August 21, 2016

G U Y A N A

Sunday, August21 , 201 6

SundayEdition

J AGDE O: GOVTWANTS$400M MOREDURBANPARKPROJ E CT Page1 43

Teixeira:GovernmentTook AwayJobs, MoniesAnd GivingIt T o 3 B ’ s I n i t i a t i v e Page1 1 3

Busi nessesCont i nue ToSuf f erE xcessi ve Page T axesF r omGRA 59 Page1 43

G u y S u C oR e c o r d s C i t yH a l l T oC o mp l yWi t hG o v t ’ s $ 6 BD e f i c i t I n R e c o mme n d a t i o n sO f P a r k i n g J u s t 6Mo n t h s Me t e r sC o n t r a c t Page86

Page30

P a g e2

A P N U + A F CG o v t T r a mp l i n gO n G u y a n a ’ s C o n s t i t u t i o nP P P

LOCAL PAGE

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

APNU+AFC Govt Trampling On Guyana’s Constitution - PPP The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has condemned what it described as the persistent trampling and violation of the country’s by the David Granger Administration. General Secretary of the PPP, Clement Rohee at a press conference on cited instances where Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence and Junior Minister of Natural Resources, Simone Broomes, sought to give directives to the Public Service Commission (PSC). He also made reference to the firing of nearly 2000 Amerindians from their jobs by the APNU+AFC government. Minister of State Joseph Harmon had confirmed the dismissal of exactly 1,972 Community Service Officers (CSOs) in the hinterland regions. The CSOs were mostly Amerindians, who were employed by the former PPP government. According to Rohee, the Guyanese public were fooled into believing that the APNU+AFC Coalition could have provided jobs for them, however he reiterated the statement made by President David Granger, “Employment is not something to be provided by the government. There is selfemployment and we are working with the villages to generate more employment in those villages but it is going to be agrobased employment.” Rohee said that t the decisions taken by the Government are unconstitutional and inhumane. When asked if the Party will support constitutional reform to solve the issues mentioned, Rohee noted that the issues raised are merely administrative measures being taken to “rape the Constitution” and that Constitutional Reform is not high on the agenda for the Party at this point in time. -By- Ronald Singh, Guyana Daily News.

General Secretary of the PPP, Clement Rohee

LOCAL PAGE 3

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

CLEMENT ROHEE POORLY INFORMED ON FOOD AND DRUG MARLON COLE. General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee is of the view that Director of the government’s Food and Drug Marlon Cole is another victim of APNU+AFC witch-hunt.

Cole recently denied allegations of corruption which have their genesis in a reporter attached to a local online news outfit questioning Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, about Cole’s alleged involvement in several arrangements which appear shady. However Mr. Rohee, seems to know very little or totally misinformed to the many alleged corruption and the professional misconduct about Cole.

But Rohee is of the view that efforts are being made by the APNU+AFC Government, to fire by making allegations of corruption and professional misconduct. This newspaper was informed that Cole has since been sent on administrative leave, pending an investigation into his alleged corrupt practices. The Guyana Daily News has investigated Cole’s involvement in several shady deals and is in receipt of a letter and other documents from ICPA India, the drug manufacturer of Zerodol and Zerodol P. This letter was sent asking Cole and the Ministry of Health to desist from authorizing the importation of the drug, however, 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.

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

This newspaper is in receipt of a copy of the letter and will publish it along with other documents soon, which will indicate that Cole is lying and that he continues to allow his associates to import the generic formulation of the drug Zerodol, despite the warning reported by ICPA. Guyana is manufacturing the same drug as well, however, the generic formulation that is being manufactured by IPCA in India is not for export and is formulated for the sale only in India as reported by ICPA. This newspaper understands that another importer brought in two containers of Sardine and Mackerel which was delayed on the port by the department on the grounds that there was no manufacturer’s address on the label. But Cole told the Guyana Chronicle Newspaper “that when his department checked online and perused documentation for the products and those who are making the products, the search came up empty.” This newspaper understands that this is a lie because all documentation was submitted for this shipment to Customs and Food and Drug and it 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 Cole. Superfoods and several other businesses are of the view that their company is being victimized by Cole, who sends out his inspectors to advice businesses not to purchase their products. It has also been reported that there are several pending law suits from businesses suing Cole.

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee

LOCAL PAGE 4

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Manufacturing Sector Faces Major Challenges In Guyana Most Guyanese are in shock after learning that Guyana imports products such rice, coconut water, and roti from countries like Pakistan, Thailand and Suriname. An article in the Monday edition of the Kaieteur News revealed the grim state that the manufacturing sector is currently in. The sector has long posed that the main factor concerning the sector is the cost of production especially the cost of electricity in modern times.In the current age of manufacturing, the use of technology is imperative in the process of producing. In Guyana the major manufacturers are large companies with large scale facilities such as DDL, GUYSUCO and Banks DIH. The Guyana daily news interviewed several persons on the street and asked whether they knew Guyana imports rice and coconut water, roti and various other products that can be manufactured right here in Guyana. Most were shocked to learn such. One person said "to import Roti is just ridiculous," and another said "Guyana needs to start manufacturing their own stuff like coconut water, we don’t need to import that and as to roti from Suriname, who buys roti in a pack?" When presented with the cost of production, another person said "manufacturers need to work around it I guess, it doesn't matter how expensive stuff gets you have find ways to work around it, not because flour expensive you gonna stop sell bread."Others however, said that they did not see a problem with imports coming from Suriname or Caribbean countries and stated that "Guyana is a part of CARICOM and we must support other member countries but in the case of rice all the way from Pakistan, that’s another case entirely." The general opinion gathered from the interviews was that Guyana needs to do more in terms of small business manufacturing with rice, sugar, rum and timber being the major exports and have large factories and companies.

Roti imported from Suriname(Kaieteur News/ File Photo)

Coconut water imported from Thailand(Kaieteur News/ File Photo)

Karim’s Rice imported from Pakistan(Kaieteur News/ File Photo)

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Storage Bond Deal Is Offensive To Commonsense – Former Speaker PAGE 5

Former Speaker of the National Assembly and one time Executive Member of the People’s Progressive Party, Ralph Ramkarran has heavily criticized the APNU+AFC government for the sole-sourcing of a drug procurement/storage bond. Questioning of Minister of Health, Dr George Norton by opposition members last Monday on an item seeking approval for $31,080,000, revealed that the sum was intended as expenses for renting a bond for the storage of pharmaceuticals. The Minister explained that rent of $19.2 million per month was being paid to New GPC and that the government wanted a cheaper facility in a hurry to avoid paying that ‘exorbitant’ sum. Consequently there was ‘sole sourcing’ and the contract was given to Linden Holding Inc. The size of the premises in Albouystown was 10,000 square feet and the rent was $12 million per month. Contrary to what the Minister said, New GPC had been storing government owned pharmaceuticals free of charge and had been doing so since it was the government’s main supplier of drugs under sole sourcing arrangements. It should be noted that since sole sourcing of pharmaceuticals came to an end, New GPC put forward a proposal for monthly rental at $16.2 million per month from March for its 70,000 square foot facility. The government then decided to sole source another facility and Linden Holdings was the beneficiary. It bought the property in which to store the pharmaceuticals in March and is receiving rent, even though the facility is not yet in operation because it is still under preparation. Ramkarran in his weekly column in the Stabroek News, ‘The Conversation Tree’ noted that “This deal, conceived and entered into by the government, smells. It is offensive to commonsense and to the Guyanese public and taxpayer and violates the government’s promises of transparency and an end to sole sourcing. This ‘arrangement’ fits squarely in the governance methods against which the population revolted in elections in 2011 and 2015 and about which the then opposition complained bitterly and vowed to end.” He further questioned, “How can rent of $12 million for 10,000 square feet be a saving on rent of $16 million for 70,000 square feet? My calculations show that $16 million divided by 70,000 square feet gives $228 a square foot and $12 million divided by 10,000 square feet gives $1,200 a square foot. This ‘deal,’ therefore, requires the taxpayer to fork out $1,200 a square foot when other premises are available at $228 a square foot.

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

How can this be right?” Cabinet, which had previously approved the contract, appointed itself, through a subcommittee, to examine the contract and report, headed by Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman. “No sooner had the sub-committee been appointed than it began to make excuses and set up defences. But Minister Trotman would not be drawn on the suspicious circumstance that the $25 million advance to Linden Holdings in July as rent and security deposit was to pay for the building which was bought for $25 million and for which transport was passed in the same July. In the meantime, while storage of our pharmaceuticals are not being threatened, the Guyanese public is being asked to pay $12 million a month for unfinished premises. Will we get an explanation for this?” Ramkarran stated in his article. According to him, “If the charges of $228 per square foot, or $16 million a month by New GPC is regarded as ‘exorbitant’ by the Minister and ‘punitive’ by the President; Linden Holdings’ 10,000 square feet would cost $2.28 million a month, not $12 million. The government needs to explain why the Guyanese people must lose $9+ million a month on this sordid deal.”

Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran

LOCAL PAGE 6

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Gov. To Hold Contractors Responsible For Faulty Works Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson is of the view that given the disaster surrounding the Kato Secondary School it is imperative for examples to be set of errant contractors and supervising consultants. He said that such disrespectful actions call for either blacklisting or taking those who are at fault before the courts to recover losses. The Minister told the media that he is appalled at the second-rate work on Kato Secondary and insisted that someone must be held accountable for the disaster at the region 8 school. Minister Patterson recalled that the contract for the project undertaking was awarded in late 2012 to Kares Engineering Inc. with works commencing in 2013, and a completion date set for April 2015.

He said that the project was afflicted with delays and an audit of the project revealed severe structural defects. According to reports, the findings revealed that approximately 60 percent of the project had defects, with another 30 percent just over the borderline. Only about 10 percent of the project was deemed structurally sound. Patterson also noted that the post-contract services of the supervising firm, Designs and Construction Services Limited (DCSL) failed to address the issue of amendments and extensions to the design contract buildings and that Kares Engineering Inc. simply failed to produce a completed project, according to the terms of the contract. The Minister admitted that the contractor was overpaid for the works completed and paid well in excess of the present value of works on site. Support for Patterson’s stance came from the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo and Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran. The Prime Minster said that the issue of careless and inferior work by contractors is one which should be taken into consideration by the Public Procurement Commission (PPC).

“There is also the issue of contractors who are involved in underbidding for contractors and when you get down to examining the cost overruns, the total for the contract ends up being more than the engineer’s estimate for the project, as well as more than the other contractors who put in their bid for the project.” “When the Procurement Commission gets into full swing, it is hoped that this is something its members would look into.

But I am of the firm belief that once a company has shortchanged the

state and is in breach of its contract, then it should face penalties.

Sanctions have to be imposed by the relevant bodies, one of which is the Procurement Commission.” Meanwhile, Goolsarran, a former Auditor General, said he agrees 100 percent with the minister, while adding that amendments should be made to the Procurement Act so as to make it a law that those who have shortchanged the government would be blacklisted and prosecuted.

He added that Guyana’s weak public procurement system is what led to the loss of millions of dollars annually. He said that it is a broken system which often sees contractors p r o v i d i n g substandard work with little or no consequences, while stressing that the time is now to show that Government means business.

LOCAL PAGE 7

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

3 Years Jail, $1.4M Fine For Jamaican Busted With Cocaine Jamaican National Easton Stapleton has been sentenced to three years imprisonment by Magistrate Fabayo Azore for the illegal possession of cocaine with the intent of trafficking. He was also fined GY$1.4M. Stapleton appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly on Friday, where he pleaded guilty to the charge of attempting to traffic the cocaine in deodorant bottles via the Guyana Post Office.

He had told the court that he first attempted to ship the illegal substance through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) but was unsuccessful. The court heard that on August 10, 2016, Stapleton went to the Georgetown Post Office and tried to ship a package which contained 526g of cocaine hidden in a quantity of deodorant bottles and paper markers.

Ranks from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit branch of the Guyana Police Force reportedly became suspicious when they realized the man was shipping deodorant out of the country and proceeded to search the package. They removed the ball top from one of the roll on deodorant bottles and found the cocaine which when weighed added up to the said 526g. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Sun And Power Boats Ruled On Sunday At Lake Mainstay Resort PAGE 8

Excitement and adrenaline dominated Lake Mainstay Resort on Sunday last, when the 16th Annual Regatta took over the unsettled black water. The uneasy audience, gathered on the shore to witness the best and most exiting annual water event in Guyana. The activity started around the 11:00hrs, when the sun was about to reach its higher altitude. The heat could melt the rocks, but with a refreshing lake on the site, there were no worries to be taken. It was a captivating atmosphere, the kind that you want to be part of on a hot summer day.

Delicious meals provided by the organizers of the resort, kept the mass satisfied while waiting for the event to start.

Igloo Ice Cream, Fun Park Merry Go Round, Trampoline and Bouncy Castle for the children and music provided by the Essequibo Champion Music Fusion, Exotic Dancers, Banks, Stag Beer, DDL and Xtra Beer for the adults, maintained the balance for the equivalent exchange of fun. Twelve categories of power boat racing, along with canoe and swim races were in the tittles. Two

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

teams faced the rage of the black waters. The teams of Neil Gonsalves and Pomeroon versus Dave Scott and the team from Bartica. “The Clash of Titans” was about to begin. With the clock on the ‘high noon’ the motors of the power boats could be heard.

