Chronicle 12 06 2015

No. 104393

SUNDAY DECEMBER 6, 2015

Price: $120

Explosive revelation

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Ramotar had reportedly assured Fedders-Lloyd of contract

Chronicle sweeps print media awards Page

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Chronicle apologises to Ramkarran Page

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Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran

Chronicle’s Ravin Singh, Navindra Seoraj, Svetlana Marshall and Tajeram Mohabir with their prizes following the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Media Awards ceremony at the Marriott Hotel on Friday (Delano Williams photo)

‘Dragnet’ nets GDF rank Page

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…trio with illegal guns, ammo

Rice is here to stay!

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r a c t s

For me rPr e s i de ntDona l dRa mot a ra ndFe dde r s Ll oydr e pr e s e nt a t i veAj a yJ ha .

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 6, 2015

U.S. will not be terrorised by shooting PRESIDENT Barack Obama says the U.S. “will not be terrorised” by Wednesday’s mass shootings in San Bernardino, California.

“We are strong. And we are resilient,” he said in his weekly radio address, adding that it was “entirely possible” the two attackers had been radicalised.

Syed Rizwan Farook, 28, and his wife Tashfeen Malik, 29, killed 14 people before being shot dead by police.

The FBI is investigating the shootings as an “act of terrorism”.

The Islamic State militant group on Saturday hailed the attack, saying it had been carried out by “two supporters of the Islamic State”.

The statement, carried by IS’s al-Bayan radio, gave no indication that the group had any involvement in planning the shootings at the Inland Regional Center social services agency.

“We know that Isil [IS]

and other terrorist groups are actively encouraging people - around the world and in our

people from falling victim to these hateful ideologies.”

Later, the White House

broader terrorist cell”.

The FBI is also investigating reports that Malik

Tashfeen Malik and Syed Rizwan Faroo country - to commit terrible acts of violence, oftentimes as lone wolf actors,” Mr Obama said in his address.

“All of us - government, law enforcement, communities, faith leaders - need to work together to prevent

said Mr Obama had been updated on the investigation by senior officials, including FBI Director James Comey, who confirmed there was so far no indication that the killers were part of an “organised group or formed part of a

had posted a message on Facebook pledging allegiance to IS. Farook, who worked for the local health department, and Malik opened fire on an office Christmas party, killing 14 people and wounding 21.

FBI officers are trying to recover data from two mobile phones that were found crushed in a waste bin near the scene.

On Friday lawyers representing the attackers’ family said the relatives were “in complete shock” and that they had no idea the two had been capable of such an attack.

Syed Rizwan Farook’s sister, Saira Khan, told CBS News: “I can never imagine my brother or my sister-inlaw doing something like this, especially because they were happily married, they had a beautiful six-month-old daughter.”

Tashfeen Malik was born in Pakistan and lived for 20 years in Saudi Arabia before moving back to her native country to go to university.

She and Farook, a US national, met on Muslim dating websites, the New York Times quotes officials as saying. The new couple spent about a week in Saudi Arabia

last year, before returning to the US together.

She was granted a visa allowing people to enter the U.S. to marry American citizens. Mr Chesley said Malik was very conservative. She did not interact with male family members and wore a burka, he said.

It is the deadliest mass shooting in the US since 26 people were killed at a school in Connecticut in 2012.

The couple used handguns and semi-automatic weapons that had been legally purchased in the US, police say.

Bomb equipment, weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition were later found in their home.

In response to the shooting, the New York Times ran an editorial calling for stricter gun controls on the front page of Saturday’s print paper. It is the first time since 1920 that the paper has run an editorial on page one. (BBC News)

Triple suicide blast rocks Lake Chad island AT least 15 people were killed and 130 were injured after a series of suicide bombing blasts on an island in Lake Chad, according to reports.

Security officials said the attacks on Saturday were carried out on the island of Koulfoua on the Chadian side of Lake Chad on a busy market day.

“The provisional death toll is 19 dead, including the four kamikazes, and 130 injured,” said state TV. Officials had earlier said that at least 27 people were killed and 80 injured in the triple suicide bombing blast, carried out by four female attackers.

Two of the blasts rang out from the centre of the market and a third in the street as people fled, security sources said.

No one has yet claimed responsibility for the blasts but officials suspect the attacks were carried out by members of the

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Boko Haram armed group from neighouring Nigeria.

General Banyaman Cossingar, Chad gendarmerie director general, confirmed the attack, saying Boko Haram is suspected, the AP news agency reported.

Chad’s government instituted a state of emergency in the Lake Chad region last month, saying the area had become a gathering point for Boko Haram fighters.

More than 5,000 soldiers have been deployed on islands and lakeside villages there.

Earlier this year, thousands of people fleeing Boko Haram sought refuge on the island although it was not immediately clear if they were still based there.

Boko Haram, which has led a six-year armed campaign in Nigeria, has stepped up attacks this year in Chad, Niger and Cameroon after those countries agreed to fight the armed group. (Al Jazeera)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 6, 2015

Colombia finds galleon ‘holy grail’ THE wreck of a Spanish ship laden with treasure that was sunk by the British more than 300 years ago has been found off the Colombian coast, says President Juan Manuel Santos.

“Great news! We have found the San Jose galleon,” the President tweeted.

The wreck was discovered near the port city of Cartagena.

It has been described as the holy grail of shipwrecks, as the ship was carrying one of the largest amounts of valuables ever to have been lost at sea.

Mr Santos said the cargo was worth at least $1bn (£662m).

The San Jose was carrying gold, silver, gems and jewellery collected in the South American colonies to be shipped to Spain’s king to help finance his war of succession against the British when it was sunk in June 1708.

The vessel was attacked by a British warship just outside Cartagena.

Colombian officials would not re-

veal the precise location of the wreck, but Mr Santos said the find “constitutes one of the greatest - if not the biggest, as some say - discoveries of submerged patrimony in the history of mankind”.

He said that a museum would be built in Cartagena to house the ship’s treasures. Ownership of the wreck has been the subject of a long-running legal row.

The Colombian government did not mention its long-running quarrel with US-based salvage company Sea Search Armada (SSA) over claims to the treasure.

A group now owned by SSA said in 1981 that it had located the area in which the ship sank.

SSA has been claiming billions of dollars for breach of contract from the Colombian Government, but in 2011 an American court ruled that the galleon was the property of the Colombian state. (BBC News)

The San Jose was sunk during heavy fighting with the British in 1708 off the coast of Cartagena

Venezuela reflects on Chavez era ahead of election ON Sunday, it will be 17 years to the day since Hugo Chavez swept in to power in Venezuela. It is also the day Venezuelans will go to polls to elect a new Congress.

Rosa Fernandez, who asked that Al Jazeera not use her real name due to the political sensitivities involved, remembers distinctly thinking that night, as she joined hundreds of thousands of Chavez supporters in the streets of Caracas, to celebrate their leader’s triumph, that things would finally turn her way.

“He promised us change,” she said.

And a lot has changed since that night. On December 6, 1998, when the charismatic, larger-than-life leader, swore to transform the oil-rich nation through what became known as his Bolivarian Revolution.

During this time, the South American country lived through an oil boom that helped fund vast social programmes and lifted hundreds of thousands out of poverty. But the oil-rich nation also lived through an era of nationalisations, expropriations, and economic controls,that all but destroyed the country’s production sector and made the

state increasingly dependent on imports.

For Fernandez, the “revolution” meant getting a degree in nursing, access to subsidised food in a network of government-run supermarkets, and a sense of social recognition she had never had before.

“For the first time since I could remember someone spoke to us. We mattered,” she says from her small house in Petare, one of Caracas’s poorest shantytowns.

NO TERM-LIMITS Politically, the country, once a beacon of democracy, drafted a new Constitution that gave under-represented groups like indigenous people more representation, but it also eliminated presidential term-limits and, little by little, saw its institutions fall under the control of the ruling party.

Today, as oil prices plummet, and with the country’s reserves hovering a little over US$14 billion,

Venezuela lived through an oil boom that helped lift hundreds of thousands out of poverty Venezuela is struggling with one of the highest inflation rates in the world, chronic food and medicine shortages, and one of the worst murder rates in the world. A recent poll by local universities says that three-quarters

of Venezuelan households now live in poverty, up from one-quarter two years ago.

For Fernandez, who lost her job, but makes a living reselling scarce food items on the black market, it’s time for another change.

“I nearly lost my granddaughter to a stray bullet.

We went to the hospital and there was nothing to treat the wound,” she said.

Her sense of empowerment has faded. (Al Jazeera)

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Guyana

Make foreigners feel at home Dear Editor

EDITORIAL

Role of the state media: A new era

THE State-owned Guyana Chronicle was once owned by private interests. A state paper operates in the interest of the state, premised on the collective determination of the citizens within the confines of the law.

This paper was nationalised during the period the country was pursuing a socialist path. This path was driven by the philosophy of the government that in owning and controlling the commanding heights of the nation’s economy, it would redound to the collective benefit of the people. Infused in this developmental thrust was an indigenous social, cultural and political component. Juxtaposing this agenda were local competing interests who were in disaccord with the government and very vocal in promoting their points of view.

Simultaneously, on the international front, there was the Cold War. The world was divided into two major blocs, known as the East and the West with different ideological positions, namely communism and capitalism. In this environment, Guyana as a newly independent nation, pursuing a non-aligned foreign policy, was confronting border issues with two of our neighbours, Suriname and Venezuela.

External influences have always impacted Guyana, as a young nation and small State, which posed potential consequences to forging nationhood and advancing a domestic developmental agenda. It was in this duelling and dual environment that the State-owned media had to navigate the path of reporting, advancing and protecting nationhood, the State’s interests and sovereignty.

From the inception, the State paper had to navigate and prioritise coverage consistent with the government’s interests, in an environment where initially on the domestic front there were the competing interests of a small private sector, militant civil society, political and industrial forces.

Domestic affairs jostled with foreign forces from independence, during the Cold War era and even onto today. With the formal end of the Cold War in 1991 and a new global economic model pursued, whereby the private sector was seen as the leading engine of growth, a country where approximately 80 per cent of economy was in the State’s control, the State media again had to create a new way promoting the nation’s new developmental thrust.

This thrust led to a shift away from the people-centredness that socialism fostered, to that of neo-liberalism, where development was determined by the accumulation of individual wealth, and business’ bottom line. Consequently, policies and programmes were weighed and implemented on the influences and agenda of multinationals

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 6, 2015

AN issue which I think Guyanese need to seriously address is our attitude towards Europeans, Americans, and white people in general.

Many Guyanese and other Caribbean nationals, professionals included, occasionally get caught in the trap of attacking white persons today for the travesties and abominations perpetrated during slavery. I was embarrassed at the recent dialogue on the abolition of the death penalty, hosted by the European Union in collaboration with the British High Commission at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, when someone who claimed to be from St. Lucia stigmatised some of the presenters and the proponents of the abolition of the death penalty as Europeans, and accosted them for contributing to the death penalty as a societal norm during colonization.

Guyanese and the wider CARICOM Community need to adopt a more mature perspective on slavery by first realising that while the European colonial governments

benefitted from slavery at the time, many Europeans who came to the New World and witnessed the abuses perpetrated under slavery sought to push for its abolition both in the colonies and Europe.

If anything, the abolition of slavery would probably never have been achieved, or else much later, had it not been for these very same European crusaders against slavery. It is therefore incorrect, even today, to hold all Europeans and white people in general responsible for slavery.

The world is much changed, with America and many European governments pushing for an end to human rights abuses in many countries, with both America and the European Union extending financial and technical support to a host of countries as a means of improving the welfare of these states.

While we may be quick to practise finger-pointing, the fact is these countries have their own social problems which they themselves are trying to arrest, and we would do well to accept their assistance without the negative stereotypical thinking.

Further, Guyanese can ex-

in an environment where there were limitations in laws and rules defining acceptable conduct. These posed challenges not only for citizens, but also for government. Challenges include situations where national policies were seriously influenced by transnational companies and international organisations and governments.

In fact, a government that for years previously promoted the people controlling the nation’s resources was confronted with having to tell or not to tell the same people that the international order desired that their non-renewable resources and national patrimony be influenced by external forces, where Guyanese must settle for jobs rather have an equal share of the benefit of the resources. The government having found itself in that period of ambivalence was reflected in the media and may have contributed to some confusion in the society as to the role of State media. Conversely, the ambivalence created the space for the State’s paper to be relegated as an organ that mouthed the ruling party’s position on issues, regardless of whether such divided the nation or was in conflict with the laws or national ethos.

This led to the view that the paper was not executing its social responsibility and operating in the nation’s best interests.

Within the last 15 years or so, this concern resulted in a boycott call from the then Leader of the Opposition, Hugh Desmond Hoyte, which led to a significant drop in circulation.

This newspaper has been called a PPP rag sheet by a trade unionist in a petition to the United Nations based on an editorial considered racially divisive and inflammatory; and citizens have even called for the paper to be privatised.

The David Granger/Moses Nagamootoo government has committed to national unity based on social cohesion and inclusionary democracy. On the economic front, the government has embraced the international community’s philosophy of a

pect to deal with many persons of Caucasian descent as a result of their increased participation in our economy in the future. These individuals through their businesses and other investments create jobs and incomes which benefit our society. I therefore suggest we renew our thinking of our modern world and do more to make all Americans, Europeans and other individuals of similar ethnic origin, professionals and tourists alike, feel more at home. Listening to the BBC early one morning this week, I learnt of the trials and success of an American female comedian, Patricia Williams, who started life on the wrong side. Coming from a dysfunctional family, she got her first two children at ages 14 and 15, aborting the third in her 16 year. Faced with providing for her two children without the benefit of an education, she resorted to selling drugs. The full details of the interview is available on the BBC’s website, but the sharp lesson from her story is that man is by nature an animal who will do whatever it takes to survive.

The inescapable law of life is ‘do or die,’ and this is a fact governments, particularly in

modern societies, probably need to be reminded of occasionally, if only to remain connected to the basic nature of their populations.

An inescapable truth at sea is that captains of ocean-going vessels are more often than not the most knowledgeable and experienced persons on board who have full control of their men and can manage under extreme circumstances. Even so, captains who may have more experienced persons on board will not ignore the wisdom of these individuals, or else do so at their own peril. This particular facility of utilising available resources, or lack of it, occasionally becomes something of a character flaw in some leaders today. These individuals usually wind up being the worst leaders, and their organizations typically face the penalty of poor management and lack of foresight.

The principal weaknesses of these leaders are arrogance and fear of loss of authority and control, which is ultimately realised in the long run anyway. Another See Page 7

people-centred approach to development and sees a green economy, sustainable development and ILO core labour standards as major planks in achieving this objective.

In this new global order, societies are allowed to develop and implement indigenous programmes guided by instruments agreed upon internationally. In Guyana, some of these instruments have shaped our Constitution and attendant laws. And where they haven’t, as a member of the international family, the paper will contribute to shaping same. In recognition of this shift, this newspaper sees its role as an agent of giving coverage to national issues within the confines of the laws and respect for the rights of every individual and group to pursue their development. This newspaper is an arm of the State and will give primacy to the government’s agenda, inclusive of the views of members of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches.

Fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, such as the right to be heard, including dissent and response, will be held in high esteem.

Going forward, we are committed to learn from the mistakes of the past and build on the strengths of the past. It is our intent from henceforth to take our social responsibility seriously by embracing a culture where integrity will guide production. We commit to regaining the confidence of the society, where the paper can be seen as a national organ representing the views and interests of our diverse nation.

It is our intent to have every citizen join us in this new beginning, which is filled with endless possibilities. As such, we invite you to share your stories with us, stop at the vendor and pick up your copy, follow us on facebook, subscribe to receive notifications of new articles by email, send us a letter, or in whatever way best suited for your involvement.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 6, 2015

I am against paying to use Anna Regina Car Park Dear Editor, THE recent discussion that took place pertaining to the fees to be charged for the use of the Anna Regina Car Park were, of course, very interesting, and deserve the space and time given in the printed and electronic media.

First, I must say that the Town Council is deserving of praise and commendation for a car park that is well constructed and is serving the people well; but, in the same breath, I will say any new fees or increase of fees for any services provided by any agency or ministry or association or company, particularly in Region Two, will be ill-advised.

During my seven consecutive years as Regional Democratic Councillor representing the Alliance For Change (AFC), I also served as a member of the Local Government Committee, the Agriculture and Works Committee, and the Land Selection Committee, and the issue of appraisal and reappraisal of buildings and properties was

discussed extensively. The subject of non-payment for cultivated areas did not escape our attention; it was always kept as an agenda item at all meetings.

