Chronicle 11 17 2015

GUYANA

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

Shun corruption!

No. 104375 TUESDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2015

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

PRICE: $80

… Harmon charges new land surveyors

INCLUDING VAT

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Pact signed to boost aviation security Page 6

Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson and U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway sign the memorandum of agreement between the GCAA and USA-TSA for support and cooperation in developing capacities and expertise in civil aviation

Wikileaks cable

Teixeira accused Garjaj of visa racketeering 2

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PPP drops Persaud, Sharief … as internal struggle deepens

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 17, 2015

Wikileaks cable ...

Teixeira accused Gajraj of visa racketeering

TOP executive of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and former Home Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira had told the United States back in 2005 that her predecessor Ronald Gajraj was corrupt and was involved in visa racketeering with another senior official, whom she was forced to sideline.

After being forced to resign under international pressure for his alleged involvement in a "death squad" here, Gajraj was posted to head Guyana’s mission in New Delhi. This revelation was made in a cable dated December 28, 2005 and written by then Charge d’Affaires at the US mission here, Michael Thomas.

The cable is one of several that whistle-blowing website Wikileaks, has released. Headlined, “Teixeira struggling to control Home Affairs Ministry,” the cable detailed a conversation between Teixeira and senior officials of the U.S. Embassy here on December 23, 2005, during which she requested a consular briefing on trends in fake Guyanese civil documents detected by the Consular Section.

During the meeting, the cable said, Teixeira acknowledged that there "is quite a lot of corruption in the immigration division." She was also quoted as saying that she had tried to deal with it by firing many employees in the ministry, but

Better Hope shopkeeper shot dead at Bone Yard

A BETTER Hope, East Coast Demerara man was shot dead during a robbery at Bone Yard Backdam, Omai, police have confirmed.

According to the police around 23:30 hrs on Sunday, the body of Errol Bowen, 23 years, of Better Hope, ECD, who is a shopkeeper at Bone Yard Backdam, Omai, was found with a gunshot wound to the back of his left ear. It was subsequently discovered that the shop was ransacked and 2 ounces 6 penny weight of gold was missing from the shop.

Investigations are in progress. The corpse of Bowen is at Bone Yard Back Dam, Omai, waiting to be transported to Georgetown.

that her greatest fear was that these corrupt former employees will sell their knowledge of the system, and ability to forge documents.

For example, she is quoted in the cable as saying that former Home Affairs Ministry Security Policy Coordinator Sultan Kassim, "is very closely linked to a number of networks, particularly the Chinese," and describing a slush fund financed by Brazilian fees for work permits that Gajraj

which were not obtained in accordance with Guyanese law.

“The clear implication is that the GRO is issuing civil documents improperly,” the cable quoted the consular official as telling Teixeira.

According to the cable, in a common example, someone whose original birth certificate does not list a father was able to obtain a new certificate from GRO that includes the purported father's name. However, according to the U.S., Teixeira confirmed this was not legal without the father at least going to court and accepting paternity.

MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES

Gail Teixeira

Ronald Gajraj

and Kassim had run.”

FAKE DOCUMENTS According to the cable, unable to pin any direct evidence of illegal activity on Kassim, Teixeira said she dealt with the matter by sending him on long-term leave. She also asked the U.S. Embassy to send a Consular Officer to brief her on fraudulent birth and marriage certificates issued by the local General Register Office (GRO) that had been detected by the Consular Section. Teixeira was particularly worried; the cable said, that she was not getting full and accurate details on these incidents in her briefings with the GRO. At her requested meeting with a consular official from the U.S. Embassy, Teixeira was told by the Deputy Consul of the problematic birth and marriage certificates submitted to the Consular Section in Immigrant Visa cases, which appeared to have been genuinely issued, using GRO paper and seals, but

Devil Hole man found with cocaine, ganja THE police on Sunday arrested a man who was carrying a quantity of cocaine and marijuana in Cuyuni, Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni).

In a statement,the police said that around 10:00 hrs on Sunday ranks on patrol stopped and searched a man at Devil Hole, Cuyuni River, in whose possession was found 2,013 grammes of cannabis and 129 grammes of suspected cocaine in a haversack. He is in police custody assisting with the investigation.

Regarding marriage certificates, Guyanese marriage certificates state whether the marriage is by licence, by notice, or by banns. The latter two methods require both the bride and groom to be in Guyana for weeks before the marriage. The U.S. also noted that in Guyana's widespread business marriages, the Guyanese-American petitioner will usually remain in the country less than a week, and use an unscrupulous marriage officer to wed them and obtain a certificate. This was confirmed by Teixeira, who also noted that these "quick-visit" marriages were invalid if done by notice or banns.

Teixeira, the cable noted, expressed what seemed like genuine displeasure at these improperly or unlawfully issued civil documents involving GRO, explaining how she is already trying to fix the problem. According to the cable, Teixeira had confronted the GRO about similar incidents, but the GRO had denied responsibility for the fraudulent documents.

VISA ISSUANCE On the matter of visa issuance, according to the cable, Teixeira mentioned having several suspicious visa cases on her plate at the time. She said back then that the flow of people wanting to enter Guyana on the most unlikely of pretexts, could relate to trafficking in persons, the gold and diamond industries, arms-smuggling, or terrorist links.

She said then, too, that she would like to work with the United States government to prevent these activities and had taken some files to the Guyana Police Force's Special Branch for them to check Interpol databases or any other sources, since the ministry at the time had no computer resources to conduct such checks.

Additionally, the cable mentioned that following up on discussions of a November 17 meeting with Indian tour operators (reftel), Teixeira said she was taking a hard line with tour operators applying for visas for large groups of young, single businessmen purportedly travelling to Guyana for tourism. According to the cable, Teixeira described the steps she’d taken to curtail irresponsible or corrupt consular operations at Guyana's diplomatic posts, but mentioned that she had encountered "great resistance in foreign missions trying to tighten up on visa issuances" and lamented that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other ministries did not understand that visa officers

Please see page 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 17, 2015

Shun corruption

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... Harmon charges new land surveyors

OF the 32 students who participated in the land surveyors’ course, five were sworn in Monday by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC).

The five new surveyors, who’ve pledged to help boost the capacity of the commission and that of other government agencies requiring this specialised skill, are: Travis Fields, D e x t e r S a m , Ve i t h Mendonca, Amanda Bowman and Elton Pradhad.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon, who delivered the Charge at the swearing-In ceremony at the commission’s D'Urban Backlands offices, said land surveyors are bound by oath to carry out their functions faithfully and according to law, and as such they should avoid being involved in corruption at all costs.

Said he: “My understanding is that the graduates sworn in are beneficiaries of a programme that is offered by the GL&SC annually to prepare interested persons for careers as land surveyors.

“But if 32 persons are entering for the examination, then, usually, if you’re well taught, you would expect at least 32 persons would pass. So when we have a pass rate of 15%, something has to be examined.”

He pondered aloud whether the programme was prepared in such a way

as to weed out others to promote the best, or if the programme should be reexamined, since persons, after going through a period of training, are still illequipped to pass the final course.

conclusions.

“We have to put an end to these instances; we have to ensure that when a survey is done, a surveyor puts his mind and training into the facts that are put together to determine what is

Court, it has exposed me to the amount of problems that people have, which happens when people don’t do their work right.”

Having said that, he urged practising surveyors to observe the standard operation procedures as

decisions.

“The level of exactness must be demonstrated in executing these duties, and we must strive at all times to serve the public. Your fist duty is the exactness of your science and then your professionalism and

set out by the Lands and Survey Commission, since deviation from rules always creates problems.

conduct.”

He urged that surveyors not be tempted by corruption, since many would likely make offers that will challenge the integrity of the work of a surveyor. “They are challenging all that you have learnt, and you have to rebuke them. Let them understand that you’re a professional, and you’ve sworn, under the law, to behave and deliver your work in a certain manner.

So, avoid people trying to corrupt you, and people

The five new land surveyors HIGHLY UNACCEPTABLE “We need to examine if graduating such a small percentage is realistic, since a 15% pass rate is highly unacceptable,” Minister Harmon said.

Sharing his experience as a practising attorney, Harmon said there were occasions when multiple surveyors were testifying before the court pertaining to one piece of property, and they all would have different measurements and

the exact measurement of a piece of land,” he underscored.

Noting that surveying is an exact science and not one where mistakes or estimates should be made, Minister Harmon said, “The State expects that the graduates should undertake their work with dedication and commitment, since there is no space for mistakes which could cause multiple problems within the system.

“As an attorney practising in the Land

WORKING FOR THE STATE A case in point, he said, is that when working for the State as a surveyor, the weight of the President is on that surveyor’s shoulders.

As he went on to explain, the President ultimately has the power to grant leases, and a surveyor’s decision is used when making those

trying to corrupt the system.” he advised.

COURSE CONTENT According to Surveys Division Manager Rene Duesbury, a lot of emphasis was placed on Mathematics, Science, Astronomy and Land Law in 2015 which is a new subject area as part of a requirement under the recently assented Land Surveyors Act. He lamented the poor pass rates in mathematics, as this area still remained low and more emphasis would have to be placed on this subject.

Commissioner of the GL&SC Doorga Persaud, congratulated the graduates and advised that they should always put their best foot forward while executing their d u t i e s . Va l e d i c t o r i a n Elton Prashad, who spoke on behalf of his fellow g r a d u a t e s , e x p re s s e d his gratitude for the patience exhibited by the trainers, leading up to the examination.

Prashad said there were times, like many of his fellow graduates, he felt like quitting but the encouragement he re c e i v e d f ro m t u t o r s was always a motivating factor. Prashad also vowed to carry out his duties with credibility and sound professionalism within the framework of the commission, so as to keep the good name of the commission intact.

Youths killed in separate accidents TWO youths, one six years old and the other 11 were killed in separate accidents on Sunday night and early Monday morning,the police have reported.

The most recent of the accidents occurred around 06:45 hrs Monday at Westminister Road, Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara and which resulted in the death of pedestrian Keith Adams, 6 years, of Westminster, Parafaite Harmonie, WBD. Investigations revealed that the driver of motor car PRR 9325 was proceeding along the roadway at a fast rate

of speed, lost control of the vehicle and collided with the youth who was proceeding south along the western side. As a result, Adams suffered injuries and was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver is in police custody assisting with the investigation.

In the other accident, police said around 21:30 hrs Sunday at Bath Settlement Public Road, West Coast Berbice, pedestrian Omar Veerasammy, 11 years, of Block ‘D’, Bath Settlement, WCB was killed.

Investigations revealed that the driver of motor car PRR 2661 was proceeding along the roadway, when another motor car was proceeding in the opposite direction collided with motor car PRR 2661, and then hit two pedestrians who were standing on the southern side of the road. The pedestrians were taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital where Somraj Harricharran was admitted and Veerasammy was pronounced dead on arrival at the Mahaicony Hospital. The driver is in police custody assisting with the investigation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Paris attacks...

Hollande vows to destroy IS FRANCE is committed to “destroying” the so-called Islamic State group after Friday’s deadly attacks, President Francois Hollande has said.

He said he would table a bill to extend the state of emergency declared after the attacks for three months, and would suggest changes to the Constitution.

France’s military campaign against IS in Iraq and Syria will also intensify.

IS says it carried out the attacks on bars, restaurants, a

concert hall, and a stadium in which 129 people died.

Speaking during a joint session of both houses of parliament, Mr Hollande said the Constitution needed to be amended as “we need an appropriate tool we can use without having to resort to the state of emergency.”

Other measures he said would be pursued included: * 5,000 extra police posts in the next two years and no new cuts in the defence budget * Making it easier to strip

dual nationals of their French citizenship if they are convicted of a terrorist offence, as long as this did not render them stateless * Speeding up the deportation of foreigners who pose “a particularly grave threat to the security of the nation” * Pushing for greater European action against arms trafficking and greater penalties for it in France Mr Hollande said he would travel to meet US President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir

French President Francois Hollande addressing a rare joint session of both houses of the French parliament yesterday Putin in the coming days to discuss action against the group.