Then everyone approached the shoreline. The cheering crowd dominated the lake, the excitement was tangible, there were those who enjoyed better with a ‘cold’ in hand and a box of food, and there were those who would examine the event with hawk eyes. A memorial race in the 90 HP category, was held in in honor to Orin Keith Belle’s `Iron Charlie’. The popular power boat racer of Bartica, passed away in a tragic accident on the same waters in August 2012.

This would become a permanent reminder of the deadly power of velocity, highlighting the necessary precautions to be taken in future events to avoid such. In the middle of the action, a focused spectator was the target of our correspondent.

With eyes on the horizon and holding a bottle of Stag Neil Andrew, shared his opinion about the event. “It is a family event, I like how people come and enjoy with all the family members. Music, food, the fun park for the children, the competition is the main attraction, but you can also enjoy of the different options that the Regatta offers.”

Three million dollars in cash prizes were given to the winners.

Official results will soon be released by director of the regatta, Mr. Wilford Jagnarine. The competition finished around the 17:00hrs, followed by the stage show which attracted a large crowd. -By- Rocio Perez, Guyana Daily News.

LOCAL PAGE 9

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

McDoom Man Jailed For Breaking Into Woman’s House Kevin Christopher today appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh charged with breaking and entering the dwelling place of Elizabeth Johnson with attempt to commit a felony on August 11, 2016. The man pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. Christopher who hails from McDoom, East Bank Demerara was unrepresented; he was released from prison three months ago after serving time for assault. He told the court that he committed the crime because he heard that the woman has been “talking his name” around the neighborhood he grew up in. The prosecutor after hearing this, made an application for the accused to be sentenced to the maximum of five years imprisonment, however the Magistrate chose not to since she is of the belief that Christopher suffers from a mental disorder. It was noted that the complainant on the night of August 10, 2016, at around 23:00 hrs secured her home via. bolt

and lock and proceeded to her bed to sleep. She was however awoken at 03:00 hrs when the accused reportedly touched her foot. The woman then raised an alarm and the neighborhood police was alerted. -ByJarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

LOCAL PAGE 10

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Teenager Chopped, Beaten To Death At Wedding House Police are investigating the alleged murder of Daveand Sanchar, 13 years, of Plantain Walk, Triumph, ECD, which occurred about 2330h. last night at Plantain Walk Access Road, Triumph, ECD.Investigations revealed that Daveand Sanchar who was at a function in the said village, had an altercation with some men over a female.

He (deceased) subsequently left, and returned with a cutlass. A further argument ensued and it was alleged that one of the men took away the cutlass and dealt him a chop to his head. Whilst on the ground, he was given a severe beating with a stick.The victim was rushed the GPHC where he was pronounced dead on arrival.The suspects are all in custody assisting the police with the investigation.

Guyana Police Force Press Release

Dead: Daveand Sanchar (Guyana Chronicle/ File Photo)

Man, Wife Attacked By Bandits; Relieved Of Gun, Ammo handgun, of $500,000.00 cash (GC) and a quantity of colognes. In the process Lennox Albert was relieved of his licensed .32 pistol with ďŹ ve rounds.

Investigations revealed that the victims who operate a shop were in the process of closing the business, when they were attacked, and relieved of their belongings. The bandits who escaped on foot, have not yet been apprehended.

Guyana Police Force Press Release

Police are investigating an armed robbery committed on Lennox Albert, 59 years and his wife Verna Albert, 68 years, which occurred about 20:00h. last night at Nouvelle Flanders Village, WCD, by two identiďŹ able males, one armed with a

LOCAL PAGE 11

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

US Citizen Jailed For Using Fake Guyanese Passport was previously charged and fined for committing an offence of a similar nature. Hamilton was sentenced with 18 months imprisonment on each charge but it will run concurrently. The court heard that between January 1, 2015 and August 12, 2016 in Georgetown, Hamilton conspired with other persons to forge one passport in favor of Tara Ashley Vaughn, reporting the said passport to be issued by an immigration officer.

It was noted that August 12, 2016 the woman used the said passport to travel from Georgetown to Lethem and further tried to use the passport to travel to Brazil. Hamilton in the process tried to defraud Constable Steven Williams by trying to pass off the passport to be legal, however the passport was checked and it was revealed to be fake. Hamilton had reportedly told the officers that she paid someone US$1500 for the said passport. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

Magistrate Fabayo Azore today sentenced Stacy Layne Hamilton to 18 months imprisonment after she pleaded guilty to the forgery of a Guyana Passport and attempting to defraud a Guyanese immigration officer. Hamilton, who is a United States citizen, was represented by Attorney Paul Fung-a-Fat, who pleaded with the Magistrate not to impose a jail sentence on his client.

However, the Magistrate heard from the prosecution that the woman

REGIONAL PAGE 12

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Latulippe Leaves T&T With Fond Memories When Gerard Latulippe bade farewell as Canadian High Commissioner to T&T on August 10, he took with him fond memories of our country’s food, people and culture. Latulippe would also leave our shores proud, fulfilled and satisfied, knowing that he has strengthened bilateral relations between Canada and T&T in the areas of trade, education, security, justice, culture and health. In his final interview at his St Clair office days before leaving, a smiling Latulippe confessed that he regretted not coming to T&T sooner.

From the moment Latulippe set foot in Trinidad in January 2013, the 72-year-old became captivated by our national instrument the steelpan. He had a weakness for the Indian delicacy doubles. And he was always drawn to the Lopinot’s Historical Complex to relax. But above all he could not believe the warmth of our people. “I just fell in love with your people who were so embracing and welcoming. I have made many new friends and will take back fond and enjoyable memories we shared.

My stay was worthwhile and rewarding,” Latulippe said. Latulippe described T&T in three words “happiness in life.” Reflecting on his term in office, Latulippe said while the country had seen political and economic changes, the one constant that has always been enduring and ever-growing was the relationship between Canada and T&T which was built upon strong people. Having heard about the country’s spiralling crime rate, Latulippe said he did not let that worry him when he was asked to serve. “Before I arrived crime was an issue and it is still an issue. But it is a complex issue.

I worked in Iraq, Libya and in the Congo in Africa so I was not dissuaded by what I read or heard,” he admitted. He said solving crime needed the combined efforts of law enforcement agencies and communities. In his first two years as commissioner, Latulippe said through the Canadian government, T&T benefited in many areas and vice versa. Both countries have been tackling head-on issues of child marriages, domestic violence, entrenching the rule of law and combatting the scourge of crime.

“In the security sector, Canada provides cooperation and assistance in the form of training and capacity building in fields such as law enforcement, border services and the military to deal with issues such as drugs, organised crime, health pandemics and natural disasters.”

Gerard Latulippe

But more importantly, Latulippe said, both nations have strengthened and deepened bilateral ties. He said Canada’s investments are concentrated in the petrochemical, oil, gas and financial sectors. In addition, Latulippe said, Canada has been lending support to T&T in the areas of good governance, transparency, whistleblower and procurement legislations, campaign finance reform and a corruption free society.

“We have also been funding developmental programmes for Caricom countries through a Canadian $600 million grant, which was established in 2007. “I have worked tirelessly to make sure that Trinidad and Tobago is a shared partner in this programme.” On the flip side, Latulippe said many of T&T’s high school students continue to make Canada their country of choice to pursue their tertiary education. Every year, the High Commission in Port-of-Spain issues approximately 250 to 350 study permits to citizens of T&T. After settling in the job, Latulippe said the first thing he fought for was to have the Canada Fund for Local Initiative programme, which had been stopped, reinstated. “This permitted us to form nongovernmental organisations on matters such as child marriages, advancement of women, at-risk youth, citizen security and LGBT rights,” said Latulippe, who was named president of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development in Montreal.

He said Canada's long-term goal in the Caribbean region was to help build a more prosperous and integrated Caribbean community, one that can generate sustainable economic growth, and eventually provide opportunity and security to its citizens.

In calling for the revenue of oil and gas to become more transparent, Latulippe felt that the People’s National Movement was serious about addressing corruption and ensuring transparency. “I am satisfied with the way they have been dealing with whistleblower protection, campaign financing reform and procurement legislation. When you have dirty money in politics it ends up to be corruption within the Government. You cannot address corruption without first taking measures.” Smitten by our country, Latulippe said the first thing he gravitated towards was the steelpan.

In his spare time he frequented Silver Stars Steel Orchestra panyard in Port-of-Spain, where he listened to the different notes on the tenor and bass. “The steel pan is such a wonderful and amazing instrument. It has always captured my attention and heart.”

Latulippe said what also shocked him was how citizens joyously celebrated one another’s religion. “I am amazed how different religions can live in harmony. I saw Christians celebrated Eid and Hindus celebrated Christmas. Even the Muslims celebrate Divali. It showed that despite people’s religious beliefs you still live in peace and togetherness with one another,” he said.

Having accomplished his mission, Latulippe said he feels a sense of gratification, knowing T&T is where he would make his exit from the workforce. “When I leave Trinidad I will be retiring. It’s time to spend time with my wife Odette, children and grandchildren. I also want to finish writing my book and dabble in some poetry.” Reflecting on T&T’s diverse cuisine, Latulippe said of all the foods he had savoured, Indian was his favourite, especially doubles and roti. “Some of the meals I ate I can’t even remember the names. But the taste I will never forget.” Latulippe refused to name his successor. (Trinidad Guardian)

REGIONAL PAGE 13

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Mayor: No Taxpayers’ Money Used For Arima Archway The ribbon for a $500,000 historical archway on O’Meara Road, Arima is expected to be cut by Arima mayor George Hadeed soon to welcome visitors and beautify the burgeoning borough. Hadeed assured that no taxpayers’ funds was used in the construction of the towering metal archway, which is one of four to be erected in Arima by supermarket chain Xtra-Foods in the coming months. In an interview, Hadeed said work on the archway was still needed, as photographs of the late Holly Betaudier, calypsonian Lord Kitchener and the First Peoples will adorn the top, while a $32,000 clock will be fitted in the middle on August 20.

Thereafter an official launch wil take place with a cutting ribbon exercise. The blue and yellow archway, designed in the shape of a crown and built by Cornelius Construction was installed two weeks ago, a stone’s throw from Xtra-Foods Arima branch. St James and Tunapuna also have archways. Hadeed praised Xtra Foods for the kind gesture and called on other businesses in the borough to give back to Arima. “I want to make it clear that no taxpayers dollars was u s e d i n t h e construction of the archway.

With the exception of the clock, this was a project fully funded

by Xtra-Foods. “We are in a highlyc h a rg e d p o l i t i c a l environment and

there are those who should know better and who are only looking for mischief.” Hadeed said while the archway was funded by XtraFoods, he teamed up with his councillors and generated funds to purchase the clock as a gift to burgesses. Marketing manager of XtraFoods, Daniel Austin, said the archway was part of the supermarket’s corporate responsibility in giving back to its large customer base and to beautify the borough. “It cost Xtra-Foods over $500,000 to put up this archway.”

Installing the photographs would cost Xtra-Foods a separate fee, which Austin refused to divulge. Discussions on the archway, Austin said, had been in the pipeline for over five years by its management.

“This archway will be the first of four for Arima,”Austin said. The second archway will be erected heading out of Arima closer to Maturita, another will be placed at the Arima Cemetery on the Eastern Main Road and the fourth will go up on the Blanchisseuse Road.

Construction of the three archways is expected to cost Xtra-Foods approximately $2 million.

Austin said the remaining archways would have to go through a series of approvals, which he anticipate would take a while. “We are eager to deliver on the other archways. But we don’t expect it to happen soon. It may take a few months.” Austin said with oil and gas prices plummeting, Xtra-Food was putting its resources into tourism, which was one way T&T can diversify the economy. “We will use the archways as a main tourism attraction. Arima is the only chartered borough in this hemisphere. “When someone comes into Arima they must feel a sense of pride and a warm welcome. It will create more commerce in Arima.” (Trinidad Guardian)

REGIONAL PAGE 14

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Laventille Med Student Promises To Give Back Medical student Kourdell Powell intends to give back to his community in Laventille and the country when he becomes a full-fledged doctor. Secretary of the Association of Psychiatrists (APTT) Dr Varma Deyalsingh, treasurer of the Medical Board of T&T, heaped praises on Powell who resides in Rhyner Street, Laventille, for his commitment to medicine and social responsibility.

Powell, a second-year medical student at UWI, Mona, spent the last four months under the mentorship of Dr Deyalsingh where he was exposed to both the private and public health system. On presenting Powell with a Littman’s stethoscope, sphygmomanometer and a glucometer, Deyalsingh reminisced how he started social work when he was a medical student more than 26 years ago with the late MP for Laventille West, Morris Marshall.

Deyalsingh said both he and Marshall had a plan to help end the negative stigma which overshadowed the people of Laventille and it was the duty of those who had been blessed to lend a helping hand to the youths so they can become the shining stars of Laventille. “Good things happen in Laventille and the world must know,” he said. Powell expressed thanks to his mentor and gave a commitment he would return to take the baton from Deyalsingh to serve his community and country. (Trinidad Guardian)

Dr Varma Deyalsingh and medical student Kourdell Powell.

