Chronicle 11 6 2015

GUYANA

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

Witness protection scheme coming FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2015

No. 104364

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– bill being fine-tuned at cabinet 3 P.

Students of the graduating Class of President’s College make their way to the auditorium for the convocation (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo) See story on page 7

Dwight Ferguson

Drug accused HJ partner Dwight surrenders P.8

House sitting rescheduled

P.3

…as gov’t cites pressing int’l engagements of key MPs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 6, 2015

Gov’t pumps over $1B into infrastructural projects …upgrade of airstrips, stellings targeted GOVERNMENT has cleared over $1B in contracts for execution of a number of projects primarily in the areas of infrastructure, education, aviation and Transport and Harbour.

For the past three weeks, government has been ramping up its award of contracts, which experts say might be part of its overall plan to revive a sluggish economy following the bruising elections

campaign which saw the ouster of the PPP/C. Earlier in its term in office, financial experts had suggested that one sure way of jump-starting the economy was for government to increase its spending, which could serve as a stimulus.

During his post-cabinet media briefing on Thursday, Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman announced that the Soesdyke/Linden/ Highway is among several

roads in Guyana that will be rehabilitated, utilising some $229M. Minister Trotman disclosed that Cabinet has granted its approval for the execution of 10 road projects in Regions 3, 4, 7, 9 and 10.

The Soesdyke/Linden Highway, which was constructed between 1966 and 1968 by B.B Mc. Cormick and Sons at the cost of US$17M, will undergo rehabilitation to the tune of $47.9M by SYMS General Construction. The particulars of the highway rehabilitation project were not immediately available.

However, in addition to the highway, the main access road on the West Bank of Demerara will be repaired at the cost of $18.1M by Design Perspectives, while the Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, Region 4 will be rehabilitated at the cost of $11.9M. At the community level, an additional $12.8M has been ap-

proved for the repair of roads in Kaneville, Golden Grove and Diamond along the East Bank of Demerara. The original contract sum was approximately $68.6M. It has since jumped to $81.5M. Meanwhile in Linden, Region 10, Damon Avenue, Mackenzie and Well Road which is situated in South Amelia’s Ward will undergo repairs at the cost of $15.5M. This project was contracted out to S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Construction.

Additionally, several sections of the stretch of road from Linden, Region 10 to Lethem, Region Nine will undergo significant rehabilitation. According to the Minister of Governance, RIM Construction Inc. will be rehabilitating the section that stretches from Rockstone to Mabura Hill at the cost of $31.3M while JR Ranch Inc. will be repairing from South Kurupukuri to Lethem. This contract was awarded to the

tune of $34.3M. Then the road stretching from Lethem to Katunarib and Aishalton to Craudar will be rehabilitated at the cost of $28.4M. BK International has been awarded that project.

Finally, from Katunarib to Aishalton, SYMS General Contractors would repair the road at the cost of $28.3M. Complementing the road projects will be the rehabilitation of a bridge at Mon Repos #2 Railway Embankment in Region 4 and the installation of water-transmission mains (pipelines) and service connection upgrades along Duncan Street, Campbell Avenue and Durey Lane, Georgetown. The bridge project which was awarded to H. Nauth and Sons Civil Engineering Contractors will be executed as the cost of $16.4M while the latter project will be done by NABI Construction Inc., using some $81.6M. Additionally, drains will be constructed between One to Five Miles Bartica/Potaro Road, Region 7 using some $40.2M. That contract was awarded to H. Nauth and Sons.

TRANSPORT AND HARBOUR In the area of Transport and Harbour, Minister Trotman disclosed that Cabinet signalled its no-objection for the rehabilitation of the Bartica stelling. This contract,

which was awarded to JR Edmonson Building Works, will be executed at a cost of $30.6M. Meanwhile, over at Region 3, the Leguan stelling will be repaired using some $24.3M by S. Maraj Contracting Service. M.V. Kimbia, M.V. Sandaka and M.V. Barima will be rehabilitated using $107.4M, $33.4M, and $150.6M, respectively. The contracts for these projects were awarded to the Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) and Courtney Benn Construction Services Ltd. AIRSTRIPS The contract for execution of upgrades to the Eteringbang Airstrip in Region 7 was awarded to Kares Engineering Inc to the tune of $60.8M while the Mahdia Airstrip in Region 8 will be rehabilitated at a cost of $50.7M by Technocon Investment, Procurement and General Contracting Solutions.

SLUICES Meanwhile, in Region 3, approval has been given for the construction of a sluice at Bagotville, West Bank Demerara. According to the Governance Minister, an increase in the amount allocated of $7.5M was approved for the sluice to be upgraded from a wooden structure to a concrete and steel structure.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 6, 2015

Witness protection scheme coming – bill being fine-tuned at cabinet

By Svetlana Marshall TO bring the country on par with its CARICOM sister states, the Government of Guyana will be moving to establish a Witness Protection Programme through enactment of the Witness Protection Bill, 2015.

It is anticipated that the Bill will soon be placed before the National Assembly after being reviewed by a sub-committee at the level of Cabinet.

Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman made this disclosure yesterday while addressing the press at the Ministry of the Presidency.

It was explained that with the enactment of the bill, a Witness Protection Programme will be established for the protection of witnesses who give evidence in

the courts of Guyana. “The legislation would ensure protection of witnesses and their families against intimidation and or physical harm during and after their involvement in court proceedings,” Minister Trotman said.

Protection for state witnesses in criminal matters here has been a thorny issue over the years. This had come into sharp focus when a number of high-profile murder cases collapsed because of the lack of witnesses.

SAFE HOUSES, NEW IDENTITIES Trotman said the bill will include several measures such as the establishment of safe houses, granting assistance to participants and the provision of new identities where necessary. According to the minister, the Witness

Protection Bill which will subsequently lead to the development of the Witness Protection Programme forms part of a CARICOM crime security initiative. It was pointed out that Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica have already been collaborating in the area of witness protection by facilitating the movement of witnesses before, during and after trials.

Barbados is also participating in the process, but to a lesser extent.

As such, the enactment of this bill would allow Guyana to enter into that existing framework. “I have no doubt that Guyana would avail itself of the opportunity to do so…but it is a CARICOM initiative and Guyana is now coming on stream,” the government minister noted. To ensure an effective roll-out of this initiative, the

his recent visit to Jamaica committed £300m to fund a number of initiatives, inclusive of security projects and programmes.

Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman

country would be turning to its international partners such as the United States and the United Kingdom for financial and technical support.

Trotman pointed out that in addition to the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative which is being financed by the U.S., UK Prime Minister David Cameron during

TOBACCO CONTROL BILL Though the Witness Protection Bill is before the sub-committee as a matter of policy, it has already received the approval of Cabinet. In addition to this Bill, the Tobacco Control Bill 2015 is also being reviewed by the sub-committee.

“The Tobacco Control Bill will provide the adoption and implementation of tobacco control policies in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control,” the Minister of Governance explained.

He said it aims at protecting present and future generations from the negative effects of tobacco use,

and exposure from tobacco smoke. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco (WHO FCTC) is the first international treaty negotiated under the auspices of the health organisation.

It dates back to May 2003, when it was adopted by the World Health Assembly; however, it was only entered into force in February, 2005. According to the WHO, “it has since become one of the most rapidly and widely embraced treaties in the United Nations history.”

According to the WHO: “The FCTC was developed in response to the globalisation of the tobacco epidemic and is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health.

The Convention represents a milestone for the promotion of public health and provides new legal dimensions for international health cooperation.”

House sitting rescheduled …as gov’t cites pressing int’l engagements of key MPs

The Government of Guyana has requested that the Sitting of the National Assembly scheduled for November 12th, 2015, be rescheduled to a later date.

The request for the rescheduling was made on Thursday by Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business Moses Nagamootoo to House Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland. According to a release from

the Office of the Prime Minister, the request for the rescheduling was made as a result of Guyana’s attendance at an international summit. From November 9th to 13th the Summit of South American-Arab Countries (ASPA) will be held in Saudi Arabia and Guyana’s attendance is of critical importance at this time. This has necessitated the attendance of His Excellency, President David

Granger and Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge.

The Government notes that during this period several other key government functionaries, Members of Parliament and Clerks of the Assembly are likely to be on travel duties overseas to attend important conferences and training courses.

“In an effort to ensure a full complement of Members of Parliament in the National

Assembly, the Leader of Government Business had previously requested that the sitting be brought forward to Monday, November 9th, 2015 but he later withdrew that request to the Honourable Speaker as it did not satisfy the requirement of six days notice for a change of date,” the OPM release stated. “The Government of Guyana expresses regret for requesting the rescheduling of the Sitting

Gov’t pumps over $1B into...

Similar works will be executed at the sluice at La Grange using an additional $7.5M. In the area of waste disposal and sanitation, Cabinet granted its no-objection for the upgrade of the Lusignan Landfill site, Region 4. The contract was awarded to Puran Brothers Disposal Inc to the tune of $80.7M. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance Students Loan Agency building at the University of Guyana will be constructed

by Simcon Engineering Company at the cost of $15.8M. Approval was also granted for the supply of water-treatment chemicals to Guyana Water Inc. The contracts were awarded to Castalloy Co. Ltd (Hydrated Lime – $70.9M), Castalloy Co Ltd. (Calcium Hypochlorite – $88.9M) and S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies (Salt – $5.5M.)

EDUCATION Understanding the importance of developing the abilities of students in the area of science, Cabinet, Minister Trotman said, approved the procurement of laboratory equipment for the University of Guyana.

Basic and advanced biology, chemistry and physics equipment will be supplied

by Sotex International at the cost of £299,174.73 while materials science equipment will be procured by CEDI Europe at the cost of US$161,772. CEDI also won the contract for the procurement of control engineering equipment at the cost of US$119,387. Anologic Solutions has been awarded the contract for the supply of gas-analysis equipment. This contract was awarded at the cost of US$116,826.

Analytical chemical, measurement, heat, and gen-

eral equipment will be procured at a collective cost of US$361,537.

Additionally, Cabinet granted its no-objection for the supply of dietary supplies to the Essequibo Technical Institute, totalling more than $17M.

of the National Assembly of November 12,” noting that it is of national importance that Guyana, as an emerging oil-producing state, participate in this strategic summit.

ASPA is a bi-regional mechanism for cooperation and political coordination. ASPA is made up of the 22 member states of the League of Arab States and the twelve countries of South America.

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo

From page 2

Meanwhile, Cabinet also signalled its no-objection for the procurement of nine tractors for the Ministry of Communities at the cost of $50.7M. Additionally, nine hydraulic skip lift trailers will also be procured for the

same ministry at the cost of $42.5M. Both projects were awarded to General Equipment Guyana Ltd. UMANA YANA In keeping with a promise made to the people of Guyana, primarily the in-

digenous community, Cabinet granted its no-objection for the supply of materials for the reconstruction of the Umana Yana which was destroyed by fire. The contract was awarded to Collin Andrews and Paul Chekema at the cost of $48.093M.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 6, 2015

Berbice Bridge deal expected soon THE ongoing negotiation between the Government of Guyana and the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) is likely to be concluded soon with a mutually agreeable position being met.

Since the announcement of the budgetary measures which included reduction of tolls at the Berbice Bridge, the government and BBCI have been at loggerheads.

However, Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman said yesterday that the parties are now engaging in talks. “We The Berbice Bridge are very optimistic that we will come to a mutually agreeable position,” Trotman told reporters at the Ministry of the is not likely that an agreement ed that within the next few Presidency. will be concretised over the weeks, they “should be able to And while at this stage it next 48 hours, it is expect- have it all worked out.”

$40M SUBVENTION Just recently, the BBCI management disclosed that it

would have submitted correspondence to the government accepting the proposed $40M subvention towards the reduction of the toll. In the correspondence, the bridge company made several proposals covering multiple aspects of the relationship between the BBCI and the administration.

In addition to the proposals made by the BBCI, the government had said that it was considering an offer by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) to sell its shares in the Berbice Bridge Company. DDL has offered to sell its shares for $45 million.

The BBCI had first rejected the government’s offer of financial support on the premise that its shareholders had not

been consulted on the matter.

HIGH TOLLS The government, in an effort to relieve the travelling public from paying high tolls, implemented river taxis. This mode of transportation was far cheaper and very successful, resulting in thousands of people, including schoolchildren, utilising the boats.

The government’s proposal is to reduce the toll from $2,200 to $1,900 for passenger cars and buses, along with a 10 per cent reduction for other classes of vehicles. However, the bridge company will not lose, as the difference of the reduction will be borne by government.

Bai Shan Lin puts company on pause

CHINESE logging company Bai Shan Lin is nowhere close to fulfilling its contractual agreement of setting up a wood-processing plant here.

Minister of Governance R a p h a e l Tr o t m a n , w h o oversees the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, said based on his last discussion with the Chinese company, it is in no position to establish the wood processing facility which would have allowed it to manufacture value-added products.

