Chronicle 12 22 2015

‘Staged crimes’ soar No. 104409

TUESDAY DECEMBER 22, 2015

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A home for Christmas …friends rebuild the life of single mother

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Natasha Dash and her two children of Stevedore Housing Scheme, South Ruimveldt stepped into their refurbished home thanks to the generosity of several businessmen and other prominent citizens. In this Delano Williams photo Ms Dash receives the keys to her home from Businessman, Estwick Northe of the Garage while other donors and well-wishers look on

War declared Private sector Brassington 8 to help 3 says ready for on gold manage SWF smuggling “scrutiny” 9 Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 22, 2015

Police honour top sleuth - Crum-Ewing, ‘Montrose granny’ killings among successes

By Leroy Smith THE Criminal Investigation Department (CID), headed

by Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum, yesterday awarded a police sergeant for being the most outstanding detective for the year, and the rank who was instrumental in solving the Courtney Crum-Ewing execution.

Among the many feats for which 31-year-old Rodwell Sarrabo, a former student of the Tutorial Academy Secondary School in Berbice,

was rewarded for the solving of several high-profile crimes this year, including 11 murders.

The rank was rewarded during the annual CID Christmas luncheon. Sarrabo, a father of three, operates out of the Major Crime Investigation Unit.

CRUM-EWING SAGA Notable among his successes was the solving of the very highly publicised investigation of the Courtney Crum-Ewing murder and the

A section of the police ranks at the luncheon events surrounded it.

Crum-Ewing was gunned down in Diamond a few weeks before the May 11 elections this year, and while it may have taken the police some time to crack the case, they were finally able to lay their hands on the man who was identified as the triggerman.

There were several other persons who were questioned and made to submit statements in relation to that investigation after being invited by the police to do so, one of whom was former Press Liaison to the then Office of the President, Kwame McCoy.

Crum-Ewing was widely regarded as a fierce critic of the then administration, and had on occasion staged a one-man picket outside the Kingston Office of the then Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney-General Anil Nandlall.

A former national basketball player and Queens College alum, Crum-Ewing began staging the picketing exercises after a taped recording of a conversation between Nandlall and a Kaieteur News staff surfaced in which the former was heard telling the latter that grave Top Cop Seelall Persaud being rewarded for the work he did while he was Crime Chief harm would come to the newspaper and its innocent staff.

OTHER SUCCESSES Additionally, Sergeant Rodwell Sarrabo was instrumental in the solving of 11 murder cases, 13 robberies under arms, ten possession of firearms matters, and 15 other cases.

With respect to the murders, the two other notable

ones were the ‘Montrose Granny’ case, where an elderly woman was clubbed to death by an intruder back in August, and that of Hardat Kissoon, the farmer who was shot and robbed while on his way home from the bank in a minibus in June of this year.

In the robberies under arm matters, all the suspects who were arrested

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 22, 2015

Private sector to help manage SWF

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By Tajeram Mohabir THE private sector is expected to be given a role in the management of the Sovereign Wealth Fund when it is established as the administration looks to ensure maximum accountability of the proceeds.

Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman, who also has responsibility for national patrimony, said such funds are better managed by government in partnership with the private sector, and not government alone.

With optimism high of oil and gas production in Guyana being inevitable, the government has placed this ‘emerging’ sector on top of its agenda.

And it has good reasons to so do. BloombergBusiness in July had reported that the ExxonMobil Corporation discovery off the coast of Guyana earlier this year may hold oil and natural gas worth 12 times Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman this country’s entire economic output.

The Liza-1 well, which probably holds the equivalent of more than 700 million barrels of oil, may begin pumping crude in as few as five years, the U.S. publication had said.

“The prospect would be on par with a recent Exxon find at the Hadrian formation in the Gulf of Mexico, and would be worth about US$40 billion at today’s international crude price,” the report said.

On the news of the discovery, then Opposition Leader, now President David Granger had promised the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund so that all Guyanese can benefit from the wealth.

Such funds, which are implemented mostly by oil rich nations, are used for, among others, to stabilise their economies in times crisis, improve standard of living of future generations and push infrastructural development.

Mr Trotman, who appeared yesterday before the Sectorial Committee on Natural Resources chaired by PPP Member of Parliament (MP) Odinga Lumumba, said the administration is currently working out the modalities of the fund.

The Liza-1 well, which probably holds the equivalent of more than 700 million barrels of oil, may begin pumping crude in as few as five years

OTHER INDUSTRIES But, he said, there is a view that the fund should not include only the monies from the oil, but also a per cent of the earnings from gold, diamond, bauxite, timber, sand, and water, which in time will become a scarce commodity.

The Minister informed the committee that the Parliament will be kept abreast on the development of the fund, and the Opposition will be invited to be part of the discussions on how the fund will work.

“The fund will be accompanied by legislation. Parliament will help in the design of the way the fund is organised. The issue in not really the addition to the fund, but the subtraction, and on what basis or bases deductions should be made.

“This is one that both government and opposition will have to sit and work out as we are looking to the future and we know that in the future that there are going to be changes in government and so it is best if we together determine how and when this fund is going to be accessed,” he said.

In the meantime, Guyana, Mr Trotman said has received offers of support from several local and international agencies,

Cop who cracked have been placed before the courts and remanded to prison.

His performance has earned him several coveted prizes, compliments of the Guyana Police Force and members of the business community, who would have also recognised his works this year.

Among the items given to him were $100,000 in cash, along with a trophy and plaque. He also received several other prizes, including a cheque, footwear and other monetary donations from those members of corporate Guyana who partner with the police.

Speaking with reporters following the handing over ceremony, Sarrabo was asked where he would like to see himself in the years to come, and what made him join the Force.

He promptly replied that he primarily joined the Force to make a difference, and “serve this beautiful country.”

ASPIRATIONS He said it has always been his desire to one day become the Commissioner of Police through his hard and dedicated work, as he’s vowed to continue putting his best foot forward.

Sarrabo has been in the Guyana Police Force for the past ten years, and among courses he’s participated in were training sessions in the areas of Cyber Crime Investigations, Narcotics Intelligence, Crime Scene Investigations and Investigative Techniques.

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He also functions as a facilitator whenever the CID has training sessions for new recruits, whereby he applies his experience as well as knowledge in the various areas he is usually asked to speak on.

In his appreciation message, the young police rank thanked the other members of his team who all expressed confidence in him and voted him as the Department’s best cop.

In the presence of senior police officers, including the Commissioner of Police, Sarrabo said that his success ought to be shared with the other members of the unit for which he works, as they were only able to be the success they are due to dedication and team work.

Meanwhile, the second runner-up cop was named as Police Constable Andre Forde, who is attached to the Narcotics Branch and is mostly based at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at Timehri.

According to the police, between February and April of this year, Forde was single-handedly responsible for the interception of 178 lbs of cocaine.

He was rewarded, in absentia, for his hard work with $50,000 and a plaque from the CID. The reason he was absent was because he was stll on duty. The event also saw the unveiling of the second plaque of Crime Chiefs of the Guyana Police who would have served the organisation from 1977 to present.

and it has been looking at the experiences of oil producing nations throughout the world.

These, he told the committee include “the good, the bad and the ugly”, because at the end of the day, the government wants to put in place a “transparent and nationally acceptable framework” for the management of the wealth fund.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resource is also working to have Guyana enlisted as a member of Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative and the Open Government Partnership.

Again, Mr Trotman emphasised that the goal in forging partnerships is to ensure proper transparency and accountability in the natural resources sector.

“People will know how much is earned, where it is going and how it is being spent,” he said in his presentation to the committee.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday December 22, 2015

Miss Colombia mistakenly crowned Miss Universe THE host of the Miss Universe has apologised after mistakenly naming the wrong woman as winner, leaving Miss Colombia empty-handed.

After the error, Ariadna Gutierrez was instead declared runner-up and surrendered her crown to Miss Philippines, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. #MissUniverse2015 became Twitter’s biggest trend of the night as social media users expressed their disbelief.

Ms Wurtzbach has since told reporters that she wishes Ms Gutierrez well. “I’m very sorry; I did not take the crown away from her, and I wish her well in whatever she wants to pursue after this pageant,” she said.

Ms Gutierrez also addressed fans in a backstage video that has been shared on the pageant’s official page. She said: “Everything happens for a reason, so I’m happy for all that I did.”

At the end of the night in Las Vegas, Ms Gutierrez was named first runner-up, followed by Olivia Jordan from the United States.

The moment outgoing queen, Paulina Vega mistakenly placed the coveted crown on the head of Miss Colombia, Ariadna Gutierrez.

At right is Miss Phillipines, Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, who is now the reigning Miss Universe (Photo courtesy Ethan Miller/Getty images) Ethan Miller/Getty Images) The host, Steve Harvey responded, saying it was his mistake, and he would take responsibility for not reading the winning card correctly.

He made another mistake when he misspelled both Colombia and the Philippines in

an initial tweet. The tweet was later deleted.

“I’d like to apologise wholeheartedly to Miss Colombia & Miss Philippines for my huge mistake. I feel terrible,” he tweeted in a second attempt. The message was re-tweeted more than 70,000 times.

“I don’t want to take away from this amazing night and pageant, as well as the wonderful contestants; they were all amazing.”

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‘MISS INFORMATION’ Shock and disbelief erupted Online following the incident.

“Talk about awkward,” described one Twitter user who “couldn’t help” but find the gaffe “hilarious”.

Another user, Mark Critch from Canada, said: “And the winner is: Miss Information.”

Facebook users also expressed their opinions on a post shared on the pageant’s

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official page.

It was shared more than 62,000 times, and received more than 17,000 comments from viewers across the world.

“That was poorly handled.

Both of these gorgeous ladies deserve an apology because that was embarrassing for both of them. I literally felt both of their pain,” read a top comment by Lemmy Cliff.

“That was the most annoying Miss Universe contest ever,” said another commenter, Andres Felipe Arbelaez.

“The host was horrible, and Miss Colombia should have won.”

Pageant fans from the Philippines also began to ex-

press anger at the incident.

“Our Miss Philippines didn’t get her shining moment,” said a fan on Facebook. “It feels like she and our country were robbed of the winning moment, shame!”

“Don’t feel terrible. Everyone makes mistakes,” said Pedro Da Cunha.

“To err is human... to forgive is divine,” said another user in reply to Mr Harvey’s apology.

In an incident apparently unconnected to the competition, at least one person was killed and dozens injured after a car ploughed into a crowd next to the Miss Universe venue. (BBC)

Kenyan Muslims shield Christians in bus attack A GROUP of Kenyan Muslims travelling on a bus ambushed by Islamist gunmen protected Christian passengers by refusing to be split into groups, according to eyewitnesses.

They told the militants “to kill them together or leave them alone,” a local governor told Kenyan media.

At least two people were killed in the attack, near the north-eastern village of El Wak on the Somali border.

The Somali-based al-Shabab group is the main suspect for the attack. It has not said if it was responsible, but often carries out attacks in Kenya’s north-east.

The bus was travelling from the capital, Nairobi to the town of Mandera. When al-Shabab killed 148 people in an attack on Garissa University College in April, the militants reportedly singled out Christians and shot them, while freeing many Muslims.

Last year, a bus was attacked near Mandera by al-Shabab militants, who killed 36 non-Muslims travelling to Nairobi for Christmas celebrations.

“The locals showed a sense of patriotism and belonging to each other,” Mandera governor Ali Roba told Kenya’s private Daily Nation newspaper.

The militants decided to leave after the passengers’ show of unity, he added. An employee of the Makkah bus company, who had spoken to the driver involved in the attack, confirmed to the BBC that Muslims had refused to be separated from their fellow Christian passengers.

One of the victims was shot dead after trying to run away from the militants after passengers had been forced off the bus, the same employee told the BBC’s Bashkas Jugsodaay in Nairobi.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 22, 2015

A home for Christmas - friends rebuild single mother’s life THE season of giving and sharing reached new heights as the work of the average patrons and businessmen placed a bright smile on the face of a single mother, Natasha Dash and her two children of Stevedore Housing Scheme, South Ruimveldt, with the refurbishment of her once decrepit home.