REGIONAL PAGE 15

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Prof: Isis Winning On Digital Battlefield When people begin to interact with Isis products on social media by retweeting, following and liking, Isis then “swarms in and makes contact.” Dr Anne Speckhard of the United States, who has interviewed close to 500 Isis defectors, made this observation. She said there needed to be engagement on the digital battlefield where Isis was currently winning. Speckhard serves as an adjunct associate professor of psychiatry in the School of Medicine at Georgetown University and is the director of the International Center for the Study of Violent Extremism.

She was responding to the question of how people are targeted and become radicalised. Speckhard said Isis was good at distribution of thousands of social media posts, videos and posters that grab the attention of vulnerable people all over the globe who were attracted out of curiosity, desire to belong, desire for adventure, purpose, significance, dignity, excitement, anger over social injustices at home, depression, trauma, mental illness and a plethora of other individual vulnerabilities.

She said such people would then be targets by Isis recruiters.

“Then like any other cult, they find what may motivate the individual to join and begin to meet those needs grooming them with attention, reinforcement, and seduction further into the group to finally overtake them leading to their own destruction and the destruction of others,” she added. Speckhard added that the easiest target were youth because they don’t have the perspective, experience and judgement to know that utopias never pan out.

She said Isis targeted everyone and did not mind who responded. “They can and will use anyone who is responsive to their calls. Women are invited to come and be wives, men to be fighters and both to mount homegrown attacks.” Isis fighters can be reintegrated into society The author of seven books, which include Talking to Terrorists: Understanding the Psycho-Social Motivations of Militant Jihadi Terrorists, Mass Hostage Takers, Suicide Bombers and “Martyrs”; Fetal Abduction: The True Story of Multiple Personalities and Murder; and Bride of ISIS: One Young Woman’s Path into Homegrown Terrorism, Speckhard said it was possible for Isis fighters to be reintegrated into society after being in war-torn Syria.

However, she said the important thing was to uncover what first made them vulnerable to believing Isis’ lies. “What were their needs, vulnerabilities and motivations for joining and to find how these can be redirected into nonviolent actions. “If an individual was passionate about world injustices and concerned about the plight of Muslims worldwide, can they turn that passion away from Isis to less violent ways to address injustices?” she said.

Speckhard said if their needs, motivations and vulnerabilities were not addressed, these continued to exist upon their return.

It was important to note too that Isis fighters have taken on a lot of trauma on the battlefield and were even more vulnerable.

“Thus, they can easily flip back into Isis even after publicly renouncing the group. Likewise, lonely individuals remain vulnerable to Isis members recontacting them and activating intimate bonds that may be idealised again after their return. So there are many deep concerns to address to safeguard society from these returnees.” From some of her interviews she found Isis defectors said they liked many aspects of Isis, especially Shariah training in which they were taught an ideal version of Islam which included an idealised Caliphate by a very charismatic and loving teacher—although he also taught them that all others are enemies of that dream and could be killed.

She said at the end of Shariah training some were asked to demonstrate their commitment by beheading a prisoner. “All of them believed for a time in the dream of a utopian Islamic Caliphate and understood that it was going to be achieved via violence, but overtime the extreme brutality and corruption were turn-offs and they ultimately got disgusted and decided it was not Islamic and also fearful for their own lives.” Speckhard said for countries in the region who are eyeing Isis it was important to look at the motivations and vulnerabilities of potential recruits and find genuine solutions. She said, “In my view, it’s not just the military battlefield where we need to fight Isis.

We also need to engage on the digital battlefield where Isis is currently winning. We need to break the Isis brand and one viable way of doing that is raising the voices of Isis insiders—defectors who are willing to denounce the group.”

(Trinidad Guardian)

Dr Anne Speckhard. Photo: Rhonda Krystal Rambally

REGIONAL PAGE 16

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Bahamas Police Seize More Than US$5m In Cocaine NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) – Police say they have seized an estimated US$5million in drugs following an operation at the Freeport Container Port over the weekend. Law enforcement officers in Grand Bahama acting on a tip-off went to the Freeport Container Port Friday and conducted a search of a 20-foot container where they discovered seven duffel bags of suspected cocaine.

The bags weighed 253 pounds and the drugs had a street value of over US$5million. Police said no one was arrest and that investigations were continuing. They said they were urging the public “who may have any information …no matter how small or insignificant” to contact them. (Jamaica Observer)

Cocaine (file photo)

US Adds Four More Caribbean Countries To Zika Travel Alert List ATLANTA, USA (CMC) — The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added more Caribbean countries to its growing Zika virus travel alert list.

The Atlanta, Georgia-based CDC added the Cayman Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, and the Turks and Caicos Islands to its interim travel guidance related to Zika virus in the Caribbean.

Those previously included the Caribbean islands and territories of Barbados; Bonaire; Aruba; Curaçao; French Guiana; Cuba; Dominica; Belize; US Virgin Islands; Martinique; Saba; St Vincent and the Grenadines; Guadeloupe; Puerto Rico; St Martin; St Maarten; Trinidad and Tobago; Guyana; Haiti; Dominican Republic; Anguilla; St Lucia; Grenada; St Eustatius; Suriname; St Barthelemy and Jamaica.

In posting the latest travel alert for the Cayman Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, and the Turks and Caicos Islands, the CDC said it was working with other public health officials to monitor for ongoing Zika virus transmission. “Travellers to areas with cases of Zika virus infection are at risk of being infected with the Zika virus,” it said. “Mosquitoes that spread Zika are aggressive daytime biters. They also bite at night.

There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika virus. The best way to avoid Zika virus infection is to prevent mosquito bites.”

The CDC said some travellers to areas with Zika will become infected while travelling, but will not become sick until they return home, adding that they might not have any symptoms.

To help stop the spread of Zika, the CDC urged travellers to use insect repellent for three weeks after travel to prevent mosquito bites. It said some people who are infected do not have any symptoms. The CDC said people who do have symptoms have reported fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. It said the sickness is usually mild with symptoms that last from several days to a

week.

Severe disease r e q u i r i n g hospitalisation is uncommon, and the number of deaths is low, said the CDC, adding that travellers to areas with Zika should monitor for symptoms or sickness upon return. “If they become sick, they should tell their health care professional when and where they have travelled,” said the CDC, disclosing that it has received reports of Zika virus being spread by sexual contact with sick, returning travellers.

Until more is known, the CDC said it continues to recommend that pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant take a number of precautions, such as not travelling to any area with Zika. If they must travel to or live in one of these areas, the CDC urged them to talk to their health care provider first, and strictly follow the outlined steps.

If pregnant women or their partner live in or travel to an area with Zika, the CDC recommended the use condoms or other barriers, “the right way, every time you have sex or do not have sex throughout the pregnancy”. Meanwhile, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said that since February 1, 2016, Zika virus infection and the related clusters of microcephaly cases and other neurological disorders have constituted a “public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC)”. (Antigua Observer)

REGIONAL PAGE 17

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Santo Domingo: All Immigration Services To Be Web Only All of the Immigration Agency’s services of foreigners’ residency and certificates for Dominicans will be processed digitally through its website which would have started August 1, director Ruben Paulino announced. He said Immigration’s new residency applications and other services allow the public to access its platform from anywhere in the world. “This will allow users to process their documents and get fast, safe and efficient responses and provide continuous monitoring the process and for the agency to communicate that way with them to inform them of corrections and any other aspect,” said Paulino in a press conference at Immigration.

The process lets the user apply for a residency permit or permission for minors or others from their home or office, once requested, the required documents are sent via the same route, and Immigration will provide a code or number with which it will monitor and then retrieve them on a computer to be installed in all airports, Malecon Center and Immigration headquarters. Prior to the process the user must pay the fee in the Reservas bank. The official added that Immigration paid US$200,000 for the equipment which made the technological platform possible. (Antigua Observer)

Rubén Darío Paulino, Center, in presser. (source: dominicantoday)

REGIONAL PAGE 18

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Jamaica: Police Search For Gunman Who Shot And Killed Footballer BELMOPAN, Belize (CMC) — Police say they have one his home when he was approached by a male who whipped out person assisting their investigations and are looking for a firearm and fired several shots, fatally wounding him. another, after a well known footballer was gunned down near his home on Friday. They said Jason Steven Young had just left Young was shot four times and collapsed on the sidewalk adjacent to a parked bus near the Roger’s Stadium. “The gunman managed to run… he was followed by an on duty police officer who … managed to fire shots in his direction, but missed. “The assailant escaped into nearby neighbours’ yards.

Presently, we have a person of interest in custody.

source: Jamaica Observer

Investigation is still young at this time and we are working very diligently on it and, hopefully, we might have a very successful investigation which might lead to an arrest,” said Sergeant Isaias Sanchez, Head of CIB, Precinct 1, Eastern Division South. “I can confirm that Jason Steven Young was the intended target. The motive of it is still unknown,” the senior police officer added. (Antigua Observer)

Jamaica: Minister Launches Mobile Post Office MINISTER of Science, Energy and Technology Dr Andrew Wheatley on Friday officially launched the mobile post office service in the community of Steer Town, St Ann. The mobile post office is an initiative of the Postal Corporation of Jamaica and is expected to serve more than 50 communities and adjoining districts currently without a static postal point. In his remarks, Dr Wheatley said the mobile service forms part of moves to modernise the postal sector to ensure its continued relevance.

“This is a bold and important initiative which is keeping with the department’s plans as well as its mandate, which is ensuring access of affordable postal services for all Jamaicans,” he said.

Dr Wheatley said while the mobile post office will serve all Jamaicans, pensioners and the aged are especially happy, given the fact that it will drastically reduce the need for them to travel long distances. He said the postal service has a rich history in Jamaica and the mission is to take it back to its glory days, with technology playing a major part.

“The sector has evolved considerably and now boasts a network of 283 post offices and 367 postal agencies across the island. I am pleased to see that the role of the post office is not only to receive and to send

mails, but the department has diversified its offerings to include bill payment and internet café services,” Dr Wheatley stated.

Meanwhile, the minister noted that the Postal Corporation of Jamaica is now embarking on a number of initiatives as a way of being more innovative. He said this includes the use of Zip Mail, which incorporates the use of technology to capture digital signatures upon delivery, as well as to allow people to track the movement of items online. Minister Wheatley also mentioned that there is an online postal shop where commemorative and collectors’ items are on sale. (Antigua Observer)

Minister of Science, Energy and Technology Andrew Wheatley (right) cuts the ribbon to officially launch the mobile post office service in the community of Steer Town, St Ann, last Friday. Joining in the occasion are (from left) mayor of St Ann’s Bay Councillor Desmond Gilmore; Post Master General Michael Gentles; Minister of Labour and Social Security and member of parliament for St Ann North East Shahine Robinson; and chairman of the Postal Corporation of Jamaica, Marcus James. (source: Jamaica Observer)

REGIONAL PAGE 19

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Security Guard Shot Dead In Chaguanas

A violent war between two communities claimed the life of Chaguanas father Rodney “Darkman” Joseph, who was gunned down while on his way to work yesterday. Luckily for Joseph’s common-law wife, Neisha Richards, the cries of her two-year-old daughter Armani might have saved her life as she ran back to her Lion Drive, Chase Village, home before the gunmen attacked. Joseph, 40, a security officer with Guardsman Security Serviced Ltd, was shot five times by gunmen, who relatives and neighbours said were targeting people from their area. A report said Joseph was walking along Orange Field Road, Chase Village, around 5 am when a white vehicle pulled up and gunmen got out.

With his back turned, the men opened fire on him before returning to their vehicle and driving off. When Richards returned to meet him, he was found dead just outside the Orange Field Road, Gospel Hall.

Speaking at her home yesterday, Richards said she would normally walk with Joseph when he leaves home to get picked up for work in Point Fortin. She told him to go ahead and while putting a jersey on Armani, the child cried out, “My daddy dead,” even before she knew he was shot. Within a matter of a second, her husband was shot dead and the suspects gone. “He has little children, what I’m I going to tell them.

My son is nine years old and he had to see his father gunned down so?

This could never be right,” Richards cried out. As the breadwinner of the family, Richards is now left to care for three children, ages two, six and nine. With her birthday coming up next Sunday, plans were underway for a thanksgiving celebration with relatives and

A emotional Neisha Richards whose common-law- husband, Rodney Joseph, was gunned down yesterday. PHOTO: RISHI RAGOONATH Insert: Rodney “Darkman” Joseph

neighbours. She said Richards had even promised the children to take them to Movie Towne and Harry’s Water Park, Rio Claro, with the salary he would have collected tomorrow. Residents: Three years living in fear Neighbours said three years ago, a group of boys from Beetham Gardens, Port-of-Spain, moved into Lion Drive and during J’Ouvert celebrations, were involved in an altercation with some residents of Mandela Street.

Since then, a war has broken out and they said men from Mandela Street have been targeting them. Richards said while certain people were involved in that incident three years ago, her husband never meddled. Her sister, Keisha said several people have been attacked and threatened, and Joseph’s death was the second since the war broke out. She said numerous reports and complaints were made to police, but no one seems to care.

While the grievance was originally with four men from their community, she said everyone is now being targeted. So much so that on July 21, residents were at the birthday party when gunmen came into the community and opened fire. She said women and children alike had to scamper for safety and luckily no one was injured. “We get no justice from the Freeport station especially. They’re waiting for mothers and children to drop dead before they do anything.

