Guyana chronicle 05 11 14

GUYANA No. 104002 WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2014

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

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First post-recess sitting of Parliament set for Monday, November 10 Page

... President Ramotar announces in address to the nation

PPP calls for release of all ‘recordings’ in Page 13 possession of Kaieteur News publisher

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PRESIDENT DONALD RAMOTAR

Attorney General Anil Nandlall addresses the staff of the Legal Affairs Ministry Page

Minister Anil Nandlall

INCLUDING VAT

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… on the publication of private conversation between himself and another party

Former Chronicle senior reporter under PNC Government Page 8 escaped dictatorship to Canada as Political Refugee

Saul fled PNC regime in fear

Ras Leon Saul

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee

Opposition in Page 13 ‘hibernation’ with regard to GECOM affairs - PPP … serious questions exist over transparency of recruitment practices

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 5, 2014

First post-recess sitting of Parliament set for Monday, November 10 ... President Ramotar announces in address to the nation

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar last evening, in his address to the nation on NCN radio and television, announced that the National Assembly will reconvene on Monday of next week, and that Local Government elections will be held in the second quarter of next year.

The President said too that should the Opposition try to disrupt Government business by forcing a debate on its No Confidence Motion, he would use his prerogative to either prorogue or dissolve Parliament, paving the way for general elections.

Following is the text of the President’s address: Fellow Guyanese, I have decided to address you on the important matters of the convening of Parliament and Elections.

There are those who want to divide Guyana and take us back into the past. But the future belongs to all of us. And that future we are building every day, together.

The parliamentary recess has ended. That is why the National Assembly must resume its deliberations to address several very important matters that were on the Order Paper, but not completed at the beginning of the recess, as well as new matters. These matters will allow us, all our people, to build

a better society and a more resilient economy.

In keeping with our traditions and a recent pledge, I now announce Monday, November 10th, 2014, as the date of the first post-recess sitting of the National Assembly.

Some of these matters before the National Assembly that hold the key to our future, include: 1. The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Legislation and the repercussions of Guyana’s non-compliance on both the economy and the lives of our citizens; 2. The Telecommunications Legislation with its intended Liberalisation of the Telecoms Sector; 3. The Education Bill and its sweeping overhaul of public education that lifts every child in Guyana; and 4. Financial Papers providing for expenditure of Public Funds for development projects and improving the welfare of our people.

In addition to these matters is the timing of the much needed Local Government elections.

Fellow Guyanese, you are aware that the Opposition has tabled a motion of No Confidence against my Administration. If this is passed, it will lead to General Elections.

Further I have been advised that the Guyana Elections Commission will require six months to prepare for Local Government Elections under the new local Government electoral system. Pending further consultations with the Guyana Elections Commission on its preparations, I also now announce my intention to hold Local Government Elections in the Second Quarter of next year, 2015.

PRESIDENT DONALD RAMOTAR I disclose these, my intentions, on the assumption that the post recess sittings of the National Assembly would proceed uninterruptedly, deliberating on the urgent matters I have listed in the interest of the people of Guyana.

I also wish to declare that were this not to be so, and I am provided with reasons to believe that the Parliamentary Opposition intends to disrupt Government’s business by forcing a debate on their No Confidence Motion, I resolve to respond immediately by exercising my Constitutional options to either Prorogue or Dissolve Parliament, paving the way for holding of General Elections.

Fellow Guyanese, Guyana deserves better than political games that serve to only benefit a select few while damaging the welfare of the people of Guyana.

Your Government remains committed to forging partnership and taking appropriate actions in the interest of the stability, unity and prosperity of our dear country.

The future of Guyana is bright, but all of our progress will be lost without a combined effort to move our country forward.

Thank you.

President Donald Ramotar

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 5, 2014

Attorney General Anil Nandlall addresses the staff of the Legal … on the publication of private conversation Affairs Ministry between himself and another party FOLLOWING is a statement by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall following the recent publication of parts of a private conversation between himself and another party.

The statement was addressed to the professional staff of the Advice, Litigation and Drafting Departments and members of the senior management of the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

Here is the statement: Colleagues, I am speaking to you today against the backdrop of the recent exposure to the general public of selected portions of a private conversation I had with someone I have known for a very long time and that took place in the context of mutual trust, confidence, informality and indeed, was a friendly banter.

Unfortunately, this conversation was recorded without my knowledge, manipulated, distorted and made public. As you are aware, I have filed legal proceedings.

It is my hope that these proceedings will examine and determine the legality and authenticity of the recording as well as the liabilities, if any, which arise therefrom.

Additionally, I have no doubt that the appropriate authorities would send the recording for proper forensic analysis.

Nevertheless, the publishing of this impugned recording was an unexpected betrayal. In the recording, you, and indeed the public, would have heard some most unfortunate remarks attributed to me. This entire episode has caused me and my family great embarrassment, personal distress and tremendous pain.

I am truly sorry that you, my political colleagues, and the general public had to endure this highly regrettable ordeal.

In addition to the personal conse-

quences for me and my family, this episode has also served as a distraction for our nation at a time when there are significant and substantial issues that require our collective focused attention.

Minister Anil Nandlall Allow me to address some of the issues raised by the deliberately engineered, manipulated and released portions of that private conversation.

Firstly, I share the views and principles of the Government of Guyana, of which I am a part, with respect to freedom of the press. As stated elsewhere recently, our Government has from the inception

“recognised, embraced, cherished and actively promoted press freedom in all its forms and facets. … we regard press freedom as a fundamental freedom and right which is enshrined in the Constitution of Guyana. We view freedom of the press as the cornerstone of our democracy.”

It is also my firm belief that while the State has the sacred responsibility for creating and nurturing an enabling environment for a Free Press, the Free Press has an equally sacred responsibility to the highest ethical standards as they operate in that free environment. The Guyanese public and I are equally victims of an unethical journalist and an unprincipled newspaper operating in a free environment.

Secondly, I wish to state clearly and unequivocally, that I am unaware of any planned violence or extra-judicial sanction against any individual journalist or any newspaper. Indeed, in my own case, I have filed legal proceedings and have every confidence in our judicial system to conduct a fair and open hearing and to deliver justice at the end. Our Government does not condone or promote violence in any form or at any level. As you all here in these chambers know, we have worked tirelessly to give leadership and guidance to the development of legislation that tackle violence in all forms and at every level, including the protection of women and children from domestic violence.

This takes me to the third issue - that of women. This aspect of the impugned recording has perhaps caused me the greatest personal distress. I have been judged harshly by both the general public and by women’s groups and activists.

However, neither of these judgments has

been as harsh as the judgments I have received from the women in my life, most notably my wife and my mother. I wish to assure all women in Guyana of my highest respect and to promise that I will continue to struggle for their rights and respect wherever there remain gaps in the treatment of women in our society.

Colleagues, the final issue I wish to clarify relates to a financial transaction to which reference was made in the impugned recording. This has been unfortunately interpreted to implicate me in some form of financial impropriety. I wish to set the record straight on that issue. The reference relates to the reimbursement I received for monies I expended on medical treatment. This reimbursement, was approved by Cabinet in a written Cabinet decision dated 20 June 2013. This is, and historically has been, an entitlement of every member of Cabinet long before my appointment.

In closing, I wish to take this opportunity to thank each of you here in these chambers for your continued tireless work in support of Guyana’s development. Our recent accomplishment of securing time for Guyana to meet its obligations under the CFATF and FATF is very significant and noteworthy, but I will address that at another time.

I wish to also thank you for your support given to me personally. I am proud to be leading these chambers and this team of professionals at this unique time in our history, but nothing that I have achieved would have been possible without your efforts and I am indeed personally indebted to you.

Thank you.

Anil Nandlall

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday NOVEMBER 5, 2014

Iraq Shi’ite Ashoura ritual escapes attacks (Reuters) - A GATHERING of millions of Shi’ite Muslims at shrines and mosques across Iraq for the Ashoura religious commemoration passed without any major attacks on Tuesday, under tight security imposed for fear of Islamic State bombers.

Crowds of hundreds of thousands of people in the holy city of Kerbala had largely dispersed in safety after nightfall, following a day of worship and prayer to mark the 7th century battle that divided the Muslim world into Sunnis and Shi’ites.

Dozens of pilgrims were killed in Baghdad alone in the run-up to this year ’s event, despite an increase in security since suspected al Qaeda suicide bombers and mortar attacks killed 171 people during Ashoura in Kerbala and Baghdad in 2004.

But no big attacks were reported in Iraq as Shi’ites across the Muslim world commemorated the slaying of Prophet Mohammad’s grandson Hussein at the battle of Kerbala in AD

U.S. drone strikes, clashes kill 20 in Yemen: tribal sources

Iraqi Shi’ite Muslim commemorate Ashoura in Kerbala, southwest of Baghdad November 4, 2014 680. says Shi’ites are infidels Prophet is buried, chantGunmen shot dead at who deserve to be killed. ing: “Hussein, Hussein, least five people in Saudi The group, which seized Hussein.” During the ritual, Arabia’s Eastern Province, large parts of northern Iraq Shi’ites beat their heads and state news agency SPA re- this year, regularly claims chests and gash their heads ported, in what local resi- responsibility for suicide with swords to show their dents said was an attack on bombings against Shi’ites, grief at Hussein’s suffering.

Shi’ite Muslim worshippers who are a minority in Islam In the past, suicide on Monday night, testing but form the majority in bombers posing as pilalready strained relations Iraq. grims have infiltrated between Sunnis and Shi’ites In Kerbala, huge masses large crowds and militants across the Middle East. of pilgrims gathered outside have fired mortar rounds Islamic State, seen as the Shrine of Imam Hussein at the gathering from the more ruthless than al Qaeda, where the grandson of the outskirts of Kerbala.

Lack of stability in Gaza risks return to war, says U.N. (Reuters) - THERE is still not an effective or united Palestinian government in place in Gaza and unless stability is achieved rapidly, another conflict will engulf the territory, a

senior United Nations official said on Tuesday.

Robert Turner, director of operations for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza, said the extent of damage

and homelessness after the July-August war was worse than first thought. The latest estimates suggested reconstruction would take two to three years if all went well, he said.

“I do not see the national consensus government effectively governing Gaza,” said Turner, referring to a technocrat cabinet agreed in June between the Western-backed Palestinian Authority and the Islamist movement Hamas, which dominates Gaza.

“If we do not have political stability, I think if we do not have a national Palestinian government, I think if we do not have at least an

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easing of the blockade, yes there will be another war,” Turner told reporters.

Israel has agreed to ease its blockade on Gaza’s borders and allow reconstruction material and other goods to flow more freely into the territory, but it is predicated on the reconciliation government assuming full control in the enclave.

Ongoing differences between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, particularly over the payment of salaries to Hamas employees, has kept tensions high in Gaza and the flow of goods into the territory has been stalled.

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(Reuters) - U.S. DRONE strikes killed a least 10 suspected al Qaeda militants on Tuesday in central Yemen, where fighting between members of Ansar al-Sharia and Shi’ite Muslim rebels also killed 10 people, local tribesmen said.

Fighting has been taking place in central and western Yemen since the Houthis, officially known as Ansarullah, captured the capital Sanaa on Sept. 21, propelling the group into power brokers in the U.S.-allied country next door to Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter.

Tribesmen said the drones targeted positions held

by Ansar al-Sharia in the town of Radda in al-Bayda province and a vehicle used by the group.

They said at least 10 suspected Ansar al-Sharia fighters died in the strikes, the largest number of casualties in such attacks since the Houthis advanced in the area in mid-October.

The militants, along with local Sunni Muslim tribesmen, have been fighting against the advance of Houthi fighters. Scores of people have been killed since Sept. 21.

The United States acknowledges using drones in Yemen but does not comment publicly on the practice.

Al Qaeda and its affiliates in Yemen are among the most active wings of the network founded by Osama bin Laden.

In the latest clashes in Radda, tribal and medical sources said 10 Houthi fighters died in attacks on their checkpoints at the entrance to and in the center of Radda, followed by clashes that went on for much of the night.

They said medical teams had yet to retrieve all the victims from the scene of the fighting in the city, where about 60,000 people live.

Houthi forces took over Sanaa in September and fanned out into central and western Yemen. The Sunni tribesmen and al Qaeda militants regard the Houthis as heretics.

Last Saturday, at least 20 Yemeni soldiers and three suspected al Qaeda militants died in clashes in the town of Jabal Ras in the western province of Hodeidah.

An al Qaeda suicide bombing killed 33 people in the central province of al-Bayda last week. Days later, 30 Shi’ite rebels and 18 Sunni fighters and their tribal allies died in clashes, also in al Bayda.

After a rocket was fired out of Gaza last week, Israel closed the borders for three days.

Economists in Gaza have estimated that as many as 400 trucks of equipment from concrete to building materials and machinery - are needed every day for the next six months to meet the demand, but so far only

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around 75 trucks have made deliveries.

“I know there is frustration at the pace of reconstruction,” Turner said, adding that efforts were underway to fully implement a mechanism negotiated by the UN’s special coordinator in the Middle East, Robert Serry, to speed up the flow of goods.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 5, 2014

Jamaica angel in Liberia …

Doctor calls for local colleagues to join Ebola fight in West Africa (Jamaica Gleaner) JAMAICAN medic Dr Coril Curtis-Warmington has urged colleagues in Jamaica to join her in Liberia, one of the countries at the epicentre of the Ebola outbreak, to get first-hand experience in treating the deadly virus which has already claimed more than 5,000 lives.

Curtis-Warmington made the call last Friday as she spoke by Skype from Liberia to the 10th annual scientific symposium and general meeting of the Caribbean Association of Clinical Microbiologists, held at the University Hospital of the West Indies.

“It is not easy, but even short term, just for two weeks. Please consider it because we really need you,” she begged in her final comments at the end of the 45-minute link.

Whispers of “who, me?” were immediately heard from medical professionals following the plea, but Professor Marvin Reid - who chaired the live interview session - promised that as vice-chair of the Medical Association of Jamaica, he would present her call to his colleagues.

Curtis-Warmington said she first went to Liberia in 2006 as part of a Christian medical and non-medical missionary group, and while the Ebola outbreak has affected the work of the group, the members are not daunted.

“It has deepened the work of the group.

