August 14 2016

G U Y A N A

Sunday, August1 4, 201 6

SundayEdition

F OODANDDRUGMARL ONCOL E CONT I NUE ST OL I EABOUTCORRUPT PRACT I SE S Page1 29

T heP P Pf a i l e dt o-Pa2ge c o nv e r t t hes uga r i ndus t r y

Gov er nment mus t br eak downr aci al bar r i er s-Page27

P a g e1 2 9

Mor eVenez uel ans Char gedWi t hE nt er i ng Guy anaI l l egal l y Page49

H e a l t h Mi n i s t e r T o A p o l o g i s e ; C o n t r o v e r s i a l S t o r a g e B o n d C o n t r a c t T o B e R e v i e w e d Page75

LOCAL PAGE 2

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016

The PPP failed to convert the sugar industry Sugar was the most important crop throughout the Caribbean, although other crops such as coffee, cotton, indigo, and rice were also grown.

Sugar cane was best grown on relatively flat land that was near the coast, where the soil was naturally yellow and fertile; mountainous parts of the islands were less likely to be used for cane cultivation.

In the mid-17th century, sugar cane was brought into what later became the British West Indies by the Dutch, from Brazil. Upon landing in Barbados and other islands, they quickly urged local growers to change their main crops from cotton and tobacco to sugar cane. With depressed prices of cotton and tobacco, due mainly to stiff competition from the North American colonies, the farmers switched, leading to a boom in the Caribbean economies. Sugar was quickly snapped up by the British, who used it in cakes and to sweeten teas and other bakery ingredients.

The extent of Guyana's economic decline in the 1980s was clearly reflected in the performance of the sugar sector. Production levels were halved, from 324,000 tons in 1978 to 168,000 tons in 1988. A number of factors contributed to the shrinking harvests. The first factor was nationalization and the rapid nationalization of the sugar industry in the mid-1970s led to severe management difficulties and an emigration of talent.

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco), which took over the sugar plantations, lacked needed experience. Perhaps more important, Guysuco did not have access to the reserves of foreign capital required to maintain sugar plantations and processing mills during economically difficult periods. When production fell, Guysuco became increasingly dependent on state support to pay the salaries of its 20,000 workers.

Second, the industry was hard-hit by labor unrest directed at the government of Guyana. A four-week strike in early 1988 and a seven-week strike in 1989 contributed to the low harvests. Third, plant diseases and adverse weather plagued sugar crops. After disease wiped out much of the sugarcane crop in the early 1980s, farmers switched to a disease-resistant but less productive variety.

Extreme weather in the form of both droughts and floods, especially in 1988, also led to smaller harvests.

By this time the PPP should have realized that the sugar industry was very vulnerable. However, majority of the PPP supporters are from the sugar industry, thus they wanted to keep the industry afloat. So nothing was done to diversify the sector when they got into power.

However, this did not stop the PPP from putting $50 billion into the modernization of the Skeldon factory, and promised to pumped $20 billion more if they had won the May, 2015 election, this did not help the ailing industry.

The PPP government could have diversified the sugar sector into the blooming Soya Bean plantation. This country is positioned for trade with Latin America and the world, Guyana is the only English speaking country in Latin America and can accommodate a deep water Harbor.

Derivatives from Soya Bean includes: protein powders, textured vegetable protein, soybean vegetable oil, edamame, dry beans, sprouts, livestock feed, gluten-free flour, natto, tempeh, tofu, soy milk, soy cheese and curds, margarine, shortening, soya chunks and much more.

As the second largest producer of soybeans worldwide, Brazil accounts for 30 percent of the global production of the crop. The country has over 29 million hectares of land available and used for farming soybean. In the four most recent growing seasons up to 2014-15, soybean production has been on a steady rise, according to USDA. Annual production quantities in that time span have ranged from 66.5 to 94.5 million metric tons. In 2013, soybean exports earned the country $23 billion USD according to MIT data.

Soybeans grown in Brazil have higher protein levels than those grown in many other parts of the world, and thereby fetch higher prices in international markets, according to Commodity Basis. The country also produces a large quantity of non-genetically modified (non-GMO) soybeans, which are also pricier than genetically modified ones. According to reports.

In 2006 the European Union had stated that the EU Commission declared that the Sugar Protocol, under the terms of which sugar has been exported to the EU by ACP countries since 1975, is to be renounced at the end of September 2007, with a view to its ending on 30th September, 2009.

Sugar was becoming irrelevant to Guyana’s economy. On October 1, 2009 the European Union cut Guyana’s preferential market with the European Union by 36 percent. Guyana will see earnings reduced by $7B annually, prices have been slashed from 523 Euros to 332 Euros over three years, according to the then Government. -By- Ronald Singh, Guyana Daily News

LOCAL PAGE 3

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016

Ret’d Colonel sworn in to investigate challenges facing GDF veterans Retired Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Colonel Desmond Roberts was sworn in by Georgetown Magistrate Judy Latchman today to examine, advise, and report on the conditions and circumstances facing veterans of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).A former Director General of the Guyana National Service (GNS), Roberts will also submit recommendations regarding the conditions and circumstances surrounding the GNS following a Commission of Inquiry (CoI).

Speaking to the press after the official swearing in, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said that the CoI is something that was tabled in the National Assembly by then Opposition Leader David Granger.When asked about the current treatment meted out to veterans, Minister Harmon said, “They are some who are destitute and then there are those who retire at an early age and have to compete with others in the job pool and these are the men and women who would have risked their lives in the best years of their life and it is only right that we look into the manner in which they are being treated.”

Minister Harmon said that the inquiry is slated to begin today as the Commissioner and his team is ready; the CoI is slated to last for two months, however it could be extended at the discretion of the Commissioner.Colonel Roberts said that he is very privileged to be a part of the inquiry and looks forward to serving to the best of his ability since he realizes that some of the talents possessed by the veterans are “quantifiable but not transferrable”. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

Head of The Commissioner of Inquiry, Colonel Desmond Roberts (Kaieteur News/ File Photo)

LOCAL PAGE 4

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016

First Lady pleased by massive response to Lego Robotics STEM workshop First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, today, said that she is encouraged by the interest that the Lego Robotics Building and Programming Workshop has generated in young people and she expressed hope that the “seamless” collaboration that facilitated the sessions can be expanded to benefit more young people in communities across the country. The First Lady expressed this view at the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Guyana Graduation Ceremony, which was hosted at the National Sports Resource Centre on Woolford Avenue. One hundred and forty students from Georgetown, Buxton/Friendship and Lusignan-Good Hope graduated from the programme, which was hosted under the auspices of the Office of the First Lady. This number 18 volunteers, who have been taught as trainers to start STEM Clubs in Guyana.Mrs. Granger expressed gratitude to the Coordinator of the workshop, Ms. Karen Abrams and her children, Ima, Asha, Caleb and Joshua Christian for undertaking this task. The First Lady said in October 2015, when Ms. Abrams first expressed an interest in offering to train youth in Guyana in computer code and robotics she was excited about the possibilities that it would open to them. “I appreciate the value of the knowledge that has been passed on over the past three weeks, both to the volunteer trainers and to the youthful participants in these workshops.

More than the transfer of knowledge and know-how, I have been struck by the excitement and interest that have generated in the minds of our young people, their parents, and among enlightened persons in the field of education and members of the corporate community,” the First Lady said. Mrs. Granger also said that she was heartened by the response of Guyanese, both here and in the diaspora, and in the public and private corporate community, who provided funds and other resources to facilitate the workshops. “I believe that our young people now understand that there is much more to information and communication technologies than email [and other social media platforms]…for they have now dipped their metaphorical toes in robotics… Robotics not only opens to us the possibilities for entertainment but expands our horizons for professional growth and development, hitting all the bases in STEM… It provides new avenues for learning beyond the traditional classroom… It encourages our children to use their minds, their intuitive logic, to solve problems while also on occasion, underlining the benefits of team work,” the First Lady said.

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger takes a closer look at the robot built by these participants.

Graduates, trainers, parents and other supporters at the graduation ceremony of the Lego Robotics STEM workshop

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS First Lady pleased by massive response...con’t...

PAGE 5

Meanwhile, Ms. Carolynne Moore, who spoke on behalf of one of the sponsors, the Guyana Action Committee (GAC), a non-profit organisation based in the United States (US), said her organisation focuses on helping youths to develop holistically. As such, when Ms. Abrams made a request for assistance to purchase robots for the STEM camp here, the GAC responded immediately. Ms. Moore is also one of the many individual sponsors of Team STEM Guyana based in the US. In giving the Vote of Thanks, Mr. Colin Sawh, who is one of the oldest participants in the workshop, expressed gratitude to the First Lady and Ms. Abrams and her family for hosting the programme. “I want to assure you that what I have seen at the camps … this will not be the last… I want to encourage all [the participants] to keep apace with the [training], he said. Mr. Sawh said he was particularly pleased that children from far-flung communities and depressed communities were invited to participate and pledged to take the knowledge that he has gained to youth clubs in Tiger Bay and other South Georgetown areas where he volunteers. Sixteen donors and sponsors, both local and overseas-based supported and facilitated the workshop.

MOTP Press Release

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016

First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger presents a token of appreciation to Ms. Ima Christian at the graduation ceremony of the Lego Robotics STEM workshop held at the National Sports Resource Centre.

City Hall buckles under pressure! Container tax reduced Following heavy criticism and resistance from the business community, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown has decided to reduce the container tax from $25,000 to $5,000. A statement from Town Clerk Royston King on Monday revealed that the reduction is an interim measure and the tax will be collected at the source, at the various ports and wharves, effective August 01. The statement further noted that the decision to reduce the tax was made following a meeting on August 05 between the M&CC, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Private Sector Commission (PSC). It was revealed that “Discussions were also held on the possible implementation of a per tonnage per cargo fee for all cargo within vehicles of specific type of weights traversing the streets of the City.” According to the statement, the Private Sector representatives have also indicated their interest in forming a Tripartite Committee between the Government of Guyana, M&CCC and the PSC to engage in continued discussions on other initiatives and the institutionalizing a solid partnership to develop and modernize Georgetown. This was agreed by all parties involved. The Committee will be in place by August 15, 2016. “The Council wishes to advise that the collection of container fee and tonnage fee are instituted by invoking section 274 (h) in conjunction with section 272 of the Municipal and District Council’s Act, Chapter 28:01. “The Council further advises that the collection of its revenue for container fees is an absolute necessity in order to execute road construction and repairs; drainage works; and other allied capital works such as the construction of bridges, etc. All of the aforementioned are essential Municipal service that create

an enabling environment for businesses and guarantees the safety of citizens and the public health of our local communities,” the statement concluded. City Hall’s decision to implement the tax a few months ago was met with much resistance from members of the business community, who even took the matter to the court, accusing the Council of illegally imposing such a fee. The issue took a dramatic turn on August 19 whenthe Georgetown Municipality blocked the movement of container-laden trucks from shipping companies’ city wharves.

City Constables proceeded to place barricades outside the entrances of Muneshwers and John Fernandes Limited on Water Street, leaving company officials baffled at the move by the council.

LOCAL PAGE 6

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016

More pressure for rice industry: Gov’t to increase rental fee for lease lands to farmers Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall has criticized government’s intention to increase the rental fees of lease lands for rice farmers. In a Facebook post, Nandlall lamented the already deplorable state of the rice industry and that the increase would only throw the industry into a deeper crisis.He blamed the APNU+AFC government for the ruined rice deals which the PPP had entered into with Venezuela. “They destroyed the Venezuelan market and they have abysmally failed to find a substitute,” Nandlall said. He blasted the government for not coming through on their promises to the rice farmers where it was promised that rice farmers will get $9,000 per bag for paddy, however this is not the case.Nandlall claimed that the PPP Opposition submitted an eleven points plan to the government to implement which will give aid the rice farmers. He said it included recommendations such as the waiver of taxes on things connected with the rice industry and the waiver of rentals in respect of rice lands leased by the state. Instead, he said that the Government imposed VAT on agricultural equipment and is now about to increase rental fees for rice lands. Nandlall bemoaned current rice industry situation saying “it as if there is a deliberate plot to destroy the industry.”A recent press release from the Ministry of Agriculture indicated that a white paper seeking Cabinet’s approval to increase the cost of land rentals in the Region 5 agricultural scheme, has been submitted subject Minister, Noel Holder. It also indicated that according to General Manager of the MMA/ADA, Aubrey Charles, “Currently it (fees) range between $400 per acre to $2500 per acre, per year, depending on the level (of service provided). In some areas we only provide drainage; this attracts a lower charge, for drainage and irrigation you pay more, let’s say $600, then you

have drainage and irrigation, primary with secondary irrigation. Once you are getting all of those things you pay at the max $2500 per acre per year,” Charles said.Previously, Minister Holder said the rates being paid by rice farmers for the services provided by the agricultural scheme are archaic and should be adjusted to real terms if the scheme is to be expanded. -By- Pablo Cupido, Guyana Daily News.

Former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall

LOCAL PAGE 7

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016

GUYANA DAILY NEWS OPINION POLL: 20% of BUSINESSES CONSIDER CLOSING A poll conducted by the Guyana Daily News shows that 20% of businesses in Guyana are considering closure.

The poll was prompted by the numerous complaints to this newspaper that businesses are experiencing difficulties in sales, government imposing increased and additional taxes, unfriendly legislation, crime and the constant harassment by GRA, Food and Drugs and other Governmental agencies. An analysis was done on the performance of the economy and it showed sluggishness and underperformance for the first half of 2016.

According to information provided by the Guyana National Bureau of Statistics, the total imports for the first quarter of 2016 has declined to $64,607.6M when compared to the same period last year of $77,445.1M, a difference of $12.837.5M.For 2015 to present there was a steady decline in total imports; for food and household, beverage and tobacco there was a decline of these commodities when compared to the last quarter of last year; however beverage and tobacco had a slight increase when compared to with the same period last year of $175.3M. Food and household items fluctuated over the course of 2015, the same cannot be said for beverage and tobacco, where this commodity had a steady increase for 2015 and a slight decrease for the first quarter of 2016. Fuel and lubricants had a decline for the first quarter of 2016 as compared to the last quarter of 2015, there was a spike in imports for this item to $22,877.8M in the second quarter of 2015 and a sharp decline in the third quarter to $16,310.5M.Guyana’s economy is in serious crisis; traditional industries and other sectors of Guyana are in deep financial strain and banks are refusing to lend monies to these sectors. Banks make their monies by lending and making investments.

Overdraft facilities, which amount to about $3 billion, are also being curtailed. The obvious downturn in the housing sector has a negative effect on the banking sector in Guyana, people are not borrowing monies as was the case under the Jagdeo led administration. The International Monetary Fund had recently warned banks in Guyana of non-performing loans, “Banks remain well capitalized, but heightened vigilance is warranted due to

increases in nonperforming loans”.From parking meter fees to container fees to increase property rates, another burden has been placed on the business community by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government, this time by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS). Twenty commodities monitored by this agency will now have to pay $30,000 annually before their products can be sold on the markets. The items will range from domestic electric appliances, weighing and measuring devices, textiles, garments, footwear, safety matches, tyres, gas stoves, fertilisers, cigarettes, PVC pipes, furniture, toys, soap powder, Christmas trees and decorative lighting outfits, safety helmets, cellular phones, water and electricity meters and seat belts.The business community is contemplating their next move in an underperforming economy, where the policies of the Government are seen as anti-business overall; they are questioning the motives behind President Granger’s statement, that the Government cannot provide jobs, and that the 4000 young people who come out of the school system every year should become entrepreneurs.

Business owners have questioned, how can they become entrepreneurs when the economy is not performing well? How can they become business people when the government’s policy is anti-business in nature? How can they become entrepreneurs when the government don’t have an economic plan for the country? -By- Ronald Singh, Guyana Daily News.

LOCAL PAGE 8

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016

The fire season strikes again As the sirens of the fire trucks becomes a have not get any better, I think it has to persons were left homeless after a twocommon sound to be heard on a daily do partly with the traffic situation. Also storey house went up in flames, in basis, the concern about where the when the fire fighters arrive sometimes Manchester Village, Corentyne, East deadly flames will strike next is mutual there aren't easy means to get water so I Berbice. The cause remains unknown. between citizens not only from think we need more working fire Reports indicate that after leaving the Georgetown, but also residents of hydrant,” Neil Andrew, from Enmore, house at early hours in the morning to go neighboring communities. The climate East coast Demerara (ECD), expressed. church, owner of the residency, 59in Guyana plays a major role in this A next resident of the area mentioned year-old, Emella Chesney heard about a topic. A tropical rainforest weather with that the voltage fluctuation could be one fire, little did she know that was her equatorial winds could turn tricky. Two of the main causes. Internal electric fires house the one in flames. The Guyana wet seasons followed by dry heated have been one of the more commonly Daily News Understands that the ones, contribute to any spark become a reported. “Electric devices left plugged response from the fire department was deadly flame. The “Fire Season” as is when there is blackout, and then the slow, and the time the New Amsterdam called, falls on the most heated months light comes back, causes not only the Fire Department reached the scene, the o f t h e y e a r, b e t w e e n J u n e a n d damage of the devices, but also could be residence was already consumed by the September. This period is known to be a cause for the fires, especially when flames. “I think we need to work the driest of the year, post ‘wet’ season, there is no one home. I believe there together in this matter. The Public needs the soil unable to absorb humidity should be an education program about to take extra precautions, anything lose provided by sporadic rains, and dew, fire prevention,” Andrea Seecharran wire, any spark could easily become a easily dries at a fastest pace. The green said. A common observation about the threat. The Guyana Power & Light Inc. of the landscape slowly disappear, apparent correlation in some cases, (GPL) needs to find a fast solution for transforming the grass, or any type of where the delay response of the fire the constant power outings and voltage bush to an easily flammable source. service was also raised. “The time the fluctuations, as well as the Fire Forest fires, are placed in the top of the fire service reach the location is also Department needs to set priorities in the list by the authorities, when the ‘dry’ key. So much could be saved with good rapid and efficient delivery of their months arrive. Warnings about a timing. The police have a part to play by service,” stated a source that preferred responsible behavior about this matter making sure people follow the traffic to stay anonymous.

S o u r c e : are publicly addressed, so that the laws, and so doing the fire trucks can community can be aware of their meet their destination faster. Something http://guyanachronicle.com/mancheste actions. An article in the Guyana Times must about the fluctuations in the r - fi r e - l e a v e s - 5 - h o m e l e s s / indicated that in May this year, Head of current as well,” said Ameer Azeez from http://www.guyanatimesgy.com/2016/ the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), Chief the community of Foulis, East Coast 03/24/fire-chief-issues-warning-aboutFire Officer Marlon Gentle, called the Demerara (ECD) The prevention is ... public for a responsible behavior possible and cooperation from, not only towards the upcoming season. The last from governmental institutions, but o -By- Rocio Perez, Guyana Daily couple months the headlines of the local from the public, can make a significant News. media have been dominated by reduction. According to resident of consuming flames leaving many Cummings Lodge, Pablo Cupido, “It homeless. The Guyana Daily News, in can be reduced if the fire service can be the middle of this ‘heated’ topic, took more efficient, the response time and the the opportunity to analyze the matter infrastructure that the fire service has is from another angle. A survey was not enough to deal with the constant carried out to have a better view on the fires taking place. The constant public’s opinion. “Fire have been a shortages of water, are also a factor to problem for as long as I can remember take into consideration.”The last fire and the response time of the fire service reported was on Sunday and five

LOCAL PAGE 9

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016

PPP Councillor wants audit into City Hall’s finances, says motion being blocked by Town Clerk People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Councillor on the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), Bishram Kuppen says he is “deeply troubled” about the lack of accountability and transparency at City Hall as it relates to the finances. During a press conference at the PPP Headquarters at Freedom House on Monday, Kuppen told reporters that billions of dollars of taxpayers money is being spent without any credible financial reports or audits performed for the money, which is required by the Municipal & District Councils Act Chap 28:01 Sect 177. “I have consistently called for a forensic audit to be conducted of the City of Georgetown finances. And I am not the only one who has been calling for this forensic audit. When any new Council takes over, it should be a presented with an audited financial statement of the Council's finances from the Auditor General, as soon as possible,” the PPP Councillor said. He further noted that there is the widespread perception that corruption is rampant at City Hall, which he explained is fueled by the lack of accountability for hundreds of millions of dollars spent on projects with no public tendering.

The PPP Councillor also pointed to improper financial reporting and four hidden bank accounts which are not included in any financial reports to Councillors and financial deficits being reported on a consistent basis every month. “I have attempted to move a motion for a Forensic Audit on three occasions by submitting a written request to the Mayor and Town Clerk to have the motions included on the agenda for the statutory meeting. One each occasion, the Town Clerk has responded that he found fault with the motions but did not advise what those deficiencies were,” Kuppen said. The Councillor is of the belief that the motion is being deliberately blocked by the Town Clerk and others. “The City of Georgetown is not an independent

sovereign state, and it is in the interest of all citizens and the Central Government to ensure that a forensic audit is conducted of the City's finances as soon as possible,” he concluded. Mr. Capen also noted that major projects and works being carried out by the council are not being discussed at the statutory meeting, contracts are not made available to councilors, for e.g. the city cleanup project, the removal of Stabroek Vendors, the ongoing works at Merriman’s Mall, the Kitty Market works, the Parking Meter Contract, among others. Meanwhile, the Councillor also called for the scrapping of the Parking Meter project, which he said is burdensome. -By- Ronald Singh, Guyana Daily News.

Town Clerk of Georgetown, Royston King.

LOCAL PAGE 10

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016

GAWU, GuySuCo war continues The Guyana Agricultural and General factory” where the representative G u y S u C o ’ s d i v e r s i fi c a t i o n Workers Union (GAWU) is astounded continued that GAWU hopes that this programme. We strongly believe that by comments made by a representative brings greater clarity to the issue. In the whatever the new venture/s at Wales of the Guyana Sugar Corporation release, GAWU said that it believes may be it/they will not make available (GuySuCo) in a letter that appeared in that if GuySuCo had decided, five (5) a similar number of remunerative jobs the August 06, 2016 edition of years later, to close the operations at as is provided currently by the Estate. It Stabroek News under the authorship of LBI then it should be forthright about seems that GuySuCo is again engaging t h e C o r p o r a t i o n ’ s S e n i o r that decision in spite of the hardship to in semantics despite the fact that the C o m m u n i c a t i o n ’s O ffi c e r, M s the workers that will result. “Dressing livelihoods of thousands of Guyanese Audreyanna Thomas. GAWU in a up the issue to say that the matter was stand threatened. Should GuySuCo r e l e a s e s t a t e d t h a t , “ T h e fi r s t closed back in 2011 only serves to rub and the Government fail to rescind observation that we wish to highlight is salt in a fresh wound.” GAWU t h e i r u n c o n s c i o n a b l e d e c i s i o n that the closure of the LBI sugar continued by saying that it strongly surrounding Wales Estate, the almost factory in May 2011 was a standalone disputes that GuySuCo, at the meeting 1,600 workers currently in the employ a c t b y t h e s u g a r c o r p o r a t i o n . on April 12, 2016, informed them and would look forward to their severance Communication in 2011 to that effect NACCIE that all LBI workers would pay in keeping with the conditions set

by GuySuCo to the GAWU and the be transferred to Enmore Estate saying out in TESPA and the Collective National Association of Agricultural, “In fact, GuySuCo’s representative, in Labour Agreement between the Union Commercial and Industrial Employees response to a question from our Union and the Corporation.” On the concepts (NAACIE) was given during the about the status of the LBI field that Ms. Thomas spoke on of “New engagement of the parties when they workers, said pointedly that the LBI GuySuCo” and “One GuySuCo” met to address the deployment of the field operations would continue and GAWU express ignorance saying that LBI factory workers to the Enmore the workers would remain at LBI. He If these notions are references to factory. This was five (5) years ago. If it was clear and unambiguous.” The GuySuCo’s diversification intentions, was the Corporation’s decision in 2011 press release did confirm that Unions then the Corporation should bear in to close the entire LBI operations then and GuySuCo, at the April, 2016 mind that this is certainly not new. why is it being carried out five (5) years meeting, did begin to consider the fate GuySuCo in the article called for the later? Why, during this time, was the of the workers of the LBI estate with need for a progressive relationship Field Workshop enlarged to undertake respect to their deployment to Enmore between the parties involved but a greater volume of work? It should be Estate and the entitlements to some GAWU stated “it is GuySuCo which is noted that several of the top GuySuCo who may be retrenched. In that displaying disrespect to our Union.” personnel who were involved in the process, each worker concerned was By- Ronald Singh, Guyana Daily 2011 partial close down of LBI are still interviewed in the presence of the News. at the helm up to today but, for some Unions (GAWU and NAACIE) in reason could not implement a decision keeping with the Termination of made since 2011. Well, well is this Employment and Severance Pay Act another instance of the competence (TESPA). That exercise resulted in 42 that GuySuCo management is known w o r k e r s ( n o t 4 0 ) b e i n g m a d e for?” Ms. Thomas was then directed to redundant and 178 being transferred to another newspaper article this time to a work at Enmore Estate. In response to letter appearing in the April 27, 2016 the comments made that the Wales edition of Kaieteur News by former Estate. GAWu said “Our Union asks:GuySuCo Human Resource Director isn’t the cessation of cane growing and Jairam Petam where he stated inter alia sugar processing at Wales not a closure that in 2011:- “it was never the of the Estate? We are also now told by intention of the Company to close any Ms Thomas that Wales Estate would operation beyond that of the LBI s e r v e a s a l a u n c h i n g p a d f o r

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Gov’t to set up commission to address anomalies with communal lands -President Granger tells gathering at Cuffy 250 forum PAGE 11

President David Granger announced that his Government will establish a Lands Commission which will be tasked to rectify that existing anomalies and resolve the controversies surrounding thousands of hectares of communal lands across the country. He was at the time addressing a large gathering at the Fourth Annual State of the African Guyanese Forum held at the Critchlow Labour College earlier today. The forum, which was organised by the Cuffy 250 Committee, was held under the theme, “African Guyanese self-realisation: Challenges for the next 50 years. The President said that these communal villages are the cradles of the free economy and of local democracy as a whole. He called on the Cuffy 250 Committee to pay closer attention to what is happening at the level of the villages.

Creating opportunities to foster the growth of village economies is one of the five objectives which he outlined as part of Guyana’s plan of action for the United Nations (UN) designated International Decade for People of African Descent. “We have to walk on two legs, not only looking at the economy but also looking at the way those villages are governed. The villages were the homes of our households, homes of our schools, homes of our churches, homes of our farms… So the plan of action which I ask you to contemplate today should aim at revitalizing village economies,” President Granger said. The Head of State pointed out that twenty months of the ‘International Decade’ have already elapsed and as such, there needs to be, now, an organisation and a plan in order to ensure the implementation of the Programme. The main objective of the ‘International Year’ was to raise awareness of the challenges facing People of African Descent with the view of fostering discussions that could generate proposals for solutions to tackle these challenges.

He assured that his Government will work with nongovernmental organisations which represent people of African Descent in fulfilling the objectives of the decade, another of which includes education. The President said that education remains the way out of poverty and inequality. He pointed out that while the right to free primary education is protected under the Constitution, it does not prevent more than 4,000 Guyanese children from dropping-out of school each year. “Just as our illiterate fore parents 178 years ago, saw the benefits of education, we their educated descendants, can do no better than to ensure that every single child goes to school and stay in school… This is what the boats, bicycles, and buses programme is all about. It is about getting children to school and keeping them in school,” the Head of State said. Achieving equality and eliminating ethnic discrimination is another objective which the President said Guyanese should endeavour to fulfil.

“Discrimination against anyone promotes insecurity and social exclusion and that could lead to disorder,” he said.

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016

President David Granger shares a light moment with Dr. David Hinds and Mr. Vincent Alexander (extreme right)

Mr. Gerald George performing a libation ceremony at the beginning of the forum

continued on next page...

LOCAL PAGE 12

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Gov’t to set up commission...con’t...

He assured that his Government will work with nongovernmental organisations which represent people of African Descent in fulfilling the objectives of the decade, another of which includes education. The President said that education remains the way out of poverty and inequality. He pointed out that while the right to free primary education is protected under the Constitution, it does not prevent more than 4,000 Guyanese children from dropping-out of school each year. “Just as our illiterate fore parents 178 years ago, saw the benefits of education, we their educated descendants, can do no better than to ensure that every single child goes to school and stay in school… This is what the boats, bicycles, and buses programme is all about. It is about getting children to school and keeping them in school,” the Head of State said. Achieving equality and eliminating ethnic discrimination is another objective which the President said Guyanese should endeavour to fulfil.

“Discrimination against anyone promotes insecurity and social exclusion and that could lead to disorder,” he said. He also spoke about employment and said that the Government is aware of the plight faced by many school-leavers to find jobs. “The Plan of Action must aim at reducing the high incidence of unemployment in the economy and aim at creating an entrepreneurship programme to assist young Guyanese to establish and manage their businesses,” he said. Speaking of the horrors of the system of slavery which Africans have had to endure, President Granger said that Governments of the Caribbean including that of Guyana are insisting on an apology for the crime of enslavement and for the payment of reparations but noted that this is not the time to agonise interminably about the conditions in which the country finds itself. “This is the time to organize and mobilise so that at the end of the decade, the Government and the Guyanese people on the whole can report confidently they have achieved the objectives of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent,” the President said. He called on African Guyanese organisations to get more involved and consult among themselves so that the main objectives of the International Decade for people of African Descent as well as other specific measurable targets, can be achieved.“August 2016 obliges us not only to look back at the contributions of those who helped to build Guyana but also to look forward to the type of country we wish to bequeath to our children and grandchildren. All Guyanese are entitled to share equitably in the patrimony of this great country,” President Granger said. The Cuffy 250 Committee is made up of a group of Guyanese in the United States and Guyana who came together in 2013 to observe the 250th anniversary of the Berbice Revolt, led

by Cuffy, against the slave system. It is dedicated to encouraging socio-economic and cultural revitalization within the African Guyanese community and the fostering of ethnic and racial equality in Guyana. (GINA)

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016

President David Granger delivering the keynote address at the at the Fourth Annual State of the African Guyanese Forum held at the Critchlow Labour College

A section of the gathering

LOCAL PAGE 13

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016

President, First Lady attend ‘A celebration of African Heritage 9’ Dance Production President David Granger and First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, last evening, attended ‘A celebration of African Heritage 9’, a dance production, which was staged by the National Dance Company in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport at the National Cultural Centre. The performance pieces focused the African identity, spirituality, tradition and culture and celebrated the triumph of freedom and emancipation. The show was directed and choreographed by Ms. Vivienne Daniel and captured the imagination of audience members. This production is a calendar event staged around this time for the past nine years to celebrate Emancipation, which is observed on August 1.

President David Granger and First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger (centre) are all smiles as they share a photo opportunity with the performers of ‘A celebration of African Heritage 9’ Dance Production, which was staged by the National Dance Company, in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Youth

The Dance Production captured the imagination of President David Granger and First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, along with members of the audience, who were present at the National Cultural Centre last evening for the event.

This piece, which came under ‘Resolution’ was a crowd favourite tat the staging of the ‘A celebration of African Heritage 9’ Dance Production, which was held at the National Cultural Centre, last evening.

‘Children of Africa’; one of the dances, which was performed this evening at the National Cultural Centre, as the students and members of the National Dance Company, staged their ‘A celebration of African Heritage 9’ Dance Production.

LOCAL PAGE 14

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016

Organise and mobilise, don’t agonise Organise and mobilise, don’t agonise August is an awesome month. It reminds us of the Demerara Revolt when, on the bloody morning of 20thAugust 1823, the British Army massacred over 200 Africans at Bachelor’s Adventure. This was the time, long before Facebook, when over 11,000 enslaved people from 55 plantations were able to assemble at a single time to demand their freedom and they were massacred.

August reminds us of the Essequibo Revolt which erupted on 3rd August 1834. This was the time when Africans thought that they had been freed because the Emancipation Act was brought into force on 1stAugust that year. When they were told that they were far from free and had to go back to the same plantations to work for four more years as a period of ‘apprenticeship’, they assembled in the Churchyard at La Belle Alliance and revolted in protest. August reminds us of Emancipation Day which we celebrated six days ago. On the 1st August 1838, over 85,000 Africans were finally freed after over 200 years of enslavement on the Guyanese plantations.

August, therefore, is a fitting time to come together to commemorate the bloody sacrifices of our African forebears. They struggled, suffered and were slaughtered fighting for the freedom we enjoy today. We pay homage to them for the gift of Emancipation which they bought dearly and bequeathed to us. It was their legacy.

My brothers and sisters, the celebration of anniversaries and jubilees and the commemoration of revolts are important for every generation to remember and to re-learn the lessons of the past. But we must now move forward. We now have the opportunity and there is now a necessity for us to do so.

The Trans-Atlantic Trade in Captive Africans There are about 200,000 or more Persons of African Descent living in Guyana and their ancestors have been living here for over three hundred and fifty years. The Dutch were the first Europeans to colonise our territory and they brought Africans with them from as early as the 17th century. The subsequent development of plantations in the colonies of Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara created an increased demand for labour. So over that period, the supply of Africans, particularly from West Africa was almost continuous. This was the start of the Trans-Atlantic Trade in Captive Africans which – in scale, in scope and in span of time – was the most inhumane system in the history of human civilization. It was a crime against humanity and it is punishable under international law. The forced labour of enslaved Africans earned enormous amounts of wealth which enriched the exchequers of the European Empires – mainly the British, Dutch, French, Portuguese and Spanish. The era of enslavement, however, inflicted an enduring legacy of underdevelopment in Guyana, the Caribbean and elsewhere.

Emancipation brought no compensation or reparation for the inequities, injustices and injuries of enslavement. It brought no end to economic exploitation and ethnic discrimination.

International year for People of African Descent The United Nations stated that around 200 million people who identify themselves as being of African descent live in the Americas.

Many millions more live in other parts of the world, outside of the African continent.

The international community realised, belatedly, that enslavement, indeed was a great crime against People of African Descent, that the consequences have caused damage and that compensation or some form or reparation must be made to heal the wounds and this basically is what I want to speak about today.

The Declaration of the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance issued at the conclusion of the Conference held in Durban, South Africa in 2001, asserted that people of African and Asian descent along with indigenous peoples continue to be victims of the consequences of the slave trade, slavery and colonialism. The ‘Declaration’ stated: “… that slavery and the slave trade are a crime against humanity and should always have been so.”

The United Nations General Assembly, on the 18th December 2009, nearly seven years ago, proclaimed the year beginning on 1st January 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent.

The main objective of the ‘International Year’ was to raise awareness of the challenges facing People of African descent and to hope that the ‘Year’ would foster discussions that could generate proposals for solutions to tackle these challenges.

The ‘International Year’ was aimed at strengthening national action and regional and international cooperation for the benefit of people of African descent.

Continued on next page...

LOCAL PAGE 15

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016

Organise and mobilise, don’t agonise (Cont’d) This included their full enjoyment of economic, cultural, social, civil and political rights, their participation and integration in all political, economic, social and cultural aspects of society and the promotion of a greater knowledge of, and respect for, their diverse heritage and culture. In proclaiming the International Year, the international community tried to recognise that People of African Descent represented a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected.

The Government-of-the-day had other plans for the ‘International Year’ and cleverly turned it into an all-but-forgotten ‘song-anddance’ show. African organisations assembled and expressed their displeasure at the process implemented by the Guyana Government at that time to design a programme for the observance of the International Year for People of African Descent.

The assembly, that is the assembly of African organisations, passed a resolution expressing: “displeasure with the process used to create the Government’s Programme as it did not properly consult with major African groups, organizations and stakeholders in Guyana.”

At the dawn of the ‘International Year’, the situation was already dire. It did recognize that, despite the efforts to establish an independent agrarian village-based economy in Guyana in the post emancipation decades, the planter class and the governmentof-the-day undermined the African initiative.

It did recognize that People of African Descent continued to be subject to ethnic discrimination after emancipation. Guyana and other countries of the Caribbean have not fully overcome these class inequalities which have their origin in the era of enslavement: ·The economic structures of the region today, retain the emphasis on the production and exportation of primary commodities which has rendered Caribbean economies dependent and underdeveloped. ·The people of the Caribbean have been bequeathed a legacy of dispossession. African Caribbean people, including AfricanGuyanese, continue to struggle for “recognition, justice and development.” They continue to agitate for ‘reparative justice’ for the crimes of the slave trade and slavery.

The international community, at the end of the International Year of People of African Descent, recognised that much more had to be done.

International Decade for People of African Descent The United Nations General Assembly, by Resolution 68/237 on the 23rd December 2013, designated the decade 1st January 2015 to 31st December 2024, as the International Decade for the People of African Descent. Twenty months ago this decade started.

The General Assembly, also, by Resolution 69/16 of 18th November, 2014 adopted a Programme of activities for the implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent.

My brothers and sisters we don’t have to reinvent the wheel, there is already on the table a programme of activities for the implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent crafted by the United Nations.

The latter ‘Resolution’ called upon the member states to “take concrete and practical steps… to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance faced by people of African descent….” The ‘Resolution’ outlined areas for action by member states of which Guyana is one.

My brothers and sisters in the event that you are not aware, some African-Guyanese organizations did launch the ‘International Decade’ on 24th January 2015 at Independence Park in Georgetown, which I had the honour to address. It was not well-attended, it was on a Saturday. I had the honour, also, to address the International Youth Reparations Rally on 20th May, also at Independence Park. Guyana, therefore, has an obligation to take action in accordance with the Declaration’. The Government of Guyana fully supports this ‘Programme of activities which includes the demand for reparations for People of African descent and for indigenous peoples. Twenty months of the ‘International Decade’ have elapsed. There needs to be, now, an organisation and a plan in order to ensure the implementation of the‘Programme.’ Guyana will continue to agitate for reparations for the international crime of enslavement. The Government will work with non-governmental organisations which represent people of African Descent – during the remaining years of the International Decade. I would like to commit myself and the Government which I lead to the fulfillment of the programme in five main areas. There are 10 areas in the international programme but I have extracted five. The first is expiation or what some people call an apology.

Expiation: It is a hard thing to apologize, they have apologized to the Jews for the holocaust, but this is a hard thing and the Caribbean Governments are insisting on an apology because a crime was committed and you must say you are sorry. As you know, a National Reparations Committee was established in Guyana in February of 2014.

Continued on next page...

LOCAL PAGE 16

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016

Organise and mobilise, don’t agonise (Cont’d) This was in response to a mandate given seven months earlier by the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community at the 34th Regular Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community. The Heads, also in March 2014 in St Vincent, accepted a 10-point Draft Regional Strategic Operational Plan for a Caribbean Reparatory Justice Programme (CRJP). The Plan of Action, inter alia, must demand an apology for slavery and the payment of reparations. I want you to remember these dates and documents because we must not sleep walk into the future without understanding that we must follow a plan and I feel it is part of the task today of this Cuffy 250 forum to work with that plan and not abandon that plan.

Twenty months have passed; we only have another 100 months for this decade. We have to make this decade work for people of African descent. ·Education: The fore-parents of present-day African-Guyanese had the vision, after Emancipation, to recognize that education was the means to lift them and their children out of the morass of poverty and economic exclusion. Education remains the way out of poverty and inequality. The right to free primary education – protected under our ‘Constitution’ – does not prevent more than 4,000 Guyanese children from dropping-out of school each year. We have to take responsibility because nobody else will. This is what the boats, bicycles, and buses are all about. It is about getting children to school and keeping them in school.

Just as our illiterate fore parents 178 years ago, saw the benefits of education, we their educated descendants, can do no better than to ensure that every single child goes to school and stay in school. ·Equality: Ethnic discrimination and lack of equal access to public services contribute to inequality. People of African Descent, in the past, have alleged acts of discrimination in both the public and private sectors and there was evidence that there was discrimination. We must now correct that situation because discrimination against anyone promotes insecurity and social exclusion and that could lead to disorder.

The Plan of Action must give the assurance that no group or community would be disenfranchised or prevented from accessing public services. People of African Descent must be assured that they would not be discriminated against and hindered in accessing public services – including housing, education, health, utilities and most important their land rights. ·Economy: The village movement began at least in November 1839, a little more than a year after Emancipation. Those villages and the impact that they had on the Guyanese society must be imprinted on our psyche. I have seen writings by East Indian writers 100 years ago, encouraging Indians to do like the Africans and buy land and establish villages. So it made an impact. The villages were cradles not only of a free economy which gave rise to village markets but it was also the cradle of local democracy which allowed villagers to run their own communities. The village economy is important because that is where most Africans live. Many people believe the myth that Africans are city dwellers. It is true that they may form the majority of the population in Georgetown, New Amsterdam and Linden but the majority of Africans live in the countryside. The villages as I said are the cradle of democracy and the cradle of the local economy and it is right that Cuffy 250 should focus on what has been happening in the villages.

The hurdles that had to be overcome were daunting and the legislative barriers and the aggression, particularly from what was then called the Court of Policy which is now the equivalent of the National Assembly, did tremendous damages to the villages. So we have to walk on two legs, not only looking at the economy but also looking at the way those villages are governed. The villages were the home of our households, homes of our schools, homes of our churches, homes of our farms. Those villages gave dignity to the freed Africans coming out of the indescribable circumstances of enslavement. So the plan of action which I ask you to contemplate today should aim at revitalizing village economies.

The thrifty fore-parents of African-Guyanese accumulated their limited resources after Emancipation and bought lands on which were established propriety and communal villages. It is the intention of this Government to establish a Lands Commission in order to rectify the anomalies and resolve the controversies which up to now, surrounds thousands of hectares of communal lands which were purchased in the post-Emancipation Village Movement.

Continued on next page...

LOCAL PAGE 17

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016

Organise and mobilise, don’t agonise (Cont’d) ·Employment: The problem of unemployment is one that is of serious concern to People of African Descent. The government is aware of the plight faced by many school-leavers to find jobs. The Plan of Action must aim at reducing the high incidence of unemployment in the economy and aim at creating an entrepreneurship programme to assist young Guyanese to establish and manage their businesses.

Time to organize, time to mobilise We have to plan seriously for the next 100 months of the Decade for People of African Descent. I iterate that twenty months of the ‘International Decade’ have elapsed already. This is the time to organize. This is the time to mobilise and not to agonize interminably about the condition in which we find ourselves as a nation. This is the time to organize and mobilise so that at the end of the decade, the Government and the Guyanese people can report confidently they have achieved the objectives of the United Nations International Decade for people of African Descent.

Consult among yourselves how best the African Guyanese organizations in Guyana can be mobilized to achieve specific measureable targets month after month, year after year in the fulfillment and achievement of those objectives.

Guyanese recall that, over the past 25 years, there has been a remarkable revival of social consciousness. Several AfricanGuyanese organisations — the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA); African Heritage Foundation (AHP); African Welfare Convention (AWC); All African-Guyanese Council (AAGC); Forum for the Liberation of African-Guyanese (FLAG); National Emancipation Trust (NET); Movement for Economic Empowerment (MEE); Pan-African Movement (PAM); ‘Revival of Awareness and Promotion of African Culture (RAPAC); for example — have been established. I ask that some forum be created, so that nobody could be left out, everyone could be involved and consulted if we are to achieve the objectives of this international decade.

My brothers and sisters, this is the time to organize, the time to mobilize. August 2016 obliges us not only to look back at the contributions of those who helped to build Guyana but also to look forward to the type of country we wish to bequeath to our children and grandchildren. (GINA)

REGIONAL PAGE 18

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016

6 months after Japan pannist’s murder Cops probe 20, wait on forensics Today’s marks six months since the murder of Japanese pannist and masquerader Asami Nagakiya and police probing the case have interviewed over 20 people from T&T and Japan and are also awaiting the final pathologist’s report, the T&T Guardian has confirmed.

The Japanese Embassy recently expressed hope to the T&T Guardian that the case would be solved soon by police. Embassy officials are expected to meet with police again tomorrow for a monthly update, which has been taking place since the murder. Nagakiya, 31, was murdered sometime between Carnival Tuesday (February 9) and early Ash Wednesday. Initial reports stated that she was last seen alive on Carnival Tuesday around 6.15 pm walking with a male companion near Picton Court, Newtown. Her body, still clad in a yellow costume from the Legends band with which she had played mas earlier, was found by a CEPEP worker in the roots of a large tree in the Queen’s Park Savannah (west). An autopsy found she had been strangled. An accomplished pannist, Nagakiya, from Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido, had been coming to T&T over the last seven years to play pan. She had played with several Woodbrook bands including Phase II and Modernaires. Her body was flown home via CAL on February 20 and she was subsequently cremated. The T&T Guardian spoke recently to Masatoshi Sato, Embassy deputy head of mission, who said: “We understand the probe is underway and we hope the case will be solved as soon as possible.” Sato said, “We have to rely on the efforts of the authorities and we hope police will make the utmost efforts in finding who is responsible.” Also contacted on the matter, Port-of-Spain Division Snr Supt McDonald Jacobs said police still needed to interview “several more persons from both T&T and Japan” in the case. “It’s by no means a dead (cold) case,” Jacobs said. Homicide officials said while people from both T&T and Japan had been interviewed, there were still several more people from both places to speak with due to inconsistencies in some submissions. The final pathologist’s report being awaited, they said, — noting backlogs at the Forensic Science Centre—would greatly assist in furthering progress, since it would indicate results of DNA and other testing and pinpoint signs of specifics regarding any struggle. One of Nagakiya’s Silver Stars colleagues, drill master Marcus

Ash, who was among those who put flowers at the QPS site two weeks ago, also called on the authorities to ensure the case does not go cold. “We miss Asami every day. Just this morning I was in touch with one of our friends in Japan and she sent me a picture of her and Asami with the words ‘I miss you, Asami.’ It’s a void in all our lives,” Ash said “We urge the police not to give up. It’s unfortunate there’s been no closure yet. Preparations for Carnival 2017 are well underway and this issue from Carnival 2016 isn’t yet solved. I assisted a St Lucia band recently and some of them are keen to come to T&T, but they’re aware of the incident with Asami and are a bit concerned. We must make it safe for our visitors.” Ash and other colleagues will put flowers and candles at the QPS site today. (Trinidad Guardian)

Asami Nagakiya

REGIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Antigua rattled by earthquake PAGE 19

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.8 rocked Antigua on Monday but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The Trinidad-based Seismic Research Centre (SRC) at the University of the West Indies (UWI) said that the quake occurred at 6:15 am and had a depth of 31 kilometers (km). It said that the earthquake was located at latitude: 17.42N and Longitude: 61.93W and was 35 km north-north west of the capital. The quake was also felt 90 km east of Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis and 137 km north-northwest of Point-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe.

Tesha Miller listed as person of interest KINGSTON, Jamaica — The police's Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) has listed Tesha Miller as a person of interest. He is being asked to make himself available to detectives at the Major Investigation Division (MID) located at 230 Spanish Town Road, Kingston, by midday, Tuesday. Miller was designated a ‘Person of Interest’ following intensive investigations and intelligence led operations, by senior detectives from the C-TOC and MID. Recently the police have recorded an increase in murders and other violent crimes in St Catherine, particularly the Spanish Town area where the Clansman Gang is actively engaged in criminal activities, the Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) revealed in a release Sunday. Detectives disclosed that during the first quarter of 2016, while Tesha Miller was incarcerated overseas, the St Catherine North Division recorded a 48 per cent reduction in murder when compared with the same period in 2015. This figure also represents the lowest number of murders in the division for the comparative period in the last five years. The murder figure in St Catherine North now stands at 73, moving from 21 at the end of the first quarter of 2016, according to the lawmen. Based on the available

intelligence, the police believe that Miller can assist the police with the investigation of several of the murders recorded in Spanish Town and sections of Portmore. Most of the killings, the CCU said, have been linked to an internal feud within the Clansman Gang since the deportation of Tesha Miller on March 29. Several attempts by the police to contact him have proven futile. Tesha Miller or anyone knowing his whereabouts is being asked to contact C-TOC at 922-2373, the St Catherine North Police at 9842305, police 119 emergency number, 311, 811, the nearest police station or use the Stay Alert App, which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. (Jamaica Observer)

REGIONAL PAGE 20

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016

‘Come clean on Rowley’s health’ Calls for Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and the Government to “come clean” with the nation on his health condition have mounted, following Rowley’s recent hint that there appear o be some “changes” in his health issues which both his local and foreign doctors feel should be “investigated further.” Politicians and analysts say his health cannot be his personal business when he’s a public figure and the country’s leader. Three weeks ago, Rowley announced he would do a medical check during a two-week vacation he was taking. Soon after, Office of the Prime Minister spokesman Stuart Young had said at this stage there was no cause for concern about Rowley’s medical condition, but asked people to “pray” for Rowley. The PM left last Thursday for the US, accompanied by his wife Sharon. He is due to check into a Los Angeles clinic today following statements he made about having to check up changes in his health over the weekend. Rowley was quoted as saying for the past 35 years he’d “managed his health issues with diligent, disciplined guidance from chosen doctors locally and in California.” He said he’d been reviewed over the years, but due to the intensity of work, hadn’t kept appointments in last 36 months until recently. Rowley after he did an examination locally and the results were transmitted to his doctors abroad, “there appeared to be some changes which both sets of doctors conclude should be investigated further.” He said the various processes and procedures will take about a week but added that his health matters were his personal business.