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US Secretary of State, John Kerry arrived in Paris last evening to show support for “America’s oldest friend” against what he called “psychopathic monsters”.

At a G20 summit in Turkey, world leaders promised tighter co-operation in the wake of the attacks.

Mr Obama said the US and France had made a new agreement on intelligence sharing, but said US military advisers thought sending ground troops to combat Isis would be a mistake.

In his address, Mr Hollande reiterated his opposition to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad remaining in power, but said “our enemy in Syria is Daesh [IS].”

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He promised more resources for the security forces, and said the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier would be sent on Thursday to bolster the military campaign against IS. On Sunday night, French aircraft attacked Raqqa, IS’s stronghold in Syria. French officials said 10 jets had dropped 20 guided bombs targeting sites, including a command centre, a recruitment centre for jihadists, a munitions depot and a training camp.

IS has since issued a statement saying the raid targeted empty locations, and that there were no casualties. (BBC NEWS)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 17, 2015

Harmon: Cycle of racism must be broken - national unity essential to nation-building

By Svetlana Marshall “NATIONAL unity is a fundamental prerequisite for national development and nation building,” Minister of State Joseph Harmon said as he addressed the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Regional Congress at Vreed-en-Hoop, Region 3 on Sunday.

According to him, the result o f t h e M a y 11 , 2 0 1 5 G e n e r a l and Regional Elections is a clear indication that Guyana is “deeply divided” along racial and ethnic lines. Although there was evidence of rampant corruption, blatant nepotism, incompetence and mismanagement on the part of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government, Minister Harmon said the race card was used.

As such, he said the time had come for the cycle of racism to be broken and he underscored the importance of unity. “We, the PNCR [People’s National Congress Reform] cannot wish national unity into existence. We cannot pay lip service to this issue. We the leadership must take consorted effort to foster national unity and social cohesion.

We must be the initiators of this process and we must be relentless in our pursuit of this objective,” Minister Harmon said.

In urging those present to embrace the concepts of national unity and social cohesion, the Minister of State said they must prevail countrywide. It was pointed out that the PNCR was birthed out of the concept of national unity.

Subsequent to the 1957 General Elections, then Chairman of the PPP Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham made a decisive break from that party, and established the PNC. The late President had sought to strengthen his party by absorbing the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the National Democratic Party (NDP), which were led at the time

by John Carter and Rudy Kendall, respectively.

In the spirt of unity, the party in 2011 played a leading role in the formation of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) which contested the November 2 0 11 E l e c t i o n s . T h e Guyana Action Party, the Justice for All Party, the National Front Alliance, the People's National Congress (PNC) and the Working People's Alliance (WPA) were among the parties that formed the partnership. Ahead on the May 2015 elections, APNU merged with the Alliance for Change (AFC) on February 14, 2015.

Meanwhile, in reflecting on the last regional congress which

was held by the PNCR, Minister Harmon said it was held in November 2012, at a time when members laboured under severe political pressure as the “corrupt and politically bankrupt PPP/C administration wreaked havoc over the country.

To d a y, t h e r e i s a c o m p l e t e turnaround, with the PNCR through the APNU+AFC coalition once again at the forefront of national development. “We

within our people, and opportunity to put in place those developmental ideas which we had since 1966; an opportunity to make Guyana great again. This is our opportunity, This is our time.”

However, Minister Harmon said the membership of the region needs to do better, pointing out that although the APNU+AFC coalition would have successfully defeated the PPP/C

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon flanked by two PNCR officials during the Regional Congress at Vreed-en-Hoop have always been in the vanguard of the national movement for development.

The PNC-led Guyana to independence in 1966, we established our motto - One people, One nation, One destiny - and commenced the process of making Guyana one nation,” the Minister of State pointed out as he turned back the pages of history.

“We must now see this victory as an opportunity to serve the people of this country; an opportunity to realise that potential that exists

during the last elections, it did not win the region at the regional elections.

“We cannot have the corrupted administration of the PPP running this region the way they ran the Government for the last 23 years.

In 2011, the PPP/C won 65% of the regional votes securing 15,725 more votes than the APNU. In 2015, the PPP/C once again took the lead by 19, 368 votes. “We cannot have this trend continuing in the region, we cannot have that.”

GRDB in talks with rice investors from Mexico HEADED by General Manager Nizam Hassan, members of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) are currently in talks with private and public sector rice investors from Mexico.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday, Hassan said “initial talks” began last Friday, and are expected to continue shortly. “We had two conference calls facilitated by the Mexican Ambassador, Ivan Robero Sierra Medel,” the GRDB head said.

The first meeting was held with the Mexican Rice Council, a private sector body that brings together rice producers, importers and millers. The second meeting was with DICONASA, touted as Mexico’s largest network of “social supply”. The aim of that entity is to distribute food with high nutritional content to marginalised sections of the population at affordable prices.

“We just had initial courtesy meetings, discussions…we have not gone into full discussion,” Hassan said. He assured, however, that upon completion of discussions, the Guyanese public would be informed.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) reported last week that Mexican Agriculture Minister Jose Calzada has given assurance that arrangements to buy Guyana’s paddy would be fast tracked. According to the GINA report, the Mexican Agriculture Minister has committed to encouraging the private sector to enter into contracts with local millers.

This commitment was made during Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo’s visit to Mexico City to attend the Open Governance Summit there.

The APNU-AFC administration has said that assisting farmers with alternatives on the international market is a priority, given the increase in rice production thus far for the year, and in midst of the loss of the Venezuelan market.

Guyana’s rice production in the first half of 2015 was 359,960 tonnes, 15.3 percent more than last year's record high, first-half production of 312,283 tonnes.

Venezuela has since entered into new rice purchasing agreements with other countries, including Suriname. That government has said it would not be renewing the rice-for-oil agreement it had with Guyana after the end of November.

Under the PetroCaribe arrangement, Guyana has benefited from oil and Venezuela has benefited from rice, but since the fallout between Guyana and Venezuela, the Guyana Government has been exploring other markets for its rice. The Mexico market is one of many being explored by the administration. (Ariana Gordon)

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Guyana

Pact signed to boost aviation security

By Svetlana Marshall

EDITORIAL

Looking at and learning from history

APPROXIMATELY 64 per cent of Guyanese today have not had first-hand experience of the events of the 1960s, ’70s and some part of the ’80s. It is for this reason those who are opinion shapers are obligated to help this group to understand that era by objectively putting into context events that occurred, and situating same within the socio-economic and political atmosphere at the time, both local and external. To do otherwise is to deny this demographic development which is required for personal and national growth and fostering an environment of peaceful co-existence.

More importantly, this generation is part of the present leaders and will be the main leaders of tomorrow and therefore deserving to be equipped with the requisite tools to make the future better. The temptation for fingerpointing, though it be can lucrative, is more reflective of settling scores or proving points at the expense of the nation moving forward. For if the young, who constitute the majority, are denied the opportunity of history being examined through appropriate lenses, unnecessary frictions can be created which threaten friendships, familial associations and the strengthening of the nation’s fabric. Distorted examination has the potential of entrapping the minds and making persons captive of the actions of an era that today is not being used as a barometer for moving the country forward but a tool for settling old political grievances, perceived or real.

The esteemed Nelson Mandela, who stood up against the South African apartheid regime in defence of the coloured population to be treated equally was harassed, considered a terrorist, tried and imprisoned. The Western powers led by the United States and Britain under the leadership of Ronald Regan and Margaret Thatcher supported the Apartheid regime against the will of the majority in the society. While the South African majority were denied the right to participate in electing leaders of their choice, this denial was not without the support of the two nations considered by the world as purveyors of democracy and co-founders of the United Nations which declared all men are equal and should be treated with dignity and respect.

And given this reality, the wholesale replication of the perceptions expressed by the United States and Britain has to be put into context by examining the activities of these two major players, internally and externally.

For while these countries are used as standard bearers in determining acceptable and unacceptable standards of behaviour and engagement, historical and present evidence show that they too are not without blemishes.

As external spotlight has been placed on Guyana’s politics, making known events of the ’60s and ’70s, there still exists the Confederate flag flying on government buildings in some southern states in the United States. The confederate flag evokes painful memories of an era in American

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 17, 2015

THE Guyana and U.S. Governments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development and modernisation of the civil aviation sector in the area of security.

The MoU was signed yesterday by Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, on behalf of the Guyana Government, and U.S. Ambassador, Perry Holloway, on behalf of his country, at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure in Kingston, Georgetown.

It will, however, be facilitated by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the U.S. Transportation Safety Administration (TSA).

As to what it entails, it formalises the terms and conditions under which the two governments will engage in cooperation on civil aviation matters, such as the development and modernisation of the civil aviation security infrastructure in Guyana in managerial, operational and technical areas.

STRONG COMMITMENT According to Ambassador Holloway, the MoU signifies the strong bilateral commitment shared between Guyana and the U.S., in that it will enhance the GCAA’s capacity to adequately provide security for passengers, employees and other stakeholders involved in the airport transportation industry.

In addition, it also allows for the provision of technical and managerial

expertise to assist the GCAA in developing, improving, and operating its civil aviation security infrastructure, standards, procedures, policies, training and equipment. Another of its advantages is that the agreement has opened the door for GCAA personnel to be trained either in the U.S. or Guyana, as well as the provision of resources, logistical support and equipment for facilities.

“There will be training,” Holloway said, “but there will be passenger inspection, cargo inspection. There will possibly be equipment provided with things like x-ray equipment and other specialised equipment that allows you to search cargo and aircraft.”

SIMILAR SENTIMENTS Minister Patterson, who was supported by his junior minister, Annette Ferguson, echoed similar sentiments, in that he noted that the MoU will play a crucial role in Guyana soliciting support for the improvement of its aviation sector.

He recalled that prior to Ambassador Holloway’s appointment in June, 2015, he was informed by the then US Charge d’ Affaires that the TSA had some concerns about the pace at which aviation matters were being handled by the GCAA. “I had advocated for technical assistance for regulatory and oversight of our aviation and maritime sectors, both of which are very important to our national development,” Minister Patterson said, adding that the

government sees the aviation sector as a catalyst of economic and social growth.

This being the case, he said his ministry, and by extension the David Granger administration, remains committed to the development of a safe, secure and vibrant aviation sector.

In underscoring the importance of the relationship shared between the U.S. and Guyana, Minister Patterson said, “The continued partnership between our governments is necessary for the growth of our international aviation activities, particularly connectivity between U.S. destinations and Guyana.”

Noting that the MoU will be used as an avenue to provide support in developing the capacities and expertise in civil aviation security, Minister Patterson said the MoU was needed not only to satisfy the requirements, but also to assist in meeting the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and recommended practices.

“I know the TSA has been working closely with the GCAA and the CJIA,” he said, “and I have asked that we include Ogle International Airport in their assessment on their next visit.

I believe we have to have a holistic approach to the security and safety oversight of our aviation sector. Again, I thank you and TSA for the continued commitment to improving our security effort.”

Accoring to Minister Ferguson, today, the GCAA has three additional aviation security officers, whereas before, there was only one.

U.S. Ambassador Perry Holloway explaining aspects of the MoU to the media in the presence of Public Infrastructure Ministers David Patterson and Annette Ferguson, and officials of the GCAA and the U.S. Embassy history characterised by racial hatred, African Americans denied basic fundamental human rights and freedoms, such as the right to vote, free movement and to be treated equally. Recently, through activism by the citizens of South Carolina supported by national pressure, it led to actions that resulted in Governor Nikki Haley in July 2015 signing a bill to remove the flag from the Capitol grounds where it was flown since the 1960s.

