots will soon come to an end.

Minister Patterson said the current coalition government inherited an odious housing programme.

"A young man broke down in tears as he spoke to one of our staff. He was working for $75,000 per month, but was allocated a plot of land for $1.2M and was given one month to come up with $600,000 or lose the allocation," Minister Patterson told the House as she alluded to one of the many complaints she has received. It was only recently that the young man was able to access an affordable house lot.

She said while persons who can afford to pay "a bit more" should be made to do so, teachers, nurses, and the men and women in uniforms should not be made to pay $1.2M for a plot of land.

In addition to the high prices for house lots, the young people of Guyana have been disrespected for far too long, Minister Patterson added.

"We tell our young people that they can get married at 18; they can obtain a driver's licence at 18; and Mr Speaker, they are wise enough to elect their leaders at 18; but, they do not qualify to apply for a house lot. What kind of Stone Age policy is that? Well, I am here to let our young people know that the disrespect will end,"

the Minister with responsibility for Housing told the House.

While house lots will be distributed, she made it clear it will not be done in a haphazard manner. "Let me reiterate that we are not about handing out house lots, some of which can't

reoccurred," the Minister said as she alluded to a report submitted to her on the Turn Key Home Programme.

According to the report, these defects arose due to a number of issues such as faulty design and poor site preparation.

heavens, anyone that fails to produce quality work will have their services terminated," she posited noting that this will be the fresh approach to combat corruption.

Another issued on the card is the failure of allottees to occupy their house lots af-

ing cohesive communities in which serviced lots, other social infrastructure and amenities including green spaces, parks and recreational facilities, are provided to ensure an improved quality life.

In 2016, she said, infrastructure works in existing

"We tell our young people that they can get married at 18; they can obtain a driver's licence at 18; and, Mr Speaker, they are wise enough to elect their leaders at 18; but they do not qualify to apply for a house lot. What kind of Stone Age policy is that? Well, I am here to let our young people know that the disrespect will end." – Minister Patterson even be accessed. Our goal remains to provide serviced lots - access, electricity and water. And that takes time. We will not sacrifice quality on the altar of expediency."

Positing that the Government is working assiduously to restore confidence of the masses, particularly those who still dream of owning their own homes, in spite of their income, Minister Patterson said her Ministry will be moving to redesign the Turn Key and Core House Programmes which have been plagued with a plethora of problems. "It is felt that this home project would remain a favourite project for the Guyanese if the problems that developed with the passage of time on the houses can be controlled. Defects arose on the completed buildings even before the beneficiaries moved into their homes. Some of these defects have been fixed... but regrettably others have

"That situation will not continue under this APNU+AFC Government. I will ensure that people get value for their money. People must have that faith and confidence that when we say we have built them a house for $4.9M, they receive their money's worth."

It was made clear, that under her stewardship, there will be no room for substandard work. "Our detractors can scream to the highest

Minister Valerie Adams-Patterson ter 10 to 15 years, with some eventually selling their plots.

Despite the many challenges, she said the 2016 budget allocation provides the Department with a trajectory to accomplish its goals.

She said that the Government will forge ahead with its programme of establish-

housing schemes including the installation of electricity and provision of potable water will continue.

"New housing developments will commence in areas such as Perseverance, Stewartville, Cummings Lodge, Prospect, Williamsburg and Amelia's Ward," she further pointed out. It is esti-

mated that 1,000 house lots will be allocated for 2016.

These projects, Minister Patterson further pointed out, will be executed using $5.279B. She added that this year's budget is linked to the Sustainable Human Settlement Development Programme under which Community Participation, Planning and Design; Community Infrastructure Development, Land Divestment and Squatter Regularization will be fostered.

But the People's Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament Zulfikar Mustapha expressed dissatisfaction over statements made by Minister Patterson, positing that the Housing Sector was booming at the time the APNU+AFC Government entered Office.

"Mr Speaker if there is one programme, if there is one success story of the PPP Civic Government it would be the Housing Programme.�

According him, when the PPP took office in 1992, there was no Ministry of Housing.

He said it was in 1993 that the PPP started a systematic programme of housing, subsequent to which thousands of Guyanese became home owners.

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GuySuCo denies 50 Wales workers sent home

THE Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Monday denied claims by the main sugar workers union GAWU that 50 workers attached to the Wales estate were dismissed.

GuySuCo chief executive Errol Hanoman said any worker no longer with the estate would have been temporary staff with whom the Corporation had no agreement for continuous employment.

GAWU in a press statement had condemned what it said was the dismissal of more than 50 workers.

GAWU President, Komal Chand, told the Guyana Chronicle Monday it was informed that the workers were sent home at the weekend; he acknowledged that they could not be in line for severance pay because they were temporary workers.

Hanoman described the news of workers being sacked as “erroneous”, noting that GAWU is not properly informed on the workers issues at Wales. He said that at the moment there are 11 to 13 persons at Wales who have been identified for possible separation from the estate. However, he noted that those persons, who are mechanical and tilling workers may be given an opportunity to continue working if avenues sought

by GuySuco to find work for them are realized.

Hanoman said that the Corporation has work available for their entire current staff who are employed on a full-time basis.

Last month, government announced the closure of the factory mainly on economic grounds, stating that to continue diverting funds from the industry to keep Wales factory afloat would jeopardise the industry. Among the steps announced in light of the plans to close the factory, the Government informed through the Ministry of Agriculture, was that further land preparation and planting will not continue at the estate, and as the estate’s cultivation is harvested, the land would be retired and held for other diversification ventures.

The Wales factory would operate throughout 2016, milling both the estate’s and farmers’ canes, with final closure at the end of the 2nd crop this year. In addition, with effect from 2017, the Government said, farmers’ canes will be milled at the Uitvlugt factory; and during this year, the routing of the farmers’ canes to Uitvlugt would be determined to ensure the least additional cost.

Tuesday February 9th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Wednesday February 10th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs Thursday February 11th, 2016 - 05:00 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 9, 2016

Additional contract employees ‘not peculiar’ to current gov’t - Ram & McRae, noting 100% jump from 2010-2014

THE chartered accountant firm Ram and McRae Monday said its concerns regarding the increase in the number of contract employees under the current administration were not a peculiar situation.

The firm said that under the presidency of Bharrat Jagdeo, the numbers and cost had “skyrocketed” and continued to do so under the leadership of former president Donald Ramotar.

“Between 2010 and 2014, the expenditure on contract employees rose from $4.7 billion to $9.4 billion, an increase of 100%,” the firm said in a statement.

Ram and McRae recently pointed to an increase in the number of contract employees under the current government and welcomed assurances of government’s intention to return the Public

Service to a professional one in which the number of contract employees will be reduced to a minimum.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon in response to the statements made by the Firm had said that the increase in the number of employees is as a result of organisational changes while noting that the Office of the President cannot and should not be compared to the Ministry of the State, a ministry that includes the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Ministry of Citizenship, and the Public Service Department.

“In fact, Ram & McRae was not comparing the Ministry of the Presidency with the Office of the President but comparing the two yearend numbers (2015 and budget 2016) in the same Ministry,” the statement said.

In a statement to the me-

dia on Monday, the firm said that it was by no means attacking the current administration, but was simply noting that which exists.

To back up its position, the Accounting Firm made reference to the 2016 Estimates for the Ministry of the Presidency, which does in fact demonstrate an increase in contract employees from 298 in 2015 to 505 this year.

“Overall, the 2016 Estimates show that at the end of 2015, the total number of contract employees, inclusive of the Regions, was 5,423, of which 545 were with the Parliament Office, Public Service Commission, Teaching Service Commission, Guyana Elections Commission, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, Public Prosecutions and Office of the Ombudsman.”

Those entities, the Char-

tered Accountants said now include Constitutional Agencies and statutory Bodies and have an undisclosed number of projected contract employees this year.

“The remaining number of contract employees in the Ministries and Regions would therefore be 4,878.

The Estimates show the projected number of contract employees in 2016 as 5,878 and is therefore an increase of 1,000 persons, or 20.5% and an increase of 18.2% in budgeted cost,” the statement said.

The Chartered Accountants in its annual analysis of the Budget had expressed much disappointment on the increases in both the number and cost of contract employees and indicated that such increase is not “healthy for our democracy”.

Rodney Report delayed by ‘lack of ink’ A “LACK OF INK” has stalled handing over of the Commission of Inquiry Report into the demise of Dr Walter Rodney, the Ministry of the Presidency said on Monday evening.

The report was due to be handed over earlier in the day, but Attorney General Basil Williams said he was told by Commission Chairman Sir Richard Cheltenham that he did not have enough ink.

“I didn’t understand what he meant [when he said that], because when they arrived, I sought to ensure that they were properly ensconced and that they had all the relevant facilities. In fact, I had handed over the arrangements to Mr. [Hugh] Denbow, [the Administrator] for him to work with them. So I was actually surprised that Sir Richard

was saying that.” Williams declared.

