Chronicle 17 10 2015

GUYANA

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

HINTERLAND to become Guyana’s new No. 104344

SATURDAY OCTOBER 17, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

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agricultural frontier

INCLUDING VAT

– President Granger P.3

A student of Leonora Secondary School examines a garden bed at the Uitvlugt Community Centre

Salary increases an investment in quality, efficiency, good governance President says…

- admits decision was ‘a difficult one’ P.2

Students pet a sheep at the World Food Day 2015 exhibition held at the Uitvlugt Community Centre

Man tossed away ‘joint’ at – out of respect for Potaro Junction lawmen, court hears P.2

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 17, 2015

Salary increases an investment in quality, efficiency, good governance President says…

- admits decision was ‘a difficult one’ PRESIDENT David Granger has described the move by his administration to increase the salaries of the Prime Minister, Ministers, Members of Parliament and the opposition’s yearly allocation as an “investment in efficiency, quality and good governance.”

Speaking at the recording of the Ministry of the Presidency’s “Public Interest” programme on Friday, President Granger said that while the decision was a difficult one, it was decided on in the best interest of the country.

“As far as the salary increases are concerned, we had to make some choices, and choices were made in order to assure the public of the efficiency and commitment of the ministers…It was a difficult choice in the first place. It was not something that we did recklessly.

We had to consider all of the options and in the final analysis we felt that this was the best means of ensuring that the work of the Cabinet would continue,” he said.

The President’s remarks follow a public outcry over the move to increase salaries of government minis-

ters, members of parliament and the opposition. Granger said that in order to attract the best qualified people to serve at this level, certain sacrifices have to be made.

“Many of the members were professionals and some came from private enterprises. We are trying to ensure that the coalition’s Cabinet is such that there is a high level of efficiency.

The changes have been an investment in quality governance,” President Granger said.

The President believes that while there are criticisms, he is confident that

‘Just a joint’ brings man 20 hours community service, $3,000 fine CITY Magistrate Annette Singh yesterday ordered Keron Barrette of 34 East La Penitence to do 20 hours of community service and

fined him $3,000 for being in possession of two grammes of marijuana on Thursday near Bourda Market, Georgetown.

Barrette, who was unrepre-

sented by an attorney, pleaded guilty to the charge. The prosecutor told the court that on the day in question the police were informed about suspicious activities by the market.

A police rank subsequently approached Barrette and a search revealed a bulky paper packet in his pocket.

It was opened in his presence and the leaves, stems and seeds suspected to be marijuana were found. He was informed of the allegation of being in possession of the illegal substance and he responded that “it just a joint.”

He was then arrested and charged. (Sherah Alleyne)

in the future, Guyanese will appreciate the merit of regularising and upgrading the income of the country’s most senior officials.

“I am aware of the criticisms but we have to make choices every day and the choice was made in favour of having a stronger Cabinet and allowing those persons who have been selected to fulfill their functions and I am confident that this will be done. In the middle term, I believe people will see that as a good decision…I believe that in time to come, evidence would emerge that we made the correct decision,” he said.

President Granger noted that it is now his job to en-

sure that his Cabinet does the work that is necessary to bring about transformative change in Guyana. He also urged all citizens to continue to hold their leaders’ accountable so as to ensure that they serve the country well.

In an Extraordinary Official Gazette dated September 25, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo received a 10 per cent increase that will now see him being paid $20,580,000 per annum.

Vice Presidents will receive $11,135,064 per annum while senior government Ministers are to receive $10,439,124 per annum. Junior Ministers will receive just over $8,346,492

per annum. The Attorney General will receive the same salary as the Chancellor of the Judiciary; Speaker of the National Assembly is to receive $10,439,124 per annum.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition will also receive $10,439,124 while Parliamentary Secretary is to receive $3,753, 984 per annum. The Deputy Speaker will receive $2,702,880 and Chief Whip will receive $2,682,360 per annum. Every other member of the National Assembly will receive $2,402,532 per annum.

Earlier this year, government announced a 5 per cent salary increase for public servants.

Man tossed away ‘joint’ at Potaro Junction

– out of respect for lawmen, court hears

LESTER Gibson, 49, was yesterday refused bail

by City Magistrate Ann McLennan on a charge of trafficking in narcotics at Potaro Junction.

Gibson, of Lot 3233 South Ruimveldt, Georgetown denied the drug trafficking charge read to him.

Particulars of the charge said that on Thursday at Potaro Junction, the defendant was seen in the area and after he recognised that the policemen

patrolling the area were approaching him he threw away a black plastic bag and began to run away.

The officers, however, were able to apprehend him and the bag he had in his possession was allegedly found to contain what was suspected to be marijuana.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones opposed bail, citing the nature and gravity of the charge.

The unrepresented de-

fendant told the court that he was ‘burning a joint’ and in showing respect for the lawmen he threw it away and ran off. He said also that the officer found the bag under a house and because he ran when he saw them they are claiming that the bag belonged to him.

The matter was adjourned to 21st October and transferred to the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court.

Remanded for bush rum beating A FARMER from the Upper Mazaruni River who is accused of attempting to kill his wife with a boat paddle while being intoxicated with ‘bush rum,’ was yesterday remanded to prison.

Thirty-six-year-old Jeffery James was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that he attempted to murder his reputed wife Wanita Beharry on October 12 at Hallova Village, Upper Mazaruni River.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan remanded James and transferred his matter to Kamarang Magistrates’ Court for December 15.

According to a report, the accused was consuming Cojac (an Amerindian alcoholic beverage) when he allegedly returned home intoxicated, armed himself with a boat paddle and dealt several lashes to Beharry about her head and body causing her to lose consciousness.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 17, 2015

Hinterland to become Guyana’s – President new agricultural frontier Granger

By Ariana Gordon

THE hinterland region is to become Guyana’s new agricultural frontier, says President David Granger.

“The hinterland, particularly our grass lands in the Upper Demerara/Berbice, that is, the intermediate savannahs and in the Rupununi will become our new agricultural frontiers,” Granger said at yesterday’s observance of World Food Day 2015.

President Granger said the grasslands located in those areas will help to “produce greater quantities of food” for local consumption as well as export to sister Caribbean states.

“The Caribbean food import bill is more than $4B a year, the Caribbean has the market, Guyana has the land and our people have the skill.

Together we can bring these resources, our capital, our talent and our land to bear on this huge food-import bill in our region,” the Guyanese Head of State posited.

He explained that the Ministry of Agriculture’s focus would be on “pasture development on orchards and beef and dairy development and infrastructural rehabilitation and development.”

“We are on the move.

Our government, even as we open up new farmlands in the hinterland, promise not to neglect agriculture on the coastland. We promise to continue to support coastal agriculture since coastal agriculture, our rice lands and sugar lands remain the bedrock of our production,” he added, stressing that Guyanese must never be hungry again.

Government, he said, will

be seeking to move to more value-added food production.

“We will seek greater investments in agro-processing and we would take steps to stimulate cottage industries - what we call bottom house industries - thereby creating jobs, providing reliable sources of income particularly for women and young people coming out of school.”

President Granger said it is important that the cycle of rural poverty be broken.

“Our government is determined to ensure greater food security and in so doing, we must produce food in greater quantities, we must protect societies from hunger, we must promote better nutrition and health and we must provide employment in rural and hinterland areas for our young people and we must support our local farmers and

FAO Country Representative Reuben Robertson presents a FAO 2015 report on food insecurity in Latin America

Staff of GUYSUCO demonstrate how sugar is made

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture George Jarvis explains an Agriculture Model to President David Granger in the presence of FAO’s country representative Reuben Robertson (Delano Williams photos)

we must achieve, together, a poverty-free country.”

Hunger and poverty, the president stressed must be alleviated. Speaking at the Uitvlugt Community Centre Ground on the West Coast of Demerara, the president said food security will exist in Guyana when “all Guyanese everywhere have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life.”

He referenced the FAO’s

three pillars on which food security stands, stating that availability of food in sufficient quantities and consistently, access to resources to obtain appropriate food for a nutritious diet and food use are critical.

“These are the three pillars we hope to strengthen in (Guyana) and throughout the Caribbean Region over the next 15 years. Food security is important because it will enhance our ability to eradi-

cate extreme poverty.”

The President stressed that understanding the most vulnerable sections of the population is also critical to eradicating poverty.

Additionally, President Granger said food security is affected by Climate Change and as such it is important that agriculture is made “more resilient.”

“Our challenge therefore is to make agriculture more Turn to page 7 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 17, 2015

Following Ban Ki-moon’s visit to Guyana…

Maduro sees diplomatic roadmap to solve border controversy - in November ing Venezuela’s interest) and one from Russia, who were presumed neutral.

The Tribunal settlement which was agreed to by both parties at the time ruled largely in favour of Britain and granted most of the territory to Guyana. However, the Venezuelan representatives, not satisfied with the outcome, claimed that Britain had unduly influenced the decision of the Russian member of the tribunal, and protested the outcome.

By Ravin Singh

A DIPLOMATIC roadmap which is expected to be outlined by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in November will serve to resolve the Venezuelan-fuelled border controversy between Guyana and the Spanish-speaking state.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a TeleSUR report published on October 14, 2015, said: “We have agreed that in November the [U.N. Technical] Commission [for the Essequibo controversy] will take part in a second round of talks.”

Unlike those before it, Maduro said that these talks will be aimed at resolving the territorial controversy between the neighbouring countries.

In a meeting with the commission, Maduro posited that the Geneva Agreement successfully revived the issue of Essequibo, “for what I believe is an agreement that marks the first solid steps to be accepted by both parties.”

However, whether this

President of Guyana, David Granger report by Maduro is accurate, Guyana, through Head of State David Granger, has not signalled its acceptance of this decision which was made by the commission, as Maduro claims.

The Venezuelan President further said in the report that he outlined the basis for the Venezuelan claim to Essequibo to the commission. “I explained in detail,” he is reported to have said.

“The [Venezuelan] Head

OIL FIND What perhaps offended Venezuela the most, to renew their claim to the territory, was the actual arrival of ExxonMobil’s Deepwater Champion oil drilling rig earlier this year.

In early May this year, ExxonMobil – the giant U.S. oil company currently drilling for oil, announced that it had found significant deposits of oil in the Stabroek Bloc, located 120 miles offshore Guyana – waters now being claimed

by Venezuela.

However, the most recent episode of Venezuela’s dissatisfaction with the settlement followed ExxonMobil’s announcement of the reserves. As a result, Maduro renewed Venezuela’s claims to the territory which has been acknowledged as Guyana’s by the international community.

Following the oil find, two decrees were issued by Maduro, and armed Venezuelan troops were deployed at locations close to the Guyana/Venezuela border as well as armed boats belonging to Venezuela began traversing the Cuyuni River which falls within Guyana’s territory. However, this military presence was

Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro of State reported that positive steps have already been taken, listing the Geneva Agreement and the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between both nations with ambassadors in each other’s capitals,” the TeleSUR report said.

NEW PATH Additionally, it was highlighted that in the meeting with the UN delegation, Maduro repeated that his government will make its sovereign demands through diplomacy and peace, insisting that the November meeting will design a new path to a solution.

The commission arrived in Venezuela on Wednesday headed by the U.N. Chief of Cabinet to the Executive Office, Susana Malcorra.

This succeeded a visit by Secretary General Ban Kimoon to Guyana on Sunday last, when he met with Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge.

The Tribunal award which granted Guyana what is now known as Essequibo, had five arbitrators - two from Britain, two from the U.S. (represent-

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scaled back following a meeting between Granger, Maduro and the UN Secretary General at the UN Headquarters in New York last month.

Maduro had committed to restoring normal diplomatic relations with Guyana, and seeking a peaceful resolution to the issue. He also committed to, and fulfilled his promise of reinstating the Venezuela ambassador to Guyana which was done last week.

But President David Granger has reiterated that Guyana would be seeking to move to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to have the controversy resolved once and for all.

Making his debut presentation to the United Nations General Assembly last month, the President said, “Our message will be that we have to resolve this matter by juridical means. We will be going to court; we are not interested any longer in any sterile Good Officer Process. We are going to go to court and settle this matter. It is affecting our development too long; 50 years is too long.”

Succeeding this however, Jorge Alfonzo Guerrero Veloz, the Venezuelan Ambassador to Grenada, accused the United States of fuelling the controversy, despite the call by the United States for

a peaceful resolution to the issue.

Veloz was of this conviction, due to the fact that President Barack Obama earlier this year listed the Spanish-speaking country as a threat to the national security of the U.S., and because ExxonMobil is a U.S.-based company.

However, newly accredited U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway has weighed in on the issue, offering that the two countries should push for “a peaceful resolution, continued dialogue and respect for international law.”

Prior to his official appointment, Holloway had told the Foreign Relations Committee of the U.S. Senate that any country making claims to territory must respect the law of the sea and international obligations which govern same.

Holloway had further disclosed that the U.S. remains committed to encouraging both countries to reach a “peaceful resolution.”

This content of the TeleSUR article was originally published at the following address: “http://www.telesurtv. net/english/news/Maduro-Solution-to-Essequibo-Dispute-to-Be-Announced-November-20151014-0037.html”

Teens charged over murder of Guyanese man in Barbados TWO teenagers from St Michaels, Barbados have been jointly charged with the offence of serious bodily harm in connection with the death of Brinsley Warde, who is reported to be a Guyanese.