The point being made here is that there is nothing unusual or uncharacteristic of Guyana’s political evolution/ development, but an understanding of this can only be achieved when put in proper perspective, including doing comparative analyses with other countries, including those considered beacons. The electoral path the country has travelled has not been without contentions and contestations.

From disagreement of changing the system from First-PastThe-Post to Proportional Representation, allegations of rigged elections, refusal to accept elections results, court vitiation of elections, electoral challenges in the court, to the attempt and awarding of seat to the wrong party are features of this society, similar to that of others.

In 2008, the Barack Obama campaign had to deal with accusations of taking on characteristics of the infamous Chicago corrupt and ruthless politics. In 2000, there was the issue of the hanging chads, where Democratic candidate Al Gore was denied the presidency by 500 plus votes in an election it was generally felt he won, because the Supreme Court controlled by Republican judges ruled to refer the matter to the Florida Republican controlled government who made a decision in favour of the Republican candidate, George W Bush.

Notwithstanding the deficiencies in the systems of the developed societies, they use these events and pitfalls to refine and improve systems to bring about growth or preferably what they call ‘a more perfect union’. In Guyana there is need to be mindful that these issues are characteristics of human nature. For in looking around the world, it would be recognised that Guyana is not singular in its politics and actions; what Guyana may be singular in, is the obstinacy to be wedded to the past and refusal to put the past in context, learn from the past and move on.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Lawless business environment in Lethem to be sanitised - Gaskin talks up Georgetown-to-Lethem road

By Tajeram Mohabir WITH Lethem set for township status next year, focus will be placed on ensuring that businesses in the increasingly busy commercial district comply with government regulations and pay their dues.

From all indications, the move to make the community a town will pave the way for more organised development there.

Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin, told the Guyana Chronicle that the administration wants to see the imminent town become a well-managed municipality, where businesses grow and flourish. But, he said, this must not happen in a lawless environment, as businesses will have to comply with all statutory regulations.

Generally, Mr Gaskin said, compliance in Guyana has not been perfect; and in areas such as Lethem, lack of compliance is even more evident. “Some businesses would say that if they comply with all the regulations, it would be difficult to survive and they might very well pack up and go home,” he said.

The administration wants businesses to grow and develop, and would be taking a careful approach in ensuring they meet regulatory guidelines. “Once some of them cross a certain imaginary line, they go into total lawlessness. Everyone do what they like, and the strong survive and the vulnerable and the poor become helpless

and defenceless. There is a lot of lawlessness going on, and it is does not augur well, unless we can encourage all businesses to have more regard for this country, pay their fair share of taxes and respect the institutions that regulate commerce,” he told this publication.

Lethem has, over the years, been developing into a vibrant commercial hub. Located in Region 9, Lethem is a vast area dotted with villages spread across the region.

Minister Gaskin believes that with proper road linkages and easy access to Georgetown, commercial activities will go on an upward spiral.

Many villages in Region 9 engage in farming, and would, no doubt, produce more if they have easy access to markets for their produce.

Vital road link “The road link definitely would allow them to expand their businesses, and at least operate more efficiently when it comes to getting their goods to market. That would be one of the immediate benefits of investing in the Georgetown-to-Lethem road. It would be a huge boost to business in Lethem and the Region 9 economy as a whole,” Gaskin told this publication.

Prominent businessman Stanley Ming is convinced that the road from Lethem to Port Georgetown, linking Guyana with Brazil, is necessary if Guyana is to become a trans-shipment port. He said the project was requested

by Brazil, and that Brazil really needs it because Manaus, a major Brazilian city, is

home to some of the world’s major manufacturers, including Yamaha, Suzuki and Mercedes Benz, but is many miles away from the mouth of the Amazon River.

These companies which manufacture in Brazil and export a lot of their products to the rest of the world, have a challenge to get their goods from Manaus to the Atlantic Ocean.

With no direct road link, goods are transported through the Amazon River by barge in a journey that takes nine days, Ming had said.

He said Brazil has, understandably for decades, been proposing to Guyana to build the roadway to an Atlantic port in Guyana, be it Georgetown, Essequibo or Berbice, whichever is more suitable. This, he said, will enable Brazil’s products to reach the Atlantic Ocean from Manaus in 24 hours, as against nine days.

The road would save Guyana’s southern neighbour eight days of financial charges, a significant reduction by any means.

There is currently a lot of movement of people between Lethem and Bon Fim, and any development in the Region 9 community that would increase human traffic and interaction would create a spike in business in the region.

According to Minister Gaskin, Lethem is on the road to greater development, and it would not happen in a hodge-podge manner, but would be organised.

PPP still undecided about use of salary increase - says funds being deposited in a ‘special account’

AFTER all the talk about giving the recently granted salary increases for parliamentarians and ministers to charity, it appears that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is still undecided about the matter.

What they do know for certain, however, is that the money at reference is conscientously being put into a special bank account.

“We are yet to decide which charity it goes to; currently, the increase goes into a PPP bank account,” Party General Secretary, Clement Rohee told reporters yesterday when pressed on the issue during its weekly press briefing at Party Headquar-

ters, Freedom House.

As he explained, the account, which has been in existence for quite some time, permits the Party to give a percentage of their salary, and not just the recently acquired increase, towards whatever cause they so choose.

Having made this disclosure, Rohee said he hopes persons will not run away with the idea that the PPP has “a secret bank account”.

Noting that the Party had taken a policy decision on the matter, Rohee said members are, therefore, morally obligated to do what is expected of them. And that is: To deduct the increase or a

percentage and deposit it into the prescribed Party account.

However, at one of the Party’s recent press conferences, Rohee had said they would be setting up a “charitable fund”, given that they were faced with a situation where the salaries of its Members of Parliament (MPs) had been increased, despite its objection to and rejection of the idea.

Rohee had also asserted at the time that PPP Members of Parliament had committed, in principle, not to accept the 19% increase, and would be making the monthly deductions as necessary.

Lethem is set for township status in 2016 (Photo from Taylor Nunes on panoramio.com)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 17, 2015

Wikileaks cable...

PPP suspicious of Adventist missionaries FORMER Home Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira had expressed concerns about a group of Seventh-day Adventist missionaries operating a medical aviation service here, and had even suspected that they were heavily involved in narco-trafficking, a leaked U.S. cable has revealed.

According to former Charge d’Affaires Michael Thomas in a cable headlined, “Still uneasy about American religious groups and airstrips” and dated December 28, 2005, during a meeting with Teixeira five days earlier, she reiterated that she had raised her concerns at a previous meeting about the Seventh-day aviation medical group operating in Guyana.

Teixeira had said at the time, too, that a different group had also wanted to build an airstrip in the hinterland, the Rupununi to be specific. “This group has suddenly expanded from one priest with an aircraft in the late 1990s, to a group of around 20 missionaries whose projects always involve airstrips,” Teixeira is quoted as saying in the cable, emphasising the PPP government's desire for fewer rural airstrips, given their perceived link to narco-trafficking, and its policy of destroying some of them.

Teixeira, the cable noted, felt that American religious groups were somehow taking advantage of the Amerindian villages that hosted them. The U.S., however, said that other than referring to reports of drug drops at one location, she shared no evidence of possible sinister activity on the missionaries' part.

ADVENTIST WORLD AVIATION The Adventist World Aviation (AWA), according to its website, exists to provide aviation and communications

support to those serving the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of the unreached and forgotten peoples of the earth.

The U.S. Center for World Mission estimates that 40% of the world is still considered unreached with the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Approximately a third of these people live behind geographic barriers that AWA has been called to breach, the mission said on its website.

Gail Teixeira And while the purpose of the Mission is to own, operate, manage and maintain aircraft to facilitate medical services, community development, spiritual growth and educational activities in remote areas of the world, the purpose of Project Airpower, on the other hand, is dualfaceted.

Based in Guyana, South America, the first objective of Project Airpower is to improve the quality of life for indigenous peoples groups located within Guyana’s jungle interior (Region 1). This is accomplished by providing aviation transportation to facilitate medical services, spiritual growth, education and community development.

MORMON EXPULSION Back in 2009, the PPP government had expelled several

Mormons, something which did not go down well with the U.S. Embassy at the time.

In September 2009, more than 50 missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints were ordered expelled, after being held by the police. They were given 30 days to leave.

In an earlier cable leaked by Wikileaks, former U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires Karen Williams had felt that the decision by then Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee, was not in keeping with Guyana’s laws.

“Rohee’s decision on numerical limits for missionaries is purely based on what Rohee thinks is proper for Guyana and not based on Guyanese law,” Williams had written in the cable, dated February 16, 2010.

Almost four months after the missionaries were ordered to leave, Minister Rohee told the embassy’s Political Chief that the Ministry of Home Affairs had set numerical limits on the number of foreign missionaries allowed into Guyana.

He would later announce that the ministry had set a numerical limit of 15; that the figure had been negotiated between the Mormons and Government of Guyana; and that being the case, the agreed limit would remain the yardstick for determining how many missionaries were allowed into Guyana.

The only exception to the “numerical limit” rule, however, was Catholics, because, according to Rohee, “They have been in Guyana for so long.”

According to Williams, “Rohee said that he would meet with all missionary groups to discuss their plans and intended numbers, implying that missionary groups that kept their numbers steady would not face problems.”

Tuesday November 17th, 2015 - 08:30 hrs Wednesday November 18th, 2015 - 09:30 hrs Thursday November 182th, 2015 - 10:30 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 17, 2015

PPP drops Persaud, Sharief

9

- as internal strife deepens

THE People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has brought out the axe on former Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud and current Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of the Presidency Omar Sharief.

Both of them are no longer members of the party’s Central Committee. Their seats are vacant along with that of Navin Chandarpal who has passed away.

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee at the party’s weekly press briefing on Monday told reporters that the Central Committee “unanimously declared vacant” the seats “occupied

by Robert Persaud, Navin Chandarpal and Omar Sharief."

The vacant seats will be filled by former Human Services and Social

Security Minister Bibi Shadick, former Region 5 Chairman Harrinarine Baldeo and seasoned activist Majeed Hussain.

The Central Committee of the PPP has also reserved for consideration at a later date, the status of the seats of members Hydar Ally, Chitrekha Das and Gurdat Shivperaud.

It is not certain what has caused the departure of Das and Shivperaud, but Ally who served as permanent secretary in several ministries under the PPP administration has resigned. The passing of Chandarpal and the jettisoning of Persaud for non-attendance of meetings have also created two vacant seats on the Executive Committee.

These vacancies, Mr Rohee told reporters, will be filled, but he did not say

Bibi Shadick

Omar Sharief

when.

The PPP/C ceded power to the A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (AFC) coalition in the May 11 General and Regional Elections, after being at the helm for 23 years. It has been reported that ever since the defeat, there has been internal

bickering in the party on its direction, among a host of other issues.

The letting go of Persaud from the powerful Central and Executive Committees of the party has come as little or no surprise to many closely connected in the political circle. Once seen as a replacement for then

Teixeira accused Gajraj ...

From page 2 overseas are an important part of the country's security apparatus.

Teixeira had also told the U.S. that she’d managed to bring Beijing visa operations under control, and that Guyana had ceased issuing visas for Chinese to join their families here, although Chinese are still granted visas to work in the timber and sugar industries. She also detailed that a corrupt system operated in China involving the mission and the ministry.

Meanwhile, in response to a question from the U.S., Teixeira was quoted as saying that the visa situation in India was "manageable." She also said that all visa applications from South India came to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) in Georgetown for adjudication, thereby allowing greater scrutiny. She was also of the belief that Southern Indians who wanted a Guyanese visa would not travel all the way to New Delhi to apply in person at the High Commission there.