Subsequent to seeing the

condition of her home, a generous and compassionate patron, Lyndon Boston reached out to his friends from the business community to provide assistance towards the rehabilitation of the badly run-down house.

A surprised and elated Dash welcomed the combined effort by the citizens to give her a better place of

abode, not just for Christmas but also for her life ahead.

Speaking to members of the media yesterday, Boston disclosed that the group worked assiduously to get things in place before the holiday.

Assistance came from the Guyana water Incorporated (GWI), Guyana Power and Life (GPL), Cevons Waste Management, The Garage,

Miners decry Ministry’s help FOUR alleged victims of labour trafficking were yesterday given food vouchers to collect one box of biscuits each from Nigel’s Supermarket.

The vouchers were given to them by the Social Protection Ministry after being denied their salaries.

According to the workers – Mark Blake, Noel Sambach, Wilgress Critchlow and Glendon Critchlow – they have been working with Elvis Cameron, the owner of a medium-scale mining operation in Port Kaituma, and have not been paid for months.

Since November, the Social Protection Ministry had been investigating their claims. On Monday, they made another visit to the Social Protection Ministry, Department of Labour where they met with Minister Volda Lawrence.

After the matter was bought to the attention of the Ministry, Cameron, upon visiting the Department of Labour, signed a contract for payments to be issued every month starting from December 10, 2015. But instead of complying with this contractual agreement, Minister Lawrence said, Cameron sent the Ministry a lawyer’s letter.

“In the interim, I will take these people back to my office and ensure that I provide them with something that will be able to make their shoulders rise a little as they enter their homes with their families,” the Social Protection Minister told this newspaper.

But Guyana Chronicle was subsequently informed that the Ministry of Social Protection upon the instruction of Minister Lawrence, would have given the aggrieved workers the food vouchers to collect a box of biscuit.

“I am so upset right now, I was really expecting some money, I don’t even know if I will go and collect the stuff because it is nothing to talk about, people want money,” Blake told this newspaper shortly after receiving the voucher from the Ministry.

According to Blake, Cameron owes him $750,000 after operating as the General Manager. “Since July I was

in there with no food nothing, many days we had nothing to eat and now we can’t get our money. I really need the president to look into this matter.”

His colleague, Glendon Critchlow said he too will not be collecting the box of biscuit. “To give us a box of biscuit each, is to insult us… imagine we went over to her office, and when I thinking is some money we getting, next think you know is a voucher for Nigel Super Market for

for his family with no cash in hand. “Minister Simona Broomes had to rescue you us many times…many times we come here (Department of Labour) with no money, nothing and Minister Broomes had to give us money, is suh I end up buying things for the house but if it wasn’t for her, I don’t know what would have happened,” said a grateful Critchlow.

Sambach said he worked with Cameron for six months, but was only paid $180,000.

Hopkinson Mining, Ansa Mcal, ranks of the police force, and also veteran Journalist, Enrico Woolford.

“The guys and I worked around the clock and gave it one hundred per cent to ensure that everything was in place so that Ms. Dash could enjoy a wonderful and comfortable Christmas with her two children,” said Boston.

Apart from the good work on restoring the house to a newly refurbished home, the contributors issued their promise, of ensuring the children are well equipped for school, as well as follow-ups to check the progress of the family.

BE INSPIRED Given that there are lots of other families out there suffering the same fate as Dash once did, Boston thought it best to call on other members of the business community to come out and provide a better living for those who are in vital need of it, and also let this initiative inspire them to do so.

This he noted can be done in any way possible, which would have a positive impact on the lives of families who are suffering in many ways.

Meanwhile, speaking to this publication, Ms. Dash along with her two children expressed their elation, for being the beneficiaries of a newly refurbished home, well stocked with everything that is necessary.

“For years we didn’t have electricity, but thankfully today it has been restored and my children can now study

An inside view of the newly refurbished house

Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence engaging the aggrieved miners in the compound of the Social Protection Ministry, Department of Labour Brickdam one box biscuit….I ain’t going and collect nothing, I will keep that as souvenir to show people what the Ministry give us,” he lamented.

He is contending that Cameron woes him approximately $2.4M and is now pushing for the accused should be charged, placed before the court and sentenced to prison for labour trafficking.

Critchlow said he was promised a monthly salary of $400,000 after commencing duty in February as an operator but to date he has received less than $400,000.

“I told him every month I need $300, 000 to go home, he said good he will comply with that but he aint doing that. Sometime you ask for x amount of money he will tell you yes, he don’t ever say no but when the time reach for your money you ain’t getting nothing,” he complained.

With Christmas just three days away, Critchlow, a father of one, said he does not know how he will provide

“I used to work with Elvis Cameron at Port Kaituma backdam. I worked there for six months, and he never sent home a cent for my family.”

The frustrated 46-yearold said because of his inability to provide for his family, his two sons, aged 15 and 16, were forced to work at a sawmill in Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice.

The Crabwood Creek resident said whenever he tries to contact Cameron, the man either does not answer his mobile or if he does, he usually contends that he is not in a position to pay. Wilgress Critchlow expressed similar sentiments as he called on the Ministry of Social Protection told hold Cameron accountable. “We are not the only victims here, there are many more people at the camp that have not been paid in months, some more than a year, and they are stranded there because they don’t have money to go come,” he explained.

and do better in school. Also we were not fortunate to have water, so this has eased a major burden,” said the single mother with tears of joy in her eyes.

The thanks she noted are never ending, because being a security guard it was difficult for her to equip her home with the basic necessities, given that she placed most of her focus and finances on sending her children to school.

This is a new beginning for her, and she promised to use what was given to her, so as to further develop her life and encourage her children to do better, by showing them what a comfortable life could be like once they evade struggles in life and make things easy. “My prayers will be for those who are suffering the same fate as me. I hope that in the near future other persons can benefit in the same way I did.”

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams

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

Editorial

Direct engagement and the democratic process

DIRECT democracy is the oldest form of democratic engagement; it was used in what we now call ancient civilisations. This form of engagement allowed for citizens to be directly involved in the decision making of their communities.

As the Western world moved from smaller city-states to larger nation-states, it moved away from direct democracy to a more indirect or representative democracy, whereby citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

The void was ostensibly filled by local government or local democracy. But this level of engagement, over time, also became a product of indirect democracy. One of the consequences of this development was that the practice of meeting to discuss and pronounce on public affairs became less and less a staple of the democratic process.

Here in Guyana, modern political engagement has been characterised by the public meeting, where leaders and parties summon the people to the street-corners to engage in political discourse. But this discourse has been more a one-way communication, where the leaders speak with little or no opportunity for dialogue with the citizens.

Usually, these meetings are effective in mobilising large numbers of citizens in one place as a show of partisan strength, and in whipping up political fever among the people. The public meeting, therefore, has its usefulness as a mobilisation tool, but is less effective as a form of serious two-way dialogue between the governors and the governed.

The smaller bottom-house or school-house meetings, which has also been a part of mass engagement in Guyana, is theoretically more suited to two-way dialogue. But, in practice, it serves the same function as the street-corner meetings. It is a more clandestine form of mobilisation, where leaders take the liberty to say things which could not be uttered at the public meetings. While there is some degree of participation by the audience, such participation is less about the concerns of the citizens, and more about political competition and party solidarity.

There is, therefore, a void in the political process as far as genuine opportunities for civic dialogue between the governors and the governed are concerned. In the age of technology and the electronic and social media, even

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday December 22, 2015

Crime can’t solve your problems

POVERTY is characterised as not having basic access to food, water, housing, clothing and health services. Wider definitions include lack of access to education, transportation and communication services.

Poverty has accompanied Mankind through the ages, with more recent instances being traced back to feudal societies where peasantry described the majority of the population, wealth was concentrated in the hands of landowners, and the basic economic system served to maintain control and authority of kings, with little or no attention being paid to the welfare of the populations of these societies.

Higher levels of poverty are generally associated with higher levels of crime. Comparing levels of poverty between the old feudal systems and modern democratic societies, higher levels of poverty are associated with societies characterised by weak or absent government structures and services which are essential to a proper standard of living.

Put another way, governments are chiefly responsible for the levels of poverty, and, by definition, criminality within their countries.

THE MARGINALISED Poverty may appropriately describe the marginalised in society. These individuals are essentially trapped by inaccessibility to jobs which provide income levels to allow them to lead normal lives. In these situations, they typically find themselves together through their common problems, and in the absence of proper social support systems, resort to crime as a means of sustaining themselves.

Other symptoms of poverty are the resort to violence to settle disputes; unsocial behaviour; and in our society, the adoption of unhealthy, self-destructive and socially degenerative cultural behaviours

and norms such as a shift away from traditional family unit as characterised by the mother, father and children.

Incidences of domestic violence are also prevalent, as are broken homes, and both men and women having children with multiple partners. The general health of the population is also eroded as a result of higher incidences of communicable diseases, sexual and otherwise.

Of particular interest here is the relation between poverty and crime, domestic violence included. It should be noted here that domestic violence can probably be attributed to higher levels of stress associated with the inability to properly provide for the home.

SERIOUS CHALLENGES I was astounded recently to see on the front page of a local newspaper the bodies of two young men who apparently died while attempting to commit a robbery. This is not the first such instance, and it won’t be the last, but it underlines the serious problems and challenges with which Guyana is faced in addressing poverty. What is probably almost certain is that many of the persons caught up in criminal activities are without the benefit of a sound education, were marginalised, and in the absence of proper support and guidance, resorted to put their lives on the line to escape poverty.

Individuals in similar situations faced by these young men are urged to recognise the futility of adopting crime as a solution to their problems.

There are a host of job opportunities available, which can be accessed without the required qualifications for the standard office job. These include as a mechanic; construction worker, from masonry to carpentry; and welding and fabrication. There are immense financial rewards over the years with experience and proficiency.

the public and bottom-house meetings are becoming less and less frequent. But, effective as these media are in meeting people, they cannot be substitutes for real face-to-face twoway engagement. At least, not yet.

Here in Guyana, governance has been negatively affected by this lack of genuine engagement with the people in between elections. This robs the governors of the opportunity to feel the pulse of citizens. In a culture where instant polls are not a staple, this distance from people could lead to errors in political judgement, as governments often find out that their policy initiatives are out of step with the thinking of the people. The other negative consequence of the lack of direct engagement is that there is little opportunity for the people to lodge complaints and concerns about developments in their communities directly to government leaders. This often leads to alienation on the part of citizens who inevitably feel that their input and concerns are not important enough to those who govern.

Finally, if they are indeed willing to put their lives on the line, this is indeed a marvelous and industrious spirit, and typifies the first European immigrants who developed America. Guyana’s interior and the mining sector could benefit from such strong attitudes. Of course, life would be much different, but the important thing is to maintain the focus of acquiring wealth and raising a family.

The inescapable reality is that we need to do much more to address the pressing needs of our marginalised population.

This includes strengthening the delivery of public education, and putting measures in place to assist persons returning to society from incarceration, both of which have already been identified as areas for address.

WELFARE ASSISTANCE Further, although I am sure there has been discussion at the private level, I propose that Guyana move to implement a system of providing welfare assistance to those unemployed and seeking jobs in the form of unemployed insurance, similar to that provided by advanced economies. The immediate benefit of this is that this automatically provides a means of gauging unemployment levels as an important economic statistic. Secondly, it provides the function of government meeting and interfacing with our unemployed, thereby providing a forum for addressing their problems at the individual level. Thirdly, unemployment insurance mitigates stress in the home, and provides unemployed persons with room to think and consider their alternatives. Finally, it directly addresses the issues associated with poverty, notably the tendency to move to crime as a solution.

The Federal Reserve’s recent move to increase its key rate sets the stage for new dynamics in America. Other countries may wish to evaluate their policy stance, based on

their respective circumstances. One factor that should not escape attention is that the Great Recession has reshaped America’s economic landscape, with there probably being a significant number of new startups which, through their size and economic activity, may be more vulnerable to higher rates, as these impact on consumption patterns.

