Chronicle 12 17 2015

ROW OVER BILLS No. 104404

THURSDAY DECEMBER 17, 2015 Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

...gov’t insists no parliamentary breach

8

P.

FIERY DEATHS ...Two burnt to death in Bath accident 3

P.

Over $1B approved in contracts 10

P.

Killer of Guyanese woman in US 7 convicted P.

No arbitrary legalisation of ganja, says AG 7

P.

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 17, 2015

Guyana, Argentina cement ties

…with eye on peaceful resolution of border controversy A FORMER facilitator for the United Nations (UN) in the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy has been appointed the new Foreign Affairs Minister in Argentina, and she has signalled her country’s intention to support a peaceful resolution to the ongoing issue.

Ms Susana Malcorra, the former Cabinet Chief of Secretary-General Ban Kimoon, was sworn in recently

by President Mauricio Macri in Buenos Aires. She has visited Guyana for talks with President David Granger in relation to finding modalities for resolving the controversy raised by Venezuela’s false claim to Guyana’s territory.

While in Argentina for the inauguration of President Macri, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo met Ms Malcorra and congratulated her on her new appointment. Mr. Nagamootoo

also exchanged views on the controversy with the newly appointed President of Uruguay, Tabare Vazquez, and President of Haiti, Michel Martelly. On the sidelines of the inauguration, the Prime Minister met with several other Heads of State, including the Presidents of Chile, Colombia and Paraguay, and with the former King of Spain, Juan Carlos Philippi. Nagamootoo said he is looking forward to closer cooperation between Guyana and Argentina, and to renewed bonds of friendship with all other states of South and Central America.

In an article in the Guyana Chronicle recently, retired diplomat Odeen Ishmael said Macri’s victory at the recent poll is evidence that support for leftist pro-socialist governments in the Union of South American States (UNASUR) is losing

its momentum. Ishmael said countries such as Bolivia, Ecuador and Venezuela, which had shown strong opposition to the United States and neoliberal capitalism, are facing economic challenges that negatively affect their influence among their own citizens and those of other countries in the continental bloc.

Additionally, he said, the Macri administration, no doubt, will continue to expand Argentina’s relations with other South American states, particularly those, like Guyana, with smaller economies. Relations between Guyana and Argentina have advanced relatively well ever since Argentina established its embassy in Georgetown in 2011. On May 22, 2014, the two countries announced an exchange programme on tourism training and management of pro-

tected areas, to be financed by the Argentine Fund for Horizontal Cooperation. Argentina also has provided cooperation to Guyana’s Protected Areas Commission (PAC), with proposed exchange visits of the commission’s representatives and those from the Argentina National Parks Administration (APN). The plan is for the APN officials to provide technical assistance in the development, planning and management of protected areas within the framework of PAC’s 2012-2015 action plan.

Then, on June 5, 2014, the two countries entered into a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of a consultative mechanism on matters of common interest. The memorandum provided for consultations on all aspects of the bilateral relationship,

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo and new Foreign Minister of Argentina, Ms Susana Malcorra

especially in the areas of political, economic, commercial, scientific, technical, environmental protection and educational and cultural cooperation through meetings to be conducted at the level of ministers and senior officials.

More recently, on June 17, 2015, the Guyana Agriculture Minister and the Argentine ambassador discussed possible areas

for collaboration centred on soil and post-harvest management, animal husbandry, research in agriculture biotechnology, value-added production, and marketing. It is now hoped that the new administration in Argentina, despite its planned cutback on spending, will not curtail these cooperation activities, but will actively move to expand them.

Venezuelan opposition unveils radical reforms THE right-wing coalition of parties known as the MUD, which won a supermajority in Venezuela’s National Assembly elections of Dec. 6, has laid out its plan for a radical departure from the policies and laws laid down over the past 17 years by the socialist government.

Amid news of political infighting, on Thursday evening, the MUD published on its website a list of laws its lawmakers plan to overturn once they go into office on Jan 5, 2015. These include revoking price controls that have kept basic goods affordable; privatising key enterprises and services; giving foreign companies concessions for infrastructural works; strengthening local

police forces; and making public media “independent,” or private.

These sorts of changes would dramatically transform Venezuela’s political and social landscape. The first proposal would revoke the fair prices and food security laws which aim to provide Venezuelans with cheap access to basic necessities. The opposition says this would overcome the problem of shortages, which the government claims are due to smuggling and opposition-backed economic warfare.

Two other laws would open the way to privatization: One would reverse the nationalization of strategic enterprises and “nullify the declaration of public utility

Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro

that threatens the property assets of private entrepreneurs.”

“The idea is to favour the revival of enterprises in key areas such as food, medicine, household cleaning products and personal hygiene,” the document explains.

The MUD plans to “encourage multilateral funding, which would be repaid by exploiting concessions, private companies associated with the state to develop largescale projects.” Another law would “decentralize” public services, handing them over to local authorities and giving Turn to page 3 ►

FIERY DEATHS

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 17, 2015

...Two burnt to death in Bath accident

By Clifford Stanley TWO men perished and five persons were hospitalised – three of them in critical condition – following a head-on collision yesterday between two vehicles on the Bath Settlement Public Road.

The collision reportedly occurred shortly before 14:00hrs.

Dead are Nero Bankay, 24, of Lot 21 Bush Lot, West Berbice and Shiv Persaud, 48, also of Bush Lot. Bankay, the driver, and Persaud, who only recently remigrated home from Canada were burnt beyond recognition when the vehicle in which they were travelling, an MR5 Spyder, toppled a number of times

Dead: Shiv Persaud

Dead: Nero Bankay

after the collision then burst into flames.

Public-spirited citizens who rushed to put out the blaze were able to do so

only after about 10 minutes, by which time both men had been incinerated.

Three passengers from the other vehicle, HC

5367, namely: Rookmanie Trotman, 47, of Bennett Dam, Rosignol; Carmen Marks (only information given), and Phyllis Corlette, 41, of Cumberland, East Berbice, were rushed from the Fort Wellington Hospital to the Georgetown Hospital in a critical condition.

Fiona Rassoul, 32, of Canefield, Canje, and Nigel Trotz, the driver of the hire car, aged 34 and of Cumberland, were referred to the New Amsterdam Hospital for further treatment.

Eyewitnesses say the ‘Spyder’ was proceeding in an easterly direction while the hire car driven by Trotz was travelling in a westerly direction when the collision occurred.

On scene, the Guyana

Chronicle observed that the collision occurred on the southern carriageway, which seems to suggest that the ‘Spyder’ must have strayed into the lane of the approaching hire car.

Nero Bankay was a popular ‘body-work’ mechanic at Bush Lot. According to Dr Vish Persaud, a relative of the now dead Shiv Persaud, the man had only two weeks ago returned home to Guyana to take up residence, after living in Canada for 30 years or more.

Dr Persaud said his relative had, just the night before, attended a family reunion, and had only yesterday, around midday, fixed some defects on the ‘Spyder’, as he was a mechanic by profession.

He, however, had not yet acquired his local driver’s licence, so he approached

Bankay to test-drive the vehicle.

Dr Persaud said the accident occurred while the vehicle was apparently under test.

People living in the vicinity were startled by the sound of the impact and the sight of the ‘Spyder’ catapulting into the air and then bursting into flames.

Others said that the vehicle was travelling at a rapid rate when the collision occurred.

The police said crime scene investigators had been mobilised to do a thorough check on the vehicle to see if anything incendiary in it could have caused for the explosion and flames.

Up to the time of reporting, the charred remains of the two men had not yet been extricated from the badly damaged motor car.

St Francis to open aquaculture farm Berbice Non-Governmental Organisation, St Francis Community Developers has been given the go-ahead to construct a fish feed factory and a tilapia and hassar nursery at their Port Mourant, Corentyne, complex.

At a special gathering on Tuesday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture George Jervis pledged the ministry’s full support in

Region 6 in preparing several earthen ponds and providing a Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) consultant specialised in spawning tilapia and hassar.

The expansion of the St Francis aquaculture farm seeks to fulfill the need for fresh fish on the local market.

Currently tilapia is being imported from Suriname.

Apart from the multimillion- dollar tilapia and

agriculture farm, which had received funding from the Australian Government, the NGO also manages a tilapia farm and agriculture plot at New Amsterdam and Limlair, another Corentyne location.

As a result of these initiatives which has impacted the lives of ordinary citizens, President David Granger, during a visit to the St Francis Community Developers

on the occasion of their 29th anniversary, remarked that the organisation has a decisive role to play in promoting development within communities.

This NGO, which has won five international awards, was recently identified and documented as a best practice organisation in the region by the Commonwealth Youth Programme.

Venezuelan opposition... those the right to subcontract private service providers. The plan, according to the MUD, is to “suppress monopolies and reservations the state has made in the provision of public services to their detriment,... with strategic partnerships with private or mixed companies by granting concessions.”

A third law in this area would open up concessions for large infrastructure projects to foreign investors and multilateral financing institutions. The socialist government worked hard to end these types of deals with outsiders to enhance sovereignty and what it sees as foreign intervention into domestic affairs, especially from the United States, which has a history of meddling in the region’s politics to pro-

tect its usually capital-based interests in the country.

The MUD specifically mentions services such as roads, water supply, garbage collection, ports and airports, for which it plans to “allow and encourage multilateral funding, which would be repaid by exploiting concessions, private companies associated with the state, to develop large-scale projects and the high investment necessary for the (services’) best performance.”

Venezuela’s very real crime problem, which the MUD’s document calls “one of the most serious problems facing everyday citizens in Venezuela,” would be tackled, according to the MUD plan, by giving more power to municipal and state police forces,

which are often controlled by opposition local governments. In 2002, it was municipal police in Caracas that played a key role in the failed U.S.-backed coup attempt against then President Hugo Chavez, who had begun a socialist revolution three years earlier.

In terms of the media, the opposition majority in the

From page 2

National Assembly proposes a law to “end hegemony” in the public media and ensure the “independence” of those in charge of those media outlets. The MUD claims these changes, which were originally approved in the constitution by the public, will lead to “a better quality of life.” (Source: Telesur)

From left are President of St Francis Community Developers Alex Foster and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture George Jervis at their meeting on Tuesday

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday December 17, 2015

Qatari hunters kidnapped in Iraq sion - though Iraq’s Interior Ministry accused the hunters of failing to abide by its instructions to remain inside secured areas.

The aim of the abduction was “to achieve political and media goals”, the Interior Ministry said.

The remote area where the incident took place is highly tribal in nature and is a Shia region, reports the BBC’s Jim Muir in Beirut.

The Shia political parties which dominate the Iraqi Government are highly critical of Qatar’s role in supporting Sunni rebels in Syria so this is bound to be a serious diplomatic incident, he says.

Two Iraqi officers providing security for the party were also taken by the gunmen, but were later released, officials said.

No details were provided on which members of the Qatari Royal Family were among those held.

GUNMEN have kidnapped at least 27 Qatari hunters - including members of the ruling family - in a desert area of Iraq near the Saudi border, say police and the local governor.

The attackers were driving dozens of four-wheel-drive vehicles when they swept into the hunters’ camp at dawn on Wednesday, officials said.

They struck near Layyah, 190km (118 miles) from regional capital Samawa.

A wide-scale search has been launched for the attackers, police say.

The Qatari Foreign Ministry released a statement saying it was working with the Iraqi Government “at the highest security and political levels... to find out the details of the Qatari citizens’ abduction and work on their release as soon as possible”.

It said they had been hunting with official Iraqi permis-

Wealthy practitioners of the ancient sport of falconry from various Gulf states often travel to the area at this time of year.

The hunters had been escorted by Iraqi security forces but they decided not to engage a large number of gunmen, a police colonel from Samawa - the capital of Muthanna governorate - told Reuters.

“We are talking about at least 100 gunmen armed with light and medium weapons,” he said.

More than 12 years after the US-led invasion and occupation, Iraq is still plagued by violent crime and militant attacks.

In September, 16 Turkish construction workers were freed a month after being kidnapped in the capital, Baghdad, apparently by Shia Muslim militants.

Falconry was an important skill for Bedouin hunters in the harsh deserts of Arabia and Syria, and has been around for

Hunters use falcons (top) to target their prey, such as the Asian houbara bustard (bottom) - here shown during a competition in the UAE thousands of years.

But the Asian houbara bustard (or MacQueen’s bustard) a likely target of the kidnapped hunters - only came to prominence as a favoured prey in the

Italian Masonic leader dies AN Italian financier who was linked to several of the country’s most troubling episodes has died at the age of 96.

Licio Gelli was t h e grandmaster of a notorious Masonic group, Propaganda Two (P2), which included prominent Italian politicians and military figures.

P2 was exposed in 1981 and accused of conspiring with right-wing extremists and the Mafia to undermine governments.

Gelli was born in 1919 and first became involved in politics as part of the fascist movement of Benito Mussolini.

He later volunteered to fight for Gen Francisco Franco in the Spanish Civil War, and went on to join neo-fascist parties.

He joined the Freemasons in the 1960s and founded the P2 lodge in 1970. A list of alleged members was later discovered by Italian police

Gelli was sentenced to 12 years in prison, but never served significant prison time - and included one Silvio Berlusconi, the future prime minister.

Gelli was sentenced to 12 years in prison for fraud linked to the collapse of a bank with ties to the Vatican ,but never served significant prison time.

The bank’s boss, Roberto Calvi, known as “God’s banker” for his ties to the

M 18 08 28 19 24 23 09

16/12/2015

18

22

11

The bird’s popularity may be partly explained by its elegant plumage and because some consider its meat to be an aphrodisiac.

(BBC News)

Thousands of child soldiers in South Sudan

Vatican - was found hanging under a bridge in London in 1982, and prosecutors later said they believed he had been murdered.

Gelli was also found guilty of obstructing justice during investigations into the 1980 explosion at the Bologna train station which killed 85 people.

He absconded from house arrest in 1998 after he had previously escaped from a prison in Switzerland. He was re-arrested four months later.

Attempts to have members of the P2 group jailed for political conspiracy and attempting to destabilise the state finally failed in 1994.

At a news conference in 1999, Gelli said: “I am a fascist and will die a fascist.”

Italy has yet to discover the truth behind many of the mysteries he left behind, says the BBC’s James Reynolds in Rome.

(BBC News)

DATE: 16/12/2015

1970s, when lavish hunting trips became popular and when the availability of four-wheel-drives and guns prompted a sudden decline in the species, which is now threatened.