In response to a direct question about visa operations at the Guyana mission in New Delhi, Teixeira told the U.S.: "Delhi doesn't deal with us."

According to the cable, when the conversation turned to Delhi, “the normally animated Teixeira slowed down and spoke carefully and deliberately. She was noticeably less forthcoming about the situation in Delhi than about any other topic during the two-and-a-half-hour meeting.”

She did suggest, however, that her relationship with the Delhi Embassy was dictated by orders from higher authority. Teixeira said Guyana's embassy in Suriname and Guyana's honorary consuls (particularly in Africa and Israel) are now her biggest problems on the visa front.

NO IMMIGRATION POLICY In Teixeira's own words, according to the cable, Guyana does not have an immigration policy. “There is little control over visa issuance. Immigration authorities cannot control or keep track of who enters the country. The government loses immigration cases in court. Deportation is expensive and often ineffective,” she was quoted as saying.

The cable mentioned that in the past, all immigration decisions contained a note that refused applicants could appeal directly to the minister, a practice Teixeira said she had abolished. Teixeira said disorder in the immigration process was embarrassing to the government.

FIGHT CORRUPTION The U.S. concluded, according to the cable, that the meeting confirmed that Teixeira had genuinely wanted to fight the corruption and inefficiency that had a crippling effect on her broad portfolio (including GRO, immigration, the attorney-general

and the courts, and the police force).

“Long-standing smuggling routes that transfer illegal migrants from India, Pakistan, and China through Guyana to the U.S. and Canada are ideal for exploitation by terrorists and others who would do us harm,” Michael Thomas wrote in the cable.

Thus, he said it would be strongly “in U.S. interest to find ways to assist Teixeira in vetting suspect visa applications and tightening control of civil documents.” Thomas pointed out that unfortunately, although Teixeira criticised her predecessor “Gajraj's imperious, direct control over the ministry's workings, she has only slightly loosened the reins of control herself. This may reflect her very valid concerns over both corruption and competence within the MoHA, or the PPP's habit of centralised decisionmaking and micro-management,” Thomas wrote.

He said, too, that the fact that Te i x e i r a w a s i n v o l v e d h e r s e l f personally in sensitive visa applications supported either hypotheses. “Another possibility is that the position has overwhelmed her,” Thomas said, adding that the embassy highly rated her as “an honest, forthright interlocutor.

However, more than a few Guyanese insiders think of her as a lightweight, better suited to her previous position as Minister of Youth, Culture, and Sport.”

Former Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud President Bharrat Jagdeo, Persaud was criticised for the handling of the party’s c a m p a i g n i n t h e 2 0 11 elections that reduced the PPP to a minority government. Mr Persaud, who also served as Minister of Agriculture,

reportedly did not win the admiration of his senior party comrades in his handling of that important portfolio.

Nevertheless, he was appointed Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment in the Donald Ramotar-led Cabinet, but it started a process that saw him being viciously sidelined.

Mr Persaud had an invisible presence in the PPP campaign during the last elections, and from media reports, he is being courted by the Granger government for a top post in the administration.

However, Minister of State Joseph Harmon has since said that there will be no jobs for the top PPP boys in the APNU+AFC government, and reports of government being in talks with Persaud and other "PPP big guns" are without merit.

Finance Minister to address GMSA awards ceremony T H E G u y a n a Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA) Ltd will on We d n e s d a y h o l d i t s 20th consecutive Annual Presentation of Awards and Dinner (APAD) in the Savannah Suite of the Guyana Pegasus Hotel.

As is customary,new and existing companies will be tangibly recognised for the achievements they worked so assiduously throughout this year to attain, the GMSA said in a release. Among the awardees will be Pomeroon Foods, Qualfon, and Farfan & Mendes. Award categories range from Attaining ISO, HACCP and other international Standards certification, International Market Penetration, Breaking new ground in Maritime, Tourism, Fashion Designing and other services, and Introducing new and innovative technologies and methodologies. Several recent member companies have qualified for awards

this year.

Minister of Finance Wi n s t o n J o r d a n , w i l l be the honoured guest speaker. He is expected to highlight the government's plans and projections for the business sector in the ensuing five years, the first term of the coalition government. APAD serves as the GMSA’s platform to publicly recognise the sterling performance and contributions to the national economy by individuals and public and private sector companies and agencies.

Like the association’s business luncheons and dinners, the annual awards presentation ceremony functions as another means of bringing valuable information to the business community to spur their growth and inform their forward planning. President David Granger and members of his Cabinet as well as the diplomatic community have been invited to attend.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 17, 2015

Reduced Berbice Bridge toll by Dec 1 - Minister Patterson

COMMUTERS using the Berbice River Bridge would pay less as of next month, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson informed the media yesterday.

He said Government will soon be sending to the Berbice Bridge Company Inc., (BBCI) the agreement that will be signed between the two parties.

Provided there is no further stalemate, Minister Patterson said Government expects the bridge company to accept and start implementing, as of December 1, 2015, its proposed $40M subvention towards reduction of the toll.

This agreement caters for the toll for passenger cars and buses to be reduced from $2,200 to $1,900, a 13.6 percent decline, whilst the toll for all other types of vehicles will be reduced by 10 percent.

The measure, which was outlined in Budget 2015, was expected to be implemented from September 1, 2015, but was not done due to the fact that negotiations between the Government and BCCI remained deadlocked. The latter had asked the Government for some extension, so that they could discuss the implications of the proposals with their stakeholders.

In the interim, as the commuters awaited the reduced toll, the Government had implemented river taxis to ply the Rosignol to New Amsterdam route. To date over 62,000 people had used

the boats. He said of this total, 11,623 were either students or elderly, but the majority was regular commuters from New Amsterdam.

Below are the figures of passenger movement:

Government’s efforts to reduce the Berbice bridge toll is part of its effort at alleviate the burden of the high fare for the over 150,000 Guyanese who live within Regions 5 and 6 that traverse the bridge to access education and health services, conduct business and travel on a daily basis.

Over 62,000 passengers Marudi miners capitalise on Berbice facing eviction, turn River taxi service

THE implementation of the Berbice River taxi service has seen 62,465 passengers, from September 21 to November 7, 2015, using the service as their choice of transportation between New Amsterdam and Rosignol.

This was announced by Minister David Patterson during a press conference in his ministry’s boardroom, Wight’s Lane, Kingston.

According to him, the operations of the river taxis continue to exceed operations since the ministry initiated the service.

Below are the figures of passenger movement:

Lady Northcote expected back on Region 1 route by month-end - Minister Ferguson

MOTOR Vessel Lady Northcote will be back in service by the end of the month, after spending the past two months in dry dock for repairs and upgrades.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson, told reporters yesterday that work on the vessel which has been docked at the E.C. Vieira Dockyard since September, for much needed rehabilitation works, is 95 percent completed.

She explained that the vessel which is currently off the block and undergoing final works should be handed over early next week.

According to Minister Ferguson, the media would be invited for a tour of the vessel upon its completion, and before it again commences plying the Georgetown-Port Kaituma, Region 1 route.

Minister Ferguson also explained that following this rehabilitation effort, the engineer was able to assess the Lady Northcote and determine that additional works Minister were needed. According to her, a report in this regard was Annette Ferguson actually submitted by the contractor that is to be sent to Cabinet for further deliberation and approval.

Meanwhile, the minister also reported that MV Kimbia would soon be docked to facilitate some level of emergency works. The ministry’s engineers are currently in the process of conducting assessments. (GINA)

to gov’t for help

SMALL-SCALE gold miners operating in and around the Marudi Mountain area in Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) are calling on the government to take urgent action to regularise their operations.

The reason they’ve resorted to this course of action, they say, is because they face being evicted by a large Canadian mining operation.

The miners made their request through the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) during a lively and well attended meeting with GWMO officials at Marudi last Saturday.

SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN They’ve also affixed their signatures to a campaign organised by the GWMO, seeking permission to set up a settlement near Marudi in furtherance of their desire to live and raise their families there as residents.

The miners at Marudi admit that their operations were illegal, since the relevant authorities have not granted them requisite mining permits, but they portrayed their case as assistance on humanitarian grounds, since employment hardly exists in the area and they have been forced to

resort to small-scale mining to “feed and raise their families.”

“If we are evicted, where do we go? This is our country, and we have a right to live and work here.

Guyanese should, and must, be given preference over foreigners,” they reasoned, adding: “Instead of fighting us down, the authorities should regularise our operations, so we can operate legally and make our contribution.

“We are quite willing to obey all the rules and regulations and to meet all the legal requirements.”

They’ve also pointed out that their activities, though admittedly illegal, contribute to the wellbeing of the economy of Region 9, since they were providing direct employment for workers and indirect employment for input suppliers such as shopkeepers, transportation operators, and even sellers of fuel, which are needed in the area.

As one resident pointed out, “If they chase us out of Marudi, all of these people will lose incomes, with all the bad consequences that [would] come of that.”

PLAY BY THE RULES The miners also stress

that they have every intention of satisfying the requirements of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), this being to sell all the gold they produce to the Guyana Gold Board, and to contribute by this means to the overall well-being of the economy of this country.

“The GGMC is welcome to set up a sub-office right here at Marudi, and benefit from all the cooperation we are willing to give them,” they said.

“We are Guyanese! We are poor people! We are surviving at Marudi! Why should anyone want to evict us from making a living in preference for a foreign company?” they repeatedly asked.

They say they are looking for a sympathetic approach by the government, so they could be relieved of the constant threat of eviction, and be relieved of harassment by the regulatory agency, the GGMC. The land on which they are operating, albeit illegally, had been granted to a Canadian company which has not been active in the area for the longest while.

President of the GWMO Urica Primus, said the GWMO is sympathetic to the plight of the miners, and will be assisting them in arriving at a favourable resolution.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 17, 2015

Hicken unveils security plans for Christmas season

‘A’ DIVISION Commander Assistant Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken has unveiled security plans for this division during the upcoming Christmas season, as the police launched its Christmas security policing arrangement.

In the conference room of the Guyana Police Force Officers Training Complex at Young Street and Camp Road, Kingston, Commander Hicken spoke extensively last Friday on the level of police patrols within his division to address the issues of crime and security.

MORE ROADBLOCKS

SECTORAL APPROACH He said Georgetown will be divided into five sectors for adequate policing, and that officers assigned to those sectors will have a better hands-on approach in overseeing their respective spans of control. All sectors will be headed by assistant police superintendents, who will be assisted by cadet officers or police inspectors as availability dictates.

Additionally, ranks from the Intelligence Unit and the Criminal Investigation Department will have an increased presence around commercial banks and major hot spots, while foot, vehicular and motorcycle patrols would be increased within Georgetown.

Commander Hicken said that as is customary, the police would be increasing its uniform and plainclothes presence

Assistant Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken around the Georgetown Prisons, nightspots and other places of business such as commercial banks and post offices during this Christmas season.

Roadblocks and stop-and-search exercises remain a feature and posture of the police force, because the initiative has been working well, although the procedure employed is different compared to what obtained in times gone by.

‘A’ Division records increased cases of court prosecution - roadblocks, stop-and-search exercises will continue

ASSISTANT Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken has credited two factors for ‘A’ Division, which he heads, being more active in prosecuting indictable cases before the courts within the past year. Those factors are: Capacity-building of ranks, and the division acting on reports made by members of the public.

Commander Hicken disclosed last Friday that persons have been coming forward and sharing information with the police with regard to crimes committed within ‘A’ Division. He said those persons have been giving statements to the police, and are even prepared to attend court to offer evidence.

“If you look at the indictable crimes you will see that there are more reports in 2015 than [in] 2014, and one can say it is because of capacity-building; and one can now say that they are getting results from reporting matters, and there is no more frustration. So definitely you will see an increase in reports, and what is noticeable here, too, is that the amount of cases here is more than in 2014, and we want to continue to build capacity, and that will be our hallmark,” Commander Hicken explained.