The Report was due to be presented to President David Granger at noon, and the President was already in place to receive the report. The Attorney General said he found this totally unacceptable for any sitting President to be treated this way, especially given that President Granger had, in past months, been more than accommodating in granting time extensions requested.

“I am deeply concerned.

I am even more concerned that this is a Presidential Inquiry, and that the President has been asked for extensions of time and every time the President agreed.

It is not an appropriate way to deal with the President of a country, and I think

the time has come for us to put a definitive end to this entire Commission of Inquiry…. The President has bent over backwards on many occasions. It is unfair to the President and the people of Guyana to continue it…. I am fed up of the entire situation,” the Attorney General disclosed.

Almost $500 million have been spent over a period of two years to conduct the Inquiry.

Sir Richard had requested that the handing over be rescheduled to a time later in the day, but Minister Williams had indicated that this arrangement seemed uncertain.

“Sir Richard was asking for any time between 16:00hrs and 18:00hrs this evening, which again sounded very iffy, and I had to

come to Parliament,” he said.

With regard to outstanding payments to the Commissioners, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had sought to receive copies of the contracts that had been entered into by the previous administration, but it was revealed that those contracts were never signed.

“As you know, the cost of this Commission is almost half a billion dollars…. The things that we wanted from Sir Richard included a copy of the contract that he had entered into, and I understand from Sir Richard that they hadn’t any signed contract.

“Because of that, the Minister of Finance is insisting that he (be) given a contract so that (he) would be able to pay on the basis of such a contract,” Minister Williams said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 9, 2016

Cashier charged with swindling employers of $30 million LAURYL Lamazon of Lot 1925 Section C, Diamond Housing Scheme, EBD, who for some 20 years had been a cashier at General Equipment Guyana Limited, was yesterday placed on $900,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after she appeared before her and pleaded not guilty to 30 charges involving swindling her employer of approximately $30M. Lamazon has been accused of embezzling the money, ranging from $27,000 to as much as $3.5M, between January and December 2014.

She was also charged with committing the said offence twice at the company’s outlet in Farm, East Bank Demerara -- on February 20, 2014 and on March 23, 2014 when, being a clerk or servant to the said company, she allegedly embezzled $180,082 and $170,173 respectively, after she had collected these sums of money on behalf of the company.

Attorney-at-Law Mr. Nigel Hughes, representing Lamazon, asked the court to grant her reasonable bail because she has been reporting to the Brickdam Police Station as of April 2015, and she was not likely to be a flight risk because she had to lodge her passport at that station.

He also said that she has been complying with police requirements since the investigations commenced in 2014.

The police prosecutor did not object to bail, and the defendant was placed on bail on condition that she reports to the officer in charge of the Fraud Department at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

This matter has been adjourned to February 29, 2016.

LAURYL LAMAZON

9

Factual data needed to tackle suicide - President Granger

By Navendra Seoraj

ticularly in the Berbice and Essequibo regions, a shocking trend which has been evoking grave concern among the populace.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has ranked Guyana as having the highest suicide rate per capita worldwide, with approximately 44.2 suicides per 100,000 persons per year. Over the last decade, a person ended his or her life every 1.8 to 2.4 days in Guyana.

THE presentation of ‘anecdotal’ information has proven to be a failure in the fight against suicide, given that its rate continues to increase, so the collection of scientific and factual data is needed to curb the trend.

President David Granger made that declaration during an interview on his weekly show, “Public Interest,” on February 4, 2016.

He asserted, “my only concern is that some ALMOST IMPACTFUL AS HIV AND AIDS of the data being collected are still anecdotal.

In the United States, there was a suicide every Hence we need scientific data to derive inter13 minutes and globally there was a suicide every ventions, guided to produce results.”

30 seconds. Suicide accounted for 1.4 per cent of A few weeks back the President convened all deaths worldwide in 2012, making it the 15th President an emergency meeting with the Minister of leading cause of death, almost as impacting as David Granger Public Health Dr. George Norton and other HIV and AIDS. Among the age group 15 to 30, key stakeholders, where they concluded that anywhere in the world, suicide is among the top Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), religious organi- three causes of death. sations and other civil society organisations will be engaged to “People say it is mental health, rural or even ethnic probwork together with the government on a centralised approach lems that spark suicide, but no one can say for sure, because to suicide prevention. from what I have seen, the people that commit this act come However, the President stressed that although the suicide from a bright background, not poor and depressed, they have prevention committee was formed, and Non-Governmental good family backgrounds. So it is truly a baffling experience,” Organisations (NGOs) continue to come on board, the suicide said President Ganger. rate is still increasing.

BE MORE SENSITIVE ONLY ON HUNCHES He recently issued a call to parents, guardians, teachers Reiterating that, “in the past we were working only on and church leaders to be more sensitive and understanding of hunches, therefore we need a more factual basis to tackle the the emotional matters that affect young people, noting, “The issue. It was suggested that pesticides and other poisonous church needs to be more careful, the home needs to be more substances should be monitored, but if someone wants to careful, peers need to be more careful. It is a delicate period kill themself and those things are locked away, they can still but the State cannot bear the full burden of counselling, the jump over a bridge or hang themself. Thus, facts are needed home is where these matters should be resolved.” to derive solutions and methods.”

The President affirmed that his administration intends In that light, President Ganger indicated that a com- to do all that is possible, especially since many of the vicmission to produce statistics and more factual data is in the tims of this scourge are young people in whose hands the pipeline, since the aim is to take away the real facts from the country’s future lies. He explained too that the circumanecdotes. stances and conditions under which people live needs to be Since the beginning of the year, close to 20 persons have examined to understand the underlying factors responsible either committed suicide or attempted to commit suicide, par- for the high suicide rate.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 9, 2016

Deadly 2014 King Street fire…

Businessman, employee charged with murder CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Monday remanded 72-year-old city businessman Gangan Kishan, also known as Buddy, of 11 North Road, Bourda, Georgetown and his employee Avishkar Bissoon, 24, of Lot 1 Sheriff Street Georgetown, on a charge

of murder, related to the fire which resulted in the deaths of two teenage girls and their father in a Robb and King Streets building that was gutted by fire at the end of 2014.

They were not allowed to plead to the indictable charge that was read to them. The facts of the matter were not stated in court, and the case has been adjourned until March 4, 2016.

The charge read that between November 16, 2014 and December 21, 2014, through an act of arson, the duo murdered Theresa Rozario, Clarisse Rozario, and Hilrod Thomas in the

confines of a dwelling house at King and Robb Streets, Georgetown.

Reports revealed that Theresa, 12, and her sister Clarissa, 14, died from burns about their bodies and from suffocation; while their father died a few days after the incident, while receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public hospital.

The assailants had reportedly approached the building, opened the grill work that was securing the wooden door, kicked the door open, and had made their way into the building, where they set a fire. The Fire Service was

summoned, but the wooden building had been quickly engulfed in flames.

Even as the girls’ father had jumped to safety, his two daughters had remained trapped inside the building, and were eventually burnt to death. Their charred remains were removed by firefighters and undertakers.

In 2010, the same two children, along with an older sister and their father, had been rescued from the same building after it had mysteriously caught afire.

Its destruction was averted because the Fire Service had responded in a timely manner.

28-year sentence for stabbing death of Plaisance minibus driver

By Michel Outridge THE MAN who resisted objections to him urinating on a minibus in downtown Georgetown and subsequently stabbed the driver to death almost two years ago was Monday sentenced to 28 years in prison.

Justice Navindra Singh handed down the sentence to Orin Jerrick after a 12-member jury, though finding him not guilty on the charge of murder, declared him guilty on the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Jerrick stood trial for the death of minibus driver, Gavin Fiffee on July 31, 2014 at Plaisance Minibus Park at Regent Street and Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown.

According to reports, Fiffee, a father of three was loading his minibus when Jerrick began urinating on the wheel of the vehicle.

Fiffee confronted him and an argument ensued, during which Jerrick reportedly stabbed him to the upper right chest. Public-spirited persons rushed him to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he later succumbed.

Following investigations into the incident, Jerrick turned himself over to the police on August 2, 2014.

Before the sentence was handed down by Justice Singh in a packed courtroom, Defence Counsel Nigel Hughes pleaded for the Judge’s leniency, saying that

Jerrick was remorseful since the incident was not one of aggravated passion.

Hughes said that Jerrick was a gold miner and was on his way home when the incident occurred and he has since admitted his regrets to the family of the deceased; the lawyer pleaded too that before

not innocent of the crime, since he committed a senseless act that left three children without a father. As such

Orin Jerrick

Gavin Fiffee the incident, Jerrick had no previous brushes with the law.