Rights Watch interviewed 101 child soldiers, many of whom told terrifying accounts of being taken away from their families at gunpoint and thrown into gun battles while living months with little food.

Unity State has been the focus of fighting since May with many witnesses recounting horrific tales of men wearing military fatigues sweeping through villages, UNICEF says 15,000 child soldiers have killing people, destroying fought in the two-year civil war homes, looting livestock, and stealing crops.

RIGHTS advocates have Liberation Army (SPLA) and Nyalony Jor said she called on South Sudan’s gov- the rebel force - the Sudan and her one-year-old baby ernment and rebel leaders to People’s Liberation Army-In managed to escape by fleeing punish commanders accused Opposition (SPLA-IO) - who into the Sudd swamps when of recruiting thousands of have allegedly forced children government troops attacked child soldiers to fight in the to join their ranks. her village in Leer County.

The United Nations Chilcountry’s two-year civil war.

“They looted the house, I n a r e p o r t r e l e a s e d dren’s Fund (UNICEF) estithey killed people, they stole mates 15,000 to 16,000 children on Tuesday, Human Rights our cows and then they raped Watch named more than 15 mil- may have been used by armed itary commanders from both the forces and groups in the conflict. some of the women and girls,” Jor told Al Jazeera. (Al Jazeera) New York-based Human government’s Sudan People’s

10

03

16/12/2015

2

1

0

16/12/2015

06

13

14 09

05 02

03

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday December 17, 2015

Corruption trial begins in Turks and Caicos

THE corruption trial of the 2003-2009 Progressive National Party (PNP)-led government has begun in Providenciales, the most heavily populated and developed of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).

The trial, originally expected to have begun in 2012, was delayed when former premier Michael Misick fled the territory before charges were brought.

Misick was later located in Brazil. An international arrest warrant was issued for his return to the TCI. Misick fought the extradition for over a year, but the Brazilian courts approved his extradition.

He arrived in Grand Turk on a US Government aircraft in January 2014, when he was immediately taken into custody until later released on $10 million bail.

The extradition itself is

Former premier Michael Misick now being brought into question in court by Misick’s attorney, Ralph Thorne QC. Thorne has presented an argument to the court that Misick was extradited on a single charge, but is now before the court on numerous charges. Therefore, Thorne argued, the extradition was improper.

There appears to be some precedent for the reverse argument. If a defendant is extradited for numerous alleged offences and later these charges are reduced, a case could be made for an improper extradition.

It is unclear if Misick’s attorney is arguing for the former premier to be returned to Brazil, and if he would be welcomed there. Brazil requires that if Misick is convicted, he would not serve more than 20 years’ imprisonment.

Prosecutor Andrew Mitchell, QC, argued that the Commission of Inquiry brought up evidence of an overall plan of corruption and during the extradition proceedings, which took a year, the various elements of the corruption bought other charges.

(Caribbean News Now)

St Vincent elections supervisor denies wrongdoing will be to concede, and we are not conceding,” he told a news conference at his party’s headquarters on Saturday.

On Monday morning scores of supporters picketed the office of the supervisor of elections as well as that of Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves demanding justice. (Caribbean News Now) Supervisor of Elections, Sylvia Findlay THE supervisor of elections in St Vincent and the Grenadines has denied any wrongdoing in the controversy surrounding the results of last Wednesday’s general election.

In a carbon copy of the 2010 results, the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) retained its eight seats to the New Democratic Party’s seven.

The New Democratic Party (NDP), which has been in opposition since 2001, has refused to accept the results

however, claiming they are the rightful victors and thus the duly elected government of the multi-island nation.

The NDP has cited what it sees as numerous violations of electoral rules to support claims that the elections were anything but free and fair.

Its leader Arnhim Eustace has announced that the party’s elected MPs will not attend Parliament until the issues are resolved.

“To go to Parliament

Asteroid to pass Earth on Christmas Eve THE Christmas Eve asteroid isn’t a newly discovered object. Its name – 2003 SD220 – indicates its discovery year.

The Lowell Observatory NearEarth Object Search (LONEOS) programme in Flagstaff, Arizona discovered the asteroid on September 29, 2003.

The large size of this asteroid is one of its most notable features. Early estimates suggested a size of between 0.7 miles and 1.5 miles (1.1 km to 2.5 km), but the size estimate was revised after recent radar observations from the Arecibo telescope in Puerto Rico. The new observations suggest the asteroid is about 1.25 miles (2 km) long.

The roughly oblong asteroid is thought to have a very slow rotation of about one week.

While some other asteroids such as 2015 TB145 (the Halloween asteroid) and 2004 BL86 (January, 2015) were

visible using 8? telescopes, the Christmas Eve asteroid will be much more difficult to see because of its distance.

Astronomers are nevertheless already observing this asteroid using radio telescopes and bouncing radio signals from the space rock’s surface.

The Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico is studying asteroid 2003 SD220 from December 3 to 17, while the Goldstone Antenna in California is analysing the space rock from December 5 to 20.

The asteroid will make its approach to Earth on December 24, 2015, but will return in 2018, NASA astronomer and asteroid expert Lance Benner said in a Goldstone radar observations planning document.

The imminent approach is the first of five encounters by this object in the next 12 years when it will be close enough for a radar detection.

2003 SD220 is on NASA’s NHATS list of potential human-accessible targets, so observations of this object are particularly important.

The Near-Earth Object Human Space Flight Accessible Targets Study (NHATS) is a programme developed to identify those near-Earth objects that may be well-suited for future human-space-flight rendezvous missions.

EarthSky indicates that although this is a huge asteroid, there is no danger of a future collision. The orbit of asteroid 2003 SD220 is well known and NASA has verified that the space rock will not pass at any dangerous distance during the next two centuries.

Reports from media houses suggesting that this asteroid may cause earthquakes are misleading and incorrect, EarthSky states.

(Caribbean360)

Jamaican teen to sue State

THE 16-year-old St Mary boy whose name was linked to terrorist group ISIS after he was refused landing in Suriname and sent home to Jamaica, in early April, is expected to file suit against the State this week.

The teen, whose father is Muslim, is expected to ask for several million dollars for damage to his reputation and over his detention, the Jamaica Observer has been informed.

The youth made headlines when he was sent home from Suriname in early April, on allegations from law enforcement officials in that country that he was travelling to Turkey to join the Islamic terror group.

He was held in State care in Jamaica, while the police probed the ISIS allegations, before being released on April 22. The court, however, or-

dered that he be supervised over a two-year period.

His father told the Observer in a subsequent interview that security Minister Peter Bunting needed to apologise to his son for comments he made regarding him, and that the police needed to apologise as well.

He said his son had

shunned Islam and that he was a Christian.

On April 27, the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Corporate Communication Unit issued a statement from the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Branch (C-TOC) detailing its investigation into the ISIS allegations.

6

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams

Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com

Editorial

The Marijuana debate

IT augurs well for a society when its citizens can have open, frank and honest discourse on matters of importance to them. It is the essence of democracy; for, in giving expression to views and in sharing ideas and knowledge, we, humankind, engage in exercising one of the most basic, yet taken-for-granted functions of our social existence and growth.

Whether one is a supporter or user of marijuana (“ganga” or “pot”) and/or hemp is not the focus of the discussion here; our focus is that, in the exercise of respect to our fellow man, tolerance will be brought to bear on a discussion that has been ongoing for years, but has been brought to the fore in fits and starts. It has emerged yet again, and in this instance with more intensity, focus and militancy.

What the society knows is that marijuana is a criminalised product. The society is aware of police raids and captures. Persons caught in using or possessing this substance, or planting it, are liable for prosecution and incarceration.

What is also known is that penalty seems to be at the discretion of the presiding magistrate. There has been public condemnation of the penalty attached to the possession and/or use of this substance; the absence of universality in convictions in regard to cases involving this substance; comparison of penalty attached to convictions in regard to this substance with other substances that are considered hard drugs; and calls for a review of its criminalisation.

Society has also seen users of the product ‘getting high’ and displaying pleasant and not so pleasant reactions and conduct.

At a cultural level, marijuana is seen by our Rastafarian brothers and sisters as a “wisdom weed”, the usage of which forms part of their religious beliefs and praxis.

Musicians, the most notable of whom was Robert “Bob” Marley, have celebrated its usage in songs, and have openly used it on stage. Its usage has also been seen in movies, including its paraphernalia with the gathering of users in communal interaction. Open smoking of marijuana was, moreover, seen as an act of resistance to sections of society and the political system that saw Rastafarians as fringe elements.

In short, marijuana use is part of our culture, and has been revered by some, celebrated by others, and shunned by most.

Unlike marijuana, hemp (a type of marijuana plant) is not known to the society, and conversations on this will also be useful in helping to bring about knowledge, and create awareness and understanding. Additionally, there are other sides to these products that the society is deserving of knowing because they would lend to society

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday December 17, 2015

Let’s forsake hypocrisy and legalise ganja Dear Editor, LET’s not fool ourselves; marijuana was made illegal because of economic control of the plant by the USA. America did not have the expertise to mass produce this plant on a scale and quality that other countries did, so, in the 1930s, America launched an aggressive campaign to make marijuana illegal worldwide through high level political manoeuvring and “strong arming” of other countries.

Today America stands as the leading advocate for making this plant legal again, now that that country has the expertise to effectively profit from the plant.

And for those who do not understand how the US does things, be advised that individual states normally start the process of legalization, and then this action becomes ratified by the US Supreme Court.

It has always puzzled me why a poisonous substance like tobacco has been legalised while we pretend that we are vanguards of morals by keeping marijuana illegal.

We all know that anyone who wishes to smoke the ganja still do, regardless. And when I say anyone, I mean anyone across the spectrum of races and cultures, from the rich to the poor. Even many judges and politicians today would have taken a sample, and probably still use the herb.

The point here is that if this plant causes moral decay, moral decay would have

happened already. And if we use moral grounds to keep this plant illegal, how do we explain its critical role in religion on all continents since before the time of written history?

From the sages and sadhus in the Himalayas, who smoked marijuana as an unbroken tradition from the time of Lord Shiva, to the great kings and queens of Ethiopia and Egypt, who set the foundation for this modern world, marijuana has been used as a source of enlightenment and healing. In some ways, you can’t help but feel that we modern humans are out of our league by having the audacity to make this divine plant illegal.

The most unrecognized irony is that marijuana has always been the base of our most revered and respected messengers of righteousness and liberation across the globe.

Mahatma Gandhi, who was enlightened by those same sages of the Himalayas, liberated not one, but two countries on separate continents in his lifetime, and inspired Martin Luther King Jnr to lead his revolution in the USA. Through words and sounds, we all embrace Bob Marley as the greatest musical messenger of righteousness in our history. We use his music to uplift and inspire. We even use his music in our political campaigns across the world to help spread our messages to the masses. Bob Marley and his fellow messengers of the great conscious reggae music used marijuana as a source of enlightenment. Therefore, it is hypocritical to embrace the goodness of these great people

being more informed and would guide actions and reactions going forward.

The academic community has weighed in on the matter. Our Caribbean sociologist Dr Barry Chevannes has proposed the possibility of expanding the use of the product in pharmacology and in industry, along with government playing a role through an intensive education drive, particularly among young people, to reduce the demand for the drug. It is said that in the 1970s, two University of the West Indies (UWI) researchers developed from marijuana a drug called Canasol for the treatment of glaucoma.

Hemp has also been found to have several industrial applications, including in the manufacture of rope, cloth, and other products.

And while recreational use of marijuana remains controversial, medical practitioners have advanced its utility as a drug in dealing with illnesses such as cancer and glaucoma.

The USA National Eye Institute reported thus: “Studies in the early 1970s showed that marijuana, when smoked, lowered intraocular pressure (IOP) in people with normal pressure and those with glaucoma” and may slow the progression of the disease, preventing blindness. In the USA, 20 states have decriminalised marijuana

but banish the source of their greatness.

On an economic scale, marijuana is positioned to be the largest industry in the world, rivalled only by Information Technology.

In the first few months of marijuana becoming legal, the state of Colorado collected over US$10 million in tax revenue, a sum that has risen tenfold since. And we can say the same for Washington.

There are untold economic gains for countries like Guyana to not only legalize this plant, but to be a major export country to the world. We have the expertise and capacity to harvest this plant on a scale that will dwarf the sugar industry in the future.

Holland, Uruguay, North Korea, Chile and Jamaica have all relaxed laws, or made marijuana fully legal; and Canada is now paving the way for legalizing marijuana there, too.

It is time we be liberated from 85 years of this outdated American law and make this plant a source of good for our people and country.

Are we going to stand aside and watch the world take all the benefits of marijuana for themselves, while we remain under the control of a backward and oppressive law that keeps marijuana illegal?

MALCOLM WATKINS, CSCP

Woolford Avenue badly needs a pavement Dear Editor, THANK you for highlighting the daily risks faced by the thousands of children who use Woolford Avenue.

I find it difficult to understand why, after almost fifty years of self–rule, no government has seen the urgency of constructing pavements on this busy road. To my mind, the much repeated statement “the children are our future” is a waste of time when no effort has been made, or is being made, to protect these children -- our very future -- from the actual threat of being knocked down or falling into the enormous pot holes that exist on this street.

Regards CONCERNED PARENT for medical use. Jamaica has amended its drug law which partially decriminalises small amounts to allow for lawful medical use, a reform that has been described by Minister of Justice Mark Golding as “long overdue.”

This is not to say that there is no adverse side effect in the use of marijuana. For it has been found that overuse can lead to dependency and alter memory and emotions.

There is also a business (economic) side to the production and sale of the product and its by-products. In addition to creating income opportunities, states also stand to benefit through taxation. For instance, Colorado, one of the first two USA states to legalise marijuana in 2012, garnered tax revenue of US$44 million in 2014, which has moved to US$73.5 million in the first seven months of this year; and if kept apace, is projected to reached US$125 million. We are encouraged that the conversations are being had around these issues, because they can lead to shaping knowledge and understanding of the usage, policies and laws governing the product.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday December 17, 2015

No arbitrary Killer of Guyanese woman in US convicted legalisation of ganja, says AG

Murdered: Chinelle Browne (Newsday photo)

A Brooklyn woman was convicted on Tuesday in the killing and dismemberment of a neighbour whose remains were discarded on Long Is-

Leah Cuevas, convicted of second –degree murder of Chinelle Browne land.

