Chronicle 10 16 2015

GUYANA

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

Granger unveils defence plan No. 104343

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…to counter territorial, public security threats See Pages 2&3

…cautions soldiers against doing police job Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo making their way to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Officers’ Mess, where the Head of State unveiled the country’s National Defence Plan yesterday

Clear case exists Uitvlugt murder to charge PPP accused gets officials – says AG 7 25 years ...for manslaughter 9 Andrew Albert

Sale of Pradoville lands:

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Not your business!

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Brigadier (Rt’d) David Granger has cautioned officers of the Guyana Defence Force that the business of catching criminals is a police task and should remain so.

President Granger made the remarks when he addressed officers at Defence Headquarters, Base Camp Ayanganna on Thursday. This was in direct relation to the fact that the GDF had been deployed during the 2004-08 prison escapees-led criminal violence along the East Coast

of Demerara - a decision which was condemned by many persons. The soldiers had been encamped in Buxton during that period and had also lost two of its members during confrontations with armed criminals.

The country’s president said that Guyana faced continuous challenges to public security and public order.

He noted that changes in the international and national environments made some of Guyana’s old approaches to public order and national security ineffectual. He posited

that “law enforcement agencies could not respond appropriately to the new threats which, if left unchecked, could allow power to fall into the hands of undesirables.”

President Granger said that criminal activities such as drug-trafficking, money-laundering, back-tracking and gun-running were often interrelated and operations could not be conducted successfully against one to the exclusion of another.

“There is a need, therefore, for the adoption of a policy of total national de-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 16, 2015

– Granger says catching criminals not soldiers’ job

President David Granger taking the salute at GDF on Thursday. Also in photo are: Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo (left) and GDF Chief-of-Staff, Mark Phillips(right) (Office of the Prime Minister photo)

fence that will implement a national security strategy that employs all instruments of national power in a more integrated way to meet the challenge faced by Guyana at this time. This will require a much higher degree of inter-agency co-operation than obtains at present, to combine defence with diplomacy, economic development with law enforcement, and the civil authority with the defence force,” President Granger charged.

He stated that the Defence Act does prescribe for the Force to be charged with the maintenance of order when required and noted that “there must not, however, be an easy recourse to deploying troops in a public order role on the streets and villages.

The Force should operate alongside the Police. It must always be in support of and never on its own.

“Operations, in future, should have a clear and carefully defined mission. Troops, once their mission has been accomplished, should return to barracks. The Force must not be allowed to become part of the rural landscape.

The business of public order and everyday law enforcement, such as catching criminals, is a Police task and should remain so.”

He emphasized that the Police Force, not the Defence Force, had specific responsibility, under the Police Act, for: “The prevention and detection of crime; the preser-

vation of law and order; the preservation of the peace; the repression of internal disturbance; the protection of property; the apprehension of offenders; and the due enforcement of all laws and regulations with which it is directly charged.”

JOINT OPERATIONS President Granger alluded to the fact that the GDF and GPF have operated jointly on several occasions in the past, noting that this was usually done only after a prolonged period of joint training, the establishment of joint operations centres which often included the co-location of troops with policemen in police compounds and, most of all, a clear definition and separation of duties and roles.

Further, touching on the delicate issue of civil-military relations, Granger said that it is the relationship between the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Defence Force, which embodies two sets of policies - the ‘institutional’, which deals with the manner in which the civilian administration formulates security policy and the ‘operational’, which deals with the military means employed to meet security threats.

According to the Commander-in-Chief, the objective of harmonious civil-military relations should be to develop a system which provides the best military security at the least social cost. He said harmonious Turn to page 8 ►

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 16, 2015

Granger unveils defence plan

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…to counter territorial, public security threats IN the face of ongoing territorial claims by both Venezuela and Suriname, President David Granger on Thursday told officers of the Guyana Defence Force that in order for this country to survive in such a race, there must be a plan for ‘total national defence.’

This implies that all the elements and instruments of national power need constantly to be employed in order to protect the country’s territory.

This policy, the President said, will on implementation “give our regular and reserve forces the resources they need to perform their mission over the next five years.” He said, too, that the long-term objective is to ensure that Guyanese will be able to depend on defence forces which will ensure the safety of the citizens and the security of the country.

Granger unveiled the policy during an address to GDF officers in the presence of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and other top officials of the military. The Commander-in-Chief said the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, at Article 197 A (1), stipulates: “The State’s defence and security policy shall be to defend national independence, preserve the country’s sovereignty and integrity, and guarantee the normal functioning of institutions and the security of citizens against any armed aggression.”

VISIBLE WARFARE According to the Guyanese Head of State, the age of very visible warfare in the form of harassment on our borders, or the intrusion of gunboats into our waters, is not yet over.

He noted that the Border and National Security Committee, established at the start of the ‘Troubles’ in 2001, determined that: “The principal purpose of the Guyana Defence Force is to provide the potential for the application of force; to ensure the security of the nation, the freedom of its people, and the promotion of the national interest. Defence policy must determine the structure and

capabilities of the Defence Force, and guide the contribution it makes to the country’s defence and security goals in accordance with foreign and economic policies.”

The President stated, further that: “Guyana’s national defence strategy should focus on deterrence based on the potential of military force to support diplomatic efforts designed to avoid recourse to armed conflict. It must also attempt to dissuade a potential adversary from resorting to a particular course of action by convincing him that the costs of pursuing it [that course of action] will outweigh the potential gains.”

President Granger said a Guyana, in light of the injunction of the national Constitution, the counsel of the Committee and the aggressive persistence of these territorial claims, now needs to carefully define its policy for total national defence. “Guyana needs a well-commanded, well-trained, well-equipped defence force with the core capabilities to keep our citizens safe and secure.”

He said the GDF, in order to fulfil its mission, must be multi-role, flexible and fully integrated with sufficient support weapons. “It must be based on five pillars: ► Personnel: the Force must be brought up to the authorised establishment strength to meet current and unforeseen challenges. A study will be done to examine how the ‘regular force’ could be augmented.

The ‘reserve force’ must be re-constituted and maintained at a minimum of 50 per cent of the strength of the ‘regular force.’ ► Readiness: the Force must be prepared to deploy to any part of Guyana at short notice in response to Government direction. Readiness refers, also, to the resources needed to conduct training and to prepare units for operations. ► Infrastructure: the Force maintains several large bases throughout the country. The condition of airstrips, barracks, hangars, wharves and other infrastructure must be main-

Guyana Defence Force Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips, escorts President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo into Defence Headquarters, Base Camp Ayanganna

tained in a serviceable condition to conduct operations.

Morale: the Force must maintain its esprit de corps in order to enable troops to support its mission, and to function as a unit in order to achieve its objectives. ► Equipment: The Force must have the capacity to maintain adequate combat-ready units with the correct mix of personnel and equipment. Aircraft, road vehicles and maritime vessels inevitably will be degraded over time, but must be repaired or replaced if efficiency is to be ensured.”

RE-ORGANISATION Additionally, the President said, the GDF must change in order to strengthen these five pillars, noting that changes must start at the top, at the level of the general staff, in order to improve specialization and the quality of service. To this end, he announced the restoration of the position of Adjutant General. This, he said, will allow a dedicated superior officer to pay undivided attention to discipline, the selection and recruitment of personnel, promotions, career planning and troops’ morale and well-being.

Besides, he announced that the position of Quartermaster General has been restored. “This is meant to afford a superior officer the resources to ensure that finance is provided to improve infrastructure and ensure

that equipment is acquired, repaired or replaced, that troops’ living conditions, meals and uniforms are adequate, and that munitions and weapons are acquired and supplied in a timely manner,” the President told the gathering.

He said, too, that the position of Inspector General is meant to ensure that the appropriate superior officer is responsible for maintaining the Force in a state of operational readiness and interoperability with fraternal Caribbean defence forces. This will be achieved through the improvement of training methods and schools and the conduct of training exercises.

CHANGES NECESSARY Granger told the soldiers that other changes are necessary to enable the GDF to fulfil its constitutional mandate and to perform its functions. These changes, he said, must be designed to develop the Force’s capability to provide contin-

uous surveillance over Guyana’s air, territorial and maritime borders and approaches, to provide search-and-rescue services to persons in distress, and to provide assistance to the civil authority in response to any threat or disaster.

According to him, greater emphasis will now be placed on the technical corps, noting that the Air Corps should be upgraded to provide continuous surveillance over Guyana’s air, territorial and maritime borders and approaches and support search-and-rescue services to persons in distress.

The Coast Guard, too, he said, should be upgraded to permit it to provide continuous surveillance over Guyana’s maritime borders and approaches and

provide search-and-rescue services to persons in distress.

Granger said maritime security is a serious matter. With respect to the Engineer Corps, he said this is essential to the restoration of defence and public infrastructure. “This Corps once had the capability to contribute to the celebrated Mahdia-Annai and Itaballi-Sand Landing road projects.

The non-completion of these projects is partially responsible for the underdevelopment of the hinterland. Greater emphasis will also be placed on the three auxiliaries.”

The President reiterated that the Reserve Force, then called the Guyana People’s Militia, used to be deployed throughout the country, where it could render assistance to the regional administrations in times of floods, threats to public order and other emergencies. He said it is his government’s intention to re-establish the Militia as a credible reserve in all ten regions. He also spoke about the National Cadet Corps which is to be re-established to allow boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 18 years in secondary schools to pursue part-time training to prepare them for adult life. And the Civil Defence Corps is to be established to support the work of the Civil Defence Commission in responding to and managing disasters.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 16, 2015

Venezuelan Ambassador returns to Guyana

By Ariana Gordon

VENEZUELAN Ambassador to Guyana, Margarita Arratia Diaz, in keeping with an agreement made at the recently concluded United Nations General Assembly, has returned to Guyana.

The two countries had committed to restoring diplomatic affairs following a trilateral meeting comprising Guyana’s President David Granger, Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Though Ambassador Diaz had returned to Ven-

- as diplomatic affairs are being restored

ezuela during the height of the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy, the Venezuelan flag remained at her place of residence.

The Venezuelan envoy was called home for “talks”, Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, told the media on Wednesday at a post-Cabinet press briefing.

“Note that though the Venezuelan Ambassador was not physically here, she was not recalled. She

Venezuela’s Ambassador yesterday was presented with a Trades Union Peace Declaration by the General Secretary of the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) ,Ann Anderson.

Meanwhile, Trotman said Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela, Cheryl Miles, is preparing to take up her post in Caracas. “We are still in the process of engaging the UN and briefing our

was invited home for talks…which is really a euphemism the way states use diplomatic devices to speak to each other.”

He said the flying of the Venezuelan flag at the ambassador’s home was a “strong sign that the ambassador in a sense is still in residence, though not physically there…but the presence was still acknowledged,” the Minister of Governance stated.

Gov’t announces second reduction in gasoline, diesel prices

FINANCE Minister Winston Jordan on Thursday announced that government has reduced the prices for gasoline and diesel sold by the Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL) country wide.

This is the second reduction in the price

for gasoline and diesel by the company since the election of the APNU+AFC government in May of this year. As of today, GUYOIL will sell gasoline wholesale at $183 per litre, a reduction of $9. The retail price for gasoline is now

$190 per litre, as compared to $199 per litre previously.

The wholesale price for diesel is now $155 per litre, a $7 reduction from the previous price of $162 per litre, while the retail price for diesel is now $161 per litre, as

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compared to $168 previously.

In August, the Finance Minister announced the first reduction in prices. Gasoline was reduced to $199 per litre, while diesel was reduced to $168 per litre for retail purchase.

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ambassador, so it is a matter not of if, but of when. She is not formally there, but preparations are in train for her to move her belongings and her property over to Venezuela.”

He explained that both countries have agreed to restore normal relations, and that will happen over time. “We expect that when the UN team returns, things would move a little faster. Those impediments have been removed.”

President Maduro had ordered his Foreign Affairs Minister, Delcy Rodriguez, to stay the accreditation of Guyana’s appointed Ambassador to that country after accusing Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, of launching a verbal attack on that country while on official duty in the United States.

“It is nonsense to initiate the diplomatic way of regularisation, the appointment and admission of ambassadors and suddenly go to the United States to launch attacks

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against Venezuela,” Maduro had said.

H o w e v e r, G u y a n a maintained that it is open to dialogue with Venezuela on matters related to bilateral relations.

“We see the exchanging of ambassadors as being an important part of promoting such dialogue. Notwithstanding announced actions by President Maduro in this regard, we are prepared to carry on these discussions. Whatever actions Venezuela takes in relation to ambassadors, we remain ready to adhere to the Geneva Agreement,” Greenidge said.

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

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 16, 2015

GGDMA urges miners to change culture of being non-compliant

By Ariana Gordon

ALTHOUGH government has granted concessions to small- and medium-scale miners in regard to fuel and equipment tax, some miners are concerned about qualifying for same.

The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), on the other hand, has called on all miners to “change the culture” of being non-compliant with tax regulations.

Speaking at a special meeting of miners to discuss the new mining industry concessions, President of the GGDMA, Terrence Adams, urged all miners to be compliant with the laws of Guyana.

Adams’s call came following concerns raised about qualifications of some small and medium scale miners who are not tax-compliant.

“We must change this culture…it is important… we must start somewhere,” Adams said.

Miners are required to pay property tax, tributors’ tax, withholding tax, as well as maintain a registry of the names, addresses and Tax Payers Identification Numbers (TIN) of all employees.

Announcement of this criteria was met with widespread concern, but GGDMA’s Vice President, Andron Alphonso, said, “We want every miner to benefit from the concession… if there are persons here who are not complaint, please don’t feel afraid to come and talk to myself and Mr. Adams.

“These concessions are for you, and we want people to be eligible to get it; and it is for the entire industry, so we want every single person sitting here to be eligible for these…and if you are not right now at the level where you feel you are compliant, please

feel free to talk to us; we have options for you.”

Interested miners were given forms to provide rele-

the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). This information would expedite the pre-qualification process.

negotiations are ongoing, and once all goes according to plan, the GGDMA would be in a better position to have an

GGDMA Executive Charles DaSilva addressing miners at the special meeting to discuss mining concessions yesterday vant information that would be submitted to the GGDMA, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and

GGDMA President Terrence Adams told scores of miners gathered at the GGDMA North Road office that

extension of the tax concessions granted by government earlier this month.