Another immediate challenge that has already surfaced even prior to the rate increase is the strengthening of America’s exchange rate, whose gains over the last year has already taken a toll on America’s industrial and manufacturing sectors, contributing to unbalanced growth.

This will continue to be a major factor affecting major business investors’ hesitancy to expand their operations in the near future, and should be a major concern for policy makers.

America, and I imagine other economies faced with the problem of strong exchange rates, may want to reconsider their attitude to the liberalisation of their financial markets, as this relates to the flow financial capital globally. While liberalisation has as its major benefit lower factor costs associated with financial capital, its economic costs and challenges to individual economies, as this relates to steering and directing economic activity, pose a serious constraint.

In America’s peculiar case, where it is moving away from ultra-low rates, with rate increases signifying a return to the norm and not the tightening of policy per se, the strengthening currency will continue to pose a challenge in core areas of economic activity, with the potential for being strong sources of economic growth and expansion.

Finally, I take this opportunity to extend Seasons’ Greetings to all, and Best Wishes for the New Year.

CRAIG SYLVESTER

In light of the above, we welcome and congratulate the Ministry of the Presidency for initiating the Public Day, where citizens got an opportunity to speak directly to the leaders. It was not a public meeting where the leaders were asking for votes; it was, instead, a genuine meeting where the concerns of citizens were paramount. Often, all our people want is a hearing; an opportunity to look the bosses in the eye and relate their concerns. This vital aspect of democratic engagement should be further encouraged.

Witnessing our Government Minsters in the public arena, not looking for votes or shaking hands for the cameras, but, instead, tending to the flock would lift the quality of our democracy. The first Public Day was held in one section of Georgetown. We hope that it moves to other parts of the city and the country.

Critically, we hope it moves to those communities that are not traditionally the constituency of the governing parties. All of Guyana deserves to see and feel government in the flesh.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday December 22, 2015

‘Staged crimes’ soar

By Leroy Smith

THE Guyana Police Force continues to grapple with an increase in staged robberies and murders, something Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum says has been a major challenge for detectives this year.

Noting that 2015 was not without its challenges in general, Blanhum said yesterday during a luncheon for his staff at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, “In my years of policing, I cannot recall coming across the number of staged robberies as was evident in 2015.”

Another bugbear for the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), which he heads, was persons conspiring to commit murder, including instances where relatives were involved, as was the case where a man hired persons to

rob him and his entire family just so as to stop his wife from leaving him. That incident took place three months ago in the Crabwood Creek area.

THE JETTOO AFFAIR The man, Krishendatt Jettoo, who operates a business, was reportedly having issues with his wife, as a result of which she threatened to leave him.

Not wanting her to make good on her promise, Jettoo conspired with bandits to rob and beat his family in a fake attack.

But even back then, Blanhum had seen through the ploy, as he had named the businessman and a taxi driver friend of his among the key suspects in the robbery.

The case eventually began to unravel after the police nabbed the taxi driver who

helped the bandits make their getaway.

Not knowing that the police were on to him, Jettoo had told the police that five men had invaded his home and carted off an undisclosed amount of cash and other valuables.

Weeks before that incident, another Berbician, one Deochand Sookchand, was charged with the murder of his wife.

Deochand had claimed that bandits had invaded his home and shot his wife, 56-year-old Pamela Kendall. And on Monday last, police recovered over $4M from another staged robbery in the city, for which three men have since been arrested.

GANG-RELATED Meanwhile, the Crime Chief has reported making headway with what seemed to be gangs operating in some

sections of the country.

One such gang operates around the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, terrorising unsuspecting visitors coming into the country, while others stake out banks.

As to the issue of piracy, Blanhum said that it has been dealt with head-on, particularly in the Berbice area, where it is most prevalent.

With respect to white-collar crimes, which seems to have been on the increase particularly around the second half of the year, Blanhum said while the police are making some headway with those investigations, they’re having to depend heavily on the public where information is concerned.

GOOD JOB Also present at the event

was Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud who applauded the Criminal Investigation Department for their sterling performance in 2015 and the major support it has given to various other police divisions.

He reminded those present that the role of the department is to target organised crime and develop the capacity to do so through team work and team spirit, which is what they have clearly been doing.

For this, the Commissioner, himself a former Crime Chief, awarded the department $400,000, as it has truly proven the saying that “A system is far bigger than its parts”.

Urging that they give themselves a pat on the back for all they have been able to achieve, he recalled that even the Commander-in-Chief himself had cause to commend

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them recently, and remarked, “We’re finally able to make it around the corner...” in obvious reference to strides they have been making of late.

Persaud also spoke of the need for the department to increase its manpower, saying that the CID was free to take its pick from the 1200 persons who will soon be joining the Force come next year.

He also said he has it from good grounds that the new year will see a significant reduction in serious and traffic-related crimes.

Persaud was also presented with a token for the work he has done with the CID between 2007 and 2014.

He was also credited with establishing the Major Crime Investigation Unit, which focuses on high-profile murders, fraud and robberies.

Too much cursing in our society OUR society has suddenly become a place where curse words or ‘cuss words’ are the order of the day, and it seems as if we have no law to incriminate those using them from day to day.

From the educated, highly respected lawyers, doctors, police officers, parliamentarians, teachers to the illiterates, all have become victims of using profane language.

In more than 80% of our homes today, curse words are used by parents to their children, husbands to wives, wives to husbands, brothers to sisters, students to teachers, employers to employees, police officers to citizens, citizens to police officers, workers to other workers. And publicly, curse words can be heard at the car and bus parks, while travelling in the buses or the taxi, and the unending list has eaten away the moral fabric of our society like a perpetual cancer.

We have fallen morally, spiritually and intellectually as a nation. Our sense of decency and morality has become something of the past. We have deteriorated seriously over the past generation, since our laws are violated by citizens and those who make the laws.

If you are driving and police officers should stop your car, they will curse you to get out the vehicle if they wish to search it.

They themselves set a very bad example to our society.

WILD-WEST Many years ago, people

used to be charged for using indecent language and even be jailed, but today, it seems as if our laws are flouted, and we are just living in a ‘cowboy’ country like in the Wild West, killing each other with our tongues.

It is something global, since most movies are loaded with cuss words, vulgarity and immorality. The songs we listen to, from dance hall to reggae, soca, pop, are loaded with curse words.

Not very long ago, I was listening to British singer Adele singing at a concert. Before she started to sing, she was talking to the audience. After listening to her accented speech very carefully by using my computer headphone, this great singer used more than ten curse words while addressing her audience.

I deleted her video and stopped listening to her.

Even in the buses, they will play dancehall songs that are full of cuss words. Lady Gaga will sing practically naked; even cuss her audience and cuss at interviews, yet our educated TV personalities are promoting her filth in our country.

I can safely say musical pornography has invaded almost every area of our society, compounded with cuss words.

Cuss words have permeated the printed pages of books, and I mean books that have won The Guyana Prize for Literature.

Our government and university give away US$5000 to writers of fiction, poetry and drama for books written in

profane and immoral language.

Yet, many of these writers are clamouring for their books of literature to be used in our schools. It’s no wonder literature has become a dead subject in our schools today.

We haven’t produced much quality literature as a nation.

Literature and books should build up our children’s psyche and morality; literature should inspire our students to write greater works.

How are we going to educate our children with books written in cuss words? If our president and minister of education should really read the books that have won the Guyana Prize for Literature, I believe they would obliterate the Prize. Our writers should read the classics and write clean literature like Homer, Virgil, Dante, Shakespeare, Milton, Shelly, Byron, Keats to name just a few classical writers.

But how many of our writers would like to read the classics? Our greatest writers are Wilson Harris, Martin Carter, A.J Seymour and Edgar Mittelholzer. What we write today and publish will define the intellect and morals of the writer, since literature is about the historical foundation of a nation. The greatest Greek poet, Homer, and Roman Poet, Virgil wrote epic poetry of great historical significance.

Their poetry in the original Greek and Latin languages contained no sentence or paragraph of profanity. Why can’t our writers do the same?

EVEN IN CHURCH Almost every day, I read of domestic violence in our country: Men killing and hurting their wives or girlfriends, and women killing their husbands and boyfriends.

The news in our media makes one sick. As I travel to different parts of Guyana, cuss words ring out like showers of rain in our communities. There is no respect for one another; even in the churches people can curse. It’s about time we implement laws related to indecent language and indecent

behaviour. The future of this nation lies in the hands of our next generation, but we are just a few years away from becoming a nation of illiterates and profoundly ignorant people with no future if we don’t change our way of speaking.

Guyana is a nation too young to die; we need to raise our standards higher; our leaders need to set the moral example to our citizens. They need to stop fighting and cussing each other, and work with love and unity to build Guyana. As our National Poet

Martin Carter Wrote: All are involved; all are consumed.

I do not sleep to dream/but dream to change the world. We must have a dream to change: if we change our character and attitude we will change our nation and be a better people in the generations to come. It’s about time our new administration implement laws to impose heavy fines to those who use indecent language in our nation publicly and those who abuse their families.

REV. GIDEON CECIL

Welcome re-activation of Employment Bureau

I WAS pleased to see in the recent news that the government is working on the resuscitation of what used to be known as the Labour Exchange or Employment Bureau.

This news coincides with my being utterly amazed at the several very costly halfpage sized, repetitious and separate Vacancy Advertisements in all the newspapers for a DRIVER and an OFFICE ASSISTANT for the Environmental Protection Agency; the very type of vacancies that used to be cost-effectively filled via the Employment Bureau/Labour Exchange in the past.

Alternatively, the use of on-site notice boards, internal circulars, and other local channels as well as employer-kept rosters of ad hoc, drop-in inquiries/applications, etc are also cost-effective sources that any pragmatic HR Department would normally use for such commonplace vacancies.

I vividly recall deliberating over the cost of newspaper advertisements when I was a young personnel officer, when an advertisement that was a mere quarter the size of the referenced EPA Advertisements was reserved for scarce, highly qualified/experienced potential applicants; to ‘waste’

such expenditure on routine, easy-to-fill vacancies was inconceivable, and to repeat them as often, as was the case for the current EPA vacancies, would have definitely resulted in admonition or more serious disciplinary action.

It would be interesting to learn of the rationale for such apparent wasteful expenditure by the EPA (not to mention the valuable trees that were destroyed to produce the paper for their unusually lengthy, un-necessarily verbose and laboriously pedantic Ads).

NOWRANG PERSAUD

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday December 22, 2015

War declared against gold smuggling

By Tajeram Mohabir

WITH gold smuggling being a serious cause for concern, the administration says it will step-up efforts in 2016 to stamp out the illicit trade as tackling corruption and inefficiency in the sector is of top most priority.

Appearing before the Parliamentary Sectorial Committee on Natural Resource yesterday, Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman said the problem is being addressed through an inter-agency approach.

Not too recently, an Anti-Gold Smuggling Task Force was established to arrest the problem in the industry, which in recent years has experienced

Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman

PPP MP Odinga Lumumba

a significant drop in gold prices due to external forces.

The unit comprised of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Gold Board, the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Guyana Police Force, the Special Organised Crime Unit and the State Asset Recovery Unity.

Mr Trotman, who has responsibilities for national patrimony, informed the committee chaired by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament (MP) Odinga Lumumba that the government has been briefed on the gravity of the situation.

Mr Trotman and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan were informed by officials of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the high incidences of gold smuggling.

The U.S. has offered assistance to Guyana to curb the illegality, and Minister Ramjattan has been mandated by the administration to act on the U.S. report.

About three weeks ago, the Bartica office of the Guyana Gold Board was opened, and Mr Trotman is hoping that it will be a boost to the economy of the predominant mining community, as well as put a dent in the gold smuggling trade here.

Aside from gold smuggling, the mining sector has also been dogged by high incidences of accidents, many of which have resulted in deaths.

Soon after the A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government assumed office, it

was greeted with news of a mining mishap which resulted in the death of 10 persons.