According to a report from the Barbados Nation yesterday, 18-year-old Nishawn D’Andre Prescod of Hinds Gap, Halls Road and Nickolai Matthew Thompson, also 18, of Chadderton Road, Carrington Village were slated to appear in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court, yesterday.

Warde, a 59-year-old Halls Road resident, was stabbed along John Beckles Drive on October 9.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 17, 2015

Eleanor Luckhoo admitted to Guyana Bar

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- 21 year-old ‘a shining light’

the LLB degree at the University of Guyana. There, she obtained the degree with distinction in 2013, walking away with the Pro Chancellor’s Medal (Best Graduating Law Student) and the Ann Blue Award (Best Second Year Law Student).

From left, Eleanor Dolores Maria Luckhoo, her proud father Edward Luckhoo, S.C., and Chief Justice Ian Chang, S.C

By George Barclay TWENTY-ONE-year old Eleanor Dolores Maria Luckhoo was last Thursday admitted to the Guyana Bar to practise her profession here. Senior Counsel Robin Stoby, S.C., made the presentation of the young lawyer before Chief Justice Ian Chang, S.C. Mr. Stoby said the new advent is the only daughter of Mr. Edward Alexander Luckhoo, S.C., and Mrs. Jackie Luckhoo.

And speaking about the petitioner’s academic ca-

reer, Mr. Stoby explained that Ms. Luckhoo began her stellar rise in the world of academia at the prestigious St Margaret’s Primary School on Camp Street, before proceeding to Queen’s College in 1995 where she was successful in attaining nine subjects at the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) examinations (all Grade Ones).

She then took her Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination in Chemistry where again she received Grade 1 in Units I and II. Later, she took the Edex-

cel London Examinations in Mathematics and English Literature obtaining Grade B in both.

Following her successful secondary education Ms. Luckhoo read for the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in English (cum laude at the University of Miami between the years 2002 and 2006).

She took a break from studies between the years 2006-2010 before taking up employment with the Bank of Nova Scotia as a Senior Accounting Clerk. She left the bank in 2010 to read for

HUGH WOODING Mr. Stoby went on to say that Ms. Luckhoo’s advent to the School of Law at the Hugh Wooding Law School clearly showed where she was headed. The two years spent there brought her a rich haul of prizes.

Apart from obtaining the Certificate of Merit, she also won nine academic awards, including – Most Outstanding Student over two years; Chairman’s prize’ (in the fields of Evidence & Forensic Medicine, Remedies, Civil Procedure & Practice II); The Guyana Government Prize (for the Best Performance by a student from Guyana. So prodigious was her academic performance at the law school that she only left three prizes to be won by anyone else.

Fisherman stabbed in Pomeroon by boat captain

By Rajendra Prabhulall A TWENTY-six-year-old fisherman of Walton Hall, Essequibo Coast, was stabbed under his right arm near his heart and on his buttocks by the boat captain, who retaliated after being reprimanded about sexually harassing an under-aged girl.

According to the fisherman Parmeshwar Singh, he was returning with other workers after spending several days at sea when the incident occurred in the Pomeroon River. He said the boat captain stopped at

- after rebuke over pass at under-aged girl

a stelling by some people he knew and decided to cook there and relax.

Singh said everything was going well, but he observed the captain doing things which were not right and he felt bad about it. According to the fisherman, the captain pulled at the legs of a 13-year-old girl and tried to fondle her.

He said when they got on the boat and left for Charity he spoke to the captain and advised him not to do such things, because he has a wife

and children and he must conduct himself properly.

Singh said the captain became angry, grabbed a knife and stabbed him under his right arm and on his buttocks. According to the fisherman, if he did not hold on to the captain’s hand and pushed him overboard he would have been

a dead man. He said the knife wound under his arm required 17 stitches.

The fisherman said the matter was reported to the police but a settlement was agreed between himself and the captain for a sum of $150,000. However, only a sum of $30,000 has been handed over so far.

Ms. Luckhoo’s in-service training was conducted at the law firm of Luckhoo & Luckhoo, Legal Practitioners during June 2014 and August 2014, where she intends to join in practice.

Luckhoo & Luckhoo is one of the oldest law firms in this country. Its pedigree goes back several decades when the Halls of Justice rang with the sublime submissions of E.V. Luckhoo, Q.C., and the oratorical rhetoric of Sir Lionel Luckhoo, Q.C., both Ms. Luckhoo’s great uncles.

Her great aunt Ena Luckhoo was revered as the consumers’ solicitor, to say nothing of the forensic adeptness and skill of Lloyd Luckhoo, Q.C. - her grandfather. Her father Edward Luckhoo, S.C., no sloth in the conduct of any legal matter is often referred to as “the lawyer’s lawyer” not only for the thoroughness of

his case preparation but also for his incisive cross-examination.

In moving the admission of the new lawyer, Mr. Stoby reminded that the name Eleanor had the meaning ‘Light of God’ or ‘Shining Light’.

Edward Luckhoo, the proud father, said that two distinguished lawyers - Mr. Rex McKay, S.C., and Mr. Robin Stoby, S.C., had been very helpful to his daughter.

Chief Justice Chang congratulated Ms. Luckhoo on her achievements and wished her continued success.

He was loud in his praise for the Luckhoo family and referred to Mr. Edward Luckhoo as having one of the most eloquent legal minds in the Caribbean.

After taking the oath Ms. Luckhoo thanked her parents, her relatives, her tutors and all those who had been helpful to her.

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Guyana

Society must lift its voice against theft of State property Dear Editor,

EDITORIAL

Tackling sexual violence

JUST this past week, the nation was reminded of how serious a problem we face regarding the scourge of sexual violence here, with more than three persons appearing in court on charges of sexual misconduct. One of them, a businessman, has been convicted of raping a seven-yearold boy. And as if that were not enough, the Guyana Police Force has announced that more than 200 cases of rape have been reported so far this year.

Considering that rape and other sexual offences are deeply sensitive matters, it is anyone’s guess what is the true figure for this type of crime, given that a number of women choose to deal with this issue personally, rather than reporting it to the authorities.

As at February last year, it was reported that, globally, one in every 14 women has been sexually assaulted by someone other than a partner.

Overall, 7.2 per cent of women aged 15 years or older told researchers that they had been sexually attacked at least once in their lives by someone who was not their intimate partner. The highest rates were in sub-Saharan Africa -- 21 per cent in the centre (Democratic Republic of Congo) and 17.4 per cent in the south (Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe). This was followed by 16.4 per cent in Australia and New Zealand. The lowest reported prevalence was in South Asia (India and Bangladesh) at 3.3 per cent, and North Africa and the Middle East at 4.5 per cent.

“We found that sexual violence is a common experience for women worldwide, and in some regions is endemic, reaching more than 15 per cent in four regions,” said lead investigator Naeemah Abrahams of the South African Medical Research Council in Cape Town.

Right here, the Ministry of Social Protection announced early last month that, from January to June 2015, there were 334 sexual abuse cases, with 256 coming from Berbice. The country can ill-afford to aggressively tackle this issue, and successfully tackling it requires the efforts of every law-abiding citizen. When, some years ago, the then Human Services Minister Priya Manickchand had launched her campaign, ‘Stamp it Out’, with accompanying legislative measures, many Guyanese had high hopes of a reversal of the trend of sexual violence. However, unfortunately, many years hence, we are still in the throes of a scourge that has

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 17, 2015

THE society, while examining the increased salary of ministers and parliamentarians, has a responsibility to equally examine -- and where possible condemn -- the ascribing of State property to former presidents, ministers, and others who benefited from using their office to abuse the nation’s resources. None must be exempted in the new wave of citizens’ activism to hold public officials accountable.

The argument that Bharrat Jagdeo, in ascribing to himself State property for personal use, cannot be prosecuted because he has immunity should be far from anyone’s imagination. Immunity applies when you are discharging the functions of State consistent with the laws and on behalf of the citizens. Immunity is not when you are raping the State’s

resources for personal use and for that of your cohorts.

To even entertain the thought that the President has immunity is to subscribe to the idea that the office holder can take the money out of the Consolidated Fund to do as s/he pleases, or take away your personal property.

The mangled interpretation of Article 182 in the Guyana Constitution came out of political opportunism and upmanship of the 1980s. Dragging this type of politicking into today’s reality does the society more harm than good because, in addition to it’s being misplaced, it offers coverage to the office holder to abuse the State’s resources and run roughshod over the citizens.

Laws are not made in abstract. Laws are made for the society, and on some occasions they are made to rein in the excesses of people who are placed in privileged positions.

Nowhere in perusing the Guyana Constitution is there any clause that says the President has the power, authority or right to ascribe to himself or herself the resources of the State; violate the laws, or transgress the rights of citizens in the execution of official duties. It is basic: one cannot swear to uphold a constitution and laws and at the same time has immunity to violate them.

The PPP/C, in responding to the revelation of the abuse of State property at Pradoville for members in the upper echelons, opted to treat an egregious matter of this nature flippantly by saying it is a diversionary tactic of the government to deflect attention from increased salary for ministers and parliamentarians, when its members also stand to benefit.

Let it be known that this new wave of activism in society allows the citizens the

opportunity to hold public officials, be it the government or opposition, accountable at the same time. As we move forward, while the supporters of the PPP/C may condemn what this government may have done, they must equally take the opportunity to hold Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar and the entire party leadership accountable for raping our national patrimony and abusing them and fellow Guyanese. To do so would constitute an act of reviving our democracy, making all public officials accountable to the people for their conduct in managing the affairs of state, and insisting that you be treated with dignity and respect.

This society needs to take note that, while all parliamentarians stand to benefit from the increase in salary, the PPP has not come out definitively and See Page 7

I had no part in the NCN satellite uplink fiasco

Dear Editor,

I READ with utter disbelief the front page story in Kaieteur News of October 14, 2015, claiming that only four NCN staff knew about the presence of satellite uplink equipment sitting in a store room of NCN, and that I was somehow involved in this debacle.

For the record, let me state clearly that I left NCN on June 30th, 2012. I therefore could not have had anything to do with the capital budget of 2012, since the budget process starts in July/ August of each year with submission of a wish list to the board of directors. This

particular list is prepared in order of importance, and once approved by the board, is submitted to the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the President. Each item on the list has to be justified by a written plan and a verbal presentation by each agency head several times at the Ministry of Finance and Office of the President, before a figure is determined for capital budget support to each agency each year.

That figure is then applied to the capital budget submission, and whatever has been prioritised above the line established by the agency’s allocation is approved, and the rest is discarded.

blighted our society. The former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, had disclosed back in 2014 that, since 2011, no one had been convicted of a sexual offence. During that period, 22 cases were prosecuted.

To compound the problem, the sloth in the court system is a turn-off for many victims, which is one of the main reasons for the low rate of convictions. For years, despite all the talks by the previous administration about its spending to improve the judiciary, the fight against crime has been hobbled by an under-funded, overburdened and sluggish criminal justice system, with limited effectiveness in obtaining criminal convictions. The court system at all levels is beset with a culture

The person making the presentation for 2012 was certainly not me, as I had left before the process started. The allocation is then taken to Parliament for approval as part of the capital budget presentation, and is documented in the annual estimates, with reasons for each line item and verbal presentation to the committee of supply.

Once the capital budget had been approved in April/ May of the following year, the items would be purchased and installed.

The failure here seems to be on part of the board of directors and the management team at NCN at the time of

the receipt of the equipment -- in the third quarter of 2013.

Either they were not aware of the purpose of the purchased equipment, or they simply dropped the ball and failed to proceed with implementation of the system.

Clearly, the blame for this cannot be placed on my shoulders, as I was not part of the management team or the board of directors for the last three and one-half years.

I humbly request that you give this clarification a correspondingly prominent place in your publication.

MOHAMED SATTAUR Former CEO, NCN

of trial postponements and delays; absence of witnesses; disappearance of case files, among other ills.

The figures from the police indicate a worrying trend, but what is worse is that some parents and guardians have turned the offence into a business. It is difficult to seek justice when parents of victims prefer compensation from the suspects instead of legal redress in the courts. Fighting rape must therefore start from community level. People, especially young girls and boys, should be empowered through support groups to report such cases, and parents who ask for money from suspects and frustrate legal processes must also be held accountable.

Mexican Taco comes to Guyana

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 17, 2015

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- at Giftland Mega Mall

Isidro Espinosa, one of the owners of the restaurant, displaying one of their dishes

By Svetlana Marshall GUYANESE here will now be able to indulge in another ethnic cuisine with the opening yesterday of Mexican Taco at the Giftland OfficeMax Mega Mall, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, through the financial backing of Mexican and Guyanese investors.

Located on the second floor, the food outlet provides a wide range of Mexican cuisine, and of course the popular taco. Taco is a

traditional Mexican dish composed of a corn or wheat tortilla folded or rolled around a filling.

Insidro Espinosa, Rajkumar Singh, Prakash Singh, Juan Espinosa and Pedro Espinosa are the four investors who have established the $5.5M food outlet.

According to Espinosa, the establishment of Mexican Taco in Greater Georgetown is the first of its kind in the Caribbean, and there are two other franchises in Mexico that would have made a

Mexican Taco name for themselves in the restaurant industry.