He explained that, in the

case of the fuel concession, small- and medium-scale miners would be required to pay government only 10 per cent. “This puts us on a scale with companies like the Guyana GoldFields,” Adams said proudly.

Fuel concession has been reduced from 50 per cent to 10 per cent. However, this has been granted for only six months. According to the agreement with the government, tax exemptions on the acquisition of diesel fuel to be utilised in the mining sector shall be granted to beneficiaries for an initial period of six months, but miners are required to maintain proper records of receipt, distribution and usage of fuel.

“Diesel fuel must be used solely in the mining sector, and all miners must be tax-compliant in order to benefit from the partial exemptions,” the agreement stipulates.

Miners, Adams said, will be able to save money on fuel that can be used for other purposes. “It is up to you whether you want to comply,” he said.

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GGDMA executive Charles DaSilva also urged fellow miners to be compliant.

“Come to the Association… take advantage of this opportunity…the Association needs membership, finance…so we can talk to the government on your behalf”.

He explained that while “this is not the end, we have been battling for a long time, and going along with the government for many years; you can clearly see we are making process.

“We must comply, because you get nothing for nothing. You got to comply and you got to toe the line, and this is how we are going to make progress,” added Da Silva.

He noted that things won’t change overtime, but without compliance, things in the industry that are now causing struggle will not get better.

“You have to comply; you have to get all your things in order. This is only fair, because the government has already catered for X

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Guyana

Let it be made clear that I was not involved in the Pradoville land sale Dear Editor

EDITORIAL

Double standards

THE opposition PPP has predictably sought to make much of the government’s decision to raise ministers’ salaries by 50 percent. It has, thankfully, been overshadowed by the criticisms which have emanated from government supporters and independent voices.

Many have pointed out that the PPP has little credibility on these matters. It is no secret that the former ruling party has earned itself the negative image of an overly corrupt governing party. The list of indiscretions committed by that party while in office is getting longer by the day. For this week alone, the media have reported at least three instances of government over-reach by the former government: the NCN-TVG scandal; the farming out of lands to friends at MMA; and, lately, the Pradoville affair.

We also reported that, even as the PPP is seeking to condemn the government for the recent salary increases, its three ex-Presidents -- Messrs Jagdeo, Ramotar and Samuel Hinds -– are collectively pocketing a whopping sum of $6.3 million in pension monthly.

This is a hefty sum which, as we reported, could pay the salaries of ten senior ministers or 13 junior ministers.

Here is a case of former government functionaries being paid more than sitting cabinet members. In fact, Mr Jagdeo has chosen to take this hefty pension instead of the lesser amount allocated for the Office of Opposition Leader.

There is no doubt that the PPP is practising the worst double-standards, and in the process trying to mislead its supporters and the rest of the country. If one is making a case against high salaries for ministers, one has the moral right to reveal one’s own culpability in this regard.

The PPP has to be called out on this matter. It cannot hide behind the indignation of government supporters, whose case flows from a moral place.

What does the opposition party have to say about the revelations by the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) in relation to Pradoville? If the SARU report is correct,

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 16, 2015

THE media houses reported today that Dr. Nanda K. Gopaul, a former Minister of Labour, along with other colleagues, should be held liable and be charged criminally over the sale of lands at Pradoville 2.

I wish to state categorically that I am not the holder of any plot of land at that location, nor did I play any role in the allocation of land at that location. Fur-

ther, I played no role in the decision-making process involving the sale of those house lots.

I was not a minister of the government when those lots were allocated, and I view with grave concern the attempt by the State Asset Recovery Unit, or any other agency of government, to malign my name and impugn my character as being part of some alleged illegal activity. It is clear that there was haphazard work done by the government

agency, and it appears clear that the current government is attempting to embarrass former government officials.

I see nothing wrong or illegal in the development of any housing project by the Government of Guyana under the PPP government.

(Pradoville 2 included).

This attempt by arms of the current government to seek to sensationalise the issue and damage the character of former government officials must be condemned and highlight-

ed as a bad omen which will create further division in our society.

I take serious view of the SARU report, if it is correct, and the follow-up reporting by the media houses of same.

I therefore seek a complete retraction and an appropriate apology -with equal prominence -over this misinformation, which has done irreparable harm to my integrity and character.

DR. N.K. GOPAUL

Noted Guyanese Prof. Raymond T. Smith has passed on DR Raymond T. Smith, renowned anthropologist and Professor Emeritus of the University of Chicago, died on October 1, 2015 in Santa Cruz, California.

He was 90 years old.

Born in Oldham, England, Raymond was the eldest of three brothers, sons of a police detective.

He was the first in his family to go to university.

While a Royal Air Force cadet during WWII, he won a coveted scholarship to Cambridge University, where he studied social anthropology. He served with the RAF from 1943 to 1952 as a Flight Lieutenant in the Cambridge University Air Squadron. At the end of hostilities, Raymond was posted to Germany with a forensic team to locate the wreckage of crashed British and American aircraft, and to identify the remains of the air crews.

Raymond was a major figure in post-WWII social anthropology. His work and his life focused on kinship in the Caribbean and the U.S. He conducted extensive field work in British Guiana, where he met his wife of 61 years, Flora (Tong) Smith.

Raymond went on to teach, conduct research, and mentor PhDs at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica, University of California Berkeley, University of Ghana in West Africa, and McGill University in Montreal, Canada.

Raymond spent the last 40 years of his career at the University of Chicago, where he was Chairman of the Department of Anthropology for many years.

After his retirement from the University of Chicago, Raymond and Flora moved to Santa Cruz, California.

In recent years, Raymond’s main focus was his devoted

then the transfer of government lands to ministers at rates much lower than the market value is not a matter of political miscalculation, but is a clear case of appropriation of government resources for personal use.

The country should be up in arms against this kind of behaviour. How can people entrusted with overseeing public resources be so barefaced?

What does the PPP have to say about purchasing equipment for NCN but refusing to install same while paying large sums to their friends for performing the very functions an equipped NCN could have done? If the report is true, then we are in the face of yet another instance of naked corruption. This is not a matter of an

care of Flora.

He is survived by his wife Flora (Tong) Smith, his daughter Fenela Sadler (with his first wife Madeleine Giles), his sons Colin and Anthony, six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and his brother Donald.

Major publications include: British Guiana. Issued under the auspices of the Royal Institute of International Affairs: Oxford University Press, London, New York, Toronto 1962. Reprinted 1964 by OUP. Reprinted 1980 by Greenwood Press, Westport, Connecticut, USA. ISBN 0-313-22142-1.

The Negro Family in British Guiana: Family Structure and Social Status in the Villages. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul Limited. Reprinted by Routledge January 1998, ISBN 0415175763.

The Matrifocal Family:

Power, Pluralism Politics.

Routledge, 1996. “Race, Class and Gender in the Transition to Freedom,” in F. McGlyn & S. Drescher, eds., The Meaning of Freedom: Economics, Politics and Culture after Slavery.

University of Pittsburgh Press, 1992, pp. 257-290.

Kinship and Class in the West Indies: A Genealogical Study of Jamaica and Guyana. Cambridge University Press, 1988, “Kinship and Class in Chicago,” in L. Mullings, ed., Cities of the United States: Studies in Urban Anthropology. Columbia University Press, 1987, pp. 292-313. “Hierarchy and the Dual Marriage System in West Indian Society,” in J. Collier & S.J. Yanagisako, eds., Gender and Kinship: Essays Toward a United Analysis.

Stanford University Press, 1987, pp. 163-196.

COLIN SMITH SANTA CRUZ CALIFORNIA

isolated government error; a clear pattern is established here.

Freedom of speech is guaranteed even for the disgraced. So the PPP, even as it stands accused, has a right to criticise the government. But to do so with the full knowledge that its track record while in government leaves a lot to be desired is an extreme case of political hypocrisy. We call on Guyanese to not spare the PPP the critical gaze. The law must take its course where necessary, but the jury of the people’s condemnation must also come into play. It is the only way to ensure justice; but, more critically, it is the only way to put a halt to the disease of official corruption.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 16, 2015

Sale of Pradoville lands:

Clear case exists to charge Jagdeo, former ministers - says AG

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

his former ministers: Robert Persaud, Dr. Jennifer Westford, Dr Jennifer Westford Priya Manickchand, Dr. Nanda Gopaul, and Clement Rohee.

By Svetlana Marshall Speaking to the press at his office on Thursday, the Legal ATTORNEY General and Affairs Minister said not only Legal Affairs Minister Ba- were the lands “grossly unsil Williams has said a dervalued” during the initial “clear case” exists against sale, but when the lands were those high ranking Peo- resold, the former ministers ple’s Progressive Party/ raked in “tremendous profits.”

Civic (PPP/C) officials who While the case would be have been fingered in a treated as a civil matter by the corruption case put forth Attorney General’s Chambers, by the State Assets Recov- he would have recommended ery Unit (SARU). that the report be sent to the The SARU has, in a Public Security Minister and submitted report, accused the Director of Public Prosformer president Bharrat ecution (DPP) for criminal Jagdeo and five of his min- charges to be brought against isters of purchasing, at Spar- the accused. endaam, East Coast Demer“The criminal side is misara, prime State lands that conduct in public office, and were “grossly undervalued that will be swifter,” he said. and sold (for) substantially Explaining that “the constitulower than the market val- tional body to institute charges ue.” is the DPP,” he noted that the The unit has called on “police could also institute the Attorney General to put charges, but if they institute in place the requisite sys- charges without collaborating tems that would pave the with the DPP, the DPP has way for charges of “mis- (the) power to intervene and conduct in public office” to take over the prosecution startbe laid against Jagdeo and ed by the police.”

Clement Rohee

In responding to concerns that the DPP, Mrs Shalimar Ali-Hack, would have also benefited from a plot of land in the disputed area, Minister Williams said Hack would have to recuse herself from the case.

“Well, I don’t want to think out loud, but that will be a case where the DPP would have to recuse herself in the determination of that matter,” he posited.

Questioned whether the DPP or the Guyana Police Force would be able to institute charges against Jagdeo, considering that the act was committed while he was a serving president, Williams said: “The Constitution provides that, but it is a question of interpretation.”

Williams explained that the Constitution provides for a president to act within his realm of power, but if that power is abused or if the President acts outside of his power, then he would lose that protection. “…but the Constitution does say something like that, but it’s all a question of interpretation at the courts,

Priya Manickchand

Robert Persaud

Dr Nanda Gopaul

because even though you have the power, you have to exercise the power judicially…,” he said.

The GPF and the DPP will be pursuing the criminal end of the matter, but the Attorney General reiterated that the only action his chambers could bring against the accused is a civil action of misfeasance of public office.

However, it was explained that the chamber must first gather the necessary evidence and particulars in order to move forward. “I can assure you that once we find that we have sufficient evidence to constitute the tort -- and I believe there is (evidence), because you have former ministers who knew that they were getting land at an undervalue that was State land and they actually resold the land for profit…,” he argued.

He further added: “Ministers must know that they are in an office of trust, and that they are supposed to use their office for the benefit of the public and the State. And so they cannot be involved

in an exercise that would undermine the rights of the State and cause the State to suffer loss or damage…and certainly, when it comes to State land, they must know the value of those lands.”

Meanwhile, the SARU report has pointed out that the controversial area -- previously identified as Tract A of Sparendaam, and now called ‘Pradoville 2’ -- was owned by the State, but a 2010 decision by the then Cabinet under the stewardship of Jagdeo had the land privatised.

Twenty persons were among those who benefited, including the then president and five of his cabinet ministers. The lands were transferred to beneficiaries under several conditions, one being that the “transferee shall not be at liberty to sell, lease, transfer, or part with possession of the said property within ten years of transfer without the written consent of the minister responsible for housing.”

However, Priya Manickchand, who was serving as Human Services and

Social Security Minister at the time, allegedly “sold her land to Dave Naraine for a whopping $100M on February 21, 2013, three years after the purchase of the said land, (and) without any written permission from the CHPA.” She accordingly breached Clause C of the conditions attached by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA).

The land owned by Robert Persaud was allegedly transferred into the possession of his wife, Kamini Persaud, and that of his children -- Makalya and Robert Persaud Jnr. On the 18th September, 2014, the said land was sold to LSR Company for $90M without any written permission from CH&PA, thereby breaching Clause C of the agreement.

At the end of the investigation, the unit concluded that the former cabinet ministers “wilfully neglected” to execute their duties without reasonable excuse and justification, to such an extent that it amounted to an abuse of the public trust in the office holders”.

Promotions in magistracy coming soon S Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry

EVERAL promotions are in the making for magistrates across the country, and this should take effect very soon.

The promotions are in order, given the elevation and confirmation of Ann Elizabeth Mc Lennan as the country’s chief magistrate. Her promotion and confirmation come months after performing duties as Chief Magistrate following the elevation of Priya Sewnarine-Beharry as a Judge.

In a document which this publication has seen, it is stated that “The Judicial Service Commission will shortly announce a number of promotions within the magistracy.”

In confirming Mc Lennan as the Chief Magistrate, the JSC pointed out that it took note of her discipline, work ethic and dedication to the duty she performed.

Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan, as she is popularly referred to within legal circles, joined the magistracy in 2007, and has presided over several courts in Guyana after she was seconded from the Guyana Defence Force.

Magistrate Mc Lennan, the Judicial Service Commission noted, was a former member of the Guyana Defence Force who attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was the officer commanding the Legal Services Department.

Mc Lennan completed her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, Barbados. Following that, Mc Lennan proceeded to the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad, where she completed her legal education in 1996.

Ann McLennan to be confirmed as country’s Chief Magistrate

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 16, 2015

GPL promises normalcy in electricity supply to Bartica -publishes load-shedding schedule

THE Guyana Power and Light (GPL), officially responding to the outcry of Bartica residents, issued a release yesterday informing that electricity supply will return to normalcy in Bartica on Saturday, October 17.