Hicken said ‘A’ Division police would continue to hold roadblocks and stop-and-search exercises, as those are also being successful. He explained that his ranks were able to recover 23 firearms during 2014, whilst they have, so far, recovered 31 in 2015. Most of those weapons were

11

recovered when the police conducted stop-and-search exercises.

Hicken explained that stop-and-search exercises are not held willy-nilly, but are based either on intelligence received from persons resident in affected communities, or from persons who would have seen and/or heard things.

“Gone are the days when we are cordoning off an entire block to arrest one person. That in itself causes conflict with the police. It causes conflict because we are inconveniencing all, or the majority, for the minority; and while it is still applicable, it is not being used now as it used to be long ago. What we are doing now is focusing on the targeted areas, and minimising the inconvenience to others,” he said.

Hicken regarded roadblocks as a posture that is still relevant today; and he said it always sends a message, and one would want to feel that something is ongoing in and around the city, since the police are usually out in their numbers during execution of a roadblock exercise.

The commander said that when things happen in the communities -- and by extension the division -information is transmitted to the Operations Room, and standard operating procedures are immediately activated. He said the systems will indicate where incidents occur, and based on that indication, deployment and strategies are activated.

Commander Hicken gave the assurance that ‘A’ Division will be seeing an increase in the number of roadblocks and stop-and-search exercises. Many of those will, however, be done as a result of intelligence that the police would have been able to gather, much to the credit of its social crimeprevention initiatives.

During this Christmas season, ranks on patrol will be working shifts, beginning from as early as 07:00 hrs, when they will be briefed and sent to their various posts. By noon, the other shift will be signed on, causing a one-hour overlapping so as to cater for the increase in the number of persons who may be leaving their offices and other places of business to do shopping during their lunch break.

The first team will conclude their day’s work at 18:00 hrs, while the team that signed on at noon will conclude their day’s patrolling at 19:00 hrs.

The division will be adjusting its arrangement so as to accommodate the high level of activities on December 22, 24, 29 and 31. The motorcycle patrols will be deployed from the Police Impact Base at the Brickdam Police Station.

GuySuCo, GAWU to begin API talks - tomorrow

THE Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) will tomorrow begin discussions for workers’ Annual Production Incentive (API) for 2015.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GuySuCo Errol Hanoman said the corporation always had in mind to meet and address the matter of workers’ API. He said that following the discussions, an API will be derived.

Meanwhile, Hanoman detailed that the secondcrop production up to (yesterday) stands at 126,198 tonnes. The set target of 146,300 tonnes, he thinks will be achieved on time.

The CEO is optimistic that GuySuCo will reach its overall 2015 target of 227, 443 tonnes in three weeks’ time since currently the production figure is at 207,341.

Irrespective of targets set and reached, incentives were always given, even though in cases of underachievement the “pay-off” had to be commensurate with the production and profits of GuySuCo. Meanwhile, the CEO said everything is going reasonably well at the corporation, noting that, “Once you are meeting your target, your markets are in place.”

However, with the fluctuating prices for sugar on the international market, GuySuCo has to keep an eye on this aspect.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 17, 2015

President announces Village Education Scholarship Trust

- as Ann’s Grove celebrates Elisa Hamilton THERE is an old saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” And on Sunday, the residents of Ann’s Grove and neighbouring communities packed into the Ann’s Grove Secondary School to celebrate their pride and joy, Elisa Hamilton, on her achievement at this year’s Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).

Ms. Hamilton, a proud daughter of the East Coast Demerara village, secured five grade ones and one grade two at CAPE, and was honoured by her fellow villagers at a simple, yet auspicious ceremony.

Her achievement placed her among the country’s top CAPE performers. Also, in 2014, Hamilton secured 20 passes; 19 grade ones and a grade two at the Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) exams, making her the top regional performer for that year.

Speaking at the celebratory event on Sunday, President David Granger spoke of the important role villages

must play in educating the nation’s children. The President said villages, throughout the country, must strive to return to the days when they were all “cradles of democracy.”

Over the years, the President noted that village economies have become weakened and they have moved away from being self-reliant.

The Head of State added that school drop-out rates across the country are alarming and there is the need for every stakeholder in the society, including families and churches, to play their roles in ensuring that every child attends school.

As part of his government’s efforts to emphasise the important role villages play in nation- building, the President announced that November 7 has been designated “National Day of Villages.”

While this move seeks to give prominence to the role of villages, the President also announced another bold initiative, which will allow villages to be tangibly involved

one…we need thousands and thousands of Elisas. Every village must be able to produce scholars of excellence, scholars of quality,” the President said.

Equally important, the President said, is the need to break the cycle of “hereditary poverty” through education. “The way to do it is by removing inequalities and by giving every child opportunities…40 years ago there were five tops schools.

There should be 50. There should be a top school in every region. We have to expand. We have to enlarge the number of top schools in the country, so that every child in this country could have access to a top school,” President Granger said. The President, in his address to the large gathering, also underscored the role of religious bodies.

The large gathering was also reminded of the importance of all Guyanese having access to the information and technology super highway, which the President says he deems as an entitlement. All these factors the President said are important if Guyana is to move forward and correct the education deficits, as Guyana cannot move forward if its population is not educated.

Meanwhile, congratulations were in order for Hamilton from the President as he lauded her efforts and that of the villagers who played a role in supporting

President David Granger and 2014 CSEC top regional performer Elisa Hamilton, who is also a 2015 top performer at CAPE, unveiling a billboard in honour of her achievements at the Ann’s Grove Market tarmac, on Sunday evening her development and success.

He called on Hamilton to see her achievement as an opportunity, rather than a victory, as she leads the way for other youths in her village. “We are here to congratulate her. It is not easy to achieve what she has worked hard for and she deserves to be rewarded and congratulated, but this is an opportunity. It is not victory,” the President said.

Referencing Hamilton’s disappointment with the offer by the previous administration to apply for a scholarship to study in Guyana, China or Cuba, when it had initially been promised that the top CSEC and CAPE per-

formers would be provided with scholarships to study at universities of their choice in any field, President Granger declared that promises must be kept. He indicated that this matter will be resolved by his administration.

Also on the occasion, Hamilton thanked her parents, teachers and her fellow villagers, who supported her throughout her secondary school life. She noted that this event is a clear indication of how much education is valued by her villagers. “To young people I would like to encourage you all to reach for greatness. It does not matter where you came from,

what your family background is, what your circumstance is, you have to want it,” were Hamilton’s words of encouragement to the young villagers, who also came out to celebrate her achievements.

Hamilton was presented with a computer by the President, a plaque from the Hamilton Award Committee, a cheque from Justice Nadram Kissoon, among other well- deserved tokens. A billboard was also unveiled at the Ann’s Grove Market Tarmac in honour of Hamilton’s achievement.

(Ministry of the Presidency)

Elisa Hamilton being presented with a laptop computer

by President David Granger in providing support for the educational development of their young people.

Proposing the name ‘Village Education Scholarship Trust,’ the President said once this scheme is established in villages, they will each receive funding from the government, so that the most vulnerable within these communities can be provided with support.

The Head of State was however keen on noting that the proposed name does not necessarily have to be used by every village. What is more important is that there

is accountability for the disbursement and management of the Trust.

President Granger said this initiative, like others rolled out by the new administration, will aid in ensuring equal access to educational opportunities. This latest addition will add to the existing “Three Bs” boats, bicycle and buses initiative, which seeks to provide transportation for children to get to school. “We have to look after children. We have to make sure that they can get to school in the first place, so that we produce not

A proud Elisa Hamilton as she expressed her gratitude to her fellow villagers during the ceremony, which was held in her honour

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 17, 2015

UG Convocation ceremony…

Police Superintendent Brian Eastman cops Prime Minister’s Medal

- for outstanding performance in public management

By Ariana Gordon

POLICE Superintendent Brian Eastman has always pursued excellence in every field of endeavour. Small wonder then that last Saturday, he graduated from the University of Guyana (UG)’s degree programme in Public Management with distinction, and was awarded the Prime Minister’s Medal for his outstanding performance.

The journey, Eastman told this publication, was not without challenges. He explained that his demanding job as Superintendent of Police within the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) did not afford him too much time to focus on his studies. But those limitations did not prevent him from persevering.

“I travelled abroad on courses several times, but I was supported by my peers. I tapped into the lecture notes,” he confided.

On many occasions, he said, he returned from his overseas training programmes just in time to write the mid-semester exams.

THE CHALLENGES “It was challenging,” he said, not only because of his job, but also because he missed many classes. “As a senior officer, there is an extra burden to balance work and school; but with the support of my peers, I was able to catch up. Without my peers, I won’t have been able to grasp a lot, due to my absence.”

The 32-year-old former President’s College student told the Guyana Chronicle that he missed more than four mid-semester examinations, but his lecturers accommodated him many times. “The accommodation did not give me any slack; I did several supplemental exams,” he said.

The history of the Guyana Police Force speaks to “persistence and dedication,” and those became his motivation for success. Always a high flyer, Eastman was not surprised to be awarded the Prime Minister’s Medal for outstanding performance.

Last Thursday, he was informed at the Chancellor’s reception that he would be the recipient of that award.

“I was elated and humbled,” he said with a slight chuckle. “I’ve been known to be on top of the class, not boasting; but I wasn’t surprised. I don’t think my classmates were surprised either. I am making my force proud,” he told the Guyana Chronicle.

through my own finances, but it is a work in progress.

At present, this is the best option to me, where I can study and still contribute to the force at my level.”

Eastman noted that the Force has a “rich history” that “is continuously preserved by or through efficient officers and efficient management of the Police Force.”

This is something he wishes to be part of.

FUTURE PLANS The Norton Street, Wortmanville resident shared his plans for the future with this publication. He said furthering his studies and being able to use his theoretical knowledge to enhance the practical aspect of his job is uppermost on his mind.

If all goes according to plan, Eastman intends to begin reading for his Masters in Business Administration in the coming year. “Once all approval is given by the force, I hope to start my MBA in the new year,” he disclosed. Asked why he has decided upon that area of study, he said: “It is the most applicable to me and my present thrust, but I believe that I have learnt public management at a certain level. I think it is necessary also to learn business management, because a lot of business principles can be brought over to public management.”

There’s also a lot of benefits to be derived in this area of study, he said. “Considering the fact that there are not many other programmes to choose from. I think that is the best programme for me; for the sake of learning the principles of business management.”

Another factor, he said, is self-marketability. “You learn both sides of the spectrum,” he said.

Pursuing his MBA in Guyana does not mean he has no intention of studying abroad. He noted that, given his present “circumstance,” it is “the best option open to me.”

“It avoids me being idle, but notwithstanding that, I do have aspirations to go farther afield. I might even want to pursue studies in the UK through scholarships or

FAMILY SUPPORT The humble Eastman said that while his peers played an instrumental role in his academic success, he owes much appreciation to his family. He was raised by his father, Remington Eastman, and grandmother, Iris Eastman; and they both have been instrumental in his success.

“My family circle, both present here and overseas, has been continuously supporting me in my studies. At every juncture of my studies, I have informed them of what my progress is; what my pitfalls are. My father is a driving force. He also would have done a stint at UG; degree and post-grad. Many times he has proofread my papers; he has even guided me on topic selections.”

Superintendent Eastman noted that when he first began reading for his Diploma in Public Management at UG in 2011, his father had taken him through the paces of university life. “When I first started UG, he took me by my hand and carried me by the library for registration. It was my father’s attendance at UG and seeing his progress that motivated me.”

Speaking of his grandmother, Eastman said she is a tower of strength and faith. “My grandmother has a strong belief in the Lord.

She has been praying for me all through.”

He described his family, including those abroad, as “continuous pillars of support.”

