Chronicle 11 5 2015

GUYANA

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

Corentyne teens killed in car crash No. 104363

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Granger urges tougher enforcement

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…better roads to reduce road deaths Ranks of the Traffic Department demonstrating how the breathalyzer test is administered to a person who is suspected to be under the influence of alcohol (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

‘Don’t invest in killing yourself’ – former chain smokers urge

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CCTV cameras snare 3100 errant drivers P.9

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November , 2015

PSC makes plea to lift 2:00 a.m. curfew …Ramjattan says NO THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) has made a plea for the government to review its decision to implement a closure of bars and nightspots at 2:00 a.m, but Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has staunchly denied the request.

In a press release on Thursday, the PSC said that it has observed and received reports from its membership that the enforcement of the 2:00 a.m closure for bars and night clubs is having a significant negative impact on businesses within the entertainment industry.

The commission complained that many of the businesses are faced with the threat of closure and downsising as a result of this decision.

“It is also our concern

that this could have a long term negative impact on our developing tourism industry.

There has been no definitive study on the social impact of the later closure on crime and accidents and this tends to be notional,” the release stated. The PSC is “strongly recommending that consideration be given for bars and night clubs to be open until 4:00 a.m on Fridays, Saturdays and Public Holidays for those night clubs located in commercial districts and zones and those which comply with building codes that limit noise nuisance.”

It was stated that with the upcoming Christmas holidays, we are recommending the extension and relaxation of the 2:00 a.m edict to facilitate visitors for Christmas and into the New Year.

Fiedtkou-Parris murder trial

Statement says woman killed over land

Chairman of PSC, Norman McLean

Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan

But, Ramjattan told reporters shortly after the release was issued that he will not be revoking the 2:00 a.m decree and if anything, he would be bringing it forward to 12:00 a.m. “It will not be done - it’s 2 o’ clock. I might very well bring it forward to 12,” said

the Vice President.

He argued that the crime and accidents show a direct correlation hence is unmoving stance on the subject.

“Didn’t you hear today what drinking is causing and how many deaths it’s causing?

You bother with them private

sector people,” he stated.

The vice President has been forced to defend the decision on many occasions but this is the first time he is doing so under a threat from the private sector.

Addressing a post-Cabinet news briefing on Friday August 28, the Public Security Minister had challenged those who are not in favour of the law to “set up a petition.”

While acknowledging that the law is an “unpopular” measure in combating crime, Minister Ramjattan explained that there is a correlation between heavy drinking at 02:00 hrs and after and accidents and domestic violence, among other crimes, in Guyana. He pointed out that the law at present states that the sale of alcohol MUST be stopped at midnight. He opined that because Guyanese have been breaching

It said he was asked to be part of a plan along with others, including his brother, to murder a woman for money. The statement continued: “A big man paid us money to throw down a big woman near Trans.”

According to the statement, Cleon Hinds said a gun was borrowed to kill the woman because of a land dispute.

Hinds stated that his brother Orin Hinds went on the “wok,” but stayed at South Park that night. Later they told him to go to Black Boy’s house.

The cop added that Cleon Hinds drove around there (Robb Street) and figured the lady was dead because he saw a lot of police there.

Sewsankar noted that Cleon Hinds said a few days later he collected $80,000 from “Troy” for him and his brother and after they heard the police were investigating the murder, they got rid of the gun.

In the statement, Cleon Hinds said: “Meh really sorry fuh de lady boss man, meh ain’t even know how I got in this thing.”

The second police witness to testify yesterday was Detective Sergeant Rodwell Sarabo, who told the court he assisted with the investigations and took a caution statement from another accused, Roy Jacobs.

The trial continues today at 09:00 hrs.

It is alleged that on the evening of June 30, 2011,

FOLLOWING the Tuesday voir dire in the High Court murder trial of 72-year-old Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris before Justice Navindra Singh, the first police witness testified yesterday after the caution statement of one of the four accused was tendered as evidence.

Detective Corporal Chaitram Sewsankar told the court that he was present when a caution statement was recorded in writing in his presence by a colleague who is now deceased.

Reading from the statement taken from accused Cleon Hinds, Sewsankar said: “Officer let me tell you what part I played in the murder.”

the law, the country is at its current state in relation to road accidents, violent crime, domestic violence, et al.

“We have to set standards here, and the law is that we [places selling alcohol] must close [at the stipulated time]; otherwise, we are going to have young people more out on the streets late at nights, drinking and misbehaving,” the minister was convinced, although unable to provide empirical data. Whether the bar owners are dissatisfied or the crime rate has been profoundly increased, Minister Ramjattan disclosed that many wives and women have expressed their satisfaction at the law being implemented, since it has caused their husbands to return home earlier with “a little more money” in their pockets. two men went to Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris’s Lot 42 Robb Street home asking for “Auntie,” by which she was called. They were directed up a side step and as Fiedtkou-Parris emerged from her bedroom, one of the men pulled out a gun and shot her several times to the upper part of her body.

The men then jumped into a waiting car, while the injured woman was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

The four persons accused of the murder are: Cleon Hinds, Orin Hinds, called “Red Man,” Kevin October known as “Troy,” and Roy Jacobs, usually referred to as “Chippy.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 5, 2015

Granger urges tougher enforcement …better roads to reduce road deaths

By Svetlana Marshall

PRESIDENT David Granger has proposed a threepoint approach of Enforcement, Education and Engineering to reduce road deaths in Guyana – an epidemic which has caused the deaths of more than 2,000 Guyanese since the start of the millennium.

Through such a programme, President Granger said, road accidents and by extension road fatalities can be reduced significantly in Guyana in keeping with national, regional and international commitments made.

WORST RANKING But all hope has not been lost although Guyana has the worst ranking for road fatalities in the English-speaking Caribbean, President Granger said, while delivering the feature address at the launch of Road Safety Month 2015 at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre on Wednesday.

The event was held under the theme “Be wise, stay alive, stop speeding, don’t drink and drive”.

“Guyana has the worst ranking for road fatalities in the English-speaking Caribbean, and the average is about 27.8 for every 100, 000. In fact, in the entire Western Hemisphere, Guyana ranks 5th in terms of human fatalities,” the President pointed out, explaining that between 2000 and 2014, 2,160 road fatalities were recorded of which 262 were children. He noted, however, that a greater effort has to be made as he put forward his three-point proposal.

Meanwhile, Goal Three of the New Sustainable Development Agenda, which was recently adopted by the UN, calls for the 193 member countries to ensure healthy lives and the promotion of well-being for all at all ages.

This new agenda has

“W

e must move towards prohibiting the sale of intoxicating beverages in or near public transportation terminals, that is, at minibus parks…that is going to help” – President Granger

principal causes of fatal road accidents in this country.

There is need for the police to ensure that speeding is reduced by having more visible presence on our roadways,” he added.

According to President Granger, there is need for more CCTV security cameras to monitor the flow of

an act not only endangers drivers but other persons utilising the road. As such he proposed that the sale of alcohol be prohibited at minibus and car parks. “We must move towards prohibiting the sale of intoxicating beverages in or near public transportation terminals, that is, at minibus parks…that is

President David Granger, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton, and Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud during the launching of Road Safety Month on Wednesday

been launched at a time when Guyana continues to struggle to fulfill the objectives outlined in the United Nations Global Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020.

In the words of the President, “this launch seemed to have had very little impact on Guyana as the epidemic continues.”

STRONGER ENFORCEMENT He said the country must first strengthen its enforcement, stating clearly that “traffic laws must be vigorously enforced.”

“The Guyana Police Force has indicated repeatedly that speeding is one of the

traffic not only in Georgetown but in other “built-up areas” across the country, in addition to the need for more speed guns and breathalyzers.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is another risk factor, the President pointed out, noting that such

Some of the students present at the launching of Road Safety Month 2015 reciting the National Pledge

going to help.”

The second approach the country must adopt is education, President Granger further stated, emphasising that there is need for greater education to instruct not only drivers but passengers and pedestrians as well on the danger of speeding.

“Drivers, particularly drivers of minibuses, cars and taxis, and I mention these not because I am singling out a particular group of people but because they carry human beings and I am very concerned about the loss of life.”

He added that drivers operating within the public transportation system must be reeducated, retrained and recertified so that they can be qualified to be responsible drivers of vehicles with passengers.

“I believe that persons who are driving human beings in this country, in commercial vehicles, must also have a special qualification, they must be sober, they must be responsible and they must not speed.” President Granger made it clear that drivers within this grouping must not be granted such a license unless they would have proven their suitability.

Engineering was the third approach which was put forward by the President. According to him, Guyana does not have highways, maybe with the exception of the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, but rather it has public roads that run through highly populated areas.

Many of the roads in rural communities, he observed, have encumbrances coupled Turn to page 8 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 5, 2015

Teens killed as car crashes into concrete base

LESS than twelve hours after two persons were killed along the Corentyne Coast another two met an untimely end later Tuesday night when the car they were in lost control and collided with a concrete base.

According to the Guyana Police Force in a press statement, the vehicle was being driven by 19 year-old Balram Nourang of Lot B #69 Village Corentyne Berbice along the No.70 Public Road when the accident occurred.

The release added that along with the 19-year-old there was also another young man, 17-year-old Haresh Ramsaywack of Lot 241 No.69 Village Corentyne Berbice was also in the vehicle at the time if the accident. It was while the vehicle was heading around a turn at a fast rate that the driver lost control causing its left door to collide with the concrete base of the No.75 Arch located at the western corner of the No.74 Public Road.

Dead 19 year old Balram Nourang

Dead 17 year old Haresh Ramsaywack

The impact caused the driver of the vehicle to be flung from the driver’s seat while the other teenager, 17-year-old Ramsaywack was pinned down in the car.

Both of the teenagers suffered injuries to their heads and about their bodies and were picked up in unconscious conditions and taken to the Skeldon Hospital where they were examined by a doctor who pronounced them dead on arrival. The vehicle the 19 year old was

driving at the time of the accident is registered to a relative of his. It was unclear up to press time if the young man was the holder of a valid driver’s license.

Omchand Nourang told the Guyana Chronicle that his nephew borrowed the car at about 20:00 on Tuesday.

He said a few hours later he received information about the accident and rushed to the scene. Eyewitnesses say the fire department used their hammers and crow bars to

The vehicle the two were in at the time of the accident get the vehicle open to gain access to the injured man.

The process reportedly took close to one and a half hours.

Meanwhile Ramsay wack’s mother; Linie Ramsaywack said she did not know where her son went but his friend who has access to a car would normally pick him up and they would go out. She noted that on some occasions they would be at a bar at Number 72 Village but could not say where they were on Tuesday night. Ramsaywack leaves to mourn his mother and two siblings while Nourang leaves to mourn his parents and two siblings. Tuesday night’s accident comes on the heels on another Corentyne smash-up which claimed the lives of

two persons.