He asked the Judge to consider the circumstances disclosed in the trial and asked Justice Singh to be merciful to his client due to the circumstances he found himself in.

When asked by Justice Singh if he had anything to say Jerrick denied the crime, saying, “I didn’t juk nobody at the bus park.”

In response, State Prosecutor Narissa Leander told the court that the accused was

she asked the Justice Singh to impose the maximum sentence.

Justice Singh said he was not able to see a remoseful attitude from Jerrick, but was nonetheless moved by his attorney’s plea on his behalf.

Justice Singh deducted two years form Jerrick’s sentence for time he served while on remand and gave him the 28-year sentence.

After the sentence was handed down, some relatives of Jerrick were reduced to tears while relatives of the deceased, were somewhat relieved.

The state was also represented by Siand Dhurjon and Michael Shahoud while the defence was also represented by Peter Hugh and Savannah Barnwell.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 9, 2016

Rupununi schools pursue alternative sources of water

By Alva Solomon

WHILE World Wetlands Day was celebrated globally on February 2, dry weather conditions in the Rupununi , a designated wetland, has resulted in the administration of several schools scouring the landscape for sources of water.

Over the past three days, overcast conditions have developed over the region, with light rainfall in some villages south and north of Lethem.

However, dry conditions are expected to continue to affect the communities in the region over an indefinite period.

Monday, reports out of St Ignatius indicated that the students who are resident in the dormitory at the secondary school in the community have been sourcing water in recent days from the Moco Moco creek. This is mainly for bathing and washing. The students who reside there are

mainly from the South and Deep South Rupununi. St Ignatius resident Tekwitta Barrito reported Monday that a well was being dug near the school compound to enhance the school’s water supply.

Regional Executive Officer (REO), Carl Parker said that the regional administration is on call to assist schools and by extension communities in need of potable water. Parker, who is presently on the Coastland, said that so far one school, the Kumu Primary School , has made requests to the regional authorities for assistance with water and filled-water tanks have been dispatched periodically to supplement the supplies there. At the moment the water in the Kumu Creek is low and the Kumu Falls is not flowing as usual, signs of the effects of the El Nino phenomenon.

Across at Annai , stu-

dents have been fetching water from waterholes in and around the villages near Annai Central. The Annai Secondary School and households there have depended on the water-network within the community for water.

However, in recent weeks, those pipes have been empty.

The school’s administration almost closed the school’s doors two weeks ago as a result of the lack of drinking water. However, the authorities were able to source water from a well in the area to remedy the situation.

The current El Nino dry weather conditions have gravely impacted the region. Ironically, last Tuesday, World Wetlands Day was celebrated globally under the theme, “Wetlands for our future, sustainable livelihoods.”

According to the Environmental Protection Agen-

cy (EPA), in Guyana, the Rupununi Wetland plays an important role in the lives of thousands of indigenous people. The Wetland feeds rivers and waterways which are a source of drinking water and a main transportation route for the people living in the area. Also, the vegetation found in the Rupununi Wetlands is used by indigenous people for craft, traditional medicine, houses and food.

The region has been hard hit by the dry weather conditions and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs over the weekend said that a

number of measures are being put in place to address the situation to bring relief to the region. These include a public awareness campaign on water conservation and health related issues is currently in action, frequent reports from Regional Councillors, Community Health Workers and Village Toshaos are being received at Lethem regarding the situation in the Villages while differently-abled and senior citizens are being carefully monitored and are the subject of frequent reports.

In addition, the Regional Health authorities are on

high alert for possible health challenges which could arise while the Agriculture Extension Officers are also on high alert as the effects of the extreme dry conditions continue to affect the Region’s food production.

The ministry said that village leaders have put measures in place to prevent the poisoning of creeks, streams and rivers for the harvesting of fish and while villages are cleaning and increasing the depth of hand dug wells, bathing in creeks is now prohibited.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 9, 2016

Chinese woman killed in botched Corentyne robbery

By Nafeeza Yahya Sakur

later he heard a loud “bang” and rushed back inside where he saw the two men running away through the back door into the back yard and saw

A CHINESE restaurant owner was shot dead on Sunday when armed bandits attacked the No. 57 village, Corentyne family just after they had a special dinner to ring in the Chinese New Year Sunday.

Dead is 49-year-old Xiu Yi Yang, a mother of four. She ran the Jio Li Lai Chinese Restaurant.

The incident occurred at around 20:00 hrs. According to the older son, Zhou Xing Su called Vincent Su, the family had closed up the restaurant at around 19:30 hrs and sat down for a family dinner since it was Chinese “Old Year’s Night” for them and they felt very happy Dead: Xiu Yi Yang having bonded after the meal.

In tears, the 24-year-old his mother on the ground recalled that no sooner had in a pool of blood with a his mother left the table to go wound to the center of her into the kitchen, with him, his face. He then rushed back father and his younger broth- outside again and raised aner (13) left sitting, than the other alarm, but to no avail. bandits staged their attacked. The mother was then picked Vincent Su said he heard up and taken to the Skeldon his mother screaming from hospital where she was prothe kitchen and when he nounced dead on arrival. rushed to see what was hapWhen Guyana chronicle pening he noticed two men visited the scene blood stains with cutlasses demanding were still visible in the yard money. They had apparently even though it rained overentered the family’s home night and the family was through a back door that was mourning the loss of their usually left open. His dad mother who was described quickly locked him and his as a very loving and caring brother into the restaurant person. and rushed into the kitchen to Vincent Su related that help save their mother. the family is at wits end and Vi n c e n t S u a n d h i s are not sure of their next younger brother decided to move. They have been operexit the restaurant, and ran ating the business for over 15 out on the road screaming years and this is the first time for help. He said moments that anything of this nature

The Chinese restaurant

has happened to them.

“I am very confused, heart broken and scared, we do not feel safe, I just want to pack up and go back to China,” he said.

He expressed disappointment that no one came to their rescue even though they cried out for help. He is also calling on the relevant authorities to implement harsher penalties for bandits to deter others from thinking about committing similar crimes.

“The police need to have a strong method to deal with robbers so they won’t do it again and make people feel unsafe,” Vincent Su stated.

Vincent Su recalled seeing a pickup parked in front of the restaurant when he first went on the road and cried out for help, however the second time he went outside to cry out for help the vehicle was no longer there.

He described the perpetrators as “young men between the ages of 23-30, but could not give any other details. He also related that the two men fled the scene without taking anything.

The entire ordeal lasted approximately 5 minutes, Vincent Su said.

Xiu Yi Yang leaves to mourn her husband and four children, namely Vincent Su and his younger brother and their two sisters who live oversea.

Police in B Division are investigating the murder and a post mortem is expected to be performed on the body today.

‘Blatantly untruthful’ 13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 9, 2016

…Nagamootoo slams Ali for “inventing” FDI figures Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Monday slammed the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) for what he described as deceptive politics even as that party sought to blame

the government for the slowing down of the economy.

Nagamootoo, in an invited comment to members of the media outside of the Parliament chambers, said

the downward spiral of Guyana’s economy started under the PPP Government, which was voted out of office last year May. Nagamootoo’s remarks were directed at claims by PPP/C front

bencher Irfaan Ali, who made the accusation during the opening day of the 2016 budget debate.

“When you listen to Ali opening the debate saying that the economy is in a slide and is weakening, he is quoting figures that have been invented by him. He is saying that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has fallen from US$363M in 2011 to US$125M in 2015. That is blatantly untruthful. Because when I checked in 2011, the FDI was US$165M. So where did he get US$363 from? Nagamootoo, who is

also Leader of the Government’s business in Parliament, queried.

He reminded that the APNU+AFC Government took over office in the middle of 2015 and could not be held accountable for a slide that started in 2011. He said the administration will continue to work towards “creating jobs for the people of this country.”

A report by the Economic Commission of Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in March 2014 had said that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

for Guyana shrunk sharply from a total of US$294 million in 2012 to US$214 million in 2013. The Commission had said the most important development took place in the mining and oil and gas exploration sectors, mentioning the US$249 million Guyana Goldfields investment in the Aurora Gold Mine and Repsol and Tullow Oil plan to explore the Kanuku block. The report had also mentioned the collapse of the PPP’s Government’s plan at the time to build an ethanol plant.

Norton nails Hamilton’s lies on HIV test kits PPP MP Irfaan Ali making his budget presentation

Health Minister Dr George Norton has called out PPP/C Member of Parliament Joseph Hamilton for reportedly misleading the public regarding the availability of HIV test kits.

During his contributions to the budget debate on Monday, Hamilton stated that there is currently a countrywide shortage of HIV test kits. However, the Minister de-

bunked the claims. “I wish to make it known that there is currently a supply of 35,000 HIV test kits at the Materials Management Bond in Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

As such, there is no shortage of HIV test kits in Guyana,” Norton said. He however said there is an existing problem whereby personnel from various health facilities are not uplifting these kits in a timely manner.