“When I last spoke with

…asks for time to set up wood-processing plant

Minister Raphael Trotman

them about three weeks ago, they were in no position to have the mills which are expected within the next 10 months. They have asked for two years,” Minister Trotman noted. In response the government would have asked Bai Shan Lin to consider the usage of alternative mills that could be sourced in and around the Region.

According to Minister Trotman, the companies operation is at a “pause,” explaining that it is in the process of restructuring. He added that in light of restructuring, Bai Shan Lin is soliciting financial assistance from the Chinese Development Bank – a financial institution in which he

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would have met with recently.

When the restructuring process is completed, Minister Trotman said the company will move to re-engage the government, noting that the establishment of the wood processing facility is dependent on Bai Shan Lin securing new finances.

Shortly after taking office, the government had issued a warning to Bai Shan Lin, indicating that failure to honour its agreement by the end of the year could result in the termination of its contract.

The Chinese company, which operates in close proximity to Linden, Region 10 would have failed to make good

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on its promise to establish a wood-processing facility while operating under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government.

Realising the loopholes within the system with respect to the management and utilisation of the country’s forestry resources, the Government through the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment started the process of reviewing the agreements and concessions awarded to the company.

According to Trotman, this review is still in progress.

According to Bai Shan Lin, in 2014 it invested more than US$160M in developing its operations here. The company had further pointed out that back in 2008 it had applied to the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) and other agencies to access lease lands for the establishment of a wood processing factory and to engage in value-added production. “We were granted that lease for the construction of our processing plan four years after we applied for it. The lease is

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around 200 acres of lands located in Region 10.” However, the company had said that it would have preferred lands closer to port Georgetown, but the then administration insisted that the factory be set up in Region 10, allowing for the creation of jobs.

Despite its ability to fulfil its primary objective, the company had said it remained committed to fulfilling its social responsibility, noting too that it had every intention of setting up the plant here.

“Specialist engineers in China drew up the layout and design of this factory in the beginning stages of our company’s engagement in Guyana. The estimated cost of setting it up is in excess of US$80 million. We began clearing the lands but encountered difficulties with the administration of Region 10. Objections were made about processing 100,000m³ logs per year,” the company had complained.

According to the company, US$30M has been spent on preparatory work for the wood-processing plant.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 6, 2015

Bandits nabbed after Mahaicony supermarket robbery TWO suspects in the brazen robbery committed at J. Singh & Sons Supercenter at Mahaicony East Coast Demerara, Wednesday evening were arrested in the Mahaicony area yesterday morning.

According to reports, the two suspects were at the time of their apprehension hiding in a bushy area which farmers were clearing with cutlasses.

One of the suspects was accidently chopped while hiding under some leaves while the other bandit was held later after being shot by the police as he made a dash to freedom.

Both of them along with another suspect who was apprehended on Wednesday after they committed the robbery remain at the Georgetown

Public Hospital under police guard. The third suspect was severely beaten by angry residents who had come out to assist in apprehending the men.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday afternoon with a partly swollen and black and blue right eye, proprietress Lakerany Singh said that she along with two other staff members and her son were at the business premises, where her home is also located, when the bandits arrived.

She said they were four bandits and as they entered her premises she bid them ‘good afternoon’ but only two of them responded before making their way into her supermarket. The woman said

that within seconds the men began putting on white gloves and before she knew it they were ordering everyone to be silent as they took control of the business place.

As the men were pulling on their gloves, two customers who were about to enter the store saw them and made an about turn and reportedly made contact with the police at Mahaicony Police Station.

However, it took the police some two hours to arrive at the location although they are just five minutes’ drive away from the supermarket that was being robbed according to the business woman.

And during this time, the victims were being brutalized at the hands of the gun and knife-wielding bandits.

PPP wants gov’t to discuss Amaila --threatens to tell every village the ‘truth’ about the project

THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is accusing the government of not being correct on several pronouncements on the Amaila Falls deal as it calls for a discussion on the project.

If the Administration refuses, the Opposition party said it will fan out village by village to disclose the ‘truth’.

The PPP in a statement claimed that the government’s position on the mega project can be summarised in the 2015 Budget debate when Finance Minister Winston Jordan told the House that to proceed with Amaila would be “a downright criminal act of deception”.

According to the PPP, the minister had said the government’s “investigations” revealed that the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) would be required to make annual payments amounting to US$130 million to the operators of the hydro facility, which will total US$2.6 billion over 20 years.

For starters, the PPP said the figure was not to be US$130 million per year; it was to be approximately US$100 million per year. That would have bought about 50 per cent more power than GPL’s entire generation in 2012. The PPP contends that to generate that much power without Amaila Falls would cost GPL almost $200 million using 2012 costs.

Mr Jordan had said that the government’s plans to not proceed with Amaila Falls were “strongly supported by the experts at the Inter-American Development Bank, who had considered the project to be too risky to attract the bank’s financing”.

But the PPP said the people should not listen to the Finance Minister as they deserve better, and the Amaila Falls Project was no “criminal deception” as he told the National Assembly. The party which was in government for 23 years before it was voted out at the last elections, said if the government does not go ahead with the Amaila project, Guyanese for years will have to contend with high electricity prices, which is already damaging the competiveness of the private sector and the economy.

The PPP is calling on the Government to join with it in a conversation on the Amaila Falls that is based on reason and globally credible analysis, and as a start, Minister Jordan should set the record straight, and “apologise for his inaccurate remarks to the National Assembly concerning Amaila Falls”.

The party led by former President Bharrat Jagdeo said if Mr Jordan and other members of the government still want assistance, after he apologises, its members are ready to avail themselves.

“But if the government does not want to join with us, we will instead take the discussion on electricity prices and the cost of living to the people of our country, village by village. We will explain the facts on Amaila Falls. “Today’s low oil prices provide an ideal backdrop to move quickly with Amaila Falls, and to use the time of low oil prices to prepare for when they start going up again – as all global experts predict that they will,” the PPP said. It said there is no more time to lose and this is why it wants a discussion that will help the people of Guyana to look at Amaila Falls for themselves, and would welcome the government’s participation in the discussion.

… one shot, another accidentally chopped

The police During the robbery, the victims were ordered to lie on the floor as their valuables were stripped from them. The proprietress who pretended to be just another worker at the establishment kept denying that she was the owner while the men demanded to know the whereabouts of the owner and the location of the money and other valuables.

The woman’s son who was the cashier at the time was held up by one of the bandits who demanded that he hand over the day’s sales

dog that assisted in the search. ly made their escape using and he complied. The men the woman’s car which was also demanded the keys to later abandoned after the the upper flat of the building businesswoman’s son and her and that was also handed husband gave chase. over.

The Guyana Chronicle Once upstairs the men observed yesterday that the ransacked the place while police were at Mahaicony the proprietress and another after they had received employee were held in a information that one of the room where one of the bansuspects in the robbery dits saw the CCTV system was hiding. The police had and became enraged as he one of their K-9 dogs and a demanded the disc. He then metal detector when they began beating the woman to were able to unearth a the point that she was bleed9MM pistol. The police ining and almost blacked out. vestigations into the matter The bandits subsequentare ongoing.

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Guyana

EDITORIAL

Prison reform

THE society has a responsibility to contribute in influencing a national conversation on the state of our prison system and what we desire of it and a serious conversation must start now.

The prison has been and will continue to be an institution in society. Recognising that the prison encompasses people who are citizens, it must not only be looked at as a penal system but a reformist institution that prepares the incarcerated for re-integration into society. Recent reports that this population has a high prevalence of HIV must be of concern and tackled with the same commitment with which the disease is handled in the wider society.

To bring about desired results, the problem has to be accepted in all its variances and then a system of education put in place to the address its complexities. Difficult as it may be for some to accept, there is need for recognition that we live in an era where rights are universal and not constrained to any particular group. As such, there is need for acceptance or respect for the various sexual orientation sand preferences in society and moreso what will likely happen within the prison’s walls.

Containing the HIV virus and preventing its spread and other sexually transmitted infections require new thinking that brings with it acknowledgement of the reality, putting systems in place to work within this reality through sexual education, protection and medical treatment. Even as emphasis is placed on sexual education, other factors can simultaneously be addressed.

The walls of the prisons are bursting at their seams given the larger population than what they were originally designed for. This is in itself a violation of prisoners’ rights and in some society there would be an outcry to have this corrected. The disgust for criminal actions must not translate to violation of human rights which prisoners are too guaranteed.

Addressing reform will require reviewing sentencing based on the type of crime. Innovative ways can be examined to dispense with petty crimes such as stealing a bicycle, wherein justice can be dispensed through community service in a controlled environment. Sentencing for marijuana should also be examined as a matter of priority, including decriminalisation of a certain amount or for medical reason.

President Granger’s initiative of pardoning young men who had committed non-violent offences must be considered a good intent to kick start a major prison reformation.

The prison population can be placed in several difference groups since the one-size fits all system is a proven failure. Even as inmates are taught CXC and basic technical education, such can be complemented with programmes like an effective parole system designed towards preparing prisoners for reintegration and reducing the congestion that presently exists.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 6, 2015

Is there a causal relationship between alcohol use and violence?

GUYANA’s Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan is very correct in his ruling that there shall be no extension of the opening hours of bars and night clubs beyond the 2 a.m. curfew. What is really wrong with the Private Sector Commission (PSC) to publicly appeal for a lifting of this curfew? Did they not do their homework into understanding the adverse impact of opening bars after 2 a.m.? This sort of mediocre advocacy has to improve.

The cost of alcohol-drinking to the world is immense and I am not talking about the cost of the bottle. I am speaking about the hospital bills, the bills to repair personal property and the perma-

nent mental degradation in millions of people because of alcohol abuse. It is no different from Guyana. In countries like England, where these types of statistics are collected, the correlation between alcohol-drinking and crime is real. It is not a perception, no Sir. Guyana is slowly moving to becoming the “drunk tank of the Caribbean” with all of its sociological disorders, so the minister’s call is in order. In England, according to the Association of Chief Police Officers, more than 50 percent of the criminals caught had alcohol in their systems.

The Crime Survey for England and Wales clearly revealed that victims of wounding, robbery

and assault were of the opinion that 47 percent of their criminal oppressors were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the criminal offence. For sexual assault, the Survey revealed that 40 percent of the victims believe their oppressor was under the influence. In the case of child abuse, 33 percent of the victims could have detected alcohol from the breath of the perpetrator of the crime.

Unfortunately, we do not collect these kinds of detailed statistics in Guyana, because of the abominable types of police investigation we conduct in Guyana and thus we can never know the extent of the adverse impact. It would be interesting to see the

Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Guyana doing one of these surveys across the country to detect a perception of what people think of this alcohol-drinking after 2 a.m. No, I have not even addressed the issue of road safety. So to the minister, I say well done for staying the course on this curfew business – 2 a.m. is 2 a.m. And to the visitors expected to be in Guyana, they can all drink at home with their families after 2 a.m., but there is nothing stopping them from socialising publicly after 2 a.m. on coconut water and cane juice.

Regards SASE SINGH

PPP owes Berbice TV hosts

Dear Editor,

THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) did immense work in the Berbice area during the last election campaign which ended in May. Work began as early as January with a series of television programmes on various TV stations in Berbice which dealt with interviews of ministers and other senior leaders of the party.

The party subsequently won the region with a sweeping majority. However, sadly, to date, the party still owes persons who were involved in those

TV programmes as well as some TV stations. Mr. Editor, every avenue to gain the attention of the party to this issue has been met with little or no serious attention, like just being brushed aside. The matter of the party’s debt to these programmes was brought to the attention in person to the Leader of the Opposition. Freedom House is fully aware of these concerns as numerous calls and letters were sent to the senior party officials, yet nobody is saying anything as to the way forward for payments.

I am kindly asking

Every incarcerated individual, outside of those on death row or life imprisonment, is expected to re-integrate into society. Taking cognisance of this reality requires a reform structure that is deep, focused and incisive with consideration for the varied groups.

It should be considered that prison life must bring with it new opportunities or second chance to pursue a life of legitimacy and productivity through acquisition of knowledge and development of appropriate life skills.

In the wider society efforts can also be made to empower the citizenry of the various crimes and corresponding penalties via roadway signs, etc., which play a role in deterring crime.

Our prison system has remained in an era the world has moved beyond. For instance, Camp Street which is the major prison, is

the Opposition Leader to seriously look into this matter. It is not fair that after so many months after elections have passed that these accounts have not been settled. I am very disappointed too in the manner in which the party is dealing with this matter ,as nobody is ever available to talk or to meet. I personally have reached out to Mr. Jagdeo while he was in Berbice in October and delivered more letters and invoices at his request in hand to PPP Executive Secretary Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha. The

TV stations too in New Amsterdam are calling for this matter to be urgently addressed. Please publish this letter so that the leaders can give some serious consideration to our concerns. Expressing the matter here in these columns was a last resort, because I have tried umpteen times to make contact with senior party leaders, but nobody is ever available to talk to you. That is really not nice and that is not the way the PPP should treat its supporters.