A MOTIVATOR Eastman sees himself as a motivator to his subordinates.

He explained that the most exciting part of his career is initiating a plan and watching it become successful. “The

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo shakes the hand of recipient of the 2015 Prime Minister’s Medal for best graduating student in Public Management, Superintendent of Police Brian Eastman most glorious point of my career is the opportunity to lead men -- mentorship. Informing them of how they can elevate themselves.”

He said approximately 60 percent of his subordinates have attempted to elevate themselves over the years.

With his latest achievement, Eastman believes that more of his juniors will be eager and more motivated

to study. “My success at the University should impact the entire Force. My success should be seen as being a starting point or good motivator for others.”

He believes there is “nothing better than an education workforce; and more so, an educated Police Force.” It is Eastman’s intention to remain in the Force for as long as he is able to serve.

Should he leave, however, it is his intention to contribute to Guyana’s development. “I see myself contributing to the development of Guyana, regionally and internationally, and even at the United Nations, if possible,” he added.

“I am not here to make myself marketable and move on. I intend to contribute at the national level,” Eastman added.

E-Networks rolls out ‘OrangeBox’ service E-NETWORKS, Cable TV Internet VOIP and 4G Broadband Service provider, yesterday rolled out its ‘OrangeBox’, offering 10 channels to customers for a one-time price of $19,500.

The company’s Managing Director Vishok Persaud, at a simple but significant launch held at their Camp Street head office, said that the ‘OrangeBox’ was envisaged as a service to provide premium content to lower-income subscribers, with clearer image quality via digital transmission.

OrangeBox channels

range across many genres (news, entertainment, kids, educational), Persaud said, while addressing the media, and also pointed out that E-Networks Channels (E1, E2 and E3) which air movies, TV Shows, live sporting events and several local production done by E-Networks will also be featured.

While an installation fee will be charged, Persaud explained that a ‘do-it-yourself’ option is also available, adding that “in an effort to create the best possible cost, the package is done whereby you can pick it up and go and

best of all, it comes with tech support where you can call us and we guide you through the process.

“We’re also going to network throughout our coverage area,” Persaud said with E-Networks being available throughout Georgetown, East Coast, West Demerara and Berbice while plans are afoot to take its service to Linden.

OrangeBox customers can also upgrade at any time E-Networks’ full suite of Channels, starting from $3,500 monthly (Rawle Toney).

E-Networks’ Vishok Persaud and staff at yesterday’s OrangeBox launch (Photo by Cullen Best-Nelson)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 17, 2015

CHOGM set to ratify declaration – in light of controversy in support of Guyana with Venezuela THE Commonwealth continues to stand behind the Government of Guyana as it relates to the border controversy with Venezuela.

In addition to stating its wholehearted support to Guyana in several communiqués since the

resurgence of the issue

by Venezuela, the body is set to consider and ratify a declaration in support o f G u y a n a ’s s t a n c e a t its upcoming Heads of Government Meeting in Malta, from November 27 -29.

According to Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge who would be attending the meeting, alongside President David Granger, the declaration is one compiled by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG)

comprising foreign ministers from nine member countries.

He explained that it was assembled after Guyana had reached out in May of this year to the Commonwealth.

Guyana had reported to the group that Venezuela had issued a decree which purported to annex all of Guyana’s territorial sea, its exclusive economic zone and its continental shelf. “...these are illegalities and therefore, we drew it to their attention and the Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral condemned the action; he restated the Commonwealth’s support for borders of Guyana which is based on a treaty that Guyana itself was a party to, and which Venezuela falsely tells the public that it is a treaty that is null and void,” Minister Greenidge said.

He noted that, “Nobody has decided that the treaty is null and void except for Venezuela, and till such time

as a lawful body pronounces on it, Venezuela has no right to be making these claims.”

For its part, Greenidge noted that the Commonwealth, having been apprised of Guyana’s controversy with Venezuela, has over the years included on its Heads of Government meeting agenda as a matter of form, the issue of the controversy.

“We do not have to arrive each year and ask for it to be examined, it is on the agenda and, they have been reporting biennially,” he said. He expressed that what makes this forthcoming meeting different is the declaration that would be laid by the CMAG. Minister Greenidge explained that this group had looked at the matter and reported on it on the margins of the UN General Assembly. He said that they then prepared a declaration that was approved and, this

he said, is the declaration that is now to be presented at the Heads of Government Meeting for consideration.

He pointed out however that on the basis of the events that would have taken place since September and October, when the report was compiled and reported on at the UN General Assembly, in considering the declaration at the Heads of Government meeting, chances are that the declaration may be modified.

In addition to the G u y a n a - Ve n e z u e l a c o n t ro v e r s y, the Commonwealth Heads meeting also has as part of its agenda the selection of a new Secretary- General, discussion on climate actions, violent extremism and radicalisation, the unprecedented challenges presented by migration, and the implementation of the UN 2015-2030 sustainable development goals, among others.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Aussies strike back Jaguars blow after Taylor's epic 290 away...

From back page

– Smith, Voges tons help Australia stretch lead to 193

By David Gray PERTH,(Reuters)-Steve Smith and Adam Voges scored the fifth and sixth centuries of the second Test to give Australia a lead of 193 after Ross Taylor's epic 290 brought New Zealand back into the contest on day four yesterday.

Smith hit his eighth century in 13 Tests over the last 12 months, and his fourth in five Tests as captain, while western Australian Voges delighted the WACA crowd with his first on homesoil to take the hosts to 254 for two.

The skipper will resume on 127 not out and Voges unbeaten on 101 in a partnership of 208 that steadied the innings after New Zealand had removed openers Joe Burns (0) and David

Warner (24) cheaply.

That drove home the tourist's advantage after Taylor's mighty 374-ball knock, which featured 43 fours, had dragged his side back into the match with a first-innings lead of 65.

Although he fell 10 runs short of the triple century, the 31-year-old's innings was the highest score by any visiting batsman in Australia, bettering the previous record of 287 set

by England's Tip Foster in Sydney in 1903.

It was also the third highest innings by any New Zealand batsman in a Test match and eclipsed the 253 contributed by Warner to Australia's first innings tally of 559-9 declared, which had looked almost unassailable on day two.

MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH Just before lunch and after more than nine hours at the crease, Taylor miscued a slog-sweep to substitute fielder Jonny Wells off the bowling of Nathan Lyon to bring an end to New Zealand's innings on 624. Breaking Australia's opening partnership, which had put together century stands in the first three innings of the series, was an achievement in itself but also removing Warner with just 46 runs on the board was a major breakthrough. Southee had Burns caught at first slip by Taylor, while Warner, who also scored centuries in both innings in Brisbane,

SCOREBOARD Guyana Jaguars 1st innings 419 – 9 dec Leewards Hurricanes 1st innings 85 Leewards 2nd innings o/n 215 for 3

Ross Taylor notched up the highest score by a New Zealand batsman in away Tests.

fell to Trent Boult and a sharp catch from Tom Latham at cover. Smith came out at number three because of the hamstring injury to Usman Khawaja, who will miss Australia's next two Tests, and quickly showed his desire to get in on the WACA runfest, which has seen 1,441 scored on the first four days.

He raced to his half century in 57 balls and, after being dropped by New Zealand wicketkeeper BJ Watling on 96, reached his 12th Test century with a four behind point, the 13th of his innings. Voges, who hit a century on debut against West Indies earlier this year, scored at a more pedestrian pace and reached the milestone with his 15th boundary in the penultimate over of the day.

S. Peters lbw Barnwell 39 S. Jeffers b Beaton 31 D. Cruickshank lbw Motie 57 N. Bonner c Chanderpaul b Motie 89 O. Peters c Bramble b Jacobs 25 S. Liburd* c Fudadin b Motie 10 R. Cornwall c Chandrika b Motie 3 J. Peters lbw Jacobs 25 J. Taylor c (sub) Hetmyer b Jacobs 3 G. Tonge c Beaton b Motie 10 A. Joseph not out 2 Extras: (nb-1, b-4) 5 Total: (all out; 110 overs) 299 Fall of wickets: 1-50, 2-115, 3-135, 4-215, 5-254, 6-257, 7-260, 8-264, 9-299 Bowling: Beaton (14-5-29-1), Reifer (11-1-40-0), Jacobs (30.5-8-97-3), Barnwell (13-4-38-1), Motie (39-17-85-5), Johnson (2-0-6-0)

South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:15 hrs King Gerard 08:50 hrs Peggy Jay 09:25 hrs Varbration 10:00 hrs Melliflora 10:35 hrs Silver Class 11:10 hrs African Ruler English Racing Tips Lingfield

SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA 1st innings 559 for 9 decl (D. Warner 253, U. Khawaja 121) New Zealand 1st innings (Overnight: 510-6) M. Guptill lbw b Starc 1 T. Latham c Smith b Lyon 36 K. Williamson c Johnson 166 b Hazlewood R. Taylor c sub b Lyon 290 B. McCullum b M. Marsh 27 B. Watling c Lyon b Starc 1 D. Bracewell c Nevill b Johnson 12 M. Craig c Johnson b Lyon 15 M. Henry b Starc 6 T. Southee c&b Starc 21 T. Boult not out 23 Extras (b-7 lb-11 nb-3 w-5) 26 Total (all out, 153.5 overs) 624 Fall of wickets: 1-6 M. Guptill,2-87 T. Latham,3-352 K. Williamson,4-432 B. McCullum,5-447 B. Watling,6-485 D. Bracewell,7-525 M. Craig,8-554 M. Henry,9-587

T. Southee,10-624 R. Taylor Bowling: M. Starc 37 - 7 - 119 – 4, J. Hazlewood 32 - 2 - 134 - 1(nb-1), M. Johnson 28 - 2 - 157 - 1(w-1),N. Lyon 37.5 - 6 - 107 – 3, M. Marsh15 - 1 - 73 - 1(nb-2),S. Smith 4 - 0 - 16 - 0 AUSTRALIA 2nd innings J. Burns c Taylor b Southee 0 D. Warner c Latham b Boult 24 S. Smith not out 131 A. Voges not out 101 Extras (nb-1 w-1) 2 Total (for 2 wickets, 63 overs) 258 Fall of wickets: 1-8 J. Burns,2-46 D. Warner To bat: U. Khawaja, M. Marsh, P. Nevill, M. Johnson, M. Starc, J. Hazlewood, N. Lyon Bowling: T. Southee 13 - 3 - 40 – 1, T. Boult 10 - 0 - 50 – 1, D. Bracewell 10 - 3 - 34 - 0, M. Henry 12 - 3 - 45 - 0(w-1),M. Craig 17 - 0 - 81 - 0(nb-1), K. Williamson 1 - 0 - 8 – 0.

08:10 hrs Pourquoi Non 08:40 hrs Baydar 09:15 hrs Star Fire 09:50 hrs One Pekan 10:20 hrs Top Cop 10:55 hrs New Rich 11:25 hrs Candesta Southwell 08:25 hrs Line D’Aois 08:55 hrs King’s Odyssey 09:30 hrs Amidon 10:00 hrs Theredballoon 10:35 hrs Mondo Cane 11:05 hrs Yes I Did 11:35 hrs Willoughby Fakenham 09:05 hrs Jumpandtravel 10:10 hrs Carobello 11:15 hrs Oscar Jane 11:45 hrs Galuppi American Racing Tips Parx Racing Race 1 His Freedom Reigns Race 2 Leothelion Race 3 After The Bell Race 4 Breach Of Duty Race 5 Four Inch Heels Race 6 Bazinga B Race 7 Calculation Race 8 Consuela Race 9 Herecomeskat

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Pakistan rejects India offer, series in jeopardy NEW DELHI, (Reuters)Next month's scheduled series between India and Pakistan remains in doubt after both sides again failed to reach an agreement on where the matches should be played.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wants to stage the matches in the United Arab Emirates, which has been the team's "home" base since 2009 because of ongoing security concerns in their homeland that prevents international teams from visiting.