Members of Parliament about to commence the 2016 Budget Debates

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo engages Agriculture Minister Noel Holder inside the Parliament chambers

PPP MP Charles Ramson Jr

Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin rises to make a point during the debate

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 9, 2016

TOO HEAVILY DEPENDENT ON RICE ‒ Essequibo Coast businessman urges Gov’t to promote other means of sustainable livelihood BUSINESSMAN Arnold Granville is 70; but, unlike most people of his age, he is as fit as a fiddle. Mr Granville is the owner of two hotels in Richmond, and manages both will little help.

And aside from handling the administrative side of things, he also helps in cooking, washing and cleaning of the two hotels, which are just few buildings apart.

“I am chief cook and bottle washer,” he said proudly.

Mr Granville is a pleasant personality, like practically all the people I met on the Essequibo Coast during my brief sojourn there.

When he leant that I am a journalist, he was reluctant to speak to me, relating that just last year, some men armed with guns and knives “came over the sea” and beat and robbed him.

The sea wall at Richmond is about 600 metres from where the Granville Hotel, Restaurant and Fish Shop is located. The hotel sits close to the Richmond Public Road, and the location appears to be a busy one.

“They though I have plenty money. They lashed me in the head with a gun and took all the money I had on my person. I had to get several stitches for the injuries inflicted,” the hotelier told this publication.

He did not say how much money was taken from him, but he said the incident has made him very timid, even to this day.

But Mr Granville changed his mind and decided that he would talk with me about the hotels more in general terms. He related that the Granville

Hotel, Restaurant and Fish Shop was built last year to the tune of $35M, and was financed by personal savings and a bank loan.

Mr Granville is a French teacher by profession. He holds a post-graduate degree in Education from the

La Casa Blanca, a French phrase which translates to “The White House”. That hotel, he related, has been in operation for more than 40 years.

With his experience managing La Casa Blanca, and from what he had seen in the Bahamas, he decided

The Granville Hotel, Restaurant and Fish Shop at Richmond, Essequibo Coast

is boring.”

PROGRESSIVE STEP According to Mr Granville, attention needs to be paid to developing and marketing more tourism sites in the region. He lauded

La Casa Blanca Hotel and Liquor Restaurant is also located at Richmond, Essequibo Coast

University of Guyana, and is reportedly the last French teacher at the Anna Regina Multilateral School. Like many looking for greener pastures, he moved to The Bahamas on graduation from the University of Guyana because he wanted to practise his profession.

He taught in The Bahamas for many years, before retiring and returning to Guyana to invest and spend his old age among the people he knows and loves.

Prior to building the Granville Hotel, Restaurant and Fish Shop, Mr Granville said, he operated the other hotel and liquor restaurant,

to build the more elegant Granville Hotel, as he had a vested interest in raising the standard of the hotel industry on the Essequibo Coast.

FAIRLY GOOD Business at the hotels has been fairly good, he said, but he noted that things were better when the rice industry was doing well.

The hotels are a family business, which according Mr Granville means that his family members “have to work harder” than the public servants for their income.

The businessman was a bit uneasy about the region’s heavy dependence on

rice. “If rice dies, the hotel industry on the Essequibo Coast would also be dead,” he lamented.

He pointed out that the Government needs to pay more attention to marketing and development of tourism in the region. “There is no official from the Ministry of Tourism in the region; and apart from Lake Mainstay and the Capoey Lake, there is hardly any other tourist attraction in the region, even though the region has vast potential for tourism, and should be developed as a major tourism destination in Guyana.

“As it is now,” he said, “life on the Essequibo Coast

Arnold Granville

the soon to be established public parks in the region as a step in the right direction.

“What the Government and the region need to do is hold major festivals and fairs in the region to celebrate its rich cultural diversity, traditions and biodiversity. We need to bring back things like limbo and flambeau bottle dancers, and other forms of cultural entertainment to awaken and capture the true spirit of

the people on the Essequibo Coast. “(We do not need) people on the weekend spending their time at the rum shop to entertain themselves; we can provide an alternative,” the hotelier told the Guyana Chronicle.

And with the Golden Jubilee celebrations just around the corner, Mr Granville said the opportunity is ripe for more persons to visit the Essequibo Coast; and the Region and the Tourism Ministry should consider meeting with key stakeholders in the region and working out a package for visitors to the region.

The businessman told the Guyana Chronicle that he wants to see -- and is willing to help in achieving -- community development; and urged young people to engage in legal self-employment activities rather than depend on Government to provide jobs for them.

“It might be a long wait, but self-employed persons tend to make more money, and they work at their own time,” he said.

At his age, all Mr Granville is wishing for is to “read all his favourite books” before he dies.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Farmers hopeful, pray for rain as El niño takes toll This rice field in Perth has been burned out by salt water

THE EL NINO dry weather phenomenon has visited Guyana with a vengeance, bringing hardships to all its administrative regions, but the predominantly rice farming community of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is particularly reeling from the effects of this dry weather phenomenon.

Region Two is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, the Essequibo Islands and West Coast Demerara (Region Three) to the east, the Cuyuni-Mazaruni district (Region Seven) to the south, and the Barima-Waini (Region One) district to the west. It covers an area of 2,392 square miles, and has a population of approximately 47,000 residents, the majority of whom are rice farmers.

For years, rice has been, and continues to be, the mainstay of the region’s economy. It is more than a means to earn a livelihood, and the region’s residents are mostly a resilient people for whom rice farming has become a tradition.

TEST OF RESOLVE The current El Nino phenomenon is proving to be a strong test of the Region Three resolve. Some 5000 acres of rice cultivation have been destroyed by salt water; not intrusion of water from the sea, but increased acidity in the soil due to lack of fresh water.

The Guyana Chronicle was told that, years ago, the area stretching from Perth to Sommerset had been comprised of mud flats, hence the unusually high acidity in the soil, which needs an adequate supply of fresh water to be neutralised.

The region normally cultivates 37,000 acres of rice, but currently only 18,000 acres are under cultivation -– less than 50 per cent of cultivable land available; and the second crop (Spring Crop), which is usually completed in December, has been extended to February of this year.

Several small farmers told the Guyana Chronicle that the dry weather, coupled with late payment from millers, has caused the late cultivation of this second crop.

They described the situation as dire, and said they have families to maintain and bank loans to service.

The situation has forced some small-scale farmers to lease their rice lands to the region’s larger players, since they find it not economically viable to plant at this time.

The Dawa Pump Station has been

nal at vel in this ca The water le st is low oa C bo ui eq Exmouth, Ess

providing much hope for the farmers, but it has, to a large extent, been pumping water from the various irrigation channels. Region Two Vice Chairman Nandranie Coonjah has, however, told the Guyana Chronicle that the region is closely monitoring the situation, and is doing all within its power to help the affected farmers.

PRAYING FOR RAIN “The NDIA [National Drainage and Irrigation Authority] has been working around-the-clock in clearing drains and canals, to ensure a smooth flow of water and to ensure all pumps are operable and are supplying the irrigation channels. Pumping at Dawa is not sustainable; we are hoping and praying for the rain. Things are not easy,” Ms Coonjah disclosed to this publication when her Anna Regina office was visited.

Regional Executive Officer, Rupert Hopkinson, who was ‘tied up’ with several pressing issues in the region, hadn’t the time to sit down for an interview. But like Mrs Coonjah, he said: “The El Nino is a big problem in the region, and the region is doing all it can to handle the situation”.

Some rice farmers had, at the end of the first crop, purchased seed paddy (high quality seeds) for cultivation in the second crop, but due to the weather and their peculiar

financial problems, they had to defer planting the second crop. It has been another loss for those farmers. They had bought the seeds from the Rice Producers Association (RPA) at some $3,500 per bag, and in a bid to get the stock out of hand, since they

Region Two Vice-Chair, Nandranie Coonjah

were not planting, they had to sell the seeds off to the millers, who were not willing to pay more than $1500 per bag. Besides the pressing problems of an unrelenting dry weather spell, outstanding debts to commercial banks, and the cost to pump water into their fields, local farmers are also exposed to the vagaries of world market prices for rice.

Jewan Jaigopaul of Devonshire Castle, a 60-year-old farmer and father of four, said it has been “blows all around”. If rice prices continue to drop, he said, the cost of production would soon outstrip returns from sale of the commodity.

He said that to prepare one acre of land for cultivation would require the land being ploughed four times, and this costs $14,000. At least three bags of fertilizer would be needed, and those cost some $15,000; oneand-a-half bags of seed paddy costs about $3,500; to spray the field to

has three children aged eight, 10 and 12, is reportedly owed $1.5M, but luckily for him, he does not owe the bank.

At the end of the last crop, millers in Region Two owed farmers some $600M, and it is not clear how much of this sum has been paid -- if any at all.

