Chronicle 10 28 2015

GUYANA

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Mexico keen on Guyana’s rice No. 104355

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… PM secures commitment during hour-long meeting

Sugar workers call off strike Page

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GuySuCo’s Uitvlugt Estate was in full operation, with this tractor of canes being transported to the factory

Cops find suicide notes of rights activist

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 28, 2015

Sugar workers call off strike - but GAWU, GuySuCo still to meet

SUGAR workers countrywide are expected to return to work today after three days of strike action, which the Minister of Agriculture has branded as political.

On Sunday sugar workers nationwide downed tools, charging that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) had failed to engage in collective

bargaining with their union - Guyana Aagricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), despite conclusion of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the ailing sugar industry.

Head of GAWU, Komal Chand had announced that “the industry was closed down by workers with effect from Sunday, given G u y S u C o ’s c o n t i n u e d

postponement of discussions with our union on the wages’ issue for this year.” However, on Tuesday Chand said that the union was calling on workers to return to work today, adding that they had already made contact with their point persons at the various estates to urge workers to return. When asked whether or not the union met with or decided on

At Uitvlugt up to yesterday workers failed to turn out to work as the strike continued

A stack of sugar cane being carried to the Wales Sugar Estate yesterday

a date to meet with GuySuCo, he said: “We have not met and talked yet, however, after resumption, with the wisdom showcased it could outline the necessity of the union and GuySuCo meeting to discuss the wages and salaries of workers.”

The GAWU boss said that over the past months, the

union had urged GuySuCo to begin negotiations, given that the corporation had fixed October 7, 2015 as the date to address the union’s claims for increases in wages and adjustments to certain fringe benefits. Asked about the impact on production, Chand declared: “There was a tiny bit of workers who

did not partake in the strike, nevertheless the majority had an impact on production, as I would even say it was the most effective three days strike ever recorded.”

POLITICAL FOOTBALL Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, in an invited comment to this newspaper, observed that “one of the problems with the sugar industry is that it has been used as a political football, resulting in the reduction in productivity over the years… and putting of square pegs in round holes by the PPP government.”

Responding to that,

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 28, 2015

Mexico keen on Guyana’s rice … PM secures commitment during hour-long meeting

AMID concerns by farmers over the loss of the Venezuelan rice market, the Guyana Government on Tuesday made some headway in securing commitments by the Mexican government to buy some of this country’s rice.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who is attending the Open Governance Global Summit in Mexico City met with Mexico's Agriculture Minister Jose Calzada during which the commitment was made, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office has said. Calzada advised PM Nagamootoo after representation was made that Mexico is keen on buying Guyana's rice.

During the meeting late Tuesday tonight, Minister Caldaza assured that steps will be fast tracked to open market for Guyana's rice in Mexico. Mexico imports some one million tons of rice annually. Nagamootoo was accompanied by Governance Minister Raphael Trotman. Since their arrival in Mexico Prime Minister Nagamootoo and Minister Trotman have been on a round the clock schedule of meetings with Mexican government officials. Prime Minister, Nagamootoo is expected to hold talks with President of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto.

Only on Sunday President David Granger assured Berbice rice farmers that their problems have not gone unnoticed and that his government has already started seeking viable solutions where reducing operational costs and creating new market opportunities are concerned. President Granger even raised the issue of finding new markets with colleague Heads of Government at both the regional and international levels, and has promised to discuss their plight with Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder.

The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Agriculture, continues to search for international markets for Guyana’s rice, in the wake of the closure of the Venezuelan market. Agriculture Minister Noel Holder also recently

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo and Mexico’s Minister of Agriculture, Jose Calzada following their meeting advised that Guyana currently sells rice to 50 countries around the world, and too much of an issue is now being made out of the collapse of the Venezuelan market.

“As a matter of fact, currently, the Portugal market is as big as the Venezuelan market, about 30 percent or so, I think too much of a big thing is being made out of the lapse in the Venezuelan market,” the Minister commented. Currently,

Sugar workers call off strike From page 2 Chand said: “This is really laughable, for us to have the corporation engage us in negotiations before the report [CoI Report] isn’t political. What is political about that?”

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee, during the party’s weekly press conference on Monday declared that there is no political motivation, and the workers are merely protesting for what they think they deserve.

According to Rohee, the sugar workers have a right to demand an

increase in their salaries, given that the APNU+AFC administration had just awarded itself a massive increase. “We consider it as an industrial action staged by sugar workers…. Is it not justifiable for the sugar workers to demand more money?” Rohee asked, as he pointed out that all workers who engage in industrial action must feel peeved by the recent actions taken by the administration.

However, GuySuCo said in a release on Sunday that the actions of the striking sugar workers had affected all field and factory operations, breaking the prevailing

production momentum.

GuySuCo noted that the union was demanding that the corporation commence wages, salaries and fringe benefits’ negotiations for 2015 but the corporation and the union had a preliminary meeting on September

16, where the corporation informed the union and the representatives from the various estates that it was unable to commence d i s c u s s i o n b e f o re t h e Commission of Inquiry had submitted its findings and recommendations.

the Government is pursuing the Panama market, as “I have even had discussions with the Minister, during the Mexico meeting, so we are pursuing that; we are looking at new markets, it is an ongoing situation, we are even discussing with the Bahamas, they have an interest as well, and Haiti, we are looking at it as well.”

Minister Holder had also stated at a press conference he held to address the issue in early October that Guyana was successful in securing an increased market arrangement with Panama, for which shipment has begun. The shipment has been increased from 4000 to 7,200 tonnes. The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) continues to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in securing additional international markets for Guyana’s rice.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 28, 2015

Taliban encourage Afghan quake relief as toll rises past 300 (Reuters) THE Taliban encouraged aid groups to help victims of the massive earthquake in northern Afghanistan and Pakistan as rescuers struggled to form a clear picture of the damage caused by the disaster as the death toll passed 300.

With large mountainous areas of Afghanistan hit and

A resident walks past a shop damaged by an earthquake in Chitral, Pakistan, Reuters/Stringer campaign against the Westicy weather closing in, the that have been repeatedly ern-backed government in Kabul across the country this unstable security situation targeted by insurgents.

But the Taliban, which year, indicated they would has posed a major challenge to international aid groups have driven their Islamist not stand in the way of aid efforts and ordered fighters to help victims.

“The Islamic Emirate calls on our good-willed countrymen and charitable organizations to not hold back in providing shelter, food and medical supplies to the victims,” the group said in a message of condolence to quake victims, using its formal name.

“And it similarly orders its mujahideen in the affected areas to lend their complete help.”

Authorities confirmed 228 deaths in Pakistan while in Afghanistan, the death toll reached at least 115, Sayed Zafar Hashemi, President Ashraf Ghani’s deputy spokesman, said. At least 4,000 houses and compounds had been destroyed or damaged, Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah said.

The toll could climb as road and communications

links are restored to isolated villages and as winter sets in across the rugged Hindu Kush mountains where the earthquake struck, the plight of thousands left homeless is becoming more serious.

“We have insufficient food and other aid,” said Abdul Habib Sayed Khil, chief of police in Kunar, one of the worst-hit provinces, where 42 people were confirmed dead.

“It has been raining for four days and the weather is very cold.”

The worst impact was reported in Faizabad, capital of Badakhshan province but there was also significant damage in the provinces of Kunar, Nuristan, Laghman, Takhar, Baghlan and Nangarhar.

In Kabul, the capital, NATO officials said they were helping Afghan security forces plan relief operations but aid groups were still assessing how to reach the areas and how to operate once they were there given the danger to their teams.

Yemeni MSF hospital bombed, Saudi-led coalition denies responsibility A HOSPITAL in North Yemen run by the medical aid group Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) was destroyed late on Monday by a missile strike, MSF said, but the Saudi-led coalition denied that its planes had hit the hospital.

A Saudi-led Arab coalition intervened in Yemen’s civil war in March to try to restore the government after it was toppled by Iran-allied Houthi forces, but a mounting civilian death toll has alarmed human rights groups.

“Our hospital in the Heedan district of Saada governorate was hit several times. Fortunately, the first hit damaged the operations theater while

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it was empty and the staff were busy with people in the emergency room. They just had time to run off as another missile hit the maternity ward,” MSF country director Hassan Boucenine told Reuters by telephone from Yemen.

“It could be a mistake, but the fact of the matter is it’s a war crime. There’s no reason to target a hospital. We provided (the coalition) with all of our GPS coordinates about two weeks ago.” He said at least two staff members had been hurt by flying debris.

The attack occurred on Monday night in North Yemen’s Saada province, a region controlled by Houthi

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forces. The state news agency Saba, run by the Houthis, said other air strikes had hit a nearby girls’ school and damaged several civilian homes.

It was not immediately possible to confirm that report.

MSF said the hospital had been hit by missiles from coalition jets.

Coalition spokesman Brigadier General Ahmed Asseri said in an electronic message that coalition jets had been in action over Saada governorate. But, when asked if they had hit the hospital, he said: “Not at all”, and that only an investigation would show the cause of the blasts.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 28, 2015

U.S. still isolated at UN General Assembly over Cuba embargo

(BBC News) THE United Nations General Assembly has almost unanimously voted to condemn the US embargo on Cuba, in the first such resolution since US-Cuban diplomatic ties were restored earlier this year.

The motion won more support than it has done in the past, with 191 members of the 193-member body voting in favour.

Only the U.S. and Israel opposed the resolution, which is non-binding.

The U.S. had earlier said it may abstain if the resolution’s language differed significantly from previous ones.

The UN General Assembly (UNGA) has voted in favour of the resolution condemning the US embargo on Cuba for every year since 1992.

Last year, the US and Israel

voted against the resolution, while three countries abstained.

In July, the U.S. and Cuba reopened embassies in each other’s capitals and restored full diplomatic ties.

Relations had been frozen since the early 1960s when the U.S. broke links and imposed a trade embargo on Cuba.

U.S. President Barack Obama last month told UNGA he expected the U.S. Congress to ultimately lift the embargo.

However, the move is opposed by the Republicans, who control Congress.

According to the BBC’s Will Grant in Havana, there had been speculation that the U.S. might abstain from the UN vote this year, thereby isolating the U.S. Congress in the eyes of the world - and pressurising them to lift the embargo.

However, the U.S. deputy

ambassador to the UN, Ronald Godard, said shortly before the vote that the US would not abstain, as the Cubans had not sufficiently changed the language of the motion.

“We find it unfortunate that despite our demonstrated bilateral progress the Cuban government has chosen to introduce a resolution that is nearly identical to those tabled in years past,” he said.

“Nevertheless, the United States will not be bound by a history of mistrust.”

Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez told the assembly that the “lifting of the blockade” would “give some meaning” to the progress The U.S. envoy to the UN criticised the language of the motion achieved recently, and “set the pace towards normalisation”. end the embargo. go lifted, and behind the between the US and Cuba on The resolution welcomes Our correspondent says scenes, the Castro governits own. the renewed ties and recognises the vote is unlikely to derail ment has appreciated his He says Mr Obama still Mr Obama’s “expressed will” to the process of normalisation support in that endeavour. wants to see the embar-

Torture claims from Tobago double murder accused (Trinidad Guardian) ONE of the men charged with the murder of British-born attorney Richard Wheeler and his wife Grace, accused police investigators of torture when he appeared in court yesterday.

Murder accused Naajip Hills 23, a national of St Vincent, told Tobago magistrate Cheryl-Anne Antoine that police officers squeezed his testicles during interrogation. He also claimed that he was coerced by investigators

to ignore his constitutional rights.

Police prosecutor Marvin Campbell denied the allegations.

Hills, who has been living in Tobago for the past three years, and Andre Romeo, 29, a Tobagonian, from Mt Pleasant, both construction workers, were represented

by Legal Aid attorneys Kern Edwards and Romeo was represented by legal aid attorney Tara Thompson.

They are accused of mur-

dering the couple between October 18 and October 21, at their home at Riseland Gardens, Carnbee. Richard Wheeler, 72, was chopped multiple times while his 67-year-old wife’s throat was slit.

Richard was a senior partner of the law firm Lex Caribbean, based in Tobago, while his wife worked as a real estate agent at Island Investments, in the island.

The police file against the two men is to be sent to Of-

fice of the Director of Public Prosecution’s, so that a State attorney can be appointed in the matter. The men are scheduled to reappear in court on November 24.

The courtroom was packed with employees from Lex Caribbean and Island Investments and friends and family of the victims and the accused for the brief hearing.

Acting Inspector Rodhill Kirk of the Tobago Homicide Bureau laid the charges.

Murder accused Andre Romeo and Naajip Hills

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Guyana

Scrutinise Jagdeo’s overtures to Venezuela Dear Editor,

EDITORIAL

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 28, 2015

ASKED whether he was suggesting that a part of the Essequibo be given to Venezuela, Jagdeo replied, “Not the Essequibo River, Orinoco, just on the border; not our Essequibo. I didn’t mean that.”

The PPP leader added that what would have had to happen was that “you make a slight concession in the maritime area, but make sure you do not concede any territory that is land-based, because the maritime boundaries still are yet to be determined.” Guyana Chronicle

(10/24/2015) I cannot address the many charges of Jagdeo’s skullduggery, but why is the olive branch he extended to Venezuela not being seen for what it is – an act of treason?