Rowley’s statements set off vast speculation in the ruling People’s National Movement and T&T quarters. Yesterday, Congress of the People leader Dr Anirudh Mahabir, at a media briefing following his first council meeting, said he’d noted Rowley’s statement that he’d been referred by local doctors to overseas practitioners. Mahabir said, “It seems if he’s going to be hospitalised for a week overseas then it must be something extremely serious.

Therefore, the health of the Prime Minister cannot be seen as his personal business; it’s the country’s business. “He should therefore come clean and let us all know what is happening and reassure the country about his health and that he’ll be here long term; and also so that T&T can plan ahead.” Mahabir, a leading local opthalmologist, queried what would happen to the country’s government if the PM’s situation turned out to be serious. He expressed concern that a continuing speculative situation could lead to infighting in the PNM for leadership and “confusion” and noted possible impact which

uncertainty would have on planning T&T’s future. Also commenting on the situation, former public service head Reginald Dumas said, “I appreciate someone may not want to discuss his private matters in public. But it was the Prime Minister who raised the matter and opened the door to speculation when he said at a (PNM) function he was going on vacation, would have a check-up and asked people to pray for him. “I found that to be a rather strange statement to make. You don’t pray for someone who has a cold. So naturally there’s speculation. Since he’s opened the door to speculation by that statement, he has to say something to T&T. “He is, after, all the Prime Minister. He cannot say all of this is private. The public also has a right to know and especially since any treatment he may get is at taxpayers’ expense.” Dumas added, “I’d hope after the diagnosis, perhaps, he says something, either he’s well or if it’s more serious than thought and if so, what’s needed, in the interest of transparency. Since he opened the door to speculation, he now has to give the information.”

Analyst: Duty to divulge Prime ministers Basdeo Panday, Patrick Manning and Kamla Persad-Bissessar had all disclosed health issues while in office, political analyst Dr Bishnu Ragoonath agreed yesterday. “I’m sure people wish Dr Rowley the best for his health, but the country should know the state of health of its prime minister, especially when the Prime Minister is in office and one would expect he’d be there for another four years. “Once in public office, you’re in public life. When you took on the job it wasn’t as a private individual, but as a public individual. One can have as many health issues as one wants over 35 years but as Prime Minister, he’s no longer a private individual.”

Opposition MP Dr Suruj Rambachan added, “We’d like to wish the Prime Minister all the best. Anyone can fall ill. We don’t know the exact nature of his illness, but the fact he has to spend a week in hospital is an indication he’s taken this health matter very seriously.”

“Considering his statements, it is now important in the interest of stability and governance that the country and citizens are apprised of the state of the PM’s health in the shortest possible time, especially since situations like these can create uncertainty. Not only in a country like ours, but whenever leaders are ill, there are issues that affect the citizens. One has to remember he is the country’s leader.” Hazel sends best wishes In the face of Rowley’s statements, government members have remained silent, while the ruling PNM has also not issued any statement of best wishes to the PM. Acting Prime Minister Colm

Imbert, contacted on Rowley’s statements, yesterday refused to say anything. He declined to say if he’d spoken to Rowley or addressed the many rumours increasing around Rowley’s health. “You know I will not comment, no matter what,” Imbert said in an e-mailed response to the T&T Guardian. Party members mum PNM deputy leader Marlene McDonald, who worked closely with Rowley in Opposition, also declined comment. Communication Minister Maxie Cuffie said he only knew Rowley went on holiday and was having a check-up and didn’t expect updates. But the T&T Guardian confirmed that Hazel Manning, wife of late former prime minister Patrick Manning, sent Rowley a text message of best wishes on behalf of herself and sons Brian and David last Saturday. Close associates of Rowley said yesterday, “It may not be as dire as it seems, but he seems to feel this check is necessary, since he’s 66 and turns 67 in October.” They noted the three preceding PNM prime ministers and political leaders—the late Dr Eric Williams, George Chambers and Manning—all died at age 69. PNM officials said Rowley was due back by August 15, in time for the start of screening of PNM Local Government nominees on August 17. In the last seven months, Finance Minister Colm Imbert has had gallbladder removal surgery, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh contracted dengue, Trade Minister Paula GopeeScoon, appendicitis surgery and Local Government Minister Franklin Khan received a heart stent installation. (Trinidad Guardian)

Dr Keith Rowley

REGIONAL PAGE 21

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016

Man killed, four hurt in ambush Two grandmothers cried out for justice yesterday, after losing their grandsons to gun violence in two separate incidents on Saturday. In the second case, grandmother Shirley Addly was mourning the death of Jerome Julien, 21, who was killed while liming in a track off Blackford Lane, Cantaro Village, Santa Cruz, on Saturday night.

Julien, who lived at Upper Sam Boucaud, Santa Cruz, died while being taken to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope. Yesterday, Addly said her grandson had earlier in the day borrowed a stove top from her to cook dumplings and callaloo, which he shared with friends and two men he had stopped speaking to. He was on his way to his girlfriend’s house to drop off some of the meal when he was killed. Police said around 11 pm, three masked men approached a group of men Julien was with and opened fire. Julien and four unidentified men were hit. All were taken to hospital but only Julien died. Speaking at her home yesterday, Addly described her grandson as a handsome man who did nothing to deserve his death. She noted, however, that he seemed to have associated with people “marked for death”. She added that her grandson was given the nickname “Kemo” because he was handsome like a soap opera star and his signature smile could uplift a gloomy room. Julien’s mother, Aleen Sween, said her son, who worked at Linda’s Bakery, was a jolly man. She said she last saw him last week when he went to visit her. She recalled her son telling her that the men he associated with were being “hunted,” but added that they were “cool fellas” and that she should not worry. In the first case, Vella Roberts, 59, yesterday recalled how grandson Jerrel Roberts, whom she raised as her own from a young age, was shot in the head around 1.30 am Saturday. The 14-year-old pupil, who was about to enter form three, died around 3.45 pm at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital. Speaking to the media at her Pioneer Drive, Sea Lots home, Roberts called on the shooter and other killers to put down their guns. She said her grandchild was now one of three relatives killed by the gun in the area they called home and it was hurting her, especially having lived in the community for over 50 years. “When will this stop? These youths not getting to live, it is time to stop the senseless killing. I lost three by gun shots. Jah see and know all, if it is revenge then the killing would not stop,” Roberts said. “Right now I want God to come

in my heart because I feeling different about this. To the shooter, you have children, how would you feel if somebody do this to them?” According to police reports, a street fete was being held in Sea Lots when around 1.30 am a gunman opened fire indiscriminately, hitting Roberts in the head. He was taken to hospital where he died while being treated. Roberts said her grandson was not involved in any criminal activity. Outside of football he loved going to his aunt for lunch and playing cards, she said. She questioned why someone would want to kill her grandchild, adding that the shooter had no reason to be armed at a party in his own community. On January 6, 2008, Roberts also lost her first grandchild to gunmen.

Neil Roberts succumbed to injuries he sustained after being shot in the leg five days earlier when a friend, Dameon “Chucky” Charles, was killed while liming at Pioneer Drive. Two months later on March 14, her son, Damien Roberts, was killed while standing in a shop in the area. Both grandmothers will be at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, today for the autopsies. The murder toll now stands at 274 for the year. (Trinidad Guardian)

Jerome Julien.

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 22

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016

Edward Daly: Retired Bishop of Derry dies The retired Catholic Bishop of Derry, Dr Edward Daly, whose photograph became the iconic image of Bloody Sunday in 1972, has died aged 82. He had been ill in hospital and died the early hours of Monday morning. Tributes have been pouring in for the bishop, who was from Ballyshannon, County Donegal. The image of the then Fr Daly waving a handkerchief over one of the Bloody Sunday victims, was one of the most enduring images of the Troubles. He was then a 39-year-old curate at St Eugene's Cathedral in Londonderry having been a priest in the city since June 1962. He was appointed Bishop of Derry in 1974. He was forced into full retirement in 1994 after he suffered a stroke but he continued in the role of chaplain to Derry's Foyle Hospice until February, 2016. Bishop Daly made headlines in 2011 when he said there needed to be a place in the modern Catholic Church for married priests. He addressed the controversial issue in his book about his life in the church, A Troubled See. Bishop Daly said allowing clergymen to marry would ease the church's problems. He received the Freedom of the City of Derry in 2015. 'Fearless peacebuilder' Archbishop Eamon Martin, the Catholic primate of Ireland, said he had learned of the bishop's death with great sadness and described him as "an iconic figure in the civic and church life of Ireland". "As the bishop who ordained me to the priesthood in 1987, I had huge admiration for Bishop Edward. I shall always be grateful for his pastoral guidance, kindness and support," the archbishop said.

"Bishop Edward will be remembered as a fearless peace-builder - as exemplified by his courage on Bloody Sunday in Derry - and as a holy and humble faith leader. "Bishop Edward's bravery was also apparent in his lived conviction that violence from any side during the Troubles was futile and could never be morally justified." Bishop Donal

McKeown, the current bishop of Derry, said: "Bishop Daly served, without any concern for himself, throughout the traumatic years of the Troubles, finding his ministry shaped by the experience of witnessing violence and its effects. "Through this dreadful period he always strove to preach the Gospel of the peace of Christ." Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said Bishop Daly was "a constant right throughout the course of the last 40 odd years in the city through the good times and bad". "People, I suppose, need to understand that Bishop Daly was inherently a shy person, he was not someone who sought the headlines, but he was propelled into the headlines because of Bloody Sunday, as he tried to help Jackie Duddy, for that iconic image," he said. "He was a bishop and priest who was very in tune with the local community." Mr McGuinness said Bishop Daly was always very critical of the IRA and "anyone that was involved in the conflict".

(BBC)

Bishop Daly was forced into full retirement in 1994 after he suffered a stroke but he continued in the role of chaplain to Derry's Foyle Hospice until February, 2016(PACEMAKER)

Boy dies on Kansas water slide billed as world's biggest A 10-year-old boy has died on a water slide, billed as (181-249kg). (BBC) the world's biggest, in the US state of Kansas. A spokeswoman for the Schlitterbahn Water Park in Kansas City said it was saddened by the death and the park had been closed pending an investigation. The incident happened on Sunday on the Verrueckt ride, which drops users almost 169 feet (52 metres) at 65mph (105kph) in a three-person raft. No details were immediately given about the circumstances of the incident. However, Kansas police have said it is being treated as an accident. "We honestly don't know what's happened," Schlitterbahn spokeswoman Winter Prosapio said. "That's why a full investigation is necessary. We have to understand what's happened."

The boy was identified by his family as Caleb Schwab, the son of a state politician, Scott Schwab. The park's website says all users of the Verrueckt must be at least 54in (1.37 metres) tall and the combined weight of Users of the slide descend in a raft(AP) people in the raft must be between 400 and 550 pounds

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 23

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016

Japan's Emperor Akihito hints at wish to abdicate Japan's Emperor Akihito has strongly indicated he wants to step down, saying he fears his age will make it difficult to fulfil his duties. The revered 82year-old emperor's comments came in only his second-ever televised address to the public.

Emperor Akihito did not explicitly say he wanted to abdicate as he is barred from making political statements. PM Shinzo Abe said the government would take the remarks "seriously" and discuss what could be done. "Upon reflecting how he handles his official duty and so on, his age and the current situation of how he works, I do respect the heavy responsibility the emperor must be feeling and I believe we need to think hard about what we can do," he said. Akihito, who has had heart surgery and was treated for prostate cancer, has been on the throne in Japan since the death of his father, Hirohito, in 1989. In his 10-minute pre-recorded message, he said he had "started to reflect" on his years as as emperor, and contemplate his position in the years to come. Why can't the emperor abdicate?

Abdication is not mentioned under Japan's existing laws, so they would need to be changed for the emperor to be able to stand down. The changes would also have to be approved by parliament.

What do the public think? Most support the emperor's desire to step down - a recent survey by the Kyodo news agency found more than 85% saying abdication should be legalised. But the move is opposed by some more conservative sections of Japanese society. Is this the first time a revision of the law has been discussed? A debate about whether or not a woman would be able to ascend the throne was triggered in 2006 when the emperor had no grandsons, but was postponed after a boy was born to the imperial family. What does the emperor do? The emperor has no political powers but has several official duties, such as greeting foreign dignitaries. Japan's monarchy is entwined in the Shinto religion and the emperor still performs religious ceremonies. He also plants and

harvests a small rice paddy inside the palace while the empress raises silkworms. If he were to abdicate, it would be the first time a Japanese emperor has stepped down since Emperor Kokaku in 1817. The BBC's Rupert Wingfield-Hayes in Tokyo says right wing nationalists who support Mr Abe's government do not want any change to the current law, which insists emperors must serve until they die. Emperor Akihito said he hoped the duties of the emperor as a symbol of the state could continue steadily without any breaks. He said one possibility when an emperor could not fulfil his duties because of age or illness was that a regency could be established. But he suggested this was not the ideal outcome, saying: "I think it is not possible to continue reducing perpetually the emperor's acts in matters of state and his duties as the symbol of the state." Akihito's eldest son, 56-year-old Crown Prince Naruhito is first in line to the Chrysanthemum throne, followed by his younger brother Prince Akishino. Women are not allowed to inherit the throne and so Princess Aiko, the daughter of Crown Prince Naruhito, cannot succeed her father. (BBC)

Emperor Akihito did not publicly express a wish to abdicate, as that could be interpreted as him interfering in politics(AFP)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 24

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016

Pakistan hospital bomb attack kills dozens in Quetta A suicide bomb attack has killed at least 70 people at a hospital in Quetta in south-west Pakistan, officials say. About 120 others were injured in the blast, which happened at the entrance to the emergency department where the body of a prominent lawyer shot dead earlier on Monday was being brought. The casualties included lawyers and journalists accompanying the body of Bilal Anwar Kasi. A faction of the Pakistani Taliban has said it was behind the bombing. Jamaat-ulAhrar said it had also carried out the earlier attack on Mr Kasi, who was president of the Balochistan Bar Association and had been shot while on his way from his home to the main court complex in Quetta.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos after the hospital blast, with "bodies everywhere" and survivors shouting for help through the smoke and dust. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and chief of army staff Gen Raheel Sharif have both gone to Quetta and will hold talks with security officials. Gen Sharif met some of those wounded at the Quetta Civil Hospital. Mr Sharif expressed his "deep grief and anguish", adding: "No-one will be allowed to disturb the peace of the province. The people, policy and security forces in Balochistan have given sacrifices for the country." The president of Pakistan's Supreme Court Bar Association, Syed Ali Zafa, denounced the assault as "an attack on justice". The Pakistan Bar Council has announced a nationwide strike by lawyers on Tuesday. The Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sanaullah Zehri, said those injured should be given the best medical treatment and facilities available. There have been a number of targeted killings in Quetta and the victims in recent weeks have included several lawyers. Mr Kasi had strongly condemned the

attacks and local media said he had announced a two-day boycott of court sessions in protest at the killing of a colleague last week. Those killed in the hospital attack were said to include Baz Muhammad Kakar, a predecessor of Mr Kasi as provincial bar president, and 17 other lawyers. Two journalists have also been identified among the dead - Shahzad Khan, a cameraman for Aaj TV, and Mehmood Khan, a cameraman for DawnNews. Lawyers in Lahore staged a demonstration to condemn the attack. Some journalists also protested, demanding protection for freedom of expression. Facebook has activated its safety check feature for Quetta, allowing users to mark themselves or others as being safe. (BBC)

Lawyers and journalists were among those injured and killed(AFP)

Delta: Thousands of passengers stranded by power cut Thousands of air passengers around the world have been left stranded after a power cut forced the US airline Delta to suspend flights. The incident caused delays across the US and in Japan, Italy and the UK. Airport check-in systems, passenger advisory screens, the airline's website and smartphone apps were affected by the systems failure on Monday. After six hours, Delta said flights had resumed on a limited basis but warned of continuing delays and cancellations. The airline suspended dozens of departures early on Monday, with airport agents forced to write out boarding passes by hand. "Our systems are down everywhere," the company at one point told its customers on Twitter. Passengers around the world complained of long checkin queues, with many sleeping on the floor. A Delta statement said the power cut caused its computer systems to crash. After the problem was resolved, the airline warned that many passengers still faced delays and cancellations because of the knock-on effect of the earlier disruption. Delta ranks third in the world in terms of passengers carried, according to industry body the IATA. The airline has advised customers to check the status of their flight before heading to the airport. The overnight power failure took place in Atlanta, near Delta's headquarters, the company said. It will damage Delta's reputation for punctuality and lack of cancellations, USA Today commented. One passenger told the BBC he was waiting with "several hundred"

fellow stranded passengers at San Francisco airport, after being asked to leave a plane he had boarded. "We were ordered off the plane after approximately an hour or more," said Dick Ginkowski, who said that tempers were starting to get strained.

Delta has been responding to unhappy customers on Twitter.

The airline serves about 180 million customers a year, employing over 80,000 people, its website says. It is the latest carrier to suffer computer problems, with Southwest Airlines last month forced to cancel more than 2,000 flights after an outage prevented travellers checking in. (BBC)

Delta passengers in Las Vegas were severely affected by the outage(AP)

Hav eaNewswor t hyst or y?

Cont act : GuyanaDai l ynews guyanadai l ynews@gmai l . com ( 592) 2265088 ( 592) 2265096 l ot 1 2&1 3Sher i f f s t . s ubr y anv i l l eGeor get own

T u e s d a y A u g u s t 9 , 2 0 1 6 n r u T e s er a v e l o P

LOCAL PAGE 27

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

Government must breakdown racial barriers In Guyana the behavioral pattern as it relates to ethnicity is less rigid than during the colonial days; however it still exist to some degree and even more evident during elections period.The current Government is perceived as an African Government rather than a Guyanese Government. “It is our Government’s duty today, as it was fifty years ago, to protect the interests of all and not of some. The people cannot be imprisoned in ethnic enclaves. The people are not the property of one or other political party.

Forbes Burnham’s ideas were for all time and for all Guyanese… We recall Forbes Burnham’s wise counsel of cohesion today, whenever the voices of divisiveness are raised; wherever the hand of hostility tries to hit and hurt our vulnerable citizens and by whosoever peddles the propaganda of separateness among our people,” President David Granger had recently said. This statement has since caused some to question why a current Guyanese President hold on to policies that were perceived racist fifty years ago. Some have opined that in order for Guyana to move forward race politics must be rejected, the policies of the country must reflect a Guyanese culture and not one race or religion. According to historians the need for cheap labor landed both groups, Indian and African in the Caribbean. Africans were brought to these shores and were enslaved on sugar and cotton plantations from the 17th century until the early 19th century when the slave trade ended. Slavery was abolished in both colonies in 1833. (Hintzen 1989) East Indians were imported into the two colonies as indentured laborers to replace Africans on the plantations. Racial stereotypes developed early in the two colonies. British planters characterized Africans as physically strong but lazy and irresponsible. East Indians were stereotyped as industrious but clannish and greedy. These are views that are still present today. Racial discrimination in Guyana has had its tentacles in the colonial days, Guyana has a rich historical past but this is marred by one for one race politics. Racial discrimination was created by the Colonial masters and then adopted by the East Indians and Africans in Guyana. Racial

conflict continues to affect our society unless the people come to common terms. This racial divide has detrimentally affected Guyana negatively; the effects can be noticed socially, economically and politically.

Racialism will continue to exist unless there is more regard for coexistence between East Indian and African and the Government of the day must set the right policies in place to deter any form of racial discrimination.Africans were enslaved in Guyana and Indians were brought as indentured servant. The two major ethnic groups have a high degree of ethnic conflict which is fueled by their political systems along virtually rigid ethnic lines. Racial issues had destroyed any possibility of lower class solidarity, where ideological viewpoints would replace racial identification. Ideological appeals to class during the early phase of the nationalist movement served more as an adhesive holding these racially diversified groups together, rather than as a basis for the compression of a confederated mass movement. Race became the preeminent ingredient in the organization of popular political participation. (Hintzen 1989). Burnham’s appeals to race was successful in bridging the AfroGuyanese. This strategy convinced the powerful AfroGuyanese middle class to accept a leader who was more of a radical than they would have preferred to supportCheddi Jagan strengthened his hold on the Indo-Guyanese Community. Though he openly expressed his admiration for Josef Stalin, Mao Zedong, and, later, Fidel Castro Ruz. Jagan felt that his Marxist ideals could be applied uniquely to Guyana.

LOCAL PAGE 28

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

Scrap Metal Dealers Take Protest Outside President’s Office

Scrap Metal dealers today picketed the Ministry of the Presidency, urging government to lift the suspension on the scrap metal trade. The trade was closed last year by the APNU+AFC government to facilitate forensic audits into the sector. It was decided at a recent meeting between the Guyana Metal Recyclers’ Association (GMRA) and Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin that the trade will be reopened in November.

However, in an interview with Guyana Daily News, Secretary of the GMRA, Michael Benjamin said while it has been confirmed that the trade will be reopened in November, there was no specific date set in November and this is what worries the association.

He related that currently the fraternity of GMRA is suffering tremendously because of the closure. “There is a lot of foreclosure of properties, repossession of equipment and there was a lot of advances taken from buyers overseas and we are not able to fulfil our obligations and they are contemplating on taken legal action against us,” the Secretary said.

He contended that the longer the process takes the more in debt they become and the scrap metal dealers will become frustrated. “There is a lot of broken homes, families that can’t pay their mortgage and rent and this all makes the situation even more complicated,” Benjamin explained. He pleaded with the government and President David Granger to rethink and reanalyze the November reopening since it is almost to the end of the year and there is a decrease in export.

Benjamin explained that the association is in debt to many companies; the Secretary said that debts owed to one exporter is well over $10 million.

The scrap metal industry creates jobs for both skilled and unskilled workers which add up to approximately twelve hundred persons. The Ministry of Business developed a Some of the protestors outside the Office of the President. proposal which was taken to Cabinet for approval on April.

That proposal was deferred to facilitate wider consultations. In December 2015, six months after the trade was suspended, Cabinet had approved exportation of all containers of scrap metal stored at city wharves prior to the suspension of the trade. The forensic audit which force the closure of the scrap metal trade concluded in December. Since the suspension, the association believes lawlessness has become the order of the day where the government close the legal trade and does nothing to curb the illegal trade which the GMRA claims still continues. -By- Pablo Cupido, Guyana Daily News.

Secretary of the GMRA, Michael Benjamin

LOCAL PAGE 29

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

PPP Councillor Finds HiddenbasisBank Accounts At City Hall every month.” The City Councillor claimed that he has

Accusations continue to mount against the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of secrecy and possible corruption after People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Councillor Bishram Kuppen claimed that he discovered four bank accounts which are not being reflected in its financial statements. The statements were presented at statutory meetings of the city council recently.

Councillor Kuppen on Monday told reporters that the discovery of the four accounts was made at the first statutory meeting after he went through the financial statement. In an article in the Guyana times, Kuppen was quoted saying “I went through the entire report; it was a very thick report and towards the end would have the financial statement reconciliation, the heading of it would be reconciliation of the main account, right away I wanted to know are there secondary accounts? Are there more and I posed that question to the Council. After a number of attempts, the City Treasurer just blurted it out that there were four additional accounts, and each subsequent statutory meeting, I keep pushing for those additional accounts to be included in the reconciliation of the financial statement. All those accounts should be included.” He further noted, “There is the widespread perception that corruption is rampant at City Hall. This perception is fuelled by the lack of accountability for hundreds of millions of dollars spent on projects with no public tendering, improper financial reporting, four hidden bank accounts which are not included in any financial reports to Councillors, and financial deficits being reported on a consistent

consistently called for a forensic audit of city hall’s finances and that he was not the only Councillor to do so. Kuppen said he attempted to move a motion for a forensic audit on three previous occasions by submitting a written request to the Mayor and Town Clerk to have the motions included on the agenda for the statutory meeting. On each occasion, he said, the Town Clerk responded that he found fault with the motions but did not advise what those deficiencies were. -By- Pablo Cupido, Guyana Daily News.

Sophia Man Charged With Larceny August 8, 2016. North, who was represented by Attorney Daniels, entered a not guilty plea to the charge. His Attorney in a bail application noted that Dwight, 28, is the father of five and he is the sole breadwinner of his family. The court also heard that the accused manages a small business with his wife and has no previous convictions. The application was however objected to by the Prosecution, which stated that though North has no previous convictions he is currently on bail for committing an offence of the same nature. As such, bail was denied. It is alleged that on the date in question at the Zone 31 minibus park at Stabroek, North who hails from ‘B’ Field, Sophia, stole from Preston one gold band valued at GY$75,000. It is further alleged that on the same day, North either during or after he committed the offence, he made use of threatening behavior and personal violence against the virtual complainant. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

Dwight North was today remanded until September 5, 2016 after he appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrate's court charged with larceny and making use of personal violence against Adrian Preston on

LOCAL PAGE 30

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

PPP rubbishes Granger’s explanation for Gov’t-appointed GDF officers

The Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) continues to maintain that President David Granger has embarked on a studied and conscious policy of discriminating in favour of ex-soldiers when it comes to finding persons to fill vacancies in the state and government structures. General Secretary of the PPP, Clement Rohee told a news conference on Monday at Freedom House that “The incessant practice of finding either serving or ex-military officers rather than qualified civilians to practice state-craft will inevitably result in the creation of a command-type administration for the first time in our country’s political history.”

President Granger has already defended his decision to hire ex-military officers in government by explaining that, “These are human beings. These are people with skills. They’re not a separate breed of citizens. We can’t deprive them of their rights if they have the talent, the experience, [and] the qualifications. I don’t discriminate against them.” The President had also revealed that when he assumed office in May 2015, there were about 10 officers whom the PPP administration had already appointed but Rohee denied this. “To claim there were already ten officers in the employ of the previous PPP/C government is to be disingenuous to say the least.

What the President did not say was that at no time was there ever an outcry from the civilian population that the PPP/C government was looking first to the military to find persons to fill key and critical posts either at government agencies and departments or to head Commissions of Inquiry as if in pursuance of affirmative action in favour of military personnel,” the PPP General Secretary told reporters. Rohee further noted that the President’s claim that the military personnel he has employed are “human beings” and that “they are skilled” is unconvincing.

“And so the question remains what is the basis for a final decision whether a soldier or civilian is best suited for the job? The answer lies in the addage; practice is the criterion of truth.” The APNU+AFC government recently appointed Retired Brigadier Bruce Lovell and Retired Colonel Windee Algernon to conduct Commissions of Inquiry (CoI) into the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) and a recent fire at the Children’s Drop-In Centre which killed two children.

Nazrul Hussain, who is a serving colonel, was also appointed to head the Department of National Events of the Ministry of the Presidency. Under the PPP administration, Major-General Joe Singh was appointed Chairman of the National Task Force Commission; Retired Col. Chabilall Ramsarup was appointed Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC); Colonel Brassington Reynolds was appointed a Judge; and Colonel Jawahar was appointed AccountantGeneral.

LOCAL PAGE 31

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

First Lady accepts invitation to participate in NA education extravaganza First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, today, accepted an invitation extravaganza will be hosted in early December in New from the Gordon Family and Friends of New Amsterdam to be Amsterdam. the guest speaker at an education extravaganza that has been MOTP Press Release planned to promote literacy. The meeting was held at the Office of the First Lady at State House. The group comprised Leader of the group, Ms. Marva Gordon, Ms. Catherine Archer, a former Regional Education Officer, Ms. Simone Dainty, Literacy Coordinator at the Department of Education in East BerbiceCorentyne (Region Six) and Ms. Janice John, a retired Headmistress. “I am happy to participate in anything that assists in the education of children and in enabling them to grow and develop,” the First Lady said. Mrs. Granger also said that she is particularly pleased that Ms. Gordon has engaged with the Ministry of Education to ensure that children in difficult circumstances are included in the programme. In an invited comment, Ms. Gordon said, “Our main goal is to promote reading, literacy and numeracy”. She said that the group has First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger is been hosting this event for the past five years and the sessions are flanked by (from left to right) usually very interactive. Ms. Gordon said she expects that as Ms. Simone Dainty, Ms. Catherine Archer, guest speaker the First Lady will engage with the children and Ms. Marva Gordon and Ms. Janice John encourage them to continue to pursue learning. The

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Man Stabbed To Death In Sisters Village PAGE 32

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

An argument between two men has left one dead and the other in police custody. Dead is Arnold Rattan of Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara (WBD), who was stabbed several times at approximately 23:55h on Monday at Long Pond, Sisters Village.

Investigations revealed that Rattan and another man had an argument when Rattan was stabbed to his chest. He was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital and died whilst receiving treatment. The assailant was captured by public spirited citizens and handed over to the police. The Police Force lauded the efforts of citizens who continue to support law enforcement.

3 Years Jail For Man Caught With Gun, Ammo A Farm Village, East Bank Essequibo man was sentenced to three years imprisonment for the illegal possession of firearm and ammunition. According to a police release, Paul Primo was arrested on August 8, 2016 with the illegal items in his possession at Arakaka, North West District. He appeared before Magistrate Wilson at the Mathews Ridge Magistrate Court on Monday and pleaded guilty to the charge.

Body Of 14-Year Old Fished Out Of Trench The body of a 14-year- old girl, identified as Malika Hamilton was this morning fished out of a trench at Hope on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD). The teenager who is said to be from Two Friends Village on the East Coast, left her home on Monday afternoon and never returned. She was last seen by residents in the neighbourhood, on the Public Road, in the company of two men. One eyewitness said that she was eating biscuits at the time when they saw her. A search party was formed by her parents and extended family on Monday evening. Her body was found by the team this morning in trench in the vicinity of the Savannah.

It is unclear if any marks of violence were found on her body. Hamilton was a student of Hope Secondary school and the former Queen of the 2015 Ann’s Grove Calabash.

She was 2nd Runner Up at this year’s pageant.

LOCAL PAGE 33

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

Miner Remanded On Gun, Ammo Charge Nineteen – year – old O’Neil Melbourne today appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly, charged with being in possession of three live rounds of ammunition and one double gauge single barrel shotgun without being the holder of a valid firearm license. He was allegedly caught with the items on August 2, 2016 at Aurora Mountain Top, Esssequibo and was remanded to prison until September 5, 2016 where he will return before the Chief Magistrate for commencement of trial. Melbourne pleaded not guilty to the charge; his lawyer told the court that the teenager is a miner who works in the interior with his father. The prosecution objected to bail. Melbourne’s attorney stated that the facts surrounding his client’s arrest are false, stating that his client was not in possession of the firearm. The lawyer explained that his client and another unnamed employee of his father were walking through the jungle to an area where Melbourne was going to pick up his sister and return her to the camp where they lived, when the employee heard the police and threw the gun and

the shots some distance away. According to the lawyer, the police then encountered the men, searched them and the surrounding area when the firearm and ammunition were found.

-By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

3 Years Jail For Venezuelan Woman Caught With Ammo Venezuelan National, Vaz Ozmilla Pincer appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly, charged with the illegal possession of 10 rounds of live .38 ammunition without being a licensed firearm holder. The woman, who does not speak English, heard the charge read and translated to her twice, to which she pleaded guilty both times. As such, she was sentenced to three years imprisonment.

The court heard that on August 1, 2016 at Aurora Mountain Top, Essequibo, police ranks acted on information received and visited the residence of Pincer, where they searched her bedroom in her presence. During the search, ranks found the ammunition. The 28-year-old woman who was unrepresented in court, appeared extremely emotional and made multiple outbursts. The woman initially stopped the Prosecutor while the facts were being read, stating that she was not in the room while it was being searched but was outside and saw what was happening through a window. An Attorney who was present in the court at the time made an input on the woman’s behalf stating that the possible language barrier was the reason behind her outburst since she might not have understood what it was she pleaded guilty to.

Magistrate Daly took this into consideration and opted to have the charge read again. The Venezuelan national then cried out during the second reading of the charge

stating that she would like to know the possible outcomes if she was to plead guilty or not guilty. Her final outburst came as she heard her sentencing translated to her, at which time she started crying stating that she is in Guyana legally and has three children. The woman was reassured by the Magistrate and translator that she was not being charged and sentenced because of her nationality. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

LOCAL PAGE 34

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

President reveals three-pronged approach for protection, management of Guiana Shield Representatives from Brazil, French Guiana, Colombia, USA, Canada, UK, Germany, and St. Vincent are taking part in the fourth International Congress on Biodiversity of the Guiana Shield, which is being hosted in Guyana this year at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre at Liliendaal.

President David Granger in his address, called for a threepronged approach to be adopted for the effective protection and preservation of the Guiana Shield. This approach includes the establishment of a scientific research institute, the setting up of strong mechanisms for data and information sharing and adequate investment and funding.

Explaining the need for a functional scientific research institute, President Granger said that the Guiana Shield commands a common regional resource, which will require regional cooperation and coordination and noted that wildlife species in the Shield do not recognise territorial boundaries. Big cats like jaguars, for example, require undisturbed corridors to roam and extend their habitat.

Efforts at protecting biodiversity in one country must be supported by the other member countries. The sustainable management of the Shield must become part of the regional integration process in South America so that a comprehensive biodiversity policy for the entire Shield can be developed,” President Granger said. As it relates to information sharing, the President said that action needs to be taken to develop an inventory of the various species of flora and fauna, particularly those threatened with extinction. He noted too, that the Shield is extensive and many of its areas are unreachable and still unexplored. He said that the scientific community needs to gain access to these areas in order to study and document their biodiversity. With regard to investment, President Granger reminded the gathering that the Guiana Shield provides environmental services to all of humanity and as such, incentives are needed to ensure that countries can keep their forests intact. “Green economies need investment to sustain protected areas and for sustainable energy. The absence of investment will place pressures on the governments of the Shield, particularly, the three smallest States, if they are to move towards resource extractions and it may tempt them, perhaps, to go into directions, which lead to deforestation and destructive mining [and] which could have adverse effects on biodiversity,” he said. The President told scientists and board members of the International

Biodiversity Society of the Guiana Shield (IBG) that this fourth congress has an important role to play in presenting the Shield’s importance to the Continent, to the Caribbean and to the world. As such, he said that it must not ignore the need for institutions, information and investment as means of ensuring the Shield’s ecological integrity. “This is a moment in eternity, which we cannot allow to slip by. This is the time for the scientific community, governments, nongovernmental organisations and communities to forge partnerships to protect the Shield’s biodiversity, while allowing states to leverage the Shield’s high endemicity, cultural diversity and intact ecosystems for inclusive growth and secure futures,” President Granger said. The International Society on Biodiversity of the Guiana Shield (IBG) is an international society without political, national, social or cultural affiliations. The Society aims to contribute the knowledge and stewardship of the biodiversity of the Guiana Shield; it supports the conservation, preservation, and sustainable management of the natural, rural and urban ecosystems within the shield. Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Ivelaw Griffith announced that for the first time, the university will be offering a doctoral programme in biodiversity in the new academic year. -By- Ronald Singh, Guyana Daily News.

III IBG in Paramaribo, Suriname.

Guyana wins bid to host IV IBG. (Guiana Shield/ File Photo)

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS ‘Talk Name’ Row Ends In Murder PAGE 35

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

A man is in police custody following the murder of a miner on Monday night at Jackass Landing, Puruni River, Mazaruni.

Dead is Clint Peters, who was stabbed several times. According to a police release, investigations revealed that the suspect accused Peters of talking his name, as a result an argument ensued and the suspect stabbed Peters multiple times about his body with a knife. He was rushed to the Bartica Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The assailant was captured by public spirited citizens and handed over to the police.

Taxi Driver Robbed, Relieved Of Car; Bandits Caught Good police work led to the capture of two of four men, who robbed a taxi driver on Monday night. According to a release from the Police Force, the robbery occurred at about 2100h at Bachelor’s Adventure East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Suresh Vilvhire, a taxi driver of Good Hope, E.C.D. Investigations revealed that Vilvhire was hired by two suspects who instructed him to drive to a location where they were joined by two more suspects, one of whom placed a cutlass to his neck and relieved him of his valuables and the motor car and left him on the public road in the vicinity of Bachelor’s Adventure E.C.D. The victim alerted a passing police patrol, which gave chase and the vehicle and two of the suspects were apprehended in ‘B’ Field Sophia.

Investigations are in progress.

LOCAL PAGE 36

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

18 Months Jail For House Thief

Manraj Adnarine on Tuesday appeared for the second time before Magistrate Delon Best in the Georgetown Magistrate's Court charged with two counts of breaking and entering and larceny, which allegedly took place on June 17, 2016. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. Adnarine in his last appearance had entered a plea of not guilty and was granted $100,000 bail.

However, today he told the Magistrate that he is unable to pay the sum at which bail was set and therefore he opted to change his plea to guilty. The court heard that that on June 17, 2016, Adnarine broke into the Ruimveldt dwelling home of Frederick Richard and stole one gold chain valued at GY$200,000; one gold band valued at GY$200,000 and one tape deck valued at GY$30,000. On the same day, he also stole from Tamella Lowenfield one television valued at GY$60,000 and one bicycle valued GY $25,000. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

No Public Tendering For $12M Drug Storage Facility - Health Minister Admits The controversy continues with the pharmaceutical storage bond located at Lot 29 Sussex Street, Charlestown.

This newspaper was reliably informed that the building was owned by a man named “Dennis”, who inherited the property from his parents. According to reliable sources, he subsequently sold the building to a known financier of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government for $25 million.

Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton, told the National Assembly on Monday that government was paying the New GPC $19.2 million a month to store the pharmaceuticals and wanted a cheaper facility. He later said that with the “exorbitant price called by the New GPC” there was an urgency to find a new storage facility.

As such, the government now pays the new rental company, registered as Linden Holding Company, $12.5 million a month and according to the minister there was no public tendering because it “was an emergency.”

The big question arises how can a building with 3000 sq.ft for storage located in Sussex Street, be rented for $12.5 million monthly; this works out to be US$60,000. This means that a total of USD$4,167.00 per sq.ft. is being charged by the owner of the building, which is far more than the most luxurious apartment in Manhattan, Dubai.

Opposition members grilled Norton on Monday about the building’s capability to store medical supplies, but Norton noted that the company’s facility was PAHO/WHO approved. When asked by PPP Parliamentarians, the Health Minister could not provide answers to questions relating to the contract signed with the company; he however promised to provide it at a later time. The first floor of the building is approximately 3000 sq. ft, the second floor is converted to an apartment which is not part of the storage, which means that the $12.5 million is the rent for the first floor of 3000 sq. ft of the building. -By- Ronald Singh, Guyana Daily News.

Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton (Guyana Chronicle/File Photo)

REGIONAL PAGE 37

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

$300,000 Bail For CTTRC Workers On Fraud Charge A businessman from central Trinidad and four employees of the Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation (CTTRC) appeared in court yesterday, accused of conspiring to defraud the local government corporation of $149,500. CTTRC CEO Carol Dyal; Barry Samaroo, a chief engineer; Maniram Mohess, a county superintendent; Ian Gokool, a road officer; and Mahase Sookai, a businessman, were not called upon to plead to the fraud charge when they appeared before Magistrate Christine Charles in the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court.

Accompanied in court by their relatives, the group stood silently in the prisoner enclosure of the court as the charge was being read. Asked for their opinion on bail, police prosecutors asked Charles to attach conditions to the bail requiring the accused to report weekly to police for the duration of their case. Charles refused the request and noted that none of the five had criminal records. She then opted to regularise the $300,000 bail each was granted by a justice of the peace while they were in police custody.

“The sum of bail fixed seems to be reasonable and if they decide not to comply the consequences will be obvious,” Charles said.

The group is accused of conspiring to defraud the corporation through the installation of outdoor exercise equipment at the San Pablo Recreation Ground and the Todd’s Road Activity Centre. Sookai’s company was allegedly awarded the contracts and was paid although no work had been done. The offence is alleged to have occurred on September 20, last year.

The contract was awarded during the 2014/15 fiscal year, but cheques and other documents related to this were seized by Fraud Squad officers at the CTTRC last November. On November 25, Fraud Squad officers questioned senior employees in the accounting department as they searched the compound and seized financial records, including cheques and files of contractors contracted by the corporation, as well as other documentary evidence associated with alleged corrupt payments to certain contractors.

Last Friday, police went to the CTTRC office, along Railway Road, Couva, and held the employees who were being investigated for corruption. The charge was laid by Insp Ramdhanie Dipchand of the Fraud Squad. The group will reappear Regional corporation worker Ian Gokool leaves the Port-of-Spain in the Couva Magistrates Court on Magistrates’ Court yesterday. PHOTO: ABRAHAM DIAZ Thursday. (Trinidad Guardian)

REGIONAL PAGE 38

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

Watery Deaths Seatbelts are meant to save lives but this was not the case for Frank Moses and his friend Jeneice Bailey, who died when the car they were in skidded off the road and plunged into a swollen river at Santa Flora, where it is believed the safety devices kept them pinned down as they drowned. Moses’s twin brother Frankie, who was driving the car, escaped shortly before the car sank hood down into the river off the Santa Flora Main Road. The accident occurred around 4 pm on Sunday.

Frankie was too traumatised to speak yesterday, but other relatives said he told them he tried to save his brother and friend but the Frank Moses’s common-law wife Joanne Assong seatbelts were jammed tight and prevented him from getting out of recalls her last moments with him yesterday the sinking car. Frank Moses, 54, of Alexander Road, Point Ligore, worked as a foreman at the Point Fortin Borough Corporation. Bailey, 35, had two children, Kareem, 11, and Afeisha, 10, and worked at a bar close to her home. In an interview yesterday, Moses’s common-law wife, Joanne Assong, said he went to the market with her on Sunday morning and promised to return home early to help her clean the yard.

However, she said, while at the market Moses met friend Steve Romeo, who asked him for a lift home. “My husband was a good, kind-hearted man. He agreed to drop home Steve, so he dropped me home first and said he was coming back to eat lunch,” Joanne recalled. She said she did not know what happened after that, but some time later she got a call that his car had sunk in the river.

Describing Frank as a loving husband, Assong said it was unfortunate that the seatbelt which was meant to save him ended up killing him.

“It real hard thinking about life without him,” Assong said. Meanwhile, Bailey’s mother, Jill, was inconsolable and declined comment on her daughter’s death. However, Bailey’s sister, Ebonie, said the mother of two had plans to do nursing. “She did not enroll as yet but that was what she wanted,” Ebonie said. She described Bailey as outspoken and fun loving. A neighbour, who requested anonymity, said Bailey had been out liming for much of the day.

The bodies of the deceased were taken to the Forensic Science Centre, St James, for autopsies. Investigations are continuing. Rare occurrence—Batson Former president of the group Arrive Alive and one of the coordinators at the Road Safety Council, PC Brent Batson, said yesterday that the deaths of Jeneice Bailey and Frank Moses should not deter people from wearing seatbelts. Saying seatbelts have been proven to save lives, Batson said what happened to the two friends was a rare occurrence.

He said the focus should be what caused them to run off the road and end up in the river, noting there is no real evidence to suggest that the seatbelts were jammed. “We do not know if the belt was jammed or if the occupants panicked. We don’t know whether the angle of the occupants was such that the survivor could not access the latch to release the seatbelts,” Batson told the T&T Guardian in a telephone interview.

“We are uncertain about how much water they could have been submerged in before they died. We cannot say the seatbelts caused the deaths because we do not know the facts.” He admitted, however, that seatbelts are built to lock with inertia, which is every object’s resistance to changing its speed and direction of travel. Batson also said there was nothing preventing people from buying seatbelt cutters in the event of an emergency.

However, he pointed out that even if there is a crisis, it may be difficult for someone trapped in a car to access the glove compartment where the seatbelt cutter would be stored. He called on citizens to remember the importance of wearing seatbelts in the event of an accident, adding that one stands a better chance of survival with them on. (Trinidad Guardian)

REGIONAL PAGE 39

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

Fay Tortello To Be Buried Thursday

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Fay Tortello, the eldest sister of former Prime Minister Edward Seaga, is to be buried on Thursday, August 11. OBSERVER ONLINE has been reliably informed that she will be buried following a church service at the Sts Peter and Paul Church on Old Hope Road in Kingston, starting at 10:00 am. Tortello, who was also honorary Italian Consul in Jamaica, was born on August 4, 1931.

She died on Emancipation Day, August 1, in the Tony Thwaites Wing of the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) following a prolonged illness. In a news release on her death, Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed regret at her passing three days before her 85th birthday. The prime minister described her as a savvy businesswoman and added that, as consul for Italy, she brokered a number of projects between the Italian and Jamaican governments, including the rehabilitation of JPS power plants in Old Harbour, and the upgrade of the Bustamante Hospital in Kingston at no cost to Jamaica.

“She was known for her dynamic and forceful personality and was a favourite caller to Wilmot ‘Mutty’ Perkins' radio talk show. She would sometimes argue with him on a range of topical issues in the 1990s,” Holness said. The prime minister also recalled that “Mrs Tortello often used a keen sense of humour to sharpen her strong political points. Her voice was easily identifiable and she was the only one to call him by the nickname, ‘Willy’.”

Fay Tortello He said that, “Miss T”, as she was popularly called, had no interest in sitting on large committees or boards. “Instead, she often quietly helped friends in need and supported causes in which she believed,” he said. Tortello leaves behind three children – sons George and Philip Crimarco, and daughter, Dr Rebecca Tortello Greenland, as well as seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. (Jamaica Observer)

REGIONAL PAGE 40

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

NJAC’s Daaga Dead At 81 Revolutionist and Founder of the National Joint Action Committee (NJAC), Makandal Daaga, born Geddes Granger, died yesterday at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital. Daaga, as he is popularly known, suffered a seizure while at his home in Laventille yesterday afternoon and was taken to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital for treatment. However, he died a short while later, about 1.35 pm. Daaga was the father of four children. On Saturday he would have celebrated his 81st birthday.

Political leader, Brother Wasim Mutema, yesterday described Daaga as a humanitarian, “he was one who fought for the rights of the people. His heart went out to the people. He wasn’t the type to think about status or educational backgrounds.” A close friend of the family said Daaga recently contracted a virus but was said to be fighting it and in good spirits. “He never was flat down in bed and he was walking, talking and doing everything as normal so we are just shock and saddened as to how sudden he left us,” the family friend said. In 2013, Daaga received the nation’s highest national award—The Order of the Republic of T&T—for work in the sphere of national service.

In 2010, Daaga was one of five political leaders that signed the Fyzabad Accord leading up to the 2010 General Election which saw the birth of the People’s Partnership. In the party’s 14-month performance review, during an interview with the T&T Guardian, Daaga threatened to walk from the People’s Partnership government if he felt that his people were being betrayed. He was bestowed with the position of Cultural Ambassador to Caricom by then prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

Persad-Bissessar, in a release yesterday, extended condolences to Daaga’s family and friends. She described Daaga’s journey as a monument to service, determination and fortitude. “When in April 2010 he said, ‘my dreams have come true… never again would you be servants in your own country, this land is yours’, it was the fulfilment of a long-held vision for a nation that could stand together as one people, above all other differences celebrated by our diversity,” Persad-Bissessar said.