A Commission of Inquiry (CoI) established to investigate the tragedy reported in September that 28 deaths have been recorded in the past 15 months, due to negligence to adhere to safety practices.

The Minister of Governance told the Sectorial Committee yesterday that a number of recommendations to ensure miners’ safety were made in the CoI report, and attention is being paid to their implementation.

SMALL MINERS He said greater attention is also being given to the strengthening of the mining school, and apart from this, more emphasis is being placed on small miners to address their many complaints.

These include inaccessibility to mining lands, micro-financing as well as the means to get to their lands.

Mining apart, the Department of Environment and Natural Resource, a new department under the Ministry of the Presidency will focus on a number of development, maintenance and beatification projects next year.

Mr Trotman told members of the committee that the National Park, the Botanical Gardens and Joe Vieira Park will be upgraded, but for now, efforts will be concentrated on the National Park, the Botanical Gardens and the Zoo. The administration is also examining the possibility of converting the Durban Park area into a green park.

In addition, it is working

with the World Wildlife Fund in executing a project titled “Guyana Undiscovered”. The project entails the filming and the development of a documentary and other materials for children to make them more aware of the fauna and flora of Guyana.

Activities in protected areas, including the Kaieteur National Park, Shell Beach and the Kanuku Mountain Range are also being monitored.

And the Guyana Protected areas Trust Fund managed by Major General Joe Singh is expected to begin disbursement soon.

Mr Trotman informed the committee that the Wildlife Conservation and Authority Bill which seeks to regulate the movement of wildlife within and outside of Guyana, along with several other pieces of legislations under his department will be tabled in the House.

The others include new regulations for zoos, as there is a proposal for the establishment of a private zoo; regulations to the Land Surveyors Act and the establishment of a National Land Commission to look into vexing issues of Amerindian lands, extensions and ancestral lands.

The Department of Environment and Natural resources is mandated to coordinate and harmonise activities of sector agencies to ensure sound management.

The department focuses on policy of activities under its purview. These fall under three areas, namely strategic planning and administration, natural resource management and environment management.

Police have seized this go-boat which was found at Shell Beach several weeks ago. The vessel is suspected to have been used to smuggle cocaine. It was discovered at the time the Ministry of Public Security launched ‘Operation Dragnet’ to bring crime, which has been a cause of much worry, under control. The vessel is currently at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard base at Ruimveldt, Georgetown (Delano Williams photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 22, 2015

Brassington says ready for “scrutiny”

By Svetlana Marshall AMID allegations of widespread corruption, Chief Executive Officer of the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL), Winston Brassington, said he stands willing to undergo public scrutiny in the courts of law, maintaining that he is man of integrity.

A leaked forensic audit report on the operations of NICIL suggests that under the watch of People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, NICIL engaged in malpractices, and would have made poor decisions on behalf of the people of Guyana.

But during a press conference yesterday at his Kingston office, Brassington refuted the allegations levied against him, and NICIL by extention.

“I am confident of my integrity; I have operated for 20 years in Government. We have done a lot of projects; everything that we do has been guided by decisions and paperwork that go through the Board; that go through Cabinet and even Parliament,” he told the media.

Alluding to the preliminary audit report which was conducted by former Auditor General of Guyana, Anand Goolsarran, Brassington said contrary to reports in the press, at no stage did the audit report suggest that US$5M was hidden in a secret account.

CLARITY In an effort to offer greater clarity, it was explained that in 2012, G$1B was advanced by the Guyana National Cooperative Bank

(GNCB) to NICIL on the authority of the President for intended investment in the Marriott Project.

The sum, he said, was deposited to NICIL’s regular bank accounts and was not kept in any separate or special or secret account.

“NICIL’s financial state-

pointed out that funding for that project was approved by Parliament.

“The forensic auditor’s use of confidential records of the company such as the minutes of a Board to express a judgment is unethical and should be struck out.

“There is no nexus be-

Administration asks him to leave, he remains committed to his country.

“First and foremost,” he said, “I am a professional, and I have considerable institutional knowledge… I am firmly committed to seeing many of the projects succeed.

“The Marriot, I have NICIL’s Winston Brassington addressing media operatives at his Kingston office yesterday

ments properly and consistently showed the G$1B as an amount due to GNCB. The entire G$1B was returned to GNCB in 2015 with the approval of the NICIL’s Board since the Marriott had since been opened and Republic Bank loan funds had since become available.

“These funds have since been paid into the Consolidated Fund,” he explained.

Another issue of concern surrounded the Lot 44 High Street property. According to the preliminary audit report, the contract for the construction of Government offices at 44 High Street was awarded to Kishan Bacchus General Construction Contractors in March 2007.

NICIL, in its response,

tween the isolated statement used and a law that has been broken. NICIL owned the land having paid valuable consideration for it at the time of the merger of GTV and GBC and the relocation of the GBC operations to its current location. In both sugar (GuySuCo) and bauxite (Guymine, Linmine and Bermine), companies have many similar arrangements,” the CEO further pointed out.

WILLING TO GO Questioned whether he is willing to demit office, considering the fact that most of his career he spent working for the PPP/C Government, now in Opposition, Brassington said though he will have no objection, if the current

spent quite a lot of time and effort on the hydro project, and we were the ones that basically led the Berbice Bridge.”

However, he said since 2012, he would have signaled his intention to be a consultant of the Government but remained because he is commitment to the projects started under his leadership.

“I am a professional; I am committed to Guyana. I have worked for many important projects in Guyana... And if the Government says to me they don’t want me, I am fine with that; I am fine with that. I said to the previous Government I want to leave but I also felt committed,” he added.

Miss Information SO the winner of last night’s pageant was: Miss Information! Following the Miss World high, the Miss Universe pageant grabbed the attention of the entire universe - and of course, the local onlookers were no exception. The show’s host Steve Harvey made the slip of a century by announcing Miss Colombia as the winner, then correcting himself by taking the crown away from the blushing beauty to give it to Miss Philippines. To add insult to crowned injury, in his Twitter apology, Harvey misspelled both countries’ names. The slip was so huge, that Guyanese even seemed to forget that unlike Miss World, we didn’t make much of an impact at this competition. Thanks to that, Shauna Ramdyhan may get off easy when she gets home. One thing is for sure, it's a good thing Steve Harvey wasn't the one who announced the results for Guyana's past General Elections.

POT & KETTLE Back on the local front, the political feud is ever brewing. PPP's General Secretary, Clement Rohee has condemned President Granger's move to pardon 11 mothers, calling it “haphazard” and accusing the President of abusing the Presidential pardoning process. Rohee even said that people should be allowed to serve their time in prison.

The public accused Rohee of falling into a pot and kettle situation. Now, pardon me Rohee, but wasn't it Ramotar who pardoned a child murderer who had been serving a life sentence? Persons were deep in discussion about Ramotar's defense of his move on the grounds that he felt the man didn't deserve to be in prison and thought the family had stopped grieving. If you ask me - I'd say both sides are equal as regards these controversial moves so Rohee should leave the criticisms to the public.

MORE BONUS WORRIES I've said before that this $50,000 bonus got lots of problems surrounding it, and another trending topic proved this yet again as the PPP made known it's call for the President to award members of the Disciplined Services an extra one month salary instead of the $50,000 across the board bonus. The Opposition stated that for many of the members, matching their salary would have given them more than the bonus given to public servants. How is it that the government can't seem to please anyone this season? Will the PPP ever be content? Stay tuned.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 22, 2015

Four awarded Best Guyanese Hugh Wooding Law Students prizes

THE Government of Guyana Prize for the Best Guyanese Student at Hugh Wooding Law School has been reactivated, and four students were yesterday given prizes which contained the Guyana Law Reports from 1977-2007.

The prizes were handed over by Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams to three of the four students at his Chambers.

Best graduating student for 2014-2015 is Eleanor Delores Maria Luckhoo; for 2013-2014 is Narissa Leander; for 20112012 Talia Weeden; and for 2012-2013 Raphael Ajodhia who was absent.

The AG said he is unaware of the reasons the previous government had for not giving out awards over the years. However, under his tenure as Minister of Legal Affairs, he will be giving out prizes to the best graduating students.

“Nothing is not really done for these students, because they don’t get scholarships from the Government, in fact they have to find their

way and make their way through the programme, the least we can do is make these awards available and an encouragement for them since they should be rewarded for their work,” the AG noted.

He explained that there are still challenges for legal education in Guyana and even the Region especially when there is a belief that there are too many lawyer graduating every year and the country cannot sustain such.

However, the AG said many countries thus want to establish their own law schools. “Even as I take office, the question of getting 25 Guyanese students into Law School seems problematic which needs to be addressed, especially when Guyana offers the full LLB degree so we have to pursue whether to establish our own law school.”

With an intake of close to 200 Law students annually, the AG said something has to done. He explained, “Whether we establish our own law school or we are going to contribute to the Hugh Wooding Law School, we need to have that agree-

ment that had established Guyana’s position signed again”.

He said at the next sitting of the Council of Legal Education in the Bahamas a draft document will be pursued to assist Guyana. “The other option is the Public, Private, Partnership involving one of the Universities operating out of Jamaica to establish a law school in Guyana. They are going to make a presentation shortly to me and I will have to take that to cabinet.”

The Legal Affairs Minister said Guyana need to continue to explore options for legal education in Guyana bearing in mind that since 2002 the previous government stopped contributing to the Council of Legal Education.

Meanwhile, Solicitor General Sita Ramlal in brief remarks said the students by virtue of their work will be doing well in the legal system.

“What I would like to ask you all is to make an effort to read and develop your analytical skills while helping each other since law is not a career that you grow on your

AG and Minister of Legal Affairs Mr. Basil Williams flanked by three of the best graduating students own, it’s a career where you producing some of the best sion at an extremely critical need the help of each other legal mind of the Caribbean. time, regard your achieveincluding senior members, President of the Guyana ments as the first step in the and if you’re willing to share Bar Association, Christo- career as Guyana is known you will grow,” Ramlall em- pher Ram, in acknowledg- for brilliant attorneys and phasised. ing that the Ministry of it would be good for GuyC h i e f P a r l i a m e n t a r y Legal Affairs corrected a ana as a leading member Counsel (CPC) Cecil Dhur- grave oversight by resum- CCJ family of countries.” jon congratulated the students ing the best student awards. He said the profession is who reached the top position “Excellence must be rec- extremely competitive but at Hugh Wooding. He said ognized and rewarded… there is always space at Guyana has always shined in you’re joining the profes- the top.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 22, 2015

NGO in countrywide drive to spread cheer GIVE Another Chance Foundation (GACF) hosted its first Christmas Tree Light Up at Arthurville Primary School Compound, Wakenaam.

The 20-ft Christmas tree was the initiative of the founder of GACF Miranda

Thakur-Dean and family. She wanted to ensure that the residents of Wakenaam enjoyed the same sentiments as other Guyanese.

The event also saw a cultural programme, where the students of Arthurville Primary entertained the gathering,

including Regional Councillor Perry Birbal, Justice Donald Trotman, Ameena Hinds, Regional Education Officers Shameer Shahid and Penelope McIntosh.

The non-profit organisation awarded Miss Wakenaam 2015 Diana Seymoore

Nurse denies stealing $500,000 A 32-year-old nurse was placed on $60,000 bail after being arraigned on a simple larceny charge before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Sharmain Blair, a single mother of two, who resides at 148 Supply, East Bank Demerara appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts yesterday morning.

The charge read that Blair, during the month of April at Carmichael Street, stole from Author Manget’s Nova Scotia account the sum of $500,000. The defendant however denied the accusation.

Blair was represented by attorney, Dexter Todd, who, in making an application for bail, said his client did not pose as a flight risk and the fact is that she had been released on her own recognisance as station bail, pending her court appearance.

There were no objections to bail. The magistrate then placed her on bail and adjourned the matter until January 18.

The matter will be called again on February 4.

$100,000 towards her continued studies.

GACF in association with the Bank of Nova Scotia commissioned libraries at Arthurville Primary Nursery and Primary Schools, at a cost of $300,000, along with books and furniture in which more than 20 students preparing for NGSA will benefit.