Venezuela has no claim. If it needs an access through the Orinoco, negotiations should be on access, and not a claim.

When Venezuela wants Guyana’s rice, rice is sold to Venezuela at a negotiated price.

Venezuela did not claim that Guyana’s rice is theirs. For Jagdeo to even suggest that “…the maritime boundaries still are yet to be determined” is giving Venezuela a toehold

to its claim, when Venezuela does not have a claim.

The borders, the deal, the treaty, the marriage, the agreement -- call it what you will -- has been settled in 1899.

And this treaty of 1899 must be honoured, just as every treaty must be honoured under international law. We must hold unequivocally to this legal document, and ignore and prepare to rebuff any oil-slick caudillo with his personal itch, who wants to lay claim on what is our land -– a land that bears the bodies and blood of its indigenous people, the slaves and indentured servants.

J a g d e o ’s s t a t e m e n t

shows betrayal of the one thing that has been truly sacred to all Guyanese -– our heritage. At a time when our fragmented nation should be healing and coming together to fight the foreign virus that is threating our being, Jagdeo, by his words, proves he is a willing host of this virus. Jagdeo’s statement is unbecoming of a son of Guyana, and, most importantly, leader of the opposition. Jagdeo should be banished to the woodwork, where he belongs.

piness and education of their children and in raising the GDP of this country. That is why the social life of the Indo-Guyanese has been stable over the familial life of the Afro-Guyanese.

Indo-Guyanese are naturally agriculturally-inclined.

They take their intelligence, endure struggles to grow their rice, and look after their families. Take this away from them and you are courting violence, immigration and sabotage.

The government has shown its power to the families of the Indo-Guyanese because they have been out of work from their youthful years whilst their counterparts have been involved in corrupt practices. To control the political elite is to harness their thoughts from corruption by offering them better salaries. It is a wise move.

The President needs to do more by having them declare their assets.

The President should have a group of eloquent and fair-minded Guyanese to form a commission as an autonomous body to try those ministers who are caught being involved in corrupt practices, and should enforce strict penalties.

I agree we ought to fight for the land that gave us birth.

To give Venezuela access is to continue to give them credibility to fight us for our land. I agree with the President that this matter should be solved through juridical means.

I have a feeling that Guyana will soon become a hotspot. President Granger should not ask for help from the USA, because I see none coming. If U.S. soldiers should establish a presence in Guyana, then the USSR will back Venezuela, and the whole matter will be suicidal for the Guyanese people.

So I am calling on the President to try his best to

seek a solution to this impasse, and to show goodwill towards the Guyanese people and not doing anything to cause the East Indians to hate him. People will not tolerate a PNC strategy to bring the East Indians to their knees, but they will retaliate and the whole society will again foster racism and divide-andrule. This will make us weaker and vulnerable against intended invaders.

To pluck away infrastructure and agricultural lands from people will spell disaster, rather than unity.

Finally, I would like to encourage the President to try to continue the development process from where the opposition left off, and try to forge a new way and leapfrog Guyana towards economic development.

Moving on Corruption Bridge the gap between Indos and Afros

OVER the last couple of weeks, several reports about the findings of the audit of government departments have appeared in the media. The State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) has also presented a report to the Attorney General on the Pradoville scandal. If these reports are to be believed, there is seemingly some merit to accusations of corruption which have been levelled against the former government.

The parties which comprise the present government have long accused the PPP government of corruption, and have made the issue a centerpiece of their election campaign. But since coming to power, the government has appeared to be less aggressive on the issue than was expected. To date, only one former minister has been charged, yet the government continues to reveal its findings on a daily basis.

On the matter of the SARU report, one gets the impression that the Attorney General is uncertain about what to do. Is this a sign that the government itself does not have an agreed strategy on this matter? Is the government ready to move beyond using these findings to apparently score political points?

There is no doubt that Professor Clive Thomas and the SARU are serious about moving against corruption.

He, for example, said in yesterday’s press that SARU is seeking powers to freeze the assets of suspects. He had earlier alluded that government needs to move towards enactment of the necessary laws to allow for prosecution.

The investment in the SARU is sound, but if its work is not aided by the proper legal framework, its effect would be negligible.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, in an apparent show of confidence, has challenged the government to prosecute those found to have engaged in corruption under his watch. His colleague, former president Donald Ramotar, also told the media this past week that the government has exaggerated the instances of corruption discovered during his tenure, and presumably before. These statements from the two former Heads-of-State suggest that either the PPP is burying its head in the sand, or is confident that the government would not follow through with its promise to prosecute.

Judging from letters in the media, it seems that citizens, particularly government supporters, are getting impatient at this apparent cat-and-mouse situation. Po-

Dear editor, PLEASE allow me some space in your newspaper to give my views on the way forward in bridging the political gap between Indoand Afro-Guyanese.

I am getting older every day, and overtime, I have seen the political divide continue to stagnate with no hope for collegiality. Guyanese are a proud people, and each race wants to have a political share in administrating the country.

Now that the APNU+AFC coalition has formed the government, the coalition needs to win the hearts of all Guyanese, especially the Indo-Guyanese.

The only way this can be achieved is to enable Indo-Guyanese to feel there is equity in the system. There is no doubt that East Indians are historically known to be hard workers, who dedicate their energy towards the hap-

litical commentator Dr. David Hinds, writing in his column this past weekend, warned the government that it could face a stern rebuke by its supporters if it reneges on prosecuting those in the previous administration that are found to be corrupt. According to Dr Hinds, there is a “huge appetite” for prosecution of wrongdoers. He suggested that if the government wants to mend fences with its supporters in the wake of the fall-out from the controversy surrounding the salary hike for ministers, it should speed up the process of prosecution.

We are sympathetic with the government’s being mindful of strident charges of witch-hunting and ethnic cleansing, but we believe that the issue of official corruption goes beyond mere politicking. Small, economically challenged countries such as ours have been further stagnated by cor-

STANLEY NIAMATALI

Regards CHANDRADAT DEONANDAN

ruption, which has, among other things, taken bread out of the mouths of poor people. We cannot, and should not, continue in this vein.

We are aware that parties tend to soften their stance, or jettison campaign promises, once they attain office.

We are also aware that this is in part conditioned by the realities of governing, which are much different from opposing. But as this government has learned from the furore generated by its recent salary hike, the country is in no mood for the politics of expediency. As we have editorialised, this attitude, by sections of the electorate, of pushing back against the government of their choice, is a most healthy development. The government must bear this in mind as it mulls this issue of confronting past official corruption.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 28, 2015

InselAir hiring local pilots for extended hubs - partnering with NGOs to develop local communities

pressed with accomplishments in Guyana, and in just 15 months, flights have increased from twice weekly at its opening to four times in December and two additional flights again last month, making it six weekly flights.

The move to partner with Roraima Airways has opened up impressive markets for InselAir. Chief Executive Officer of Roraima Group of Companies, Gerry Gouveia, said he too is impressed with the partnership since InselAir has brought an entire new dispensation to travel in Guyana and is opening this South American country to several untraditional destinations.

Gouveia said he is also pleased that InselAir is living up to its social responsibility and comfortably fits into what Roraima stands for, being socially conscious and projecting various charitable drives.

Roraima, Gouveia noted, is famous for charitable work and development support, especially within Amerindian communities along Demerara River, with Santa Mission being a notable one.

He announced that the company is also hiring GuyINCREASED FLIGHTS anese flight attendants.

Bereios said the airline Meanwhile, Heerenveen has been particularly im- said his mission in Guyana INSELAIR is collaborating with Roraima Airways to offer lifetime opportunities to Guyanese pilots, and is also partnering with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to develop local communities.

Chief Executive Officer of InselAir, Edward Heerenveen yesterday disclosed at a press conference at Duke Lodge, Kingston that the international airline is now hiring local pilots for flights to its extended hubs.

“We are going to hire pilots from Guyana who are ready with their education and are looking for a place to work,” he announced.

Meanwhile, Marketing Director Nicola Bereios said InselAir has made funds available for community development undertakings and is banking on initiatives by NGOs with interests in students, youth and sport.

The airline has also launched a promotion for university students and senior citizens in which they will be given ten percent discounts off ticket prices to any destination.

is to have talks with the new APNU+AFC government to come up with strategic plans for the development of the country, and how his airline can contribute to this.

He said that he was impressed with talks with Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes yesterday morning, which seemed fruitful, and he described the minister as an “incredible lady”.

Gouveia also announced that Minister Hughes said she has hopes of collaborating with tourism sectors in Aruba and Curacao in a similar initiative to the recently established one which twins Barbados with Guyana, bringing tourists from there to hop-over here.

InselAir has also had successful talks with Minister of Infrastructure Anette Ferguson, and as a result of talks with both ministers it is preparing to launch promotions targeting visitors who will travel here for Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations next year, reducing rates and expanding flights for the expected peak season.

It covers 30 destinations with 180 seat pairs, and uses Aruba and Curacao as hubs to even countries as far

InselAir Chief Executive Officer Edward Heerenveen, Roraima Airways General Manager Debbie Gouveia, InselAir Sales and Marketing Manager Nicola Bereios, and Roraima CEO Gerry Gouveia pose for Guyana Chronicle photographer Cullen Bess-Nelson at the press conference yesterday.

as India, China and Hong Kong, among others.

The company has partnered with several airlines, including COPA airlines and Dynasty, and said that using Curacao and Aruba as hubs would be the best travellers’ choice since it reduces time and distance and offers multi-destination deals for the same cost.

InselAir is also seeking to secure flights to Boa Vista, expanding services to Brazilians here although it already has flights three times weekly to Manaus, the officials said.

It is also working towards strengthening existing ties with Air France, to push Guyana as a choice destination for Holland and Germany among the main targets.

Coverage of the Burnham Foundation GMM contained misrepresentations Dear Editor,

ON Monday, October 19, the Chronicle reported on the General Members Meeting of the Burnham Foundation, which was held on Sunday, October 18.

For that the Foundation is grateful, since, previously, the dailies would scarcely cover the events of the Foundation.

However, the Foundation is disappointed with aspects of the coverage received. The main presenter at the meeting was a young alumnus of, and teacher at, the college. She spoke on the ‘Introspection and Prospects of the College’.

Her presentation was balanced and spoke to the strengths and weaknesses of the college, including its decline.

The coverage was, however, done under a screaming headline: President’s College reduced to ‘nothing’ under PPP/C. This was reiterated in the first and second paragraphs of the article. This left the presenter in shock and dismay, since her presentation and its tenor never alluded to the college being reduced to ‘nothing’; nor was mention made of the PPP/C. The Foundation therefore requests that this letter be given prominence equal to that given the article, and that the newspaper acknowledges that the idea of nothingness was wrongly attributed to, or misrepresented the presentation of, the presenter.

Yours sincerely, VINCENT ALEXANDER Chairman

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 28, 2015

In The Courts

Johnny Ex-prison director Welshman on back in court on fraud charge sexual offence charge

JOHNNY Welshman who is also known as Johnny William-Luchart of Lot 2519 Layou Street, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was placed on $25,000 bail after pleading not guilty to charge for obtaining money by false presence.

Twenty-three-year-old Welchman, made his appearance before Magistrate Dylon Bess yesterday to the charges which stated on October 21 at Georgetown, he obtained $40,000 from Alicia Fernandez by pretending to be a lawyer, knowing same to be fabricated.

Prosecution facts, mentioned that Fernandez had a problem with her mother who has custody of her children. This matter had an altercation with the welfare who advised Fernandez to seek an Attorney-at-Law, so that she can have full custody of her children.

The facts presented to the court did not state as to how Fernandez made contact with the defendant, who told her that he was a competent lawyer to take care of the custody process.

She found out that he was not a lawyer, the matter was reported to the police and he was arrested.

The defendant was unrepresented in court and is expected to make his next court appearance, on December 29.

“I HAVE nothing to say, and may God bless those who are against me,” were the words of the former Director of Prisons, Mr Welton Trotz, to reporters during his first court appearance last Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Charged with allegedly sexually assaulting a female prison officer, Trotz was released on $100,000 bail after pleading not guilty before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore in a matter heard in camera.

His case, transferred before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, was called yesterday, but was adjourned until November

18, since investigations into the matter are still ongoing.

A junior female rank has alleged that Trotz had made sexual advances to her sometime before the May 11 General and Regional Elections. The junior rank told her husband about Trotz’s advances, and those were subsequently reported to the police.

Welton Trotz

An investigation was launched by the police, and the file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecution, who advised that Trotz be charged for sexual assault of the woman.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has reportedly relieved Trotz of his position as Director of Prisons.

No bail for bus conductor

BUS conductor Euchand Frank of Lot 39 Cross Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown appeared on Tuesday before city magistrate Dylan Bess, accused of robbing at knife-point police constable Hubert Collins of a DL 900 Digicel cellphone worth $30,000 along with $10,000 in cash.

The 28-year-old Frank stood shackled before the magistrate with a stern look on his face as the charge of robbery under arms was read to him.

This charge alleges that on October 14, at Hadfield Street, Georgetown, while being in the company of another and armed with a knife, Frank robbed the policeman.

Prosecutor corporal Deniro Jones requested

that the Administration of Justice Act be applied, and Frank pleaded guilty to the charge.