“He was one of those elders whose advice I always treasured, as one who was already a seasoned veteran by the time I entered politics many years ago,” she added. Reminiscing, Persad-Bissessar said one of Daaga’s most timeless philosophies was “the people is the Government,” which, she added, was the talk he walked in his long march to political power, and in his time as ambassador extraordinaire. “What it meant to me was that true power resides in the men, women and young people whose lives we influence when we hold power, and therefore a vision for the future and mode of Government must come from those very people,” Persad-Bissessar said.

“As a pioneering politician, a social activist, a political elder and a Statesman, his forthright wisdom and boundless energy will be missed, and will never be forgotten. His fight was for the people, and in his life time, he was able to win power and indeed, did all he could to govern for the people. We are deeply saddened and send our hope for his family for God’s hand in this time of tragedy,” Persad-Bissessar said. Daaga had described himself as the “shadow minister” for Laventille, a community in which he spent his entire life.

Around Independence 1962, Daaga formed an organisation called Pegasus, which attracted some of the most prominent and influential persons of the day.

It was the first body to give national awards. It took the lead in honouring citizens long before any government national awards were introduced. It also took the lead in honouring national heroes, the first two being Arthur H. Mc Shine who was responsible for the Trinidad Cooperative Bank (the Penny Bank) and Captain Arthur Andrew Cipriani.

Five years after founding Pegasus, Daaga entered the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, and became president of the Guild of Undergraduates.

With an equal concern for national development, Daaga inspired the university toward a hitherto unseen type of student activism that ranged from teaching voluntarily in the more depressed areas to providing assistance in solving all types of communal problems.

In 1974 he was made leader of the Caribbean Steering Committee for the Sixth Pan African Conference that was held in Tanzania. This organisation had included the leadership of most, if not all progressive political organisations in the Caribbean, and included persons like Raymond Charlotte of Cayenne, Tim Hector of Antigua, Bobby Clarke of Barbados, Eusi Kwayana of Guyana, Maurice Bishop of Grenada. (Trinidad Guardian)

REGIONAL PAGE 41

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

NJAC’s Daaga Dead At 81 Revolutionist and Founder of the National Joint Action Committee (NJAC), Makandal Daaga, born Geddes Granger, died yesterday at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital. Daaga, as he is popularly known, suffered a seizure while at his home in Laventille yesterday afternoon and was taken to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital for treatment. However, he died a short while later, about 1.35 pm. Daaga was the father of four children. On Saturday he would have celebrated his 81st birthday.

Political leader, Brother Wasim Mutema, yesterday described Daaga as a humanitarian, “he was one who fought for the rights of the people. His heart went out to the people. He wasn’t the type to think about status or educational backgrounds.” A close friend of the family said Daaga recently contracted a virus but was said to be fighting it and in good spirits. “He never was flat down in bed and he was walking, talking and doing everything as normal so we are just shock and saddened as to how sudden he left us,” the family friend said. In 2013, Daaga received the nation’s highest national award—The Order of the Republic of T&T—for work in the sphere of national service.

In 2010, Daaga was one of five political leaders that signed the Fyzabad Accord leading up to the 2010 General Election which saw the birth of the People’s Partnership. In the party’s 14-month performance review, during an interview with the T&T Guardian, Daaga threatened to walk from the People’s Partnership government if he felt that his people were being betrayed. He was bestowed with the position of Cultural Ambassador to Caricom by then prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

Persad-Bissessar, in a release yesterday, extended condolences to Daaga’s family and friends. She described Daaga’s journey as a monument to service, determination and fortitude. “When in April 2010 he said, ‘my dreams have come true… never again would you be servants in your own country, this land is yours’, it was the fulfilment of a long-held vision for a nation that could stand together as one people, above all other differences celebrated by our diversity,” Persad-Bissessar said.

“He was one of those elders whose advice I always treasured, as one who was already a seasoned veteran by the time I entered politics many years ago,” she added. Reminiscing, Persad-Bissessar said one of Daaga’s most timeless philosophies was “the people is the Government,” which, she added, was the talk he walked in his long march to political power, and in his time as ambassador extraordinaire. “What it meant to me was that true power resides in the men, women and young people whose lives we influence when we hold power, and therefore a vision for the future and mode of Government must come from those very people,” Persad-Bissessar said.

“As a pioneering politician, a social activist, a political elder and a Statesman, his forthright wisdom and boundless energy will be missed, and will never be forgotten. His fight was for the people, and in his life time, he was able to win power and indeed, did all he could to govern for the people. We are deeply saddened and send our hope for his family for God’s hand in this time of tragedy,” Persad-Bissessar said. Daaga had described himself as the “shadow minister” for Laventille, a community in which he spent his entire life.

Around Independence 1962, Daaga formed an organisation called Pegasus, which attracted some of the most prominent and influential persons of the day.

It was the first body to give national awards. It took the lead in honouring citizens long before any government national awards were introduced. It also took the lead in honouring national heroes, the first two being Arthur H. Mc Shine who was responsible for the Trinidad Cooperative Bank (the Penny Bank) and Captain Arthur Andrew Cipriani.

Five years after founding Pegasus, Daaga entered the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, and became president of the Guild of Undergraduates.

With an equal concern for national development, Daaga inspired the university toward a hitherto unseen type of student activism that ranged from teaching voluntarily in the more depressed areas to providing assistance in solving all types of communal problems.

In 1974 he was made leader of the Caribbean Steering Committee for the Sixth Pan African Conference that was held in Tanzania. This organisation had included the leadership of most, if not all progressive political organisations in the Caribbean, and included persons like Raymond Charlotte of Cayenne, Tim Hector of Antigua, Bobby Clarke of Barbados, Eusi Kwayana of Guyana, Maurice Bishop of Grenada. (Trinidad Guardian) Makandal Daaga

REGIONAL PAGE 42

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

Crime patrol cop charged with robbing family, while in uniform A Police Constable was remanded in State custody to today following his appearance before an Arima Magistrate yesterday charged with robbing a Carapo family of cash and other items, including a car, while wearing his police operational uniform.

Richard Radix, aged 29 , is a father of three children and lives at Santa Rosa Heights, Arima. He appeared before Magistrate Indar Jagroo charged with robbing the Carapo family and their relatives of $135,000 is cash, jewellery, smart televisions, cellular telephones and a Mitsubishi Lancer station wagon. Up to the time of his arrest he worked at the La Horquetta Police Station's Crime Patrol Unit.

Radix was arrested at the Arima Police Station when he reportedly heard, “his name being called,” relative to the robbery. It was alleged that the offences occurred during the early hours of July 30 when according to the charges as read, SRP Radix along with other persons went to the Lakeview Road, Carapo home where they held up seven people. As a result a total of four counts of robbery with aggravation charges were read while one count of house-breaking with intent was also read. Representing the interests of Radix was attorney, Don Lezama who appealed for bail for client.

He cited that the offence was bailable even in the face of the Anti gang act which allows a Magistrate to deny bail to an accused for up to 120 days if it is alleged that the individual used a gun in the committing of a crime. The provisions of the Act however have a 'sunset clause' and is expected to expire on August 15, 2016 as the bill requires a special majority in parliament in order to be extended but with the current Opposition not supporting the extension of this bill it is expected that the automatic denial of bail for gun and gang related offences will be an option no longer be available to Magistracy.

Court Prosecutor Sgt Bain however objected to the request of the defence attorney stating that, “the court should respect the act which says he's not entitled to bail and the charge was being armed with a gun he did rob x, y and z and his having a gun puts him squarely in the bail denial act.” In the end Magistrate Jagroo adjourned SRP Radix's matter to today. “I don't think that the court could comment on that sunset clause that expires on August 15,” said Magistrate Jagroo who assured that he will make a decision on Radix's bail. (Trinidad Express)

Charged: Special Reserve Police Constable Richard Radix (face partially hidden), on his way to the Arima Magistrates' Court on Monday.

REGIONAL PAGE 43

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

Garcia: Talk About Rowley Disrespectful

Education Minister Anthony Garcia says people are making a big deal about the health of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and it was also disrespectful to the PM. Garcia said so as the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and other Cabinet members remained mum on medical examinations done by Rowley at a clinic in California, USA, yesterday. Garcia said, “I don’t know why people are making such a big deal.

There shouldn’t be all this speculation that is rife all over the place.This is disrespectful to the office holder too.” Garcia said he holds firmly to the view that a Cabinet member’s health is his personal business. “If he prefers, he can disclose it to the public,” he added. Garcia said a relative of his who served as a minister had health issues and disclosed it to the public but on her own volition.

OPM’s communications researcher, Amanda Reason, said she had no information to disclose to the public at the time on Rowley’s medical tests at the US clinic.“As soon as we have information we will disclose it to the public,” she said yesterday.

Rowley, who left for the US last week, indicated in an electronic message to a daily newspaper the medical tests were prompted by “changes” relating to his health his local doctors felt should be investigated further. He said the examinations should take about a week and as soon as he is able to travel, he will return home. Rowley also said he believed one’s health should remain personal even if he is a public figure. However, public speculation about the PM’s health continues to be widespread, with many citizens, including political analysts and public figures, stating Rowley should come clean about his medical condition.

His Cabinet colleagues contacted by the T&T Guardian for a response on the issue would not talk, one even stating a government minister’s health is his personal business. Political analyst, Dr Winford James, on the other hand, said precisely because a prime minister is a public figure, he ought to disclose issues about his health. The question, he said, was how much. Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said, “I have nothing to say on the health of the Prime Minister. Let the Office of the Prime Minister deal with that.” Public Administration and Communications Minister Maxie Cuffie said he had nothing further to add to what the PM had said about his health.

Several calls to the cell phone of Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Stuart Young were met with a voice recording. Disclosure critical Stressing he was talking about any holder of high political office and not Rowley, James said it is important the population knows as much as possible about such an office holder because he represents us at home and abroad.

“No question, we ought to know. The question is how much. “While we should not get into the details, which can be sensitive, certainly if a prime minister has, say, cancer, the public should be informed.” Referring directly to Rowley, James said it was not known if the Prime Minister went to the US to treat an existing medical condition or for a possible precautionary check up.

“My information is that he is taking this opportunity to do a comprehensive medical check up on this trip. “You have that provision in insurance you know. And when he signs out (of the clinic) he can come back and tell us.” James added, “Except we have reason to doubt, the Prime Minister said he is doing a medical check up. And when he is done we must ask if all is well.

“And if all is not well he should say what it is. This is normal in a democracy. People have certain expectations about the health of a public figure. “Obama can’t be sick without the American press knowing about it.” James said Rowley has to judge whether he will give the public information and not jeopardise his political fortunes as a prime minister and his Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley party’s fortunes as the ruling party. (Trinidad Guardian)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 44

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

Israeli Woman And Baby Kept At Airport In DNA Case An Israeli woman and a baby who returned from Sri Lanka have been kept at Tel Aviv airport since Saturday amid questions over the child's origins. Galit Nakash is to take a DNA test to determine if the girl is her biological daughter, following a court hearing. If the results are negative, authorities say they will return the child to Sri Lanka straight away. Ms Nakash was stopped when airport officials found she had used another child's passport to leave Sri Lanka. She says she gave birth at a hospital in Sri Lanka during a business trip but that her visa application for the baby, named Tahel, was turned down.

On Tuesday a court in Tel Aviv accepted her request to undergo a DNA test in Israel. Ms Nakash's lawyer, Matan Hodorov, said his client and the one-year-old child are being moved to a facility at Ayalon prison in Ramle until the results of the test are known on Friday. Mr Hodorov said Ms Nakash, 49, turned down an Israeli request to take a DNA test while she was in Sri Lanka because she did not trust the process there.

He said when Ms Nakash, who runs an export business and comes from Tel Aviv, re-entered Israel, the passport she used for Tahel carried the name of a different child. However he said he was "confident the DNA test will prove Galit is the mother [of Tahel].

"We have all the correct medical documents from the hospital in Sri Lanka where she was born," he told the BBC. Suspicions raised The Israeli foreign ministry said Ms Nakash was denied a visa for Tahel

because officials had doubts about her story.

"There were a few indications which raised a certain amount of suspicion," spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said. "That is why we did not allow the child and Galit to enter the State of Israel. "It doesn't mean she is wrong but we have a legal duty to check it out. If the DNA tests show she's the mother then that's wonderful and the problem is over. If not, the child will immediately be sent back to where she came from, as required under the Hague Convention [on child abduction]," Mr Nahshon said. "Nobody is trying to take the child away or create a tragedy, but the circumstances are extremely suspicious." (BBC)

The woman and baby were stopped on arrival at Israel's main international airport(REUTERS)

Israeli Woman And Baby Kept At Airport In DNA Case An Israeli woman and a baby who returned from Sri Lanka have been kept at Tel Aviv airport since Saturday amid questions over the child's origins. Galit Nakash is to take a DNA test to determine if the girl is her biological daughter, following a court hearing. If the results are negative, authorities say they will return the child to Sri Lanka straight away. Ms Nakash was stopped when airport officials found she had used another child's passport to leave Sri Lanka. She says she gave birth at a hospital in Sri Lanka during a business trip but that her visa application for the baby, named Tahel, was turned down.

On Tuesday a court in Tel Aviv accepted her request to undergo a DNA test in Israel. Ms Nakash's lawyer, Matan Hodorov, said his client and the one-year-old child are being moved to a facility at Ayalon prison in Ramle until the results of the test are known on Friday. Mr Hodorov said Ms Nakash, 49, turned down an Israeli request to take a DNA test while she was in Sri Lanka because she did not trust the process there.

He said when Ms Nakash, who runs an export business and comes from Tel Aviv, re-entered Israel, the passport she used for Tahel carried the name of a different child. However he said he was "confident the DNA test will prove Galit is the mother [of Tahel].

"We have all the correct medical documents from the hospital in Sri Lanka where she was born," he told the BBC. Suspicions raised The Israeli foreign ministry said Ms Nakash was denied a visa for Tahel

because officials had doubts about her story.

"There were a few indications which raised a certain amount of suspicion," spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said. "That is why we did not allow the child and Galit to enter the State of Israel. "It doesn't mean she is wrong but we have a legal duty to check it out. If the DNA tests show she's the mother then that's wonderful and the problem is over. If not, the child will immediately be sent back to where she came from, as required under the Hague Convention [on child abduction]," Mr Nahshon said. "Nobody is trying to take the child away or create a tragedy, but the circumstances are extremely suspicious." (BBC)

The woman and baby were stopped on arrival at Israel's main international airport(REUTERS)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 45

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

Israel: 'Gaza UN Worker Helped Hamas’ Israel has charged a UN aid worker from Gaza with using his position to help the militant Hamas movement, in the second such case in a week. Israel's Shin Bet security agency said Waheed Borsh, an employee with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Gaza since 2003, admitted aiding Hamas. It said he used UN resources to build a military jetty and prioritised rebuilding homes of Hamas members.

Last week Israel charged a Gaza charity chief with diverting funds to Hamas. It said Mohammed Halabi, World Vision's Gaza project manager, channelled millions of dollars of charity money to military uses. Mr Halabi's lawyer said his client denied the allegations. In a statement, the UNDP said it was "greatly concerned by the allegation" against Mr Borsh, adding it had "zero tolerance for wrongdoing in all of its programmes and projects". The organisation said it hoped he would be given a fair trial.

Other suspects In a statement on Tuesday, Shin Bet (ISA) said Waheed Borsh, 38, had been arrested on 16 July. It said he had been instructed by Hamas to ensure UNDP projects would benefit the militant group. The ISA said Mr Borsh confessed to carrying out activities that aided Hamas. This included informing the group when weapons or tunnel openings were found in houses where UNDP workers were operating, it said. As a result "Hamas would take control of the site and confiscate the arms and other materials," the ISA said.

Concealed tunnels have been dug by militants for use in carrying out attacks on Israel. Mr Borsh is also alleged to have persuaded his managers to focus on rehabilitating areas where Hamas members live. Parts of Gaza were heavily damaged in the war between Hamas and Israel in 2014 and are still being rebuilt. Shin Bet said Mr Borsh had revealed that other Palestinians working for aid organisations were also working for Hamas.

Hamas said the allegations were "incorrect and baseless" and part of Israeli efforts "to tighten the siege of the Gaza Strip by prosecuting international relief organisations". Israel said it expected the UN to "unequivocally condemn Hamas for exploiting the humanitarian aid system for its own aims and... to ensure that humanitarian activities actually assist those in need in Gaza instead of assisting the terrorist leaders of Hamas". Hamas is designated a Israel said Waheed Borsh used his position to serve terrorist group by Israel, the US, EU, and UK Hamas' interests(ISRAEL SECURITY AGENCY) among other countries. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 46

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

Delta Cancels 300 More Flights After Power Cut

US airline Delta has cancelled at least 300 more flights after a power cut on Monday that resulted in the cancellation of 1,000 flights and delays for about 2,800 more. The company has not yet given details about the financial damage. But correspondents say it is likely to amount to millions of dollars. The meltdown exposes vulnerabilities in Delta's computer system, which is over-reliant on IT systems that date from the 1990s, correspondents say.

Although the airline was back online late on Monday, it was still dealing with the knock-on effects a day later. Its main challenge will be to find sufficient seats on planes during the busy summer holiday season for tens of thousands of passengers whose flights were cancelled. The flight tracking service FlightStats said there were nearly 600 delayed flights on Tuesday, with cancelled flights closer to 330. More than 1,000 people spent Monday night at Narita airport outside Tokyo, with Delta spokeswoman Hiroko Okada

More than 1,000 people spent Monday night at Narita airport outside Tokyo(AP)

warning that more delays were expected. There were similar scenes earlier in the day throughout the US. "We were able to bring our systems back on line and resume flights within a few hours yesterday but we are still operating in recovery mode," a Delta statement said on Tuesday. The problems began when a switchgear, that helps to control and switch power flows in the same way as a circuit breaker does in people's homes, malfunctioned for reasons that were not immediately clear, experts say. The Atlanta-based airliner says it will pay compensation to customers affected by significant delays or cancellations.

The meltdown raises questions over a recent wave of four US airline mergers that resulted in four large carriers controlling 85% of domestic capacity, The Wall Street Journal reported. It says this has resulted in the creation of companies that are too large and too dependent on IT systems that date from the 1990s. Delta merged with Northwest Airlines eight years ago.

Computer systems used by the airlines control everything from flight dispatching, crew scheduling, passenger checkins, airport departure information and ticket sales. They are gradually being phased out and updated but remain vulnerable, IT experts quoted by the newspaper said. The disruption was so severe on Monday that, at one point, Delta warned passengers that information provided by its employees, website and app may be out of date.

The overnight power failure took place in Atlanta, near Delta's headquarters, the company said, causing computer systems to crash. Many travellers posted their unhappiness on social media, making #Delta a top trending topic. The airline serves about 180 million customers a year, employing over 80,000 people, its website says.(BBC)

Texas Baby Dies From Zika-Linked Defect A baby born in Texas with the Zika-linked birth defect microcephaley has died, health officials say. The baby was infected in the womb while the mother was travelling in Latin America, though state officials have not identified where. Harris County, where the baby was born, now has two reported cases of babies born with microcephaley. The defect causes abnormally small heads and possibly other developmental damage.

The case is the first Zika-related death reported in Texas. The Zika virus, frequently transmitted by mosquitoes, often causes no symptoms, but is particularly dangerous for pregnant women. In a statement, the Texas Department of Health Services said there was no risk of locally contracted Zika in Texas. There are 97 cases of the virus in Texas.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said nationwide there are 15 cases of Zika-related birth defects and six pregnancies losses associated with infection. The baby's death comes a day after Florida health officials identified a man in

West Palm Beach who had contracted the virus. Florida is the only state in the US to have local cases of Zika. Seventeen people in Miami contracted the virus from mosquitoes in the Wynwood neighbourhood. (BBC)

We d n e s d a y A u g u s t 1 0 , 2 0 1 6 n r u T e s er a v e l o P

LOCAL PAGE 49

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

More Venezuelans Charged With Entering Guyana Illegally Magistrate Leron Daly today fined five Venezuelan women GY$20,000 each and ordered to be deported after they pleaded guilty to entering Guyana illegally on July 25. The five women are Julio Federo, Kiona Guadara, Maria Federo, Yolalo Sanchez and Lana Diana Kareen.

It is alleged that on the date in question, the five women came from Venezuela by means of sea on a motor vessel and entered Guyana at Eteringbang, Cuyuni, Essequibo without the legal consent of an immigration officer. This matter is the second of the nature to appear before the court this week and third in three weeks seeing 21 Venezuelan Nationals so far being caught, charged and passed before the court for illegal entry into Guyana. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

Public Servants To Be Trained In Spanish

Over fifty (50) Public Servants are to benefit from training in the Spanish language under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ third Spanish course through collaboration with the Republic of Colombia. The course will begin on Tuesday, August 16 at the Ministry’s Foreign Service Institute, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive. Public Servants will be taught the principles of the foreign language.

Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia, Ronald Austin during his remarks at the orientation session today, at the Foreign Service Institute said that in Guyana “we have adopted a mentality whereas we don’t believe that we have to learn the language of any other country, they should learn ours.” The programme will be facilitated by Professor Nelson Hernan Giraldo Sanguino, who holds a Candidate to Master’s Degree in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language, Bachelor’s Degree in Foreign Languages, and a Diploma in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language. Sanguino has taught at several institutions, academies and universities.

The sessions will be held on Tuesdays through Thursdays and will last for a period of four months. Sandra Chung, Foreign Service Officer 2, Desk Officer of the Guyana South America Bilateral Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that in 2013 and 2014, several Public Servants also benefited from this training. The participants received a certificate from the National University of Colombia. She added that in April 2014, the two countries’ governments signed an agreement to promote Spanish as a foreign language. Guyana and Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia, Ronald Austin and Professor Nelson Hernan Giraldo Sanguino along with Sandra Chung, Foreign Service Officer 2, Desk Officer of the Colombia established bilateral relations on December 18, 1970 and has Guyana South America Bilateral Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the head table at the Ministry’s Spanish course orientation maintained a strong relationship ever since. (GINA)

Iwokrama To Have Modern Aerodrome – Celebrates 20 Years Of Preserving Lungs Of The Earth Flying in and out of Iwokrama will soon be made easier. The National Assembly approved $110M for the extension of the Fairview Airstrip, in Region Nine, by 4,200 feet to accommodate larger aircraft. Fairview is the only indigenous community within Iwokrama’s boundaries and close to the Iwokrama Centre for Rainforest Conservation. During an examination of requests on Monday, in the National Assembly, for Supplementary provisions to complete the project, Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson told the House that the construction of this modern aerodrome and the extension of the airstrip at Fairview will boost Iwokrama and its work in preserving the ‘lungs of the world.’

“Fairview airstrip was always plagued with a rock bar, which will shorten the runway; we were able with the help of the army to remove that rock bar…when it’s completed there is a road around it, when the airstrip is done there will be a fence for security reasons; there is a walk in area just not an airstrip,” Minister Patterson advised the National Assembly. Cash-strapped Iwokrama is currently working to change its financial model as it cannot rely solely on donor funds. The Centre is actively marketing itself through tourism. It gets an average of 11001300 tourists annually. With the advent of the rehabilitated Fairview Airstrip, the Centre will be looking to attract more visitors and thereby increase its earnings.

Recently, Prime Minster Moses Nagamootoo and a team including Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock visited the centre and also met with the Toshao, Lucy Marselow and residents of Fairview. During that meeting the Prime Minister advised that the world is facing climate change and the sustenance of projects like Iwokrama is important.

“Having a modern aerodrome here is going to be of tremendous benefit to you; you may be inconvenienced now, you may feel a little bit shortchanged that you have to make some sacrifice, but you have to look for the long-term betterment when businesses will start developing here, jobs will be created, more people will come in,” the Prime Minister said. Iwokrama’s mission is to promote the conservation and the sustainable and equitable use of tropical rain forests in a manner that leads to lasting ecological, economic, and social benefits to Guyanese and to the world in general. This is being achieved by undertaking research, training, and the development and dissemination of technologies.

(GINA)

LOCAL PAGE 50

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

Cop To Be Grilled For Attempted Murder

A Police Officer is expected to appear in court today to answer to charges of attempted murder, which occurred in Itaballi, Region 7. It is alleged that on August 5, 2016 the Officer responded to reports of domestic violence by Shawn Simmons. It is further alleged that upon arrival at the scene, the officer physically assaulted the man when his weapon went off and wounded Simmons in the back.

Simmons was rushed to the Bartica Hospital and was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. This newspaper understands that the Officer fled the scene and was subsequently arrested at Tipperu Crossing. The Office of Professional Responsibility of the Guyana Police Force had since intervened and investigations are continuing. A full story will be provided later in the day.

New GPC Accuses Health Minister Of Lying; Says Storage Of Drugs Was Free The New GPC Company, owned by Bobby Ramroop, has dismissed claims by Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton, who told the National Assembly on Monday that government paid New GPC $19.2M per month for rental of its 70,000 sq ft warehouse for storage of pharmaceuticals. A statement from New GPC on Wednesday revealed that the company has been storing pharmaceuticals at its warehouse free of charge to the government for more than a decade up to March 1, 2016.

Dr Norton told the National Assembly on Monday that government was paying the New GPC $19.2 million a month to store the pharmaceuticals and wanted a cheaper facility. He later said that with the “exorbitant price called by the New GPC” there was an urgency to find a new storage facility. As such, the government now pays the new rental company, registered as Linden Holding Company, $12.5 million a month and according to the minister there was no public tendering because it “was an emergency.”

But according to New GPC’s statement, “The corporation invested hundreds of millions into the most extensive and modern warehousing facility for the Government’s pharmaceuticals. The NEW GPC storage warehouse facility of 70,000 square feet had been provided free of cost to the GHPC and the Ministry of Health. It has the necessary equipment, staff, IT, security, certification and sanitation to comply with WHO/PAHO standards,” the statement noted.

According to the statement, the facility also has three separate temperature control zones for the storage of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals in addition to a separate area for the storage of controlled substances. “It also has testing facilities for pharmaceuticals as well as several loading docks to handle the multiple containers that are usual in the government procurement shipment.”

The statement further clarified after the Ministry of Public Health indicated substantive and substantial alterations in the old bidding procedure for pharmaceuticals on March 1, 2016, government approached the NEWGPC to continue providing storage for pharmaceuticals for the Ministry of Public Health and the GPHC. “At that point the corporation indicated it would charge the government a rate of $237/sq foot for the state of the art storage facility.

At this time, contrary to the asseverations of the Minister in Parliament, the NEWGPC has not received a single cent from the government for the rentals due since March 1, 2016 even though there are substantial quantities of pharmaceuticals being stored in the warehouse,” the statement clarified. “There have also been references attributed to Government officials about a “previous" rental agreement. This is totally false: NEWGPC always provided its warehouse free of charge.”

LOCAL PAGE 51

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

GRA To Hunt Down Businesses That Elude VAT The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will now be hunting down businesses that have been eluding Value Added Tax (VAT), which Commissioner General Godfrey Statia said is causing billions in losses for the Authority.

At a press conference on Monday, Statia indicated that the GRA was shifting gears to focus on enforcement activities as there were instances where VAT leakages occurred and this cost the authority billions of dollars.

Also at the press conference was Finance Minister Winston Jordan who stated that the GRA had “let the Government down” when it comes to VAT refunds and collections.

“I feel this is an area that GRA has really let the Government down in many ways in aspects of refunds, not paying people their refunds on time, people benefiting from refunds they should not have received,” the Minister said.

According to him, in many instances the VAT department of GRA acted like a “post office”, pointing out that the VAT refunds were a heavy financial burden that the coalition Government inherited. Adding to the Minster's statement, Statia said measures were in place to overhaul the criteria for granting VAT exemptions which has amounted to as much as $20 billion for the first half of 2016.

“What we are trying to do is to tighten it whereby ourselves – the Ministry of Finance, GO-Invest and GRA – we sit down and by which we could grant exemptions rather than being granted on a willy-nilly basis as I have seen,” he said.

He also indicated that GRA has paid out $2 billion in refunds for the year and that figure was projected to climb to $5 billion by the end of the year. By- Pablo Cupido, Guyana Daily News.

LOCAL PAGE 52

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

Police Constable Granted Bail On Attempted Murder Charge Police Constable Lyndon Thompson appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, charged with the attempted murder of Shawn Simmons at Itaballi Landing, Region Seven on August 5, 2016. The court heard that on the day in question, he unlawfully discharged a firearm at Simmonds. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on GY$150,000 bail; the police rank is slated to return to court on September 6, 2016 before the Chief Magistrate.

Through his lawyer, the court heard that Thompson has been a Constable in the Guyana Police Force for six years and he has a 4-year-old daughter. The prosecution did not object to bail but requested that Thompson lodge his passport and report to the “F” division office of the Guyana Police Force once per week. His lawyer further told the court that there is a misunderstanding in the Prosecution’s facts, stating that his client was on duty and responded to a domestic violence complaint.

According to the lawyer, when Thompson arrived on the scene Simmons was still in the act of being violent against a woman and Thompson along with others tried to stop him. The lawyer alleged that Simmons continued to behave in an irrational manner and tried to grab Thompson’s gun when he was shot. The attorney stated that his client, with the help of others, put Simmons into a boat and transported him to the Bartica Hospital where he was treated. -BY- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

Fisherman Charged With Possession Of Marijuana

Magistrate Leron Daly today released Trevor Hopkinson on GY$50,000 bail for the illegal possession of 47.2 grams of cannabis with the intent of trafficking. Hopkinson will return before the Chief Magistrate on September 14, 2016. Defense Attorney, Ronald Daniels informed the court that his client is a 29 - year - old resident of West Ruimveldt and has a 10 month old daughter whom he provides for.

The court was further informed that the accused is a fisherman at the Pritipaul Singh Wharf. The Defense lawyer stated that Hopkinson was at a shop in West Ruimveldt to purchase a drink and was sitting on a bench with others. The lawyer said ranks on police patrol stopped and searched the men and found nothing; however a search was conducted around the area when the ranks found a bag which contained the said narcotics and blamed his client. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

Huge Cocaine Bust At CJIA A West Coast Demerara man is in police custody after over 100 pounds of cocaine was found in a shipment of frozen fish and shrimp at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). The discovery was made on Tuesday evening by ranks from the Police Narcotics Branch. This newspaper understands that the shipment was intended for New York. Police are on the hunt for other suspects. In Guyana, there are several cases of cocaine being hidden in sanitary pads, frozen fishes, shrimps and achar. As a result of the the intent of the government is to decrease the circulation of the illegal substance by increasing the security of entry and exit spots such as airports and borders. by Rocial Perez-Guyana Daily News

LOCAL PAGE 53

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

First Lady makes financial donation to Rotaract Club's Operation BOOST Georgetown, Guyana – (August 9, 2016) First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, today, made a financial contribution to the Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central's Operation BOOST, which targets 150 nursery and primary age students in Lima Sands, Essequibo Coast, Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two).

The project aims to, firstly, to provide 150 backpacks and school supplies for students from both the Lima Sands Nursery and the Lima Sands Primary schools on August 20. The group also plans to enhance the Lima Sands Nursery School by providing outdoor playfield equipment, repainting its interior walls and renovating its library. A medical outreach exercise will also be held to benefit the entire community.

The First Lady met with club President, Mr. Cecil Maxwell, Community Services Director, Ms. Sheena McLean, Club Secretary, Ms. Laurel Dundas, Assistant Community Services Director, Mr. Ashley Bailey at her State House office. Mr. Andrew Boyle, member of the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central, the parent club of the Rotaract group, also attended the meeting.

“I am happy to support any project that supports children's development and I found the Rotaract project to be a worthy one,” the First Lady said.

Mr. Maxwell acknowledged that his group needs monetary support to realise the success of this project. As such, he extended gratitude to the First Lady for her financial support. “Like any other project it is a hefty cost so we try as much as possible to reach out to the private sector and as much as possible to the Government as well. The First Lady [responded] to our call and …donated to this project… she has agreed First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger is flanked by, financially to provide the support we need to [realise] this project,” he from left to right, Mr. Ashley Bailey, Mr. Cecil Maxwell, Mr. Andrew Boyle, Ms. Sheena McLean said.

MOTP PRESS RELEASE and Ms. Laurel Dundas, at State House

REGIONAL PAGE 54

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

Possible Increase Of Gas Prices By Year End, Venezuela’s President Optimistic The crude oil prices reflect oscillations in prices of diesel and gasoline, which has a direct correlation with the economy; when prices drop, a country with a strong currency experiences a greater drop than those countries that do not. Price and demand also go hand to hand. The lower the demand, the lower the price, the higher the demand the higher the price.

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) plays a vital role in the change in any figure into the price of the crude oil as well. This powerful organization is composed by 12 of the major petroleum producers worldwide, with Venezuela as one of their founders.

The slight increase in the global demand could slowly boost the oil prices. In today’s publication of Venezuelan Newspaper “El Mundo” an article quoted President Nicolas Maduro, who alluded to the ‘high’ possibilities of oil prices to increase in a short period of time. According to the article, during his television show, Maduro pointed out how the internal economy should and will be prepared for the President Nicolas Maduro increase in the crude prices, this one with an estimate figure of $70 dollars the barrel. “The economy will perfectly assimilate it and it will be a push for the global economic growth,” Maduro was quoted as saying.

On that matter, he pointed how this conclusion was made after having conversations with Saudi Arabia’s King Salmán bin Abdulaziz,Catar’s Emir and the Iran president. He also stated how a notice was sent to Russian President, Vladimir Putting, and communications about the matter are held with president of Ecuador, Rafael Correa and other (OPEC) members with the purpose to arrange a series of meeting for August and September to “review and re-launch plans that allowed us to stabilize the first semester, even though this ones were faced in a moderated way, and still low as the oil crude prices are $40 dollars the barrel.”

With Venezuela’s economy on the brink of a crisis, and largely based on the petroleum sector, the rise of the crude oil prices could signify a start for changes. Positives or negatives are yet to be seen.

Source: http://www.elmundo.com.ve/noticias/petroleo/industria/maduro--el-precio-...

-By- Rocio Perez, Guyana Daily News.

REGIONAL PAGE 55

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

Daaga remembered (Cont’d) As for bringing African and Indians together, albeit for a brief time, Shah said he was not sure that stemmed from Daaga alone since decisions were made collectively by others in his group, including Winston Lennard, George Weekes, Kafra Kambon and a lot of others. He recalled the unity march from Port-of-Spain to Caroni on February 26, 1970 was under the banner, Africans and Indians Unite. “NJAC has to take credit for reaching out to Indians too. There was a large response from sugar workers in particular, who united with NJAC. “Others came out their homes during the march to Couva and applauded and gave water and fruit,” he added. Shah said after Daaga came out of prison he became reclusive and NJAC became a shadow of itself.

Oil dollars were flowing and the Williams adminstration doled out generously to perceived political opponents in a successful bid to quell them, he said. “When the 1986 general election came around, not one NJAC candidate got 1,000 votes.”

Shah said by the time Daaga went on the People’s Partnership platform in 2010, he was but a shadow of himself, due to age.

“He was 75 and no longer possessed his former oratorial skills. The PP appointed him a Caricom ambassador plenipotentiary but little is known about his activities in this sphere.”

Shah said he last saw Daaga in 2009 at the launch of a documentary on the Black Power Revolution at MovieTowne.

Sunity Maharaj. Media worker, Sunity Maharaj, wife of deceased Lloyd Best, who headed the Tapia House Movement which supported Black Power, said Daaga’s place in T&T’s history was assured. “In one of the thresholds between political independence and real independence, he emerged as one of the leading figures.” Daaga, she said, would be remembered for leading a movement to help black youths get an equal place in society and equal opportunities. “There were many who came out of university in 1962 who really felt they would have gotten a place in society but that was not so,” she said. She said Daaga helped raise, not just black, but national consciousness. “He made us all aware of discrimination on the basis of colour and race.” She said his actions pushed the Williams government to change its policies and come out and mingle more with the people. Dr Keith Rowley Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, who is in the US undergoing medical examinations, sent condolences to family, friends and colleagues on the passing of Daaga. Lauding Daaga’s contribution to T&T, he said: “Mr Daaga made his mark as a political activist in the 1970s as leader of the Black Power Movement. “He was not afraid to challenge the status quo, speak up against injustice and advocate for equality. “Even in the latter years of his life, he continued to be a presence on the political landscape of Trinidad and Tobago which, undoubtedly, attested to the fact that his interest in the development of our twin island state never waned. "I join the rest of the national community in mourning the loss of Mr Daaga and hold up his loved ones in prayer. May he rest in peace.” In 2012, Rowley, at a public meeting, chastised Daaga for not speaking out against insufficient funding given to the Emancipation Support Committee for emancipation celebrations that year. He said Daaga was silent because he was “eating ah food” in the then government. He said Daaga’s biggest input into the People's Partnership government was the creation of the "absolute nonsense" Ministry of National Diversity and Social Integration”. Several people associated with Daaga the T&T Guardian spoke to felt those statements did not mean Rowley did not respect Daaga. Kambon said it may have been a political statement made in a certain context but did not necessarily mean that was how Rowley measured the whole man. Kwasi Mutema, NJAC chief servant, said he felt one should rise above those statements at this point in time and Daaga himself would not have placed any importance on it. Maxie Cuffie, Public Administration and Communications Minister, said: “A man is dead and the Prime Minister sent condolences. “If he didn’t, they would ask why. This is not the kind of question the media should be asking at this time.” Acting Prime Minister Colm Imbert has also offered condolences on the passing of Daaga. “On behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, I join with the national community in extending heartfelt condolences to the Daaga family in this time of grief. “His leadership of the Black Power Movement in the 1970s brought about far- reaching change which have helped to shape the social and political reality of Trinidad and Tobago.”

(Trinidad Guardian) Makandal Daaga

REGIONAL PAGE 56

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

Khan Orders More Corporation Audits Local Government Minister Franklin Khan says audits for other regional corporations will begin at week’s end. He made the comment yesterday following the court appearances on Monday of four Couva/Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation (CTTRC) employees on corruption charges. Speaking to reporters at a Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (Cariri’s) seminar, Khan said the allegations were a cause for concern. “Four officers from the CTTRC, public servants I might add, have been charged with accusations of corruption and I don’t want to comment on that in any detail because it is before the courts but it really does not look good in terms of the corporation and its management.”

While he declined to say which of the other 13 regional corporations would be audited, Khan said he had started the ball rolling.

“It is something we have heard of a lot in the local government reform consultation, that there are instances of possible corruption in the corporations and I have requested the permanent secretary to conduct audits in the specific corporations that I will not name right now, to see if this thing is more widespread than we think. The audit will start later this week by internal auditors from the Ministry of Local Government,” he added. With local government reform aimed at giving greater autonomy to the corporations coming, Khan said Central Government would have to keep a close eye on the situation.

During his feature address, Khan told those present from the corporations that they must take their jobs as accounting officers seriously. “Those of you who are public officers and are accountable for state resources, take that job seriously. “During local government reform consultation, which was strange to me, most of the accusations of corruption were not levelled against the councils, it comes to the administration, because you are the guys that effect the work and you are the ones who sign the documents that the work is certified correct and done, etc.

“It is your names that sign on the cheques.

At the end of the day, if an investigation has to take place it is not the council or the chairman, it’s not the mayor. The only cheque the mayor could sign is from the Mayor’s Fund,” he said. Revealing that Cabinet had approved $100 million for rural development last week, Khan called for quality assurance on all future projects. “Quality assurance must be applied at every step of the process, from the tendering process to the planning and execution of the work and detailed assessments before certification is approved.

“Quality assurance is so important. Something has gone fundamentally wrong, both in terms of our cost estimate, our project and contract management,” he said. Questioning the high costs attached to projects, Khan said the ministry needed to come back down to basics. “All of a sudden, everything in Trinidad costs $100 million. You look at some of these projects and ask yourself what is it in these projects that cost $100 million? You look at a contract that has been awarded for $10 million to build a retaining wall and you ask yourself the question, where is this money going? We have to come back down to basics,” he added. (Trinidad Guardian) Franklin Khan

REGIONAL PAGE 57

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

OWTU Calls For Petrotrin Audit Former Petrotrin executives accused of paying themselves hefty pensions, performance bonuses and salaries to the tune of millions of dollars, must be investigated and charged if found guilty. So said president general of the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union Ancel Roget as he called for a forensic audit into Petrotrin, following a media expose that Petrotrin was seeking to recover millions of dollars in unauthorised salary increases awarded retroactively to senior officials.

During a press conference at OWTU’s Paramount Headquarters yesterday, Roget warned that the OWTU would rise up and take action if wrongdoers were not investigated and punished. “We are not convinced that the board and minister are perusing aggressively those who are accused of wrong-doing. We had been raising those issues between 2010 and 2015 even as they continued to reorganise the company’s operations with no discussions from the union,” Roget said.

Saying the exposé was not surprising, Roget said the OWTU was hit with litigation for speaking out. Calling for a thorough investigation into corruption allegations, Roget added: “We believe these claims should be fully investigated.” He also said a “full financial forensic audit into the financial operations of Petrotrin between 2010 to 2015,” must be done, adding: “Definitive steps must be taken to recover all the money that was paid out.” Roget also condemned the officials for dipping into Petrotrin’s pension fund which was owned by the workers.

He also called for a freeze on any extra pension allotment given to the accused officials until their names were cleared. Roget further said that some of the officials were still benefitting from free housing, electricity, water, cable and security even though they were no longer part of the company. Officials respond Meanwhile, a former official who requested anonymity sought to justify the hefty salary increases saying by 2012 the management (non-unionised staff) had not received adjustments for five years and higher scales unionised employees were being paid more than lower level management employees.

He said in March 2012, the board approved a salary and grade schedule for some 200 members of management. The official said a salary increase was granted to former vice-president Kenneth Allum and former president Khalid Hassanali in their final months of service. “This is not an uncommon practice at Petrotrin. It is generally designed to facilitate the enhancement of an employee’s pension benefits by granting an increase in the last month or year of employment depending on the employee’s pensionable service and performance and the length of time since the employee’s last salary increase,” the source said.

He noted that a bonus to the president of up to six months base salary was an established Petrotrin policy and Hassanali’s salary was not finalised until May 2015 and applied retroactively to date of appointment as president in May 2012. The official also said none of the individuals gave themselves salary increases. “The increases for Allum and Hassanali were granted by the chairman, acting on authority given to him by the board. The vice-president of human resources and corporate services was required to sign off on these increases as an administrative requirement and to instruct payroll staff to implement the salary increases,” the source added. (Trinidad Guardian)

President general of the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) Ancil Roget displays a newspaper clipping on Petrotrin during a press conference yesterday at the union’s head office in San Fernando. Also in the photograph is general secretary Richard Lee, right. PHOTO: RISHI RAGOONATH

REGIONAL PAGE 58

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

NJAC Members Vow To Continue Daaga’s Dream Makandal Daaga’s words will still linger on among the elders of the National Joint Action Committee (NJAC) when he called on them to represent the soul of the movement. “On you depends the survival of the movement. You safeguard its spiritual strength,” Daaga said. The advice came from his book, Thoughts of Chief Servant Makandal Daaga, which was part of the shrine that was set up yesterday at NJAC’s office on Duke Street, Port-of-Spain.

Next to the shrine was a condolence book where scores of people were seen trickling in throughout the day to sign as part of their respects to a man, who most described as a “humble but yet powerful person.” In his advice to the elders, Daaga said they ought to reflect all that was good... “all the movement is aspiring to. While others ponder how to achieve, you are the achievement reflecting the recovery of all that was lost.

Be a light. “Study how to bring peace to the warring spirits among us, without putting yourself up as a peacemaker. You have to be able to bear the test of time,” Daaga said. Speaking to the T&T Guardian yesterday, NJAC’s deputy political leader, Embau Moheni, assured that NJAC leaders have vowed to continue Daaga’s dream of developing a united and enlightened population for the building of a strong nation. Knowing and standing by the side of Daaga for the past 46 years, Moheni described Daaga as a humanitarian because he (Daaga) believed in the people.

“One of the essences of the movement that he built was that he always told us our motivation must be the love of the people. That is why his members and supporters were willing to make personal sacrifices in the interest of the people beyond imagination,” Moheni said. He explained that Daaga’s NJAC was labelled incorrectly in the 70s as the Black Power Movement but was adamant to correct that “historical imposition,” saying that it was a movement for a new and just society in T&T. “Yes, there was black power in the air in the United States and it was a strategy used here to label us the Black Movement in a bid to alienate NJAC from the other ethnic groups but during the demonstration in March 12, 1970, which Daaga led he made it clear it was a march to foster racial and gender unity and harmony,” Moheni said.

“All efforts were made to stop it from taking place because they started saying that we will go into the Indian communities and take over the businesses and rape the women and rob them but the response we got was far more fantastic. “We were welcomed by the Indian community in Caroni and Couva. The meeting went on so late that night that there were no transport to take us back to Port-of-Spain and the people in the community took us into their homes for the night. It was a growing support ever since,” he added. Moheni said he believed that more needed to be done to enlighten the young people of the country.

“I am sure that the children do not know that Makandal in 1970 advocated that there must be a Caribbean exam for the people of the Caribbean and that is how CXC exams came about. “Also, pension benefits.

Daaga was the first man to say that any government who cannot serve the people cannot exist,” he added. Former Independent senator, Noble Khan, who also signed the condolence book yesterday, said he grew up with Daaga in the hills of Laventille and described him (Daaga) as a man with a strong personality.

“He was highly respected and a very pleasant person from my personal interactions with him. He displayed his strong personality well and I am fortunate to have known him and to have supported him throughout the years,” he said.

Daaga’s funeral will be held at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah, on Saturday, from 9 am. At the end of the service, the cortege will proceed from the Savannah to the Lapeyrouse Cemetery for Deputy political leader of the National Joint Action Committee (NJAC), Embau Moheni, interment. (Trinidad Guardian) signs the condolence book for founder Makandal Daaga, at NJAC's headquarters on Duke Street, Port-of-Spain, yesterday. Daaga passed away on Monday at the age of 80. Photo: SHIRLEY BAHADUR

REGIONAL PAGE 59

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

Man In Viral Accident Video Dies

Ezekiel Burton, 20, who was knocked down on Saturday morning, died at the Eric Williams Sciences Centre, Mt Hope, yesterday after being warded in the Intensive Care Unit for the past three days in a critical condition. According to police reports, Burton was struck by a black Honda Civic driven by Kevon James, 30, along Malabar Extension, Arima, on Saturday around 7 am. A video of the accident has been widely circulated on social networking platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook. In the video, Burton, of Tumpuna Villas, Malabar Extension, Arima, was seen attempting to cross the road after purchasing doubles.

On seeing the oncoming vehicle, Burton tried to get out of the way but slipped on the wet road. He was hit and thrown into the air, landing beneath a car parked nearby. The video initially gave the impression the driver had fled the scene, since he reversed his vehicle in the direction he came from and out of the view of the camera a few moments after hitting Burton but police said the man subsequently rendered assistance to Burton. When the T&T Guardian visited Burton’s home yesterday, only his younger sister was there and she said her mother was still at the hospital finalising paperwork.

Residents in the squatting community where Burton lived said the teen was a “cool one.” But speaking on CNC3’s Crime Watch yesterday, Burton’s mother, Vanessa, said her son was hit in front her eyes on his way to get her breakfast. The Pro Sports Bar employee was videotaped running towards her son after he was hit and thrown under a nearby car. She said: “I saw him and I get a feeling and he come and ask me what happen and then he offered to buy me something to eat. He come back with two pies but I didn’t want that I wanted doubles so he went back and get it for me and while on his way back to bring it for me it happened.”

The distraught mother said she kept praying and encouraging her son to hold on every time she visited him at the hospital.

She said she hoped there would now be a thorough investigation and her son’s death would not be swept under the carpet. In another fatal accident, motorcyclist Arnold Jones, who died after he was pinned beneath the wheels of a dump truck on Monday afternoon, was less than a mile from his home when he was killed. Speaking with the media at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, yesterday, his friend and fellow biker, Peter Stewart, said Jones’ death had bikers from acrosss the country in mourning.