“Bartica has experienced interruptions in the supply of electricity over the past two weeks due to technical issues on the Generating Engines at the Bartica Power Generating Facility,” the release said, as it explained that a containerised unit (No. 11) had been taken up to the location to boost power, as the No. 9 Unit has been deemed unserviceable while the No. 6 Unit remains offline.

The power station was, by Wednesday, working to connect the No. 11 Unit to the network and install the necessary components, the release detailed.

However, in order to initiate and effect this connection, a total outage in Bartica was necessary on Thursday between 08:00 hrs and 12:00hrs, it was explained.

“It is envisioned that the No. 11 Unit will be energised by Saturday, October 17, and this will allow the power supply to return to normalcy,” the GPL release said.

According to the power station, until normalcy is regained, the undermentioned load shedding guide remains in effect owing to reduced available capacity, as one Unit (No.10) remains in service.

Residents have been advised to check the GPL website at www.gplinc.net for updates, or the GPL Facebook Page, which can be found by searching for ‘GPL Inc’ from their individual Facebook accounts, and the TARZIE Television Station.

“Our company seeks the patience of the residents while

we execute the necessary corrective work to restore reliable electricity. We extend our sincerest apologies to our valued customers of Bartica”, the GPL has said.

Since Saturday, residents of Bartica have been complaining bitterly about the lack of electricity within their community. They have also lashed out at GPL, contending that the company was silent on the situation, leaving residents to draw their own conclusions.

Ignatius Prowell had said, “We would have expected that something would have been said by GPL or the Administration, but nobody seems to know anything.”

A 38-YEAR-old cook was yesterday remanded to prison by City Magistrate Ann McLennan after pleading not guilty to a narcotic charge at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Onkia Williams of Lot 2518 Layau Street, North Ruimveldt was before the court on the charge which alleges that on October 13 at Sulfur Road Backdam, Cuyuni River, she had 58 grams of cannabis in her possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Williams’ lawyer, Mr. Clyde Forde, in his application for reasonable bail, explained that his client worked as a cook attached to a mining camp. When the police conducted a search there the alleged drug was not found in the possession of Williams.

However, according to Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones, the accused operated a shop in the interior which, on the day in question, was searched by police ranks on patrol. He further explained that the accused was busted with the drug which was concealed in a scotch-taped parcel in her netting.

The parcel consisted of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis and later confirmed to be the illicit substance.

Williams will make her next court appearance on October 28 at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.

The load shedding guide

Time

Areas

08:00 hrs to 16:00 hrs

Byderabo, Agatash , First Avenue between Fifth and Ninth Streets, Fifth Street between Seventh and Fourth Avenues, First Street between Fourth and Seventh Avenues

16:00 hrs to 00:00 hrs (Midnight)

1 – 4 Miles Potaro, a section of Mongrippa Hill, West Indian

00:00 hrs to 08:00 hrs

Old Housing Scheme, Mongrippa Hill (Part 2), First Avenue between First and Fifth Streets and Third Avenue between First and Fifth Streets,

Housing Scheme.

Woman remanded for Teen pleads guilty to five ganja possession counts of armed robbery

By Clestine Juan

He emphasised that residents have a right to information.

“The only time we would have gotten a response is when we would have protested last year; and so I am wondering (if), with a change in the Administration, we would have to go down that road again.”

Last year, GPL had apologised to the residents of Bartica after they had experienced a series of power outages, due to the numbers Eight and Nine Caterpillar generating sets experiencing technical faults.

- gets 12-year jail sentence

SEVENTEEN-year-old Anfernee Archer was yesterday sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by Magistrate Alex More. He is charged with five counts of armed robbery.

Archer pleaded guilty to the charge which alleged that, on August 21 this year, at West Ruimveldt, and while being armed with a gun, he robbed Jameila Messiah, Dimitris Howard, Kimberly Moore, Kimberly Billy and Jermaine Kirk.

Among the items stolen were personal documents, two handbags, two cellphones, a gold wedding band and $8,000 in cash,

Anfernee Archer carrying a total value of $175,500.

Not your...

From Page 2 civil-military relations must be the bedrock of democracy. “The military force, in the final analysis, must be subordinate to the civil authority,” the President told the army officers.

DEFENCE DIPLOMACY The President also spoke about Guyana’s defence policy, as proposed in the BNSC Report, which should be in accord with the State’s foreign policy and diplomatic posture. “Defence diplomacy contributes to building of confidence between armed forces and, in extreme cases, to preventing conflict, managing crises and resolving disputes between states. Guyana has gained much by establishing

itself as a reliable partner in regional and hemispheric security and stability. This form of diplomacy should be enhanced.” The GDF deployed troops for several months in 2004-2005 to assist Grenada which had been badly damaged by Hurricane Ivan. The Force had previously sent humanitarian missions to Antigua, Jamaica and Montserrat in the aftermath of destructive hurricanes in those islands.

The Force also participated regularly alongside other Caribbean defence and police forces in ‘Exercise Tradewinds’, sponsored by the United States Southern Command. The Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School, additionally, has provided training to officer cadets from Antigua, Barbados and Belize.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 16, 2015

PPP accuses Govt of witch-hunting

IN the wake of a recommendation for criminal charges be instituted against several former government ministers over the sale of lands at the Pradoville 2 housing scheme, the opposition People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) has condemned what it claimed is a “vicious and vengeful attempt by the APNU+AFC administration.

The PPP in a statement yesterday said it will not be daunted by the on-going APNU+AFC “witch-hunting and campaign of vilification”.

The PPP said it remains convinced that at length, the truth will come out and the party’s unsinkable faith in the people in general, and its members and supporters in particular, will eventually see the governing APNU+AFC being a sorry sight.

“All the evil and diabolical acts they have committed will be dashed to pieces and consigned to the dustbin of history,” the PPP said in its statement. The Attorney General, Basil Williams has since indicated that he will be forwarding the recommendations to the Director of Public

Prosecutions for advice on the case. The PPP said that “the blitzkrieg launched against the APNU+AFC coalition administration by a wide cross section of Guyanese society expressing their disgust and rejection of the unconscionable salary increase” has the coalition government on the back foot.

“In a desperate effort to wage a fight-back, several beneficiaries of the largesse from the treasury have come out in defense of their defenseless ‘split the spoils, mates’ syndrome. First, it was Harmon, followed by Basil Williams, Jordan then Trotman who came out in Viva Zapata style defending their hefty pay hikes,” the PPP charged.

It added that others are bound to follow suit as the coalition sinks deeper and deeper in the quagmire which it has found itself. “One of the tools in the damage control tool box the government has resorted to is the technique called ‘diversion’; it is used to divert attention away from an issue such as the current salary increase debacle which the Granger-led APNU+AFC coalition administration has

come under severe criticism for on a daily basis,” the PPP stated.

According to the PPP, the government is hoping that by diverting the public’s attention away from itself and the salary increase and further, by shifting attention to the so-called Pradoville 2 inquisition by leaking the “results of the investigation and recommendations” by the Asset Recovery Unit, that they will succeed in re-focusing the public’s attention from itself and the current morass to the fabricated Pradoville 2 Nancy story”.

It said the most recent Trotman’s “trust us, believe us” pleadings have been clumsy and must be seen as further blundering by his administration. And the attempt to divert attention away from the salary issue is quite obvious to all and sundry, the PPP posited. It said these efforts are another manifestation of the Government trying to fool the people. “In effect, their defence has been transformed into counter-attack and the target is the Opposition as is to be expected,” the PPP said.

Uitvlugt murder accused gets 25 years for manslaughter

Andrew Albert being escorted to jail after he was sentenced to 25 years last evening (Delano Williams photo)

By Michel Outridge ANDREW Albert was late yesterday sentenced to 25 years imprisonment on the lesser count of manslaughter for the August 10, 2010 killing of Nandlall Bhopat, after a unanimous verdict by the 12-member jury at the Demerara Assizes before Justice Navindra Singh.

The jury after much deliberation, following the summation by Justice Singh, found the accused guilty of manslaughter and not guilty for murder.

According to the allegation, the accused was said to have stabbed 43-year-old Bhopat during a row over a bicycle at a culvert corner at De Groot, Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, on August 10, 2010. Subsequent to the stabbing, Bhopat was tak-

en to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he died on August 13, 2010. An autopsy revealed the cause of death to be perforation of the spleen and blood vessels due to 14 incised stab wounds.

Albert had denied stabbing the 43-year-old deceased and said he acted in self-defence.

Justice Singh told the court that five years will be reduced from his 25-year sentence since he was incarcerated for that time and would not be eligible for parole after 15 years.

He told Albert that he would come out of jail at an age when he can still contribute meaningfully to society and all was not lost although he stood shackled in the prisoner’s dock with a weary expression.

Justice Singh, after reading out the sentence ex-

plained that the jury had found Albert guilty of manslaughter since they believed he was provoked by the deceased but the 14 incised wounds he inflicted on the deceased was too excessive.

When asked whether he had anything to say before the sentence was read by Justice Singh, Albert responded in the negative but his attorney George Thomas on his behalf told the court that the accused was only 25 years of age when the incident took place.

He added that the accused has four children and had no previous brushes with the law. He said also that he has shown the potential to change and while in prison for the five years he gained a life skill and did not have any problems with the prison authorities. The attorney then asked that a minimum sentence be given considering these circumstances.

State Prosecutor Narissa Leander told the court, however, that the maximum sentence should be handed down to the accused considering the severity of the injuries received by the deceased.

After the sentence was read by Justice Singh, a seemingly composed Albert was led out of the court while his relatives were seen crying as they exited the court.

Trade unions present signed Peace Declaration to Venezuelan Ambassador

By Shirley Thomas

THE trade union movement in Guyana believes in peaceful dialogue towards a resolution of conflict, and is inviting the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to adapt this position as the two countries continue to address the delicate border issue.

To this end, trade unions in Guyana yesterday organised a peace march through the streets of Georgetown, calling for a peaceful settlement to the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy.

The trade unionists and workers assembled opposite Parliament Building on Brickdam, and moved off at 10:00 hrs for the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on Thomas Street, Georgetown, where they presented a signed Peace Declaration to Ambassador Margarita Reina Arratia Diaz.

First turning north into Avenue of the Republic the parade proceeded east along Church Street before turning north again into Thomas Street, culminating in a peaceful assembly outside the Venezuelan Embassy.

At the embassy, the delegation of trade unionists leading the workers on the march was met by Venezuelan emissaries, including the Venezuelan Ambassador.

Four key trade union leaders, representing the delegation, were invited into the Embassy where they presented and read the Peace Declaration to the Venezuelan Ambassador.

The trade union leaders were CCWU’s General Secretary Ann Anderson who presented and read the Declaration, GAWU’s Komal Chand and Seepaul Narine and NAACIE’s General Secretary Kenneth Joseph.

Giving a gist of what is contained in the Declaration, Andersen told journalists: “It is a joint Declaration calling for a peaceful settlement to the Guyana-Venezuela border issue, being staged by Guyanese trade unions and workers here at home, as well as in Venezuela.”

“As trade unionists, we are saying that while the governments are coming together to negotiate and are discussing how they’ll address the system, in the meantime we want peace. We want to survive; we want to co-exist. We don’t want a military presence at our borders because we’re in negotiation and are deciding the way forward. In the meantime, we want to build our country. At the end of the day, whatever is the decision, the countries will abide. But while they are discussing and negotiating and coming to agreements, our workers want to work and

CCWU General Secretary Ann Anderson presents the Peace Declaration to Ambassador Reina Arratia Diaz.

Others from left are NAACIE’s Kenneth Joseph, interpreter Iewha Phillips, Seepaul Naraine and Komal Chand

develop the country. The task of nation-building must move ahead,” Anderson said.

Significantly, the peace march staged in Guyana yesterday was scheduled to be replicated in Venezuela around the same time.

Addressing the Venezuelan Ambassador, Anderson asserted: “Our presence here today is one of the activities planned to take place jointly in Guyana and Venezuela. It is scheduled to have the same thing we’re doing here today happening in Venezuela.

And after reading the details of the Declaration, Anderson concluded: “So on behalf of our trade unions and our trade union brothers and sisters in Venezuela, we are here today to present to you, the Declaration that we signed…”

Meanwhile, Venezuelan Ambassador Arratia, in a rather amicable disposition, speaking through interpreter Iewha Phillips, responded that it was an honour to receive the trade union delegation at the embassy. She considered the gesture very important, adding that the border issue engaging the attention of Venezuela and Guyana should be done peacefully between their two

countries.

“For us, peace is very important, and this is why we conduct ourselves in peace,” the Ambassador said, noting that it is also the wish of President Maduro.

“I wish to thank all the workers of Guyana for giving their support in this scenario in which we find ourselves, and I think that things should be resolved peacefully,” the Ambassador said.

Thanking the trade unions for their intervention, Ambassador Arratia had special thanks for GAWU as well.

GAWU’s Seepaul Narine told reporters that the document was a joint declaration and followed a meeting between trade unionists from Guyana and Venezuela, held on September 23 and 24, in Brazil. The meeting was initiated by Brazil, through the ITF, of which Guyana’s CCWU is an affiliate. Two sets of trade unionists were involved – one set from Venezuela and the other from Guyana.

Narine reiterated that the trade unionists on behalf of the Guyanese people are calling for a peaceful and final settlement to the Guyana-Venezuela border issue.

10

More funds unaccounted for

– in Westford probe THE amount of cash that was reportedly unaccounted for by former Minister of Public Service Dr. Jennifer Westford is nearing the one billion dollar mark, usually reliable sources have confirmed.

This publication was told earlier this week that a government agency is at present looking into the matter. It was confirmed that the funds are far more than the $600M that is now engaging the attention of the Guyana Police Force and the Chambers of

the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

The additional funds according to reports may be connected to operations and activities which Westford was reportedly engaged in, outside the purview of her subject ministry although those activities were conducted on behalf of the State.

The DPP is yet to advise the police on what charges could be laid for the unaccounted sum of more than $600M.

CARIBBEAN-based air carrier, InselAir, will be increasing its frequency and capacity from Guyana to Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao and to the rest of its growing network.