Aside from being owed, Mr Odhoo is upset at how some farmers have been pumping water from the irrigation channels. He and a group of farmers drove to the office of Mrs Coonjah to complain about the situation and request her to stop the farmers in the backlands from pumping for at least three days, so that they can flood their fields and commence harvesting. The region’s Vice Chair reportedly listened to their concerns and pledged to treat

Deepan Odhoo

ward off pests costs $6,000; and it costs some $2000 to pay someone to sow the field. In total, approximately $40,500 are needed to prepare one acre of land for rice cultivation. One acre of rice cultivation produces on average 30 bags of paddy. The prices paid for paddy during the last crop varied as follows: $800, $1000, 1500, $1700 and $2500. This means that farmers earned as follows: $24,000, $30,000, $45,000, $51,000 and $75,000 respectively per acre of rice land cultivated. The crop prior saw farmers earning between $2500 and $4000 per bag of paddy.

Mr Jaigopaul, who cultivates a 10-acre plot, has cut production. He is now cultivating four acres under rice, but even that is giving him some headache, since the cost to pump water into his field is making him “financially dry”.

NOT YET PAID Another farmer, Deepan Odhoo of Hampton Court, said he is yet to be paid by the miller to whom he had sold his paddy. Mr Odhoo, who

Jewan Jaigopaul

their request favourably.

Mr Jaigopaul, Mr Odhoo and the other farmers who had visited the office of the Vice Chair told this publication that, given the crisis facing the region’s rice industry, Government should step in and offer some relief. They are asking Government to favourably consider lowering the prices for fuel and fertiliser, removing duty on the purchase of parts for rice farming machinery, and to ensure that farmers and not the auto deals profit from these transactions.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan has recently announced that fuel prices have been slashed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 9, 2016

CREATING EMPLOYMENT ‒ while making Region Two an attractive tourist destination ALL IS not well in regard to unemployment in Region Two, but the regional administration is not throwing its hands in the air, or placing them akimbo in response to this challenge.

Regional Executive Officer Rupert Hopkinson has said the region intends to capitalise on its tourism potential by establishing parks throughout the Essequibo Coast. Mr Hopkinson intends to make Region Two one of Guyana’s

premier tourist destinations.

The parks will be located at Charity, Westbury, Dartmouth, Fear Not, Anna Regina, Cotton Field, Suddie, Exmouth, Aurora, and Good Hope.

The ones at Anna Regina and Exmouth will be major tourist attractions. The Park at Exmouth was commissioned last Thursday.

According to Mr Hopkinson, the parks will become major income earners, by which the region would be enabled

to fund certain projects without having to wait on budgetary allocations from Central Government. When this plan comes on stream, micro-enterprises will be created, generating jobs at the community level; and as the REO puts it: “introduce a new direction in the region”.

Ideally, the facilities will provide opportunities for daily recreation, both for locals and foreigners, and will serve as havens where people can

“escape from the high level of depression in the region”.

There is currently in the region no public place that offers daily recreation besides creating employment, providing much-needed escape, and generating economic activities. The parks will most naturally reduce the preva-

This park at Exmouth, Essequibo Coast, was commissioned last Thursday

lence of unlawful occupation of State lands, as they will be built on those lands. This region is already home to the famous and breathtaking Lake Mainstay Resort.

UNIQUE FACILITIES Mr Hopkinson told the Guyana Chronicle that he wants to see, in this rice-growing region, an increase in spending and business activities and the creation of unique

facilities. The parks, he said, will feature sitting areas and activities for people of all ages, and will complement the goal to make Region Two a green region.

“They (the parks) will provide a sitting for social, business and educational events: weddings, birthdays, picnics, seminars, local tours, overseas visits and similar events,” he very optimistically opined.

PERSONALITY PROFILE Rayshma Dasrath MEET the lovely Rayshma Dasrath, who resides in the township of Anna Regina. Mrs Dasrath is employed as a Clerk 11 at the Public Works Department of the Office of the Regional Administration of Region Two. She is currently acting secretary to the Regional Engineer.

This 23-year-old intends to soon further her studies. She told the Guyana Chronicle that she likes travelling, reading, and enjoying the simple, easygoing life on the Essequibo Coast.

Her advice is: “Live for now, because tomorrow is not promised to anyone”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Ali, Carrington trade barbs on budget measures FINANCE Spokesman for the Opposition, Irfaan Ali, opened the 2016 Budget debates with statements slamming the Budget prepared by the APNU-AFC coalition Government, but incensed backbencher Michael Carrington stole the show as he stood to defend the estimates.

A mere two hours into the debates, Carrington said the 2016 budget overwhelmingly speaks to development in Guyana. Despite heckles, Carrington said his administration inherited from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) a far-fromperfect system, and is working to make vital changes in the system.

But despite the challenges the coalition Government faced when entering office, he said, “Guyana

has since put measures in place to further subsidise the sugar industry. He said that despite the huge debt being carried by the industry, the David Granger Administration will do all in its power to keep the industry afloat.

“We are going to try to protect the jobs of the sugar workers,” he declared.

Despite its many challenges,

Opposition member Joseph Hamilton

Michael Carrington, member of the governing side of the House, makes his presentation

will blossom!”

Ali had earlier described the budget as anti-poor, saying that it is aimed at making Government officials richer. “Mr. Speaker, as I noted in my initial remarks, the ‘good life’ is an elusive dream to the average Guyanese, but (is being) enjoyed by a select few. Despite initial denial and some PR gimmicks, it is public knowledge that ministers were granted substantial increases in salaries and benefits without any consultations,” Ali declared.

The Opposition member noted that Government has failed to provide sufficient support to the sugar and rice industries, despite those industries’ contributing heavily to the national economy. “Already, the farmers are in financial distress from the sharp reduction in prices due to the mishandling of the PetroCaribe deal. The rate of default by farmers on their loan payments is alarming. Many of the farmers hear that rice is not Government business. This is an insult to the farmers, who support this economy by creating jobs, earning foreign currency and contributing to the national pie!” Ali said.

“These two sectors, which con-

tributed over $14.9 billion to our gross domestic product, earned over $300 million in foreign currency, and supported the livelihood of poor rural communities last year!”

Ali said.

SUPPORT FOR SUGAR Government will, in 2016, inject $9 billion in GuySuCo to assist the industry in its recovery and modernisation programme.

Similarly, though surpassing its target last year, the rice industry remains challenged in terms of cost of production and competitiveness.

Government will continue to support the industry to access new trade partners following the collapse of the lucrative Venezuelan market.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has said that under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) had suffered immensely and had accumulated a debt of $82B, but this has been trimmed by some $4B by the APNU+AFC Government in December 2015. The GuySuCo debt now stands at $78.6B, and Government has signalled its intention to further bail out the industry.

Nagamootoo recently told a forum in New York that Government

Opposition Member Irfaan Ali makes a point during the 2016 Budget debates

GuySuCo surpassed its projected target of 227,443 tonnes sugar in 2015, reaching some 229,215 tonnes. During the second crop, four estates –- Skeldon, Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt -– each exceeded their production target, with the Skeldon factory recording its highest output since commissioning.

Additionally, Ali said pensioners, the poor, rice farmers, sugar workers and public servants are yet to enjoy ‘the good life’ as promised by the APNU-AFC coalition.

“Unfortunately, Budget 2016 will not deliver the ‘good life’ for these Guyanese,” he said, pointed also to the non-reduction in the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 16 per cent.

Ali noted the move by the administration to put systems in place to ensure all persons seeking licences are tax complaint is burdensome.

Meanwhile, Ali’s colleague Joseph Hamilton questioned the governing side of the House on what’s being offered to the poor. “Where is the bake and salt fish? Where is the pepper pot? Where is the curry?

I kept looking for the bake and salt fish for the poor people…it was elusive for the ordinary people,” he stated. “In the budget there is no

meat on bones for young people…,” he added.

Hamilton chided Government on its move to review the taxes paid on alcohol, noting that lower taxes will encourage more alcohol abuse. “The cheaper the spirits, is more spirits will be drunk…there will be more drinking of spirits,” he said, noting that no consideration had been given to the public health system, but only to “political investors.”

The Finance Minister, in his budget presentation on January 29, had said Government proposes to amend the excise tax to provide for a new basis for the imposition of excise tax on alcohol for consumption. “The intent is to introduce a graduated, specific rate system for the collection of excise tax on alcohol based on the alcoholic strength. This is deemed to be the most effective way of dealing with importers and domestic manufacturers of alcoholic beverages. It will also be easier for the Guyana Revenue Authority to administer, as well as reduce significantly, opportunities for manipulating the values of the goods for the purpose of taxation,” he had said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 9, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 9, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday February 9, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Pietersen won't be selected Imlach, Hetmeyer for World Twenty20 - Morgan steer Windies U19s into semi-finals FORMER England batsman Kevin Pietersen will not be recalled for this year's World Twenty20 in India, captain Eoin Morgan was quoted yesterday as saying.