“With my little experience here in Guyana, we decided to establish a Mexican fast food restaurant here. This is the first one in the Caribbean for us,” he told the Guyana Chronicle, minutes before the restaurant was commissioned.

He said the restaurant

will bring a combination of Mexican flavors to the Guyanese populace. “We tend to mix when we are eating, so if you put together all of the elements, you will truly experience the Mexican taste,” he added. Mexican Taco will be opened every day from 11:00h to 23:00h with eight staffers operating on a shift

system.

Mexican food plays a critical role in the culture, social structure and popular traditions of Mexico.

The most important example of this connection is the use of mole (the generic name for a number of sauces originally used in Mexican cuisine, as well as for

dishes based on these sauces) for special occasions and holidays, particularly in the south and centralregions of the country. For this reason, Mexican cuisine was inscribed in 2010 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Hinterland to become Guyana’s new agricultural ...

From Page 3

resilient, especially to protect us from the effect of the cycle of drought and flood. We also need to ensure greater food security where poverty is more concentrated. For these reasons our government will focus on the development of inland and hinterland agriculture, specifically within the intermediate and Rupununi savannahs.”

President Granger reminded Agriculture Minister Noel Holder of APNU+AFC’s campaign promise to hinterland communities to establish regional agricultural institutes to train young people. “We need to ensure that training facilities exist so that young people that leave secondary school they can go into these hinterland agricultural institutes.

“In this regard, I’d like to hold the Minister of Agriculture to campaign pledge which I made to the hinterland that during his tenure in office, however long or short it would be, he would establish a regional agricultural institute in every agricultural region.”

Guyana, he said, joined the international community in pledging to end hunger, to achieve food security, to stamp out poverty and estab-

lish sustainable agriculture.

“Food security is necessary but it is not sufficient a condition to eradicate extreme hunger and poverty.

Increased agricultural productivity, according to the FAO, benefits the poor by reducing the price of food, it benefits the poor by increasing incomes for the poor, it benefits the poor by stimulating greater demand in agricultural areas, where most of the worlds’ poor live,” the President said.

CYCLE OF RURAL POVERTY Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence, in brief remarks, said the cycle of rural poverty has been pervasive resulting in many families falling prey, generation after generation. “You would agree that this trend cannot continue and it is time for us to break the cycle of rural poverty. Hence, World Food Day is a great opportunity to emphasise the message of zero tolerance for hunger and poverty and the need for countries, donors and civil society to work towards sustainable initiatives to reduce hunger and eradicate poverty.”

Lawrence stressed the need to forge links and pro-

mote “greater policy coherence and synergies between social protection, food security, agricultural development and rural poverty reduction.”

Guyana is collaborating with the FAO to ensure strategies on better governance of food security are strong.

“Social protection entails policies and actions which enhance the actions of poor and vulnerable groups to escape from poverty and better manage risk and human emergencies - including those farmers experiencing flood and drought.”

Social protection, the minister said, can help to promote empowerment by improving risk management, facilitating higher returns and investment by poor people and supporting human capital development. “The outcome of such interventions is certainly a way out of poverty,” she added.

However, she noted that the social protection systems operated by government are not quite as effective as “they tend to suffer from fragmentation, weak coordination and poor targeting of beneficiaries.” Therefore, it is crucial that different sectors of government work to deliver social protection successfully.

“The good news is that

efforts are on the way to change those systems in Guyana so that those in real need of help receive it.”

Lawrence stressed that government does not believe in providing financial aid to persons merely to get them out of a difficult situation. “But we believe in empowering them so they can manage their situation, create better lives for themselves and for their families and that is what we will do.”

For this reason, the Ministry of Social Protection is moving to introduce social security benefits for the entire family.

“Rather than for one person within the family, we believe it is better to empower an entire family than pay a financial benefit to a single member.”

To benefit, it is important to note that there are pre-requisites. Beneficiaries must ensure that all children attend school, are properly vaccinated and healthy.

The problem Lawrence noted is not so much food insufficiency and insecurity but “consuming what we grow.”

“We continue to consume large amounts of imported foods, most of which are grown locally. We need to trade, balance our imports with our exports. Our import bill in food supplies can be significantly reduced and that

source of revenue can be injected into comprehensive social and agricultural policies that support rural household farming,” said Lawrence.

CLIMATE CHANGE THREAT Meanwhile, subject Minister Noel Holder said Guyana is a food-secure country though climate change is a real threat. Government, he said, is working on Green Agricultural initiatives to impact significantly in rural communities.

Agriculture, Holder said, can be a pillar in which a sustainable and resilient economy is built to bring equity, prosperity and social protection to all citizens.

Reuben Robertson, FAO’s representative to Guyana on the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, said poverty and hunger have become interchangeable. In a FAO message, Robertson spoke to breaking poverty once and for all. He said it is important to act, for it is positive action that would break the cycle of poverty and hunger. He presented the FAO’s latest release for 2015 – A regional overview of food insecurity in Latin America.

Society...

From Page 6 say it will not accept the increase, or will return it to the Consolidated Fund.

Unlike what the PPP is seeking to make out, this issue is not about the APNU+AFC; it is about conduct of public officials, including the PPP, who blow hot and cold at the same time in their thrust to divide the nation for partisan political benefits.

The issue before us is about the management of state property, the people’s resources. Dr Jennifer Westford was placed before the court for transfer of state vehicles; Jagdeo and others must be placed before the court also. Those who are responsible must be held accountable. There must be equal treatment before the law and in the pursuit of justice for the citizens. None is above the law and none must be exempted.

LINCOLN LEWIS

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 17, 2015

Joyous larceny accused thanks The Lord

By Clestine Juan

“YES, Lord. Ah going home. Thank you Lord.”

That was the triumphant and repetitious refrain from 26-year-old mason Afiba Yankana of Hadfield Street, Wortmanville, after he was set free by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a simple

larceny charge.

Yankana was accused of stealing a $120,000 Samsung Galaxy S5 Smartphone from Derrick Hope. The alleged offence was said to have been committed on August 18 at Wortmanville, Georgetown.

On Wednesday, Yankana led his defence. According to him on the day in question he

had just disembarked a Route 40 bus and was standing in front of a shop in Kitty with his grocery bag. He said that because of the weight, he left the bag in the shop and went to a nearby base to hire a taxi.

He subsequently returned with the car and went home.

In the Magistrates’ Court, the taxi driver Dexter Mill-

ington said he drove the accused home after he stopped at the shop to pick up a bag.

The taxi driver said that it took Yankana about six to seven minutes to retrieve the bag. He testified that he saw no phone.

According to the prosecution, Hope had parked his motorcycle outside a

shop and left his cellphone and other items on his bike and went inside to make a quick purchase, but upon returning his phone was discovered missing. Yankana was the only other person who was observed around the shop at that time.

The chief magistrate

while handing down her decision explained that the prosecution failed to establish its case against the accused. However, she warned Yankana that the penalty for the offence he was charged with attracted a fine of no less than $100,000 and five years in prison.

Freed on murder charge Back to drawing board goes health care IT plan THE murder charge against licensed firearm holder Lawrence Wayne called ‘Bai Bai,’ was discharged by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday after she said that the prosecution had “failed to prove the elements of the capital offence.”

Wayne was alleged to have murdered Dexter Lindo sometime between August 23 and 24 last year in Alberttown, Georgetown.

He was represented by attorney–at–law Mark Waldron, who made a no-case submission at the end of the preliminary inquiry.

According to the Chief Magistrate, the prosecution proved that the Lindo died as a result of a gunshot wound, but did not prove who inflicted the injuries, since there was no eyewitness or evidence.

According to Waldron, his client in a caution statement had admitted to shooting Lindo with his licensed firearm, but it was only in self-defence after the deceased had pulled a gun

from under his shirt . Additionally, this was the only compelling evidence that the prosecution had to rely on.

The courtroom of the chief magistrate was filled with jubilation and praise from family members, who had come out in numbers to show support throughout the trial.

Lindo, 26, of Shell Road, Kitty, was shot three times about his body. He succumbed the following day while receiving treatment at the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital.

According to the police, on the day in question, two men armed with handguns had entered the Wayne Beverage Paradise stall at Merriman Mall, Bourda, and upon seeing the duo, the female owner ran and raised an alarm. A licensed firearm holder responded.

The two armed men then fled in a waiting motor vehicle driven by an accomplice. However, they were followed by the licensed firearm holder, who subsequently caught up with the getaway car at Light and

Fifth Streets, Alberttown.

The licensed firearm holder reportedly confronted a man who had exited the car and entered a shop in the area.

That man turned out to be Lindo, who is said to have whipped out a gun and was shot to his abdomen by the licensed firearm holder.

Lindo managed to escape on foot, but an unlicensed .32 Beretta pistol with four rounds that he had in his possession was recovered and handed over to the police. The police said that the suspected bandit was later found at a private hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The charge against the accused was filed on May 13, 2015, but was not read to him then, because he was out of the country at the time.

However, he was arrested on May 19, 2015 and hauled before a magistrate after being detained by police at the Ogle International Airport after he had disembarked a flight from Barbados.

By Svetlana Marshall OSHI Centre for Health and Social Policy has reportedly returned to the drawing board after meeting with the Public Health Ministry on the establishment of a National Electronic Patient-Care Record (EMR).

Guyana Chronicle understands that the U.Sbased organisation, which is made up of Guyanese, conducted a presentation earlier this week in the presence of the Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton and his technical staff.

According to an Information Technology (ICT) specialist from the Public Health Ministry, subsequent to the presentation, it was realised that the application being proposed by the U.S. team was partially in existence within the health sector.

“We have several applications that are fulfilling many of the objectives of that one application. What we are seeking to have is an application that would

complement or improve our electronic system,” he explained.

The IT specialist added that it would be unwise for the Public Health Ministry to invest in a recurrent project when similar projects already exist.

According to him, it was the hope of the ICT Department that Oshi Centre for Health and Social Policy would have produced an “inpatient kind of application.”

Using the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) as the pilot hospital, he said an inpatient application would allow the administration to determine the cost and resources being utilised per bed or per patient.

“Although the services at GPHC are free, it would be nice to know the cost per bed.”

He added that such a programme would also allow for effective management so they have returned to the drawing board.

It is the hope of the ministry that transparency and accountability in Guyana’s healthcare sector will

be improved with the use of Information Communication Technologies.

The A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition, in its 2015 manifesto, had pledged to improve the country’s health systems and services by strengthening the health surveillance units, data collections and laboratories services.

Currently, the Government is working to incorporate the operations of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) into the E-Governance operations.

NDMA has not had a board appointed in over two decades, an issue which is said to have severely hampered the work of the authority.

The NDMA Act of 1983 provides the appropriate framework through which government can address the ICT needs of the public sector. In this regard, the government will place the NDMA and E-Government Project under a single administrative system.

Jawalla Village Council loses legal battle against dredge owners – operating in the Mazaruni river – full court rules in favour of respondents

By George Barclay THE applicant, Jawalla Village Council had, on June 25, 2015, brought an action against the defendants for damages and injunctions for allegedly carrying out mining operations in the Mazaruni.

On June 29, 2015, Justice Diana Insanally refused the plaintiff’s application and the said interim injunction.

On July 1, 2015, i.e., within four days of that refusal, the Jawalla Village

Council renewed its application to the Full Court for the said interim reliefs on the same grounds as were stated in the previously refused application.

The respondents appeared by way of counsel, Mr. Roysdale Forde, and opposed the ground of the application. The application before the Court is therefore an opposed ex-parte application for interim injunction reliefs.

In her affidavit, Laura George, on behalf of the

plaintiff applicant, deposed that Jawalla Village is the holder of State lands, also called titled land, as described in her petition. The residents of Jawalla are principally of the Akawaio peoples, who depend on the rivers and creeks as the sole source of fresh water, food and sustenance.

She pointed out that Section 48 of the Amerindian Act provides that: “A miner who wishes to carry out mining activities on village lands or in any river, creek,

stream or other source of water within the boundaries of the village or village lands shall negotiate with the village council, on behalf of the village, in good faith all relevant issues.

The Full Court decided: “Thus it is Mr. Forde’s submission that by virtue of Section 22 (2) (a) of the Amerindian Act 1953, which was applicable in 1991 when the plaintiff applicant received title, ‘the rivers and all lands sixty-six feet landwards from the mean low water marks’

were exempted from the title of the village.”

Chief Justice Ian Chang, S.C., who delivered the judgment, said that Mr. Forde further submitted that apart from the exemption of rivers from the Title of Amerindian Villages, rivers are owned by the state, and therefore there is no title or possession of the Mazaruni River in the Amerindian Village of Jawalla.

“Clearly, the Mazaruni is not part of the plaintiff applicant’s property, and the Jawalla Village Council does not own, possess or control that river. The substantive action is based on trespass,

and therefore the plaintiff applicant has to show possession i.e. control of the river.

“The court therefore does not see it fit to grant the interim injunctions sought by the applicant plaintiff.

The application is therefore refused in its entirety. The 1st and 2nd named defendants are discharged from their undertaking given on the 10th July, 2015. Costs to the defendants/respondents (are granted in the sum of $20,000 each”.