These young fellas here do not retaliate, they just came here looking for a different life, but the police want here to become just like Enterprise,” Keisha said. Several residents of Lion Drive attended Boom Champions 94.1 FM’s Wet and Skimpy party at the Arima Velodrome on Saturday night and she believes the gunmen were waiting for their return. She said with the attacks on their lives, residents are very careful about their movements. No one has been arrested for Joseph’s murder and they are not confident that anyone will be. (Trinidad Guardian)

INTERNATIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Brexit: Government Under Pressure Over Article 50 Delay Claim PAGE 20

Downing Street is coming under pressure to clarify when the UK will formally trigger its departure from the EU. Prime Minister Theresa May has said she will not invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty this year. It was widely thought it would be triggered at the start of next year. But Downing Street declined to confirm this at a briefing for Westminster journalists earlier, amid claims it would not be triggered until after 2017. No 10 said the "full weight of the machinery of government" was behind Brexit.

Following the UK's vote to leave the EU, some Leave campaigners have been calling for Article 50 - which starts a twoyear Brexit process - to be triggered immediately. Mrs May, who is currently on holiday in Switzerland, has said this will not happen this year, and Brexit Secretary David Davis has predicted the trigger to take place "before or by the start of next year". 'Complex task' Asked about reports in the Sunday Times that the planned timetable could be delayed, the prime minister's spokesman repeatedly said "Article 50 won't happen before the end of 2016" but refused to comment further. If Article 50 did not happen in 2017, it could mean the UK did not actually leave the EU until 2020.

Downing Street said Brexit was "a serious and very complex task". "Brexit is a top priority," the PM's spokesman said, "it is important we deliver it and make a success of it." It comes after a reported turf war between two of the ministers responsible for making Brexit happen Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and International Trade Secretary Liam Fox. According to a letter obtained by the Sunday Telegraph, Mr Fox launched a bid to take over some of the powers of Mr Johnson's department. Mr Fox wrote to Mr Johnson to say responsibility for economic diplomacy should be moved from the Foreign Office to his I n t e r n a t i o n a l Tr a d e D e p a r t m e n t .

Responsibility for delivering Brexit is split between three cabinet posts and departments: Mr Johnson at the Foreign

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Office, Mr Fox at International Trade, and Mr Davis, Secretary of State for exiting the European Union. The latter two departments were created in light of Britain's vote to leave the EU in the referendum on 23 June. In his letter, Mr Fox suggested that it would be "rational" to hand control of the Foreign Office's overseas economic policy to his department so that it could "take clear leadership of the trade and investment agenda". Clear leadership' He said it had become "clear" to him since taking up his new post that "existing cross-Whitehall structures have meant that HM Government has not taken the holistic approach it might have" in this area. "For British trade to flourish there are clear requirements on us: to build the trade framework in markets through trade policy, to establish the conditions for trade and investment through foreign diplomacy, and to reap the harvest of those efforts," he said. "The role played by economic diplomacy is crucial to delivery of the objectives I have been set by the prime minister as international trade secretary and I believe it is imperative that this capacity is fully aligned with government resources delivering trade and investment for the UK. "If we are to have a rational restructuring I think there is a reasonable proposition to transfer the economic diplomacy function from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office into the Department for International Trade." He said his proposal would enable the Foreign Office to "retain clear leadership on diplomacy and security", including oversight of the intelligence agencies.

Responding to the Sunday Telegraph story, a Foreign office spokesman said: " We d o n ' t c o m m e n t o n l e a k e d documents. "Alongside other Departments, the FCO are seconding a small number of staff with relevant expertise to the new Department for International Trade. "This is all part of the cross-government effort to ensure we make a success of Brexit." 'Dysfunction'

Labour said "turf wars" were an inevitable consequence of Brexit policy being split between various departments.

Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry said Theresa May "created these three separate departments not because it made sense in terms of coordinating Whitehall's management of Brexit, but just to buy the loyalty of Liam Fox, Boris Johnson and David Davis".

She added: "Now we see the inevitable dysfunction and turf wars, as they fight between them to grab work that should have been co-ordinated out of the Foreign Office alone. "It is high time that the Tories stopped fighting amongst themselves, started thinking about the good of the country, and focused on clearing up the mess that they have created." Conservative MP and former Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt said the Foreign Office should retain responsibility for "all elements" of foreign policy, including its trade and economic policy, which he said the department took "very seriously." Mr Burt told BBC Radio 4's The World At One it was "inevitable" there would be tensions as new departments tried to establish themselves. He said Mr Johnson, Mr Fox and Mr Davis did not have a track record as "team players" but that they now needed to "put those personalities together". (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 21

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

JFK Airport: All-Clear Given After Report Of Shots Police have given the all-clear at John F. Kennedy International Airport after reports of shots fired Sunday night inside Terminal 8, a New York law enforcement official told CNN. Two people reported hearing what they thought were shots fired, law enforcement sources said. Police went floor to floor to clear the airport and ensure there was nothing to be found, a source said.

Surveillance video from inside the terminal did not show any shooting. Police from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey evacuated the terminal to be cautious, spokesman Joe Pentangelo said. There were no injuries or arrests. Video and photos from the scene showed hundreds of stranded passengers waiting outside the terminal. Wenjay Sung, 37, a traveler from Arcadia, California, said he came out of a bathroom around 9:30 p.m. ET Sunday and started following a stream of people walking in one direction. An airport worker started yelling at the crowd to keep moving, Sung said. Sung did not see any law enforcement officers until "baggage claim and then I saw some more going up an escalator with very big guns." The quick police response was reassuring, he said. Though most people were nervous and some panicked, the scene turned into a "social atmosphere and everyone talked to everyone about the situation which made it a lot easier," he said. Sung said he walked away from the airport around 11 p.m. "The highway is right next to Terminal 8 and I just followed a bunch of people," Sung said. "There were cabs picking people (up) right off the

highway and Uber drivers (were) everywhere." Hundreds of bags and suitcases were left behind as passengers ran out of the airport. Law enforcement officials said it's possible that hoax 911 calls and word of mouth led to the panic. Officials are working to figure out exactly what happened, a law enforcement official said. In addition to the Port Authority police, the New York Police Department had its Hercules Strike teams, Critical Response Command, Strategic Response Group, Emergency Service Unit and patrol cops on the scene, according to New York law enforcement officials. (CNN)

Passengers are evacuated from Terminal 8 at John F. Kennedy International Aiport.

Pokemon Go: Call For 'Pokestops' To Be Deleted In German Airport Security Zones Police and the airport operators association in Germany has at gunpoint. In response, the makers of Pokemon Go have said called for Pokemon Go features located beyond security controls to be deleted. It said so-called "Pokestops", where players can collect items such as eggs and Poke Balls, could bring risks. Players avoiding checks or opening emergency doors could cause "wide-reaching police measures and possibly civil damages claims". Pokemon Go was rolled out in Germany last month. The mobile game, which uses augmented reality, has become a global phenomenon. Separately, police in the city of Osnabrueck said they had rescued a man who "apparently wanted to catch a particular Pokemon" from railway tracks.

They said the inebriated 22-year-old told them his mobile phone had led him to the spot on Sunday morning. Several trains were delayed while the man was taken to safety, DPA news agency reported. Some banks in the city of Dusseldorf have also banned the game from their premises over data protection concerns.

Pokemon goes worldwide An American woman found a dead body while she was looking for a Pokemon in a river near her home. Police said the man had died within the last 24 hours and no foul play was suspected. Four people were arrested after they used the game to lure players to remote places and then rob them

people should "play with friends when going to new or unfamiliar places" and "remember to be safe and alert at all times". The anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church in the US is the location of a "gym" in the game, and players planted a pink "Clefairy" Pokemon called Love is Love there. The church responded with a series of social media posts calling the Pokemon a sodomite. (BBC)

Pokemon Go was released in Germany last month(GETTY IMAGES)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 22

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Peru Quake Kills At Least Seven In Southern Arequipav A 5.4-magnitude earthquake has killed at least seven people in southern Peru, local officials say.

Emergency workers are on their way to the affected area to search for survivors and provide mobile shelters. Officials said Sunday's quake had destroyed at least 80 homes in the Arequipa region.

Earthquakes are common in Peru. In 2007, almost 600 people died when an 8.0-magnitude quake hit the central coast area. The quake struck at 21:58 local time (02:58GMT) at a depth of 10km (6.2 miles), according to the US Geological Survey. Its epicentre was 7km west of the town of Chivay, the USGS said. The worst affected districts are Ichupampa, Yanque, Achoma and Maca. At least 40 people are reported to have been injured. A local mayor told Peruvian media that "the quake was felt very strongly... we have lost contact with nearby villages and are asking for heavy machinery".

Arequipa Governor Yamila Osorio said she would travel to the affected area. The region was already suffering from freezing temperatures. Hours before the quake, President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski had visited the area to assess the damage caused by the cold snap. (BBC)

Russian Pizza Restaurant 'Hacker' Faces US Trial The trial of a Russian man accused of orchestrating a hacking scheme that targeted US pizza restaurants is due to begin this week. Prosecutors allege that Roman Seleznev, the son of a Russian MP, was a "master hacker" behind a plan which led to $170m (£131m) of fraudulent purchases. He is accused of hacking into a number of outlets in Washington state in order to steal credit card data. However, his lawyers say the evidence is inadequate. The prosecution's witness list includes the owners and managers of Mad Pizza, ZPizza, Village Pizza and Casa Mia, among other restaurants. The Associated Press reported that Steve Bussing, who owns Red Pepper Pizza near Seattle, was forced to spend roughly $10,000 (£7,740) on a new computer system after his one was breached. Mr Seleznev and his girlfriend were arrested by US Secret Service agents at a Maldives airport in 2014. He is the son of Valery Seleznev, a Russian member of parliament for the Liberal Democratic Party. Lawyers have argued that Mr Seleznev Jr's arrest was a "kidnapping" or an "illegal rendition" that violated

international law, but a US District judge has blocked that argument from the trial. The hacking scheme is alleged to have been carried out between 2008 and 2014, ending with the arrest of Mr Seleznev in July of that year. (BBC)

One of the outlets allegedly targeted in the hacking scheme was Red Pepper Pizza, north-east of Seattle(GOOGLE)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 23

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Russian City Of Novosibirsk Bars Migrants From Many Jobs Foreigners in Russia's vast Novosibirsk region in Siberia will no longer be able to work as schoolteachers, bus or taxi drivers, timber merchants, lawyers or accountants under a new ruling. The ban, imposed by Novosibirsk governor Vladimir Gorodetsky, must be enforced over the next three months. The jobs now barred to foreigners also include preparation of children's food and work in mining or fisheries. In 2015 net migration to Novosibirsk was 12,365, most from ex-Soviet states. The region's statistics authority says (in Russian) the number of migrants from the ex-USSR settling in Novosibirsk region rose by 9,822 last year. Most of the newcomers were immigrants from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Ukraine, the Siberian news website Tayga.info reports. However, the region's total population is 2.76m, of whom 1.58m live in the city of Novosibirsk. The governor's ruling - effective for 2016 - did not explain the motivation for the farreaching ban affecting foreigners. Mr Gorodetsky is in United Russia, the party closest to President

Vladimir Putin and which dominates the Russian parliament. According to another Siberian news website, Sib.fm, in Russia last year only the North Caucasus had higher unemployment rates than Siberia. And a survey of Siberian cities found that youths in Novosibirsk were the poorest on average. It is Russia's third-biggest city, after Moscow and St Petersburg. A Russian government decision in December granted regional governors the power to restrict foreigners' access to certain jobs. (BBC)

Novosibirsk is the third most populous city in Russia SCREENGRAB (NOVO-SIBIRSK.RU)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 24

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Syria Conflict: Bus Blast Kills Rebels Near Turkey Border More than 30 Syrian rebel fighters are reported to have been killed in a suicide bombing on a bus near the Atmeh border crossing with Turkey. Sources told Turkish media that the attacker detonated an explosive vest on the bus at the entrance to a camp for displaced people late on Sunday. The death toll was likely to rise, activists monitoring the conflict said. A news agency linked to the jihadist group Islamic State reported that one of its militants was behind the attack. Syrian opposition Orient TV reported that those killed were from "numerous" rebel factions, all of which are opposed to IS. Photographs posted on social media after the bombing showed the burnt-out remains of a bus and medics treating badly injured men. Large parts of Syria's north-western province of Idlib, where Atmeh is located, is controlled by rebel factions supported by the Turkish government. Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya TV reported that the fighters targeted on Sunday were part of a 600-strong force that had been preparing to advance towards the countryside north of the divided city of Aleppo, 50km (30 miles) east of Atmeh. On Monday, a Syrian military official and activists said government forces had repelled a rebel assault south-west of Aleppo, forcing rebel fighters to retreat from positions near a cement factory that they had seized the previous day. The UK-based Syrian Observatory, which monitors the five-year-old conflict in Syria through a network of sources, said at least 35 rebels had been

killed in the battle. Seventeen died on the government side, it added. The fighting in Aleppo, once Syria's commercial and industrial hub, has escalated in the past week, with the rebels severing the main route into the government-controlled west of the city. The offensive sought to break a siege by progovernment forces, who encircled the rebel-held east in July.

(BBC)

The rebels killed in the bombing were reportedly preparing to fight near the divided city of Aleppo(AFP)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 25

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

US Election: Trump Adviser Denies Ukraine 'Cash Payments’ Donald Trump's top aide has denied receiving "payments" from the former Russian-backed Ukrainian government.