(Newsday photo)

A Suffolk County jury took only a few hours to convict the woman, Leah Cuevas, of second-degree murder of Guyanese, Chi-

nelle Latoya Thompson Browne, according to a report by Newsday.

Prosecutors said Cuevas killed Browne, 28, in a dispute over rent and utility payments in the summer of 2014. Browne was renting a room from Cuevas.

Some of Browne’s remains were found in an abandoned lot in Bay Shore. Her head and arms were found days later in three different locations about 25 miles away in Hempstead.

Trial testimony detailed the discovery of Browne’s blood inside Cuevas’s Brooklyn apartment. Prosecutors said Browne was stabbed 39 times. (NY Times and Newsday)

ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, on Wednesday said while he is in support of non-custodial sentences for persons found in possession of small amounts of marijuana, countrywide consultation is needed on the matter.

Williams was at the time meeting with members of the Rastafarian community at his Carmichael Street Office.

“I think I have been an advocate for that, that certainly, possession of certain amounts should not attract custodial sentences… I thought in marginal cases considerations could be given for non-custodial sentences,” he said.

At what he described as a “listening brief”, Williams noted that he has to brief

The Elite League prize money is a pending issue Dear Editor, I HAVE been persuaded by a football coach and a respected sports journalist to come out of obscurity and edify the public about “administrative glitches” that continue to promote “under development and unprofessionalism in football.

However, before I expose the harsh but sad realities of the situation, may I expound on a phrase from the late Ashton Taylor, former national player and coach? He had said: “We cannot (hope to see) progress when we continue to play Stone Age football (and be) administered by a Jurassic style of leadership”!

The “King of Reggae”, the late Robert Nesta Marley, also said: “So much has been said and so little has been done”!

It has not yet been a month since Team Integrity gained victory at the GFF’s

elections, so it may be a bit harsh to judge the Federation’s president. Nevertheless, it must be seriously considered that the individual who is now “caught between a rock and a hard place” was, less than a month ago, also the President of Fruta Conquerors, an Elite club!

Needless to say, before the competition, all eight (8) Elite clubs should have attended a debriefing/interaction session with the coordinators/organisers and the Normalisation Committee.

Did any club representative, in relation to the payment of prize monies and the period, make an inquiry?

Were the prize monies in totality sponsored and cheques deposited? And was there a letter of commitment from a reputable sponsor(s), guaranteeing payment(s)?

Editor, it would be remiss of me not to mention that the afore-mentioned is a policy inherited from the

previous GFA/GFF administration when it was under the stewardship of former President Mr. Colin Klass.

Although the policy has not been cast in stone or been considered a “constitutional articulation”, it worked well in clubs’ favour for in excess of twenty (20) years!

It mattered not then whether organization was private or by the GFF! Yes, indeed, it was extremely good for public relations that the GFF administration could have issued a statement in the print media the following day, debunking claims.

An article appeared in the SN of 09.12.15 captioned “Elite League prizes still to be funded” with the claim that the article was erroneous. The GFF administration has duly failed to inform the public where and when the presentation of prizes will take place. Surely, this would have debunked any

notion of uncertainty. Further, can it be ascertained if the Elite League was a financial success, failure, or break-even? By the way, with the government donating the winners’ prize of $4,000,000, what is the position with the purported surplus of prize monies, provided the competition was entirely sponsored? Would the surplus be equally divided among the clubs?

Indeed, it is good for the image of the sport that Mr. Forde was in a position to ask questions, which he may not have done, but now he is in a position to answer them!

This I expect to be done with integrity.

By the way, would the delay in the payments of prize monies have any adverse effect on the recommencement of the competition in February 2016?

Respectfully yours, LESTER SEALEY

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams Cabinet on the matter as government is expected to be “transparent and accountable”, the dual underpinning of the consultation process.

Alliance For Change (AFC) Parliamentarian Michael Carrington intends to table an amendment to remove provisions of the Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substances Control Act of 1988 that mandates magistrates to imprison any Guyanese who is found to be in possession of marijuana.

However, Williams made it clear that the piece of legislation Carrington spoke of was not going to be tabled at this point, as procedure requires that draft legislation to be presented to and deliberated upon by Cabinet.

“That bill hasn’t come to the House under the hand of the government, and Cabinet has not discussed the matter; it has not been discussed in Cabinet sub-committee which is headed by the Prime Minister, and the Prime Minister is the Leader (of Government Business) in the House and he had no idea about the bill, the nature of the bill, the contents of the bill,” he told reporters.

SACRAMENTAL USE Williams said too, that the drafted legislation would serve as a catalyst in moving the issue forward. He lauded the Rastafarian community for their presentation and noted that it educated him about what the group is calling for.

“We had a very in-depth discussion. I am very impressed by the insights that they have given me about the plight of the Rastafari people and they feel marginalised for years; they believe the time is ripe for the nation to appreciate the nature of their religion,

7

beliefs and the importance of marijuana in their sacraments, the importance of marijuana medicinally, and the whole question of decriminalising marijuana not above 2 ounces (56 grams). I thought they wanted to decriminalise the offence of trafficking and so on, but they are saying marijuana, they require it for personal use, and that use shouldn’t exceed 56 grams,” stated the Attorney General.

He emphasised the need for government to discuss the matter at the level of Cabinet and committed to receiving “professional help” in conducting consultations that are necessary.

Meanwhile, Brother Reuben of the Twelve Tribes of Israel said he is pleased that Mr Williams found the time to listen to the plight of the Rastafarian community.

“We are pressing for sacramental usage of marijuana [of] at least two ounces,” he said. Brother Reuben is hopeful that Wednesday’s meeting would be the first of many, and he called for symposiums to be held on the subject of marijuana use. “… I love the ganja… I was smoking since the 70s… it never make nobody mad. I went through high school and I am a geologist,” he said.

“I pray to God you are able to persuade the Commander-in-Chief and others to just look into it and ease this discriminative level that we have been going through for so long,” Brother Reuben added.

Ras Simeon Saul, President of the Guyana Rastafari Council was more vocal.

“It is a crime, and a great crime for a government to stand between a people and their religion and culture and to make laws and institutions to suffocate and strangle I and I for so long.”

Ras Saul argued that the laws against marijuana use in Guyana have to be changed, because Rastafarians, like all others, are protected by the Constitution of Guyana.

“We are not a people that must be denied rights by a government. We are saying the laws must be changed now. We are looking to have in our possession two ounces of weed (marijuana) personally for sacramental use,” said the President of the Guyana Rastafari Council.

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 17, 2015

NO DISRESPECT INTENDED – Harmon assures unions on bonus consultations

GOVERNMENT has, through Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, declared that it “meant no disrespect” to the unions representing public servants when it neglected to consult them on the end-of-year bonus decided for public servants.

Minister Trotman made this statement yesterday at a post-Cabinet press briefing

when he noted that time constraints would probably have delayed the process, which needed to be initiated almost immediately if workers were to benefit.

At issue was the $50,000 tax free bonus announced earlier in the week for all public servants who currently earn less than $500,000 per month. However, while this move was lauded by

a large faction of civil society, and even the opposition, the Guyana Public Service Union and the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) have expressed dissatisfaction because the government has not consulted with them on this issue.

In a statement, the GTUC noted that government acted in contravention of the labour laws. The

union said, “The payment of this bonus in the absence of an engagement and concurrence with the trade unions that represent public sector workers is another act of violating Article 147 of the Guyana Constitution and Trade Union Recognition Law, Section 23 (1) and transgressing the rights of workers.”

Trotman is, however,

ROW OVER BILLS ...gov’t insists no parliamentary breach A major row has erupted over government’s intention to debate and pass three new bills in the National Assembly today although it has explained that the decision is not in breach of parliamentary norms.

Just shy of 24 hours before Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, presents the bills for passage, the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) have raised eyebrows.

These three bodies have expressed concern about government’s move to suspend the Parliamentary Standing Orders to have the three bills taken through the three stages of debate.

But notwithstanding the trios’ discomfort, government has said it “is acting within the Standing Orders and the Constitution to take several bills through all three stages of debate at one sitting in the National Assembly.”

“The three bills… are critical to good governance and the strengthening of democracy, and as such, they cannot and should not be delayed when the law provides for it to be done in such a manner,” Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman said.

Minister Trotman quoted Erskine May on Parliamentary Practice (24ed) which states that “…except in cases of urgent and pressing necessity, no motion may be made to dispense with any sessional or Standing Order of the House without due notice….

However, Standing Orders are frequently suspended, if good cause is shown, to per-

mit bills -- more especially bills brought from the other House at a late period of the session -- to proceed without the usual intervals and notices.”

Trotman said the three bills will ensure that citizens participate in Local Government Elections (LGE), while Guyana’s international position in the global fight against money laundering and terrorism will be guaranteed.

“The timely passage of these bills, before the end of 2015, is a national imperative, and the government expects to receive the full support of the Opposition in the debate and passage of the bills,” he added.

Trotman contends that it is “universally accepted” that the demands of a situation allow for a government to take a bill through all three stages of debate at one sitting. He said it was a recognised practice in the pre and post-Independence era.

“It is a long and accepted practice in the Westminster Parliamentary System that government business must take priority; and that, from time to time, the Standing Orders and Rules are amended or suspended to allow for this to happen,” he added.

Trotman has labelled the PPP as “hypocritical and mischievous” in claiming that government is undermining the parliamentary process by taking the bills through the stages of debate at one sitting. He said all governments, including the PPP, would have utilised the option, and would have been supported by the then Opposition.

HAPPENED BEFORE “In January and March of 2007 respectively, the then PPP government utilised the permissible Standing Orders to take several bills through all stages of debate on a single occasion. Bills addressing the movement and migration of persons for Cricket World Cup 2007 and the deployment of disciplined forces on a CARICOM mission were approved in one day, and after very short notice,” he disclosed.

The PPP has accused the APNU-AFC-led Administration of forsaking parliamentary democracy, given the suspension of Standing Orders to allow for the three bills to go through all stages for passage.

The party said that information about the three bills was received only on Tuesday afternoon, and as such, the party was not given sufficient time to see the bills before Tuesday, though they had been gazetted in the previous week.

The GHRA also expressed disappointment at government’s intention to suspend the Parliamentary Standing Orders “in order to rush” the passage of legislation.

In a statement, the GHRA noted its unease at “the intention of the government to suspend Parliamentary Standing Orders in order to rush the passage of the Anti-Terrorism and Terrorist-Related Activities Bill 2015”.

NOT IDEAL According to the Human Rights Association, “Rushing

Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman

bills through Parliament is only acceptable in evident emergencies, where seriously adverse consequences are predictable. The bill in question meets neither of these tests. While similar comments may equally apply to the other two bills on the Order Paper for tomorrow, the GHRA is not sufficiently apprised of the circumstances either to comment on them.”

However, in the case of the Anti-Terrorism Act, the association along with others was invited by Attorney General Williams to comment on the Draft Bill in July this year.

At that forum, the association submitted over 30 amendments and recommendations to the Attorney General. However, none has been included in the draft legislation to be debated today, the GHRA said.

Additionally, the GHRA recommended that “Guyana could set an important precedent by inserting in the law a section providing for the establishment of ‘an Advisory Committee on Human Rights and Terrorism’.”

Such a committee, the GHRA believes, would advise on the implementation of the eventual Act, and could be led by a senior judge in-

of an opposing view. He thinks the law has not been breached, and reasons that if Government had taken the route the unions had expected – government consulting with them first – it is unlikely that the workers would have gotten their bonuses in time for the holidays.

“We have Christmas coming, and there is every likelihood that next week would be a shortened

week. Any protracted deliberations on whether or not public servants should be given their $50,000, I rather suspect, would have resulted in them getting the bonus in 2016. I think government took a decision that it thought was in the best interest of the workers by going out to pay them, and it meant no disrespect to the unions,” the Minister told reporters yesterday.

cluding, among others, representatives from civil society.

Also in a statement to the media on Wednesday, the PSC said it is “surprised and concerned” to learn via the media that the new pieces of legislation will be tabled and read before Parliament without consultation with the business community.

“There is growing concern regarding consultation, and we would hope that this latest example would be the last piece of legislation done

in this manner. Vital pieces of legislation should, and must, be brought to the attention of affected stakeholders from civil society and the private sector, so that Article 13 of the Constitution is implemented,” the statement said.

The body has said that, like government, it believes that the country should be compliant with international requirements, but “is equally concerned that all law-abiding stakeholders should be protected”.

Charged with murder of Brazilian national

APPEARING before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday was Michael Melville of Kaikan, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) who was not required to plead to the indictable charge which said that between December 2 and 5 at Arau Landing, Wenamu River, Melville murdered Jose Oliveira Silva.

The prosecution facts were not revealed to the court by Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones. However, the matter was transferred to Kamarang Magistrate

Court, for March 21.

Melville was arrested last Friday by police after the body of Silva was found at Arau Landing with marks of violence on December 5. It was reported that the Brazilian miner and the prime suspect were involved in an altercation at a popular drinking spot at Arau. However, the Brazilian left but was discovered dead a few hours later. The police had launched an investigation and based on information received, the suspect was arrested.

Wounded man with cutlass Joshua Joseph of Laing Avenue who was charged for chopping a man with a cutlass appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday.

Joseph, 24, had initially pleaded guilty to the charge which alleged that on December 3 at High Street, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Dexter Beckles with intent to maim, disfigure or disable him.

However to Joseph’s defense, the victim was the one who had the cutlass and approached him. “The man and me is wuk with the

cleanup campaign, he cum in front meh face to ‘fire a lash.’ Then I ‘fired a kick’ which knocked the man down to the ground.

The man further noted the he took the cutlass and dealt Beckles several broadsides before Beckles could harm him.

The Chief Magistrate recorded a not guilty plea based upon the accused’s explanation. He was placed on $20,000 bail.

His matter was adjourned for January 15 this time before magistrate Alex Moore.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 17, 2015

Guyana focused on improving citizens’ lives

By Rabindra Rooplall With Guyana ranked 124 of 188 countries in 2015 Human Development Report, Finance Minister Winston Jordan acknowledged that there is much work to be done, but pointed out that the administration is focused on improving this country’s ranking by 2020.

He made the announcement at the launch of the report prepared by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The launching was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara under the theme ‘Work for Human Development’.

The 2015 report urges governments to develop policies that boost benefits and minimise the risks and challenges of an evolving world of work.

Minister Jordan said that, a quarter of a century ago, when the Human Development Report was launched, it used the level of GDP as an indicator both of a country’s performance and the wellbeing of its people.