We have to acknowledge that the municipality and R.D.C. have the responsibility of building and maintaining structures, streets, playgrounds, car parks; not forgetting cemeteries and the collection of garbage, and to ensure that a healthy environment is created; and to do so, the municipality must have a solid or strong revenue base.

While I subscribe to the view that anything that is worth having is worth paying for, I strongly believe that there are times when subsidies must be considered, and my comments are not only directed to the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and the Municipality in Region # 2, but across the country.

There are many areas where the N.D.S in Region Two and the Anna Regina Town Council can look to, or target, to significantly in-

Make foreigners feel ...

From Page 6 weakness of leaders is that they very often forget that their accession to authority was not anything that they achieved by themselves, but was the result of someone or a group of persons working to have them appointed as their substantive leader/ representative with the responsibility of administering the affairs of the said persons and attending their interests.

A case in point is the collapse of the PPP administration under Bharrat Jagdeo. An intelligent person, Jagdeo adopted the wrong methods of managing our economy, for which he and the PPP ultimately paid the price for his abuses of authority. The Coalition APNU+AFC government, whose formation was no mean feat under the prevailing circumstances, are now entrusted with the authority and responsibility of administering the affairs of Guyanese. As someone who

worked assiduously for, and was instrumental in this change, I can say that it is heartening to have the new government at the helm.

Indeed, one of the things it is hoped is that they do not repeat the mistakes of the former administration by ignoring the interests of the Guyanese people at large, and in particular those who worked diligently to secure the new government.

Indeed, the supporters of the PNCR are keen on the current administration delivering on their promise of the good life, and growing from strength to strength in the future. A great tragedy at this point in our political and economic history would be the realization of what I imagine is the greatest fear of the supporters of the PNCR: the Coalition’s loss at the next general election because of arrogance and indifference to the needs of Guyanese.

CRAIG SYLVESTER

crease its revenue base in order to provide the required services the people deserve -those very people who would have elected them. Many people would be surprised, especially those who are not rice farmers, that the N.D.C and Town Council would have allowed, by commission or omission, themselves to be owed more than $150M, from which they would have retained 17 percent when they were the collecting agency for the Drainage and Irrigation Board.

My understanding is that the Anna Regina Town Council is owed more than $100M by rice farmers for cultivated areas. It is also beyond the comprehension of any reasonable thinking person as to why, for more than 15 years, no appraisal of more than a thousand new and renovated buildings -- including banks, supermarket and other business places -- was done. The N.D.C. and the Town Council would have collected millions of dollars more. The non-payment of

cultivated areas (farmlands) and rates and taxes are only two areas where the Local Government bodies should be pursuing aggressively, and not the drivers using the car park -- be it Anna Regina, Charity or elsewhere -- when they all should know that any addition fees would be passed on to the commuters.

Region Two economy is agriculture-driven by mainly the rice industry, upon which more than eighty percent of its residents depend heavily -- directly or indirectly. That industry is currently taking a battering, (don’t ask we why or who is the person or persons responsible for this sad state of affairs) but while we are seeing that bright light at the end of the tunnel, it is some distance away.

The timing of the proposal is misguided, and, if implemented, must be vigorously rejected by the people, not only the hire car and minibus owners and drivers.

The R.D.C., the Works and Agriculture Ministries, the Local Government Min-

istry and the Land Selection Committee must also reject this proposal; but because of the composition of the R.D.C, the highest decision-making body of the Region, it was twelve from the ruling party, the P.P.P, and five from the then opposition benches. The five PPP councillors, with the exception of one councillor from the then ruling party, would vote against any motion for strong action to be taken against delinquent rate payers, and to have a reappraisal and appraisal done in Region Two. I knew that it was because of political consideration, because the majority of people that would have been made to face the consequence of their action of not paying were supporters of the then ruling party the (PPP.).

I was born raised in a rice cultivating area, and I am still living there. Myy father was a rice farmer, so I have appreciation for the hard work and risks the farmers are doing and

taking, but farmers must pay their dues like any other citizen. I am convinced that ninety percent of the rice farmers who have for years been delinquent did not pay even when the industry was doing well, but by their lifestyle indicated they could have afforded to pay. So now for any N.D.C. and the Town Council to implement any new fee for car park or any other facility, knowing that commuters, consumers and spectators or patrons, will bear the brunt of these fees, which they can ill afford at this time. They, the members of the NDCs and Municipality, will fit the description of being uncaring and not worthy of being members of that body.

It’s an idea that should never have been conceived, much less discussed and implemented.

ARCHIE W. CORDIS Former A.F.C. Councilor R.D.C. Region 2.

Cops cracking more murder cases …CCTV cameras, citizens seen as chief intel sources

By Shauna Jemmott AMIDST concerns about a spike in crime, Deputy Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine, has said the GPF has been making more arrests, and has cracked a number of murder cases within days of the crime.

Ramnarine said the Force is especially thankful for the cooperation of members of the public in its intelligence-gathering, which has resulted in the GPF making several arrests, including those of suspects in three murders, and discovery of a firearm and ammunition at a home which has led to the arrests of four persons recently.

“In relation to murder,

Deputy Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine within recent days, a matter of weeks, we had the arrest of three suspects who have been on the run. Murder has always been the most troubling, the most worrying, crime,” Ramnarine said. On November 30, he said, a 22-year-old murder

suspect who had been on the run for three days was caught by fellow miners, who tied him up with rope before summoning the police, who easily arrested him at Piari Landing in mining district 3. The man, Samuel Gouveia, is accused of stabbing to death Shanti Solomon, 33, a miner of New Amsterdam, Berbice. Gouveia, also a miner, was drinking at Puruni Landing and was involved in an argument with Solomon before he dealt her the fatal wound.

In another case, police quickly responded to a report of burglary in Essequibo, and the victim recognized the suspect. Based on information received from the virtual complainant, officers immediately visited the home of 48-year-old Michael Stephanie

and arrested him while he was still wearing the wet and muddy clothes which he was wearing at the time he allegedly burglarized a woman’s home.

While processing him at the police station, the information on the system showed that he was wanted for the murder of 74-yearold Surujpattie Ramlakan of Richmond, Essequibo in February this year.

“Also, there was a prior burglary and we were able to connect him to that robbery, because something from the burglary was recovered at his home,” Ramnarine said.

Murder accused Kemo Evans migrated to Barbados

See Page 8

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 6, 2015

The Ministry of Social Cohesion T is more than relevant HE PPP has made a lot of noise about the Ministry of Social Cohesion (MSC). It has demanded the outlawing of the ministry, which it argues displaces constitutional organs such as the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC). Of course this is all part of the PPP’s grand strategy to delegitimise the government; but, in the process, it runs the risk of poisoning the minds of its supporters, who stand to benefit from the initiative embodied in the objectives of the MSC. In this column, I am arguing that the MSC is a very necessary initiative.

For me, the MSC represents a bold step by government; it is a recognition that Guyana needs healing and reconciliation. It is the first time that a government has moved beyond empty rhetoric to acknowledge that government does have a role to play at the high-

est level in facilitating a national ethos. Ethnic and social-class polarisation are more deep-seated than we admit. That we downplay their salience has to do with our collective ahistorical attitude to our country’s evolution. In the final analysis, we are a reflection of our cumulative history.

The major justification for the MSC is that Guyana has a historical problem of polarisation between our major ethnic groups, and inside of those groups; and it needs to be addressed by all stakeholders, including the government. We also have a class polarisation that is often masked by ethnicity.

The poor know why they are poor, and the rich often believe that poverty is a function of individual and group choices. This polarisation has impeded the realisation of a shared

national purpose that is so needed for survival in a hostile world.

We have spent a lot of time wishing that our ethnic diversity goes away, and that, in the process, we become Guyanese bereft of ethnic identities. But the more we wish, the stronger our individual ethnic identities have become. Obviously, there is something fundamental about identity that some of our commentators and politicians do not grasp or care to grasp. Our challenge, then, should not be the eradication of our ethnic identities. Rather, it should be about constructing a national ethos that accommodates our diversity.

In the end education, both formal and informal, and the enactment of government policies, are the most potent tools.

The biggest barrier to a

Guyanese national ethos is the fear by all ethnic groups of domination by the other. Often, it is the fear of domination that leads to the practice of domination, and vice versa. For me, then, the MSC’s major task should be tackling the problem of ethnic domination. If we are able to contain the instinct and fear of domination, then we would go a long way towards creating more space for a shared ethos. A lot of that work has to be done through formal and informal education. The MSC has to partner with the Ministry of Education to create in our larger curriculum a Social Cohesion curriculum.

There is also need for a Community Social Cohesion initiative that aims to reduce the tension between ethnic identity and national belonging. In this regard, the MSC has to acknowledge our diversity

and highlight both the intersections of those identities and the uniqueness of the individual ones. We are very good at pointing to the intersections, but we silence the uniqueness for fear that it is interpreted as bigotry. In this regard, education and frank discussions about race are inevitable.

The dream of a non-ethnic society must not be the substitute for an inter-ethnic socio-political, cultural and political space.

The MSC also should focus on developing policies aimed at socio-ethnic equality, and suggest these to the government. There can be no social cohesion without social equality; this has to be a priority for the MSC. The unevenness that exists between social and ethnic groups is an impediment to a national

ethos. The poor know that they are dominated by the rich, and that government policies generally favour the rich.

Finally, the lack of cohesion within ethnic and social groups has to be a focus.

The fracturing of village cohesion, brought about by the culture of divide-and-conquer championed by the PPP government, has to be confronted. The glaring gulf between men and women is systemic, and the consequences are far-reaching.

There can be no meaningful social cohesion outside of this fracture between the sexes. The MSC is, therefore, more than relevant.

More of Dr Hinds writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.com. Send comments to dhinds6106@ aol.com

Cops cracking more murder ...

From page 7

earlier this year after he became wanted in connection with the murder of businessman Abdool Farouk Ghanie, allegedly committed between April 15 and 16 at East Bank Demerara.

He was accused along with Floyd Anthony Rammit, who was allegedly his partner in the crime. Police said Evans was arrested by Barbados police, who found him while on an operation on the island and deported him to Guyana. When police here received the deportee, he confessed during processing that he had murdered the businessman along with Rammit. Evans appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates Court on Tuesday, and was remanded to prison.

The Deputy Commissioner told Guyana Chronicle that, a few days ago, police also received information from the public that someone may be in

possession of a firearm in the Vigilance jurisdiction on the East Coast of Demerara. When police visited the home, based on the information they received, an illegal firearm with 46 rounds of ammunition was discovered, and four men were arrested and are in police custody as the latter awaits legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The acting Crime Chief also lauded the efforts of members of the public, who were cooperative in investigations into the murder of Melissa Skeete, recently stabbed to death allegedly by her estranged lover, who kicked her out of his car on Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

Alan Sim, 55, of Paradise Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara, turned himself in to police at Alberttown Police Station last week, and was charged with the murder of the 31-year-old mother of his 3-year-old child, committed earlier

this week.

The senior police officer said cooperation from members of the public has been outstanding and quite helpful in cracking several other cases, but CCTV cameras and AFPIS, a finger printing method, have resulted in many other arrests and prosecutions of criminals on the run.

In the use of the AFPIS as a crime fighting tool, 82 positive identifications of finger prints were made in 2015, and those have resulted in 38 charges being made. Twenty-three of such identifications were done within the past three months, he said. Of those, 13 burglary charges were made, seven break-andenter-and-larceny charges were made, and three charges of simple larceny were also instituted.

Government’s CCTV camera monitoring systems, installed at various points in Georgetown and on the East

Coast and East Bank of Demerara, have resulted in identification of several persons caught in criminal activities. The monitoring of these cameras is done at CID Headquarters, and 17 persons have been arrested, including two murder suspects, seven suspected of being involved in robbery-under-arms, one person for a narcotics-related crime, one for abduction, and six simple larceny criminals.

Seven extractions were done from CCTV cameras installed by private individuals, and as a result, five arrests were made for robbery-under-arms and two for murder, including the arrest of Colin Alleyne, 23, of Cemetery Road, Timehri, who was wanted for the murder of an old woman on the East Coast Demerara, and other arrests of three individuals charged with a series of robberies committed last month along America Street in Georgetown.

9

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 6, 2015

The Chinese are partners, not invaders

By Ariana Gordon

FORMER Guyana Ambassador to China Professor David Dabydeen has said that Guyanese must see the Chinese as an important partner in development, rather than invaders in their country.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Professor Dabydeen said this country can benefit a lot from China by attracting Chinese tourists and grant aid, but the media have to stop “cussing up the Chinese.”

According to him, some of the 100 million Chinese tourists will eventually make their way to the Caribbean, many of whom will come to Guyana, only if the “cuss down culture” stops.

“Chinese tourists we will get slowly, but our newspapers have got to learn to stop cussing up the Chinese, the more [we cuss] they [Chinese] go to other countries for holiday. Why would they come all the way here if they know they are not welcomed?” he asked.

He believes locals have to be “less sensational and more objective and truthful.”

“Instead of opening up our mouths and cussing, we should study and think first and then pronounce,” Professor Dabydeen said.

The Chinese, he said, are not unwise and are aware of what is being said about them. The Chinese Government educates its citizens, and as such, they are cognisant of the things said about them.

“The Chinese government tells them, so when we cuss up Chinese, it gets back to China one way or another and the Chinese say, ‘I am not spending my dollars here.’ We got to stop

doing that; we should be critical when we need to be critical and supportive when we need to be supportive,” Professor Dabydeen, a distinguished scholar in literature, said.

When Guyana established relations with China in 1972, it was the first Commonwealth Caribbean country to do so, and ever since the two countries have maintained cordial relations.

Guyana has approached China for assistance in several major infrastructural projects, including the Amaila Falls Project, the new Demerara Harbour Bridge and a deep-water harbour.

“Today, the Chinese are the only nation really with enormous amounts of liquid cash to help developing countries in a variety of areas, but especially in infrastructural development.”

China has assisted Guyana in the building of the International Conference Centre at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, now renamed after Guyana’s first President, Arthur Chung; the funding of ferries; the provision of scholarships; military training as well as medical outreaches to Guyana.

“Basically, the Chinese money is a mixture of aid or grants and concessional loans -- loans at low interest, non-market rate,” Professor Dabydeen said.

The assistance Guyana has requested from China for the projects tops US$1 billion, at different rates.

China, he said, is now “the bank of the world” and is “rapidly replacing America in terms of development aid and lending for development projects.”

“China is very interested in the Caribbean and Latin America, because China needs the mineral wealth of these countries and the agricultural products of these countries. It is also investing in Latin America and the Caribbean,as it sees vast

Former Guyana Ambassador to China Professor David Dabydeen economic opportunities in the Region.

“Guyana has a rich history and many of its prominent leaders are descendants of Chinese. These include former Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and First Lady Sandra Granger.

“Guyana’s first President Arthur Chung was also of Chinese extraction.

“They have been here for 175 years and that means our relationship with China will always have a lot of potential for greater cooperation,” Professor Dabydeen said.

He also said considerable

attention must be given to local Chinese as they are a bridge to China. And China, he said, is the future.

In this light, the former ambassador to China is advocating that Guyanese learn the Chinese language.

“There are several thousand young people in England-which is where I livelearning Chinese in schools.

Some schools have made Chinese obligatory. China is the future; and if we want to be part of the future, we have got to be there.”

He said while it is important to be critical of corrupt practices, Guyana needs China as a partner in development in the years ahead.

Professor Dabydeen resigned from his post when the new government came to power in the May 11 elections.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that during his time in China, he encountered no challenge. His role was to speed up whatever applications Guyana has made for funding and to lobby Chinese financial institutions to support developmental projects.

While there, he promoted the art and photography and many Chinese photographers visited Guyana and took photographs of the country’s landscape. These were showcased at exhibitions in China.

Professor Dabydeen has no immediate plans for the future, and said contrary to reports, he was never approached by the government, but if approached, he will consider any offer made. He intends to continue his job at the University of Warwick.

“I am an academic and a writer as well, my job at the University of Warwick is there,” he told this publication.

PPP frets as GECOM blocks petition motion COMMISSIONERS of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) representing the interest of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) failed on Tuesday to block GECOM’s move to strike out an elections petition it has put forward.

The petition came after the party was defeated at the General and Regional Elections on May 11 this year.

The motion which was tabled at the Statutory Meeting of GECOM was, according to PPP Commissioner Robeson Benn, “negativised after equal division by the casting vote of the Chairman of GECOM, Dr Steve Surujbally.”