Pietersen, 35, has not

played for England in any format since 2014 but has been in good form recently in club Twenty20 tournaments in Australia and Pakistan.

"That door is completely shut, Kevin will not be picked. That's from me," Morgan told the Daily Mail.

South African-born Pietersen, a former England captain and member of the side that won the World Twenty20 in 2010, was dropped in 2014.

England director of cricket Andrew Strauss explained the decision at the time by saying there was a "massive trust issue" with Pietersen. The pair had fallen out over text messages sent

by Pietersen to South African players during a 2012 Test series when Strauss was captaining the team.

Pietersen responded to Morgan's comments on Twitter.

"Interesting he's saying

Kevin Pietersen

it's HIS call! Very interesting! Hmmmmm," said Pietersen, who is England's second highest run-scorer in Twenty20 internationals.

Morgan, top of that list, has led a revival in England's one-day fortunes since their dismal first-round exit at last year's 50-over World Cup. They lead hosts South Africa 2-0 in the current five-match series.

BCB Inter Zone U-15 cricket...

New Amsterdam/East Canje and Lower Corentyne record victories

Aaron Beharry

NEW Amsterdam/Canje/East Bank continued their winning ways with a close two-wicket win over West Berbice, while Lower Corentyne defeated Upper Corentyne in the second round of the JZ Mohamed inter zone Under-15 cricket tournament organized by the Berbice Cricket Board.

Played at the D’Edward ground, West Bank, Berbice, the hosts won the toss and took first strike, but crumbled for a modest 71 in 22 overs.

All-rounder Nigel Deodat was the only batsman to score double figure making, 15.

All-rounder Aaron Beharry led the way with the ball, claiming 4-12. He got support from his skipper Jevan Schultz with 3-12 and Nicky Noble 3-13.

In reply, New Amsterdam/Canje/East Bank were set back by some disciplined bowling from the West Berbice side. Only Beharry and opener Jarron France with 23 each made scores of significance.

They eventually reached 72-8. Bowling for the West Berbice side, Seon Glasgow (3-10) and Deodat (2-11) were the most successful bowlers.

Over at the No. 72 Cut and Load ground in the Upper Corentyne area, the home team lost to Lower Corentyne, but no scores were available up to press time. However, the scores will follow at a subsequent press release.

SKIPPER Shimron Hetmyer and Tevin Imlach hit half-centuries as the West Indies upset Pakistan by five wickets to cruise into the semi-finals of the ICC U19 cricket World Cup in Fatullah yesterday.

Hetmyer scored 52 and Imlach made 54 to ensure a gallant 113 by Umaid Masood went in vain as the West Indies surpassed Pakistan’s 227 for six with 10 overs to spare.

The West Indies take on hosts Bangladesh in the second semi-final in Mirpur on Thursday. India play Sri Lanka in the first semi-final at the same venue today.

Pakistan’s defeat prevented an all-Asian semi-final despite Umaid’s Manof-the-Match superb performance, but the West Indies played better all-round cricket to emerge deserved winners.

Masood came to the crease in the 15th over with Pakistan struggling at 40 for four and rebuilt the innings in the company of Salman Fayyaz after half the side were back in the hut by the 21st over.

Masood, who had scored 13 not out and 10 in previous matches, hit 15 boundaries and two sixes before he was out in the final over.

Salman remained unbeaten on a defiant half-century, which included three hits to the fence and a six.

The revival came after a two-wicket burst by seamer Chemar Holder and fiery fast bowling by Alzarri Joseph, who conceded just 28 runs in his 10 overs.

Once Joseph’s spell fin-

ished in the 36th over, Pakistan added 109 runs to set the West Indies a challenging target.

The Caribbean flair was evident as the West Indies raced to 100 for one by the 16th over. Hetmyer and Imlach put on 77 for the second wicket to take the score to 122 for one, before two needless run-outs saw the total slip to 147 for four.

Shamar Springer was the fifth batsman to fall for 37 when 38 runs were still needed for victory, but Jyd Goolie (26 not out) and Keemo Paul (24 not out) saw their side home.

“This is a wonderful result for us,” said Hetmyer. “It feels good to be through to the semi-finals. We just stuck to our plans and executed what we had worked on at practice. It was probably a good toss to lose because our bowlers did very well to take those early wickets.”

Pakistan captain Zeeshan Malik congratulated the West Indies, but felt his team should have defended their score.

“Our plan had been to get around 235 because we had the bowlers who were capable of defending it,” he said.

“I thought we put up a good score despite the poor start.

But I must give credit to the West Indies batsmen for playing so aggressively and chasing down the target.”

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe upset the tournament’s defending champions South Africa by eight wickets to enter the Plate Championship final for teams that finished outside the top eight. (PTI) 12:20 hrs Never Say 12:50 hrs Yisty

South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:35 hrs Kemal Kavur 09:10 hrs Londalozi 09:45 hrs Jetano 10:20 hrs Sails Set 10:55 hrs Sail South 11:30 hrs Streak Of Silver English Racing Tips Market Rasen 10:00 hrs Kasakh Noir 010:30 hrs Midnight Tour 11:35 hrs Petrol 12:40 hrs Dark Lover Southwell 10:10 hrs Geeaitch 10:45 hrs Weald Of Kent 11:15 hrs White Bullet 11:50 hrs Sir Billy Wright

Sedgefield 09:50 hrs Yes I Did 10:20 hrs Chasma 10:55 hrs My Friend George 11:25 hrs Leney Cottage 12:00 hrs Roxyeet 12:30 hrs Copt Hill American Racing Tips Mahoning Valley Race Course Race 1 Classic Twist Race 2 Im All Business Race 3 Cinder Tyme Race 4 Richard’s Tune Race 5 Crescent Race 6 Spirit Amour Race 7 Bear’s Taurus Race 8 Vhosen Tune

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 9, 2016

McCullum heads into ODI retirement with NZ win

New Zealand pose with the Chappelle-Hadlee series trophy.

(REUTERS) - New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum ended his one-day international career with a series victory over Australia yesterday with his side sealing a 55-run win in the deciding third match at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

New Zealand, who were all out for 246 in 45.3 overs, managed to dismiss Australia for 191 in 43.4 overs to give them a 2-1 series win that helped them retain the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, which is played for between the two countries in one-dayers.

The 34-year-old McCullum is retiring from all international cricket at the conclusion of the two-Test series against the same opponents.

"I feel incredibly lucky to play for 14 years, meet some great blokes and make some great friends," McCullum said in a televised interview. "I want to thank everyone for supporting me and making it possible."

The win, however, was marred by a surreal period of play when the crowd appeared

to influence a decision on the field.

All-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who took 3-34 in New Zealand's innings, appeared well-set on 41 with his side 164-5 in the 34th over and back in control of the match before he hit a delivery back to bowler Matt Henry.

Henry half-heartedly appealed for a caught-andbowled but it was turned down.

The giant television screen at the ground then showed a replay that created a huge uproar from the crowd who thought it had cannoned into Marsh's boot before popping back to the bowler.

Umpires Ian Gould and Derek Walker then asked third umpire Sundaram Ravi for a review after they also saw the replay and heard the crowd reaction.

Slow-motion cameras showed the ball had not hit the ground before Henry took the catch and Ravi told Gould to give the Australian out, which caused an angry outburst from Marsh and his batting partner Matthew Wade.

"A bit of controversy there, I don't think there was much of an appeal ... and they went upstairs after the replay, a bit disappointing," Australia captain Steve Smith said.

"The right decision was made no doubt about that ...

I don't want to take anything away from the Blackcaps, they deserved to win."

Once Marsh was dismissed, however, the Australians fell apart with Corey Anderson grabbing two victims as their last five wickets fell for 27 runs.

Earlier, McCullum and Martin Guptill had again got New Zealand off to a rollicking start, racing to 84 in 9.3 overs before the captain became the first of Marsh's three wickets when he was dismissed for 47.

New Zealand's batsmen, again all got starts, but for the third time in the series were dismissed just when they needed to push on.

Guptill scored 59 and Grant Elliott added 50 for the hosts, who lost their last five wickets for nine runs.