“In this was access to health, education, housing, and basic social amenities were to be priorities and (be) supported by increased official developmental assistance,” he said.

The current people-centred focus is indeed a paradigm shift from the former focus. Defining development by its impact on people is even more relevant today, Minister Jordan said.

He said the UN and its affiliated bodies and various representatives across the globe need to be more proactive to ensure that the multi-dimensional nature of poverty translates into a multi-dimensional assessment of development.

He explained that the classification of countries into groups such as low- or middle-income must be examined in this light, so that their graduation does not reverse the gains made in the national development process.

“Indeed, not only does the theme of the 2015 Re-

What’s the rush?

The attacks continue to come left, right and centre for our new government, as every step they make is viciously questioned by the opposition. Now, the opposition is calling the government “undemocratic” for its decision to rush three serious bills through parliament at today’s sitting. This topic garnered a lot of attention and – as usual -- many arguments. Now, some believe that the PPP actually has a valid case (for once) and ask what’s the rush? Yet, others state that the bills – among which is the long awaited Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) bill -- are crucial to the proper functioning of the country and the government should do what it has to do to to

UNDP Resident Representative Khadija Musa hands over a copy of the Human Development 2015 Report to Finance Minister Winston Jordan

port: ‘Work for Human Development’ bring into sharp relief the benefits accrued to individuals from being employed, but it also examines other types of work not acknowledged in the traditional work sphere. These include care work, voluntary work, and creative works such as writing or painting, which now need to be considered,” the Finance Minister highlighted.

He said such non-traditional contributions allow human beings to develop and reach their full potential.

“It is this perspective that will act as a cornerstone of sustainable development, and will reply on the individual having expanded choices and opportunities for paid work. Exercising these choices will create a better world for our people for generations to come,” Minister Jordan posited.

He, however, lamented the prevalence of unemployment in Guyana among youths, which he said stands at a 40 per cent.

UNDP Resident Representative Khadija Musa said the report comes at a time of major changes in the world of work, affecting when, how, and where people work.

Noting that the population of older people is growing rapidly worldwide, Meusa said that, by 2050, people older than 60 will,

for the first time in history, be in number equal to those younger than 15.

“Societies worldwide are rethinking the role which older people play in the workforce, and exploring whether the retirement age should be raised,” she said.

“Globalisation and the Digital Revolution are continuing to gather speed.

There are now as many mobile phones’ subscriptions - seven billion – worldwide as there are people,” Musa underscored.

She explained that even though people are healthier and better educated, and a much smaller proportion are living in extreme poverty that ever before, major inequalities and challenges continue to prevent some groups of people from entering the work force.

She said the report gave particular attention to the most vulnerable in society, including those who mostly are unfairly treated in the labour market. They include child labourers, trafficked workers, forced workers, workers who operate under hazardous conditions, and women.

Many jobs will need to be changed if countries are to make progress on building emissions and climate resilient futures. These changes will help determine what the labour market of tomorrow

looks like, she declared.

“Certain jobs, like renewable energy production, will grow in number. Other work will need to change, such as some methods of agricultural production. Other jobs will disappear altogether over time,” she predicted.

“Countries will have to confront political, social and economic challenges as these changes take place,” Musa explained.

One of the many burning issues in the report, she said, was establishment of a new social contract between state, society and private sector to improve social protection to ensure that all members of society, especially those working outside of the formal sector, have their needs taken into account in policy formulation.

“This new global Human Development Report is an urgent call to tackle one of the world’s great development challenges -- providing enough decent work and livelihood for all. We at the UNDP hope that the report will generate dialogue and debate on the challenges identified, as all previous reports have done,” Musa posited.

The launching event was attended by members of the Cabinet, the diplomatic corps, special invitees and UNDP representatives, amongst others.

get the work done.

NEVER A DULL MOMENT When all seems right, know that it’s too good to be true. The government’s announcement of a $50,000 bonus to public servants was not only met with great favour by the recipients, but was also given the (half-hearted) nod by the opposition as a positive move. One would think that all was well, except, the trade unions were upset that the government did not consult with them before making this decision, adding that this was in contravention of the labour laws. The government however defended that the move was not meant to disrespect the trade unions but instead to reward the hard working public servants. The public was engrossed in discussion about this topic, with most contending that “you can’t please everybody”. But think about it, if everyone agreed on these such matters, what would there be to talk about? Carry on…

WHERE’S THE GREEN MR GREEN? So Georgetown is sporting cleaner, greener facelift thanks to the clean-up campaign carried out by the M&CC, but the workers are asking for their share in the green as many are yet to be paid for their services rendered to the initiative. An article from another media house gained much attention after revealing that the M&CC is daily seeing an influx of angry workers who are asking for their money. The public seems to empathise with these personsmost of whom are private contractors and self-employed workers who of course are not among those who will benefit from the celebrated $50,000 bonus. The public believes that these persons should receive premium pay, after all, they basically cleaned 23 years of garbage from the streets… *smirk*

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 17, 2015

Over $1B approved in contracts Cabinet has approved over $1B in contracts for developmental projects across the country following their meeting earlier this week, Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman has said.

Trotman was at the time speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing yesterday held at the Ministry of the Presidency.

According to the Minister $235,117,630 was approved for the construction of Mahdia community roads in Region 8 -- from Campbell Town to the primary school and the Cenotaph to Dormitory Road.

The contract was awarded to Technocon Investment Procurement and General Contracting Solutions. In the same region, $302,310,531 was approved for a road from the hospital roundabout to Campbell Town main ac-

cess into Mahdia roundabout to government quarters. This contract was awarded to J R Ranch Inc. $52,102,500 was approved for the construction of rip-rap river defence at Crane Garden, Leguan. The contract was awarded to General contractors Inc. The sum of $20,272,500 was awarded for the procurement of sixty drums of foam concentrate for the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and this contract was awarded to Industrial Safety Supplies Inc. For the supply, installation and testing of Secondary Competency Certificate Programme (SCCP) of the Ministry of Education, one of the contract was awarded to Hardware Depot at the sum of $5,207,400 and the sum of $15,281,600 was awarded to South Caribbean Distributors’. Two contrac-

tors benefitted from this arrangement.

For the purchase & installation of furniture for the University of Guyana, the sum of US$833,257 was awarded to Waldner Laboreinrichtungen GMBH & cokg (Germany) which secured that contract. A contract within that same arrangement was also awarded to Cedi Europe (Netherlands).

Some $35,078,768 was approved for the supply and delivery of computers and accessories and the networking of laboratories under the Ministry of Education. The contract was awarded to NT Computeac.

For the procurement of dialysis fluids for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, the NEW GPC was awarded the contract which is fixed at $34,708,654.

Seeram Civil Engineering & Woodworking Establishment was given the green light for a $45,637,840 contract for the construction of a storage bond for pesticide and toxic chemicals board at Mon Repos for the Ministry of Agriculture. This contract saw an increase of $3,200,104, Trotman said.

ROAD WORKS For the provision of consultancy services for the design and construction of access roads including; Parika paved road - Public road - Naamryck cross dam, Region 3; Ruby paved road - Public Road - Ruby Parika cross dam to Parika primary school, also in Region 3; Laluni all-weather road - Kuru Kururu - Laluni farmlands, Region 4; and Onverwagt all-weather road, Region 5, the contract was

awarded to SRKN Engineering and increase from an initial $128,838,909, to 163,427,194; an increase of $34,588,285.

H Nauth & Sons was awarded $15,918,360 for the construction of a tail regulator at Buxton East sideline.

For the operation and security of NDIA mobile & fixed pumps in Regions 2, 3 and 4 (extension), a contract of $53,802,000 was awarded to General Engineering Supplies & Services. There was an increase of $14,640,000.

Cabinet gave its no-objection for the supply of labour and materials for the installation of pipelines and service connections at Hill Foot - Linden/Soesdyke Highway, Region 10. The $16,224,915 contract was awarded to Million Mountain Engineering.

Some $17,751,500 was

awarded to Million Mountain Engineering for the supply of materials and labour for the installation of pipelines across Wismar/McKenzie Bridge, Region 10.

For the provision of security services at E-government LGE sites at the Ministry of the Presidency, $74,867,328 was awarded to NM Security Solutions. This recorded a $24,955,776 increase. Additionally, the sum of $10,304,698 was awarded to Amazon Security & Investigations Services for another dimension of the project.

The green light was given for the reconstruction and resurfacing on the National Park tarmac which is being undertaken by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). The $18,753,000 work will be undertaken by the Public Infrastructure Ministry. (Ravin Singh)

IT specialist wins Best Cop award INFORMATION Technology specialist in the Guyana Police Force (GPF), 36-year-old Shivpersaud Bacchus yesterday won this year’s Best Cop award.

Bacchus, a Deputy Superintendent of Police who is based at Force Headquarters in Georgetown, received $250,000 in prize money and a plaque from Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud on behalf of the GPF. Additionally, the IT specialist received a round trip to New York and Arrow Point Nature Resort from the Roraima Group of Companies and dinner for two at Duke Lodge as well as a trophy.

Speaking with the media after the ceremony yesterday, Bacchus explained that he has been serving the Guyana Police Force for the past 15 years and he came through the ranks after leaving the Guyana Police Force Training School.

Bacchus said that he previously served in the areas of crime-fighting before he was asked to enter the IT section of the Force, befitting his qualifications in that area of specialisation.

Bacchus is the second cop who is not in mainstream crime-fighting to have won the Best Cop Award in recent times. Last year Information Technology Specialist, Inspector Jermaine Johnson from the Information Technology

Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud presenting the runner-up prize to Detective Corporal Derwin Eastman of the Brickdam Police Station

section also won the Best Cop Award.

IT STRATEGIES “It is a tremendous fight because we had in the past the CID dominating this part of the awards and now the IT is changing the pattern. We are looking to better our strategies in terms of crime-fighting and operate according to best practices in keeping with the local and international standards,” Bacchus told the media when asked about being awarded Best Cop, over those in mainstream crime-fighting.

Over the years Bacchus has been assisting in positioning the GPF alongside the rest of the world in terms of Information Technology and its benefits in crime-fighting.

DELIVERING COMPUTER TRAINING In a brief overview of Bacchus’s work, Assistant Commissioner Balram Persaud said that the man has designed, developed and delivered computer training classes to police ranks from as low as Constables to Assistant Commissioners of Police.

Additionally, he has also assisted in offering computer classes to schools across sections of the country with no costs to the beneficiaries. The Deputy Superintendent of Police is also responsible for the supervision of three computer centres within the Guyana Police Force in Corentyne, Essequibo and Georgetown.

Persaud said that Bacchus continues to perform all of his functions with very little supervision while performing

Deputy Superintendent of Police Shivpersaud Bacchus receives his prize from Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud (Cullen Best-Nelson photo)

at an extremely high standard and achieving excellent results in all areas of work.

Meanwhile, the runner-up Best Cop position went to Detective Corporal Derwin

Eastman of the Brickdam Police Station who pocketed $200,000 for his performance on the job with the police ‘A’ Division.

He was described as a

very dedicated police officer who volunteers his service to the force even when off-duty by sharing information as it becomes available to him.

He has been instrumental in investigating a number of serious crimes within ‘A’ Division and was regarded as a very honest and trustworthy police officer in whom a lot of confidence is placed.

Eastman was also awarded the Best Cop for his division for solving nine murders, five cases of possession of illegal firearms, 31 cases for narcotics and thirteen cases for robbery under arms.

There were several other persons who were awarded for their performance in the areas of traffic, murders, robbery, narcotics, illegal weapons and other serious crimes.

(Leroy Smith)

Containers of scrap mental for shipment Permission has been given for the export of 42 containers of scrap metal that was already prepared for shipment when the trade was banned in June last.

This was revealed by Governance Minister Raphael Trotman during a post-Cabinet press briefing yesterday at the Ministry of the Presidency.

“It may be recalled that on June, 15, 2015, the Ministry of Housing suspended the scrap metal trade and halted the operations of the Scrap Metal Unit within that Ministry to facilitate a forensic audit. At the time of suspension 42 containers of scrap

metal were on the wharves to be exported and these containers are still there. Cabinet has therefore given after careful consideration the approval for 42 containers for shipment out of Guyana,” he explained.

However, the Governance Minister said the shipment is a one-off transaction and in no way signals a resumption of the scrap metal trade. The implications of the resumption of the trade will be examined by a special team to be set up by Cabinet.

The trade was ban following the theft of manhole covers in the streets of Georgetown.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 17, 2015

Granger laments education crisis – challenges GTU, TSC to fix problems

President David Granger and GTU President Mark Lyte surrounded by the awardees at the Guyana Teachers’ Union Awards Ceremony at the Georgetown Club on Tuesday night

Gertude James was one of the six retirees who received a hamper

By Svetlana Marshall PRESIDENT David Granger has challenged the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) and the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) to re-examine the recruitment process for teachers, enhance training, focus on retention and adapt to changes within the sector.

At the time he was delivering the feature address at the Teachers’ Union Awards Ceremony and Cocktail Reception at the Georgetown Club on Tuesday night.

President Granger, declaring that the education system is in “crisis,” said the performance of the nation’s children at national and regional examinations serves as a clear indication that more needs to be done to salvage the country’s education system.

OBSCURING THE TRUTH “The performance of the top 1 per cent of our students at the National Grade Six Assessment Examination obscures the truth about the overall performance of our students, because below the tip of that iceberg is a huge body of students who fail,” the President noted.

He said although 8,700

teachers were listed in the education system between 2011 and 2013, there is still a shortage of teachers, particularly in the hinterland communities.

But even as the country faces this challenge, hundreds of teachers are leaving the education system, the majority of whom are dismissed for various reasons.

DISMISSALS “According to the Teaching Service Commission, between 2009 and 2015, teachers were being dismissed at an average of about 150 per year. This means that we are losing teachers for various causes,” President Granger pointed out.

In an effort to remedy this situation, he contended that, “We have to examine all over again the way we recruit teachers into the education system”.

President Granger also noted that although approximately 500 teachers graduate from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) annually, more than half this number exit the system simultaneously.

In addition, a large number of teachers in the system are untrained.

“A significant number of untrained teachers still

exist within the system even as a large number of trained teachers are leaving. So when we think of recruitment… we need to think of career teachers, people who will remain in the system and would want to be trained in order to fulfill the requirements of the profession,” he said.

The President, emphasising that teachers ought to be trained, declared that there is no place for untrained teachers in the education system.