Court statements detailed that the constable was on foot patrol attired in civilian clothes, at about 20:00 hr on the day in question, when he was confronted by Frank and another, who rode up behind him on a pedal cycle.

Frank allegedly placed a knife to the constable’s neck, and demanded the articles before making good his escape. Collins raised an alarm and radioed for backup, and quick response managed to apprehend the suspect, in whose possession the stolen items were found, while Frank’s accomplice managed to elude the cops.

Given opportunity to

speak, Frank said: “Yes, I went deh when the man phone get snatch, but I didn’t thief the phone. It was meh padna who did it; plus meh nah had no knife pon meh”. Based upon this explanation, Magistrate Bess recorded a not guilty plea on Frank’s behalf.

Nevertheless, police p ro s e c u t o r C o r p o r a l Shawn Gonzales objected to Frank being granted his pretrial liberty on ground of the seriousness and prevalence of such offences in today’s society. Magistrate Bess, unconvinced by Frank’s alibi, ruled in the prosecution’s favour, and bail was refused. The matter has been adjourned until November 24 for statements.

Businessman on $100,000 bail on forgery, fraud

BUSINESSMAN Omesh Shaw of Lot 163 Waterloo Street, Georgetown appeared on Tuesday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, and pleaded not guilty to two charges detailing: (1) that on August 25, 2014, at Georgetown, he uttered to Distribution Services Limited (DSL)

a Demerara Bank Limited Cheque, #9 dated 2014/25/08, to the value of $128,460, knowing same to be forged.

(2) The Omesh Variety Store owner, by means of the forged cheque, obtained grocery from DSL to the sum of $128,460.

The unrepresented

49-year-old explained to the court that he operates a store located at the Berbice car park. Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones, did not object to the businessman being granted bail, and Magistrate McLennan placed Shaw on $100,000 bail before adjourning his matter until November 17 for statements.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 28, 2015

Govt unveils plans to cut red tape … in setting up of business

- attracting more foreign investments, developing value-added industries THE Ministry of Business has identified improved ease in doing business, attracting more foreign investments and support for the development of value-added industries as central goals in its new five-year action plan.

The plan released by the ministry will also focus on increasing the economic opportunities and capabilities of vulnerable groups, and expanding capacity to develop and promote sustainable business-friendly policies.

Businesses are the major sources of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), income, investments and jobs in Guyana, and will therefore be central to securing the economic growth the country needs to drive its future, the Ministry said.

In recognition of this fact, the mandate of the Minister of Business addresses the matters of investment promotion, work force enhancement, sustainable development and export promotion. The strategic action plan is released at an exciting time for the Guyanese business sector. A new ministry has been created, dedicated to providing the support and representation needed for businesses to thrive in Guyana.

The ministry said the business agenda is central to achieving inclusive growth and national unity and successfully promoting a strong Guyana as a good place to invest.

On September 25, 2015, the UN General Assembly adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Ministry of Business said it will make an important contribution to achieving

many of the specific targets, especially under goal 8.

Goal 8 aims to “Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all”.

The action plan also

Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin explains how the ministry intends to fulfil its mandate over the next five years and ensures that the SDGs relevant to Guyana are on track by 2030.

The strategy document includes two parts: (1), Action plan with the concrete steps the Ministry will take to promote business development during 2015-2016; and (2), the time-line for the finalisation of the Ministry of Business costed 20162020 strategic plan, which will be completed with the assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

PROVIDING FOUNDATION “ We r e c o g n i s e government’s important role in providing the foundations for private

sector growth and sustainable long-term economic development,” the Ministry said.

The actions planned for 2015 include the upload of key ministry documents and procedures to the website for greater transparency; this will include all vacancies; lead task force for the establishment of a Single Wi n d o w S y s t e m f o r automated processing of import-export licenses; the Business Expo to be held on November 27-29 at the National Exhibition Centre under the theme: “Guyanese Products and Services – Our Gateway to the Good Life”; recruitment of new CEO for GO-Invest; structured engagements with private sector bodies; release draft strategy on Small Business Bureau 20 per cent public procurement programme; collaborate with Ministry of Legal Affairs to prepare legal agenda for enhancing the business environment; and creation of a strategy and policy unit within the ministry to address areas affecting competitiveness.

Businesses are the major sources of GDP, income and investments in Guyana.

The private sector accounts for over 80 per cent of total expenditure and contributes over twice the public sector’s level of investment in new capital.

With this in mind, the ministry said businesses will be central to securing the economic growth to drive Guyana’s future.

Businesses are also Guyana’s major employer.

“Most of the new and high-skilled jobs we need will come from the private sector. We estimate that around 2/3 of workers are

employed in either the formal or the informal b u s i n e s s s e c t o r. I n recognition of this fact, the Ministry of Business was assigned responsibility for work force enhancement: to help increase the size and quality of our work

force through better jobs,” the ministry noted in the plan.

In 2014 over 80 per cent or $163 billion of the revenue here was generated by taxes, and most of this was paid to the government directly by

businesses.

“In order to continually expand our social programmes we need more tax revenue; this will come by supporting private sector growth,” the ministry said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 28, 2015

Pandit Council calls for unity in Hindu community

By Tajeram Mohabir

PRESIDENT of the Guyana Pandit’s Council Rudra Sharma is calling on Hindus throughout Guyana to be united as the country celebrates Diwali, the Festival of Lights on November 10th -the nationally declared date.

Sharma told the Guyana Chronicle that Diwali is the celebration of love and togetherness and light over darkness. And on that score, he pointing out that there should not be any rancour and ill-feeling towards each other at this time, because of the Dharmic Sabha’s faulty calculation of the date for the festival.

For Hindus, the lighting of the diyas symbolises the destruction, through knowledge, of all negative forces, and this includes wickedness, violence, lust, anger, envy, greed, bigotry, fear, injustice, oppression and suffering.

In India, Diwali is celebrated on November 10th in South India and November 11th in North India. South India uses the Shalivahana calendar, and Diwali does not

--says Diwali is celebration of love, togetherness

coincide with the beginning of a new year. The date in the south falls on Ashvina Krishna Chaturdasi (the lunar day before the new moon). The exact date is calculated based on the last 90 minutes before sunrise (Arunodaya). Unlike the north, the festival is spelt Deepavali and involves bathing before sunrise. The celebrations last for four days.

In the north it is different.

The celebrations go on for five days and Diwali falls on the following lunar day on Ashvina Amavasya (lunar day of new moon). The date is calculated based on extended Pradosha (a few hours after sunset) and is observed by lighting diyas, lanterns and firecrackers.

NOT THE SAME In addition, the daily celebrations are not the same.

For example, on day one in

Diwali is the celebration of light over darkness Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha President Dr Vindhya Persaud South India, the celebrations commemorate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Naraka. And devotees take a bath early in the morning before sunrise. In the north, on day one, it is the commemoration of the birth of Dhanvantari (the physician of the Gods). Dhan translates to wealth and Goddess Lakshmi is being worshiped for prosperity and well-being. The vast majority of Indian businesses start their accounting year on this day.

Here in Guyana, there has been some division in the Hindu community on the date for the festival with the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha contending that the true date for the celebrations is November 11.

The Dharmic Sabha had pointed out that Diwali occurs annually on Amawasya or the new moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik, and is the 15th Tithi (a lunar) in the darkest half of Kartik. And according to the Panchang/Patra, this occurs on November 11.

“This coincides exactly with the western astronomers’ calculation of the new moon,

Guyana Pandit’s Council President Rudra Sharma which is listed for Guyana as occurring on November 11 at 13:47hrs. The new-moon effect will be experienced as darkness falls,” the President of Dharmic Sabha, Dr Vindyha Persaud said.

She added that performing Maha Lakshmi Puja at 18:00 hours on November 11 would therefore be four hours later than the exact Amawasya moment and within the new moon day itself as opposed to doing puja at 18:00 hours on November 10 which would be about 20 hours before the actual occurrence of the new moon, and almost a full day before.

INCORRECT “This is clearly incorrect and not in keeping with the norms of Hindu tradition,” the Dharmic Sabha said, adding that it has been calculating for more than 40 years on the basis of the Bhavani Shankar Panchang, one of India’s most renowned and reputable Panchangs.

The Dharmic Sabha, a cultural organisation, also claimed that it has been providing dates for Hindu Festivals to the Ministry of Homes Affairs (now National Security Ministry) for

the past 40 years.

But Pandit Ramdial Balbadar of the Sanatan Vaidic Dharma Pandit’s Sabha said he very much doubts that Dr Persaud’s findings are based on the Bhavani Shankar Panchang.

He said the Bhavani Shankar Panchang does not differ from the 100-year Kaashi or any other Panchangs.

“Everybody agrees that Diwali is celebrated in the evening of Amawasya in the month of Kartik. The logical thing to do, therefore, it to determine the evening of Amawasya. To do this, you have to firstly establish the duration of Amawasya—its starting and finishing time, in order to correctly situate Diwali within this period. I know of no other method. Every event within the Hindu calander is located within an astrological time-frame.

From the calculation, we see that Amawasya begins at 11: 35 hours on November 10th, runs the entire night of November 10, and finishes at 13:27 hours on November 11. Which evening then is Amavasya?

November 10th of course!” he said.

He contended that Dr Persaud is actually saying that it is better to celebrate Diwali at 18:00 hours on November 11 than 18:00 hours on November 10 because the former is only 4 hours after Amavasya, while the latter is 20 hours before the actual occurrence of the moon.

“Is this what we have been reduced to, fixing our religious dates according to our whims and fancies?

What kind of logic is this?” he asked.

Pandit Sharma also refuted the claim by Dr Persaud that the Dharmic Sabha has been providing dates for Hindu festivals to the Ministry for the past 40 years, pointing out that it only began doing so in 1993.

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha had also pointed out that Diwali is celebrated on November 11 in India and Guyana should follow that date.

But Pandit Sharma told the Guyana Chronicle that India is 9.5 hours ahead of Guyana, and as such Guyana, if Guyana is to celebrate the festival within the timeframe it should be celebrated, the celebrations will fall on November 10, and not November 11.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 28, 2015

T

HIV prevalence higher in Guyana’s prisons - Dr Norton

HE rate of HIV prevalence in Guyana’s prisons is two times higher than that of the general population, Health Minister, Dr George Norton told the 37th Meeting of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board in Geneva, Switzerland on Monday.

He said too that Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region has been “lagging” in its response to the prevalence of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in prisons and other closed settings. He noted that the time is opportune for this population to be given priority. Minister Norton was at the time delivering his second presentation during the continuation of the 37th Meeting of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board in Geneva, Switzerland.

“Whist we are all aware of the risk for HIV in prisons and closed settings, our response in many ways have been lagging and therefore the time is opportune that we prioritise this population,” Guyana’s Public Health Minister declared.

In order to make an impact, Dr Norton said this issue must be tackled at all levels, including at the policy level. “This means, therefore, that at the national level there has to be willingness and openness of all stakeholders to collaborate and share information as much as possible. There has to be leadership from line ministries such as Ministry of Security.

Indeed, this brings to bear the concept of health in all policies,” he explained.

However, the Public Health Minister warned that these discussions must be “transparent,” and “real issues,” must be dealt with such as access to HIV education and testing, and the controversial availability of condoms in prisons.

“The opponents of prevention services and more particularly condoms in prison must be educated and lobbied to ensure that there is full understanding of the issues and that decisions

“The opponents of prevention services and more particularly condoms in prisons must be educated and lobbied to ensure that there is full understanding of the issues and that decisions are based on evidence and science. Policies have to take on board a comprehensive, combination prevention approach to HIV” - Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton at the 37th Meeting of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board in Geneva, Switzerland.

Government is in full support of any decision to increase access to HIV prevention, treatment and care services for people in prisons and other closed settings. While the provision of HIV services in prisons and closed door settings may be lacking in today’s society, Minister Norton reported that tuberculosis programmes in many cases have done well in these settings.

In the last decade or so, these programmes have been strengthened several fold with the investments from the Global Fund.

BEST PRACTICES

Guyana’s Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton during the 37th Meeting of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Boarding in Geneva, Switzerland are based on evidence and science. Policies have to take on board a comprehensive, combination prevention approach to HIV,” he maintained.

HIV IN PRISON POPULATION In Guyana, Dr Norton said, the prevalence of HIV within the prison population is approximately two times higher than that of the general population. “Whist this may be the case in many other places, depending on how we see and approach this issue, these types of setting could present ideal environments for HIV services. For example, prisoners who are HIV positive and on treatment could be monitored through Direct Observed Therapy (DOT),” the Public Health Minister explained.

However, he said there are many challenges in rolling out programmes in these settings but these issues must be overcome. Dr Norton said that if these challenges are not addressed, in existing prisons or any closed setting, persons may not be able to integrate well within their communities and society.

“What this means for HIV prevention and treatment services? Persons are entering their communities with limited knowledge on HIV prevention and indeed persons started on ARV treatment in the prison setting are far too often lost to follow-up. This gap is significant and the implications are far reaching,” he contended.

Nevertheless, Dr Norton made it clear that the Guyana

According to Dr. Norton, many good lessons and best practices are available in this regard. “More importantly, this is a real opportunity for us to all take the comparative advantage of established TB programmes in creating synergies and better efficiency in dealing with the HIV epidemic.”