Yes, it has curtailed us in advancing some of the programmes that we target, but it has really been a booster for our programme,” she said in her opening comments on the effect of

Parenting commission boss says rich Jamaicans neglect their children, too (Jamaica Gleaner) CHILD abuse and neglect are not only prevalent among parents from the lower socio-economic stratum of society, but are evident among the rich as well.

That revelation was made by Dr Patrece Charles, executive director of the National Parenting Support Commission, who asserted that wealth should not be seen as a sign of effective parenting.

Charles, speaking with The Gleaner following the launch of the Parents’ Month on the weekend, said, “Wealth does not make you an effective parent. One of the things that we did this year is we conducted a situational analysis in partnership with UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) on parenting, where we looked at the different elements of effective parenting and we found that we had some very wealthy parents who have neglected their children and some very poor parents who are very much involved in their child’s life.”

She said they travelled to various communities with their workshops and had been getting calls from uptown and downtown.

“The concerns will vary, because in the east Kingston area, for example, teenage pregnancy is prevalent, while in upper Andrew, there is a problem with suicide (as a result of neglect),” Charles told The Gleaner.

“I got calls from parents of both socio-economic backgrounds seeking help on corporal punishment, issues of abuse, and dealing with their teenagers. This simply highlights that there are challenges anywhere you go, it’s just that the language is different, and as an agency, we are working to play our part in addressing these concerns,” she

declared.

She also said there has been tremendous improvement with father’s involvement in their children’s lives.

“We have been working closely with a group called Men with a Message, and also another set from Trench Town who have been going around with us and spreading the message of effective parenting and the effects of

Dr Patrece Charles corporal punishment and it has been making a tremendous difference,” she said.

“I am really proud of our fathers and my appeal is for there to be continued support for our men, because a child needs both parents,” she charged.

Similarly, Minister of Education Ronald Thwaites asserted that Jamaicans who are desirous of having children should not do so unless they have a strong faithful partner.

Dr Coril Curtis-Warmington

Ebola on the work of her missionary team.

According to Curtis-Warmington, Liberians are appreciative of the “genuineness of us being here to work alongside them ... . We want our colleagues in Jamaica to know that it is not just being in another country.

“We are really here to work side by side our Liberian colleagues and our brothers and sisters,” she stated.

When Reid asked about the challenges being faced in dealing with Ebola, given the fear among health professionals here, Curtis-Warmington charged that fear was as much to blame for the death toll as the virus itself.

“It is the fear that caused the deaths of most persons who suffered from Ebola. The fear of those who are taking care of them, and because we recognise early and hopefully very quickly, we are able to save a lot of persons from dying,” responded Curtis-Warmington, who did not say when she would return to Jamaica.

Two weeks ago, there was pandemonium at the Mandeville Regional Hospital when news spread that a Nigerian national showed up at the hospital with symptoms which initially appeared similar to Ebola.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 5, 2014

EDITORIAL

GUYANA

Opposition leaders, local mafiosi experiencing an epiphany FORMER Police Commissioner and current PNC shadow Home Affairs Minister, Winston Felix, alleged to have conducted a conversation wherein he was purported to have plotted to cover up serious crimes – including murder, and to plant drugs on someone, is now pronouncing on “The rule of law” and admonishing Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee and the Government over the crime wave.

Chairman of the AFC, Nigel Hughes, who is also accused of serious crimes such as subverting the course of justice in murder cases, tax evasion, suspected of jury tampering and more, is lambasting Government officials for unproven illegal activities.

Khemraj Ramjattan, Leader (?) and Moses Nagamootoo, Vice-Chairman of the AFC, both accused of fraud and unethical practices by several clients, are prognosticating on ethics and leadership

qualities.

Former Finance Minister in a PNC Government, Carl Greenidge, who admitted that the country had gone bankrupt under his purview, is now lecturing to PPP/C Government’s Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, who has successfully driven a sustained stability in Guyana’s macro-economic fundamentals for several successive preceding years on the nation’s financial matters.

Opposition Leader David Granger, who was security advisor to Burnham and Hoyte during the years when the nation was severely oppressed by the security forces – to the point of murder of innocent Guyanese citizens, including popular emerging political voice, Dr. Walter Rodney, is sanctimoniously pontificating on every issue under the sun, with particular emphasis on national security.

Former Auditor-General and current

AFC point-man on economics after the escape of Tarron Khemraj, Anand Goolsarran, who presided over the nation’s fiscal affairs under a PNC administration, along with Greenidge, without any public audit done for years, is now the nation’s voice of conscience guarding public spending.

And paedophiles are in public institutions and national television pontificating on national issues, especially on those to do with human rights policies and the law.

Glenn Lall, (in)famous for electricity theft, fingered (as exposed by Wikileaks) by the diplomatic community for human trafficking and other clandestine activities, accused of massive tax fraud and threatening public officials, has appointed himself as the anti-corruption Messiah, intent on exposing ‘wrong doings’ of public officials and businessmen with whom he has a grouse, or for fi-

nancial returns (through advertisements, et cetera); and he has used his tabloid publication to blacken the good name of many innocent persons and, worse, to drive away from the country direct investments and much-needed funding sources intended to national development, as well as job and wealth-creation for the average Guyanese citizen: A man who drove many to tears is now crying crocodile tears to evoke sympathy.

And the NGOs and institutions, as well as individuals, whose voices of ‘conscience’ awaken only to support anti-Government protagonists, even if they are criminals.

They all are being ‘awakened’.

They have had an epiphany, Halleluiah! Perhaps now they will recognise the folly of their ways and join with Government to build instead of destroying this country that we all call home.

Glenn Lall’s criminality being condoned WE are missing the point: Glenn Lall has committed a crime. I implore people to read Act No 21 of 2008 – Interception of Communications Act 2008.

It is clearly spelt out in the laws of Guyana that all acted in a most illegal manner.

No one is allowed to record or tape citizens’ private communication, except three officers (Commissioner of Police; Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority; and Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force) and these must first apply to a judge, for a 90-day warrant to do so.

Inherent in this article is the seriousness of what took place, when there was the breach of the “Interception of Communications Act” (as only a selected group of people can do so, but only after strict court permission).

This is where matters digressed and many issues were either taken out of context or blown out of proportion.

I visit two instances: firstly, Transparency Institute Guyana Inc (TIGI) on its call for the resignation or removal of Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall, over the con-

tents of a recorded conversation, interpreted as threats against the Kaieteur News; and secondly, the International Press Institute (IPI) and its urging of Government to make it clear that violence against the press will not be tolerated.

What is very immoral and skewed is that both TIGI and IPI are ignoring the horrible truth that Lall committed a crime. This is very disturbing and it strikes at the very fabric of civilised society that must protect the privacy of citizens, with Guyana’s being no exception.

The law unambiguously and emphatically states that “a person who intentionally intercepts a communication, in the course of its transmission, by means of a telecommunication system, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding five million dollars and to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years”.

This is the crux of the matter, and Lall is at the very epicentre of this grave criminality.

As fate would have it, these defenders of Lall have been embarrassed and exposed, as the very unbecoming intentions that they are tagging at the AG’s feet have been manifested in the Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Khemraj Ramjattan and Lall.

First a senior reporter attached to the National Communications Network (NCN) was verbally abused by Ramjattan.

Ramjattan, in an allegedly expletive-laden tirade, refused to respond to a query, over his promise to lodge a formal complaint with the Police on the alleged “buy-out” by the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), of three Members of Parliament (MPs).

Ramjattan was hostile when posed with this query.

Then on November 1, Lall verbally abused a reporter attached to the ‘Guyana Times.’

So I am compelled to ask IPI Press Freedom Manager Barbara Trionfi to re-examine her outburst that “the Government of Guyana should focus now on making it

clear that violence against the press will not be tolerated.”

Trionfi and cohort need to inform Ramjattan and Lall, as regards the severity and implications of their aggressive actions.

I remind the public about what happened early last year to the former Italian Prime Minister; he was found guilty of arranging for a 2006 Police ‘wiretap’ of a political rival, Piero Fassino, and then having the secret transcript leaked to his brother’s newspaper. Is not this a Lall scenario?

Silvio Berlusconi was sentenced to a year in jail for these illegal wiretaps.

His partner in crime, his brother, Paolo Berlusconi, was sentenced to two years and three months. The court also ordered Silvio and Paolo Berlusconi to pay 80,000 euros in damages to Fassino, the targeted political opponent.

I call on TIGI and IPI to get real – they need to be purged of their prejudices.

RAMOS PAUL

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 5, 2014

News outfits ‘should not confuse the Right to publish with what’s Right to Publish’ THE exigency of the Trinidad based Newspaper, Trinidad Express, to qualify, in its editorial dated the November 1, 2014, under the caption, “Perilous times for Guyana free press” a biased disposition which in its entirety does not address the crux of the issue at hand, is indeed, quite perplexing.

I was with great trepidation, that I read the editorial emanating from the Trinidad Express, that was used by some local media outlets in Guyana as the precipice of justification for the unethical/ illegal transgressions by the Kaieteur News and its Publisher, to make available and public in a manipulated form, a recorded/wiretapped private conversation between a senior reporter of Kaieteur News and the Attorney General of Guyana.

Not once, did the Trinidad Express in its editorial, which conveyed the impression that the Government of Guyana is not supportive of free and independent press, and even went further to suggest that the government of Guyana was somehow linked to the 2006 murder of the Kaieteur News pressmen. Not once, did the Trinidad Express address the elephant in the room.

That elephant, is the highly unethical and presumably illegal subversion of the privacy of the Attorney General by releasing without his consent, a recording/tape of a private conversation,not an interview, that he had no knowledge was being tapped. Beyond that, is the fact that the published recording/tape which was attributed to the Attorney General was in its entirety, tampered, manipulated and contextualised to the benefit of Kaieteur News.

I am perplexed, as to how and why, the editorial did not see it necessary to address this issue, it would mean that they are not au fait with issue at hand or they choose to neglect that aspect entirely. If the latter is

the case, should one then interpret the stance taken by the Trinidad Express to mean that, they too subscribe to the illegal invasion of one’s privacy.

Indeed, in the editorial by the Trinidad Express it was stated that, “Kaieteur News took the extraordinary step of releasing the recording of a private conversation between a Kaieteur News reporter and the Guyana Attorney General.”

That “extraordinary step” is indicative of a newspaper lacking the ethical foundation of journalism, a newspaper that prides itself in the demoralisation of public and private officials and a newspaper steeped in journalism intended to promote sensationalism.

Is the Trinidad Express certain that was the conversation which actually took place?

My understanding is that the Attorney General has since the publication of the recording, filed legal proceedings against Kaieteur News, with the intent to determine the legality and authenticity of the recording as well as the liabilities, if any. He has also expressed optimism that a proper forensic analysis will be conducted by the Guyana Police Force, who are also investigating the matter, since the recording was presented to the Police by publisher of Kaieteur News.

The International Libel & Privacy Handbook, a Global Reference for Journalists, Publishers, Webmasters, and Lawyers, the second edition, which has contributions from professionals from over 24 developed countries have posited that News outfits should not “confuse the Right to Publish with what’s Right to Publish.”

In the preface of the book it was outlined that, “common sense and good taste will almost never steer you wrong… a reporter’s job is not to gratuitously inflict damage. Nor is it to be ‘hard-hitting.’ It is to “see truth and

report it.” In order to do that, the truth has to be contextualised, and presented in a fair manner. The fact that some detail may be true is not always by itself an ethical justification for publishing it. The more sensitive the fact, the closer reporters and editors must look at whether the public truly needs to know that fact…asking these questions helps guide us to a more ethical outcome that also serves the public interest.”

Page 15 of the same book, addressed the issue of recording tapes and broadcasting those tapes without the permission of the person being recorded, where it said, “even in areas where it is permissible for reporters to tape-record their telephone interviews without the other person’s consent, that is not a guarantee that such tapes may be broadcast without consent. The act of making the tape is separate from disclosing the tape (or its contents), which might be a violation under statutory privacy laws, or broadcasting regulations.”

In the case of Guyana, the interception of Communications Act, Chapter 47:03, outlines who are the persons vested with the power to intercept communications and the consequences for entities or persons that do so illegally. The Constitution of Guyana, in addition to international covenants such as the United Nations (UN) Universal Declaration on human rights clearly outlines the entrenched provisions for the protection of one’s privacy.

In fact, Article 12 of the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights says, “no one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of law against such interference or attacks.”

It is granted, that an editorial is an opinionated piece but, the necessity for fairness and balance is paramount within the context of journalism.

It is also unquestionably obvious, that the kind of journalism the Kaieteur News subscribes to is devoid of any fairness or balance. Within the course of one year, 50 lawsuits have been filed against this newspaper, and it is internationally recognised that the Kaieteur News is the most sued news outlet in the world. Is this not an indication of the type of journalism being practised by this news outfit?

Witnessing, the stance taken by the Trinidad Express in its editorial outlined above, I would like to posit a few questions.Would the publisher of the Trinidad Express use its paper as a personal tool to exact revenge, and pervert the court of justice, if he was charged for defrauding the government in taxes? Would the publisher of the Trinidad Express use the paper to attack public figures, simply because they are discharging their duties? Would the Publisher of the Express, tape a private conversation of a Government Minister without his consent or knowledge, knowing the act to be illegal, immoral and unethical and publicly release the recording, knowing also, that the contents could be damaging to the honour and reputation of the person?

If it is indeed, a position where the Trinidad Express would not engage in such unprofessional acts, then why would they attribute support to such? If it is that the Trinidad Express does not know the sullied disposition of the Kaieteur News, then it should refrain from pronouncing on issues that it does not fully understand.

Yours sincerely, FARUK MOHAMED

PPP Gov’t applauded for helping Freddie Kissoon I WRITE to applaud the ruling PPP government for not victimising my friend Freddie Kissoon, outspoken critic of the PPP, data manufacturer, and news distortionist.

The ruling PPP must also be complimented for not victimising Freddie’s wife, who unlike Freddie, performed distinguished services at her government’s job.

In fact, the PPP has gone out of its way to accommodate Freddie’s wife helping her with early retirement and providing her full honors. It was the complete opposite when the PNC was in office as Freddie himself penned that critics were victimised, with some even executed. Freddie wrote that the PNC regime went after his wife firing her from her job because of his claimed opposition to the dictatorship was never seen at a picket line and was at one time flirting with the PNC and his association with the WPA. Freddie said under PNC rule, he could not find a job and worse the PNC exposed confidential information about him that made him difficult to get employment. Freddie was forced to emigrate to Grenada to seek employment and help Prime Minister Maurice Bishop build a socialist utopia.