The Full Court was constituted by Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang, S.C., and Justice Rishi Persaud.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 17, 2015

Biker suffers broken leg – in Lusignan rush-hour accident

By Odella Patterson AN accident around 08:10 hrs yesterday at the busy railway embankment junction at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara has left a motorcyclist nursing a broken left leg and other multiple injuries.

According to one eyewitness the biker, who was still unidentified at press time, was riding motorcycle CH 4489 in a westerly direction on the railway embankment when motorcar PLL 3054, which was idling on the southern side of the Lusignan Prison access road, made an attempt to cross over the main thoroughfare. However, while one motorist slowed down and signalled to the waiting car to cross, the biker apparently wasn’t warned, and simply overtook the car in front of him.

This oversight resulted in the crossing car hitting the passing motorcycle on its side, and throwing the rider into the northern metal rails of a nearby bridge some 30 feet away.

The injured motorcyclist quickly tried to compose himself, but could be heard lamenting that the driver of the car was wrong and probably inexperienced.

However, the female driver of the motorcar is contending that the motorcyclist was signalled to stop, but instead chose to ignore the signal. She said that he overtook the waiting car dangerously after she was already signalled to pass. She was at the time transporting a small group of children to nursery school.

The accident immediately drew scores of onlookers who began to lament the apparent callousness of the driver.

Others pointed out that the motorcyclist was wearing a roller skates helmet and not a proper safety helmet for motorcycling.

Two traffic ranks who arrived on motorcycles within minutes of the accident were later commended by bystanders for their professionalism and the manner in which they manned the accident scene.

Many were appreciative that the policemen immediately made attempts to rush the injured motorcyclist to hospital, while arranging for another vehicle to take the children to school, after assessing that they were not injured physically. ”Fus time me see police aparate so professional and show real consideration fuh them lil schoolchildren, the injured, and dem ada driver who had fuh pass.

Narmally is just a set a ignorance and confusion,” said Barry Ramdeem, a Lusignan resident.

Others were also impressed by the first-aid knowledge demonstrated by one rank, while the other took the accident scene under his control.

The railway embankment along the East Coast corridor serves mostly as a one-way route to Georgetown, between 07:00 hrs and 09:00 hrs on weekdays.

This initiative was undertaken by the authorities in a bid to reduce traffic congestion and accidents during the morning rush hour.

However, this has created other challenges for pedestrians and motorists wanting to cross the busy roadway.

Efforts by this newspaper to solicit a comment from the acting Traffic Chief regarding those challenges have proved futile.

Public Health Ministry takes eye-screening outreach to Leguan – over 400 benefit THE Ministry of Public Health has been conducting a series of ophthalmology outreaches across the country, and within the past week 436 individuals have benefited from screening and eye care.

The most recent visit was made to the Essequibo Island of Leguan, where 51 residents, including children and the elderly, benefited from free eye testing and screening.

These activities were part of the ministry’s World Sight Day celebration, which was observed on October 9, 2015, under the theme: ‘Eye Care for All.’ The eye-screening campaign began at Qualfon Guyana and the Palms on the day of observance.

It later targeted the Lichfield Health Centre- Region 5, on October 9; Wales Community Centre (WBD)

A patient having her eyes tested

- Region 3, on October 12; St. Cuthbert’s Mission - Region 4, on October 13; One Mile Health Centre, Wismar, Linden - Region 10, on October 14; and Leguan Cottage Hospital-Region 3,

on October 15.

Residents of these areas took full advantage of the services offered and expressed great appreciation to the ministry for the undertaking.

A section of the beneficiaries at the Leguan Cottage Hospital, Region 3

Burnham Foundation to seek way forward for President’s College – at symposium Sunday

By Shauna Jemmott THE Burnham Foundation, a non-profit organisation that aims to keep alive the memory of Guyana’s first Executive President Forbes Burnham, has arranged a symposium to discuss the restoration of President’s College (PC), which was established upon his initiative as a school of excellence.

The Burnham Foundation’s Public Relations Officer Clayton Hinds in an interview with this publication, said the symposium is slated for 15:00 hrs this Sunday at the Critchlow Labour College auditorium in Georgetown.

“We feel that the school has not been able to fulfil its mandate as a result of the derailing of the programmes and plans that had ushered its introduction into the Guy-

anese society, [and] into the education sector of Guyana,” he told the Guyana Chronicle.

Among those who are expected to attend will be representatives from the Ministry of Education, the President’s College administration, past students, concerned citizens and members of the foundation. They will be engaged in a vital exchange session to develop a consensus on the way forward for the senior secondary school which is located at Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara.

Hinds said having this exposition, the foundation hopes to “put back on course the role that the school can play in providing the type of education for which it has been introduced in this country [and] feel that it’s a credit to Linden Forbes Sampson

Burnham. He is considered to be a real visionary in the field of education to have conceptualised and developed this college with a view to ensuring that young people who would have performed excellently in this country, at “Common Entrance” as it was then called, can be exposed to a holistic form of education that can make them into a complete Guyanese.”

The college was intended to expose children to a complete set of modules in the area of education that would have made them into complete Guyanese to take the country to another level, Hinds said.

He contended that “if we’re talking about building and promoting this holistic Guyanese person, about understanding our culture, understanding our history, understanding our geography, understanding our development focus, understanding

our role internationally in relation to our responsibilities to our CARICOM brothers and sisters…those things need to be taught, because we’re going to be producing young people who are equipped to not just academically represent the core subjects that make us bright, but who will understand everything Guyanese.”

Had it not been for the downgrading of the school, Hinds argued, many young Guyanese would have been exposed to that unique education plan which would have prevented the paucity of leadership skills in the Guyanese youth.

“A lot of young people have never travelled this country… various ethnic groups form part of the student body,” he stated, adding that if the original design of the school’s curriculum is adopted, students would understand

how not to have “any ran-

cour about ethnic origins.”

CARICOM SG extends condolences to Turkey CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque has expressed the Community’s solidarity with the Government and People of Turkey as they mourn the loss of lives from the recent tragic bombings in the capital, Ankara.

Almost 100 persons were killed and scores injured from the twin explosions on 10th October.

“The Caribbean Community unreservedly condemns this callous and heinous terrorist act,” the Secretary-General said in his message of condolence. He said the Community shares the sorrow of those who lost loved ones and hopes for a speedy recovery for the injured.

“The deadly twin explosions have been made more tragic because they appeared to target persons taking part in a peace rally. The innocent victims will have laid down their lives in defence of peace and of their right to freedom of association and expression,” he stated.

“The Community expresses its solidarity with the Government and People of Turkey at this moment of national mourning and joins with the families who have lost loved ones in sharing their sorrow and hopes for a speedy recovery of the many other persons who were injured,” Ambassador LaRocque said in his message.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 17, 2015

Mexican Ambassador 60 InselAir passengers refused entry in six months calls on PM Nagamootoo – Gouveia calls for published criteria, ‘welcoming posture’

CEO of Roraima Airways, Gerry Gouveia (left) addressing the media yesterday

By Shivanie Sugrim IN the last six months, a total of 60 in-bound InselAir passengers were denied entry here because of “unclear immigration guidelines,” Chief Executive Officer of Roraima Airways Gerry Gouveia said yesterday at a press conference.

He also called on the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to “ramp up” its current immigration system so as to avoid such situations.

“With the advent of Copa Airlines and InselAir, there are many arrivals who did not pass through the filtration system and our immigration need to wrap up their methodologies and deal with the new dispensation of arrivals in Guyana,” Gouveia stated.

Against this backdrop, he pointed out that in order for both the tourism and airline industries to develop, Guyana must display a “welcoming posture” and image to the world and not one where foreigners are faced with difficulties when entering Guyana because of unclear

immigration guidelines.

“You either have visas or you are not going to have visas. If you are going to issue visas on arrival, then you need to have very clear guidelines about what the criteria are so that people do not arrive in Guyana only to find out that they do not meet the criteria,” Gouveia asserted.

While pointing out that government is responsible for ensuring that the system runs smoothly, Gouveia said the company has met with both Ministers of Tourism and Citizenship to iron out the issue and was promised to have the criteria publicised for the sake of foreigners.

PUBLISHED CRITERIA “When we met with [Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix], he understood the dilemma and the need for public knowledge on the guidelines. And he had given us assurance that the publication of those guidelines is going to be done shortly.

That is not a pleasant experience and the quicker we get the criteria published will be better for all,” Gouveia said.

The major reasons for denying entry, according to the authorities, are insufficient funds, inaccurate information about connecting flights, no local contact person or local address and no visas, partly leading to suspicions of human trafficking.

MORE FLIGHTS Besides the immigrant issues, Gouveia revealed that both his company and InselAir have reached a milestone as there are now more flights in and out of Guyana.

Persons from Guyana can now travel hassle-free to not just Aruba and Curacao but 20 other destinations such as Colombia, Cuba, Miami and Brazil.

Roraima Airways partnered with InselAir some 15 months ago and has managed to provide not just employment for the Guyanese people but also affordable trips to those destinations. Insel Airlines has grown to be one of the best airlines providing international, flexible connectivity to both North and South America and also the Caribbean, Gouveia said.

EU Ambassador pays President Granger a courtesy call

European Union Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency Jernej Videtic, yesterday paid a courtesy call on President David Granger at the Ministry of the Presidency, during which the two held discussions on areas of cooperation. The newly appointed Ambassador presented his Letters of Credence on September 9, last when he pledged continued support to Guyana.

MEXICAN Ambassador to Guyana, Ivan Robero Sierra Medel, yesterday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, during which they furthered discussions on the Open Government Partnership Global Summit to be held in Mexico.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo thanked the Ambassador for his visit and the information that he received.

He noted that this information will better prepare him for his participation in the upcoming summit.

Nagamootoo noted that the principles set out by the Open Government Partnership are principles that the government has adopted.

According to a statement issued after the meeting from the Office of the Prime Minister, Ambassador Medel explained that the principles of transparency, accountability, citizen participation and innovation are now recognised globally as essential tools in the creation of policies that foster inclusive development and strengthen governance.

Mexico, he noted, is the current Lead Chair and has worked to promote a shared vision that fosters openness, accountability and good governance at the national and international levels.

The Open Government Partnership’s Global Summit

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo receives a gift from Mexican Ambassador Ivan Robero Sierra Medel

provides a wonderful opportunity for members of the open government movement to consolidate and build momentum, to reflect on what is working and what is not, and to lay out a framework for further co-operation, exchange and action.

In four years, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) has grown from eight to 66 countries representing one third of the world’s population. This year, an expected 1500 participants including representatives from civil society organisations, businesses and governments will attend the summit to be held in Mexico City from October

27 - 29.

Over the course of a series of workshops, panel discussions, plenaries and social gathering, participants will share experiences from their respective countries and provide real examples of how openness can improve public services, drive economic growth, reduce poverty and make governments more accountable to the people they serve.

This year special attention will be paid to the role ‘open government’ can play in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals of the Post-2015 Development Agenda.

Kaneville roads upgrade ongoing

Rehabilitation works currently under way on one of the roads in Kaneville

RESIDENTS of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara would soon benefit from improved roads in their community.

Construction works are currently ongoing to rehabilitate Second Street and the main Cross Street in the community.

Completion of this project, funded by the Government of Guyana and the Caribbean Development Bank, is expected to directly benefit approximately 4,500 residents.

The Ministry of Communities through the Community Roads Improvement Programme (CRIP), recently inked a $68M contract with H. Nauth & Sons to rehabilitate these roadways.

The signing ceremony, held in the CRIP Boardroom at Camp Street, was attended

by Charles Ceres, Advisor to the Minister (Department of

Housing and Water); Karen Roopchand, CRIP’s Project Coordinator; Tejwattie Roopchand, Engineer; and Kiran Nauth and Julian Archer of H. Nauth & Sons.

Whilst offering congratulations to the contractor, Ceres emphasised that government would be strictly monitoring projects to ensure high-quality works are delivered.

Mechanisms, he said, will be put in place to monitor the quality of works being executed under this project.

CRIP expects the contractor to deliver quality work within the contract duration, since no time extension would be granted to the project, Ms Roopchand said. She looks forward to the successful completion of the roads, so that residents could benefit from improved access.

Nauth expressed gratitude to the ministry, and assured

that he would be working to complete the project within its two-month duration.

The ministry in a statement yesterday, noted that all projects executed by CRIP are done with involvement by the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and residents. Roopchand emphasised that community meetings will be done between CRIP and relevant stakeholders.

CRIP has submitted unpriced Bills of Quantities to the Golden Grove/ Diamond Place Neighbourhood Democratic Council and the Regional Democratic Council, so that residents would have more access to information.

Additionally, the Project Management Unit, the contractor and representatives of CEMCO, in association with SRKN Engineering, the supervising consultancy firm, have met with residents to inform them about the project.

Through CRIP, over 300 roads in Regions 3, 4, 5 and 6 have been constructed and rehabilitated. These roads have helped to improve the quality of life of residents by creating greater access to schools, health facilities, markets, places of worship and places of work.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 17, 2015

U.S. to support Guyana’s anti-narcotics efforts

DURING his first meeting with President David Granger, United States Ambassador Perry Holloway has pledged his commitment to working with the Government of Guyana in the areas of crime and security and countering the narco-trade.