"I have never received a single 'off-the-books cash payment,'" Paul Manafort said in a statement. The New York Times reported finding ledgers pledging $12.7m (£9.8m) in undisclosed cash payments to Mr Manafort between 2007 and 2012. Hillary Clinton's campaign has called for Mr Trump's team to disclose any pro-Russia links. "The simplest answer is the truth: I am a campaign professional. It is well known that I do work in the United States and have done work on overseas campaigns as well. I have never received a single 'off-the-books cash payment' as falsely 'reported' by the New York Times," the statement reads. The New York Times article said Mr Trump's campaign manager and his business played a key role in advising Ukraine's former pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych, who fled after an uprising in November 2013. Mr Manafort's work advising Mr Yanukovych's pro-Russia political party, ended when the country's parliamentary elections were held in 2014, he said in his statement. The New York Times report said Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau had discovered the listed payments in the ledgers of Mr Yanukovych's then governing Party of the Regions allegedly part of "an illegal off-the-books system". The bureau is also investigating business deals worth millions of dollars put together with the help of Mr Manafort's business. However, the bureau is yet to determine if Mr Manafort actually received any of the $12.7m. The Times quoted Mr Manafort's lawyer, Richard Hibey, as saying his client had not done so. "It is difficult to respect any kind of allegation of the sort being made here to smear someone when there is no proof and we deny there ever could be such proof." Mr Yanukovych fled to Russia after the uprising, miring Moscow and the pro-Western government in Kiev in bitter conflict since. Russia seized and annexed the Crimea region in 2014, and violence is continuing between Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country, where some 9,500 people have been killed in more than two years of clashes.

Obscene messages' The Democratic Party insisted questions had to be answered given the “pro-[Russian President Vladimir] Putin policy stances adopted by Donald Trump". Mrs Clinton's campaign manager Robby Mook said: "Donald Trump has a responsibility to disclose campaign chair Paul Manafort's and all other

campaign employees' and advisers' ties to Russian or proKremlin entities, including whether any of Trump's employees or advisers are currently representing and or being paid by them." The Democrats have accused the Russians of trying to aid Mr Trump's campaign. Mr Mook referred to Russian hackers believed to be behind a security breach that targeted key Democratic party bodies this year. At the weekend, a hacker reportedly linked to Russia also posted personal contact information online of House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and hundreds of other Democratic party officials. Ms Pelosi said she was flooded with "obscene and sick" messages. After the earlier leaks, Mr Trump drew fierce criticism for apparently inviting Russians to find emails that Mrs Clinton had sent via a private email server, contrary to US government rules, while secretary of state. The FBI recommended no charges be brought. Mrs Clinton says about half of the 60,000 emails have been turned over to the state department, while the others were private.

"Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails", Mr Trump had said. Mr Trump also drew fire by saying Russia would not enter Ukraine. When it was pointed out it had already annexed Crimea, he said he meant Moscow would not dare go further. Mr Trump has seen a downturn in opinion polls recently, following a string of controversial remarks. On Sunday, he tweeted: "If the disgusting and corrupt media covered me honestly and didn't put false meaning into the words I say, I would be beating Hillary by 20%." (BBC)

Donald Trump with Paul Manafort and Mr Trump's daughter Ivanka at the Republican National Convention(REUTERS)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 26

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Zephany Nurse Baby-Snatcher Jailed In South Africa A South African court has jailed a woman for 10 years for kidnapping a baby from her hospital bed 19 years ago and raising her as her own. The 51-year-old woman was arrested in 2015 after people noticed an uncanny resemblance between the girl, Zephany Nurse, and another girl at school. DNA tests carried out by police then proved that the two girls were sisters.

Judge John Hlophe told the defendant she had "betrayed" Zephany by her actions. The kidnapped girl's biological parents, Celeste and Morne Nurse, called her Zephany, but the name she grew up with has not been revealed to protect her identity. The convicted woman has also not been named for similar reasons.

Local media have previously reported that Zephany does not wish to have a relationship with her biological parents and considers the woman who kidnapped her as her mother. She has decided to continue living with her abductor's husband, whom she grew up believing to be her father. Outside the court, Zephany's biological grandmother Marilyn said she was not happy with the length of the sentence, but hoped that the family would now have a chance to bond and form a relationship with Zephany. The judge told the accused she had had "all the time in the world" to return the child but had chosen not to. Annual local media coverage of the parents' birthday celebrations for their missing baby daughter meant that there was no way the defendant could not have known they were still looking for her, he said. He also said her decision to plead not guilty and portray herself as a victim in the aair counted against her. It is a story

that has gripped South Africa, but now ďŹ nally has some form of closure. The 52-year old woman convicted of kidnapping Zephany Nurse watched stone-faced as the judge handed down his sentence. Members of the Nurse family and the family of the accused packed the Cape Town courthouse. Delivering his ruling, Judge Hlope criticised the woman for lying to the court during the trial. He dismissed as "a fairytale" her claim that the baby girl had been handed to her by another woman at a railway station. The soft-spoken seamstress raised Zephany as her own, just a few kilometres from the home of her biological parents.

The Nurse family's victory in court is bittersweet. The woman responsible for Zephany's kidnap may be behind bars, but their daughter has decided to continue living with the husband of the woman who kidnapped her. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 27

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016

Zambia's President Edgar Lungu Declared Election Winner

Zambia's President Edgar Lungu has been re-elected, according to official results, which are being challenged by the main opposition party. The electoral commission said Mr Lungu had secured 50.35% in Thursday's vote, just over the 50% threshold needed to avoid a second round under a new electoral system. His main rival, Hakainde Hichilema, who alleges electoral fraud, won 47.67%. Earlier, his UPND party withdrew from the ballot verification process.

The BBC's Nomsa Maseko in the capital, Lusaka, says that thousands of Mr Lungu's supporters, dressed in the green and white of his Patriotic Front (PF), are celebrating on the streets. The UPND has accused the electoral commission of colluding with the PF to rig the result. "We have evidence to the effect that the votes for Hakainde Hichilema have been deliberately reduced in collusion with the Electoral Commission of Zambia," UPND lawyer Jack Mwiimbu told journalists.

“We have confidence that the constitutional court will rise above board and declare the results a nullity." The PF has rejected the

allegations. Election officials also denied the fraud claims, saying the slow publication of the results was because there were five different votes on Thursday - for president, parliament, mayors, local councillors and an amendment to the constitution on changes to the bill of rights.

Mr Lungu defeated Mr Hichilema in the previous election, last year, by less than 28,000 votes. This time, his margin of victory was about 200,000 votes. Last year's election was held because President Michael Sata died in office, the second time a serving leader has died in Zambia in the past five years. The constitution has now been amended so that the vice-president automatically takes office if a sitting president dies.

Zambia's election rivals: The 59-year-old lawyer became president in January 2015 in an election called after the death in office of President Michael Sata He served in Mr Sata's government as minister for justice and defence Support base: Home area of Eastern province, the capital, Lusaka, and the Copperbelt plus the Bemba-speaking regions Known for ordering a national day of prayer last year to help combat the economic problems facing the country Married with six children, this vote is seen as a personal referendum on him The 54year-old economist has contested nearly all elections in Zambia since 2006 A wealthy businessman, he has a solid track record in the private sector Support base: Home region of Southern Province and is popular with younger voters Known for being Zambia's second largest cattle rancher Commonly referred to by his initials HH, he is married with three children (BBC)

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

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

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Female Brazilian National Remanded For Ammunition Possession PAGE 30

Brazilian National Mikaay Souza Meres appeared before Fabayo Azore in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, charged with the being in possession of ammunition without being the holder of a valid firearm license. Meres pleaded not guilty and was remanded until September 08.

Meres, 26, from Boa Vista, who was unrepresented in court heard the charge read and translated to her.

She revealed that she “found” the ammunition and that it does not belong to her. The woman further told the court that she was visiting Guyana, specifically Aishalton when she was hired as a

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

cook at a camp in the area. The court was unable to grant Meres bail since there was an objection by Prosecutor Deniro Jones, who stated that the woman has no ties to Guyana since her address was listed in Brazil. According to the Prosecutor, the Brazilian national was on a motor lorry that was exiting Aishalton, destined to Haruni Backdam when the vehicle was stopped at the Aishalton Police Outpost. The court heard that a black bag which was in her possession was searched and the ammunition was found. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

GuySuCo Records $6B Deficit In Just 6 Months The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuco) has in in first half of the year recorded an enormous $6 billion deficit in its accounts, but this is being masked by a $9 billion transfer from the Government to the struggling entity’s finance operations. The $9 billion transfer was held in reserve to be distributed to the Corporation for the entire year, but according to a recently released mid-year report on the nation’s financial accounts by Finance Minister Winston Jordan, all the money has already been transferred.

In the report, the Minister said the reason the entire $9 billion earmarked for GuySuCo for the whole year was disbursed in its entirety by the end of June 2016, is due to a deterioration in the entity’s cash balances that was due to a severe shortfall in production and that “this shortfall was reflected in a decline in export sales, from a budgeted amount of 58,272 tonnes to an actual of 49,278 tonnes, compared with 77,000 tonnes realised in the same period last year.” The subsidy which was transferred to GuySuCo has allowed the company to record in its books an operating surplus of $2.9 billion, down from an operating surplus of $3 billion for the same period last year.

“This surplus is inflated by a $9 billion transfer from the Central Government to finance operations. Without this transfer, GuySuCo’s true position would be a deficit of $6 billion.”

The mid report from the minster indicated that “In the future, all Central Government transfers will be shown as financing, instead of being included as part of revenues.” The minster also noted that the industry is plagued with problems such as decline in sales, the El Niño weather phenomenon, and delays in tillage, planting, and crop husbandry operations. According to the report, GuySuCo has taken several steps to address some of the challenges it current faces, including this includes “negotiating with Tate and Lyle [UK based companies] for better prices for sales to the EU market; pursuing studies to inform diversification into areas such as other crops, fruits, aquaculture, rice, dairy and livestock to reduce dependence on sugar; and rationalising its operations for increased efficiency and productivity.”

The dismal performance of the sugar industry has since flagged as a domestic risk to the real, external, and fiscal sector. It was also noted that the rice and sugar industries make up a large portion of Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), so the industry’s performance has important implications for economic growth. He said too that the two industries also make up a large share of exports, and reduced export earnings from these industries could negatively affect reserves and the balance of payments. According to the minster, “GuySuCo in particular, poses a large risk to the Government’s fiscal position.”

He said if sugar production fails to improve in the second half of the year, GuySuCo may face financial strain that see the entity requesting the Government for further transfers, on top of the $9 billion it has already received. However, the Minister pointed out that despite the risk posed by the rice and sugar industries, the agricultural sector still holds the potential for development, and the Government is working to improve the vigor of the sector by improving the competitiveness of both crops and increasing diversity in these industries. -By- Pablo Cupido, Guyana Daily News.

FEATURE PAGE 31

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

Statement

By Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP, and Attorney-at-Law The appointment of the Deputy Registrar of Deeds fiasco

Article 199 (1) and (3) and Article 226 (1) of the Constitution provide as follows: “ART 199 (1) the power to make appointments to the offices to which this Article applies and to remove and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices shall vest in the Judicial Service Commission…

ART 199 (3) this article applies to the o ffi c e o f C o m m i s s i o n e r o f Ti t l e , Magistrate, Director of Public Prosecution, Deputy Director of Public Prosecution, Registrar of the High Court, Deputy Registrar of the High Court, Registrar of Deeds, Deputy Registrar of Deeds…”

ART 226 (1) “…in its exercise of its functions under this Constitution a Commission shall not be subjected to the direction or control of any other person or authority” I wish to congratulate the Deputy Registrar of Deeds, Ms. Zanna Frank, for challenging the unlawful interference by the Attorney-General in attempting to frustrate and prevent her from discharging the duties of her office. This young woman has demonstrated that she is possessed of the courage and fortitude to challenge authoritarianism and defend the Constitution and the rule of law. She has done her profession and gender proud.

The response of the Attorney-General has been characteristically untutored. It is obvious that, initially, he was unaware of the provisions of Article 199 of the Constitution. This is evident by the fact

that he purported to appoint someone to function in that office. This by itself speaks volume. Upon learning that the power to make this appointment resides with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), the learned Attorney-General proceeded to make a series of wild and reckless allegations. Firstly, the Attorney-General claims that he was not consulted by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). This may be true. There is no obligation placed upon the JSC to consult with the AG or any other person in respect of this appointment. Secondly, he alleges that “the JSC was acting excessively and out of their jurisdiction”. This contention is incomprehensible. A tribunal acts in excess of and without jurisdiction if it makes a decision that it has no lawful power to make. Article 199, clearly, vests in the JSC the power to appoint a Deputy Registrar of Deeds. The JSC has done so.

How can it be said to be acting without and in excess of the jurisdiction?