It was only on Tuesday that an accident claimed the lives of a 15-year-old boy and an elderly woman. President David Granger addressing the launch of the Road Safety Month at the Aurthur Chung Convention Center yesterday morning was forced to make reference to the number of road accidents as he pointed to the coverage that the Guyana Chronicle provided of the accident. In that accident the vehicle was being driven by 24 year Winston Collins who was said to be returning from Moleson Creek where he and others went to drop off another young man to catch the ferry back to Suriname after he completed a short

stay here in Guyana.

Reports suggested that the vehicle at the time of the accident was also speeding.

The car flipped and turned turtle killing the two occupants and causing three others including the driver to be hospitalised in a serious condition at the New Amsterdam hospital. Those killed in the accident were identified as 15 year old Akeem Harry and Paula Kissoondial. The injured were identified as Winston Collins the driver, Jermaine Smart a passenger and Keith Ross also another passenger. The police investigations into those two accidents are ongoing.

America St robbers still at large

INVESTIGATORS from the police ‘A’ Division and the Criminal Investigation Department are working around the clock to crack the case of Tuesday’s daring evening robbery of America Street money-changers by gunmen on motorcycles.

No one was injured during the five-minute at-

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tack, but the rapid gunfire from automatic weapons had persons in the area scampering for cover as shots were fired in the air and in the direction of the money-changers.

Police sources have confirmed that already the names of persons in the criminal underworld are being mentioned in relation to the attack and those suspects are being sought by law-enforcement officers.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Chronicle was told that the police are confident that they will crack the case wide open since information about a criminal operation on such a scale will hardly remain under wraps for long, a police source told this newspaper.

On Tuesday, close to one dozen men were reported to have robbed the mon-

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ey-changers in the America Street area, familiarly known as Georgetown’s “Wall Street.”

Early yesterday the police returned to the area and checked footage from nearby security cameras. However, it is not known how much evidence the police secured since eyewitnesses, including one of the victims, reported that the men were all masked and wore clothing that covered almost their entire bodies.

Millions were said to be taken from the four persons who were robbed Tuesday night. Three of the victims had all their belongings taken from them as they lay on the ground, while weapons were being fired in close proximity.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 5, 2015

IAC wants PPP help fight suicide scourge Swami Vidyanandaji served selflessly …says heartened by response of government

THE Indian Action Committee (IAC) is calling on the People’s Progressive Party to join the government in helping to fight the scourge of suicide even as it has expressed sadness on the deaths of Kavita Akloo and Ramesh Beharry, the young couple whose bodies were found in the vicinity of the Kingston seawall late Monday afternoon.

While the official cause of death is yet to be determined, from the information in the public domain, it appears that the two persons of East Indian descent would have committed suicide.

The IAC in statement said if the assumption is true, it once again highlights the “tragic consequences” of suicide which continues to plague the Guyanese society.

Only recently, wellknown activist Zenita Nicholson committed suicide. The IAC said the Nicholson case points to the fact that even those who appear strong are vulnerable to the scourge.

“This underlines the IAC’s position on suicide, that while it may be more prevalent in some Indo-Guyanese

communities, it not confined therein,” the IAC said.

The organisation had made repeated calls in the past for suicide to be declared a national priority, but the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Administration which was in power at the time did not heed the call.

It has made a similar call to the current A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU +AFC) government, and is encouraged by the response it has received thus far.

“While the IAC is pleased that the request has been positively received by this government and that there are ongoing engagements for its eventual unfolding, it believes that the declaration must have the full support of all stakeholders including the Opposition,” the statement said.

The IAC said it is of the firm belief that a national declaration would bring a much needed sense of priority which in turn would necessitate the provision of the human, technical and financial resources that would be needed to educate and

mitigate on the circumstances that would propel people to end their lives.

It lamented that suicide continues to affects families, communities and the country as a whole.

“Guyana can ill-afford to have such loses in its human resources. It is in this context that IAC urge for a swift declaration and calls on civil society to lend support,” the IAC said.

The organisation also reiterates its call for all social and religious organisations to intensify their efforts to provide guidance and counselling where necessary to prevent suicide. The IAC said it stands ready to work with the Administration and civil society to tackle the scourge. And on that note, the Indo-based Guyanese organisation is encouraging those are contemplating suicide to seek help through places of worship, non-governmental organisation or any organisation that provides such services.

The IAC extended condolences to the families and friends of Kavita Akloo and Ramesh Beharry.

- says Prime Minister

PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo said Swami Vidyanandaji Maharaj has lived his life in service to many as he paid tribute to the learned Hindu leader who was cremated on Wednesday.

Speaking at the funeral service at the Cove and John Ashram, the Prime Minister hailed the late Swami as a man who embraced simplicity and served without the expectation of reward. Swami Vidyanandaji Maharaj, he said “will be born again in every student who receives the light of learning and knowledge”, adding: “Where ever in the world you find societies moving forward it is because it has become a knowledge driven society.”

The Prime Minister told the gathering that Swami was a person who believes that with knowledge, anything is possible. He related

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds at the funeral service at the Cove and John Ashram fond memories of his first meeting with Swami Vidyanandaji. Mr Nagamootoo said in that engagement, he discussed several issues that bothered him at the time.

And after the meeting, he noted that anything “I put my mind to do, I was able to achieve”. The funeral was also attended by Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopna-

raine, former President Donald Ramotar, former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Venkatachalam Mahalingam.

Swami Vidyanandaji who was born on July, 3, 1936 and was the country’s first ordained Hindu monk of the Bharat Sevashram Sangha, USA.

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Guyana

Disturbing mining situation Dear Editor

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL

Guyana’s October 1953 in perspective

ON October 8, 1953 the British Government landed troops in then British Guiana and the next day the Governor on the orders of the Crown suspended the constitution which among other thigs gave limited Self-Government to the colony. Several leaders of the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP) were arrested and would spend months in prison. It would take another four years before some degree of political democracy would return.

This extreme move by the British resulted from what they saw as the communist policies of the colony’s first elected government under universal adult suffrage. The PPP, whose leadership included Cheddi Jagan, Forbes Burnham, JP Latchmansingh, Jai Narine Singh, Eusi Kwayana (Sydney King), Janet Jagan, Rory Westmaas, Ashton Chase, Martin Carter among others, had won the election held in April 1953.

Once in office the PPP began to make some modest, but important changes to the political landscape. These included lifting the ban on so-called subversive literature and on socialist leaders from entering the colony; amending the 1945 Rice Farmers Security Tenure Ordinance to make the landlords rather than the tenant farmer ultimately responsible for the upkeep of the land, and to protect the tenant farmers by enacting a standard rental for land; and passage of a Labour Relations Bill in the Lower House to make it legal for employers to negotiate with workers through their trade unions.

While those government actions were aimed at democratising the political economy, in the context of the Cold War they were considered by the Western powers to be subversive. British Guiana was therefore deemed a “communist threat.” So upon the urging of the then USA government, the British invaded the colony and removed the elected government. The USA took similar action in Guatemala and Iran, where elected governments were overthrown.

While the British may have satisfied their national interests, their action set in train a series of developments that would change the course of history in the soon to be independent Guyana. By 1955, the PPP had split into two ethno-ideological factions that would soon consolidate an ethnically polarised society. After two ethnic election results in 1957 and 1961, the country was plunged into three years of ethnic disturbances that pitted the two major ethnic groups against each other. The legacy of those years still haunts our country.

More than six decades after October 1953, many still yearn for the ethnically united example of that period. Over the years, several questions have been asked. What if the British had not invaded? Would the united movement have withstood the pressures of ethnic hegemony that had begun to stir before the British intervened? Were the leaders of the movement too politically naïve and inexperienced? Did they underestimate the imperialist forces?

Some of our scholars have delved into these questions, but more work needs to be done in this regard. Maybe

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 5, 2015

I WISH to bring to the attention of various State agencies and government ministries responsible for mining, indigenous affairs and legal affairs, a disturbing situation between a mining operation and the residents of Isseneru Village, Middle Mazaruni, Region #7.

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) on October 10, 2015 issued permission to an individual to operate a cutterhead river dredge in close proximity to Isseneru’s residential area. This is blatant disrespect by GGMC and its officers to grant permission to this operation, knowing that this type of mining can cause huge environmental damage, health problems and loss of life.

Editor, this is a serious issue which needs an urgent response, because it poses the risk of erosion and major damage to residential and government properties, including the hydromet station, school and health facilities which are close to the area where this destructive mining operation is positioned.

This is also a violation of Isseneru’s rights under Section 48 (1) of the Amerindian Act and section 112 of the Mining Act, since no consultations were held between the GGMC, the dredge owner and the Isseneru Village Council. GGMC and the mining operation must be held accountable for this “disastrous situation,” should any environmental or human disaster occur. To make matters worse, this operation is creating a lot of noise both day and night and affecting residents, schoolchildren, the elderly and patients. The court rulings in favour of miners have given them “superman powers” over Amerindian Village Councils, thus creating and un-friendly and a disrespectful environment for indigenous peoples where

violations will thrive. This has to stop!

I therefore call on the government to strengthen legislation and to have broad powers so that under these laws human rights, including indigenous people’s rights are guaranteed fully, just as much as those for miners, loggers and other land-grabbers. To strengthen my call for reform of legislation, I would like to quote Minister Trotman in a Kaieteur News article (October 10, 2015) headlined -“Government reviewing mining concessions.” He stated that: “No mining rights will be given on lands occupied by Amerindians. However, there is nothing to stop Amerindians from mining within those lands or has been the case, they are free to enter into bilateral agreements with persons or companies to mine their lands, but the GGMC is not allowed to give out permits either to prospect or mine in any such area without the consent of the Amerindian community.”

Editor, those are very powerful words that must not go un-noticed. They signal government’s intention to respect, protect and uphold “Amerindian rights to their lands,” but we must not let their promises hold our feet down. They must act now and keep public expectations at a high level, where we can feel respected and protected under the laws of Guyana.

Therefore, I request on behalf of my people, for the relevant authorities to investigate mining operations that are there without the consent of Amerindian villages such as in Isseneru, Kangaruma, Tassarene, Jawalla, Baramita, Chinese Landing and many others.

Yours sincerely Dwight Larson Isseneru Village

Rage at the 50% raise or at the messenger?

WHEN the controversy about the sudden 50% raise for the higher echelons of the administration unfolded I wanted to see it in black and white and I did, with calculator in hand. I realised that for wages of $ 9.000.000 a year, it worked out to about $750.000 a month, plus allowances.

An executive could be comfortable with that, though it’s not a salary of tremendous proportions.