Following the meeting at the Ministry of the Presidency on Thursday, the ambassador expressed his admiration for the work President Granger has done, both over the course of his career and what he has done since he took office as President of Guyana.

“I think that this is a historic time in Guyana. I told him that you have the 50th anniversary of Independence; you have potential oil production occurring in the country in the coming years, which will definitely change the economy; you had successful fair, free and violence free elections and a transition of power,” Ambassador Holloway said.

Further, with regard to Guyana becoming an oil-producing country, the U.S. Ambassador lauded the administration for its plans to establish the Sovereign Wealth Fund. He, however, noted that a lot of planning will have to be done in terms of setting up the Fund and establishing priority areas.

The ambassador added that one of the challenges the new government will encounter is the process for the setting up of the Sovereign Wealth Fund. He noted that a lot of thought will need to go into the decision-making on priority areas; whether it is infrastructure, education or other areas, and the mechanisms that will be put in place to account for changes in those areas over time.

President David Granger and United States Ambassador Perry Holloway on Thursday

World Food Day 2015 Message

From Hon. Noel Holder, Minister of Agriculture ON behalf of the Government and People of Guyana, I extend a special World Food Day 2015 greetings to all of Guyana. This year’s event is being held under the theme: ‘Social Protection and Agriculture: Breaking the Cycle of Rural Poverty.’

I am especially heartened that food and nutrition security through the eradication of Rural Poverty is being given prominence this year.

Agriculture and agriculture-related issues continue to dominate the international trade agenda as feeding the world is one of the most important challenges confronting us today, which governments, policymakers, international development partners and citizens as a whole must work to address.

EL NINO (drought-like conditions) Climate Change is another threat facing countries at large with Guyana being no exception. In fact, we are already seeing the impacts of Climate Change with our quest to source water to supply agricultural production as the country is presently faced with an El Nino situation.

It is crucial at this time that food security is kept on the front burner, considering

Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder

the fact that the Region’s food-import bill is rapidly increasing. This is indeed an opportune time to showcase what we are doing in Guyana and the Caribbean and how we are using agriculture as a vehicle to attain a food-secure status and to address other needs.

Such interventions are necessary if we are to successfully address El Nino- to ensure that our farmers’ livelihoods are not lost. Irrigation remains important. Important due to the fact that water remains a crucial component for plant growth and development. As such, the Ministry of Agriculture is emphasising that farmers need to use water

efficiently.

Since the food crisis of 2007-8, many countries have renewed their commitment to eradicating hunger in the world and improving livelihoods. But in some cases concrete political, programme and financial support are lagging behind verbal commitments. The opportunity that the food-price spikes of 20072008 might have provided a pathway out of poverty for small producers, was not realised.

Evidence shows that those strong cooperatives and producer organisations are able to overcome these constraints and to mitigate the negative effects of food and other crises. Strong producer organisations have helped to fill a void. They have been able to overcome market and policy constraints by providing their members access to a range of assets and services. For instance, they can reduce costs to farmers by allowing them to purchase in groups and benefit from better retail prices of agricultural inputs. They also make it possible for members to voice their concerns and interests – and to play a role in decision and policy making processes.

I trust that this year’s World Food Day call will aid

to further catapult agriculture to the forefront, raise the community’s awareness of the importance of the sector to national and regional development, and create opportunities for greater collaboration and interaction among CARICOM member states and with their extra-regional partners.

I urge regional governments to go beyond the usual rhetoric and take the appropriate action that will see high levels of investments in the agriculture sector, aimed at modernising, transforming and making it more competitive.

Guyana has shown that agriculture is serious business, it is time for others to follow suit. Guyana is open for investment in agribusiness. The Santa Fe farm in the Rupununi and NF Agriculture Inc at Ebini are classic examples of the investments in agriculture we have been promoting in partnership with Caribbean investors.

As a government, we are committed to redoubling our efforts to address the challenges within the rice and sugar industries by not only securing new markets, but by also addressing some of the challenges in the sugar industry, ensuring that it remains viable.

On World Food Day (celebrated yesterday) we reflect on where we are and where we want to go. Guyana as you know is a food-secure country, but there are pockets of food insecurity which we need to address. Our government has made a commitment to provide a good life to all our citizens and I believe agriculture has a major role to play in this regard.

I remain convinced that agriculture can be a pillar on which we build a sustainable and resilient economy to bring equity, prosperity and social justice for all of our people.

Agriculture as you know continues to be the backbone of our economy and contributes

significantly to food and nutrition security, creation of jobs and export earnings.

Data provided by the FAO indicates that 75 percent of the world’s poor live in rural areas and 90 percent of them are smallholders. Furthermore, the 21st century added new challenges to resource-poor smallholders as a consequence of global climate change.

On World Food Day, I urge all to join Guyana in the fight to end world hunger and boost production and export of non-traditional commodities by catapulting on new and emerging markets. Collectively, we can end hunger in our lifetime.

Lima Sands residents urgently appeal for potable water – rotting carcass of cow contaminating water in canal RESIDENTS of Lima Sands village on the Essequibo Coast have issued an urgent call for water for drinking, washing and bathing purposes, because the rotting carcass of a cow, seen floating in the main canal, has contaminated their only source of potable water.

Residents say that besides the canal, the well-populated village depends on rain water for drinking purposes.

The current dry weather is reportedly wreaking havoc among residents, and the amount of rain water stored in black tanks is at alarmingly low levels. (Rajendra Prabhulall)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 17, 2015

New GGMC charged to ensure safety in the mines M I N I S T E R o f G o v e rnance with responsibility for Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman, has charged the Board of Directors of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to step up its efforts to ensure a safe and secure mining sector is achieved.

The minister declared that stricter measures will now have to be taken by that agency to ensure that the laws are enforced and upheld. This charge was given to the Board Thursday afternoon, at a meeting held at the GGMC Boardroom on Brickdam.

Addressing the Directors, which included Clinton Williams, Chairman of the GGMC Board; Gerry Gouveia, Director on the GGMC Board; Rickford Vieira, Commissioner of GGMC; Terrence Adams, President, Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA); and Lisaveta Ramotar, Head of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), Minister Trotman said that the day for “free passes” are over and it is now time that the mining sector is put on a safe and stable footing.

Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman meeting with board members of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission

The minister referenced President Granger’s speech at the first gold pour at the Aurora Gold mines, where the Head of State had declared, “The days of the free-for-all are over, and we need to be more environmentally conscious if we are to hand this country over to our children and grandchildren… The health and safety of entire communities are being threatened by

unsafe mining practices…

Sometimes large areas are cleared for mining, but after the mining ceases we just have holes in the ground to show posterity.”

Minister Trotman said GGMC must ensure that it holds accountable, the miners who are responsible for these “lawless” practices. “The responsibility for the environment is not solely that of the State.

It is the responsibility of those who own and operate mining concessions to ensure that after they would have ceased operations they do not leave these huge abscesses on our landscape, but that the land is reclaimed by nature,” he said.

The Minister of Governance pointed out that as it stands, the sector has attracted criticism. “The thrust of this, is the manner in which the industry is viewed and regulated.

It has to change. We must protect and preserve our national patrimony for the others to come,” Minister Trotman said. Continuing, Minister Trotman informed the Board about the expectations of the government.

“It has to be regulated better…we must make mining safer, have no incidence of corruption and graft and we

must examine how we can ensure that the people of Guyana benefit. That is the policy of the government.

The minister, the commission and the commissioner must work together and cooperation and respect must be given to each other,” he emphasised.

Acknowledging the need for improved infrastructure and the government’s role in providing these, Minister Trotman told the Board it is also their responsibility to ensure that the environmental and health facets of the sector are not neglected.

“It is our job to provide infrastructure. That’s a governmental function, but we need to ensure the security and safety of the sector. We need to improve health and environmental practices.

They [miners] have been given a free pass for too

long. We have to put them to work. An environmental bond of $100,000 is simply insufficient and we must address this,” he declared.

The minister also told the Directors of the Board that the granting of duty-free concessions must now come with an attached condition, which is that miners must practise safe and sustainable mining. “You’ve got to show that you are paying your taxes; that you haven’t left lands with gaping holes and you’re practising safe mining. At the end of the day to qualify, you’ve got to show you are mining in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way,” Minister Trotman outlined.

He said, too, that the government is examining the possibility of the re-establishment of a Mining Court, which will deal strictly with mining related matters so as to minimise the time spent on such matters in the Civil Court.

In the meantime, Clinton Williams, Chairman of the GGMC Board of Directors, assured Minister Trotman that the mandate given by President David Granger will be fulfilled, even as he pledged the agency’s commitment to ensuring that it operates in a fair, balanced and unbiased manner.

“We intend to use the President’s presentation as a basis to developing our plan. We intend to move the bar…Now that the way has been cleared for the Board to operate and the President has given his mandate, we will carry out our duties without fear or favour,” Williams assured.

City steps up efforts to address proper garbage disposal THE Mayor and City Council of Georgetown in its commitment to create a “green city,” has re-launched an initiative aimed at ensuring that businesses in the city dispose of garbage in the correct manner.

Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis said the city has recommenced its inspection of refuse and receptacles, in and around the city.

Lewis said that campaigns, which have thus far been completed in and around the Lacytown area, were all aimed at making sure waste receptacles used by businesses were in keeping with the Mayor and City Council’s requirement.

According to Lewis, this particular exercise was done through the collaboration of three departments of the city: Public Relations, Environmental Sanitation, and Solid Waste Management departments.

“We checked to see that the receptacles were adequate, and where they were deemed

to be inadequate, we served notices,” she said of the exercise. She added that where the receptacles were inadequate, the businesses were given 14 days to acquire the requisite containers and have them on their premises.

Lewis noted that even some small receptacles were deemed as garbage, especially when found in the city’s alleys, drains and canals.

Also, as part of addressing litter and indiscriminate dumping in the city, the council has also started the Anti-Litter Unit. Lewis noted that this unit continues to patrol the streets of Georgetown to help bring an end to littering.

Thus far, this unit has arrested and charged 25 persons for littering, Lewis advised. She explained that these persons were caught in the act on some of the popular streets: South Road, Brickdam; Regent, Water, Cornhill, Robb and Croal streets.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 17, 2015

Feeling squeeze from Berbice water taxis…

Route 56 mini-bus operators propose ‘time system’ – to offset difficult times Patterson, Minister of Public Infrastructure and give them a feedback as soon as possible.

As for the difficulties the drivers face, she said “it was never the government’s intention to take bread out of Members/drivers of the route 56 Minibus Association meeting with Minister Annette Ferguson in the ministry’s Boardroom on Thursday

MEMBERS/drivers of the route 56 Minibus Association are proposing that a “time system” be re-introduced, whereby the Berbice water taxis would halt their service several hours during the day in an effort to facilitate the operations of the buses.

This proposal was made to Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Ms Annette Ferguson, during a meeting with her on Thursday.

Prior to the introduction of the water taxi service, the mini-buses were the main mode of public transportation plying the Rosignol/New Amsterdam route, where the one-way fare for an adult is $300 compared to $120 with the water taxis.

The drivers complained to the minister that since the new system was introduced, many buses “would barely get a load or two on a daily basis, and if the situation persists, as many as 49 families will be on the breadline.”

They suggested that the most viable option is to allow the buses to operate between 09:00 hrs to 15:00 hrs as was previously done when the pon-

toon was in operation.

Minister Ferguson assured the members that she would discuss their proposal with her colleague Hon. David

anyone’s mouth. We are just trying to bring relief to Guyanese who felt the pressure of paying a hefty price to cross the bridge.”

Meanwhile, the association’s members clarified that

their recent protest action was directed at the Berbice River Bridge officials, and their unwillingness to accept the $300 subsidy offered by government. However, at least one newspaper misconstrued their action for political mileage.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 17, 2015

Guyana must move towards high-return commercial investments in agriculture – Minister Holder

THE Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) is committed to increasing non-sugar, non-rice produce by 25% in 2020, but in the meantime Guyana needs to evolve from subsistence survival to high-return commercial investments, according to Agriculture Minister Noel Holder.

He was speaking at the GMC export-facilitation workshop on Tuesday, at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre at Liliendaal,Greater Georgetown, to an audience of exporters, farmers and stakeholders.

Under the theme, ‘Exploiting our Strengths, Advancing Agriculture and Social Protection,’ Minister Holder, who gave the feature address said that agriculture will continue to be a catalyst for Guyana’s export portfolio, as almost 40% of Guy-

ana’s export earnings come from agriculture.

Pointing out that agriculture in Guyana is the foundation through which Guyana has built an export-oriented economy as part of CARICOM, and being a part of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), Minister Holder said, “We will make full use of the fact that CARICOM countries import more than $4.5 billion in food from outside of the Region. Guyana has its eyes firmly fixed on the opportunities that CARICOM provides as a net importer of food.”

In this context, he said Guyana looks to the trade arrangements in CARICOM to be more trade-friendly among member states.

He said agricultural development involves shifts and “we need to move from subsistence survival level to high-return commercial investments. However, changing market conditions, price and policy requirements con-

A section of the attendees at the Guyana Marketing Corporation export facilitation workshop

tribute to the success or failure of the agriculture policy, specifically marketing.