After Bishop was killed by fellow socialists in an internal party feud, the U.S. invaded Grenada and Freddie went into hiding. Freddie was rounded up and returned to Guyana where he did get employment thanks to Cheddi Jagan’s advocacy that Guyanese be hired at U.G. An ungrateful Freddie had no thanks for Dr Jagan, and he berated Jagan and the PPP for not yielding the Presidency to the WPA during PCD talks for a consensus Presidential candidate. Freddie said WPA

was the largest political party and PPP a minority party. He described the PNC as a 10% party although polls conducted

by TRPI showed the PPP as the largest party and PNC the largest minority with WPA a 2% party. The TRPI poll was right, as were polls conducted by NACTA, as Dr. Jagan and the PPP went on to win the 1992 election, PNC 43% and the WPA 2%. Freddie said it was because of the polls people voted that way. But he could not explain why voters did not vote according to his poll that showed the WPA winning.

The PPP never victimised or harassed Freddie for his nasty comments about Cheddi or Janet Jagan and the PPP government. In fact, former Information Minister Moses Nagamootoo hired Freddie to work for him. But Freddie was unproductive and his contract was terminated. Freddie wanted free money; he did not want to work like sugar workers who had to labour hard in the sun to get their salary. Since then, Freddie had nothing positive to say about Moses (except when he broke with PPP in 2011), Cheddi, Janet, Ralph Ramkarran, or anyone in the PPP. He also hated anyone (Ravi Dev, Vishnu Bisram, Annan Boodram, Ralph Seeram, Oscar Ramjeet, etc.) who wrote something positive about the PPP government. He has demanded that everyone attacks the PPP. The PPP government has tolerated criticism (as the country has become democratic) and never moved to have Freddie fired at UG even though “he never published” anything of substance to keep his job, a basic requirement of an academic.

The PPP kept him on the payroll at UG till he reached old age when he was forced to retire for the PPP did not want to

be branded as vindictive; the PPP did not deny him a pension either. The PPP also did not punish Freddie’s wife who was employed with the government. In fact, the PPP government allowed Freddie’s wife to retire early from her government job with full honours and gratuities to assist Freddie in his old age – all deserving of this hard working and competent woman. Unlike Freddie who demonstrated ‘nimakharism’, his wife was very thankful and displayed grace and gratitude towards the government.

Thank you PPP for helping my friend Freddie and for your exemplary, professional conduct towards this perennially ungrateful critic.

VISHNU BISRAM

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday NOVEMBER 5, 2014

RODNEY’S DEATH: AN ENIGMA BEING ANSWERED Special Report on the Rodney Commission of Inquiry by Shaun Michael Samaroo

Saul fled PNC regime in fear

FORMER journalist at the Guyana Chronicle, Leon Saul, fled for fear of his life facing persecution under the Government of the People’s National Congress (PNC), and became a “Political Refugee” in Canada.

Saul yesterday told the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry that he faced severe persecution under the PNC regime.

He re-migrated to Guyana four years ago.

Saul was the Chronicle Journalist who first reported that a bomb blast had killed Dr Walter Rodney in Georgetown on the dark night of Friday, June 13, 1980.

The night that his report appeared on the front page of the Chronicle, Sunday, June 15, 1980, he said, someone called his house and issued a “death threat” against him. He duly told this to his Editor, Eleazor Watson, on the following day, who promptly replaced Saul on the story.

“I could not conduct investigative reporting” into the bomb blast, he said.

Under intense, brilliant cross examination by Counsel for the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Christopher Ram, Saul said only the State of the PNC Government had the “resources” to plan and execute the bomb blast assassination of Dr Rodney and to cover up the conspiracy after.

Worldwide suspicion has fingered the PNC Government for the assassination. The current Presidential Commission of Inquiry is seeking to solve the 34-year old cold case of the worst political

be located.

Captain Gerry Gouveia, former GDF pilot, testified at the Commission that he flew a family that fits the description of Smith and his wife and children to a hinterland location on June 14, 1980, the day after the bomb blast shattered the peace of Georgetown and forever transformed the history of Guyana.

Speculating, Saul told the Commission that it’s “possible” Dr Rodney died at the hands of either the PNC, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), or even his own party, the Working People’s Alliance (WPA).

But under intense cross examination from Ram, Saul said only the PNC State machinery would have had the resources to carry out

he had moved to work as Senior Reporter after excelling at a new communications course at the University of Guyana in 1977. He was first seconded to the Chronicle from the PNC Government’s propaganda arm, the Ministry of Information, and then became a full time Journalist at the Chronicle. However, he quit after the Chronicle became “untenable”, and after facing State persecution, incarceration, trumped up charges and the cutting off of his dreadlocks while in lockup, he fled to Canada and applied for Refugee Status as a political refugee, which Canada granted to him.

Saul moved back to Guyana four years ago, and today is head of the Rastafarian Council and an ex-

Ras Leon Saul assassination in the history of the Commonwealth Caribbean, and Saul sought to shed light on how the State media under the PNC Government reported on the brutal demise of Dr Rodney.

The former Journalist said that, contrary to what ex-head of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Major General Norman McLean, told the Commission in testimony, the PNC Government knew of Gregory Smith’s existence.

The only eyewitness to the bomb blast that shattered Dr Rodney’s lower torso, his brother Donald Rodney, pointed to Smith as the prime frontman in a PNC Government conspiracy to plot and execute a deadly plan to assassinate the populist political leader.

Saul said the newsroom at the Chronicle was aware of Smith’s existence, but not where he could

Under intense, brilliant cross examination

by Counsel for the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Christopher Ram, Saul said only the State of the PNC Government had the “resources” to plan and execute the bomb blast assassination of Dr Rodney and to cover up the conspiracy after.

Worldwide suspicion has fingered the PNC Government for the assassination. The current Presidential Commission of Inquiry is seeking to solve the 34-year old cold case of the worst political assassination in the history of the Commonwealth Caribbean, and Saul sought to shed light on how the State media under the PNC Government reported on the brutal demise of Dr Rodney.

The former Journalist said that, contrary to what ex-head of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Major General Norman McLean, told the Commission in testimony, the PNC Government knew of Gregory Smith’s existence.

Dr Walter Rodney such a deadly plot, and cover it up after.

Sporting dreadlocks and dressed fashionably in a light beige suit, with a white woolen hat over his neat locks, Saul appeared in the witness box, looking at ease, and at times Commission Chairman Sir Richard Cheltenham proceeded to caution him to tone down his “wit”.

Saul said he fled Guyana after the PNC State persecuted him, and became a “political refugee” in Canada.

He said he admired Dr Rodney, and read his books, and became a Rastafarian devotee because of the influence of those books. But he never attended meetings of the WPA, nor did he personally meet Dr Rodney.

He said after he chose to live as a Rastaman, and vowed to live only for “truth”, he felt victimized at the PNC-controlled Chronicle, where

ecutive member of the Reparations Committee.

He’s also involved in drama productions.

The colorful character recounted to the Commission his own thoughts on the crisis in Guyana that caused Dr Rodney’s death, noting that the atmosphere was one of persecution and fear, with several Rastamen “killed” and victimised and marginalised.

Saul, however, debunked the idea that Forbes Burnham ordered Dr. Rodney’s assassination, insisting under persistent questioning from the Commissioners, that the State may have carried out the plotting and execution without Burnham’s sanction. “If anything it would have been over zealousness on the part of the dirty trick operators, the boys in the back room”, he said in his signed written statement.

Like Burnham and Dr Rodney,

Forbes Burnham Saul attended Queens College, where he knew Donald Rodney, the only eyewitness to the bomb blast.

Rodney escaped the blast wounded and bleeding after the bomb exploded, instantly killing Dr Rodney.

“I was one of the media team sent to view Dr Rodney’s body in the morgue, on the morning of June 14, 1980. I went with photographer Wilfred Lee. I wrote story – attached. I spoke to several sources from Guyana Information Service – people in the John Street area where the incident occurred. I spoke to the police. The police gave one response that investigations were continuing. Reports had come into the newsroom saying it had been Dr Rodney who had been killed. I did not speak to any of the Rodney family”, Saul said in his written statement to the Commission.

He said the atmosphere at the time Dr Rodney was assassinated “was generally a tense situation in the society”.

Saul said that his view is that “an explosive was planted” on Dr Rodney. The PNC Government has said repeatedly that Dr Rodney activated the bomb by accident on himself. But Saul said otherwise, noting that “I don’t think he knew he had one (bomb) in his hand”.

Saul told the Commission when he saw Dr Rodney’s body at the morgue on June 14, 1980, the lower torso was blown apart, with the legs attached “to the skeleton”. But he said Dr Rodney’s face was fully intact and easily recognisable.

The former Journalist confirmed testimonies throughout the Commission’s hearings that “… there was heavy handedness in the disciplined force in holding down dissent and preventing Opposition protest”.

This “heavy handedness” eventually turned on Saul himself, and he fled into self-exile, living in Canada from 1981 to his re-migration to Guyana four years ago.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 5, 2014

‘Don’t move around city without awareness’ during festive season - Crime Chief

By Michel Outridge IN light of the upcoming festive season, the general public is being asked to be aware of their surroundings at all times, especially when shopping in the city and to utilise more ‘plastic’ rather than carry around large sums of money, since some crimes are opportunistic.

Crime Chief Leslie James is encouraging shoppers to secure their bags and after making a withdrawal from the bank to desist from leaving large sums of cash in a vehicle. He advised that while persons are conducting business, it is wise to be in company of three to four persons since there is an advantage in numbers.

At this time of the year, the downtown area is usually transformed into a hub of activities with shoppers and it is the time when some people use their savings to make necessary purchases so it is advisable to secure your cash and be aware of your surroundings.

The Crime Chief also advised that if you are out shopping and you think you are being followed, ensure you have the telephone numbers of the nearest police stations or police outposts so you can call in the event of a crime, so the police can respond swiftly.

James said persons should also desist from wearing expensive jewels during this busy time of the year or to avoid that altogether and to keep bags to a minimal number and secure your handbags.

James warned, “Don’t move around the city without awareness.”

He told this publication that if possible citizens should use their Automated Teller Machines (ATM) cards to make purchases where applicable, instead of walking around with large sums of money on their person.

The Crime Chief stated that even though the Guyana Police Force will be rolling out their policing plan for the Christmas season, they want all citizens to be aware of their surroundings and to pay keen attention to the happenings around them.

Moreover, they should report all incidents of crimes, including armed robberies.

Execution of judgement in Kalamadeen vs Clico stayed for four weeks ON Monday, the 3rd day of November, 2014, Justice Rishi Persaud, sitting in the Commercial Division of the High Court, granted judgment in favour of the Plaintiff in High Court Action No. 116-CD of 2009: Nariman Kalamadeen v. CLICO Life and General Insurance Co. (S.A.) Ltd. The action was instituted on the 20th day of February, 2009 by Nariman Kalamadeen, in her capacity as the Administratrix of the Estate of Mohamed Farouk Kalamadeen. At the time of his death, Mohamed Farouk Kalamadeen held a life insurance policy with CLICO Life and General Insurance Co. (S.A.) Ltd, and the company refused, without explanation, to honour a claim made by the Estate of Kalamadeen, despite all the requirements of the company being complied with.

The Plaintiff was represented by Mr. Edward Luckhoo, S.C. and Sase Gunraj, while the Defendant was

represented by Mr. Ashton Chase S.C. Several witnesses, including a representative of CLICO (Trinidad) and former CEO, Mrs. Geeta Singh-Knight testified on behalf of the Defendant.

The learned Judge found, inter alia, the following: * the evidence led by the Defendant fell short of establishing material non-disclosure and fraud, as was alleged; * there was no proof of materiality; * the issue of non-disclosure on the part of the deceased was not pleaded by the Defendant; * the Defendant never rescinded the policy or returned premiums, but instead affirmed same.

As a consequence, judgment was granted to the Plaintiff in the sum of $200,000,000 with costs in the sum of $500,187.50.

Upon an application by the Defendant, the execution of the judgment was stayed for four weeks.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 5, 2014

CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND WORK OF NAVIN CHANDARPAL A Tribute by CLEMENT ROHEE General Secretary, People’s Progressive Party IN an astounding sentence, Marx captures the essence of human endeavour, but reminds us of how men are constrained by time and space, geography and history.

Because Navin Chandarpal was a political scientist, mathematician and physicist he would have understood and grasped the essence of this sentence and recognised the historical context in which he functioned.

In other words, because he adhered steadfastly to the rigors of science he never allowed himself to fall victim to pessimistic

CLEMENT ROHEE nor fatalistic thinking.

He shunned metaphysics and obscurantist approaches to interpreting the laws of social development and opted for a dialectical and historical materialist approach. In fact, these were the subjects he taught at the Accabre College of Social Sciences, the ideological school of the People’s Progressive Party.

With the death of Navin Chandarpal an incalculable loss has been sustained by the working people of Guyana, the People’s Progressive Party and by historical science.

The void that is left by the departure of this esteemed Comrade will sooner rather than later make itself felt.

Navin embodied all that is good, healthy and positive in the PPP, the best homage, the best tribute we in the PPP can pay to him with his passing is to preserve and extend those attributes, limb and branch within the Party. They must not wither away for when that happens, the best traditions and the basic tenets on which the PPP is built will be lost forever.

As a natural consequence of his professional attributes which by their very nature made him the complex thinker and problem solver, Navin could labour in any area of scientific endeavour. In other words, while he played an integral role in a historically dynamic revolutionary force, at the sametime

he closely followed developments in the field of the Environment, Climate Change and challenges facing Small Island Developing States. Moreover, he paid close attention to curricula development from secondary to tertiary education especially in the areas of mathematics and physics.