LEON SUSERAN

not only overcrowded, but the time is past nigh where for its original purpose it should be outside of Georgetown that is not only congested but also displaying signs of crises in urban planning. When this prison was built it was situated on the periphery of the town.

And given that the prison system is being managed at a tidy sum to the taxpayers, attention ought to be paid to value for money. Applying this principle can see a system put in place targeting reduction in recurring offenders by separating them from the hardened criminals who can influence them to a life of crime. Prison reform is possible in the presence of will and commitment, but such must also be seen as a matter of necessity to bring Guyana into the 21st century

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 6, 2015

President’s College graduation

Granger says nation needs ‘second independence’ …to free citizens from dependency, discrimination “IF you want to preserve your independence, you have to be eternally vigilant. Similarly, if you want to protect your careers, your reputation, your future you have to be continuously educated and re-educated.” This was the charge given

by President David Granger to the 2015 graduating class of President’s College on Thursday.

In his remarks, the President spoke of the need for a “second independence”, which he says will free citizens from dependency, discrimination, domination and abuse of their rights and freedoms. “This College, by celebrating this rite of graduation of young adults, reaffirms the faith that the founders of this nation …placed on the value of education,” the President said.

Referencing the advancing communication and technological age, the President called for a stronger focus on science and technology to meet the development needs of Guyana, as well as to ensure that the country keeps up with the rest of the world. He said, “Many small countries like ours, with highly educated societies, have been successful in providing a higher quality of life for their citizens.”

In this light, the Head of State iterated the need for a new approach to public education if Guyana is to succeed and compete in this highly technological world. This new approach, he said, must emphasise science, technology, engineering and mathematics, (STEM). “Guyana cannot progress in this modern world without mastering modern communications technology. Global problems; such as combating the adverse

effects of climate change and finding cures for epidemic diseases, cancers or viruses, all demand scientific solutions and we have to produce scientists who can solve these problems.”

Even as he reflected on Guyana’s Independence in 1966, President Granger said that declaration merely replaced the physical images and removed the legal symbols of foreign dependency.

That Independence movement, he noted, was incomplete. “It left many citizens in the new state languishing in the shadow of dependency, with its poverty, prejudices and political partisanship.

There must be change,” the President said.

The graduating class was also reminded that Independence and education are not free. Both, the President said, must be persistently sought after and jealously guarded.

While speaking on the new approach, the President said, President’s College, like other colleges in Guyana, will be assured that it will remain an institution of excellence.

He stressed that no college student anywhere in Guyana should ever again be forced to fetch water to wash, or to fetch wood to cook.

“Wells should never be allowed to run dry. Classrooms and dormitories should not suffer power outages. Play fields must be used for sport, not as cow pastures. Computer and science laboratories and technical workshops must not become junkyards. Libraries must not become museums,” the President lament-

ed. These statements were made in light of deteriorating conditions at the college over the past decade.

Meanwhile this year’s valedictorian, Ms. Alicia Hartman, speaking on behalf of the graduating class, spoke of how honored she and her fellow students are to have been a part of such a noble learning institution. She said it was at this institution, where she was challenged to appreciate diversity and was instilled with the values of humility and service to all.

“After the past seven years I could firmly state that this institution is exceptional and the experience I gained here is incomparable with that of any other,” Alicia said. She added that President’s College presented her and other graduates with alternative areas of inquiry, and helped them appreciate the value of education through a unique perspective.

More importantly, Alicia said that it was during her five years at the college that she began to recognise the truth in the quote “be more concerned with your character than your reputation”, since one’s character is what a person really is, while reputation is merely what others think of you.

Also on the occasion, Mr. Lumumba Angoy, Treasurer of the President’s College Alumni Incorporated, while delivering the charge to the students, reminded them that their years at the institution was impacted by the vision of founder and former President of Guyana, Forbes Sampson Burnham, who envisioned

that the school would mold the minds of the nation’s leaders. “You must understand that the high price of your education has created in you high value and whenever a high price precedes high value, high returns are expected,” Angoy said.

This year, 30 students graduated, having successfully completed the Caribbean Advance Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and 92 graduated having completed the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC). This year the school secured hundred percent passes at CAPE in Agricultural Science, Art and Design, Biology, Entrepreneurship, Food and Nutrition, Geography and Environmental Science.

This year’s top CSEC performers are Nurendra Gopaul who secured ten grade

President David Granger addresses the gathering ( Cullen Bess-Nelson photo) ones, Premeshwar Ramnath has significantly improved who also secured ten grade as in 2013 the rate stood ones, and Venise David at 50.7 %, 2014; 77.9 and who secured eight grade 2015, rose to 82.11. These ones and three grade twos. figures reflect the number Nurendra and Premeshwar of students who gained five shared the Best Graduating passes and more, inclusive students’ prize. Notably of mathematics and English over the last three years the at CSEC. (Ministry of the school’s matriculation rate Presidency)

President Granger presents Awards to the 2015 valedictorian, Alicia Hartman (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)

Graduates listen attentively as President Granger delivers the feature address (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)

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Drug accused HJ partner Dwight surrenders WITH the Canadian authorities expressing an interest in him last month after they had brought down a cocaine and gun-running ring in that country, the local Guyanese entertainer attached to the Hits and Jams Entertainment company on Wednesday evening turned himself over to law enforcement in that country.

This was communicated to Guyanese authorities and confirmed by head of the Customs Anti- Narcotics Unit (CANU) James Singh when contacted by this publication last evening. Singh said that he is aware that the young man now in the custody of the Canadian law-enforcement agency as was communicated to him by them, but could not provide details with respect to who the lawyer is that accompanied the young man into the police.

Dwight Ferguson was wanted after the guns and cocaine ring that has connections to Guyana and other Caribbean countries was

busted. The police in Canada held a press conference where they spoke extensively about the operation and also mentioned the Guyanese name.

Just days before that bust, the young man had travelled to that country and when word of the bust was circulated, he quickly went into hiding. The other persons who were arrested have all been placed before the courts in Canada and Dwight is expected to face the same fate also.

The law-enforcement body in Canada is convinced that the young man is part and parcel of the ring and it was during the press conference last month that the police there stated that the persons who were arrested as part of the ring are not low-level players, but rather persons who have been very much involved in shipping guns and cocaine into Canada.

Since the story about the involvement of Dwight and his role in allegedly smuggling cocaine and

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 6, 2015

China ready to work with Guyana on renewable energy

Dwight Ferguson

drugs into Canada, there has been no official word from the Hits and Jams Company here in Guyana regarding the matter. Hits and Jams is one of the leading promotion companies in Guyana which is known for hosting successful regional and international shows locally featuring artistes from the Caribbean and North America among other places. Dwight Ferguson is also the brother of one of the part owners of Hits and Jams Entertainment.

From left: Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, President David Granger, China’s Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency Mr. Zhang Limin and Minister of State Joseph Harmon, before the meeting was convened

CHINA’s Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Limin says his government will be working closely with Guyana in the areas of renewable energy generation and infrastructural development.

The Ambassador made the pledge when he met with President David Granger,

Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, and Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman at the Ministry of the Presidency Thursday morning.

In addition, views were exchanged on strengthening current and future cooperation between Guy-

ana and China. In 1972, Guyana became the first English-speaking Caribbean country to recognise the People’s Republic of China, and after more than 42 years of friendship and cooperation, the bilateral relations, shared by these two countries continue to flourish.

Youths should focus on enterprise to develop communities – UWI lecturer

By Rabindra Rooplall UNDER the theme ‘Rethinking Community Development; A Social Enterprise Approach,’ the issue of wealth creation through enterprise which generates employment was related to youths attending a public lecture under the umbrella of the office of the Presidential Adviser on Youth Empowerment in collaboration with the Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC).

The event was held yesterday at the Queen’s College Auditorium. According to Presidential Adviser on Youth Empowerment Aubrey Norton, social enterprises can play a key part in the solution. Young people can benefit from enterprises that can build their skills and confidence; that can create and keep wealth in “our most deprived communities, and that can build trust and responsibility, provide role models, reward hard work and give young people a voice and a stake in their own development.”

Dr. K’adamawe K’nife – Lecturer/Researcher at the University of the West Indies making a point to the audience during his address on ‘Rethinking Community Development; A Social Enterprise Approach.’

The feature presentation was delivered by Dr. K’adamawe K’nife – Lecturer/ Researcher at the University of the West Indies. In his lecture, Dr. K’nife explored how social enterprises can contribute to community development with a focus on youth development, gender mainstreaming and sustainable development. High youth unemployment plagues the region; in the case of Guyana as high as 40 percent.

According to the lecturer, economic and community

development are not separate but one unit since development is change in the capacity to act and innovate using the movement from economic growth to economic development. He noted that the main objective of community development is working to make people aware of the various problems facing the community. Cures for the various problems would include: educational activities, recreational, entrepreneurial employment and healthy living which will eventually

open opportunities for better living standards.

Emphasising that patriotism should be also encompassed in love and national unity, the lecturer disclosed that only as a unit, communities will benefit from true development since this gives a hand to government in promoting development and growth within a country.

He underscored that as community developers have long recognised, the problems that contribute to poverty are very much inter-connected.

While poverty cannot be explained as merely a consequence of housing, education, and health, each poses unique challenges to low-income families at the community level, and none can be understood independently of one another.

To take the innovative solutions developed at the neighborhood level across the entire country, there are fundamental principles: use a clear set of measurable results. Successful community development requires a focus on a clear set of measurable results for children, families, and communities.

Adding that there is need to use existing resources more efficiently and effectively, the UWI lecturer explained that citizens must closely examine what works, being willing to challenge existing orthodoxy.

That requires a re-invigorated research agenda that evaluates programs rigorously and provides evidence to facilitate continuous improvement.

Alluding to the fact that focus should be placed on people and places, he said

in order to address barriers that arise from individual life circumstances as well as neighborhood and regional environments, efforts must be both people-based and place-based. This work must be centered on people-based policies and programs that increase economic mobility and break inter-generational cycles of poverty, including macro-level policies that ensure future economic growth is accompanied by real increases in wages and median incomes, as well as micro-level policies to support healthy child development, academic success, skills development, economic stability, geographic mobility, and work. They also must promote responsibility, to emphasise the importance of graduating from high school, making responsible parenting choices, and seeking and maintaining fulltime work. And they must incorporate place-based access to opportunity, and counteract the place effects of concentrated poverty.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 6, 2015

GPF launches Fallen Heroes Foundation – Ramjattan proposes police insurance scheme

couraging persons who can afford it, to come out and donate to the cause.

GROUP INSURANCE SCHEME Moreover, Minister Ramjattan proposed that they should introduce a policing group insurance scheme, which will allow police officers to at least take $100 out of their salaries to put towards their insurance.

This, he noted, will be beneficial to them in the long run, given that in the event of a mishap, they would have some sort of financial support which will be available to them, or in some instances their families.

Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan and Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud pose with members of the Foundation

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has launched Fallen Heroes Foundation Inc. in honour of those members who have died in the line of duty, in order to provide various forms of assistance to their families.

Some, years after their demise, others recently, will now rest in peace as their

families are set to receive adequate assistance in terms of hampers, school fees for children and other kinds of assistance from the GPF Heroes Foundation.

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan lauded this initiative, saying that, “The members of the police force can now benefit

from further solidarity… since my tenure began I have noticed a change in the attention given to the force, which allows for a better livelihood.”

UTMOST RESPECT AND SOLIDARITY He referred to the way things were done by the New

York Police Department (NYPD) when one of their comrades, a Guyanese, died while carrying out his duties.

“We must adopt this way, and treat our fallen heroes with utmost respect and solidarity…as such this is a major stepping stone in that direction,” said the Public Security Minister, while en-

DONATIONS Being the first to initiate the foundation, Ramjattan on behalf of his family and himself donated $100,000. This was followed by Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence, who also donated $100,000 on behalf of herself and an additional $500,000 on behalf of the ministry.

In her remarks, Minister Lawrence said that, “After many years of talks a foundation has finally been

formed, and as such I believe that it will prove to be very beneficial to the families of these fallen heroes.”

She noted that since emphasis will be placed on education, this makes the initiative even better and even more impactful.

Speaking about the ideas behind the initiative, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud reflected on the last four ranks who died in the line of duty - Ellias, Cleto, Pantlitz and Dawson - and their dependants who were left without any hope of financial support to continue their lives.

President of the Foundation Reverend Raphael Massiah, said that he and all the other members of the new body who were drawn from the Force’s Cops and Faith Network, together with a business executive, are all proud to be involved and responsible for bringing about positive changes in the lives of the families of slain police ranks.

Meanwhile, other stakeholders in the business community also used the opportunity to make contributions to the initiative.

Jordan opens 2016 budget consultations …tells PSC that private sector credit has increased FINANCE Minister Winston Jordan on Thursday met with members of the Private Sector Commission as he begins consultations on the 2016 national budget.