As of October 5, 2015 InselAir has added a flight from Guyana to Curacao on

Monday and to Aruba on Tuesday, which will result in 6 flights per week out of Guyana into InselAir’s 2 hubs.

The 2 added flights will improve the connectivity from Guyana to popular destinations in InselAir’s network, such as Aruba, Bo-

naire, Curacao, St. Maarten, Manaus, Santo Domingo, Miami, Jamaica, Havana and to Venezuelan destinations such as Barquisimeto, Valencia, Caracas and Maracaibo.

InselAir provides a seamless connection to the aforementioned destinations and attractive ticket fares.

Moreover, passengers can also book so-called dual-destinations, meaning they have the opportunity, at no extra charge, to stay and explore a destination before continuing to their final destination.

Since 2006, InselAir has grown to be one of the best airlines in providing international flexible connectivity to North and South America as well as the Caribbean Region.

Tickets can be purchased at any InselAir ticket office and via local and online travel agents.

Republic Bank announces winners of ‘Deal on Wheels’ promotion THE winners of the Republic Bank Deal on Wheels Auto Financing Campaign 2015 were announced on Wednesday, during a Prize Draw at the bank’s Water Street branch.

The persons named below have each won all expenses paid trips for two, complete with spending money as follows: 1. Tracy Humphrey - First prize - St. Lucia 2. Aflsi Barnes - Second prize - Barbados 3. Tyrone Bovell - Third prize - Trinidad & Tobago The winners were randomly selected from among eligible customers who supported the bank’s recently concluded Deal on Wheels Auto Loan Campaign.

Republic Bank, in a

A customer Ms. Allison Harewood, assisting with the prize draw which was witnessed by the bank’s staff Ms. Alison Barkie Marketing Specialist Retail Credit/ Mortgages, and Mrs. Jewel Thomas Mortgage Officer of the Water Street branch

statement, expressed sincerest gratitude to each of the campaign’s customers

U.S. reaffirms pledge to work with local Judicial Sector – New Ambassador meets AG

Former Public Service Minister Dr Jennifer Westford

InselAir increases frequency from Guyana to Aruba, Curacao

A view of InselAir’s travel destinations

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 16, 2015

for making Republic Bank their financial institution of choice.

Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Basil Williams meeting with the new United States of America Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, at the minister’s Carmichael Street office

THE United States stands ready to assist Guyana in its judicial sector reform, said U.S. Ambassador Perry Holloway as he recommitted his country’s support yesterday when he paid a courtesy call on Attorney General and Le-

gal Affairs Minister Basil Williams.

“We will do our part in providing technical assistance and our doors are opened for anything that the Attorney General needs,” Ambassador Holloway told members of the

Media shortly after having a brief meeting with the Attorney General.

In response, the Attorney General noted that Guyana and the U.S. have shared a long and fruitful relationship, and Ambassador Holloway’s predecessors had played an integral role in the local government reform process. “We look forward to continued cooperation with the American Government through this new ambassador,” AG Williams added.

The U.S. Ambassador has paid courtesy calls on a number of high ranking officials since presenting his credentials to President David Granger on October 2, 2015. And recently he met with Finance Minister Winston Jordan and Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Barton Scotland.

Ambassador Holloway, a career member o f t h e S e n i o r F o re i g n Service, class of Min ister-Counsellor, most recently served as Political-Military Counsellor at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan (2013 – July 2014).

Students of nine secondary schools compete in GNBS education forum

Students being addressed by a GNBS official as part of National Quality Week

STUDENTS of nine secondary schools participated on Wednesday in an education forum organised by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) as part of National Quality Week 2015.

The event was held in the main benab of the Amerindian Village at the Exhibition Complex in Sophia.

The main presentation was done by Candelle Bostwick-Walcott, Head of the Conformity Assessment Unit, GNBS, who focused on the theme, ‘Standards - the World’s Common Language’.

GROUP EXERCISE The students had the opportunity to complete a group exercise for which they were assessed and prizes in the form of textbooks were presented to the winners. New Campbelville Secondary, Annandale Secondary and

Diamond Secondary received first, second and third prizes respectively.

Also speaking at the forum was Executive Director of the GNBS, Evadnie Enniss who encouraged the students and teachers to appreciate how standards are important to almost every aspect of human life. She also urged them to adopt and apply the principles of standards to their individual lives since standards can be viewed even in the way one behaves.

STANDARDS - THE ONLY ROAD Meanwhile, in observance of World Standards Day on Wednesday, the GNBS Executive Director said: “I wish to target especially our small and micro-enterprises with the message that standards is the only road that will land your business to destination

success.”

Quality products, services and increased market share are business goals, Enniss said, and businesses must embrace standardisation in order to survive.

“You must remember that customers in the twenty-first century will continue to demand the highest quality of goods and services from their suppliers and this determination will be made by using standards as the benchmark not only for quality but safety also,” Enniss stated.

“So today my appeal to stakeholders across all economic sectors of our great country is: get on board now.

Remember that the GNBS, your partners in standardisation, stands ready to offer the requisite technical assistance to any company or business that is serious about putting in hard work to achieve success,” she urged.

Enniss also observed that there are too many actors on the business stage who want to enjoy true success without standards implementation. “Let me say, there are no shortcuts to the process because standards are inevitable and as the theme says - they are the world’s common language for technology, to determine quality for economic success and to provide assurance for safety.”

(Rabindra Rooplall)

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 16, 2015

Task force to deal with El Nino impact – Citizens urged to conserve on water, avoid wastage

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder (centre) flanked by sectorial representatives who offered their advice on combating the impact of El Nino

By Rabindra Rooplall GOVERNMENT is taking the necessary steps to keep the effects of El Nino under control through a multi-sectorial El Nino Task Force that will address the challenges that may arise.

This was disclosed yesterday by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder at a press conference at the Ministry’s Boardroom.

El Nino is a band of anomalously warm ocean water temperatures that periodically develop off the Pacific Coast of South America. Extreme climate change pattern oscillations fluctuate weather across the Pacific Ocean which results in fluctuating droughts, floods, and crop yields in varying regions of the world.

“We are expecting a 95%

chance that the Northern Hemisphere will experience El Nino or dry conditions. This will continue for the remainder of 2015 and probably into the second quarter of 2016, and our farmers will be the ones most affected; and as such we will be having a collaborative effect to address some of the challenges,” Minister Holder said.

Representatives of the sectorial departments were also present at the press conference.

The lead speaker addressing the issue, Head of the Agro-Meteorological Department, Dr. Gavin Cummings, said Guyana is in an El Nino phase and it is expected that the condition will continue until June 2016.

He said the current forecast models are suggesting that “this will actually be a very

strong El Nino,” which is expected to peak from October 2015 to January 2016.

After that period, conditions should return to normalcy, Dr Cummings said, but the agency is not clear on the impact this would have on the May/June rainy season in 2016.

“We have already begun to see the impact of the weather in terms of the rainfall quantities we have been recording around the country,” he said.

Rainfall is 50% below normal, Dr Cummings said, and there has also been a significant rise in temperatures daily.

“We are not at this time predicting no rainfall, but what we are saying is that rainfall might be 50% below normal for the secondary rainfall season in November, and goes until early February 2016.”

CONSERVING ON WATER General Manager of the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary-Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA), Aubrey Charles, said measures are being put in place to conserve on water.

“The Abary conservancy level this morning (Thursday) is 64.42 GD and at that level we are comfortable going into the next rice crop. However, if there is no rain, there may be some problems in sustaining the spring crop in 2016. What we have done so far is to monitor and take action at the tail of the irrigation system in preventing wastage, whatever actions necessary will be taken so that our farmers will be able to successfully cultivate their rice for spring crop 2016,” he explained.

Acting Head of the Na-

tional Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Frederick Henry, said during the El Nino season there is no problem with drainage, only irrigation supply.

“We would not have any problems until the middle of December…we will resort to supplementing water into the conservancy,” said Henry. Thereafter, if the condition persists, action will have to be taken to pump water into the conservancies via the Canje River Basin and other canals.

RICE HARVESTING GRDB General Manager Nizam Hassan said since rice is in its harvesting period, conditions are favourable to rice farmers. However, as situations arise for the need of water, it can definitely affect production. “We have to find ways to minimise the wastage of water. Rice itself is a stubborn crop, so it may not necessarily be overly affected, but it also depends on the situation of the supply of water.”

Head of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Dr. Oudho Homenauth, said fruit production is dependent on adequate amounts of water, and farmers are being encouraged to practise efficient water management techniques, especially the sprinkler type irrigation.

Dr. Homenauth advised that saline water should not be used on crops since salinity gets into the soil and it is very difficult to

extract, and could affect crops indefinitely. He noted also that shaded cultivation reduces the amount of water needed for crops. “What farmers also need to be aware of is the changes in the pest populations, especially at this time…we have staff out there doing the necessary monitoring and advising on some of the measures that can be taken to alleviate the situation.” He also advised that no one should practice any burning of anything in the fields.

According to a Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) representative, Raymond Sangster, the company is probably the largest user of water in the agriculture sector, and over the years, the corporation has developed a policy document to manage El Nino and its effects on the industry.

“Five of our seven grinding units depend on water from the conservancies….from experience, the Skeldon conservancy should see us through until the end of November if El Nino conditions persist. There is also the option of pumping water from the Canje using the two pumps at Sandaka,” Sangster said.

According to the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), there will be no significant changes in the domestic supplies. However, what could put stress on the system is the use of water for cash crops in rural communities.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 16, 2015

GTUC calls on BCGI to clarify position on ‘no wage increase’ – for bauxite workers

By Ariana Gordon THE Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) yesterday called on the Ministry of Social Protection to clarify the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated’s (BCGI) announcement to workers that there will be no increase in wages based on government’s directive.

BCGI is co-owned by Russian Aluminum (RUSAL) and the people of Guyana.

“Consequently, GTUC

calls on Ministry of Social Protection to address this matter with the immediacy and seriousness it deserves and in the interest of restoring normalcy in the workplace. GTUC further calls for the enforcing Section 4 (1) (c) of the Labour Act Cap. 98:01.”

The GTUC said where a recognised trade union is in place, “no employer or government has the power or authority to arbitrarily determine there will be no wage increase, outside of official

engagement between the employer and the workers’ representative.”

The Union, in a release to the media, said there exists a Certificate of Recognition issued by the Trade Union Recognition and Certificate Board, dated 26th July, 2007, which states that, “the GB&GWU [Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union] is recognised as the Bargaining Agent for all non-management employees excluding its security” at BCGI. At a meeting on Monday at its Aroraima location, BCGI management an-

nounced that there would be no increase for 2015 based on advice provided by the government of Guyana. At a second meeting held on Tuesday, with another group of workers, management repeated the announcement made the previous day.

“Since 2009 BCGI has been engaging in acts and actions contrary to the Laws of Guyana with the complicity of the Government of Guyana,” a release from the GTUC said.

The union calls on the administration to “clarify this latest position by BCGI, even more so that the act

by the company constitutes violation of the laws and transgression of workers/ citizens’ rights which elected officials have sworn to uphold, without fear, favour or ill will.”

The Union said it finds it “very disturbing” that BCGI is “being allowed to violate the tenets of good corporate practices, universal principles and laws.”

“Evidently, this can only continue in an environment where a government and part owner lacks the political interest, will or commitment to take a stand for what is right, or as the workers are wont to

believe, that they have been sold out by a group they voted overwhelmingly for.”

Such action by the company does not constitute a “stable industrial environment,” the Union added noting that the issue is solely about the workers and by law each worker is entitled to freedom of association and collective bargaining and every employer is “duty bound to respect” the law, while it is government’s responsibility to ensure the law is followed. Attempts to contact the subject minister Simona Broomes proved futile.

GGDMA urges miners to change culture... amount of duty on fuel… they have given us a relief because of the low gold price at the moment, and we are happy for this.”

Miners were urged to talk to the Association about

their issues, and guidance would be provided.

NOT REALISTIC Many of the miners present at the meeting last evening opined that the con-

ditions of the agreement made between government and the GGDMA are not “realistic”. One miner, Mr. Marcus, said: “Most of these measures are too stringent.”

He said that dredge operators

are faced with many challenges while working in the interior.

He said false information is provided to employers by miners on one hand, while others do not have documentation, including birth certificates, Identification cards, and TIN certificate.

Questions of government being able to provide amnesty to those non-compliant miners were raised, but Adams said Amnesty has been raised at the various meetings held with government, but no decision has been taken on that yet. “We only signed the agreement on October 2, 2015, thirteen days ago. We are working on it,” he assured miners.

Meanwhile, former president of the GGDMA, Patrick Harding, said: “This is just the beginning” of the good things to come for miners.

He called on miners to “have faith in the Association.”

The executive of the Association assured the miners that the administration is working to “help the industry”. He said the “door is open, and negotiations will continue.”

Mining equipment listed for exemption are ATVs; rock-drilling or earth-boring tools, including jack hammers, tubes, pipes and hoses of vulcanized rubber fittings; other carpet and textile floor coverings; articulated link chain and parts; pumps;

Friday, October 16, 2015 - 05:00 hrs Saturday, October 17, 2015 - 05:30 hrs Sunday, October 18, 2015 - 08:30 hrs

From page 5

impellers; pump housings; shafts; marine propulsion engines and other engines.

Three categories of vehicle have received exemptions: Category A (declarants with 5,000 ounces of gold and above annually) are granted two double-cab pickup every five years, with no limitations regarding engine capacity, year or model; and one motor car every five years, with maximum cylinder capacity of 2500.

Category B are granted one double-cab pickup every five years with no limitations regarding engine capacity, year or model. This is offered for declarants between 2000 to 4999 ounces of gold annually.

Category C are offered one single-cab pickup every five years, with no limitation regarding engine capacity, year or model for declarants between 500 and 1999 ounces annually; while declarants under 500 ounces annually do not qualify for tax exemptions on motor vehicle for use in the mining sector.