My concern is that I have had to debate for a reasonable wage in my field. Artists are perceived to be cheap. As an Illustrator and writer I can remember an engagement with an international body here, where the representative refused to pay me for scripting and illustrating a graphic magazine until she contacted my peers in Peru and Brazil and realised that I was being truthful.

Our Intellectual property is taken for granted. One aspiring ethnic politician in 1990 lifted the logo of the Jaguar from my Comix and I had to take him to court. Nigel Hughes championed my case pro bono. I’m careful not to throw stones on special service’s worth. I can remember the PPP’s Minister

our younger historians and political scientists should be encouraged to go back to a larger investigation of this period.

At least three of the active leaders of the then PPP are still alive—Ashton Chase, Eusi Kwayana and Rory Westmaas; their perspectives would be invaluable in this regard. It is time that our country begins to invest in our own history, however uncomfortable aspects of that history may be.

Next year we will mark 50 years of independence.

There can be no serious discussion of independence in 1966 outside of a thorough examination of the 1953 period.

Those years were indeed a watershed. We hope the government and the University of Guyana consider a major conference and a series of public lectures in the communities on that period. We would also recommend the showing of Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine’s film “The Terror and the Time,” which is still the most comprehensive documentary of that period. This public education would go a long way towards contextualising our current politics and our post-independence politics in general. Not only would the public at large benefit, but our politicians on both sides of the aisle should find such education very useful.

Frank Anthony telling me at an exhibition that I wanted to be too well paid for my work. “Why not?” I had replied?

I was not surprised at the Cabinet-Parliamentary raise of pay. But it should have come a little later. I usually cut out some articles and letters as reference materials. One such was a letter on August 15, 2015 in the Stabroek News by E. B. John. I have a collection of his, because he always presents tables and charts to support his topics. This particular topic was: “There is disparity in the salaries of parliamentarians.”

Read it and you’ll understand.

The problem in this case comes with campaign statements competing against the reality of the times. Now, comparative raises have to also come for John Public. That this was not a secret decision is somewhat commendable…it came from “the horse’s mouth.” But speaking of that mouth, the essence of the public’s rage (80%) lies with the arrogance, pompous logic, and disrespectful tone of the messenger.

For all of us over the past 20 years, outside of drugs, smuggling, back track, money laundering or those luckily and legitimately placed in the legal businesses of mining, we can breathe much better. Others prospered and survived or were linked as thugs and minions of convenience to the cartels within the PPP government that shifted hundreds of millions of our money into their own pockets, or were among that special few, void of Ideals, shame or morals-the deal makers who sell themselves to prosper regardless. The rest of us were catching hell. Surviving, either on old money, remittances or selling narcotics to our neighbours. There were the ‘Poor Rich’ honestly enduring, but stressed - barely paying one’s monthly debts, always late. Then, those who struggled openly against the PPP felt it worse. Thus, we have a right to feel entitled to our opinions and respect.

The paradox rests with the Opposition PPP, who paid some of their members and cronies unjustifiably more than the sum total of the 50%, and of all people to have an opinion, Bharat Jagdeo? Whose NIS-CLICO hustles broke those institutions and under his watch allowed the creation of the crack addict nation and turned our value system upside down, criminalising a generation.

In politics it’s out of power engagement that inspires. I can point to President David Granger, Nigel Hughes and his wife, see page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 5, 2015

from page 6

Rage at the...

Ministers Roopnaraine, David Patterson, Ronald Bulkan, Volda Lawrence and my friend the A.G., Basil Williams whose field work in desperate times past, must be remembered. The AG is out of the 50% contention, his position, the Chancellor and Prime Minister have had their scales fitted in sequence for over three decades. The A.G. has earned it for services pro bono. This cannot be disputed. When this country for over a decade was haunted by the PPP’s Phantoms and death squads, he was there in court, at the extra-judicial funerals and vigils.

It was he who took up Mark Benschop’s case of vindictive incarceration, and championed the causes of many young men Identified by the drug militias for arrest to the State-Cartel controlled Police Force, when they ‘The Phantoms’ could not murder them. I am comfortable that the office of the AG is in Basil William’s range of responsibility.

The ministers have to manage our interests, like the excellent drainage work, but it is necessary to place an oversight on the Republic of City Hall, in the Interest of our contracted young workers. I cannot help commenting on the statesmanship in handling our border dispute from our vulnerable position, it is superb, and all within five months.

APNU-AFC must however understand, you came through our will to replace a political cartel of questionable characters and callous misfits, but you have also brought some. Thus, be like the sleepless sentinel of the Rainbow Bridge, listen to our contentions, feel our apprehensions and manage; not rule.

I must say this as I conclude this letter. In cultural industries it is inspiring that for the first time in 25 years we in the Arts are now been listened to, and accommodated to design policy in our interests. This will lead in the long term to job creation and the capacity for wealth building for the Arts-extended community. No doubt sports will soon require such a policy effort. That 50% has to translate into vigilance that listens to our ideas and concerns and work with us to regain too much lost time, lives lost and values buried in the abysmal shadow of Ali Baba and his legions of Ghouls.

Barrington Braithwaite

Principles of regulation for call centres, telecom services employment needed - ILO EMPLOYMENT relationships in the contact centres and telecommunications services need to be better regulated, an ILO forum on the industry has concluded.

Innovative social dialogue approaches and mechanisms are also required to ensure workers in the industry enjoy the labour protections to which they are entitled.

The forum agreed on “the need to define and implement legislation to regulate non-standard forms of employment,” Forum Chair and head of the Legal Department of the Latvian ministry of Welfare, Edgars Koragins, told ILO News.

The meeting, the Global Dialogue Forum on Employment Relationships in Telecommunications Services and in the Call Centre Industry, aimed to find areas of consensus on how best to underpin future policy making and related social dialogue in the sector.

Further support was given to “intensified and improved” workplace inspections and a need to promote workers’ rights, including for workers in non-standard forms of employment to enjoy the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining.

Worker and employer representatives at the forum also supported the conclusion that more data collection and analysis of employment practices in the field is necessary.

Koragins added that the meeting acknowledged there are many categories of workers in contact centres and telecommunications services, including

those who appreciate the flexibility of non-standard employment relationships and others who would prefer a standard relationship.

“I think these conclusions will allow all of these categories of workers to benefit, no matter what

their preferences are,” he said.

The forum was held at the ILO in Geneva o n 2 7 - 2 8 O c t o b e r. I t s re c o m m e n d a t i o n s w i l l be submitted to the ILO governing body for final approval.

8

Seawall suicide

Multiple suicide cases in girl’s family POLICE investigators have confirmed the identities of the couple found dead on Monday afternoon at the Kingston seawall as 19-year-old Kavita Ackloo, called ‘Shevon’, of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara and 18-year-old Ramesh Beharry, called ‘Boy’, of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara.

At a staggering rate of 44.2 suicides per 100,000 people (the global average is 16 per 100,000), Guyana is topping the world’s suicide rates.

In Ackloo’s family, her grandmother had also committed suicide while her 17-year-old sister attempted suicide earlier this year, but was admitted to the hospital where she recovered.

Relatives of the couple identified their bodies at the Lyken Funeral Parlour Tuesday evening, following media reports.

Ramesh Beharry’s relative identified him after seeing the body on a television newscast, while the mother and father of Kavita Ackloo saw a photograph in the daily newspapers and identified her by the clothes she wore. The young man, who worked as a joiner at an East Coast enterprise, was last seen on Monday morning, according to relatives. They maintained that they were unaware of the relationship between the two teens. The mother of Kavita Ackloo said she last saw her daughter Sunday, since she had moved out to stay at her father’s residence.

Passersby on the seawall last saw the couple alive at 14:00 hrs on Monday in the vicinity of the Pegasus Hotel. Police at the crime scene retrieved two receipts from the young man’s pocket; the receipts indicated that he had purchased two items from Caribbean Chemicals Limited on Croal Street.

The bodies were dis-

Dead: Ramesh Beharry, called ‘Boy’

Dead: Kavita Ackloo, called ‘Shevon’

covered lying close to each other with bottles of what is believed to be poison nearby.

The young man’s mother Sanichar Beharry, said her son had never shown any indication of being heartbroken or suffering any form of depression.

However, she noted that he was very often seen on his cellphone chatting. Relatives of the youth noted that they were unaware of any relationship he may have shared with Ackloo.

However, when Beharry did not return home Monday night, relatives did not express shock, since he would usually sleep out. When questioned, he would explain that he had been at a friend’s house hanging out.

What alerted the family that something was not right, was when Beharry’s boss visited their Good Hope home and enquired about his whereabouts,because he had not turned up for work. This caused relatives to tune in to the news which gave them the shock of their lives.

The girl’s father, who lives separately from her mother, was devastated by the news and has told investigators that he does not know the young man. Her mother, Romeela Narine, called “Sharda,” described her daughter as a very quiet and easygoing individual.

The mother of five said her now deceased daughter had started a relationship

with Beharry, but she could not accept out of fear that it would cause certain problems.

Reflecting on her daughter’s relationship, Narine said with the first relationship her daughter had, she had brought a boy to the home which her step-father owns, and she had warned her against this. However, after that relationship ended and her daughter began working as a salesgirl in the city at Bombay Fashions, she apparently became involved with another young man almost a month ago.

“Is only couple of week ago they started talking on WhatsApp. This is not a long relationship. She moved out from me couple weeks ago to go stay by her father, because I told her I don’t want her brining anybody here because it’s her stepfather’s house and that was not right. I don’t know if she felt so much pressure that she had to drink it [poison] or why she drink it; she never said anything that would cause this,” she related.

When questioned if any other member of the family had also committed suicide, Narine said her grandmother had done so. “And imagine Shevon said to me she could never do something like that [drink poison] because this world got too much man. So you can imagine how I feel when I saw the newspapers.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November , 2015

Commuters cry foul at double fare ‘rip off’ on weekends by speedboat operators

Speedboat operations at the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling

By Alex Wayne AGGRIEVED commuters are calling on the Transport and Harbours Department to look into the matter of speedboat operators doubling their fares on weekends.

Several months ago speedboat operators plying the Vreed-en-Hoop/Georgetown route began doubling their fares on Sundays, much to the annoyance of dependent commuters. On some occasions the boat captains would stop the vessels mid-river and refuse to budge if persons refuse to pay the double fares.

On Sunday last a Guyana Chronicle reporter boarded a vessel en route to Vreed-enHoop from the city and had the harrowing experience of having to wait for ages in mid-river, as the boat captain refused to move

unless all aboard paid the hiked fare.

On the vessel were a few nurses and three pensioners who were all aghast at the unauthorised hike in the boat fares. The boat captain who refused to give his name, then instructed the bowman to collect all the fares, loudly declaring that those who were reluctant to “pay up” will have to swim to shore.