But Navin was above all a true revolutionary. He contributed actively and passionately to all the critical policy making debates within the Party. These include the debates on transforming the Party from a Loose Mass Party to a more disciplined type of Party, the debates on whether the Party should contest or not to contest rigged elections; to boycott or not to boycott Parliament; the debates on whether the Party should extend Critical Support or Unconditional Support to the PNC Regime; the debates on the establishment of a National Patriotic Front and National Front Government, as well as debates resulting in the creation of the Civic component of the PPP. Cde Navin played a key role in the elaboration of the various PPP/C election Manifestoes and Central Committee Reports to Party Congresses. Only recently he was actively involved in the current discussions at the Leadership level of the Party with respect to issues of governance, elections and Parliamentary strategy and tactics.

In all of these debates his contributions were sharp and incisive, peppered with a measured degree of mirth and intense passion and persuasion.

Amazingly, only a few weeks ago he wrote articles for the Mirror newspaper and just completed an impressive historical review of the PNC’s “refusal to appoint Dr Walter Rodney as a Lecturer at the University of Guyana forty years ago.”

The latter work is testimony to his tenacity and dedication to documenting the true story of this ignominy and grave injustice meted out to Dr Rodney in his struggle for employment, justice and respect for human

(April 25, 1951 – October 28, 2014)

“Men make their own history, but they do not make it just as they please; they do not make it under circumstances chosen by themselves, but under circumstances directly encountered, given and transmitted from the past. The tradition of all the dead generation weights like a nightmare on the brain of the living. And just when they seem engaged in revolutionizing themselves and things in creating something that has never yet existed, precisely in such periods of revolutionary crisis they anxiously conjure up the spirits of the past to their service and borrow from them names, battle-cries and costumes in order to present the new scene of world history in this time- honoured disguise and this borrowed language” (Karl Marx: The Eighteenth Brumaire Louis Bonaparte) rights in Guyana.

Navin never wavered from his political or ideological convictions, and the scientist he was he never missed the opportunity to provide a scientific analysis of political developments nor to discern areas for flexibility in applying the appropriate strategy and tactics to a given political situation.

At the political level he saw as one of his missions in life as a contributor in one way or another to strengthening, consolidating and ensuring the purity of his Party.

He dedicated a tremendous amount of time and energy to Cadre building and political and ideological development of Party Members. It was in this arena that his teaching and communicating skills were utilised to the max and to the benefit of all those who sat through his lectures.

Navin and I worked together in the PYO for years. When he came to work full time at Freedom House as the First Secretary of the

PYO, we became even closer.

The PYO Office at Freedom House under his guidance and leadership became a hive of activities, so much so that whenever he convened meetings there was no place to

Navin Chandarpal

‘DEEP ANGUISH’: Mrs. Indranie Chandarpal, with her son, Rabindranauth and her daughter Gitanjali in their darkest hour

sit. Some had to stand. But he was even more energetic and passionate when his UG colleagues, Sarwan, Mato, Pandit, Bhulassie, Sat and Bhaggie among others would converge on Freedom House and the debates on youth and student issues would go late into the evenings.

And as though this was not enough, Navin and his team would retire to the “Yip Sin” Chinese Restaurant obliquely opposite Freedom House to continue their discussions over several rounds of beers which they thoroughly enjoyed.

What amazed me was how these young brilliant men could imbibe the day before and become even more brilliant the next day.

Among his peers, Navin was the primus interpares. What made him stand out in Youth, Student and other social gatherings was his ability to excel in telling a wide variety of anecdotes with great skill and wit especially involving the infamous See page 11

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 5, 2014

CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND WORK ...

From page 10 prankster, “Balgobin” much to the amusement of his audience.

How he was able to store these funny stories in his memory bank always amazed many of us.

One of Navin’s greatest legacies was the establishment of the Pioneer Youth League.

An Organisation from which many current Party Leaders emerged.

Dear friends, a great Comrade has died. He would have been greater had he the strength and good health to continue the crusade initiated by Comrade Cheddi for

principally aimed at the PPP and the PPP/C Administration.

As regards the Party to which he belonged, Comrade Navin would want us to continue adhering to the principle of democratic centralism, to abide by the requirements of Party discipline, to continuously preserve and defend Party unity, firmly oppose all harmful and internal factional behaviour, to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Party Constitution and to discipline and get rid of all those undesirable elements who by virtue of their misdeeds do great damage to the image and work of the Party.

Section of the gathering of mourners and sympathisers during the Memorial Service for Navin Chandarpal at the Guyana International Conference Centre on Sunday (Vishwanauth‘Adrian’ Narine photos) the establishment of a New Global Human Order, with a view to securing a resolution binding all UN Member States to commit to the actions called for in support of the establishment of the New Global Human Order (NGHO).

Cde Navin was a passionate internationalist. He travelled far and wide on behalf of the PYO, and the Party, representing the Youth and Student Movement of Guyana and later the Party at many international fora.

These journeys abroad brought tremendous benefits to the Party in its search for international support and solidarity and to extend in a reciprocal manner the same to the oppressed and fighting people for national liberation, peace and social progress.

During his stint in the National Assembly his contributions were par excellence. They showed no signs of useless trivia nor mediocracy. He was easy to follow and what he had to say made sense even to the senseless ones on the opposite side of the House.

Dear friends, Comrade Navin, a true revolutionary and internationalist would want us to continue to carry the fight against the inveterate critics, cynics and pessimists not to mention the posturing messiahs and intellectual degenerates who every day continue to revise history and spew their loathsome and disgusting bleatings in sections of the media

Comrade Navin would “turn in his grave” were he to learn that Party Members and Leading Cadres do not combine theory and practice, stay close to the masses, practice criticism and self-criticism, conduct ourselves modestly and humbly, avoid arrogant and rash behaviour, abuse power and engage in trickery and deceptive behaviour and pursue extravagance and other unhealthy tendencies in our day to day life.

Moreover, Comrade Navin would want all Party Comrades to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground when dealing with current political, economic and social issues, never to be disconnected from the people.

The lesson of 2011 must never be forgotten.

Party Members whether in Government or out of Government must sincerely and genuinely place themselves at the service of all the people.

As we remember Navin, let us bear in mind that small mistakes can turn into massive problems and minor matters can lead to major incidents that damage the Party’s image in the eyes of the people.

In continuing his life’s journey Navin would want us the members and activists of the Party to maintain flesh and blood unity with the people and to always learn from them; breathing the same air as they breath, sharing their woes and distresses and repre-

A section of the gathering of mourners and sympathysersat the Good Hope Crematorium on Sunday

senting their interest at all times.

To his sorrowing wife Indra, his two children Rabin and Geeta, his sisters and brothers and sisters-in-law and other relatives, I extend deepest sympathies on behalf of the leadership and entire membership of the Party.

Be consoled Dear Indra, Rabin and Geeta that way beyond this time of grief and sorrow, you will always be warmly embraced within the bossom of the Party.

Knowing Navin’s capacity and talent at poetry, limerick and rhyme, allow me to dedicate the following lines in his memory.

“Do not stand at my grave and weep; I’m not there. I did not sleep; I am the wind through your windows that blows; I am the diamond glints in the Cuyuni that flows; I am the sunlight in ripened sugar cane; I am the gentle drip, drip in June when it rains; When you awaken in the morning’s hush I am the voice that urge to Freedom House you must rush; Like the gaulins in semi-circled flight; I am the soft stars above Prado one at night; Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there, I did not die!

Comrades, the great American Tom Paine said: “These are the times that try men’s souls” He went on to add: “If there must be trouble, let it be in my day that my child may have peace” As we reflect on our dear Comrade let us remember that: “Death is more universal than life, everyone dies but not everyone lives” Navin lived and he will continue to live in our hearts and souls.

We shall always remember him!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 5, 2014

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 5, 2014

PPP calls for release of all ‘recordings’ in possession of Kaieteur News publisher

GENERAL Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Mr Clement Rohee, has made a resounding call on Kaieteur News publisher Glenn Lall to release all the recordings he holds in his possession to target citizens and officials of the state.

Deeming them “elements of the

Lall’s recent release of a 19-minute recording of a private conversation engaged on October 25 between Attorney-General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, and senior Kaieteur News reporter Leonard Gildharie.

Lall subsequently reported to Deputy Police Commissioner Balram Persaud

“We understand that one element of the blackmailing tactic is that they have more recordings to be published.”

– PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee blackmailing tactic” used by Lall, Rohee, last Monday at his party’s weekly press conference, called on Lall to release the recordings, if indeed there are any.

Rohee said, “We understanding that one element of the blackmailing tactic is that they (KN) have more recordings to be published.” He said that to the party’s knowledge, there are more revelations to be made with respect to other recordings.

As such, he made a reverberating call for those recordings to be released.

“Our position on that if (that) there are more recordings; let the recordings be released!” Rohee said.

The revelation of the recordings comes against the backdrop of Glenn

that the contents of the recording indicate that his life and the lives of his family members and staffers were under threat.

Following this development, a source close to the embattled Kaieteur News

parties, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC).

Asking to remain unidentified, that source disclosed that conversations involving AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan and AFC Executive Member Moses Nagamootoo are “on hold” because the two men are involved in Lall’s legal defence relative to the recent disclosure of the 19-minute recording.

The AFC Leader has, however, also expressed strong sentiments on the matter, and was firm in his contention that laws related to privacy, confidentiality and security of online communications must be enforced. “All the laws related to privacy must be enforced…we are filled with laws, we have no deficiency of laws, but they are not adhered to,”

“If there are more recordings, let them be released!”

– PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee publication told the Guyana Chronicle that Lall is presently in possession of recordings of private conversations made between reporters attached to the newspaper and senior officials of the Opposition

Ramjattan said.

Moreover, since releasing the 19-minute recording, Lall himself has admitted that conversations made on the phones he has given to his employ-

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee ees -– whether private or work-related -- are recorded. This debacle follows concerns raised as recently as last week over Lall’s illegal surveillance of the phone calls and other communications of his staff members, Government officials, and private Guyanese citizens.

Opposition in ‘hibernation’ with regard to GECOM affairs - PPP

…serious questions exist over transparency of recruitment practices

By Ravin Singh COMING against the backdrop of numerous concerns being raised about the operations at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has described the Opposition as being in a state of ‘hibernation’ since they have expressed no concerns as it relates to the affairs of the elections regulatory body.

SERIOUS QUESTIONS According to the party, they have noted with concern, GECOM’s haste in the recruitment and training of polling day staff. “Much to our disappointment is the total lack of communication and disregard for the major political stakeholders, which has raised serious questions over the transparency of GECOM’s recruitment practices,” the party disclosed on Monday.

As such, the party sought to remind GECOM that at the 2012 “Retreat’ GECOM had committed itself to pay careful attention and enhance the involvement of the political parties to avoid the numerous partisan behaviour and attitude of its polling day staff; yet to the PPP, this seems to be just ‘rhetoric,’ given the manner how the recruitment and selection processes are proceeding at present.

CALL TO GECOM The party is therefore making a call to GECOM to make public the list of persons selected, the areas of training undergone and the selection policies or criteria used to short-list and appoint staff.

“The PPP shares this concern due to the many persons that have approached our party offices and leaders registering their disappointment with the selection process and the non-communication of GECOM even though many have surpassed the requirements requested.

with these persons taking into consideration the dilemma the country is placed in, by the combined Opposition,” the party is contending.

Surprising to the party, is the fact that the Opposition have not expressed any concerns about the operation at GECOM which reveals that they are probably in a state of ‘hibernation’.

HUFFING AND PUFFING “Considering this and that there has not been a single statement on

“…surprisingly, the Opposition seems to be in a state of hibernation when it comes to GECOM affairs, yet AFC is crying to reconvene Parliament to table their no- confidence motion and APNU obsession for Local Government Elections grows deeper with every passing day.” -PPP “The Guyanese people are curious to know whether the persons selected demonstrate proper and adequate representations of all our people. The Party is curious to know the contents of GECOM training, be it for General or Local Government Elections, and how it is this decision was taken, considering the AFC’s NO CONFIDENCE motion and APNU-sponsored countrywide protest for Local Government Elections. One is left to wonder what training was conducted

GECOM’s preparations for elections from the Opposition, is it that they are privileged to information that is restricted to the PPP or they are huffing and puffing without oxygen?” the ruling party questioned.

STATUS OF OLE However, the PPP also took the time to express their concern over the release of the Official List of Electors (OLE) which was expected to be available by October

30. To date, the party noted, they are still not in receipt of a copy of the OLE or even a definitive word from the election regulatory body on the status of the OLE. “One would have thought that with the controversial appointment of a new public relations officer the nation would have been updated on these matters yet we remain in the same blinded position,” the party said, while noting that they are worried that GECOM seems to have adopted a posture that it is a Law onto itself, which seems to be a “very dangerous position.”

The PPP further explained that political parties cannot be removed from the process and so it is GECOM’s responsibility to allow for full scrutiny of key aspects of its work. The Chairman and members of GECOM, they noted, must reflect on the role played by the political parties, in keeping with the Law, with regards to the appointment of the Commission.

“Guyana is unique and so are the laws of our country. Maybe it is a good time for the Chairman and members of GECOM to have another ‘look’ at the laws to remind themselves,” PPP said.

The party concluded by seeking to remind GECOM that they are a major stakeholder in elections under their mandate and is always ready and willing to participate in whatever elections-related activities there are, once it is in the interest of all Guyanese.

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Ramjattan: AFC Congress will be held after vote on no-confidence motion

THE Alliance for Change (AFC) Congress, which was billed for October 25, will be held “as soon as the no-confidence motion” is passed, according to the party’s leader, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan.

“As soon as the no-confidence motion is approved, the AFC’s Congress will be held,” he told the Guyana Chronicle, in an invited comment.

The AFC had previously said that postponement of its Congress was due to the fact that a date had not been set for the reconvening of the National Assembly.

The House has not met since it came out of recess on October 10 and prior to going into its annual two-month recess on August 10, there had been no sitting since July 10.

However, a November sitting, according to the Clerk of the House, Mr. Sherlock Isaacs, is not unprecedented, as this has been the case in the last several years.

Since the hullaballoo over the reconvening of the House and the consequent difference of opinions of who had the authority to call a sitting, President Donald Ramotar on Saturday directed that steps be taken to convene a sitting of the

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 5, 2014 National Assembly within the next 14 days.