According to Mr Benn, the action by the Chairman to vote against the motion appears to go in consort with those efforts which put the May 2015 elections in grave

PPP GECOM Commissioner Robeson Benn doubt and lends credence to claims of fraud at those polls.

He further accused the elections regulatory body of being unwilling to open itself to public scrutiny by way of a court process and therefore unable to deliver free, fair,

transparent elections to the people of Guyana as it is mandated by law.

“Further, the studied refusal by GECOM to provide any report on the conduct and results of the May 2015 elections is of great concern and undermines the commission’s ability to make recommendations and changes which will positively impact on the conduct of future elections,” Mr Benn told reporters yesterday.

This action, he contended, does not augur well for the conduct of GECOM and the fairness of the upcoming March 18, 2016 Local Government Elections.

He also noted that the PPP Commissioners have repeatedly raised great concerns as to the policies and practices of GECOM, with respect to diversity, ethnicity and gender in its hiring practices and are

anxious to receive a response on these matters, so as to respond to concerns of the public as well as stakeholders.

RECOMMENDATION In light of this, the PPP Commissioner recommended that there is a significant need to improve the way commission meetings are held and managed, and improve corporate culture – both of which seem to have degenerated to a very unsatisfactory state.

“Commissioners present here wish to reiterate that their only interest is to help GECOM fulfil its constitutional and administrative mandates towards the people of Guyana,” Benn concluded.

The other PPP commissioners Sase Gunraj and Bibi Shadick were also present at the meeting.

I’ll take a brief moment to introduce myself: I am a restless soul hungry for thought provoking conversation. Thanks to the power of social media, my hunger is lavishly fed by the freedom now given to the average man to voice his opinions. Trending topics bring not only hilarity and entertainment to our daily lives, but shine a light on the darkness that blinded many from the wrongdoings that persons of power often got away with in times past. So what’s trending, you ask?

Well, speaking of lavishly fed, people are busy talking about all the drama with the GGMC boss. Who eats $4 million worth in 18 months? Whatever happened to the good ol’ Guyanese custom of eating home? Clearly, he’s a modern (hungry) man, who chose to utilise every chance given to him to scour the menus of the poshest eateries in town. But overeating is not his only problem. There’s a whole host of alleged debauchery within the GGMC being unveiled that people are demanding answers for. Some want the relevant minister to weigh in on all the craziness occurring from within and some want the commissioner fired. But Ajay feels he should be left alone- as anyone who cuts up the runnings of a PPP appointed board should be, he says. Time is ticking, people are cursing and we’re all waiting for this to blow up. We’ve gotten advisories that there’s no need to panic in spite of increased police patrol in the streets.

Let’s all face it; crime has been an increasing pain in our rear these last few months, so why not allow the boys in camouflage and black and blue Drag the Net down on bad guys this season?

SLAPS Don’t you just love when irony slaps you right in the face? PPP’s ‘cyber bully’ Nigel Dharamlall brazenly stood up to fight against violence. I hope his message strikes a chord with his beloved party.

On another note, folks are pondering about when Venezuela will leave us alone. I chuckled at the reports of a Venezuelan Military aircraft “mistakenly” landing in Guyana, thinking that they were in the Venezuelan village of San Juan.

Apart from the fact that the three such villages all being located far inland and nowhere near the Guyana/Venezuela border, I find it utterly convenient that these men of military status would forget where their own country ended and where ours began. Moreover, without intricate aeronautical knowledge, I think it’s still safe to assume that these soldiers would be equipped with some type of high tech navigation device in their aircraft, unless, the Venezuelan aircraft themselves are also confused about borders? We need answers Venezuela!

Finally, let’s send out a hip hip hoorah in the name of Chronicle’s Comeback. Looks like the publication is finally returning to the glory it once held…new masthead and stuff. Copping top prizes at the PAHO Awards. Call me optimistic but, with its certain rebranding, I see brighter things in its not too distant future!

Hip! Hip! horah

10

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 6, 2015

Workers’ rights are human rights

LAST month marked six years since foreign nationals who manage the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI), a company jointly owned by the Russian Alumina (RUSAL) and the Government of Guyana, took the decision to do, among other things, the arbitrary dismissal of 57 workers who exercised their rights consistent with the Laws of Guyana and refused to treat with the legally recognised trade union, the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU).

This also marks the period when then Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir, when asked when he will take a decision to resolve these burning issues, said that it is Christmas time and he will attend to the matter after the season. From the time of these events, these bauxite workers and their families were confronted with many mishaps. Poverty has affected some. They are those whose families have disintegrated through not being able to earn. Some were forced to migrate and work illegally in other countries. And they are those who have passed on to the great beyond. Among the deceased, was the branch president, Carlton Sinclair.

He was found dead on his

farm and will always be remembered for the invaluable time he gave to the struggle.

For those who are placed in privileged positions and are vested with the people’s power yet are content to find excuses for not acting consistent with the laws on behalf of the people, the sufferings and cries of these workers and their families are burdens they must now bear.

For we can no longer, after six months with a change in government that bauxite workers played a pivotal role in, say that this is the PPP’s shame. This is the shame of the APNU+AFC and a shame they must be reminded of.

While note is taken of the restoration of tax-free overtime to bauxite workers, which they fought for and achieved in 1988 and which was arbitrarily taken away by the Bharrat Jagdeo regime, the act is indicative of the commitment given by the Granger/Nagamootoo ticket to respect workers’ rights.

For in this instance where an agreement has been entered into by the parties, the breaking of that agreement has to be the consent of all parties.

In the issue of the overtime the bauxite union never agreed with the Jagdeo government to withdraw this benefit, as such, it is the correct thing for this administration to reinstate the

agreement.

But this administration must go further in ensuring that rights are respected at all times. It is important that attention be drawn to the Trades Union Recognition Act, wherein it stipulates that recognition is determined by the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board (TURB). Therefore, only this Board has the authority to terminate recognition. In the case of the BCGI workers, the TURB has pronounced that GB&GWU is the recognised union. As such, consistent Section with 23 (1) of the Act, BCGI has to treat with the GB&GWU. It was respect for this law that led then Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul to order the parties-BCGI and GB&GWU- to go to arbitration to have their grievances resolved. And this brings me to the point of the pronouncement made by the Minister of State Joseph Harmon in the last post-Cabinet press conference. His statement that Cabinet has not deliberated on the issue of the return of the trade union as requested by the workers at BCGI is worthy of attention. It must be said that Cabinet’s place is not to pronounce on when or if the union must return, its responsibility is to advise itself and RUSAL that BCGI

must respect the laws and rights of Guyanese labour.

This government needs

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes to be mindful that it is not being accused of perpetrating the same acts the PPP inflicted on bauxite workers.

Even as this article is being prepared, the GB&GWU has been advised that a decision was arbitrarily taken within the Ministry of Social Protection that the matters affecting BCGI workers must be put on hold until next year. This is an assault on rights and the rule of law. It is further noted that all efforts are put into re-

solving workers’ grievances in the sugar industry, even though the government has accused the sugar union of having a political agenda.

Bauxite workers who made every effort during the elections campaign and patiently stood in long lines on 11th May that saw the election of this administration are being left out in the cold.

There are many in the trade union movement who were initially concerned when Simona Broomes was appointed minister with responsibility for Labour. As this minister’s performance continues to be observed by the trade union community, it has been the brightest spot in APNU+AFC government. The minister’s recent visit to BCGI has raised hope of Guyanese and energised the workers, to the point where one worker advised that it is the first time in his employ at BCGI he feels respected and pride in being Guyanese. The stridency of this minister in giving muscles, to the laws on the campaign promise of a “Good life” is deserving of her being elevated to a Cabinet Minister.

For her present approach will be to the benefit of both workers and employers, thereby ensuring a stable industrial environment which is critical to development.

In the meantime this minister’s power is limited to making decision at the lower

rung of the ladder. The issue of respecting the June 2012 decision of the court to re-issue letters to commence arbitration is left in the hands of senior Minister Volda Lawrence. This minister is not on the ground, feeling the pulse as it relates to the level of discrimination that is taking place, not only at BCGI but across the country and by extension the disenchantment of workers, which bears with it consequences for nation building.

The issue of Labour is about respecting fundamental rights and freedoms and the rule of law. Every operative is reminded, including those who stand on the side-lines, that the Trade Union Amendment Act of 1984 expressly states the that Collective Labour Agreement unless otherwise stated that the document is not legal, it is legal and must be respected. Collective Labour Agreements are not gentleman documents as in the past. They are legal and binding documents and must always be seen in this light. And moreso, workers’ rights are human rights and there must he no procrastination in ensuring workers enjoy daily what is inalienably theirs. These rights must be respected now.

Love, not beat the woman ––Ramjattan urges

THE trio of parenting, education and socialisation has “gone wrong” in Guyana, unleashing the wave of gender-based violence, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan contends.

Mr Ramjattan feels that males living in the 49-yearold republic are worst off by the errors perpetuated among the trinity and wants Guyanese males, from early childhood, to be taught to honour females.

“Boys must be taught to respect women,” he told a Saturday morning rally against gender-based violence organised by the Ministry of Social Protection, the ‘A’ Division of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC).

The minister told participants that the atmosphere

within families holds the key to preventing violence reaching epidemic proportions in the country.

“Peace in the home brings peace in the world,” Ramjattan counselled. Recently, a number of women have died at the hands of their partners.

Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence, who recently launched the 16 days of activism against intimate partner violence, said domestic violence is “unacceptably high [and without] justification”.

“We have to put a stop to this… men, women and children are victims of domestic violence,” Lawrence reminded.

Guyana does not lag in embracing international instruments designed to help combat the scourge of do-

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan mestic violence, which has seen scores of women being slaughtered by their spouses or by jealous ex-lovers. Globally, some 30 per cent of all women face intimate-partner violence.

Guyana has the legislative framework in place

to fight domestic violence, but “enforcement has not been forthcoming,” Minister Lawrence told a meeting this week involving DJs and other local entertainers.

Enforcement has been lacking, although the Guyana Police Force, ‘A’ Division Saturday publicly reiterated that the body has “zero tolerance for violence against women.”

The lack of enforcement is also troubling, notwithstanding at a global level, Guyana has been championing the rights of women and have ratified or backed several international declarations and platforms such as the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights (Vienna Declaration and Platform for Action); the 1993 Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women; and the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (Cairo Programme of Action).

Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence Guyana’s position is also well known, with the 1994 Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence against Women (Convention of Belem do Pará); the 1995-2001 Re-

gional Action Programme for Latin American and Caribbean Women; and the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action).

On Saturday, Lawrence drew inspiration from Guyana’s international image on these initiatives and pleaded especially with the male population to remember the words of a local student who signed up against domestic violence: “When you get fed up, don’t beat up.”

This became the anthem for participants of Saturday’s rally, which ended at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.

“Communities are suffering because of intimate-partner violence,” Ramjattan said.

Lawrence challenged the nation not to vent their anger on their spouses.

“Let’s pledge to stop violence,” she pleaded.

11

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 6, 2015

Female prison escapee nabbed

A SURINAMESE woman early yesterday morning escaped from the New Amsterdam Prison, but was nabbed mere hours after by vigilant policemen at the Number 78 Village back-track crossing.

The woman earlier this year tried to smuggle cocaine through the Ogle International Airport but was arrested by ranks of the Police Narcotics Branch and later remanded to prison.

Prison officials declined to comment on her escape yesterday. However, reports reveal that in the wee hours

of Saturday morning, the Surinamese drug mule scaled the prison fence after managing to escape the confines of her dormitory.

She then used multiple sheets that were tied together and thrown over the barbed- wire fence to facilitate her escape. Reports say after scaling the prison fence, she made her way into a waiting vehicle which sped away from the scene.

But soon after prison officials saw the sheet on the fence and contacted the police, who caught her before she fled to neighbouring Suriname.

Mom appeals for help in locating daughter

By Clestine Juan T H I RT E E N - Y E A R OLD Devi Seetaram has been missing since Friday morning after she reportedly left her school, Richard Ishmael Secondary, unbeknown to her family.

According to the teenager’s mother Miss Seeta, the girl was dropped off at school in the morning as usual and registered her name, but later told her teacher that she had an appointment at the skin clinic and left during the morning session.

Miss Seeta said that the girl lied to her teacher and skipped school and asked a few friends to accompany her to Popeye’s Water Street location.

However, while at Popeye’s, the teenager’s friends became suspicious and questioned her about her action, when she told them that she was meeting a boy and showed them the extra clothing she had in her bag.

The schoolmates then asked Devi whether she was coming back to school and she told them that she was never coming back to school.

The youngsters left their friend Devi and returned to school where they were

Missing schoolgirl Devi Seetaram grilled by the teacher, who later learnt that Seetaram had run away, and alerted Devi’s mother.

The stressed mother noted that this was the first time that her daughter had done something like this since she was never a bad child, but was always jolly.

Her running away was a mystery, since she had showed no signs of doing this.

MOM APPEALS The mother became emotional as she pleaded

for the safe return of her daughter. “We miss her, we love her, we’re not angry or upset with her and we just want her to come home and be safe.”

Miss Seeta said she has no clue as to what could have occurred with her now missing child. She is now begging the public to help her find her daughter.

Persons who may have information about Devi’s whereabouts can call her family on telephone numbers 616-4151; 220-8898 or the nearest police station.

Sacred Heart Church reopens today

By Shirley Thomas SACRED Heart Roman Catholic Church, destroyed by fire on Christmas morning of 2004, has been rebuilt, and will be opened today with a special Eucharistic Mass beginning at 08:00hrs.

The mass will be celebrated by Monsignor Terrence Montrose, Vicar General of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Guyana, and priests and other members of the clergy

from other parishes within the diocese will be in attendance. His Lordship, Bishop Francis Alleyne, is out of the country on other business.

The signature occasion will see Sacred Heart parishioners returning to have fellowship on their home ground after more than a decade of absence.

Embraced by other Roman Catholics and supporters of the rebuilding initiative, the occasion is expected to bring together hundreds.

Following the 2004 devastation of the church by fire, Sacred Heart parishioners used to meet at the Ursuline Convent on Camp Street, where masses were held.

The opening of the Sacred Heart Church coincides with the imminent closure of centenary activities in honour of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Brickdam. The cornerstone for the Cathedral was laid in August 1915.

The newly-constructed Sacred Heart Church is scheduled for opening today

12

Argentina’s political change can influence changes in UNASUR’s strategies

By Odeen Ishmael

BY a relatively slim margin, conservative Opposition challenger Mauricio Macri of the Commitment to Change party won Argentina’s presidential election on November 22, bringing to an end more than a decade of leftist rule and with a promise to open up the ailing economy to investors.

Macri obtained 51.3 per cent of the vote in the run-off election to 48.7 per cent for ruling Peronist party rival 58-year-old Daniel Scioli. The 56-year-old Macri inherits a fragile Argentine economy in which growth is shored up by unsustainable public spending.

Inflation is estimated at more than 20 per cent while the Central Bank is running perilously low on currency reserves. The country is also in default on its sovereign debt.

Despite these negatives, Argentina made enormous economic and social progress during the past 13years. Under the Kirchners’ presidencies (first Nestor Kirchner and then his widow Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner), poverty fell by about 70 per cent, and extreme poverty fell by 80 per cent by 2013. And unemployment was reduced from more than 17.2 per cent to 6.9 per cent, according to the International Monetary Fund. However, Scioli failed to defend and capitalise on these achievements during the election campaign. Macri’s win marks a decisive shift to the centre-right and will result in improved ties with the United States and European Union, as well as faster growing countries on the Pacific coast such as Chile and Peru.

THE IDEOLOGICAL SHIFT IN UNASUR However, Macri’s immediate foreign policy priority will be to rebuild Brazil’s confidence in a troubled trade relationship and he announced that his first trip abroad will be to meet with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff. This decision is understandable considering that 40 per cent of direct investment in Argentina flows from Brazil. According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Argentina is also the main destination for Brazilian in-

vestment in Latin America.

This investment is mainly in oil, cement, mining, steel, textiles, cosmetics, banks, food, and beverages.

Macri’s victory is evidence that support for leftist pro-socialist governments in the Union of South American States (UNASUR) is losing its momentum. Countries such as Bolivia, Ecuador and Venezuela that had shown strong Opposition to the United States and neoliberal capitalism are facing economic challenges that negatively affect their influence among their own citizens and those of other countries in the continental bloc. And Brazil, seen as the regional leader even though it has been playing a lowkey role in UNASUR in recent months, is battered by economic problems resulting from low oil and commodity prices along with allegations of widespread corruption—all of which have severely damaged the popularity of President Rousseff.