During his first presentation on Monday, Minister Norton said that in an effort to combat HIV, there must be deep rooted cultural and systemic change, noting that while the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Region has set ambitious targets for the period 2020-2030, critical change is needed to create a dent on stigma and discrimination, in addition to the provision of prevention services that will benefit all.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 28, 2015 CCTV cameras being placed at Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown.

Roll out of CCTV cameras commences I

… installations underway across city

NSTALLATION of the much touted Closed Circuit Television CCTV) has begun across the capital city as government moves to shore up its anticrime posture in the face of a spike in streets crimes.

CCTV is a TV system in which signals are not publicly distributed but are monitored, primarily for surveillance and security purposes. It relies on strategic placement of cameras, and observation of the camera’s input on monitors somewhere. Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan recently told an audience in Toronto, Canada that as part of the administration’s overall fight against rampant gun crimes 300 television monitors covering cameras on every street in the capital city will be installed. Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday observed that the installation of the cameras has commenced along Avenue of the Republic.

Ramjattan had acknowledged that the crime situation needs to be taken seriously, pointing out that it is obviously a Herculean task, but vowed that the APNU+AFC coalition government will be the Hercules in surmounting it.

He had said too that a decision will be made shortly as to where the command centre will be located. However, up to Tuesday this newspaper was unable to verify if the centre has been set up and where it is located.

Ramjattan has described the initiative as a huge development since 66 per cent of the crimes in Guyana are committed in Georgetown. Financing for the project is being sourced under the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Citizen Security Programme II, which aims at improving the operational efficiency of the Guyana Police Force, with regards to reducing the levels of crime, violence and insecurity.

Monies that are going to be disbursed for the command centre and other supportive measures, amount to some US$2.5 million. In addition to the establishment and management of the centre, funds will also go towards the CCTV feeds.

“We are going to have many cameras all around the city streets and a command centre that would see what is happening,” Minister Ramjattan had said.

According to Ramjattan, the centre will have many mounted television cameras that could be used to trace incidents and to link these with ambulances, fire service and police service responses. “On that screen you will actually know where a police car is and if there is a robbery you will divert immediately the closest patrol vehicle to the scene of the crime and as well call 911 or the fire service,” the minister explained. Government has allocated $21 billion to strengthen and improve national security services. Of that amount, a sum of $11.9 billion will support the operations of the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service, Guyana Fire Service and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) while $9.1 billion has been budgeted for the Guyana Defence Force.

DECENTRALISATION These allocations will be used to improve the physical infrastructure, upgrade the security fleet, acquire tools and equipment, and upgrade the security features of the machine readable passports.

With respect to the decentralisation of the application and issuance of passports, a sum of $9.7 million has been budgeted for the acquisition of specialised equipment for the production of machine readable passports.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 28, 2015

Guyana/Venezuela border controversy

Guyana wants ICJ opinion on arbitral award - Greenidge

By Ariana Gordon

G U YA N A r e m a i n s resolute in its call for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to pronounce on the status of the 1899 arbitral award on its boundary with Venezuela.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday that while Guyana feels that the controversy can be settled only by the ICJ, it is cognisant of the fact that Venezuela could challenge the ICJ’s opinion, once not favourable to that country.

“If, for example, as we are suggesting, the SG (United Nations Secretary General) puts to the court - ‘give us an opinion on this matter’ – the court could do so without the agreement of Venezuela.

If it is, however, that you are asking them to deal with a matter of substance, they would, as I understand, Venezuela’s concurrence will be required,” said Greenidge.

The Foreign Affairs Minister is of the view that should the ICJ present an opinion in Guyana’s favour, the entire world would be aware that Venezuela’s illegal claim to the Essequibo is unfounded. “The thing about an opinion in those circumstances (is that) it is only advisory. The value of it to Guyana is the world will see that, a legal exercise having been conducted, Venezuela’s claim is not supported,” he

added.

The Foreign Minister reiterated that Venezuela has been unable to produce any evidence to support its contention that the 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award was null and void. Greenidge, meanwhile, has said calls by former President Bharrat Jagdeo on government to have the UN involved in every aspect of the border controversy are not necessary.

The Secretary General (SG) is an overseer of the Geneva Agreement.

“One has to be careful in trying to draw distinctions between the things we say in order to show that we either know more, or show that we are clever… Perhaps [it] is most effective in a political arena when dealing with domestic politics; but in the arena that faces us now, where you are facing a relentless and remorseless flow one has to be very, very careful about trying to split hairs where that may not help,” Minister Greenidge said.

Should the matter be sent to the ICJ, the UN would have no role to play. “The court is a definitive legal body in its own right. It pronounces on what it’s asked, and that should be the end of the process as regards the SG (Secretary General) and the court; but the decision itself may require action afterwards by the two sides or by one side,” the Foreign Affairs Minister cautioned.

Guyana, Greenidge said, is calling for a juridical settlement because government feels it is the country’s best bet on concluding the border controversy once and for all.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge “We have been calling for a judicial resolution of the problem, the reason being that Venezuela has been arguing that the 1899 Award is null and void. For an award which is legal or quasi-legal to be deemed null and void, (it) requires a judicial decision,” Minister Greenidge said.

The Foreign Affairs head noted that the ICJ will decide, either by process or substance, whether some principles have been infringed. “…in passing, he [SG] acknowledged that any solution to this problem would have to involve answering the question ‘Is this award null and void?’

Otherwise, there is no place to go; the problem will never

be resolved. Venezuela has not indicated an interest in withdrawing this assertion, which we have always regarded as completely and utterly baseless. And unless that contention is withdrawn, all the things that the UN might do will not help one iota,” Greenidge remarked.

There are options available to Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, including the restart of the UN Good Offices Process, new arbitration, and conciliation. Venezuela has indicated that it has no interest in approaching the ICJ on the border controversy, but has opted to have the UN provide a solution to the matter.

Guyana had indicated in no uncertain terms that it has no intention of restarting the Good Offices Process, because it “has harmed Guyana”.

Greenidge noted that the Good Offices Process has caused considerable suffering to Guyana by loss of investments.

“They [UN] have to decide what is the next step. Of course we have indicated to them what we want. Venezuela clearly is not interested in a judicial resolution, because a judicial resolution is intended to bring the problem definitively to

a halt.

“Venezuela is seeking now to avoid another court pronouncement because they anticipate, no doubt, that it will be the same as the last; and in those circumstances, they don’t have leverage.”

Minister Greenidge stressed.

He said that Guyana is the lone party that has adhered studiously to the Geneva Agreement.

“We have never invaded our neighbour; we have never put out false press statements, or false statements about the rights we exercise in Venezuela or the rights we exercise in Guyana. We have, when called upon, accommodated the SG, as happened in September; whilst the other partner was not willing to receive them.”

He said it needs to be clear that Guyana doesn’t have an issue with the Geneva Agreement. “It is, as such, the other options under the Geneva Agreement have been exhausted, and the continuation of the process, as currently managed since 1982 by the UN, has led to Guyana actually suffering by way of loss of investment, by way of loss of land, the seizure of Ankoko, that is an infringement of the Geneva agreement and the like. So,

that is the issue that faces the UN,” he disclosed.

On September 27 and October 12 respectively, Guyana received investigative teams from the UN. The Foreign Affairs Ministry remains in contact with the UN Secretary General on the border controversy.

BORDER COMMITTEE The Foreign Affairs Minister noted that both the government and opposition are required to name the representatives from each side on the Border Committee, so that both parties can share information.

“The intention has been expressed…the intention to establish inter-party arrangements so we can appraise each other of our views and developments.”

The Guyana–Venezuela border controversy over the Essequibo Region resurfaced in May, just after Guyana’s General Elections and mere days after U.S oil giant ExxonMobil announced that it had discovered significant oil offshore. Venezuela has illegitimately claimed the Essequibo Region, and has labelled the 1899 Arbitral Award null and void.

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Guyana explores green technology opportunities at Korea - Caribbean Forum Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman last week represented Guyana in a high level meeting in Seoul, Korea after an invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, to participate in the Fifth Korea-Caribbean High-Level Forum.

Held under the theme “Enhancing the KoreaCaribbean Partnership in the Field of New and Renewable Energy,” the meeting was set against the backdrop of the challenges posed by climate change and therefore focused primarily on opportunities for new and renewable energies that are made available by Korea to the Caribbean and Guyana.

According to Minister Trotman, who served as Guyana’s representative at the meeting, the timing of the forum was fortuitous for Guyana, as the country transitions into a green economy and looks elsewhere for good examples for adaptation. He noted that the Republic of Korea is a noted developer and utiliser of alternative energy technologies and has signalled its strong commitment to working with individual Caribbean states, bilaterally, or through the CARICOM Secretariat, to bring these new technologies to the Caribbean.

The delegates included representatives from the

CARICOM Secretariat, Guyana, Suriname, Haiti, Jamaica, Antigua, Dominica, St. Vincent, St. Kitts & Nevis and the Bahamas, and were afforded several opportunities to discuss policy matters on

Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman energy and climate change.

In addition, they were able to interact with manufacturers and stakeholders. Site visits were facilitated to several renewable energy generating sites, including a range from hydro to solar and bio-mass power generation.

Minister Trotman also used the opportunity to hold oneon-one discussions with Korean Government officials and with executives of the manufacturing companies.

This was done with a view to inviting a delegation to visit

Guyana in the near future to advance opportunities for both government and the private sector here.

Delegates at the inaugural Korea-Caribbean Forum held in 2011 discussed a Development Strategy and International Cooperation with the Caribbean, and Korea-Caribbean Cooperation for Green Growth. The following year at the second Forum e-Government, Marine Environment Management and New and Renewable Energy were discussed. The Third Forum sought practical and productive ways to increase cooperation between Korea and the Caribbean States and in particular to promote tourism cooperation.

The Fourth Forum reviewed progress in Korea-Caribbean cooperation since 2012 and discussed avenues to further deepen and broaden the partnership.

This Fifth Forum revisited some topics previously discussed, such as Renewable Energy and E-Government Management, but also addressed the new and extremely vital topics of Climate Change and Disaster Management. The meeting was jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, the Korea Energy Agency and the Global Green Growth.

(Ministry of the Presidency)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 28, 2015

NIS nets 5% increase in income - 2013 report shows THE National Insurance Scheme (NIS) in 2013 recorded a 5.6% increase in income, according to its just released 2013 Annual Report. According to the report, the total income received during that period amounted to $14.156B, with contributions accounting for $13.195B. Not only did the scheme secure a 5.6% increase when compared to 2012, its contribution showed significant growth in 2013, jumping from $11.823B in 2012 to $13.195B. In 2012, the total income was recorded at $13.403B. Additionally, NIS in 2013 managed to secure an increase in profit with its expenditure amounting to approximately $14.133B when compared to its income of $14.155B in the same financial year. Of the expended amount, approximately $12.609B was expended on Benefit Payments and approximately $1.524B on Administrative Expenses. In 2013, NIS also underwent six major changes, and according to the report with effect from January 1, 2013 the amount that was paid to Funeral Benefit increased from $25,080 to $27,590.

Additionally, it was pointed out that all pensions were increased by 5% from January 1, 2013 while the minimum rate for Old Age and Invalidity Pensions was increased from $17,932 to $18,829. By March 1, 2013, the Insurable Earnings Ceiling was increased from $143,455 to $150,628 per month and from $33,105 to $34,760 per week. Similarly, the minimum Insurable Earnings Ceiling for SelfEmployed persons had also increased from

$44,793 per month to $47,032. Financially, in the financial area, the scheme with effect from June 1, 2013 increased the rate of contributions in the case of Employed from 13% to 14% and for Self-Employed from 11.5% to 12.5%.

In addition to the financial report on the scheme, it was also indicated in the 2013 Annual Report that scheme attracted 338 new employers. “Of this amount, 319 or approximately 94% were small-scale employers, that is, each employed no more than 10 persons. Sixteen or approximately 5% employed between 11 and 50 persons, while three of 1% employed between 51 and 100 persons. No employer employed over 100 persons,” the report explained.

The 338 new employers, who registered with the scheme in 2013, signalled a 7% increase when compared to 2012, during which 315 employers registered.

As 2013 ended, 28,055 employers were registered with the Scheme, but at the time only 6,507 were active. Meanwhile, a total of 10,622 employed persons were registered during that year, with 5,288 being males and 5,334 being females. “An analysis by age shows that 47 of the registrants were under 16 years, 10,545 were between the ages of 16 years and 59 years, and 30 were 60 years and over,” the report pointed out.

Additionally, during the year under review, 486 self-employed persons were registered, with 56% accounting for males and 44% females.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 28, 2015

Cops find suicide notes of rights activist CRIME Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that the police are in possession of several suicide notes which were reportedly written by now dead social and human rights activist Zenita Temall Nicholson.

Nicholson, who worked with the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) and also partnered with other rights and social groups, died on Monday morning at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, where she was rushed after complaining of feeling unwell and later confirming that she had ingested several carbon tablets.

The Crime Chief said the woman had asked her reputed husband to pass the letters out to her relatives, but, for some reason, this was not done.

This publication is unclear as to how long the letters were written since there has been no immediate confirmation whether or not those letters were dated.

The Crime Chief told the Guyana Chronicle that the police will continue treating the case as a suicide, given the statement provided to them by the woman’s best friend, who said that

Embassy here last year, she was described as a leading rights activist.