In addition, 50 senior citizens received hampers from GACF totaling $300,000 and 300 children were gifted toys and goodies at a party with compliments of Digicel, Gizmos and Gadgets and Wendy’s Cellular Connections.

The children were entertained by Santa Claus, his elves, and Dora and friends

from Courts Guyana Inc. Adolph Thakur Tertiary Education Scholarship valued $800,000 in cash went to this year’s Essequibo Islands Secondary School top CSEC student Terrence Williams. This will enable him to further his studies at the University of Guyana. He also received a cellular phone, compliments of Digicel.

On December 13, 2015 GACF continued its quest by ensuring that more than 150 children of North Sophia Pentecostal Holiness Church were treated with gifts and toys.

Hopetown Primary School, West Coast Berbice teachers will be honoured while, the students who at-

tained first to third places in classes were to receive tokens on December 20, 2015.

Clothing would also be distributed to the less fortunate in that community.

Baramita, Region 1 will benefit from a cheer drive on December 22, 2015 GACF was registered in Guyana seven years ago and aims to improve the lives of children by creating a social movement that delivers effective health, education and nutritional programmes, to give children an opportunity to realise their personal achievement be it academically, artistically or within the realms of sports.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 22, 2015

Rape allegations against a cop

A MAN from the ‘Ancient County’ of Berbice was released on $10,000 bail by City Magistrate Annette Singh for making a false rape allegation against a police officer.

Twenty-eight-year-old Stephan Philips of Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice was arraigned on the charge, which alleges that on Thursday, October 22 at the Brickdam Police Station, he gave to Officer Marilyn Rodney false information, alleging that he had been raped by Police Constable Shawn Beharry.

The man denied that allegation.

Police Prosecutor Adonis Innis objected to bail based on the “seriousness and nature of the offence.” However, the objection was overruled.

The matter was put down for January 4, 2016.

City Council officer put on self-bail

CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday released a City Constabulary Lance Corporal on self-bail on a charge of assaulting a civilian.

Appearing at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court was Denise Rowland, a 51-year-old resident of Grove Housing Scheme, on a charge which alleges that on April 21 at Bourda, she unlawfully assaulted Royda Hatton.

The city officer denied the charge.

Prosecutor Deniro Jones made no objections to bail and did not relate the facts to the court.

Rowland will make her second court appearance on January 15 before City Magistrate Annette Singh.

Fighting tenants on token bail TWO tenants of 39 Old Road, Craig, East Bank Demerara, were on Monday released on $10,000 bail each by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after a simple argument turned violent.

Fifty-three-year-old Carlton Henry was charged for unlawfully and maliciously wounding Shane Picot earlier this month at their East Bank Demerara residence. The machine operator denied the charge after the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) was applied.

Picot was also charged with unlawfully assaulting Henry.

The 34-year-old denied the charge also.

According to the facts, the men reside at the Craig Home, which is a two-storeyed building.

On the day in question, an argument ensued between them, and quickly escalated into a fight. The result was that Picot received cuts to his left hand, while Henry suffered a deep laceration to his right eye.

The Chief Magistrate granted bail, after the prosecutor made no objections. The matter was transferred to Providence Magistrate Court for January 14.

Accused says he acted in self-defence

CLINTON Mercurius, who was charged with wounding a man was placed on $75,000 bail yesterday when he appeared in the courtroom of Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The charge read that on November 16 at Friendship, East Bank Demerara the accused unlawfully and maliciously wounded Andrew Bender with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or to cause actual bodily harm.

He was not required to plead, since the charge was deemed indictable. However when the Administration of Justice was applied, the 34-year old construction worker denied the allegation.

Mercurius’ attorney, told the court that his client was being attacked by the virtual complainant and only acted in self defense.

The prosecution did not relate the facts to the court or make objections to bail being granted. The matter was transferred to Providence Magistrate’s Court for January 14.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 22, 2015

Unique gifts for Lethem children SOME 600 children from Lethem are slated to receive gifts this year as Eiripan hosts its 11th annual Christmas party in the North West District this week.

Director of the programme, Melanie Mc Turk told the Guyana Chronicle that in addition to the 600 at Lethem, her organisation will be donating 200 gifts towards a Christmas Fair celebration within the Kanuku Mountains area, which will benefit children residing in communities therein.

Each child who attends the fair with a parent or guardian will receive a gift.

McTurk said over the years, Eiripan, a non-profit organisation, has donated thousands of gifts to children within the hinterland communities, and has made the presents unique to each child, whose name and profile would have been given to single sponsors.

Toys, books and school supplies are among the thousands of gifts that were transported into the North West District Sunday, with each child also having a backpack coming his or her way.

“The basis of the project is the idea that books and toys and play should be part of every child’s life,” McTurk told the Guyana Chronicle.

“These are things that stimulate the development

of the individual, and will in turn promote development in communities.”

She said each year, her organisation partners with villages, on invitation, to provide Christmas presents to the children who reside there.

In a bid to encourage school attendance and post-natal care, she explained that the list of names compiled by the village councils are arrived at, based on attendance at school, and attendance at health clinics.

Eiripan partnered this year with sponsors Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Beharry Group of

Companies, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), NT Computec, Banks DIH and Genesis Gym, among other companies and organisations.

McTurk explained that each community location would have set up a Christmas tree and on each Christmas tree cards, each with a beneficiary’s name, are placed with the label ‘Christmas for Makanaima’s Angels’. Though requests are not being made for fancy presents, the oranisation asks sponsors to buy gifts that are suitable and that will bring joy, as gifts usually range from modest to extraordi-

nary.

“Each child gets a gift with his or her name on it, and it’s a very individual gift, so each gift is different.”

In addition to the Christmas presents, Eiripan has also partnered with School of the Nations, Giftland, Farfan and Mendez

and Coffee Bean to collect for the children, school supplies which, along with a backpack, are given to each child.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday December 22, 2015

Tourism Ministry in initiative to spruce up Moleson Creek terminal THE Ministry of Tourism is spearheading an intensive programme to

enhance both the physical space and operational procedures at the Moleson

Creek Ferry Terminal.

The project was conceived, and is being led by the Minis-

GTA’s Regina King presented two retractable banners to Ms. Williams, Manager of the ferry terminal try’s Director-General, Donald Sinclair. He is working in close collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority, the Canawaima Authority, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the other entities, the Tourism Ministry said in a release.

Last Saturday, a large team that included several Tourism Development Officers, spent the day at the Terminal, continuing the informal training and sensitisation of workers, minibus drivers and conductors.

The Ministry also delivered on a promise made a month ago to the providers of transportation services. They were all presented with new ‘uniforms’, t-shirts emblazoned with the nation’s new tourism brand: Guyana, South America Undiscovered.

In addition, every passenger arriving on the early morning ferry was offered traditional Christmas cake and ginger beer, the latter with the compliments of Banks DIH Ltd. Most of the passengers were very appreciative of this gesture.

The terminal at Spring-

lands, Corentyne is an important port of entry, particularly for visitors coming to Guyana from neighbouring Suriname, French Guiana and Brazil via the Canawaima Ferry.

The Tourism Ministry’s chief objective is to ensure that the physical facilities remain welcoming and that the passengers’ experience at the Guyana terminal is always hassle-free and orderly. The Moleson Creek terminal falls under the umbrella of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

Director-General Sinclair said yesterday that his Ministry will, over the next few weeks, engage the relevant authorities and lay out proposals for further enhancement of the facilities and improvements in the quality of services.

Additional training in Customer Services is on the cards for front line operators who interact daily with the people passing through the terminal. The GTA has already begun a language programme aimed at improving the operators’ ability to communicate in Dutch and Portuguese.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday December 22, 2015

More bicycles donated to Granger’s ‘Three Bs’ initiative

THE local business community continued to support President David Granger’s ‘Boats, Buses and Bicycles’ initiative, even as another 21 bicycles were on Monday presented to First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger and Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally.

The bicycles were donated by David and Margaret Enterprise, of Potaro, Mahdia, Region Eight and Antarctic Maintenance and Repairs in Georgetown, and presented to the First Lady at a simple ceremony held at State House.

Kent Phillips, of Antarctic Maintenance and Repairs, said after having read about the initiative in the local papers, he thought it was an excellent venture to support.

Speaking also on behalf of the other donors who were absent from the ceremony, Phillips said that he is sure that the bicycles will definitely serve their intended purpose.

Meanwhile, Minister Ally thanked the donors, saying it’s encouraging to see that the initiative is “catching on” and people are responding favour-

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger; Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally display the bicycles donated by Kent Phillips and Ms. Sade Barton of Antarctic Maintenance

ably. “More and more private citizens are contributing. The President has a passion for education and he wants to ensure that every child gets an education, this will allow many students who are at a disadvantage, to get to school,” she said.

The ‘Boats, Buses and Bicycles’ initiative started back in July when Presi-

dent Granger celebrated his 70th birthday and made a call for support of the initiative that will ensure transportation is provided so that school children can get to school

safely and comfortably.

Since then, there has been a tremendous response, with citizens and businesses donating boats and engines and bicycles.

(Ministry of the Presidency)

15

No ‘rush in on Bai Shan Lin’ GOVERNMENT will not “rush in on Bai Shan Lin” in a wild and whimsical manner based on media reports, Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman said.

The Chinese company has been accused of a number of irregularities, including operating in areas outside of forestry.

Minister Trotman, who also has responsibility for national patrimony, said the Memorandum of Understanding the company signed with former Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh did indicate it will do wood processing.

But, he said the issue of whether the company is restricted to only wood processing and cannot enter into a contractual arrangement with Tulsie Persaud Limited to move stones, is a matter he cannot make an immediate pronouncement.

According to him, this issue would require a legal opinion.

Aside from Bai Shan Lin, the forestry sector, Mr Trotman said has had some troubles this year, but forestry continues to be a worthwhile enterprise.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan had provided some duty-free concessions to foresters, but the government was forced to put a temporary ban on the export of Locus logs. It is in short supply and is needed by furniture manufacturers.

Bai Shan Lin exports the logs and has been feeling the squeeze of the restriction which will only ease based on market demand.

During mid-year, production in the sector was adversely affected by heavy rains which caused Barama Company Limited, Tuslie Persaud and several other concessions to close operations.

The rains rendered the roads inaccessible.

On assuming office, the APNU+AFC Government also learnt that the UK had placed a restriction on the importation of Green Heart logs into that country.

The restriction was placed due to reported issues of sustainable forest management. The government is currently working to remove the restriction and will be providing reports from Norway and other independent agencies to show that this is not the case.

Addressing the Sectorial Committee on Natural Resources yesterday, Mr Trotman also pointed out that the forestry regulations have been reviewed and a draft is currently before the Attorney General’s Chambers.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 22, 2015

Roraima remembers ‘The Vets’ RORAIMA Airways hosted its annual Veterans’s luncheon yesterday at the Roraima Duke Lodge on Duke Street, Kingston.

This initiative was taken by Captain Gerry Gouveia, Chief Executive Officer of Roraima Airways five years ago as a way of bringing good tidings and cheer to our senior citizens and veterans who served Guyana well.

This annual event features a variety of attractions which include live entertainment, gifts give away and a chance for the veterans to express themselves through the preforming arts. Live entertainment was provided by the LaRamade Broadway group out of New York and local performers under the sound engineering of the Duke Lodge sound system.

Many veterans shared stories from their past training experience and expressed their gratitude to captains Gerry and Debbie Gouveia for allowing them to never forget and not letting others forget the true meaning of Christmas and remembering their good deeds and service.

At the event Captain Gerald Gouveia stated that “our Veterans should never be forgotten and much more should be done to make their lives better”. He also made a call on the private sector to do more to contribute to the development of Veterans in Guyana.

Captain Gouveia accompanies the seniors while they enjoy the atmosphere at Duke Lodge

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday December 22, 2015

IDB gets new treasurer THE Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) announced the appointment of Francisco Ramón Ruiz García as treasurer, effective April 1, 2016.