Significantly, with respect to wider South American relations, Macri has already adopted a confrontational position by stating that he would request, at the December 21 summit of Mercosur in Paraguay, the enforcement of the trading group’s democratic clause against Venezuela, because of the political persecution of Opposition leaders and other human rights abuses there. But any such sanction

by Mercosur would require support from all members and, thus, will most likely fail.

Within UNASUR, the sanction proposal will also surely bring him into direct confrontation with countries such as Chile, Brazil, Ecuador and Bolivia, which have close political ties with Venezuela However, the Argentine shift—combined with some growing tendencies in Brazil, Uruguay and Chile to review their role regarding Venezuela—will increase the pressure on the Venezuelan government to find a way out of the country’s political debacle.

Whatever the results of that country’s legislative elections, Argentina’s position at the upcoming Mercosur meeting should give a clear picture as to how it will shape its policies with other regional groups such as UNASUR, the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbe-

an States (CELAC). With the balance of power now changed in Argentina, it certainly has now shifted away from the left within UNASUR, on which Venezuela has always depended to deflect hemispheric and international criticisms.

Argentina, as a country with much economic clout in the region, will no doubt influence changes in strategies that UNASUR will apply in the integration process.

The country has taken on a leading role in the bloc’s humanitarian efforts in Haiti, and has strong bilateral relations at the economic level with other member states.

The new administration is not likely to curtain these programmes, but is expected to have new inputs in UNASUR’s overall economic, social, political and defence strategies.

GUYANA-ARGENTINA RELATIONS The Macri administration, no doubt, will continue to expand Argentina’s relations with other South American states, particularly those, like Guyana, with smaller economies. Relations between Guyana and Argentina have advanced relatively well ever since the latter established its embassy in Georgetown in 2011. On May 22, 2014, the two countries announced an exchange programme on tourism training and management of protected areas to be financed by the Argentine Fund of Horizontal Cooperation. Argentina also has provided cooperation to Guyana’s Protected Areas Commission (PAC) with proposed exchange visits of the commission’s representatives and those from the Argentina National Parks Administration (APN). The plan would be for the APN officials to provide technical assistance in the development, planning and management of protected areas within the framework of PAC’s 2012-2015 action plan.

Then on June 5, 2014, the two countries entered into a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of a consultative mechanism on matters of common interest.

The memorandum provided for consultations on all aspects of the bilateral relationship, especially in the areas of political, economic, commercial, scientific, technical, environmental

protection, educational and cultural cooperation, through meetings to be conducted at the level of ministers and senior officials.

More recently, on June 17, 2015, the Guyanese agriculture minister and the Argentine ambassador discussed possible areas for collaboration centred on soil and post-harvest management, animal husbandry, research in agriculture biotechnology, value-added production and marketing.

It is now hoped that the new administration in Argentina, despite its planned cut-back on spending, will not curtail these cooperation activities, but will actively move to expand them.

THE QUESTION OF THE MALVINAS With regard to territorial issues, Argentina is especially interested in ascertaining the current Guyana government’s position on the Malvinas (Falklands) situation. The PPP government of 1992-2015 was supportive of Argentina’s declaration of sovereignty over the islands, as the party did when it formed the Opposition in the pre-1992 years.

It will be recalled that on April 2, 1982, when Argentina launched a full scale invasion of the Malvinas, the PNC government of that period was one of the first to express full support for Britain while roundly condemning Argentina. It also called for an urgent return to diplomatic dialogue for the peaceful settlement of any issues and said it recognised the full right of the people of the Malvinas to self-determination as well as to the integrity of their territory.

However, three years later, President Forbes Burnham in an interview conducted by the Venezuelan journalist, Alfredo Peña, and published on March 4, 1985, in the Caracas daily El Nacional, expressed support for Argentina and clarified his government’s position with this explanation during the following exchange: PEÑA: You, being the President of a country, which until recently was a colony, and is in some way, part of the family of the Third World, why didn’t you support Argentina in an act of sovereignty in trying to recuperate a part of its territory which had been taken from it

by British imperialism?

BURNHAM: In Lima,

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 6, 2015

ODEEN ISHMAEL

Peru, I think it was in 1975, at a meeting of Non-Aligned Foreign Ministers, we supported the right of ownership that Argentina had to the Falkland Islands. And that position, we have retained. When the war between Britain and Argentina took place two years (sic) ago, our position was that we opposed Argentina’s using force.

That is all. Subsequently, when the matter came up for discussion in the United Nations General Assembly, Britain was flabbergasted to find that we were on the side of Argentina’s right. You must distinguish between the right and attempts to exercise that right by force.

It is not yet clear if the above statement made by Burnham in 1985 would have any influence on a future declaration of the Guyana government’s position. Recent media reports indicated that, at the fourth summit of the South American and Arab states held in Saudi Arabia on November 11-12, 2015, it entered a reservation on a section of the summit’s declaration on the issue of the Malvinas. The specific section of that declaration states: . . . Calling on Argentina, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to resume negotiations in order to reach as soon as possible a peaceful final solution to the sovereignty dispute referred to as the “Issue of the Malvinas Islands” according to the relevant resolutions of the United Nations, and re-emphasising that the claim that the islands, (Malvinas Islands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands), are countries and enclaves applicable to Part IV of the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union, the decisions of the European Union on the Overseas Territories does not comply with the fact that there is a dispute over the sovereignty of the islands; And also acknowledging that unilateral activities to explore non-renewable natural resources that are currently carried out in the Argentine continental shelf on the Malvinas Islands fall in conflict with the provisions of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 49 and 31; In this regard, recognising no right of any party to do business of exploration for unauthorised hydrocarbons, or

drilling exploration activities on the continental shelf, and calling on the government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to refrain from any military exercises on a land that is subject to dispute on a United Nations-recognised sovereign state; In this regard, recalling that 16 December 2015 coincides the 50th anniversary of the adoption by the General Assembly of the United Nations of resolution No. 2056 (XX), the first to refer to the issue of Malvinas Islands and refurbished by subsequent resolutions adopted by the General Assembly and its Special Decolonisation Committee so far, and expressing deep concern on the fact that, despite the time that has passed since the adoption of General Assembly Resolution 2056 (XX), this long-standing dispute has not been resolved, the leaders and the heads of states and governments join other regional forums, demanding the Secretary General of the United nations to renew his efforts during his current term of office to use the good offices entrusted to him by the General Assembly through the successive decisions to ensure the resumption of bilateral negotiations as soon as possible and find a peaceful resolution of the dispute referred to above.

While it is understandable that the Guyana government preferred not to commit itself to this part of the declaration since it may still be in the process of deciding on a specific position, it is worthy to note that Argentina seized the opportunity to push for this issue to be included in the document in order to buttress international support. Considering this type of Argentina’s diplomatic outreach, Guyana also has to employ similar action within international groupings to which it belongs—as was done at the recent Commonwealth conference—to ensure that its right to its territorial integrity is also expressed decisively in similar declarations.

(Dr Odeen Ishmael, Ambassador Emeritus (retired), historian and author, served as Guyana’s ambassador in the USA (1993-2003), Venezuela 2003-2011) and Kuwait and Qatar (2011-2014).

He actively participated in meetings of UNASUR from 2003 to 2010 and has written extensively on South American integration issues.)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 6, 2015

What’s life’s like for a Linden market vendor?

By Vanessa Braithwaite

CHALLENGING was the adjective most used to describe the life of someone who spends their entire day in the Linden Market soliciting patronage from passers-by.

When I visited the Linden market, in which vendors sell a variety of things, I was greatly moved by the way the vendors

A variety of vendors ply their trade in the Linden Market Square. Clothing, though, is the most sought- after item.

Sitting with a few vendors, I was able to discern how rough their day can be. Each shared similar challenges and joy.

The day of a clothes vendor begins very early, as efforts must be made to try capturing some customers on their way to work. Ronnel Mingo, a clothes vendor for

A section of the Linden market where greens and other vegetables are sold would literally beg passers-by to support their businesses.

“Aunty, please for a sale nah?” “Hello, don’t pass straight; come buy something from meh nah?” were some of the colloquial terms used by the vendors to any person traversing the market. Some vendors even held on to the hands of passers-by. To these vendors, every passer-by is a prospective customer, and they must not let the chance for a sale go by.

This market business is not about sitting on your laurels and enjoying the happenings of the day, or probably gossipping about persons passing by. It is about “hustling” to bring in adequate sales, as so much depends on it.

the past 15 years, revealed that the lack of job opportunities in Linden has caused her to get into the business of selling.

“After my father died, I had to do something to assist my mom and my smaller siblings who were still in school. I first tried selling at home, as my father had left a shop, even though it was not active; but I decided to come on the market to increase my customer base,” Ronnel mentioned.

Her day on the market starts at approximately 7am, when she and her co-worker are tasked with setting up the double-stall, as everything is carried in at the end of the day.

After hanging out all of the clothes and other things that the business sells,

she engages in cleaning the surroundings to make it attractive to prospective customers. Even as she does these things, she solicits customers as they pass.

BUSINESS SLOW “Most of the year business is slow, and so being out here you have to really get patience to cope,” Ronnel said. For the most part of the day, Ronnel would sit on a little stool, soliciting purchases from passers-by. Her array of items includes clothing for children, teenagers, women, and men. She also sells home decor items, toys for children, and female accessories.

She supplements those items with some plantain chips and coconut biscuits.

“I would normally travel to Georgetown once per week to purchase items, and I would try my best to sell them back reasonably, making maximum 50 per cent profit,” Ronnel disclosed. She said that some days the market is so hard that she sells only one or two items.

“The biggest challenge in being a market vendor is that you hardly have time for your family. You have to work six days per week, and those days would carry 11-12 hours,” Ronnel explained.

Surprisingly, the slowest day is Saturday, as most people concentrate on shopping groceries. The busy season would be during the Town Week Celebration, the August holiday and in December. “Even during the Town Week, we would be shortchanged, because a lot of vendors would come up from Georgetown and take away our business,” she affirmed.

Ronnel said she is already a seasoned

market vendor, and would continue to live on whatever it offers. “At least I am living, and [am] able to help my family,” she concluded.

Another market vendor, who sells adjacent to Ronnel, said her major challenge is the competition that faces her. This is causing her to sell at a minimal mark-up, which decreases her profit percentage. Sharon, a single mother of five minor children, has no other source of income. She has been selling on the market for about three years now, and even though she enjoys her job, she hopes that it would get better.

“I like to work with myself, so I decided to come and sell on the market; and I try to make do with whatever it brings,” posited Sharon.

She said the Mayor and Town Council should invest more in the stalls, as they would experience leakage problems and the clothes would get wet whenever it rains.

Isola Amsterdam, a 72-year-old vendor who has been selling on the market for about 15 years, says that some days business is up, while most days it brings great sorrow -- to spend an entire day and receive no or very little sales.

“Being on the market is like doing a seasonal job. You have to wait on the August holidays, Christmas and April to get an increase in sales,” she said.

Isola is of the opinion that if jobs are created in Linden and persons invest in the town, there would be more money circulating in the town for persons to spend.

She, like the other vendors, affirmed that despite these various challenges, they will stick to selling in the Linden market.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 6, 2015

Chronicle rebrands with focus on people

By Svetlana Marshall

THE Guyana Chronicle has rebranded, boosting of a new refreshing image, but importantly adopting a mandate to cater for the diverse in-

terests of Guyanese both locally and in the diaspora.

The rebrand is not “just cosmetic,” Editor-In-Chief Nigel Williams said, pointing out that the newspaper will be “the voice of the

people”.

Guyana Chronicle had, in the past, been highly criticised for its excessively politicised content.

Stories bashing the government were severely edited, while selected politicians were given large column spaces to adumbrate their views as news. “This will be a thing of the past,” Williams has assured.

In fact, the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL), publishers of the Guyana and Sunday Chronicle, has pledged to “turn over a new leaf.”

In so doing, the spotlight will now be placed on the regular man in the street. Persons throughout the length and breadth of Guyana, groups and organisations will now be the agenda setters, with emphasis being placed on social and developmental issues in the areas of health, climate change, pollution, crime, suicide and unemployment. Issues regarding the environment, education, aviation, agriculture, mining, commerce and other important sectors that have been playing a leading role in the development of Guyana will also be featured.

“While we will be responsible in our reporting, we will not shut out people’s views on any issue.

So readers can be assured that we will not shut out their views; we will be responsible in the reporting of their views, but we will not shut out their views,” Williams emphasised.

Under the leadership of this new editor-in-chief, the Editorial Team, constituting a mixture of experienced and young, enthusiastic reporters, will travel to the far reaches of Guyana to give coverage to

Chronicle Editor-in-Chief Nigel Williams those citizens whose views have for far too long been overshadowed by politicians; and developments unfolding in the main regions of Guyana will have prominent coverage in this new people’s medium.

“I think the reason why people are not responding to newspapers generally in far-flung areas is because they do not see themselves in the papers. So we have decided that, every week,

our reporters will go out of town and cover reports.

Every week, you will find stories coming out of the regions. All the regions will be covered,” Williams has disclosed.

He pointed out that while the Editorial Department operates from the capital city – Georgetown, there are correspondents in all of the main regions.

“And we will be hiring new people in other areas of the country so we can get maximum coverage of events and issues,” Williams has revealed. Reporters emails will be attached to their stories in the newspaper, he disclosed, noting as well that their contact numbers would be made public for easy access. “This will allow for greater interaction and greater coverage of stories, because the affected will be able to make direct contact with our reporters,” he added.

Asked to describe his crop of reporters, the editor-in-chief said: “We have a mixture of experience and young, enthusiastic reporters who are willing to learn, to go the extra mile to get their work done, and done professionally. So it is an exciting time for me, and for the Chronicle as a whole, with the crop of reporters we have.

“Some of our reporters are trained and have completed studies at the University of Guyana.

They have the requisite theoretical knowledge, and now is time for them to put what they have learnt into practice with the level of experienced practitioners we have on board. With the likes of Mr. Godfrey Wray we can move this paper forward,” he declared.

NEW COLUMNISTS Turning his attention to the new and improved columns that will be featured in the Guyana Chronicle, the editor-in-chief said reporters will be backed by a number of columnists who have a wealth of experience within their respective fields.

Alluding to Dr. Caitlyn Vieira – a psychologist by profession – Williams said social issues such as suicide will be addressed extensively through her columns. “In this period in our country, when there are a lot of suicides (and) people are suffering from depression, she is going to address that through very informative articles,” he explained. He also noted that there will be a feedback mechanism in place for persons to submit their

questions and responses.

“They can drop in their questions in our mail box and they will be answered.

Right away we are tackling the issue of suicide – a social problem that has gripped this country, and the newspaper is taking it on,” he said.

Besides Dr Vieira, Pastor Wendell Jeffrey, who has done extensive work in penal reform, will be writing weekly columns dealing with issues such as delinquency, crime and substance abuse, and a number of other issues that have been plaguing society’s young men in particular.

Retired Guyanese diplomat Dr Odeen Ishmael is also among the columnists, as is Ms Joan Cambridge. Other columnists will focus their writings on arts and culture, literature, business, labour, politics, and entertainment among other issues.

“We have a role to educate, inform and entertain the population, and we will do that through the coverage of the news, both locally and internationally,” Williams noted.

ONLINE PRESENCE Undoubtedly, the evolution of social media has had an impact on traditional media, with newspaper being no exception.

As such, in an effort to remain competitive, Mr Williams has said the Guyana Chronicle will be increasing its online presence.

“We are going to hire a dedicated online editor shortly who will deal with the whole issue of social media. We intend to be more aggressive in our social media reporting across all social media platforms: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook you name it; we will have a presence on every social media platform.”

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e newspaper will be relaunching its website soon. “We have gotten a lot of feedback that it is not as interactive as it should be,” Williams disclosed. Looking into the future, Williams said, the Guyana Chronicle will be the true definition of “The Nation’s Newspaper.” “With time, Guyana Chronicle will become the leading newspaper in sales again,” he said, noting that the newspaper already has the widest circulation in Guyana.

“We have a duty to record the history of this nation, and that is what we are going to do as a newspaper of record,” he promised.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 6, 2015

Linden family cries injustice

By Vanessa Braithwaite

MACKENZIE High School student Denelson Rose, 18, was struck down and killed on the Washer Pond Road in Mackenzie, Linden, around 03:45 hrs on October 24 last, allegedly by Marlon “Brando” Washington, a member of the Guyana Police Force, who was deemed intoxicated at the time of the accident.

Yet, to date, ‘E’ Division police ranks are unable to definitively relate the outcome of their investigations to Rose’s grieving family members.