The police facts reveal that, on Monday morning her husband telephoned a male friend of the woman’s requesting that he show up at their home to take her to the hospital, since she was not feeling well. The woman, however, had in the past informed the friend that anytime a call should come to his phone from hers, he should ask to speak with her.

When the male friend

Zenita Nicholson when she accepted the Woman of Courage Award last year moments before she passed a result of something other away, Ms Nicholson had than suicide, the focus of the admitted to him that she investigation would have to had ingested the carbon be shifted. tablets.

Zenita Nicholson has Blanhum was, however, gone down in history as careful to state that the the first Guyanese to be woman’s post-mortem will be awarded an International conducted, and if it is found Woman of Courage Award that the woman had died as from the United States

answered the call on Monday m o r n i n g , t h e w o m a n ’s reputed husband was on the line, and the friend asked to speak with the woman, who came on the phone and confirmed that she indeed was not feeling well, and requested that he show up to take her to the hospital. Once at the woman’s residence, her reputed husband joined the vehicle, and the woman confided in the friend that she had ingested ten carbon tablets.

She had recently shared this post on Facebook

regarding suicide: “Many people think that a suicide attempt is a selfish move because the person just does not care about the people left behind. I can tell you that when a person gets to that point, they truly believe that their loved ones will be much better off with them gone. This is mental illness, not selfishness.”

Many of her friends and colleagues were shocked at the news of her demise, remembering her jovial personality and her ability to inspire them.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 28, 2015

Professor Ivelaw Griffith to receive top award

NOTED Guyana-born scholar, Dr Ivelaw Griffith is set to receive the 2015 William J. Perry Award for Excellence in Security and Defense Education from the Center of Hemispheric and Defence Studies.

Dr Griffith, a specialist on Caribbean security, drugs and crime most recently held the office of the ninth president at Fort Valley State University of Georgia.

D r G r i ff i t h i s b e i n g honoured for his years of service as a scholar, author and educational leader; his teaching and innovative research which has informed a generation of policy

makers and practitioners and for advancing a cooperative international security environment among the nations of the Caribbean Basin. These contributions reflect the highest ideals of the centre embodying the values set forth by the Perry Award. Dr Griffith previously served as professor of political science and provost and senior vice president at York College of The City University of New York. Before becoming York’s provost in 2007, Griffith was professor of political science and budget dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Florida

International University (FIU), dean of the Honors College at FIU, and provost at Radford University in Virginia.

Professor Griffith holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences from the University of Guyana, a Master of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from Long Island University, New York, and both a Master of Philosophy and a doctorate in political science from The City University of New York Graduate School.

He also graduated from Harvard Graduate School of Education’s programme

in educational leadership and has published seven books and more than 50 scholarly articles.

Dr Ivelaw Griffith Named after the centre’s founder and former U.S. Secretary of Defense Dr.

William J. Perry, the award is presented to individuals and organisations in recognition of their significant contributions in the fields of security and defense education. Awardees are selected for their achievements and promoting education, research, and sharing knowledge in defense and security issues in the Western Hemisphere.

The center, now in its 18th year of existence, is located on Ft. McNair and is academically affiliated with National Defense University.

Recipients are chosen for having contributed in tangible ways to enhancing capacity in security and defense, building mutually beneficial relationships, and increasing democratic

security in the Americas.

The William J. Perry Award was first presented in 2007 as part of the center’s 10th anniversary celebration.

Also being honored alongside Dr Griffith is Mexico’s Admiral Vidal Francisco Soberon for his extensive experience in coastal counter narcotics operations. Previous winners include Former Paraguayan Minister of Defense Maria Liz Garcia de Arnold (individual) and the Colombian National War College (ESDEGUE) (institutional) and Dr. Richard Millett (individual) and the Inter American Defense College (IADC) and Center of Advanced Studies of National Defense (CESEDEN).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 28, 2015

T&T team performs eye surgeries at GPHC TEN patients recently benefited from follow-up eye surgeries, as a four-man team - two ophthalmologists, one nurse and one assistant, all from “World Class Eye Surgeons” based in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, conducted the operations at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

A Government Information Agency (GINA) release stated that during the visit, Dr Ronnie Bhola, a Trinidadian Vitreo-Retinal Specialist and Head of World Class Eye Surgeons was able to perform surgeries on patients who had earlier undergone retinal surgeries in

Minister of Public Health Dr George Norton at GPHC’s Eye Theatre, observing as Dr Ronnie Bhola conducts a surgery Trinidad, but needed follow-up surgery.

Dr Adesh Maharaj, an Orbit and Oculoplasty Specialist, conducted operations on four children with strabismus (squint eye). The aim of strabismus surgery is to correct the misalignment of the eyes.

The four children were operated under general anaesthesia at the GPHC. After the surgeries on Saturday morning, the children were excited about getting their eyes correctly aligned. Dr Lamy Badette, ophthalmologist, working in the Department of Ophthalmology at GPHC, also worked along with Dr Mahabir on these paediatric cases.

Minister of Public Health Dr George Norton paid a visit to the hospital on Friday during the surgical procedures. He was appreciative of the team’s visit, as this saved the Guyanese patients the effort of having to travel to Trinidad to have the surgeries done. On October 23, the ophthalmologists were also involved in a Continued Medical Education (CME) Session, organised

by Alcon Trinidad/Ansa McAl Group and GPHC. They delivered lectures on various eye conditions and were able to enhance the knowledge base of local ophthalmologists, optometrists, general physicians and students.

The World Eye Class surgeons pointed out that they were extremely happy with this mission and they hope to continue doing such charitable missions to Guyana in the future. The patients were extremely grateful for the timely visit to Guyana. The GPHC, Department of Ophthalmology, was extremely

pleased to have been able to host the visiting team and to learn from the specialists. Vitreo-Retinal Surgery was not available in Guyana for a number of years, and as such Dr. Bhola has been operating in Trinidad on numerous Guyanese patients with retinal diseases of the eye, primarily diabetic patients.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 28, 2015

NY police pay tribute to Holder

Randolph Holder

S

LAIN Officer Randolph Holder was laid out in his New York Police Department (NYPD) finest — uniform, an officer’s cap and white gloves — at his tearful wake in Queens on Tuesday.

A folded American flag was tucked under the left shoulder of the hero Guyanese native, who was cut down by a drug thug’s bullet while on duty in East Harlem last week.

Hundreds of grieving family members, friends, cops and other supporters gathered for the wake.

The line of blue stretched several blocks at one point, with roughly 750 officers queued up along Merrick Boulevard to pay their respects at the daylong service in Jamaica.

“Why lord?, Why lord?

Why!” Sobbed a distraught woman who fell to her

knees after stepping out of the white Cadillac escorting more than a dozen family members to the church.

The sobbing relative was quickly grabbed by another family member and led indoors.

Holder’s fiancee and high-school sweetheart, Mary Muhammed, arrived with the family wearing a royal-blue suit and black coat.

Cardinal Dolan arrived shortly before the family, speaking to a few of the waiting officers before entering the church to pay his respects.

“It could have been any one of us. This is heart-wrenching. He was our brother, and we’re here to pay our respects to him and his family this morning,” retired NYPD officer Karen Robinson told The Post.

The third-generation cop’s coffin was carried into the AME Cathedral of New York by eight uniformed officers, draped in a green and white NYPD flag.

Around 20 floral arrangements filled the cavernous cathedral, including one depicting a detective shield.

“We came especially for this,” said two unidentified police officers, who flew in from California, to the Post.

The wife and father

Former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly arrives

of Officer Wenjian Liu — shot to death alongside his partner, Rafael Ramos, in December — also came to pay their condolences and were followed soon after by U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro.

Former top cop Ray Kelly stopped by as well and could be seen speaking with Charo Lopez, the sister of Nassau County cop Arthur Lopez who was killed during a traffic stop in 2012.

Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner Bratton will pay their

Holder’s fiancee Mary Muhammad on her way to his wake

respects this afternoon, sources said.

“As some of his teammates have told me, he was the officer that always told them ‘Hold on a minute, look, slow down a little, let’s see what is going on before we go into this situation,” Police Service Area 5 Captain Rey Mundo told those gathered outside the cathedral.

“They knew he was talented and skilled at what he did, and they respected that and always made sure that he was leading when they had those tough situations,”

said Mundo, Holder ’s commanding officer.

Community leaders and police had gathered at precincts across the city Monday night and observed 37 minutes of silence — 33 minutes for each year of Holder’s life, and 4 minutes for the four NYPD officers killed this year.

The five-year NYPD veteran was murdered last Tuesday in Harlem after a fleeing suspect shot him in the head. The plainclothes cop and his partner had responded to reports of shots fired and a bicycle stolen at gunpoint.

Suspect Tyrone Howard — whose rap sheet clocks 28 arrests since age 13 — was charged with murder and robbery. The cop-slayer was diverted from a prison sentence in 2014 by a Manhattan judge, instead completing a no-jail rehab programme.

A gun found in the East River Sunday matches the weapon used to kill the 33year-old cop, authorities said.

Holder will be buried in his hometown of Georgetown, Guyana.

(New York Post)

Tyrone Howard appears at his arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court on October 21

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 28, 2015

City police seek ideas to craft Christmas anti-crime plan

POLICE in Georgetown on Tuesday conducted a walkabout along Regent Street as part of an initiative to gather information from the business community to help craft a security plan for the Christmas holidays.

Commander of ‘A’ Division, Clifton Hicken was accompanied on the visit by his Deputy Senior Superintendent Ian Amsterdam, Divisional Detective Huge Jessemy, Traffic Inspector Lane, and other senior officers of the division.

Police every year in December would roll out a Christmas security plan, but this has been criticised over of the years as being weak and ineffective. Tuesday’s walkabout according to Hicken who spoke with this publication allowed his team to hear from the members of the business community including pavement vendors of what forms of security arrangements they would like to see. He said the division is now in a better position to tailor its Christmas Security Policing arrangements to meet the needs of the people.

Focus was placed on the availability of CCTV systems at business premises, physical security reinforcement and plan B initiatives in the event of security breaches or should their establishment be attacked by bandits especially those posing as customers. Outside of the Police ‘A’ Division the other police divisional commanders and their senior staff would usually present their security arrangements for the Christmas period in their respective divisions. Those presentations are mostly done in the presence of the members of the business community and other stakeholders.

The A high command interacts with a store owner

Commander Hicken interacts with a pavement vendor along Regent Street

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 28, 2015

Dr Opadeyi wants to stay at UG … but demands improved pay, benefits for lecturers

FA C E D w i t h m a j o r criticisms, opposition and protest, and having not been approached by either the administration or the University Council to have his services retained, UG Vice Chancellor Dr Jacob Opadeyi told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday that he is still willing to extend his tenure at UG, but there are certain conditions which must be met.

Dr Opadeyi said improved salaries and benefits for the teaching staff, an issue that requires the intervention of government, is one condition. He recalled that “it was due to the poor salaries and benefits of lecturers that resulted in the series of strike actions earlier this year.”

Since taking office in 2013, Dr Opadeyi has come in for major criticisms, and his relationship with the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) and the UG Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) deteriorated in late January.

On January 26, the University was forced to close its doors for a period of five weeks after negotiations between the university’s administration and the unions collapsed over salary and non-salary

benefits. At the time, the unions were demanding a 60% increase in salaries, among other benefits.

Deplorable facilities, shortage of staff, and lack of critical equipment were among other issues placed on the table.

On Tuesday, however, Dr Opadeyi made it clear that he is not

VICE Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr Jacob Opadeyi solely responsible for the provision of better wages and salaries. “They don’t understand. This is not something that the Vice Chancellor has control over; it requires the intervention of the government,” he made clear.

Nevertheless, he said: “ We m u s t b e a b l e t o attract and (retain) highly qualified teaching staff.

When you have staff whose

The University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus

salaries are not up to the market rate, there will be agitation.”

According to him, it was “agitation” that led to the five weeks of protest, which ended in March after a 10% interim increased had been given to the staff.

If this key condition is not met, Dr Opadeyi said, he would not stay to endure further abuse. “If I decide to stay and these issues are not addressed, then I would be exposing myself to the abuse that was meted out to me before, during, and after the strikes…”

Slated to demit office in February 2016, Dr Opadeyi was confirmed as the Vice Chancellor in December, 2012. At that time, he was a serving professor in the area of Geomatics Engineering and Land Management at the University of the West Indies. He had replaced Professor Lawrence Carrington, who demitted office on March 31, 2012.

Dr Opadeyi holds various academic qualifications, which include a Ph.D in Land Management from the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada, and an M.Sc and B.Sc (First Class Honours) in Surveying from the University of Lagos, Nigeria.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 28, 2015

GPL warns against fraudsters posing as company employees THE Guyana Power and Light is advising consumers to be wary of a certain development regarding the presence of false GPL employees accessing premises presumably with mischief on their minds.

The entity has received an upsurge in complaints of persons posing as employees of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), making false

disclosures about faulty meters, and soliciting money by making false promises to consumers.

In a telephone interview with Sheldon Wickham, an investigator attached to GPL, it was discovered that there have been “several complaints of persons visiting homes of consumers, making various claims of electricity theft, and soliciting money so as to go past (defer) any

further action.”