STANDING ORDERS The Clerk had also confirmed that the authority to call a sitting lies with the Central Government. Since the President’s instruction, the Government has reiterated its position that the convening of a sitting of the National Assembly must be done in accordance with the Standing Orders and long cherished parliamentary practices. The Government had a number of pending legislative matters to be brought before the House prior to the annual recess. Further, there are important financial papers relating to the development of the country and growth of the economy that need to be urgently addressed.

HOT TOPIC The hot-button issue up for consideration is the Alliance for Change (AFC) sponsored no-confidence motion against the current Administration.

The first inkling the public had that the AFC planned moving a no-confidence motion against the Government was back in mid-June, when party Vice-Chairman Mr. Moses Nagamootoo hinted at it.

He did so by way of an article published in the Stabroek News and headlined, “AFC considering no-confidence motion against Gov’t.” He, however, acknowledged that to do so would require the support of the main Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

The AFC’s position was strengthened on Tuesday, August 5, when APNU Leader Brigadier (rtd.) David Granger publicly confirmed that his party was fully behind the no-confidence motion.

The first page of the Motion reads: “Be it resolved that this National Assembly has no confidence in the Government.” It was seconded by AFC Executive Member and Member of Parliament (MP) Mrs. Cathy Hughes.

As stated in Section 106 (6) of the Constitution: “The Cabinet and President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of the majority of all Members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.”

This is made even clearer in Section 106 (7), which states: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office, and shall hold an election within three months or such longer period as the National Assembly shall, by resolution supported by no less than two-thirds of all elected members of the National Assembly, (approve); and shall resign after a new President takes the oath of office following the election.”

Trio nabbed with gun, vehicle after Berbice robbery A QUICK response by the police in Berbice on Monday saw them intercepting three young men who were suspected to have earlier committed a daring robbery on a Cambio dealer at Rosignol, West Coast Berbice.

The police were also able to recover a handgun in the vehicle in which the three were travelling, but which was not registered to either of them. The police up to late last evening were trying to ascertain if the weapon was ever used in committing any other crimes and if it was originally registered to a licensed firearm holder.

The three who were arrested have been identified as David Alder of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara; Dwayne Bentic of Albouystown; and Nigel Quely of Vreed- en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara.

In addition, the vehicle, a white Allion motorcar PSS 5406, in which the men were travelling at the time they were intercepted by the police is said to be registered to one Charmaine Ashanti Bess of 206 Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara. It is not clear if she is related to David Alder, one of the three persons arrested.

It was only yesterday that police sources had indicated that based on their investigations, the crimes which are being perpetrated especially with the use of firearms are opportunistic and are not organised.

Over the last few weeks there has been an upsurge in gun crimes which the police have been battling to bring under control. Several illegally obtained and unlicensed weapons have since been recovered from crime scenes, or upon persons of suspects, or following the perpetration of crimes, or during police raids.

Additionally, the police have been receiving many reports of robberies and other gun-related crimes being committed on citizens by persons who ride mostly BMX pedal cycles. This is even as the police continue to battle with cases of crimes committed by persons who traverse the city and other areas with the use of CG motorcycles. ( Leroy Smith)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 5, 2014

GECOM clerk killed in accident on birthday

By Leroy Smith TWENTY-six–year-old Gavin Bachan of 181 Hope West, Enmore, East Coast Demerara and an assistant registration clerk at the Guyana Elections Commission was killed early Tuesday morning after the Alteza motorcar he was driving, PNN 7981, slammed into the Kitty seawall in the vicinity of Celina Resort.

Bachan was reportedly heading home at the time of the accident following a brief outing to usher in h i s b i r t h d a y, w h i c h h e would have celebrated yesterday.

Information reaching the Guyana Chronicle suggested that the young man first visited a family member in the city and they later travelled to a popular city bar where they were imbibing before Bachan decided to leave for home.

Persons who reside close to where the accident occurred explained that they heard a loud impact and when they looked outside

and rushed to the scene, they noticed the badly injured man in the front seat

of the vehicle panting for breath.

Police confirmed that

The vehicle as it lay on a tow truck yesterday morning at the Kitty Police Station the man was the only one in the car at the time of the accident and that he had sustained major injuries.

Bachan on Monday of this week had proceeded on three weeks’ annual leave in keeping with his birthday.

Speaking with this newspaper yesterday morning at the home of the dead man, a

Dead Gavin Bachan

cousin, Satanand Gopie, said that relatives last heard from the young man at 23:00 hrs on Monday night.

He said that the man was at home on Monday morning then left to go out in the afternoon to visit another relative. He said that relatives were not too familiar with what really caused the

accident since they were not on the scene.

The man was not willing to get into much of what the relatives had heard about the accident and directed that the information be sought from the police. Yesterday when this newspaper visited the Kitty Police Station where the vehicle was already on a tow truck, the extensive damage was visible.

The vehicle’s back and front bumpers were damaged as well as lights and other fixtures.

The entire left side of the car was badly damaged and the air bags had been activated. Over at the home of the man, family members, friends and workers from the Guyana Elections Commission where the man had worked for five years were present to offer their condolences to the mother and siblings.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 5, 2014

AG leading land regularisation efforts in Region 5 LAND and human capital constitute the foundation of agricultural enterprises, according to the Attorney-General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall, in an invited comment.

He disclosed that his ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Resources and the Lands and Surveys Department and the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA), is working to regularise lands for both agricultural and residential uses in Region 5(Mahaica/Berbice).

He said, “Upon the directions of President Donald Ramotar, myself, the Minister of National Resources and the Lands and Surveys Department are working together to regularise over 500 house lots in the Cotton Tree area and to issue titles for those lots. Persons have been occupying those lands over the last 30 years without title.”

According to him, these efforts, as per the laws of Guyana, require a “particular procedure” to be embarked

upon.

“The process started some time ago with a survey being done in relation to the area.

Unfortunately, it is a long and drawn out process. It will eventually after engaging the attention of a Land Court Judge,” Nandlall said.

The AG highlighted that the Judicial Service Commis-

AGRICULTURAL LANDS Nandlall stated too that as it relates to the regularisation of agricultural lands, meetings have been held between him, Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Ramsammy, MMA officials and Region 5 residents.

“We met with the resi-

“While the process may be long, in the end over 500 families will receive titles to properties on which they have been living for over 30 years with very little cost, if any, to them. This is a significant accomplishment initiated by President Ramotar.” - Attorney-General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall. sion (JSC), which was recently constituted, is taking active steps to appoint judges to the Land Court.

“While the process may be long, in the end over 500 families will receive titles to properties on which they have been living for over 30 years with very little cost, if any, to them. This is a significant accomplishment initiated by President Ramotar,” he said.

dents of Rampur and Shieldstown villages to address the issues of making available to these villagers who are largely farmers more land for agricultural purposes. I am pleased to report that we had several meetings with the residents and I advised them to form themselves into a Coop Society. They have done so,” he said.

The AG announced that

hoods, but the lands must be used for the purposes stated in the leases,” Nandlall said.

Additionally, over 100 persons received leasehold titles for State lands in the MMA/ADA area, last Friday.

President Donald Ramotar hands over one of over 100 leasehold titles that were distributed last Friday at Bath Settlement, Region 5. In the background is the AG and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall and MMA officials (Photo by Adrian Narine) some 1,200 acres of land will be made available to the villages for communal agricultural uses. “We are now in the process of making available to them over 1,200 acres of land for their communal use,” he said.

ROLE OF MMA Nandlall also stressed the important role of the MMA in ensuring that farmers have access to “arable and well irrigated” lands.

The MMA/ADA is a semi-autonomous agency under the Ministry of Agriculture, governed by a Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the formulation of policies for the efficient functioning and operations of the MMA/ADA. The Authority’s role is

to: “Promote, facilitate and enhance sustainable agricultural development in the region through the efficient management of the land resource.”

“This way our farmers can unleash the potential of the land and, in turn, unleash their own potential to create wealth and improve their lives,” the AG said.

PROPER LAND USE He also urged proper use of the land, as stated in the leasehold titles, rather than risk loss of that title because of misuse.

“The land remains the property of the State, but lessees hold and occupy the land for their benefit. The legal framework supports the interest of farmers, towards the goal of improving liveli-

FARMERS “Farmers in Guyana are one of the most important groups of people…you, the farmers, the architects of agriculture, impact the local economy in a significant way,” Nandlall said.

According to him, Government will continue to work with local farmers to ensure that the agriculture sector is developed to benefit all Guyanese and, by extension, Guyana.

“We are a far way from realising the full potential of the sector, even with the successes we have had to date,” Nandlall said.

He made it clear that engagements, toward this end, will continue with farmers to ensure the availability of lands for agriculture and the expansion of agricultural activities, in the interest of improving lives.

“The Government is working and will continue to work with our farmers and the people of Guyana to ensure that they benefit and have greater opportunities to improve their lives,” Nandlall said. (Vanessa Narine)

Old Kitty Post Office demolished to make way for new $60M building

By Michel Outridge THE old wooden building that once housed the Kitty Post Office at Pike and Alexander Streets, Kitty, has been demolished to pave the way for the construction of a new building.

The edifice has been in disrepair for some time and construction is expected to start by this year-end, which will see a spanking new building at a cost of $60M. The building will house both the Kitty Post Office and the Kitty Health Centre following its completion in 2015.

In the meantime, customers are asked to utilise the Campbellville Post Office since they will be paying out old age pension, but Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), Dependent’s Pension Fund, Ministry of Finance, Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Guy-

ana Defence Force (GDF) pensions will only be paid at the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) head office at Robb Street.

Meanwhile, the Mahaicony Post Office is closed to facilitate construction of a new building and so customers are advised to transact business at the Mahaica Post Office.

The building will soon be demolished and pensions for T&HD, Dependent’s Pension Fund, Ministry of Finance, GPF and GDF will only be paid at Weldaad Post Office.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat(HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon at his weekly press conference last week at Office of the President, explained that the Ministry of Health brought to Cabinet’s attention for its consideration, the relocation of the Kitty Health Centre to the Kitty Post Office building.

TWO SERVICES, ONE ROOF He said that the move has been supported by both entities and has gained Cabinet’s approval during their weekly meeting last week, since the abandonment of the Kitty Health Centre which was formerly housed at the Kitty market building, which is in a state of disrepair.

The HPS said that both services will be offered under the same roof, making this venture “very accommodating” to all.

Dr. Luncheon noted that, “The cost of the construction of the new building will be met by the Post Office Corporation [and] rental will be met by the Health Ministry to offset the cost.”

The building, he said, has been estimated on completion to cost $60M and construction work will begin in fiscal year 2014 and extend into 2015.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 5, 2014

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Following synthetic track contract breach by JPM General Construction …

AG moves to the court to recoup $32.6M THE Government of Guyana, through Attorney-General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Anil Nandlall, last Friday, moved to the courts to enforce the performance bond and advance payment guarantee, given by Diamond Fire and General Insurance Incorporated.

The performance bond is valued at $6.6M, while the advance payment guarantee is valued at $26M. The insurance company acted at the request of JPM General Construction and Engineering Services, which was awarded the contract for the works to be done on phase two of the construction of the Synthetic Track and Field Facility, which includes the construction of a boundary fence and ticket booth.

The synthetic track and field facility, at Leonora, Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara), is Guyana’s first such facility.

The action followed failures in the execution of the contract.

The performance bond was set up to guarantee satisfactory completion of the project by the contractor, failing which the Government (who is the beneficiary of the bond) is guaranteed compensation for any monetary loss up to the amount specified in Minister Anil Nandlall the bonds.

At the time of the execution of the performance bond and advance payment guarantee, the Diamond Fire and General Insurance Incorporated agreed and irrevocably undertook to pay the Government any sum not exceeding the amounts stated in the bonds upon receipt of the Government’s first demand.

The Government terminated the said contract owing to the company’s failure to discharge its contractual obligations on July 24, 2014, and on September 25, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport wrote to the insurance company, indicating that the contract was terminated and that there would be a move to enforce the performance bond and advance payment guarantee.

Consequently, the Attorney-General Chambers has since filed a Writ of Summons and Statement of Claim at the Commercial Division of the High Court, in which Nandlall has claimed the $32.6M (performance bond of $6.6M and the advance payment guarantee of $26M).

Interest at the rate of 6 per cent per annum, from the date of filing to the date of judgement, and at the rate of 4 per cent until fully paid is also being claimed by Nandlall. The matter has been scheduled for hearing on December 17.

This is the second such major action, in the last six months, undertaken by the AG’s Chambers, in the interest of holding contractors to account and ensuring value for the Guyanese tax-payer dollar.

An aerial view of the synthetic track and field facility, showing the extent of works to date (Adrian Narine photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 5, 2014

Indigenous Song Festival for NCC November 30

By Shirley Thomas MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, on Monday announced the launching of an Indigenous Song Festival, scheduled to take place on November 30, at the National Cultural Centre.

The festival which will attract participation from seven of the nine indigenous tribes in Guyana, promises to be spectacular and a tremendous success as each tribe will be singing songs in its respective dialects.

Addressing reporters during a media briefing held at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, were: Dr. Frank Anthony; Mr. Andrew Tyndall, Administrator of the National School of Music; and Ovid Williams, Festival Co-ordinator. Also present at the forum was U.S.based Guyanese, Dr. Vibert Cambridge, a known music historian who is soon to launch his book titled, “The History of Music in Guyana.”

Ty n d a l l s a i d t h a t through the Festival, the ministry hopes to capture the music of our indigenous peoples. The objective of the festival therefore, is to be able to record and disseminate Guyana’s indigenous songs. And since music is universal to everyone, by doing this project, the ministry feels that it would be able to reach more persons at the end of the festival.

“We have nine different tribes in Guyana, and as you know, indigenous languages all over the world are being threatened with extinction and it is our responsibility at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to ensure that we safeguard, preserve and pass on information about our indigenous languages. So this is just one way in which we are going to capture the language of our indigenous

people,” he explained. He said so far, seven of the nine tribes alluded to have been reached and there is great anxiety in the air.

The nine indigenous tribes in Guyana are: Arawak, Carib, Patamona, Wapishiana, Wai-Wai, Macushi, Arekuna, Akawaio and Warrau.

Meanwhile, Festival Co-ordinator Ovid Williams said the participating groups were identified by the Toshaos who were recently in Georgetown for the National Toshaos Conference held at the International Conference Centre.

Among them were groups from Waramuri and Kwebanna in the Moruca Sub-Region of Region 1, Barima-Waini (home to the Arawaks and Warraus), as well as Mabaruma Sub-regions.