TRAIL OF BLOOD Moreover, although Washington had fled the scene of the accident, he had been identified as the errant driver by two passengers who had allegedly been in his vehicle when the accident occurred. They related to the police and to Rose’s family members what had transpired. One of the young ladies had even given oral and written statements to the police on what she had witnessed.

She told the police that she had seen Denelson Rose standing on the road in a leaning position as if he had been tying his shoe laces. Less than 10 seconds later, she had felt an impact and saw Denelson lying on the road. She said that both passengers had informed the driver that he hit someone, but he continued driving.

Rose’s body was stuck under the car, thus the vehicle had begun to rock as it moved forward. That was when the driver and his two female passengers exited the vehicle to investigate what had transpired. Upon seeing Rose’s bloodied and battered body, the driver had re-entered the car, urging his passengers to do likewise, and drove away from the scene of the accident.

When the car stopped at the bridge to pay the toll, persons there had inquired why the bumper of the car was hanging and was doused with blood. The driver had reportedly become very aggressive, and responded by using expletives. At that time, he became aware that his number plate was missing and obviously had to have been left at the scene of the accident.

The ladies were then dropped home, and that is when one of them informed relatives of the deceased about what occurred.

This entire episode was related to the police, who later arrested the suspect after retrieving the number plate from the scene. Washington was then arrested for causing the death of Denelson Rose, but, to date, he

has not been charged, and is back on the road, driving his vehicle as though nothing had ever happened.

ALACRITY NEEDED Keon Simpson, Rose’s surviving brother, is calling on the director of public prosecutions (DPP) to treat the case with some level of alacrity, because, he said, he became irate after seeing Washington on the road yesterday, imbibing alcohol at a popular spot in Linden before driving off in his vehicle.

“I am concerned as to how this individual is still driving

DEAD DENILSON ROSE on the road, and is blatantly drinking and doing so! The possibility is that someone else can lose their life at the hands of this driver,” he argued.

“This man is so blatant and heartless that [on the morning of the accident] he went home and came back to the scene with a taxi to see if he could get the number plate, but some friends of Denelson had already secured it in their possession to hand it over to the police,” the still deeply grieving brother revealed.

MURDER RULED OUT It had been rumoured by many, and had even been reported in the media, that the possibility of Denelson being murdered had been considered, because his body had been badly battered.

Rumour had it that the body had been thrown on the road before being hit by Washington’s car. Washington had also reportedly given a statement to the police that when he hit Rose’s body, it was already dead.

But Keon Simpson, Denelson’s brother, said the police had given the family a statement saying that murder was ruled out, as Rose had sustained no multiple or internal injuries. The police said the post mortem report received stated that the deceased had died from

multiple injuries caused by an accident.

Moreover, two taxi drivers had allegedly given the police statements to the effect that they had seen Denelson walking on the Washer Pond Road when they were going to make drop-offs within the area where he had met his demise. Within minutes, while returning to base, they had seen Denelson lying on the road dead.

“A taxi man made a statement saying that he was the first to see Denelson lying on the road dead, and [he] saw a speeding car drive away from the scene; but [he] did not stop, as he was avoiding implications,” Keon mentioned. He added, “He even said that Denelson was flagging him down [when he had passed him alive], but because he was on a special hire, he did not stop.”

DISPLEASED The mother and brother of the late Denelson Rose are displeased with the way the case is being treated, and they are of the belief that, because the driver is a member of the Guyana Police Force, the police are not prosecuting the case with vigour. “If [the driver] was any ordinary citizen, this [listlessness] would not have happened,” they contend.

“Multiple statements were given to the police, the driver confessed to being on the scene, the car was impounded, a breathalyzer test was done, and the number plate was retrieved from the scene; and still no charges were laid upon this man!” a devastated Keon said.

“Every time the police are engaged [enquired about] on the matter, they sluggishly say that they are waiting on the report from the pathologists and for an answer from the Office of the DPP,” Keon resignedly revealed.

‘E’ Division Police Commander Calvin Brutus, told this newspaper that the report was sent to the Office of the DPP, and the police are awaiting the findings, so as to take the next step in the investigation. He said that because the driver is a member of the Police Force, there is a different procedure to be followed than that of an ordinary citizen.

“I have informed the mother of the deceased of this procedure, and so they should exercise patience as the office of the DPP complete their assessment of the case,” Commander Brutus declared.

But Keon Rose is of the opinion that before that assessment is completed, someone else might lose his/ her life at the hands of this habitually drink- driving motorist.

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16

Grades 2, 4, 6

THE Ministry of Education had decided to abandon the Grades 2 and 4 assessments that are a percentage part of the Grade 6 Assessment. The Grade 6 Assessment decides the high school to which placement will be offered to children.

The justification seems to be that children must be allowed to be children, without the pressures that inevitably come with tests or exams or assessments. They must enjoy their childhood. This cannot be a bad thing. One supposes, of course, that these Grade 2 and 4 assessments were meant to be progressive assessments. I have heard much talk about “continuous assessment” from people in academics here. Progressive assessments are what most countries seem to have adopted.

There is no space here to explore the difference; and now that the thing has been abandoned would make no difference anyway. However, we could take a look at HOW these Grades 2 and 4 were actually implemented.

The Truth be Told, it is mostly the mothers of these children that do the actual “projects” that have to be done towards these assessments. It is not so much the children that were being assessed; it was the mothers. They were the ones that had to go out and “source” often expensive materials to put together things such as volcanoes, three-dimensional shapes; thermometers, and so on.

The mothers were the ones that checked the Internet to see how things work and then

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 6, 2015

try to duplicate what they Googled. Goodness knows what happened to those mothers who have no computers or who cannot use the computer. We seem to be blind to the fact that a great many people are simply too poor or not adequately knowledgeable about the computers.

Of course, readers would have noticed that I am specifying mothers.

It is deliberate, since the majority of “fathers” are uninvolved in the education of children there are exceptions, of course!). These “fathers” are simply too busy with other social engagements or are too absorbed with important things such as TV-watching.

While we discard these lower grade assessments, we do need to be wary of the dangers of sink-or-swim assessments. People like me still remember the tremendous pressure we faced as children to do well in what was called the Common Entrance Examination. It was awful. And those of

us who happened into teaching in primary schools and were given the chance to “teach” Common Entrance classes merely passed on the grind to other children. It was often simply cruel: the cramming; the rota learning; the “licks”.

And yes, there were extra lessons too, but we took no money for that. It was a matter of pride of the worst sort: boasting rights of number of passes; school pride for rivalry, sheer ego, and so on.

We need to be wary that this is not what will happen again. It turns too many people away from education, from the joy of it.

Education was a chore back then. If our new system takes this into consideration, it would be a good thing.

It may be no accident at all that very few people read. Our system of education takes all the joy away. At our highest educational institution, we still have final examinations that are worth 50 PERCENT of total marks! Ridiculous!

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 6, 2015

17

Local Govt elections

Let the people run their communities

By Vanessa Braithwaite

WITH the imminent approach of Local Government Elections, the concern is whether the major political forces will contest the municipalities or whether these will be left to the ordinary citizens.

Local Government Elections strive to create a structure in which Central Government does not bear the burden of administering every community and neighborhood in the country.

Considering this fact, the two political parties contesting - the People’s Progressive Party and the APNU-AFC Coalition - vowed to have representatives from within the communities to contest for leadership positions within the townships and the municipalities. This has been announced by President David Granger speaking on behalf of his Party, and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on behalf of the Opposition. It was also revealed that the APNU –AFC Coalition will be contesting the LGE together.

President Granger mentioned that the renaming of the Ministry of Local Government to Ministry of Communities was to give the populace assurance of a significant change and this renaming was just an orientation of such a change.

The first step to this change would be to elect persons from within the communities to run for these offices. “The over-centralized local government approach is no good and we need persons from within the Communities to be elected,” affirmed Mr. Granger had

said recently.

He added that this was the fitting thing to do as communities have become disorganised with public infrastructure being in a state of disrepair and the people becoming

Linden IMC Chair Orin Gordon complacent as there is no proper representative among them to deal with issues at the grass root level.

“Persons elected should be in touch with the needs of the people, and being familiar with their concerns, they will be able to find solutions and mobilise resources,” President Granger added as he made it clear that there should be no or minimal political imposition in local governance.

Sharing similar sentiments is APNU/AFC Member of Parliament and Community activist Valarie Patterson who mentioned that persons contesting should be selected from the communities who will work in the best interest of those communities to solve financial, developmental and

management problems. “The solutions are with the people and we need persons who will involve the communities in their decision-making process,” stated Patterson.

She added that the people also need to take ownership of their towns and to be more outspoken when displeased with management. “Local Government election will allow for more community representative rather than political representative, and this will eliminate several present concerns and irregularities such as accountability and efficiency. A recall mechanism will be implemented.”

Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally, articulated that local persons with locale will be chosen to run for these offices and they are best fitted to manage the affairs of their communities. “These persons do not have to belong to our party as that is not our priority,” affirmed the Minister.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Clement Rohee said both political affiliates and community representatives will be chosen to contest for these positions and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo posited publicly that there would be a 50% split in representation.

INVOLVEMENT OF PEOPLE Weighing in on the subject Lincoln Lewis, General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress said “Local Government is about involvement of the people and about harnessing the

cultural and economic spirit at the grass root level, so that the people in the community can be represented,” he said. Mr. Lincoln is cognizant of the fact that persons within the communities support different political parties and therefore their leaders should not be representative of those parties. “To allow these political representatives to run for Local Government is to allow tribalism where people will fight for turf and influence of the political parties at the central level.”

He admonishes the people not let politicians take up every space in their society.

With community representatives chosen to run for

office, the purpose of Local Governance will be fulfilled and the people will be able to lend themselves to greater scrutinise, object, and account to the management of their communities. Local Government elections should be contested by regular citizens who are politically neutral and who have a genuine interest in the affairs of the common man. If this does not occur, then our democracy suffers and the people, especially those at the grass root level will not have a voice.

Head of the Interim Management Committee of the Town of Linden, Orrin Gordon said he is anxious about local government elections, noting that most

of the councilors elected in 1994 are no longer there.

“The previous Government’s lack of appreciation for the role Local Government plays in the governance of any country, is the underlying factor for the issues not only faced by this municipality but all others except Georgetown,” mentioned Gordon. He added that the municipality needs competent people who will be committed in giving their time, energies and expertise to the development of the town and this is anticipated with the plural representation after elections. “These people must come from within the Communities,” says Mr. Gordon.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 6, 2015

Chronicle sweeps print media awards

GUYANA Chronicle’s Tajeram Mohabir and Svetlana Marshall on Friday evening beat out more than 45 competitors to emerge victorious in the Print Category of the Clare Forrester PAHO/WHO Media Awards for Excellence in Health Journalism.

Mohabir, no stranger to excellence in reporting, won the Best News Story Award.

He also won the prize last year when the award was re-introduced to Guyana.

Marshall, a graduate of the University of Guyana, copped the top prize for the Best News Feature.

Both Mohabir and Marshall were presented their awards at a gala dinner at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

The prestigious occasion was attended by PAHO/WHO Country Representative Dr William Adu-Krow, Public Health Minister Dr George Norton, Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr Karen Cummings, Tourism Minister

Catherine Hughes and members of the diplomatic corps, among others.

The Clare Forrester PAHO/WHO Media Awards for Excellence in Health Journalism was divided into six categories: Best News Story – Print, Best News Feature – Print, Best News Story – Television, Best News Feature – Radio, Best News Story – Online and Best News Feature – Online.

“Don’t invest in killing yourself – former chain smok-

Winners of the Clare Forrester PAHO/WHO Media Awards for Excellence in Health Journalism pose with PAHO/WHO Country Representative Dr William Adu-Krow, Health Minister Dr George Norton, Junior Health Minister Dr Karen Cummings, Chief Judge Dr Paloma Mohamed and members of the diplomatic corps (Delano Williams photos) ers urged, support tobacco control legislation,” was the story that led Mohabir to the top. He was followed by Ravin Singh, whose story was headlined “Breast cancer ranked No.1 cancer in Guyana – public awareness helping more to get tested early.”

Stabroek News Zoisa Frazer received the third-place prize.

Though he was not nominated for the award in the Best News Story Category, the Guyana Chronicle’s Navendra Seoraj

Jeanna Pearson of Kaieteur News also topped the Best News Story Award in the Online Category. Several other awards were also presented. The top awardees received a plaque and US$1,000 each, while the second-place winners received a plaque and US$500 each.

MAJORITY IN PRINT MEDIA The Chief Judge of the 2015 PAHO/WHO Media Awards, Dr Paloma Mo-

Guyana Chronicle reporter Shirley Thomas receives her third-place prize received an honorary certificate for his efforts.

Meanwhile, in the Best News Feature Award – Print, Marshall’s feature “Enough not being done for ‘sicklers’ – says victim, Dr Norton pledges gov’t support” was adjudged the best.

Kaieteur News Desilon Daniels received the second-place award, while Shirley Thomas,again of the Guyana Chronicle, came in third in the Best Feature Story Award – Print.

HGP Nightly News Handell Duncan was adjudged the winner of the Best News Story- Television, while Stabroek News David Papanna received the Best Feature Story Award-Online.

hamed, in delivering her report, disclosed that a total of 78 submissions were made, with 48 from print alone, three radio, two television and 21 online entries.

“The survival of any nation is the health and well-being of its people,” Minister Cummings said, as she underscored the importance of the media in raising awareness in the area of health.

“Great focus and emphasis must be placed on promoting healthy lifestyles and healthy choices, so that persons can be better educated and made aware of the ways in which they can remain healthy and live long, healthy lives,” she said.

She alluded to the fact

that a vast majority of the public get their information on health and science from the mass media. As such, she said it is important for journalists to disseminate accurate and reliable health information.

“As health journalists, you are also responsible for creating awareness about health issues that are current and relevant to the population.

“However, as health journalists, you also play a much bigger role in influencing behavioural and lifestyle changes among persons in society, impacting health policy, and stimulating new discussions about the important health issues and developments you include in your various productions.”

She said further that journalists not only play a critical role in health, but also in all areas of development, She noted that they are the seeds that foster the blossoming and flourishing of democracy and the empowerment of the people.”

In spelling the acronym “SEED,” the Health Minister said Guyanese journalists should see the story from all angles, noting that reporting must be fair and balanced.

“They should also engage the public in responsive and responsible dialogue in the quest to promote a more open and progressive society,” she added, noting that journalists must also be ethically sensitive to the truth and the facts over and above sentimental, sensational and sellable attributes.

Journalism must also serve as an independent monitor of power, Minister Cummings emphasised.

“It has often been said that journalists have an unusual capacity to serve as watchdog over those whose power and position most affect citizens,” she said.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 6, 2015

Rice is here to stay –Nagamootoo tells Essequibians

By Alva Solomon

GUYANA and Mexico are expected to finalise rice discussions in another five weeks and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has assured Essequibo Coast residents yesterday that they have the full backing of the government regarding rice-payment issues they encounter with millers.

quibo is rice and rice is Essequibo,” dispelling suggestions from some that farmers are leaving the market because of the issues they encounter.

Mr Nagamootoo said there are issues such as leasing of lands and payments for these and urged the farmers to visit the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission offices in Essequibo to negotiate for outstanding payments.

and coconut farming, adding that it is within the capacity of farmers to follow these entrepreneurial ideas.

He also urged them to pursue agro-processing.

“I would like to see a minister of government coming to Essequibo once every month,” he told the gathering, attracting loud cheers.

He informed residents that Minister of Business Dominic An elderly resident of the Cinderella County receives an award from Prime Minister Nagamootoo tries globally from these shores.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Sita soon after their arrival by ferry The rice industry plays a vital role in the lives of residents and they turned out in

He said the commercial banks should also pay attention to the developments and

Gaskin presides over the Low Carbon Development Strategy, and according to him, he

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo is greeted by students of the Anna Regina Multilateral School, soon after he arrived there for the meeting yesterday large numbers yesterday as the Prime Minister and a delegation of ministers interacted with them at the Anna Regina Multilateral School.

Minister in the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan and Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, along with regional officials addressed the gathering.

The Prime Minister, who was visiting the region for the first time since being elected following the May elections, told the gathering that “Esse-

issues affecting the industry and how these affect farmers.

As regards payments from millers, the Prime Minister suggested that farmers be acquainted with the law regarding their payments and along this line he noted that government will play a supporting role in the issue of payments.

“So rice is here to stay,” the Prime Minister said, pointing out that the grain is in demand the world over.

He also urged them to adopt diversification practices on their farm lands, such as cattle

would like to see interactions between residents and that ministry to their benefit.