He added that his 34-year-old friend only began riding about a year ago and did so for his job as a gardener. Stewart said his friend lived less than a mile from where he died. “We (bikers) have to keep our eyes open and look out for each other. You could master the bike but you can’t master the road,” Stewart said. According to police reports, around 2 pm the driver of the truck, belonging to Sat Sais Company Limited, was heading south along Mausica Road when Jones lost control of the bike and slid beneath the truck’s tyres. (Trinidad Guardian)

Ezekiel Burton

REGIONAL PAGE 60

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

Gov’t Committed To Reduction In Road Crashes KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – State Minister in the Ministry of National Security, Senator Pearnel Charles, Jr, says the Government is committed to implementing the “necessary measures” to ensure sustainable reduction in road crashes. Addressing a road-safety luncheon in honour of the United Nations Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, who visited yesterday, Senator Charles commended the various partners in the campaign to end motor-vehicle crashes, and emphasised that there is no option but to remain focused to achieve positive results.

“With all of us focused with shared interests and goals, we will have to be successful. There is no choice and no alternative,” he told the gathering at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, in New Kingston. Meanwhile, the UN envoy told the gathering that road crashes around the world are a problem, but there is a prescription. “It surrounds education, law enforcement, road infrastructure and vehicles,” Todt said. “If you put all your strengths together to change this trend, I am sure that you will achieve the results,” he told the audience. For his part, Commissioner of Police, Dr Carl Williams, said in addition to the work being done by the Traffic and Highway Division to have motorists obey traffic rules, all Jamaicans need to play their part to promote road safety.

“We have to raise public awareness to ensure that our motoring public don’t take to the roads to kill themselves,” he said.

Todt’s one-day visit included meetings with local road-safety stakeholders and persons involved in motor sport. Also attending the luncheon were senior traffic police personnel, and representatives from the National Road Safety Council Commissioner of Police, DrCarl Williams (second left), in discussion with United Nations Special Envoy for Road and motor-racing clubs. (Jamaica Observer) Safety, Jean Todt (left), at a road-safety luncheon, held yesterday, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, in New Kingston. Others (from third left) are Head of the Traffic and Highway Division, Senior Superintendent of Police, Calvin Allen and President of the Jamaica Automobile Association, Earl Jarrett.

Bahamas Parole Committee To Visit Jamaica, T&T NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) — Officials from the recently formed Parole and Probation Steering Committee have left here for visits to Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago as part of the consultative process towards the establishment of a Parole and Probation System in The Bahamas. The Steering Committee has been tasked with proposing a policy framework for a parole system and interventions for the seamless reintegration of past offenders into Bahamian society.

The Parole and Probation Steering Committee is chaired by Paul Farquharson, former Bahamas High Commissioner to London and Commissioner of Police. Retired Anglican Archbishop Reverend Drexel Gomez also serves as Co-Deputy Chairman of the Steering Committee. The team to Jamaica includes attorney Wayne Munroe and Assistant Superintendent of Police, Dr Dave Burrows, while the delegation to Port of Spain includes the Co-Deputy Chairman of the Parole and Probation Committee Dr Patrick Paul. The visits to the two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries follow earlier visits to Canada and the United States. Farquharson said the visits provide local experts with the opportunity to review systems in the developed and developing countries with a view to presenting a system that is designed specifically for The Bahamas. “While we will visit other jurisdictions to get a first-hand view of what they are doing, our process will not be to take what they are doing wholesale and apply them to The Bahamas. “We will ensure that whatever recommendations we make to the Government of The Bahamas with regards to the system that is put in place will reflect The Bahamas and is the best system for The Bahamas,” Farquharson added. A government statement said that the appointment of the Steering Committee is part of the Perry Christie government’s overarching strategy to address the challenges of crime and criminality and recidivism in the Bahamas through the introduction of the Citizens Security and Justice Programme that was launched on May 9, this year. “Under the present system, inmates are currently being released without any conditions or supervision,” Farquharson said, adding “this implementation of a Parole and Probation System will ensure that former inmates – when released, and many of them will be released eventually – are released under supervision and with conditions. “People are already released early. This is meant to supervise them once they are released. The implementation of this system will be a significant upgrade to what we currently have. Everything we will propose to the Government of The Bahamas is going to strengthen what presently exists,” Farquharson added. (Jamaica Observer)

REGIONAL PAGE 61

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

Parish Councillors Not Entitled To Vacation Leave, McKenzie Says KINGSTON, Jamaica — Local Government minister Desmond McKenzie has reiterated that local authorities are not entitled, under current law, to take a recess period at any point during a financial year. McKenzie was responding to a letter from the Association of Local Government Authorities of Jamaica (ALGAJ), in which it referred to the holding of a recess in the month of August, as setting a “precedent” for the practice to continue. According to a release from the ministry, the letter also referred to a “Parish Council Act, 2016”, and also, to the use of by-laws as empowering the local authorities to postpone any of their meetings “as the occasion warrants”.

McKenzie expressed disappointment that the umbrella body for the local authorities has not sufficiently familiarised itself with the legislative framework within which it exists. “First of all, there is no longer a Parish Council Act. This was repealed when the three strategic laws for the reform of Local Government, and in particular the Local Governance Act, came into effect in March this year. More importantly, neither the repealed Act, nor the current Act has any provision for any form of recess, to be taken in August, or any other month of the year.

“Section 32 of the Local Governance Act clearly states that a Council ‘shall hold monthly meetings for the transaction of general business.’ The word ‘shall’ means that all Councils must hold their meetings. They have no choice. “A notable practitioner of this is the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC), which, while I was mayor, and up to now under the leadership of Mayor Dr Angela Brown-Burke, continues to ensure that the people are served in every month of the year through the holding of the monthly meetings and related activities.” Councillors are not Members of Parliament, who are entitled to recess, and who are required to follow clear procedures in order to give effect to it, the release added.

Local Government Minister In this regard, the minister referred to Circular C02326 of Desmond McKenzie (file photo) November 1998 issued by the then Ministry of Finance and Planning on the subject of vacation leave. “Councillors…are not entitled to vacation leave. In the case of Parliamentarians, they are afforded a break from meetings by way of one month’s recess. A similar arrangement could be put in place for councillors if this is not already being practiced. At present, there are no legal instruments that make provision for the grant of vacation leave to political representatives in the local authorities." (Jamaica Observer)

REGIONAL PAGE 62

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

Daaga remembered Kafra Kambon, head of the Emancipation Support Committee, one of Makandal Daaga’s right hand men during the 1970s Black Power revolution, first met him when he was president of the guild at the University of the West Indies (UWI) in the late 1960s.

Daaga, born Geddes Granger, was the son of a mechanic and a housewife of Laventille Road, Laventille, who placed a strong emphasis on education. “Once Daaga took over the guild, students became more involved in the wider community.

“Students were encouraged to go into poorer communities like Laventille and give young people lessons and get involved with trade unions and civil groups,” Kambon recalled. Tracing his experience with Daaga, Kambon said a protest by students at the Sir George Williams University of Canada against a racist professor in February 1969 triggered the formation of the National Joint Action Committee (NJAC). Canada’s Governor General, Roland Michener, visited the UWI campuses which were supporting the protest in a bid to appease them but he never got past the St Augustine gate.

Daaga, Kambon and other students, including former government minister, Augustus Ramrekarsingh, blocked him, causing a major uproar in society. “We met and formed NJAC that same evening. We put together a group of students, trade unionists and other stakeholders to deal with Canadian imperialism in the Caribbean and the situation at Sir George Williams University.

“We became immediately active, holding public meetings every night all over the country about racism home and abroad,” Kambon said. NJAC joined the bus strike headed by former Transport and Industrial Workers Trade Union president, Clive Nunez, and Daaga and Kambon were arrested in May 1969 for blocking buses.

After that they continued to mobilise. “Units of NJAC were built up in communities all over the country and by the time 1970 came around, we were well known and well entrenched. Of course, we were also absolutely hated by a section of society,” he recalled. The famous Black Power march of February 1970 started almost innocently and quietly, Kambon said.

“A small group of 200 or 300 of us were planning to go and protest by the Canadian embassy on the day the students at the Canadian university were going on trial. “We took the demonstration to RBC on Independence Square instead and the police came and expelled us from the bank. “That changed the whole mood of the protest and, as we were crossing Independence Square, we went into a store owned by a Montano with our flags and came back out. Just to intimidate them,” he added.

Kambon said the Catholic church in Montreal had made racist remarks about the protesting students at Sir George Williams University and Daaga and his supporters reached the Catholic church on Independence Square, somebody said: “Man, let’s go in the church.” They draped white statues in the church with black flags and preached from the pulpit.

“By the time we came out the church, thousands had joined us and shops were closing and workers were being sent home,” he added. The next morning Daaga, Kambon and a few others were picked up by the police for desecration of a public place of worship, conspiracy to cause public riots and assaulting a police officer.

When they were released, NJAC, led by Daaga, described as a powerful speaker, held two months of intense demonstrations all over the country, joined by thousands of public servants and sugar workers.

“We held a march from Port-of-Spain to Caroni but it was when we decided to march from Caroni to Port-of-Spain the State decided to strike. They declared a state of emergency on April 21, 1970,” he said.

Daaga, Kambon, George Weekes and others were arrested the next day as political detainees and spent seven to eight months in prison. Kambon, summing up Daaga’s contribution to T&T, said: “He had a significant influence on the major changes in the country in the 20th century, including the nationalisation of private entities.

“He made a serious dent in bridging the gap between Africans and Indians in T&T at the time and helped Afro-Trinidadians reaffirm their identity. “There was also a resurgence of Indian culture after the 1970s revolution.”

Raffique Shah Former leader of the army mutiny of 1970, Raffique Shah, first met Daaga in the Royal Gaol (renamed Port-ofSpain State Prison). Daaga was arrested on April 21 when a state of emergency was declared after he and thousands of NJAC supporters staged a protest march. Shah said the army mutiny, led by he and Rex la Salle, partly came out of that. “Rex and I were arrested on May 1, 1970,” he added. He said he did not interact much with Daaga and his group since soldiering made that difficult. “We met from time-to-time in the prison yard but never formed the kind of friendship where we would visit each other’s homes,” he said. Giving his take on Daaga’s contribution to T&T, Shah said: “I give him credit for bringing some pride to AfroTrinidadians. “He also opened the doors for non-White, dark skinned people to get jobs in banks, with the cabin crew in BWIA and middle to upper level management in companies.”

Continued on next page...

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 63

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

US Election: Trump Blames Media For 'Gun Threat' Row Republican Donald Trump has blamed the media after being accused of urging supporters to kill his Democratic rival for the White House, Hillary Clinton. He told Fox News "dishonest" reporters had twisted his remarks, which appeared to suggest that gun rights advocates could stop Mrs Clinton if elected. The businessman-turned-politician denied incitement and said he was exhorting his supporters to vote. The comments on Tuesday afternoon sparked a firestorm of criticism. Some interpreted his comments as a dark suggestion that gun owners could take up arms against Mrs Clinton, while others said they were at the very least irresponsible remarks that could have violent consequences.

Trump denied accusations of incitement(AP) The highest-ranked Republican, House Speaker Paul Ryan, said it was an inappropriate joke. And Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren said it was a death threat by a "pathetic coward" who was sore because he was trailing in the polls to a woman. The controversial remarks were made at a rally in Wilmington, North Carolina, and refer to a future president's power to nominate a judge to fill a vacancy on the US Supreme Court. The Republican presidential nominee said of his Democratic opponent: "Hillary wants to abolish, essentially abolish the Second Amendment, by the way, and if she gets to pick her judges, nothing you can do, folks.

"But the Second Amendment people, maybe there is, I don't know." The Second Amendment enshrines the right to bear arms in the US Constitution, and there is no evidence that Mrs Clinton wants to abolish it, although she does want to tighten some restrictions. Within minutes of him uttering the words, the criticism began to mount and Mr Trump issued a statement saying he was referring to the political power of gun rights advocates. Hours later, Fox News host Sean Hannity told him the media had been "spinning it" differently.

Mr Trump answered by saying there could be no other interpretation of his words other than the one he had given. "Even reporters have told me, I mean give me a break. But they're dishonest people. "What it is is there's a tremendous power behind the Second Amendment. "It's a political power, and there are few things so powerful, I have to say, in terms of politics." Mr Trump's remarks come after eight days of negative headlines and falling poll numbers. Some leading Republicans have said they cannot vote for him in November's presidential election because of his controversial comments and his hardline stance on immigration. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 64

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

Germany: Burka Ban To Be Proposed In Security Clampdown

Germany's interior minister will back plans to ban the burka as part of a raft of anti-terror measures, local media say. Thomas de Maiziere also proposes deporting criminals more quickly and relaxing doctor confidentiality rules. He is due to announce some ideas on Thursday, and back some ideas from ministers in his party next week. There have been repeated attacks in German cities recently, some of them related to Islamist terror. In July, an axe-wielding teenager from Afghanistan injured five people on a train in Wuerzburg before he was shot dead by police.

The same month, a failed asylum seeker from Syria killed himself and injured 15 people when he set off a bomb outside a music festival in Ansbach. Both attacks were claimed by the so-called Islamic State group. The burka is a strict Muslim veil for women that covers the full head and body. Not many people in Germany wear it. The country has very few restrictions on people's dress. A committee of the government issued a report in 2012 saying it would be unconstitutional to ban the full burka or the niqab facial veil.

But there are some exceptions. For instance, it is illegal to cover your face in a football stadium in Germany. Burka bans exist in other parts of Europe, notably France, Belgium and some towns in Italy. Patient confidentiality In Germany, doctors who breach patient confidentiality can face up to a year in prison or be forced to pay a fine. But under Mr de Maiziere's proposed changes, they would have to inform the authorities if they became suspicious that a patient was planning to harm other people.

The proposals have drawn sharp criticism from across the political left and from doctors. Frank Ulrich Montgomery, the head of the German Medical Association, said: "Patient confidentiality protects patients' privacy and is a basic right under the constitution. "The tense domestic security situation must not tempt us into rash political and legal measures.'' On Thursday, Mr de Maiziere is expected to announce the plans for speeding up the deportation process, making being a "threat to public security" grounds for deporting migrants, and relaxing doctors' confidentiality obligations. Next week, he is expected to back a series of measures being considered by a grouping of German states' interior ministers from within his own Christian Democrat party and its Bavarian sister party.

The ministers propose: banning the burka stopping German people from being allowed to hold dual nationality recruiting 15,000 more police officers by 2020 posting more police on trains and in transport hubs making it more difficult for extremist organisations to finance mosques deporting foreign hate preachers German law requires non-EU citizens to give up their existing nationality when applying for German citizenship. Mr de Maiziere says the terror threat to Germany is high. "We live in difficult times," he said on Wednesday. Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, a fellow Christian Democrat, has previously said information sharing should be ramped up in the wake of the attacks on Germany this summer. (BBC)

Few women in Germany actually wear the burka(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 65

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

Russia Accuses Ukraine Of Attempted Crimea 'Incursions’ Russia has accused Ukraine of trying to carry out armed incursions into Crimea - the territory annexed by Russia in 2014 after an unrecognised referendum. The FSB intelligence agency said two attempted incursions had taken place over the weekend and a Russian soldier and an FSB employee had been killed. President Vladimir Putin vowed "further security measures" in response to Ukraine's "stupid and criminal" acts. Ukraine's president described the accusations as "preposterous".

"Russian accusations against Ukraine of terrorism in occupied Crimea sound as preposterous and cynical as the statements of the Russian leadership about the absence of Russian troops in the Donbass [region of rebel-held eastern Ukraine]," Petro Poroshenko said. "These fantasies are only a pretext for making more military threats against Ukraine," he added. Russia accuses. Ukraine denies. So what few things can we say for certain about what happened in Crimea at the weekend? We know that on Saturday the Russian authorities in Crimea temporarily closed one of the main crossing points between the territory and mainland Ukraine.

Ukrainian sources then claimed that Russia had moved a considerable amount of armour and troops into the peninsular. Rumours circled on social media (the information war is a crucial dimension in the deterioration of relations between Moscow and Kiev).

An unverified video was posted on Twitter, which purported to show Russian military vehicles heading west from the very eastern tip of Crimea, close to the Russian mainland. Now the FSB claims Ukraine's military hatched a plot to attack infrastructure in Crimea.

And, true to previous form, Vladimir Putin has not minced his words. Last year, on primetime Russian TV, President Putin admitted he had lied about deploying Russian troops in Crimea when the territory was annexed by Russia in 2014. So whether true or not, the FSB's claims will be viewed with huge scepticism and will probably provoke some anger in Ukraine. Russia says one of those detained is Yevhen Panov. Initial reports suggest he was a former military volunteer fighting for Ukraine in the east of the country.

However he has apparently more recently been associated with a charitable organisation. Ukraine has managed to contain the Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine and, in purely military terms, it is hard to see what Ukraine has to gain by provoking its larger, much more powerful neighbour. For all the talk about rapprochements and peace in eastern Ukraine, there has been very little concrete progress. Fighting between Russian-backed separatists and the Ukrainians goes on every day.

Just two weeks before Ukraine celebrates 25 years of independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, relations between Moscow and Kiev have taken another turn for the worse. Line Kiev is preparing to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Ukrainian independence on 24 August, and officials have suggested Moscow may try to disrupt the celebrations. Russia is preparing for a parliamentary election on 18 September. The FSB said Ukrainian forces had intended to sabotage key infrastructure in Crimea.

"The aim of this subversive activity and terrorist acts was to destabilise the socio-political situation in the region ahead of preparations and the holding of elections," the spy agency said. It said the attempted incursions had been accompanied by "heavy fire" from Ukrainian territory, resulting in the death of the Russian soldier. The FSB employee died while trying to detain infiltrators, it said. Bombs, ammunition and mines had been found in the area where "terrorist attacks" had been foiled, it said.

Mr Putin said there was no point in further negotiations with Ukraine and called on the US and European countries to put pressure on Kiev to change its behaviour. About 9,000 people are reported to have been killed in the conflict in eastern Ukraine that followed the Russian annexation of Crimea. The annexation, which was itself largely bloodless, followed a vote to secede at a referendum on selfdetermination on 16 March 2014 - a ballot which was not recognised internationally. The US and European Union imposed sanctions on Moscow in response to its seizure of the territory. (BBC)

Russian ships and amphibious vehicles took part in military celebrations in Crimea on 31 July(REUTERS)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 66

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

US Government Blasts Baltimore Police Over Race A US justice department report has accused police in the city of Baltimore of routinely discriminating against black people and using excessive force. An inquiry was ordered after a young black man, Freddie Gray, died in police custody in April of last year, sparking Baltimore's worst riots for decades. The report found African-Americans had been disproportionately targeted.

Unjustified strip searches were conducted while in one arrest, a black man's weapon was listed as "his mouth".

In recent years, the justice department has conducted similar investigations into the police in Chicago, Cleveland, Albuquerque and Ferguson, Missouri. Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake responded to Wednesday's report by promising speedy reforms. The statistics are damning and the individual cases studies are alarming. The report talks of one black man being stopped 30 times in four years without ever being charged and 60 cases of the police being accused of using the N-word in interactions with black people, though only one of those incidents being recorded as the use of a racial slur.

But the report's findings seem to have surprised very few here. The feeling among many is that American policing is beset with systemic racism, with Baltimore having a particularly bad record. The fact that around 40% of the city's police force is now African American does not appear to have been enough to turn things around. The Department of Justice has recommended a push towards community policing, a style of law enforcement that has been resisted by forces in other parts of the country.

“Over the next few months, we will put in place a concrete plan for change and a new culture - for the good of the city, the police department and the people it protects," she said in a statement. The report runs to 163 pages. Among the findings: Black residents account for roughly 84% of stops although they represent 63% of the city's population Black residents make up 95% of the 410 people stopped at least 10 times by officers between 2010 and 2015 Police stopped 34 black residents 20 times, and seven black residents 30 times or more, between 2010 and 2015.

No individuals of any other race were stopped more than 12 times In addition to pat-downs, Baltimore officers perform unconstitutional public strip searches, including searches of people who are not under arrest Officers routinely use unreasonable and excessive force, including against juveniles and citizens who are not dangerous or posing an immediate threat 'Trust eroded' The head of the justice department's civil rights division, Vanita Gupta, told reporters the Baltimore Police Department's practices had "deeply eroded" trust between officers and the community.

“We conclude that there is reasonable cause to believe that BPD engages in a pattern of practice of conduct that violates the constitution and federal anti-discrimination law," she said. BPD Commissioner Kevin Davis said people were right to be indignant at police behaviour as described in the report. "Citizens can't be expected to respect an agency if the trust of that agency is breached.

There are several instances in this report in which that fragile trust has been breached." Guilty police officers have been fired, he added. 'The harsh reality' An official from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, a leading AfricanAmerican civil rights organisation, said the report confirmed "what many African-American residents of Baltimore have known and lived too long". Sherrilyn Ifill said the report's findings had laid "bare the harsh reality of discriminatory policing in a major American city''.

She urged "residents, community groups and leading city institutions to marshal their resources and prepare for the long haul to find a way forward". Freddie Gray, 25, suffered a broken neck while he was handcuffed and shackled but left unrestrained in the back of a police on 12 April 2015.

Six police officers were arrested on charges which ranged from involuntary manslaughter to misconduct in office but none was convicted.

Freddie Gray is commemorated by a mural in Baltimore(WIN MCNAMEE)

Continued on next page...

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 67

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

US Government Blasts Baltimore Police Over Race (Cont’d) THE SIX OFFICERS

Top L-R: Caesar Goodson Jr; Garrett Miller; Edward Nero. Bottom L-R: William Porter; Brian Rice; Alicia White Brian Rice, aged 41: Mr Rice was one of the three officers who first encountered Gray while on a bicycle patrol and participated in the initial arrest. He was charged with involuntary manslaughter, second degree assault and misconduct in office, among other charges. His trial began on 7 July but he was found not guilty on all counts on 18 July.

Edward Nero, 29: Another one of the three bicycle patrol officers who first encountered Gray. Mr Nero was charged with second degree assault, misconduct in office and reckless endangerment. He went to trial but was found not guilty on all counts in May. Garrett Miller, 26: The third of the three officers who first encountered Gray. Mr Miller was charged with second degree assault, misconduct in office and reckless endangerment. His trial was due to begin on 27 July but all charges against him were dropped the same day.

William Porter, 25: Became involved after the initial arrest. Prosecutors said Mr Porter was asked twice by Gray for medical assistance but failed to summon any. Mr Porter was charged with involuntary manslaughter, second degree assault, misconduct in office and reckless endangerment. After his first trial ended in a mistrial in December, he was put on trial again last month but the charges were dropped.

Alicia White, 30: Ms White was accused by the prosecution of failing to call for medical assistance for Gray when he was in obvious distress.

She was charged with involuntary manslaughter, second degree assault and misconduct in office. Her trial was due to begin in October but all charges against her have been dropped.

Caesar Goodson Jr, 45: Mr Goodson was the driver of the van in which Gray was held. He was charged with second-degree "depraved-heart" murder and manslaughter by vehicle, among other charges. He went on trial in June but was found not guilty on all charges. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 68

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

Iraq Parents' Horror At Baby Unit Fire Deaths

Parents of premature babies who died in a hospital fire in the Iraqi capital Baghdad have spoken of their loss, with one saying she could not recognise the remains given to her. "I found my baby charred," she said. Officials said at least 12 newborn babies died in a blaze that was probably caused by an electrical fault, and took three hours to put out. Eight other children and 29 women had to be moved from the unit and transferred to nearby hospitals. It happened in the maternity unit of the Yarmouk Hospital in the west of the city.

Electrical fires are common in Iraq because of shoddy maintenance and poor wiring, and a lack of fire escapes often adds to the danger. Shaima Hussein, 36, and her husband were inside the hospital and on their way to see their two-day-old son when the fire broke out. Their path was blocked by a wall of thick smoke. Mrs Hussein survived after somebody broke a window to help her escape. "I looked at the victims, I saw them charred," she said. "It was a horrible scene. "It was very difficult for me to give birth to a child.

I have had medical treatment to have a baby. "After all these efforts I received a charred body." 'It looks like charcoal' One woman, Umm Ahmed, was looking for a family member's baby. She said: "They told me 'go find him in the fridge'." "I found him in a small cardboard box but I'm not even sure if it's our child or a piece of sponge. It looks like charcoal." 'I want them back' Hussein Omar, 30, said he feared that his week-old twins had died. Hospital officials had told him to look for them at the other hospitals in Baghdad, he told AP. But he could not find them. "I couldn't tell their mother who is still recovering from the Caesarean," said Mr Omar. "I want my baby boy and girl back. The government must give them back to me."

‘Government doesn't care' Eshrak Ahmed Jaasar, 41, who was unable to find her four-day-old nephew, blamed the government for the tragedy. "We pay the hospital employees thousands of Iraqi dinars to allow us in to get our loved ones basic food and milk, which they cannot provide," she said. "It's a corrupt government that doesn't care about its citizens and lets this happen." An adviser to the health ministry, Dr Amir al-Mukhtar, said there had been 20 babies inside the maternity unit when the fire erupted around midnight.

The blaze spread very quickly and caused a lot of damage, he added. A health ministry source told the BBC that 19 of the children and women who survived needed treatment for burns and smoke inhalation. An official from the Baghdad health directorate, Jassem Lateef al-Hijami, was quoted by the AFP news agency as saying: "The hospital is very old and doesn't have fire equipment." Photos purportedly taken inside the Yarmouk Hospital showed cockroaches crawling out from between broken tiles, bins overflowing with rubbish, dirty toilets, and patients lying on stretchers in a courtyard, the Reuters news agency reports. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 69

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

France Terror: Girl, 16, Investigated Over Telegram 'Attack Plan’ A 16-year-old French girl has been placed under investigation, accused of planning a jihadist attack using the Telegram messaging app, judicial officials say. The girl, who has no criminal record, was detained at her home on Thursday, after an antiterror raid near Paris. She was an administrator of a group on the encrypted app, and is alleged to have been calling for attacks. The app had been used by the men who killed a priest in Normandy last month. Thursday's raid was the result of monitoring by security services of suspicious behaviour on social networks, Le Parisien newspaper reports.

They noticed the thread where a few dozen members discussed so-called Islamic State (IS) propaganda, including calls to carry out attacks and videos, the newspaper said. Investigations revealed the group administrator to be a 16-year-old secondary-school pupil. "She relayed numerous Islamic State group propaganda messages calling for attacks, and she also expressed her own intention of taking action," a source close to the investigation told AFP news agency. The security forces raided her family home in Melun, south-east of Paris, but found no explosives or firearms there, and took her into custody.

A Muslim woman placing flowers in front of the church of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, western France, where French priest Jacques Hamel was killed on 26 July (29 July 2016). The investigators said the girl was "extremely radicalised" and was the administrator of the chat group dedicated to so-called Islamic State propaganda on the app, deputy prosecutor Laure Vermeersch said late on Monday. The girl - whose name has not been released - did not mention any specific targets, Ms Vermeersch said.

She is being investigated for "criminal terrorist enterprise" and "provocation to commit terrorist acts using online communication". On 26 July, two 19-year-olds stormed a church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, a suburb of Rouen, during Mass and slit the throat of an elderly priest before being killed by police. One of them is said to have sent out encrypted audio messages on Telegram, proclaiming his intention of carrying out an attack, days before the pair struck. France has lived under a state of emergency since jihadist attackers killed 130 people last November in Paris.

Parliament extended the measure for an additional six months after the lorry attack in the southern city of Nice that killed 85 people on Bastille Day last month. Extradition Separately, Mourad Hamyd, the brother-in-law of Cherif Kouachi, one of the perpetrators of the attack against Charlie Hebdo in Paris in 2015, has said he agrees to be extradited to France from Bulgaria, AFP reports. Mr Hamyd was arrested by the Bulgarian authorities on 28 July after being stopped from entering Turkey; he is believed to have wanted to join IS in Syria, reports say. (BBC)

France has lived under a state of emergency for nearly nine months, following a spate of terror attacks(GETTY IMAGES)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 70

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

India Police Investigate 'Great Train Robbery’

Police in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu are investigating an unusual case of theft. Thieves targeted a train carrying over 200 chests of used and damaged bank notes - cutting a hole in the roof of the train carriage and stealing 57.5m rupees ($860,000; £570,000). Police are unsure whether the thieves had hid in the carriage or cut their way into the train while it was moving.

The theft was only discovered when the train reached its destination. The news has been prominently covered by Indian media, with some calling it "the great train robbery". Police say they believe that a group of six to eight robbers may have been involved in the heist, which took place between Monday night and Tuesday morning during the train's 350km-long (270 miles) journey from Salem town to Chennai (Madras).

The coach was carrying 3.4bn rupees ($51m) - and security personnel guarding the money were sat nearby, in the neighbouring compartment. The notes belonged to India's central bank, Reserve Bank of India, and were on their way to Chennai to be destroyed. But on arrival, when officials broke the seal on the carriage, they found chests broken open and a hole cut in the train's metal roof. "We are inquiring with the train guard and the police personnel if they heard any unusual noises on the roof," police superintendent P Vijayakumar told the AFP news agency.

Inspector General of Police, M Ramasubramani, told the news agency the thieves "created a manhole and then sneaked one after the other and lifted the bundles to the roof before taking them away." The train is now stationed in Chennai as police continue to i n v e s t i g a t e t h e r o b b e r y.

Correspondents say the case raises questions about how security could have been breached on such a closely The thieves cut a hole into the roof of the train guarded train. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 71

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

US Government BlasTurkish Admiral 'Claims Asylum In US' After Failed Coupts Baltimore Police Over Race A high-ranking Turkish military officer has reportedly claimed asylum in the United States after authorities in Turkey linked him to the failed coup. Mustafa Ugurlu had been on a posting to a Nato base in Virginia at the time of the 15 July botched coup. Turkey has purged its military ranks of some 100 generals accused of being part of a shadowy movement that follows a US-based Turkish preacher.

Rear Adm Ugurlu disappeared on 22 July, a week after the coup. US officials told Reuters news agency that an unnamed rear admiral was seeking asylum, and he was later named by Anadolu Agency as Mustafa Ugurlu. Military espionage case It comes at a difficult moment in relations between the two Nato allies as Turkey is seeking the extradition from the US of the cleric accused of masterminding the coup, Fethullah Gulen. He denies involvement. Two US officials told Reuters the rear admiral had been working at Nato's Allied Command Transformation headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia, where 26 Turkish military are posted.

In April he took part in a Nato conference in Poland and was identified as the Western military alliance's Assistant Chief of Staff for Command and Control, Deployability and Sustainability based in Norfolk. A Turkish embassy official in Washington told Reuters that the rear admiral had failed to report for duty after a detention order was issued. "He left his badges and his ID at the base and after that no one has heard anything from him," the official said. Rear Adm Ugurlu was named by prosecutors in the western Turkish city of Izmir, according to Anadolu, as part of a military espionage case involving the leaking of information.

Some 18,000 people have been placed in detention in response to the failed coup, including many from the military. The government said on Monday that more than 200 soldiers suspected of involvement in the coup, including nine generals, were still at large. Many more have lost their jobs or been suspended across Turkey's public services, on suspicion of being Gulen followers. Turkey has criticised the response of its Western partners to the events of 15 July and their aftermath. Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said on Tuesday that if the US failed to hand over Mr Gulen "it will have sacrificed Turkey to a terrorist".

And Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu warned the European Union on Wednesday that it was making "serious mistakes" in its response to the failed coup. "They have failed the test following the coup attempt," he was quoted as saying in a broadcast interview. An EU-Turkey deal to halt the influx of migrants and refugees via Greece may already be in jeopardy. Another minister has warned that the agreement will be over if the EU fails to provide a date for allowing visa-free travel to EU states in the Schengen border-free area.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said he will back the return of the death penalty in Turkey if parliament votes for it. Such a move would automatically end negotiations for Turkey's entry into the EU, let alone the migrant agreement. Capital punishment was abolished under the European Convention of Human Rights. Two Turkish reports identified the missing Austrian ministers have already cast doubt this week on rear admiral as Mustafa Ugurlu(DHA) Turkey joining the EU in the next few years. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 72

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016

Libyans 'Oust' So-Called IS From Sirte Headquarters US-backed Libyan militias say they have seized control of the headquarters of so-called Islamic State in Sirte. "The Ouagadougou [convention] centre is in our hands," a spokesman for forces loyal to Libya's UN-backed government of national accord said. Sirte, on the Mediterranean coast, is IS's most significant stronghold in Libya.

The city has been under the militant group's control since February 2015. The pro-government forces said IS fighters still held positions in three residential areas of Sirte and in a villa complex near the seafront. But capturing the Ouagadougou centre had been a key aim of the offensive against IS in the past few weeks. Fighters also took Sirte's Ibn Sina hospital and university campus, spokesman Rida Issa said.

At least three fighters were killed and several others wounded, he said. IS was said to have lost at least 20 of its men. The US has estimated that IS has fewer than 1,000 fighters in Sirte, many of whom are foreigners and veterans of the conflict in Syria and Iraq.

Earlier, a news agency affiliated with IS said the group had brought down a Libyan fighter jet in Sirte. Pro-government forces said they had lost contact with one aircraft. Two people were reportedly on board. (BBC)

GeneralPract i t i oner & Dermat ol ogySpeci al i st

GenitalWartsRemoval Available

Open:MonFri :8am10pm F r e e Sat:8am8pm c o ns ul t a t i o n o na l l s e r vi c e s

T h u r s d a y A u g u s t , 1 1 , 2 0 1 6

n r u T e s er a v e l o P

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Health Minister To Apologise; Controversial Storage Bond Contract To Be Reviewed Minister of Public Health Dr George Norton is expected to apologise report on the issue.

PAGE 75

to the nation for misleading the National Assembly as it relates to the controversial medical supplies storage bond At the last sitting of the National Assembly, the Health Minister revealed that the facility is already in use, and that the previous Government paid millions for the storage of medical supplies. However, it was subsequently revealed that no monies were paid for the storage of the drugs.

When grilled by Opposition Parliamentarians Monday in the Parliamentary Committee of Supply, Dr Norton said that the space was being rented from Linden Holding Company, which is registered at 176 Middle Street, Georgetown, and has the storage bond at Sussex Street, Georgetown. He said that $25 million was paid as rental and a security deposit for the month of July. He also said that the bond was certified by an agency of his Ministry. However, investigations by the local media found that the bond was not certified and that it is in an incomplete state. As such, President David Granger appointed a Cabinet Sub-Committee to review, examine and

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman has been appointed to chair the Sub-Committee and it includes Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon. Minister Trotman has since completed his report and has recommended a review of the contract for the storage bond and at a post cabinet media briefing on Thursday, Trotman revealed that the three year contract for lease of the new bond will be reviewed and that review will also examine the monthly cost of $12.5 million.

According to Trotman, the Minister of Health is being asked to offer a public apology over statements that he made in the National Assembly about the payment for the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation and about the new storage bond already being in operation. “Based on the explanation of the Health Minister we have recommended that he offers a public apology,” Trotman said.

Illegal Fuel Seized On Essequibo Coast The Guyana Daily News has been reliably informed that on Tuesday August 9, 2016 at Adventure, Essequibo Coast, officials of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) and members of the Anti-Fuel Smuggling Task Force seized a quantity of illegal fuel. This newspaper understands that the raid was carried out on a boat that was transporting to the said fuel to a tanker.

The tanker and boat were apprehended and transported to the GEA Essequibo branch. The crew is in police custody assisting with investigations. This raid comes after the recent introduction of a task force which was set up to minimize the smuggling of illegal fuel into

Guyana. The task force comprises of officers from the Guyana Defense Force Coast Guard, Guyana Police Force, Guyana Revenue Authority and Officers from the Customs Anti-Narcotic Units. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

FEATURE PAGE 76

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

PRESENTATION MADE AT PPP PUBLIC FORUM AT SLEEPIN TH INTERNATIONAL HOTEL. (10 AUGUST, 2016) The systema c dismantling of the Cons tu on and the Rule of Law. By: Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP.Attorney-at-Law

Countries in the English- speaking Caribbean are often described by Constitutional theorists as “constitutional democracies”. This is so for many reasons. Their constitution is their supreme law. It creates their system of Government and invests it with powers to govern the State and limits those powers. It determines who will govern and how they will govern. It creates and regulates the relationship between the State and the citizenry. It confers certain obligations on the State and it imbues the citizenry with certain rights and freedoms. It determines how the State raises, and how it will account for the expenditure of those revenue. It sets out how laws are made and by which institutions they are to be interpreted and enforced. It creates a series of institutions which acts as checks and balances against abuse of power and through which the State is to be held accountable for its actions in order to ensure that there is good and democratic governance in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law. Guyana is one of these territories.

Independent constitutional institutions Interwoven in this constitutional fabric, are several institutions which are structured, designed, financed and constituted in such a manner that they enjoy considerable functional autonomy and independence in the discharge of their individual mandates and, they are strongly insulated from any form of influence, in particular, from the Executive.

These institutions include, but are not limited to, the Judiciary, the Office of the Auditor General, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Guyana Police Force. It is the

Judiciary which the Constitution ascribes the exclusive responsibility to interpret and uphold the Constitution and the laws; to strike down unconstitutional laws and condemn unlawful Executive actions and abuses; to determine disputes between the citizenry and the State and among the citizenry themselves; and to impose sanctions on those who violate the law. The independence of the Judiciary is zealously guarded in the Constitution by a series of mechanisms. Its officers are appointed by a special process. They are conferred with strong security of tenure. Their remuneration package cannot be altered to their detriment. They are financed by a direct levy on the Consolidated Fund. The Office of the Auditor General, by virtue of the Constitution and the Audit Act, enjoys a regime of independence similar to that of the Judiciary. Its core functional responsibility is to exclusively audit the State's receipts and expenditure of public funds. It prepares and presents annual audited financial statements, in relation thereto, to the National Assembly for its scrutiny. The Director of Public Prosecutions is another institution which enjoys similar constitutional independence.

Its main function is to advise the State on criminal matters and to institute, undertake, take over and continue or discontinue criminal proceedings against any person before any Court in respect of any offence against the laws of Guyana. The functional independence which the DPP enjoys can be gleamed from the language of Article 187 (4): “In the exercise of the powers conferred upon him or her by this article the Director shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority.”The Guyana Police Force is the institution vested with the exclusive power to investigate and prevent criminal conduct and, to generally maintain peace and public order. The Force's independence is manifested in the way its officers are appointed, promoted, disciplined and removed from office. More significantly, the Force is superintended by the Commissioner of Police who has exclusive responsibility in respect of management and administration of the Force and over operational matters, to the exclusion of the Executive Government. The

Governmental officer who holds ministerial responsibility in respect of the Police Force can give directions in relation to policy matters only. The above exposition is but a fleeting glance at the length to which the framers of the Constitution have traveled, to alienate from Executive Government, certain responsibilities and to reside them in independent and autonomous organizations, then insulating these organizations from Executive influence. These complex and multiple constitutional mechanisms were created for one purpose only: that is, to create a system of checks and balances to avoid the abuse of power by the Executive Government.

The undermining of these institutions The Coalition Government, over the last year, has embarked upon a deliberate and centrally orchestrated course of action to persecute and which-hunt ministers and officials of the PPPC administration in order to prove that their widespread public allegations of corruption.

However, they need the blind loyalty of the aforementioned institutions in order to succeed. Thus far, apparently, they have been unable to penetrate the cloak of independence which the aforesaid institutions enjoy. In consequence, we are witnessing a clear and consistent strategy to avoid the engagement of these institutions as they continue to pursue their vindictive agenda.

continued on next page...

FEATURE PAGE 77

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

PRESENTATION MADE AT PPP PUBLIC FORUM (CONT’D) Not satisfied with the Auditor General's Reports over the last several years, the regime, in violation of the Constitution and the Audit Act, simply shoved aside the Audit Office, handpicked over a dozen auditors, most of them being their allies and cronies and are paying them hundreds of millions of dollars to do “forensic audits”. Still, these audits are unable to unearth the type of evidence which they seek, although, the most unconventional methods are being employed by some of these Auditors. Dozens of files have been sent to the Police Force and to the Director of Public Prosecutions with firm instructions to investigate and charge. Again, the response from the Police and the DPP has been disappointing to those who have already sharpened their political hatchets. The situation is exacerbated by every passing day because it results in considerable damage to their credibility. After all, they have intoxicated their supporters with the propaganda that the PPP administration is guilty of massive corruption in office but after one year in complete control of the government and State machinery, they are

unable to prefer charges. Not being able to exert the type of pressure and influence over the Police Force and the DPP as they would like, because of the constitutional and institutional insulations to which I have referred above, greater reliance is now being placed upon SARU and SOCU, two organizations that are politically staffed and directed to conduct investigations with the hope that they can find or I dare say, manufacture the required evidence. Still yet the desired results are not forthcoming. In the meanwhile, the crescendo of frustration and desperation continues to build. As a result, laws and protocols are being drafted to strengthen and enlarge the powers of SARU and SOCU. Recently, there has been an expressed intention to establish “a Special Prosecutors' Office”. The obvious objective is to circumvent the DPP or at least to emasculate that office of the autonomy and independence guaranteed to it by the Constitution. I have no doubt that we will soon hear about the establishment of “Special Courts” where these charges will be heard and determined.

The grand plan

Let me now make the picture clearer: the Government is handpicking its own auditors and directing them who, what, how and where to audit; when these audit reports are completed, they are then sent to two political outfits masquerading as law enforcement agencies, SARU and SOCU, which are being directed who and what to investigate; and when these investigations are concluded, the findings will be sent to a Special Prosecutors Office for legal advice. This will be an office that will be staffed by the Government with its cronies. Charges will be instituted and will be prosecuted by persons from this politically tainted unit. These charges will be heard and determined by the “Special Courts” which I anticipate will be established and which will be presided over by magistrates in whom the Government resides great confidence. That the decisions will be perverse, I am in no doubt.

In conclusion, the Constitution and the rule of law are under siege. Authoritarianism is building a formidable foundation. Today, the target is the PPP's leadership and its supporters. Tomorrow's victim will be you. It is the natural evolution of a dictatorship.

LOCAL PAGE 78

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

GOVERNMENT FAILS TO SUSTAIN GUYANA'S REAL ESTATE MARKET The Housing Market is very crucial to the survival of Guyana’s Economy but it has been the source of subjection and dilemma. The housing market in the United States (US) saw a collapse in 2007, which spelt disaster for many Americans, however there has been a recovery of this sector in that country. The same cannot be said for the housing market in Guyana which is currently going through a severe depression. The role of the housing sector cannot be overstated; food, clothing, shelter are the basic needs of mankind and housing satisfies an essential need.

Housing is also the single most important component of investment for Guyanese, and in many countries housing makes up the largest part of wealth. For instance, in Guyana, real estate accounts for a third of the total assets held by the nonfinancial private sector. The majority of households tend to hold wealth in the form of their homes rather than in financial assets. Housing also plays a key role in mortgage markets and is important to the transmission of monetary policy.

Housing can also facilitate labor mobility within an economy and help economies adjust to adverse shocks. The Housing sector is critical to the overall health of the economy of Guyana and as the country develops, it is expected that there will be a corresponding deepening and growth of housing markets. Despite this importance, the David Granger Administration is not giving the housing sector the adequate attention it desperately deserves. The bursting of the real estate bubble in Guyana will be followed by the deepest downturn in Guyana since the 1960’s. It will remind people of the damages that can be triggered by housing collapses.

Research done by the IMF shows that of the nearly 50 systemic banking crises in recent decades, more than two thirds were preceded by boom-bust patterns in house prices. The cost of resolving housing crises can be very high—in the case of Ireland, for instance, government bailouts of banks from the housing collapse are up 40 percent of the country’s GDP. Even when housing busts do not have a large financial impact, they can affect the economy.

Research shows that recessions in some countries are more likely given a house price bust. Such recessions also tend to be much deeper and trigger more unemployment than a normal recession.

Hence it is crucial to keep an eye on current housing market developments to keep them from collapsing. The housing sector needs stringent policies here in Guyana. The noted economist Avinash Dixit suggested we use the acronyms “MiP, MaP, MoP” to remind ourselves of the set of policies.

‘MiP’ stands for microprudential policies, which of course aims to ensure the resilience of individual financial institutions. Such policies are necessary for a sound financial system but may not be sufficient. Sometimes, actions suitable at the level of individual institutions can destabilize the system as a whole. As such, we also need not just ‘MiP’ but ‘MaP’, that is, macroprudential policies aimed at increasing the resilience of the system as a whole.

The Government of Guyana needs to better educate themselves or seek advice on policies in order to understand how the issues in the housing sector works. Comprehension is very important with the local stakeholder in understanding how the credit market can work locally and abroad. A great percentage of the housing sector is fueled by the credit market. The housing market is becoming a regular feature in our country’s report and the government must step up its game to create relevant policies in order to keep this sector afloat.

LOCAL PAGE 79

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

GOV'T TO CURB SMUGGLING OF STYROFOAM PRODUCTS

As the APNU+AFC government clamps down on the use of were used to serve food to participants by the Ministry. It is Styrofoam products, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael alleged that this product is being smuggled across the border Trotman revealed on Thursday that the administration is aware from Suriname. of reports coming out of Berbice about Styrofoam being smuggled into the country.

According to Minister Trotman, the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Environmental Protection Agency have been notified and are in the process of making plans to curb the incidents of smuggling. The ban on Styrofoam is part of efforts to support and promote a green economy and environment.

Penalties for crimes committed against the ban include a fine of no less than GY$50,000 for importation and manufacture and if businesses are found prepackaging food in said ‘Styro’ products, they can be issued a warning or a fine of no less than GY$100,000.

It was reported to this newspaper that at the recent Ministerial Visit to the Mining Town of Linden which was organized by the Ministry of the Presidency, it was evident that Styrofoam boxes

Fmr National Cricketer Fined For Using Abusive Language Former National Cricketer, Carl Grimond appeared before July 27, 2016 at Robb Street Georgetown. He pleaded guilty to Magistrate Leron Daly o n Thursday charged with using abusive language against an unnamed woman on

the charge and was fined GY$10,000. Grimond did not have legal representation and after pleading guilty, he begged the Magistrate for a chance to give an explanation.

In his explanation, Grimond admitted to using abusive language against the woman, explaining that he did it after she started to spread rumors that he had jumped over the fence at her Robb Street residence. Grimond further explained that he did not jump over the fence and that the woman was dragging the reputation he would have built being a National Cricketer for Guyana. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

LOCAL PAGE 80

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

GWI Gets $1.8B From Debt Collection CampaignStructural Changes Made Within Company Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Water Inc. Dr Richard VanWest Charles with a team of GWI Directors on Wednesday revealed changes made to the water company in the terms of management, water production and water quality, finance and commercial relations in the first half of the year. It was noted that GWI has recovered $1.8 billion from its debt-collection campaign and payment plan has since been put in place for customers who have large sums of money outstanding. According to the CEO, 40% of GWI‘s customers are metered. Meanwhile, he noted that changes were made to GWI which includes rearrangement of functions and the creation of a division of design and infrastructure and new sections dealing with project implementation, regulation and compliance. He said that all this was necessary because the present infrastructure cannot respond to the population demand; as such new wells and treatment programs are being put in place to reach the demand of the population. The first measure GWI is taking to ensure water quality is the establishment of mini laboratory at water treatment plants around the country which will monitor the water quality around the clock and produce water quality data. One of the mini labs is already in place at the Shelter Belt water treatment plant which is currently serving the residents of Georgetown. The requisite equipment and reagents for the other labs have already been ordered and is expected to arrive in the country in a few weeks although a specific date was not given. The company is aiming to have the labs certified based on ISO 17025 standard by the end of 2017 which entails the calibration and accuracy checks of equipment on a daily basis. The water in Guyana is characteristically brown and has high iron concentration that leads to staining and is

unfit for consumption. The optimization of the water treatment plants is the GWI’s way to mitigate these issues and this is done through chemical treatments. In particular “Sea Quest” is one such treatment used in areas affected by iron concentration which reduce and eventually eliminate the impact. Information from a press statement shows that the company spent GY$71m on completed projects in region 6 and parts of region 4 and around $60 million on repairs with works still ongoing around the country. With works being done in all the regions and mostly in regions 4, 5 and 10, there is none in region 2, particularly in the community of Charity, where is plagued with the same low pressure and high level of iron in the water. When questioned about this, Dr. Charles said that works for this area was catered for in the 2017 budget. -By- Pablo Cupido, Guyana Daily News.