The mining industry, though the leading foreign exchange earner for years, has been struggling with the falling gold prices on the world market. This year, declarations have dropped by at least 20 per cent. The GGDMA has for years been calling on the administration to assist the industry.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 16, 2015

Shortage of male teachers due to current – says GTU salaries President

By Shivanie Sugrim

THE 25% increase in wages and salaries for teachers that the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) has opted for in its new multi-year agreement will seek to attract more males into the teaching profession.

Annually, as outlined in the current agreement, teachers are to receive a five-per cent salary increase.

President of the union Mark Lyte, on countless occasions has asserted that this increase is not sufficient for teachers, and has been advocating salary increases since assuming office.

Lyte pointed out that the salary, as it stands presently, has contributed to the shortage of male teachers in the profession.

“There are more female teachers than male teachers.

This is mainly because of the insufficient remuneration that is being offered to teachers.

“It would not attract males because, in most instances, they are the breadwinners at home. So I think this is what has contributed to the shortage of male teachers in schools,” Lyte posited.

Against this backdrop, Lyte said the new proposal is opting for a possible 2535% increase in salaries for teachers which will ideally attract more males into the profession.

The new multi-year agreement is already drafted and will be handed over to the Education Ministry soon, given that the current agreement is coming to an end in December.

The agreement also sought to address an anomaly that has been existing for years: teachers who have been in the system for years receiving the same salary as a teacher of the same status, who has recently joined the profession.

According to Lyte, this aspect of the agreement has never materialised as teachers have never received this benefit. The GTU on several occasions had taken industrial action against this

GTU President Mark Lyte

in the past.

“Debunching” payments will then be prioritised and will act as one of the GTU’s big demands in the new agreement, apart from salary increases.

The present agreement states that teachers are to receive an annual clothing allowance of $8,000 per annum. This has also faced a similar fate to that of the five percent increase that teachers were said to have received this year.

But given the recent elections and the issuing of the budget, these aspects of the agreement have not been delivered.

The new agreement will therefore call for an increase in the clothing allowance, given that cost of living at present is high.

The union is also negotiating for duty-free concessions for not only headteachers, but also for Senior Masters and Heads of Department as well as senior lecturers at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).

A 150% increase in station allowances and hard-lying allowances is to be negotiated also, so that teachers from the hinterland can move freely to the coastland, and vice versa.

The GTU is contemplating the establishment of a three-year wages and salaries agreement instead of a five-year one, so that the union can act upon constant changes within that timeframe.

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Bicycle Patrol Unit – to help enforce City by-laws THE City Constabulary Department of the Mayor and City Council yesterday announced that it has resuscitated the Bicycle Patrol Unit. The bicycle patrol was birthed out of a relationship developed as a result of a visit in 2008 by local City Council officials to the Miami Conference of Mayors.

The main focus of the Unit is identifying violations of the City By-Laws.

Also, the ranks can warn and initiate arrest where necessary. The first batch of Bicycle Patrol officers was trained by Gary McLaughlin, of the Sacramento Police Department in the United

States. The training consists of maneuvering the bicycles at slow pace and over obstacles, which is consistent with riding in a City environment.

The Bicycle Patrol Unit would enhance the performance of the City Constabulary Department and lend support to the City Engineer, Public Health and Solid Waste Management Departments in the identification of various violations of the City by-laws. In addition, the Unit would enable the Constabulary to be more proactive in fighting crime in the City. It is anticipated that the visibility of the Officer would serve as a deterrent against crime.

Chief Constable An-

drew Foo said he intends to train an additional 20 persons in this area. This is in keeping with the need to address violations of the City’s by-laws and the mandate of the Constab-

ulary to serve and protect the citizens and assets of the Council. The City Constabulary Department is mandated to secure the Municipality’s assets and enforce the by-laws.

– GWI will deliver water via tanker to affected communities during emergency repairs tober 19.

During this period, GWI said it will be delivering water to affected customers via a tanker. The delivery tanker will be traversing the Main Access Road and will commence delivery at the entrance of every street within the affected communities.

These include: Canal #1, La Parfaite Harmonie, La Grange, Westminster, Schoonard, Recht door Zee and La Grange.

GWI apologises for any inconvenience caused and wishes to express gratitude for the patience of all affected customers.

PM receives courtesy call from Mr Ram Sankar ADVOCATE on Record, Supreme Court of India and Secretary of the Delhi Tamil Advocates’ Association Mr Ram Sankar, yesterday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

Sankar, on behalf of the Delhi Tamil Advocates’ Association congratulated the Prime Minister on his appointment and applauded his political commitment to social justice. Sankar is a holder of two Master’s Degree, one in Cyber Crime Law and the other in Copyright Law. Prime Minister Nagamootoo, during his discussions with Mr Sankar, highlighted that both sectors of his studies are very relevant to Guyana. During their conversation, the two parties discussed the benefits that can be met.

Mr Sankar noted that the

Mr Ram Sankar receiving a token from Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, yesterday

Prime Minister is a wellknown freedom fighter, journalist, lawyer and a writer.

“You have personified our culture of respect for good-

Watch out for ‘deceptive’ brands of Evaporated Milk – public advised against its sale, purchase

More operational challenges at L’Oratoire well station THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is advising customers served by the L’Oratoire Well Station, West Bank Demerara of a water service disruption due to technical difficulties.

The company’s Operations Department will be conducting emergency repairs from today until Monday Oc-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 16, 2015

ness, dynamism and respect and openness for other cultures”, Sankar said.

“We are confident that your able leadership and

firm commitment for social justice and humanism would lead Guyana in the path of social justice and prosperity.”

THE Government Analyst – Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) wishes to advice the general public against the sale and purchase of “misleading” (deceptive) brands of evaporated milk and evaporated filled milk that are being sold on our local market.

Evaporated milk is a milk, or milk product, which is constituted from animal source from which 60% of water has been evaporated.

It contains not less than 25 % of milk solids and 7.5 % milk fat, and may carry a pictorial representation of a cow, while evaporated filled milk is a prepared blend of skimmed milk, vegetable oil, stabilisers and vitamins.

According to Marlan Cole, Director, Food and Drug Department, the label on the evaporated filled milk cannot depict a pictorial representation of a cow and must carry a disclaimer “Not suitable for children under two years”.

Such a disclaimer is necessary because the digestive system of children is not sufficiently developed to process its content, and this amounts to a very serious public health issue.

Part II (6) 1 of the Food and Drug Act Cap 34:03 of 1971 states that “Any person who labels, packages, treats, processes, sells or advertises any food in a manner that is false, misleading or deceptive, or is likely to create an erroneous impression regarding its character, value, quality, composition, merit or safety, is guilty of an offence”.

The Department said it

has recently seized and removed from premises, 909 cans of evaporated filled milk with deceptive labels, while 16,326 cans were seized and left on premises.

In some cases, the content of milk fat declared on the label was only three 3 %, with no disclaimer and a pictorial representation of a cow. In addition, a (1x20) foot container of Global brand evaporated filled milk was recently “refused entry” at the John Fernandes Limited Terminal Wharf because the labels were deceptive.

Some of the brands seized are as follow: ● Promex Milko Evaporated Filled Milk ● Tinny Evaporated Filled Milk ● Rosa Evaporated Filled Milk ● G.I.V Evaporated Filled Milk ● Grace Filled Evaporated Milk ● Big J Evaporated Filled Milk ● Red and White Evaporated Milk The members of the National Food Safety and Control Committee from all the regions in Guyana were briefed on this issue, and were advised to take the necessary action against the deceptive products.

The department is also informing all importers and distributors to recall deceptively labelled milk and to surrender same to the Department for destruction.

For additional information, kindly contact the GA-FDD on 222-8859, 2228857 or 222-8856.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 16, 2015

Force Account Unit lauded for West Ruimveldt road works CITY residents are elated over the fact that once impassable roads, or in most cases inaccessible ones, are now normal thoroughfares.

This new and welcome development stems from the recent and ongoing rehabilitation paving works that are bringing citizens a much-needed level of comfort.

With the countrywide cleanup efforts ongoing, the country is experiencing a fresh look and feel. Both the city and the villages are now being transformed, as residents are enthusiastically teaming up with the Task Force.

In West Ruimveldt, the residents are ecstatic about the new developments in their area. The City Cleanup Task Force, months ago, visited their area, removed debris, cleaned canals and drains, and now the Force Account Unit of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is in their area, paving their com-

Gilhuys Square, West Ruimveldt, was upgraded

munity’s roads.

The areas recently completed by the Force Account Unit are: Gilhuys Square, Industrial Site, Crescent Street, Cactus Street, Shoppers’ Lane and Ice House Road.

Rehabilitation works were also done to the West Ruimveldt front road and others.

Charles De Younge, a resident, said that the road was perfectly done. However, he has made recommendations for another speed hump to be

erected, since minibus drivers drive at a fast pace on the recently paved road.

Mrs. Tanner, a Crescent Street resident, said the road was terrible and “taxi drivers did not want to come in.”

She added that persons with vehicles suffered tremendously, as the bottom of their vehicles and their tyres felt the brunt of it; but now that the road is completely paved, she is elated and satisfied with what is being done.

Paving works at Crescent Street, West Ruimveldt

She explained that a community centre for the area is needed, so that persons with problems can go for counselling, and the children can have place in the afternoons to go and play.

Ms. Waveney, residing in Crescent Street for the past 50 years, explained that for the past 18 to 20 years, the

area, which is a cul-de-sac, was impassable to motor traffic.

She detailed that, “I have two long-boots, one for town and one for this area, and when the rain comes, we couldn’t pass here properly… these road works here are alright, real good.”

These rehabilitation

works to community roads are not restricted to Region 4. Recently, tenders were advertised for the maintenance of a number of roads in Region 6. These include Islington to Everton, Toney Street, Chesney Main Road, and Vryman’s Erven Road, along with many others.

(GINA)

Green City initiative moving

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 16, 2015

- M&CC looks to ‘unfreeze’ environment by opening up green spaces - working assiduously to restore G/town to its former glory

By Shivanie Sugrim THE Mayor & Councillors of the City of Georgetown (M&CC) are working assiduously to restore Georgetown to its former glory one month after the formal launch of the ‘Green City’ initiative; and with assistance from businesses and volunteers, the city continues to be rid of eyesores.

Over the past weeks, a plethora of persons armed with tools were tearing down

unwanted infrastructure and ridding drains and streets of garbage. These activities form part of the M&CC’s plan to transform the city into an eco-friendly one.

The ‘Green City’ initiative is an M&CC undertaking launched with volunteer labour from interested persons in a bid to make Georgetown a “green place”. This initiative receives kind funding from businesses and other corporate sponsors who have a vested interest in seeing the project to fruition.

“We are restoring the ‘Garden City’ of our beautiful land. I came forward to help in restoring the city to what it was before. We trimmed trees, and now we are working on cleaning the parapets of all the main streets in Georgetown every day,” said one volunteer, who identified himself as ‘Kimbia’.

Volunteers like Kimbia will receive certificates of appreciation from the M&CC for their diligence in helping the council re-

store the city -- and the country itself -- to its former glory. Two days ago, the M&CC demolished a derelict building in Kingston, Georgetown, and in the coming weeks, will demolish four other derelict structures that are situated in Albouystown, Cummingsburg and Kitty. These buildings have been abandoned for years, and have become havens for criminal elements and trespassers.

The demolished struc-

ture in Kingston had, over the past year, been on the verge of collapse, and had even forced neighbours to relocate. A neighbour who identified himself as ‘Andy’ said the state of the building had forced him and his family to relocate.

“We have been out of our home for two weeks now, because the building has been collapsing for a while, and now it’s worse,” Andy pointed out.

The demolition of derelict buildings also forms

part of the M&CC’s plans in transforming the city to a green and eco-friendly one.

The M&CC has already demolished the ramshackle Bedford school building which once nestled in the heart of the Bourda Market area, where it became a haven for criminal elements and a threat to the lives of vendors.

Town Clerk Royston King has said that the Merriman Mall will soon be covered with grass, as the council seeks to create a healthy

g apace

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 16, 2015

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and green environment for citizens. He said plans are in place to refurbish and build play parks in the city.

“Right now, we are unfreezing the city’s environment by opening up green spaces. For instance, we are looking into building new parks for children, once the city has been restored to its former glory,” King revealed.

The M&CC is moving apace to ensure that the city borders perfection, and is working assiduously to enforce its “zero tolerance” approach to any compromise of the drainage system, or littering or any illicit activities taking place in Georgetown.

Adrian Narine photos show sections of Georgetown being cleaned and spruced up yesterday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday October 16, 2015

Dharmic Sabha plans countrywide Diwali motorcades

DIWALI will be celebrated on Wednesday November 11, 2015 and as is customary, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has organised eight spectacular Deepavali (Diwali) motorcades across the country.

This will be the 42nd year for the motorcades. Thousands of Guyanese are expected to line the streets and converge at the various venues to enjoy the dazzling spectacle which ushers in the Festival of Lights. There will be gorgeously bedecked representations of Mother Lakshmi and other depictions from the Scriptures, a kaleidoscope of lights, devotional music, spectacular cultural programmes and much more.

The Sabha, in a statement yesterday, said the first motorcade will be held on Friday November 6th at the Anna Regina Market Tarmac, Essequibo. On Saturday November 7, motorcades will be held at the Oceanview Mandir Compound, West Coast Demerara and the Diamond Market Tarmac, East Bank Demerara.

On Sunday November 8, four motorcades will be held in Berbice. In West Coast Berbice, the motorcade will converge

- Indian artistes to headline LBI motorcade

‘FLASHBACK’: One of the bright and colourful floats at a previous Diwali motorcade at the Bath Community Centre Ground. In East Berbice, the floats will assemble at Main and Vryheid Street opposite Church View Gift Shop and proceed to the Rosehall Community Centre Ground, Canje.

In Upper Corentyne, floats will make their way from Crabwood Creek and No. 36 Village to the Tagore High School ground. The Central Corentyne Praant’s Motorcade will move from Bushlot, Corentyne and No. 1 Village and converge at Port Mourant Community Centre Ground.

All of the motorcades will

culminate with grand cultural programmes and presentation of prizes beginning at 7pm.