“There is no place for untrained teachers in the education system, and it is a challenge to ensure that those in the system are trained and therefore empowered to perform their respective duties.

Every teacher entering the education system must be trained, and every teacher in the system must be trained,” he maintained.

DISTURBING Disappointingly however, he noted, some teachers, whether trained or not, have failed to conduct themselves in a respectable manner.

“Many teachers walk off the job, many teachers have had disturbing charges alleged against them … teachers have been accused of touching and fondling and even having sex with their students, teachers have been accused of speaking in a vulgar manner and engaging in inappropriate behaviour with their students,” President Granger pointed out. And these ills must be corrected if the education system is to move forward, President Granger said.

Additionally, he said in an effort to retain teachers better must come. The government will work with the Education Ministry and the GTU to enhance the conditions under which teachers work, and steps must be taken to encourage teachers to stay within the system.

Additionally, he posited that the retirement age of teachers, 55 years, should be

revised as many people are at their prime at age 55. Finally, he challenged the teachers to adapt to the developments within the education system.

“The teaching profession cannot remain in the age of teaching with blackboard.”

Education Advisor Vincent Alexander, GTU President Mark Lyte and GTU General Secretary Coretta McDonald were among the officials present at the awards ceremony.

Meanwhile, Lyte in delivering brief remarks, applauded the teachers for their contributions to the development of the education system, noting that many of the awardees had gone above and beyond the call of duty.

“The Teacher-of-the-Year should inspire all students to learn. Teachers who aspire for this award don’t stick to the textbook or traditional methods of teaching, they find creative ways to make the materials accessible to students,” he said.

During the awards ceremony, GTU acknowledged

six retirees. They are Gertude James (West Coast Berbice), Myrtle Calderia (Vreed-enHoop), Winifred Lawrie (Essequibo Coast), Junita Henry (Lower Corentyne), Mariam Gillis (Upper Demerara) and Vilma Lynch (South Georgetown), all of whom were presented with hampers for the extraordinary role they have played in moulding the minds of students.

In addition to the retirees, approximately 36 teachers were awarded. Some of the awardees included Juliet Mattis, Lockesk Persaud, Lilian Prowell, Tessa Fernandes, Franchesco Charles, Kaswar Ramnauth, Coretta Park, Dorette Brisport-Inniss, Vonette Bansaree, Mark Whyte, Charmaine Lawson, Rakesh Ramsamooj, Carol Davidson, Bibi Shabina Yassin, Francena John, Sandra Gibson and Rakeem Ramjohn.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 17, 2015

‘Madman’ accused of serial carjacking

By Clestine Juan

A ROUTE 40 minibus driver who has been receiving psychiatric care while being on remand for almost five months over several auto theft charges was yesterday released on $10,000 bail

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Twenty-five-year-old Raymond Samaroo of 20 Owen Street, Kitty appeared in court on several charges of carjacking, allegedly comitted during his mental episodes.

According to one of the

charges, on Monday, August 3, at Lot 35 Garnett Street, Campbellville, he stole a Honda CRV Civic, registration number PLL 2966, valued $5 million, and a $25,000 Samsung cellular phone along with $30,000 cash, property of Ronda Joaquin.

At yesterday’s proceedings, Samaroo’s lawyer, Paul Fung-A-Fat, presented a report by psychiatrist Dr Bhiro Harry, who determined from close observation of the defendant that Samaroo was unfit to stand trial.

The lawyer then requested

that the file be sent back to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice based upon the psychiatrist’s findings.

Regarding the details of what happened on June 27 and 28, Police Prosecutor Corporal Deniro Jones told the court that the virtual complainant (VC) had parked her car in front of her house to open the gate when the accused jumped into the driver’s seat and drove away.

An alarm was raised and the police set up a road block, but the defendant managed

to escape while injuring two police officers in the process.

Subsequently, the police were able to arrest Samaroo after he crashed into a trench at Mocha, East Bank Demerara while police were in hot pursuit.

Samaroo was subsequently admitted to bail and was placed into the custody of the Psychiatric Clinic at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

After another incident in July, Samaroo was remanded but was later released on bail when he appeared before the court, accused of stealing

motor car PHH 5935, valued $5 million, from Rishi Lall on June 27 on Sheriff Street, Georgetown. He later stole the same car on June 28 from the vicinity of the Kitty Police Station on Alexander Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

According to the prosecutor, on the day in question, Lall was on Sheriff Street with his girlfriend, and he was outside the vehicle while she was inside. They did not notice when the accused jumped into the driver’s seat of the car until he attempted to drive off with her in the

car. The young woman responded by jumping out of the car.

An alarm was raised and the police chased the man in the car. However, he escaped by jumping out of the vehicle with the keys. The police were able to recover the car in good order and tow it to the Kitty Police Station. However, Samaroo went there and drove the car away from the Police Station the following day. He was chased once more by the police and finally apprehended.

Non-resident Jamaica High Commissioner accredited

By Ariana Gordon JAMAICA’s non-resident High Commissioner to Guyana, David Prendergast was yesterday accredited by President David Granger at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Prendergast, who previously served as Jamaica’s High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, said Jamaica remains committed to strengthening

bilateral and regional ties with Guyana, as the two countries have shared a special bond of friendship over the 46 years of their diplomatic relations.

He mentioned that the two countries have worked together at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels, and have collaborated as members of CARICOM. “I wish to reiterate Jamaica’s steadfast commitment to working with the Govern-

ment of Guyana in deepening the ties that bind us. Jamaica stands ready to strengthen our bilateral and regional cooperation by continuing to explore issues of common interest that will redound to the benefit of all our peoples,” Prendergast said in his brief address after presenting his credentials to President Granger.

President Granger likewise assured the new Jamaican High Commissioner of Guy-

President David Granger shares a light moment with new Jamaican High Commissioner to Guyana, David Prendergast, and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge on Monday at the Ministry of the Presidency

ana’s full support during his tour of duty.

He said that both Guyana and Jamaica have recognised the value of regional integration in overcoming some of the disadvantages and limitations that small states face in the pursuit of national development.

“Our two countries, along with other like-minded states, actively pursue the vision of a unified and prosperous Caribbean region through the establishment of the Caribbean Community. Guyana remains steadfast in our belief that the

path to greater prosperity of the Caribbean lies in closer integration within the region,” the President said.

President Granger said the common values to which Guyanese and Jamaicans adhere are those of democracy, respect for fundamental human rights, sustainable development, and the preservation of territorial integrity.

“These values have, over the years, served as a common bond between our nations,” he declared.

“Our unique Caribbean Community provides a valu-

able foundation for the long and lasting relationship which exists between our two countries at the bilateral level and the regional and international levels,” the President said.

Guyana and Jamaica first established diplomatic relations in 1969, three years after Guyana gained its Independence from Britain.

Prendergast’s accreditation ceremony was witnessed

by Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, and Director-General of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Audrey Waddle.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 17, 2015

New CJ aims to reduce backlog of cases sideration”.

Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards took her oath of office before President David Granger yesterday at the Ministry of the Presidency

By Ariana Gordon NEWLY sworn-in Chief Justice (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, aims to reduce the current backlog of cases in the High Court along with improving the quality of service provided by the Court Registry.

Speaking with the media after a simple swearing-in ceremony at the Ministry of the Presidency, Justice Cummings-Edwards told the media of her plans.

“I intend to deal with backlog cases and I intend to deal with matters affecting the Judiciary, including the slow functioning of the Judiciary; and I intend to have all hands on board for us to work together towards having a system to ensure the justice system works,” she said.

The former Justice of Appeal will perform the functions of Chief Justice (ag) as Justice Ian Chang, who was acting in the post since 2000, is on pre-retirement leave.

Justice Cummings-Edwards is the second female in Guyana’s history to be appointed

Chief Justice; the first being Justice Desiree Bernard, a retired judge at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

BACKLOG OF CASES The Chief Justice (ag) noted that while the backlog of cases is not unique to Guyana’s judiciary, it can be fixed, and requires the input of all concerned.

“Backlog is a problem that affects all judiciaries, but it’s something that has to be handled consistently and by all of us. I intend for all the judges and myself to tackle the issue,” she stated.

Justice Cummings-Edwards has 27 years of legal experience. She became State Counsel in 1988 and was elevated to Senior State Counsel, then Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions.

Thereafter, she was appointed Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, and served as acting Director of Public Prosecutions before being appointed a High Court Judge in 2000. In 2008, she was appointed Justice of Appeal after serving eight years as a High Court Judge.

This swearing-in was witnessed by Justice Cummings-Edwards’s husband, Dr Maurice Edwards, and their daughter, Dr Yana Marissa Edwards; Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Carl Singh; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, along with the Supreme Court Registrar (ag) and retired Judge Claudette Singh.

BEST SUITED President David Granger described Justice Cummings-Edwards as the most suitable person to act in the post of Chief Justice. “We looked at the judges, particularly the judges in the Appeal Court, and we felt that Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards was the person that could carry out the duties of Chief Justice,” the President said.

He noted that the experience of Justice Cummings-Edwards, her qualifications and the decisions she has made were all examined, “and we felt she was the most suitable when all these factors were taken into con-

CONSULTATIVE PROCESS The President has said that the consultative process was conducted completely in line with what is required by Guyana’s Constitution.

“The Constitution requires me to consult; and having considered the potential candidates, I have made my choice. I am satisfied that she is a good person to fulfill that function,” President Granger said last week.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, while not having a fundamental problem with the selection and appointment of Justice Cum-

mings-Edwards questioned the selection process.

“The President proposed a name, I spoke about a process, and I (said) that the elements of the process that I suggested are (1): The most senior judge should act at this point in time; and secondly, that if it’s performance-based, we should get a report from the Judicial Service Commission and people about the performance of the nominee, and compare (this) to (the performance of) others who are a part of the senior leadership of the judiciary,” Jagdeo had said.

He was, however, informed by both President Granger and Attorney Gen-

eral Williams that nothing in the Constitution requires the process identified by the Opposition Leader. “…and as far as I am concerned, the consultation was entirely in accordance with the Constitution,” the President said.

Granger added: “We are not looking for a permanent appointee, because acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Mr Carl Singh, is the substantive Chief Justice; so I cannot fill a position that is already occupied. So, from the outset, we knew that the nominee would be the acting Chief Justice…. Nothing that was done today was at variance with the Constitution.”

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 17, 2015

Errant taxpayers notified Govt to fix broken health

By Telesha Ramnarine

DEMAND notices are currently being served on citizens, especially those in the business community, who have not paid their rates and taxes to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

Those notified are persons and businesses who have not made use of the recently concluded amnesty, Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green informed yesterday.

With this initial step being undertaken, the matters will eventually end up in court. The amnesty began on September 1, and lasted until the end of November. Thus far, there has been no excuse from those businesses which have refused to pay their taxes, Chase-Green said.

“Although M&CC has been so considerate and flexible, some businesses just did not budge. These will, of course, be taken to court.”

However, those who went into the council and made an effort to pay, even if they could not complete

Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green

their outstanding amounts, will be shown consideration, the Deputy Mayor said.

Currently, she said, City Hall is in the process of examining special cases, such as those involving pensioners, to find out who can and cannot pay their outstanding taxes.

The entity managed to rake in more than $500M at the end of October, the

original target of the municipality.

Because of the tremendous response that the council received, the amnesty was extended until November 30, where in excess of $40M were secured.

When it was announced earlier that an amnesty for defaulting taxpayers was being granted to afford them an opportunity to pay their rates and taxes interest-free, residential property owners were offered a 100 per cent amnesty on interest accrued, while commercial property owners were required to apply for a review by an amnesty panel, before securing between 50-75 per cent amnesty on the interest accrued.

All property owners were encouraged to take advantage of this deal and settle their accounts so that the City Council could obtain financing to pursue a number of plans currently in the pipeline.

Over the years, persons have been withholding payment of their rates and taxes, causing the M&CC to halt projects.

NGSA slated for April 27 - 28 THE Ministry of Education yesterday announced that the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) will be held on Wednesday April 27 and Thursday April 28, 2016.

As such, the parents of candidates preparing to write the examination are asked to take note of the following timetable:

The Ministry has decided to extend the dates by one month to give teachers sufficient time to complete the Grade 6 curriculum, and give students additional time within which to prepare for the Assessments. Teachers have been advocating for the additional time to be granted for some time now.

In the meantime, logistical preparations and quality assurance mechanisms are being put in place for the efficient administration of assessments in April 2016.

Meanwhile, the ministry would like to remind the public that, with immediate effect, the weighting previously attributed to the Grades Two and Four Assessments

will stop.

Therefore, NGSA 2016 will not include grades obtained from the recent Grades 2 and 4 assessments.

The Grades Two and Four Assessments will be used strictly for diagnostic purposes, as was initially intended. Schools are urged to put the necessary systems in place for the results of these assessments to be the basis for strategic interventions aimed at overcoming identified weaknesses of pupils.

The Ministry would also like to encourage parents to continue to work with their children to ensure that they improve in any subject area that is considered a challenge to the child.

system in Region One IN A determined effort to develop a thorough appreciation of the public health issues and challenges facing Region One, and to devise better strategies to address those issues, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, led a high-level team of Public Health officials to that Region last Wednesday for a two-day visit.

The minister and team commenced the visit at the Mabaruma Regional Hospital, before moving on to other facilities at Port Kaituma, Arakaka and Matthew’s Ridge, engaging regional officials to get a firsthand assessment of the conditions that obtain in that area.

Minister Cummings heard the concerns of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) about the current state of public health facilities at Mabaruma, and determined that significant work needs to be done to raise the standards of health care services being delivered, as well as the nature of other public health infrastructure in the region.

In her address to the Council, Minister Cummings emphasized the Government’s commitment to the people of Region One, and reiterated its determination to rectify the difficulties that affect the people of that region.

“I am here to have a hands-on assessment of the quality of public health delivery in Region One. I am here to see for myself what are our shortcomings.

I want to be made aware of the challenges that face the community in relation to its health care.

“Moreover, I want to reassure you that, as a Ministry and as a Government, we will formulate meaningful ways in which we plan to fix the shortcomings identified and minimize the impact of the challenges with a view to changing them into positives,” the Minister said.

Minister Cummings also called on the Council to have a more collaborative approach towards solving the problems of the region.

“We want to work with you as best as we can to solve the problems that you experience on a daily basis. For us to realize the potential that is embodied in Region One, we must work collaboratively to achieve the goals and objectives that contribute to nation-building.