After quite a raucous exchange, the passengers eventually handed over the double fares, sputtering with anger as they disembarked from the vessel. On Monday last, when the Transport and Harbours Department was contacted they promised to look into the matter and ensure that this illegal practice of speedboat operators comes to a halt.

But this is exactly what officials there said some four months ago when they

were contacted on a similar incident, when a boat captain refused to cross the Demerara River unless the double fare was paid. It appears that nothing was done since then, since boat operators continue to overcharge commuters on weekends.

Some boat captains are arguing that on Sundays they have to wait much longer for their vessels to be fully loaded, since not many people travel then.

They are arguing that they make fewer trips across the river, which therefore prompts them to overcharge on Sundays.

On the other hand, citizens are arguing that since the boat fares have not been increased by the relevant authorities, they should not be subjected to such harsh and arbitrary treatment at the hands of speedboat operators.

Granger urges... with the lack of lights and the requisite road demarcation.

“On any given day, you would find that there is great competition for space, motorists use the roads, motorcyclists use the roads, pedestrians use the roads,” he said, adding that engineers should work to enhance the country’s roadways by putting in pavements and pedestrian crossings where necessary.

Meanwhile, Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) Chairman (ag), Frank Pompey said that in light of the increasing road fatalities, the process of issuing a driver’s licence should be revised.

It was pointed out that in 2012, 102 fatal accidents were recorded claiming the lives of 117 persons while in 2013, 103 accidents resulted

in the deaths of 122. The figure was slightly reduced in 2014 with 92 accidents claiming the lives of 111 persons, but so far for 2015, 100 persons have died as a result of 84 accidents.

LEGISLATIVE REFORM According to Pompey, a lawless public transportation system, road users under the influence of alcohol and other substances, engineering road design deficiencies, inadequate financing for road safety activities and the need for more legislative reform are among the challenges facing the country which continue to give rise to road accidents and road fatalities.

Additionally, Traffic Chief, Superintendent Dion Moore in delivering his pre-

From page 3

sentation on Wednesday, pointed out that almost every three days there is a loss of life – a situation he said is “unacceptable.”

“Many of the accidents that are caused on the road stem from the consumption of alcohol,” he pointed out, noting that every life lost in the country decreases productivity and increases cost.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan; Health Minister Dr. George Norton; Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson; PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow; CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General, Dr. Douglas Slater and Advisor to the Education Minister, Vincent Alexander were among those present.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 5, 2015

No decision yet on scrapping CANU …review of drug master plan to end soon THE Head of the proposed National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA) would be nominated subsequent to the completion of a study being conducted on the National Drug Strategy Master Plan, President David Granger said on Wednesday.

He also noted that no decision has been made on merging the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) and the Police Narcotics Branch into a single unit.

Reports are that government is inclined to make NANA a policymaking body which will guide the operations of CANU and the Police Narcotics Branch.

Currently, Major General (ret’d) Michael Atherly is revising the Master Plan with the intention of making recommendations to the Vice President and Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan. Once

the revision is completed, a nomination for the head of NANA would be made.

Additionally, Major General Atherly is also examining the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Police Narcotics Branch. “What he has been doing is rationalising the functions of the three agencies: CANU, the Police Anti-Narcotics Unit and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Drug Enforcement Unit – the three units involved in anti-narcotics work now. Major General Atherly is examining all three, and the Drug Strategy Master Plan in order to make recommendations to Vice President Ramjattan,” the President explained.

It is expected that the revised National Drug Strategy Master Plan would be adopted by his Administration within two weeks paving the way for the establishment of NANA.

In September, the President had disclosed his intention to have CANU and the Police Narcotics Unit operate under one agency, stating that he prefers “a single unit.” “I agree that the duties of the Police Anti-Narcotics Unit and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit should be merged,” he had told reporters. While the roles of the two agencies are similar, CANU has greater responsibilities them the police unit, which is smaller, is more or less responsible for mobile and eradication exercises. “The two functions have to be harmonised; we don’t need two, we need one strong unit,” the President had emphasised.

President Granger stated that while CANU has more responsibilities than the police unit, the police unit’s involvement is critical to the narcotics fight as laboratory and forensic work have to be

done to determine whether items seized are illicit. “The police have to be involved,” the president said, while noting that the enforcement aspect which speaks to patrols, aircrafts, and vehicles will all come under one unit.

In its 2015 Manifesto, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition as part of its ‘Public Safety and Security Plans,’ had disclosed its intention to “establish a unified Drug Enforcement and Control Agency (DECA) to coordinate and execute the national drug enforcement policy between the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), the Police Anti-Narcotics Unit (PANU), DEA, INTERPOL and other agencies.”

It had also bemoaned the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration’s failure to capitalise on regional and international support that was being offered to the

country in the area of security. “Almost every year since 1999, the US Department of State through its annual reports (International Narcotics Control Strategy; Human Rights Practice; Trafficking in Persons) has criticised the failure of the PPPC administration to ensure human safety and public safety.

In building a strong case against the PPP/C, the coalition had also alluded to what it considered to be a “deliberate” move by that administration to derail its own National Drug Strategy Master Plan and the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development funded £4.9M Security Sector Reform Action Plan.

“It pretended to be serious about combating crime by establishing the Steering Committee of the National Consultation on Crime, the Border and National Security Committee and the Disciplined Forces Commission then routinely ignored their

recommendations.”

But, in keeping with its plan to curb the issue of Crime, the David Granger Administration has already sought the intervention of the UK in the reestablishment of the Security Sector Reform Action Plan. While attending the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in September, President Granger met with Prime Minister David Cameron and made a formal request for the reintroduction of the Security Sector Reform Action Plan.

In 2009, the UK Government had offered its assistance to finance the project but the PPP/C Administration had declined the offer, contending that the British Law Enforcement would have had a leading role in its implementation.

Although, Prime Minister Cameron has not responded to the request to date, President Granger is convinced that the proposal will be considered.

CCTV cameras snare 3100 errant drivers …Ramjattan says 99% plead guilty

By Svetlana Marshall THE Guyana Police Force and by extension the Public Security Ministry is making significant progress in apprehending drivers who are bent on breaking the law through utilisation of the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras.

CCTV is a TV system in which signals are not publicly distributed but are monitored, primarily for surveillance and security purposes. It relies on strategic placement of cameras and observation of the camera’s input on monitors somewhere. According to the Vice-President and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, over 3,100 traffic offences have been recorded for the year with the use of the CCTV cameras.

“What is being done is largely sending video clips of the driver and his motor

Vice President and Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan

car violating to the driver and then charging,” the Security Minister explained.

These traffic offenders are not only facing the courts, but according to Minister Ramjattan, 99% of them are now pleading guilty after being caught red-handed. “They are pleading guilty because they

just can’t get away from the fact it is them and they have breached the law.”

But despite making significant headway, the Security Minister said the statistics are still high, because the CCTV cameras have only been installed in some of the main streets in Georgetown as a short-term initiative. But in the long term, he said more cameras would be erected along the streets.

Minister Ramjattan was at the time speaking during the launch of Road Safety Month 2015 at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre on Wednesday.

Addressing the issue of Road Safety, the Security Minister said individuals must act responsibly when using the roadways as he alluded to the theme “Be wise, stay alive, stop speeding, don’t drink and drive.”

“To a large extent, the

CCTV cameras being placed at Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown late October

damage, the destruction that has been caused by road accidents, loss of limbs and life, loss of property, is as a result, of that deficiency in individual responsibility,” Minister Ramjattan told those present at the Convention Centre.

He said it is time to cure that “disease” by acting responsibly. “We must ensure that we be responsible. And I am happy to see so many school- children here, because that responsibility could be cultivated at a young age.”

The installation and operation of the CCTV cameras are one of the mechanisms put in place to discourage drivers from driving recklessly, thereby making the roads a safer place. It is expected that some 300 of these television monitors covering cameras would be installed across the capital city. Financing for the project is being sourced under the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Citizen Security Programme II, which aims at improving the operational efficiency of the Guyana Police Force, with regard to reducing the levels of crime, violence and insecurity.

Monies that are going to be disbursed for the command centre and other supportive measures, amount to some US$2.5 million. In addition to the establishment and management of the centre, funds will also go towards the CCTV feeds. “We are going to have many cameras all around the city streets and a command centre that would see what is happening,” Minister Ramjattan said.

According to Ramjattan, the centre will have many mounted television cameras that could be used to trace incidents and to link these with ambulances, fire service and police service responses. “On that screen you will actually know where a police car is and if there is a robbery, you will divert immediately the closest patrol vehicle to the scene of the crime and as well call 911 or the

fire service,” the minister explained. Government has allocated $21 billion to strengthen and improve national security services.

Of that amount, a sum of $11.9 billion will support the operations of the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service, Guyana Fire Service and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) while $9.1 billion has been budgeted for the Guyana Defence Force.

Thursday, November 05, 2015 - 13:30 hrs Friday, November 06, 2015 - 14:00 hrs Saturday, November 07, 2015 - 14:30 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November , 2015

Ministers for weekly face-off with miners

…key issues affecting small, medium miners to be tackled GOVERNMENT in a bid to better understand what is taking place in the mining sector, plans to meet with medium and smallscale miners weekly to address various issues affecting the industry, which contributes 10 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

In making a commitment to enhance the mining sector, Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Simona Broomes, Governance Minister Raphael Trotman who has oversight of the mining sector and Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) officials will be listening, investigating and promoting best practices to enhance the sector.

Broomes, who met with several miners at GGMC’s Brickdam Office yesterday, said it was the opinion of small miners that the previous administration had entertained only large-scale miners and neglected others.

She said she and the Governance Minister had agreed to set aside time to meet with those miners to listen to various issues affecting them and decide how government could assist.

Noting that documentation was done on all matters and each would be addressed on its own merit, Minister Broomes said government was committed to serving the people, as many issues had not been addressed under the previous administration.

“Persons with various issues will have them addressed within a specified timespan, and the way forward will be dealt with since

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Simona Broomes

we cannot operate as if we know it all,” she underscored. “When it is agreed upon, miners will know of a designated time and day that they can meet with the minister to have their concerns addressed.”

The minister, who is passionate about reducing and possibly eliminating social ills in the mining sector, said, there was a specific matter that was being addressed whereby a small-scale miner was being taken advantage of after following all procedures in conducting his business.

Noting that it was a case of landlordism, which is a practice whereby the holders of mining licences would rent their lands to smaller miners in return for a percentage of proceeds from the activities. However the regulations reportedly do not cater for such a practice “The small-scale miner received permission from GGMC to work lawfully on a plot of land, however, the Act does not make provision for persons who don’t have property and are working on someone else’s land.”

She said in giving an example: “Now you’re a miner, you go to work on somebody’s property and there is a procedure, you apply to GGMC with the owner and GGMC gives you approval and in spite of that, if the man wakes up tomorrow and says he don’t want you there, the same GGMC comes to enforce and to say to you that you cannot be there. The only redress for small miners

in such an instance is [the] court.”