But the Indian cricket board (BCCI) said the Indian government would not permit its team to play Pakistan in the UAE, so the series would have to be played in India.

The two countries, bitter rivals on and off the cricket

field, signed a memorandum of understanding in 2014 that Pakistan would host their next series after India had staged their previous two meetings.

The PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan, speaking to ESPNcricinfo yesterday, said he was still waiting for an explanation as to why the Indian government was opposed to its team playing in UAE but was adamant that Pakistan would not go to India.

"There is no question of playing in India. I'm still awaiting the reason of not playing in UAE," Khan said.

"We went there in 2007 and 2012. This time not again. It is our series and we will play at our home venue which is the UAE. "What is the problem

PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan

playing in UAE as they had also played their IPL (Indian Premier League) there as well so why not Pakistan series?"

The BCCI did not immediately respond to the PCB's comments yesterday.

All-round Miller turns match Jamaica's way NIKITA Miller's match haul of 9 for 113 and an important knock of 39 in the second innings led Jamaica to a 30-run win over Windward Islands in their WICB Professional Cricket League clash at Sabina Park on Sunday.

Miller, who took five wickets in the second innings, bowled Windwards out for 145 in a chase of 176 and added to his first-innings returns of 4 for 67. (Scores):Jamaica 259 (McCarthy 92, Sebastien 7-58) and 128 (Matthew 5-31, Shillingford 5-57) beat Windward

Island 212 (Ambris 89, Miller 4-67) and 145 (Smith 50, Miller 5-46) by 30 runs With the bat, Miller rescued Jamaica from a score of 25 for 7, sharing a 76-run partnership with Damion Jacobs for the seventh wicket after Shane Shillingford and Mervin Matthew had cut through the batting. Both Shillingford and Matthew finished with fivefors.

The partnership between Miller and Jacobs helped stretch Jamaica's first-innings lead of 47 to 175, which

proved too much for Windward. Jamaica posted 259 in their first innings, building around Andre McCarthy's 92, while John Campbell and David Bernard chipped in with 43. Liam Sebastien was the pick of Windward bowlers with figures of 7 for 58.

Windwards managed 212 in response, the only noteable score being Sunil Ambris' 89. Apart from Miller, Jacobs was also among the wickets in the first innings, taking 3 for 76. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Notable Dates

Dominican Luis `The Lion’ Azille had two tries at Guyanese cruiserweight Wayne `Big Truck’ Braithwaite.

The first was on November 17, 2001 in Las Vegas, Nevada and Braithwaite stopped `The Lion’ in round three.

The victory earned `Big Truck’ a world title fight with Vincenzo Cantatore. Azille and Braithwaite would reach again on April 17, 2004 at Madison Square Garden in New York. With his World Boxing Council (WBC) cruiserweight title at stake, the Guyanese pounded out a Unanimous Decision victory over the Dominican.

Braithwaite became the second Guyanese to win a world title when he stopped Cantatore in round 10 on October 11, 2002.

Eight days after, compatriot `Vicious’ Viv-

ian Harris made October 2002 Guyana’s most successful month in boxing.

Harris secured the country’s second world title that month with a second round TKO of Cuban-American Diosbelys Hurtado to earn the title of WBA junior welterweight king.

Braithwaite, who was given the pseudonym `Big Truck’ by then promoter Odinga Lumumba would make three successful defences before surrendering the title to Frenchman Jean Marc Mormeck on April 2, 2005.

Formerly from Plaisance on the East Coast of Demerara, Braithwaite had his last fight in October 2012. His record reads 24 victories (20 KO s) and six defeats.

2016 Euro Championship to go ahead in France - UEFA PARIS, (Reuters)-UEFA has confirmed that the 2016 European Championship football tournament will take place in France as planned despite the deadly attacks that struck Paris on Friday.

"The EURO final draw will go ahead as scheduled on 12 December at the Palais des Congres in Paris and the final tournament will be played in France from 10 June to 10 July 2016," UEFA said in a statement on Monday.

Coordinated attacks, for which Islamic State has claimed responsibility, took place in Paris bars, restaurants, a concert hall and outside a football stadium on Friday killing at least

129 people and wounding 352 -- the worst atrocity in France since World War II. "Following the dramatic events that occurred last Friday in Paris, UEFA and EURO 2016 SAS wish to reaffirm their commitment in placing safety and security at the centre of their organisational plans," the statement read.

"While there is no reason to believe that the EURO might become the target of any attack, the potential terrorist threat has always been taken into account, since the beginning of the project."

On Saturday, organising committee president Jacques Lambert said the risk level around the Euro

2016 finals had "gone up".

"EURO 2016 SAS and all stakeholders involved in the organisation of the tournament will continue their joint work and will regularly monitor the level of risk for the tournament and their respective organisational plans," UEFA added.

"For over three years now, EURO 2016 SAS has been working closely with the relevant authorities to develop the most appropriate mechanisms in order to guarantee there is a safe and secure tournament and we are confident that the necessary measures will be taken to ensure that is the case for all involved."

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Pepsi Hikers upstage GCC to take men’s hockey first division title – Single goal separated winners in two of the other categories Hikers upstaged GCC to win the men’s division of the Guyana Telecommunication and Telegraph Company’s (GT&T) National Indoor Championships which concluded on Sunday at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

According to a release from the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB), the final of the three categories contested, produced some of the most exciting and entertaining hockey seen in a long time and a single goal separated the victors from the silver medalists in two of the three categories that were contested with matches being held in the balance until the very end.

The highly anticipated men’s first division matchup between GCC and the Pepsi Hikers was a repeat of many finals in recent years as the two clubs, both with vociferous cheering sections, squared off yet again for the chance to win gold. The teams had played to a tense 3-3 draw in their pool round clash on the opening night and now returned in the final where an outright winner would be crowned.

GCC got off to the mark, first in the seventh minute, when pool round top scorer Orland Semple successfully

executed a penalty corner shot into the Hikers’ net.

The Hikers lifted their work rate over the next few minutes and were rewarded four minutes later when Jamarj Assanah and Robert France both replied within a minute of each other to give the Hikers a 2-1 lead.

Dwayne Scott drew the match even at 2-2 in the 13th minute, and Kevin Spencer produced a remarkable goal for GCC to even the match by skillfully outwitting a plethora of defenders before sending his shot past goalkeeper Jason Hoyte to take GCC into halftime with a 3-2 lead.

GCC seemed to settle into a comfortable defensive position as they met every Hikers’ challenge with astute defense and composure.

The Hikers however, would win a penalty corner three minutes into the second half and would have to rely on specialist Shane Samuels to break the deadlock.

With the pressure of advancing goalkeeper Rawl Davson blocking most of the goals, Samuels produced a stunning finish that flew like a bullet into the top far corner of the GCC net.

Samuels' goal seemed to awaken GCC once again who enjoyed a dominant period

Men’s 1st Division winners of the GT&T sponsored National Indoor Hockey Championships, Pepsi Hickers, strike a pose with GT&T’s Manager of Marketing and Public Relations MS. Anjanie Hackette (centre).

where Dwayne Scott and Devin Hooper would swing the game to 5-3 in GCC’s favour in the 26th and 28th minute with a pair of goals.

The Hikers refused to crumble to the pressure and Jamarj Assanah would respond just two minutes later to set up a crescendo by Samuels.

As the Hikers earned

Goodluck reclaims National Rifle Shooting title Veteran marksman Ransford Goodluck has reclaimed the National Senior Rifle Shooting championship from arch-rival and reigning regional champion Lennox Braithwaite when the curtains came down on the championships last Sunday at the Timehri ranges.

Goodluck ended the threeday tournament with a grand aggregate of 387 points with 28 V’s to take championship honours after leading on the first two days of competition.

However, the final day’s top scorer was Dylan Fields who ended the day on 142 points with nine Vs, followed

by Braithwate on 139 points with 10 Vs, and Goodluck on

139 with nine Vs. Fields shot 47.4 at 300 yards, 48.4 at 600 yards and 47.9 at 1000 yards to finish on 142.10 and a grand aggregate of 384.22 to take third position overall.

Braithwaite was runner up to Fields on Sunday with scores of 48.4, 48.5 and 43.1 to secure 139.10 and a grand aggregate of 384.30, while Goodluck recorded scores of 466.3, 46.4 and 47.3 at the three ranges.

Sherwin Felicien was the top shooter in ‘O’ Class with a grand aggregate of 362 points with 17 Vs, and he also took top honours among the juniors on the final day with an overall score of 135.9. He shot 47.4 at 300 yards, 44.3 at

600 yards, and 44.2 at 1000 yards.

Second position went to Peter Persaud who shot a grand score of 361 with 21 Vs and was second to Felicien on the final day with scores of 48.3, 48.1 and 35.0 to finish on 131.4, while Lt. Col. (ret’d) Terrence Stuart placed third with 326 with 11 Vs and recorded 116.5 on the closing day. Ryan Sampson who did not participate on the second day recorded a grand total of 244.11 and had scores of 44.2, 43.0, 33.1 (120.3).

Robert Tewari and Gordon Richards who competed in the Tryo Class (Beginners) shot only two ranges. Tewari recorded 70 points with two Vs, while Richards secured 64 with one V.

two penalty corners in the 34th and 37th minutes, Samuels reproduced his fine form in nailing both strikes to take his team into the lead for the final time at 6-5. GCC withdrew their goalkeeper in the dying minutes in favour of an extra field player to gain the attacking advantage but the Hikers absorbed their attack

and Devin Munroe’s counterattack saw the Hikers score their final goal just before the buzzer for the 7-5 win.

The ladies final produced another thriller with the GCC Tigers opposing their counterparts the GCC Panthers.

The match soon became a duel between Tigers Captain Sonia Jardine, who fin-

ished on a hat-trick, and energetic Panthers striker and eventual Most Valuable Player (MVP), Shebiki Baptiste who scored all four of the Panthers’ goals for the win.

After scoring the opening goal in the seventh minute, the Tigers would see Baptiste level the scores on three occasions throughout the match before scoring the winner four minutes from full time with each goal celebration eclipsing the previous one and the crowd responded in appreciation.

The Old Fort men out-dueled the Hikers earlier in the evening for the men’s second division crown, while the Hikers were first on the board through overlapping defender Rayon Branford, Old Fort’s Jason Clarke and Jael Gaskin secured the victory in the 26th and 28th minute to claim the gold.

At the end of the evening, several individual awards were presented along with the winner’s trophies and medals by Anjanie Hackett, GTT’s Manager of Marketing and Public Relations.

The Most Promising Male Player award went to Omar Hopkinson, while Minsodia Culpepper won the award on the distaff side.

SRI Lanka Cricket (SLC) has suspended Galle chief curator Jayananda SRI Lanka Cricket (SLC) has suspended Galle chief curator Jayananda Warnaweera from all cricket activities for two years following his failure to attend two interviews with the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). Warnaweera himself is understood to be the subject of the ACU investigation.

SLC had issued Warnaweera a show-cause notice after he missed meetings with ACU officials in Colombo last month. His failure to respond to that notice prompted the suspension, though SLC had already unofficially asked him to step back from his role at Galle in October.

“Following disciplinary proceedings taken by Sri Lanka Cricket arising from charges that Mr. Jayananda

Warnaweera failed to attend two interviews scheduled to be held by the Anti-Corruption Unit of the ICC, and failed to cooperate with and assist the investigation being carried out by the Anti-Corruption Unit and related charges of misconduct, the Interim Committee of SLC has suspended Mr. Warnaweera from cricket, cricket management and representation for a period of two years,” a board statement said.