Businessman Shoots Wife, Kills Self After Heated Argument A 73-year-old Miner shot his wife in her mouth and then turned the gun on himself after a heated argument at their Lot 24 North Road, Georgetown home on Wednesday evening. Dead is Theodore Adams, called “Toti,” who allegedly displayed signs of a mental illness recently. The injured woman, 42-year-old Sarojni Warnauth is still hospitalized with a gunshot wound to her jaw. The businessman operates an interior mining operation and according to reports, the couple was sitting in their verandah with their daughter and Warnauth’s nephew when an argument ensued. This newspaper understands that Adams then shot his wife after which she and her daughter and nephew ran inside the house and locked themselves in a bedroom. They exited through a window with the aid of a ladder and the injured woman was rushed to the hospital.

The man took his own life after shooting the woman. Investigations are ongoing.

LOCAL PAGE 81

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

One Week Jail For Man Of ‘Unsound Mind’ Found With Knife there was something suspicious sticking out of his waist. The

Quincy Henry appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court charged with having in his possession an offensive weapon, that is to say a knife, without a valid reason. The incident occurred on July 17, 2016 at Regent Street, Georgetown. He pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to one week imprisonment with medical treatment.

Henry, 31, who hails from Hasslington, East Coast Demerara, did not have legal representation. Upon entering his guilty plea, it was noted to the Magistrate by the arresting officer that Henry is not of sound mind since he was once involved in a work related accident.

The court heard that on July 17, 2016 city police who were on patrol observed the defendant standing outside the Bourda Police Outpost and

police proceeded to search the defendant and found the object to be a knife with a black handle. Henry was then warned and asked about the knife at which point he was unable to give a valid reason for having it. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

LOCAL PAGE 82

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

PPP To Have Health Minister Brought Before Privileges Committee For “Lying To Parliament” The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) will be moving a motion to have Minister of Public Health Dr George Norton and the entire cabinet taken before the Committee of Privileges when Parliament comes out of recess in October.

During a press conference at the party’s headquarters on Wednesday, Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo accused Minister Norton of “lying to the Parliament” as it relates to a sweetheart deal between government and a city businessman over the rental of a bond to store pharmaceutical supplies. Jagdeo claimed that government paid the building’s owner, Lawrence “Larry” Singh two months’ rent in advance to allow him to purchase the property, fix it up and rent it to the Public Health Ministry. According to reports, the building located at 29 Sussex Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, was bought by Singh from Desmond Shafiq Mohamed for GY$25 million on March 4, 2016. Singh has since leased it to Linden Holdings Inc; a company of which he is a director, and rented it to the Ministry of Public Health for a period of three years. But Jagdeo is of the view that Dr Norton and the entire cabinet lied about this issue. “If they debated this matter then you can’t just blame Norton for it, if they fully debated this matter it meant that they consciously decided and once it’s on the financial papers they knew that this was happening,” the former President said. At a sitting of the National Assembly on Monday, Dr Norton had justified that the decision to sole source the contract was partly taken because a $19.2M rental fee had been paid to New Guyana Pharmaceutical Company (GPC) in the past for drug storage and this fee was deemed too costly but according to Jagdeo, this is a blatant lie as there was never a rental agreement between the then government and the New GPC. “The PPP never rented any storage space or paid any rental for any storage space from New GPC. If the Government says otherwise, it could easily show you the contract. They have been in office for over a year now, so they would know. We have never paid a cent, much less $19M for storage.” He also criticized Dr Norton for saying that pharmaceuticals are currently being stored in the bond when it is clear that the bond is still under construction, and listed this as another reason for the motion. During the considerations of the supplemental requests in the National Assembly on Monday, Norton was unable to answer a number of questions posed by the opposition. He was questioned in relation to the money taken from the Fund for the bond. He was unable to tell the House who were the principals of the Company, when it was registered, when the three-year contract was signed, and who signed on Government’s behalf. Linden Holdings Company has no medical background and the bond which is located in Sussex Street, is not approved by the Government Analyst -Food and Drug Department. -By- Pablo Cupido, Guyana Daily News.

LOCAL PAGE 83

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Persons Targeted By SARU Should Seek Court’s Help – Jagdeo Opposition Leader Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has encouraged persons to him, the PPP will be fighting for the rights of all people who have been targeted by the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) to seek the guidance of the courts. At a press conferenc e o n Wednesda y, the former President reiterated that SARU is an illegal entity and has no bearings in t h e l a w.

According Opposition Leader Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

regardless of race, religion, political affiliation, sex and nationality.

Jagdeo further noted that the party is still awaiting the protocol for SARU as it relates to its the existence and how it operates. It was noted that the agency receive funding from seized assets, whereby 25 percent of the seized monies will go towards the funding of the organization, the remaining 75 percent will go to the consolidated fund; however it is unclear at what point in time the monies will become relevant for usage, since, at the moment the agency is operating unconstitutionally.

Persons have complained to the Guyana Daily News, that the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) have confiscated monies and large amounts of jewelry without the relevant evidence. When asked if the PPP will be pushing for a Civilian Review Committee Board for these bodies, the Opposition Leader noted that the Party will be representing the will of the people. -By- Ronald Singh, Guyana Daily News.

REGIONAL PAGE 84

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Carnival-Style Farewell For Crosby St James businessman and cultural activist, Earl Crosby, was described yesterday as an emblem of a Christ-like person where he gave himself totally and solely to the culture of T&T. This was the tribute paid to Crosby by one of his close friends, calypsonian The Original De Fosto Himself, Winston Scarborough. Speaking with the T&T Guardian yesterday following Crosby’s funeral service, at the St Theresa RC Church, De Verteuil Street, Woodbrook, De Fosto said Crosby was a true patriot and cultural person, who gave calypsonians, like himself, everything.

“Mr Crosby was a Christ in his own way where he reached out selflessly to people, especially artistes, who didn’t have money to record. He would have recorded their songs and it was okay for him if he didn’t make back the money. That’s the kind of person he was. “He was a gentle soul and a real nice human being,” De Fosto added. Another of T&T’s prominent calypsonians, former National Calypso Monarch, Michael Anthony Osuana, popularly known as Sugar Aloes, in paying tribute to the late Crosby said he would always remember him as one of the country’s greatest pioneers in the recording business.

“He really helped a lot of young guys, promising guys, who had a one-foot hit. Crosby made them into someone in the art form.

“Earl was a very pleasant person who always had a smile. He reminded me of... one size fits all... a smile. Very passionate guy,” he added. Former National Calypso Monarch Duane

O'Connor said there should be more persons like Crosby to continue on in his legacy. “More should follow.

It have few people who try to live the life that Crosby did in the love of the culture but to be this dedicated as Crosby would be hard. He could have jumped away from it but his love for his culture was too strong. He was down-to-earth and had a calm demeanour. May he rest in peace.” After the funeral service there was a final procession in Crosby’s honour in St James.

The “city that never sleeps” (St James) was transformed into a mini carnival parade of traditional mas, featuring Jab Jabs, Indians and Moko Jumbies.

Crosby’s niece, comedienne Nikki Crosby, was seen dancing her way behind her uncle’s hearse alongside the music truck to the Western Cemetery, George Cabral Street, for his burial.

During the delivery of her eulogy, Nikki said her uncle was known as the mayor of St James. She said he was a gentle soul, one who was never about the money and a prankster. Being the humourous person that she is, Nikki had to stick in her comedic mannerisms, causing several outbursts of laughter but to her it was how she celebrated her uncle’s life. Reminiscing on the seriousness in which Crosby took to the culture of T&T, Nikki said she remembered him coming to her to “lick-way” music pirates at Independence Square, Port-of-Spain.

“He was really irritated by the music piracy that was happening and that day when he came to me to go with him may have been the only violent thought that my uncle had ever had because he was such a gentle soul. “He also reinforced what my daddy taught us, which was all we have was our name and we leave with it, so do good,” Nikki said Officiating priest, Father Ashton Pierre, also spoke of the impact Crosby had in T&T’s culture and in the world. Crosby, who died at the age of 65 last week Wednesday after succumbing to cancer, leaves to mourn his four children — Kevin, Kern, Kearlene and Jonathan — and his companion, Anne-Marie Placide.

He was the grandfather of four, Cameron, Chrysta, Kayden and Kaleb.

(Trinidad Guardian)

Pall-bearers carry the coffin of St James businessman and cultural activist Earl Crosby following a funeral service yesterday at the St Theresa Roman Catholic Church, Woodbrook. PHOTO: MARCUS GONZALES

REGIONAL PAGE 85

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Lured To His Death By Call Relatives believe Kervin Ransome, who was shot 17 times by gunmen in Claxton Bay yesterday afternoon, was lured to his death by a phone call. Police said high-powered guns were used to kill the 23-year-old Marabella man around 2 pm at his childhood neighbourhood, Lodge Road, Claxton Bay. Investigations said a green car rammed the back of Ransome’s gray Nissan Sylphy, causing him to crash into bushes.

Eyewitness said either three or four men began shooting at Ransome who came out of his car and began to run. The gunmen continued shooting after Ransome as they chased him.

He tripped and fell down a hill into a resident’s yard and landed on

Kervin Ransome bullet-riddled Nissan Sylphy at Lodge Road, Claxton Bay, yesterday. Insert: Kervin Ransome in an undated photograph

his back in a drain where his killers pumped him with more bullets. His mother, Rhonda Young, said Ransome, the eldest of her three children, worked at an iron yard a short distance from where he was murdered. Ransome, who was a truck driver, was eating lunch at work when he received a phone call and left.

“He was not going to work he was going home to lie down but he went and someone called him. Whoever called my son to come here, God will deal with you.

God will deal with the persons who pull the trigger. What he do allyuh so... 17 shots,” said Young. She admitted her son had a long list of matters before the court but she said the police always used to harass him. “Somebody had to see something... big daylight,” she added. Wiping tears away his common-law wife, Tasha James, 24, said they moved to Marabella two months ago.

She last spoke to Ransome who went to court yesterday to support a friend who was locked up. “He said he was not going to work but he went after,” she added. Even though he had matters before the court, she said she had no clues why someone would want to kill him. Police recovered over 18 spent shells. An autopsy is expected to be performed today at the Forensic Sciences Centre, St James. Visiting the scene was a party of policemen from the Claxton Bay, San Fernando and Homicide Bureau. Investigations are continuing. (Trinidad Guardian)

Colombia/Venezuela Border To Be Reopened [El Mundo] President of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos and his delegation, arrived on Venezuelan soil this afternoon to discuss the reopening of the border between the two countries.

Santos was received at Puerto Ordaz, Bolivar State, by Governor of the region Francisco Rangel Gómez. The Colombian delegation will meet with President Nicolas Maduro after his arrival, to address the matter. The border was closed on August 19 l a s t y e a r, after an attack by smugglers left three soldiers and a civilian injured.

President Maduro has expressed h i s compromise to improve

the relations between Venezuela and Colombia, and look forward to build a ‘frontier of Peace’. Seven have been the most important agreement reached by the authorities of both nations for the reopening: ü The activation of a Bi-national Centre against the organized crime. ü The implementation of a Special Customs Service for the border. ü A work scheme for the repatriation of seize possessions was defined, to facilitate the transit of merchandise and exchange of information between the Custom Service of both nations. ü The implementation of a Border Identification Card for Venezuela’s and Colombians is expected to be applied, which allow the security control to be stricter. ü A Basic Basket is expected to me implemented as well, in which food products and feedstocks will be included. ü A Mercosur number plate will be granted, for the border vehicles, including the inhabitants of the borderline states. ü Venezuelan gas Stations will be installed on the Colombian side of the frontier, in which the fuel will be sold in Colombian pesos.

Source:http://www.elmundo.com.ve/noticias/economia/politi ca/lista---7-acuerdos-...

-By- Rocio Perez, Guyana daily News.

REGIONAL PAGE 86

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Hunt For Bad Pay Students

Students who have received funding under the Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (Gate) programme and failed to complete their course of study may soon be tracked down and asked to repay those monies. This was the word from the director of the Ministry of Education’s Funding and Grants Administration Department, Teresa Davidson, yesterday, as she noted they had received approval from Cabinet for increased financial and human resources to be invested in order to restructure and improve the department’s operations.

Speaking at a press conference at the ministry’s St Clair head office, Davidson said: “Going forward in terms of trying to recover money, we will have to look at ways to verify the students in the database and their status.” She said the drive could soon become a reality, noting that previously they were hampered by staffing problems. The increase in staffing, she said, would now allow them to investigate cases of students who had failed to meet their Gate contractual obligations by passing courses and initiate the fund recovery process.

Davidson said with the proposed changes, “we can put someone to work on it in terms of setting procedures on how that recovery can be done.

“Within our database, we may have paid for three years for a student attending UWI but because we may not have collected data that this person has graduated, we are not sure.” Davidson pointed out that if students did not meet performance standards, they were required to refund the money for the programme. “We have been collecting money from students over the years,” she explained.

She estimated that upwards of $70 million had so far been collected since 2006 and that the amounts collected had increased yearly, with close to $14 million collected last year. She said students continued to visit the department on a daily basis to repay monies. But she added: “That’s one of the problems that we have to monitor right now. We can only monitor the students who come back seeking Gate. If you come back and try to access Gate for another programme, then we will not fund you if you cannot show proof that you have successfully completed the previous programme.”

“If, however, the students drop out of their programmes and are no longer in the system, they have no immediate way of tracking them and will now have to research the individual cases.” Noting that funding was provided to both public and private institutions, Davidson said the latter were subjected to audits to ensure students met the stipulated requirements. “If we find there are students who did not meet the requirements, the institution is billed and asked to refund monies spent,” Davidson said.

She said prior to the current restructuring processes “Gate was very, very open.” She said one only needed proof of T&T nationality as there was no age limit. But going forward she assured that students would not be allowed to abuse the programme, including pursuing more than one course through Gate. “At this point in time, students cannot be in more than one programme,” she added On another issue, Davidson said the question of obligatory service for successful students who accessed Gate was also something which was still being worked out.

Education Minister Anthony Garcia also provided a list of areas in which Government had made significant financial contributions to education over the last five years. These include: Infrastructure: $2.7 billion. Recurrent expenditure: $10.5 billion. Gate: $3.2 billion. HELP loans: $101,836 million. Scholarships: $912 million. Law student owing One student, who yesterday admitted to still being financially beholden to the Gate programme, was a first-time law student. The 35-year-old woman successfully completed a two-year certificate programme at the UWI Open Campus more than five years ago, following which she was granted funding to pursue a Diploma in Law. After failing two exams, the woman was told that she would have to pay $5,000 to re-write the two exams before she was allowed to continue on in the programme. Additionally, she was advised if she was to pursue another course of study she would have to repay the outstanding sum to the Government before being allowed to apply for funding for other programmes. The woman, who did not want to be identified, admitted she was one of the “bad pay” students who had failed to honour the requirement to repay the monies. (Trinidad Guardian) Teresa Davidson

REGIONAL PAGE 87

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Bahamas Reports 1st Zika Case; Says It Was Contracted Abroad NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Authorities in The Bahamas are reporting the archipelago's first Zika case and say it was contracted elsewhere. The health minister, Dr Michael Perry, said Wednesday that the patient is a man who recently traveled to Jamaica.

He says the man lives on New Providence island, where the Bahamas capital of Nassau is located. Zika causes a mild illness in most people but can lead to severe brain-related birth defects if women are infected during pregnancy. The mosquito-borne virus has been spreading across the Americas since last year. (Jamaica Observer)

Clarendon’s ‘Most Wanted Man’ Shot Dead CLARENDON, Jamaica – Head of the Clarendon police, Senior Superintendent Fitz Bailey, is confirming the death of the parish’s most wanted man. Rohan Stevens, 28, otherwise called ‘Virus’, of Palmers Cross in the parish succumbed to injuries he received during an alleged exchange of gunfire between him and the police this morning.

Reports are that about 5:00 am, lawmen went to execute a warrant when they were allegedly fired upon. After the shooting subsided, the police say Stevens was discovered with gunshot wounds.

He was assisted to hospital where he later succumbed. The police say a 9mm glock pistol and 10 rounds of ammunition were seized during the incident.

Senior Superintendent Bailey said that Stevens was feared by many and was linked to at least 15 murders committed between 2013 and 2016, as well as other acts of crime and violence including shooting, robbery and extortion. The police say the Inspectorate of Constabulary (IOC) and the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) are currently investigating. (Jamaica Observer)

Jamaica, Bahamas Collaborate To Strengthen Correctional Service

KINGSTON, Jamaica – A delegation from the Bahamas Department of Corrections is in Jamaica participating in an observation tour of the island’s Probation and Parole System. The delegation paid a courtesy call to State Minister of National Security, Senator Pearnel Charles Jnr, and Permanent Secretary Dianne McIntosh on Tuesday. During the meeting, which was also attended by Commissioner of Corrections Ina Hunter, discussions centred on technical cooperation and the exchange of best practices to strengthen each island’s correctional service.

The tour marks the second phase in the development of a probation and parole framework suitable to the needs and conditions of the Bahamian society, with specific emphasis on Inmates Re-Entry System, the Parole Board, the Parole Justice System, Legal Division, and Parole Community Housing. The visit will include a tour of the St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre and an observation of a sitting of the Parole Board. The delegation’s tour will end on August 12, 2016. (Jamaica Observer)

Senator Pearnel Charles

REGIONAL PAGE 88

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Venezuelan, Colombian Leaders To Meet On Border Row BOGOTA, Colombia (AFP) – Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Colombian counterpart Juan Manuel Santos will meet Thursday in Venezuela to discuss ending a row that has kept their border closed for nearly a year, officials said. The Colombian president's office said the two leaders would seek to "normalize" the situation along the border, which Maduro closed last year after an attack on a Venezuelan army patrol.

Maduro blamed the raid on right-wing paramilitaries from Colombia. The leftist leader has briefly reopened the border in recent weeks to allow Venezuelans to stock up on food, medicine and other basics. Venezuela is facing severe shortages amid an economic crisis fueled by the global crash in the price of oil, its main export. (Jamaica Observer)

Jamaica Earns US$1.3B From Tourism In First 6 Months Of 2016 KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Ministry of Tourism has disclosed that for the first six months of 2016, Jamaica earned US$1.3 billion from tourism. Statistics from the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) that was sent to the Tourism Ministry showed that there has been more than two million visitors to the island, which resulted in a 7.5 per cent increase from the corresponding period last year.

A release from the ministry noted that for the first half of 2016, total arrivals were at 2,084,963, with 1,135,080 stopovers, increasing by 2.5 per cent.

Also, there were 949,883 cruise passenger arrivals, which went up by 14.2 per cent. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, during a special Linkages Network Strategy Session at the Jamaica Pegasus today, said this is an indication that Jamaica is firmly on the path to welcoming four million visitors for 2016. He also pointed out that the highest number of visitors for any July in Jamaica’s history was also recorded this year, amounting to 211,000.

“The preliminary numbers for July exclude Jamaican nationals and members of the Diaspora. This is a four per cent increase over last year and when the Diaspora is added it will perhaps equal June’s six per cent,” said Minister Bartlett. The United States of America and the United Kingdom remain Jamaica’s strongest markets, with arrival figures of 147,053 and 15,782, respectively, for June 2016.

“Tourism is the fastest-growing economic activity in the world. Last year tourism earned $1.3 trillion and 1.2 billion people travelled across the globe. Here in the Caribbean 28 million people visited and we earned US$30 billion. At home in Jamaica, 3.7 million people visited and we earned US$2.5 billion,” Bartlett said. (Jamaica Observer)

A Prisoner Tried Smuggling This Onto Carrera Island

Cigarettes concealed in the soles of a prisoner's pair of shoes.

BUNDLES of cigarettes, considered the currency behind bars in Trinidad and Tobago, were found hidden in the soles of a pair of shoes worn by a prisoner headed to the Carrera Island Prison last week. Also found were several cell phones. The searches took place as the prisoners were being prepared to leave the Port of Spain Prison.

A pack containing 20 cigarettes, which cost $30, can cost more than $600 behind prison walls. The exercise was part of a recent initiative to closely scrutinise prisoners, given the continuing threats against prison officers and rumours of a planned prison break out. (Trinidad Express)

REGIONAL PAGE 89

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

CDA’s Hotel Plan For Tracking Station Under Fire Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) chairman, Anthony Pierre, has given an assurance that if an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) shows that construction of a hotel at the old tracking station in Chaguaramas would disrupt the wildlife, flora and fauna of the area, the proposed project will be discontinued. Pierre made the comment yesterday as he tried to allay fears of naturalists, environmentalists and users of the area, many of whom took to Facebook in the last three days to condemn the CDA’s plan to build a hotel at the tracking station site.

The criticisms came after the CDA on Monday placed a media ad for expression of interest (EOI) for investors/developers into the planning, design, construction and commissioning of a full service hotel at the old tracking station at Macqueripe, Chaguaramas. The EOI invited local and internationally qualified and experienced developers/investors to submit an expression for the project by October 6. “If the EIA shows any significant negative impact on the environment we would not proceed.

I could tell you that,” Pierre said when contacted yesterday. “We would not proceed if the EMA does not give us a Certificate of Environmental Clearance. We would have a change of heart. “But at this point in time it is purely exploratory. There are other locations that we can look at. I know there are a lot of feelings around the tracking station. We are fully cognisant of how many people use it and the history behind it. We would not do anything to disrupt the wildlife and ecology of the area,” he added.

He said the hotel the CDA was looking to construct was not a “Hyatt hotel-type arrangement, but an eco log hotel that would cater for tourists and visitors whose hobby was animal, birds and butterfly watching.” The tracking station has also been a place for star gazing.

The road leading to the tracking station, which is a favourite for joggers, cyclists and walking enthusiasts, passes through the spectacular Bamboo Cathedral and runs to the top of the hill where, instead of the expected ridge line, one encounters a flat grassy field surrounded by old, decaying buildings.

On Monday, many took to Facebook to describe the CDA’s move as “disruptive to the environment, horrific and worst idea ever.”

Yesterday, Pierre said the tracking station was only recommended as

The tracking station in Chaguaramas where the Chaguaramas Development Authority wants to construct a hotel. Inset, graffiti at the site objecting to the proposed plan for a hotel. Photos: MARCUS GONZALES

a possible site. “We will be very careful in making a final determination on the matter. People would be consulted,” he added.

He said the EMA would play a major role in whether a hotel should or should not be constructed there. “Most likely, the EMA would request an EIA. There are so many safeguards in place.

It’s not our intention to flaunt the law on any public authority. I think there are adequate security measures in place to ensure that we do not start a project that is not in the best interest of the population,” Pierre said, adding the last thing CDA would do was go against the wishes of the population. He said another site the CDA had in mind was where the Macqueripe hotel was once located, which was a stone’s throw from the tracking station. “If it is more feasible to go up the valley than come through the tracking station and do the hotel at that side, then we will do that.

It’s not that we are thirsty to do this project at all costs.” Asked if there was a third or fourth location the CDA was eyeing, Pierre said no.

“The CDA has 14,000 acres of land. We will see.” Pierre also gave a commitment to preserve the tracking station, since it was a historical site. “It is not the intention to demolish any of the facilities around the tracking station but to incorporate it into the hotel’s design.”

Voices against plan Historian and author Angelo Bissessarsingh yesterday objected to the proposal. “The mere fact that they want to put a hotel on that site I think is apprehensible. It’s one of our great beauty spots on the north western peninsula.The public should not support this in any way imaginable. I am in total disagreement with it,” he said. While Bissessarsingh said there was a great need to diversify the economy from hydro carbons, he said whatever the Government did must be sustainable and benefit all.

Environmentalist and nature lover Stephen Broadbridge described the decision as dreadful. “The only hotel that I would support there would be a low key eco hotel,” he said. Stating that Tucker Valley was a sensitive area for endangered species which should be protected, Broadbridge added: “Do they have to encroach on the wildlife all the time? Can’t they just leave Tucker Valley alone for wildlife and ecotype experiences? “I am really getting fed up of Trinidadians for their lack of respect for wildlife.

Go and stick the hotels in the industrial and party areas.” For the past 15 years, Broadbridge said the CDA had been ignoring Tucker Valley’s wildlife. “To have a hotel that creates noise and bright lights would disturb the animals. I am totally against it. They don’t have to put a hotel there,” he said. Broadbridge said while the CDA had to generate revenue they should not destroy the flora and fauna of Chaguaramas which is a national park and should remain with its green spaces. “So you want to build a hotel for all the visitors that aren’t coming.

That’s interesting,” he said. Former president of the Caribbean Institute of Astronomy, Graham Rostant, meanwhile, said the tracking station meant a lot to its members and public. He said on dark nights the institute would host stargazing events at the site for the public and its members, for which they pay the CD. “It would be sad to lose the site because we have been using it for 13 years. “I feel this development is a mistake for Chaguaramas. I do question the feasibility of a hotel up there. There is no water or electricity to the top of the hill. I can’t see how a hotel would be a viable business there,” Rostant said. (Trinidad Guardian)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 90

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Syria Conflict: Aleppo 'Chlorine Gas Attack' Investigated

The UN is investigating evidence of a toxic gas attack on a rebel-held area of the Syrian city of Aleppo. Rebels said the attack - which reportedly left four people dead and many injured - was carried out by government forces using chlorine gas. The UN special envoy for Syria said a chlorine attack, if confirmed, would amount to a "war crime". Footage obtained by the BBC shows people with breathing difficulties receiving treatment at a hospital. Men, women and children are shown being fitted with oxygen masks by medical staff.

The gas is thought to have been chlorine dropped in a barrel bomb, said the Syrian Civil Defence - volunteer emergency response workers who operate in opposition-held areas. UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura confirmed the global body's experts were investigating reports of a gas, believed to be chlorine, being dropped on Aleppo. "There is a lot of evidence that it actually did take place," he told reporters. "If it did take place, it is a war crime and as much it would require everyone... to address it immediately."

'Eyes burning' A man receiving treatment in hospital said he had been in the Zebdieh area of the city, where he lives, when two missiles landed near him and a group of friends. "And a few minutes later, the smell of gas started spreading... and I felt my eyes burning and difficulties in breathing," he said. "The smell was very strong - beyond any description." A medic at the hospital said they had received a lot of casualties, who were "all ages" including children and elderly people. "When we examined these casualties, we realised it was due to chlorine,"

Men, women and children are shown being fitted with oxygen masks by medical staff

he added.

Chlorine is a common industrial chemical, but its use in weapons is banned by the Chemical Weapons Convention. In 2013, the BBC found strong evidence suggesting residents of Saraqeb had been subject to a chemical attack by government helicopters, something denied by the Syrian authorities.

Fighting has escalated in Aleppo in recent days, with rebels severing the government's main route to the west of the city.

The offensive sought to break a siege by pro-government forces, who encircled the east in July with the support of Russian aircraft. Aid crisis Russia has announced a daily halt to hostilities between 10:00 (07:00 GMT) and 13:00 from Thursday, to allow in aid. But UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O'Brien said while that would be taken seriously, a break of up to 48 hours was needed to get enough aid in on lorries. "We have supplies ready to roll - food rations, hospital supplies, ambulances, fuel for generators, water supplies and more.

"We will continue to use all available routes and mechanisms to do this, including cross-line and cross-border operations from Turkey." A witness in Aleppo told the BBC there had not been any ceasefire on Thursday, contrary to what the Russians had said. Earlier some of the last doctors in the rebel-held east of the city appealed to US President Barack Obama to come to the aid of the 250,000 civilians there. They said that in the past month there had been 42 attacks on medical facilities in Syria, 15 of them on hospitals where they work. On Monday, the UN said countless civilians had been killed or injured in Aleppo in recent weeks and hospitals and clinics had continued to be targeted.

Moreover, attacks on civilian infrastructure had left more than two million people without electricity or access to the public water network for several days, it added. Elsewhere, Russian planes attacked targets in the northern city of Raqqa, a stronghold of so-called Islamic State. Russia 'cuts IS capital's water supply' The city's water supply had been cut off as a result, the group's media arm, Amaq, said. The report was confirmed by an anti-IS group.

(BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 91

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Germany In New Anti-Terror Plan To Thwart Islamist Militants Germans with dual nationality will lose their German citizenship if they fight for militant Islamist groups abroad under new anti-terror proposals. Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere also announced plans to speed up the deportation of foreign criminals. He announced extra personnel, equipment and surveillance powers for the police. But he rejected banning the public wearing of the burka (the Islamic full veil). And he resisted pressure to ease medical confidentiality. Some of his conservative Christian Democrat (CDU) colleagues have urged a burka ban but Mr de Maiziere said it would be "problematic" and "you cannot ban everything that you reject".

Mr de Maiziere was responding to recent attacks linked to militant Islamists. Two terror attacks by Islamist migrants shocked Germany last month - in Wuerzburg and Ansbach. "I propose that German citizens who are fighting with terror militias in other countries, and take part in combat operations there, if they have a second nationality - and only then - they would lose German citizenship," he told a news conference.

There was a move in France recently to deprive jihadists of their French citizenship, but it did not get through parliament.

"My proposals are limited to the points that can lead to more security rapidly," Mr de Maiziere said.

One of the new measures is to make "promoting terrorism" a criminal offence. The security issue has become intensely political, as the country prepares for general elections next year and earlier regional elections. German media report that the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) - the CDU's coalition partners - strongly oppose any general ban on dual citizenship.

The Greens are also against the idea. Why is doctors' confidentiality an issue? The duty of doctors to respect patient confidentiality is enshrined in the German constitution.

And German privacy laws are very strict. But Mr de Maiziere

German police surveillance powers are to be boosted with more video cameras(AFP)

said he would meet senior doctors to discuss how they could more easily tip off police when they suspected a patient was a terror risk. In three major cases the perpetrators were found to have been mentally unstable: The Ansbach bomber who killed himself and wounded 15 others at a music festival last month The gunman who killed nine people in a Munich shopping mall - also last month The Germanwings pilot who deliberately crashed an airliner in the French Alps in 2015 German doctors who breach patient confidentiality can face up to a year in prison or be forced to pay a fine.

Frank Ulrich Montgomery, the head of the German Medical Association, said: "Patient confidentiality protects patients' privacy and is a basic right under the constitution." How big is the terror threat? On deportation, Mr de Maiziere said there would be no tolerance of foreign offenders who used false identities in order to stay in Germany. The deputy head of Bavaria's intelligence services, Manfred Hauser, has told the BBC the risk of a major attack on German soil is high.

He said his agents were investigating hundreds of reports that the so-called Islamic State (IS) group was sending teams into the country disguised as refugees. So far Germany has not witnessed the scale of attack seen in France, where militant Islamists killed 147 in Paris last year and 85 in Nice last month.

How will surveillance be improved? Mr de Maiziere is expected to attract broad support for creating 4,600 new national security jobs, including 3,250 more police, and for improving police equipment.

Germany is also likely to introduce more video surveillance in urban areas, a special police cyber defence unit and powers to investigate suspects as young as 14. There will be a big push to intercept terror networks that use the "darknet" to plan attacks or obtain weapons, the minister said. It is an area of cyberspace invisible to ordinary internet users. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 92

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Australia Blocks Chinese Firm From Stake In Electricity Grid

(DDP) Australia's government has preliminarily blocked Chinese and Hong Kong bidders from taking a controlling stake in the country's largest electricity network, citing worries over national security. In a statement to the media, the Australian Treasurer Scott Morrison has said the foreign investment proposals from Chinese and Hong Kong bidders "were contrary to the national interest." China's State Grid Corp and Hong Kong's Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings (CKI) were attempting to buy a 50.4% controlling stake in Ausgrid, which is New South Wales's electricity distribution network - the largest in the country. State Grid Corp has not commented so far on the blocking of this sale, but undoubtedly the reaction in Chinese media will be one of outrage.

Hong Kong's Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings, owned

by HK billionaire Li Ka-shing, has distanced itself from this rejection.

In a statement to the BBC it said: "We believe that the Australian government must have reasons beyond the obvious which led them to make today's announcement. The issue is unrelated to CKI." Australia's move comes as the UK has postponed approval for the Hinkley Point nuclear power project, in which China's General Nuclear Power Corporation will have a minority stake, on similar concerns.

The power grid sale, which is reportedly worth around $7.5bn (£5.8bn), would have allowed the Chinese and Hong Kong bidders to acquire the controlling stake in Ausgrid for 99 years. Ausgrid was appealing to international investors because it is seen as yielding stable and positive returns. Chinese companies have been on a global acquisition spree, buying up resources and power firms in Asia as I've been reporting. Take the Edra asset in Malaysia for example, which was also not without controversy.

But Australia's Mr Morrison said that during the review process, national security issues were identified in critical power and communications services that Ausgrid provides to business and governments. Mr Morrisson said the bidders need to address these concerns, and that they have until 18 August to submit their proposals to him, at which time a final decision will be made on the project.

(BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 93

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

A Day Like Today

“But only in their dreams can men be truly free. It was always thus, and always thus will be”Dead Poets Society, 1989.

Robin McLaurin Williams was more than a stand-up comedian, actor, director, producer, writer, singer and voice artist; he was a genius of the silver screen. But his talent wasn’t only shown through the cold glass; you could also admire his charisma in Plays performed live on the Theaters of Brooklyn.

A versatile artist that could crawl into the skin of any paper, and shape it to his figure.

Talented soul that without effort, touched the heart of every type of audience. A day like today will always be remembered, like the day the cinematographic industry and the word lose its ‘laughter’. The 63-year-old actor was found hanged at his house in

California, on the morning of August 11, 2014.

Depression, a Parkinson in development and a constant fight with alcoholism, are speculated to be the motives for his suicide. His prolific career started in 1977, with the debut of the comedy “Can I do it till I need glasses”, making his way up on the cinematographic industry in a good part of the 80s, and solidifying it in the 90s. He starred in legendary movies such a “Dead Poets Society”, “Mrs. Doubtfire” and gave his voice for the genie in “Aladdin”.

After his sudden depart, actors and admirers from all over the world expressed their condolences in diverse and heart touching ways. The Hollywood comedy club ‘Laugh Factory’, wrote on its marquee “Robin Williams Rest in Peace. Make God Laugh”, phrase that would later be pronounced on his eulogy.

Source:http://www.history.co m/this-day-in-history/oscarwinning-actor-robin-wil...

-By- Rocio Perez, Guyana Daily News.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Ukraine Puts Troops On High Alert As Tension Grows With Russia Ukrainian troops along the de facto a Ukraine military intelligence border with Crimea and facing rebels in the east have been placed on high alert amid a spike in tensions with Moscow. President Petro Poroshenko said he had instructed all military units there to be combat ready. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with his top brass to discuss beefing up security in Crimea.

Moscow accuses Kiev of carrying out armed incursions into Crimea claims rejected as "a fantasy" by Ukraine. Crimea was annexed by Russia in 2014 after an unrecognised referendum.

The two sides sides are accusing each other of destabilising the situation as Kiev prepares to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Ukrainian independence from Russia on 24 August, and Russia prepares for a parliamentary election on 18 September. In other developments: The US envoy to Ukraine said he had "seen nothing so far that corroborates" Russian claims of Ukrainian incursions into Crimea Crimean leader Sergei Aksyonov accused the US of being behind the alleged armed incursions saying "Ukrainian officials wouldn't have had the courage for such actions" Russia announced its two newest ships in the Black Sea Fleet - armed with cruise missiles - would begin exercises in the eastern part of the Mediterranean from 15 August Russia's FSB intelligence agency on Wednesday said it had smashed

Soldiers facing Russian-backed rebels in the east have been put on alert(REUTERS)

network attempting incursions into Crimea over the weekend.

"Heavy fire" from Ukrainian territory resulted in the death of a Russian soldier. An FSB employee died while trying to detain infiltrators, it said. A number of infiltrators were detained, the FSB said, including a Ukrainian national they named as Yevhen Panov. He was described by Russian sources as a Ukrainian military intelligence officer, but in Ukraine he is reported to be a former volunteer fighter who has more recently been associated with a charitable organisation.

President Putin accused Kiev of "practising terror" and vowed to "not let such things slide by", saying: "This is a very dangerous game". President Poroshenko described the accusations as "preposterous and cynical", and said: "These fantasies are only a pretext for making more military threats against Ukraine". About 9,000 people are reported to have been killed in the conflict in eastern Ukraine that followed the Russian annexation of Crimea. The annexation, which was itself largely bloodless, followed a vote to secede at a referendum on selfdetermination on 16 March 2014 - a ballot which was not recognised internationally. The US and European Union imposed sanctions on Moscow in response to its seizure of the territory. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 94

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Canada Police 'kill Suspect In Anti-Terror Operation’

Police have shot dead a suspect in an anti-terror operation in the Canadian province of Ontario. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that a suspect was fatally shot in a police operation. Canadian media said police had raided a property in Strathroy, about 225km (140 miles) south-west of Toronto. They named the suspect as Aaron Driver, 24, who was arrested last year for openly supporting so-called Islamic State on social media. 'Potential threat' A senior police official told the Canadian Press news agency the suspect had allegedly planned to carry out a suicide bombing in a public area.

An internal government memo seen by the CTV network said his alleged plan was to use a homemade bomb to create mass casualties.

An earlier The RCMP statement said it had received "credible information of a potential terrorist threat". "A suspect was identified and the proper course of action has been taken to ensure that there is no danger to the public's safety," it added. "As this is still an unfolding matter and the investigation is still under way, we are not able to provide further comment at this time." CBC News said Aaron Driver's family had confirmed his death. It said police had told the family Driver had detonated an explosive device, injuring himself and another person.

Driver had been intending to detonate a second device and that was why police had shot him, the report said. Leonard Tailleur, Driver's former lawyer, said it was "absolutely shocking" to hear about what happened. Mr Tailleur, who represented Driver in 2015 and early 2016, said his client had never indicated he would engage in terrorist activities. "He was such a passive individual. He was not an aggressive person," he told the Globe and Mail.

Who is Aaron Driver? A 24-year-old living in Ontario known to Canadian police as an IS sympathiser Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) first learned of him when he tweeted support for IS under the alias Harun Abdurahman in October 2014 Arrested last June in Winnipeg over concerns of his online activities, but never

Aaron Driver was subject to a court order limiting his activities(AP)

formally charged Agreed to a peace bond to limit his activities, which included no use of firearms, a cell phone, computer or social media and no communications with IS Driver, a Muslim convert, came to the authorities' attention in 2014 for tweeting in support of IS, using the alias Harun Abdourahman.

He was taken into custody and interrogated by police in July 2015 over concerns he would become involved in planning an attack. He was not charged but released on bail and had to wear a GPS ankle bracelet and undergo religious counselling, according to the CBC. The electronic tag was removed in February when he agreed to the terms of a court order limiting his activities because there were reasonable grounds to believe he might aid a terror group or terrorist activity. He was not allowed to have a computer or mobile phone until the end of August and was banned from social media sites and from contacting IS or any other militant groups, the Winnipeg Free Press reports. All the conditions of the bond were due to expire in December - and no trial was planned.

How do countries handle terror suspects? Canada - Peace bond: A protection order made by a criminal court that requires a person to remain on good behaviour for a period of time, which means they cannot be charged with any additional criminal offences UK Control orders: The orders were introduced in 2005 as part of antiterrorism legislation and allow police to put terrorism suspects under close supervision. The home secretary can issue two types of orders: The first order imposes strict conditions such as home curfews and bans on whom a person can meet for up to a year while the other involves opting out of some human rights laws to restrict movements during a public emergency situation. US - Probation: For people convicted of terrorism-related charges who do not receive life sentences, US courts typically require that they undergo a period of supervised release by a probation officer after their sentence ends.

Terms can include withholding their passport or banning them from possessing explosive materials. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 95

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Donald Trump Calls Obama 'Founder Of ISIS Donald Trump on Wednesday repeatedly called President Barack Obama the "founder" of ISIS and labeled Hillary Clinton the "cofounder." At a rally in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Trump also said that ISIS "honors" Obama -- who the GOP nominee referred to as "Barack Hussein Obama." Did Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton create ISIS? After lamenting the "mistake" the US made by going to war in Iraq -- a conflict he repeatedly says that he opposed, despite evidence to the contrary -- Trump then criticized Obama's attempts to "clean up." "Normally you want to clean up; he made a bigger mess out of it.

He made such a mess. And then you had Hillary with Libya, so sad," Trump said. "In fact, in many respects, you know they honor president Obama. ISIS is honoring President Obama. He is the founder of ISIS. He's the founder of ISIS, OK? He's the founder. He founded ISIS." He then said that the "co-founder" of ISIS was Clinton. Clinton campaign adviser Jake Sullivan on Thursday accused Trump of "echoing the talks of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin." "This is another example of Donald Trump trash-talking the United States," Sullivan said in a statement. "It goes without saying that this is a false claim from a presidential candidate with an aversion to the truth and an unprecedented lack of knowledge."

In an interview and campaign event in Florida on Thursday, Trump doubled down on his comments. "Oh boy, is ISIS hoping for her," Trump said during an appearance before home builders in Miami Beach, portraying Clinton as lazy. "ISIS will hand her the most valuable player award. Her only competition is Barack Obama." "He was the founder of ISIS, absolutely," Trump said of Obama earlier on CNBC. "The way he removed our troops -- you shouldn't have gone in. I was against the war in Iraq. Totally against it." "That mistake was made. It was a horrible mistake -- one of the worst mistakes in the history of our country.

We destabilized the Middle East and we've been paying the price for it for years. He was the founder -- absolutely, the founder. In fact, in sports they have awards, he gets the most valuable player award. Him and Hillary. I mean she gets it, too. I gave them co-founder if you really looked at the speech." Did Obama underplay ISIS' influence?

Critics say Obama has played down the terror threat and, while still on a victory lap after the killing of Osama bin Laden, failed to anticipate the rise of ISIS. Trump later called Obama by his full name, "Barack Hussein Obama," in a jab at his handling of the Russian involvement in Crimea.

Conservatives opponents of the Obama administration have used the

president's middle name to highlight what they see as Muslim sympathies and Trump had for a long time claimed Obama was not born in the US. In fact, Obama is a Christian who was born in the US. Following June's horrific nightclub shooting in Orlando, Trump had suggested that Obama had an ulterior motive. "We're led by a man who is very -- look, we're led by a man that either is not tough, not smart, or he's got something else in mind.

And the something else in mind, you know, people can't believe it," Trump said on Fox News' "Fox and Friends." "People cannot believe, they cannot believe that President Obama is acting the way he acts and he can't even mention the words 'radical Islamic terrorism.'

There's something going on. It's inconceivable. There's something going on." Obama has previously responded: "Calling a threat by a different name doesn't make it go away." (CNN)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 96

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

US Couple Sues IP Mapping Firm Over 'Digital Hell’

A US couple is suing an internet mapping firm for $75,000 (£58,000) after years of "digital hell". MaxMind matches IP addresses, which are used to connect devices to the internet, to physical locations. It has said these are not meant to be precise. James and Theresa Arnold say it registered their home as the position of more than 600 million addresses. They say this has led many people to wrongly believe a host of crimes were committed at the property. "The first week after the Arnolds moved in, two deputies from the Butler County Sheriff's Department came to the residence looking for a stolen truck.

This scenario repeated itself countless times over the next five years," documents filed with a Kansas court read. The Arnolds complained they have been disturbed at all hours by "local, state or federal officials looking for a runaway child or a missing person, or evidence of a computer fraud, or call of an attempted suicide". The issue came to light in April after an investigation by Fusion, a TV network and website, which reported that the property's owner Joyce Taylor and her tenants had been accused of being "identity thieves, spammers, scammers and fraudsters" for years. IPs can be used to identify individual houses but can also be imprecise.

Sometimes, they only refer to the country a device is in and, in some

The farm in Kansas is near the centre point of the USA(GOOGLE)

cases, even that information can be inaccurate. Fusion said Ms Taylor's troubles were the results of IP mapping by MaxMind, which chose her property as the default spot for IPs it could not locate more precisely other than saying they were in the USA. The house in Kansas, which the Arnolds rented out in 2011, is near to the geographical centre of the country. 'Digital hell' Since then, they say they have had a constant stream of people who have researched the IP addresses they believe to be behind a string of nefarious activities and found them to be registered to their address.

"In 2013, the Butler County Sheriff Department ran a background check on the plaintiffs because of all the activity taking place at the residence," the court documents say, adding that the department was receiving "weekly reports about fraud, scams, stolen Facebook accounts, missing person reports" linked to the home. "Threats began to be made against the plaintiffs by individuals who were convinced that the perpetrator of internet scamming lived at the residence. State investigators - convinced that the plaintiffs had been involved in an identity theft - came to the residence to take pictures of assets.

“The following events appeared to originate at the residence and brought trespassers and/or law enforcement to the plaintiffs' home at all hours of the night and day: stolen cars, fraud related to tax returns and bitcoin, stolen credit cards, suicide calls, private investigators, stolen social media accounts, fund raising events and numerous other events." They accuse MaxMind of "reckless and grossly negligent conduct" that has caused "great emotional distress, fear for their safety, and humiliation" and have asked the Kansas district court to award the damages.

MaxMind said it was aware of the lawsuit but declined to comment on pending litigation. The company's founder Thomas Mather has previously said: "We have always advertised the database as determining the location down to a city or zip code level. To my knowledge, we have never claimed that our database could be used to locate a household." He said MaxMind has changed its default centre points to be in the middle of bodies of water.

(BBC)

INTERNATIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Syria Conflict: Aleppo Hit By Clashes Despite Russia Aid Pledge PAGE 97

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016

Clashes have been reported in and around the northern Syrian long-range bombers destroyed a chemical weapons factory and city of Aleppo despite promises by Russia to halt military action a training camp for IS fighters, killing a "large number" of them, to allow in aid. Russian forces had announced a daily three-hour Russia's defence ministry said. (BBC) suspension of military action. However UN officials said that was too short to take in enough to help the large numbers of people in need. Aleppo has seen intense fighting recently between rebels and Russian-backed Syrian government forces.

There are also reports of a toxic gas attack on a rebel-held area.

Four people died and many others were injured, medical staff say. The gas was thought to have been chlorine dropped in a barrel bomb, said the Syrian Civil Defence - volunteer emergency response workers. Elsewhere, Russian planes attacked targets in the northern city of Raqqa, a stronghold of socalled Islamic State. The city's water supply had been cut off as a result, the group's media arm, Amaq, said. The report was Aid is urgently needed for civilians in confirmed by an anti-IS group. At least 30 people were killed and Aleppo, the UN says(REUTERS) 70 wounded in the raids, a UK-based monitoring group said. The

Huffington Post Founder Arianna Huffington To Step Down Arianna Huffington, who co-founded the liberal news website Huffington Post 11 years ago, has announced she is to step down as editor-in-chief. She will leave the AOL-owned site to run a new venture, Thrive Global, she said on her Twitter feed.

"I thought HuffPost would be my last act. But I've decided to step down as HuffPost's editor-in-chief to run my new venture, Thrive Global," she said. Thrive Global is described as a project designed to combat workplace "burnout". In a media release, Ms Huffington, 66, says it is "a corporate and consumer wellbeing and productivity platform". Profile: Arianna Huffington Across all nine international Huffington Post sites, there are 81m monthly unique visitors. It launched its UK edition in 2011. Tim Armstrong, AOL chief executive, said that thanks to Arianna, the Huffington Post was a "firmly established and celebrated news source". 'Journey' The Huffington Post was launched on 9 May, 2005, pulling together liberal-leaning news reports, and as an alternative to conservative news aggregators such as the Drudge Report. She launched the site with the American businessman Kenneth Lerer and other investors. The site offers news, blogs, and original features, and covers politics, lifestyle, and entertainment. "The journey of the last 11 years has exceeded my wildest expectations," Ms Huffington said, referring to the HuffPost, as it is also known. "When I decided to create Thrive Global, I thought it would be possible to build a start-up and continue as editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post. Today, it's clear that was an illusion," she added. "As Thrive Global moved from an idea to a reality, with investors, staff, and offices, it became clear to me that I simply couldn't do justice to both companies. Change is desperately needed if another generation is to avoid the burnout that all too often comes with success today."