As regards the Mexico deal, which he has been personally involved in for several weeks, Prime Minister Nagamootoo said he recently received correspondence from the Mexicans as a reminder of their discussions on trade.

Those discussions will conclude in another five weeks. “Mexico will be a very good player with our rice industry,” he said, noting that rice is exported to some 38 coun-

CONDEMNATION To this end, the Prime Minister was vociferous in his condemnation of assertions from incumbent Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro on his claims to Essequibo. He said the Venezuelan leader shut himself away from the Guyanese farmers when the PetroCaribe deal fell apart.

“The same way that he has judged us that his own people should judge and condemn him for his exertions,” he said of Maduro who faces the polls this weekend.

While in Mexico, the Prime Minister said he informed the government there that Venezuela was always in the forefront in condemning the economic blockade against Cuba, but is employing such a ploy against Guyana.

“That same Venezuela has decided to practise a criminal blockade against a small neighbour, a neighbour with a small population, with a small military,” he said.

Earlier, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder while providing an update on the sector, told the gathering that the nation has to move its economic base away from the coastland and agriculture will play an important part in this regard.

He said the government will attempt to establish agricultural stations in the form of massive demonstration-type structures across the country.

Nationwide, the head

stock of cattle which stood at 300,000 some 20 years ago has dropped to head to 77,000, but the Guyana Livestock Development Authority is working to build back the national herd.

DAIRY PLANT A dairy plant to process milk as well as education on the sector’s developmental goals and processes are among the issues being pursued to advance the sector.

Mr Holder touched briefly on the rice industry and according to him, rice farmers have been facing difficult times, while the figures for production have been on the increasing end.

He said the government holds the small farmers in Region 2 “dearly to heart.”

Meanwhile, Minister Bulkan spoke on the issue of Local Government Elections which are slated for next year March.

He said Guyana is too large to be managed from the capital city and noted that the Constitution recognises this. This is why there is a framework for efficient administration of the country, he added.

He spoke of centralisation and decentralisation of governance to the levels of the community, towns and villages “There is a fundamental administration difference between this administration and the one that preceded it,” Bulkan said, adding that the government has no plans to dictate the decisions in management of the nation.

He said Local Government Elections will not solve all the problems, but will be a “meaningful system of local democracy. “ For this, he suggested the need for periodic elections so that persons can be more involved in the democratic process.

But most importantly, he said, central government has to allow all local democratic organs to work independently.

“That is even more important in my opinion,” Bulkan said.

Minister Lowe, while explaining her mandate within the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry, informed those gathered that anyone could pay her a visit on any matter of concern.

She said the government is one which is democratic in nature, and as such, she is open to listening to matters of interest.

Residents raised several issues of concern during the interactive session with the Prime Minister and ministers of government and were given assurance that their issues will be addressed.

Yesterday’s visit was held under the theme “Rally around Guyana “ and stickers as well as posters lined the Essequibo Coast with the words “Essequibo is we own” in full display.

The Prime Minister was garlanded on his arrival by ferry at the Good Hope Stelling at dawn and he remained busy for the remainder of the day during the visit to the Cinderella County.

A section of the audience at yesterday’s meeting

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 6, 2015

Guyana Chronicle’s rebra The reporters’ tak Ariana Gordon – Chief Reporter THE Chronicle has been in existence for many years, and has always been diligently focused on being the standard bearer of journalistic excellence in Guyana.

Throughout its storied history, the paper has experienced the highs and lows which are part and parcel of being a newspaper. In the more recent past, it has had to face the unprecedented challenge of being a news “paper” in the digital age. Although we continue to weather the storm, we are clearly in the throes of an existential battle - the outcome of which will determine not whether - but rather how soon - this rich history will come to an end.

As we pick through the process of internal reorganisation, and attempt to develop the managerial and journalistic synergies that are crucial to our success, we are also changing our masthead to more adequately reflect our new sense of mission. This is a more than symbolic change, and it is aimed at generating a visual representation of the new energy and forward thrust of our paper.

So both in print, and in our electronic format, you can look forward to not only a change in graphics, but also a new focus on quality, timeliness and a re-commitment to the core standards of journalism.

This is a symbol of our renewed commitment to you, our constituents. It’s a representation of a handshake agreement between you and YOUR paper.

Shirley Thomas

– Freelance Journalist THE rebranding of the Guyana Chronicle comes as a welcome move.

In a world driven by competitiveness, innovation and ‘thinking outside the box’ are but crucial launching pads needed to give that jolt in one’s thrust for success.

Wi t h e x c i t i n g f e a t u re s ; b e t t e r quality production of Ads; brain-teasing crosswords and other novelties, our readers can be assured of a paper that makes for interesting reading, fun and excitement as we seek to deliver our mandate to inform and educate our readers in a truly entertaining way.

Rawle Toney – Senior Sport Reporter I THINK rebranding the Guyana Chronicle is critical at this point, especially with some of the new and innovative proposed changes.

The changes will definitely spark a renewed interest in the newspaper and I applaud the new board and Editor-in-Chief Nigel Williams for wanting to make the Guyana Chronicle more than just a ‘daily read’.

I, just like the rest of the nation, am excited about the new-look Guyana Chronicle.

Rabindra Rooplall – Senior Reporter NO matter what a new blog or digital media outlet does, it is still utilising the news reporting methods developed by the newspaper industry. As such, the rebranding of the Guyana Chronicle is essential to stray away from its image as a political propaganda outlet to a news outfit that takes up the mantle of preserving good journalism and reporting by offering quality content and an historic product that has the interest of the citizenry at heart. As a member of the editorial team we don’t just print words, we believe in them. We support a cause or a policy through conviction, not just self-interest. We are passionate about setting the news in a professional agenda.

Clestine Juan – Reporter THE story of the Guyana Chronicle has been one of change. The facelift to its out dated past, however keeping with up with the modernised era which will boost sales and circulation of our papers to target our readers whether members of a particular ethnic, racial, or religious group; a political party; or society’s most elite as we aim to inform, entertain, and to showcase GUYANA.

Ravin Singh – Reporter GIVEN the perception of the Guyana Chronicle over the last decade due to its perceived role as a political tool, I personally think the idea to rebrand is a much welcomed move, which is sure to spark renewed interest in what the newspaper has to offer.

Although rebranding is but just a mere artistic concept, it is imperative that the term rebranding be applied to content of the paper as well.

Shauna Jemmott – Reporter AS a Reporter attached to the Guyana National Newspapers Limited, I am thankful for, and pleased to be associated with, the new product.The Guyana Chronicle has for long been used as a tool for political propaganda, and as such has suffered significantly, losing the trust of the Guyanese public. As a state-owned newspaper it has the capability of ranking high on the media market, and with the liberty to stand as a media entity without the political manipulation to which it once fell prey, we can make it happen again! With the change of content, which I believe is the main product within the product, I am proud to contribute to the unfolding - The New Guyana Chronicle.

Congratulations to the new Board of Directors, Management and staff of GNNL on presenting a re-branded Guyana Chronicle, which I am confident will again become Guyana’s most widely circulated newspaper.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 6, 2015

anding: ke Leroy Smith- Senior Crime Reporter THE rebranding of the Guyana Chronicle to my mind is a welcome move given our quest to truly represent what a national newspaper is all about, inclusivity.

My advocacy has always been to increase the sales of this newspaper which by far stands out compared to other dailies and as we have our own flavor, I have every confidence that our new repositioning will achieve this objective.

I wish to commend the board of directors and all those who had a part to play in the rebranding, including my colleagues who work so hard to put out this fine product today.

Svetlana Marshall – Senior Reporter OVER the years,the Guyana Chronicle has received many criticisms not because of its physical appearance, but due to its content which was highly politicised, in other words, driven by politics and so I think the regular man in the street felt somewhat neglected in the area of news.

Today’s rebranding does not only include a new masthead, but creative stories, columns and features that are centred around the people, the masses and not a selected few. I think this change means well for the newspaper, and I must applaud the brainchild of this decision.

Dragnet nets GDF rank …trio with illegal guns, ammo

POLICE yesterday morning in a stop and search procedure on motorcar PLL 9931 at Avenue of the Republic arrested a Guyana Defence Force Lance Corporal and three other persons who were in the vehicle when two unlicensed firearms and several rounds of ammunition were found.

The police, who are part of the recently launched ‘Operation Dragnet’ security initiative, received information about the men who were in the vehicle at time and suspicions were aroused by what appeared to be mud covering over a few digits on the car’s registration plate.

The police responded promptly and intercepted the car along Avenue of the Republic and the search of the vehicle in full view of members of the public saw the discovery of an illegal sawn-off pump action shotgun and an unlicensed .38 revolver and matching rounds of ammunition.

During the operation a GDF Lance Corporal and three civilians were arrested.

The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that when the police patrol rolled up alongside the vehicle, the driver acknowledged the driver of the police vehicle since they are familiar with each other.

The police then instructed the GDF rank who was driving the car to pull over so that a search can be carried out. The police became even more suspicious of the men in the vehicle when they observed that the GDF rank was wearing another garment over his army uniform.

During the search of the vehicle the police found the shotgun under the driver’s seat of the car while the .38 special revolver and six matching rounds were found in a black shoulder bag under the front passenger seat where one of the civilians was sitting.

The police found that the vehicle is registered to Mohamed Ali of Lot 4 High Street. The vehicle and firearms were lodged and the men were arrested and taken into custody. Their fingerprints were also taken and they are expected to be placed on an identification parade tomorrow.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, ‘A’ Division

Commander Clifton Hicken during an interview with reporters said that the arrest yesterday was all part of the ongoing Christmas security posture that the police has adopted and complements ‘Operation Dragnet’.

Hicken expressed confidence that the arrest will also see the police solving several recent robberies.

Referring to last Friday’s armed robbery at AH&L Kissoon outlet on Main Street, he said that “it makes no sense that we rush to tell the members of the media and the public that we solved the crime when in fact the process was not followed. There is a process that has to be followed and we need to follow that process because if it is not done properly then we stand the risk of losing the case in court and all the hard work of the ranks would be in vain.”

Meanwhile, contacted yesterday in relation to the soldier and the three civilians who were arrested, Chief-ofStaff Brigadier Mark Phillips, who is also overseeing ‘Operation Dragnet’, said that the developments are very embarrassing to all those who serve in the armed forces, especially the GDF. He confirmed that immediately after the arrest was made and the GDF was informed, checks were carried out to confirm that none of the weapons which the men were carrying belonged to the army.

Phillips said that based on his information the Lance Corporal had been serving in the army for more than two years and was expected to be on duty at Base Camp Ayanganna at the time he was reportedly found to be on the other side of the law. Brigadier Phillips confirmed also that the man was enlisted as a driver for the GDF Medical Corps and had no right to park the vehicle and leave the compound. The man, according to Phillips, left the premises without permission.

“This is embarrassing for all of us in the Disciplines Services and I want to make it clear and assure all that the dishonored corporal will be treated like any other suspect and he is not expected to receive no special privileges,” the Chief of Staff said.

Police sources are very convinced that the men were intercepted as they were getting ready to commit a crime. (Leroy Smith)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 6, 2015

Johnson and Fudadin rally Jaguars to first innings lead

By BRIJ PARASNATH in Trinidad & Tobago BRILLIANT batting by opener Assad Fudadin and skipper Leon Johnson ensured that reigning WICB Professional Cricket League champions Guyana Jaguars stay on course to maintain its dominance and unbeaten streak for the 201516 season.

Playing in his 66th First Class match, the 28-year-old Johnson set the example with an attractive 92 and was well supported by the experienced Fudadin who played the perfect sheet-anchor role to rally the Guyana Jaguars to first innings points over the T&T Red Force at the end of the second day’s play at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain.

Despite rain interruptions, both Johnson and Fudadin played responsibly knowing that they are two of the most experienced batsmen in the team apart from veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul who remains undefeated on 22 at the close of play yesterday.

Both are fully conscious of getting big totals in the PCL to rebuild their cases and strengthen chances of playing for the West Indies team at the highest level.

In reply to the T&T Red Force first innings score of 210, the Jaguars now hold a slim lead of 23 runs with their first innings total of 233 for 3 after 89 overs.

The 30-year-old Fudadin has batted for total of 324 minutes is undefeated on 94 that included

two sixes and five fours off 234 deliveries faced. The left-hander will be seeking to chalk up his fifth First Class century in his 81st match.

However, this is his 63rd FC match for Guyana and when he had scored his first ten runs; he took his overall regional first class tally to 3,000 runs.

However, while Fudadin remains undefeated and lives to fight another; there was some pain and disappointment when skipper Johnson missed his third first class century by eight runs.

His former Guyanese teammate Narsingh Deonarine, who is the franchise player for the T&T Red Force; bowled him with a cleverly disguised top spinner.

His positive attitude forced the Red Force on the defensive but he hammered five sixes and seven fours off 132 deliveries received during his 138-minute of enterprising batting display.

It was Johnson’s highest First Class score and third fifty against Trinidad and Tobago in his eleventh match. His previous highest was 87 in eighteen innings.

It should be noted that Johnson highest First Class score is 144 for the West Indies ‘A’ team against Sri Lanka ‘A’ at the Warner Park, Basseterre in 2013; the same match in which Fudadin also showed his class with 145 as an opener alongside Kraigg Brathwaite who made 37 in an opening partnership of 87.

In that high-scoring match, Fudadin had featured in a 256run second wicket partnership

with Kirk Edwards (190) while Johnson and Edwards shared a third wicket stand worth 141 as the West Indies ‘A’ team amassed 636 for 8 declared in the drawn fixture in St Kitts.

Yesterday, Fudadin eschewed his naturally aggressive approach for a more studious and calculated display of patience and fortitude to graft on a pitch that did allow the freedom and liberty of fluent strokeplay.

He allowed Johnson to carry the fight to the Trinidadians who lacked the penetration and quality bowlers to create too many problems.

And although deprived of the coveted triple-figure, skipper Johnson would be very pleased to know that his team is in the ascendancy and poised to establish a significant lead to battle the homesters in their quest to maintain their unbeaten record and to register their fourth consecutive outright victory of the new season.

On resumption from their overnight total of nine with loss, Guyana Jaguars lost promising youthful opener Shimron Hetmyer LBW to Guyanese-born pacer Marlon Richards for seven with only a solitary run added to the team’s total.

But despite the immediate setback, Johnson stamped his class on the proceedings with classy attacking strokes and together with the patient Fudadin, compiled an encouraging 138run second wicket partnership that laid the foundation for first innings points and a wonderful opportunity to dominate the third day’s play with seven wickets

We surpassed our set goals -- GTTA president on US Open Team Table Tennis

By Stephan Sookram GUYANA’s National Team which recently returned from the United Sates Open Team Table Tennis Championships in Maryland exceeded their prescribed goals, according to president of the Guyana Table Tennis Association, Godfrey Munroe.

Speaking during a brief appreciation ceremony held on Saturday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Munroe noted, “I think we surpassed the goals that we had set, which were developmental. I think we have exceeded that.

“That resulted in three of our teams retaining gold in categories that I would say (were) very good, and against competitive teams in the region,” continued Munroe.

The teams of Shemar Britton and Nigel Bray, Miguel Wong and Raynor Anderson,

and Britton and Alec Hopkinson each picked up gold.

Munroe added that because of the structure, the GTTA has been able to achieve counted successes, and he admitted that there have been periods when the body did not do as well as had been forecasted.

Nonetheless, he said, they have been able to ensure that their nucleus remains intact through programmes and tournaments.

Meanwhile, coach Idi Lewis congratulated the unit on their performance as a whole, as they displayed both professionalism and sportsmanship.

“This is the best tournament in the world for exposure. It’s the only tournament that you can actually play all these different styles in one weekend.

There is no other tournament in the world where you can play these kinds of matches, where you can play the Chinese, the

pen-holder style, etcetera,” continued Lewis.

The tournament, which featured in action from November 26 to 30 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Centre in Maryland, USA, represented the nucleus of Guyana’s table tennis talents and the next generation of future champions, with players ranging in age from eight years old to those of the senior levels.

Other team members included Team Guyana, which featured Tyriq Saunders, Neveak Clarkston, Thuraia Thomas, Aneka Philips, Delecia Cummings, Yuedistir Persaud, Navindra Persaud, Niron Bissu, Krystan Sahadeo, Colin Wong, Joel Alleyne, Nicholas Roamin, Brandon Jaikarran, Orlando Mc Ewen, Raynor Anderson, Jamal Nicholas, Isaiah Layne and Priscilla Greaves.

intact.