Jordan and a high-level team from the ministry including Finance Secretary Dr. Hector Butts, met with Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Major General (Rtd) Norman Mc. Lean and other representatives of the PSC. According to a Ministry of Finance release, among the issues raised was the private sector’s concern about the present state of the economy. In response, Minister Jordan reported that information coming out of the Bureau of Statistics shows that the outlook for the economy remains positive for the rest of the year, while acknowledging that the first half of the year was affected by a downturn that began in 2014. He further noted that at a recent IMF/World Bank Annual Meeting he

Finance Minister Winston Jordan and his staff consulting with members of the Private Sector Commission on the 2016 national budget (Ministry of Finance photo)

attended, it was revealed that world economic growth had slowed, and so the challenge of a slowdown in growth was not peculiar to Guyana.

The minister told the meeting that the latest Bank of Guyana statistics indicate that private sector credit and production have seen positive growth for the period January to October and projected that this growth will continue into the final quarter of 2015. “Likewise, other positive economic indicators showed Real Estate

Mortgage loans rising by 12 percent, and Construction and Engineering by 9 percent,” Jordan said according to the release.

On the production side, rice grew by 15 percent between January to July; and sugar by four percent for the period January to October, while positive growth was recorded for diamonds, eggs, poultry meat and electricity, among other sectors.

These, he said, should boost investors’ confidence in the economy as well as catalyse

the private sector to renew their resolve to increase their investments in production as well as in value-added services. The PSC welcomed the news that private sector credit had increased by six percent between January and September.

Minister Jordan told the PSC that the government was pursuing new markets for rice, to which there have been very encouraging responses and also reminded them that for the first time in the recent past sugar pro-

duction had exceeded the target. The PSC for its part discussed challenges with the VAT Refunds system employed by the GRA,in response to which the minister pointed to the functioning Tax Reform Commission as well as the impending audit of the entity that will ensure that the challenges raised will be addressed satisfactorily.

The minister also said that his ministry was collaborating closely with the Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, to improve the ease of doing business in Guyana, which would effect improvements in Guyana’s ranking in the Doing Business indicators. The PSC welcomed the improvements being made at Go-Invest to make it a truly ‘one stop agency,’ but cautioned that the bureaucratic malaise of the past should not be continued. The body also noted that the recent expansion of airlift capacity for cargo out of Guyana should be seen as an opportunity to boost diversification of the agriculture sector into fresh fruits and vegetables which are in high demand

in the North American and Caribbean markets. They urged government to invest in laboratories and other devices that would ensure certification and accreditation. The PSC also discussed other issues for consideration in the 2016 budget, including corporate, personal and property taxes – written submissions on these have been sent to the Tax Reform Commission; interior roads and airstrips; export marketing support; liberalisation of the telecommunications sector and the National Competitiveness Strategy.

In response to the issue of airstrips, Minister Jordan informed the PSC that funding has already been approved for the upgrade of two airstrips and discussions are ongoing with international funding agencies for the upgrade of several others. He added that there was common ground between his ministry and the issues raised by the PSC. Minister Jordan and the PSC agreed to meet on a quarterly basis in the interest of closer collaboration.

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President leads delegation to major oil summit

AGAINST the backdrop of the recent discovery of oil here, President David Granger will lead a Guyana delegation to a major oil summit in Saudi Arabia next week.

The Summit of South American-Arab Countries (ASPA) is a mechanism for South-South cooperation and policy coordination in multilateral forums. Created in 2003, with the aim of bringing political leaders and civil societies of South American countries and member countries of the League of Arab States closer together, and promoting diplomatic coordination on issues of common interest, this year’s conference will be held from November 9 to 13.

A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said that Guyana’s attendance is of critical importance at this time and has necessitated the attendance of President Granger and Vice President and Minister of For-

eign Affairs Carl Greenidge.

“It is of national importance that Guyana, as an emerging oil-producing State, participate in this strategic summit,” the OPM said in its statement.

ASPA is a bi-regional mechanism for cooperation and political coordination. ASPA is made up of the 22 member states of the League of Arab States and the 12 countries of

THE Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has to drastically reduce the cost of production and significantly increase its revenue

in order to continue contributing to the country’s foreign exchange earnings, which is greatly needed, says Minister of Agricul-

President David Granger

South America The First ASPA Summit of Heads of State and Government, held in Brasilia, on May 10 and 11, 2005, marked the formal organisation of ASPA, which is composed of 34 countries – 12 from South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela) and the 22 members of the League of Arab States (LAS) (Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bahrain, Qatar, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Oman, Palestine, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Tunisia). The First Summit also recognised the integration of organisations from both regions – the League of Arab States (LAS) and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) – as ASPA members.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 6, 2015

U.S. immigration attorneys hosting deportation symposium PROMINENT United States immigration attorneys Joan Pinnock and Wayne Golding will host an immigration seminar tomorrow at 112 Third and Albert Streets, Georgetown, above the Hot ‘N’ Spicy Restaurant. The event starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m.

The symposium will offer services to assist deportees in determining their eligibility to return to the U.S. Dubbed the Immigration Assistance for Guyanese, the event it is a pro bono initiative designed to assist deportees especially.

The initiative follows the first immigration symposium that was held at the sixth Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay, Jamaica during September last. Guyana is the second country where this will be held while plans are afoot to host seminars in Trinidad, Barbados and farther afield.

Two Jamaicans — Devon Cameron and his sister Donna Cameron -- who were deported as children from Maryland, United States, 25 years ago, on drug-related offences returned on September 20, 2015 to the U.S. as citizens.

This was made possible through the assistance of

U.S. immigration attorney Joan Pinnock

U.S. immigration attorney Wayne Golding

the two Jamaica-born attorneys, Pinnock and Golding, Diaspora board members for the North East USA and South East, respectively. Ms Pinnock is also the President of Jamaican/American Bar Association. Mr. Golding is also President of the Caribbean Bar Association in Florida.

Ms. Pinnock said many deportees had left broken families behind and applying for admission to the U.S. after removal is a complicated and legally difficult process. As such, she said it was important that deportees wishing to re-enter the U.S. consult with an immigration attorney before submitting an application for permission to enter.

“An immigration attorney

can offer advice on the best way to improve your chances of approval through proper evidence,” Ms Pinnock said.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data shows that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security deported 414,481 people in fiscal year 2014, down from 438,421 the year before. Each year of the Obama administration has seen more deportations than any preceding president. The pre-Obama high of 358,886 removals in FY2008 came during President George W. Bush’s last full fiscal year in office. The lawyers will leave Guyana the day after the seminar.

Sugar inquiry report for Cabinet retreat ture Noel Holder.

This is one of the many points that will be discussed when Cabinet holds a retreat to discuss matters pertaining to the findings of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the sugar industry.

Minister Holder in making this disclosure, said that during the Cabinet retreat CoI members will make presentations and recommendations on the way forward for the sweetener industry. “Firstly, a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) was appointed, and within 70 days a preliminary report was to be presented, which was done. We [will] look at it and say whether there is need to strengthen sectors and [whether] other recommendations are needed for enhancement of the industry,” the Agriculture Minister explained.

“This is serious business, we are looking at the future of an industry that gives this country a large quantum of

Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder

foreign exchange, so we just don’t divest it, or give it to somebody to develop the land for housing, since that will not give us foreign exchange, so all this will be taken into consideration when cabinet meets.”

FOREIGN EXCHANGE ISSUE Minister Holder said further: “People also do not realise that 65 per cent of the cost of sugar is labour cost, so in

a sense [from] every dollar from sugar earned, only 35 cents go back out, sugar might be losing money but the country needs the foreign exchange…. So the decision in regard to sugar is a very important one and can’t be taken lightly.”

When asked about the performance of the U.S.$200M Skeldon Sugar Factory which has taken a beating since its operationalisation in 2010, Minister Holder explained that since the government has had a hands-off approach in the agriculture sector, the industry has surpassed its targets recently. “This is where the politics started to come back in, having seen that, now you hear workers go on strike.”

Then he questioned: “What is the purpose of strike? They think the government will jump in and hand you money like what happened in the past!”

The Agriculture Min-

ister is of the view that the recent strike action organised by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) was politically motivated, since the sugar industry is now performing under a newly installed Interim Management Committee (IMC).

“One of the problems with the sugar industry is that it has been used as a political football, and you have seen the result of that is the reduction in productivity over the years, and the putting of square pegs in round holes by the former government,” he said. “We have put in an interim management team; you have seen that productivity has gone up. In fact, we have surpassed targets recently.” Minister Holder believes that GAWU, having seen that, is now on the defensive and being a political organization, is trying to disrupt that process.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 6, 2015

Green light for new Guyana Gold Board CABINET has granted its approval for the appointment of a new board of directors for the Guyana Gold Board, Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman has indicated.

However, its members will be revealed within the next few days. It is understood that the board will serve for a period of one year starting November 1, 2015. Governor of the Bank of Guyana Dr. Gobind Ganga is currently the Chairman of the Guyana Gold Board.

The current board has been accused by the Guyana

Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) of contributing to some of the illicit activities plaguing the mining sector.

It was explained that since the closure of the Bartica, Port Kaituma and Charity Gold Board offices, miners have been forced to sell their gold elsewhere.

It was pointed out by the association that the establishment of the Bartica Gold Board office in 2013 saw approximately 40% of the gold being sold there.

In addition to the Guyana Gold Board, the

Department of Natural Resources and the Environment has been given the greenlight for the appointment of the Closed Area Committee (CAC) of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). This committee will also function for a period of one year, effective November 1, 2015. The CAC reviews land closed for mining and decides on the re-opening and allocation to applicants by fair and transparent means, such as lotteries and auctions.

50 clean-up groups taking charge of Georgetown M&CC, the groups will be tasked with the clearing of parapets, scoping the shoulder of roads, clearing and cleaning alleyways, trimming trees, and clearing roadside drains.

This project, he emphasized, was part of a wider programme which is aimed at lifting Georgetown out of its untidy state to a place that is befitting the capital of a nation.

Town Clerk, Royston King

THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will this weekend launch a project to put communities around Georgetown to work. This will entail 50 groups of residents working to clean their own local communities.

Making this announcement during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Town Clerk Royston King highlighted that those workers would receive financial compensation for the execution of their tasks.

“The improper disposal of waste is the major problem, therefore, we need to take responsibilities for our own communities. As such, for the next three to four weeks the groups will be working in most of the communities and neighbourhoods in Georgetown,” said King as he appealed to them to cooperate.

Being pioneered by the

Friday, November 06, 2015 - 14:00 hrs Saturday, November 07, 2015 - 14:30 hrs Sunday, November 08, 2015 - 14:30 hrs

Doctors battling to save newborn baby who fell off cot at GPHC DOCTORS at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) are battling round the clock to save the life and faculties of a newborn baby boy who fell off a cot at the Maternity Ward on Tuesday.

Misfortune struck within an hour after the child was delivered, on November 3, a GPHC release said, calling

the incident “unfortunate.”

Breaking the chilling news, the release said: “The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) wishes to inform the press of an unfortunate incident that occurred in the Maternity Ward. This incident involved a newborn male who was delivered on November 3, 2015 at the hospital and

who, within an hour of his birth, fell off the cot on which he was placed.”

The release said that appropriate laboratory tests were conducted which revealed that the child suffered some injuries.

However, his condition is being closely monitored and the matter is under investigation.

No case against mother of 2 CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday dismissed a charge against a mother of two children, accused of trafficking in narcotics.

Thirty-year-old Nadera Persaud was charged with possession of 25 grammes of cannabis-sativa (marijuana) for the purpose of trafficking,

on Saturday, July 11 at her home, Lot 15 Norton Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown.

Attorney-at-law, Glenn Hanoman who represented Persaud , had stated that the illegal substance was concealed in a house which Persaud was occupying along with other people. To that

extent he made a no-case submission.

Yesterday Chief Magistrate McLennan ruled that the court agreed with the no-case submission, since the prosecution had failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt against Persaud.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 6, 2015

Coalition councillor resigns Region 6 RDC passes from RDC to take up top post no confidence motion THE Regional Chairperson of A partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Jevaughn Stephens, has resigned his post on the Regional Democratic

Council with immediate effect.

His letter of resignation was read by the Regional Chairman David Armogan during the statutory meeting on Thursday. Reading aloud

against Ramayya

the letter , Armogan said, “Mr Chairman, I hereby tender my resignation with immediate effect from the Council. My resignation is based on my appointment to a different office of service. I will look forward

Director Health Services Mr Jevaughn Stephens

to continue working with the council in another capacity.”

Subsequently, Mr Budassie Poonai Deputy Regional Executive Officer, acting as Clerk of the Council, declared Stephens’s seat vacant. Last September, Stephens was appointed Director of Health Services in Region 6, and has opted to resign due to a conflict of interest. However, during the statutory meeting, the People’s Progressive Party councillors raised the issue of Stephens’s qualifications for the post. The PPP said in the past, the position was held by a practising physician. “At least one has to be qualified as a doctor. We are not questioning the appointment but, the procedure and qualifications . It’s a break in the precedent,” argued Armogan. Further, it was suggested that Stephens’s designation should have been chief executive officer or manager , as it reflects an administrative position.