This increase in the number of complaints began last month when, according to Wickham, persons visited the GPL with video footage of persons loitering in their yards, who pass themselves off as GPL employees when challenged.

One consumer who was subjected to this experience told this publication

Cop charged for prisoner’s escape POLICE Constable Noel Trotman, who has been charged with dereliction of duty following investigations into a prisoner’s escape, was yesterday placed on $40,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The 162 Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara resident is facing an indictable charge of allegedly permitting David Peters Singh, a prisoner in lawful custody on September 17 on a drug charge, to get away from the Mahdia Police Station Lockups.

An application by defence counsel Adrian Thompson caused the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) to be applied, and the defendant Trotman pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The lawyer Thompson described Trotman as “a man of honour and discipline”, who is willing to fight to maintain his unblemished image.

Corporal Deniro Jones, prosecuting, did not object to bail being granted; thus Trotman was granted bail, and the case was transferred before the Mahdia Magistrate for January 19, 2015.

yesterday that, while he was out, persons were checking his meter, but when they were confronted by his neighbours, they passed themselves off as GPL staffers.

Wickham has advised that: “Persons who (are) checking GPL meters should be wearing some form of identification, whether it is a photograph

and a badge that states that they are employed with GPL’s Loss Reduction Department, as a loss reduction technician.”

(Navendra Seoraj)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 28, 2015

Economic deceleration affecting region’s labour market -ILO

THE deceleration of economic growth seen during 2015 is affecting labour indicators in the region and will take the urban unemployment rate to 6.6% this year, after marking 6.0% in 2014, according to new estimates released on Tuesday by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The United Nations organisations unveiled a new edition of their joint publication The Employment Situation in Latin America and the Caribbean, in which they review the evolution of the region’s job markets in the first semester of 2015 and indicate that the unfavorable growth prospects for this year — which forecast a -0.3% contraction, according to ECLAC’s latest estimates — will likely be reflected in the persistent weakness of labor demand and salaried job creation.

The report confirms that during the first semester of 2015, the employment rate recorded a new decline with respect to the same period last year. An increase in the number of people looking for work began to negatively affect the unemployment rate, which rose to an average of 6.5% in the first semester, compared with 6.2% in the same period of 2014.

ECLAC and ILO add that in the current macroeconomic and labor context one could expect to see an expansion of informal jobs, and freelance work above all, in many countries to partially make up for the lack of productive and goodquality employment opportunities.

According to the document, the current regional trend towards economic deceleration is worrisome because it reduces room for making gains on the reduction of poverty and inequality, two of the region’s important achievements since the beginning of the last decade. In the report, ECLAC and ILO call for boosting investment aimed at a structural change that will lead economic growth potential towards a path of growing productivity.

“Only with clear productive development policies will the region be capable of overcoming the adverse context that currently hinders its expansion and of creating more and better jobs for the productive insertion of its labor force,” Alicia Bárcena, ECLAC’s Executive Secretary, and José Manuel Salazar, Director of the ILO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, stated in the publication’s prologue.

In this area, the report analyses if the progress made in the prior decade was structural enough to prevent the loss of those achievements in a less favorable economic context. This edition of the report also compares the labor performance of different types of companies. It concludes that the positive evolution of job markets between 2003 and 2013 included both small and large businesses.

Specifically, in the first category the proportion of salaried employment and health insurance coverage rose. However, there continue to be marked gaps in terms of productivity and the quality of jobs between companies of different sizes. ECLAC and ILO say that in the current, less favorable economic context, small companies as well as freelance jobs could once again play the role of creating the employment of last resort. Nevertheless, to prevent these jobs from being low in productivity and quality, the region must intensify efforts to remove hurdles and create an environment conducive to their growth and development, especially in the case of medium-sized companies. The organisations added that the growth of these companies should be promoted through more incorporation of technology, access to adequate financing, greater innovation, better access to markets, and a more qualified labor force.

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Ramotar lashes back at EU envoy

FORMER President Donald Ramotar has lashed back at European Union Ambassador to Guyana, who on Monday chided him for statements he made regarding the disbursements of funds for the sugar industry.

“I maintain my earlier position that Guyana had qualified for the budget support grants and that these were unjustifiably and arbitrarily withheld by the EU…” the former President said in a statement. Ambassador Jernej Videtic had made the comments in a letter to the Editor of the Guyana Times in which he responded to Ramotar who had written one earlier on the issue.

Responding to the letter which was published by the Guyana Times, the EU Ambassador said “I note that in his letter of 20 October, 2015 regarding Guyana’s sugar industry, former president Donald Ramotar claims that “the EU did not deliver the €25 million that we had earned and had an agreement on”.

The envoy said: “in fact, it was the previous government of Guyana that did not deliver on the terms of the agreement with the EU, by making little progress in public finance management reforms and by effectively suspending parliamentary oversight of the budget through the prorogation of the parliament.” Ambassador Videtic said, “it must be remembered that these funds are European citizen’s taxes, and we have a duty to carefully ensure all of our criteria are met before any funds can be released. The National Assembly is now sitting and parliamentary oversight is again in place, and we are working closely with the government to reestablish eligibility criteria to bring these budget support programmes back on track.”

The Ambassador also pointed out that Ramotar in his letter also implied that the sugar industry’s difficulties were caused “by the changed trading arrangement of the European Union”. “I would like to note that the EU sugar regime was changed not due to a unilateral decision by the EU, but due to a ruling by the World Trade Organisation. In order to mitigate the effects of this ruling the European Union has given over €110 million – that is 26 billion Guyanese dollars – to Guyana to restructure its sugar industry. The European Union has been a strong and reliable partner of Guyana for over forty years.

However, Ramotar in responding to the EU envoy said: “It is most regrettable that the Ambassador did not acquaint himself fully with the facts of this matter before pronouncing on it.” According to him in January 2015, his Government issued a release stating as follows: “Government now wishes to make publicly available the attached communication from the same EU Delegation, dated 8 September, 2014, indicating clearly that Guyana had met the

Former President, Donald Ramotar eligibility criteria required to qualify for disbursements totalling €25,858,025, and that the same Delegation had recommended disbursement of this sum to the EU Budget Support Steering Committee in Brussels which was due to meet on 17 September, 2014.”

Ramotar said at the time of making that release, his government pointed out that the EU delegation had stated in writing that the conditions were fulfilled and had further stated in writing that they were recommending the disbursement of €25.9 million on the basis of their satisfaction with fulfilment of the required conditions.

“At the time of the January 2015 statement, it was further pointed out that Parliament was not prorogued until 10 November 2014, so the prorogation of Parliament could not possibly have been a basis for withholding a disbursement due since September 2014. In fact, after Guyana had qualified for the grants and encountered the first delays in their disbursement, in a meeting in my office with the then EU Ambassador, I was advised that the reason for the delay was the impasse over the anti-money laundering legislation. No mention was made about the prorogation of Parliament, not surprisingly because prorogation was only to come much later, and no mention was made about any conditions not being met. The sole matter mentioned was the delay in passage of the anti-money laundering legislation,” the former

Ambassador Jernej Videtic President said.

He added that the “indisputable fact is that Guyana did meet the conditions required for disbursement, the technical officers at the EU Delegation and the EU’s contracted technical experts were satisfied that these conditions were met, they confirmed this in writing to my Government at the time, but the disbursements were subsequently withheld with absolutely no legitimate basis.

Indeed, with all that has transpired since, it is now evident that the withholding of these grants was an act of political interference.”

“I maintain my earlier position that Guyana had qualified for the budget support grants and that these were unjustifiably and arbitrarily withheld by the EU, and I reproduce hereunder the communication previously released publicly in January 2015.” Ramotar also referenced the Ambassador’s comments about EU taxpayer’s money, noting that: “perhaps he needs to be reminded that much of the wealth accumulated by Europe was built on the backs of enslaved and bounded labour, and as a result of the worst crime ever committed against humanity, leading to the very justifiable recent calls for reparations. In this regard, Walter Rodney’s seminal book, How Europe Underdeveloped Africa, is instructive in understanding European exploitation of the developing world, including the Caribbean,” the former President declared.

Wednesday October 28, 2015 - 05:00 hrs Thursday October 29, 2015 - 05:00 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 28, 2015

Aries You may have sniffles or a sore throat, possibly necessitating taking time off from work. This could be unwelcome, as it keeps you from going out on a date as well. Try to keep your mind occupied with activities that don’t tire you physically. And take some vitamin C!

Taurus Lack of contact with a close friend or romantic partner might find you feeling lonely and insecure, wondering if he or she has forgotten you or simply doesn’t care to be around you anymore. This is more likely your insecurity than anything based in reality. Sometimes people are busy! Give your friend a call. Chances are the person will be very glad to hear from you.

Gemini Responsibilities at home may weigh on your mind today and interfere with other obligations. This could cause some inner conflict, but you have a personal life and it’s important to take care of these things, too. Upsets in your circle of friends could distract and stress you. Make an effort to balance it all and you’ll make it through the day.

Cancer Disappointing emails or calls could come your way today. Perhaps someone you were hoping to visit with won’t be able to make it, or perhaps a friend had to turn down an invitation to a party. Don’t let it spoil your mood. Things happen. Keep yourself busy with preparations and enjoy your day. Don’t go to the opposite extreme and work too hard.

Leo You may feel worried about your financial situation today. You may have been expecting to receive some money that’s now delayed. A temporary separation from a romantic partner could have you feeling a little blue. If you keep yourself busy and don’t dwell on it, time will pass quickly until you’re together again. In the evening, take some time to relax.

Virgo An unexpected event might cause you to be temporarily separated from the special person in your life. Confusion surrounding the incident and your mate’s role in it might plague you, and you might doubt your friend’s motives. Money may be on your mind, and the need for it may have you brainstorming ways to increase your income. Don’t make any decisions now.

Libra Mild cold symptoms could affect your ability to tend to your chores today.

You’re an active person, so this could affect your self-confidence and ability to do what you want to do. Upsets beyond your control within your circle of friends could also affect your concentration. Don’t dwell on them. Dose yourself with juice and tea and get through the day.

Scorpio The special someone in your life might feel a little jealous of your friends now. Perhaps you’ve had a number of invitations that only involve you and your pals. It might be a good idea to turn down one in favour of being with your partner. Goals and projects may be blocked temporarily, which is frustrating. Let them ride for now.

Sagittarius You likely want to take the day off, perhaps to take care of an unfinished creative project you’ve been working on for some time. But you aren’t likely to get very far since disagreements within your friends keep your mind occupied and you may be upset. Despite it all, try to stay focused. That’s the only way to get anything accomplished.

Capricorn You’re thinking about friends and family members who live far away and wondering what they’re doing. You could feel a little nostalgic, longing for times long past. Don’t dwell on it. Call your friends. They’ll be glad to hear from you and you’ll feel more positive about the day. In the evening, give some attention to those you love who live nearby.

Aquarius Money matters might be tangled today. There could be a delay in receiving funds due you, which could prove frustrating but can be straightened out.

This isn’t a good day to make investments, buy property, or seek a loan.

The strain of dealing with this might cause a few doubts about your money management skills. Don’t despair. This is temporary and probably beyond your control.

Pisces Troubles with friends and possibly a romantic partner over the past day or two could have you feeling unloved, insecure, and emotionally blocked.

All signs indicate that these feelings aren’t accurate. Your friends haven’t changed their attitude toward you. There’s still a lot of love directed your way. Whatever problems you may have had are just a bump in the road.

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Launching his FIFA bid, South Guyana needs Africa’s Sexwale wants to repair brand more clubs...

By Nqobile Dludla

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Reuters) - South African business magnate Tokyo Sexwale, who was a close friend of Nelson Mandela, said yesterday he wanted to repair the “severely undermined” FIFA brand as he confirmed he was standing for the presidency of world soccer.

The post-apartheid government minister who spent 13 years with the late president at the Robben Island prison said bribery allegations connected to the 2010 World Cup hosted by South Africa would not affect his candidacy.

Sexwale was a member of the bid team and the organising committee for the 2010 World Cup, the first held in Africa.

Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula confirmed in June the country had given $10M meant to help pay for the tournament to a football official indicted in the United States, but denied the payment was a bribe, as U.S. prosecutors allege.

The money was approved by the South African government and in agreement with the South African Football Association to support the African Diaspora in Caribbean countries as part of the World Cup legacy.

“It doesn’t affect me as a candidate because I was not involved in the money or giving anybody the money,” Sexwale told a news conference confirming he was running in the February 26 vote to replace Sepp Blatter after Monday’s candidacy deadline.

“It’s a question best left to the people

who are doing the investigations but it should be done with dignity so that we don’t tarnish the reputation of this country.”

“BEAUTIFUL GAME” FIFA will be keen to ensure its next

Tokyo Sexwale, chairman of the FIFA monitoring committee of talks between Israel and Palestine, gestures as he speaks during a news conference in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 2, 2015. leader is above any suspicion after becoming embroiled in the worst scandal of its 111-year history, with the United States having indicted several officials for bribery, money-laundering and wire fraud in May.

Sexwale has been a member of FIFA’s anti-discrimination task force and has conducted talks between the Palestinian and Israeli federations.

“Having spent time inside FIFA, I am more than ready to take on the world,” Sexwale said.