The spectacular Georgetown/East Coast Demerara motorcade will be held on Tuesday November 10. Often described as the single largest event on the Guyanese calendar, the Sabha said this year’s motorcade promises to be as exciting as ever.

The fabulously decorated floats will assemble at the Shri Krishna Mandir, Campbellville from 6pm and will move west along Campbell Avenue into Sandy Babb Street, north into

J.B. Singh Road and east into Seawall Road to the LBI Community Centre Ground. Guyanese are encouraged to line the route of the motorcade to enjoy the fantastic display of Guyanese creativity. Mandirs, Youth Groups and families have begun working on their floats and from all indications, floats will be simply magnificent this year.

More than 20 floats have already registered their participation.

At the LBI Community Centre Ground, the stage programme starts at 7pm. There will be performances by the ZEETV Saregamapa finalists

Bishakh Jyoti and Shreyasi Bhattacharjee, Dharmic Nritya Sangh, Sookrane Boodhoo, Rekha Singh, Artie Sookhai, Mona Gowkarran and others.

In excess of $3M in cash and trophies will be presented to the winning floats. Prizes will also be given for the most outstanding mandirs in each category and for the best overall designed float.

Admission to all motorcades is free and no alcohol is allowed. The Sabha said there will be a number of food stalls offering a wide variety of vegetarian cuisine, mehendi stalls and lots of Diwali shopping opportunities at all venues. The Sabha wishes to express its special appreciation to its major sponsor Digicel for its support to all of the motorcades and to all the other sponsors who have generously contributed to the various motorcades.

In addition to the motorcades, the Sabha is hosting a Pre-Diwali Dinner and Concert at the Marriott Hotel ballroom on Monday November 9, at 7pm. In addition to a sumptuous authentic Indian vegetarian feast, patrons will be treated to magnificent performanc-

es from Indian artistes and ZEETV Saregamapa finalists Bishakh Jyoti and Shreyasi Bhattacharjee. Both Bishakh and Shreyasi are fantastic singers who have visited Guyana before and gained much love following their success in the Saregamapa Singing Superstars Show and Lil Champs. Their song repertoire promises to be a real treat with melodies ranging from yesteryear’s classic hits to the chartbusters of present day. This event will also mark the launch of the Sabha’s fundraising drive for the building of its new Dharmic Rama Krishna Primary and Secondary schools.

Tickets for this event can be booked by calling 227-6181.

Dharmic Sabha has also organised rangoli competitions in several schools around the country to encourage student participation in the festival. On Sunday November 15, the Mahila Mandalee women’s section of the Sabha will host a children’s Diwali party at the Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra in Georgetown.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 16, 2015

Savour ‘Chutney on the Beach’

‘Reflections: The Genesis’ for November staging KI

–at HJ Water World

ALL roads lead next Saturday to Hits and Jams Water World for the eagerly anticipated “Chutney on the Beach”, brought to you by ANSA McAL, under the Carib Beer Brand.

Patrons can expect performances from a line-up of energetic artistes who will undoubtedly “mash up” the place.

These include former international chutney monarch, Kris Persad, also called “KI”; Chutney singing sensation, Sally Sagram; the versatile Rick Ramotar; the lead singer for the Beemerz Band, Anil Bheem; and Guyana’s own Romeo Nermal, also known as “Mystic”.

The party is also set to feature several deejays that will add their own particular flavour to the event. These include Deejays Chyle, Blingerz and others. This is the first event of its kind at the HJ Water World.

Gates open at 10:00hrs, but the action actually commences at 12:00hrs with access to all the water activities, and the best in drinks and food.

The actual performances get underway at sundown.

Tickets cost $2000, and will go on sale next Friday at Nigel’s Supermarket, M&M (Harbour Bridge), Hits and Jams office, and at the venue. This is definitely one you do not want to miss.

RDX set to ‘tu’n up de vybz’

“REFLECTIONS”, one of Guyana’s signature fashion shows, was first held in November 2012. It was dubbed a major success, attracting not only local but regional media attention.

Guyanese fashion designer, Nelsion Andre Nurse will yet again captivate patrons and fashion lovers with his third chapter, called “The Genesis”, which is slated for November 21.

A Model Casting for the show is scheduled for a date that is yet to be announced for local models that will be joined by a visiting cast of models from Suriname.

This time around, our curvacious ladies and welltoned men are sure to rake in a space on the runway, now that Mr. Nurse is accepting both male and female plussize models.

‘Reflections’ is more than just the regular fashion

Some of Neilson Nurse’s designs show, since it is choreographed to tell a fashion story, using music, dance and drama. As such, patrons will

be treated to performances

by Kross Kolor recording artistes who will be launching a Christmas album of

Suenanta Watson:

One Foxy Momma!

“DE vybz” will be taken to an all-time high come next Friday, when dancehall superstar, ‘RDX’, takes to the stage at the Gravity Lounge.0 The event, promoted by Pulse Entertainment, will feature a frenzied musical showcase provided by ‘DJ Gully Ras’, and ‘Selector Diamond’, as they send the adrenaline pumping to alarming heights as usual with their special ‘Mix of de Tropics’ music package.

Tickets are going at $2000 each, and doors will be open as usual from 20:00hrs sharp.

Patrons can expect and enjoy Premium Beer Specials all night.

Every mother would certainly want to look this captivating

original local tracks by the versatile Mellissa Roberts, aka ‘Vanilla’, Javinski and others under the KKR label,.

The Y3K Song Group, made up of Teron Marshall, Mickael Sam and other artistes, are also slated to perform.

Lots of sizzling performances will also be coming from ‘The Sassy Revelers’, the Euphoria Dance Group, and the Classique Dance Company who are all slated to perform on the night of the show.

Patrons will be able to view on stage designs by some of Guyana’s leading designers, inclusive of Sonia Noel and Mwanza Glenn, and by visiting regional designers Rosamund Davis of Barbados, and Keshon Hawthorne of Jamaica.

Keshon was a finalist in the Caribbean Reality TV Show, Mission Catwalk.

THERE are still many people that seem to think that the word ‘mother’ is a sometimes tired, maybe ill-figured worn-out woman, burdened by the travails of motherhood.

While I would most certainly want to admonish those who dare have such notions, I would instead present them with something scorching to keep their mouths shut forever.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Buzz presents the very delectable Suenanta Watson, who, at 31, is a fiery mother of two, who takes great pride in her looks, and goes to even great lengths to maintain her fantastic figure. That, of course, is even after giving birth to two wonderful kids.

This very desirable woman believes that women should never allow motherhood to have them looking all saddened and forlorn.

“Women can still be beautiful and alluring, even after having three or more kids. Women must stop being lazy, and should not just slump to the ground after making a child or maybe more. That is the time for us women to work out and go that extra mile to look attractive for their mates. Because, if we don’t, we should not blame our spouse if he seeks provocative good looks elsewhere.”

This ‘supa momma’ enjoys cooking, travelling, and shopping. She also happens to be a professional vocalist. With a body that turns heads wherever she goes, she dresses smartly to accentuate her good looks.

She assures that she lives to please herself and no one else’, and suggests that you sistas do likewise.

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Music in History...

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 16, 2015 This mass appeal drove Bolden to greater musical heights. He pushed the envelope as few of his contemporaries dared.

Kid Ory, the most famous of the New Orleans trombonist, saw Bolden drawing inspiration from the Church. “Bolden got most of his tunes from the Holy Roller Church, the Baptist church on Jackson Avenue and Franklin,” said Ory. “ I know that he used to go to that church, but not for religion; he went there to get ideas on music.”

The History of Jazz

By Milton Bruce LAST week we concluded with Joplin’s classic composition of his operatic piece, “Treemonisha”. It was an operatic piece depicting the African-American culture.

After his death, the ragtime craze had faded and Joplin’s was a forgotten name. It was not until “Rudi Blesh & Harriet Janis” published their great work, “They all played Ragtime”, that Joplin’s extraordinary career was put in its true perspective.

Round about 1874, New Orleans, the home of Jazz, was a city in decline. The State of Louisiana was insolvent, unable to pay either principal or interest on a $53M debt.

As the city floundered, so did music.

Its birth, however, hinged on a contagion of vices, more than the contingencies of culture and economics that spurred the rebirth of New Orleans Jazz music.

REBIRTH This rebirth also claimed a new place

in history as the birth-house of Jazz. It was known as “Storyville”, a red-light district in New Orleans that existed for 20 years. During this period, the “Creoles of Colour”, or the “Black Creoles”, did not associate with the rest of the Black community. It was not until a decree by the Louisiana Legislature Code 1894 proclaiming, “Anyone of African ancestry is a Negro” that the creoles were slowly and surely pushed to assimilate with the rest of the Black society.

This forced association took place in all social areas of life, including the sub-culture of New Orleans’ new music: Jazz. The coming together of the Creoles and the Black musicians created a new fusion. The Creoles were better trained musicians; they read music and were steeped in the Classics. But the days of accompanying music for dances like the quadrille, polka, mazurkas, and two-step were long gone.

Polished Creole ensembles found themselves having to compete with the “more

boisterous Black bands that were pursuing a hotter style,” wrote Ted Gioia in the History of Jazz.

BUDDY BOLDEN Out of that formation stepped Buddy Bolden, another African-American, more familiarly known as “The Elusive Father of Jazz”. Born in 1872 in Louisiana, Bolden, like Scott Joplin, was exposed to music from a very young age. He played the cornet at various social events, as well as school and church festivities.

Playing the cornet helped him gain some notoriety with some of the Creole bands.

However, the music that Bolden was playing was ragged and raucous, and stood in stark contrast to the more traditional music of the waltzes and the Creole marches of New Orleans. Of course, some Creole musicians and the general Creole masses dismissed the music. Its boldness, however, appealed to the local Black audiences.

THE DEVIL’S MUSIC Chastised by some critics very early as the devil’s music, Jazz has a healthy pattern of turning up in Church. Paul Barbarian, one of New Orleans’ finest drummers in the day, said, “The Baptist rhythms were similar to Jazz rhythms; they were singing rhythms more so than a Jazz band.”

Buddy Bolden’s unique style of playing made quite an impression on several younger musicians the likes of Bunk Johnson, King Oliver and even Louis Armstrong, the greatest of all New Orleans trumpeters.

By 1906, Bolden’s playing had declined, and it was all downhill from then on: Erratic behaviour from excessive drinking, incarceration in an asylum, followed by a prolonged illness.

In 1931, at the age of 54, Buddy Bolden passed away. The irony of it all was that Bolden’s music was not recorded until 20 years after his death. This was done by the Original Dixie Land Jazz Band (ODLJB).

This group consisted of White musicians who were the first to make commercial recordings of this distinctly African-American music.

Until next week.

Flashback!!!

Duck curry never tasted so darn sweet THE annual Digicel Duck Curry Competition came off with a bang last Sunday at its usual location, the ever popular and scenic Number 63 Beach, way up on the Corentyne.

According to word reaching the Buzz, the

There were also spectacular performances from Sally Sagram, Omadath Maraj, soca sensation,Jumo Primo, while Lindon “Jumbie” Jones traded in his hat as comedian for that of MC. Music was provided by Crown Vibes Sound

The winners of the 5th annual ‘duck-curry’ competition held last Sunday at the Number 63 Beach event, the fifth to date, attracted a record 20 participants this year, and saw the coveted first prize going to Team Dindyal’s Vidyawattie Rampersaud and Radica Dindyal.

For their pains, ‘Team Dindyal’ walked away with $275,000 in cash, a trophy and a hamper while, ‘Bombay Masala’, which placed second took home a hamper, a trophy and $175,000.

Coming in third was Hormala Basdeo and Bonita and the Kids who won for themselves a trophy, a hamper and $125,000 in cash.

As always, the event attracted Guyanese in their numbers, and from all walks of life, from as far afield as East and West Coast Demerara and even overseas.

The competition was judged on taste, aroma, texture and presentation, and saw judges, pot spoon in hand, moving from table to table in an effort to arrive at a fair decision.

System, while the event was sponsored Beharry Group of Companies, Banks DIH Limited, Digicel and GuyOil. Among added attractions were a buns eating, egg throwing, dance-off and sing-off contest. A new twist year was the presentation of sponsors with prizes as a token of appreciation for their unstinting support over the years.

The last we heard, it was a truly family-oriented event, which was made all the more sweeter with Digicel offering cell-phones for as low as $2900.

According to Company Public Relations Manager, Vidya Sanichara, Digicel has been on board the event from the inception, and has seen it grow from strength to strength.

It’s all part of Digicel’s way of giving back to society community, and creating the kind of environment that is conducive to good clean family entertainment.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 16, 2015

Come ‘Guyana Night’...

21

It’s soca frenzy, ‘Rubber-Waist’-style WITH the hosting of the long awaited ‘Guyana Night Big Clash’ just around the corner, fans are all hyped up and raring to go as the event draws ever closer.

Slated to represent for the ‘soca genre’ on that very stage, local Soca sensation, Jumo ‘Rubber Waist’ Primo is in frenzied rehearsals as he prepares to unleash one of the most sizzling ‘soca packages’ of his time.

In a recent chit-chit with the entertainer, Primo urged soca revelers to come out in their numbers since he has a host of pleasant surprises in store for them.

Noting that it was very innovative of promoter Mahendra Ramkellawan to bring soca, chutney, and calypso together on one stage, Jumo said such a move will serve to bring people of all ethnicities closer together. And with every intention of making the show super exciting, the Firefest Dancers, Roshini Boodhoo Dance

Kurt Walcott

Troupe, the Shalita Dance Troupe, and the Nach Gana Academy of Dance are in feverish rehearsals to present packages that were never before seen.

Word is that they have all successfully tidied their presentations, and are just ready to hit the road. Slated for the Better Hope Community Centre Ground on October 31, this event will also see dazzling performances from Ramkellawan himself, international act Terry Gajraj, and local chutney bard, Rajesh Dubraj.