Thirdly, the Attorney-General describes Ms. Frank as a “pawn”, “hapless” and “inexperienced” and contends that she was “set up as a sacrificial lamb, knowing fully well that she would not be accepted, because she simply does not have the qualifications”. One must ask, “accepted” by whom? Based upon the aforesaid constitutional provision, a decision of the Judicial Service Commission requires no one's “acceptance”. Ms. Frank possesses a Certificate in Industrial and Social Science; a Diploma in Public Management; a Bachelors of Law Degree; and a Legal Education Certificate. In fact, Ms. Frank may have been overqualified for that position. In any event, it is the JSC and no one else, who is empowered to assess her suitability for the job. They have done so. One is left to wonder whose “pawn” and “sacrificial lamb” is Ms. Frank? In the end, this outburst by the Attorney-General amounts to a most uncouth, unethical and unprofessional onslaught upon a young female Attorneyat-Law by a person considered to be the

head of the Bar. The learned AttorneyGeneral demonstrates no regard for the sub judice principle, publicly, expressing his views on the merits of a case that is pending in the Court. I note the silence of the Guyana Bar Association and the Guyana Women's Lawyers Association on these gross transgressions.

According to press reports, the AttorneyGeneral finds the power vested in the JSC to make this appointment, objectionable.

He wants these powers away from the JSC. This is an expression of the authoritarian's intolerance of a divergence of power by the Constitution away from the Executive into an independent commission over which the Executive has no influence.

The Attorney-General professes his unawareness of the origin of this authority of the JSC. I believe him. For his information, this new measure was introduced among the nearly 200 odd recommendations generated by the 1999/2001 Constitutional Reform Commission, which were all unanimously incorporated by Parliament into the Constitution. Therefore, the AttorneyGeenral's contention that it “was introduced by the previous Administration” is indeed correct, but the addendum, that it was supported by the PNC, at the time, is necessary for one to get the full picture.

Finally, for the record, the AttorneyGeneral rantings that he inherited a “mess” at the Deeds Registry is hereby rejected. I will furnish the details on another occasion. Suffice it so say, that he inherited a modern, well-equipped and properly staffed Commercial and Deeds Registries consolidated into a singular unit, the Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority, a statutory body corporate managed by a competent Board of Directors nominated by important stakeholders, along with an additional and renovated building which formerly housed the New Building Society Limited on Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown.

16th August, 2016.

LOCAL PAGE 32

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

Man Granted Bail On Robbery Charge Magistrate Fabayo Azore today released Jason Howard on GY$75,000 bail after he appeared before her in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court charged with the robbery of Charmaine Charles and also charged with making use of personal violence towards the same person on August 10, 2016. Howard will return to court on September 12.

Howard, who was unrepresented, pleaded not guilty to the charges and the prosecution did not object to bail but asked that it be granted in a substantial amount. It is alleged that on the day in question in Georgetown, Howard robbed Charmaine Charles on one gold chain valued at GY$75,000. It was further alleged that on the same day in question, after or during the robbery Howard made use of personal violence towards the virtual complainant. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

Ramjattan, Police Force Has No Authority To Revoke Gun Licenses In statement made to an online news outfit about there being too many guns on the streets, Third Vice President and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan on Sunday said the process to repossess the licenses of those who are no longer eligible to have a weapon will commence in the coming months. The repossession initiative which was derived from weekly Cabinet discussions is supposed to target those persons who no longer need a firearm, are mentally unfit, or were wrongly issued firearm licenses under the former PPP government.

But former Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee has made it clear that the Minister nor the Guyana Police Force has the authority to revoke the gun licenses. Rohee noted that while he is in support of the periodic reviews of gun licenses issued to civilians, it must be done by the legal authority, which is the Firearm Licensing Approval Board. “The Minister is in no position to revoke anything. The Minister in collaboration with the Police Force is not in authority to do so.

You would know that the Firearms Act was amended to put in place a board (Firearm Licensing Board) and that board has the authority to recommend either repealing a license or otherwise. The Court, however, can rule that a license be

granted to one person or another based on a petition made by a license holder to the courts,” Rohee said. Meanwhile, Ramjattan had noted that, “You have people who are depressed shooting themselves and others; you have people who had large sums of money but have gone bankrupt; people who stopped hunting and are no longer in agriculture, or have gotten very old. What do you do? They still have their firearms.”

Minister Ramjattan, who is aware of concerns about the process, noted that a clear process would be observed to determine who keeps their firearm and who does not. When questioned about concerns of discrimination, Ramjattan said he is “absolutely certain” that the process would be clear. “We are not discriminating on the grounds of race or political reasons, but on the grounds that the circumstance would have changed for a person, and the reason why they needed the gun is no longer the same.”

Persons who are undeserving of a firearm license could include those with criminal records acquired before or after receiving a firearm license and maintained possession of their firearm and those who used a shortcut in legally acquiring a weapon. There are allegations that the full application process was not being utilized and that persons were making money off the sale of gun licenses. The issue of reviews and possible revocation of some firearm licenses has been in discussion for years now but gained immense support last week after 73 year old miner Theodore Adams, called “Totie”, of North Road, Georgetown, used his licensed shotgun to shoot his wife, Sarojini Warnauth, 42, in her mouth, before taking his own life with the weapon. -By- Pablo Cupido, Guyana Daily News.

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Ramayya Resigns… -New Appointment Under Consideration PAGE 33

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

Regional Executive Officer (REO) of the Regional Democratic Council #Six, Dr Veerasammy Ramayya has tendered his resignation. Dr Ramayya’s resignation was tendered on August 10 to Minister of Communities Ronald Consequent to his resignation, the ministry acknowledged receipt of the notice and expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr Ramayya for his service to the Regional Democratic Council and the Although his tenure at the region was short-lived, it has been a remarkable one.

The Ministry wishes to assure the people of Region Six that no effort will be spared to ensure the region is provided with a replacement with the administrative skill to deliver the effective The Ministry of Communities also wishes to announce that three prospective candidates have since been shortlisted and the process of selection will commence shortly.

Dr Veerasammy Ramayya

Ministry of Communities Press Release

Man Arrested for Possession Of Fireman.

About 0030h. rounds was found on a male occupant. He is in custody this morning, assisting with the investigation. police ranks on Guyana Police Force Press Release a mobile patrol acting on information received, intercepted and searched a route 44 zone mini bus on the Ogle Public Road, ECD., during which a.38 revolver with three matching

LOCAL PAGE 34

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

Wauna Climate Metrological Stations To Be Reactivated The Hydro meteorological Department which comes under the Ministry of Agriculture has reactivated the Wauna Climate Meteorological Station in Barima-Waini, Region One and several other weather stations across the country. The station, which has been inactive for over twenty years was recently re-operationalized as part of the agriculture ministry’s efforts to ensure weather changes and climatic conditions are recorded in order to promote improved agricultural practices.

Works on the station concluded on June 25 of this year and trial tests have commenced to ensure the effective use of the new state of the art technologies implemented at the station. This station is now fully equipped with the instruments to effectively measure a number of weather related activities such as temperature, rainfall, wind speed and direction, evaporation, soil temperature, sunshine hours, etc.

Additionally, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) was able to carry out works on its AgroMet station which will work collaboratively with the Climate Met station.

The stations are scheduled for commissioning in October as part of this year’s Agriculture Month calendar activities. Another weather station is also set to be re-established at Kato in Region Eight. This weather station has also been down for more than twenty years and thus has made it difficult to determine the weather patterns in the region in the lower part of Guyana which has had a direct effect on the agricultural related practices and the resident.

The Chief Hydromet Officer (ag) Dr. Garvin Cummings in a quote on the Ministry of agriculture’s website stated that the projects will be

greatly beneficial on hinterland’s agriculture. “With the operation of these stations we will be able to conduct water quantity monitoring and also monitor the Chiung Falls which has hydro power potential.”

It was reported that the hydromet arm of the Ministry is also in the process of procuring tidal stations to provide tidal data and the first will be stationed in the Berbice River in the vicinity of the Berbice River Bridge. -By- Pablo Cupido, Guyana Daily News.

LOCAL PAGE 35

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

Prison Instructor Charged With Possession Of Ganja Shawn Koulen appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Georgetown M a g i s t r a t e ’s Court on Tuesday charged with possession of Cannabis with the intent of trafficking on August 11, 2016 at the Georgetown Prison, Camp

Street. Koulen was remanded and will return to court on September 12. Koulen, who lives in Parfaite/Harmonie, West Bank Demerara was unrepresented and pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecution objected to bail citing the gravity of the offense.

It is alleged that on the day in question at the Georgetown Prison, Camp Street, Koulen, 41, who usually teaches steel pan at the Prison, had in his possession 400g of Cannabis with the intent of trafficking.

According to reports, police officers at the prison acted on information they received and carried out a search on the said man.

They found three yellow parcels in the haversack he carried and it was suspected to be Cannabis. The contents were tested and found to be cannabis at which point he was warned of the offense, arrested and charged. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

Pokémon Go In Guyana A global phenomenon has been taking over the daily lives of teens and adults all over the world; it is known to have the power of moving the masses, in a spontaneous and almost hypnotic way. Pokémon Go is already making history. Released on July 6, 2016 in the United States by American software development company Niantic. Inc. the game has rapidly expand its domain to the rest of the globe like the fastest and most successful military campaign ever made.

Denominated by many as the imposition of the technology era, or the reflection of the demeaned human ‘interaction’, but adopted by others as the friendly reminder of past and lost lives, Pokémon go has come to stay.

The last time a video game had such a massive repercussion and global impact, was ‘Super Mario Bros’. Released in September, 1985

by Nintendo. Owner of the highly influential title as the ‘most successful game of all times’, and most popular platform video game genre of the early 1980s. Its prestige stands high still today, especially among the 90s kinds, as the generation of this decade like to be called.

In denial of the reality that adulthood represents, the ‘Millennial’ generation (denomination for those born in the early 80s till the early 2000s) have seen the reflection of their long crafted dreams of never growing up, come true.

As a self-encounter with your inner child, Pokémon Go allows not only younger gamers to enjoy of its features, but also adults to satisfy their not forgotten cravings of becoming ‘Ash Ketchum’. Pokémon go, is based in on the Japanese Series Pokémon, released in 1997, series that rapidly gained in popularity among the young generation.

The series develops in the Pokémon world, with Ash Ketchum as a main character. The 10 year old Ash on his dream to become a great Pokémon master has to catch as many as possible, research them and train them, making them obey his commands.

Similar scenario staged in the free-to-play, location-based augmented reality game. A revolutionary way of interaction with the real and artificial surroundings, this game

have been mercilessly, taken the self-control of helplessly enthusiastic fans of the franchise. Not only allows you to finally get your own Pikachu, but to be responsible of your ‘pocket monsters’ evolution, and fight for domination. A principle alike to the handled digital pet called ‘Tamagochi’, viral Japanese game released in 1996.

However in Pokémon Go, as Ash, you also have to ‘explore’.

This becomes the main goal of the game, get to make you know your surroundings through the search in virtual reality, a subtle way of making the young generation motivated to go to land marks, where you can find the ‘Poke-stops’ , unconsciously exercising by stimulating the player to walk a certain amount of distance to accomplish a purpose. No more than a month ago, the game expanded their serves to South America, reaching Guyana and becoming an instant blast.

Crowds can be seen gathering in landmarks such as the 1763 Koffi or Cuffy monument, and the conical palm thatched hut, Umana Yana. In just a couple of weeks the Pokémon invasion have taken over Georgetown, transforming the demographic scenario in one big virtual party. Reaching to one of this venues, the absorbed players can be seen mostly quietly enjoying their ‘hunting’, while others will make sure that their competitors know their latest catch.

“I get a Charmander, show what ya’ll have!” can be heard in a cheerful tone while others observe with laughter. “Is a fun game, helps you to get out, meet new people and learn about your country” Anthony Drayton said while throwing a Poke-ball. Vendors aware of the phenomenon taking place, update their destinations towards ‘Poke-stops’ as an opportunity to increase their sales, taxi services have already tagged the land marks as the source of the most common calls received after a certain hour.

Is directly reaching to all the corners of the city. The PokeComunity is taking shape in Guyana. A new type of group in development, which has slowly become a category for those with juvenile heart that pursue a different and exiting kind of amusement, category proudly worn as an armor. Army growing in quantity determined to ‘Catch them all’. source: http://www.pokemongo.com/ -By- Rocio Perez, Guyana Daily News.

LOCAL PAGE 36

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

New Roads Being Built In Mackenzie, Wismar –Bridge To Come On Stream Shortly

Residents of the communities of Mackenzie and Wismar, Region Ten will soon have better access to their homes. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure is currently constructing several roads in the communities. Speaking to the Government Information Agency (GINA), Avinash Dyal Suresh, contractor from Jagmohan Construction said that six internal roads along with the drains will be done. The works commenced recently.

Suresh explained that the $4.5M project will be completed soon

despite the challenges faced as a result of the inclement weather. “We are doing for both Wismar and Mackenzie and so far, we’re doing well in terms of timing. The only thing we had set back with was the weather condition, but we are on schedule,” Suresh said.

Additionally, Mackenzie and Wismar will also benefit from a$2 billion bridge across the Demerara River which will replace the current one. The bridge will ease traffic congestion.

(GINA)

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Self Reliance Workshop Will Empower You To Transform Your Lives And Region -First Lady Tells Port Kaituma Participants Georgetown, Guyana – (August 16, 2016) First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Mahdia, Sub-Region Two, Potaro-Siparuni Region. Deputy Regional PAGE 37

Granger, yesterday, encouraged the latest batch of participants in the Self Reliance and Success in Business Workshop for Women to capitalise on the opportunity to learn new skills that will empower them to better manage their homes, businesses and contribute to community development. “The aim is to empower you as women…

When women are empowered, they take their families with them.