Mr. Ruiz García, a Spanish citizen, is currently Treasury ALM (Asset Liability Management) Market Risk Director for Barclays Bank PLC in London, where he is responsible for risk exposure oversight and for the implementation of market risk methodologies.

Before joining Bar-

clays Bank, Mr. Ruiz García also held several leadership positions in commercial and investment banking, including management roles within Banco Santander and BBVA Bank in Madrid and New York.

Mr. Ruiz García holds a Master´s degree in Quantitative Finance and Economy from CEMFI Foundation - Banco de España (Spanish Central Bank), and a BSc in Electrical Engineering from Valladolid University (Spain).

Ruiz García will run the Treasury Division of

Crossword

the Inter­American Development Bank, which is responsible for executing the Bank’s borrowing program in the international and domestic capital markets, investing the liquid asset portfolio, forecasting and managing the IDB´s cash position, and performing the valuation of the investment and funding portfolios.

In his role, Ruiz will also coordinate the relationship with financial intermediaries and lead the expansion of the Bank’s local currency treasury capabilities in the Region.

Saturday’s Results

Sudoku

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GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Action heating up in Banks Beer/GFA Football

By Stephan Sookram TWO more teams advanced to the next round of the 2015/2016 Banks Beer Cup/Georgetown Football Association (GFA) knockout football tournament following wins at the Georgetown Football Club ground on Sunday night.

Riddim Squad and Argos Santos FC are the latest teams to make it to the quarter-finals of the knockout tournament which commenced on December 13 at the Police Sports Club ground In game 1, Santos mopped the floor with their competition after putting on a 5-1 performance for the persons in attendance at the GFC. Captain Dwayne McLennon produced the first goal in just 15 minutes before returning to add his second in the 38th.

Josh Parvatan in the 60 minutes put the game out

of the Black Pearl’s reach before Orin Yarde (74th minute) and Ryan Hacket in the 77th minute rounded out the teams scoring.

Captain McLennon, speaking to the media after the win, contended that “it’s all about possession, we had more possession of the ball and we moved it around so the team with less mistakes won the game and we made the least mistakes.”

The skipper said he doesn’t have his eyes on any team right now because, his team right now are working hard and they come through victorious in the end, Game two started off physically with the referee having to issue several warnings and eventually a red card during the first 20 minutes of action.

However, it was within that first 20 minutes that Riddim squad opened their scoring account and took the lead to the competition, Seyon

Hope making his strike count in the 17th.

Teon Jones would sank the needle further into the arms of the Huston stars side when he successfully converted a strike on the borderline of halftime (44th minute) Returning from the break with much zeal, the Huston side did not intend to go down without a fight and after several valiant efforts, converted thanks to Kevin Richards in the 76th.

Well on the path to recovery were the Huston Stars side but they were jolted to reality when Amos Ramsey in the 83rd minute completed the Riddim Squad’s third and final goal of the evening to pave the way for an interestingly poised tournament.

Matches continue on December 23 where Sunburst Camptown take on Northern Rangers in game one at the GFC ground while Beacon go toe-to-toe with Flamingo FC.

Blatter, Platini banned... opened criminal proceedings against Blatter over the payment to Platini. The office is also investigating FIFA's award of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup finals to Russia and to Qatar, a small, wealthy desert country with no real football tradition.

The Ethics Committee said it had not found evidence that the payment, made at a time when Blatter was seeking re-election, constituted a bribe, which meant the men were spared potential lifetime bans.

However, it said the transaction had lacked transparency and presented a conflict of interest.

Blatter and Platini argued that the payment followed a verbal agreement they made in 1998, and concerned Platini's work for Blatter between 1998 and 2002.

But the committee's Adjudicatory Chamber, headed

by German lawyer Hans-Joachim Eckert, found that it had been "without a legal basis" and a breach of regulations governing gifts and other benefits.

It said that, "by failing to place FIFA’s interests first and abstain from doing anything which could be contrary to FIFA’s interests, Mr Blatter violated his fidu-

ciary duty to FIFA".

The chamber concluded that Blatter’s actions ultimately demonstrated "an abusive execution of his position as president of FIFA”.

It also said Platini's argument that there had been a verbal agreement had not been convincing and that he, too, had abused his position as a FIFA vice-president and Executive Committee member. "Mr Platini failed to act with complete credibility and integrity," it said.

Blatter was fined 50 000 Swiss francs and Platini 80 000.

FOOTBALLING HERO The three-time European footballer-of-the-year, who captained France to victory in the 1984 European Championships and helped organise the 1998 World Cup in his homeland before working for Blatter, called the decision a "pure masquerade".

"It's been rigged to tarnish my name by bodies I know well and who for me are bereft of all credibility or legitimacy," he said in a statement.

Platini said his conscience was clear and that he would ultimately seek damages in civil proceedings. "I will fight this to the

From back page

end," he said.

UEFA said it was disappointed with the ruling and "supports Michel Platini’s right to a due process and the opportunity to clear his name" while FIFA tersely said it "acknowledges the decision".

Until his suspension, Platini had been the front-runner to succeed Blatter at the top of world football. Following Monday's ruling, the British bookmaker William Hill made Bahrain's Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation, the 6-5 favourite, followed by Jordan's Prince Ali al Hussein on 13-8 and UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino, of Switzerland, on 5-2.

In the United States, prosecutors have indicted 27 current or former football officials, including eight former FIFA Executive Committee members and the current heads of both the North and South American federations, over allegations that they ran bribery schemes connected to the sale of television rights for football competitions. Twelve people and two sports marketing companies have been convicted.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday December 22, 2015

‘The King’ Williamson plays down bevy of records in 2015 (REUTERS) - New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum called him ‘The King’ but Kane Williamson swatted aside the praise after his record-breaking century capped a five-wicket victory in the second Test against Sri Lanka yesterday.

Williamson, who was dismissed for one in the first innings at Seddon Park, provided a match-winning 108 not out in the second as the hosts chased down 189 needed for victory.

“It was an innings of sheer quality from ‘The King’ and the rest of us were able to sit back and watch someone at the top of his game,” McCullum said in a televised interview. “I thought it was an outstanding innings.”

The century, Williamson’s fifth in 2015, was not only a record for New Zealand batsmen in a calendar year but also took the 25-year-old past McCullum’s mark of 1 164 Test runs in 2014.

It also moved him top of the International Cricket Council’s world player rankings, the

first New Zealand batsman to reach top spot.

McCullum and Williamson are the only New Zealanders to score more than 1 000 Test runs in a calendar year, though Williamson, who will end 2015 with 1 172 runs at 90.15, said he did not really focus on milestones.

“It means more when you spend some time in the middle and make a larger contribution to a team performance,” Williamson told reporters after he was named man-of-the-match.

“The wicket wasn’t easy to bat on. It was extremely important we formulated partnerships along the way.

“It wasn’t the biggest chase but it seemed some distance away because both teams came up with sound bowling plans on what was a good wicket.

“Smart plans from both sides meant it was challenging.”

Williamson made a Test century on debut against India as a 20-year-old in 2010 and was hailed as having the poten-

tial to become New Zealand’s best batsman, though it took him another 11 Tests before he passed 100 again.

Until that 102 not out against South Africa, which saved the match at Wellington’s Basin Reserve in 2012, he had passed 50 just four more times.

The right-hander’s tenacity, on full display when he took a nasty blow to the groin from a Dale Steyn delivery that cracked his protective box, indicated his growing maturity.

Since the start of 2014 Williamson has become the backbone of McCullum’s batting

Tons for Cook, Root as Hales boosts Test hopes

Kane Williamson celebrates his fifth Test hundred of the year in Hamilton, yesterday.

Scorchers begin title defence with loss to Strikers

DEFENDING champions Perth Scorchers began their BBL 2015-16 campaign with a loss, going down by four wickets against the Adelaide Strikers in Perth.

It was a bad day for the Scorchers who have now bizarrely lost every one of their BBL openers. The Scorchers could only muster 6 for 151, which the Strikers reeled in with four wickets in hand and five balls to spare.

(Scores: Adelaide Strikers 6 for 152 (Jayawardene 42, Ross 38) beat Perth Scorchers 6 for 151 (Shaun Marsh 47, Voges 45*, Rashid 2-21) by four wickets).

Incumbent Australia Test batsman Shaun Marsh’s innings promised to make a resounding case for selection but, despite a brief tease, failed to land a decisive punch for Scorchers.

One day after Usman Khawaja seemingly won a recall for the Boxing Day Test, Marsh looked set to replicate Khawaja’s centurion deeds.

However, just when he seemed set for an imposing score, Marsh miscued a short delivery from Michael Neser and was caught on the boundary. Marsh underlined his abundance of talent during a belligerent 47 from

Mahela Jayawardene’s 40-ball 42 steers the Strikers’ chase in Perth.

35 deliveries, but it wasn’t quite the score he would have been hoping for.

Compounding the Scorchers’ woes, Test hopeful Nathan Coulter-Nile, the only fast bowler in Australia’s squad cleared to play in the BBL ahead of the MCG Test, left the field in the 12th over with a shoulder injury.

Coulter-Nile slipped after a misfield and landed awkwardly. Coulter-Nile, who was in the frame for the Boxing Day Test, had impressed with an all-round performance that included a belligerent 8-ball 18 and impressive returns of 1 for 18 from 3 overs.

lineup and last year flirted with the 1 000-run milestone, only to fall just short with 929.

Unlike McCullum, who topped 1 000 runs courtesy of a triple century, two double centuries and an innings of 195 in 2014, Williamson has been the model of consistency in 2015.

He started with 242 not out against Sri Lanka in January and added four more centuries. He also scored four half-centuries.

His only failures were at Headingley in Leeds with scores of 0 and six, and last month in Adelaide where he made 22 and nine.

The Strikers started their chase briskly with Tim Ludeman hitting emerging pacer Joel Paris for three consecutive boundaries to open the innings. The Scorchers, however, clawed their way back into the contest with probing bowling and brilliant fielding.

The game was in the balance with the Strikers at 3 for 67 in the ninth over but veteran Mahela Jayawardene calmly restored the initiative with a 40-ball 42 before Alex Ross - labelled as “probably the most improved player in Australia” by national selector Mark Waugh - sealed the deal with a hard-hitting 38.

After the Scorchers cap-

tain Adam Voges won the toss and elected to bat on a flat pitch baking under sweltering Perth conditions, Marsh continued on from his rich Test form, plundering a hapless Strikers attack.

He drove superbly against the quicks, and used his feet perfectly to smash the Strikers spinner Jon Holland for two sixes in three deliveries in the eighth over, much to the delight of a near-capacity WACA crowd, many of whom were draped in partisan orange.

Marsh’s opening partner Michael Klinger started swiftly with consecutive cover drives in the opening over and, despite eventually falling for 19, became the second player after Aaron Finch to score more than 1000 BBL runs.

While the pitch was flat, WACA traditionalists would have had a lump in the throat watching the ball rear from the surface, a characteristic that was notably lacking during last month’s Test match against New Zealand. Paris and the Strikers pacer Kane Richardson notably produced several searing deliveries that evoked images of the WACA’s golden era.

PIETERMARITZBURG, South Africa (Reuters) Alastair Cook and Joe Root scored centuries and Alex Hales a timely knock of 56 as England piled on the runs against South Africa A in their last warm-up game before the first Test.

Cook reminded the hosts of his ability with a solid knock of 126, bringing up his century with a six over mid-wicket, while Root scored 117 as England amassed 414 for six before declaring late in the day.

Stuart Broad and Moeen Ali claimed a wicket each as South Africa A reached 35 for two in their second innings, 243 behind the tourists, after the second day of the three-day match.

The contribution from Cook’s opening partner Hales will have gone a long way to assuaging concerns about handing him a Test debut on Saturday, when England and South Africa begin their fourmatch series in Durban.

Hales had been pencilled in to open with Cook after showing form in limited overs internationals, but after scoring just 16 runs in two innings in England’s opening warm-up game in Potchefstroom last week, he needed a good knock to back up the confidence shown in him by coach Trevor Bayliss.