The highly-talented Vishaul Singh, who recorded back-toback hundreds against Leewards Hurricanes and Barbados Pride; was unfortunately run out for 16 with the score at 183 for 3 (66.4 overs).

But there were no more hiccups as Chanderpaul got into stride and stroked the ball with authority and hit the second ball for his second boundary to level the scores on resumption after rain had stopped play after the tea interval.

At that stage, the Jaguars were 206 for 3 after 77.1 overs but Chanderpaul’s boundary eased the tension and he seemed determined to get big score alongside his name and rally his team to a sizeable first innings lead.

The only wicket-takers were Guyanese-born bowlers with Deonarine who finished with one wicket for 54 from 22 overs while Richards got one for 34 from 16 overs.

Racing Tips English Racing Tips Huntingdon 08:15 hrs David John 09:25 hrs Template 10:00 hrs Ptit Zig 10:35 hrs Waterlord 11:05 hrs La Bague Au Roi 11:35 hrs Mr Mafia Kelso 08:30 hrs Silsol 09:05 hrs Alizee De Janeiro 09:40 hrs Finish The Story 10:15 hrs Seventh Sky 10:45 hrs Libby Mae 11:15 hrs Marlee Massie South Africa Racing Tips Scottsville 08:25 hrs Miss Brody 09:00 hrs Respect At Bay 09:45 hrs Wukkin’ Up 10:15 hrs Fire The Rocket 10:50 hrs Legend Fighter 11:25 hrs Zingana Irish Racing Tips Punchestown 08:40 hrs Yorkhill 09:15 hrs Oscar Sam 09:50 hrs Djakadam 10:25 hrs Pont Alexandre 10:35 hrs Empire Of Dirt 11:25 hrs Blow By Blow

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 6, 2015

India in command after Kohli leads by example

By Amlan Chakraborty NEW DELHI, (Reuters)-Virat Kohli struck a fluent unbeaten 83 to help India overcome a top order collapse and virtually bat South Africa out of the contest on day three of the fourth and final test at the Ferozeshah Kotla stadium yesterday.

Playing his first match as Test captain at his home ground, Kohli partnered Ajinkya Rahane (52 not out) to cobble together the first century stand of the low-scoring series after India had slumped to 57-4 following Morne Morkel’s triple strikes.

The duo had raised 133 runs for the fifth wicket

when bad light stopped play.

India’s overall lead swelled to 403 against a beleaguered South African team who were shot out for 121 in the first innings and have not gone past 185 in the series.

“We batted well in the first innings, they folded cheaply. I think 213 is a big

India’s captain Virat Kohli acknowledges the cheers of the crowd after posting his first fifty of the series. (Reuters photo0 margin,” India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja told reporters, referring to the hosts’ first innings lead.

“As the match progresses, this wicket is going to deteriorate. We are in a strong position.”

Morkel orchestrated India’s top order collapse, claiming two wickets in two balls in the morning after India, who have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, had opted against enforcing the follow-on and decided to set the visitors a target instead.

Morkel drew first blood with a short delivery to dismiss opener Murali Vijay caught behind. The batsman pointed to his arm-guard to suggest he did not nick it before leaving the field shaking his head.

Rohit Sharma was sent ahead of Cheteshwar Pujara, who was hit on the arm while fielding at short leg on Friday, but the batsman could not justify his promotion.

The right-hander, who

scored one in the first innings, was out for a golden duck after a fuller Morkel delivery eluded his tentative prod and rearranged his stumps.

After the lunch break, Morkel castled Shikhar Dhawan with a searing, inswinging yorker to dismiss him for 21 while Imran Tahir dismissed Pujara (28).

India could have been in bigger trouble when Kohli, then on five, was ruled caught behind only to be called back after TV replays showed the leg-spinner had overstepped.

Kohli, hand on hip, was seen glaring at the umpire

after being given out initially suggesting he did not nick it in an act of defiance that is unlikely to go unnoticed by the match officials.

That was the only blip in an otherwise fluent knock by the Indian captain whose silken touch was in full display in each of the 10 boundaries he hit in his knock.

He and Rahane were largely unperturbed during the series-high partnership even though Morkel bowled his heart out, mixing pace and reverse swing but not getting much support from the other end.

“We threw everything at them this morning, but they batted incredibly well,” said Proteas paceman Kyle Abbott who did not mind India batting on further.

“To be quite honest, the longer they bat, probably the happier we are because more overs are taken out of the game.

“To be quite honest, I thought they’d probably have a crack at us tonight, maybe the last hour or so.

But they want to drag it out.”`

SCOREBOARD INDIA 1st innings 334 (A. Rahane 127, R. Ashwin 56; K. Abbott 5-40, D. Piedt 4-117) South Africa 1st innings 121 (R. Jadeja 5-30) India 2nd innings M. Vijayc Vilas b M. Morkel 3 S. Dhawan b M. Morkel 21 Ro. Sharma b M. Morkel 0 C. Pujarab Tahir 28 V. Kohli not out 83 A. Rahane not out 52

Extras (lb-2 nb-1) 3 Total (for 4 wickets, 81 overs) 190 Fall of wickets: 1-4 M. Vijay,2-8 Ro. Sharma,3-53 S. Dhawan,4-57 C. Pujara To bat: W. Saha, R. Jadeja, R. Ashwin, U. Yadav, I. Sharma Bowling: M. Morkel 17 - 6 - 29 – 3, K. Abbott 17 - 6 - 38 – 0, D. Piedt 18 - 1 - 53 – 0, I. Tahir 21 4 - 49 - 1(nb-1), D. Elgar 8 - 1 - 19 – 0.

Chelsea stunned by Bournemouth

By Martyn Herman

LONDON, (Reuters)-Chel-

sea’s season went from bad to worse when the reigning Premier League champions lost 1-0 at home to Bournemouth yesterday to leave them just three points above the bottom three.

Jose Mourinho’s side produced another disjointed display and were stunned in the 82nd minute when substitute Glenn Murray, who had only been on the field for two minutes, headed home after a goalmouth scramble.

Chelsea’s eighth defeat in 15 Premier League matches since the start of the season left them in 14th place, 14 points behind fourth-placed Manchester United.

Bournemouth moved out of the bottom three.

“The guys did great before I came on and sort of controlled the game at

Jose Mourinho times,” Murray told Sky Sports.

“When it’s 0-0 after 80 minutes they were more

nervous than us because we don’t expect anything out of these games really.”

Chelsea had been unbeaten in their past 43 home league games against newly-promoted teams, winning 37.

But Bournemouth, enjoying their first taste of topflight football after a rapid rise from obscurity, were always in with a chance as Chelsea pushed hard for a winner.

Mourinho again left Diego Costa on the bench, but even when the Spain striker did come on for the second half, replacing Oscar, the Blues could not find a way through and failed to score at home in the league for the first time since May 2014.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 6, 2015

Windies suffer embarrassing defeat in only buildup for first Test (REUTERS)-An almost fullstrength West Indies have crashed to an embarrassing 10-wicket loss to an inexperienced Cricket Australia XI in their only warm-up match ahead of next week’s first test against Steve Smith’s team in Hobart.

Jake Carder and Tim Paine needed just 17 balls to score the required 10 runs in the home side’s second innings to record the 10-wicket victory on Saturday at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.

It could have been much worse for West Indies had captain Jason

Jason Holder’s half-century was about the only thing West Indies had to celebrate on the final day of their tour game.

Holder (65) and Kemar Roach (36) not combined for a 79-run eighth-wicket

partnership after they had slumped to 97 for seven in their second innings, which

helped ensure the hosts would bat again.

“It’s a tough loss and not the start we were looking for on this tour,” Holder told reporters in Brisbane.

“We definitely have some areas to improve on.

We didn’t spend enough time in the middle as batsmen and when we bowled we were not as disciplined as we should have been.

“We definitely need to tighten up.”

The visitors had conceded a 201-run first innings lead to the inexperienced CA XI side, six of whom were making

their first class debut in the match.

Seven of the CA XI team were also aged 21 or younger.

Leg-spinner Cameron Boyce was the pick of the home side’s bowlers in the West Indies’ second innings, with figures of 4-84 from 20 overs.

The only regular test player missing from the West Indies side was strike bowler Jerome Taylor, who was rested for the match.

“Obviously we will cop some criticism and we need to improve, there is no doubt about it going into the test

against the second ranked team in the world,” Holder said in reference to the first of the three matches against Australia starting at Hobart next Thursday.

“We have to make the most of these coming days and make sure our preparation is right heading into the test.

“We are at that stage where we are stagnant and have been for the past few months.

“We need to try something different and each player has to look in the mirror and reflect on how they can lift.”

`Little Kenyan’ Forde eying NSC moving towards ‘athletes’ database’ Tokyo 2020 Marathon

By Stephan Sookram

---hoping to secure another overseas scholarship

By Michael DaSilva CLEVELAND `The Little Kenyan’ Forde is eying the 2020 Tokyo Marathon but is hoping that he can secure a training scholarship leading up to the prestigious event.

In an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport, Forde who is currently attending the University of Guyana where he is pursuing a degree programme in business management said he plans to discuss his interest of participating in the event with his Guyana Defence Force (GCF) coach Robert Chisolm and the administrators responsible for sports in the army very shortly.

Forde who benefitted from a three and one half years of training at the Kip Kenyo High Altitude Training Centre in Kenya a few years ago, said Kenya is the best place to prepare for an event of such magnitude. “If I don’t get to go back there, then I’ll be seeking to go to the USA…I really want to participate in that race (Tokyo 2020)” Forde stated.

Cleveland Forde Forde who started studying at the University of Guyana in 2013 will be graduating from the institution next year and plans to step up his athletic career after completing his degree programme.

Born in Mabaruma, North West Guyana (Region 1) secured a scholarship to train in Kenya in December 2004 and spent three and a half years there. He was just 19 years old at the time.

He said he benefitted tremendously from that training stint in terms of

better foundation and was looking forward of spending four more years training there “but the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) thought otherwise” Forde declared, adding “I think there was a breakdown in communication since I had to let them know how I feel and what my intentions were.

I looked at the reports the centre sent to the GOA and I thought that was enough, but when I returned home I spoke to them and told them I want to go back.”

Forde said from training in Kenya, he was able to eclipse a 50-year old 5000-metre record that was set by George DePena at the 1962 Commonwealth Games. That was in 2010 when he returned 14.07 for the event at Central American and Caribbean Games in Puerto Rico.

Forde went on to state that in Delhi 2010, he was able to set a new record for 1500 metres (three minutes 44 seconds) to break Desmond Hector ’s local record, “I left here for Kenya running 4.04 in the 1500m event.”Forde stated.

By 2008 he registered 3.46 in Italy at an international event and after that I kept lowering times for the 1500m but6 not the 5000m.

“I’m still hoping after finishing UG in May 2016 to have conversation with the GOA, Ministry of Sport and the GDF to have a collaborative effort to go back to Kenya or to the US because I think I can do better than I’m doing right now. I hope that whatever I put forward to them, they can agree on it collectively and I can look at where it’s more feasible” Forde stated.

Forde said on the local scene everyone is running about the same time and no one is pushing themselves to run faster “they are all running 32/33. That’s why the3 standard here is not improving, it’s not world standard’ Forde declared.

Forde opined that there should be a plan as to what competition he is going to as one should not jump high too quickly.

Forde has represented Guyana at several international meets over the past years and has do9minated the local middle distance events.

THE National Sport Commission is embarking on a bold move to ensure that the progress of National Athletes remain on their radar, in an attempt to help the development of juniors into top senior sportsmen and women.

The NSC, according to the Director of Sport (DoS) Christopher Jones is in the setting up stages of developing a national database of athletes.

“The essential idea behind the database is to pool all our national athletes into one database of which the National Sport Commission will keep a tab on those activities and their progress in whatever region they exist,” said Jones.

He contended that the reason for this is the obvious trends in athletes in the far flung regions who persons see probably twice yearly and do not often times hear of.

These athletes, the DoS noted are those that the NSC is intent on keeping its eyes on to ensure that they are afforded the same opportunities that

those in central locations are privy to.

The benefits of the database, Jones noted is multifaceted with effects into other sectors.

“Of course, we want to have a collaborative effort with the ministries of health because god forbid, one of these athletes run into some medical issue, there must be a special protocol arrangement that is had with the Ministry of Health that will take care of those needs,” adumbrated the Director.

Primarily, the DoS indicated that athletes entered into this database will be tracked and trained with the 2020 summer Olympics in mind, according to Jones.

The submission for t the equipment, which totals approximately US $3 M, is already with the Ministry of Finance and is expected to be included in the 2016 national budget.

The first set of information that will be entered in the database will be taken from the recently concluded MoE/ GTU National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships which concluded last week

36

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 6, 2015

Rampant Leicester go top though Vardy streak ends

By Martyn Herman LONDON, (Reuters)-Jamie Vardy’s record scoring streak ended but Leicester City’s improbable Premier League title challenge continued with Riyad Mahrez’s hat-trick sealing a 3-0 win at Swansea City that put them top yesterday.

Manchester City’s dismal 2-0 defeat at Stoke City in the early kickoff opened the door for 2000-1 pre-season title shots Leicester to reach the summit after 15 games and they responded in emphatic fashion in south Wales.

Mahrez scored twice in the first 22 minutes and struck again after the break as Leicester moved on to 32 points, two clear of Arsenal who moved above Manchester City with a 3-1 home defeat of Sunderland -- Olivier Gir-

Riyad Mahrez scores the third goal for Leicester City to complete his hat trickAction Images via Reuters / Paul Childs oud scoring for both sides.

Vardy had scored for 11 consecutive Premier League matches and while he drew a blank at the Liberty Stadium, it had no effect on Claudio Ranieri’s confident side who are still unbeaten away from home in the league this season.

Two goals inside the

opening 15 minutes from Stoke’s Austrian striker Marko Arnautovic, both created by influential Swiss playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri, condemned injury-hit City to defeat at a blustery Britannia Stadium.

“We can’t accept how we played today,” City

keeper Joe Hart said. “It was a disappointing start and we could not recover from it.”

Manchester United failed to take advantage of City’s defeat, drawing 0-0 at home with West Ham United to stay fourth, level on 29 points with their neighbours.

There were some boos at fulltime after a fourth 0-0 draw in their last six home games.

“The most important thing is we are dominant and creating chances, but we have to improve because we don’t score,” United manager Louis van Gaal said.

Fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur also missed the chance to capitalise as they drew 1-1 at West Bromwich Albion.

Dele Alli had given the visitors an early lead but James McClean headed West Brom level as Tottenham drew for the eighth time so far in the campaign.

Leicester, who spent a total of 140 days propping up the Premier League last season, the most by any club to avoid relegation, were too good for free-falling

Swansea.

And they proved that their form is not all about Vardy’s scoring prowess as Mahrez produced three clinical strikes.

The Algerian, who cost 500,000 pounds when he joined from French club Le Havre, headed them in front after five minutes, looked offside when he swept in a second after 22 and rounded off a great day in the 67th minute after a counter-attack.

He now has 10 league goals this season.

Remi Garde is still awaiting his first win as manager of bottom club Aston Villa but earned some comfort in a 1-1 draw away to Southampton.

Fellow-strugglers Norwich City lost 2-0 at Watford.

KMTC complete rehabilitation of race Team Minions are clear title favourites track ahead of Boxing Day meet

THE Guyana Squash Association (GSA) will bring the curtains down on their Farfan and Mendes Junior Christmas tournament today at the Georgetown Club Squash Courts with Team Minions positioning themselves as a clear favourite for the title.

In recent play, Team Minions, and Team Tornadoes continued their dominance which will set up and interesting final day.

Lucas Jonas of Team Minions pulled off an impressive victory over Team Avengers’ Gianni Carpenter as he recovered from being 2-0 down to win 3-2, sealing victory with a 13/11 finish in the last game.

Makeda Harding showed her improving prowess by defeating her male counterpart Jael Gaskin 3-1 to round out another successful night for team Minions.

Shomari Wiltshire kept the hopes of team Avengers alive with a determined performance to defeat Daniel Islam. Islam raced to a two game lead, before narrowly losing the third 11/8, after which Wiltshire sealed the match emphatically with 11/5, 11/4 sweeps of the last two games.

Alexander Cheeks recovered from a first match loss to beat Shomari Wiltshire Matthew Phang 3-1 capping off an improved night of performances for team Tornadoes, who also benefited from victories

by Samuel Ince-Carvahal, Michael Ramroop and Jason Gomes.

Taylor Fernandes fought gamely to win a game 11/8, but in the end could not pull off an upset win over her more robust male counterpart Alec Melville as he powered to a 3-1 win for team Bungatuffies.