“I think it was a vote of confidence by people who I can only say understand who I am and what I will be able to bring to football. FIFA, the organisation of the beautiful game, is damaged. The brand is severely undermined.”

As well as the U.S. investigation, Swiss authorities are also examining the decision to award the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar. Both countries deny wrongdoing.

Blatter and Michel Platini, president of European soccer’s governing body UEFA, who had been favourite to succeed him, have also been suspended for 90 days, pending a full investigation by FIFA’s Ethics Committee. Both deny any wrongdoing.

Sexwale said he would head to Cairo immediately to seek the support of the Confederation of African Football as he faces off against candidates including Asian soccer chief Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa of Bahrain, and Gianni Infantino, general secretary of UEFA. “I am going into this campaign as a candidate of my country with the confidence bestowed in me to make sure that we win. But win or lose people will know that there was an African who was here who shook things up,” Sexwale said.

From back page achieving its Silver Jubilee Anniversary.

She pointed out the Club’s numerous achievements and stated that the club would continue to receive support from the Ministry of Sport.

West Indies Test player Assad Fudadin headed the list of the club’s top 27 players honoured for their outstanding performances over the last 25 years.

West Indies players Royston Crandon and Shemaine Campbelle, along with Neil Williams and Major James Fraser, were the other players in the top five.

The other cricketers honoured were Abdel Fudadin, Khemraj Mahadeo, Shawn Grant, Inderpaul Mohan, Rajiv Ivan, Jason Sinclair, Troy Mathieson, Dominique Rikhi, Michael Hicks, Raymond Haniff, Erva Giddings, Desmond Fraser, Shawn Pereira, Eon Hooper, Ravi Narine, Esaun Crandon, Joseph Arokium, Michael Trim, Renwick Batson, Clinton Pestano, Andre Percival and Delbert Hicks. Each of the awardees received a trophy and a medal.

The Club also honoured 17 of its most hardworking executives for their contributions towards its development.

The awardees who were honoured under the RHTY&SC Tribute to Heroes Programme are Leon Wiggins, Keith Hicks, Neville Beaton, Ravindra Kissoonlall, Joyce Wiggins, Dawn Hicks, Raymond Haniff, Isabella Smartt, Bernadette King, Farouk Kudrath, Terry Pike, George Paddy, Moonish Singh, Elizabeth Brusch, Lucy Pike, Mark Papannah and Sohan Harry.

President Granger handed over the Tribute to Hero Certificate to each of the awardees and praised them for working hard to make a difference.

Among the evening’s sponsors were the National Sports Commission, Sentinel Security, Caribbean Containers Inc, Guyana Cricket Board, Modern Optical Service, Chetram Singh, H. A. Snacks Co. Ltd, Gizmos & Gadgets, Gafoors, Bounty Farm Ltd, Claude Raphael, NAMILCO, Farfan & Mendes Ltd and the St Francis Community Developers.

‘Team Unity’ reveals full slate ...

From back page manager.

Hughes, who, along with his team on Saturday, officially launched Team Unity in Albouystown, has assured that his team will be working with all stakeholders to ensure the sport really takes off in Guyana.

He promised that all major business entities in Guyana, along with others, would be visited, where they (Team Unity) would present their vision and plans for the sport which he said is a viable choice for any business to invest.

Hughes argued that football will be made a profitable venture with everyone, from the smallest, poorest community all the way across the top, benefiting.

“It requires a plan and therefore when we approach each and every player in the corporate world, we’re saying to you, you don’t have to be involved only at the big national level, you can start being involved at the level of the school, at the level of the community, because we are going to put structures in place in which you can actually see what happens to your money.”

Hughes promised that his team will

bring the accountability that is necessary for business to be assured that their monies have been used up for the intended purpose.

“And I guarantee you, once football really develops at all levels in the society you will see a reduction in crime because no longer will young men be looking for something else to do with their time. They will find a future in football that they will transcend not only what happens in Guyana or what happens in the region but they will become national players where just like in athletics in Jamaica, scouts will be flying here to look for talent to play globally in teams throughout the country.”

Attorney-at-Law Hughes also disclosed that he personally sponsored the Waramadong team in the last Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Championship.

He took the opportunity to thank Digicel for their commitment to youth development.

“One of the reasons why I sponsored that Waramadong team is because when I saw the pure raw talent that they have and the real discipline that they displayed it was necessary to be able to take that to the next level and the only way to take that to the next level is if

you put your money where your mouth is and you have to commit to support teams.”

“I want to encourage other people whom God has blessed with fortunate circumstances to come on board and help sponsor a team. We can’t talk about a better Guyana unless we talk and are committed to doing things to create a better Guyana.”

Touching on the lack of recognition and involvement of the women folk in our society, Hughes noted that they (women) must be involved as an equal partner and be as successful as the males have been over the past thirty to forty years.

“You cannot possibly develop nationally, if you are only developing half of your society. I am committed as president, if and when elected, to ensure not only the development of female football in Guyana but to ensure that female football in Guyana becomes the number one location for female football in the region.

It takes time, it will take effort, it will take commitment and you know that it will take money; but I am confident that once people understand the benefits that can be gained from football, the money that they can benefit from football, they will invest in this.”

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09:30 hrs Velvet Revolution 10:00 hrs Groundworker 10:30 hrs Varsovian 11:00 hrs Festive Fare 11:30 hrs Miss Ranger 12:00 hrs Greatest Place 12:30 hrs Freeze The Secret Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 13:35 hrs Splashtop 14:05 hrs Zoravan 14:35 hrs Avalanche 15:05 hrs Indrahar 15:35 hrs Clear Focus 16:05 hrs William Ashford 16:35 hrs Hatch Hall 17:05 hrs Along The Shore American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Quibber Race 2 Corner Three Race 3 Littlebitadominic Race 4 Seymourdini Race 5 Cease Race 6 Chiltern Street Race 7 Mexikoma Race 8 Vyjack Race 9 Arabian Queen

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 28, 2015

Tendulkar, Warne bat for cricket to make Olympic comeback (REUTERS) - Former Australia spinner Shane Warne and India batting great Sachin Tendulkar have joined the chorus clamouring for cricket to become an Olympic sport, the BBC reported.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is scheduled to meet the International Olympic Committee (IOC) next month to discuss a possible bid, with the Twenty20 format of the game most likely to be discussed.

Cricket has not featured in the Olympics since 1900, when Great Britain took

SHANE WARNE

on France in Paris, and the ICC has resisted attempts to include it in the Games in the past, over fears that this might dilute existing competitions such as the 50over World Cup and World Twenty20.

“I’d love to see it as an Olympic sport and, who knows, down the track it might be,” the BBC quoted Warne as saying.

“I think it’s a great idea and I reckon T20 is the best format for it,” former India batsman and Test cricket’s all-time leading run-scorer Tendulkar said.

“It’s the most acceptable format for people who don’t have any knowledge about cricket or the ones who need an introduction to cricket.

“The game is over in three hours and it’s like any sport -you go to a stadium and after three hours you get back to your work,” the former India captain added.

The duo are captaining rival teams in a series of three Twenty20 All Star matches in the United States in November as part of an attempt to raise cricket’s profile around the globe.

Their backing for an

B.M. Soat Auto Sales sponsors GSSF Costume Steel Challenge match THE Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) will be hosting the first Costume Steel Challenge Shooting Match on Halloween Saturday, October 31, 2015 at the GDF Timehri Range.

The themed competition has been exclusively sponsored by B.M Soat Auto Sales and is expected to be a keenly contested one, with participants expected to don costumes of their liking.

Costumes can range from very simple, such as funny hats, special shoes, to the more elaborate and even terrifying, in keeping with the theme.

The rules of the Steel Challenge Shooting Association, a sister body of the United States Practical Shooting Association, are expected to be adhered to, along with safe firearm handling throughout.

This action-packed handgun shooting sport, presented by the GSSF, attracts Guyanese pistol shooters from all around the country on a regular basis and on October 31 it will be no different, as various ‘characters’ will come out to participate.

Steel Challenge Shoot-

ing is considered to be the fastest practical shooting competition in the world.

The upcoming competition promises to be an exciting one and consists of three stages where competitors will shoot at 5 individual steel targets per stage.

Shooters will be scored using an electronic timing device, penalties of added time are applied for any misses and the total resultant time is used for score.

Ultimately, the shooter with the lowest time record-

ed overall in the match will be declared the winner.

At the small ceremony at the Showroom of B.M. Soat Auto Sales, located at Lot 9 Croal Street, Georgetown, president of the GSSF, Ms Vidushi Persaud, in accepting the kind sponsorship, conveyed thanks to Mrs Priya Mohamed, manager of B.M. Soat Auto Sales.

The Federation’s Match organising committee reported that everything is all set for Saturday’s match.

Thanks to B.M. Soat Auto

Mrs Priya Mohamed of B.M. Auto Sales hands over sponsorship funds to GSSF president, Ms Vidushi Persaud (centre left), in the presence of GSSF secretary Mr Steve Ninvalle (right), and assistant secretary/treasurer Mr Ryan McKinnon (left).

NOTABLE

1988 WAS the second busiest year for Michael Benjamin. During that 12-month period the tenacious `Raging Bull’ of Guyana fought an average of once every two months.

Benjamin had only lost once in 16 fights when he collided with Frenchman Karim Rabbi on October 28 in Cayenne, French Guiana.

Sales, trophies have been secured for two SCSA Divisions: Wildcat and Limited.

The prizes will be awarded to the top three overall in each division.

Wildcat Division will see competitors use .32ACP and other calibre pistols lesser than 9mm while those in the challenging Limited Division will shoot 9mm or higher calibre hand guns.

More information can be found online at GSSF’s website - www.

GuyanaSportShooting.com

MICHAEL BENJAMIN

DATES

The two orthodox boxers fought to a 10-round draw. It was the second fight in the South American country for Benjamin, who was coming off a scintillating victory over Ernesto Espana, which earned him the World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas lightweight title.

In his prime, Benjamin was the quintessence of

true grit and determination. He encompassed a near-perfect style and could slug or box if the occasion called for it. He won two epic battles with Raul Frank and got a decision former world champion Saoul Mamby.

At present Guyana’s `Raging Bull’ is one of the country’s most qualified sports journalists and will turn 50 next March.

SACHIN TENDULKAR Olympic bid will increase the pressure on the ICC to reverse its resistance to the idea.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in July urged the sport’s ruling body to try to get the game’s Twenty20 international format into the Olympics.

The MCC, founded in 1787 and the owner of the

Lord’s ground where it is based, was formerly the governing body of world cricket and is the guardian of the laws of the game.

Warne said he was in favour of the Twenty20 format for the Olympics, but is open to the idea of indoor cricket being chosen as well.

“If it advertises the game of cricket and the skill and athleticism that are involved in a game of cricket then great,” he said.

“I haven’t seen a game of indoor cricket for a long time so I don’t know how good indoor cricket is at the moment. But the last time I saw it, it was fantastic -- so hopefully they have grown a different skill for it.

“Ideally, I’d stick to Twenty20 because it’s over in three hours, it’s easy to organise and you play two or three games a day. I’d include the associate nations because it’s helping spread the word of cricket.”

Social Sciences win UG Inter-Faculty Track and Field Championships THE Faculty of Social Sciences put up a sturdy fight to retain their title as champions of the University of Guyana Inter-Faculty Track and Field Championships, which ended last week Friday at the University’s Turkeyen, Campus ground.

Social Sciences ended with 257 points to win their third consecutive title, finishing with points, to move ahead of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry who ended with 215 points.

Coming in for third were the Faculty of Natural Sciences with 212 points, the Faculty of Technology were fourth with 137 points. School of Education and Humanities (SEH) ended with 112 points. The UG Berbice Campus (UGBC) had 80 points, Faculty of Health Sciences collected 37 points and the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences captured 28 points.

National distance runner Cleveland Forde for another year bagged wins for Social Sciences in all of the men’s distance events. The Little Kenyan clocked the winning times in the 800m, 1500m and 5 000m.

The women’s 3 000m was won by SEH’s Alexis Williams, who also took third in the 800m and 1500m runs.

The 1500m was won by Health Sciences Nikita Wilson, for another year. UGBC picked up the win in the women’s 800m, which was won by Kenisha Lashley, Natural Sciences’ Rushella Hanover placed second.

In the sprints, Education’s Fiona Mentis and Agriculture’s Emanuel Archibald took sprint double wins in the women’s and men’s respectively. Archibald also prevailed in the men’s long jump.

Social Sciences again captured the top spot in the 400m races. Travis Poole won the men’s race, while on the distaff side was Kiswanna Jefford, who also finished second in the 100m.

Natural Sciences finally picked up wins in the relays, winning the men’s 4x100m and women’s 4x400m.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 28, 2015

Caribbean referees/judges to officiate in International Goodwill LOCAL amateur boxing referees and judges (RJ) are in line to receive some assistance from their Caribbean counterparts when the International Goodwill tournament is held here next month. Barbados is set to send two referee/judges to the November event while sister CARICOM state Jamaica is scheduled to send one such official.

Technical Director of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association, Terrence Poole, yesterday informed that Jamaica’s commitment came from none other than its president Stephen Jones while Barbados’ pledge was received from its secretary Kathy Harper-Hall.