Their economic situation will improve and this workshop aims to give you the tools to be successful business persons,” the First Lady told the 31 women assembled at the Port Kaituma Community Centre, Matarkai Sub-Region, Barima-Waini (Region One) for the workshop.

Recognising that women play a central role in their families, the First Lady said she sought financial support from the Social Protection and the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministries to take the workshop across the country to help them to enhance their lives. The sessions are held in collaboration with Interweave Solutions – a nongovernmental organisation that helps local entities in developing countries to reduce poverty through capacity-building training and the facilitating organisation for the work shops in Guyana. “I am very firm in my belief that once you give women opportunities there is a ripple effect; their families benefit as well … It helps you to plan and to become not only empowered financially, but empowered [personally],” Mrs. Granger said.

Member of Parliament, Mr. Richard Allen, who chaired the programme, shared similar sentiments and implored the women to make good use of the chance to learn. “You have an opportunity… to change your life that will change the community of the Matarkai SubRegion. We won’t have to say we don’t have resource personnel; you’re the resource personnel from now on… See yourselves as being empowered. See yourselves, as from today, as equipped to take Matarkai Sub-Region and Region One to the next level,” he said.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, Mr. Brentnol Ashley praised the First Lady for hosting two such capacity building workshops in the region, which he said, had become “fragile” and “broken”.

The Regional Chairman told the participants that as pillars of the community, they have a responsibility to learn all that they can from the sessions and to take that knowledge back to their communities. “I want to encourage you that after [these] five days of training, of empowerment that you go back to your communities and you become instruments that will help to propel the Government,” he said.

Mr. Yohann Sanjay Pooran, Facilitator, Interweave Solutions, said his organisation is again pleased to partner with the Office of the First Lady to host the sessions. “From the time [that] she saw the programme and the benefits that would be accrued [by] women in communities all across the country she…considered the material…and moved forward without any reservations,” he said.

The participants in the week-long workshop hail from Arataka, Four Miles, Matthew’s Ridge and other areas.

Similar workshops have already been held in Lusignan, DemeraraMahaica Region; Linden, Upper Demerara-Berbice Region; Lethem, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo; Rosignol, Mahaica-Berbice, Mabaruma, Barima-Waini Region; Bartica, Cuyuni-Mazaruni and in

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

Executive Officer, Mr. Tikaram Bisesar, Ms. Crystal Baptiste, of Interweave Solutions, Acting Deputy Regional Executive Officer and Sub-Regional Engineer, Mr. Raul Boyer, representatives from the Post Office Corporation and the Port Kaituma Power and Light (PKPL) also attended the opening session At the close of the session, the First Lady visited PKPL and the stillunder-construction hospital at Oronoque to take a first-hand look at the ongoing works there. Mr. Boyer said the hospital is expected to be completed and open by December 2016. Minor works are still to be done, including the installation of equipment and a generator, both of which have a September 30, 2016 deadline. Mr. Boyer also said the access road from the Water Front area to the hospital will be rehabilitated via a Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP) operated by the Ministry of Communities. (GINA)

Ms. Crystal Baptiste, facilitator at Interweave Solutions (first, left) and some of the participants discuss the “six Ps’ of business”, during an interactive segment of the workshop.

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger appeals to the participants in the Self Reliance and Success in Business Workshop to use the opportunity to learn new skills.

LOCAL PAGE 38

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

Over 200 Jobs To Be Created Through SLED Initiative In The Medium Term 160 Youths From The 10 Regions Graduated From The Programme A young woman, who was given a fresh start in life when she received Government of Guyana for helping me to become self-employed and amnesty under President David Granger’s policy of giving second chances to non-violent, non-cocaine offenders, was able to completely turn her life around and is now a proud owner of a thriving poultry rearing business as a result of the Government of Guyana’s Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Development (SLED) programme. Ms. Tiffany Peters was initially received basic employability skills through the United States Embassy’s Skills and Knowledge for Youth Employment (SKYE) and subsequently enrolled in SLED programme where she subsequently received a $200,000 grant to start up her own business.

Describing the pride and challenges that come with having her own business, Ms. Peters said that she has already been able to make a profit and is looking to building on that success. “I was focused on being an employee instead of an entrepreneur; however, in time my position changed…I would like to encourage other youths in Guyana not just to seek to be an employee but to be an employer,” she said.

Ms. Peters is just one of about 160 youths from rural communities in Regions Three, Four, Five , Six and Ten, who graduated from the programme, earlier today, at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.

The youths received training in information technology and entrepreneurial and life skills after which they were counselled and guided by trained coaches to establish their own businesses, seek employment or further their studies. Another participant, Mr. Akeem Williams, who also benefited from the SKYE project, said that he was unemployed and jumped at the opportunity to become his own boss and initially started out with apiculture (beekeeping) to much success.

“Over the past few months my business has grown and I was able to add new products, namely, peppermint oil, crabwood oil and coconut oil… I therefore thank the US SKYE programme and more so the

giving me a bright future,” Williams said. The SLED initiative, which is being implemented through the Ministry of Communities, is designed to provide support for the expansion of the local economy in communities across Guyana and assist micro, small and mediumscale enterprises and is part of President Granger’s two pronged approach to stimulating youth employment.

President David Granger, who delivered the feature address, said that the SLED graduation ceremony, pointed out that the programme is evidence that contradicts criticisms of his Government’s approach to tackling the endemic problem of youth unemployment. The Head of State noted that the solution to the problem must focus on first, education and second, entrepreneurship.

He explained that only 2,380 or 28.3 percent of the 8,430 public school students, who wrote the Caribbean Secondary Education Council (CSEC) examinations in 2015 secured passes in five or more subjects, including Mathematics and English and are therefore unemployable in many instances. He reminded that the unemployment rate in Guyana rose significantly in 2000 when the Guyana National Service was dissolved and said that his Government has embarked on a comprehensive strategy to prepare youths for the world of work The President reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to generating employment in the economy and to create the conditions necessary to boost entrepreneurship, particularly among the youth demographic. “The SLED Initiative is part of a programme that reinforces the administration’s efforts to stimulate economic development in communities, especially at the grass root level. It has provided training, mentorship, business development skills and start-up grants to individuals and groups,” he said.

Since the Government took Office, a number of bold initiatives have been taken to drive small business development in the 10 regions.

This includes the launch of the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) programme and the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS). The President said entrepreneurship will stimulate employment in industries, including agroprocessing and micro-industries in rural and hinterland communities. “The SLED, HEYS and LEN initiatives are all part of that the administration’s grand youth employment strategy. That strategy stands on a bipod of e d u c a t i o n a n d entrepreneurship… These initiatives have all made small but smart starts to overcoming the problem of unemployment..

Seated from left- Minister of Communities, Mr. Ronald Bulkan, Minister of Finance, Mr. Winston Jordan, President David Granger, Ambassador Perry Holloway and Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Ms. Dawn Hastings-Williams and successful participants of the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Development (SLED) Initiative

Continued on next page...

LOCAL PAGE 39

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

Over 200 Jobs To Be Created Through SLED Initiative In The Medium Term 160 Youths From The 10 Regions Graduated From The Programme (Cont’d) Their impact on employment and enterprise generation has resulted in business start-ups, provided support to several groups and will set the stage to be into all ten administrative regions,” the Head of State said. He added that all of these initiatives are about the future and called on youths to fully capitalise the opportunities that are emerging. “No one can doubt the government’s commitment to ensuring ‘a good life for all’ through education, employment and enterprise,” he said. Meanwhile, Minister of Communities, Mr. Ronald Bulkan in his remarks said that when President Granger, while he was Opposition Leader, expressed serious concerns about the high rate of joblessness among youths, a matter on which he even penned a booklet entitled “Young people, the forgotten majority.”

“Today’s batch of beneficiaries and entrepreneurs are among the first to take advantage of this helping hand offered by the Government…our young people have a champion in this Administration and his name is David Granger,” the Minister said.

Through the SLED initiative, 99 youths, who were trained under the SKYE programme received start up financing for their businesses to the tune of $22.2M. Additionally, several groups benefitted from the SLED programme. These include: the Guyana Mangrove Reserve Producers Coop Society-$6.9M; United Natural Resources and Agriculture Producers-$13.5M; Women for Change-$3.4M; Plaisance/Sparendaam/Goedverwagting Development Association$4.9M and For the Children’s Sake Foundation- $5.9M. Additionally, the project has been expanded to cater for youths in areas such as Bartica and Jawalla in Region Seven, Mabaruma in Region One and Shulinab, Region Nine. Minister Bulkan disclosed that the total amount of money disbursed to these groups is approximately $76.5M with individual grants ranging between $3M and $20M. He added that in the medium term this investment will create about 200 jobs. United States Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Perry Holloway said that the lives transformed under this programme cannot be understated and said that the Government’s efforts will magnify what was started under the SKYE initiative. “I am encouraged and impressed by the Government’s commitment to and investment in its youths… When partners support, adopt and use approaches that have proven to be successful, it increases the effectiveness of development work,” the Ambassador said. SLED

aims to foster opportunities for economic development to create innovative and sustainable local economic development opportunities and create new sources of jobs and economic activities for local communities. (GINA)

Ms. Christina Ramdeholl receiving her certificate from Finance Minister, Mr. Winston Jordan

President David Granger delivering the feature address at the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Development (SLED) Initiative award ceremony

Ms. Africa Gentle from the Plaisance/Sparendaam, Goedverwagting Development Association receiving her certificate from Ambassador Perry Holloway

REGIONAL PAGE 41

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

OJTs Hired To Help At Forensic Two weeks after pathologist Dr Valery Alexandrov walked off the job in frustration at the Forensic Science Centre (FSC), St James, saying he was overworked, three temporary employees have been hired to assist him and other pathologists. The three, all women, are said to be two on-the-job trainees and one intern. The trio was hired following Alexandrov’s two-day standoff. Following his protest action, the Minister of National Security, Edmund Dillon, under whose purview the FSC falls, said the Government was in the process of recruiting more staff.

He admitted that the field of forensic science was not an attractive one but scholarships would be provided and in the short-term there were plans to extend existing contracts

and hire new skilled labour. Alexandrov protested on August 2 after working for five weeks straight since the other pathologist on staff, Dr Eslyn Mc Donald-Burris, was on two weeks vacation. She resumed work yesterday and Alexandrov, who worked six weeks straight in her absence, will pick back up his scalpel next week.

A house officer, Dr Janet Charles, has also been reassigned to work at the Forensic Science Centre to assist in autopsies, sources said. The T&T Guardian was also informed that an additional pathologist was to be employed at the FSC since Dr Hughvon des Vignes expressed his desire not to return unless certain requirements were met to fulfill a new contract. Attempts to get a response from officials at the FSC and the Ministry of National Security has been futile.

Alexandrov complained that he was understaffed based on international standards which required one mortuary assistant for every 100 cases and so far there had been 1,200 cases done at the FSC for the year. To date there are five attendants with three of them being women.

“This is a tough job lifting dead bodies and what not. There is a need for a legal mortuary attendant to handle all the legal documents, instead what we have is a radiologist and on-thejob trainees,” Alexandrov said then. The pathologist has been working in T&T and by extension the Caribbean for the last seven years.

(Trinidad Guardian)

REGIONAL PAGE 41

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

OJTs Hired To Help At Forensic Two weeks after pathologist Dr Valery Alexandrov walked off the job in frustration at the Forensic Science Centre (FSC), St James, saying he was overworked, three temporary employees have been hired to assist him and other pathologists. The three, all women, are said to be two on-the-job trainees and one intern. The trio was hired following Alexandrov’s two-day standoff. Following his protest action, the Minister of National Security, Edmund Dillon, under whose purview the FSC falls, said the Government was in the process of recruiting more staff.

He admitted that the field of forensic science was not an attractive one but scholarships would be provided and in the short-term there were plans to extend existing contracts

and hire new skilled labour. Alexandrov protested on August 2 after working for five weeks straight since the other pathologist on staff, Dr Eslyn Mc Donald-Burris, was on two weeks vacation. She resumed work yesterday and Alexandrov, who worked six weeks straight in her absence, will pick back up his scalpel next week.

A house officer, Dr Janet Charles, has also been reassigned to work at the Forensic Science Centre to assist in autopsies, sources said. The T&T Guardian was also informed that an additional pathologist was to be employed at the FSC since Dr Hughvon des Vignes expressed his desire not to return unless certain requirements were met to fulfill a new contract. Attempts to get a response from officials at the FSC and the Ministry of National Security has been futile.

Alexandrov complained that he was understaffed based on international standards which required one mortuary assistant for every 100 cases and so far there had been 1,200 cases done at the FSC for the year. To date there are five attendants with three of them being women.

“This is a tough job lifting dead bodies and what not. There is a need for a legal mortuary attendant to handle all the legal documents, instead what we have is a radiologist and on-thejob trainees,” Alexandrov said then. The pathologist has been working in T&T and by extension the Caribbean for the last seven years.

(Trinidad Guardian)

REGIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Under Siege Chinese businesses and residents are under attack by bandits in Santa were being targeted by the criminal elements. “Not talk,” he politely PAGE 42

Rosa Heights, Arima. The latest Chinese victim is a 74-year-old man who was beaten on July 28 and left for dead at his Pinto Road business place, which is located two buildings from the Pinto Road Police Post. Another Chinese businessman, who is situated a mere 500 feet away at Avocado Road, was also relieved of the day’s sales as he closed up his business two weeks ago Yesterday, residents called on the police to do their job, stating they are seldom seen patrolling the crime-ridden community.