THE Region 6 Regional, Democratic Council on Thursday passed a no confidence motion against Regional Executive Officer Dr Verasammy Ramayya at their statutory sitting at the Regional Administrative Complex, Vryman’s Erven, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

The motion was tabled through former Alliance For Change member Mr Haseef Yusuf, and got full support from the 15 councillors representing the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic. The coalition now headed by Ms Donna Mathoo , voted against the motion, but the nine members were insufficient to throw out the proposal. Ramayya, was absent as he was summoned to attend the Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service, being held in Berbice currently.

In his presentation, Yusuf noted that the Office of the Regional Executive Officer is very important, in the administration and requires a highly qualified and skilled person. He noted that the post was advertised in the daily news-

Dr Veerasammy Ramayya

papers and the previously served Regional Executive Officers had met the prescribed requirements. ‘…whereas, the Regional Executive Officer Mr V. Ramayya does not possess even the minimum prerequisite academic qualifications and experience for the post and is purely a political appointment.” Further, Yusuf said Ramayya is a pensioner and has no experience or background in accounting, management or finance which are necessary to function in the post.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 6, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 6, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 6, 2015

Govt seeks IDB help to streamline NIS THE Guyana Government and the Inter- American Development Bank (IDB) on Thursday discussed ways on how to streamline the National Insurance Scheme and also ways to assist the elderly and disabled.

In a release, the Ministry of Finance said that Finance Minister Winston Jordan met with the Inter- American Development Bank’s Chief of Social Protection and Health Division Ferdinando Regalia, and a team to discuss support for Health and Social Protection. During the discussion, Minister Jordan said the government was seeking to have a more structured approach to the functioning of the NIS and novel and effective ways of assisting the elderly, disadvantaged, disabled and other vulnerable groups.

In discussing the challenges that a project of this nature presents, the minister told the team they should consider Guyana’s unique cultural context rather than employ a generic Caribbean

approach. He pointed to the Basic Nutrition Sprinkles programme and said while the initiative to provide necessary nutrients to pregnant mothers was timely and laudable, the implementation and project design were poor and this had resulted in significant loses.

The IDB’s Regalia told the meeting that the bank had met with the Ministers of Public Health and Social Protection to discuss Maternal and Mental Health and Newborn and Child Welfare, since it has done extensive work in those areas in the Caribbean- particularly in Jamaica and the Bahamasand Latin America.

He highlighted the key challenges of project implementation as the lack of capacity and coordination of efforts, but added that the bank could lend support in those areas. On the issue of the NIS, Regalia said that the IDB makes provisions for budgetary support through its Labour and Pensions Unit, but focuses on contributions.

The IDB team will be work-

ing on a Subsidies Scheme.

He added that technical cooperation on a Diagnostic Proposal and Implementation Plan can begin in 2016.

And this will ensure that payments are made, that the right kind of targeting is done through the use of the Census and other data and that the beneficiaries are efficiently managed through the use of management information systems. He cautioned that the success of this, however, was hinged on overcoming the challenges of reaching the neediest in Guyana’s remote communities.

Mr. Regalia said that Guyana could benefit from the mobilisation of resources of between US$300,000 - US$350,000, in 2016 to diagnose problems and propose strategies with the possible outcome being a Loan Programme, which could come from the 2017/18 IDB-Guyana Country Allocation.

Minister Jordan said that the agenda put forward by Mr. Regalia was in keeping with the over-

all thrust of the government’s plans to improve the delivery of services associated with mental

and maternal health, the elderly and new born and child welfare. He therefore agreed with the IDB

that they can partner to implement aspects of the proposed technical assistance.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 6, 2015

19,000 cash in on second low-income settlement project

Mission Leader, Ophelie Chevalier addressing the SLI-2 programme exit workshop (GINA photo) THE Government of Guyana/Inter-American Development Bank’s (GoG-IDB) Second Low Income Settlement (SLI-2) programme has benefited about 19,000 low-income households over its seven years of execution.

This was disclosed during an exit workshop held on Thursday at the Regency Hotel, Hadfield Street,Werk-en-Rust,Georgetown.

Mission Leader of the IDB

Ophelie Chevalier disclosed that the components of the projects have become examples in the regions. Chevalier said that the IDB has taken the component of the hinterland pilot under the programme to Suriname and that country is currently implementing a similar pilot using operation manuals that were developed in Guyana. The hinterland component addressed the needs of eight communities in Re-

gion 1, through participatory design, self-building and using local materials and off-the-grid water and sanitation solutions.

Training was also involved.

Chevalier said that the success of the core house pilot within the site and services component of the project was very critical for the IDB, as well.

She explained that this is because the site and services project is a very long and gradual venture which gives land and services after the houses. She explained that since the 80s, developing communities have not liked this project because it’s slow and now because of the success of its implementation in Guyana, the IDB can now show that this project could work if it kick-starts the increment process.

LIS 2 – A SUCCESS STORY Meanwhile, Makonnen noted that it was a moment for celebration as “…often programmes have issues and

See Page 17

Coordinating agencies, partners and beneficiaries at the close-out workshop SLI-2 programme at the Regency Hotel, Hadfield Street (GINA photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 6, 2015

Some market vendors peddling expired goods - reports THE Government Analyst Food and Drug Department has been pleading with retailers and vendors to dispose of expired food items, but some retailers outside the Georgetown Stabroek Market are just bent on ignoring such warnings.

Heeding the reports of several concerned citizens a Guyana Chronicle reporter on three occasions during last week attempted to purchase noodles, drink mix, Colgate tooth paste, and canned juices from vendors in that area, only to realize that the items had already expired, and in some cases by more than three months.

On Tuesday last under the guise of purchasing what appeared to be imported noodles from a female vendor, the reporter was shocked when he was informed that the noddle which normally carries a retail cost of $300 was being sold for $100.

Upon checking the manufacturer’s date on the item, it was discovered that it had expired since August 2015.

Upon voicing his observations the woman uttered a rude retort under her breath

before loudly responding, “Shuppppppsssss… Well is nah me fault, I buy it just suh frum dem big ones.”

Attempts were also made to purchase fruit cocktail from another vendor only to discover that this item had expired since September 2015. Several other vendors were approached and the findings were that items such as biscuits, chocolate, tinned juices and wafers had all expired at varying dates during the year 2015.

Upon contacting the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department yesterday, a female food inspector there who refused to give her name (she claimed for security reasons) said she will inform her superior about the situation so that action can be taken against vendors, who are peddling expired food items in the city.

In May 2015 via audio and print media the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department launched a campaign advising consumers against the purchase of improperly packaged, unsealed, and unlabeled food items (flour,

From Page 16

to the main network. Twelve community development plans were prepared, community projects implemented and 4434 titles transferred to beneficiaries in housing schemes and squatter settlements.

The GoG/IDB, SLI-2 programme commenced in 2009 and was successfully phased out on June 30 2015. The programme was implemented by a team of senior managers headed by CH&PA’s CEO. The programme was implemented from the proceeds of a US$27.9M made available by the IDB. It focused on addressing issues of affordability and accessibility to housing for low-income populations and comprised the following components: coordinating agencies, partners and beneficiaries at the close-out workshop SLI2 programme at the Regency Hotel, Hadfield Street. Present at the workshop were Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, Ministers within the Ministry, Keith Scott and Dawn Hastings-Williams, Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs and Vice-President Sydney Allicock, Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) Myrna Pitt and IDB Country Representative Sophia Makonnen.

19,000 cash ...

I do not think this is one of them….this is a success story of results, good project management, facing challenges and finding solutions,” she said.

As part of the project over 400 core homes were constructed, the disbursement of 400 subsidies for the improvement of houses in squatter settlements and housing schemes, the disbursement of 208 subsidies for construction of homes and the repair of roofs in the hinterland in Regions 1 and 9, and the allocation of 206 houselots in Recht-Door-Zee Phase 2 to nurses, police officers and teachers.

The programme also realised the provision of services including roads, drainage networks, electrical and water distribution network to 8467 lots in new and existing housing sites, and 973 lots in regularised squatter areas. There was also the construction of 285 septic tanks, and the training of CH&PA staff in disciplines including engineering, and legal education. Also under the programme, an improved management system was completed, as well as a wide area network was installed to facilitate connection of regional housing offices in Regions 3, 6 and 10

milk powder, powdered spices, seasonings, salt, etc.)

Concerned citizens are again calling on the organization to stage a campaign against vendors who are in the habit of peddling expired items to the general public.

Vendors operating outside the Stabroek Market in Georgetown.

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MACORP puts two new machines on excavator market

MACORP CAT has added two new machines on the excavator market, offering a guarantee of greater performance and efficiency with the introduction of the CAT 326D2/ D2L and the 320D GC Series 2 hydraulic excavators at a seminar at the Providence head office Friday.

The seminar titled: “Equipment Owning and Operating Cost Seminar” was hosted by the company and offered customers ways to make the “downtime” economic challenges workable by managing their time and production better.

Workers in mining, forestry and public infrastructure industries which mostly utilize the company’s products were some of those in the audience.

One of the machines, the CAT 326D2/D2L, is one with a larger bucket which can hold more material, and according to the manual it can “reach more, dig more”.

It is designed to help you get more work done in less time with low operating costs since its fuel consumption is reduced by nine percent and features an ergonomically designed cab with easy to operate controls and its excellent worksite visibility from the cab enhances productivity.

“Outstanding reliability, unprecedented operator comfort and ease of service help to maximize your return on investment,” the manual said.

It features also a “product link (which) reports key information from the machine” to its owner in any location worldwide as long as that individual has internet access and it carries a “new trade dress (which) gives the machine a stylish look”.

The other machine, a 320D GC series 2, is described as one which “incorporates innovations to improve your job site efficiency through low owning and operating costs and excellent performance.” Meanwhile, MACORP Chief Executive Officer Jorge Medina said the company is hard hit by the economy’s low performance, not only in Guyana but the wider world.

“This is a very, very hard time for all of us,” he told employees, customers and others who gathered at the event.

“You may realize that we produce raw material we are exposed with the high risk of the full impact” of the global market economy, he pointed out.

He said as a nation, Guyanese need to know their cost of production through data collection.

“Without that we don’t know how we are performing. (we must) know how to interpret it, how to read it,” he stated and added that his company MACORP is willing to assist customers in making available such data.

He said “we must also improve productivity with creativity, doing better and new things and getting rid of waste,” which he describes as “all those practices that don’t add value to our product”.

“Let’s be joined to work and build our future and the future of Guyana together,” he added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 6, 2015

‘Door open’ for development bank

By Tajeram Mohabir

MINISTER of Business Dominic Gaskin said the administration is open to the ideal for the establishment of a development bank here, but noted that the idea has to be properly thought out.

Access to financing by small business has been a major challenge, with many, including some players in the agriculture sector calling for the establishment of such a facility to give them much-needed support to develop and generally to shore up the business environment.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Mr Gaskin acknowledged that while access to financing for small businesses has been a problem, he said some times the problem has to do with the kind of small business that seeks financing. Banks examine the feasibility of proposals that are put to them and would offer financing if proposed projects are viable.

“Yes, there is room for a development bank in a developing country; there are however a number of factors that need to be considered as well as business models before such a facility is established here,” he said.

Small business operators at a forum hosted by Go-Invest in July at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre made a pitch for the establishment of such a bank.

They said it would support their operations, but more importantly, offer financing at concessionary rates.

For Gaskin, the idea is not a new one, and it is not a bad one at all, but he said like any good idea, it has to be properly thought out before it is implemented to

-- says Minister of Business

avoid a nightmare.

The matter, he said, was discussed by Finance Minister Winston Jordan, who had pointed out that such a facility need not be a physical bank, since the work can be executed through a policy arrangement with an existing bank.

A private bank, he said, could carry out the mandate of the development bank and by doing so, it would save the government millions in dollars in building a facility and then having to employ scores of persons to manage it.

For now, he said the idea is a concept which has to be developed and the administration is very open to the idea. At the end of the day, he said the government has to ensure that whatever it does, it does not lose money.

CLOSE EXAMINATION Mr Gaskin was candid in pointing out that all the industries which would be supported by such a bank will have to be closely examined to minimise risks, since some sectors are more prone to default than others.

“The products and services will have to be tailored to meet the needs of those sectors. We would not want to get into a situation where we are lending money and the borrower is not paying back, or is in no position to pay back,” he told this publication.

Small businesses have been touted as a means of generating employment and alleviating poverty, and with support, many of them could significantly expand their operations. Many small operators contend that such a

bank could be of great help to them, a view the minister supports, but said all angles of business have to be studied.