Republican beginnings Arianna Huffington was born Arianna Stassinopoulos in Athens in 1950. She left her native country to study economics at Cambridge University, where she became president of the Cambridge Union. She moved to America and in 1986 married Texas oil billionaire Michael Huffington. She played a major role in his election to the US House of Representatives in 1992 as a Republican candidate and in his failed bid for a Senate seat two years later. By this point, Ms Huffington had made a name in her own right as a figure in the Republican establishment and a key supporter of Newt Gingrich and other right-wing figures. But she left the party in 1996, and divorced her husband the following year, as she moved on a journey to the left. In 2011, AOL acquired The Huffington Post for $315m, and made her president and editorin-chief. (BBC)

Arianna Huffington

F r i d a y A u g u s t , 1 2 , 2 0 1 6

n r u T e s er a v e l o P

LOCAL PAGE 100

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

Major Concerns Raised Aboutcommittee SARUcontrary At toPublic Consultation what is seen in the National Assembly during

Several concerns were raised on Thursday during a public consultation on the draft State Assets Recovery Bill, which was held at the Pegasus Hotel by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affair, Basil Williams. The concerns include the possible leakage of account information and the parliamentary appointive committee which will decide who will be the Director of the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU). While the Bill affords for civil action, it also states that the Director is allowed to hand over certain information to the relevant authorities for criminal proceedings when it involves offences such as theft, embezzlement and bribery. It was reported that Nazla Faizoul, Legal Officer of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), said the bank hopes that law enforcement officials and investigators would not disclose clients’ information to other persons. “The banks are a bit concerned with the extent to which we are required to divulge customer information,” she said. Faizoul hoped that the proposed SARU would be held to the same level of confidentiality like agencies such as the Special Organised Crime (SOCU) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Although the law exempts banks from liability to disclose clients’ information to those agencies, the Legal Officer highlighted the importance of limiting the pool of persons who will have access to the information as far as possible. Meanwhile, Co-Chairman of the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), Mike McCormack is also concerned about the government-controlled appointed committee deciding who would be SARU’s Director. “It is effectively a partisan appointment given the powers that are being wielded are enormous,” he stated. However in an attempt to justify his stance the Attorney General said there is a different culture with the bipartisan parliamentary appointive

debates. ”We believe that any other route will still raise doubts about partisanship and biasness,” he said. While the APNU+AFC and PPPC usually vote along party lines, the Attorney General tried to convince McCormack that the coalition’s six-parties would have different views in terms of the workings of Parliament. President of the Guyana Bar Association, Gem Sanford-Johnson said her organization was concerned that the SARU law would merely give power to one person- the Director of SARU- for the recovery of State Assets and suggested that there be a board of directors. SanfordJohnson inquired whether there were intentions to create a special court because the current legal system is the victim of back-logged cases. In response, the Attorney General said a major consideration for having one Director was based on the need to preserve confidentiality as far as possible. “A lot of these matters will be attended by secrecy and confidentiality because you don’t want anyone snitching on an operation so we consider this to be the best approach in dealing with the mischief that has been identified as endemic corruption,” the minister said. Concerning the establishment of a Special Court, he said it was a matter for the Chancellor of the Judiciary. -By- Pablo Cupido, Guyana Daily News.

GAWU/GOV'T HAS NO VIABLE PLAN TO SUPPORT LAID OFF SUGAR WORKERS The Field Workers of the LBI sugar Estate are being coerced to be members of the Enmore Estate workforce, according to the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU). A statement from the union noted that many field workers who are mainly shovel men, weeders, cane planters and others totaling approximately 450, are demanding that they remain at the LBI estate. GAWU accused the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) of not meeting the demands of the workers. The field workers at the Enmore Estate are objecting to the manner in which their counterparts at the LBI Estate are pushed over to their Estate. “The LBI Estate a task work is priced at $2875 and a similar task is priced at $2675 at Enmore Estate, Moreover, we cannot be oblivious to the travelling distance between the two estates that this decision entails,” an employee of the LBI estate noted. GAWU noted that no dialogue or meetings have taken place so far, especially at this point in time, when the industry is at a juncture which requires all the stakeholders to work cooperatively. Komal Chand, President of GAWU, is hoping that good sense will prevail between the Guysuco and the sugar workers as to the way forward. Sookram Persaud, a Cane

Harvester at the Enmore Estate noted that the strikes will continue until the demands are met, and that their counterparts at the LBI estate are treated fairly. According to another worker, he is still waiting to see the economic plan for his colleagues that are to be laid off by the end of October or sooner. Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman had stated that the Government will reveal an economic plan for the laid off workers of the Wales Estate. Minister Trotman had told reporters in April of this year, that while transforming the location into an aquaculture farm is one option, a detailed report will be made public next month.

LOCAL PAGE 101

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

Jamaican National Admits To Attempting To Ship Cocaine In Deodorant Bottles Jamaican National Easton Stapleton appeared before Magistrate Leron Day in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court charged with being in possession of 526g of cocaine with the intent of trafficking. Easton was remanded and will return on Monday August 15, 2016 for sentencing into the matter after pleading guilty.

The Jamaican pleaded with the Magistrate for leniency in her sentencing and told the court that he tried to ship the said package through the airport but was unsuccessful and therefore tried to send it through the post office. The court heard that on the day in question at the Georgetown Post Office the Jamaican National went to the Post Office with the intent of posting the said package and was warned that it would be searched.

Ranks attached to the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit became suspicious when they noticed that he was shipping multiple bottles of roll-on deodorant and conducted a search. The roll-on balls of the deodorant were removed and the quantity of cocaine was found. It was extracted from the bottles, eighed and was found to be 526g. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

Gov’t Corruption On Storage Facility The controversy deepens into the pharmaceutical storage bond at Sussex Street, Georgetown. This newspaper had reported that the owner of the building, Larry Singh, who has close ties with the APNU+AFC Coalition Government, had issued a cheque to the previous owner “Dennis” for $25M, however the cheque bounced due to insufficient funds. Subsequently, the government issued to Mr. Singh a security deposit of $25M, which was then used to purchase the said property, which means that the government purchased the building with the $25M security deposit. Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton has since revealed that government is renting the 3000 sq.ft building for $12.5M and sole sourced this contract.

When grilled by Opposition Parliamentarians Monday in the Parliamentary Committee of Supply, Dr Norton said that the space was being rented from Linden Holding Company, which is registered at 176 Middle Street, Georgetown, and has the storage bond at Sussex Street, Georgetown. He said that $25 million was paid as rental and a security deposit for the month of July. He also said that the bond was certified by an agency of his Ministry. However, investigations by the local media found that the bond was not certified and that it is in an incomplete state.

As such, President David Granger appointed a Cabinet SubCommittee to review, examine and report on the issue. President David Granger appointed a committee to review the issue, headed by Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, who revealed that the three year contract for lease of the new bond will be reviewed and that review will also examine the monthly cost of $12.5 million. However, this could have legal implications for the Government, since an agreement has already been signed and sealed, any review could see litigations being levied against the Government by Mr. Singh. -

LOCAL PAGE 102

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

East Coast ManKapil Remanded For Cocaine In Fish Haresh Thakurian appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court to answer to the charge of attempting to ship 88kg of cocaine with the intent of trafficking. Thakurian was remanded and will return on August 26, 2016 for statements and continuation into the matter. The accused who hails from Foulis/Enmore, East Coast Demerara pleaded not guilty to the charge and was represented by Attorney Peter Hugh who made a bail application.

Attorney Hugh said that the cocaine was found in his client’s shipment before his client could have made a declaration therefore there is no link or conclusion that can be drawn between the illegal substance and Thakurian. However Hugh’s bail application was objected to by the Prosecutor.

It is alleged that on August 8, 2016 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, ranks who are attached to the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) arm of the Guyana Police Force stopped the shipment of fish as it was being loaded onto a local air cargo service destined to New York. The shipment of the fish was searched and multiple pellet shaped packages of cocaine was found lodged in the backbone of the frozen fish. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

Government Must Promote Agriculture Diversification

The Government of Guyana should set up a National Agriculture Institute. This body should focus on Agricultural crops that are relevant to the changing needs of the World Market, not just rice and sugar. For example the cultivation of Soya Bean and the Derivatives from Soya Bean includes: protein powders, textured vegetable protein, soybean vegetable oil, edamame, dry beans, sprouts, livestock feed, gluten-free flour, natto, tempeh, tofu, soy milk, soy cheese and curds, margarine, shortening, soya chunks and much more. Agriculture provides the basis of subsistence for the population by production of food.

The inhabitants of each country or region depended on the bread basket filled by the farmers, i.e., everybody depended on agriculture sector. In recent times, regional and international trade have reduced the dependence on home agriculture, and the quantity of available food is less a function of the harvest than of the political decision on the amount of food imports. To meet the requirements of the ever increasing population with its higher purchasing power, and this despite less and less manpower because of the high migration from rural areas, agriculture increased its outputs and productivity, a process which had consequences for the price of agricultural products.

The more people live in the cities and have to buy food at the market, the more agricultural prices became a political issue. The interest of urban society in agriculture is an interest in low prices, and the request of the primary sector for price increases is a regular nuisance for the urban population. As the second largest producer of soybeans worldwide, Brazil accounts for 30 percent of the global production of the crop. The country has over 29 million hectares of land available and used for farming soybean.

In the 4 most recent growing seasons up to 2014-15, soybean production has been on a steady rise, according to USDA. Annual production quantities in that time span have ranged from 66.5 to 94.5 million metric tons. In 2013, soybean exports earned the country $23 billion USD according to MIT data. Soybeans grown in Brazil have higher protein levels than those grown in many other parts of the world, and thereby fetch higher prices in international markets, according to Commodity Basis.

The country also produces a large quantity of non-genetically modified (nonGMO) soybeans, which are also pricier than genetically modified ones.

According to reports. Guyana should not miss out on the opportunity to cultivate soya bean. The Government of Guyana must create an Agriculture Institute, to ensure the survival of the agriculture sector, and also to foster the development of new crops. Currently the Natural Agriculture Research Institute, is currently focusing on the development of traditional crops.

Source: http://www.professor-frithjof-kuhnen.de/publications/agriculturalcolleges/1.htm -By- Ronald Singh, Guyana Daily News.

LOCAL PAGE 103

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

Essequibo Teen Albouystown Man Dies In Accident Charged With Robbery

Police are investigating the fatal accident which occurred about 21:25hrs. on Thursday night on Three Friends Public Road, Essequibo Coast, that resulted in the death of Chandi Dyal, 19, of “H” Lima, Essequibo Coast. It was reported that Dyal, who was the driver of motor car PTT 5016, was proceeding south of the Three Friends Public Road, at a fast rate, when he lost control and collided with a lamp-pole. He was taken to the Suddie Hospital in an unconscious state and was receiving medical treatment, when he succumbed.

Twenty – one – year old Kurt Simmeron appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly on Friday charged with the robbery of Lu Zang Weng on August 9, 2016 on Regent Street, Georgetown. Simmeron was granted GY$70,000 bail and is set to return to court on August 31, 2016. His lawyer told the court that the young man is from Albouystown and has no pending matters before the court.

According to the lawyer, his client is not violent, does not pose a flight risk and is willing to surrender himself to the police at any given time. Upon completion the prosecution made no objection to the application and bail was granted. It is alleged the on the day in question on Regent Street, Georgetown Simmeron whilst being in the company of others, distracted and robbed Lu Zang Weng of US$200 USD, GY$30,000 GYD and an iPhone 4 valued at GY$60,000. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

LOCAL PAGE 104

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

New Committee To Certify Arms, Ammo Purchase

Minster of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan has been appointed the chair of a National Security Procurement Committee, with the aim of reviewing the procurement of arms and ammunition for the disciplined services. This announcement came on Thursday during a post cabinet press briefing hosted by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon with Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman accompanying him. The announcement followed when a section of the media questioned the minster on whether Lawrence Singh, of Linden Holdings Inc., the businessman amidst the controversy surrounding the Sussex Street Bond that is being leased to the government for the storage of pharmaceuticals is the same Lawrence Singh that is supplying the government with arms and ammunition. Trotman did confirm that indeed the same Lawrence Singh provides that service to the government. Singh has been providing arms and ammunition to the disciplined services. He is one of several licensed traders in weapons and ammunition. It was reported in the media that Singh submitted a memorandum to the government for the supply of arms and ammunition but that approval was deferred by Cabinet. “Cabinet did not turn down a memorandum in the name of Larry Singh, one did come up and some more information has been sought but it has not turned down or refused,” related Trotman. He explained that Singh, along with other businessmen prior to the APNU+AFC government taking office last May were permitted by the previous government to be licensed dealers in the trade and there has been sole sourcing of the arms and ammunition because of the sensitivity of what was being acquired. “We don’t want it to be known what is being purchased,” while emphasizing that it is a matter of national security. “You don’t put things like that out in open bidding. So government continued with that relationship.” Meanwhile, Harmon said that at the level of the National Security Committee a decision was made that under the chairmanship of Minister Ramjattan an examination of the procurement of arms and ammunition would be done.

LOCAL PAGE 105

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

NAREI Aiming To Increase Breadfruit Cultivation The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) recently acquired over 1,000 breadfruit seedlings to increase production of the plant, locally. The expansion in production is in keeping with government’s agenda of creating a green economy, Dr. Oudho Homenauth, NAREI’s Chief Executive Officer said. Dr. Homenauth, during an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), on Thursday, revealed that the Institute will be expanding its operations at Bartica, Region Seven to include at least 30 acres of breadfruit plantation. Further, seedlings would also be distributed to farmers. Dr. Homenauth related that on Wednesday, Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder and Permanent Secretary, George Jervis during a visit to NAREI, inspected the seedlings and were updated on the progress of the planned expansion project. The acquisition of the different varieties of breadfruit seedlings is a direct result of a call made by President David Granger at last year’s National Tree Day in Bartica, Dr. Homenauth reflected. He noted that the President has been encouraging persons to venture into the agricultural sector to promote entrepreneurship.

Breadfruit, which is consumed mostly as chips or ‘boil and fry’ by Guyanese, could be an alternative to plantain chips.There are a small number of enterprises that are processing breadfruit into flour. According to Dr. Homenauth, in Guyana, breadfruit is grown on a small scale, mainly by farmers or residents for personal consumption. The limited availability of planting materials, access to market, land, flooding, and little knowledge on how to cultivate this crop are all factors that affect its production locally. He added that breadfruit is primarily grown in a mixed cropping system. The average age of the crop is 20 years.

It is found predominantly in the Pomeroon River (Region Two); Haslington and Victoria (Region Four), No.7 and Ithaca (Region Five); Bartica (Region Seven); and Linden (Region 10). He noted that already government in partnership with the private sector is promoting the use of breadfruit. These efforts are being made within communities, schools, and other civil bodies. These energies have resulted in the Carnegie School of Home Economics, through collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), embarking on a workshop aimed at highlighting the benefits of breadfruit. The African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) promoted breadfruit as a main dish at the 174th Emancipation celebration and highlighted the benefits of the said fruit, while at the Linden Town Day different dishes made from breadfruit were presented by students.Planting materials for breadfruit are not readily available owing to the botanical characteristics of the crop and the lack of knowledge to propagate it. Currently, efforts are being made by NAREI to educate farmers and to provide planting material.

There are various advantages for farmers interested in the cultivation of breadfruit. These include an intervention by the government which will allow farmers to access planting materials and have the support of NAREI and available market due to a current demand for breadfruit locally for processing. (GINA)

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture George Jervis finds a breadfruit during his visit to the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI)

Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder along with Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, George Jervis and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Dr Oudho Homenauth examines breadfruit seedlings during a visit to the institution

Breadfruits.

LOCAL PAGE 106

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

International Community Must Commit More Resources To Iwokrama – President Granger At Centre’s 20th Anniversar y Celebration President David Granger, last evening, said that Iwokrama is embedded in Guyana’s territory, its law, its economy and in its political culture. The Head of State made these remarks at the Iwokrama Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development’s 20th anniversary celebration forum at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. The Head of State said that through Iwokrama, Guyana has demonstrated to the world how a single, small country can contribute to climate change mitigation, while promoting sustainable development.

“Iwokrama is part of the lungs of the Earth. It is a global resource helping to mitigate climate change. Guyana looks to the international community to commit more resources to the Centre to allow it to continue to be a model of sustainable development,” he said. Guyana is a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity, a multilateral environmental agreement, which calls for the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of its benefits.President Granger said that these international commitments reinforce Guyana’s resolve to ensure the harmonious development of the great natural capital of this country. “Iwokrama, with its rich biodiversity, is pivotal to positioning our economy onto a green growth pathway. It is our key to preserving our environmental patrimony. The pursuit of sustainable development cannot be achieved unless there is an unobstructed obligation to the protection of our biodiversity.

Iwokrama, with yet undiscovered and unexploited resources, is essential to our economic existence,” President Granger said.

He said that Guyana will Guyana will continue to seek support for the establishment of an International Institute for Biodiversity at Iwokrama to complement the work of the centre’s efforts in education on sustainable development. The institute is expected to allow students and researchers from the Guiana Shield, the Continent, the Caribbean and the rest of the world to come to Iwokrama to study its biodiversity and to increase their knowledge and understanding of vital ecosystems.“It is my Government’s intention, with the support of international partners, to make Iwokrama into a world, class institute for biodiversity research, a centre of excellence to serve the educational needs of our students for generations to come.

Guyana has a responsibility and it will uphold that responsibility to support Iwokrama. It is part of our patrimony.

It is central and integral to Guyana’s green development agenda,” the President said. Vice President and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Mr. Sydney Allicock in his remarks, described Iwokrama was God’s gift to Guyana and Guyana’s gift to the world. He also spoke of the need for strong leadership at the Centre so as to bring together environmental,

political, social and funding partners to promote and sustain Iwokrama. British High Commissioner, Mr. Greg Quinn read a message from Iwokrama’s patron, His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, who pledged to continue to support the commitment and vision that Iwokrama represents and to ensure that it remains the beacon of conservation and research into the 21st century.

President David Granger delivering his address at Iwokrama’s 20th anniversary celebrations at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre

Members of the Surama Cultural Group performing for the audience 20th anniversary celebrations at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre

continued on next page...

LOCAL PAGE 107

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

International Community Must Commit...cont...

Similar sentiments were expressed by Secretary General of the Commonwealth, The Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, who reminded of the existential threat posed by climate change to every country in the world and said that the work that is being done at Iwokrama will make an extraordinary contribution in providing the answers needed to reverse that damage caused by climate change. Meanwhile, Iwokrama’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Dane Gobin disclosed that over the medium term Iwokrama will establish a world-class biodiversity institute, complete with classrooms, conference rooms, laboratories and accommodation facilities. This institute will accommodate visiting scientists, interns and researchers from Guyana and around the world. The gathering was given a detailed presentation by Dr. Dayna Baumeister on Biomimicry, which is an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies. Iwokrama will be partnering with Biomimicry Roraima, which is a non-profit organisation dedicated to introducing the science to Guyana. Iwokrama is a unique reserve of 371,000 hectares of rainforest. It was established in 1996 after the passage of the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development Act. This reservation is home to some of world the world’s rarest flora and fauna. (GINA)

A section of the gathering at the 20th anniversary celebrations at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre

Vice President and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Mr. Sydney Allicock receiving an award on his father Frederick Allicock’s behalf from Chief Executive Officer of Iwokrama, Mr. Dane Gobin

LOCAL PAGE 108

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

Passport Services To Be Launched Next Week In Linden Upper Demerara – Berbice (Region Ten) will be the first to have fully operationalised passport application services as the government moves to decentralise such services to all the Regions across the country. This announcement had first been made on July 15, by Minister of Citizenship, Mr. Winston Felix, at the occasion of the ‘Meet the Public’ Initiative in Linden. Today, the Minister visited Linden to participate in sensitisation activities in preparation for the Tuesday, August 16 launch on those services in Linden at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) building. He also met with staff at the NIS when he visited the intended location. “This initiative has its genesis in His Excellency’s [President David Granger] concept of providing government services in the towns. It is his view that government services should be delivered in the townships created, thereby avoiding unnecessary travel to Georgetown to conduct simple business with a government agency. It is in this regard that the Department of Citizenship has taken the initiative a stage further,” Minister Felix said. He explained that persons applying for the renewal of passports or the replacement of lost, damaged or filled passports will be able to make their applications, weekly; on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and will be able to uplift their passports the following Thursday. Persons applying for passports for the first time, however, will still be required to visit the Immigration Office in Georgetown due to the machinery required to generate first time machine-readable passports. The Minister said that since the current location in Linden is a temporary one, the move to have first time passport applicants acquire this service would not be possible until the Ministry can acquire permanent premises. He added that efforts are being made to acquire a permanent location. Minister Felix said that as the roll out of these services continues across the country, the

Ministry is also working with the E-Government Agency to provide other services such as the online passport applications and online visa applications. This, however, will take some time due to the need for capacity development with regard to connectivity in far outlying areas. Following the implementation in Region Ten, the decentralising of passport application services will expanded to other areas including: Mabaruma in the -Waini Region (Region One) Anna Regina in Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two), New Amsterdam and the Corriverton in East Berbice-Corentyne Region (Region Six), Bartica in Cuyuni–Mazaruni (Region Seven), Mahdia in PotaroSiparuni (Region Eight) and Lethem in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine).

MOTP Press Release

REGIONAL PAGE 109

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

Energy For Young Minds Project Gets $170,000 From NCB KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – The Caribbean Energy Information Systems (CEIS) has received a $170,000 donation from the National Commercial Bank (NCB) Foundation to expand its ‘Energy For Young Minds’ (EFYM) programme. EFYM is an online resource tool for secondary-school students. Team Leader for the CEIS, Curtis Deenah, said the funds will help in acquiring more content, populating the resource tool, promoting the programme, and developing additional resources for the students to use. He was speaking at the cheque handover ceremony held on Tuesday at the SRC’s Hope Gardens office, St Andrew. Deenah explained that the EFYM helps to prepare students for Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) subjects that have an energy component.

These subjects include Physics, Chemistry, Integrated Science, Social Studies, Geography, Electrical Installations, and Environmental Studies. It also provides content for School Based Assessments (SBAs), energy calculators, manuals, CSEC syllabi, games, puzzles and quizzes. Deenah expressed gratitude to the NCB Foundation for the funds, and urged other entities to come forward and support the EFYM. Branch Manager for NCB’s Matilda’s Corner location, Dave Wilson, who handed over the cheque, pledged increased support for the project, noting that part of the foundation’s mandate is to drive and support education. The CEIS, which is a department of the Scientific Research Council (SRC), is a regional energy network that spans 19 Caribbean countries. It coordinates the gathering and dissemination of energy information for these countries to guide policy decisions, create awareness as it relates to the sustainable use of energy, and to stimulate conservation. (Jamaica Observer)

Executive Director, Scientific Research Council (SRC), Dr Cliff Riley (3rd right), accepts a cheque for $170,000 from NCB Matilda’s Corner Branch Manager, Dave Wilson (4th left), at the SRC’s Hope Road office on August 10. The funds will go towards expanding the ‘Energy For Young Minds’ (EFYM) programme of the SRC’s Caribbean Energy Information System (CEIS) Department. Others pictured (from left) are Team Leader for the CEIS, Curtis Deenah; Manager for the Information Services Division at the SRC, Kerry-Ann Curtis; Technical Information Officer, CEIS, Carol Davis; Kingston High School student, Alethia Thompson; Ardenne High School students Nicholi Bogues and Fabrizio Darby; and St Hugh’s High School student Oshen Constable. (Photo: JIS)

REGIONAL PAGE 110

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

Ex-Ministers Praise Manning’s Legacy /If Patrick Manning was still alive and prime minister of T&T, citizens would be benefiting greatly from his Vision 20/20 plan, former public utilities minister Mustapha Abdul-Hamid says. AbdulHamid, who served in the People’s National Movement (PNM) government between 2001 to 2010, was one of a few former ministers who defended Manning’s legacy at a memorial service on Wednesday at the Southern Academy for Performing Arts. “We have a lot to learn and I would hope that our present and future governments take pattern from Mr Manning and will consult or refer to his work. What this country sorely needs is to go back to 2010 and pick up from where we left off,” Abdul-Hamid said. Wednesday marked 40 days since Manning died of acute myeloid leukemia at the San Fernando General Hospital. Still heartbroken, hundreds filled the Sundar Popo Theatre, where his former colleagues shared their memories and lit candles in his honour. There were also performances by the Divine Echoes, the Presentation College, San Fernando choir, the Southerners Choir and Skiffle Steel Orchestra. In his tribute, Abdul-Hamid backed Vision 20/20 as the most comprehensive plan for the country, saying while many criticised it, they were reaping the benefits. He said even when Manning came to his Cabinet with a plan to invest in Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), there were ministers who rejected it, saying if Venezuela decided to build a similar plant, it would have been a wasted investment. He said through Manning’s persistence and careful planning, T&T rose to be one of the leading exporters of LNG. But with advancements in fracking methods in the US, he said Manning knew the high profitability of LNG would expire and set about for a new prosperity plan for the next 20 years. This plan included the setting up of an aluminum industry for which he had already found a partner in Brazil. Abdul-Hamid said that would have led T&T to manufacture and export products such as rims, furniture, utensils, vehicles parts and louvres. Manning’s proposed Allutrint aluminum complex, which, was earmarked for the Union Industrial Estate, La Brea, was heavily protested against by environmentalists and the Opposition United National Congress and the Congress of the People. The protesters cited pollution and long-term illness. However, Abdul Hamid said it was part of a plan for the industrialisation of the southwest peninsula. Although Manning went ahead with the planning, it was scrapped by the People’s Partnership coalition who evicted the PNM from government office in the 2010 general election. Policies, such as the Government Assistance for Tuition Expense (Gate), the Higher Education Loan Programme (Help), the Accreditation Council of T&T and expansion of skills and performing arts programmes were a testament to Manning’s focus on education. He said Manning was deeply loyal to country and was a man of integrity who did not live a luxurious life. Hart did no wrong One of Manning’s downfall in the 2010 election was said his defence of former Urban Development Corporation (Udecott) chairman Calder Hart, who was accused of corruption. However, former housing, planning and the environment minister Emily Dick-Forde told the audience that Manning maintained Hart’s innocence. “Ever the courageous and caring leader that he was, Mr Manning said to me in early June, ‘Emily, Calder Hart was not corrupt.’ I said, ‘I know sir,’ but I knew he was not trying to convince me because he knew that I knew that. “He was not trying to convince me, he was

expressing his deep concern about his personal loss and public hate that was unleashed on Mr Calder Hart for being a loyal and extremely hardworking soldier to Patrick Manning,” Dick-Forde said. She said the entire elite of T&T continued to enjoy “to the max,” the works of Manning and Hart. She said she repented on behalf of the nation for the wrongs that were perpetrated on Hart and Manning, hoping that one day “the light will be turned on and many would be made ashamed.”Not to blame for election defeat On May 24, 2010, a dejected Manning left Balisier House, Port-of-Spain, defeated and heckled by supporters who blamed him for a bruising general election loss. But to PNM deputy political leader, Joan YuilleWilliams, party members should stop passing the blame, instead accept responsibility. Williams admitted that there were difficulties within and outside the PNM camp, which led to Manning calling an election. That, she said, was a decision he gave to the people on whether they wanted him to stay or not. She said the defeat had nothing to do with Manning calling the election early. “I want to say now that a number of people blamed Patrick Manning for the loss of the election. I stand here on this platform and say I don’t blame him at all. “One of the things that showed that he did not go out there to take anything that anybody else wanted is that he believed that, ‘If you don’t want me and you don’t like me, what I am doing is giving you a choice.’ Yes around that time he had some difficulties with some people, inside and outside,” Williams said. She told the audience that Manning’s plan for his retirement from politics was to be a pastor.

Even though his ill-health and death prevented that, she said she and her colleagues were recipients to several of his sermons. (Trinidad Guardian)

Members of the Southernaires Choir perform during a memorial service marking 40 days since the passing of former prime minister Patrick Manning. It was held at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts, San Fernando, on Wednesday.

PHOTO: TONY HOWELL

REGIONAL PAGE 111

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

The Leader Of The Cuban Revolution Turns 90 There are men who struggle for a day and they are good. There are men who struggle for a year and they are better. There are men who struggle many years, and they are better still. But there are those who struggle all their lives: These are the indispensable ones." - Bertolt Brecht.

Former president of Cuba, and enigmatic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz will celebrate his 90th birthday on Saturday. Regardless to the countless controversies surrounding his 48 years in the power, Fidel Castro have been for many, an example to follow. The Cuban Revolution, on his path to the reconstruction of a country with capitalist base, into a socialist system, has faced uncountable challenges.

The system that Castro idealized for his tropical Island to follow, was strongly based in Marxists and Leninists principles, principles applied in a similar pattern to the disintegrated Soviet Union, disintegration that, along with the embargo established

by President Kennedy since 1962, almost led the island to a political and economic collapse. Ups and downs on the path that the Revolution have followed to keep their system working, have been the main topic for spicy debates of politicians worldwide, since Rock and Roll was born.

Yet, today Cuba stands high next to powerful nations in vital fields like, medicine, education and sports. Offering its solidarity to fellow countries in need. With less than 8 hours for the national celebration to begin, the island gives the last touches to streets and plazas for the commemoration. Since the beginnings of the year, the country have been involved in activities to give tribute to the ‘Comandante’. Celebrations that include publications of his speeches, photographic exhibitions, documentaries, monthly concerts and more have been the form of expression of the people and local institutions.

A great cantata is expected to break in the Revolution Square of Habana, capital of Cuba, at early hours in the morning, cantata that will be mirrored by the remaining 14 states of the country. Sympathetic leaders of the area have started to show tribute to his trajectory as well. An article published in Granma’s Newspaper, announced the inauguration of a photographic exhibition in homage to the ex-mandatary. This one is being held Plaza Bolivar, Caracas, Venezuela. At the opening ceremony, Vice President of Venezuela Aristóbulo Istúriz expressed -“We are experiencing a time of threats, attempts at re-colonization in which the people of the continent must have their morals and a strong spirit of resistance at the ready, for which we must look to the example of Fidel.

Through his thoughts and actions, Fidel taught us that conscience, values and principals are of the utmost importance, as they sustain the people in times of material scarcity, and the Cuban Revolution with him at the helm has been the greatest example toward which we must look” During the VII Congress of the Communist Party Celebrated in Habana, on April last, Castro expressed “Soon I will be 90 that idea never crossed my mind, and was never a product of my effort, it was a whim of chance...”

S o u r c e : http://www.granma.cu/mundo/2016-0811/vicepresidente-venezolano-inaugura... http://www.elnuevoherald.com/noticias/m undo/america-latina/cuba-es/artic...

-By- Rocio Perez, Guyana Daily News.

Fidel Castro Ruz

REGIONAL PAGE 112

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

Magistrate Warns Corporation Fraud Accused: Don’t Threaten Witnesses One of the witnesses against a businessman and four suspended employees of Couva/ Tabaquite/Talparo Regional Corporation (CTTRC), accused of conspiring to defraud the corporation of $149,500, has reported to the police that he has received threats. This was brought to the attention of Couva Senior Magistrate Lucina Cardenas-Ragoonanan yesterday, who issued a stern warning to all the accused not to make threats to any of the witnesses. Corporation CEO Carol Dyal; Barry Samaroo, a chief engineer; Maniram Mohess, county superintendent; Ian Gokool, road officer and Mahase Sookai, a businessman from Central Trinidad first appeared in the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court on Monday where the charges were read to them. They were granted $300,000 bail each and the matter was transferred to the Couva court since the crime allegedly took place in that jurisdiction.

When the matter was called, prosecutor Sgt Lincoln Bonnet informed the magistrate that Samaroo allegedly threatened the person who made the report against him. Bonnet produced a station diary extract from the Couva Police Station, dated August 9, about the alleged threats made by Samaroo. The magistrate then warned Samaroo, in particular, and all the accused against threatening or engaging any of the witnesses directly or indirectly. He also told the prosecution to advise his witnesses against engaging the accused in any way as to provoke them. The charge alleged that they conspired to defraud the corporation through the installation of outdoor exercise equipment at the San Pablo Recreation Ground and the Todd’s Road Activity Centre. It is alleged that Sookai’s company was awarded the contracts and was paid despite no work being done. The crime allegedly took place on September 20 last year. The five were held at the corporation at Railway Road, Couva, following investigations by Fraud Squad Officers. Insp Ramdhanie Dipchan laid the charge. The magistrate was also informed by Bonnet that a State attorney had to be appointed in the matter and such the file had to be prepared and sent to the Office of the Director of

Public Prosecutions. The magistrate said she expected disclosure to be made to the defence attorneys on the next occasion once a State attorney came on board.

Dyal was represented by attorney Mervyn Campbell, Samaroo by attorney Richard Sirjoo, Mohess by Lennox Sankarsingh, Gokool by attorney Michael Rooplal and Sookai by Irshad Ali. They are expected to reappear on November 29. (Trinidad Guardian)

REGIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS OWTU To Step Up Tempo Over Stalled Wage Talks Leader of the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU), Ancel 2011-2014. • T&T National Petroleum Marketing Company PAGE 113

Roget, has threatened to “step up its game” and take it to another level should Government fail to settle all outstanding negotiations. Yesterday, hundreds of unionised workers from the University of T&T, Petrotrin, University of the West Indies and T&T Electricity Commission (T&TEC) braved the inclement weather and marched from outside the Central Bank, Brian Lara Promenade, to the Office of the Prime Minister, St Clair. Soaked in the rain the members, led by Roget, chanted: “We want we money, we want we money.” They also marched around the building several times while the post-Cabinet media briefing was in progress with the acting prime minister Colm Imbert and the Minister in the Office of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs, Stuart Young. Roget met briefly with the Minister of Labour, Jennifer Baptiste-Primus, when he delivered a two-page letter addressed to the acting PM and Minister of Finance and the Economy, Colm Imbert. He said a majority of these collective agreements were approaching the third period of collective bargaining with no settlement in sight for the first period. He said the then government deliberately refused to settle those negotiations as a means of punishing unions who “dared to stand up in the country’s interest. “Having been victimised by the last government, it appears that this Government has chosen to turn a blind eye on this most untenable situation, to continue along the destructive path set by the last government. “This entire situation is not only disappointing but indeed it is also regrettable. In its attempt to settle all outstanding negotiations, this Government must demonstrate equality in treatment and therefore our outstanding negotiations must be addressed,” Roget said. He said workers would not tolerate treatment with disdain and disrespect and promised next time the union would return with more in numbers. “If the Government don’t hear, they will feel with our presence here in town. We are not here to beg but demand that our negotiations be settled,” Roget said. MORE INFO Outstanding wage and salary negotiations that are unsettled: • T&TEC for the period 2011-2014. • Petrotrin for the period

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

Ltd for the period 2011-2014. • UWI for the period 2011-2013 for daily paid and 2011-2014 for monthly paid. • UTT for the period 2012-2015.

(Trinidad Guardian)

Members of the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union during their protest yesterday outside the Office of the Prime Minister, St Clair, Port-of-Spain.

PHOTO: NICOLE DRAYTON

REGIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS PTSC Shoots Down Union Claims: Plenty Spare Parts For Buses General manager of Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) was a nightmare while stocking and managing thousand of parts PAGE 114

Ronald Forde has denied that the corporation has been using parts from derelict buses to service vehicles down for repairs. He, however, admitted when two buses of the same model were down, PTSC would occasionally remove a part from one of the bus to repair the other. Forde said for this year, PTSC has injected $20 million in spare parts for its fleet of 350 buses which comprises 27 models. He was responding to claims made by Transport and Industrial Workers Union, Roland Sutherland, who on Tuesday in a T&T Guardian article raised concerns about the safety of Stateowned PTSC buses, stating they were running its service by cannibalising old buses to repair buses that were down. Also supporting Sutherland’s claims was Public Services Association branch president, Darryl Lamy, who stated that complaint had also reached the ears of the association. On Wednesday, Forde, along with acting general manager of PTSC, Carl Ramdeo, gave the T&T Guardian a tour of corporation’s workshop and two storerooms to show where they purchase and use original parts for its fleet. Among the parts in the storerooms were for brakes, airbags, radiators, windscreens and windows which were stacked on shelves, while in the workshop several mechanics said old parts were not used At one corner of PTSC’s compound were 15 buses awaiting repairs. Written on the inside of the windscreens of the parked buses were the parts of which PTSC were in short supply.

Among them were injectors and turbo chargers. “In any industry globally you may have a bus down. There is a part needed that I have ordered but there is a bus that is parked up there awaiting major repairs and I need a small part to get the bus that is down out to move hundreds of commuters out. “That is the norm in the industry. I borrow the part of that bus so the other bus would come out (be repaired). But to make a categorical statement that PTSC uses old parts on its buses, that is not true. One thing PTSC does not do is chinks with buying parts,” Forde said. The unavailability of foreign exchange Forde admitted has been causing some delay in purchasing parts from China and Brazil. Once an order was placed for a major part from the buses’ manufacturers, Forde said it would take around six to eight weeks to get here. Small parts were purchased from over 100 local service providers, Forde said, while showing wads of bills of parts that had been purchased. He said some of the setbacks PTSC had been faced with was the ages of its buses, some of which were 24 years old. The average age of a PTSC fleet, Forde added was 11 years. “International benchmark is six years,” he said. Forde admitted that PTSC was looking to get out of its hands bus parts that were no longer in use. “Many of the buses had become obsolete. The board is looking at a way to dispose of the parts. If we can secure somebody who still uses those buses in the region or internationally we would sell them the parts,” he said. He revealed that Cabinet had approved a bus rationalisation programme for its fleet. Instead of using 27 models of buses, PTSC wanted to have on its fleet only four types, he said.

“There is no other country in the world that you can find that (27 models). How it got there I don’t know. I came and met it so. It makes no sense,” he added. Currently, Forde said, procuring parts

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

for the different types of buses were a recipe for disaster. He said PTSC was in the process of refurbishing and rationalising its fleet to make the organisation self-sustainable. Forde said people were going out of their way to pull down PTSC’s name. “They relish and love that. What they should be talking about is the pilferage going on inside here. Only this morning they took out some of the windows from a small bus. A battery was also stolen. I now have to put mechanisms in place by fabricating wrought iron cages to lock down the batteries,” he said. Questioned how long the stealing has been occurring, Forde said for a while, but said that it had to stop.

“PTSC is now in the processing of obtaining security cameras for all our facilities. That should curtail it in a big way,” he said. The cameras are expected to cost PTSC over $1 million. The thieves, Forde said, have a preference for tyres, small batteries and turbo chargers. A few months aback, Forde said, a driver and mechanic in South were caught carting away batteries while another employee wa found tampering with a bill to embellish the price of items. “As long as we catch you that is it. We make sure you have a fair trial and we get you out of the operation,” he said. Despite a high visibility of security officers at entry and exits points, the stealing still occurs. Questioned if PTSC was looking to reduce its staff and managers, Forde was unable to say. “We are in the process of conducting a manpower audit to ensure what the taxpayers are paying for they get value for money. “The audit, which has already been approved by the board, will go out for tender. The only shakeup I would like to see in PTSC is better exchange with labour for money,” he said. Forde said the appraisal of all employees would be looked at. In going forward, Forde said the acquisition of 70 CNG buses, which is expected to cost upward of $40 million, would help improve PTSC’s service. He said PTSC had also awarded a contract to a Venezuela company to refurbish eight articulated buses which were down. (Trinidad Guardian)

Buses awaiting parts to be repaired.

PHOTO: SHIRLEY BAHADUR

REGIONAL PAGE 115

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

Richard Branson To Acquire BMR Jamaica Wind Limited ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica – The formal commissioning of BMR Jamaica Wind Limited in Malvern, St Elizabeth, today was coloured by news that the company, as well as its United States-based parent BMR Energy, is being acquired by international investor Sir Richard Branson. Even as he introduced Branson to make brief remarks, Bruce Levy, president of BMR Energy, told those gathered at the ceremony at Potsdam that Branson’s conglomerate Virgin Group “are now in the process of acquiring BMR and BMR Jamaica Wind”.

Branson, a Briton who lives in the Caribbean, declared that his decision to buy BMR was not motivated by any desire to make money but rather to help speed up the clean energy “revolution” and assist the drive for universal “carbon neutrality” by 2050. The BMR project in Malvern priced at US$89.9 million is being described as the single largest investment in St Elizabeth since the construction of the Alpart alumina plant in the late 1960s. The project involves 11 3.3 MW wind turbines, which will provide wind energy to light and power company, Jamaica Public Service’s national grid at 12.9 US cents per KWH. Energy sector leaders say it will reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels by about US$500 million over the 20-year life of the plant. “I decided recently that we needed to get one, get one or two core (clean energy) companies under our belt so that we can actually get out there and speed up this revolution,” said Branson in explaining the decision to buy. “We were delighted to acquire BMR and we will be out there trying to hustle and bustle governments all over the Caribbean and other countries to hurry up towards carbon neutrality by 2050. Personally I don’t need to make money out of it, if it makes a bit of money, fine, if it doesn’t, fine. I just want to get the sun out there, get the solar out there, get … powered by sun , wind, sea… get a green

energy revolution and bring the cost of energy down for everybody; get rid of the dangers of coal and oil and the dirty (energy sources) that we are using today…” he said. Jamaica’s Energy Minister Andrew Wheatley said the wind farm in Malvern formed part of the government’s drive to significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Ninety-two per cent of Jamaica’s energy needs are currently filled by oil, he said. Wheatley said the move to renewables would also gradually reduce the country’s oil bill of about US$2 billion. Levy said BMR had plans to expand the wind farm at Malvern by an additional three wind turbines. (Trinidad Guardian)

Energy Minister Andrew Wheatley (right) greets US ambassador Luis Moreno (left) at the commissioning of BMR wind farm.

At centre is investor Richard Branson.

(Photo: Gregory Bennett)

Over US$690,000 Software Upgrade At AGD KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Service delivery by the Administrator fingertips” will facilitate efficient and quality service to beneficiaries General’s Department (AGD) is set to improve as a result of a all over the world. “For our clients and stakeholders, there will be US$696,300 software upgrade. With the Trust and Estate reduced turnaround time,” Brown said. (Jamaica Observer) Management System (TEMS), the agency will be replacing its old Trust Administration Software. The new system has the capacity to process all aspects of estate administration, from trust administration to financial and investment-related activities. It will also enable easier access to information; provide assistance in the identification and assessment of the risks attendant on the agency’s operations, and facilitate better decision-making and timelier reporting to stakeholders. “I strongly believe that the software was well considered, and it will certainly enhance the work of every employee, and the delivery,” said Minister of Justice, Delroy Chuck, at a signing ceremony for the system, held today at the AGD’s downtown Kingston offices. The minister called on staff members to buy into the new system as it will help them to achieve their targets and assist in timely delivery of service to their clients.Chuck told the gathering that Justice Minister Delroy Chuck (left), the AGD is a “success story” with the team of professionals doing signs the US$696,300 contract today “tremendous work”, which other agencies should emulate. at the AGD’s downtown Kingston offices.

Meanwhile, Administrator General and Chief Executive Officer, To the Minister’s left are Administrator General and Chief Executive Officer, Lona Brown Lona Brown, said out of the system being developed by Argosoft, she and Managing Director of Argosoft, anticipates that in another 15 months when “everything will be Ramachandran Gopalan. Standing automated, we will have accounts coming off in real time”. She added behind the Minister is Permanent Secretary that the ability to have accurate reports and information at “our in the Ministry, Carol Palmer. (Photo: JIS)

REGIONAL PAGE 116

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

Rifle Bullets Found Near Murder Scene Twelve rounds of ammunition for a AK-47 rifle was recoverered by police in Claxton Bay yesterday not far from where Kervin “Shabby” Ransome was killed in a hail of bullets on Wednesday.

The 7.62 calibre ammunition was reportedly discovered in some bushes off Cemetery Street around 6.30 pm during an anti-crime exercise by Chaguanas police. No one was arrested. Less than five hours earlier Ransome was murdered by a group of men armed with high-powered guns. Reports stated that Ransome, a truck driver/loader, was at his Claxton Bay job site at New Millennium Metal when he received a phone call and left in his Nissan Sylphy. Around 2 pm while driving along Lodge Road, a green B-13 reversed into the front of his car. Four masked men, dressed in camouflage outfits, came out and began firing at the car. Ransome came out of his car and began to run. He was pursued by the assailants who continued shooting at him.

Ransome ran about 100 feet before he fell in a drain. The getaway car was found abandoned on Rig Road North, St Margaret’s Village. Both vehicles were impounded at the Couva Police Station. Ransome was reportedly shot 17 times. An autopsy performed yesterday at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, only stated he died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Ransome’s father said funeral arrangements were not yet finalised. Cpl Singh of Homicide Region 3 is continuing investigations. (Trinidad Guardian)

Kervin “Shabby” Ransome

REGIONAL PAGE 117

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

Zika Cases Now Likely In Thousands—CMO Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh yesterday said the number of Zika cases they had recorded were inaccurate and there were more than the 247 confirmed cases, with the likelihood that the figure was in the thousands. He was speaking to the media during a mosquito eradication exercise at Boissierre Village, Maraval. Members of the Insect Vector, Army Rapid Response, Diego Martin Regional Corporation and Zika Task Force were present. The exercise began at the Ellerslie Plaza car park and took the group up Vallot Street, across Harold and down Tapti Road. During the exercise, Deyalsingh visited the home of several residents pointing out places that were potential breeding places for the mosquitoes.

He shook his head and steupsed several times as he walked away from several premises with old abandoned vehicles, rubbish and empty bottles. Deyalsingh said the purpose of the exercise was to demonstrate the fight against the aedes aegypti had not waned. “We are keeping up the fight in St George West, where the bulk of the cases are coming. There are 247 confirmed and 78 pregnant women and 84 in St George West, which is 30 to 40 per cent of the cases. To that end we are stepping up our activities in St George West,” he said. Deyalsingh said the 200plus cases of Zika were the confirmed cases by blood test and 84 cases were in St George West. Acting Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Clive Tilluckdharry, stood beside Deyalsingh and confirmed when asked whether the figure of people with Zika was numbering in the thousands. “With the rash, fever, headaches is Zika, the number of cases in the thousands, that is Zika,” he said. His advice for couples attempting to have children: “You can get pregnant you know, but take the necessary precautions and keep your environs free of the aedes aegypti. Use bed nets, insect repellent, not all pregnant women with Zika end up with microcephaly.” During the tour, Deyalsingh said Government could only do so much as he pointed out several homes were a breeding ground for mosquitoes and the population had to get on board. He described as “shocking” one case in which they found 30 beef bottles in a derelict vehicle. Several of the bottles had water in them with mosquito larvae. “I am pleading with the public for them to take part in the solutions. It is a co-ordinated response.

This is not only in T&T, it is globally who are affected. “We saw another house where there were 30 bottles and 30 potential breeding sites in one residence. The population is still not getting the message we want. “Spreading is not the only answer.

The more we spray the more resistance is the mosquito. We have to make sure there are no breeding sites,” he said.

Tilluckdharry said aerial spraying was not effective when questioned about the virus. Deyalsingh said all corporations also needed to step up their game. He said Government had increased the fine from $300 up to $3,500 for residents with unkept lots under the Yellow Fever Regulations but some

property owners were calling him to either get those fees waived or the period for payment extended. He said, however, it was time for property owners to take responsibility in the fight against Zika. One resident complained to Deyalsingh that the corporation was not picking up derelict vehicles but a checker from the regional corporation who was on hand quickly dispelled that thought. “That’s not true, I work here and I know they pick up the vehicles,” the checker said. Chairman of the Diego Martin Regional Corporation, Katy Christopher, said the Ministry of Health sprayed the communities but as a corporation they did four clean-up campaigns. “We are cleaning water courses in every district for the next two months. We normally do secondary drains under the cycle and we are doing what we can with a limited budget and being creative,” she added. Breakdown of Zika cases by region: • St George West: 91. • St George Central: 39. • St George East: 30. • St Andrew/St David 4. • Caroni: 20. • Victoria: 45. • St patrick: 12. • Nariva/Mayaro: 0. • Tobago: 6. • Unknown: 8. • Non-citizen: 1.(Trinidad Guardian)

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh presents Maraval resident Allison Welch-Dick and her son, Khalil, with mosquito zappers during the ministry’s mosquito eradication exercise yesterday in Boissierre Village, Maraval. PHOTO: SHIRLEY BAHADUR

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 118

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

Shah Rukh Khan, Bollywood Superstar Detained At US Airport For Third Time Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has been detained by US immigration authorities for the third time, prompting allegations of racial profiling. Indian actor and TV personality Khan, 50, took to Twitter expressed his dismay. "I fully understand & respect security with the way the world is, but to be detained at US immigration every damn time really really sucks," Khan wrote on Twitter. His comment had been retweeted more than 7,000 times and favorited more than 12,000 times by Friday morning, US time. The U.S. Ambassador to India also tweeted an apology about the controversy, saying "We are working to ensure it doesn't happen again. Your work inspires millions, including in the US." Khan has a huge fanbase in Asia and among the Indian diaspora.