Minister Broomes explained that with more consultation, the Mining Act will be amended, since the victim of the abuse even received an injunction from the court.

Nevertheless, the owner of the land still abused, shot at and destroyed the small-scale miner’s operation.

“Another complaint was that the police didn’t deal with the matter sufficiently, and then the small-scale miner becomes suicidal because of the amount of money he lost amounting to over $60M. It’s as if the miner had no rights,” the minister emphasised.

She explained that all the relevant stakeholders and ministries would be making representation to ensure advantage is not taken of smallscale miners.

In advancing the mining sector, government last month granted small and medium-scale miners fuel-tax concessions, for which they have been clamouring to keep their businesses afloat.

This came about through the signing of agreements in the Ministry of Finance’s boardroom between the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), the Finance Ministry and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA).

Based on an agreement signed by the administration, small and medium-scale miners will now benefit from duty-free concessions on imported equipment, and a 40% tax reduction on fuel from a high of 50%. Miners are now required to pay only 10%.

One executive member noted that the association was pleased that the APNU+AFC government had made good on its promise.

It was during the leadup to the May 11 elections that the APNU+AFC coalition had pledged to alleviate some of the challenges facing the mining industry;challenges that were considered to have been sidelined by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) despite the sterling contributions made by the industry to the country’s economy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 5, 2015

Residents complain about medical waste disposal at Woodlands Hospital

RESIDENTS of 110 Carmichael Street are currently facing a health threat with the alleged failure of the neighbouring Woodlands Hospital to properly dispose of their medical waste, leaving loopholes for infecting the surrounding atmosphere.

During a visit to the neighbourhood, this publication discovered that residents are currently suffering from congestion, because of their reluctance to open their windows due the obnoxious smell which emanates from the area where the waste is dumped. Contacted on the issue, an official of the hospital said they would comment on the matter today.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, one resident said that “it does be ridiculous when they come to collect the things from at the back, the bloodwater smells up the place; and not just that, the bins which are supposed to be sealed shut are left open on a daily basis making the scent escape when the sun is out.”

When asked if they had approached the administrator, one of the residents said, “When we approach he, he

say that it is a medical waste, it is not exposed, but we say it is not supposed to be open, but if you look right now it’s open, and apart from that it is supposed to come through their side of the passageway but they never listen to us.”

Residents also referred to the fact that they have children and grandchildren, who at times get nauseous, forcing them to always have their windows closed, and sometimes they neither can cook nor eat.

One of the residents, who lives with her four-year-old daughter, told the Chronicle

that, “my daughter fell sick the other day but thankfully it didn’t last long.”

Meanwhile, during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Town Clerk Royston King disclosed that “We have received several reports about the improper disposal of medical waste from some medical institutions.” He acknowledged that there are some institutions and other persons who have been dumping medical waste improperly in places they ought not to, which can be classed as a severe medical hazard.

HEAD of the University of Guyana’s (UG) Law Department Sheldon Mc Donald died on Wednesday days after he was injured in a vehicular accident at Success Village, East Coast Demerara.

Reports are that Mc Donald suffered injuries when a car slammed into his. The Jamaican and former employee of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat sustained injuries to his chest

and was being treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Mc Donald was a member of the Inter-Governmental Task Force charged with revising the constituent instrument of the Community, the Treaty of Chaguaramas. As Project Coordinator for the Establishment of the Caribbean Court of Justice, he had primary legal and institutional responsibility, working under the supervision of the Preparatory Committee for the process, which led to

the inauguration of the Court on April 16, 2005. He also was a legal consultant to the Caribbean Community Secretariat.

McDonald has expertise in Law of the Sea and related issues and is acknowledged nationally, regionally and internationally. Within Jamaica he was actively involved in the elaboration and passage of the Exclusive Economic Zone Act and the Maritime Areas Act, as well as the Maritime Drug Inter-

The sewage overflow that causes a horrible sight and stench in the passageway

The bins could be seen open when they are supposed to be shut

INVESTIGATIONS LAUNCHED “We will launch an immediate investigation into the disposal practices of all of our medical institutions within the city, beginning with the one that is now in question (Woodlands Hospital),” King said. He said further that “at the moment

Head of UG Law Dept dies days after accident Head of the UG Law Department, Sheldon Mc Donald

diction Act, giving domestic legal effect to the Treaty with the United States of America.

we have been working on a mechanism to audit the waste-disposal practices of corporations, which will start in Regent Street.”

King disclosed that cards will be placed in conspicuous places in all stores.

Therefore, all the waste-disposal contractors will sign onto the card after every pickup, while management officers at the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will countersign the card, so it could be properly recorded.

Don’t invest in k

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 5, 2015

- former chain smokers urge, support tobacco control legislation

By Tajeram Mohabir THE smoking of cigarettes often passes as vogue and cool, or an escape from the troubles of life, but not many know that continued consumption is a long journey to a slow and painful death.

In Guyana, no data has been made public on how many persons die from smoking every year, but according to the World health Organisation (WHO), tobacco kills more than half of its users.

The WHO has identified the tobacco epidemic as one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced. It kills some six million people a year.

More than five million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while more than 600, 000 are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke, the United Nations health organisation said.

It also noted that tobacco users who die prematurely deprive their families of income, raise the cost of health care and hinder economic development.

In Guyana, efforts begun a few years ago to craft and approve a tobacco control legislation and much work was done, but the bill is yet to be tabled in the National Assembly.

But encouragingly, Public Health Minister Dr George Norton and Minister within the Public Health Minister Dr Karen Cummings have both committed to have the legislation tabled and passed in the National Assembly.

The legislation among other things seeks to make all enclosed spaces, public places, work place and public transportation smoke free areas; ban tobacco promotion and sponsorship; ensure clear graphic warning on all tobacco products with the warning picture being 50 per cent of the cigarette package; and ban selling cigarettes by and to minors.

Regional Advisor on Tobacco Control at the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) headquarters

in Washington DC, Dr Adriana Blanco told the Guyana Chronicle that if possible, the Guyana government should also increases taxes on Tobacco.

YOUNG SMOKERS According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey, 21 per cent of students aged 1315 smoke or had smoked in Guyana.

In September, PAHO Country Representative Dr Williams Adu-Krow speaking at the observance of Wellness Week held under the theme “Smoking Kills: Pass the Tobacco Law for Healthy Parks and Healthy People,” said about 50 per cent of the local population are smokers, and about 30 per cent of the homes here have smokers.

According to Blanco, men in Guyana smoke much more than women but pointed out that in some countries in the region the gap is narrowing.

In Chile and Uruguay, she told this publication that girls smoke more than boys and this is so because the packaging of cigarettes is now more appealing to women.

Dr Blanco said it is very important for Guyana to pass the tobacco control legislation, pointing out that it does not seek to ban tobacco but to regulate the industry.

According to the PAHO expert, if passed, the legislation will be the most advanced in the region. Smoking, among others, causes coughs, colds, asthma, pneumonia, stroke, heart diseases and lung cancer.

Dr Blanco who was part of the public consultation on the legislation believes that if it passed, there will be a tangible reduction in the disease burden and cost of treatment on the local health sector.

Veteran Sport Journalist Michael De Silva, a chain smoker, who is on the verge of quitting the ‘bad habit’ and Educator Vibert Hart, who has quitted more than a decade ago, say they firmly support Dr Blanco’s view.

And they too have jointed the call for the passage of anti-tobacco legislation.

There is no single situation that caused persons to smoke but once a person gets

Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings into smoking, the possibility of them getting addicted to the habit is high.

De Silva, 60, began smoking at age 32. He related to this publication that it was never his intention to put a cigarette in his mouth, but it all started when he had a terrible issue in a personal relationship. Smoking, he said provided a temporary escape from the grief that burdens his mind.

“At first, I used to go on the seawall and smoke.

Then I stopped and used to the night clubs with friends and they were smokers and I got stuck into the habit of smoking. For all those years, up until last year, I used to smoke about 50 cigarettes per day. I had to smoke after every meal, when I visit the toilet; it was the first thing in the morning and the last thing in the night,” the veteran journalist said.

TOOK ILL In 2014, a weakened De Silva took ill and on a visit to the doctor, he said he was told that his “body cells were taking over his lungs” and needs to drastically reduce the intake of tobacco.

For him, he said it was a difficult thing for him to do since for years he has been a chain smoker and did not know how to stop.

But he said, he has a daughter who is 13 and wants to live to see her attend the University of Guyana (UG) and enjoy a good life. And this is what pushed

him to seriously take the doctor’s advice.

“The warning from the doctor caused a lot of worry in my immediate family. I daughter would constantly remind me that smoking is dangerous to my health. She memorised an advertisement on television and used to constantly repeat it to me and would hid and throw away my cigarettes,” De Silva said.

But this has not caused him to quit, at least as yet, but he has managed to significantly cut down on the number of cigarettes he smokes from 50 per day to not more than 12 today.

On becoming ill, De Silva has learnt that second hand smoke is dangerous to health and no longer smokes in the presence of his family or others close by.

The WHO said in adults, second-hand smoke causes serious cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including coronary heart disease and lung cancer. In infants, it causes sudden death and in pregnant women, low birth weight.

De Silva is happy that he has significantly scaled down on smoking and said he intends to quit in the next two months.

Reflecting on his addiction, the father of three said cigarettes in his early days were cheap and they are still cheap today, and the government needs to look at this if they intend to curb smoking among youths and adults.

Public Health Minister Dr George Norton Hart, 69, who quitted smoking at age 45, told this publication that it is never too late to quit smoking. A seasoned education, he related that he began smoking at age 19. At the time he was a young teacher and his Head of Department used to smoke.

FROM ONE TO MANY “From one cigarette became two, and from two became four and from four the number became greater.

From age 19 to 45, I used to smoke a pack of cigarette per day. I used to be a collector of ash trays, but today, there is no sign of them in my house and my yard,” he said.

Hart related that he quitted in 1998 on Guyana’s Independence anniversary celebrations which were held

at the National Park.

“I did not even finish the cigarette when I threw it way,” the education said, relating that one of his friends died from smoking, and he did not want to suffer a similar fate.

Today, Hart said he is very intolerant to persons smoking in his presence, as the stench from the smoke is difficult to bear. He apologises to the many persons whom he would have inconvenienced during his days of smoking and called on smokers to “free themselves of the bad habit”.

“I would advise persons who smoke to quit smoking. If you can’t do it on your own, seek help. You got to face and accept the truth. Smoking is dangerous to your health. Don’t burn

Michael De Silva

killing yourself GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 5, 2015

body said.

And according to Dr Blanco, in countries where tobacco prevalence is not so high, there is more urgency in passing the legislation as much work on prevention can be done instead of waiting for a prevalence to occur in smoking to do something.