SOCIAL PROTECTION Minister Holder said, however, in order to make a lasting impact, the complimentary roles of social protection should be looked at in

agricultural development. He said the support services provided by the Ministry of Agriculture work to assist and maintain farmers in taking risks and stepping up, thereby providing social protection in agriculture.

Underscoring that Agriculture Month will focus

on advancing the sector’s strengths and promoting social protection, the Agriculture Minister noted that the GMC provides assistance and support to boost exports through trade facilitation for exporters and potential exporters.

“GMC delivers and com-

mits to increase non-sugar, non-rice produce by 25% in 2020. The Ministry of Agriculture and government as a whole are mindful of the critical role in the creation of employment directly and indirectly, and in the economic growth of a nation whereby Turn to page 20 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 17, 2015

Region 7 embarks on a fresh approach to development A GINA feature

FROM where Guyana, Brazil and Venezuela meet, stretching eastward and to the north, is the second largest administrative region of Guyana, encompassing 47,213 km², and probably the richest in natural resources.

With Mount Roraima at 2,810 metres high standing at the tri-juncture, one can only guess the amount of the region’s gold deposits. One gold-mining company, Guyana Goldfields Inc. believes it can extract 3.29 million ounces of gold over the next 17 years.

Forested lands with some of the most sought after species blanket the area. Rivers of fresh water form intricate patterns and often cascade over rocks into breathtaking waterfalls. The region’s natural wealth can only be rivalled by the resourcefulness of its people. This is Region 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and it is here that Guyana’s first ‘Green Town’ would be established.

It is the vision of the government to transform Region 7 into a model for sustainable development. The plan will see the administrative centre, Bartica, achieving the status of township and being used as a model ‘Green Town.’

As the vision unfolds, the Bartica Stelling will be transformed into a modern docking facility with attractions for tourists. A state-of-the-art mall to cater for visitors’ souvenirs will be built.

Food is an essential aspect for any visitor; as such there would be a restaurant and a bar complete with seating facilities that overlook the Essequibo River. The ambience and atmosphere that the improved stelling with its facility will provide would be the ideal place for tourists and persons to stop and enjoy the natural beauty of the Essequibo River.

GREEN TOWN The new Bartica will employ the use of renewable energy sources to power the entire community and in this regard, feasibility studies will be done for a large hydropower development in the Mazaruni, in partnership with Brazil.

Tumatumari will benefit from a small hydro system as well.

With the option of solar energy, persons will remain connected to a local grid with their homes outfitted with solar panels. During the day residents will self-generate energy for daily activities and at nights they will use electricity from the grid.

In keeping with President David Granger’s vision of making Bartica the first green town, plans are well underway as pre-feasibility studies commenced with technical

A section of the Bartica/Potaro road which is slated for rehabilitation

teams examining the region, to assess the energy needs.

resident doctors will be sent to the region.

INFRASTRUCTURAL UPGRADE Infrastructural development plays an important part in development; hence focus will be on bettering the town’s facilities. Persons would be able to enter Bartica by road, using the Parika-Goshen road link that is currently being upgraded and a bridge over the Essequibo River will further aid accessibility into Bartica.

The government’s mobile asphalt plant will support the upgrade of all the internal and existing road networks to double bituminous treatment surface (DBST) standard.

The Bartica-Potaro Road, Agatash, and Byderabo Front, are targeted while roads at Track X; Caribese Hill North and Mora will be completed.

A $6M allocation will ensure the construction of a new bridge at Wax Creek, Upper Mazaruni; while the sea defence at Byderabo will be fortified.

BETTERING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Recognising the importance that education plays for a developing nation such as Guyana, significant sums of money have been allocated for the sector for the execution of special projects that are aimed at boosting the efficacy of primary and nursery education.

Living quarters for teachers and students will be constructed, rehabilitated and expanded, because of the remoteness of the region; also, emoluments will be offered for personnel, as it is difficult to find teachers who will readily accept postings in such areas.

The region has three secondary schools, namely Waramadong Secondary - located in the Upper Mazaruni; Bartica Secondary; and Three Mile Secondary; there are also a number of primary and nursery schools.

Recognising the gaps existing between nursery and primary, and primary and secondary schools, the administration recently launched a US$1.7M Early Childhood Project at St. Anthony’s Primary.

The project, funded by the World Bank aims at improving children’s literacy and numeracy ability at the nursery level up to primary grade one in all hinterland regions, especially riverine areas. This programme plans to also focus on parents, teachers and students.

With this initiative along with other investments that will be made to the education sector, it is hoped that significant improvement will be seen in the National Grade Six Assessment, the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) or the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) results.

For 2015 more than $100M will be spent across the region on the education sector. Of this amount, $72.244M will be spent to construct and extend schools and living quarters along with the completion of the Chinowieng and Kartabo Primary Schools; the extension of Agatash Primary School and the construction of living quarters at Waramadong Secondary school.

Further, $15.6M will be spent to improve the facilities and accommodation by outfitting same with the necessary equipment needed and $4.5M will be spent to improve transportation to the sector with the procurement of a boat complete with outboard engine and an All-Terrain-Vehicle (ATV).

The administration’s thrust to transform and beautify the country will not end with Region 7. Whilst it will be used as a model for development, other regions such as Regions 1, 8 and 9 are also being eyed for such transformation.

TOURISM Already, tourists have begun to take advantage of the flora, fauna and overall bountiful beauty of the region. Bartica is now a major attraction for yachters who dock their vessels in the Essequibo River.

The transformation of the community is not limited to only infrastructural work or provision of electricity; it entails that every sector within the region will benefit from massive upgrades, thereby significantly boosting the level and quality of services that residents can abundantly enjoy.

QUALITY OF HEALTH SERVICES Towns are attractions for visitors and another key area that has to be addressed is health. The intention is to offer a wider range of medical services so fewer patients would be referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital; hence the Bartica Hospital will be extended and rehabilitated while Imbaimadai will get doctors’ quarters. Upgrade to facilities would provide for specialist doctors.

Budget 2015 provides allocations that will be used to acquire much-needed medical equipment that will ultimately enhance the quality of services now being offered.

Hospitals in other communities within the region are also slated for upgrades. Kamarang District Hospital’s operating theatre will see some improvement, while other health care facilities will be boosted as both nurses and doctors’ quarters will be enhanced.

This will enable the most populous villages to have resident doctors and nurses. By the end of October 2015, eight

The Bartica Hospital which will upgraded to a regional facility

be

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 17, 2015 Yatchs moored in the Essequibo River in close proximity to Bartica

Bartica Secondary School

Children of the St. Anthony’s Primary School enjoying recreation time

Speed boat transporting Region 7 riverine residents to Bartica

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 17, 2015

Guyana must move towards high... growth in exports can also have a knock-on effect to related service industries,” Holder noted.

In keeping with the GMC’s mandate, through facilitation and coordinating the development of quality non-traditional produce for exports, Holder said that the corporation held its inaugural workshop in October, 2014 as there was a need to bring awareness and to encourage individuals to embark on export agricultural activities.

He recalled that at the first export workshop, both exporters and importers, including farmers and agro-processors, were told of the sanitary requirements of the national protection organisation. However, for 2015 there is great involvement of critical service providers who play an integral role along the supply-value chain.

“This is an opportunity for the GMC to promote its services and create linkage between the stakeholders,

educate and encourage exporters and potential exporters to export agricultural commodities.This end result will increase the exportation of non-traditional commodities, both regionally and extra-regionally, while promoting the adoption of proper post-harvesting and handling with the use of crates, refrigerated containers and refrigerated trucks,” Holder said.

He also indicated that the Agriculture Ministry advocates the promotion of both

fresh and processed products and the need to export different models such as bulk shipments, consolidated shipping and less than container shipping as is usually the case of agro-processors.

He said the GMC has engaged a free-freight provider who will export semi-processed commodities. This is one option to exporters and potential exporters since this service can be used for raw materials to supply overseas industries.

“In fact, the government has seen the need for increased production, transformation and economic diversification of the sector…

We are aware at the ministry of the challenges exporters face, such as the difficulty in accessing credit to venture into large-scale exportation.

In fact, the Government of Guyana has catered for access to affordable credit for persons like these and will investigate, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, the re-establishing of an agricultural development bank to meet the financing needs of the agriculture sector,” Holder said.

In addition, the ministry will continue to offer support to any individual or group wishing to export agricultural commodities regionally and internationally, Holder said.

He said interested parties will continue to make use of subsidised prices to ensure commodities are transported and stored at the required temperature through the use of refrigerators and refrigerated trucks, thereby maintaining the cool chain in post-harvest.

“This collaboration will be strengthened with other government agencies such as Go-Invest and the GRA to expedite export documents.

Advice will be given continuously on the kind of produce being exported,” he stated.

Additionally, Holder said market information will be provided on agricultural commodities to exporters and producers.

At the regional level, he said government will lobby

From page 17

counterparts in CARICOM for trade and economic development to ensure that conditions outlined in Article 15 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas are adhered to, which includes the operation of the CSME and enhanced marketing of industrial and agricultural commodities so as to ensure their international competitiveness, accelerated structural diversification of agricultural production, measures for accelerated marketing of services and to promote and develop policy programmes to facilitate the transportation of people and goods.

AGGRESSIVE LOBBYING He contended that the Ministry of Agriculture will aggressively lobby at the regional and international levels to resolve the non-tariff barriers that affect the exportation of agricultural produce which will be done at a bilateral level, individual trading partners and also at the CARICOM level.

“As a CARICOM member state, we strongly believe that a level playing field must be in place…We will not be supportive of exporters who tarnish the reputation of agricultural exports by engaging in activities which are illegal. We would advocate for ethical business practices among members of the supply chain,” Holder asserted.

The facilitation services of GMC, he noted, are for all to benefit and by utilising these services, the clients are expected to reduce their trade costs.

Saturday, October 17, 2015 - 05:30 hrs Sunday, October 18, 2015 - 08:30 hrs Monday, October 19, 2015 - 09:00 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 17, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 17, 2015

National Secondary Schools League officially launched THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) officially launched the National Secondary Schools League yesterday at the Everest Cricket Club pavilion with a simple ceremony attended by representatives of the sponsors and partners that aid in the tournament.

The head table included the Minister of Education Dr Rupert Roopnarine, GCB president Drubahadur and secretary Anand Senasie, Digicel’s Sponsorship and Events executive Luanna Abrams,

NSC Admin Officer Gervy Harry, Banks DIH’s Nimbus Brand manager Errol Nelson and Child Protection Officer Orette Francois.

Dr Roopnarine opened his brief remarks by thanking the sponsors for their input to make the nationwide tournament a reality.

The minister admitted that financial constraint was the reason such a task could not be fulfilled.

However, Dr Roopnarine believes the integration of this tournament into the school curriculum along with music can pro-

duce more rounded individuals.

D i g i c e l ’s L u a n n a Abrams said her company is very pleased to be a part of this cricket tournament since they fully support youth development. As testimony to this, Digicel recently wrapped up their Nationwide Schools Football Tournament.

She then thanked co-sponsor Banks DIH for taking on this venture and further pledged Digicel’s support by welcoming assistance of any form to ensure the tournament continues. Banks DIH will be

providing support through their Nimbus Water and Coca Cola brands.

Chronicle Sport understands that the organisers are aiming to have participation from over 150 school teams. Clubs and school teams will be competing with two formats laid out for the tournament.

However, the School team that ends up as the National School Champions will be awarded an all-expenses paid trip to the annual Sir Garfield Sobers Tournament in Barbados.

GDF clinch Inter-Services ...

FROM BACK PAGE

to stand up against the 791 points racked up by the Police.

For third place, Guyana Prison Service managed to take an upset win over the Guyana Fire Service. Prison ended with 88 points, just over the 85 points that Fire gathered.

In the rear was City Con-

stabulary with 81 points.

Not even the stunning sprint wins in the men’s 100m, 200m and 400m by champion boy, George, could keep GPF from going down against GDF, who took top wins in the 1500m’s, women’s 100m and 200m sprints and men’s high jump.

George won the champion male title after amassing 30 points, just below him with 28 points was GDF’s Cleveland Forde.

The champion female title went to Natreena Hopper, who amassed 30 points. Women’s 100m

winner Aniquah Powley shared second place with women’s 1500m champion Andrea Foster after both of them secure 28 points.

George earned his well deserved win champion boy after fine displays in his sprints.

In the 100m and 200m, George clocked 9.9 seconds and 20.40 seconds respectively.

In the men’s 1500m GDF’s Cleveland Forde and Andrea Foster claimed the first wins of the day.

Forde top spot in the 1500m was just another rudimentary win for the Little Kenyan, but it was

Police’s Quacy Morian’s come from behind second place finish that had the crowd in excitement.

Forde clocked 4:02.1 to take the win, while Morian finished in a time of 4:04.9s.

GDF’s Hooper put a stop to her team mate Aniquah Powley’s hopes of sprint double win.

P o w l e y, w h o c o p p e d the women’s 100m in a time of 11.8s, could not oveecome the lanky Hooper in the 200m.

Hooper blazed past he finishig line in 28.10s, to shoot in ahead of Powley who clocked 24.70s.