“I wish that we can work together to ensure that every citizen in Region One lives a healthy life,” she declared.

Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, engaging staff of the Mabaruma Hospital

Over at Port Kaituma, Minister Cummings and team visited the building site of the new state-of-the-art hospital being constructed, and was given a full tour of the facility, which is at completion stage of Phase 1.

According to the consulting firm, Phase 2 of the project will commence shortly, and will result in the hospital being fully equipped with the latest and best medical equipment.

The new facility is scheduled for commissioning in December 2016.

The new Port Kaituma hospital will house male and female wards; a fully functioning world-class operating theatre; minor operating room; maternal child healthcare facilities; dentistry; laboratory; infectious diseases centre; pharmacy; radiology department, and modern storage facilities.

The cost of the new Port Kaituma Hospital is pegged at Gy$700M. The contractor is R. Bassoo and Sons, and the supervisory consultancy firm is Kalitech Inc. A tour of the current hospital at Port Kaituma painted a gruesome picture of years of neglect and of lack of adequate resources.

Minister Cummings was visibly moved by the myriad complaints that came quite candidly from the staff, who are currently working under the most onerous conditions. The human issues affecting staff, coupled with various degrees of structural and infrastructural damage, showcase the near derelict structure and broken systems that have been inherited by the Ministry of Public Health

at Port Kaituma.

However, Minister Cummings was pleased with the condition of the Matthew’s Ridge Hospital, although she was concerned about the lack of proper storage for medical supplies.

She noted that there is obvious need for the regional administration to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Public Health in fixing many of the issues affecting Region One’s public healthcare system.

There is a recognizable disconnect between what is seen as priority by the regional administration and what in reality are the pressing matters that need immediate attention by the regional administration. From simple human resource issues to the procurement of simple but important articles, appliances and equipment that can make the lives of staff and patients easier, the administration of Region One must make a special effort to work with Government to fix the many pervasive issues.

Accompanying the Minister was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Trevor Thomas; Director of Regional Health Services, Dr. Kay Shako; Coordinator of Indigenous People’s Communities and Regional Health Services, Michael Gouveia; Facilities Manager Earl O’Neil; Engineer Bruce Wills; Kalitech Representative Kalyan Tiwari; and USAID-funded Materials Management Unit (MMU) project representatives Mr. Marvin Couldwell and Mr. Cecil Jacques.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 17, 2015

Makeover for City Hall next year

By Telesha Ramnarine

A COMPLEX to house staff of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will have to be built next year to effectively facilitate rehabilitation of the City Hall building.

The intention is to have the structure built in 1889 returned to its former glory.

City Hall boasts a unique architectural design and is often described as “the most picturesque structure”, “the most handsome building in Georgetown”, and “one of the finest exam-

ples of Gothic architecture in the Caribbean”.

Although the M&CC is currently awaiting assistance from the European Union (EU) and other agencies, minor repair works are being done on the buildings covering the City Constabulary and Engineer’s Departments.

Speaking with this publication yesterday morning, Deputy Mayor Patricia Chase-Green said the EU has promised to dispatch a team of consultants to do an assessment of what needs to be done on City Hall’s building.

She is confident that this task will be carried out in a timely manner next year because the M&CC has never had cause to distrust any agreements made with the EU thus far.

Though unable to estimate a figure for restoring City Hall’s building, Mayor Hamilton Green had also expressed optimism that the task will be completed next year.

Just recently, he told this newspaper that the EU and the Ministry of Finance have already signaled their readiness to assist with the restoration project.

M&CC now controls parking in G/town

City Mayor Hamilton Green

“It is a very complex building. There is a lot of iron work to be done and

a lot of work to be done on the roof as well. It’s a lot of work and so it will cost a lot, but I wouldn’t want to guess a figure,” he said.

He is also not sure if the skills to get the job done are available locally, but he said he envisions a completed project before the end of next year.

In 1995, the Government of Guyana had proposed City Hall as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The building was designed by architect Reverend Ignatius Scholes in 1887 and was completed in June 1889.

At 14:00hrs on December 23, 1887, Governor Henry Turner Irving laid the foundation stone for City Hall at the north-east corner of the main building, along with a glass jar containing original documents relating to the building.

City Hall was officially opened at 15:00hrs on July 1, 1889 by Governor-Viscount Gormanston. The Archbishop of British Guiana, William Piercy Austin, then blessed the structure.

The building has deteriorated significantly over the years and is in need of urgent repairs.

Julius Variety donates to Women Across Differences

Lawrence Mentis and a staff member from Julius Variety Store during the presentation yesterday to WAD representatives Clonel Samuels-Boston and Danielle Blondin at WAD’s office (Photo by Michel Outridge) M&CC employees as they took control of the bus park in downtown Georgetown

By Michel Outridge OVER the years, consistent increases in the number of minibuses and cars used for public transportation have congested the Stabroek Market area and have brought disorder to a central part of Georgetown.

For this reason, the Georgetown City Council has commenced a process aimed at enforcing parking regulations in several sections of the city. A special demarcation exercise, which allows for buses to be properly laned has commenced, and would facilitate the smooth flow of minibus traffic at the Lodge/South and Kitty Campbellville minibus parks.

This pattern would be repeated throughout the city, and the Council is considering several proposals to establish other bus parks around Georgetown.

The Municipal and District Councils Act empowers the Georgetown Municipality to regulate and control the Council’s roads. “A Council shall have power, subject to the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act, the Road Act, and the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, to construct, maintain, repair, protect, and carry out works for the betterment of Council roads in Council areas, and to regulate and control traffic thereon,” Section 274 of the Municipal and

District Councils Act states.

The Act also states that the Council can “establish, maintain and control parking; erect and maintain parking meters; regulate the standing and parking of vehicles on Council roads; erect and maintain traffic control signals and traffic signs on council roads; regulate the speed of vehicles on council roads; designate particular council roads as one-way roads or one specified direction; require vehicles to stop before entering or crossing any council road or to yield to other traffic; restrict the use of any council roads to vehicles of specified type or weight.”

THE management and staff of Julius Variety Store yesterday gifted the non-governmental organisation (NGO), Women Across Differences (WAD) about $100,000 worth of items for babies and children.

The presentation took place at WAD’s office at Lot 34 Anira Street, Queenstown, where the Coordinator, Clonel Samuels-Boston and Canadian Volunteer, Danielle Blondin were on hand to receive the donation, which will aid in their work.

WAD is a women’s organisation which was established in 1996 to enable women and girls to empower themselves through access to social and economic resources.

It provides a forum for women to meet and encourages them to make their collective voices heard in the

area of public policy.

The representatives of WAD were very pleased to receive the gifts, which include four baby carriers, four strollers and one playpen. The gift items will be used to assist young mothers, especially school drop-outs who bring their babies and children along for classes at the location.

Meanwhile, father of the proprietor, Lawrence Mentis said yesterday that he was present on behalf of his son, Julius Mentis and they plan to make similar donations in future, and this was the first of its kind to WAD. Coordinator Samuels-Boston told the Guyana Chronicle that their major challenge at present is space because they are stuck in a cramped bottom flat apartment for which they pay a

monthly rent.

She noted that once you invest in a girl, it’s like you invest in a generation and their aim is to have girls and women participate in workshops and courses. WAD offers courses free of cost in personal development, sexual reproductive health, entrepreneur development and physio-social support with 25 volunteers and also partners with other NGOs. Meanwhile, the NGO plans to expand to cater for a daycare once they get more spacious accommodation.

Blondin said she arrived in Guyana in October this year and has been working with WAD since then. She added that the experience has been good so far and noted her success in creating a manual for WAD.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 17, 2015

Gafoor Foundation gives generously to charities THE GAFOOR Foundation has donated $2M to several charitable organisations at a simple ceremony at the Marriott Hotel on Tuesday.

The organisations which benefitted from the kind gesture are the Dharam Shala, Help and Shelter, Convalescent Home, Deaf in Guyana, Association for the Visually Impaired, Ruimveldt Children Aid Centre and Joshua Home.

Administrator of The Gafoor Foundation Ameena Gafoor said the donation is in recognition of their significant contribution to society.

“The Gafoor Foundation recognises and supports the work of the tireless individuals who work, through NGOs [non-governmental organisations] and various other organisations, to make Guyanese society a better place. There are many areas that need attention for our society to become whole, e.g., illiteracy among youths, helping to ensure every child stays in school, physically challenged children, people in need of medical attention, psychologically challenged people who resort to drastic

Gafoor Foundation Administrator Ameena Gafoor hands over a cheque to Ruimveldt Children Aid Centre Jessica Hatfield in the presence of her husband Sattaur Gafoor, staff and beneficiaries

measure, the elderly and the many dilemmas that come with aging… to name only a few. So we try to put in our two cents worth and support as many worthy efforts as we can. Christmas is a time of giving but we must remember to sustain the momentum all year through.”

Recently, Gafsons Industries Limited treated more than 3,000 poor and less for-

tunate elderly and children at its Houston, East Bank Demerara complex as it joined members of the corporate community in ushering in the Christmas spirit.

The party hosted by Executive Chairman Sattaur Gafoor, attracted persons from all walks of life. They were treated to breakfast and lunch and they all received gifts.

CAJO congratulates new Chief Justice (ag) THE Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers (CAJO) has congratulated Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards on her appointment as acting Chief Justice of Guyana.

President David Granger met with the Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo at the Ministry of the Presidency earlier this month to consult and determine who would be appointed to perform the functions of the Office of the Chief Justice, as Justice Ian Chang was scheduled to proceed on leave yesterday.

At the meeting, the President nominated Cummings, on several considerations, among which are that she is a woman with many years of experience as a Puisne Judge of the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature, a Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal, as well as her competency and professionalism.

Within and outside CAJO circles this appointment has been greeted with tremendous acclaim throughout the CARICOM region. According to the CAJO, Justice Cummings has impressed all with the sincerity of her judicial opinions, the plain and straightforward manner in which she expresses them and the logic and coherence

Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards

of the decisions she makes.

These qualities, coupled with the unyielding firmness of her convictions, her humility and genteel disposition, mark her out as an outstanding jurist.

CAJO notes that Justice Cummings’ predecessor was made to act indefinitely in the position for over 10 years. At its recent Conference in Jamaica, CAJO drew attention to this serious injustice and in CAJO’s post-conference resolution the association deplored “the poor practice of Heads of Judiciary being appointed to acting positions for inordinately long periods of time”.

CAJO said that it warmly congratulates Justice Cummings and looks forward to working with her in this new capacity.

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 17, 2015

Yesterday’s Results

CROSSWORD

Yesterday’s Result

SUDOKU

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, DECEMBER 17, 2015

THURSDAY DECEMBER 17 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

THURSDAYDECEMBER , 2105

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, DECEMBER 17, 2015

THURSDAY DECEMBER 17 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

THURSDAYDECEMBER , 2105

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, DECEMBER 17, 2015

THURSDAY DECEMBER 17 2015

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday December 17, 2015

Platini will not attend FIFA ethics committee hearing PARIS, France (Reuters) - S u s p e n d e d E u ro p e a n football chief Michel Platini will not attend tomorrow’s FIFA ethics committee hearing in protest at what he condemns as a political process designed to prevent him running to lead the world governing b o d y, h i s l a w y e r s s a i d yesterday.

Platini was provisionally suspended for 90 days on October 8, alongside outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter, over a suspicious payment from FIFA to Platini, deepening a corruption scandal that has engulfed football’s ruling body.

The ethics panel is set to rule on their cases, and could impose much longer bans than the provisional suspensions if it finds the men guilty of violations. Blatter is due to appear today. Both men have denied any wrongdoing.

Platini’s lawyers objected to comments in French newspaper L’Equipe by ethics committee spokesman Andreas Bantel that the former France captain would be sidelined for “several years”.

“Michel Platini has decided not to attend his hearing at the FIFA ethics committee on December 18, 2015, as the verdict of this ethics committee had been announced in the press last weekend by one of its spokespersons, Mr Andreas

Bantel, in disregard of all fundamental rights, starting with the presumption of innocence,” the lawyers said in a statement.

By his decision to boycott the hearing Platini “intends to show his deepest indignation towards a process which he considers as uniquely political and designed to prevent him from putting himself forward for the FIFA presidency,” the lawyers said in their statement.

FIFA said they noted Pla-

Suspended UEFA football chief Michel Platini tini’s decision but his lawyers were still welcome to attend the hearing, which would be handled in “an unbiased manner”.

“Mr Platini would miss the opportunity to present his points of view vis-a-vis to the adjudicatory chamber in person,” FIFA’s ethics committee said in a statement.

“However, his legal rep-

resentatives would be fully able to present his case at the hearing.”

It added: “We would like to clearly stress that the adjudicatory chamber of the ethics committee will deal with the present case in the same way as with any other procedure independently and in an unbiased manner.”

Platini, who has been head of European football’s governing body UEFA since 2002, had registered as a candidate to replace Blatter in a vote on February 26.

He had been seen as a frontrunner for the job before he was suspended as part of an investigation into the payment of 2 million Swiss francs (£1.3 million) he received from FIFA in 2011 for work he completed between 1998 and 2002.

Last Friday, he failed in an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to have the suspension lifted, meaning he was unable to attend Saturday’s draw for the Euro 2016 Championship in France.

FIFA is suffering the worst corruption scandal in its more than 100 years of existence, drawing in top officials and triggering investigations by U.S. and Swiss authorities.

Blatter said in a letter on Tuesday that the ethics committee’s investigation was “tendentious and dangerous”, adding: “This trial reminds me of the Inquisition.”

Simmons backs Windies to rebound ...

From Backpage

tralia at Blundstone Arena.

But Simmons is “very confident” of a change in fortune as preparations continue for the Boxing Day Test.

“The guys sat down and they know exactly what they have to do and they know that they’re capable of doing it,” Simmons said.

“It’s not like it’s out of their league. I’m looking forward to this next one.”

The West Indies’ rapid fall from grace has been well documented and the pressure only increased when they were soundly beaten by a young and inexperienced Cricket Australia XI ahead of the first Test.

“People tend to harp (on) you being down below but we’ve created that.

From being so good, we’ve created a legacy - a Clive Lloyd legacy - that we have to live up to and we have to try get back up there and live up to it.

“You can’t really get fed up with people talking about it because that’s what they’ve been accustomed to.

You have to accept it.”

Simmons, however, has ignored the constant criticism.