Known as the "King of Bollywood," he began his career in television before rising to prominence in Bollywood by playing everything from a hockey coach to an alcoholic in hit film Devdas (2002). He has been called one of the most successful film actors in the world. As news of Khan's third detention in the U.S broke in India, his fans took to social media under the hashtag #ShahRukhKhan to vent their frustrations. Follow In response, US Department of State official Nisha Biswal tweeted an apology to Khan. Back in 2012, Khan was detained at New York's White Plains Airport for two hours after arriving from India. In 2009, he was stopped by immigration officials at Newark Liberty International airport in New Jersey as his name appeared on a U.S no-fly list that is 80,000 strong. US customs officials said Khan's questioning was part of a routine process. In 2009, Khan's detention caused consternation in India, with Aviation Minister Praful Patel telling reporters: "We will take the issue with the United

States government strongly. Such incidents involving Indians due to their religion or nationality should not happen ... we will not accept it." While fellow Bollywood actors and politicians called his detention in 2009 "humiliating," Khan has responded with a mix of anger and humor on all occasions. On Wednesday, he joked that he managed to catch some good Pokemons while waiting, and in a speech to Yale University in 2012, he told students that he always takes a trip to America when he starts feeling arrogant about himself. "The immigration guys kick the star out of stardom," Khan said. Khan is just one of several Indian celebrities and officials who have been singled out at US airports in recent years. In 2009, Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh was detained at New York airport, and in 2003, the then Indian Defense Minister George Fernandes was stripsearched in Dulles Airport in Washington Dulles International Airport. (CNN)

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 119

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

Donald Trump: I Meant That Obama Founded ISIS, Literally Donald Trump said Thursday that he meant exactly what he said when he called President Barack Obama the "founder of ISIS" and objected when a conservative radio show host tried to clarify the GOP nominee's position.

Trump was asked by host Hugh Hewitt about the comments Trump made Wednesday night in Florida, and Hewitt said he understood Trump to mean "that he (Obama) created the vacuum, he lost the peace." Trump objected. "No, I meant he's the founder of ISIS," Trump said. "I do. He was the most valuable player. I give him the most valuable player award. I give her, too, by the way, Hillary Clinton." Hewitt pushed back again, saying that Obama is "not sympathetic" to ISIS and "hates" and is "trying to kill them." "I don't care," Trump said, according to a show transcript. "He was the founder. His, the way he got out of Iraq was that that was the founding of ISIS, okay?" Collins: Trump will make the world 'more dangerous' Hewitt and Trump went back and forth after that, with Hewitt warning Trump that his critics would seize on his use of "founder" as more example of Trump being loose with words. Clinton later hit back on Thursday on Twitter, saying it was Trump who was unfit to be president. "It can be difficult to muster outrage as frequently as Donald Trump should cause it, but his smear against President Obama requires it," Clinton tweeted. "No, Barack Obama is not the founder of ISIS. ...

Anyone willing to sink so low, so often should never be allowed to serve as our Commander-in-Chief." 11 Aug Trump has been under near-constant scrutiny for his discussion of sensitive world events, with his opponents using favorable comments he's made toward Vladimir Putin and other dictators as evidence of misplaced priorities. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, one of the most senior Republicans to oppose Trump, said her decision came down to Trump making the world a "more dangerous" place, in her estimation. While Trump remains around 40% in national polling, Obama's approval rating was at 54% after the Democratic convention, according to CNN polling. But the GOP nominee remained steadfast, saying it was "no mistake" what he said, standing by his labeling of the Democratic opponent as a "co-founder." "Do you not like that?"

Trump asked Hewitt. "I think I would say they created, they lost the peace. They created the Libyan vacuum, they created the vacuum into which ISIS came, but they didn't create ISIS. That's what I would say," Hewitt said. "Well,

I disagree," Trump replied, and Hewitt moved on. In 2007, however, Trump actually supported a rapid withdrawal from Iraq, despite hitting Obama for his drawdown years later. "You know how they get out? They get out," Trump told CNN's Wolf Blitzer in 2007. "That's how they get out. Declare victory and leave, because I'll tell you, this country is just going to get further bogged down. They're in a civil war over there, Wolf. There's nothing that we're going to be able to do with a civil war.

They are in a major civil war." The comments from 2007 were resurfaced Thursday by Buzzfeed. On Wednesday night, former ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul hit Trump on the comments, saying they mimicked Russian talking points designed to sow anger toward the US and the West. "BTW, Trumps line that Obama founded ISIS echoes exactly a myth propagated by Russian statecontrolled media and bloggers," McFaul tweeted.

Clinton's campaign also ripped Trump's comments as damaging to the country, in a statement from policy adviser Jake Sullivan. "This is another example of Donald Trump trash-talking the United States," Sullivan said. "It goes without saying that this is a false claim from a presidential candidate with an aversion to the truth and an unprecedented lack of knowledge. What's remarkable about Trump's comments is that once again, he's echoing the talking points of Putin and our adversaries to attack American leaders and American interests, while failing to offer any serious plans to confront terrorism or make this country more secure." (CNN)

Donald Trump not backing off Obama ISIS claims

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 120

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

Germany 'Was Warned About Ansbach Suicide Bomber’ Germany was warned in advance that a Syrian who blew himself up last month might carry out a "spectacular" suicide attempt if it tried to deport him, BBC Newsnight has learned.

Mohammed Daleel was due to be deported when he detonated a bomb in the Bavarian town of Ansbach on 24 July. A 25-page psychological assessment written more than a year before mentioned his "extreme spirit". It was sent to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. It warned that attempts to deport Mr Daleel could result in a "spectacular" suicide attempt. Before the bombing, Mohammed Daleel left a message pledging allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the so-called Islamic State. The attacker tried to get into an open-air concert attended by 2,500 people, but was stopped by a security guard. Instead he detonated a rucksack filled with explosives in a local beer garden, killing himself and wounding 15 others. Ten days before the attack, Mr Daleel had received notice from the German authorities that he was to be deported to Bulgaria. Under the Dublin regulation, refugees are required to claim asylum in their first port of entry into the EU. Mr Daleel crossed into Bulgaria from Turkey in 2013. He later claimed he had been abused in detention in Bulgaria. The psychological assessment of Mohammed Daleel, seen by BBC Newsnight, was written by Axel von Maltitz, a trauma therapist in the town of Lindau. Mr von Maltitz treated the 27-year-old Syrian for psychological problems until January 2016. He believes the deportation notice triggered Mr Daleel's attack. "That is always what he promised. That was always his reaction as answer to the information that he was to be deported. "I warned them. That is what I wrote. 'Be careful if he has to be deported to Bulgaria'." Axel von Maltitz first met Mohammed Daleel in January 2015, after the Syrian had cut his wrists following an earlier deportation order. "He had bandages around his arms because that was still quite fresh. He was highly traumatised. "Traumatisation has very typical symptoms.

He had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder severely. Very strong." Mr Daleel claimed he was an opposition activist in Syria and that he had been imprisoned and tortured on three occasions between 2008 and 2011. 'Bad pictures' He told Mr von Maltitz he was beaten, subjected to electric shocks, and forced to witness rapes and brutal executions. He also said his wife and infant son were killed in a rocket attack on their home in Aleppo. The 2015 deportation order was quietly dropped, and Mohammed Daleel continued living in a hostel in Ansbach while receiving treatment, first at a psychiatric ward in a local hospital, and subsequently again with Axel

von Maltitz in Lindau. Mr von Maltitz remembers: "He once said: 'I cannot close my eyes. Because the bad pictures start running the moment that my eyes are closed'." German investigators have not ruled out the possibility that Mohammed Daleel may have had contact with jihadist groups years before he detonated his bomb. They say he was communicating with a telephone number in Saudi Arabia in the minutes before the attack. But Manfred Hauser, deputy director of intelligence for the state of Bavaria, told Newsnight it was more likely that Mr Daleel was a "lone wolf" who was vulnerable and had recently self-radicalised.

"The internet plays a big role here," he said. "There is a variety of jihadist propaganda easily accessible on the internet. This process happens very fast. "It seems quite likely that people who are susceptible to mental problems are particularly receptive to Salafist or jihadist ideology."

Balance of motivations Several witnesses told Newsnight that, in the months before the attack, Mr Daleel spent more and more time in his room in his hostel in Ansbach, surfing the internet on his laptop. Axel von Maltitz, and others who knew him, said he did not seem especially concerned with religion and was rarely seen in local mosques. Mohammed Daleel's therapy was due to resume on 1 August. It has not been possible to verify many of the details of his story as told to his therapist: his role in the opposition, the torture, the death of his wife and child. Nor is it clear what role, if any, the threat of deportation played in his decision to carry out the bombing. In Germany's first IS-inspired suicide bombing, the balance of motivations, between jihadist ideology and mental health, will likely remain unknown.

(BBC)

Fifteen people were wounded when Mohamed Daleel blew himself up in Ansbach(AFP)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 121

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

JetBlue Turbulence Puts 24 In Hospital At least 22 passengers and two crew members were taken to a hospital for evaluation after a JetBlue flight experienced rough turbulence Thursday evening, a spokeswoman for the airline said. JetBlue Flight 429 was headed from Boston to Sacramento, but had to be diverted to Rapid City, South Dakota, at about 6:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. ET), spokeswoman Katherine McMillan said. Passenger Derek Lindahl said a woman sitting in front of him rose 2 feet into the air in the cabin at one point because she wasn't wearing a seat belt. "I literally grabbed her out of the air to hold her to the seat," said Lindahl, a software engineer from Sacramento. Rhonda Renee, another passenger, said the turbulence was like a bad dream. "People were flying out of their seat belts and hitting their head on the ceiling; it was very scary," Renee said. A flight attendant was assisted off the plane by medical personnel. Eileen Lynch, a passenger and emergency room nurse who helped injured people aboard the flight, likened the experience to sitting in the "Tower of Terror," a popular, albeit frightening, ride at several Disney amusement parks. "It just dropped like that without warning," Lynch told CNN affiliate KCRA-TV in Sacramento. It's believed that inclement weather played a role in creating the bumpy flying conditions. The plane encountered a line of thunderstorms in central South Dakota, according to a flight path analysis by CNN meteorologists Monica Garrett and Chad Myers. After passing through a first storm, the plane came upon a second, which the pilot attempted to fly over or around. The significant turbulence was likely caused by one or both storms. "While

some turbulence can't be detected on radar, this was not that kind," said Brandon Miller, a producer with CNN's World Weather team. "This turbulence was caused by the rapid rising of air inside the thunderstorms." "You can see thunderstorms, both from the cockpit and on radar," Miller added. "Pilots know there is turbulence in the storms and do their best to fly around or over them. Although they tried, they could not do that in this situation." Lindahl praised the flight crew and emergency responders at the Rapid City airport. "Even though all flight crew were injured in some way, as far as I know, they all maintained their calm and never cracked," he said. JetBlue sent a replacement aircraft to Rapid City to take the remaining passengers to Sacramento, the airline said in a statement.

(CNN)

INTERNATIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Pakistan: 'Dead-Baby-Swap Gang' Arrested In Peshawar PAGE 122

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

Pakistani police have arrested several hospital abducted baby girl was rescued from the gang's workers over a scheme that abducted and sold custody. The gang had abducted and sold nine newborn babies in Peshawar, local media report. newborns, police said. (BBC) The gang swapped newborn babies with the bodies of dead infants in hospitals and maternity homes, and told their parents the child had died. The newborn babies were then sold for between 70,000-300,000 Pakistani rupees (£500-2,200; $650-$2,850). Pakistan has seen several highprofile cases of baby abductions recently. The police reportedly made the latest arrests after receiving a tip-off that led them to one of the gang members, a woman identified as Wajeeha. An A Pakistani woman holds the hand of her grandchild(AFP)

Turkey Coup: Ex-Footballer Hakan Sukur Sought Over Gulen Links Turkish prosecutors investigating the failed July coup have issued an arrest warrant for one of the country's best-known footballers, ex-international Hakan Sukur, state media report. Searches were carried out at two houses in western Turkey, as officials said he faced charges of being a member of an "armed terrorist organisation". A former MP for the ruling AK party, Hakan Sukur is a known supporter of the cleric blamed for the botched coup. He moved to the US several months ago. A warrant was also issued for the exfootballer's father, Selmet Sukur. He was arrested in his hometown of Adapazari after he was seen at a local mosque and reported to the police. Selmet Sukur for years acted as his son's manager. Hakan Sukur's twitter account and website were not publicly accessible on Friday. However, he has expressed support for cleric Fethullah Gulen in the past. 'Bull of the Bosphorus' Hakan Sukur played for Turkey 112 times and scored 51 international goals Joined Galatasaray in 1992 and was part of their Uefa Cup-winning team in 2000 Had spells with Torino (in 1995) and later with Inter Milan, Parma and Blackburn Rovers Scored fastest-ever World Cup goal, after 11 seconds against South Korea in 2002 Retiring in 2007, he was an AKP MP for two years from 2011 Mr Gulen lives in self-imposed exile in the US and the Turkish government has called for his extradition to face trial on charges of

masterminding the failed 15 July coup. He denies involvement. Some 270 people died and many more were wounded when parts of the armed forces tried to seize power. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan responded by purging the military and public services of tens of thousands of people suspected of following Mr Gulen, whom the government accuses of setting up a parallel state. Hakan Sukur went on trial in absentia in June for insulting President Erdogan on social media and the decision by prosecutors to seek his arrest is not seen as a surprise because of his support for the US-based preacher. (BBC)

Hakan Sukur was for years Turkey's best-known footballer before entering politics (GETTY IMAGES)

INTERNATIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Thailand Tourism: Arrests Made Over Bomb Attacks In Hua Hin Resort PAGE 123

Police in the Thai resort of Hua Hin have arrested two men after bomb attacks there and across the country left four people dead.

No further details were given of the detentions in the town, where two people were killed in explosions over the space of 24 hours. Phuket, a top tourist destination, was also targeted in the attacks. No group has said it carried out the attacks but suspicion is likely to fall on Islamist separatists. The timing is sensitive, as Friday is a holiday marking the queen's birthday. At least 10 foreigners were wounded in the attacks: three Germans, three Italians, an Austrian and three Dutch nationals. Blasts across Thailand in pictures The attackers focused on tourist hotspots: Four blasts over 24 hours in Hua Hin where two people died Two blasts in Surat Thani where one person died Two blasts in the tourist beach town of Patong on Phuket island One blast in Trang where one person died Blasts in the beach province of Phang Nga Hua Hin is about 200km (125 miles) from the capital Bangkok while the province of Phuket is in the far south. Both places, as well as Phang Nga, are known for their scenic beaches. Two bombs went off in front of police stations in Surat Thani within the space of half an hour. Andrea Tazzioli, an Italian tourist injured in Hua Hin, told the Associated Press news agency from his hospitable bed that a man standing next to him had been killed, so he felt lucky to be alive. "I was having a drink with other people, some of whom I knew, others I didn't [know], and suddenly there was a huge flash of light and an explosion," he said. "Immediately, I was hit in my back - luckily I had turned away. It was shrapnel. "There was blood, people shouting, others injured, one person dead, others shouting, others running away, others crying, others fainting, others who didn't know what to do. Someone helped me. Then the police arrived and I was taken to hospital." Wendy Herbert, an Australian expatriate who lives in Hua Hin, told the BBC the place was deserted on Friday, adding: "I think it's unfortunate because it's Mother's Day and the Queen's birthday in Thailand, so it's a big kind of event day, where everybody would be out and doing things." Map showing the locations of the blasts in Thailand on 11 and 12 June Who could be behind the attacks?

Police said they had detained some suspects but ruled out international terrorism. "Initial investigations reveal that two types of bombs were used, which are fire bombs and improvised explosive devices, or IEDs," said Royal Thai Police Col Krisana Patanacharoen. The bombings, he was quoted as saying by the Associated Press news agency, followed a "similar pattern used in the southern parts of the country". The BBC's Jonathan Head in Bangkok says that if southern rebels are behind these attacks, it would mark a significant change of tactics. The 12-year conflict in the south has killed more than 6,000 people, but has never targeted tourists. Security has been tightened in the tourist areas and at airports in southern Thailand. Foreign embassies have advised tourists to be vigilant. The UK Foreign Office has advised people in tourist areas to "exercise extreme caution,

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

avoid public places and follow the advice of local authorities".

Thailand's southern insurgency The country's Muslim minority largely originates in the three southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat Insurgents have been fighting since the early 2000s for an independent Islamic state modelled on the old Malay sultanate of Pattani Security forces, government workers and local Buddhist communities have been targeted in drive-by shootings, bombings and beheadings The violence has been largely confined to the south The Thai military and progovernment vigilantes have been accused of a heavy-handed response, including the torture and execution of prisoners Why have tourist hotspots been targeted? The attacks have clearly attempted to strike at Thailand's crucial tourism sector. "The Thais call it [Hua Hin] a white town because there's so many expatriates who live here," Ms Herbert told the BBC. "There's a large expat community so the local feeling is, from expats and also from Thais, that this is designed to have maximum impact and damage internationally." But the choice of Hua Hin as a major target is also symbolic, our correspondent says, being known as a royal city and the king's favoured residence outside Bangkok. Has Thailand seen similar attacks? Home-made bombs have previously been used by attackers in Thailand at times of political unrest, but since the military took power in a coup in May 2014 such attacks have been extremely rare. "The bombs are an attempt to create chaos and confusion," PM Prayuth Chan-ocha said to reporters. "We should not make people panic more." This comes just days before the one-year anniversary of a bomb blast at the Erawan shrine in Bangkok that killed 20 people. The motive has still not been established.

Last week, Thais voted in a referendum which approved a new constitution that will strengthen the military's influence in politics for many years. (BBC)

The BBC's Jonathan Head says Thai police are not linking the attacks to international terrorism

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 124

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

Ukraine Crimea: Russia Sends New Air Defence Missiles The Russian military has announced the delivery of new air defence missiles to Crimea, in a move scheduled before the latest tension with Ukraine.

The S-400 Triumph missile systems were earmarked for troops in Crimea last month, Russian media said at the time. Moscow also announced exercises in Crimea next week to simulate an attack by weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Russia, which annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, said this week it had foiled a Ukrainian sabotage mission. It accused the Ukrainian government in Kiev of trying to send saboteurs into Crimea and reported the deaths of a soldier and a secret police officer in an operation to foil the alleged plot. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Moscow might be forced to cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine if the crisis worsened.

Denying the accusations, Ukraine placed its troops on alert along its de facto border with Crimea, and along its front line with Russian-backed rebels holding parts of Donetsk and Luhansk in the east. A column of Ukrainian tanks could be seen rolling towards Crimea on Friday. 'Syrian air defence' A statement by Russia's Southern Military District, which incorporates Crimea, said the missiles had been received by an air defence regiment in Crimea.

According to the statement, quoted by Russian news agencies, the missiles were successfully tested on the Kapustin Yar test range in southern Russia.

Russia's Interfax news agency says the missiles are designed to hit airborne targets at a range of up to 400km (249 miles) and ballistic missiles at a range of up to 60km, flying at speeds of up to 4.8km per second. The missiles are being installed in Crimea to protect Russia's Hmeimim air base in Syria among other things, it adds. Last November, Russia deployed S-400s at Hmeimim, after Turkey downed a Russian Su-24 bomber. The Russian defence ministry announced (in Russian) exercises in Crimea and the Volgograd region for 16-19 August to simulate the effect of an enemy attack using WMD

Radioactive, biological and chemical defence troops will be deployed in the manoeuvres, which will involve the use of Solntsepyok rocket systems in Volgograd, as well as an artificial smoke screen to block any surveillance. Separately, the ministry said (in Russian) it would be sending an additional 40 aircraft to the Southern Military District this year.

'Concern and outrage' Ukraine's envoy to the UN asked Russia on Thursday to prove its allegations, and said some 40,000 Russian troops were massed on the Crimea-Ukraine border. His Russian counterpart told the UN Security Council of Moscow's "concern and outrage" at the alleged incursions. Russian state TV broadcast an apparent confession by a man named as Yevhen Panov, saying he was part of a Ukrainian defence ministry force sent into Crimea "to carry out acts of sabotage". He said the group also included officers of Ukraine's military intelligence. Reports in Ukraine say Mr Panov is a former volunteer fighter who has more recently been associated with a charitable organisation called Heroes of Ukraine. Crimea was annexed by Russia after a majority of its mostly ethnic Russian population voted to secede in an unrecognised referendum on self-determination.

The annexation was relatively bloodless, in sharp contrast to the ferocious fighting which followed in Donetsk and Luhansk. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 125

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2016

Zika Found To Remain In Sperm For Record Six Months The Zika virus has been found in the sperm of an Italian man six months after his first symptoms, twice as long as in previously reported cases. Doctors at the Spallanzani Institute for Infectious Diseases in Rome said it pointed to the possibility that the virus was reproducing itself in the male genital tract.

The infection is suspected of leading to thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains. Zika is spread by mosquitos. The outbreak was declared a global public health emergency by the World Health Organisation in February. The doctors' report suggests the potential for the sexual transmission of the virus may be greater than previously thought. Current guidelines recommend infected patients should use condoms or abstain from sex for at least six months after the onset of symptoms. The doctors said in light of this new evidence an extension of this recommendation might be advised, as well as the continued testing of semen after six months. Christian Lindmeier from the WHO told the BBC the report would be looked at. "The Zika outbreak is a constantly evolving situation and every new piece of evidence is looked into and evaluated as to whether or not guidelines will need to be revised." The patient, who was in his early 40s, first presented symptoms after returning to Italy after a two-week visit to Haiti in January. The patient reported he had received mosquito bites in Haiti, and his

symptoms included fever, fatigue and a skin rash. Follow-up testing showed the Zika virus was still present in his urine, saliva and sperm, 91 days after the onset of symptoms. After 134 days it was only detectable in his sperm and this remained positive after 181 days. Previously the longest registered symptoms remaining in the body after their onset was 93 days, found in a 27-year-old Frenchman. "The results of this study confirm that the virus could replicate specifically in the male genital tract and may persist in semen," the Italian team said.

(BBC)

US Election: Hillary Clinton Releases Her Tax Returns Hillary Clinton has released her tax returns, adding to the pressure on her Republican rival for the White House, Donald Trump, to do the same. The Democratic presidential candidate paid an effective federal tax rate of 34.2% last year. Her running mate Tim Kaine, along with his wife Anne Holton, paid a rate of 20.3%, his returns show. Mr Trump, a hotel developer with a fortune estimated to be in the billions, has refused to release his.

Presidential candidates typically release their tax returns to the media to show their effective tax rate, charitable donations and other financial details. Mr Trump, who has released a self-reported financial disclosure form, said he will not make his tax returns public until the Internal Revenue Service completes audits of them. The IRS has said Mr Trump is free to release his returns. Mr Trump would be the first presidential candidate in decades not to release his returns. Then-President Richard

Nixon released his tax returns in 1973, starting an informal precedent. "Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine continue to set the standard for financial transparency," said a Clinton campaign spokeswoman, who called on Mr Trump to do the same. The Clintons have disclosed tax returns for every year since 1977. (BBC)

Sub s & Sal ads

LOT13FI FTH STREETAVENUE SUBRYANVI LLESHERI FFSTREET GEORGETOWN

S a t u r d a y A u g u s t , 1 3 , 2 0 1 6 n r u T e s er a v e l o P

LOCAL PAGE 129

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

FOOD AND DRUG MARLON COLE CONTINUES TO LIE ABOUT CORRUPT PRACTISES

GA-FDD, Director, Marlon Cole

Director of Food and Drug department Marlon Cole is being accused of corruption at many levels, however in a story carried by the Guyana Chronicle on August 13, 2016, Cole has denied these claims, stating that he is executing his duties without fear or favor. The Guyana Daily News has i n v e s t i g a t e d M r. C o l e ’s involvement in several shady deals and is in receipt of a letter and other documents from I C PA I n d i a , t h e d r u g manufacturer of Zerodol and

Other Sardine and Mackerel products imported into Guyana without manufacturer's address stated on the label

Zerodol P. This letter was sent asking Mr. Cole and the Ministry of Health to desist from authorizing the importation of the drug, however, Mr. Cole is reported to have said that there is no evidence to suggest that such a letter was sent to his department at any time. This newspaper however will publish the letters and documents soon, which will indicate that Mr. Cole is lying and that he continues to allow his associates to import the drug Zerodol despite the warning reported by ICPA. It is alleged that Mr. Cole is allowing the formulation of the drug Zerodol to enter Guyana even though the same drug is being manufactured in Guyana as well, however, the Zerodol that is being manufactured by IPCA in India is not for export and should only be sold in India as reported by ICPA. Mr. Cole told the Chronicle “that when his department checked online and perused documentation for the products and those who are making the products, the search came up empty.” But this newspaper understands that this is a lie because all documentation submitted for shipment, contains and clearly disclosed all manufacturers’ information including their addresses. It can be seen in the pictures provided that several other brands including the King Bell brand is manufactured by the same company and has no company address listed but is allowed into the country by Marlon Cole. Is this victimization?

Local business, Superfoods is of the view that their company is being victimized by Marlon Cole, who sends out his inspectors to advice businesses not to purchase Superfoods products. Cole has noted that the Food and Drugs Act guides the department specifically as it relates to the department’s response to such products. He said the product is currently on the wharf, and inspectors have taken samples, examined the labels, and realized that they are in violation of the labelling requirements.

The inspectors have since issued a report to Cole, advising him not to allow the product to be released for sale on the local market. “So the law would guide me to inform the Comptroller of Customs officially relative to this product, and to ensure that copies of these documents are given to the importer. That was done,” Cole said. But it was noted that Cole is again lying since the said products are currently on the shelves of leading supermarkets. Mr. Cole has since been sued by Superfoods.

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS GUYANA COULD FACE SEVERE FINANCIAL CRISIS SOON PAGE 130

Guyana is a low income country, and the third smallest country in South America after Suriname and Uruguay, with about 800,000 inhabitants and an average Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as per capita of US$4,053 as of (2014). Guyana is well endowed with natural resources, fertile agricultural lands, bauxite, gold and extensive tropical forests which cover more than 80 percent of the country. Guyana has one of the lowest deforestation rates in the world and 90 percent of its forest remains intact. Most of the country’s indigenous population lives in forests in which they depend for their livelihood. About 90 percent of the population lives on the narrow coastal plain, where population density is more than 115 persons per square kilometer. Guyana generates a large share of its economic activity from agriculture and natural resources sectors. In 2015 agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries accounted for 28 percent of total GDP, and bauxite, sugar, rice, gold and timber made up 83 percent of exports (Ministry of Finance, 2016). These sectors provide the largest source of direct employment across the country, according to the World Bank.

The Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan in his mid-year report stated that Guyana’s economy grew by two percent despite the major decline in the real economic sector of the country. The report stated that the agriculture, fishing and forestry sectors contracted by 10.0 percent, the sugar industry shrunk by a whopping 30 percent, growth in the rice industry also declined during the first half of 2016, with rice production falling to 26.2 percent, the forestry sector contracted by 13.1 percent, the manufacturing sector overall contracted by 17.1 percent, wholesale and retail trade, and construction, which account for approximately a third of the sector, contracted by 11.3 percent and 7.5 percent, respectively. On the other hand the fishing sector grew by 2.1 percent, the livestock sector grew by 0.8 percent, mining sector grew by 65.7 percent, bauxite grew by 2.9 percent and the financial sector grew by 5.9 percent. The massive growth in the mining sector is attributed to the introduction of two major Gold Mining companies in Guyana, Troy Resources and Guyana Gold Fields. The profits from these companies are being repatriated to their parent companies which is outside of Guyana. Majority of the real economic sectors in Guyana have declined for the first half of 2016, with the imminent closure of the Wales sugar estate, the workers are unsure of their future, with no major economic plan in place.

The rice industry is facing severe hardship, with no economically viable market in place and the industry may lose its will to survive. Leading up to the May 2015 Regional and General Elections, the APNU+AFC had promised the rice farmers a massive $9,000 per bag for paddy, however the after assuming office the APNU+AFC Coalition Government lost the lucrative rice market with Venezuela. With very little income from foreign exchange, few loans being inked with the international community, less income from the underground

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

economy, less remittances from overseas, reduction of income from foreign investment, so the question is, where is Guyana going to get its monies to spend? The answer to this is the increase in collection of taxes and fees. “Tax revenue collections increased by 6.1 percent, reaching $75.1 billion during the first half of 2016, compared with $70.9 billion during the same period in 2015,” the Ministry of Finance’s Mid-Year Report on the economy says. The 2016 budget is $230 billion. A lot of emphasis is being placed on revenue collection from all sectors of the economy, especially the business community.

Guyana’s expenditure is based on the amount of taxes that is collected. Since May 2015, a number of taxes has been increased, for example, licensing for motor vehicle has been increased from $2,500 to $4,000, license from $2,000 to 4,000, taxes on the importation of steel has been increased from $5,000 to $10,000, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards will be imposing a fee of $30,000 for selected items, before they are being sold, these items are; domestic electric appliances, weighing and measuring devices, textiles, garments, footwear, safety matches, tyres, gas stoves, fertilisers, cigarettes, PVC pipes, furniture, toys, soap powder, Christmas trees and decorative lighting outfits, safety helmets, cellular phones, water and electricity meters and seat belts. This means the cost of living could be skyrocket to in excess of 20 percent and this is a modest calculation. Based on the above analyses, the economy seems to be heading down a slippery slope and the government could run out of monies shortly based on their current spending pattern, sending Guyana into a severe financial crisis.

LOCAL PAGE 131

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

Security Minister To Ensure All Govt Buildings Are Safe, Secured The final report of the Commission of Inquiry into the deaths of Antonio and Joshua George, who perished in the July 8 fire at the Hadfield Street Drop-in Centre, was today handed over to Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon at the Ministry of the Presidency by Commissioner, Retired Colonel Windee Algernon. As was stipulated in the terms of reference, the preliminary report had been submitted on July 22.

Accepting the report today, Minister Harmon said that the recommendations within the preliminary report have been taken very seriously and that President Granger has since requested of the Minister of Public Security, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan that a “fresh look” be given to the fire safety precautions and possible fire hazards at government buildings.

“Now that we have the [final] report, we are confident that the various ministries and government departments will look at the recommendations and do what is required so that we can provide safe and secure places not only for children, but for everyone.

McGregor. Minister Lawrence, giving brief remarks, echoed Minister Harmon’s comments that the incident was a wakeup call and assured both the Minister and the Commissioner that the recommendations within the report will be looked at closely.

“There is already a meeting, which is scheduled to be held next week with the Director and Management of the Child Protection Unit in which we will discuss an action plan on how to implement the recommendations listed in the report,” she said. Minister Lawrence also said that her Ministry will continue to work closely with the family members of the two boys to ensure that they can “pick up and move on in their life” despite the terrible loss they have suffered.

Mr. McGregor assured the Minister that the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is doing everything in its power to ensure that all public buildings are safe and adhere to fire safety guidelines.

Commenting on the contents of the report, Colonel Algernon said that in its compilation, she sought to provide much needed This was a tragedy, but as a State we have a responsibility to recommendations that would see the implementation of every person… This is a wakeup call for us insofar as fire safety necessary mechanisms and systems that would prevent such an and security are concerned,” the Minister said. Copies of the occurrence in the future. report were also presented to Minister of Social Protection, Ms. Volda Lawrence and Acting Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Winston MOTP Press Release

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon receives the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the deaths of the victims of the Hadfield Street Drop In Centre from Commissioner, Retired Colonel Windee Algernon(centre-right) .

Minister of Social Protection, Ms. Volda Lawrence and Acting Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Winston McGregor (right) also received copies of the report.

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Guyana Continues To Fail At Implementing Alternative Energy Methods PAGE 132

With Guyana on the verge of going into the oil business, questions are being asked about the alternative energy sector in Guyana. There is a chance that with all the hype of the oil being discovered off the coast of Guyana the alternative energy plans runs the risk of being pushed in the background of Guyana's energy plan. The APNU+AFC government current energy plan falls under the "green economy initiative" but since they took office last year they have produce no action plan to actually look at the situation aside from adopting a plan left by the previous government. Since the Moco-Moco Hydropower plant was shut down due to a landslide in 2003, there have been several attempts by the previous government to resuscitate the sector and it has always been on forefront of their economic plans. The Amaila Falls Hydropower project was one such attempt.

Located on the confluence of the Kuribrong and Amaila Rivers, just above the Amaila Falls, would have been the most advanced hydropower development in Guyana and was expected to have an installed capacity of 165MW. It was built to deliver electricity to Guyana's capital, Georgetown, and its second largest town, Linden, by a 230kV transmission line.

According a Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) draft 2014-2018 strategic plan published on their website, Guyana’s peak demand for electricity is about 100 MW, and "is currently dependent on fossil-based imports for most of its energy generation." So it is clear that hydropower plant would therefore meet Guyana’s electricity needs from a renewable energy source and reduce the need to for fossil based imports, saving Guyana millions. In 2013, a plan to restore the MocoMoco hydro plant was in motion by the PPP/C government, to which an assessment study for Restoration of Moco-Moco Hydro Power Plant was prepared by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) for the government with the support of the

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

Office for climate change (OCC). A plan which was inherited by the current government and only four months ago solicited bid for the operation of the plant under a Build/Own/Operate/Transfer BOOT structure. That was four months ago, no major update about BOOT has been given since.

It is ironic that in 2013 the then opposition and now ruling government voted down the Hydropower (amendment) bill and is now flying the Green "Economy initiative" flag. The Government is failing to see the true benefits of renewable energy source to Guyana and the savings it could bring the country, savings that could be invested in other parts of Guyana economic sectors. The Government needs to move swiftly to seize this opportunity while investors are still interested. Just recently, at a signing of a Memo of Understanding between TERI and the Private Sector Commission, there were expression of opinions that there is still hope for the Amaila Falls Project and the enormous benefits a project of that nature can bring.

LOCAL PAGE 133

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

YOUTHS' FUTURE NOT A PRIORITY FOR GOVERNMENT

Guyana celebrated with the rest of the world in observance of International Youth Day on Friday, under the theme “The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production.” According to a release from the United Nations Office, this year’s Day is about achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It focuses on the leading role of young people in ensuring poverty eradication and achieving sustainable development through sustainable consumption and production the report further stated.

However, in Guyana, youths continue to be ignored and government has no effective policy in place to tackle major issues facing a youthful Guyana. In a recent statement by President David Granger, he made it clear that it is difficult for the more than 4,000 youths, who drop out of school annually to find jobs. The President stressed that ways have to be found to ensure that children qualify themselves at school to prepare for the job market. “Once they qualify it will be easier for them to move into fields which I think could lead to self-employment.

Employment is not something to be provided by the government.

There is self-employment and we are working with the villages to generate more employment in those villages but it is going to be agro-based employment,” he added. The 2015 general elections campaign manifesto of the APNU+AFC states: “The aim of your new government is to create jobs, jobs and more jobs in the shortest time possible. Our young people cannot wait “five more years” for jobs for which they could be adequately trained and could get better pay and greater job satisfaction.

Crime and suicide is on the increase in Guyana, however, the Guyana Police Force has stated that reported crimes has decreased significantly. Most of the perpetrators are perceived to be persons between the ages of 15-35 years. The Guyana Police Force has launched several outreach programs to help young people. “Outreach Programmes in the Guyana Police Force ‘B’ Division (Berbice) saw ranks in collaboration with the residents of Number 76 Village Housing Scheme, Corentyne, Berbice, being involved in environmental cleaning

in the community.

Police ranks also conducted a clean-up exercise within the compound of the St. Micheal Anglican Church at Hopetown, West Coast Berbice. Further, partnership between members of Community Policing Groups and the Police in the Division resulted in a quantity of footwear and other articles being distributed to residents of the Hugo Chavez Nursing Home at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice”. The GPF has reported. At the 41st Sitting of the National Assembly, Opposition Member of Parliament, Dr. Vidhya Persaud led a speech to highlight the many woes that are affecting the young people of this country.

In her speech Dr. Persaud noted that the stagnant economy, unemployment rate, poor condition of the rice industry, “shameful and indiscriminate” firing of individuals whose livelihood depend on it as well as the introduction of the parking meter are some of the reasons for the state of the young people in Guyana. If the Government do not place emphasis on the youths, then the country can go down the narrow path of destruction.

LOCAL PAGE 134

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

CSEC 2016 Results Released Online

The Caribbean Examination council on Friday officially released its 2016 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) results online. After analysis, CXC announced that there is an overall pass rate of 64 percent of students scoring between Grade One and Three. It also stated that there was a drop in the number of persons writing the exams but there was an increase in the number of subjects being written by students.

The results were officially released on Friday in Anguilla and were streamed live on the CXC website and Facebook. During the presentation of the results, it was noted that again the number of female students writing the exams outnumbered the males with a 58.42 percent ratio.

The figures were 55, 130 males compared 77, 544 females who wrote the exam. However, when compared to 2015, there was a decline in the performance in Mathematics. Overall performance in Mathematics saw a 13% decrease. Candidates recorded a 44% pass rate in Mathematics this year as opposed to 57% in 2015. Glenroy Cumberbatch, a Registrar at CXC in Barbados noted that there has been a general decline in the S c i e n c e subjects over the past two years and a decline in Information Te c h n o l o g y was also recorded this year which moved from 88% in 2015 to 78% in 2016.

On the contrary, English Language saw a 7% improvement which saw the pass rate jump from 60% in 2015 to 67% in 2016.

Meanwhile speaking on the performance in Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), Cumberbatch said the region attained a success rate of 90%. While noting that there has been an overall decline in the performance in Accounting Unit 01, there has been an improvement in Agriculture Science results. He also added that Mathematics remained fairly constant.Two of the compulsory subjects, Caribbean Studies and Communication Studies both dropped by one percent.

Caribbean Studies moved from 96%v overall pass rate in 2015 to 97% in 2016 while Communication Studies moved from 98% in 2015 to 97% in 2016. With CXC’s 2016 results out, students can look forward to breakdown to confirm whether Guyana has also registered a decline in the areas of Mathematics, Science and Information Technology in comparison to last year’s results. But in order for students to uplift their results, they must return all borrowed textbooks that were issued by the Ministry.

In a recent Facebook post, the Education Ministry had stated that “Students who fail to return the textbooks, which were loaned to them by their school, will not be able to access their CXC results. This request is in keeping with the Ministry’s Textbook Policy, which states: “Learners must return books before Progress Reports, Examination Results, Recommendations, or References are uplifted.” The Ministry stated that it had no other choice but to adopt this “unfortunate position in an effort to provide adequate textbooks and similar opportunities to the next batch of students."

LOCAL PAGE 135

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

Communities In Several Hinterland Regions Benefitted From Improved Water Supply – In First Half Of 2016 Mabaruma in Region One, Monkey Mountain, Princeville and Campbelltown in Region Eight and Rupertee, Wowetta, Marcanata, Kumu and Shulinab in Region Nine are among those areas that benefitted in the first half of 2016, under the administration’s drive to increase access to potable water in the hinterland. At a recent press briefing at the Guyana Water Incorporated’s (GWI) Shelter Belt, Vlissengen Road, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Richard Van West -Charles explained that during the first half of the year, the water company commenced, in Mabaruma, the drilling of a large reservoir to improve the distribution to the new town.

The project which is expected to be completed during the second half of the year will result in residents benefitting from treated water.

It will also result in an increase in the hours of water distribution to the community, the CEO said. Meanwhile, according to GWI’s Divisional Manager, for Regions One, Eight and Nine, Osei Manifold, during the first half of the year, a water supply improvement project was completed in Section Two of Monkey Mountain. A total of $13.816M was expended on the project that is benefitting approximately 400 residents.

Manifold explained that the project entailed the construction of a catchment, the installation of a photovoltaic system, distribution system, stand pipes and trestle. He said that it resulted in the residents on the outskirts (or Section 2) of the community, receiving water for the first time. Manifold said, in the past, residents walked long distances to access potable water. GWI had drilled a well at Princeville, installed a photovoltaic system, distribution system, 10 stand pipes and trestle to the cost of $17.198M, and these are benefitting 350 residents. Manifold explained that the intervention at Campbelltown, for which over $16 M was expended, was as a result of the dry season.

GWI decided to execute the project that entailed the drilling of a well, the installation of photovoltaic system, distribution system, stand pipes and trestle, after the residents complained of not being able to access water from the creeks and springs due to the prolonged dry season, Manifold explained. The official further explained that the project also catered for the Mahdia Hospital, which was also affected during the dry season. Manifold stated that the hospital administrators were forced to pay a private contractor to supply water to the hospital to cater for the high water demand of the health facility, during the dry season.

Under the project, an exclusive water line was installed for the Mahdia Hospital. Manifold further explained that the new well drilled connects directly to the Salbora Creek, so that in the event of another dry season the community and the hospital will not be affected as they will be able to source water directly from the creek.

As a result of the dry season, during the first half of the year, the water company was also forced to make interventions in Region Nine, to ensure residents access water. The water company commenced the drilling of eight wells. Manifold reported that five of the wells are completed; Rupertee, Wowetta, Marcanata, Kumu and Shulinab.

Manifold said that the three remaining wells at Kwamwatta, Potarinau and Aranaputa would be completed in the second half of the year. Meanwhile, regarding Region Seven, Divisional Manager, Elson Khirattie reported that in Bartica, GWI continues to have sectionalised delivery of water. Khirattie explained that this is as a result of the growth in the area that was not catered for, with the construction of the water treatment plant. Khirattie added that GWI has installed a new reservoir and a new eight-inch transmission line from the water treatment plant to Five Miles housing scheme, by way of the Bartica-Potaro road.

The water company has also put in place, in Central Bartica, a gravity water feeder. The water company also took water supply for the first time to Branford Point, and commenced a similar intervention in Karrau. Also benefitting from improved water supply was Byderabo. GWI, at an estimated cost of $100M upgraded the water distribution system, and completed the installation of pipelines in the areas. For the first time, residents were able to receive potable water through their taps, Khirattie said. (GINA)

A schoolgirl drinking water at a standpipe at a school in Region Nine

A solar powered water system in the hinterland

LOCAL PAGE 136

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

Wakenaam Students Benefit From Bicycles To Go To School Regional Executive Officer of Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three), Mr. Dennis Jaikarran praised the President’s Buses, Boats, Bicycles, Books and Breakfast programme (Five Bs), even as Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms Amna Ally and First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, today, distributed the final 20 bicycles, of the 60, which were donated

by The Guyana Bahamas Association, under the programme, to students in Wakenaam. Mr. Jaikarran said that the administration’s work within a year has shown dynamic leadership. “I would like to say to you, that in a certain period of time, under the astute and dynamic leadership of President D a v i d G r a n g e r, G u y a n a w o u l d h a v e p r o g r e s s e d extraordinarily and we need to give him thanks.” The REO challenged the residents of Wakenaam to ensure that every child goes to school. “We have to ensure that in Region Three, regardless of where our schools are, that every school aged child must be in school,” he said. Mr. Jaikarran also noted that the donation is the first of its kind in Wakenaam and as REO he vowed to carry out the mandate of the Government so that everyone can enjoy ‘the good life’. “I want you to value what this government is doing for you, to ensure that you continue to give your service, your dedication, your stewardship and in a very honest way, you consider the things that you receive and ensure that things are properly done,” he said. Minister Ally, who has been at the forefront of the coordination of the Five Bs programme, stressed the need for every child to have access to a good education. “Our President, believes, that every child must be in school, every child must have a good education, every child and every resident must enjoy a good life. This coalition government is paving the way for each and every one of us to enjoy the good life,” she said. Minister Ally, urged the beneficiaries of the Five Bs programme in Wakenaam to take advantage of the opportunities provided to them so that they can ensure a good future for themselves. “I want to say to you my dear friends in Wakenaam, that this is a progressive President, who has a progressive Government. I know that 20 Bicycles is only a start, but we know the need in Wakenaam and I can assure you that this is not going to be the first, nor the last, but that we will do better as we get better,” she said. First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger further urged parents and teachers to find the talent within each child and nurture them to help them to become the best that they can be.

“We have to look at how we are gearing our young people to take charge in the 21st century. It is you the young people, who will be taking charge of our country and we would like to hope that you are well trained and well equipped to deal with all the challenges you face,” she said. The first set of bicycles, donated by the Guyana Bahamas Association, were made in Ithaca, West Coast Berbice on August 01 and in Leguan,

Wednesday last. The distribution, which took place at Arthurville Primary School in Wakenaam, saw several schools on the island benefiting from the project. In an invited comment President of the association Mr. Jagroo said According to President of the Guyana Bahamas Association, Mr. Jagroo, the organisation, which has been in existence for 21 years, has as part of its mandate, the conduct of charitable work that benefits young people. “We’ve donated to many organisations both in the Bahamas and in Guyana and we intend to continue to do so. President Granger’s initiative caught my [attention], since I’m a teacher by profession and one of my concerns is that students must be in school. I am impressed. We’re going to work very hard to come back again.

Our initial number was 100 but we got 60, and since I’m involved in many other organisations, I’m going to see what I can get from them,” he said. President David Granger’s Five Bs programme is an on-going initiative that has seen businesses across Guyana and Guyanese in the diaspora giving back for the better of all Guyana. Apart from the distribution of bicycles, the Ministry of Social Cohesion made a presentation of sports gear to the Mariah Johanna Youth group to further foster the key role of sport in education.

Eleven year old Naresh Jaganand was also presented with a trophy for being the Islands top performer at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment. The trophy was donated by the Sarah-Good Success Group.

MOTP Press Release

Mrs. Granger congratulates one of the beneficiaries of the President's Five Bs programme at Wakenaam.

HEALTH TIP PAGE 137

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14, 2016

GENITAL WARTS WHAT ARE GENITAL WARTS Genital warts are growths on the skin of the genital area and around the anus. They are caused by certain types of the human papilloma virus (HPV). Some types of HPV produce warts on different parts of the body, like plantar warts on the feet and common hand warts. Some can lead to certain cancers.

Genital warts are spread by skin-to-skin contact usually during vaginal, anal, or oral sex play. There is a chance genital warts can be spread even when no warts are visible.

Treatment seems to lower the chance of passing the infection to a sex partner. Genital warts are very common.

Between 500,000 and 1 million people get genital warts every year.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS Common genital warts symptoms are flesh-colored, softto-the-touch bumps on the skin that may look like the surface of a cauliflower. They often grow in more than one place and may cluster in large masses. Genital warts usually are painless, but they may itch.

You might see or feel genital warts in your vagina or on your vulva, cervix, penis, anus, or urethra. It is also possible — but not very likely — to have them in your mouth, on the lips, tongue, and palate, or in the throat.

Genital warts usually develop 6 weeks to 6 months after infection. But it may take longer.

TREATMENT FOR GENITAL WARTS Very often our bodies fight off the virus. If so, the warts go away with no treatment. That's why a lot of people choose to just wait for the warts to go away on their own. But you may choose to get genital warts treatments if the warts are uncomfortable, get in the way of sex play, or you don't like the way they look. Warts can be removed with various genital wartstreatments. Talk with your health care provider to decide which treatment might be best for you.

There are several medicines that can be applied directly to genital warts, depending on where they are located. They may be burned off. This is called electrocauterization. Or they may be removed with surgery or with lasers.

Like all medications, genital warts treatments have risks

and side effects. Your health care provider can explain them to you and help you deal with the side effects of your treatment. For most people, the first series of genital warts treatment is successful in removing the warts. But even though the warts go away with treatment, they may return.

This is because the treatments can remove the warts, but they don't cure the virus that causes warts. For some people, the warts may come back several months after treatment — especially if they smoke cigarettes. And for some people, the warts continue to return, even after long periods of time.