Carded to perform also are character dancer, ‘Granny Ivelaw’, Young Bill Rogers, the entertaining Charmaine Blackman, Prince JP, Aaron Dasrat, Cecilia Samaroo, and Bunty Singh The MC, ‘WR Reaz’ indicated that his job as MC will in itself be more exciting than any of his former presentations. Patrons can also expect quite a treat from local belly dancer, ‘Sandella’.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK It certainly doesn’t hurt for a guy to be a little sassy and flaunt his fashion… And in this age where there are so many stigmas that surrounds a guy who dares to be fashionable, it’s not often that we bump into men who are certainly ‘show stoppers’.

We were lucky to bump into a dude who looked so hot; we couldn’t resist the urge to send our cameras whirring into action. So with pride we present this ‘head turner’ Kirt Walcott who looks quite dashing in this breezy outfit.

You too can rake in a spot here by ‘dressing to kill’ always. You never know when The Buzz cameras will be pointed in your direction.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 16, 2015

‘Mr Guyana’ pageant set for April 2016 FRESH from the success of hosting the first ever Mr Guyana pageant here last year, fashion designer, Paul Burnette is poised to go for it again next year.

While the actual event is slated for April 30, 2016, the official launch is set for November at the Duke Lodge on Duke Street in down-town Kingston.

There, six of Guyana’s talented young designers and

Reigning Mr. Guyana International, Paul Charles

veteran Burnette, pageant franchise holder, will unveil their ‘Men’s Collection’ for 2015-2016.

The launch will take the form of a fashion show and cocktail reception, and patrons will be given the opportunity to meet with the contestants after they are introduced to the public and sashed.

Contestants will also be competing in their first leg of the competition, this being the runway challenge and national costume competitions.

There will be special performances by young male and female Guyanese artistes, both in the spoken word and song, and the reigning Mr Guyana International, Paul Charles, has a special surprise for patrons.

Burnette has shifted the hosting date to April 30, 2016 so as to give promoters enough time to coordinate better and secure the kind of prizes they hope to achieve for the contestant.

The contestants so far are Delon Grandison, Kefia Smith, Satesh Jagdeo, last year’s finalist Stowell Bentham, Rahael October, Jade Huggins, Alex Jones, Javone Vickorie, and winner of the West Demerara PYARG Pageant, Meshak Howard. The promoters are, however, still looking for two more contestants.

Interested persons can call Paul Burnette on phone numbers 687 8000, or 682 8919.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 16, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 16, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 16, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 16, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 16, 2015

PCL Four-Day Practice Match …

Hetmyer’s XI battle to draw with Johnson’s XI C A P TA I N S h i m ro n H e t m y e r i m p re s s e d with the bat on the final day of the PCL FourDay Practice match as his team battled to a draw against Leon Johnson’s XI at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Ground, Bourda.

Hetmyer’s XI were given a 332-run target for victory on the final day but ended on 1231, trailing by 209, with the captain unbeaten on 76 from 80 balls which included nine fours and a six. Tevin Imlach was also unbeaten on 30.

The second innings began with Robin Bacchus (12) being dis-

missed early again, caught behind by Bramble off a lifting delivery from Ronsford Beaton.

Earlier in the day, Johnson’s XI resumed from their overnight score of 125-3 with Shivnarine Chanderpaul on 14 and Vishaul Singh on 4. Pacer Raun Johnson quickly removed Singh (14) and Raymon Reifer (0), both caught behind.

Chanderpaul seemed to be on course to a half-century but Steven Sankar claimed his wicket on 38.

At 164-6, Anthony Bramble (28*) who joined Barnwell minutes before lunch was

dropped before scoring

by Kandasammy Surujnarine off spinner Raj

CHRISTOPHER BARNWELL

Nannan.

The two right-handers extended the lead to 247 at lunch with the team score on 175-6. Barnwell made up for his near miss in the first innings when he got out for 47 with a watch score of 58 from 109 balls.

He was then knocked over by Javon Searles the following over, after strangely leaving a delivery which shaped into his stumps, as Johnson’s XI declared.

Assad Fudadin (82) the top scorer in Johnson’s XI second innings departed minutes before stumps on the third day.

Pacer Raun Johnson who bagged 3-29 first

innings, picked up 2-43 in the second ending with 5-72. Leg-spinner Steven Sankar was expensive but captured 2-64 for Hetmyer’s XI. In the first innings, Johnson’s XI made 344 all out compliments of Singh’s 123 and Johnson’s 61 while Johnson and Joseph collected three and two wickets, Hetmyer’s first innings was led by Boodie’s solid 130 and a steamy 53 from the captain while spinners Permaul and Jacobs shared six wickets between them.

The next match is set to bowl off on October 26 at the Guyana National Stadium.

Lamar Odom fights for his life BASKETBALL and reality TV star Lamar Odom was reportedly fighting for his life in a Las Vegas hospital since Wednesday after he was found unresponsive at a legal brothel, where employees said he used cocaine and a sexual performance-enhancing supplement, a sheriff said.

The 35-year-old former Los Angeles Lakers standout and ex-husband of Khloe Kardashian was stricken on Tuesday at the Love Ranch brothel in Crystal, Nevada and

was taken to the hospital, according to the Nye County Sheriff’s Office.

In a news conference on Wednesday, Sheriff Sharon Wehrly said authorities received an emergency call from panicky brothel staff on Tuesday afternoon, saying that a man, identified as Odom, was unconscious, with blood and a white substance coming from his nose and mouth.

Love Ranch owner Dennis Hof said earlier that, during his three-day stay,

Odom had been taking large amounts of “herbal Viagra”, a non-prescription product which can dramatically lower blood pressure and interact with other medications.

The sheriff’s department obtained a search warrant so that it could test Odom’s blood, Wehrly said. The sheriff said he could face drug charges if the investigation determines he was using cocaine.

His hospitalisation was the latest episode in a roll-

er-coaster personal and professional life. It came after a downturn in a 14-season career with National Basketball Association teams, including the Lakers from 2004 to 2011.

The 6-foot, 10-inch tall (2-metre) athlete had long been reported to have had issues with cocaine abuse, although this had never been publicly confirmed. He has admitted only to using marijuana.

During the 2000-2001

season, Odom was suspended for violating the NBA’s antidrug policy. In 2013, he pleaded no-contest in Los Angeles to a charge of driving under the influence and was ordered to undergo rehabilitation for alcohol abuse.

Odom won two championships with the Lakers in 2009 and 2010. Currently a free agent, he last played for the Los Angeles Clippers during the 201213 season and is no longer attached to any team.

DCB assists Upper Demerara with balls THE DEMERARA Cricket Board (DCB) assisted Upper Demerara with cricket balls to compete in the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association T20 round-robin competition, which commenced earlier this month.

The Upper Demerara Zone played their first round last Sunday where Bayrock won both matches against Police and Uprising.

The teams competing in this Zone are Arima, Waruni, Police, Uprising, Central Stars, and St

Cuthbert’s Mission. Matches will be played every weekend. Police and St Cuthbert’s Mission will clash on Saturday, October 17, and Arima will take on Uprising on Sunday, October 18.

At a meeting with representatives of Upper Demerara, assistant secretary of DCB, Sudesh Persaud, said that he is pleased to see the increased interest shown in cricket in Upper Demerara.

He commended the organisers for their efforts, adding that

they have to identify talents and keep pushing for cricket to develop and spread in the area. Persaud assured the reps that DCB will continue to help them as the need arises.

President of Upper Demerara, Lancelot Easton, thanked DCB for its assistance and its continued support. He stated that more and more cricket is being played in the Upper Demerara area and he has high hopes that soon this area will produce national players.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 16, 2015

Commander Hicken and Matthias to clash for GFA presidency COMMANDER of the Guyana Police Force ‘A’ Division Clifton Hicken and former president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Christopher Matthias will go head-to-head for the presidency of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) at tomorrow’s elections at the Sleep In International Hotel.

The election, based on the constitution of the GFA, is done via a slate system with Hicken as president, Aaron Fraser vice-president, Frank ‘English’ Parris vice-president General Secretary Charles Greaves, Althea Scipio as treasurer and assistant secretary/treasurer Lloyd Millington.

Matthias’ slate has Mark Phillips as vice-president, vice-president Akram Sabree, Stephen Joseph General Secretary, Adepemo Peters treasurer, Aduke Woolford in the capacity as assistant secretary and Charmine Wade as assistant secretary treasurer.

While Chronicle Sport

was unable to contact Matthias for a comment and to hear his plans for the sport in the city, Hicken, a former player with the GPF Football Club, believes

‘A’ Division Commander Clifton Hicken that it’s time a breath of fresh air be given to the sport.

Hicken in an interview with Chronicle Sport said that a number of persons, including several clubs within Georgetown, had asked him to consider run-

Beach Soccer and Futsal associations to hold elections today WHEN the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) held its General Congress earlier this year at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown and adopted its new constitution, the Beach Soccer and Futsal associations were added to the 22-member list.

Today’s elections will be clinical for the development of the two formats of the game which have great potential if exploited and managed correctly.

While the GFF did not issue a release or name the persons in contention for the various positions up for grabs, Chronicle Sport was told through a source close to the contenders for the various positions,

ning for the position of president of the GFA. After getting the required permission from his superiors in the GPF, Hicken said that he intends to bring discipline to the sport and work along with other stakeholders to make the GFA the envy of football in Guyana.

Using his position in the Force, Hicken pointed out, “We’ve been doing our social crime intervention programmes and football is one of the things we’ve been developing within the various communities”.

“We’ve gained a lot of success through this intervention and I would like to see it expand to a wider scale and in a more structured way. While I’m seeing that the children in the primary school get a chance to play, I think we should go beyond that and football should be divided into more subsections and wards so we can touch Georgetown in its entirety,” said the ‘A’ Division Commander.

Asked if his presence could see corporate Guyana throwing their support

and finances behind the sport, Hicken said, “I think over the years I’ve had a good interaction with the corporate sector and in fact, they are supporting my social crime prevention initiatives. They are currently supporting my Commander U-15 football programme.”

His opposition, Matthias, is popularly known as the man the world governing body FIFA removed from office, stating that he (Matthias) was bringing the game of football in Guyana into disrepute.

It’s almost one year now since the country’s first Normalisation Committee was installed to clean up the sport locally and to reform the GFF’s Constitution which was recently done.

“I’ve been looking at all of the infighting that’s

going on in football and I think fresh blood is always needed whenever compla-

Former GFF president Christopher Matthias cency steps in. So with my experience coming in as Division Commander

STAG Elite League

GFC and Fruta Conquerors play to 2-2 draw FRUTA Conquerors and the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) played to an exciting 2-2 draw last evening at the GFC ground.

It was a well-deserved result for the young GFC team who came from being down 2-0. Fruta Conquerors went ahead nine minutes into the game through Kwamie LaFleur and then Raphael Edwards extended the lead for the Tucville team in the 27th minute.

However, Cortez Kellman’s goal in

KASHIF MUHAMMAD

that veteran promoter Kashif Muhammad will be running for president of the Guyana Futsal Association.

According to the source, the Kashif and Shanghai director, whose organisation recently won the bid to be the Management Committee for the ongoing STAG Elite League, is expected to come up against former referee Otis James.

For the Beach Soccer Association, Rowland Tappin and manager of 704 Sports Bar and Night Club Dustani Barrow vie for the top spots.

Chronicle Sport could not ascertain who the other persons are for the other positions in both associations.

and as a man with over 26 years service in the GPF, I think yes, I’ll be the best person for the job,” the senior GPF official said.

Hicken was keen to point out, that with him being the president at least, “I could be going into more communities. I’ve been fortifying communities that aren’t on our youth programmes with football gear from the corporate community and, being a part of the GFA now, we would be able to do things in a structured way.

“We haven’t had, for as long as I could remember, any inter-community football at a wide level.

We have clubs, yes, but we also need communities involved and also look more into the school system from an association level and not wait for the GFF or an entity outside of football.”

the 34th minute brought GFC back into the game and Romario Welcome scored four minutes into injury and stoppage time (90+4 minute) to assist in securing a point for his team.

The STAG Elite League will continue tomorrow in Berbice with Fruta Conquerors taking on Slingerz FC and Monedderlust facing Alpha United at the No. 5 ground from 19:00hrs and 21:30hrs, respectively.

STAG Elite League points standing after the completion of six rounds

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 16, 2015

Herath strikes after centurions ... West Indies lead Sri Lanka to 484 66-2 in reply

OPENER Dimuth Karunaratne missed out on a maiden double-hundred but his 238-run stand with fellow centurion Dinesh Chandimal set up Sri Lanka’s first-innings total of 484 on day two against West Indies in the opening Test at Galle yesterday.

West Indies launched a comeback through leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, who picked up 4-143, and restricted the hosts below 500 by taking the last seven wickets for 59 runs.

But left-arm spinner Rangana Herath had West Indies in early trouble in their reply by dismissing openers Kraigg Brathwaite (19) and Shai Hope (23) cheaply to send the tourists to stumps on 66-2, trailing Sri Lanka by 418 runs.

Darren Bravo (15) and Marlon Samuels (seven)

were unbeaten at the crease for the tourists.

Earlier, with the slow

who won the toss and chose to bat.

Karunaratne hit 16 fours

West Indies bowler Devendra Bishoo pitch offering little assistance for the bowlers, lefthander Karunaratne, unbeaten on 135 overnight, and Chandimal continued to plunder runs for the hosts

and a six in his 354-ball knock and was finally out when he offered a return catch to part-time off-spinner Marlon Samuels.

West Indies made life

difficult for themselves by spilling chances on the opening day and they again failed to make most of their opportunities on the second morning.

Chandimal, who was dropped on 11, survived another chance on 82 when Jermaine Blackwood allowed the ball to burst through his fingers at point off fast bowler Shannon Gabriel.

Right-handed batsman Chandimal made the most of his luck and completed his fifth hundred in Tests with a lofted drive over mid-off against Gabriel.

He hit 16 fours and two sixes in his stroke-filled 298-ball knock before falling for 151 to paceman Jerome Taylor.

West Indies got their second breakthrough of the afternoon session when debu-

tant Milinda Siriwardana (one) edged Taylor to wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin.

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews (48) fell to his West Indies counterpart Jason

Holder with the first ball after the tea break before Bishoo got in on the act and took three of the remaining four wickets to polish off the tail.