The Hurrup and the Banshikili Group promises to tickle the audience imagination with sweet indigenous music and dance such as the “Hurrup,” rendered by elders who are experts on the quarto and the violin. Others will come from White Water/Tobago and Barabina areas in the Mabaruma Sub-Region.

Closer home in Region 4, there’s a group from St. Cuthbert’s, and they will be featuring the Mighty Pakuri from the Lokona (Arawak) tribe.

Coming from Region 6 will be the Warrraus from the villages of Orealla and Siparuta.

Region 7 will present the Arekunas or Pemungs, among whom are religious gospel singers who will regale the audience in their typical Arekuna style. And to demonstrate they are in tune with today’s music, there will be a rapper doing his piece in contemporary rapping.

Meanwhile, to blow the audience off their feet will be Region 9 presenting: the Macushi and Wapishana, whose groups hail from Surama, Yakarinta,

Festival Coordinator Ovid Williams regales reporters with an Amerindian musical item.

Looking on from left are Andrew Tyndall and Dr. Frank Anthony

Masara, Kwaikubat, Baitoon, Sand Creek, Aishalton and Crowdarnow, featuring up-tempo pieces.

Wi l l i a m s a l s o a n nounced that on November 22 and 23, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs will be staging the Pakaraima Festival, at which the Patamonas will be doing their thing. They are expected to come on strong with dances such as the Chiniding, Polyghagga, the Alleluia and Toguit (the humming bird).

“We’re excited about this festival to be held on the 30th November, at the National Cultural Centre and there, the indigenous people will be able to expose a lot of Guyanese to the traditional indigenous Amerindian music,” Williams said, as he gave an enthralling sneak preview of what is in store come November 30 at the National Cultural Centre.

Tyndall anticipates that it will be a nostalgic moment for some people, but for the Ministry of Culture, it will be another

step in the right direction towards preserving and disseminating our indigenous languages, he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, heartened that the time has now come for this dream to be made a reality, agreed that this linguistic heritage that we have in Guyana, has often been overlooked. He said even though we think of ourselves only as an English- speaking country, venturing beyond the coastland, one can hear so many different languages.

He noted that the indigenous languages spoken in Guyana, are in a sense, quite unique to this part of the world. Pathetically however, the persons speaking those languages of which we should be proud, are dwindling, and therefore we need to do something urgently to bring about a proliferation of the languages, or we would lose them, Dr. Anthony proffered. Over time, he said, his ministry has been brainstorming ways to keep the languag-

es alive.

Initiatives taken to date include: the publication of various dictionaries relating to seven of the nine Amerindian languages.

For the other two (Carib and Wai-Wai), the ministry is now working on various word lists so as to eventually prepare dictionaries for them as well.

The ministry has also been working on various grammar books, in the various languages, while helping respective communities to publish the books and distribute them within the communities.

Also well received has been the initiative of having select persons travel around the villages, teaching the languages to school children and other interested persons.

Commending this “rich cultural legacy” of music and dancing possessed by the Amerindian peoples, Dr. Anthony observed that, unfortunately, not many people on the coastland have been exposed to these. Hence the move now being taken by the Ministry of Culture, Youth

and Sport to have these competitions where the music can be sung, recorded, disseminated and preserved.

Some of the objectives to be accomplished through this initiative, he said are: * Getting people to appreciate the languages and the wide linguistic diversity Guyana has * Popularising these languages and helping to extend our repertoire of them * Recording and writing the music, and preserving songs that have been earlier written, as part of our musical heritage.

Dr. Anthony anticipates initial challenges, given the geographic spread of the communities targeted. However, he feels strongly that, given a start, eventually more communities will get involved.

With an air of optimism, he asserted: “All of the people we have spoken to so far, have endorsed this type of festival, and feel it should have happened before.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 5, 2014

‘Guyana, South America Undiscovered’ a tremendous success in London tourism product on the world map in the eyes of consumers and international travel operators.

While there, the team will attend key meetings with several tour operators, travel agents, media and publications, he also explained. Wilderness Explorers, Rupununi Trails and Iwokrama are all participating in the WTM. Guyana’s booth will host a number of events and meetings including the launching of the “Guyana South America Undiscovered” destination brand, hosting of the ATLAS travel group, and launching of the “Explore Guyana” Magazine 2015.

Recently, Tourism Minister (ag) Irfaan Ali noted that Guyana offers the opportunity to travel to an “off–the-beaten-path,” conservation-minded destination, to see exceptional nature, experience wildlife and Guyana Tourism’s birds in a remote and pristine environment with thriving new logo indigenous and multi-ethnic communities.

“It offers visitors many was a tremendous success benefits: exploring an Enif you take into account the massive reach that this event glish-speaking South American destination; discovering has.”

The WTM is one of the our natural attractions travleading travel and trade shows elling by land, river and air attracting influential figures in across a never-ending stretch and around the travel industry, of rainforest to see birds, who offer the latest insights, wildlife and giant species; trends and invaluable knowl- interacting with Amerindian people and enjoying edge to all who visit.

The GTA Director ex- multi-ethnic festivals, music plained that Guyana’s con- and cuisine and learning tinued participation in the about the country’s rich herevent will have both di- itage. It is an opportunity rect and indirect benefits, to experience vast virgin since attending the WTM rainforest, rolling savannahs, will give the country the mighty rivers and the lively advantage to market its Caribbean coast, all in one destination to visitors as trip,” he revealed.

He explained that well as fellow participants through a new logo and taworldwide. “WTM is the perfect opportunity for us gline (which was developed to continue our outreach to after extensive consultation international tourists, not with tourism stakeholders only will we reach the UK and operators; and busi(United Kingdom) market nesses which will be used in but also buyers from coun- promotional and marketing tries all over the world,” materials, both locally and internationally), it showcases he said.

Haralsingh stressed that we are part of a “South that the GTA recognises American Region with a the WTM trade show as a Caribbean flair.”

Minister Ali continued, very important aspect of its marketing strategy and has “The opportunity to confirm continued to attend it over Guyana’s commitment to the last 13 years. This has the development of tourism resulted in placing Guyana’s in Guyana must be fully ON MONDAY, November 3, during a cocktail reception in London, a Guyana delegation unveiled at the World Travel Market (WTM) conference “Guyana, South America Undiscovered,” the country’s new tourism brand.

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Indranauth Haralsingh, who is currently in London attending the WTM conference said the first day was a tremendous success: “Day one was an excellent day for Guyana. Everyone likes the brand and logo. The launch

exploited.”

The Guyana delegation is headed by Haralsingh and includes Sanchia Persaud, Senior Tourism Development Officer; and Tosheika Logan, Research and Planning Analyst. The WTM is being held from 3rd-6th November,2014.

(Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)

Visitors at the Guyana Booth sample some of our cuisine

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 5, 2014

GDF ushers in 49th Anniversary with traditional Thanksgiving service The auditorium was packed with soldiers who had come to usher in celebrations for the Force’s 49th Anniversary

THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) commenced celebrating its 49th Anniversary with its traditional Thanksgiving church service, which was held at the

Brigadier Mark Phillips receiving a congratulatory handshake from Brazilian Defence, Naval and Army Attaché, Col Ronaldo Pacheco, after the church service

Auditorium at Base Camp Ayanganna yesterday morning.

In his congratulatory message to an auditorium packed with Force members and special invitees, Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips, said the GDF must continue functioning to earn the respect of the citizenry of Guyana in spite of what is happening around it.

“We must lead in the defence and security sector.

We must contribute to the development of Guyana; collaborate on diplomatic initiatives, since diplomacy remains our first line of defence; and we must commit ourselves to safeguarding democracy in Guyana,” the Brigadier said.

Brigadier Phillips further emphasised that members of the Force must uphold and live the Force’s values and standards. “Our performance, our professionalism, and compliance with our Standing Operating Procedures will enhance our service,” he stressed.

The GDF Chief of Staff indicated that there would be improvements in operational readiness, health services and facilities, soldiers’ well-being, welfare and quality of life issues on all bases and locations. In addi-

tion, he noted that special attention would be placed on the training and professional development of all ranks, including civilians.

He also revealed that, for the 50th Anniversary, there will be a renewed focus on the empowerment of female soldiers and civilians.

Arch Deacon the Venerable Randolph Reynolds of St Sidwell’s Anglican Church officiated at the service. He spoke to the issue of “Courage”, and highlighted the need for members of the GDF to remain mindful of the tradition of discipline which has been well established in the Force. This, he said, is the foundation for courage.

“As you celebrate, seek to uphold the discipline that is enshrined in the understanding of soldiering. You need to understand the high s t a n d a r d t h a t i s d emanded of you,” he said.

“If you are not courageous to stand up for what is right, you are failing your uniform.

Your role is pertinent to building our nation.

You must be the defenders of right everywhere and the encouragers of peace everywhere,” he declared.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 5, 2014

Still no word on meeting of Parliamentary Security Oversight Committee DESPITE the fact that work has resumed at the level of several parliamentary committees, according to the Parliament Office, there is still no word on when a meeting will be fixed for the Parliamentary Security Oversight Committee.

House Speaker, Mr. Raphael Trotman, last week told the Guyana Chronicle that the matter will be addressed in a matter of days; however, there have been no confirmed moves to convene the long overdue first meeting of the committee.

“I will be writing to the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition next week on the matter,” he had said.

Several attempts to contact Trotman on this matter have proved futile and the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Sherlock Isaacs, when contacted was unable to confirm whether the letter from the Speaker was sent to the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

In the latter part of July, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Raphael Trotman, had committed to convening the first meeting when the Assembly comes out of recess.

The Assembly’s two-month recess ended

on October 10 and nearly two weeks later, there is still no move in this regard.

Additionally, the contention of several Government Members of Parliament (MPs) is that the Opposition is avoiding a meeting because the Chair has to be a Government MP. Former Attorney-General, Mr. Doodnauth Singh had, in 2009, tabled the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2009 in the National Assembly. The Bill was intended to amend the Constitution by inserting a new Article 119 D, providing for the establishment of a Standing Committee called the “Parliamentary Oversight Committee on the Security Sector,” which would have responsibility for the policies and administration of the country’s Disciplined Services.

The move was in keeping with an agreement made by national stakeholders during security consultations as recent as last March. The original recommendation was made by a Special Select Committee reviewing the report of the Disciplined Forces Commission. The issue had also been the subject of discussion at the

level of the Parliamentary Management Committee.

Since the commencement of the 10th Parliament, the combined Opposition has posed numerous questions on the security sector, and moved a few Motions demanding the appointment of Commissions of Inquiry (CoI) to investigate alleged breaches in the sector.

There are currently four sectoral committees, responsible for economic services, social services, natural resources and foreign relations.

(Vanessa Narine)

Raphael Trotman

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Bangladesh seize control Petra Organisation ... after Iqbal, Shakib tons Scoreboard BANGLADESH 1st innings (o/n: 193-3) T. Iqbal c Ervine b H. Masakadza 109 Sh. Rahman lbw b Chigumbura 2 M. Haque c & b Panyangara 35 M. Mahmudullah lbw b Panyangara 56 S. Al Hasan b Waller 137 M. Rahim run-out (Raza) 11 S. Hom c Chari b Waller 15 T. Islam c H. Masakadza b Chatara 32 S. Hossain c M’shangwe b Chatara 18 J. Hossain lbw b M’shangwe 1 R. Hossain not out 0 Extras; (b-6, lb-6, nb-3, w-2) 17 Total: (all out, 158.5 overs) 433 Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-78, 3-173, 4-305, 5-322 6-376, 7-383, 8-426,,9-433.

Bowling:T. Panyangara 29-1049-2 (nb-2,) E. Chigumbura 22-5-60-1 (w-2), T. Chatara 277-61-2 (nb-1), N. M’shangwe 40.5-7-127–1, M. Waller 234-65–2, S. Raza 11-2-31-0, H. Masakadza 6-1-28-1.

ZIMBABWE 1st innings S. Raza lbw b T. Islam 11 B. Chari not out 21 H. Masakadza not out 15 Extras: (b-1, lb-5) 6 Total: (for 1 wicket, 19 overs) 53 Fall of wickets: 1-17.

Bowling: S. Hossain 4-0-12-0, T. Islam 8-2-21-1, S. Al Hasan 3-0-3–0, J. Hossain 3-1-11-0, R. Hossain 1-1-0-0.

TAMIM Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan both posted centuries as Bangladesh established a strong position on day two of the second Test against Zimbabwe at Khulna.

The hosts resumed on 193 for three after a turgid first day and Tamim and Shakib’s partnership of 132 helped provide them with a solid base to post a firstinnings total of 433.

The tourists then made a solid start to their reply to move to 53 for one, trailing by 380 runs with nine firstinnings wickets remaining.

Shakib and Tamim began the day with more patient play before the former launched part-time spinner Malcolm Waller’s first ball of the day over long-on for six.

Shakib then brought up his 50 off 71 balls, but the big moment was to come 10 balls later as Tamim brought up his first Test century since scoring 108 at Old Trafford in June 2010.

The 25-year-old thumped a Natsai M’shangwe delivery for four to bring up his ton in a watchful 312 balls.

Shakib thumped Waller for another maximum, but the fourth-wicket partnership was ended two overs before lunch when Tamim went chasing a Hamilton Masakadza delivery and Craig Irvine took a catch at gully.

The resurgent opener’s 109 came in 332 balls after

Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan added 132 runs for the fourth wicket on the second day of the second Test.

a 473-minute stay at the crease.

Mushfiqur Rahim replaced him, but was gone for just 11 as he and Shakib went looking for a single and Sikandar Raza’s direct hit did the damage.

Shakib ended his own three-figure drought; he had not scored a century in nine matches since December 2011, with a straight-driven four off his 153rd ball from Tinashe Panyangara.

But Waller claimed revenge for his two earlier clobberings off the 27-yearold when he removed him for 137 off the first ball of the 142nd over.

Shakib was looking to go big again, but missed the ball which went on to take out middle stump and end his 180-ball stay.

Shuvagata Hom was next

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to go as he became Waller’s second victim with Brian Chari taking the catch at deep midwicket to remove him for 15.