“The government is open to exploring all possibilities and ideas that can help to alleviate poverty and unemployment, but such a bank is not something that you jump up and do. It requires the right studies to be conducted and the right model for Guyana,” Mr Gaskin said.

He added: “If it is small businesses we are looking to promote, we have to understand what are the challenges facing small business before offering financing. Financing is an issue when it comes to getting small businesses off the ground, but it is not the only factor. If we are asking the government to invest in a development bank, targeting small business, then we really need to understand the small business environment and the challenges of the sector, so that we know that concurrently that we are also investing in other areas that would improve the environment in which the small businesses operate. This will create a greater chance for success.”

Presumably, the minister said, the intention of setting up such a bank is to give businesses the kind of financing the need to grow, be profitable, employ more people and to pay their taxes.

“So, yes, a development bank is a good idea but it will only work if it is accompanied by investments in a number of other areas that go hand-in-hand to making the whole thing work,” Mr Gaskin told the Guyana Chronicle.

Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 6, 2015

De ‘Jammi Experience’ brought tuh yuh doorstep H AV E y o u ever fantasised about going to Jamaica to enjoy fantastic cuisine served up with pride?

Maybe you never did, but truth be told, I have always salivated in delightful anticipation each time I hear my brother reminisce on the delicious dumplings, mouth-watering dishes of curried goat, spicy jerk chicken and all the other delicacies for which the Land of Reggae is famous.

Actually, I tasted the mind-boggling Jamaican jerk chicken with peas and rice for the first time just last night, and I must confess to being hooked on that

dish for a lifetime. And mind you, folks, I did not fly to Jamaica for that delicious meal, because I just can’t afford it…

Actually, I can now grab my tasty Jamaican dishes right here in Georgetown. Yes, I know you are shocked and think that I am joking, but I am not… If you would just hop into a cab and rush down to the hot new fast-food outlet at 288 Middle Street, Georgetown, you can fulfill all your fantasies of the inimitable ‘Jammi foods right now.

‘Jammi Jerk’, as the hot new joint is called, is located just opposite the Georgetown Public Hospital, in the very compound with the for-

mer ‘Majestics’ building. Actually, tomorrow I am planning to sample the ‘Jammi Styled’ Jerk Chicken with Fries, and I may just have the Oxtail and Peas Rice for dinner!

This week, I am cer-

tainly sampling their Curried Goat with some fresh fruit juice.

Opened until 08:30 pm daily, ‘Jammi Jerk’ offers a catering service as well. Waiting staff is moreover provided for

any event at your request, and the food and packages are certainly affordable.

So what more could you possibly ask for?

Be sure to sample the ‘Jammi Jerk Experi-

ence’ and enjoy some fantastic ‘Jammi Food’, done right here in your own backyard. You can always place your orders on telephone number 223-9433. Oh, the good life!

IN THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS…

Roshan Khan spreads Christmas joy

The RK Family. From left are: Ms. Annmarie Mohammed, talented Guyanese writer Bobby Kissoon, Mr. Roshan Khan (Centre), Ms. Annie Nauth, and Ms. Kimberly Lutchman, and talented Guyanese writer Bobby Kissoon

IN the spirit of giving back for Christmas, popular businessman Roshan Khan, Principal and Founder of the RK’s Institute of Motoring, pleasantly surprised Guyanese author Bobby Kissoon with a free driving course valued at $25,000.

Mr. Kissoon had visited Mr. Khan’s driving school to be registered for the Disciplined Course Scheduled System I, and upon hearing that he was a local author who is much respected in Trinidad and other Caribbean territories, Mr. Roshan Khan decided to present him with the course free of charge, as a gift for his contribution to Guyanese Literature and as a pleasant surprise for the holidays.

On making the presentation, Mr. Khan said: “It is so unfortunate that we have such

a famous writer in Guyana and most people know nothing of him, but his fame is widespread in Trinidad and Tobago, where he published a number of books. These books include: Fear in the Darkness, Mafia on the High Seas, Jimmy is no King, The Orphans, The African Beauty, and many others.

“Mr. Kissoon was born and grew up in the Black Bush Polder area on the Corentyne Coast; He attended the Corentyne Comprehensive (High School) in Port Mourant. He studied Architectural Drafting at the University of Pennsylvania, USA, and worked there for a while in the construction industry. He made frequent visits to Guyana, Trinidad and Suriname, countries which mean much to him.”

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Talking Healthy Living With ‘Madamme Cleo’

Don’t lose your eyes for fashion or fantasy YOU may want to look like your favourite movie star or singer, or have the perfect look for Halloween, but choosing to change the look of your eyes with contact lenses could cause a lot of damage to your eyesight, if you get them without the input of your eye care professional.

Decorative contact lenses are, among other names, sometimes called fashion contact lenses, Halloween contact lenses, coloured contact lenses, cosmetic contact lenses, or theatre contact lenses.

Decorative contact lenses just change the look of your eyes. They do not correct your vision. They can temporarily change your brown eyes to blue, or make your eyes look like a cat’s eyes or a vampire’s eyes for Halloween.

Did you know that these decorative contact lenses are actually medical devices? I guess you didn’t… Just like corrective contact lenses, you should never buy contact lenses from a street vendor, a beauty supply store, flea market, novelty store, or Halloween store; and you should always have a prescription when buying anything concerning your eyes.

Before stepping out with your new look, acquaint yourself with the following risks: KNOW THE RISKS Wearing decorative contact lenses can

be risky, just like the contact lenses that correct your vision. Wearing any kind of contact lenses, including decorative ones, can cause serious damage to your eyes if the lenses are obtained without a prescription, or are not used correctly.

These risks include: A cut or scratch on

Wear just about any desired Halloween Costume, but don’t mess with those eyes. If lost then are not irreplacable the top layer of your eyeball (Corneal Abrasion); allergic reactions like itchy, watery red eyes; decreased vision; infection, and even blindness.

When wearing any type of contact lenses, be aware of signs of possible eye infection, which include: Redness, pain in the eye(s),

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 6, 2015 which doesn’t go away after a short period of time; and decreased vision.

If you have any of these signs, you need to see a licensed eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) right away! An eye infection could become serious and cause you to become blind if it is not treated.

You can avoid some of these risks by getting any type of contact lenses from your doctor. Be sure to follow the directions for cleaning, disinfecting, and wearing the lenses that your doctor gives you. If your doctor doesn’t give you any directions, ask for them!

DOS AND DON’TS Do get an eye exam! A licensed eye doctor will examine your eyes to make sure the contact lenses fit properly. The fit of your contact lenses is very important. A wrong fit can cause damage to your eyes. Be sure to always go for follow-up eye exams.

Do get a prescription! Your eye doctor will write you a prescription for all contact lenses, including decorative lenses. The prescription should include the brand name, correct lens measurements, and expiration date.

Do follow the contact lens care instructions! Follow the instructions for wearing, cleaning and disinfecting your contact lenses that come with your contact lenses. If you do not receive instructions, ask an eye doctor for them.

Do seek medical attention right away and remove your contact lenses if your eyes are red, have ongoing pain or discharge!

Redness, pain and discharge from the eyes are signs of an eye infection. If you think you have an eye infection from your contact lenses, remove them, and see an eye doctor right away.

Don’t share your contact lenses with anyone else! You wouldn’t share your toothbrush, would you? All eyes are not the same size and shape, and your contact lenses are fitted just for you.

Don’t buy any contact lenses without a prescription! If you don’t see an eye doctor

and get a prescription, then the contact lenses you get may not fit properly, and may not work well. They could even damage your eyes. Sometimes wearing contact lenses can damage the top layer of your eyeball (cornea).

Even if you aren’t having any problems now, the lenses could still be causing damage to your eyes. By having regular checkups and buying contact lenses with a prescription, you will reduce the chances of any undetected damage to your eyes.

BUYING DECORATIVE CONTACT LENSES You can buy contact lenses, including decorative contact lenses, from your eye doctor, on the Internet or from a mail-order company. It’s very important that you buy only contact lenses from a company that sells FDA-cleared or approved contact lenses and requires you to provide a prescription.

Anyone selling you contact lenses must get your prescription and verify it with your doctor. They should request not only the prescription, but the name of your doctor and their phone number. If they don’t ask for this information, they are breaking federal law and could be selling you illegal contact lenses.

REMEMBER, BUYING CONTACT LENSES WITHOUT A PRESCRIPTION IS DANGEROUS! Right now there are a lot of products that you can buy without a prescription, but they may not be safe or legal. Never buy contact lenses from a street vendor, a beauty supply store, flea market, novelty store, or Halloween store.

It’s your job to make sure you protect your eyes by having an eye exam, getting a prescription, and buying contact lenses from a legal source.

Follow these tips and your eyes are guaranteed longer life and better vision.

Tips for the Dudes with ‘Dr Fixit’

Top 5 cute adorable ideas to propose to your girlfriend “MARRY me, Juliet; you’ll never have to be alone”. “I love you, and that’s all I really know”. “I talked to your dad…go pick out a white dress”. “It’s a love story, baby; just say ‘Yes’.”

Yes! Oh Yes! If Romeo were for real…

As much as she’s convinced you through the teens that her guy would talk to her dad, it isn’t half as good an idea as they’d show in movies. Because there she’d be at the door, clearly asking, “Why does the world know before I do?” and do you have an answer? Oh boy, you seem stuck.

Since it’s proposing the girlfriend, it’s a lot of knowledge in there for Mr. Boyfriend.

Oh yes, if proposing to be her boyfriend wasn’t tough enough, there’s this entire barrier you need to surpass and propose to become Mr Husband -- the legally wedded man and wife. And you ought to be incredibly cute to never be turned down.

SAY IT WITH COFFEE: ‘COFFEE-MARRY-ME’ Because they say a lot can happen over coffee, and I am not ready to believe that there’s no coffee angle present in any prosperous relationship. Oh yes, I can entirely place my bets on it. Even if both of you are tea people, or cola people, there has to be that one time when you hung out at some joint and managed with flavoured soda. So yeah, the coffee

kind of lingers, though this is strictly for ‘coffee-holics’.

Yeah you’d live without each other, but not without coffee. Ask for marriage by froth and cream; make sure she notices, though. There’s nothing cuter than the sweet old hints to give. And maybe if she spoils the plan, you’ll have to speak it out and explain your plan; and believe me, it’s incredibly cute when Mr. Boyfriend explains the goofed up plans. It will be yes in an instant.

days when she just can’t figure out what’s wrong and the actions explain nothing?

The days when she likes the attention but all at once she’s tired of it already, and she wishes to return home and watch that episode of Desperate Housewives? Or maybe your girl is more a Game of Thrones

THE ROLE PLAY And if you’ve ever had a mad relationship (or maybe one with even the slightest hint of insanity), you’d have had a certain role play game to it. No kidding me, mister? Alright, so then this one is pretty out of the league for you; but if ever you role play, maybe as strangers, maybe as Tom and Jerry, or maybe just whoever, it’s super adorable to be at a game and be swept off your feet with a proposal.

Oh yes! You’re increasing the fun quotient to your relationship too.

PAMPER HER MAD Not like I’ll doubt you do already, but yes, it’s never enough; never ever enough.

Pamper her to where she’s frustrated at getting pampered. You know the kind of

person.

Nevertheless, pamper her mad, quite literally; and when she’s desperate to be home, propose to her. A shock, nevertheless pleasant…

MIDNIGHT DATE IN SLEEPWEAR If you’ve got the kind of liberties to drive her out in the middle of the night, do that. Go for an ice cream maybe in sweatpants and ‘hoodies’, and in the middle of it all, propose. And maybe if you cannot drive her out, you can gatecrash with a film you can both watch while you cuddle up.

Make sure it’s not “Tales from the Crypt”, though. Who said the Star Wars? It’s a major criminal offence to watch Star Wars when you ought to propose to your girlfriend.

WAKING UP TO IT And if you’re her live-in boyfriend, or you hang out at each other’s place quite often, there’s nothing more surprising to her than waking up to it.

Maybe a mug of coffee and a fortune cookie will do the trick. Leave it on the bedside and watch her react. Just in case you aren’t at liberty, you can leave her a text, but only after being assured that she’s asleep and she won’t read it at night.

Believe you me, sir, there’s nothing that can lift her mood better than waking up to a Good Morning text like that.

It’s the best thing to happen to any girl.

And the worst thing? Well, waking up to a message of work, and more of it. Ask me about it! Never mind!

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 6, 2015

Music in History THE JAZZ AGE–

THE AGE OF THE SOLOIST Featuring Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, Earl ‘Fata’ Hines, and Duke Ellington DURING the collaboration of Oliver and Armstrong in Chicago, their nightly cornet duels sent the music searching for new sounds and bigger tones -- a certain quality of sound that inspired musicians to know that they were making the right notes.

Richard Hadlock (Historian and Educator) recalls a musical lesson he received from Sidney Bechet: “I’m going to give you a note today,” Bechet told him. “See how many ways you can play that note.