ENGLISH RACING TIPS Ascot 07:45 hrs Wicklow Brave 08:20 hrs Muhaarar 08:55 hrs Candarliya 09:30 hrs Solow 10:05 hrs Jack Hobbs 10:45 hrs Musaddas

09:35 hrs Tokyo Javilex 10:10 hrs Coolgue 10:50 hrs Princeton Royale 11:20 hrs Dream Bolt 11:55 hrs Forever My Friend 12:30 hrs Galveston

09:05 hrs Carrie Bow Cay 09:40 hrs One Away 10:20 hrs Ready To Attack 10:55 hrs Bianzino 11:25 hrs Chisany Ama 11:55 hrs Zinnavar

STRATFORD 08:45 hrs Bantam 09:20 hrs Mighty Missile 09:55 hrs Carrigmorna King 10:30 hrs Great Fighter 11:05 hrs Bob Lewis 11:40 hrs Crickel Woood 12:15 hrs Here Comes Molly FFOS LAS 09:00 hrs Clemency

IRISH RACING TIPS Cork 08:50 hrs An Saighdiur 09:25 hrs Enter The Red 10:35 hrs Flight Risk 11:10 hrs Henshaw 11:45 hrs Ibergman 12:20 hrs Rainfall Radar SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Durbanville 12:55 hrs Quing 08:30 hrs Cecil John

AMERICAN RACING TIPS Belmont Race 1 Resourceful Race 2 Pricedtoperfection Race 3 Ready Dancer Race 4 Plainview Race 5 Playwright Race 6 Tattenham Race 7 Jax Heritage Race 8 S’maverlous Race 9 Lady Lara Race10 War of Ideas

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 17, 2015

Cook hits 263 to give England lead on day four

By Matt Smith ABU DHABI, (Reuters) Alastair Cook completed the third-longest innings in Test history and the longest by an Englishman as his side ended on 569-8 on

top scoring duo in 2015 reeled in Pakistan’s total.

The sparse crowd, overwhelmingly supporting Pakistan, were boisterous despite the lack of wicket chances on Abu Dhabi’s flat, slow pitch as England

edging to Sarfraz Ahmed who made some amends for his earlier mistake by executing a nimble diving catch to his right.

ROOT FRUSTRATED

England’s Alastair Cook celebrates reaching his double-century. (Action Images via Reuters) the fourth day of the first Test yesterday, 46 runs ahead of Pakistan.

Cook batted for 836 minutes - or just short of 14 hours - over three days before succumbing on 263, the England skipper’s second-highest Test score.

Joe Root (85) and Ben Stokes (57) provided ample support as the tourists sought to make Pakistan regret declaring on 523-8, although with one day’s play left and both teams still to bat again a draw seems likely in the first of a threematch series.

England began yesterday on 290-3, Cook and Root at the crease and seemingly imperious, as Test cricket’s

reached lunch without further loss.

Those fans would rue Sarfraz Ahmed’s sluggishness, the wicketkeeper failing to reach Cook’s nick off an inside edge from Wahab Riaz’s in-swinger in the day’s fourth over when the 30-year-old was on 173.

Pakistan captain Misbahul-Haq used his fast bowlers sparingly in the stifling heat with slow left-armer Zulfiqar Babar leading the hosts’ attack for long spells despite none of the first 13 wickets in this Test falling to spin.

Root eventually walked early in the afternoon after trying to cut an out-swinging Rahat Ali delivery,

Root kicked at the stumps in frustration, a 14th Test half-century and a 141–run partnership with Cook, scant consolation for missing a ninth Test century on such a benign surface.

Jonny Bairstow (8) lasted 39 balls, falling lbw to

Wahab as the tourists slipped to 443-5.

Ben Stokes was Cook’s next partner as England’s batsmen went on the offensive after tea, seeking to reverse a run rate that had sagged to 2.62 runs per over post-lunch from a relatively brisk 3.33 in the morning.

Stokes was bowled by Shoaib Malik to become this Test’s first spin casualty but only after scoring a brisk 57 in an 87-ball knock.

Cook was next to be dismissed, sweeping a top edge from Malik to Shan Masood at square leg for an easy catch as England slipped to 549-7, although replays showed it should have been called no-ball.

His 263 was his third Test double-century and second only to his 294 against India in 2011.

Jos Buttler (23) then dollied up a simple catch for Zulfiqar’s first wicket before bad light stopped play.

Zulfiqar finished with figures of 1-180 after bowling 70 of Pakistan’s 196 overs while Wahab finished with 3-116.

The three-match series heads to Dubai next for the second Test from October 22 with Sharjah hosting the third contest from November 1.

SCOREBOARD PAKISTAN 1st innings 523 for 8 decl. (S. Malik 245, A. Shafiq 107, M. Hafeez 98; B. Stokes 4-57) ENGLAND 1st innings (o/n: 290-3) A. Cook c Masood b Malik 263 M. Ali c S. Ahmed b I. Khan 35 I. Bell c Hafeez b Riaz 63 M. Wood b Riaz 4 J. Root c S. Ahmed b R. Ali 85 J. Bairstow lbw b Riaz 8 B. Stokes b Malik 57 J. Buttler c Shafiq

b Babar 23 A. Rashid not out 6 S. Broad not out 0 Extras: (b-7, lb-5, nb-10, w-3) 25 Total: (for 8 wickets, 196.3 overs) 569 Fall of wickets: 1-116, 2-281, 3-285, 4-426, 5-443, 6-534, 7-549, 8-563.

Bowling: R. Ali 26.3-1-73-1, I. Khan 25-6-72-1, Z. Babar 70-17-180-1, W. Riaz 333-116-3 (nb-10, w-3), A. Shafiq 7-0-19-0, S. Malik 35-4-97-2.

English FA suspends support for Platini’s FIFA candidacy LONDON, England (Reuters) - The English Football Association has suspended support for Michel Platini’s bid to become FIFA president, after learning “more information relating to the issues from Mr Platini’s lawyers”, the FA said in a statement.

Platini, who is standing in the FIFA presidential election scheduled for February 26, and incumbent Sepp Blatter were banned for 90 days by the FIFA Ethics Committee last week pending a full investigation into both men’s activities.

Switzerland’s Attorney General’s office initiated criminal proceedings against Blatter over a two million Swiss francs ($2.1M) p a y m e n t f ro m FIFA to Platini in 2011 for work carried out by the Frenchman between 1998 and 2002. Both men have denied any wrongdoing.

Platini’s lawyers gave a presentation to all MICHEL PLATINI U E FA m e m b e r associations on Thursday.

“The FA wishes Mr Platini every success in fighting these charges and clearing his name, and has no interest in taking any action that jeopardises this process,” they said in a statement issued on the FA website (www.theFA.com) yesterday.

“However, notwithstanding the above, at the UEFA meeting on Thursday, the FA learnt more information relating to the issues at the centre of this case from Mr Platini’s lawyers.

“We have been instructed that the information must be kept confidential and therefore we cannot go into specifics.

“As a result of learning this information, the FA board has yesterday morning concluded that it must suspend its support for Mr Platini’s candidature for the FIFA presidency until the legal process has been concluded and the position is clear.

“A decision can then be taken on who to support in the presidential election on February26, 2016.”

PMCC to host Everest GCA tournaments resume this weekend tomorrow in a 40-over clash SEVERAL tournaments in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) will resume this weekend at various venues across the city.

The final of the Carib Beer T20 cricket competition will be on at the Demerara Cricket Club where the hosts will try to hold off the touring Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) team.

Starting time is 13:00hrs and the match will be under the watchful eyes of umpires Nigel Duguid & Shannon Crawford with the reserve umpire being Edward Bowen.

Meanwhile, New Building Society

(NBS) 2nd Division 40-Over Cricket action continues today, from 10:30hrs with Sophia Cricket Club taking on GNIC at home, under umpires Mario Nichols & Reginald Grant.

St Stanislaus College will play Third Class Cricket Club at Bourda, with Joseph Jeffrey and Javed Persaud as the standing officials.

The Guyana Defence Force will take on Police Sports Club at Camp Road with Patrick Garnath and Matthew Kissoon while the University of Guyana side play Gandhi Youth Organisation at Malteenoes, with Hortense Isaacs and Deon Feassal in charge.

PORT Mourant Cricket Club (PMCC) will be hosting the Everest Cricket Club tomorrow in a 40-over match commencing at 10:00hrs.

The two clubs partnered in 2014, as the newly elected president of the PMCC, Vickram Seubarran, felt it was necessary to bridge gaps between clubs from different counties, and in so doing, will encourage and promote a higher level of game for the cricketers in both these Clubs.

The two clubs have already engaged in two previous games, and plans are afoot for a 4-team competition, comprising PMCC, Everest, and two other teams from around Guyana. This will be played off in November.

The players for tomorrow’s match, which promises to be a keen one, will see Everest supported by Troy Gonsalves, Amir Khan, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Tajenarine Chanderpaul among others.

The Port Mourtant side will consist of Ariff Chan, Lloydel Lewis, Joshua Ramsammy, Avishkar Sewkarran, Manoj Lokhnauth, Demetri Cameron, Nickolas Cameron, Samuel Kishnasammy, Veramootoo Senwasane, Daniel Samaroo, and Vivekanand Jagjit.

Important to note is that the Port Mourant Cricket Club has a relatively young lineup since all the members of the club’s senior team are below the age of 22.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 17, 2015

Busta renews RHTY&SC Champion of Champions sponsorship

SM JALEEL & Company Ltd, through its Busta brand, has renewed its sponsorship for the 12th edition of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) Champion of Champions cricket tournament.

Expected to commence on Saturday November 14, the Busta Champion of Champions Berbice Edition will feature eight teams in the Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets, Young Warriors, Tucber Park, West Berbice, Police, Upper Corentyne and Blairmont with one other senior team expected to confirm their participation shortly.

The 40-over tournament will use the white ball for all matches and the winner would take home $100 000 and the beautiful Busta Trophy while the second-place team will collect 50 000.

Speaking during yesterday’s launch, Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer Hilbert Foster indicated his pleasure at once again securing the sponsorship of Busta,

Members of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club collect their Busta Champion of Champions trophy from General Manager Robert Selman. (Adrian Narine photo)

adding, “From a humble birth, Champion of Champions has grown into one of Guyana’s leading cricket competition and certainly one of the best organised and promoted ones.”

He said that the RHTY&SC will of course be looking to provide the best possible atmosphere for cricket and its development and thanked the General Manager Robert Selman and the staff for their 12 years of sustained sponsorship.

Selman, making brief remarks said, “Words cannot express the manner in which they carry out this tournament.

When I look at other competitions, I see a lot of them ending up in dispute and fight.

I have never had a serious incident. They have kept up the good name of our company.”

He indicated that he continues to feel heartened to sponsor tournaments like the Champion of Champions, noting too that he has seen evidence of proper and accountable spending as it relates to his hard-earned money.

Tappin elected Chase heads Guyana president of GBSA Futsal Association

ROLLAN Tappin was yesterday voted in as president of the Guyana Beach Soccer Association (GBSA).

Tappin will have Dwallon Alleyne as his first vice-president, second vice- president Adrian Alleyne, Rashauna Rollins as secretary and treasurer is Lashaun Martindale.

Chairman of the Guyana Football Fed-

eration (GFF) Normalisation Committee Clinton Urling, congratulated the new executives and pledged the Federation’s support to help develop the sport.

At present, Guyana’s lone established beach soccer facility is at Linden and according to Tappin, the association will be aiming to spread the sport throughout Guyana.

(L-R) Mark Younge, Andrew Major, Kenrick Noel, NC chairman Clinton Urling, General Secretary Diedre Davis and Rawle Adams

(L-R) Adrian Alleyne, General Secretary Diedre Davis, GBSA president Rollan Tappin, NC chairman Clinton Urling, Lashaun Martindale, Rashauna Rollins and Dwallon Farrell.

HENRY Chase was last evening elected president of the Guyana Futsal Association. Chase secured seven of the eight votes to win against Otis James.

Kenrick Noel will serve as first vice-president, second vice-president is Mark Younge and Andrew Major is the treasurer. Rawle Adams was voted in as secretary.

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Normalisation Committee

Chairman Clinton Urling believes that the newly elected body has a huge task ahead to bring the format of Futsal to an organised state.

Urling pledged the GFF’s support in helping the recently named elected association off the ground.

Noel, in the absence of Chase, said that the Futsal Association and its executive will be eager to work together to help develop and expand the game.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 17, 2015

STAG Elite League returns to Berbice tonight … Slingerz FC play Fruta Conquerors; Monedderlust clash with Alpha United

BERBICIANS are in for a treat tonight when the STAG Elite League returns to the No. 5 ground with two matches that promise to be 90 minutes of action-packed football.

In the night’s opening game from 19:00hrs, Fruta Conquerors will confront Slingerz FC then the home side, Monedderlust are down to face Alpha United from 21:30hrs. It will be the first meeting between the four clubs in the league.

It is evident that the Berbice club are hard to be defeated on their home turf having won both of their matches played at the West Coast Berbice facility.

Against the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Monedderlust came from being down two goals to win 3-2 when the final whistle was blown and against the Georgetown Football Club (GFC), after falling behind just nine minutes into the contest, Coach Gordon Braithwaite’s men rebounded to win 2-1.

However, it was the club’s only two wins so far in the league. They have lost their other four matches played with the most recent defeat being suffered at the hands of the league’s most in-form

team – Pele FC (3-0).