Cook and Hales compiled a confidence-boosting opening partnership of 112 before Hales was bowled by

Joe Root was in supreme touch, hitting 117. an in-swinger from Dane Paterson at the City Oval.

Nick Compton, who is expected to make his Test return at number three for England, scored 29 before being trapped leg-before-wicket.

Cook went when he lobbed spinner Keshav Maharaj to mid-on but England did not let up on the home bowlers as Root raced to 50 off 60 balls and brought up his century off 116 balls.

He was out when he topedged a pull to backward square and was caught off Maharaj’s bowling.

Root and Ben Stokes, who scored a brisk 66, put on 104 runs for the fifth wicket.

The final day’s play will provide an opportunity for the bowlers to stake a last claim for Test selection with Steven Finn and Mark Footitt looking to impress.

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Platini slams FIFA High Performance ban as 'masquerade', Programme ready to roll vows to fight in court LONDON, England (Reuters) -The head of European football, Michel Platini, vowed on Monday to go to court to fight a decision by the independent Ethics Committee of the world football body FIFA to ban him for eight years, calling it a "pure masquerade".

Platini and Sepp Blatter, the former FIFA president who is also appealing, were both banned and fined for ethics violations in connection with a 2 million Swiss franc (£1.3M) payment that FIFA made to Platini in 2011, at a time when Blatter was seeking re-election.

Until he was suspended in October, Platini was the favourite to succeed Blatter as

UEFA president Michel Platini

FIFA president in an election next February.

"The decision is no surprise to me: the procedure

initiated against me by FIFA's ethics committee is a pure masquerade," the Frenchman said in a statement.

"It has been rigged to tarnish my name by bodies I know well and who for me are bereft of all credibility or legitimacy."

Platini said his conscience was clear and that he would challenge the decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sport and ultimately seek damages in civil proceedings.

"I will fight this to the end," he said.

In a separate statement, FIFA said it "acknowledges the decisions of the independent Ethics Committee and has no further comment".

Irving returns in Cavs win, Kings upstage Raptors THE Cleveland Cavaliers had Kyrie Irving on the floor for the first time this season as they accounted for the hapless Philadelphia 76ers 108-86 in the NBA. Irving fractured his left kneecap in game one of the NBA Finals in June but he made his long-awaited return on Sunday, posting 12 points in 17 minutes.

The three-time NBA AllStar was five-of-12 from the field and added four assists to go with two steals as the Cavs condemned the Sixers to a 10th consecutive defeat.

"Kind of been a long, long road, but finally getting out there with my teammates was a pleasure," Irving said afterwards.

The Cavs were led by LeBron James (23 points) and Matthew Dellavedova (20 points) in Cleveland, while Nerlens Noel (15 points, 12 rebounds) starred for the Sixers.

Rajon Rondo and Rudy

ST JOHN’S, Antigua Over the last two years, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has added more competitions to its regional calendar. Teams now have an opportunity to play ten first class four-day games; a compact one-day series at the start of the calendar year and a reformatted T20 competition in the summer.

The recent adoption by the Board of directors to start the cricket year in May, form just part of the overall programme with which the Board thinks if followed, can help the overall plan to see the elite male team inch back its way into the top tier of international cricket. , in a presentation to the executive team, remarked, “research, innovation and consistency with evidence-based practice are essential to our philosophy and approach going forward.

We engaged IMG to design our mental skills programme, they have delivered the training of trainers’ programme and the trainers have already begun its roll out.

We are currently in discussions with IMG to broaden the consultancy work across the scope of the high performance programme with the goal of programme delivery in the first half of 2016”.

The Cricket Director went on to discuss what the high performance programme will entail. The methodology,

Director of Cricket, Richard Pybus

he says will be integrated and will look at a number of unique training disciplines to include physical and mental conditioning; leadership, life skills and of course technical cricket skills.

“The methodology is athlete-centred and coach-driven, ensuring that athletic training is both cricket-specific and tailored to individual needs. It will be supported and assisted by regional sport science, sport medicine experts and administrative staff.

The methodology also incorporates the principles of personal growth and allround development of the cricketer,” added Pybus who thinks that to compete at the international level, allround resources must be made available to deliver this

programme.

Pybus believes the roll out of this high performance programme “is worthy of investment and should be looked at seriously if the team is to get back close or anywhere near to the top. It is what other regions across the world are doing and the West Indies should do no less.”

To complement the programme, the Chief Executive Officer, Michael Muirhead, thinks, “with the calendar set as it is with some clear breaks for international stars to participate overseas, there is still an opportunity to host special events in the region and the Americas.”

The CEO pointed out that those special events are “opportunities to re-engage the public and with wider participation to include former players, the fans will get much more opportunities to participate.” He also added that “cricket as a product when diversified can attract a wider support of sponsor partners.”

About IMG Academy: The Academy is based in Florida and specialises in sports training.

The 500-acre campus also serves as the training and competition venue for amateur and professional teams, the host site for a variety of events, and a hub for sports performance research and innovation.

NOTABLE DATES

Kyrie Irving

Gay helped the Sacramento Kings past the Toronto Raptors 104-94.

Rondo scored 19 points and tallied 13 assists in his fourth successive double-double display, and Gay had 19 points of his own as the Kings won for the fourth time in five games.

DeMar DeRozan was the pick of the Raptors players with a game-high 28 points.

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks rallied to beat the Orlando Magic 103-100.

Kyle Korver inspired the comeback after scoring 13 of his 19 points in the final quarter.

The Miami Heat downed the Portland Trail Blazers 116-109 and the Phoenix Suns lost 101-95 to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Anthony Davis finished with 27 points as the New Orleans Pelicans saw off the Denver Nuggets 130125 and the Minnesota Timberwolves were too good for the Brooklyn Nets 100-85. (Sportsmax. com)

TERRENCE Alli had lost two world title fights in the lightweight division and graduated up to junior welterweight when he collided with undefeated Phillip Martin on December 22, 1989.

Martin, a resident of the USA, had not been beaten in seven fights and at age 20, was nine years younger than Alli going into the 10-round affair.

The more experienced Guyanese was declared the winner at two minutes and 20 seconds of round six after the southpaw Martin

was disqualified by referee Mervin McDonald. The following year Alli engaged in four battles.

He won three and lost the other. The lone defeat came at the hands of Roger Mayweather, uncle of Floyd `Money’ Mayweather. The `Black Mamba’ out-hustled the usually hyper-active son of Mahaicony to win the 10-rounder by unanimous decision. Three years later Alli made his last attempt at a world title.

Coming up against the feared Julio Cesar Chavez in May 1993, Alli put in

Terrence Alli

a game effort but was TKOed in round six allowing the World Boxing Council (WBC) junior welterweight crown to remain on the Mexican’s head. Alli stopped boxing in 1997 and turned 55 last June.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Metro Office and Computer Supplies pumps over $1.1M – in support of KMTC Boxing Day horse racing

In this Delano Williams photo, Justice Kennard (second left) accepts the trophy for the first place finisher of the feature race from Metro’s CEO Avia Maria Lindie. Others in photo are, from left Shavanie Sooklall (Admin Asst) and Bibi Farida Alli (Accounts consultant).

THE Metro Office and Computer Supplies continued its support for the

Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club’s (KMTC) Boxing Day horse race meet by

pumping over $1.1M for the feature event that is scheduled for December

26.

Yesterday the company’s Chief Executive Of-

ficer (CEO) Avia Maria Lindie made the presentation to Honorary president of the KMTC Justice Cecil Kennard at the company’s Georgetown head office, Quamina Street.

The financial support of the company will go towards the staging of the feature event on the day’s card which will feature horses classified `C and Lower’ over a one-mile distance.

The winner of the event will receive $1M, while the second-, third- and fourthplace finishers will earn $500 000, $250 000 and $125 000 respectively.

However, Metro Office and Computer Services will be sponsoring the first-place prize money and trophy as well as the cash prize for the fourth-place finisher.

Speaking at the simple presentation ceremony yesterday, Justice Kennard thanked the company for its continued support to the KMTC over the past 10 years and said the compa-

ny’s president Ron Ramnarayan has been supporting the club over this time as his father, Deo Kharag, was once a president of the club and Ron has decided to sponsor the event in memory of his father who has passed away.

Lindie in brief remarks said Metro is always very delighted to partner with the KMTC and yesterday’s contribution is a collaborative one that goes back many years.

Lindie wished all the participating jockeys and trainers the best of luck for the feature event and said: “On behalf of the company’s president (Ramnarayan), they are pleased to be associated with the event.

Meanwhile, race horse owners and trainers are reminded that vehicles transporting horses for the day’s event will be allowed to cross the Berbice River Bridge free of cost, compliments of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc.

UD GT Beer football …

Net Rockers pip Hi-Stars 4-2 on penalty kicks; Panthers maul Botofago 4-0

By Joe Chapman NET Rockers squeezed through by a 4-2 penalty shoot-out while Amelia’s Ward Panthers mauled Botofago 4-0 to reach the quarterfinals of this year’s Upper Demerara/GT Beer knock-out football championship being played at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

As the crowds continue to follow the annual year-ender football championship on Sunday evening with a soggy surface in the first game it was a 1-1 stalemate at the end of regulation and extra periods of play.

The Net Rockers had taken the lead in the 21st minute of play through Colrick Beckles who, moving from the outside left, found his way into the 16-yard box

where he slapped home the go-ahead goal for his side.

They enjoyed this advantage up to halftime and remained in the lead until the 55th minute when Hi Stars through Jermaine Adams, who collected a long ball and cut through his markers to send a goal-scoring shot from inside the 18yard box.

With the scores level 1-1, the two sides tried desperately to gain the initiative which never came.

The end of regulation and extra time however did not produce a result until the two sides went for penalty kicks and the Rockers came through by a 4-2 score.

In the second game the Panthers of Amelia’s Ward were dominant after first taking the lead in the 31st minute from the penalty

spot after John Handel was brought down in the ‘box’ and the left outside defender Kevin Plowell stepped up and took the spot kick and scored, Panthers 1, Botofago 0.

Two minutes later the Panthers wemt 2-0 up through Ray Bobb-Semple who received a through ball from Jevon Babb and completed the formality by scoring.

Then in the 74th minute Marlon Simon scored with a surprise shot from about 25 yards out that sailed to the left side corner for a 3-0 advantage. Then the game was sealed through Jevon Babb who planted a superb header that came from the left side cross from Ray Bobb-Semple.

The Amelia’s Ward Panthers will now play

From right Amelia's Ward Panthers goalscorers Kevin Plowell, Ray Bobb-Semple, Marlon Simon and Jervon Babb.

the defending champions Winners Connection in the

first game on Sunday at 18:15hrs with the second

between Milerock and Net Rockers at 20:15hrs.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 22, 2015

West Indies spinner Bishoo in frame for Melbourne start MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - West Indies are considering a recall for leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo as they look to fight their way back into the series in the second Test against Australia later this week.

The tourists' bowlers were flogged to all parts of the Bellerive Oval during the innings and 212-run defeat in Hobart which opened the three-match series.

Left-arm orthodox spinner Jomel Warrican, playing only his second Test, took three wickets in Australia's only innings but they came at the cost of 158 runs as the home batsmen ran rampant.

Bishoo took 6-80 against the Australians in the Ca-

ribbean earlier this year and again showed his class in the drawn tour match against a Victoria XI at the weekend, even if his two wickets came at a cost of 60 runs.

"He bowled better," West Indies coach Phil Simmons told reporters in Geelong.

"There was a lot more drive in his deliveries and everything like that.

"We'll see what happens over the next three days and we'll see what the MCG wicket is like, then we can make a decision about the combination we're going with."

The Guyanese, a wicket-taker in a West Indies squad that appears to have very few of them, made his

Test debut in 2011 in a maiden campaign that earned him the ICC's Emerging Cricketer-of-the-Year award.

After his breakthrough year, however, he lost his mojo in two series on the unforgiving tracks of India and Bangladesh and the second Test against England earlier this year was his first in three years.