Tea was taken at 406 for seven, but, when Taijul Islam (32) was caught

by Masakadza off Tendai Chatara to make it 426 for eight, Shahadat Hossain (18) and Jubair Hossain (one) fell soon after.

Chari came out alongside Raza to open the innings on his Test debut and got off the mark off the final ball of the third over.

And three overs later he had lost his partner for 11, lbw to Taijal, with the decision being upheld due to umpire’s call after review.

Chari (21 not out) and Masakadza (15 not out) then made it safely through to the close. (PA Sport)

From back page Darshnie Yussuf, Public Relations of Ansa McAl Limited noted that her company was ecstatic with the idea, more so since it breaks the gender barrier in the sport and she further thanked Petra Organisation for coming up with the concept.

“Girls Under-11 playing football? When we got the proposal and we thought of it, we all loved the concept.

I don’t want to come over biased but i think it’s nice to see for once some girls getting a chance to play because most of the times, most people focus on the men/boys so I must say thank you to Petra Organisation for this,” Yussuf said.

Co-Director of Petra Organisation Troy

Mendonca said that the idea has long been toyed with and they are happy to finally see it happening while thanking all those who played a part in making it happen.

“We see our contribution to football as important since we contribute significantly in youth development. We must express gratitude to the Health Ministry, Ministry of Education and all others who played a part in helping us making this possible,” Mendonca said.

The participating schools were all given balls by the organisers to aid in their preparation prior to the kickoff on November 14. All matches will be played at the Girl Guides ground.

US Track star ...

From back page

Castlin will pay a courtesy call this morning on Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony at his Main Street, Georgetown office, after which, the entire delegation is expected to visit Guyana’s first and only synthetic track, on the West Coast Demerara The 26-year-old hurdler will be conducting a Coaches Clinic which is set for the Resource Centre on Woolford Avenue from 14:00hrs today, Via her twitter page, Castlin mentioned her upcoming visit to Guyana stating, “I am SO excited! I can’t wait. I am so grateful for the opportunity.”

Castlin is a seven-time NCAA All American athlete; she’s also a five-time Atlantic Coast Conference (AAC) Champion in the 60m and 100m hurdles.

In 2009, Castlin ran 12.91 seconds to be the 100m American Junior record-holder, the same year she became the Pan American Junior record-holder over the same distance.

At her very first race of the 2014 season in April, Castlin defeated 2013 World Champion Brianna Rollins. Prior to that race, Rollins, America’s biggest star in the 100m hurdles was undefeated in 19 races.

Castlin is the holder of a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Political Science and Government Legal Studies Concentration from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Ramdin fired ...

From back page Ramdin’s removal as captain follows an assurance from the TTCB that their national players involved in the abandoned tour of India, will not face censure and will be considered for selection in the upcoming regional first class season.

President Azim Bassarath has been quoted as saying that his board would not get involved in the selection process and would leave the matter of who represented the country up to the selectors.

“In moving forward they are trying to go in a different direction,” said Ramdin.

“I am axed as captain and they announced Rayad Emrit will be captain going forward for Trinidad & Tobago. I think it is

more victimisation because they were asking me questions about India and my lawyer said not to talk about it so I think they were trying to get more information on that aspect..

Patrick Rampersad, a vicepresident of the Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), has denied Ramdin’s allegation.

Rampersad reportedly told Trinidad Express that the executive could not have removed Ramdin as captain without a recommendation from the selectors.

“I think they are trying to victimise me and some of the other players, but I am not going to let it disrupt me mentally,” said Ramdin, who has been in prolific form with the bat for

West Indies in recent times. “ I am just trying to get back into the right frame of mind to play and I know we (T&T) have a couple of games before going to South Africa so I will just try to get myself mentally prepared.

We have a game against Barbados at the Oval so that is my main focus right now, to get out there and be playing cricket again.”

Ramdin was among the 15man Windies squad that quit the India tour over a contracts row with the West Indies Players Association.

The TTCB had strongly condemned the decision to abandon the tour in the form of a motion, moved at a recent board level.

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday NOVEMBER 5, 2014

Humbled Australia scuttle away for comforts of home

(REUTERS) - Australia head home from Abu Dhabi this week with plenty to ponder after a humiliating rout by Pakistan brought a shuddering halt to their upward trajectory in Test cricket.

After the 5-0 Ashes drubbing of England and a dramatic 2-1 series win in South Africa around the New Year, Australia would have

returned to the top of the Test rankings if they had beaten Pakistan in both matches.

Instead, defeat in Dubai by 221 runs and Abu Dhabi by 356 runs for a first series loss to Pakistan in two decades plunged Michael Clarke’s team back into the deep trough they inhabited after a 4-0 sweep in India last year.

“We have got to obviously talk about what’s just

happened, we were hopeful that we learnt some lessons from our trip to India, but it doesn’t look that way,” Clarke told reporters in the Emirati capital.

“Your goal has to be to try and become better, I say that regularly but our performances here weren’t any better than what they were in India.

“The best teams win away

Michael Clarke from home consistently, it just shows we’ve got a lot of work to do,” he added.

“That’s a pretty accurate reflection of where we are as a team; we’re much more comfortable playing in our own backyard.”

Fortunately for Clarke, Australia’s next Test series is at home to India, who were routed 4-0 by a mediocre Australia side the last time they toured in 2011-12.

Clarke took at least some positives from the Pakistan series, most particularly the 164 runs all-rounder Mitchell Marsh scored with the bat in his first two Tests.

“There have been some individual positives but as a group we need to assess where we didn’t go particularly well and that’s over all three facets of the game,” Clarke added.

“As a team, there’s no doubt we’ll be happy to go home and play in conditions that

we’re accustomed to, that’s for sure.”

The 33-year-old’s own batting form -- 57 runs in four innings -- was as much of a concern for Clarke as it will be for his country.

“I’m probably most angry with myself,” he said.

“I have always prided myself on leading by example and in the series that we’ve lost since I have been captain, I have been able at least to stand up and lead from the front whereas in this series I haven’t done that.

“I don’t have any excuse for underperforming and I’ll be judged like every other player that is underperforming; there’s no doubt about that.”

South African football launch gun control campaign

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Reuters) - South African football have launched a gun control campaign, seeking the surrender of illegal weapons they hope to melt into metal for the creation of a statue of their slain national team captain Senzo Meyiwa.

“We need to mop up all illegal guns and destroy them. This campaign aims to save lives so we are appealing to society to hand in all illegal guns,” said South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan as he launched the campaign yesterday.

The campaign has been backed with letters of support from Meyiwa’s family and that of Reeva

Senzo Meyiwa Steenkamp, who was killed last year by her Paralympic boyfriend Oscar Pistorius.

Jordaan said he wanted government to tighten laws and to also initiate a scheme for the handing in of illegal weapons.

“We want to create a statue of Senzo from the

guns as a reminder of the tragedy that these weapons have wrought on the youth of our country,” he told Reuters in a telephone interview.

“There are laws on the books to deal with issue but they are not strictly enforced. We want to generate awareness again.”

South Africa is one of the world’s most violent countries, with police recording more than 17 000 murders last year, or 31 per 100 000 people.

Meyiwa was killed last month in a botched robbery at the home of his girlfriend. His funeral last Saturday filled the World Cup stadium in Durban in a massive outpouring of grief and anger.

Digicel-sponsored table tennis competition set for this weekend THE annual Digicel-sponsored Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) Mini Cadet, Cadet and Junior Teams and Singles Table Tennis Tournament has been pushed back to this weekend from November 7 to 9, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue, after originally being scheduled to go off last month.

Exciting competition is expected this weekend as students compete in five different categories, including a newlyadded Novices category that is open to beginning players.

The Novices category is open to players who have never participated in organised tournaments and cannot make their A/B team in the respective categories. One team from each school can be fielded in this category.

Other categories are the 11 years and under, 13 years and under, 15 years and under, 18 years and under. Each school is

allowed to enter 4 players in each of the age categories Over 150 students from eight schools across the country participated in the event last year, and the GTTA is expecting another year of good competition. The GTTA will coordinate tournament fixtures and will provide umpires, tables and balls among other resources to ensure the smooth running of the tournament.

The tournament will be run on a roundrobin basis. The top two teams in each division will advance to the knock-out round while two players from the singles grouping will qualify to the knock-out round.

Prizes are expected to be doled out for the first three finishers in each category; the most outstanding players for male and female, the most improved players for male and female, as well as the best-dressed school, the most disciplined school, and the school with the largest support during the tournament (in excess of 50 students).

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday NOVEMBER 5, 2014

33

National Open a success - GSCL Inc. to bowl off GABA Technical Director President’s Cup T20 THE recently concluded National Open boxing tournament, organised by the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association is being hailed as a huge success by association’s Technical Director Terrence Poole.

The National Open was held at the East Ruimveldt Community Centre ground (California Square) late last month and saw the emergence of several new champions.

“I am heartened by what I saw and I’ll have to give a Grade A pass mark to the executive of GABA for organising such a tournament. I would also have to give the same Grade for the standard of boxing produced by all the participating gyms.

Holistically it is a job well done,” Poole declared.

The National Open was held over three days and was injected with international flavour as USA-based super heavyweight Quincy `Biggy’ Small travelled home to pick up a title. According to Poole, who doubles as the

GABA Tournament Director, several new champions were crowned including welterweight Glendon Smith of the Essequibo Gym. Smith was crowned triple champion following wins in the National Novices, National Intermediate and Open competitions.

In addition, flyweight Kevin Allicock of the Republican Gym and light welterweight Quincy Harvey of GDF claimed their first Open titles. GDF snatched the Champion Gym title in a closely contested race with the Republicans.

Poole was loud in praise of Policeman Dennis Thomas who was adjudged Best Boxer. The middleweight retained his title and left no opponent standing during the three days. “It is obvious that Mr Thomas has learnt a lot from his many sojourns overseas.

He was definitely a cut about the rest.”

The Technical Director claimed that the crowd response has been improving with every tournament held

competition soon

… targeting first 6 teams in Open and O-45 categories

GBA Technical Director Terrence Poole at California Square and that he would be recommending that GABA should stage more of its activities outdoors.

“I am personally happy with the kind of support that we have received in East Ruimveldt. I would be advising that we continue to host our boxing competitions outdoors and under floodlights.

FOLLOWING a break in the organising of softball cricket in Georgetown, due to the playing of several tournaments including the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association ‘Guyana Cup IV’, the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc., is back at it again.

The GSCL Inc. Organising Committee, led by the hard-working Samuel Kingston, has organised a President’s Cup T20 competition using the big ball, with the aim of keeping softball teams affiliated to the League active year round.

The upcoming GSCL Inc. President’s Cup will be facilitating the first six teams in the Open

and Over-45 category to register, with the entrance fee set at $50 000 per team in each category, while the winning prizes will be $300 000 for first place and $100 000 for second in both categories, along with trophies.

According to Kingston, the closing date for entrance fee is Monday, November 10, with the launching and drawing of the tournament taking place two days later, at the Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) Sports Club on Woolford Avenue.

The playing dates for the tournament are Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16 for preliminary round

matches, while the finals for both categories will be held on Saturday, November 22, at a venue to be named, along with a female exhibition clash.

Grounds identified to be used for this competition so far are GNIC, Demerara Cricket Club, Queen’s College and Georgetown Cricket Club and all interested teams are asked to note that the first six teams to register in both categories will be eligible to play in the tournament.

Apart from the above-mentioned prizes, the Man-of-the-Match in the two finals will also receive trophies.

Interested teams can contact Kingston on 6149536 as soon as possible.

Real down Liverpool 1-0 to reach knockout round

By Iain Rogers MADRID, Spain (Reuters) - Holders Real Madrid secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League with two games to spare when a Karim Benzema strike secured a 1-0 win in their Group B match at home to a toothless Liverpool on yesterday.

Benzema clipped a Marcelo cross high into the net from close range in the 27th minute to maintain Real’s perfect record in the pool with 12 points from four games.

It was the record 10-time European champions’ 12th win in a row in all competitions and followed their 3-0 success against Liverpool at Anfield last month.

A major surprise was the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo failed to get on the scoresheet and he remains one goal short of the Champions League scoring record of 71 set by former Real and Schalke 04

forward Raul.

Real were close to full strength for the clash at a chilly and breezy Bernabeu, while Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers made a host of changes from the team that lost to Newcastle United in the Premier League at the weekend.

Captain Steven Gerrard, Coutinho, Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson and Mario Balotelli were all on the bench, while Gareth Bale, who is coming back from injury, was among the Real substitutes.

Real had an early chance when James Rodriguez forced a good save from Simon Mignolet in the fourth minute before the visitors settled and started to play some neat football without threatening the home goal.

A mistake by Liverpool captain Martin Skrtel in the 10th minute gifted possession to Benzema and he set up Ronaldo, but Mignolet pulled off another fine stop to deny

Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema shoots to score against Liverpool during their Champions League Group B soccer match at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, yesterday. (Credit: Reuters/Susana Vera) the Portuguese.

A well worked move yielded Real’s opening goal.

Isco sent Marcelo clear on the left and his pinpoint cross was turned high into

the net by Benzema as the Liverpool players appealed for a non-existent offside.

Liverpool failed to muster a shot in the first half to Real’s 13 and the European champions continued where they had left off in the second period with Ronaldo going close in the 49th minute.

Alberto Moreno had Liverpool’s first effort when he forced Iker Casillas, who was making a record 144th Champions League appearance, into a save in the 56th minute and Adam Lallana fired wide two minutes later.

Bale, who had replaced Rodriguez nine minutes earlier, turned a Marcelo cross onto the crossbar in the 71st and although the introduction of Sterling with around 20 minutes left gave Liverpool some extra zip they did not come close to an equaliser.

Basel are well placed to join Real in the knockout round after they beat Ludogorets 4-0 and have six points, with Liverpool and the Bulgarian champions on three each.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday NOVEMBER 5, 2014

New Kids on the Block National U-19 boys impress in two outings

By Leeron Brumell FIVE weeks together and the National Under-19 male squad have already made a name for themselves on the local indoor circuit. The interesting thing, though, is that they have not been training for indoor play.

They finished as the runners-up in the elite first division competition at the just concluded GT&T Indoor competition. They lost twice to the eventual winners, Hikers.

Head coach of the team, Robert Fernandes was both surprised and pleased with their performance but said there is still work to be done. The squad was recently put together after an Olympic Grant was given to the Guyana Hockey Board so they can prepare for the next Olympic Cycle.