SCOREBOARD SRI Lanka 1st innings (overnight: 250-2) D. Karunaratne c & b Samuels 186 K. Silva c Ramdin b Roach 17 L. Thirimanne c sub b Bishoo 16 D. Chandimal c Blackwood b Taylor 151 A. Mathews c & b Holder 48 M. Siriwardana c Ramdin b Taylor 1 K. Perera b Gabriel 23 D. Prasad c Holder b Bishoo 13 R. Herath lbw b Bishoo 0 T. Kaushal not out 9 N. Pradeep c Gabriel b Bishoo 0 Extras: (b-4, lb-5, nb-6, w-5) 20 Total: (all out, 152.3 overs) 484 Fall of wickets: 1-56, 2-101, 3-339, 4-425, 5-427, 6-448, 7-467, 8-467,

9-475.

Bowling: J. Taylor 20-4-65-2 (nb-5), K. Roach 19-3-57-1, J. Holder 21-4-36-1, S. Gabriel 20-2-76-1 (nb-1, w-1) M. Samuels 27-4-84-1, D. Bishoo 40.3-2-143-4, C. Brathwaite 5-0-14-0.

WEST INDIES 1st innings C. Brathwaite lbw b Herath 19 S. Hope b Herath 23 Da. Bravo not out 15 M. Samuels not out 7 Extras: (nb-2) 2 Total: (for 2 wickets, 21 overs) 66 Fall of wickets: 1-33, 2-49.

Bowling: D. Prasad 4-3-4-0, N. Pradeep 5-0-29-0, R. Herath 8-214-2, T. Kaushal 4-1-19-0 (nb-2).

Referees Umpire: Marais Erasmus Umpire: Richard Illingworth TV umpire: Simon Fry Match referee: David Boon

Alastair Cook hits 168 Guyana Jaguars to begin Regional Four-Day title not out in first Test defence against Windward Islands Volcanoes CAPTAIN Alastair Cook led England’s reply to Pakistan’s daunting 523-8 declared with a fine unbeaten 168 in the first Test in Abu Dhabi.

He batted throughout the third day but England lost two wickets in three overs late on as they closed on 2903, needing 34 more to avoid the follow-on.

Cook added 116 for the first wicket with Moeen Ali (35) and 165 for the second with Ian Bell.

Bell fell for 63 to Wahab Riaz, who also removed nightwatchman Mark Wood.

Those two wickets for four runs boosted Pakistani spirits on another day when bat dominated ball, on a soporific surface which has been widely criticised.

Cook’s 28th Test century was typical of so many of his previous 27, founded on patience, discipline and excellent shot selection.

He dominated his first Test opening stand with Moeen Ali, tucking the ball off his pads with customary ease and capitalising on any width afforded outside off stump.

His approach was unaffected by the departure of Moeen, who was caught behind for 35 pushing at Rahat Ali shortly before lunch to end a patient first innings as

a Test opener.

Cook had made 147 by the time he offered a chance, substitute fielder

Captain Alastair Cook Fawad Alam dropping a tumbling effort at backward square-leg off a topedged sweep.

With only 11 wickets falling in nine sessions - four of which came when Pakistan were chasing declaration runs - criticism of the pitch at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium showed no sign of abating.

Although the spinners found turn from early on the first day the surface sorely lacks pace and bounce and there has been negligible reverse-swing with the older ball.

REIGNING champions Guyana Jaguars are expected to face a feisty challenge when they open the 2015-16 West Indies Cricket Board Professional Cricket League (PCL) Regional 4-Day Tournament against Windward Islands Volcanoes at the Guyana National Stadium.

Yesterday, the WICB announced the schedule for the tournament which opens on Friday, November 6, and will again be played under the franchise arrangement that was implemented last season.

It will be a hard act for the Jaguars to follow up, after they became the first side to claim the Headley-Weekes Trophy, symbol of regional supremacy, in the franchise era of the R4-Day by topping the table, following victories in eight of their maximum 10 matches.

Their only loss came on home soil in the third round of matches, when their long-standing rivals Barbados Pride clinched a nail-biting, two-run victory, dismissing the Jaguars for a record low of 66 in

the second innings on the final day at the Guyana National Stadium, where they also drew with Trinidad & Tobago Red Force in the penultimate round.

In the other first-round matches during the coming season, Leeward Islands

es, comprising five home and five away fixtures apiece for each of the six franchises, with the team accumulating the most points being declared the Champions.

The season also includes three breaks – fol-

in Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the United States Virgin Island of St Thomas, will stage the seventh round match between Hurricanes and Volcanoes, following a series of inspections of the venue by a joint team from the WICB

FLASHBACK! Regional four-day cricket champions Guyana Jaguars pose with the WICB/PCL Trophy after defeating Windwards Volcanoes by an innings in Dominica.

Hurricanes will host Red Force at Warner Park in Basseterre, St Kitts, and the Pride, last year’s second-placed team, welcome Jamaica Scorpions to Kensington Oval in Bridgetown.

The tournament will again be contested under a round-robin format, featuring 10 rounds of match-

lowing the third, fifth and eighth rounds.

For the coming season, the Addelita Cancryn Junior High School ground has been brought back onto the list of approved venues to stage first-class matches in the R4-Day for the first time in six seasons.

The ground, located

and West Indies Players’ Association.

The PCL also comprises the NAGICO Super50 Tournament which will be played January next year in Trinidad and St. Kitts. Venues for this tournament are being finalised and the full schedule will be published soon.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 16, 2015

Joint Services Championships

Heated battle concludes today … Soldiers lead but Police unfazed

THIS year’s battle for supremacy at the Inter-Service Annual Athletics Championships (ISAAC) will go down to the wire between defending champions Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and arch rivals Guyana Police Force (GPF) when the curtain comes down today at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.

The GDF strut into the final day with the lead and today’s competition is anticipated to be a heated battle for every last point.

“We come down from being behind by 47 points, and now we’re in the lead.

And history will show that when we go into the last day with the lead we usually win the competition,” a confident Robert Chisholm, head coach for the GDF team, said yesterday.

“My expectation is that things will continue just how they are going now. My game plan is to have everybody do their best and win the compe-

tition,” Chisholm noted.

With 21 finals still to be completed, GDF tally 495 points against 482 points that the Police have acquired.

LYNDON WILSON In a distant third are the Guyana Fire Service with 54 points, then Guyana Prison Service 41 points and City Constabulary 34 points.

However, head coach for

the lawmen, Lyndon Wilson, maintains that Police are unfazed by the soldiers’ lead.

According to Wilson, “Not going into the final day with the lead just makes my team stronger, because they are hungrier for the win now.

I am happy about their performance and their attitude so far.”

Today’s finals will include the lively male and female 100m, 200m, 400m and 1500m, as well as the exciting 4x400m and 4x100m relays.

In the men’s 100m and 200m Olympian Winston George will be the GPF’s lead man. George will match strides with GDF’s Rupert Perry with both men finishing at the top of their 100m and 200m heats.

In the 200m George clocked the fastest time, finishing the race in 20.10s.

However, it’s Perry that boasts the fastest time of the men’s 100m heats, touching the line in 9.90s.

George defeated Perry

earlier this year at the Boyce and Jefford Classic and it is left to be seen if he (George) can do it again, or if Perry has stepped up his game since then.

ROBERT CHISHOLM Also adding to the action in the 100m and 200m will be GDF’s Akeem Stewart, and Davin Fraser, and GPF’s Kevin Abbensetts.

F o r t h e G P F, O w e n

Adonis will also be representing in the 200m, while Tevin Garraway earned his place in the 100m final after clocking the third fastest time in the heats.

George will also compete in the men’s 400m, where GDF’s strongest men are Patrick King and men’s 1500m champion, Wayne Harlequin.

GDF could possibly cop the women’s 100m and 200m, as long as Aniquah Powley and Natreena Hooper stay on top of their game.

Powley tops the list heading into the final of the women’s 100m, having clocked 11.70s in the heats, while in the 200m she won her heats in 24.90s to have the second fastest timing. Leading the 200m is Hooper with 24.80s.

Behind Powley in the 100m is GPF’s Kezia Bess, whom Powley already defeated in the heats. However, Powley will also now have to contend against GPF’s Deja Smartt and her own teammate, Letitia Myles, who took the

top two spots in the second heats of the 100m. GPF’s Onika Eastman will also qualify for the final of the 100m.

Smartt, along with women’s 800m winner Jevina Sampson, will give Powley and Hooper a run for her money in the women’s 200m.

GPF may walk away with the top wins of the women’s 400m, as Sampson, Bess and Tiffany Carto are the ones to watch, but they will no doubt receive serious competition from GDF’s Neisa Allen, Tiffany Smith and Olana Grant.

Meanwhile, in the 1500m, Cleveland Forde and Tyshon Bentick give the Army the edge, while on the distaff side is women’s 800m second-place finisher Andrea Foster.

For Police, the men’s side comprises Nathaniel Giddings, Quacy Morian and Grivon Grant while the women are Delly Williams, Stacy Wilson and Shion Boyer.

Amelia’s Ward bag Inter-Primary Track & Field title

By Joe Chapman

AMELIA’S Ward Primary regained their stranglehold at the Region Ten (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) Education Department’s annual Inter-Primary School Track & Field and Cycling championship yesterday when the event was held at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

Amelia’s Ward racked up a whopping 299 points to easily take the championship from second-placed Regma Primary while the dethroned champions One Mile Primary had to settle for third. They were followed by a commendable performance from Ituni with 180, Christianburg Primary on 150, Mackenzie Primary with 101, Coomacka 81, and Royal Halls in the cellar with 47 points.

Ryan Joseph of Amelia’s Ward won the Under-8 Champion Boy title after winning the 80m, 200m and 400m track events while Wismar Hill Primary’s Shashia Duke was the Under-8 Champion Girl after winning the

400m race, placing fourth in the Cricket Ball Throw and fifth in the 80m flat race.

T h e U n d e r- 1 0 B o y s Champion Athlete came from Amelia’s Ward through Rodell Green, who won the 200m and 400m races as Christianburg Primary produced the Champion Girl in this category through Onesha Williams who copped first in the 100 and 200m races and the long jump while placing fifth in the 400m.

One Mile Primary’s Marlon Williams took the Under-12 Boys Champion crown as he won the 200m and the long jump event while placing second in the 100m dash.

For the Under-12 Girls, the Champion Athlete was Nicola Price of Amelia’s Ward who won the 100 and 400m races and was second in the 200m race.

The Region Ten Education Department’s Inter-Secondary School track and field and cycling competitions will take place today (Friday) at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground starting at10.00hrs.

We are the champions! The victorious Amelia’s Ward Primary School

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 16, 2015

Digicel launches 4th Cancer Awareness cycle road race AS PART of its annual Cancer Awareness Month contribution, Digicel Guyana has launched the 4th edition of its cycle road race, billed for October 25.

This year’s race features two legs unlike previous years which only featured one.

The first leg will commence at 08:30hrs from Schoonord on the West Coast of Demerara, proceed to Bushy Park on the East Bank of Essequibo and return to the place of origin, covering approximately 40 miles, according to organisers.

The ladies and veterans will turn back at Uitvlugt.

Leg two, which commences at 12:30hrs will see the seniors and juniors depart from Abary and the ladies and veterans start at Perseverance halfway tree and will pedal to the National Park where they will make two laps around the outer limits before seeing the chequered flag.

The first six top spots will be awarded, with the winner of the seniors carting off $150 000, top junior $80 000 and the top female and veteran $50 000 each as Digicel has air-marked over $1.3M for the one-day event.

During the launch, president of Team Evolution/Gillette Cycle Club, the organising body indicated, “What the spectators can expect is with the two laps you can have a chance to sort of mark your guy who you want to see win and if he is in the front group and they go around twice, it’s going to be an exciting finish.”

Guyana Cycling Federation president Horrace Burrowes thanked Digicel for their support of cycling and the obvious development of athletes.

Cancer Institute representative Dr Ravindranauth Ichlanggod pointed out that “cycling is a good form of exercise and exercise keeps cancer away. So it carries the message that: at least do some physical activity, keep yourself fit; eating healthy food is all part of choosing an icon like cycling as one of our activity.”

Louanna Abrams Senior Sponsorship and Events Executive of Digicel expressed the company’s pleasure at being involved in the event for a 4th consecutive year, adding “we at Digicel are pleased to be a part of this event especially in this month of cancer awareness. We see it, as Dr Ichlanggod mentioned earlier, a part of a healthier society’

Eastman doubtful for Caribbean Elite Cycling C/ships NATIONAL road race and time trial champion Hamza Eastman is doubtful of being on Guyana’s cycling team selected for the Caribbean Elite Championships scheduled for Barbados on Sunday.

According to reports, Eastman has suffered a hamstring injury during a training stint and believes that it may have originally occurred during Sunday’s 80-mile Mohamed Khadir Memorial road race.

Eastman said that his doctor has advised him to lighten the load of his training to speed up the healing process. He is however hopeful that he can recover in time for Sunday’s Championship road race.

The other members of the team are: Orville Hinds, Alanzo Greaves, Geron Williams and Michael Anthony.

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(L-R) GCF president Horrace Burrowes, Team Evolution/Gillette president Keith Fernandes, Cancer Institute’s Ravindranauth Ichlanggod and Digicel PRO Vidya Sanichara.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Digicel launches See 4th Cancer story on page 31 Awareness cycle road race

Joint Services Championships

Heated battle concludes today

See story on page 30

… Soldiers lead but Police unfazed

Sri Lanka opener Dimuth Karunaratne

Guyana’s Olympian Winston George crosses the finish line early this week.

Herath strikes after centurions lead Sri Lanka ... West Indies to 484 66-2 in reply

Guyana Jaguars to begin Regional Four-Day title defence against Windward Islands See story on page 29 Volcanoes

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Beach Soccer and Futsal associations to hold elections today See story on page 28

Commander Hicken and Matthias to clash for GFA presidency Former GFF president Christopher Matthias

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‘A’ Division Commander Clifton Hicken FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2015