SCOREBOARD

NEW ZEALAND innings M. Guptill c Hastings b Zampa 59 B. McCullum c Hastings b M. Marsh 47 K. Williamson b Boland 18 H. Nicholls c Smith b Hazlewood 18 G. Elliott c Maxwell b M. Marsh 50 C. Anderson c Khawaja b Hazlewood 27 L. Ronchi c Boland b M. Marsh 5 D. Bracewell b Hastings 2 A. Milne lbw b Boland 5 M. Henry not out 0 I. Sodhi b Hastings 0 Extras: (lb-6, w-9)

15 Total: (all out, 45.3 overs) 246 Fall of wickets: 1-84, 2-123, 3-131, 4-171, 5-223, 6-237, 7-237, 8-246, 9-246.

Bowling: J. Hazlewood 10-0-45-2 (w-1), J. Hastings 7.3-0-42-2 (w-1), S. Boland 9-0-59-2 (w-1), M. Marsh 6-0-34-3 (w-1), A. Zampa 10-0-45-1, G. Maxwell 3-0-150 (w-1).

AUSTRALIA innings U. Khawaja c Ronchi b Bracewell 44 D. Warner c Elliott b Henry 16 S. Smith lbw b Sodhi 21 G. Bailey b Henry 33 G. Maxwell c B. McCullum b Sodhi 0 M. Marsh c & b Henry 41 M. Wade c Guptill b Milne 17 J. Hastings c Elliott b Anderson 6 A. Zampa c B. McCullum b Anderson 2 J. Hazlewood not out 5 S. Boland run-out (Nicholls) 2 Extras: (lb-2, w-2) 4 Total: (all out, 43.4 overs) 191 Fall of wickets: 1-39, 2-75, 3-94, 4-94, 5-153, 6-164, 7-179, 8-184, 9-184.

Bowling: M. Henry 10-1-60-3, A. Milne 8.4-0-42-1, C. Anderson 6-1-16-2 (w-1), D. Bracewell 6-0-15-1 (w-1), I. Sodhi 8-031-2, G. Elliott 5-0-25-0.

Shariff stable takes top honours

… Princess She is Not wins feature race SHARIFF stable dominated Sunday’s horse race meet, which was held at the Port Mourant Turf Club race track, Corentyne, Berbice.

The stable took top honours with four wins, including the feature event.

In other results for the Shariff stable Campador won the G and Lower race, Lova Lova took care of business in the H and Lower event and Miss Kristina was in winners’ row in the Three-year-old maiden event.

The feature five furlongs race, which was

open to all imported and locally bred horses, saw champion jockey Colin Ross pilot Princess She is Not to a comfortable win ahead of Storm Bird and Storm Mark.

Massapequa Dr was in winners’ row in the K and Lower race. Party Time of the De Mattos stable took top honours in the event for horses classified J and Lower, while Another Storm of the Amernauth stable was in winners’ row in the L and Lower event.

Shariff Stable easily walked away with the champion stable honours.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Friendship Cavaliers are NSC/BRCA champions FRIENDSHIP Cavaliers easily disposed of Kimbia to win the National Sport Commission/Berbice River Cricket Association (BRAC) second division 40-over title.

Played at the Goed Bananen Land ground in East Canje, Berbice, Friendship youngsters won the toss and took first strike.

Their opening pair of Ryan DeNobrega and Michael Caple put together 48 for the first-wicket before Caple fell for 26.

DeNobrega then added 49 for the second-wicket with Jason Denhart, who contributed 22. He also shared 20 for the fourth-wicket with Preston Fredericks, before he fell for 58, inclusive of seven fours and two sixes.

Fredericks went on to make 45, while Gavaskar Caple and Joshua Leacock made 38 and 19 respectively.

Friendship finished on 273 all out in 35.1 overs.

Bowling for Kimbia, Samuel Seegobin, Reon Smith and Ecliff Lindee all picked up two wickets each.

In reply pacer Waqar McKenzie took three early wickets to leave Kimbia at 9-3. However, Brentnol Lindee and Brian Thom then put on 35 for the fourth-wicket, before Thom fell for 14.

Lindee (33) was joined

by Damien DaSilva (12), and together the pair added 30 for the fifth-wicket.

Thereafter, medium pacer Daniel Leacock (4-9) and Joshua Leacock (2-26) ripped through Kimbia for 97.

DeNobrega was adjudged Man-of-the-Match and Most Valuable Player. Andrea Pearson of Ebini Ranch Raiders was identified as the most improved player.

Daniel Leacock collects the winning trophy from Angela Haniff.

Smith replaces Finch as Australia skipper for World T20 MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Aaron Finch has been dumped as Australia's captain in the shortest form of the game and replaced by Test skipper Steve Smith just a month before the start of the World Twenty20.

Opener Finch, who has been struggling with a hamstring injury, was named captain in September 2014 but only skippered the side on six occasions as Australia concentrated on other forms of the game.

Finch remains in the 15-man squad released yesterday for the tournament in India. Selectors also sprang a surprise by dumping wicketkeeper Matthew Wade for Test gloveman Peter Nevill, who has never played any limited overs cricket for Australia.

Left-arm spinner Ashton Agar, who has never played any T20 cricket, was also named in the squad.

Australia have never

Steve Smith

won the World Twenty20 title in five previous attempts, their best finish coming in West Indies in 2010 when they lost to England in the final.

Squad: Steve Smith (capt.), David Warner, Ashton

Agar, Nathan CoulterNile, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, John Hastings, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Peter Nevill, Andrew Tye, Shane Watson, Adam Zampa.

Chelsea's Zouma faces six months out after knee surgery

The winning Friendship Cavaliers pose with their trophies.

At the brief presentation ceremony, secretary of the Berbice Cricket Board, Angela Haniff thanked Director of Sport Christopher Jones for his support.

She added that the BRCA is not short of talent and encouraged them to continue to play cricket regularly and to nurture the young cricketers.

NOTABLE DATES

CLEVELAND Denny won his second professional fight on February 9, 1976. The Canada-based Guyanese lightweight was 21 years old at the time when he won a points decision over Ron Pettigrew in Quebec City, Quebec.

A dedicated and skilful boxer, Denny was a former Canadian lightweight champion who had a promising future. However, the Guyanese was cut down in the prime of his career, and died at the age of 24 in July 1980 from injuries sustained in a fight the previous month.

He had turned professional in 1976 and was undefeated in 10 fights when he met Gaetan Hart for the second time. Denny won the first that was held in September 1977 via a points decision.

Hart won by split decision to take revenge and Denny’s Canadian lightweight title in the second episode. The two met for a third and final time on June 20, 1980.

Referee Rosario Baillargeon halted the bout at two minutes and 48 seconds of the 10th round to secure a TKO victory for the Canadian Hart.

Chelsea’s French defender Kurt Zouma

LONDON, (Reuters)-Chelsea's French defender Kurt Zouma will be out for six months after surgery on a knee injury suffered at the weekend, the Premier League champions said yesterday.

The prognosis means the 21-year-old is ruled out for the rest of the season and will also miss the European championship finals in his home country, which open with France playing Romania in Paris on June 10.

The injury came just as Chelsea, whose hopes of retaining their domestic title are effectively over after a poor campaign, prepare to play Paris St Germain next week in the last

16 of the Champions League.

Chelsea said the centre back, who has made a big impression this season, injured his anterior cruciate ligament when he fell awkwardly in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

"Kurt will undergo surgery in the next 48 hours and is expected to be out for approximately six months," the west Londoners said on their website (www.chelseafc.com).

Zouma has been on the fringes of his national team ahead of Euro 2016, earning his first cap last March and playing twice. He has made 32 appearances for Chelsea.

Since Guus Hiddink replaced sacked manager Jose Mourinho in December, he has started every game.

"I will have surgery this week & will come back stronger. Thank you everyone for all the messages," the player said on Twitter.

His absence could mean more regular starts for reportedly unsettled defender Gary Cahill, while the club might also want to re-consider the future of captain John Terry, who said recently he was not getting a new contract.

England international Cahill had fallen behind Zouma in the pecking order and was growing concerned about the lack of playing time impacting on his Euro 2016 ambitions.

Chelsea are at home to relegation-threatened Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday.

26

Milo U-20 Schools Football Competition

North Georgetown demolish Brickdam Secondary 8-1

THE Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue came alive on Sunday to host four more Milo Under-20 Schools Football matches to cap off the weekend.

Houston Secondary and North Ruimveldt got the ball rolling but the latter prevailed 4-1 in what could be described as a one-sided affair. Ashaish Alleyne put North ahead in the 13th minute then his teammate Matthew Harrison doubled the lead two minutes later.

Houston were able to pull one back in the 25th minute when Denzil Heywood got a shot on goal.

But it became a consolation effort after Harrison (37th)

and Tyrese Rowley (48th) both scored once in the second half to put the victory beyond doubt.

The second showdown of the day saw North Georgetown reign supreme in a landslide victory over Brickdam Secondary. Nehemiah Gomes put forth a helmet-trick, man-of-thematch performance as North Georgetown won 8-1.

Gomes scored three firsthalf goals in the 18th, 27th and 29th minutes and ended his goal-getting match with a 58th minute goal.