Growl it, smear it, flop it, sharp it, do anything you want to it. That’s how you express your feelings in this music. It’s like talking.”

Some commentators feel that this “do anything you want to it,” could very well be the description of the rugged beauty of Oliver’s playing. His music is not about scales or passing chords, it’s a celebration of colour and texture.

The obsession with sound was at the heart of the music. Oliver’s contribution to this was spending the last ten years of his life refining the tone of his cornet.

The ambition of the musicians around the 1920s was to make their instruments as close as they could to human voices. Taking in all variations imperfections and colourations that such a model entails.

Playing in Oliver’s band as second cornetist helped Armstrong to hone his skills and refine them to play a constrained role. It was becoming quite clear, however, that the second cornetist (Armstrong) was overpowering the lead (Oliver). This was quite evident in several recordings, including “Mabel’s dream and Froggie Moore.”

Some band members were referring to it as a Mutiny. Oliver, unknown to himself, had inadvertently created the platform for Armstrong the soloist to emerge.

Oliver’s idea of jazz is as a collective collaboration, where the instruments were interdependent and in which no one was allowed to dominate. However, because Armstrong was so overpowering with his playing, even in a close setting that Oliver employed, Armstrong was just too powerful to play from behind. For his part, Oliver would leave a lasting mark on the jazz idiom and the broader streams of popular culture.

By 1922, Armstrong had moved on from Oliver to Fletcher Henderson’s band at the Roseland Ballroom in New York.

Following Henderson’s suggestion, Armstrong switched to the trumpet. Between 1925 and 1930, he made a series of recordings that brought him worldwide fame.

Around the 1930s, Armstrong’s influence was pervasive in jazz. He had achieved the status of cultural icon, and was ranked with a handful of figures from the first half of the twentieth century -- Charlie Chaplin, Al Jolson, Babe Ruth and Shirley Temple.

The Armstrong revolution was already announced. This was accepted at the 26 Jazz session the following year. Armstrong, the singer, was not only interpreting songs, but was also inventing songs within the songs. One critic wrote,” Armstrong’s rendition of Hoagy Carmichael’s “Stardust” is so far from Carmichael’s original that it

might as well be a new song.”

Armstrong claimed that what he was doing was scat singing or “Heebie Jeebies”. His novel use of this type of singing remains a core technique for Jazz vocalists as well as pop singers even today. In 1932, he headlined a show at the London Palladium, where he acquired the sobriquet of “Sachelmouth,” abbreviated now to Sachmo.

Armstrong returned to New York and, with the “Hot Chocolates”, scored his first New York triumph with Fats Waller, title tune “Ain’t Misbehaving.”

This was the turning point in Louis’ life, he stopped singing the blues, and began singing popular tunes with his new impersonation, tunes like Honey Suckle Rose, Mack the Knife, Solitude, Sophisticated Lady, Caravan.

The latter part of the 1930s showed an artist in full swing. Could he go higher?

That was one of the questions being asked.

To this end, he teamed up with twenty-fouryear-old pianist extraordinaire Earl “fata” Hines. Commentators claim that the intersection of these two careers produced some of the most exciting jazz of the decade.

Louis Armstrong evolved from being a musician to an entertainer, and some people believe that his singing turned out to be more important than his playing. Other purists have questioned that assumption.

Armstrong, they claimed, transformed the focus of jazz from the ensemble to the soloist. For all their greatness, neither Bechet nor Biderbecke (horn players themselves) could have matched Armstrong’s wide range of rhythmic devices. He inspired a method book, “50 Hot Choruses for the Cornet”.

Commenting on the connectedness of Armstrong’s phrases, Richard Hadlock (Historian and Educator) said: “Armstrong, regardless of tempo, always completed each phrase and carried each sustained tone out to its fullest value, creating the illusion of unhurried ease even in the most turbulent arrangement. Armstrong’s legacy captures both the imagination of jazz devotees and the general public.”

Join us next week for the works of ‘Duke’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 6, 2015

Is wha really went wrang wid de King of Kings Calypso Competition?

W

HEN I heard about the recent King of Kings Calypso Competition, I was very excited and pleased that such a venture was initiated, especially since it was geared at fostering and developing an art form which has certainly been taking a beating for years now. when I was told that the legendary ca-

MIGHTY REBEL lypsonian ‘Mighty Rebel’ was behind the event, I was even more overjoyed that such a feature was in the making.

What I did not anticipate was the chaos that unfolded the minute the Mighty Rebel took ill and the event was left in the hands

of a few persons.

Aghast when Bonny Alves of SSignal Productions announced that the media had boycotted the event entirely, this publication carried an article promptly after the event, and my investigations revealed that many of the media houses had not been officially invited to the event.

That being said, I was in no way prepared for the reports we received from participants of the event. OMG!!! Is wha really happen wid dis supposedly prestigious affair??

Well, to begin with, the winner of the event, Malcolm Ferreira (King Perai), was promised a brand new motor car, but both the vehicle and the promise seem to have disappeared into the clouds. When he turned up at the handing over ceremony with expectations of receiving a spanking new automobile, he was handed $600,000 instead.

Well, if dat is de car money, deh musse been planning fuh buy he a second hand car.

Wha happen deh mighta been ah good thing though, because I doan know how he woulda been giving half ah he winnings tuh Signal Productions if he de indeed get de car. He certainly could not split de car in two halves.

So I only hope he de hand over 50% ah he winnings to folks at SSignal Productions, because is dem who actually write de song fuh he. Word is out that folks there went through a living hell to get half of his earnings when he had won the Adult Calypso Competition. They had also reportedly written his song for that contest.

Another finalist, the ‘Might Smoker’,

was promised a trip to Kaieteur Falls, but this never materialised. I am sure he was glad to receive the $200,000 he was reportedly given at the handing over ceremony.

Ah glad he receive de lil small piece, because he unsighted and it woulda certainly been a challenge fuh he see de beauty of de majestic Kaieteur Falls.

We are informed that the ‘Mighty Professor’, who maybe was planning to store vegetables and meat in his promised refrigerator, had to change plans and accept $100,000 in cash. And Young Bill Rogers, who de want get rid ah he bicycle fuh a brand new motorcycle, will have to use de $150,000 cash wha deh give he fuh buy de motorbike, if he still want it.

But when yuh think about it, yuh gaffa be glad dat all dem finalists received cash instead. And as one finalist revealed, the man who was in charge of sponsorship really had to dig into his pocket and fork out some hard-earned dollars to present to the winners.

At least we can call him a good man…

“MOUTH OPEN STORY JUMP OUT” The ‘Mighty Rebel’ was fuming when he visited us yesterday to declare that, after he had taken ill, everyone lost the vision he had projected for the event.

“After I took ill, all my ideas were thrown aside and the entire thing became a mess…. I am very disappointed with the outcome of this event. The man who was in charge of securing sponsorship declared at a meeting that he does not believe in writing letters to sponsors, since they often throw them in their waste basket. I am just wondering how else he expected to secure sponsorship…

“He kept promising that the car was available, but when I suggested that the car be displayed at the National Cultural Centre five days before the event, that never happened.

“Basil Bradshaw was tasked with public relations duties, but I don’t know what happened, since many media houses are claiming they were never officially invited to the event. As a matter of fact, just about two media entities said they were informed

only once about the event, by a female via telephone.

“It was Basil who nominated calypsonian Daria Barrow as secretary, and I was shocked to discover that she could not type or use a computer properly.

“The biggest shock of all was that, on the night of the handover ceremony, the

YOUNG BILL ROGERS four finalists were mortified when they received cash instead of the motorcar and other items promised to them, since they were never informed of such changes at any time.

“I am still at loss as to what actually went down, but this is a slap in my face as well as in the faces of all calypsonians who participated in the event…. The event was not even recorded by a cameraman, even though a committee was tasked with ensuring all of this was in place…”

Well, the ‘Mighty Rebel’ is not the least bit pleased at how things went down, but I have some words of advice for him: Next time yuh doing such an event, find people wid experience in de fields, and place dem tuh function and save yuhself a tsunami of embarrassment.

STORIES BY ALEX WAYNE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday November 6, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday November 6, 2015

England collapse in final Test against Pakistan ... Tourists lose series 2-0 in Sharjah

ENGLAND subsided to a 127-run defeat in the third and final Test against Pa-

kistan and a 2-0 series loss.

Resuming on 46-2 in pursuit of an unlikely 284, England lost four wickets for 11 runs in the first hour and were eventually bowled out for 156.

On a pitch turning sharply, only Alastair Cook resisted with 63 and was the ninth England wicket to fall.

Yasir Shah took 4-44 and Shoaib Malik 3-26 to give Pakistan’s spinners a total of 17 wickets in the match.

In contrast, England’s trio of slow bowlers returned combined figures of 7-423 from 115.2 overs.

England, who have lost seven of their past nine Test matches away to Pakistan, are without a series victory abroad for three years and slip from third to sixth in the world rankings.

Though England were found wanting against the turning ball, they ultimately paid the price for errors over the first four days.

While they can rightly point to losing Ben Stokes through injury, England must also reflect on a first-innings collapse that saw their last six wickets fall for 78 runs.

Not only were England’s spinners very poor in the second innings, but Mohammad Hafeez, who made 151, was afforded two dropped catches and a missed stumping.

Cook’s men came some close to winning the first Test and were competitive for large parts of the series, but were defeated by batting collapses, fielding errors and inferior spin bowling.

If the suspicion was that England’s Adil Rashid, Moeen Ali and Samit Patel failed to make the most of helpful conditions, it was confirmed by only the 10th ball of the day.

A Yasir short ball scuttled along the ground, leaving the helpless Joe Root plumb in front.

With former England opener Geoffrey Boycott saying that Cook’s men have a “glaring hole at number two and number three”, there is much to ponder before they face South Africa’s fearsome pace attack.

Alex Hales looks to be next in line to open the batting, while a decision on Ian Bell must be made before the first of four Tests begins on December 26.

Before that, nine of England’s Test squad remain in the UAE for four oneday internationals and three Twenty20s against Pakistan.

Pakistan, now ranked second in the world, are not scheduled to play another Test until they travel to England for four matches next summer.

David Warner hits 163 as hosts dominate DAVID Warner hit a brilliant 163 as Australia amassed 389-2 on the opening day of the Test series against New Zealand in Brisbane.

Usman Khawaja made an unbeaten 102 - his maiden Test century - while Joe Burns weighed in with 71 and captain Steve Smith 41 not out at the Gabba.

Opener Warner struck 19 fours and a six in his 224-ball innings, sharing an opening stand of 161 with Burns.

The match is the first in a three-Test series.

Warner described Brendon McCullum as “immature” before the Test, after the New Zealand captain criticised the Australia batsman and Smith.

Never before have Australia scored so many runs on the first day of a Test at the Gabba, beating the 364-2 they made against England in 2002.

They raced along at almost 4.5 an over after winning the toss as an ineffective New Zealand attack conceded 51 boundaries.

Warner batted with great composure either side of Burns’ dismissal, caught behind off Tim Southee in the 39th over.

Although Warner fell in the final session to a superb diving catch by Ross Taylor at first slip, Khawaja - playing his first Test since 2013 - was well on the way to a 123-ball century.

Smith also scored freely as he and Khawaja added an unbroken 78 for the third wicket to cap a sensational day for the hosts.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday November 6, 2015

Local athletes plan protest ahead of Guyana leg of South American 10K road race

By Michael DaSilva A NUMBER of local athletes have planned to protest the inclusion of a Kenyan athlete in this year’s South American 10K Road Race which is scheduled for Sunday here in Guyana.

According to a source close to the athletes and the Athletics Association of Guyana, several athletes have planned to protest the Kenyan’s participation in the race since he is not a South American athlete and they think he should not be a part of the event.

According to the source, the Kenyan is currently based in Trinidad, but the source could not say if the athlete has received Trinidad and Tobago citizenship or residency.

When contacted by Chronicle Sport yesterday via cell phone, AAG president Aubrey Hutson confirmed that the Kenyan had expressed an interest in being a part of the 10K race and he (Hutson) informed the athlete that he is free to participate.

Hutson said, “We extended an invitation to our Kenyan counterparts and this athlete gladly accepted to be a part of the event.”

Asked what is the name of the athlete, Hutson could not furnish Chronicle Sport

with the name since at the time of speaking, he was not in possession of the list of registrants as he was not in his office.

Hutson was adamant that if a country wants to raise the level of its athletes’ performance especially at the international level, they (locals) must have better competition, like having international athletes in the line-up.

He noted that athletes from the CARICOM countries are not a part of South America, yet since the inception of the South American 10K series, athletes from CARICOM countries are always invited.

Asked if the athletes do launch the protest, how would the AAG respond, Hutson said he could not at the time give an positive answer, but said it would be bad for the sport.

He informed Chronicle Sport that it was Forde himself who voiced his concern about the Kenyan being a part of the activity, and stated that even if the Kenyan wins Sunday’s event and Forde places second, Forde will still get a bigger cash prize package than the Kenyan, since there is a special prize for the first Guyanese that crosses the finish line in both the male and female categories.