Another heavy workload against the English in Grenada -- 51 overs in the tourists' first innings -- took its toll on more than his enthusiasm, leaving him with virtually no skin on his spinning fingers.

He was fit again when the Australians visited in June and his six victims in Roseau included Brad Had-

Jaguars turn attention to NAGICO Super50 tourney

din, who was dismissed by a wonder ball that pitched on leg, turned sharply and crashed into the top of the wicketkeeper's off stump.

Comparisons were made with the Shane Warne "Ball of the Century" to dismiss Mike Gatting in 1993 and the delivery illustrated that Bishoo can get as much turn from the ball as any world class spinner.

The drop-in wicket at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is unlikely to offer too much for the spinners but even if the 30-year-old does not get the nod for the Boxing Day match, he could get the call for the third Test in Sydney.

The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), which

West Indies' Devendra Bishoo (L) celebrates with captain Jason Holder after taking the catch to dismiss Sri Lanka's Dimuth Karunaratne (not pictured) during the second day of their second Test cricket match in Colombo, October 23, 2015. (Reuters/Dinuka Liyanawatte)

hosts the final Test from January 3, traditionally offers some turn and Aus-

tralia have included two spinners in their squad for that match.

Big Bash makes a big splash

… Practice games billed for December 28 and 30

By Rajiv Bisnauth

South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:20 hrs Malachite Sunbird 08:55 hrs Seven Wood 09:35 hrs Star Academy 10:15 hrs Mountain Master 10:50 hrs Storm Faerie 11:25 hrs Playboy Buddy English Racing Tips Southwell 08:30 hrs Fen Lady 09:00 hrs Capelita 09:30 hrs Twin Appeal 10:00 hrs Busy Street 10:30 hrs Yul Finegold 11:00 hrs Dark Diamond 11:30 hrs Fortinbrass Wolverhampton 08:40 hrs Royal Acquisition 09:10 hrs Hold On Magnolia 09:40 hrs Always Welcome 10:10 hrs Go On Go On Go On 10:40 hrs Misu Pete 11:10 hrs Believe It 11:40 hrs Jan Van Eyck 12:10 hrs Jumbo Prado Irish Racing Tips Clonmel 08:50 hrs Bello Conti 09:20 hrs Vroum Vroum Mag 09:50 hrs Indian Fairy 10:20 hrs A Toi Phil 10:50 hrs Silent Wish 11:20 hrs Westerner’s Son 11:50 hrs Caolaneoin

RIDING high on confidence with five consecutive outright wins in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) Regional four-day cricket tournament, the Guyana Jaguars will now turn their attention to next year’s NAGICO Super50 tournament.

The tournament opens on January 7 in Trinidad and Tobago and St Kitts, and will again be contested between eight teams, comprising the six territorial franchises, as well as the Marooners and an ICC Americas composite side.

In an invited comment yesterday, Guyana Cricket Board's (GCB) Territorial Development Officer (TDO), Colin Stuart disclosed that as part of their preparation, the Jaguars will play two practice games on January 28 and 30 before the final squad is selected.

Both games are set for the Guyana National Stadium, with the final game confirmed to be a day/night encounter, commencing at 14:00hrs.

According to Stuart, the two teams for the practice games will comprise players who are a part of Cricket Guyana Inc. as well as players who have performed creditably at the just concluded Cricket Guyana Inc. 50-over Local Franchise League.

Jaguars, last season’s beaten finalists, have been

GCB Territorial Development Officer Colin Stuart

placed in Group ‘B’ alongside Jamaica Scorpions, Windward Islands Volcanoes and Leeward Islands Hurricanes. Group “B” will be played in St Kitts.

The preliminary competition will be played under a non-elimination format with the eight teams equally divided into two groups. Each side is carded to play six matches apiece during the preliminary rounds, with each playing the others in their group twice.

The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals at Queen’s Park Oval, where the group winners play the runners-up from the opposite group in a oneoff match for a place in the Grand Final on Sunday, January 24, at the same venue.

This equals a total of 27 matches for the biggest, senior regional domestic 50 overs-a-side tournament ever staged by the WICB. Group ‘A’ which will be played in Trinidad and Tobago comprises Red Force, Marooners, Barbados Pride and ICC Americas.

Crowds have flocked to the opening weekend of BBL|05. (Getty Images)

The KFC Big Bash League has enjoyed its best ever start with record-breaking crowd figures and television ratings on the opening weekend.

With the added attention of the newly-launched Rebel Women's Big Bash League, a raft of international superstars and Australian Test and limited-overs representatives among the playing ranks and a rejuvenated Sydney Thunder outfit shooting to the top of the table, BBL|05 has proved an early winner with fans.

More than 88 000 people turned out across Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne on the opening weekend for a thrilling series of games.

Average attendance for

the weekend was 22 205, beating the previous mark set in BBL|03 of 20 903 More than 1 million people nationally watched the Big Bash on average, beating the BBL|03 mark of

961 000. Audiences peaked at 1.55 million for Sunday night's thriller between the Melbourne Stars and Thunder at the SCG as Kevin Pietersen put on a batting masterclass.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday November 03, 2015) COMPLIMENTS OF: THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE 176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Elquemedo Willet & Faoud Bacchus (2) Gary Cosier (Melbourne, 1975-76)

Today’s Quiz: (1) How many wickets Australia’s Dennis Lillee took in Tests?

(2) How many dismissals Australian wicketkeeper Rodney Marsh effected in Tests?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 22, 2015

WICB, UWI partner Gayle, first T20 player to 600 sixes to help Dominica WEST Indies star batsman Chris Gayle became the first player to hit 600 sixes and 600 fours in Twenty20 cricket.

The batsman achieved the feat during the Melbourne Renegades win over the Brisbane Heat in Australia’s Big Bash League on the weekend.

The Jamaican has been at the centre of attention following a decision by manufacturers Spartan to furnish the player with a gold-coloured bat.

Things, however, have not going as smoothly as planned at first. Despite hitting two sixes, Gayle failed to properly catch any of the 16 balls he faced before departing for 23.

Gayle is far ahead in terms of the most sixes with the next best being that of fellow West Indian all-rounder Kieron Pollard, who has hit 388 sixes.

Brendon McCullum is in third spot with 290 strikes over the fence. The big Jamaican's tally of fours moved him to 653. He, however, still trails Australian star Brad Hodge, who leads the way with 664 boundaries to his credit.

Chris Gayle made a boundary-laden 23 with a gold coloured bat.

The 36-year-old West Indian is the most sought-after T20 player in the world. Gayle also holds the record for the most centuries 16, and the most half-centuries 53. (Sportsmax.com)

ANTIGUA - The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the University of the West Indies (UWI) are happy to report that they are jointly contributing US$25 000 to the Government of Dominica to help the country cope with the devastation which was caused by Tropical Storm Erika at the end of August.

Both institutions partnered to showcase a Celebrity T20 match which was held at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. The game was between a WICB President’s XI against a UWI Vice-Chancellor Celebrity XI. Both teams both had six WI cricketers and five Caribbean celebrities.

UWI Vice-Chancellor, Sir Hilary Beckles said that the UWI was pleased to collaborate with the WICB

for “such a worthy cause, and the UWI remains committed to doing all it can to help the people of Dominica recover.”

WICB CEO, Michael Muirhead would like to thank all the participants and hopes that “the contribution will serve to help the island in its recovery process. We also hope that the contribution will have an impact on as many people as possible for the Christmas season.”

Some of the top Caribbean celebrities who played included Brian Lara, Dwight Yorke, Yohan Blake; while Sir Curtly Ambrose, his younger peer, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, along with current players were all part of the charity game. Top female cricketer Stafanie Taylor was also part of the President’s XI.

UWI Vice-Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles

The game, held on September 26 was played just before the men’s team toured Sri Lanka where they participated in two Tests, three ODIs and two T20s.

Stag Super XVI

Double-header card on tonight at Golden Grove MATCHES in the second edition of the Stag Super XVI knock-out tournament involving teams from the East Bank, East Demerara and West Demerara Football Associations will continue today at the Golden Grove ground, East Coast Demerara.

Tonight’s double-header will see the home side (Golden Grove), take on the East Bank Demerara counterparts Grove Hi-Tech in the second game of the planned double-header, while the opening game brings together Soesdyke Falcons and Pouderoyen.

The matchups tonight should have been played last Sunday at the Grove Playfield but during the opening first match between Soesdyke Falcons and Pouderoyen - the former leading 1-0 – difficulties with one of the lighting fixtures on multiple occasions forced the referee to abandon the game as well as the feature match.

Soesdyke Falcons were

Flash back! Action in the Victoria Kings/Stewartville game last Friday

leading when the game was called off through a 22nd minute penalty that was converted by Andy Higgins.

The organisers and sponsor took the decision after a brief meeting to reschedule the matches to today at the Golden Grove ground, East Coast Demerara.

The Falcons hope to reset quickly and continue from where they left off on Sunday night and will

no doubt go into today’s game with the psychological advantage. The playing surface will be new to both teams and they will strive to get a hang of it as early as possible.

John Steele will start in goal for the Falcons, with support coming from Delwin Boston, Kelcer Benson, Troy Johnson, Colin Holder, Andy Higgins, Collis Massiah, Sean Davis and Alvin

Adams.

Pouderoyen will look to seasoned campaigners Clement Brown, Delon Josiah, Adami Hoyte, Adrian Giddings and Marvin Griffith along with Marvin Frank, Deron Chilcott, Sherwin Bernard and Shemar Williams to lead their quest for a win.

Grove Hi Tech will be banking on the following players to see them over the first hurdle this year in their journey towards retaining the championship and securing the $1.5M that is at stake for the winning team: Sherman Doris (captain), Trevor Jones, Nickolai Matthews, Lloyd Matthews, Denzil Crawford, Alex Sinclair, Dane Douglas and custodian Michael Matthews.

Meanwhile, the final set of round-of-16 matches will be played tomorrow at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground when the home team match skills with Agricola Red Triangle in the

feature game with opening play between Kuru Kururu Warriors and Mahaica Determinators from 18:00hrs.

Quarter-final action will be played on Christ-

mas Day (December 25) at the Farm Community Centre ground, East Bank Demerara and Boxing Day (December 26) at the Victoria ground.

Gayle, first T20 player to 600 sixes Action heating up in Banks Beer/GFA Football

27

P.

See Story Page 2on 2

… Santos, Riddim Squad move on

Black Pearl goalkeeper dives in vain as a Dwayne McLennon (far left) strike creeps into his goal. (Samuel Maughn photo)

Blatter, Platini banned by FIFA for eight years

By Simon Evans ZURICH, (Reuters) - FIFA president Sepp Blatter and UEFA boss Michel Platini, the two most powerful men in world football, were banned for eight years yesterday for ethics violations, leaving the world's most popular sport rudderless in a sea of corruption cases.

The pair, who were also fined, had been suspended in October while an investigation was carried out into a 2 million Swiss franc (£1.3M) payment that football's global governing body made to European boss Platini in 2011, with Blatter's approval, for work done 10 years earlier.

The decision means that Blatter's 17 years at the helm of world football, already tarnished by controversies over the awarding of several World Cup tournaments and a host of corruption cases against senior football officials, will end in disgrace.

It also spells the end of Platini's hopes of

replacing the 79-year-old Swiss at a FIFA Congress in February.

Both men immediately denied any wrongdoing and said they would appeal to the Swissbased Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Blatter, who spent four decades at FIFA, came out swinging, holding a news conference to tell reporters that he was sorry only that the president of FIFA was being treated as a "punching ball".

"I will fight for me and I will fight for FIFA," said Blatter, unshaven and with a sticking plaster on his cheek, but defiant.

He said FIFA's Ethics Committee had no right to relieve him of his duties. The committee operates independently of FIFA; its members are appointed by the FIFA Congress and cannot be members of any standing committees.

CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS Its inquiry began after the Swiss attorTurn to page 22 ► ney-general's office

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FIFA's suspended president Sepp Blatter holds a news conference in Zurich, Switzerland, yesterday.

(Reuters/Arnd Wiegmann) TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2015