The tournament concludes today with the consistent Team Minions and Team Rising Stars establishing themselves as favourites to compete for the title.

Complete Results Lucas Jonas beat Gianni Carpenter 3-2 (8/11, 2/11, 13/11, 11/9, 13/11) Isabella Ramjohn beat Noah Rahaman 2-0 (11/3, 18/16) Kamir Khan beat Haley Carpenter 2-1 (8/11, 11/5, 11/7) Alec Melville beat Taylor Fernandes 3-1 (11/2, 11/5, 8/11, 11/7) Alexander Cheeks beat Matthew Phang 3-1 (9/11, 11/8, 11/4, 12/10) Michael Ramroop beat Maya Collins 3-1 (11/9, 8/11, 12/10, 11/9) Shiloh Asregado beat Christiana Fernandes 2-0 (11/1, 11/3) Georgiana Fernandes beat Liam Carpenter 2-1 (11/8, 7/11, 11/7) Jason Gomes beat James Mekdeci 2-0 (16/14, 11/8) Samuel Ince-Carvahal beat Ethan Jonas 3-0 (11/5, 11/5, 11/3) Kirsten Gomes beat Abosaide Cadogan 3-0 (11/8, 11/4, 11/4) Aliyah Persaud beat Nechemiyah Levans 2-0 (11/8, 11/8) Demetrius DeAbreu beat Madison Fernandes 3-0 (11/4, 11/8, 11/8) Shomari Wiltshire beat Daniel Islam 3-2 (10/12, 11/13, 11/9, 11/5, 11/4) Makeda Harding beat Jael Gaskin 3-1 (11/2, 11/4,9/11, 11/7)

By Michael DaSilva THE Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) underwent a rehabilitation of its race track over the past few months in preparation for its annual Boxing Day meeting which is scheduled for December 26.

According to the club’s Honorary President Justice Cecil Kennard, approximately $6M was spent on resurfacing the race track and spurcing up the stands for the highly anticipated meet which according to Kennard is expected to see 65-70 horses being registered for the annual event.

Justice Kennard told Chronicle Sport that since the rehabilitation of the facility was completed, a number of trainers have been using it to train their animals.

He said while works are ongoing on the sea defence bordering the track on the Northern side, this has not and will not affect the Boxing Day seven-race programme.

Asked about security arrangements for race day, Justice Kennard assured that there will be adequate security since fences have been erected along the home stretch to prevent turfites from going onto the

KMTC honorary president Justice Cecil Kennard track, thereby, preventing injury “to the horses, jockeys and turfites”.

Apart from the fences, security officers will be positioned at strategic points along the homestretch Justice Kennard assured.

The day’s events are being sponsored by P&P Insurance Brokers, P&P Spare Parts, Torginol Guyana Limited, GUYOIL, Khemraj Kissoon, Beharry Automotive, Metro Office and Stationary Supplies, Rohan Auto Spares, Republic Bank, Berbice River Bridge, Hand-in-Hand Insurance, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Demerara Distillers Limited, Digicel, GT&T, Ansa McAl and

N&S Mattai and Company among others.

The feature race on the day’s programme is a one mile event for horses classified `C ‘ and Lower and the winner4 of the event will take home $1M, while the second, third and fourth place finishers will earn $500,000, $250,000 and $125,000 respectively.

The $1m prize is being sponsored by Metro Stationary and Office Supplies.

Four six-furlong races are also carded for the day with one being for horses classified `H 1 and Lower’, another for horses `E and Lower’ another for `J 3 and Lower horses and the final one for `J 1 and lower’.

One five-furlong race is also billed for the day and will involve horses classified ` K 1 and Lower’. `G 1 and Lower’ horses will contest a one mile event.

The closing date for entries is December 19 and owners and trainers wishing to register their horses can make contact with Justice Kennard on telephone numbers 6337609, 225-4818 or 226-1399 or Roopnarine Matadial on 325-31`92, Ivan Dipnarine on 331-0316 or Fazal Habibula on 657-7010.

37

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 6, 2015

Chronicle Sports Star feature

FIFA Referee Sherwin Moore – carrying the Golden Arrow Head with the whistle

By Rawle Toney THEY are the most hated on the pitch but still the most important. Being a referee in the world’s most popular sport – football – could be dangerous since your interpretation of the Laws of the Game, could be crucial to the team or players success.

In a sport where the only people that seemingly matter are the players and where millions of dollars is spent daily and billions generated annually, referees are often times forgotten.

A discussion or argument about football could be heard on every street corner around the world, with conversation ranging from who’s the best player in the world, to who is the richest, with statistics to support ones pick being mentioned.

But, ask the most avid football fan to debate who is the best referee, it would be as if a litmus test is given.

The recently concluded STAG Elite League (Genesis) was given rave reviews and praised by football fans and administrators of the game. However, while the players, coaches and team owners were spoken of highly, the same could not have been said about the referees. But one referee stood out. Sherwin Moore.

Moore is ranked by FIFA as Guyana’s top Referee and is regarded as one of the best in the CONCACAF region.

Today, Chronicle Sports (CS) features Referee Sherwin Moore (SM).

Sherwin Moore Referee Facts Full name: Sherwin Lennox Moore Age: 39 (July 30, 1976) Marital Status: Married to Coretta Moore and a father

of two children (girls Shaerecia and Shevelia).

Grew up in: Devonshire Castle, Essequibo Coast I grew up with grandparents since my parents resided overseas (Venezuela).

Profession: Civil Engineer (Degree) University o f Guyana - 2000 Employer: Ministry of Education, Department of Culture Youth and Sports.

CS: When did you become interested in football?

SM: I became interested in football since I was about 5 years-old, being tagged along to different venues by my football playing uncles, operating as a “ball boy” on several occasions even during their training sessions. Those days I dreamt of one day playing in a world cup and never knew of all the logistical requirements of qualification and all that. During that dream I had calculated to make my world cup debut in 1998. Guess I was born in the wrong part of the world or you can argue not talented enough.

CS: Have you ever played competitive football?

SM: I played football at almost all levels, representing Essequibo at the under 13, 16 and 19 level. Captain my high school Anna Regina multilateral during the days of the Coca-Cola tournament and other school tournaments. I represented the Essequibo FA at the senior level, but my best playing years came at university as captain of the UG team competing admirably against the top teams in the country at the time.

CS: How you became involve in refereeing?

SM: During the period

2000 to 2003 I dabbled with football administration as the EFA (Essequibo/Pomeroon Football Association) assistant secretary and eventual secretary whiles working on the Essequibo coast.

That led to me completing the referee’s beginner course in 2001 and started officiating since there was a need for referee in Essequibo.

A second move to the city in 2003 saw me making an effort to restart my playing career and commenced training with the Beacons football club, but with work commitment and later a family playing football competitively was eventually cast aside.

WThen in 2009 I was encourage by a good friend in Mark Young who was then a FIFA referee to get involve again since I had some prior knowledge of both the game and refereeing. Well I did just that and completed a refresher course and here I am today.

CS: What do you like about refereeing?

SM: The most admired thing for me as a referee is the lifestyle.

It calls for a tremendous amount of self discipline and commitment. I have always been a sports and fitness enthusiast. I am a great fan of the sport of football, but most of all I love the healthy lifestyle of refereeing. It causes me to train or do something active 5-6 times a week, I look at what I eat and how I eat in order to stay fit because being a referee is physically demanding. It also still gives me the opportunity to be on the pitch and close to the action which I really enjoyed over the years.

CS: What goals do you have as a FIFA Referee?

SM: When I started I

have set myself short term to learn as much as I can of the art of refereeing and to be one of the top referees in the Caribbean, for those of us who are referees know how challenging it can be. I am still learning the art which will never end and I think within the last two years I have establish myself among the best in the CFU region and poised to be among the Elite referees in CONCACAF. The ultimate goal of all referees is to officiate at the senior world cup finals but my aim is to officiate at a FIFA finals tournament.

CS: What challenges you face thus far as an International Referee?

SM: The challenges are numerous, but I’m the type of person that looks for solutions to challenges. I want to start by highlighting that as a local international referee we do this part time and have to compete with the North and Central Americans who referee full time. So my greatest challenge has been to be release from work when I was at the Audit Office after being employed as an Engineer for over 11 years, to referee in international tournaments. It was so much of a challenge after officiating at the Pan American games in July of this year my previous employer and I parted ways.

So on that note I want to plea with the authorities to pay more emphasis to sports in general because other athletes face similar challenges. It is prestigious to represent your country and you should be given that recognition of provided national service. The other challenge I want to talk about is the level and quality of our local competitions. I am so happy to see the improve quality of the Elite league, but we still have a far way to go.

It is an accepted fact that seeing yourself is the best tool for improvement and development, it is even recommended for training. So referees greatest chances of improvement is constructive criticism with high quality video reviews for correction and that is still lacking.

CS: What are some of the tournament you officiated in?

SM: I did the Caribbean cup from preliminaries to the final round. I officiated at the CONCACAF champion’s league and other CO NCACAF finals. Just recently I did the Caribbean finals for the Olympic qualifiers between Haiti and Cuba. I was fortunate to carry t h e whistle also

in the Caribbean club finals. I was the referee in charge of a few world cup qualifiers this year. My biggest tournament to date is officiating at the Pan American Games in Canada in July of this year since this was a cross confederation tournament with world class teams such as Brazil and Uruguay.

Among other matches and duties, I officiated as fourth official in the semi final between Brazil and Uruguay then work again in the third place match.

CS: Who would you like to thank?

SM: I will like to thank my family for their support over the years. Refereeing is very demanding in terms of time and my wife has been very supportive and helpful even giving refereeing tips. Sometimes I referee on Christmas day, New years day, mother’s day and father’s day and Special days. Sometime I’m away for birthdays and other special occasions but my family is very understanding and supportive.

I would also like to thank the local instructors for their input and my fellow refereeing coll e a g u e s p l ay an important role in my development and will share knowledge from time to time and that is relevant n ow m o re t h a n ever.

FIFA referee Sherwin Lennox Moore

38

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, December 6, 2015

Caribbean hails organising of CDBT THE recently concluded Caribbean Developing Boxing Tournament (CDBT) has been hailed as great success that has cleared the path for meaningful development of the sport in the region . Administrators from around CARICOM are applauding the Guyana Boxing Association(GBA) for delivering when first choice host Aruba abruptly pulled out.

Guyana saw one hundred and thirty five boxers and 40 officials from 13 countries assembled here just over a week ago for what was dubbed as the Caribbean Boxing Tsunami. President of the Jamaica Boxing Association Stephen O. Jones has recommended that what took place in Guyana be a blue print to be used across the region.

One hundred and thirty five boxers and 40 officials assembled here “When the Jamaica Boxing Association first got word that Guyana was taking up the mantle for hosting the first Caribbean Development Tournament we were ecstatic because

we knew what an initiative such as this could mean for boxing in our region,” Jones said.

“We have been working very closely with Guyana Boxing Association so

we had no doubt that they would host a successful event but we had no idea that it would have been this successful. They (GBA) have really created a blueprint from which the other Caribbean Nations can follow as our boxers, coaches and officials came back home raving about the level of competition, all they had learned and how they were treated,” added Jones.

“Kudos to the Guyana Boxing President Mr. Steve Ninvalle and the rest of the team members of his association for a job very well done and I look forward to the day where Jamaica can host and do the same as the bar has now been set,” Jones concluded.

President of the St. Lucia Boxing Association David `Shakes’ Christopher, admitted that he was driven to

Guyana boxing President Steve Ninvalle. tears during the tournament after seeing members of the Republican Gym in action.

“The opportunity that was presented for such a large part of the Caribbean family to be brought together should be cherished.

It brought tears to my eyes to see the prisoners from Guyana being allowed to participate in an international competition. I am suggesting that members

of the Caribbean Community take their hats off to my brother Steve Ninvalle and his executives for a job well done,” Christopher reasoned.

His sentiments were echoed by President of the Trinidad and Tobago Boxing Association Cecil Ford who in an emailed message acknowledged that the tournament was a great success and set the initiative for the future.

The Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament saw participation from Anguilla, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Jamaica , St Maarten, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago.

A four-day referee and judges seminar was conducted by AIBA Three Star Referee/Judge James Beckles prior to the tournament.

Windies great in our midst: Walsh COURTNEY Walsh sees reason to be optimistic as the West Indies prepare for Thursday’s first Test The closest the West Indies have come to greatness on their Australian tour to date has been when they rub shoulders with their all-star support staff at training.

But fast-bowling legend Courtney Walsh believes the Windies’ next cricketing great is present in the current squad for the three-match Commonwealth Bank Test series against world No.2 Australia.

And the Windies will no doubt be sweating on him emerging sooner rather than later after a poor start to their Australian tour.

The West Indies may wish they could run out their support staff of legends Walsh, Richie Richardson, Curtly Ambrose and coach Phil Simmons as they look to rebuild their once mighty team.

Particularly after a near full-strength Windies were humbled by 10 wickets by a second string Cricket Australia XI in their warm-up match before the first Test, starting in Hobart on Thursday.

Only rested bowling spearhead Jerome Taylor was missing from the Windies XI in Brisbane.

For the first time since they launched their remarkable 15year unbeaten Test streak in 1980, the West Indies have arrived in Australia without a recognised matchwinner.

The likes of ex-skippers Chris Gayle, Darren Sammy and Dwayne Bravo are in Australia, but they are instead featuring in the KFC Big Bash League.

Yet Walsh thinks greatness will potentially be on display in Windies colours this summer.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Sunday December 06, 2015) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 168-Clyde Walcott (WI vs ENG, Lord’s, 1950) (2) 169-Dinesh Ramdin (WI vs BANG, St. Kitts, 2014) Today’s Quiz: (1) What is the highest score made by a wicketkeeper in a Test innings?

(2) What is the highest score made by a wicketkeeper in an ODI innings?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Asked if they had a player in their midst to add to their long list of Windies legends, Walsh said: “There are a few players here on this tour that could do so.”

“But it is up to the individual to work hard, stay focused,” he added.

Asked if he could name names, a protective Walsh said: “No.” Walsh said he had a big role to play in ensuring his bold claim came to pass.

Walsh hopes the presence of tour selector Walsh, team manager Richardson, bowling consultant Ambrose and head mentor Simmons in Australia will inspire the young squad.

“It’s a balancing act but that is where the management team come into play,” Walsh said.

“They all have their role to play.

“Encourage when you need to encourage. When you need to be hard and tough you are hard and tough.

“Everything is not always going to be rosy.” (AAP)

Courtney Walsh believes there is a star in their midst

Debutants Channel-9 Warriors through to final four Sparta Boss, North Ruimveldt and Back Circle also advance

NORTH Ruimveldt, Back Circle, Channel-9 Warriors and Sparta Boss qualified for the Georgetown leg semi-final round of the Guinness Greatest In Da Street Futsal Competition on Friday night at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac.

Bent Street lost in the first quarterfinal match to North Ruimveldt 2 – 1 on penalty kicks after the two sides were deadlocked at 1 – 1 after regulation and extra time. They battled to a goalless first half then Sheldon Profit (29th) drew first blood for Bent Street in the 29th minute.

However, North Ruimveldt responded immediately with the game still in

Part of the action between Sparta Boss and North East La Penitence the 29th minute through a the way with a double as he Linris Carrington strike. scored in the third and sevThe scores remained level enth minutes. Vincent Thomuntil the match went to as made it a three possession game when he struck in the penalties. rd Back Cirle then stormed 23 minute while East Front Road had no answer. into the semis with a 3 – 0 West Front Road’s unwin over East Front Road.

Once again Andy Duke led beaten run was interrupted

with a painstaking 1 – 0 loss to Channel-9 Warriors.

Neither side was able to exploit an opening and take the lead until the 37th minute when Kevin Barrow found the back of the net. That goal amplified Channel-9’s confidence to keep West Front Road at bay until the final whistle sounded.

Sparta Boss was the last to qualify for the semis with a 2 – 0 trouncing on North East La Penitence.

Sheldon Shepherd was once again among the scorers scoring in the 29th minute while Devon Millington accounted for the other Sparta goal in the 40th minute. (Kizan Brumell)

All hail the Lady Jags, pride of Guyana

See Story on Page 33

Johnson and Fudadin rally Jaguars to first innings lead See Story on Page 33

Assad Fudadin plays through the leg side during his unbeaten 94.

Jeremy Solozano ducks as skipper Leon Johnson swings for six.

(WICB /Media Ashley Allen

We surpassed our set goals -- GTTA president on US Open Team Table Tennis See Story on Page 33

Members of the GTTA contingent pose with their certificates

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015