“I don’t really listen to it much. I stay away from it,” Simmons said.

“I don’t read or listen too much. I just make sure I’m looking at what’s happening with the team and make sure that that’s what we work on.”

The batsmen flopped and the bowlers were wayward in Hobart, causing Simmons and the Windies’ coaching staff to deliver a harsh assessment.

“We didn’t play as well as we could’ve done,” Simmons said.

“We didn’t bowl as well as we’d be doing in the last few Tests and the batting hasn’t come alive again, so there are things to work on and we need to make sure we keep working on them.

“We’ve got to make sure that we put the hammer down on everything that’s happening and make sure that when we come here and start working this week, rather than next week, that we’re doing things that we need to do in a Test

Cavaliers too good for Celtics, Nuggets win again THE Cleveland Cavaliers extended their winning streak to three games, while the Denver Nuggets were too good for the Houston Rockets.

It was billed as a grudge match but there were no fireworks as the Cleveland Cavaliers downed the Boston Celtics 89-77 in the NBA on Tuesday.

The Cavs and Celtics were meeting for the first time since last season’s bruising first-round play-off series, which saw Kevin Love suffer a dislocated shoulder following a tussle with Boston’s Kelly Olynyk.

Jae Crowder was also struck in the jaw by J.R. Smith, the former demanding an apology from the Cavs player leading into the showdown in Boston.

But the rematch was uneventful as LeBron James led the Cavs to a third con-

secutive win.

James finished with 24 points, while Cavs teammate Love added 20 on the road.

“We knew it was going to be that type of game tonight,

LeBron James led the Cavs to victory with 24 points. just coming off the playoff series that we had with them,” James said.

“And, it’s our first time seeing them. We were able to

answer the call.”

Avery Bradley was the pick of the Celtics players with 17 points.

The Denver Nuggets continued their good form, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-100.

Randy Foye posted 19 points and Kenneth Faried contributed 19 of his own and 10 rebounds as the Nuggets won for the sixth time in seven games.

Double-doubles from DeMarcus Cousins, Rudy Gay and Darren Collison helped the Sacramento Kings past the Houston Rockets 107-97.

Cousins had 26 points and 12 rebounds, Gay scored 17 points and collected 13 rebounds, and Collison finished with 14 points and 13 assists.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers trumped the Milwaukee Bucks 113-95.

(Sportsmax.com)

Racing tips South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:25 hrs Bulleting Home 09:05 hrs Analyse This 09:45 hrs Russian Steward 10:20 hrs Dream Leader 10:55 hrs Seven Stars English Racing Tips Southwell 08:30 hrs Phantom Flipper 09:00 hrs Masqueraded 09:30 hrs Sayeuri 10:00 hrs Hall Of Beauty 10:30 hrs Philba 11:00 hrs Fine ‘ N Dandy 11:30 hrs Countermand Towcester 08:40 hrs Toby Lerone 09:10 hrs Smart Exit 09:40 hrs Burgundy Betty 10:10 hrs St Johns Point 10:40 hrs Generous Jack 11:10 hrs Carhue Princess 11:40 hrs Cajun Fiddle

Exeter 08:50 hrs Jessber’s Dream 10:20 hrs Bitofapuzzle 10:50 hrs Bilbrook Blaze 11:20 hrs According To Harry 11:50 hrs Thepartysover Arab Emirates Racing Tips Meydan 11:00 hrs Manark 11:35 hrs Layl 12:10 hrs Piepowder Court 12:45 hrs Haatheq 13:20 hrs Muarrab 13:55 hrs Desert Wings American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Interior Secretary Race 2 Tonasah Race 3 Organic Gemini Race 4 Congrats Kid Race 5 Little Love Race 6 Sacred Success Race 7 Clothes Fall Off Race 8 Apache Warrior

match.”

Simmons is adamant the West Indies can be competitive against Australia but admitted the batting, which yielded just 223 and 148 in Hobart, was cause for concern.

“The bowlers have been good in the last four or five Test matches - they weren’t good in the last one - and the batting has let us down quite a bit,” he said.

“The batting is at the point that we need to prove that we are as good as we’re made out to be.

They’re good players, we know they can play at this level and it’s up to them to come out now and show everybody that they’re back in good nick.”

The Windies will be forced to make one change for Boxing Day, with quick Shannon Gabriel returning home with a foot injury.

Miguel Cummins will join the team in Melbourne on Monday, but Simmons remained tightlipped on potential changes for the second Test.

“I don’t know. There’s a long way until the next Test so we’ve got to see how things go for the next couple of weeks.

“One change first and that’s Shannon (Gabriel) has gone home and we’ll decide which direction we want to go with that for the next Test.” (Herald Sun)

Lanferman...

From Backpage

the MLS Combine, an invite-only showcase event held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, prior to the annual MLS SuperDraft.

The Combine is part of an agreement between the two entities as they try to promote football development throughout the Caribbean region.

Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson is the first and only Guyanese player to be signed by an MLS club following his 2009 deal with the Colorado Rapids.

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday December 17, 2015

Australia bring Sriram, Hussey on board for World Twenty20 SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Australia have recruited former India player Sridharan Sriram to help their team prepare for the conditions they will face in the World Twenty20 in India early next year, Cricket Australia said yesterday.

Sriram, an all-rounder who played eight ODIs for India between 2000 and 2004, worked with Australia A on their tour of India earlier this year and was

scheduled to travel with the Test side to Bangladesh in October before the trip was postponed.

The 39-year-old will work with the Australia side during their three warm-up matches against South Africa prior to their arrival in India for the March 8-April 3 tournament.

Former Australia batsman Mike Hussey will also work with the side for two weeks of the tournament, bringing to bear his experi-

Former Australia cricketer Mike Hussey

ence of playing on the subcontinent in the India Premier League competition.

“Sriram’s focus will be on getting the players as prepared as possible for what they will face in India,” Cricket Australia’s Pat Howard said in a news release.

“Mike has been one of our most successful players at transitioning between the different formats and his advice and support in this area will be of great

benefit to the players who have played a large amount of Test and ODI cricket in the last 12 months.”Australia have played just one Twenty20 international in 2015, with the triumphant 50-over World Cup campaign and Test cricket taking priority.

The World Twenty20 is the one major international prize that has eluded Australia, whose players in the past have struggled to combat spin bowling on the slow

decks of the subcontinent.

“As a proud Australian cricketer I am delighted to be involved in Australia’s campaign for the World T20 title,” said Hussey.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the boys and assisting in any way possible with their preparation and match day plans.”

Australia play New Zealand in Dharamsala on March 18 in their opening match of the tournament.

CSA charges ‘intermediary’ with Hales fails again as trying to fix Twenty20 games England build big lead CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuters) - South African cricket authorities have charged an unnamed “intermediary” with attempting to fix matches in the country’s recently completed domestic Twenty20 competition.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) made the announcement on Tuesday without revealing the identity of the individual. It’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit has charged a perpetrator under the ruling body’s Anti-Corruption Code.

“The intermediary has

been charged with contriving to fix, or otherwise improperly influence, aspects of the 2015 Twenty20 Challenge Series and with failing or refusing, without compelling justification, to co-operate with an investigation carried out by CSA’s designated Anti-Corruption Official,” CSA said in a statement.

“The provisional suspension means that the intermediary may not be involved in any capacity in any match or any other kind of function ... recognised or supported in any way by CSA, the ICC, a

National Cricket Federation or any member of a National Cricket Federation,” CSA added.

“As is the standard practice with the ICC, neither CSA nor the ICC will make any further comment in respect of on-going investigations.”

The Pretoria-based Titans won the domestic Twenty20 competition on Saturday when they defeated the Dolphins from Durban in the final. Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen played for the Dolphins.

POTCHEFSTROOM, South Africa (Reuters) Opener Alex Hales failed for the second time as England ended day two of their warm-up match against a South African Invitation XI on 99 for three yesterday.

The tourists lead by 381 runs with seven second-innings wickets remaining after bowling out their opponents for 188 at Senwes Park.

The usually fluent Hales, likely to open alongside Alastair Cook in the first Test against South Africa starting in Durban on December 26, repeated his first-innings score when he

Stuart Broad

was bowled on eight, again falling to seamer Junior Dala after having laboured for 42 balls.

Cook (37) looked in fine touch before he was trapped leg-before-wicket, also for the second time in the game, while Nick Compton (15) could not repeat his first-innings half-century. Joe Root (25 not out) and Gary Ballance (six not out) will resume on the final morning today.

Stuart Broad had earlier impressed with the ball in recording figures of three for 18 as the inexperienced home batting lineup were dismissed for 188.

That included a 51-run last-wicket stand, the only frustration for the bowling attack on the day.

Seamer Mark Footitt was expensive but bagged figures of two for 51 from 12 overs, while all-rounder Ben Stokes followed up his century with the bat on Tuesday with figures of two for 25.

Each side may use 13 players in the game, which does not carry first-class status, and can bat for a maximum of 100 overs.

The first Test will be followed by matches in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday December 17, 2015

Brazil’s football federation boss stresses innocence BRASILIA, Brazil (Reuters) - The head of Brazilian football, charged with corruption by U.S. prosecutors, stood his ground amid sometimes hostile questions in Congress yesterday, insisting he was not involved in the global scandal surrounding the sport.

“People can be indicted but they have the right to defend themselves and I am going to prove the American indictment is a big mistake,” Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) President Marco Polo Del Nero told senators.

“I have been unjustly accused,” he said at an inquiry into soccer-related corruption.

Del Nero was charged by U.S. prosecutors earlier this month with participating in schemes designed to solicit and receive millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks to sell media and marketing rights for football tournaments and matches.

H i s p re d e c e s s o r a s CBF president, Jose Maria Marin, is in jail awaiting trial on similar charges, and Ricardo Teixeira, another former president of the CBF from 1989 to 2012 and former FIFA executive committee member, was also charged.

Del Nero has taken a leave of absence from his post to defend himself from the

accusations, which form part of a worldwide investigation into corruption in football.

So far, 41 people and entities, most of them from Latin America, have been arrested or indicted in the crackdown.

Quizzed over tax payments, flights and telephone calls that senators believe implicate him, Del Nero frequently said he did not remember.

“I would like to have as good a memory as you,” he told one questioner, Senator Randolfe Rodrigues.

“I think yours is selective,” Rodrigues replied.

‘RIDICULOUS PERIOD’ Del Nero faced some senators who were openly friendly and others who were harshly aggressive.

Romario, the former Barcelona striker turned politician, called him a liar and pointedly appealed for him to quit the country’s football body.

“I want to publicly ask you to leave the CBF so in the future we can have an honest CBF that is serious, not corrupt, and that can help our football, especially the national team,” Romario said.

“These acts by you, Ricardo Teixeira, Jose Maria Marin and your many allies have exhausted our football that I can now say is going

NOTABLE DATES

CLIFF Anderson knocked down Mickey Francis five times to win an eight-round fight by technical knock out (TKO) in the final stanza.

The contest was staged on December 17, 1946 in the Harringay Arena in London, England.

Anderson was 25 years old at the time, three older than his opponent and claimed his 23rd victory. The fight was the last of 13 that the Guyanese had for that year.

He had lose only two. Anderson was TKOed in round seven by Theo Medina in round seven in August.

Medina was the French bantamweight champion at the time and far superior in experience. Anderson’s other defeat of 1946 came in November at the hands of Georges Mousse who won the eight-round bout by on points.

The following year Anderson entered the ring only five times. In two of those fights he challenged for the Commonwealth featherweight title. Both times he lost to Al Phillips. Anderson’s contribution to the sport has been recognised in his native Guyana.

The National Sports Hall was renamed Cliff Anderson Sports Hall after the stalwart who died in 1998.

President of Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) Marco Polo Del Nero speaks during a Parliamentary Committee of Inquiry (CPI) to investigate allegations of corruption in the CBF at the Brazilian Federal Senate in Brasilia, Brazil, yesterday. (Reuters/Ueslei Marcelino)

through a ridiculous period both on and off the field.”

His appeal echoed a similar one made 24 hours earlier by some of the biggest names in Brazil.

Footballing legends Pele, Zico and Tostao, along with more than 100 others from the entertainment, media and business worlds, called for Del Nero to resign and for a thorough investigation into corruption to take place.

Del Nero was given a boost shortly before entering the chamber when an ally was elected to a key position.

The member federations and top clubs of the CBF overwhelmingly voted to elect 77-year old Antonio Carlos Nunes as vice-president of the body. If Del Nero resigns, Nunes, as the oldest vice-president, would take his place.

Chelsea board discusses Jose Mourinho’s future

CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho’s future at the club is in question, following discussions about his position, between the Blues’ board of directors.

Owner Roman Abramovich led the talks after the champions were beaten 2-1 at Leicester on Monday.

It was their ninth Premier League defeat in 16 games and left them a point above the relegation places.

It is not clear whether Mourinho, 52, will be in charge for Saturday’s home game with fellow strugglers Sunderland.

Mourinho, in his second spell in charge of Chelsea, was given Abramovich’s public backing in October, but domestic results have not improved since.

T h e R u s s i a n ’s i n stinct has always been to keep backing the man who brought the Premier League title back to Stamford Bridge last season and signed a new four-year contract in August.

However, Chelsea’s form has collapsed, with the loss

Jose Mourinho at Leicester leaving them 16th in the table with 15 points.

Abramovich and the rest of Chelsea’s hierarchy are weighing up how long they can afford to wait for improvement.

The Blues are 20 points behind leaders Leicester and 14 off the Champions League places, with a crucial last-16 tie against Paris St Germain (PSG) to come in that competition.

The other dilemma is whether to deprive Mourin-

ho, a manager with a proven track record of success, the opportunity to turn things around.

The January transfer window will soon open, giving the club the chance to bring in new faces and maybe sell a few old ones.

Mourinho turned on his players after Monday’s defeat at the King Power Stadium, claiming they had “betrayed his work”.

The Blues conceded goals to Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, and Mourin-

ho insisted he had warned his players about the danger they posed.

In response, midfielder Cesc Fabregas said his teammates needed to justify their “big wages” and start playing like “big players” He was one of seven players the Blues manager said had been underperforming at the start of the season.

T h e o t h e r p ro b l e m facing Abramovich and Chelsea is the lack of an available, quality successor.

The unemployed Carlo Ancelotti has already been sacked by the Blues, while other potential targets, such as Bayern Munich’s Pep Guardiola and Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone, are out of reach at present.