REGIONAL PAGE 138

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

Grand Farewell Today For Daaga Scores of mourners made their way to the National Joint Action Committee's headquarters in Portof- Spain yesterday to view the body of the Chief Servant Makandal Daaga. With the haunting rhythms of the African drums and the scent of burning incense, mourners were taken to an upper room for the viewing, which was open for about five hours. Many of them paid their respects to a man, who most described as a "warrior for the people of T&T." Yesterday’s proceedings were supervised by political leader, Kwasi Mutema.

Late yesterday at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Grand Stand preparations were being undertaken for Daaga's funeral service, which is expected to begin promptly at 9 this morning. There will also be a heightened police presence at the venue. Daaga would have celebrated his 81st birthday today. The Emancipation Support Committee, in a statement yesterday, expressed its deepest condolences to Daaga’s wife, Liseli and his four children. Also, to the extended family of NJAC. The Committee remembers Daaga for leading the movement which has been credited with “Having had the greatest impact on reshaping the economy and the society

PNM's deputy political leader Joan Yuille- Williams were among those who turned up for yesterday's public viewing of founder of the National Joint Action Committee (NJAC) Makandal Daaga's body at NJAC's headquarters on Duke Street, Port-of-Spain ahead of today's funeral which will take place at the Queen’s Park Savannah. At right is Daaga's widow Liseli.

PHOTO: ABRAHAM DIAZ

of T&T in the 20th Century.” “Daaga will be an inspiration to the future generations of young people who don’t sleep to dream but dream to change the world,” the Committee said. Daaga now joins other outstanding stalwarts of the 1970 Black Power Movement in the Caribbean who made the transition before him, such as Maurice Bishop of Grenada, Tim Hector of Antigua, Dr Walter Rodney of Guyana and from T&T Kwame Ture (who made his mark in the USA), George Weekes, Winston Leonard, Lidj Yasu Omowale and Lasana Kwesi).

The National Trade Union of T&T (Natuc) also paid homage to Daaga for paving the way for the people of descent to hold positions in banks, financial and insurance institutions. “Natuc believes the region has been robbed of one the most esteemed progressive voices. While Mr Daaga’s death marks the end of an era, the union says it was one of great pride, achievement and controversy. It says T&T should never forget that Mr Daaga spent his life pursuing justice and dignity for the working class and Africans, in particular,” the release stated. Oropouche MP Dr Roodal Moonilal in a letter to Mutema said: "”Trinidad and Tobago—and, indeed, the developing world—has lost a leader who matched courage with campaign, idealism with insistence, motivation with mobilisation."

(Trinidad Guardian)

REGIONAL PAGE 139

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

Contractors Welcome $300m Injection President of the T&T Contractors’ Association, Mikey Joseph, yesterday welcomed the $300 million injection from the Government that will be used to off-set the more than $2b debt to contractors. Joseph said the money is still better than nothing, but stated that not many contractors would have their bills settled, given the financial circumstances the country was facing. “It is my hope that in doing that (paying contractors) they would look at the smaller contractors who would not have the resources and wear-it-all to withstand the issues of banking interest and penalties and all of that would affect their businesses severely right now.

I hope they deal with this as a matter of priority,” Joseph said.

At Thursday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, at the Office of the Prime Minister, acting Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Colm Imbert, admitted that he had signed off on $300 million to pay contractors whose invoices have been validated. The news

came two months after Joseph called on Government to settle a staggering $2 billion outstanding payment it had for contractors. As to whether Government can pay that entire $2 billion in the next month, Imbert said he doubts it and he has no idea where that figure came from.

He also stated that he asked big spenders such as the Educational Facilities Company Ltd, Ministry of Works and Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to provide the Ministry of Finance with validated outstanding bills.

Yesterday, Joseph said approximately $800 million was owed to the Education Facilities Company Ltd (EFCL), while HDC had an outstanding bill of $640 million. Other State-agencies that owe contractors Joseph said were WASA, Regional Health Authorities and Ministry of Works. “Let us assume that of the $300 million that has been signed off, $100 million went to EFCL and $100 million went to HDC. I know for a fact that the Minister of Finance has over $180 million in approved certified bills coming from the Ministry of Works under the Programme for Upgrading Roads Efficiency (PURE) programme on his desk. It tells you that not much money would be paid.” Joseph said PURE alone would absorb two-third’s of the $300 million if they were to be paid. He said one problem faced by some contractors was that their debts had not been fully certified.

“The reason for it is because the State enterprise when they recognise their debts is ridiculously high they stop certifying. If they don’t certify your payments you have no chance of bringing it to court after four years.”

Joseph said they were willing to meet with Imbert to have a cordial discussion in an attempt to resolve the dispute. “We are part of the country, nation and its development. The minister does not always have to look for cash to pay contractors. We can sit down and discuss other ways (to settle the debt). We can come to an amicable arrangement.” (Trinidad Guardian)

Mikey Joseph

REGIONAL PAGE 140

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

Mexicans Hired To Complete Job Accusing Trinidad Offshore Fabrication Company (Tofco) of firing locals and hiring foreigners, three shifts of unionised Tofco workers yesterday staged a protest, hampering construction of a major gas platform. The workers who are clamouring against unfair work practices and unsafe conditions, were joined by residents of La Brea who have been picketing job sites over the past few months looking for work.

From around 5 am, the protesters blocked access to Tofco’s gates in La Brea as they called on Labour Minister Jennifer Baptiste-Primus to intervene. Tofco, an international provider of offshore fabrication and construction services, is building the topsides of bpTT Juniper platform at La Brea, near the sea side.

It is one of the largest ever offshore platforms built in T&T and employs more than 500 workers on three shifts. The US$2.1 billion platform is first offshore platform ever designed and constructed with significant local input. Representative of the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union, Clyde Charles, who works as a welder said since hard times hit the country, Tofco has been employing non-unionised Mexicans to work on the platform.

“They are taking jobs that residents of La Brea are quite capable to do. Tofco does not want unionised workers so anybody who joins the union is sure to lose their job,” Charles said.

He added that the OWTU had applied to the Recognition and Certification Board to legally represent Tofco workers and this was not supported by management. “Tofco is aware of this and they are using all kinds of strategies to get rid of unionised workers. Whenever they lay off a unionised worker, they bring in a non-unionised worker. They have hired many Mexican labourers and welders,” Charles said. He also complained that some workers have been falling ill because of continued exposure to paint fumes, sandblasting dust and welding fumes.

“The last time the Occupational Safety and Health Authority did a thorough inspection of Tofco, they advised that all workers who are exposed to the fumes should be given a complete health test but this was never done,” Charles said.

Tofco workers during their protest outside the company’s compound in La Brea, yesterday.

Photo: Courtesy OWTU’s general secretary Richard Le

He also said there was no forum to speak to management.

Meanwhile a representative from La Brea said unemployment figures were over 80 per cent in La Brea. “People here are skilled and qualified to work but they are not offering us any work,” a resident said.

The workers and residents called on Baptiste-Primus to meet with them to discuss unfair work practices. General manager of Tofco, Javed Mohammed, denied yesterday that the platform construction was down saying more than 150 workers were still working on the project. He dismissed claims that workers were laid off but said the company was planning cutbacks in the future as there was now a surplus of labour. Mohammed declined to give a cost of the project or to confirm whether foreigners were being hired to complete the plant.

“We are looking to do cutbacks. I am not going to go into further details but it is not true that we have laid off people. The site remains open for work and we are having dialogue,” Mohammed said. Several attempts were made to contact Baptiste-Primus on her cellular phone but she did not answer.

BPTT—Platform jacket being built in Texas In July, bpTT said it had accepted a proposal from TOFCO to relocate fabrication of the Juniper platform’s jacket and piles from TOFCO’s yard in La Brea to a fabrication yard in Texas, United States.

Only fabrication of the Juniper topsides have been continued at La Brea. TOFCO was awarded the contract for the fabrication of the Juniper jacket, topsides and piles in September 2014. The proposal to relocate some of the fabrication work was presented by TOFCO in order to preserve the project schedule.

Topsides, currently being fabricated at La Brea are expected to be completed by December. “Keeping the project on schedule and maintaining the commitment to first gas in 2017 is a key priority for bpTT and other stakeholders involved in the project,” the company said on its website.

“Gas from the Juniper facility is important to satisfy gas contract obligations in 2017 and beyond, and a delay in the project could have negative effects on gas consumers and government revenues,” bpTT stated. The Juniper facility will be a Normally Unmanned Installation (NUI) and will take gas from the Corallita and Lantana fields located 50 miles off the south east coast of Trinidad in water-depth of approximately 360 feet. (Trinidad Guardian)

REGIONAL PAGE 141

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

Police Warning For Pokemon Players Southern Division police are warning Pokemon trainers against venturing into parks and lonely areas late at nights, saying that they are making themselves a target for bandits. A senior officer told the Guardian yesterday that San Fernando police have broken up several crowds of people searching for Pokemon since the Pokemon Go app became available in T&T last Wednesday.

The officer said trainers have been coming out to Skinner Park’s secondary ground, the Southern Academy for Performing Arts and Palmiste Park around 11 pm and midnight, searching for Pokemon. He said: “By doing this, you become a potential victim of crime. “People come out all hours of the night with their phones in their hands looking for these things. I agree that this is a free country, but they have to understand what is going on.

Criminals are there and will be watching their expensive phones and waiting right there to rob them. Some people have phones that cost $5,000 and $6,000. “It is the police who will have investigate these robberies and if they can’t provide

proper information to us, we may not be able to solve it,” the officer said. Not only are they potential victims of crime, but players can also suffer road accidents. He said he had witnessed people driving and being alerted that a Pokemon was available in the area and stopping suddenly without following proper driving regulations.

The Pokemon Go app allows users to create an avatar and using a map, locate Pokemon, creatures that exist virtually in the app. On the map, players can also find virtual Pokestops which provide them with items, such as eggs, Pokeballs and potions. Pokestops are usually located at places of historical interest or houses of worship. There are also Pokemon gyms which serve as battle locations for virtual duels. (Trinidad Guardian)

REGIONAL PAGE 142

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

$1m Bail For Cancer Patient A 70-year-old former United States resident diagnosed with stage four cancer was granted $1 million bail yesterday after appearing on two charges of illegally importing 6,540 rounds of ammunition and a rifle into the country. However, Morris Mewalal who last Saturday returned to Trinidad to live “out his final days” was unable to secure the bail and was remanded to the State prison. His attorney Subhas Panday has since written to the Prison Commissioner Sterling Stewart asking that his client be given special attention since he suffered from high blood pressure and in July 2015 he underwent surgery.

Mewalal’s two relatives were also arrested by the police, but they were subsequently released. The exhibits - six sweet biscuit pans and a small cardboard box containing ammunition and a long cardboard box containing the rifle were presented in court. In asking for bail, Panday, who together with attorney Petronella Basdeo represented Mewalal, said he lived in Pennsylvania for 22 years and underwent a surgery at the Temple University Hospital to remove a portion of his colon.

Mewalal was fitted with a colostomy bag which was subsequently removed, Panday said. He said Mewalal also underwent chemotherapy, but was advised to return for further treatment in November. However, Panday said Mewalal decided to return to his homeland to live out his final days having regard to the advanced stage of the cancer. After his two relatives were arrested, Panday said Mewalal went to the Princes Town Police Station and gave up himself. He submitted that his client was not a flight risk since he surrendered his travel documents, including his passport, US green card and identification card.

In March 2016 he underwent another procedure in the United States. As a result, Panday said, Mewalal was in need of special care. Earlier Mewalal was not called upon to plea to the charges when he appeared before Princes Town First Court Magistrate Indira Misir-Gosine. Mewalal was charged by PC Solomon in connection with the discovery by police of the rifle and ammunition at his Lower Piparo Road, Williamsville home last weekend. The charges alleged that between July 18 and August 8 at Lower Piparo Road, Williamsville he imported into T&T without an import licence 6,490 rounds of .22 ammunition and 50 rounds of .25 ammunition; as well as the rifle. The charges Given his medical condition, he said his client’s mobility was also limited and he was a first time offender. Panday was only were laid by PC Solomon. able to produce to the court copies of a few medical documents since most of Mewalal’s medical reports were destroyed in a fire at his Pennsylvania apartment last week.

Citing a recent court matter where a female helicopter pilot was granted $500,000 bail for allegedly trafficking $1 million worth of cocaine, Panday said his clients should also be grated bail since the maximum penalty for that offence and his client’s charges was 21 years.

Morris Mewhalal, who was granted $1 million bail by a Princes Town Magistrate on two charges of importing a riffle and 6,540 rounds of ammunition into the country without an import licence. Photo: RISHI RAGOONATH

Panday also commended the police, in particular Sgt Ramlogan, Sgt Sulliman and the Princes Town CID, for their level of professionalism in dealing with Mewalal while he was in their custody.

Granting bail with clerk of the peace approval after prosecutor Sgt Raymond Dookoo did not object to bail, the magistrate also ordered that he surrender his travel documents. Mewalal is expected to return to court on September 9. (Trinidad Guardian)

REGIONAL PAGE 143

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

Residents Plan Petition With the support of dozens of residents and farmers in Barrackpore, farmer Ricky Gangadhar has started a petition to rid the community of hundreds of bison that roam the streets at night. Gangadhar, who says he was shot last Tuesday after speaking out about the animals, intends to take the petition to Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat on Monday to ask for his intervention. He is hoping Rambharat will order the animals owner to secure them or order the ministry to remove the animals from the streets if the owner does not take responsibility for them.

When the T&T Guardian visited him at his Ramsabad Trace, Barrackpore home yesterday, Gangadhar broke down in tears, as he expressed frustration over the situation.

He says he was attacked by a relative of the animals owner because meetings with other farmers were held at his home, where the problem of the bison was discussed.

Gangadhar’s story first broke on Ian Alleyne’s Crime Watch earlier this week as he went to Alleyne to seek justice. “I was in my garden spraying with the spray can on my back when this guy, who I know very well, came on my land and he started talking to me,” he recalled.

“He was asking if I would plough some land for him but same time the breeze blow a rag off his hand and I see him holding a gun.” After a scuffle in which he said he feared for his life, Gangadhar escaped. Yesterday, Gangadhar had many questions over the alleged lack of action from the

Barrackpore Police Station. “It is decades these people have bison roaming through the village, destroying crops, property and frightening people, it has to stop sometime.”

He is confident that he will be able to amass 500 signatures

by Monday.

In Ramsingh Trace, farmers Sanjay Bridgemohan and Beepath Ramkissoon reiterated Gangadhar’s statements.

Ramkissoon said, “I have five acres I usually plant, but because of the same thing with the bison, I hardly plant anything this year. It is very difficult to plant and work so hard and the animals just trampling over everything.” I lost about $20,000 in one night.” A short distance away, in Seebalack Branch Trace, residents also complained about the bison.

Mechanic Baldath Sonilal said the animals attacked his clients and damaged one vehicle. “I have customers afraid to come by me because of that, I have to lose business.”

Resident Lilawatee Rajkumar said she lives in fear that the animals will attack her. “When I have to go to work in the morning, I have to pay a taxi to come all the way inside this road and pick me up, cause I ‘fraid to walk out,” she said.

“If I can’t get nobody to come in, cause taxis ‘fraid to work inside too, I does walk up that hill and run down the other side, cause I know the day them things pick up with me, that is it.” (Trinidad Guardian)

Bison graze on a parcel of land along Diggity Trace, Barrackpore, yesterday. Farmers are blaming the animals for the destruction of their crops.

Photo: RISHI RAGOONATH (Inset) Farmer Ricky Gangadhar, who started a petition calling on the authority to rid the community of hundreds of bison that roam the streets. Photo: TONY HOWELL

REGIONAL PAGE 144

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

Spruce Up Jamaica Intern Programme Benefits Over 5,000 ST JAMES, Jamaica – Over 5,000 young Jamaicans have so far benefitted under the Ministry of Tourism’s Spruce Up Jamaica Tourism Summer Intern Programme, at a cost of over $100 million. According to a release from the tourism ministry, over 700 interns were assigned to work in over 100 partner organisations from various sub sectors such as transportation, accommodations, attractions, water sports, the travel trade, and other sectors linked to tourism.

Establishments to which interns are assigned have the option of keeping them on for longer periods and this has happened for several of the interns, the ministry release said. Minister Bartlett said there was more to the programme than exposing

young people to tourism “as a discreet economic activity, but to use it as an opportunity to open your minds to a broad spectrum of activities that create an experience that people travel across the world to enjoy at a price.” In that regard, he challenged them to play their part in ensuring that Jamaicans and visitors feel safe in resort areas and enhancing the sanitation and cleanliness of the country.

According to the Bartlett, “it’s a mental attitude that we are honing, culturing and building in this industry and it is you the young people that will help us to redefine the great experience that Jamaica is for our visitors.” Programme participant, Shavone Smith hoped that in impacting their lives, it would also help them to become agents of change while Lydia Denny said “it was a great experience” which taught her to respect others. Also, Chad Anthony Ellis learnt the value of good customer service.

(Jamaica Observer)

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett (centre), with some of the participants in the Spruce Up Jamaica Tourism Summer Internship programme at a rally held yesterday at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St James. (Photo: JIS)

REGIONAL PAGE 145

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

Venezuela Turns To The 'Jesus Christ Of Economics' For Salvation

CARACAS, Venezuela -- As Venezuela grapples with an economic and political meltdown, President Nicolas Maduro has turned for guidance to an obscure Marxist professor from Spain, who the president describes as 'the Jesus Christ of economics’. Officials in the ruling party told The Wall Street Journal that the economist, Alfredo Serrano, has pushed for more state controls on manufacturing and food supply (as opposed to pursuing more orthodox methods like freeing the currency), and that has "largely shaped the president's response to the country's economic crisis."

Maduro also plans to 'talk up' the price of oil to $70, a result that

could seemingly only be achieved with divine intervention in the face of increasing global production and falling demand. He is reportedly calling oil ministers in OPEC and non-OPEC countries to talk about cutting production, while Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iran have reported near record output over the past several months. Venezuela’s oil production, on the other hand, has been declining for years, falling from 3.3 million barrels a day in 1997 to about 1.9 million barrels a day in 2016.

While Venezuela holds the world’s largest known oil reserves, it cannot afford to produce the oil it needs to sell in an economy that has plunged into a deep recession and fast running out of cash even to feed its own citizens or keep the lights on in its major cities.

Venezuela is the world's worst-performing economy this year. Both the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank estimate that the country's gross domestic product will shrink by about 10% in 2016. And the IMF recently forecast that consumer-price inflation could hit 480% this year and climb to a mindblowing 1,640% in 2017.

By Caribbean News Now contributor

President Nicolas Maduro

REGIONAL PAGE 146

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

Former Dominican Republic Defence Minister Arrested On Bribery Charges SANTO DOMINIGO, Dominican Republic -- Authorities in the Dominican Republic have arrested a former defence minister and three others for allegedly accepting a $3.5 million bribe from Embraer SA in exchange for placing an order with the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer for military aircraft.

The arrests are part of an investigation that includes US and Brazilian authorities into the 2009 purchase of eight Super Tucano aircraft for $94 million. The Dominican Republic

Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano

government said they used the planes, which have bubble glass cockpits and noses painted with growling teeth, to combat aerial drops of drugs from South America.

“It was rumoured that in the process of the sale, they offered a series of bribes and discussed different quantities, which is why we started an investigation,” Laura Guerrero Pelletier, head of the Dominican Special Prosecutor for the Prosecution of Administrative Corruption, said in a statement.

Those arrested include Pedro Rafael Pena Antonio, defence minister from 2008 to 2010, Air Force Colonel Carlos Piccini, businessman Daniel Aquino Mendez and his son Daniel Aquino Hernandez, the prosecutor’s office said. Embraer is also facing penalties in the US as part of a related investigation by the Justice Department under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

By Caribbean News Now contributor

REGIONAL PAGE 147

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

Jealous Dominican Beats Lover During Vacation In BVI A visitor from the Commonwealth of Dominica, who confessed to beating the woman with whom he was vacationing in the British Virgin Islands, was fined $3,000 in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, August 10. The offender, Neil Hamlet, is also to pay the woman $2,500 in compensation.

He pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm when he appeared before Magistrate Ayanna BaptisteDaBreo. Hamlet, who is scheduled to leave the British Virgin Islands in September, is to pay the sum by August 29. If neither the fine nor compensation is paid on time, the offender would serve the default sentence of six months imprisonment for each offence. His passport has been seized. (Antigua Observer)

REGIONAL PAGE 148

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

Trinidad: Scotiabank Wins Best Digital Bank For 6th Time source: wpmedia.business.financialpost SCOTIABANK has for the sixth consecutive year, been

recognised by Global Finance Magazine as the Best Digital Bank in Trinidad and Tobago for 2016. The bank received recognition in 23 countries including Canada and countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. It also won in two

international regional subcategories: Best Integrated Consumer Bank Site and Best Mobile Banking App. Commenting on the accolade, Group Head, International Banking and Digital Transformation, Ingacio “Nacho” Deschamps, said, “We are very proud to have been recognised

by Global Finance for the digital solutions we offer to our customers across the Caribbean, Latin America and Canada.”

“At Scotiabank, one of our top priorities is to make it easier for customers to do business with us by becoming the leading digital bank in the markets where we operate,” Deschamps added.

Winning banks were selected based on the following criteria: strength of strategy for attracting and servicing digital customers, success in getting clients to use digital offerings, growth of digital customers, breadth of product offerings, evidence of tangible benefits gained from digital initiatives, and web/mobile site design and functionality. Scotiabank noted that this announcement came on the heels of it having received the award for Best Digital Strategy of 2016 by Retail Banker International. (Antigua Observer)

REGIONAL PAGE 149

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

Jamaica: HIV-Vulnerable Individuals Get Employability Skills the training in social etiquette, personal development, basic computer skills, among other areas, aims to improve the chances of employability for the group member. They also benefited from résumé writing and interview skills. “Your opportunity to earn an income will be improved, which, in turn can reduce vulnerability to HIV and reduce new HIV infections,” Dr Chevannes told the graduates at the ceremony held on August 10 at the JEF in Kingston.

She noted that the programme formed part of priority three Executive director of of the National Integrated Strategic Plan on Sexual and the NFPB-SHA Dr Reproductive Health, which guides Jamaica’s response to Denise Chevannes said HIV. She urged the graduates to seek to become “agents of change” among their friends, colleagues and peers, noting that the training “marked the beginning of greater achievements”. (Antigua Observer)

Twenty-nine individuals who are vulnerable to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), have graduated from a Capacity Building and Employability Programme designed to equip them with skills for the world of work.

The training programme, organised by the National Family Planning Board-Sexual Health Agency (NFPB-SHA), was undertaken in collaboration with the Jamaica Employers’ Federation (JEF) between June and July.

REGIONAL PAGE 150

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

Zika Cases In Trinidad And Tobago Now Likely In Thousands, Says Health Ministere Farewell For Crosby PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad -- Health Minister Terrence microcephaly.” During a tour of affected areas, Deyalsingh said Deyalsingh said on Thursday that the number of zika cases recorded in Trinidad and Tobago were inaccurate and there were more than the 247 confirmed cases, with the likelihood that the figure was in the thousands. Acting Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Clive Tilluckdharry, confirmed the number of people with zika was in the thousands, the Trinidad Guardian reported. “With the rash, fever, headaches is zika, the number of cases in the thousands, that is zika,” he said.

His advice for couples attempting to have children: “You can get pregnant you know, but take the necessary precautions and keep your environs free of the Aedes aegypti. Use bed nets, insect repellent, not all pregnant women with zika end up with

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh

the government could only do so much, pointing out several homes that were a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and the population had to get on board. He described as “shocking” one case in which they found 30 beer bottles in a derelict vehicle.

Several of the bottles had water in them with mosquito larvae.

“I am pleading with the public for them to take part in the solutions. It is a co-ordinated response. This is not only in Trinidad and Tobago, it is globally who are affected. “We saw another house where there were 30 bottles and 30 potential breeding sites in one residence. The population is still not getting the message we want. “Spraying is not the only answer.

The more we spray the more resistance is the mosquito. We have to make sure there are no breeding sites,” he said.

Tilluckdharry said aerial spraying was not effective when questioned about the virus. Deyalsingh said government had increased the fine from $300 up to $3,500 for residents with unkept lots under the Yellow Fever Regulations but some property owners were calling him to either get those fees waived or the period for payment extended. He said, however, it was time for property owners to take responsibility in the fight against zika. (Caribbean News Now)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 151

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

Turkey Coup Attempt: Nearly 82,000 Sacked Or Suspended Some 5,000 state employees have been sacked and 77,000 suspended in the purge since last month's failed coup in Turkey, the prime minister says. Binali Yildirim told reporters in Ankara that more than 3,000 of those sacked were members of the military. They are suspected of links to exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen, he said. Announcing a visit to Turkey by US VicePresident Joe Biden, he again urged the US to extradite Mr Gulen. The cleric, a former ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, lives in selfimposed exile in Pennsylvania, from where he runs a worldwide network of charities and schools. He denies any knowledge of or involvement in Turkey's ďŹ rst coup attempt since 1997, which left 270 people dead. Communication network' "The main element improving our relations with the US is the extradition of Gulen, where there is no room for negotiation," Mr Yildirim was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency. "Whether or not the anti-Americanism in Turkey will continue is also dependant on this."

According to Turkish newspaper Hurriyet, the Turkish

prime minister added that the US stance on extradition was "getting better". He said that since the coup attempt on 15-16 July, 76,597 civil servants had been suspended over links to the coup attempt, and 4,897 had been dismissed from their posts, bringing the total number to 81,974. The coup plotters, he said, had their own "communication network of 50,000 people". Mr Yildirim said Mr Biden would visit Turkey on 24 August. In another development, reported by Reuters, the Istanbul chief prosecutor's oďŹƒce sent a letter to the US authorities asking for the detention of Mr Gulen.

(BBC)

President Erdogan has been accused of going too far in seeking to reassert his authority(AP)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 152

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

IS Conflict: Manbij Residents Celebrate Liberation

Residents in the northern Syrian city of Manbij have been celebrating new freedoms after being liberated from the rule of so-called Islamic State. They have poured into the streets enjoying basic rights they had been denied for two years, including shaving off their beards and smoking. US-backed Kurdish and Arab fighters fought 73 days to drive IS out of Manbij, close to the Turkish border. About 2,000 civilians being used as human shields were also freed. Reuters news agency spoke to a resident of Manbij who described a spot where people were beheaded. "For anything or using the excuse that he did not believe [in God], they put him and cut his head off. "It is all injustice," he said. "I feel joy and [it is like a] dream I am dreaming. I cannot believe it, I cannot believe it. Things I saw no one saw," a woman said screaming and fainting, according to Reuters. Another woman thanked the fighters that had set them free: "You are our children, you are our heroes, you are the blood of our hearts, you are our eyes. Go out, Daesh [Arabic name for IS]!" Life under IS Women are forced to cover up; in one case, a woman in Mosul, Iraq, was challenged for not having her hands fully covered The minimum punishment is flogging, which is applied for things like smoking a cigarette. Men caught smoking have had their fingers amputated, while a female dentist who treated men was publicly beheaded, the UN said in a report in 2014 Men are not allowed to be clean-shaven Prayer checks are carried out on the streets Men are ordered to attend compulsory Sharia classes if their trousers are too long Move on Raqqa? The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) coalition includes the powerful Kurdish YPG militia. They were backed in their campaign against IS by US-led air strikes on IS positions. The roads through Manbij had become crucial to the group's ability to move fighters, weapons and supplies in and out of Syria. Routes to Syria's embattled second city, Aleppo, and to the IS capital, Raqqa, pass through the town. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which

monitors the conflict from the UK, around 500 cars left Manbij carrying IS members and civilians. They were heading north-east towards Jarablus, a town under IS control on the Turkish border. The militias said their victory had cut off the IS militants' route to Europe.

"After the liberation of Manbij, IS members won't be able to freely travel to and from Europe anymore," said Syrian Kurdish leader Salih Muslim. US officials have said that after Manbij, the coalition's intention is to move on Raqqa. Raqqa, estimated to have a population of between 250,000 and 500,000, has become the de facto capital of the "caliphate" whose creation was proclaimed by IS two years ago after it took control of large swathes of territory in Syria and Iraq. In addition to the alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters supported by the US, IS militants are also under pressure from Russian-backed Syrian government forces. Two days ago, Russian air strikes cut off the city's water supply. (BBC)

A woman is shown smoking one of many interdictions under IS(REUTERS)

INTERNATIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Drink-Driving Sweden Minister Rues 'Biggest Mistake’ PAGE 153

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

Sweden's youngest ever government minister, drive limits (grams per litre of blood) UK, Malta: Aida Hadzialic, has resigned after being caught 0.8 (Scotland 0.5) United States: 0.8 Most driving over the alcoholic limit. Hadzialic, 29, is European countries, including Germany, France, minister for higher education in the centre-left Spain, Italy: 0.5 Sweden, Poland, Estonia, Cyprus: government and Sweden's first Muslim minister. 0.2 Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia She called the drink-driving incident "the greatest - no alcohol while driving A 0.5-limit would mean mistake of my life". Hadzialic, who arrived in an average man can take take a small glass of beer Sweden aged five from Bosnia-Hercegovina, or a large glass of wine and women to half a pint of drank two glasses of wine before being stopped on beer or a small glass of wine. the bridge linking Denmark and Sweden. She Sources: drinkingandyou.com; European faces a possible term of up to six months in prison Transport Safety Council (BBC) after police detected a blood-alcohol level of 0.2 grams per litre. Explaining her error, she said she had drunk one glass of sparkling wine and one of red after a night out in Copenhagen. She set off for Sweden's southern city of Malmo four hours later.

Hadzialic said she thought that would have been enough time for her body to get rid of the alcohol.

Explaining her decision to quit, the Social Democrat told reporters: "I choose to do this because I believe what I have done is that serious."

The minister had drunk two glasses of wine Sweden is one of several European countries which have low alcohol limits for drivers. Drink- before getting behind the wheel(REUTERS)

INTERNATIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Brexit: Government Guarantee For Post-EU Funds PAGE 154

EU funding for farmers, scientists and other projects will be replaced by the Treasury after Brexit, Chancellor Philip Hammond has said. In a move which could cost up to £6bn a year, the Treasury will guarantee to back EU-funded projects signed before this year's Autumn Statement. Agricultural funding now provided by the EU will also continue until 2020. But critics said the guarantee does not go far enough and there was "continued uncertainty". Voters backed leaving the EU in the 23 June referendum but Prime Minister Theresa May has indicated the UK government will not trigger Article 50, which would begin a two-year process to leave, during 2016. Mr Hammond said EU structural and investment fund projects signed before the Autumn Statement later this year, and Horizon research funding granted before leaving the EU, will be guaranteed by the Treasury after the UK leaves. The EU's 80bn euro (£69bn) Horizon 2020 programme awards funding for research and innovation and is open to UK institutions while the country remains a member.

'Stability and certainty' The chancellor said the government was "determined to ensure that people have stability and certainty in the period leading up to our departure from the EU". Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said: "We welcome Phillip Hammond's decision to agree with Labour's calls for EU structural funds to be protected postBrexit. This will help to give some reassurance to communities and businesses right the way across the UK". But he added that Labour "urgently" want to hear the chancellor "speak up on the importance of keeping Britain's membership of the European Investment Bank".

The Treasury said it would assess whether to guarantee funding for certain other projects "that might be signed after the Autumn Statement, but while we remain a member of the EU". Organisations such as universities bidding for EU funding before the UK leaves would have that money underwritten by the government. At present, farmers receive subsidies and other payments under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). They get about £3bn a year in subsidies, with the biggest farmers pocketing cheques of £1m. The grants are given for owning land and also taking care of wildlife. The National Farmers' Union (NFU) said the Treasury's announcement was "positive" for farming. Its president Meurig Raymond said: "I hope that this short-term certainty will help to deliver longer-term confidence and this is exactly what farm businesses need now." The Country Land and Business Association (CLA), which represents more than 32,000 farmers, landowners and other rural businesses, said the move was "vitally important" but called for a "world-leading" domestic funding policy to be drawn up and ready for 2021. The structural and investment funds that will be guaranteed include CAP pillar two, the European Social Fund, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and the European Regional Development Fund, including European Territorial Cooperation. Examples of projects that have received or are due to receive regional development fund money include: £5m for the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre at the University of Manchester £9m for the manufacturing growth programme to support areas in the Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber and the East of England £3m for a new life sciences incubation and innovation centre at Porton Down in Wiltshire 'Welcome news' President of the Royal Society - a fellowship of many of the world's most eminent scientists - and Nobel laureate, Sir Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, also welcomed the funding announcement. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme it was

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

something "we have been arguing consistently for" since the referendum result. But Sir Venkatraman added: "Our hope is that any grants that are awarded while we are still in the EU should be allowed to complete." 'No long-term certainty' Scotland's Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said the announcement "falls far short" of what is needed, saying: "A limited guarantee for some schemes for a few short years leaves Scotland hundreds of millions of pounds short of what we would receive as members of the EU." Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones said: "This guarantee only covers about half of the regional funding due to Wales and does not provide the long-term certainty needed and which was promised ahead of the referendum."

And Northern Ireland Finance Minister Mairtin O Muilleoir said that while some applicants for EU funds will be helped, it left a "question mark over scores of other vital projects". Lord Porter, chairman of the Local Government Association, said the funding commitment "falls well short" and stressed that "local areas need certainty around the future of all of the £5.3bn in EU regeneration funding promised to them by 2020". "The continued uncertainty risks damaging local regeneration plans and stalling flagship infrastructure projects, employment and skills schemes and local growth," he said. The National Trust said that there was "continued uncertainty should new applications be restricted beyond this autumn". British Chambers of Commerce acting director general Adam Marshall called for "the delays that many worthwhile projects face in the approval process" to be "cleared away - especially given the fact that the Treasury guarantee only covers projects signed by this year's Autumn Statement". The UK currently pays money into the EU budget, which will stop once it formally leaves. In 2015 the UK Government paid in £13bn; EU spending on the UK was £4.5bn, meaning the UK's net contribution was estimated at about £8.5bn, or £161m a week. The UK private sector receives a further £1-1.5bn annually in EU funding.

(BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 155

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

Making A Murderer Subject Brendan Dassey's Conviction Overturned A US federal judge has overturned the murder conviction of Brendan Dassey, whose case was examined in Netflix's popular Making a Murderer documentary. Dassey, 26, will be released within 90 days, unless the state decides to retry him or there is an appeal. Dassey, who has learning difficulties, and his uncle Steven Avery were convicted of murdering a young woman, Teresa Halbach, in 2005. Avery and Dassey, who was 16 at the time, were sentenced to life in prison.

On Friday, Judge William Duffin stated in the court ruling that investigators in the 2007 trial made false promises to Dassey by assuring him "he had nothing to worry about". "These repeated

Brendan Dassey (right) was sentenced to life in prison(AP)

false promises, when considered in conjunction with all relevant factors, most especially Dassey's age, intellectual deficits, and the absence of a supportive adult, rendered Dassey's confession involuntary under the Fifth and 14th Amendments," the judge said. The Fifth Amendment of the US Constitution guarantees the right to a fair trial, including the right to silence. The 14th Amendment guarantees equal treatment before the law.

The verdict comes after Dassey's appeal was rejected by state courts. Steven Drizin, Professor of law at Northwestern University, became involved in the push to have the conviction overturned. "I thought that this was a confession that was the result of police coercion," he told the BBC's Today programme.

"These detectives had taken advantage of a young man who had severe learning difficulties.

The only facts in the confession had been fed to him by the investigators." The case received wide attention in the US and across the world after the release of the 10-part documentary Making a Murderer in December 2015. The filmmakers cast doubt on the legal process to convict Dassey and Avery. The documentary tells the real-life story of Avery, who was wrongfully imprisoned for 18 years for sexual assault.

After his release, he was accused and found guilty of murdering Teresa Halbach, a photographer for Auto Trader Magazine. Ms Halbach's charred remains were found at Avery's car salvage yard a week after she had gone there to photograph a minivan for sale. The series focused on the conduct of law officials in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, who risked a huge financial penalty over the first case. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 156

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

Samia Shahid Death: Victim's First Husband And Father In Court

The father and first husband of a woman who was allegedly murdered in a so-called honour killing in Pakistan have appeared in court. Samia Shahid, 28, from Bradford, died last month in Northern Punjab where she was visiting relatives. Her first husband, Choudhry Shakeel, has been arrested on suspicion of her murder while her father Mohammad has been held as an accessory to murder.

continue, were shackled and had their faces covered as they appeared in court in Jhelum. Ms Shahid's relatives had initially claimed she died of a heart attack, but her husband, Syed Mukhtar Kazam, claims she was the victim of a so-called honour killing. A post-mortem examination has since confirmed she died as a result of being strangled, police say. Mr Kazam, who is Ms Shahid's second husband, believes his wife was killed because her family disapproved of their marriage.

Both appeared in court in Pakistan and have been remanded for four days. The pair, who are being held while investigations Shaimaa Khalil, BBC Pakistan Correspondent - In Jhelum The police car which brought them to the court was surrounded by journalists. I got as close as I could to them to see if they would comment but they did not. The media were barred from entering the courtroom and the hearing could not have lasted more than two minutes with the judge remanding them in custody for four days while the investigation into Samia Shahid's murder continues.

Police say Samia Samia Shahid, 28, from Bradford, died while visiting died of asphyxiation. relatives in Pandori in Northern Punjab(FAMILY PHOTO) (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 157

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

Pakistan Helicopter Crew Freed In Afghanistan Six crew members of a Pakistani helicopter that was forced to landing after a technical failure on 4 August. land in a part of Afghanistan where the Taliban are active have been released, Pakistan's foreign ministry says. The ďŹ ve They were transferred from Afghanistan to Pakistan at the Pakistani crew and a Russian navigator made an emergency border after what the foreign ministry called an "inter-tribe exchange". They are said to be "in good health". The crew were reported to have been taken captive by the Taliban, but the Pakistani government did not conďŹ rm this. The Russian-built Mi-17, which belongs to the Punjab provincial government, was on its way from Peshawar to Russia where it was due to undergo maintenance.

It came down in Afghanistan's Logar province. The Pakistani, Afghan and Russian governments were all reported to be working to free the captive crew. The Afghan authorities are said to have made contact with tribal elders, suggesting they may have mediated the release. (BBC) The helicopter, similar to this one, was en route to Russia for maintenance(AFP)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 158

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

Trump Was Literally Not Being Sarcastic About Obama Founding ISIS Words can change meaning over time -- especially when they are spoken by politicians. Just ask Bill Clinton to define "is."

"Literally" was once used, exclusively, to introduce or punctuate a point meant to be taken in literal terms. But by 2013, enough people were using it interchangeably with "metaphorically" that even leading grammar pedants threw up their hands (literally?), and the Merriam-Webster and Cambridge dictionaries expanded their definitions. Donald Trump has, throughout his campaign, tested the pliability of rhetoric and language, sometimes to underline an affirmative point, but more often of late -- and in particular on Friday morning -- as a tool for walking back damaging (or straight-up false) assertions.

Baghdadi has capitalized on a series of missteps by both the George W. Bush and Obama administrations -- along with a civil war in Syria and Iraqi government failures -- to create a new global terror state. By Friday morning, as the backlash to Trump's comments was again threatening to knock out the potential to generate any positive news or electoral momentum, he began a familiar process -- the walk-back.

And true to this latest narrative's grammarian nightmare theme, Trump did it with a confounding declaration. "Ratings challenged @CNN reports so seriously that I call President Obama (and Clinton) 'the founder' of ISIS, & MVP," he tweeted. "THEY DON'T GET SARCASM?" Rep. Seth Moulton, a Democrat and Iraq War veteran, was unimpressed.

"Donald Trump has shown that he lies every single day and then the next day he just tries to claim it was sarcasm," he told CNN's Brianna Keilar on "New Day." Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a close ally, said on "Fox and Friends," that "one of the things that's frustrating about (Trump's) candidacy is the imprecise language. He sometimes uses three words when he needs 10."

On Wednesday, the Republican nominee launched a new round of criticism against President Barack Obama and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state, calling Obama the "founder" of ISIS and Clinton its "co-founder."

Donald Trump tries to walk back claim Obama founded ISIS: 'Sarcasm' Given multiple opportunities to allow that his language had been hyperbolic or, yes, metaphoric, Trump refused. On Thursday, conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt practically begged him to narrow his definition. "Last night, However, many words Trump chooses to employ, "sarcasm" -you said the President was the founder of ISIS. I know what you in this case -- should not be among them. The term is precise.

The dictionaries match the vernacular. It is the use of irony, of meant," Hewitt said. pointedly saying the opposite of what you mean in order to "You meant that he created the vacuum, he lost the peace." But make a rhetorical point. Taken in a sarcastic light, Trump's Trump wouldn't play along. "No, I meant he's the founder of words would be amount to a mockery of... Trump's words. A ISIS," Trump said. "I do. He was the most valuable player. I little later Friday morning, the Republican nominee tweeted give him the most valuable player award. I give her, too, by the more scorn at the press. "I love watching these poor, pathetic way, Hillary Clinton." Hewitt again: "But he's not sympathetic people (pundits) on television working so hard and so seriously to them. He hates them. He's trying to kill them." "I don't care," to try and figure me out," he wrote. "They can't!" (CNN) Trump said. "He was the founder. His, the way he got out of Iraq was that that was the founding of ISIS, okay?" Sensing progress, Hewitt probed a little further, and Trump seemed to be coming around, saying that if Obama "would have done things properly (in managing the withdrawal from Iraq), you wouldn't have had ISIS." "That's true," Hewitt said. "Therefore," Trump added, closing the circle, "he was the founder of ISIS." A day of furious -- if somewhat puzzled -- fact-checking followed.

The reviews were unanimous. No, Obama was not the founder of ISIS. That title mostly belongs to Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi, who led al Qaeda in Iraq before being killed in an American airstrike. The group rebranded after his death, becoming ISIS, and under the guidance of Abu Bakr al-

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 159

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2016

Hacker Releases Cell Phone Numbers, Personal Emails Of House Democrats The hacker who goes by "Guccifer 2.0" is claiming credit for the release of personal cell phone numbers and private email addresses of Democratic House members. The data -- posted to their WordPress blog on Friday night -- also contains the contact information for staff members and campaign aides. In the trove of information released on Friday "Guccifer 2.0" also uploaded files to the blog post that contains login information to subscription services used by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, including Lexis-Nexis and Washington newspapers.

In a statement, DCCC Press Secretary Meredith Kelly said: "As previously noted, the DCCC has been the target of a cybersecurity incident, and we are cooperating with federal law enforcement in their ongoing investigation. We are aware of reports that documents claimed to be from our network have been released and are investigating their authenticity." Rep. Adam Schiff of California, the ranking Democratic on the House Intelligence committee, suggested a law enforcement probe is necessary.

"The unauthorized disclosure of people's personally identifiable information is never acceptable, and we can fully expect the authorities will be investigating the posting of this information," Schiff said. "I have every confidence that law enforcement will get to the bottom of this, and identify the responsible parties. And when they do, I hope the administration will disclose who is attempting to interfere with the American political process, and levy strong consequences against those responsible." In addition to lawmakers' personal information, the hacker uploaded documents analyzing candidates for Florida's 18th congressional district, and a fundraiser memo to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi about Morgan Carroll's congressional campaign in Colorado.

The hacker wrote in the blog post, "It's time for new revelations now. All of you may have heard about the DCCC hack. As you see I wasn't wasting my time! It was even easier than in the case of the DNC breach." The person claiming to be Guccifer 2.0 earlier posted several documents on the Internet and sent them to media outlets including Gawker, portraying the documents as coming from the hack of the Democratic National Committee's files. The documents included a file about Republican nominee Donald Trump and what looked like memos about DNC operations. But the claims made by the "Guccifer 2.0" individual were viewed with a dose of skepticism by experts who have analyzed the events.

There is no way to verify the identity of the individual known as Guccifer 2.0. The name is a reference to a Romanian hacker who pleaded guilty to hacking several prominent politicians

and figures, including former Presidents George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush, who went online by Guccifer. So far the administration has not publicly identified who it believes may be behind the hack. However, intelligence and law enforcement officials have told CNN Russia is the most likely suspect.

The hack of the DNC was originally discovered as being two separate breaches, both by hacking groups identified by cybersecurity experts as working for the Russian military and intelligence complex. One hack was said to have lasted a year and targeted internal communications, the other was for a few months and targeted opposition research on Donald Trump.

Federal investigators had tried to warn the DNC months before, sources told CNN, but by the time the suspected Russian hackers were kicked out of the systems damage had been done: Nearly 20,000 emails between a handful of DNC officials were dumped on the web by WikiLeaks as the Democratic National Convention was kicking off.

The emails showing opposition to Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders during the primary led to the resignation of DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz on the eve of the convention and departure of more party officials later. On Martha's Vineyard, hope for another Clinton era In July, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said he believed his group's release of hacked Democratic National Committee emails affected the 2016 election, adding the group is holding unreleased information about Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.

"We have more material related to the Hillary Clinton campaign," Assange told CNN's Anderson Cooper on "Anderson 360" on July 29. "That is correct to say that." On Saturday, Rep. Jason Chaffetz, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, offered words of sympathy for House Democrats. "Russia-linked hacker leaks House Democrats' cell phones, emails http://www.politico.com/story/2016/08/house-democratshack-cell-phones-2... ... So, so wrong.

I hope authorities prosecute," tweeted the Utah Republican. On Thursday, Pelosi cited reports that the hack of the DNC was even broader than had been made public, labeling the episode an "electronic Watergate." "Let me just say this in terms of the presidential campaign: This is an electronic Watergate," Pelosi said. "This is a break-in." A US official this week confirmed a report -- first in the New York Times -- that the hack of the DNC was broader than had previously been known. (CNN)

PAGE 160

Music, An Influence To Past, Present And Future Generations Music, the five letter word that spans over billions and possibly trillions of songs, instrumentals and beats that somehow manages to deal with every emotion that the human body can process. Whether it be a joyous occasion or a not so joyous one you can ask any of the 7 billion people that live on the earth, music celebrates or heals a wound better than any speech, talk or time would. The popular music of the present day has over the recent years been considered by the elders of the communities to be a major negative influence on the way that the present generation is growing up to be, however it is not only today that music has been influencing those who listen to it, from the music and artist of the 60's, 70's and 80's, people have been shaping the way they dress and their hairstyle to the way they speak. Similarly, the youths of today are shaping their way of life based on the music they are listening to but what enrages those of the past generations is the lyrics of the music that some of the youths are shaping their life. It is no secret that the Artists of the music of this generation has a less creative way of hiding the vulgarity in their music, from Rap to Rhythm and Blues and the one which seems to trigger people the most, Dancehall Music. Dancehall, a genre of music which lays its roots in the reggae hearts of Jamaica, has for the past 10 years or so been one of the most despised music by those of the past few generations, featuring artists such as Vybz Kartel, Alkaline, Tommy Lee, Movado and Popcaan. These artists, by many of the younger folks who enjoy the sounds of Dancehall, are idols of the music industry but as one would expect the older folks find it difficult to jump on the bandwagon as they continuously reference the days when their music was "better". As the summer nears to an end, one of the most anticipated events by the Dancehall generation is actually happening tonight, the Summer 16 show with slated to be headlined by a performance

by Alkaline. As the show is being advertised sectors of Guyana are showing their outrage in his popularity in Guyana, one of the most popular outburst being a Letter to the Editor published by the Guyana Chronicle in the August 7, 2016 edition, written by 'Rev Gideon Cecil'. In the letter 'Cecil' pointed out his deepest dissatisfaction in that this is the type of music that is being idolized by youths of today, he even went as far as to call for the banning of Alkaline from performing in Guyana. A proposition that if taken up will see multitude of fans being severely as enraged as the elders are at those who listen to the music. The step to fully ban the Artist from performing is one which should not be fully considered as shows of the nature do offer a source of tourism for the country. "One of the most enraging factors of being a youth in the dancehall appreciation generation is always being stereotyped as one who listens and enjoys the dancehall music which I do not," one person told the

Guyana Daily News and this is not the only person who has told us this. The Guyana Daily News spoke to multiple persons who expressed the same train of thought. One even told us "I believe that the older folks need to remember what they use to be doing before they take the higher step and judge what we do." From the interviews it became evident that music is still playing that same influential part it has been playing for the many years and not because music has changed it means that the current music is the sole influence of the youth of today. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.