“Those are the commitments relating to officials

received so far. It is expected that there would be more by the first week in next month when registration closes,” Poole said. The International Goodwill tournament is being staged at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and runs from November 26 to 29.

Fifteen countries from the region have been invited.

Ten have already sent letters of commitment. Those countries are: Anguilla, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, French Guiana, Jamaica, St Maarten, St Lucia, St Vincent and Trinidad and Tobago.

Barbados has registered 21 boxers and six officials.

That number is the largest registered to date, to participate in the upcoming competition. The team includes four juniors, four novices,

Jeffers stars with bat and ball

LEONORA’S Mark Jeffers put on a superb all-round performance as his team crushed Windsor Forest’s hopes of advancing in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary Schools Cricket League (NSSCL), sponsored by Banks DIH Coca Cola and Rainforest Waters along with Digicel.

Jeffers slammed 126 which included 15 boundaries and four maximums while Chukiram Outar stroked 84 laced with 12 boundaries and a six as Leonora motored to 315 all out in 30 overs.

Windsor Forest in reply were dismissed for just 67, as Jeffers bundled out opposing batsmen with 4-16 off just three overs. Also among the wickets was Kevin Christian who took 3-13.

Leonora Secondary won by 248 runs.

At Bush Lot ground, Bush Lost crushed Fort Wellington by 10 wickets. Bush Lot won the toss and invited Fort Wellington to bat first. Fort Wellington posted a meagre 40 all out.

The destroyers with the ball were Clinton Grant with 4-9, Bikram Mohan 3-6 and Nivendra Persad 2-9. Bush Lot Secondary made light work of their target as they raced to 43 without loss in 8.2 overs.

Action in the League continues today with Abrams Zuil Secondary versus Johanna Cecelia Secondary at the NOC ground in Essequibo, Swami Secondary versus Zeeburg Secondary at Zeeburg ground, and Ash Secondary versus No. 8 Secondary at the D’Edward ground in Berbice.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday October 28, 2015) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

305 players 132 players

Today’s Quiz:

How many WI have now played Test cricket against Sri Lanka?

How many SL have now played Test cricket against West Indies?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

TERRENCE POOLE

six youths and seven elites.

The Bajan team would be headed by manager Richard Atwell and includes Harper-Hall, who will act as assistant manager. Barbados’ registration has brought the total number of overseas boxers scheduled to fight in Guyana to 41 with the final figure set to be around 70.

French Guiana has registered 10 boxers and St Lucia six. Both St Maarten and St Vincent and the Grenadines have registered two boxers each. Poole stated that top Caribbean referee/judge, Trin-

idadian James Beckles, would be in Guyana prior to the tournament to hold a workshop.

Meanwhile, Poole disclosed that with immediate effect, GABA will be placing emphasis on the Code of Conduct designed for local referee/ judges. He noted that members of the executive were peeved about recent developments within the R/J community.

The technical director noted that GABA president has since requested a report from R/J Commission Chairperson Ramona Agard.

KATHY HARPER-HALL

Softball Cup 5

Clear Waters to hydrate and outfit players and umpires

THE heat will be on this weekend in Guyana Softball Cup 5, and Essential Supplies Inc., a subsidiary of International Pharmaceutical Agency, through its Clear Waters brand, is set to play a key role in the highly anticipated three-day tournament.

The company made a strong commitment yesterday morning to hydrate the players at all the venues, while outfitting the umpires, who have been contracted to officiate at the games.

During a simple ceremony to confirm its support for the tournament, Marketing, Sales and Distribution manager of the company, Narendra Lucknauth, expressed the entity’s elation at once again partnering with the organising body, the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GSFCA).

“We have been with them from the inception, and we’re once again proud to be part of the biggest softball tournament in Guyana,” Lucknauth said.

GFSCA president Ramchand Ragbeer said Clear Waters’ involvement in the

tournament cannot be overlooked, as they are playing a key role in keeping the players refreshed on and off the field.

“Without their involvement, the Guyana Softball

fallen into place.

He also used the opportunity to remind the participating teams and officials that a final briefing will be held tomorrow afternoon from 17:30hrs in the

may arise.

A total of 26 teams - 10 in the Open and 16 in the Masters - will compete for top honours when the tournament bowls off on Friday. It will

Marketing, Sales and Distribution manager of Clear Waters, Narendra Lucknauth (right), GFSCA president Ramchand Ragbeer (centre), and vice-president of the GFSCA, Ricky Deonarain, display a bottle of Clear Waters.

Cup would not be a success,” he outlined.

Meanwhile, vice-president of the GFSCA, Ricky Deonarain, said a prompt bowl off of the tournament is in the making on Friday morning, as all the logistics have so far

main pavilion of the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Bourda.

At that forum, the tournament rules and fixtures will be announced, while representatives of the GFSCA will be on hand to answer queries that

conclude with the grand finals on Sunday under floodlights at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground in Queenstown.

Wolf’s Warriors are the defending champions of the Open category, while Floodlights won the Masters division in 2014.

Barbados Pride name squad for opening PCL match BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - Barbados Pride today named a 13-man squad for their opening match against Jamaica Scorpions in the West Indies Cricket Board Professional Cricket League first-class Championship at Kensington Oval, starting

November 6.

Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Kemar Brathwaite, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Kyle Corbin, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Ashley Nurse, Kemar Roach, Kevin Stoute, Jomel Warrican.

Management: Hendy Springer (Head Coach), Roderick “Roddy” Estwick (Consultant to fast bowlers), Dr. Jacqueline King (Physiotherapist), Shannon Lashley (Fitness & Conditioning Consultant), Gary Belle (Analyst).

KRAIGG BRATHWAITE

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 28, 2015

Pele FC dismantle GFC 6-0 to remain on top of STAG Elite League

By Rawle Toney IN A DOMINATING allround performance last evening, Pele Football Club ‘manhandled’ the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) to walk away 6-0 winners when the two teams clashed at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Base Camp Ayanganna ground.

Ronel Gordon netted a double (2nd and 80th minutes) while Travis ‘Zorro’ Grant (18th), Julian Joseph (29th), Omallo Williams (45th+1) and Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson scored for Pele FC, who moved to 21 points to remain atop the eight-team table in the STAG Elite League.

It was an obvious long night for GFC after Gordon netted the night’s first goal, as Richardson unselfishly allowed Gordon to find the

net, after the two players somehow were able to easily evade the defenders and the goalkeeper to face an open goal.

Richardson again proved worrisome for the young GFC defence, who had difficulty in containing the experienced striker as he again had his way before feeding Grant for the second goal.

The ball was played mostly in GFC’s half, and clumsy defending resulted in Richardson being awarded a penalty in the 29th minute.

Richardson stepped up to the penalty spot and his shot, which was sent flat and hard, was timed to perfection by the GFC keeper but the ball rebounded and landed in the path of Joseph, who made no mistake and easily patted home Pele’s third goal.

Forced to play deep into their own half, GFC, on the

stroke of halftime, found themselves 4-0 down when Williams made his way around two defenders to hit his left-footed shot to the goalkeeper’s far right.

The second stanza was no different from the first, with the exception of the number of goals scored.

GFC struggled to stay in front of Richardson throughout the night and the forward, using his experience and obvious superior skill, made light work of whoever was placed in front of him.

After being denied earlier in the contest, and playing facilitator to the other goals scored, Richardson was finally on the score sheet in the 57th minute.

It was his eighth goal of the league from ten games played and he (Richardson) extended his reign as the leading goalscorer; Alpha

Pele FC’s Ronel Gordon (extreme left) scores his second on the night against GFC in his side’s 6-0 win at the GDF ground. (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo) United’s Delon Lanferman is second with seven goals from nine matches.

By then, Pele had utilised their allotted number of

substitutions and it allowed GFC’s young brigade to open up and create some chances of their own.

None of GFC’s runs on

goal resulted in any real chance while, on the other end, Pele’s chances were either slightly off-target or saved by the keeper.

Slingerz eyeing the top; Fruta Conquerors, Alpha United to do battle tonight THE STAG Elite League continues tonight at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) base Camp Ayanganna ground with another interesting double-header.

From 18:00hrs, Slingerz FC will look to continue their

good showing in the league when they come up against Buxton United, then in the night’s second game Fruta Conquerors will face Alpha United.

In their first meeting, Buxton United lost 2-0

against Slingerz FC and Alpha United won by a similar margin over Fruta Conquerors.

The Buxton United/ Slingerz FC game could be seen as a grudge match between the two sides, based

Former West Indies fast bowler Colin Croft visits Minister Henry

Colin Croft (left) and Minister Henry in discussion.

THE MINISTER within the Ministry of Education - Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, Nicolette Henry, yesterday received a courtesy call from former Guyana West Indies fast

bowler Colin Croft.

While interacting, they discussed a number of areas including the Ministry’s plans for the reintegration of sports in the school curriculum, talent spotting, and

cricket development.

Croft also shared his experiences in cricket which started at Central High School. He then moved on to play with the Guyana and West Indies teams.

on all the off-the-field drama that unfolded over the last couple of weeks.

Buxton United, the only East Coast Demerara club in the league, fell 2-0 to the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) in their last outing and would want to make a statement that they are not a ‘pushover.’

The (Buxton United) club can boast of winning three of their nine games played so far, but they also picked up six losses (tied with Monedderlust with the most).

Slingerz FC’s only defeat came on technicality after the club had failed to take the field against the GDF and to date, coach Joseph Wilson’s men are without their St Vincent and the Grenadines imports, along with Domini Garnett.

Julian Wade, Vurlon Mills, Joshua Brown, Colin Nelson, Dwain Jacobs and defender King Solomon Austin are expected to lead the charge for Slingerz FC. A win tonight would push Slingerz FC to 18 points and with a superior goal-difference they will top the table, above Pele FC who also have 18 points. But should Buxton make an upset win, the East Coast club would push to 12 points and fifth place.

The clash with Fruta

Conquerors and Alpha United tells a story of two clubs whose missions are the same.

ton United (6), Monedderlust (7), and GFC (9).

Delon Lanferman, with

Slingerz FC’s Vurlon Mills (left) and Dexroy Adams but Alpha United are finding some amount of success while Fruta Conquerors are struggling to live up to their high expectation.

Alpha United, despite their one loss, are a force to be reckoned with and having one of the league’s top strikers in their arsenal, Fruta Conquerors defenders will have to work overtime.

Fruta Conquerors are struggling to find the net in the league, with the Tucvillebased club have scored nine goals from their nine games played – only more than Bux-

seven goals in the league, is tied with Pele FC’s Gregory Richardson fort the most in the league. Based on his current form and coupled with Daniel Wilson’s goal-scoring ability, Fruta Conquerors will be tried and tested tonight.

Coach Calvin Allen’s team with the likes of Jermaine Junor, Kwamie La Fleur, Eon Alleyne and Trevon Lythcott will be hard-pressed to at least get a result that would see them remain in the top-four ahead of ‘Playoffs’ at the end of November.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Pele FC dismantle See story on GFC 6-0 to page 35 remain on top of STAG Elite League

Guyana needs more clubs like RHTY&SC - President Granger

President David Granger (right) presents the award to West Indies Test player Assad Fudadin.

‘Team Unity’ reveals full slate for GFF elections on November 14

PRESIDENT David Granger last Sunday hailed the outstanding work of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC), and stated that Guyana needs more dynamic and visionary clubs like them in every village and county.

The President, who was giving the feature address at the Club’s Silver Jubilee Tribute to Heroes Programme at the St Francis Community Developers Youth Complex, also stated that the RHTY&SC was now a household name because it’s management had worked beyond the call of duty to make a positive difference and, most importantly, because it places emphasis on others rather than self.

He spoke broadly on the themes of

duty, discipline, responsibility, identity and integrity and urged the club to uphold its high standards in the future.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster in providing a comprehensive report on the history of the club, traced from its humble birth with just seventeen members to a dynamic organisation, which today undertakes a record 200 programmes/activities every year.

The long-serving Secretary/CEO also unveiled a long list of major activities/ programmes that the RHTY&SC would be undertaking for the rest of 2015 and in 2016.

Minister of Sport Nicolette Henry also hailed the RHTY&SC as a role model organisation and congratulated the club on See page 32

... Headmistress Ms Carmel Williams is female candidate

President David Granger (front row centre) stands with the Awardees and Junior Minister of Education with responsibility for Youth & Sport Nicolette Henry

At Saturday’s launch in Albouystown. Nigel Hughes (third from right) is flanked by his running mates.

LED by Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes as the presidential candidate, Team Unity has announced its slate that will be contesting the upcoming Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elections on November 14.

Hughes was a former goalkeeper with the-then Georgetown Football League (GFL) and played under coach Mervin ‘Pug’ Wilson in 1978/79. He will have as his first vice president Odinga Lumumba, president of Guyana’s leading club side, Alpha United.

The remainder of the slate is as follows: Attorney-at-Law Mr. Mark Waldron (second vice president); Mr Aubrey Major (third

vice president) a former GFF executive and co-director of the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation.

Ordinary members: Mr Troy Cadogan, Marketing Director, Ansa McAl; Mr Javid Ali, owner Slingerz Football Club and businessman; Mr Robbie Rambarran, administrative executive and experienced football administrator; Ms Carmel Williams, Headmistress, current Bartica FA executive; and former player Mr Faizal Khan, Georgetown Football Club team See page 32

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

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015