The ACU had met SLC officials following Warnaweera’s failure to show up at meetings and is believed to have told the board that Warnaweera was under investigation. Specific details of that investigation were withheld, but the ICC revealed it had already built a

substantial case against Warnaweera based on financial records and alleged contact with bookmakers.

Warnaweera stepped down from his position in the interim committee days before he missed the meetings with the ACU staff. SLC officials have since described him as having “gone missing” and “very difficult to contact”.

Warnaweera’s original appointment to the interim committee in March had raised minor criticism, because he had also been an executive committee member in controversial previous administrations.

At the time, then-sports minister Navin Dissanayake had postured the new board as a clean break from the past. (ESPN Cricinfo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 17, 2015

UG rebound to lift Noble House Seafoods second division trophy

A jubilant University of Guyana team celebrate with the Noble House Seafoods trophy after their exciting win over Transport Sports Club on Sunday.

University of Guyana (UG) led by an outstanding all-round performance from Omesh Dhanram rebounded to beat Transport Sports Club by one wicket to capture the 2015 Noble House Seafoods second division trophy.

In the exciting two-day final played last Saturday and Sunday at the Malteenoes Sports Club ground, Thomas Lands, Transport won the toss, batted first and rattled up an imposing 285 all out.

Their impressive total was led by Sunil Singh who top scored with 86. He was well supported by Devon Nandan

who hit 55 and Azeem Azeez with 49.

UG best bowlers were Dhanram who took four for 74, Sadiq Mohamed two for 44, and Lloyd George two for 46.

Transport best bowlers were Devon Nandan with four for 26, Kevin Ross two for 44, and Joel Spooner two for 29.

Despite their 109-run lead, Transport batting a second time could only reach 126, Sunil Singh being the top scorer with 55 runs.

Dhanram took three for 15, Leon Williams two for six, while Mohamed and

Lady Jags in preparation mode for...

From back page

am confident that they will leave it all on the field come November 18”.

The Lady Jags – Guyana’s most successful national team, after a five-year hiatus, was resuscitated under the Normalisation Committee (NC), and Rodrigues lauded the NC for their “support and belief in the Lady Jags, and for giving Guyana football the opportunity to put us back on the world footballing spotlight.

Their belief in us, coupled with the very difficult and outstanding job they were charged with, has placed football in Guyana on the precipice of a very bright and exciting future for our youth to embrace.”

Meanwhile, the Guyanese ladies will have to take the field without English-based striker Otesha

Charles, who sustained an injury and did not recover in time to suit up for the Lady Jags in Trinidad.

However, the team will now have the service of former NCAA standout goalkeeper Chante Sandiford.

The 25-year-old who had a stellar career in the U.S. collegiate system with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), is making her senior international debut, after having ‘call-ups’ by the USA for several youth tournaments.

With stints in several professional leagues around Europe, Sandiford now plays with UMF Selfoss in Iceland and Rodrigues believes that her inclusion will certainly boost the team’s chances of reaching the CONCACAF round of the qualifiers.

George took two wickets apiece to lead the UG bowling.

Chasing 236 for victory, UG suffered early setbacks losing three wickets, but this did not deter them.

An exciting knock of 87 from Dhanram supported by contributions from Devon George 34, Melray Stephenson 28, Douglas 20, and Lloyd George 21 not out, brought home the bacon for the university by one wicket with just one delivery of the mandatory 15 overs of the match remaining.

Dhanram was named Man-of-the-Match for his second innings knock of 87 runs and match figures of 7 wickets for 89 runs.

Fruta Conquerors in important 3 – 3 draw against Slingerz FC – Alpha United takes the lead following 4 – 3 win over Buxton United

THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Fruta Conquerors are fighting to claim the fourth spot in the STAG Elite League (Genesis) and over the weekend, the two teams had mixed fortunes.

In Berbice, the Army picked up a 3–0 win over the Georgetown Football Club (GFC), while on Sunday at the Tucville Ground Fruta Conquerors came from behind to salvage an entertaining and important 3–3 draw against Slingerz FC. The Fraser brothers (Delroy and Delwin) scored in the 12th and 42nd minutes, while Tyrone Lewis netted in the 45th minute to hand the GDF the win that saw them moving to 17 points; two being Fruta Conquerors (19 points) with one more round of matches remaining.

Fruta Conquerors on the other hand should count themselves lucky to leave the game with a draw, since Slingerz had dominated the game.

Dexroy Adams scored eight minutes into the game while Dominican striker, in the 11th minute extended the lead to 2–0 for the ‘West Side’ team.

Dexroy Adams

However, Slingerz FC defender King Solomon Austin was given a straight red card by referee Sherwin Moore in the 12th minute and reduced the Vergenoegen club to 10 men.

Nonetheless, Slingerz still maintained control of the game until Delon Williams scored on the stroke of half time to pull Fruta Conquerors back 2–1.

The second half saw Fruta Conquerors regrouping nicely to score in the 78th minute through Devon Dooker, but an own goal by Raphael Edwards in the 86th minute handed Slingerz FC a

chance to close out the game with a 3–2 scoreline.

Nonetheless, Jermin Junor scored two minutes in stoppage time (90+2 minutes) to pull off a draw and earn a point.

In other results from over the weekend, Pele FC, playing without Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson for the first time this season, fell 3–1 to Monedderlust at the #5 Ground, West Coast Berbice.

Alpha United moved to the top of the eight-team table, following their 4–3 win over Buxton United.

The final preliminary round matches will be played over the weekend, with GFC playing host to Monedderlust and Fruta Conquerors squaring off against Monedderlust in a must win game on Friday.

On Sunday, at the GDF Ground, the Army, depending on the outcome of the Fruta Conquerors/Monedderlust, will have to win their clash against Pele.

The final league game will be between Slingerz FC and rivals Alpha United at the same venue. The two sides had met on opening day and played to a scoreless draw.

Rain wipes out third day in Bengaluru Test (REUTERS)-Persistent rain ensured play was called off without a single ball being bowled for a second successive day in the second Test between India and South Africa at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium yesterday.

After losing the entire second day's play to inclement weather on Sunday, day three was given an early start time but the steady drizzle ensured the players would remain in the pavilion for another three sessions.

"Play for Day 3 has been called off due to persistent rain. Weather permitting, Day 4 will begin at 9:15 am (3:45 GMT)," the Indian cricket board tweeted.

India, who lead the se-

ries 1-0, have dominated what little play that has been available, dismissing South Africa for 214 before ending the opening day on 80 without loss.

The steady drizzle left puddles in the outfield and around the edges of the covered square in the middle.

With more downpours forecast on Tuesday, the chance of a positive result in Proteas talisman AB de Villiers' 100th test appears to be growing ever more remote.

The visitors, looking out of sorts after being beaten inside three days on a turning track in the series-opener in Mohali, would probably welcome the rain intervention, though.

With eight of their batsmen surrendering to the

Indian spinners in the first innings at Bengaluru, South Africa already find themselves on the back foot in the four-test series.

The absence of injured pace duo of Daley Steyn and Vernon Philander has also

taken the sting out of their attack, compounding the crisis for the world's top-ranked test team, who have not lost an away series since 2006.

The third Test is in Nagpur and starts on Nov. 25.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday November 03, 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: (1) Tillekaratne Dilshan-56 (2) Andre Fletcher-57

Today’s Quiz: (1) Which two SL bowlers bowled their full quota of eight overs in the recent WI/SL T20 series?

(2) Which WI player took most wickets in the recent WI/SL T20 series?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Jaguars blow away Hurricanes by innings and 35 runs

Gudakesh Motie claims match-haul of 11 for 105

35.

Left-arm Spinner Gudakesh Motie.

LEFT-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie turned in a top performance with the ball to complete his first ten-wicket haul as Guyana Jaguars defeated the Leeward Islands Hurricanes yesterday by an innings and 35 runs in the second round of the WICB PCL Regional 4-Day tournament at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The Hurricanes resumed day four on 215-3 in their second innings still 119 runs behind the Jaguars who needed just seven wickets to complete their second consecutive victory.

Motie led the attack yesterday with 5 – 85 to add to his first innings bowling figures of 6 – 20 (match haul of 11 for 105) as the visitors crumbled to 299 all out in 109.6 overs.

Guyana began the second round on top of the points standing with 18 and now added a further 17 with this victory to take the total to

Steven Jacobs (3–97) got the ball rolling when he removed overnight batsman Orlando Peters (25) without him adding to his score, but Nkrumah Bonner pressed on from 58.

Daron Cruickshank (57), Sherwin Peters (39), and Shane Jeffers (30) were all removed on day three.

Motie, playing in his second first class match removed Bonner, who was caught at extra cover by Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Skipper Steve Liburd (10) who fell to a good catch at second slip by Assad Fudadin and Rakeem Cornwall (03), caught by Rajendra Chandrika at deep cover.

Jacques Taylor (03) was the next to fall before skipper Leon Johnson took the extra 15 minutes prior to lunch with Guyana moments away from another win. Gavin Tonge picked out Ronsford Beaton at longon as Motie picked up his fifth, then Jacobs wrapped up the innings when he trapped Jaison Peters leg before wicket for 25.

Guyana batted first in this encounter and posted a mammoth 419 – 9 declared, with Vishaul Singh being the chief constructor with a solid 150, while Chanderpaul and Jacobs recorded fifties.Pacer Alazarri Joseph was the pick of the bowlers with 6-107 for the opposition.

The Jags then restricted the Hurricanes to 85 in their first innings, enforcing the follow-on with them 334 runs behind. Motie claimed six while Barnwell and Ronsford Beaton had two each.

The defending champions will now focus on rivals Barbados Pride who take them on at the Providence Stadium from November 20 – 23. Pride handed Jaguars their only defeat of the 2014-15 season at Providence earlier this year. (Kizan Brumell). (See scoreboard on page 20)

Football Chief greeted by General Secretary Deidre Davis

Guyana Football Federation's new President Wayne Forde, sporting a broad smile yesterday when he was greetedby General Secretary Deidre Davis at the Federation's office on his first official day of duty.

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Chante Sandiford

Lady Jags in preparation mode for historic clash against Puerto Rico – Goalkeeper Chante Sandiford joins squad THE ‘Lady Jags’ are eyeing a spot at next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and the country’s Senior National Women’s team quest to Brazil will see them facing Puerto Rico tomorrow, at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago in the final round Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Women’s Olympic Qualifier.

Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, along with Puerto Rico had qualified for the ‘four-team playoff’ by coming out on top of their respective groups.

The Lady Jags arrived in the Twin Island Republic last Sunday, and should Guyana be victorious against Puerto Rico, they will advance to the finals on November 20.

In the final round, the four teams will play a single-elimination tournament. The two finalists and the winner of the third-place match will qualify for the 2016 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship as CFU representatives.

If the Lady Jags finish within the top three, they will face the likes of USA, Canada, Mexico and two representatives from the Central American region.

By virtue of reaching the 2010 CONCACAF Gold Cup in Cancun, the Women’s national team is the country’s most successful.

The team’s head coach Mark Rodrigues believes that his side is “definitely the underdogs heading into the championships as a result of the other countries that encamped their players several weeks ago, but it's a position that we have found ourselves in before and somehow we always managed to find some deep resolve to get the job done.

This time will be no different. Admittedly we will have to dig very deep as the teams we will face are the best in the Caribbean and are now in the top 10 best within the 41 countries that make up CONCACAF.” Rodrigues listed the DeSouza sisters Kayla and Briana, along with Justine and Ashley Rodrigues (Captain), Ashlee Savona, Mariam El-Masri, Olivia Gonsalves and Alison Heydorn as key players in their journey to Brazil, given the fact that the aforementioned players would’ve played integral roles in the team’s success and rise in World football.

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s game against Puerto Rico, Rodrigues was adamant that the ladies are fully aware of what the potential success will do for women’s football in Guyana: “...and with that in mind, I Turn to page 23 ► TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2015