Their focus for the immediate future however is on the Pan Am Juniors in 2016, an outdoor tournament.

Fernandes said the Indoor competition was an opportunity for the juniors to play at a high intensity and raise their level for the outdoor game.

Head coach Robert Fernandes (L) and members of the National U-19 squad during the GT&T Indoor Hockey tournament.

‘I thought the work rate of the boys really improved throughout the entire tournament and in outdoor you have to have a high work rate.’

He did identify one flaw in their play though.

‘I think there was a little too much individual play, where there are quite a few talented players who try to do a little bit too much on their own instead of looking for their team mates and I think it’s something they will grow out of the more they play together as a unit.’

Fernandes, who also coaches and plays his

hockey with the Saints and Hikers teams, believes the results will start to show faster, the more they play as a team.

‘They’re good as individuals; they’re not playing together as a team itself because they haven’t been together long as yet.’

Last month the team had their first competition at the Banks 11-a-side outdoor tourney after some two weeks together.

They didn’t finish in the top bracket, but gave a fairly good account of themselves.

Next month they make

their first overseas tour to neighbouring Trinidad & Tobago, to play against their National U-19 squad.

Games will be played on an artificial surface – the same that is used in all international competitions.

‘It’s the first chance they will get to play on an artificial turf and this will be a gauge to see where Guyana is on the International scene,’ noted Fernandes.

Guyana’s national juniors have been drawn from four teams - GCC, Hikers, Old Fort and Kingston.

Mae’s, QC, Central in Novices Q/finals category for beginners with the aim of encouraging more participation in the sport.

The National Schools competition is geared at fostering camaraderie among students, promoting healthy lifestyle through sport, providing opportunities for individuals to participate in recreational activities and promoting the basic objectives of the GTTA by having more players actively participate in table tennis activities, both recreationally and competitively.

GTTA general secretary Linden Johnson said that the best of Guyana’s youth players would be on show during the competition which concludes on Sunday.

Last year St Stanislaus College captured gold in the Under-18 category while Marian Academy carted off

the top prize at the Under-15 level.

Mae’s School proved too strong in the Pre and Mini Cadet categories, by sweeping both the Under-13 and Under-11 divisions.

Meanwhile, GTTA is planning to stage the National Senior and Junior competition early in December.

The National Table Tennis competition was not held last year due to difficulty in securing sponsorship.

However, the secretary is confident that if all goes well players will be vying for national titles by the second week in December.

Johnson disclosed that it would be important to hold the competition before Mini Cadets and Pre Cadets leave to represent Guyana at the Caribbean Championship billed for Puerto Rico from December 16 to 20.

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent (CMC) - St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves says he has been rallying support to help the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) settle a US$42M bill with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The Vincentian leader made his disclosure in Kingstown on Monday after WICB president Dave Cameron appealed for assistance from CARICOM Countries to satisfy the claim.

BCCI suspended bilateral tours to the Caribbean and initiated the multi-million dollar claim for damages after the one-day team quit the tour of India last month over a contracts row with their union, the West Indies Players Association.

“I have been talking to several persons at home and abroad to respond to the plea by the president of the Cricket Board to see how we can help them with the US$42M claim that the Indian cricketing authorities have made against our team,” Gonsalves said.

“I will help in whatever way I can because of the importance of cricket to our civilisation - our Caribbean

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves civilization.”

It appears that a meeting in Trinidad on Friday, brokered by Prime Minister Gonsalves and his Grenadian counterpart Keith Mitchell, with WIPA, has reached a resolution.

The meeting agreed to setup a three-man task force to look at the BCCI lawsuit.

“I fully expect that the team for South Africa will be selected without any discrimination, without any victimisation against the India 14, both for the Tests and for the One Dayers which will come in January,” Gonsalves explained.

“I expect it to be done in fairness and transparency and there are other elements which we have settled upon.”

West Indies are to play a tough three-Test series against South Africa starting next month.

Webb praises Suriname’s football governing body

… National Schools TT tourney

MAE’S A and B teams, Central High and Queen’s College A and B teams have all made it into the quarterfinals of the Novices category of the National Schools Table Tennis.

The Novices segment was played last Saturday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and will continue on Friday when the actual tournament serves off at the same venue.

The three-day is expected to attract approximately 20 schools from across the country and registration will close this evening. The annual competition, sponsored by Digicel, was scheduled to start one week earlier but unforeseen events forced the organisers, the Guyana Table Tennis Association to reschedule.

This year the GTTA included an Open Novices

Prime Minister Gonsalves rallying support for WICB

Jeffrey Webb PARAMARIBO, Suriname (CMC) CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb has applauded the Surinamese Football Federation for strides made in advancing the game including the creation of revenuegenerating projects.

The CONCACAF boss has just completed a short visit to Suriname and participated in the official unveiling and opening of several projects undertaken by the country’s football federation.

They included a grassroots festival and groundbreaking for four new mini-fields, funded via FIFA’s Income Generation Programme.

Webb who also met with key stakeholders, including government officials and football partners, praised the John Krishnadathled football federation for developing key partnerships to improve football in Suriname.

“The Surinamese Football Federation is steadily progressing to enhance the development of football, as evidenced by their current projects,” said Webb.

“Within a very short time, they have created a solid grassroots foundation and have garnered the support of their government to improve the football

programme in Paramaribo.”

Suriname’s Football Federation also plans to build a football shop and a new football stadium with grants received from FIFA earlier this year.

“President Webb has helped the SVB turn the page of football in Suriname, giving us the opportunity to become self-sustainable.

Now we have two income -generating projects – the Orwu Cull mini fields, sports café and fitness gym, as well as the Win in CONCACAF funds which will be used to set up an SVB football shop so we can cater to all members,” said Krishnadath.

“This is a completely new concept for football in our country and we are looking forward to conceptualising it.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday NOVEMBER 5, 2014

35

Hetmyer, Crandon shine for Singh’s XI on first day

By Calvin Roberts

ALONG with some control of left-arm spin from Veerasammy Permaul, teenaged opener Shimron Hetmyer and middleorder batsman Royston Crandon fashioned wellplayed innings for Singh’s XI on the first day of their second four-day practice match at the Guyana National Stadium, yesterday.

Hetmyer made an even century while Crandon contributed 96 as Singh’s XI, who won the toss and chose to bat first, reached 311 for 5 at the close of play with Chandrapaul Hemraj, who struck Permaul for two sixes over midwicket, on 39 and Ricardo Adams yet to score, even as Permaul has so far taken 5 for 74.

At lunch, Singh’s XI were 76 for 1 having lost the wicket of Tagenarine Chanderpaul (16) lbw to Permaul at 40 for 1, even as Shimron Hetmyer

and Kandasammy Surujnarine took them to the break without further loss, with Hetmyer on 39 and Surujnarine 13.

After the break, the duo increased their secondwicket partnership to 63, before Surujnarine was bowled by Permaul for 44 (7x4), followed by his skipper Vishaul Singh, who failed to negotiate one from Permaul and was palpably struck lbw for 4 at 113 for 3.

Hetmyer got to his 50 before tea, counting six fours and a six off Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai, celebrating same with an audacious drive for his seventh four off Keon Joseph, who bowled a tidy line and length along with Raymon Reifer in sultry conditions, but went wicketless.

Royston Crandon joined the boundary-hitting act with two fours back over the head of Motie-Kanhai even as Singh’s XI missed the chance to dismiss

NOTABLE DATES NINETEEN-year-old Vivian Harris made his professional debut on November 4, 1997 at the Grand Casino in Tunica, Mississippi.

In grand fashion, Harris took less than three minutes of the four-round contest to dispatch American Leviticus Long.

Both fighters made their debut that night but while Long had a short career and retired in 1998, Harris blazed the trail and became the youngest Guyanese to be crowned world champion. At age 24, Harris, once labelled as one of the best junior welterweights in the world by the legendary trainer Emanuel Steward, brushed aside Diosbelys Hurtado in two rounds to win the World Boxing Association and International Boxing Association junior welterweight titles.

Harris is still active and is expected to return to the ring this month in Mexico.

NOTABLE DATES MOVING up from welterweight to junior middleweight Guyanese Andrew Murray shocked the boxing world when he flattened then world-rated Michael Covington, with a single punch in round three of a scheduled tenround affair.

It took a single punch to lay Covington flat in the ring at the Foxwoods Resort, in Connecticut, USA on November 5, 1999. So devastating was the 28-year-old Murray, that the internationally-respected Ring Magazine rated his victory as one of the best knockouts of the year.

Murray had four more fights before being involved in a fatal car accident on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway on January 26, 2002.

… Permaul impressive with ball

Fast bowler Keon Joseph is caught by Chronicle Sport photographer Adrian Narine, as he sends down this delivery to batsman Kandasmmy Surujnarine while Tagenarine Chanderpaul (non-striker) and umpire Cyril Garnath look on.

Hetmyer via run-out and at tea Singh’s XI were 198 for 3 off 55 overs with Hetmyer on 79 and Crandon 49.

After tea, Hetmyer

struck Christopher Barnwell for three fours in one over, as he posted his ton which was decorated with 12 fours and one six,

before he gifted his wicket away without any addition to his score, at 232 for 4, adding 119 for the fourth wicket with Crandon.

Crandon was joined by Hemraj, who proceeded to increase the runs that were there before, with Hemraj hitting the two sixes off Permaul, even as Crandon got three fours, two of them off Barnwell, inching closer to his century in the process.

A streaky four by Crandon through the slip cordon off Keon Joseph, who bowled the second new ball in tandem with Reifer, posted the 300 for Singh’s XI, before an arm ball from Permaul knocked back Crandon’s off-stump, four short of a 100 at 306 for 5, with Crandon hitting 12 fours in his 96.

He was quickly followed by Steven Jacobs, who was lbw without scoring three balls after Crandon departed, leaving Adams and Hemraj to negotiate the remaining overs to the close of play.

Full-strength team to tour South Africa - Bravo DURBAN, South Africa (CMC) - West Indies One Day International (ODI) cricket captain Dwayne Bravo has announced that a full-strength team will tour South Africa next month despite their dramatic mid-series withdrawal from India last month.

Bravo’s disclosure yesterday may allay concerns after the tour was plunged into doubt after the one-day team pulled out of the sub-continent over a contracts row with the West Indies Players Association (WIPA).

Their move left a onedayer and a Twenty20 International unplayed and also scuppered the planned three-Test series.

“It’s all sorted out and the West Indies are going to be back playing again,” Bravo said at Kingsmead, where he was officially welcomed as the Dolphins’ overseas player for the

domestic T20 competition.

“As far as I know the best West Indies team will tour South Africa.”

There are reports that the dispute has been resolved following a meeting in Trinidad on Friday, brokered by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines and his Grenadian counterpart Keith Mitchell, with WIPA. However, there has been no official statement from WICB or WIPA confirming details of those reports.

But Bravo has given the assurance that the tour will take place and the leading West Indies players will be available for selection.

“Everyone is available as far as I know and we look forward to trying to give the South African boys a good run,” he said.

“It’s always going to be tough, but it’s good that all the matters are resolved

now.”

The Caribbean outfit is scheduled to play three Tests, three T20

Internationals and five ODIs around South African over the festive period.

CRICKETQUIZ CORNER (Wednesday November 05, 2014) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz (1)

125 times

(2)

Phil Simmons & Stuart Williams

Today’s Quiz: (1) How many different teams have played ODI cricket to date?

(2) How many different teams have played Test cricket to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Sport CHRONICLE

Full-strength team to tour South Africa - Bravo See story on page 35

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

Petra Organisation launches Girls U-11 Inter-Primary Girls football tournament ... Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ansa McAl on board

By Rawle Toney PETRA Organisation added one more accomplishment to its already long list, when the entity officially launched its Inter-Primary Girls Under-11 Football tournament yesterday at the Girl Guides pavilion in Georgetown.

The tournament which was endorsed by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and sees sponsorship from Ansa McAl Trading (Smalta) and Health 2000 Guyana, will feature 12 primary schools battling it out in an ‘All Girls’ competition from November 14 to December 13.

St Margaret’s, Tucville, North Georgetown, South Ruimveldt, St Pius, Marian Academy, F.E Pollard, Enterprise, East La Penitence, St Stephen’s and Stella Maris are the competing schools.

“This is something we more than welcome and have been looking forward to for

a very long time,” said Chief Education Officer (CEO) Olato Sam while delivering the feature address at the simple yet significant ceremony.

According the Ministry of Education’s C.E.O, sports is an important component in the school’s curriculum and as such, his ministry welcomes with open arms Petra Organisation’s innovative concept, more so since it helps in the development of the game among females.

A strong advocate for sports and its development, Sam described the Petra Organisation Girls Under-11 tournament as “groundbreaking”, adding “I’ve been challenging all stakeholders in sports and especially in football, to come up with a programme like this and let us work together. We’ve been working on this for a long time, since May actually, so, I’m glad that this is getting off the ground.”

Turn to page 31

Petra Organisation Girls Under-11 Inter-Primary football tournament launched.

Ramdin fired as T&T captain PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) - The West Indies Test captain, Denesh Ramdin, has cried victimisation after he was fired as captain of the Trinidad & Tobago squad for the forthcoming domestic four-day tournament.

Ramdin said he was shocked when he received the news during a meeting with the executive of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) to discuss the new season on Monday.

All-rounder Rayad Emrit has been appointed captain of the T&T side.

“It (the meeting) was to talk about playing for Trinidad so I told them (TTCB), ‘Yes, I will be available for

Welcome to Guyana!

US Track star Kristi Castlin arrives for three-day visit

By Rawle Toney

Ramdin: I think they are trying to victimise me.

Trinidad,’ and I said, ‘Yes, no problem,” said Ramdin in an interview with the Trinidad Express newspaper.

“I will be at training tomorrow (November 4),” and then they said I am no longer the captain”.

Turn to page 31

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

US Track Star Kristi Castlin arrives in Guyana today for her November 5-7 visit, compliments of the United States Embassy in Georgetown.

According to the Embassy’s Public Affairs Officer Bobby Adelson, the American will be in Guyana to share her knowledge and experience to aspiring athletes.

Turn to page 31

Kristi Castlin WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2014