He was supported by Rayon Bailey (15th), Daniel Nedd (34th), Osafa Mattheson (38th) and Rueben Miller (50th) while Rawle

Williams was able to score in the 70th minute to take away any chance of a clean sheet by North Georgetown.

In the game that followed, Lodge Secondary and St Joseph High battled to a 1-1 draw as St Joseph went ahead in the 25th minute compliments of Stephan Isaacs.

Lodge were able to equalise in the second half when Shamar Smith scored but neither side found the decider before the final whistle sounded.

Queen’s College was scheduled to face Morgan’s Learning Centre in the last encounter of the day but Queen’s were awarded a win via a walkover.

Broncos' Von Miller named MVP of Super Bowl 50

By Larry Fine SANTA CLARA, Calif., (Reuters) - Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller was named the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl 50 following his team's 24-10 triumph over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Miller forced a pair of fumbles from Carolina quarterback Cam Newton that led to touchdowns to boost the Broncos to their third Super Bowl triumph and first in 17 years.

The 26-year-old Miller one-upped National Football League regular season Most Valuable Player Newton with his brilliant defensive effort.

Miller was the number two overall choice in the 2011 NFL draft out of Texas A&M, while Newton was taken first overall after winning a national college championship with Auburn.

"I thought at that time I could be number one, but (Carolina) didn't see it that way. They took Cam New-

Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) is named Super Bowl 50 MVP, after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Levi's Stadium on Sunday.

(Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports)

ton," Miller said in the runup to the National Football League's title game.

Now Miller has something the Newton does not a Super Bowl championship.

Miller, as he did in Denver's AFC title game victory over the New England Patriots two weeks ago, recorded

2-1/2 sacks along with the fumbles he forced against Newton in a bravura performance at Levi's Stadium.

Lightning quick off the edge of the defensive line as he makes life miserable for opposing quarterbacks, Miller also registered six tackles.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Shivraj wins Vish Trading golf tourney MAHESH Shivraj captured the Parbhudial Ramdial Memorial golf title played last Saturday at the Lusignan Golf Course.

In ideal conditions for golf, Shivraj won in convincing fashion, recording a net 59 from a gross 86.

Brian Hackett came in second with a net 64 from a gross 86, while Patrick

Persaud secured the third place, ended with a net 68 and a gross 77. Prashad also won the best gross with 77, while Nearest to the Pin was won by Robert Hanoman.

The tournament was sponsored by Vish Trading Inc. of La Resouvenir, East Coast Demerara in honour of their last Managing Di-

rector Parbhudial Ramdial, who was an ardent golf fan.

Brian Hackett, past president of the Lusignan Golf Club, said “Ramdial was always willing to support golf locally so when the company was approached to sponsor a tournament in his honour the current management readily agreed.

From right, Brian Hackett, M Solomon, Robert Hanoman, Mahesh Shivraj and Patrick Prashad

Team Wreckers dominate season opening GMR&SC Endurance RAMCHAND’S Wreckers racing team were the dominant force when the dust settled on Sunday in the season-opening endurance meet of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) at the South Dakota Circuit.

Ramchand’s driver Rameez carted off the overall champion trophy for the day after completing the two hours of racing with over 80 laps under their belt, with Faizal Yuns and Shawn Bacchus finishing second and third overall.

Driving a Toyota Levin race-car, Mohammed, also a group three circuit car, dominated his B class competition as well, leaving Shawn Bacchus and Dominic Waddel to second and third respectively.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport, Mohammed said, “I wanna thank the team for putting together the car; the car ran well,” adding, “I used it

(the endurance) to get a lot of seat time for the upcoming national Race of Champions and eventually that Caribbean Motor Racing Championships.

Meanwhile, team owner Annand Ramchand contended, “It was a good competition. A lot of cars had problems but it’s like I say, we have cars and we tried to fix them up. It was a good day for us and we are looking forward

to the next endurance.”

In the Class A Harold ‘Top Gun’ Hopkinson beat off the competition of Mohammed Faizal Yuns and Shawn Bacchus respectively.

Yuns finished first in the C Class, ahead of Clint Seebaran and Denzil Hopkinson while in the D class, Adrian Fernandes beat Paul Jiwaram and Danny Persaud. (Stephan Sookram)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday February 09, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF: THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE 176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 405 Test wickets (2) India

Today’s Quiz: (1) Which two players made centuries in their only Test?

(2) Which player took a hat-trick in his final ODI appearance?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Guyanese US-based athletes doing well a time of 47.99. Jason Yaw, now competing for Western Texas CC, ran his opening meet as a freshman with a time of 51.86. Kevin Blayley ran a 51.00 for his first indoor race ever. Jenna McCammon ran a 56.42 at the Armory Track Invitational and was second in the 60m with a time of 8.50.

The Guyana men's team at the Armory Invitational show off their flag, from left, Winston George, Earl Lucas, Chavez Ageday and jeremy Bascom

A MEN’S and women’s Guyana team last weekend represented the Golden Arrowhead at a 4x200m relay in the international section at the Armory Invitational, where the women’s team, consisting of overseas-based Guyanese Alita Moore, Kadecia Baird, Shenika King and Melissa Caddle-Hope, did well to win their event ahead of the USA and France.

The Guyanese girls finished in a time of 1:37.93s for the win, second place went to the USA team who finished in 1:40.97s, and France were third.

“I can safely say we are all excited about winning and we are looking forward to continue running together so we can lower the time, which lets us know where we are and where we need to get to before the Olympics,” Moore, who has been in the U.S. since she was awarded a scholarship two years ago, said about the race.

On the men’s side the Guyana team clocked 1:27.82s to finish fourth.

The team was made up of Olympian Winston George, Chavez Ageday, Jeremy Bascom, and Earl Lucas.

The men’s race win went to the Jamaican team in a time of 1:25.69s, followed by teams from USA and Dominican Republic respectively.

Bascom also participated in the men’s open 60m dash at the event, registering a time of 6.79 seconds in the preliminaries and finals.

Meanwhile, Mississippi State’s Stephan James managed to record a 6.78 seconds time to make it into the final of the college men’s 60m. However, he suffered a cramp and was unable to participate in the final of the event.

Last weekend’s performance marked the latest in a string of remarkable performances being produced by Guyanese stationed overseas.

These performances come at a time when the clock is counting down to the 2016 Summer Olympics set for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in August.

According to reports of the North American arm of the Athletics Association of Guyana, stellar performances have also been seen from South American Youth Championships gold medallist Jason Yaw, as well Brenessa Thompson, Guyana’s lone CARIFTA Games representative last year, and Jermaine Griffith of Rutgers University.

The AAG North American arm is headed by fourtime Olympian and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Aliann Pompey, who is also the coach for King.

Thompson last month ran 7.51 seconds for the 60m at the Texas A and M Invitational, while King did 7.88 seconds at the St. John's season opener, Bill Ward Meet.

“Things get a bit spicy in the 200m with several athletes participating - Brenessa Thompson again leading the way with a time of 24.04 achieved at the Razorback Invitational last weekend in Arkansas. Kadecia Baird, the 400m specialist has posted a time of 24.17 at the Great Dane Invitational in Staten Island, NY on January 16, Shenika King posted a lifetime indoor-best of 24.97 and Melissa Caddle-Hope, a senior at Coppin State, has so far run 25.02,” a report by the body said.

“Leading the group of 400m is Jermaine Griffith of Rutgers University with

Winston George broke the national indoor record with a time of 33.51.The highest-ranked Guyanese athlete is Troy Doris. His triple jump feat of 16.65 puts him tied for 4th in the world,” the report continued.

President of the AAG, Aubrey Hutson, said the Association has been taking

note and is keeping its eyes peeled for those who qualify for the upcoming Olympics.

Thus far Winston George stands as Guyana’s only qualifier for the Games. Nonetheless, Hutson noted, there are several athletes whose marks are just off the Olympic qualifying standard and it is hopeful these athletes can improve

in time to qualify.

“This is an Olympic year and we have got a lot of requests from Guyanese in the diaspora who want to represent Guyana, and that is good because ultimately we want to put as many Guyanese athletes as possible out there on the international scene,” Hutson said.

Smith 25 replaces Finch as Australia skipper for World T20 P.

Imlach, Hetmeyer steer Windies U19s into semi-finals

… to face Bangladesh 23 ››› on Thursday

Windies celebrate: Shimron Hetmyer's first half-century of the tournament helped his team to eat into the target of 227 as they won with 10 overs to spare.

Story on page

Team Wreckers Guyanese US-based dominate season opening athletes doing well GMR&SC Endurance

Story on page 27

›››

The winning women’s 4x200m team from left, Melissa Caddle-Hope, Shenika King, Kadecia Baird, and Alita Moore

Story on page 26

›››

Team manager of Ramchand’s Wreckers Annand Ramchand (holding flag) celebrates with overall winner Rameez Mohammed. (Sean Charles photo)

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2016