Here in Guyana, the Demerara Tobacco Company

PAHO Advisor on Tobacco Control, Dr Adriana Blanco your money on something that burns your life away or makes you suffer,” he advised.

The WHO said every person should be able to breathe tobacco-smoke-free air and smoke-free laws, protect the health of non-smokers, are popular, do not harm business and encourage smokers to quit.

Over 1.3 billion people, or 18 per cent of the world’s population, are protected by comprehensive national smoke-free laws, the UN

Vibert Hart

Picture taken from abenaitwecliff.wordpress.com

(DEMTOCO) has been engaged in a number of charitable activities. In April this year, the company in another section of the media said it will continue to engage openly on regulatory issues and support evidence-based regulation, marketing its products responsibly, fighting tobacco trafficking and reducing its environmental impact.

Guyana was among the first set of countries to sign on to the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) – a treaty which was adopted by the 56th World Health Assembly on May 21, 2003.

From the public pronouncements of Dr Norton and Dr Cummings, efforts

13

to pass the tobacco control legislation seem encouraging.

“We have lagged behind, I have been advised that the final review of the legislation was conducted in preparation for tabling; hence, Dr Norton and I will be working assiduously to get the tobacco control bill passed,” Dr Cummings has said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November , 2015

Guyana-born New York Assemblywoman elected to State Senate GUYANA-born legislator Roxanne Jacqueline Persaud, was elected to the New York Senate on November 3, 2015 after defeating her two challengers

in the elections for the 19th Senatorial District. Back in November 2014, she became the first female, first black, first Guyanese to hold the position of as-

sembly member for the 59th Assembly District in Brooklyn, New York.

Persaud, 49, polled 6,980 votes, or 88 per cent of the votes cast, while Jeffrey

Ferretti, the Republic Party challenger, received 702 votes, or nine per cent; and Conservative Party opponent Elias Weir got 245 votes, or three per cent. “Great!

Great!” she told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) late Tuesday night.

“Fabulous! I’m happy all the waiting is over, so I can get to do the work,” added Persaud amid victory celebrations at the Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club in Canarsie that had endorsed her.

“It shows hard work pays off,” said Persaud, who had migrated from Guyana with her parents and siblings, when she was 19 years old.

She said she had no qualms running for Sampson’s old seat. Guyanese-American New York State Senator

John L. Sampson was convicted in July of lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) in a U.S. federal corruption case.

“I’m not happy with what’s happening, but you have to do what you have to do. When an opportunity presents itself, you follow, and you do it. I know I can continue my work.

As senator, I will work to bring all the communities together and to make sure they have equal representation.” She said her dedication to serving her community motivated her to serve in various capacities. She was President of the 69th Precinct Community Council in Canarsie, member of Community Board 18 and Commissioner on the New York

New York State Senator, Roxanne Persaud

City Districting Commission. In addition, Persaud said she is a graduate of the New York Police Department (NYPD) Citizens Police Academy, as well as the New York City Office of Emergency Management-Community Emergency Response Team. She is a “longtime advocate for her community and an avid volunteer.” (CMC)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 5, 2015

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Review panel ...

From Backpage outcomes of the game of cricket will continue to dramatically affect the psyche of Caribbean people. The enduring and ongoing impact of the triumphs and tribulations of successive West Indies cricket teams

on the cricketing public will continue to be well documented and researched,” the report stated.

“Yet, we maintain that the issues confronting the governance and administration of cricket exceed the dynamics of the game on the field of play and its effect on

the psyche of Caribbean people.

There is an inherent and as yet unresolved tension between the evolution of the game of cricket into a powerful, professionally-driven entertainment and sporting industry and a system of governance predicated on an earlier, more simplified set of requirements,” the panel said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 5, 2015

“In this regard, the panel strongly recommends the immediate dissolution of the West Indies Cricket Board and the appointment of an Interim Board whose structure and composition will be radically different from the now proven, obsolete governance framework.”

The report went on to state that it believed the measure was the only credible solution in order to transform both the regional governing body and by extension, the game itself.

(Sportsmax.com).

FIFA’s Anton Corneal...

From Backpage they were just in place for a little over a year and all that was accomplished within that year, and now it’s time to pass on the baton.”

Corneal was high in praise for the GFF’s Normalisation Committee, whom he said laid a solid foundation for Guyana to blossom and used the STAG Elite League as one such pillar which can be used to build a solid on for the incoming ‘Exco’.

“It’s the right pathway because the Normalisation Committee came in and did

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the job; Mr (Clinton) Urling has guided that group and set a stage for a slate to come on board to really take over football and they got a template now to follow,” Corneal pointed out.

Having played an integral role in helping the GFF to establish the STAG Elite League, Corneal believes that Guyana is now on par with several of its regional counterparts whom he said have all ensured that they established the national product that will help to bring more local players to the fore.

The GFF’s Technical Director Claude Bolton, according to Corneal, would have implemented several programmes which will charter a pathway to development via ‘grassroots’ football, catering for both male and female.

Corneal said that already, thanks to Bolton’s ‘Next Generation Project’, Guyana is leading some Caribbean countries with the implementation of several key areas of development and ensuring that more importantly, the coaches are certified under the GFF D-Licence.

Guyana must “stay on par with them (the other Caribbean countries) and also lead in a few areas as well, so it’s important for proper governance to take precedence”/ Corneal noted.

Team Unity Presidential Candidate: Mr. Nigel Hughes 1st Vice President: Mr. Odinga Lumumba 2nd Vice President: Mr. Mark Waldron 3rd Vice President: Mr. Aubrey Major Ordinary Member: Mr. Troy Cadogan Ordinary Member: Mr. Javid Ali Ordinary Member: Mr. Robbie Rambarran Ordinary Member: Ms. Carmel Williams Ordinary Member: Mr. Faizal Khan Team Integrity Presidential Candidate: Mr. Wayne Forde 1st Vice President: Mr. Jullian B. Lovell 2nd Vice President: Mr. Rawlston Adams 3rd Vice President: Ms. Thandi R. McAllister Ordinary Member: Mr. Dion Inniss Ordinary Member: Ms. Magzene Stewart Ordinary Member: Mr. Rayan Farias Ordinary Member: Mr. Keith Ojeer Ordinary Member:* Vacant position due to withdrawal by Candidate*

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 5, 2015

England lose two wickets in 284-run chase ENGLAND were 46 for two wickets against Pakistan at the close of the fourth day in Sharjah yesterday, chasing a target of 284 to win the third and final Test and draw the series.

Captain Alastair Cook was 17 not out with Joe Root on six after Moeen Ali and Ian Bell were dismissed by Shoaib Malik in the space of two overs.

Having taken a first-innings lead of 72, England finally dismissed Pakistan for 355 in their second innings, with opener Mohammad Hafeez making 151.

Pakistan, who have never lost a series in the United Arab Emirates since their home matches were moved

Pakistan’s Mohammad Hafeez celebrates his century. (Action Images via Reuters/Jason O’BrienLivepic) Ali and then Bell in quick there in 2010, won the second succession with the score Test by 178 runs after the first on 34. was drawn.

Moeen, who has been They struck two heavy unable to make a success of blows in the last session his role as opening bat, fell when Malik, playing in his leg-before for 22, and Bell last Test, dismissed Moeen lost his off stump without

Cairns warned by judge for evasion FORMER New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns has received a warning from Mr Justice Sweeney, the judge presiding over his perjury trial in London, after repeatedly failing to give straight answers during a tense cross-examination from Sasha Wass, QC, the crown prosecutor.

After restricting himself to one-word answers to his own lawyer Orlando Pownall, during his first day in the witness box on Tuesday, Cairns was yesterday told by Justice Sweeney to stop “making speeches” as he struggled to respond to Wass’s line of questioning.

Opening her cross-examination, Wass asked Cairns, who denies two counts of perjury and perverting the course of justice, if he agreed that he had been “a most unfortunate individual” to have had so many former teammates and acquaintances giving sworn testimony that he was a match-fixer.

“Because,” she continued, after Cairns had failed to answer the first question, “if you’re telling the truth, you’ve been accused of match-fixing not once, not twice, but on three separate occasions.

Do you think it’s unlucky to be accused on three separate occasions of something you haven’t done?”

Pressing for a yes or no answer, and pointing out that “reasonable sane people” don’t generally make spiteful allegations without a reason, Wass repeated the question several times, adding: “Perhaps if you answer the questions rather than think about where they’re going.”

When asked if he was trying to make the cross-examination last for weeks and weeks, Cairns replied, “Cer-

scoring.

Root, who survived a controversial leg-before decision as Pakistan used up their final DRS review, stayed in until the close, along with Cook, and at least one of them must make a big total if England are to score the 238 runs still needed.

Earlier, Hafeez (151) struck his ninth Test century to help Pakistan consolidate their position after losing nightwatchman Rahat Ali for a duck.

England challenged the umpire’s not-out verdict against Hafeez on the first ball of the day off leg-spinner Adil Rashid but could not get it overturned.

Wi c k e t k e e p e r J o n n y Bairstow missed a stumping chance in the same over and

tainly not, I’d rather be at home with my family.”

In the course of the threeweek trial, the court has heard from - among others - Cairns’ former team-mates, Lou Vincent and Brendon McCullum, both of whom allege that he approached them to get involved in match-fixing, and Vincent’s ex-wife, Eleanor Riley, who claimed he had attempted to calm her fears about her then-husband’s activities by saying “everyone’s doing it”.

He said of Riley’s testimony that it was a “conversation we never had”, and when asked

by Wass why McCullum, who is currently preparing for a Test series in Australia, would fly all the way to London just “to stitch you up”, Cairns replied: “Brendon is doing what’s best for Brendon.”

Cairns was then quizzed on the subject of the US$250 000 retainer he had been paid

by VJ Dimon, an Indian diamond-trading company based in Dubai. Cairns said that the money had been owed to him for promotional work, rent and relocation costs, but Wass replied: “I’m going to suggest

the money they were paying you was a reward to you for fixing cricket matches.”

She then pointed out that the company had arranged a visit to Dubai for Cairns, Vincent and Daryl Tuffey, the three players implicated in his match-fixing operation.

“You were given a short holiday by your pay masters,” she said.

Cairns argued that his involvement in the diamond trade was a legitimate step into life after cricket and pointed out that he had obtained a diploma from the Gemology Institute of America after undergoing a three-month course in polished stones in Bangkok.

Asked whether he had asked his former employers to give evidence on his behalf, Cairns replied that everything that had happened to him in the intervening years had made him “toxic”. It is difficult, he said, to “get people to come along and support me”.

“Your business with them was match-fixing,” Wass said, “and the last thing they’d want to do is come to court.”

The trial continues.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

favourites to win the series if not the match as well.