It has led to speculation Chelsea may turn once more to Guus Hiddink on a temporary basis.

The 69-year-old Dutchman had a spell as caretaker boss in 2009, guiding the club to FA Cup success.

(BBC Sport)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday December 17, 2015

Woodpecker Products annual Christmas Badminton Singles tournament reaches final stage THE Woodpecker Products annual Christmas Badminton Singles tournament has reached the final stage and the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) is happy with the response shown by players, especially in the Boys and Girls U-11 and U-13 categories.

Played at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on December 14-15, the tournament saw George Ramlall blast his way into the Under-11 final and the outstanding match of the tournament, with Akili Haynes winning against National player Tyrese Jeffrey in the Under-15 Boys final.

Results: Under-11 Boys Final: Omar Samad defeated George Ramlall 21-18, 21-8.

Under-11 Girls Final: Gabriella Pertab beat Emily Choo-A-Fat 21-3, 21-11 Under-13 Boys Final: Gianni Carpenter thrashed Jadon Oodit 21-10, 21-2 Under-13 Girls Final: Siya Persaud trounced Sudarshani Sooknarine 21-6, 21-4 Under-15 Boys Final: Akili Haynes defeated Tyrese Jeffrey 21-18, 21-19 Under-15 Girls Final: Priyanna Ramdhani thrashed Priyanka Shivnauth 21-5, 21-7 Other matches played were: Under-11 Boys Semi-Finals: Omar Samad overcame John Wang 25-23, 16-21, 21-16

George Ramlall -7 years old - is Under-11 runner-up.

George Ramlall whipped Ethan Biachini 21-15, 21-11 Under-11 Girls Semi-Finals: Emily Choo-A-Fat defeated Amelia Balram 21-9, 21-10 Under-13 Girls Quarter-Finals: Angelie Balram beat Reanna Persaud 21-10, 21-14 Sudarshani Sooknarine trounced Jayde DaSilva 218, 21-9 Under-13 Girls Semi-Finals: Siya Persaud demolished A MATCH-WINNING Angelie Balram: 21-4, 21-5 49 from Keon Sinclair propelled defending chamSudarshani Sooknarine pions Courtland All Stars defeated Sarah Samad: 21into the semifinal of the 15, 21-12 2015 Raffik & Sons ConUnder-15 Boys Semi-Fistruction Service second nals: division 20-Over Cricket Tyrese Jeffrey overCompetition. whelmed Isaac Mallampati: The competition which was specially organised 21-10, 21-5 for teams in the Lower and Akili Haynes won Central Corentyne area saw against Ransell RamsaCourtland defeat Big Star roop: 21-7, 21-12

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Thursday December 17, 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) Wayne Daniel (2) 19 Tests Today’s Quiz: (1) How many runs Australia’s Adam Voges made in t he first innings of the first Test of the current WI/Australia series?

(2) How many Test runs former Australian captain Allan Border made against the West Indies?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Some of the players of the tournament pose in this photo.

Sinclair JFF president does not sees want top CONCACAF post Courtland through to T20 semis

of Ulverston to complete a clean sweep of Group A. Sinclair led his side to 182 for 9 in their 20 overs which proved too large a task for the opposition who were restricted to 119-5 in 17.1 overs when bad light brought an end to the match, giving Courtland victory on a better run rate.

Tasho Forrester was the top scorer for Big Star with a defiant 47 while Timothy McDonald had 2-21.

Meanwhile, Mahendra Ramdihal hit 46 to help Tamarind Root post a challenging 152 for 9 in their 20 overs against the Fyrish team who successfully attained the target set with just one ball to spare as Chetram Roop-

CAPTAIN Horace Burrell, as Jamaica Football Federation president, is one of the power brokers in Caribbean football and by extension, CONCACAF, yet the man is steering clear of the organisation’s top job.

Burrell’s stance is understandable, bearing in mind the turmoil surrounding the post in recent times.

Two former presidents and an interim president have found themselves in hot water with United States police after allegations of significant corruption.

Caymanians Jeffrey Webb and Afredo Hawit, the most recent presidents are already before the courts in the United States, while Austin ‘Jack’ Warner, a former CONCACAF president and FIFA vice-president, is fighting extradition in Trinidad and Tobago.

B u r re l l i s p a r t o f CONCACAF’s interim committee, which will oversee the affairs of the organisation until elections are held at its next Congress.

The JFF president has found other reasons for saying he would not be up for the job, though, citing

Jamaica Football Federation president Captain Horace Burrell

the challenges of heading two organisations.

“Right now, I am a vice-president of the organisation (CONCACAF), but to vie for the head would mean complete devotion, and with my federation, business and family, it would be very difficult,” Burrell told Jamaican news entity, The Gleaner.

Burrell, along with Justin Compean (Mexico), Sunil Gulati (USA), Pedro Chaluja (Panama), Luis Hernandez (Cuba), Victor Montagliani (Canada and Sonia Bien-Aime (turks & Caicos), has agreed to find ways of ensuring the episodes of the last few months are never repeated in CONCACAF. “We have collectively decided to remain as one

strong body, to operate as a unit until next May when the election is due.

This was a unanimous decision and we have been pursuing a number of reforms to make the confederation emerge stronger,” said Burrell.The group, Burrell says, includes people who are interested in taking the top leadership role in CONCACAF, and believes they should be supported in those efforts.

The JFF president says he wants to spend time on his growing business, Captain’s Bakery, and family over the next few years, making it imperative that he steps back from some of the responsibilities he has to football.

(Sportsmax.com)

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday December 17, 2015

Rohan Auto Spares on board with KMTC’s Boxing Day horse race meet ROHAN’S Auto Spares has joined a number of sponsors supporting the annual Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) Boxing Day meet which is billed for December 26 at the club’s race track, Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne.

Yesterday, the spare parts dealer’s granddaughter, Sherisa Booj-Raj, handed over the cheque and winning trophy to honorary president of the KMTC, Justice Cecil Kennard, at his office in Brickdam.

The trophy and prize money will go to the winner and other top three finishers of the six-furlong race for Class E and Lower horses. The winner will receive the trophy and $500 000 while the second-, third- and fourth-place finishers will earn

$250 000, $125 000 and $62 000 respectively.

The feature event on the day’s card will be a one-mile race for horses classified C and Lower (WA) and carries a first prize of $1M along with a trophy. The other top three finishers will receive $500 000, $250 000 and $125 000 respectively.

Three more six-furlong races are also carded for the day with one being for horses classified H1 and Lower, another for J3 and Lower and the other for horses classified J1 and Lower and two-year-old Guyana-bred horses.

One five-furlong race will be staged for `K1 and Lower (WA) horses.

One other one-mile race

will also be staged and this will be for horses classified G1 and Lower and two-year-old (maiden) horses. The winner will be rewarded with $300 000 while the other top three performers will take away $150 000, $75 000 and $38 000 respectively.

Race horse owners and trainers are reminded that registration of horses for the event closes on Saturday and owners/trainers who have not registered their animals as yet and wish to do so can make contact with either Roopnarine Matadial (325-3192), or Ivan Dipnarine (331-0316); Justice Kennard (623-7609, 225-4818 or 226-1399); Isabella Beaton (693-7812) or Dennis Deroop (609-9143).

In this Cullen Bess-Nelson photo, Justice Kennard (second right) accepts the winning trophy from Sherisa Booj-Raj while the senior Booj-Raj (second left) and his son Ravindra look on.

Bolt confirms his place at London Anniversary Games

Usain Bolt of Jamaica, gold medallist, reacts as he poses on the podium after the men’s 200-metre event during the 15th IAAF World Championships at the National Stadium in Beijing, China, August 28, 2015. (Reuters/Damir Sagolj)

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Six-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt

will return to London’s Olympic Park to take part in next year’s London

Anniversary Games, organisers British Athletics confirmed yesterday.

World’s fastest man, Bolt, will compete in London’s world-class Diamond League event on July 2223, making it his final appearance before the Rio Olympics, the lanky Jamaican said in a statement.

“I know the fans in London are very knowledgeable and passionate and will come out in force and create a great atmosphere,” said Bolt.

“I first competed in the London Grand Prix in 2005 when the event was in Crystal Palace and this will be my ninth time to compete in a city I know very well.”

Bravo says politics killing Windies cricket D WAY N E B r a v o h a s launched an emotional attack on the West Indies Cricket Board, saying “too much politics is killing our cricket”.

Bravo was stripped of the side’s one-day international captaincy a year ago then left out of the West Indies’ World Cup squad, despite being one of the best players in the region.

The snubbing came Renegades all-rounder Dwayne Bravo calls for after the West Indies left changes to the running of West Indies cricket.

India mid-tour due to contract issues.

Cynics assume it’s be- tighter.

“The two guys that paid cause of Twenty20 riches “They need to have a mostly for what took place on offer around the world. lot more honesty. There are in India ... were the two The 32-year-old explained a lot of dishonest people in players who encouraged he instead grew increasingly charge at the moment.” the guys to actually play,” frustrated by a lack of commuBravo called on adthe Melbourne Renegades nication with selectors since ministrators to stop roall-rounder said yesterday. his last Test in 2010. mancing about the past It hurts Bravo that “I feel hurt ... I get and start looking towards he hasn’t played an ODI frustrated,” he said. the future. since.

Bravo lamented the sor“(Otherwise) the rest of But far more painful ry state of affairs that led the world will go on and we was watching his team to Australia winning the will always be backward,” stumble their way through opening Test in Hobart by he said. the World Cup, exiting in an innings and 212 runs.

Bravo’s half-brother the quarter-finals after “We’ve got the players Darren scored a century in losing to Ireland in the to be up there with the best Hobart, one of few positives pool stage. in the world but there are to come out of the game for “The guys were never a lot of things going on,” the tourists. together. It didn’t look like Bravo said.

“He’s definitely one a team and that in itself “Too much politics is of our better players,” hurts more,” the all-round- killing our cricket.

Dwayne Bravo said. er, who is playing for “Those in charge have to “If you score runs and Melbourne Renegades in look into themselves. perform down there you BBL|05, said.

“We don’t have proper can play anywhere in the The team’s latest mis- grounds, proper nets or a world.” erable episode is the three- proper academy. All these Dwayne noted he’d Test series unfolding in things are a part of our love to play another Test Australia at the moment. downfall. alongside Darren but Bravo, who has scored “The relationship be- that it was highly untwo Test centuries in Austra- tween players, board mem- likely. lia, retired from the longest bers and management staff “Things are not good form of the game in January. - it needs to get stronger and at the moment,” he said.

Windies coach Simmons sues Zimbabwe cricket WEST Indies coach Phil Simmons is suing Zimbabwe cricket for wrongful dismissal 10 years after being fired by the African team.

Simmons and his lawyers are in pursuit of US$320 000 in damages, with a tribunal ruling expected in the matter soon.

The former West Indies batsman, initially the head of the national academy, was appointed head coach of the Zimbabwe team in 2004.

Simmons, however, fell out with the board in 2005

and was replaced by late former Zimbabwe player Kevin Curran.

Simmons is owed US$50 000 in unpaid salaries, but is also demanding US$195 000 as damages for the remainder of his contract, which was initially scheduled to expire in August of 2007.

The coach’s attorney has calculated a rate of “$1500 per month plus interest from August 2007 to date of full and final payment,” according to court papers.

Simmons also wants an

extra $75 000 as six months’ notice stipulated in his contract with ZC. In the court papers, Zimbabwe Cricket admits owing Simmons $50 000 in outstanding salaries and has twice, in 2007 and 2009, offered an out-of-court settlement and full payment of $60 000 which was turned down.

Under his contract, Simmons was to earn $10 000 in his first year, $12 500 in the second year and $15 000 in the third.

Sportsmax.com)

Rohan Auto Spares on board with KMTC’s Boxing Day horse race meet See story on page 27

Lanferman, Somerset depart for CFU/MLS Combine in Curacao

... GFF sponsors airfare

Delon Lanferman (L) and Jumane Somerset receive their airline ticket from GFF 3rd vicepresident Thandi McAllister.

8-13, 2016.

MLS. LPHA United’s De- ber 17-20), will feature The Guyana Football She further added, “I lon Lanferman and players from within the Federation (GFF) sponsored want to encourage you to Jumane Somerset Caribbean Football Union the two airline tickets and put Guyana first. You are of Pele FC departed Guy- (CFU), competing in front 3rd vice-president Than- ambassadors of this beautiana today to participate of professional scouts for di McAllister, upon mak- ful country of ours and we at the 2015 Major League an opportunity to earn an ing the presentation at the want you to be of exemplaSoccer (MLS) Combine in invitation to the annual Federation’s headquarters, ry conduct and I wish you Curacao. wished the players the best the very best.”

Adidas MLS Player ComThree-day event (Decem- bine in Florida on January of luck on their quest at the According to the At-

A

torney-at-Law, “You’re both very skilful players, I’ve seen both of you in action and I admire your advancement in the sport (of football). Remember football must win regardless of wherever you go”.

Lanferman finished the League (Genesis) as the highest goalscorer (10), one more than Pele’s Gregory Richardson. He played a pivotal role in his club’s success this year, despite the team finishing second in the League (Genesis) behind Slingerz Football Club.

The 20-year-old Lanferman is yet to make his Senior National team debut, though representing Guyana at the U-20 and U-23 levels.

Somerset, 22, is described as one of Guyana’s top defenders, but he too

is yet to make his Golden Jaguars debut.

Pele FC finished third in the STAG Elite League (Genesis) and conceded a total of 14 goals in their 16 matches played. Only league champions Slingerz FC (9) and Alpha United (11) conceded fewer goals.

The CFU/MLS Combine caters to players between the ages of 18 and 22 years and is an annual showcase for Caribbean football talent, organised jointly by MLS and the CFU in 2013, with the inaugural Combine held in January 2014.

The Combine provides opportunities for Caribbean players to be observed

by MLS scouts with the hopes of being invited to See Page 23

Simmons backs Windies to rebound on Boxing Day PHIL Simmons concedes the West Indies only have themselves to blame for the demise of Test cricket in the Caribbean as the team regroups from

a humiliating defeat in Hobart.

As the Windies touched down in Geelong yesterday ahead of Saturday’s clash against a Victorian invita-

tional XI, head coach Simmons revealed his side had done plenty of soul-searching following the innings and 212-run defeat to AusSee Page 23

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

Darren Bravo watches the ball closely during a nets session.

(Picture: Glenn Ferguson) THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015