It will be interesting to see how Monedderlust, after struggling against Pele FC,

EON ALLEYNE will hold their own against an impressive Alpha United team.

Monedderlust, so far, have conceded the most goals in the tournament (12) and have only managed to score six.

Defensively, the club have failed to make any impact on the league and with Delon Lanferman; Alpha United’s leading goalscorer (four) in ripping

form, the Berbicians will certainly have to tighten up or be ‘hammered’.

It would not be bias for anyone with a good knowledge of all the teams in the league to say that Alpha United will enter the game as clear favourites.

The Fruta Conquerors/ Slingerz FC game, should it live up to the hype, could be the perfect appetisers for the usually enthused Berbice crowd before seeing their home team in action.

Slingerz FC defeated Buxton United 2-0 the last time they played at the No.5 ground while Fruta Conquerors’ last game ended in a 2-2 draw against GFC. However, things could be a little different for the

wouldn’t be able to do so without the approval from the sport’s local governing body.

The aforementioned players had already featured in five matches in the league and it was due to their inability to play, that caused last week’s game against the GDF at Base Camp Ayanganna not to be played.

Owner Javed Ali and manager Colin Aaron pulled their team just minutes before kickoff against GDF, as a protest to the GFF’s late notice after the Federation had informed on the morning of the game of their ineligibility.

Nonetheless, the Joseph ‘Bill’ Wilson-coached team, armed with enough firepower despite being weakened by their players’

KEVIN LAYNE absence, could still be a threat to the league title.

‘Popcorn’ Eastman withdraws from Caribbean Elite Cycling Championships … to be replaced by Raul Leal

More sparks to fly today in COURTS Pee Wee schools football THE third weekend of action in the COURTS Pee Wee Schools Under-11 football tournament kicks off today at 10:00hrs with two of the 12 scheduled matches at the Banks DIH ground, Thirst Park.

In the first two simultaneously-run matches F.E. Pollard and St Margaret’s go head-to-head with Marian Academy and St Ambrose, respectively.

Following that, Comenius face East La Penitence while Stella Maris continue their bid to retain the title against Winfer Gardens, from 10:45hrs.

Meeting the halfway mark of the programme, Enterprise battle St Gabriel’s and Smith Memorial challenge St Agnes.

At 12:15hrs School of the Nations tackle St Angela’s and West Ruimveldt meet J.E. Burnham then at 13:00hrs North Georgetown play St Sidwell’s and St Pius take on Rama Krishna.

The final two matches scheduled to kick off at 13:45hrs will see South Ruimveldt and St Stephen’s thrash it out while Tucville clash with Sophia.

Vergenoegen club since they are faced with eligibility issues at present with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

Slingerz FC could be without their St Vincent and Grenadines imports (Winslow McDowall, Jolanshoy McDowall and Keith James) along with former Morvant Caledonia football Club striker Domini Garnett.

The GFF is contending that the players and the club, due to several factors, are yet to secure the required approval which would allow them to continue their participation in the league.

Up to press time, the Club was yet to receive an official correspondent from the GFF stating that the players could suit up for tonight’s game and

Hamza Eastman

GUYANA’S chances of medal ling at the Caribbean Elite Cycling Championships suffered a major setback when national champion Hamza ‘Popcon’ Eastman confirmed his non-participation as a result of the injury he sustained while training for the just concluded Mohamed Khadir Memorial 80-mile cycle race that Raynauth Jeffrey won last Sunday.

According to reports, Eastman’s place has been filled by Team Gillette Evolution’s Raul Leal.

A dejected and disappointed Eastman after consulting with his doctor broke the news on social media. The Team Coco’s rider disclosed that although he can still participate in the championship, he acknowledges that he will not be competitive and it would not be in the best interest of the team. He does not want to be “just another rider in the peleton”.

He hopes a suitable replacement can be found.

Meanwhile, former national cyclist Linden Dowridge told

Guyana Cycle News that he is very sorry to hear about Eastman’s unavailability to compete in this weekend’s Caribbean Elite Meet but he respects Eastman’s maturity and honesty on the subject.

He added, “Raul is a good boy, and needs the exposure; he is also a good team rider but needs guidance during the event.”

Meanwhile, Digicel will host its fourth Breast Cancer Awareness cycle road race that is scheduled to pedal off on October 25.

At the launching on Thursday it was stated that the event will now be a two-stage event with the first stage starting at 07:00hrs at Schoonord, West Demerara and the cyclists will proceed to Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo before returning to the place of origin for the finish.

The juveniles, veterans and ladies will turn back at Uitvlugt.

The second stage will commence at 07:00hrs at Abary, East Coast Demerara and conclude in the inner circuit of the National Park.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 17, 2015

Herath six-wicket first-innings heroics leave West Indies reeling … Tourists made to follow-on (REUTERS) - Rangana Herath took six first-innings wickets to put West Indies in a spin as Sri Lanka enforced the follow-on on the third day of the opening Test at Galle yesterday.

The wily left-arm spinner picked up four wickets on the third day to complete his 23rd five-wicket haul in Tests.

Herath inflicted more misery on the hapless touring side by dismissing opener Kraigg Brathwaite lbw for 34 in West Indies’ second innings and they finished the day on 67 for two, still needing 166 runs to avoid an innings defeat.

Shai Hope (six) was the other opener out when he was bowled by Milinda Siriwardana to become the debutant all-rounder’s first Test victim.

Darren Bravo (20) and nightwatchman Devendra Bishoo (six) were at the crease at stumps.

brilliant acrobatic catch at mid-wicket to dismiss the left-hander.

Herath struck in his sec-

Rangana Herath’s figures read 33-9-68-6 on the third day in Galle.

Bravo (50) had offered resistance in the first session too, making his 12th half-century in Tests before falling to Herath, Dinesh Chandimal completing a

ond over of the day with an innocuous delivery which Marlon Samuels (11) made a mess of.

The batsman failed to connect on a pull shot and

Banks Beer Rugby Sevens season launched

the ball, going way down the leg side, hit his thigh and went on to disturb the stumps.

Jermaine Blackwood (11) did not last long either, edging Dhammika Prasad to Siriwardana at slip where the fielder juggled a catch but held on.

Jason Holder (19), leading the side for the first time in Tests, gave Prasad his second wicket when he edged behind to wicketkeeper Kusal Perera after hitting the paceman for two consecutive boundaries.

Wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin fell in similar fashion to fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep before Kemar Roach, who was dropped on five by Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews at slip off Herath, and Jerome Taylor (31) launched a counter-attack.

Taylor hit four boundaries

and a six in his 31-ball knock and his 46-run stand for the eighth wicket with Roach gave West Indies hope of saving the follow-on.

Roach (22) also added

SCOREBOARD SRI LANKA 1st innings 484 (D. Karunaratne 186, D. Chandimal 151; D. Bishoo 4-143) WEST INDIES 1st innings (o/n 66-2) K. Brathwaite lbw b Herath 19 S. Hope b Herath 23 Da. Bravo c Chandimal b Herath 50 M. Samuels b Herath 11 J. Blackwood c Siriwardana b Prasad 11 D. Ramdin c K. Perera b Pradeep 23 J. Holder c K. Perera b Prasad 19 K. Roach stp. K. Perera b Herath 22 J. Taylor c Mathews b Kaushal 31 D. Bishoo not out 23 S. Gabriel b Herath 0

… kicks off tomorrow

THE Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) and beverage giant Banks DIH officially launched the 2015-2016 rugby season with the Banks Beer Rugby Sevens tournament in the boardroom of Banks DIH. This tournament is one that has been stable in the union’s calendar for years and will kick off at 11:00hrs at the University of Guyana (UG) rugby field tomorrow.

Banks Beer Brand manager Brian Choo Hen disclosed in his brief remarks that his company is quite pleased to be associated with the union and over the years has seen its investment become fruitful.

He added, “We expect to see the fans of rugby there, it is free. Banks Beer remains committed towards the development of rugby in Guyana and we have seen over the years that indeed rugby has developed our boys and they have gone places and brought home titles to our dear country Guyana.”

The tournament will involve the defending champions UG Wolves, Police Sports Club (PSC), GDF, Pepsi Hornets and Yamaha Caribs.

The ladies side of the tournament will see over 35 ladies matching skills against another team made up of players from all the clubs and national rugby sides.

GRFU president Peter Green said the players have shaken off the competition rust and will be ready to entertain in the official season opener.

Green said, “This weekend’s tournament will highlight the skills of the new generation coming up because the federation will be moving forward to rebuild the 15’ and 7s teams. With that in mind, it’s very good Banks has renewed the sponsorship annually with us and I commend them for that.”

Last weekend at the same venue, a young and energetic UG Wolves team dethroned GDF to cart off the Trophy Stall Sevens Championship title.

Extras: (b-5, lb-6, nb-7, w-1) 19 Total: (all out, 82 overs) 251 Fall of wickets: 1-33, 2-49, 3-70, 4-111, 5-132, 6-165, 7-171, 8-217, 9-251.

Bowling: D. Prasad 15-6-38-2, N. Pradeep 15-4-56-1 (nb-1, w-1), R. Herath 33-9-68-6, T. Kaushal 14-4-65-1 (nb-6), M. Siriwardana 5-2-13-0.

WEST INDIES 2nd innings K. Brathwaite lbw b Herath 34 S. Hope b Siriwardana 6 Da. Bravo not out 20 D. Bishoo not out 6 Extras: (nb-1) 1 Total: (for 2 wickets, 27 overs) 67 Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-60.

Bowling: D. Prasad 3-1-4-0, R. Herath 7-3-17-1, N. Pradeep 4-17-0, M. Siriwardana 6-1-30-1, T. Kaushal 7-3-9-0 (nb-1).

Football’s pepper-pot bubbling

By Allan La Rose

Banks Beer Brand manager Brian Choo Hen (centre) hands over the Championship Trophy to GRFU president Peter Green following the tournament launch.

34 with Bishoo for the ninth wicket but Herath ensured they fell short by dismissing him and Shannon Gabriel off successive deliveries shortly after tea.

D-DAY Saturday, November 14, 2015 is fast approaching as members continue to put their house in order so as to be able to cast their votes in what is now being considered Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) most important elections in its over 100 years of existence.

Over the last year ‘The Beautiful Game’ here in Guyana was under the direction of a Normalisation Committee (NC) appointed and installed by the world governing body FIFA after dissolving the Christopher Matthias-led administration.

The two chief mandates that the Clinton Urling-led NC received from FIFA were to establish and adopt a new Constitution for the GFF and its members and to conduct elections for a new Executive Committee.

The GFF’s new Constitution was adopted at a Congress held in the City on June 26, 2015 and the significant change is an increase in membership with eight Elite Clubs being accorded full-member status along with nine Regional associations and five Affiliate members.

All 22 members were mandated to adopt a new Constitution as provided by the NC and hold elections as part of the criteria for eligibility to vote at the upcoming elections. This weekend the voting intensifies with five members holding elections.

Today, (Saturday October 17) City

clubs will convene to elect a new executive for the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) and likewise the Essequibo Coast and Pomeroon Football Association. Elite Club Fruta Conquerors FC, Bartica Football Association and the Referees Council will go to the polls tomorrow (Sunday 18th).

In an invited comment, General Secretary of the GFF, Diedre Davis says the NC is ready for the task at hand, “It will be a busy weekend for the NC, but we will be ready. We are happy with the support we continue to enjoy from the stakeholders of football – Media, Clubs and Fans. I think it is something everyone was looking forward to,” Davis stated.

The Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) and Alpha United are the only members of the GFF who have completed the process of putting their house in order. The deadline for holding elections is October 30 while the closing date for slates to contest the November 14 GFF elections is October 24.

Among those challenging this weekend for top positions is Maxine Stewart who is tipped to head the Essequibo FA. Wayne Forde who has been at the helm of elite club Fruta Conquerors for over three years is also expected to become president.

Word emanating from the Referees camp is that a new leader will be elected while the GFA is a two-slate competition between the Matthias and Hicken factions.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

GDF clinch Inter-Services championship title

T A jubilant Guyana Defence Force team celebrating their win last evening at National Track and Field Centre.

National Secondary Schools League officially launched

STAG Elite League returns to Berbice tonight See story on page 34

GPF sprinter Winston George is seen in this Delano Williams photo winning the 100 metres sprint

HE final day of action in the Inter Services Annual Athletics Championships (ISAAC), yesterday, was packed with close wins and intense rivalry, that included sizzling sprint wins for Olympian Winston George, and a tight win in the men’s 4x100m relay, as the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) clinched the overall Championships win, over the Guyana Police Force, to successfully defend their title when the event concluded at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.

Earlier, President David Granger attended the opening and took the Presidential salute .The President also handed over the first and second place trophies for the march-past to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the

Guyana Police Force (GPF), respectively.

The President’s message to the GDF, the GPF, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), who participated in the event, was that “the championships can be an important vehicle to promote respectful relations amongst the institutions and individuals who collectively, constitute the Joint Services Springing into the final day’s competition off a 13 point lead, GDF was already poised for the win, needing only to keep arch rivals, GPF at bay and maintain the position at the helm. Clocking win after win, that was an easy task for the Army men. The soldiers ended with 813 points See page 31

See story on page 31

The head table takes a photo opportunity following the launch of the National Secondary Schools League with students from Marian Academy.

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2015