“We’re very happy with the total on the board and we’re very confident of winning the game,” Hafeez told Sky Sports.

SCOREBOARD

PA K I S TA N 1 s t i n n i n g s 2 3 4 (Misbah-ul-Haq 71; J. Anderson 4-17) England 1st innings 306 (J. Taylor 76; S. Malik 4-33) PAKISTAN 2nd innings (o/n 146-3) M. Hafeez c Bell b Ali 151 Az. Ali run-out 34 S. Malik lbw b Anderson 0 Y. Khan lbw b Broad 14 R. Ali b Anderson 0 Misbah-ul-Haq lbw b Broad

38 A. Shafiq b Broad 46 S. Ahmed b Patel 36 Y. Shah c Broad b Rashid 4 W. Riaz run-out (Bell, Bairstow) 21 Z. Babar not out 0 Extras: (b-6 lb-5) 11 Total: (all out, 118.2 overs) 355

Fall of wickets: 1-101, 2-105, 3-146, 4-152, 5-245, 6-257, 7-312, 8-319, 9-354.

Bowling: J. Anderson 26-8-52-2, S. Broad 23-6-44-3, S. Patel 19-179-1, M. Ali 21.2-1-72-1, A. Rashid 29-3-97-1.

ENGLAND 2nd innings (Target: 284 runs) M. Ali lbw b Malik 22 A. Cook not out 17 I. Bell b Malik 0 J. Root not out 6 Extras: (nb-1) 1 Total: (for 2 wickets, 22 overs) 46 Fall of wickets: 1-34,, 2-34.

Bowling: R. Ali 2-0-13-0, W. Riaz 2-0-10-0 (nb-1), Z. Babar 9-2-11-0, S. Malik 7-3-8-2, Y. Shah 2-0-4-0.

Former IAAF head Diack targeted in corruption inquiry

By Chine Labbé

Chris Cairns endures a testy cross-examination from the prosecution. (Getty Images)

later Stuart Broad dropped a tough return catch from him.

Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq shared a fifth-wicket stand of 93 with Hafeez and when Malik grabbed his two wickets Pakistan became firm

PARIS, France (Reuters) Lamine Diack, the former head of world athletics, has been placed under formal investigation in France on suspicion of corruption and money-laundering, following a complaint from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The inquiry, confirmed by the French financial prosecutor’s office yesterday, comes at a time when the image of world sport’s governing bodies is under serious scrutiny. There is a large-scale corruption investigation at soccer’s FIFA while athletics is fighting a desperate public relations rearguard battle in the face of continual doping issues.

According to French news channel iTELE, the investigation is focused on suspicions that payments were made in return for not revealing the widespread doping of Russian athletes.

The prosecutor’s office did not confirm that, but said its investigation started when WADA alerted it to “acts of corruption and laundering involving members of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).”

Diack, from Senegal and an ex-long jumper who was born in 1933, headed the IAAF for the best part of a decade from 1999. He was held for questioning on

Sunday together with his legal adviser Habib Cisse, who was also placed under formal inquiry on Tuesday.

Under French law, magistrates place a person under formal investigation when they believe there are indications of wrongdoing, but that does not always lead to a trial.

The investigation “concerns money movements and goes beyond doping,” a source in the French judiciary said.

The Monaco-based IAAF confirmed a police swoop took place at its headquarters on Tuesday “to carry out interviews and access documentation”. It said it was fully cooperating with the probe.

Diack’s son, Papa Massata Diack, stepped down from his role as an IAAF marketing consultant last year during an investigation into allegations of doping in Russia.

The head of Russia’s Athletics Federation (VFLA), Valentin Balakhnichev, has also resigned from his role as IAAF treasurer. Dr Gabriel Dolle, the director of the IAAF medical and anti-doping department, also left the federation.

Nikita Kamaev of Russia’s anti-doping agency RUSADA said in an interview with the Russian R-Sport news agency that his organisation was ready to help French investigators if contacted and Russian Sports Minister Vit-

aly Mutko told the TASS agency that his country’s athletics federation had cleaned up its act.

“We have already said that there were problems with our federation, but the old management are no longer working there,” he said.

“You have to understand that now there are a lot of criminal cases around the world, and it is not an easy situation to be in.”

A doctor in charge of anti-doping matters at the IAAF was also held for questioning in addition to Diack and Cisse.

Reuters was not immediately able to reach the three men for comment.

The IAAF’s new British president, Sebastian Coe, was at IAAF headquarters at the time of the police raid and “volunteered himself to answer any questions”, a source familiar with the investigation told Reuters.

“He answered any questions they wanted,” the source said. “But they did not come here to question Seb Coe.” Coe, a two-time Olympic 1500-metre champion, elected IAAF president in August, was not immediately available for comment.

Elected on a strong anti-doping platform, Coe said this week in India: “It’s not uniquely a track and field problem. Every sport in the world has global issues. We have them but we also resolve them.”

22

Perera falls for 99, as Sri Lanka seal ODI series win SRI Lanka wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Perera made 99 in an emphatic victory over West Indies which sealed an ODI series win.

Kusal Perera fell tantalisingly short of a third one-day international century and Lahiru Thirimanne was also in the runs, as Sri Lanka thrashed West Indies by eight wickets to wrap up the series.

Sri Lanka made hard work of winning a dramatic rain-affected series-opener by one wicket on Sunday, but coasted to victory with nine balls to spare back in Colombo three days later.

A scintillating innings from Johnson Charles (83) looked to have put the tourists on course to set a big total, but they lost their way after a long delay and slumped from 139-3 to 214 in a game reduced to 38 overs a side.

Sri Lanka were set a revised Duckworth-Lewis target of 225 to win, and made light work of taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with Perera (99) and Thirimanne (81 not out) sharing a second-wicket stand of 156.

Marlon Samuels, standing in as captain with Jason Holder suspended due to slow-over rates, opted to bat first after winning the toss in a game which he was allowed to bowl by the ICC despite the fact it was outside the 14-day grace period after he was reported for an illegal action.

His choice to bat did not appear to be a wise call when Lasith Malinga (2-43)

Kusal Perera launches into a lofted shot during his innings of 99. dismissed Andre Fletcher for a golden duck and the Windies were in trouble on 29-2 when Jermaine Blackwood (9) fell cheaply.

Charles set about trying to make amends for a poor spell of bowling in the first ODI, when Ajantha Mendis dispatched him for six to seal the victory, as he attacked the Sri Lanka spinners with great effect.

The dangerous opener brought up his half-century from only 32 balls by giving Mendis a taste of his own medicine with a huge six one of four in his innings - but was trapped leg-before

by Milinda Siriwardana (227) when he looked set for a century.

West Indies were 1494 when rain stopped play and despite a fine knock from Samuels (63), the tourists collapsed when play restarted and four run-outs in six balls ended the innings in calamitous fashion.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Thursday November 05, 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: Rangana Herath-6/68 (First Test, Galle) Kraig Braithwaite-6/29 (Second Test, Colombo-PSS) Today’s Quiz: How many dismissals SL wicketkeeper Kusal Perera effected in the just-concluded WI/SL Test series?

How many dismissals WI wicketkeeper Dinesh Ramdin effected in the just-concluded WI/SL Test series?

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday November 5, 2015

Amateur boxers receive hampers from COURTS Guy Inc. THE EIGHT amateur boxers who appeared on the recently concluded Guyana Boxing Board of Control’s (GBBC) Pro/ Am Boxing card, which was staged at the Giftland OfficeMax Mall on October 24, received hampers from COURTS Guy Inc, yesterday.

The eight were rewarded for their outstanding performances on the card that featured Clive `The Punisher Atwell’ and Dexter `The Cobra’ Gonsalves for the World Boxing Council/FECABOX super lightweight title which Gonsalves won by a technical knock-out decision (TKO) in the eighth of the 12-round contest.

The presentation of food hampers which consisted of nutritional foodstuff was made by COURTS Marketing representative Mr. Cummings, who congratulated the pugilists for putting on an extraordinary performance on the undercard of the professional bouts.

Cummings said COURTS has been sponsoring both amateur and professional boxing for some time now and the company is committed to continue

In this Delano Williams photo, six of the eight amateur boxers who received hampers, compliments of COURTS Guy Inc., strike a pose with GBA president Steve Ninvalle (extreme right) and GBA’s technical director Terrence Poole (extreme left). received hampers are; Orin their sponsorship, not only to two bodies will continue.

GBBC secretary Howard Bancroft, Travis Hubbard, boxing, but the development Cox said the `Next Gener- Tefon Green, Dexter Wray, of sports in Guyana.

In very brief remarks, ation’ card had the biggest Glenroy Smith, Clifton GraSteve Ninvalle, president spectator turnout for many ham, Kelon King and Nanof the Guyana Boxing As- years and added that the card kumar `The Coolie Bully’ sociation (GBA) thanked has successfully brought Singh.

All eight boxers are the GBBC for allowing am- back boxing into the spotamong 38 who have been ateur boxing to be a part of light.

Meanwhile, in brief re- shortlisted by the GBA for the many cards, staged by the GBBC over the years, marks also, GBBC president encampment leading up to and said the exposure has Peter Abdool was loud in the `Back to the Future’ been doing well for ama- praise of the performances Caribbean Championships teur boxing in Guyana. He of the eight amateur boxers which is slated for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall this said GBA hopes that the who appeared on the card.

The eight boxers who month end. relationship between the

National School Championships

South Georgetown/District 13 confident of Top-3 finish

SOUTH Georgetown/District 13 are ready and raring to go when the National Schools Championships commence on November 23 with the swimming competition at the National Aquatic Centre, to be followed by a grand Opening Ceremony the following day.

District manager Leon Bishop revealed that his squad is already in training for the mega event.

“Preparations are going alright, the team is already picked and the high jump athletes are training already.

The other disciplines will start training tomorrow (today),” Bishop noted.

Bishop also indicated his belief that the South Georgetown District can finish in one of the top three spots overall.

“We are hoping to finish

in the top five in track and field. We are looking to win the Teachers championship this year and our cycling and swimming are pretty good. We have two national champions in Alika Persaud and Donna Carter, who won gold at the Commonwealth swimming championship and they will lead the team.

“This year we should finish in the top three overall,” Bishop quipped.

Nevertheless, despite feeling confident, the South Georgetown District have already turned to a few national coaches to solidify any cracks in their team.

“We have a few loose ends but we have already got a few national coaches to work with us, in the hope of strengthening some of our weak areas, such as the jumps,” Bishop assured.

Further, Bishop noted

that District 13 had a strong managerial team that can guide the squad to their desired top-three finish.

“From a managerial standpoint, we have done well so far by putting all the nitty-gritty things in place and we have also boosted our athletes’ confidence.

“Mr Langhorne of the Ministry of Education was impressed with our ‘champion of champions’ event and now it is just time to wait on the Ministry for the finance for Nationals,” Bishop mentioned.