The winner of each leg earns US$1000, while the second-place finish-

er receives US$800 “So if Forde places second to the Kenyan, he will also receive US$500 making his prize package at US$1300”.

Forde won the first leg which was staged in Suriname last Sunday, in a time of 31 minutes 54 seconds (31.54), ahead of Jamaican athlete Richard Green (33.18) and fellow Guyanese Cleveland Thomas finishing 24 seconds adrift of Forde.

Forde has won the Guyana leg of the event on nine occasions.

Hutson said Forde should not be worried about the Kenyan’s presence in the race since he (Forde) defeated the Kenyan in a 5000-metre race in Trinidad earlier this year, and he (Forde) is better acquainted with the course and conditions even though the Kenyan hails from a high altitude country.

“The level of our athletes’ performances has to rise and this is one way of trying to do so,” Hutson stated, adding, “This race cannot be a Guyana/Suriname affair only, our athletes’ level of performance has to be raised and this is one way of ensuring that is achieved.”

Hutson also informed that when Forde defeated the Kenyan earlier this year in Trinidad no one protested. “There were

athletes from other CARICOM states that were part of the event and no one protested, so why would you want to protest the Kenyan’s presence on Sunday.

When contacted, Forde’s coach Robert Chisholm said he heard about the protest, but is unaware of who is planning the protest. “But this is a South American race, why should we have a Kenyan being a part of it,” Chisholm questioned, adding, “If you want to bring international athletes in your country for an event then give that event another name … not South American 10K, but some other name.”

Asked what would Forde do if the AAG goes ahead with the staging of the event even if the Kenyan athlete is part of the race, Chisholm said, “I cannot make that decision, if Forde wants to be a part of the race or not, that’s his decision.”

Asked if Forde does participate along with the Kenyan what he (Chisholm) thinks Forde’’s chances are. The Guyana Defence Athletics coach said, “The race will definitely be between the two of them (Kenyan and Forde), but I’m confident Forde can pull it off”.

Efforts to contact Forde for a comment on his position if the Kenyan participates and what he thinks his chances are proved futile yesterday.

Royal Castle on board with Team Xtreme for CMRC TEAM Xtreme yesterday received another boost from corporate Guyana when Royal Castle, the 24-year-old fast food outlet came on board as one of their major sponsors, ahead of the November 15 Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC).

Set for the South Dakota Circuit, the region’s top cars and their drivers, along with the ‘superbikes’, will converge on the country’s lone racing track, to see who will be crowned Caribbean Champion.

The franchise’s General Manager Tribhowan Brasse, at a simple presentation held at their Sheriff Street location, said that their support comes with a good working relationship with driver Gavin Gayadin who will be behind the wheels of his ever-dependable BMW E36i.

Royal Castle’s General Manager, Tribhowan Brasse (right), hands over the sponsor’s cheque to Team Xtreme’s Manager David Bacchus yesterday.

According to Brasse, the company also sees the November meet as a great way to promote their business and sports in Guyana.

It’s not the first time Royal Castle will be supporting motor racing in Guyana, but as Brasse pointed out they have not done so in recent times.

With six outlets in Guyana, Royal Castle stands as one of the country’s most popular fast food chains.

Gayadin, one of Guyana and the Caribbean’s best drivers, is making a comeback after a short break from the track and Team Xtreme’s Manager David Bacchus expressed his delight at having Royal Castle on board.

Apart from Royal Castle, Auto Stop, Star Car Auto Sales and Singh’s Roti Shop are some of the other entities to have pledged support to Team Xtreme.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday November 6, 2015

Fruta Conquerors, GDF in race ...

Pele FC to face Slingerz FC for fourth spot WITH THE race for the ‘Final Four’ tightening, tonight, a mouth-watering double-header is set for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Base Camp Ayanganna ground.

have become the envy of the other clubs and certainly a huge draw in the league.

However, against Slingerz FC, it will be interesting to see how the club would manage this time around against the fire-

with a draw when Richardson scored in stoppage time (90+2 minute).

While Richardson has shown that he can carry the weight of his side, Slingerz

at the Tucville ground with Eusi Phillips scoring a double (from the penalty spot) and Kwamie LaFleur and Trevon Lythcott netting for Fruta Conquerors.

VURLON MILLS

GREGORY RICHARDSON

TREVON LYTHCOTT

EUSI PHILLIPS

In the opening game from 18:00hrs, league leaders Pele Football Club will take on Slingerz FC then the home side (GDF) will do battle against rivals Fruta Conquerors from 20:30hrs With 24 points from their 11 matches played so far, Pele FC, led by forward Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, sit atop the eight-team table and despite already qualifying for the ‘Playoffs’ on November 27, the club would want to continue their dominating performance.

Behind Richardson’s entertaining allround performance in the League, Pele FC

power of the ‘West Side’ club.

Undoubtedly one of the deepest teams in the STAG Elite League, Slingerz FC, on several occasions, have shown why they are one of the favourites to cart off the League Genesis title.

Head-to-head, Slingerz hold the advantage and are a more complete team than Pele FC and it was shown when the two sides’ first meeting ended in a 1-1 draw.

Slingerz FC dominated the game and got a 38th minute goal from Domini Garnett but Pele FC were able to walk away

FC will turn to several key players in their star-studded line-up.

Dwain Jacobs, Vurlon Mills, Julian Wade, Dexroy Adams and Joshua Brown will lead Slingerz FC, who will be without their central defender Colin Nelson, who will miss tonight’s game after being red-carded during the club’s 4-2 win over the GDF. Meanwhile, the GDF/Fruta Conquerors game could potentially be a battle to see who will finish in the number four position and qualify for the playoffs.

In their previous meeting, the two ended their heated contest in a 2-2 draw

Only one point separates the two teams with Fruta Conquerors on 15 points in fourth position and GDF fifth on 14 points.

Coached by Calvin Allen, Fruta Conquerors will turn to Eon Alleyne and Jermaine Junor, along with LaFleur to get goals, and Lythcott to guide their usual solid defence.

Phillips and Fraser brothers (Delwin and Delroy) are expected to be their usual selves as coach Denzil Thompson’s troops look to defend their home turf.

UDFA 1st Division League

Winners Connection and Botofago secure wins on opening night

By Joe Chapman WINNERS Connection and Botofago got off to good starts on Wednesday, as they scored comfortable wins when the Upper Demerara Football Association’s (UDFA) First division League got underway at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

Playing in the opening game of the double-header, Winners Connection stopped Net Rockers 4-1 while Botofago got the better of Blueberry Hill United, winning 3-1.

Veteran striker Rawle

‘Boney’ Gittens led Winners Connection with a hattrick, scoring his first in the 5th minute when he broke down the wing and had the better of the Net Rockers defence.

His second was a chipped shot which came after he was able to elude his markers in the 18th minute to put his side 2-0 up. However, youthful striker Shane Luckie pulled one back for Net Rockers when he netted in the 36th minute, as the Winners Connection ended the first half ahead 2-1.

Gittens continued to

RAWLE GITTENS

stamp his authority on the game when got his third of the night in the 64th minute. With things in Winners Connection’s favour the pressure was felt by Net Rockers defenders as Orande Wills, in trying to clear from his Rockers goal mouth, succeeded only in producing an own goal in the 72nd minute for a 4-1 score.

Meanwhile, the game between Botofago and Blueberry Hill was even more exciting for the many football fans, who turned up to support their teams.

Teven David was the

first player to get on the score sheet for Botofago with a 40-yard shot which beat the goalkeeper of Blueberry Hill, Kellon Neblett, to send his team ahead in the 20th minute.

Another goal was scored four minutes later, as Tevin Thompson was fouled above the 18-yard box and the spot kick taken, but Carlos Monkhouse pierced through for a 2-0 Botofago lead. Their opponents recovered, but were unable to hit the back of the net.

Blueberry Hill continued their fightback in the second half and should

have scored at least twice but were rewarded in the 58th minute through Mark Liddell with the scores reading 2-1.

Blueberry Hill pressed for an equaliser, but stout defending, plus their own inability to make the most of half-chances, enabled the Botofago unit to survive and put the final nail in their coffin, when off a set play inside the 18-yard box, the ball was slid for an onrushing Shaquille Clarke to easily slot home the decider for a 3-1 Botofago win in the 89th minute.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday November 6, 2015

WICB PCL Regional 4-Day Competition

Guyana Jaguars begin title defence today

REIGNING champions Guyana Jaguars face a challenge today when they begin their 2015-16 West Indies Cricket Board Professional Cricket League (PCL) Regional 4-Day title defence against Windward Islands Volcanoes at the Guyana National Stadium.

The match bowls off at 09:30hrs while in the other first-round matches across the region today, Leeward Islands Hurricanes battle Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at Warner Park in Basseterre, St Kitts, and Barbados Pride, last year’s second-placed team, will host Jamaica Scorpions at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown.

Jaguars claimed the inaugural Headley-Weekes Trophy by topping the table, following victories in eight of their maximum 10 matches.

Their only loss came on home soil in the third round when Barbados Pride clinched a two-run victory, dismissing the Jaguars for a record low score of 66 in the second innings on the final day at the National Stadium, where they also drew with Trinidad & Tobago Red Force in the penultimate round.

Chronicle Sport caught up with the home team’s captain, Leon Johnson, during their final practice session at the Guyana National Stadium yesterday.

His side will start this season without leg-spinners Devendra Bishoo, who has been recalled to the West Indies squad currently in Sri-Lanka, and Veersammy

Volcanoes frontline spinner Shane Shillingford

Richardson cops another COURTS Player-of-the-Month Award

Gregory Richardson – COURTS Player-of-the-Month

G R E G O RY ‘ J a c k i e Chan’ Richardson was named the STAG Elite League/COURTS Player-of-the-Month for the month of October.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF), in a release, stated that the Pele Football Club forward copped 205 of the 325 votes which came from fans through Text Message and Social Media.

Alpha United’s Delon Lanferman, who was shortlisted with Richardson for the award, gathered 120 votes.

It was Richardson’s second award, after winning the first in September. With nine goals apiece, Richardson and Lanferman are tied in the race for the league’s Highest Goalscorer award.

Apart from the $25 000 voucher from COURTS, Richardson will receive $10 000, compliments of German’s Restaurant.

Permaul who was ruled out with an injury.

According to Johnson: “I think Bishoo and Permaul are a big miss but we have Motie (Gudakesh), Jacobs (Steven) coming in and I think they are good enough replacements. They have been bowling well in the lead-up and once they continue their form they should do well because the pitches here tend to favour the spinners.”

However, Johnson believes his bowlers were not tested enough during the two practice matches, given that the opposition gifted them wickets at times, but admitted that at the first-class level wickets will be more difficult to get Guyana’s batting is well backed according to Johnson and has been solidified further with the return of Rajendra Chandrika from the West Indies tour of Sri Lanka.

He disclosed that he sees none of the batsmen outof-form, but they need to convert starts into large scores.

All the teams are starting on level ground and even though they won the inaugural title, that must be a learning-curve as they progress.

The tournament will again be contested under a round-robin format, featuring 10 rounds of matches, comprising five home and five away fixtures apiece, for each of the six franchises. The team to accumulate the most points will be being declared the Champions.

Ming’s Mygale F4 arrives in Guyana ONE Of Calvin Ming’s Mygale F4 cars yesterday afternoon arrived in Guyana ahead of its proposed demonstration run during the final leg of the Seaboard Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) at the South Dakota Circuit on November 15.

The younger Ming, who is expected in the country today, had the car shipped from the United States in an attempt to showcase what he plans to do over the next year and Chronicle Sport took a sneak peak of the 1600cc beast, which was at the Ming’s Products and Services office in Georgetown.

Just recently, Ming narrowly missed the podium at the launching of the Inaugural NACAM (Norteamérica,Centroamérica, Caribe y Norte de Su-

damérica) Championships In Mexico, finishing fourth.

His car is the Mygale F4, the company’s newest single-seater carbon fibre monocoque, produced in collaboration with companies from the Pole Performance Nevers Magny -Cours and approved by

the FIA in 2014.

This ‘low cost’ race car intended for young drivers all over the world (under the aegis of the National Federations) is equipped with the latest FIA 2014 safety specifications and it can fit several engines from different countries.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday November 06, 2015) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) 9 (6 catches/3 stumpings) (2) 9 (8 catches/1 stumping)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) What was the highest stand made by the SL openers in the recent WI/SL Test series?

(2) What was the highest stand made by the WI openers in the recent WI/SL Test series?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Fruta Conquerors, GDF in race for fourth spot See story on page 30

WICB PCL Regional 4-Day Competition

Guyana Jaguars begin title defence today See story on page 31

Shimron Hetmyer Guyana Jaguars’ Franchise player Raymond Reifer

See story on page 31

Ming’s Mygale F4 arrives in Guyana Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2015