Whether South Georgetown can challenge the powerhouse teams such as defending champs North Georgetown, Upper Demerara/Kwakwani or even East Coast, Bishop noted that his squad are “confident” and will be “ready” to compete.

The swimming contest

will be held on Monday, November 23 at the National Aquatics Centre at Liliendaal. In addition to the swimming competition, two field events - long jump and shot put - along with the 10km road race, 40km and 25km cycle road races will also take place on that day.

The Games Village will be established on Woolford Avenue. Tutorial High, North Georgetown Primary and Secondary schools and Richard Ishmael Secondary will house the 16 Districts from across Guyana during the Championships.

The Games Secretariat has been officially opened at GTU Headquarters, Woolford Avenue, with Districts submitting their entries. The Opening Ceremony for the Championships is scheduled for Tuesday, November 24 at

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 5, 2015

EBFA launches Sunburst U-17 League THE East Bank Football Association (EBFA) yesterday launched its Sunburst Juice U-17 Football League with seven teams set to participate.

Defending championss Grove Hi-Tech will be joined

by Kururu Warriors, Soesdyke Falcons, Diamond United, Mocha Champs, Herstelling Raiders and Agricola Red Triangle to see who will be crowned the 2015/2016 winners.

Continental Group of Agencies Limited Marketing and Sales Manager Avalon Jagnandan said that his company is more than happy to lend its support to the EBFA for the second year to sponsor the league.

“Football means different things to different people; for some, people it is their living, for some people, it is a passion, some love it, some like it and some find it quite enjoyable. We at Continental see it as a form of discipline that embraces the growth and development of our youths in Guyana” Jagnandan said.

Recently voted in president of the EBFA, Franklin Wilson, in thanking the company for coming on board for a second year, said that his Association is “looking forward to another good tournament with a high level of discipline.

EBFA president Franklin Wilson, flanked by fellow members, receives the lien trophy from Continental Group of Agencies Limited Marketing and Sales Manager Avalon Jagnandan.

For the year, the EBFA was able to complete a U-11 Pee Wee tournament, which was won by Herstelling Raiders and also over the past weekend, we completed the U-13 competition which was won Agricola Red Triangle” Wilson also pointed out that the EBFA, in keeping with its mandate to see football played at all levels, a 7-a-side tournament will kick off on Sunday.

However, the EBFA president also noted that club structure will also play an important role in the execution of its plans and as such, each club will be tasked to “get their house in order”.

Roshandin sounds CMRC warning – ‘Guyana is our turf’ WITH the anticipation of one of the largest invasion initiatives by foreign countries, Group 2 competitor Shiraz Roshandin has sounded a warning to Barbadians and Trini competitors of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) Final leg next weekend in Guyana.

Roshandin, who is also the vice-president of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC), told Chronicle Sport, “Guy-

ana is our turf and we will represent it strongly.”

Roshandin, who was a part of the touring contingent to Trinidad and Tobago earlier this year, after missing Jamaica and Barbados due to issues, has also contended that the major thing on his mind at this time is defending the Country Championship.

“So far, we are coming along excellent, we are expecting strong competition from the touring countries,

GBA shortlists 38 boxers for encampment … Two females among the squad

THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has shortlisted a squad of 38 boxers including two females to be encamped from Monday for possible selection to represent Guyana at the upcoming `Back to the Future’ Caribbean Boxing Championships set for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall here in Guyana this month end.

According to GBA’s Technical Director, Terrence Poole, the selection process for the boxers to be encamped at Guyana Defence Force’s Camp Soweyo, Linden Highway, were done after the association staged a number of tournaments including the just-concluded senior national open championships at the Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis Gym. Those shortlisted are as follows; Women – Dwon Thompson and Kesha Arokium JUNIORS – Keeve Allicock, Troy Charles, Chris Charles, Deshon Elcock, Christopher Moore, Henry Belgrave, Shermal Giddings, Okefi Husbands, Kevin Benny and Akie Mounter.

YOUTH – Kem Allicock, Esson Griffith, Jamel Eastman, Quincy Boyce, Winston Long, Dewani Lampkin and Shaekel Damon.

NOVICES – Tyrone Lashley, Dexter Wray, Aluko Venture, Stephen Andrews, Mauley Ross, Christopher DaSilva, Kellon King, Shekoor Damon and Dwayne July.

ELITE - Teusimar Peters, Tefon Green, Clairmonte Gibson, Jason Barker, Marlon Darrell, Clifton Graham, Dennis Thomas, Desmond Amsterdam and Eon Fraser.

The coaches named are Terrence Poole, Seibert Blake, Clifton Moore, Wincel Thomas, Admon Thomas, Steel Crawford and Lawrence Kellman.

so Guyana will definitely be on their best foot in order to represent ourselves,” continued Roshandin.

He indicated that his personal preparation is also up to par, as he continues to hone his skills ahead of next weekend’s battle.

He cited a game plan which includes, “I would prefer to qualify on the front row and lead from start to finish to rack up points for the Country Championships” As it is, Guyana are in third position in the Country Championships with 511

points, behind third-leg hosts Barbados (533) and second-round hosts Trinidad and Tobago (658) with the final leg set for the South Dakota Circuit Race weekend in Guyana is set for November 14-15.

Guyana’s Shiraz Roshandin leads Barbados Mark Thompson at the Wallerfield in Trinidad. (Gerrard Wilson photo)

Nobel House Seafoods 2nd Division semi-final set for Saturday ... GCA meets with captains, managers and coaches tomorrow

THE Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Noble House Seafoods-sponsored 2nd Division cricket competition will play its semi-final on Saturday at Georgetown Cricket Club ground (GCC), Bourda where the home side (GCC) will host the University of Guyana from 10:30hrs.

Action in the GCA’s New Building Society 2nd Division 40-over Cricket Competition will also be played over the weekend. On Saturday, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will take on St Stanislaus College at Turkeyen and at Camp Road, Transport will do battle with Police.

On Sunday, four matches will be played, all stating at 10:30hrs - Everest Cricket Club versus MYO at Camp Road, GYO against Ace Warriors at the GNIC ground and GDF face Third Class Cricket Club at Turkeyen. Transport and St Stanislaus College will clash at Malteenoes Cricket Club ground.

Meanwhile the GCA is inviting all its First Division cricket captains, managers and coaches to a very important meeting with its (GCA) competitions committee, tomorrow from 18:00hrs, at the GNIC pavilion.

According to the GCA, the main item on the agenda is the commencement of the new First Division 2-day competition.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

EBFA launches Sunburst U-17 League

See story on page 23

Petra Organisation/ GT&T Round Robin/Knockout league kicks off on Saturday

P

ETRA Organisation, thanks to long-time sponsors, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), will kick off its Round Robin/ Knockout League on Saturday November 7, featuring teams from Linden, Berbice and the East Coast of Demerara.

With the winner set to pocket $500 000, the league was officially launched yesterday in the Canteen of GT&T when Marketing Manager Anjanie Hackett handed over a cheque for an undisclosed sum to Co-Director of the Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca.

According to Hackett, GT&T’s support to the Petra Organisation comes easily, since the organisation has “demonstrated admirable organisational acumen combined with accountability and its long association with the company” Mendonca, in his response, thanked GT&T for putting trust in his organisation and promised a tournament of high

GT&T Marketing Manager Anjanie Hackett hands over the cheque to Petra Organisation’s Troy Mendonca in the presence of other GTT officials. (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo) quality.

Despite the challenge of bringing the various associations on board, Mendonca said it is designed to provide activities to the clubs that were not part of the STAG Elite League.

However, Mendonca told the gathering of Media and other officials of the company (GT&T) that teams from the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) will not be represented in the competition, due to non-communication from the recently elected Association, headed by ‘A’ Division Commander Clifton Hicken.

The East Bank Football Association (EBFA) and the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) declined an invitation to have their teams participate in the league.

FIFA’s Anton Corneal urges ‘Exco’ to understand importance of proper governance WITH 10 days to go before ‘D-Day’, FIFA’s Technical Development Officer, Anton Corneal, believes that the incoming Executive Committee of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), apart from having a holistic plan for the development of the game, must understand “the importance of proper governance”.

On November 14, eligible members of the GFF will head to the ballots to vote in one of the two slates presented to contest the elections.

Touted as ‘Team United’, Chairman of the Alliance for Change (AFC) and Attorney-At-Law Nigel Hughes will lead Odinga Lumumba, Mark Waldron, Aubrey Ma-

FIFA Technical Development Officer Anton Corneal

jor, Troy Cadogan, Javid Ali, Robbie Rambarran, Carmel Williams and Faizal Khan to the polls.

President of the Fruta Conquerors Football Club and businessman Wayne Forde will lead ‘Team Integrity’ which also has on its list of candidates Jullian Bruce Lovell, Rawlston Adams, Thandi McAllister, Dion Inniss, Magzene Stewart, Rayan Farias, and Keith Ojeer.

Corneal, who is responsible for overseeing development in FIFA’s affiliates within the South East Caribbean area, spoke on a number of issues relating to the development of the game in Guyana during a recent visit.

“Whichever slate gets into power, they have to understand the importance of proper governance because that is what is going to support the product, which is the game and the players, and it’s long overdue for Guyana because Guyana has always produced decent teams, even in not so best times,” Corneal said.

He added “I think with a proper structure and longterm plan, you will get a better product, so hopefully whoever takes over, they will continue what the Normalisation Committee did because they’ve done a phenomenal job; because remember that

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The Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA), East Coast Football Association (ECFA) and Berbice Football Association (BFA) received thanks for allowing their affiliates to participate in the league.

Linden will be represented by Topp XX, Winners Connection and Milerock; (Berbice) - New Amsterdam United and Rosignol United and (East Coast) - Victoria Kings, Golden Grove and Ann’s Grove.

The team to finish second will walk away with $250 000, third-placers $125 000 and fourth-placers $75 000.

Matches will be played at Mackenzie Sports Club ground in Linden, #5 ground, West Coast Berbice and the Victoria Community Centre ground on the East Coast of Demerara.

Review panel recommends disbanding of WICB

Former West Indies wicketkeeper Deryck Murray is a member of the Review panel.

AN INDEPENDENT Review Panel of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), established to examine the management of the game in the region by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB),

has recommended the disbanding of the institution.

The panel, chaired by Principal of the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies, Professor V Eudine Barriteau, included president of the Caribbean Court of Justice Sir Denis Byron, former Trinidad & Tobago and West Indies cricketer Deryck Murray, president of the Caribbean Development Bank Dr Warren Smith and president of the Grenada Cricket Association Dwain Gill.

According to a Jamaica Observer report, the committee based their findings on the fact that among other things, the model was outdated.

“In the 21st century Caribbean, the sporting

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2015