The residents said due to the constant attacks they are now living in fear, noting it was only a matter of time before an innocent person is gunned down by the criminals. Some residents, who refused to give their names, spoke emotionally about the beating of the elderly businessman who many described as the friendliest guy in the neighbourhood. One villager said the bandits entered the Chinese man’s preserve business pretending to be customers around 3.30 pm, when the area was relatively quiet. The bandits pulled out their guns, jumped over the counter and started to beat the businessman for his day’s earning. The man was then dragged inside his adjoining home, where he was hogtied and severely beaten by the thieves in the presence of an elderly female relative as they began searching and ransacking the house for other valuables. “The bandits cuffed the old man repeatedly under his chin, face and in his midsection until he got a massive heart attack and collapsed. The bandits just did not care. All they wanted was money and jewelry,” one resident explained.

Residents said it was only after the man became unconscious that the bandits panicked and fled in a waiting car. Residents were alerted to the robbery when a customer went into the store and heard the businessman’s female relative crying for help as she tried to revive the bleeding man. “That’s when we rushed over to assist. The businessman’s entire mid section was bruised and black and blue, while his face was covered in blood,” the residents recalled.

The businessman, residents said, was hospitalised for four days after the attack. When the T&T Guardian visited the business yesterday, an elderly Chinese woman who was behind the counter refused to give her name or talk. “No. Not speak,” she said, as tears welled in her eyes. But the residents said the woman had been severely shaken up and traumatised by the incident, hence her reaction. A resident said after the robbery, the police admitted they felt embarrassed that a crime had been committed 50 feet from the station and they were unaware. Two weeks ago, villagers said the other businessman, who operates a warehouse at Avocado Road, was also targeted.

“Apparently they were monitoring this businessman for quite some time. They waited for the businessman to come out with his day’s sale in the evening and robbed him at gunpoint.” Since the robbery, the business, which stored a variety of items, has not reopened. Opposite to the warehouse, a worker at Kang’s Wok Chinese Restaurant preferred not to speak Joy Mini Mart owner, Dave James, left, sells a customer at his Santa Rosa business yesterday. PHOTO: ABRAHAM DIAZ when asked if Chinese

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

said. Assistant Commissioner of Police Surajdeen Persad last night admitted that Chinese nationals have been under attack by the criminal elements at Santa Rosa, but said it was not unique to the area.

“It’s not only at Pinto Road...they have been targeting Chinese nationals throughout Trinidad. This has been going on for quite a while.” Following the robberies at Pinto Road, Persad said they had increased mobile patrols in the area. “The CID department and crime patrols have been paying particular attention to that. We are hoping to make a breakthrough very soon with these robberies,” Persad said, refusing to dwell further on how far police had reach with their investigation. Told that the T&T Guardian had spent several hours on Pinto Road and surrounding areas yesterday and did not see one police vehicle on patrol, Persad said, “We have patrols and I will definitely look into it. I know we have deployed patrols in that area specifically to look at the Pinto Road situation.” Efforts to reach the Chinese Association of T&T for a comment yesterday evening was unsuccessful. Self-imposed curfews In the last two months, residents said they had seen an upsurge of robberies in their community, which have them living on the edge and uneasy. Santa Rosa has approximately 1,800 houses. Streets such as King Orange, Tangerine, Cheery Tree and Plum Rose have been hit several times recently. One resident said one group of bicycle bandits in Santa Rosa work in collusion with another gang from Pinto Road.

The bandits, who ride around on bicycles, would scope and monitor the movements of residents and business owners during the day, they explained. “Then they communicate with another gang from Pinto Road and give them a feedback. Once they know the coast is clear the Pinto Road gang would strike. These Pinto Road gunmen would come in stolen vehicles and put down their work. Many of their getaway cars were stolen vehicles,” a resident said. Tangerine Drive resident, Anne Springer, said the community was under siege.

“Everyone is taking precautionary measures. Some people are putting up towering walls in the front and back of their homes, while others are investing in vicious dogs to guard their properties.

“People are not going out as before. They are becoming prisoners in their own homes,” she added. Springer’s neighbour, newspaper columnist Keith Subero, said other residents were installing burglar proofing and security camera systems to deter the criminals. Subero admitted the officers attached to the post seldom do foot or vehicle patrols. Another resident said many houses were cleaned out in the last few months.

“They would break into your home and steal your computers, television, small appliances and DVD players,” one resident disclosed. “Quiet a few houses have faced this,” another resident said.

“To me, the station is like a resort or hotel for those police officers. We need some visibility. We need the police to protect and serve the community because this is getting out of control.

Are they going to wait until a life is taken before they take action. We need help... and we need it fast,” Subero added. Manager of Joy Mini Mart, Dave James, also disclosed he had observed a new trend developing, in that children as young as nine and ten years old were stealing snacks from his shop. “Their parents don’t even know what they are doing. The area is becoming a hot spot for crime. I am going to invest in some additional cameras outside,” said James, who has seven cameras inside his business. (Trinidad Guardian)

REGIONAL PAGE 43

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

More Than 200 Confirmed Cases Of Zika Virus In T&T PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago health authorities said that the country now has 254 confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne Zika virus. The Ministry of Health in a statement noted that the number of Zika positive pregnancies stands at 78.

It said the figures were released after consultation with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and that while four of five infected persons will not show any symptoms of the virus, only ‘high risk’ cases are confirmed by the Trinidad-based regional agency. The Ministry of Health said that it would continue to intensify its efforts to monitor and manage the virus that is spread by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which is also responsible for the disease such as dengue and Chikungunya. (Jamaica Observer) Are they going to wait until a life is taken before they take action. We

need help... and we need it fast,” Subero added. Manager of Joy Mini Mart, Dave James, also disclosed he had observed a new trend developing, in that children as young as nine and ten years old were stealing snacks from his shop. “Their parents don’t even know what they are doing. The area is becoming a hot spot for crime. I am going to invest in some additional cameras outside,” said James, who has seven cameras inside his business.

(Trinidad Guardian)

REGIONAL PAGE 44

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

Grenada Prepares For October 27 Referendum ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, Aug 16, CMC – Grenada electoral officials say they have already designed the ballot paper to be used in the October 27 referendum and that more than 69,000 people are eligible to cast a ballot in the exercise. “We have already design the ballot paper and it will be a simple question of asking them if they approved the Bill to amendment the Constitution, the choices will be yes or no while for persons who are unable to read, symbols will be used to guide their voting decision,” said Alex Phillip, Supervisor of Election here.

“So for example, the bills will be on the ballot paper in alphabetical order and the first one is on the Caribbean Court of Justice…and the symbol will be one associated with the justice system, so the person who is unable to read or read properly will know what the number one question is related to the CCJ by the use of the gavel as the symbol,” he added. Last month, the Senate approved the eight bills that would allow for changes to the Grenada Constitution once two thirds of the voter population approve the measures.

Parliament had earlier passed legislation that allows the island to replace the London-based Privy Council with the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), as its final court. Grenadians will also be asked to institute term limits for the Prime Minister; ensure that there is always an Opposition Leader; enable Parliament to provide fixed dates for general elections; institute an Elections and Boundaries Commission and require that allegiance be sworn, no longer to

the Queen, but to Grenada.

Phillip told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that his office will be responsible for training staff and officers of the Parliamentary Elections Office (PEO) as part of the preparation process for the October referendum, while the Constitution Reform Advisory Committee (CRAC) will be responsible for educating voters on the issues in the referendum. “We will be responsible for the voting process and the CRAC will be responsible to educate the population about the bills, so we will be working jointly in some areas as it pertaining to the people but there are specific duties for the PEO and the Committee,” he said. (Antigua Observer)

REGIONAL PAGE 45

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

Opposition Says Cybercrime Law Takes St. Vincent ‘Several Steps Backward’ KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, Aug 16, CMC — The main opposition Vincentians to note carefully, and understand that such a thing has New Democratic Party (NDP) is warning that if the Cybercrime Act 2016, passed in Parliament last weekend is assented to, it would take St. Vincent and the Grenadines “several steps backward”. The law was passed amidst protest by the opposition and regional and international freedom of expression advocates that it would have a chilling effect on free speech. The opposition has also argued that the law contains vague language and excessive penalties and some clauses are targeted at critics of the government who use the internet to engage in political activism.

The government has rejected these allegations. The NDP did not participate in the select committee that reviewed the draft as part of its on-going protest of the results of the December 2015 general elections won by the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP). In a statement, NDP’s president and Opposition Leader, Arnhim Eustace noted that for the act to become working law, it must be published in the Government Gazette and assented to by the Governor General.

“If that process is completed, the Ralph Gonsalves regime will have succeeded in taking St Vincent and the Grenadines several steps backward: back to the dark days of colonialist repression; back to the days of failed authoritarianism in the Caribbean; back to the voicelessness of slavery,” Eustace said. “It is inconceivable that in the second decade of the 21st century, an administration that claims to be progressive; an administration that claims to be interested in creating a modern society; an administration that claims to seek to protect its citizens, is forcing through — in the face of widespread, bipartisan and non-partisan international opposition — a backward, archaic, draconian and dangerous law”.

Eustace described the legislation as “a law that is riddled with practical and philosophical inconsistencies and discrepancies; a law that induces fear in the populace; a law that infringes upon, and indeed, damages, constitutional rights and freedoms,” he said..

Shortly after the law was passed last Friday, four regional and international press freedom organisations, including the Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), issued a joint statement expressing alarm.

But by Monday, the number of international organisations signing the joint statement had increased to 22 and Eustace said “condemnation of this law has come from far and wide.” He noted that before the passage of the law, the RSF called parts of the bill “extremely damaging. “The Canadian-based Centre for Law and Democracy says the government was ‘rushing ahead with seriously problematical legislation’ which might punish ‘perfectly innocent browsing activity’.

“And the International Press Institute said that the law opens ‘a back door to silencing unwanted opinions or punishing journalistic work that makes… p o l i t i c i a n s , uncomfortable’,” Eustace noted. The NDP leader said he would like

never happened before in the history of the island.. “At no time have we ever seen this level and volume of international condemnation of a law that a government of this country was about to pass.

It is an unprecedented intervention by those parties and agencies who truly seek freedom and human rights as basic human values, given by God and enshrined in our constitution. “But these unprecedented interventions are happening for a simple reason — it is because the law itself is an unprecedented attack on the basic freedoms of citizens in this day and age; an attack by an illegitimate regime, that simply seeks to protect itself from criticism, prevent revelation and scrutiny of its actions so as to continue to rule with impunity — and without accountability.

In the face of these unprecedented condemnations, the bill was slightly modified before its final reading, but the modifications were of no fundamental benefit. Eustace said the Cybercrime Act, as passed, “is still a dangerous, backward and faulty piece of legislation; a law that is repressive, and explicitly intended by a spiteful and vindictive regime, to inflict harm on citizens of this country; a law that would protect and keep a ruling elite, a select few, from being exposed and held accountable, should they break other laws.”

Eustace asked if it was any wonder, therefore, that the Gonsalves government has failed for the past 15 years to bring integrity legislation to Parliament or that the Freedom of Information Act 2003 still has not been brought into force.. “The absence of each is a blindfold over the eyes of the citizen. Is it any surprise that in 2011 this regime amended the Criminal Procedure Code so that citizens can no longer bring private criminal prosecutions, unless they have the permission of the DPP? “What we see from all of this is that this regime has steadily and systematically stacked the weight of the law against you, the citizens of this country.

And with the passage of this Cybercrime Act, with the unprecedented access it gives the regime to your cell phones, your devices and your computers, the regime’s ability to intrude on your lives goes from constitutional, measured and reasonable to invasive, unconstitutional and dangerous,” Eustace said. He said the Cybercrime Act is unacceptable in any modern democratic society, adding that the NDP unequivocally condemns its passage.

“What is the price of the fundamental rights and freedoms of a people? What assault on our selves; on our nation and on our Godgiven rights becomes too much to bear? When do we say: enough – no more!? “These are not rhetorical questions; neither are they questions posed to the NDP supporters among us. These are questions that you, the citizens of this once-free country must consider in your private moments, in your deepest thoughts about the future and what it holds for you and for this nation.

And if you, the citizen, want a free, fair and prosperous country for your children and grandchildren, you will join with those of us who seek freedom; with those of us who seek fairness; with those of us who seek justice – and you will say: ‘Enough. This is also my country.

“This blessed land does not belong to a chosen few. It belongs to us all,” Eustace said. (Antigua Observer)

REGIONAL PAGE 46

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

PM Reports On Visits Tounsuitable Europe And Morocco for the post given his perceived role in the highly

CASTRIES, St. Lucia, Aug 16, CMC – Prime Minister Allen Chastanet says St. Lucia is lobbying Britain to continue financing a justice programme as he described his recent visit to London Paris and Morocco as a success. Speaking at a news conference late Monday, Chastanet, who was accompanied by his Agriculture and Physical Planning Minister by Ezechiel Joseph, told reporters that he held talks with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in London. “These visits were to specific industries, so on our trip to England we had an opportunity to meet with the DPP’s office over there.

“The DDP’s office along with the government of England have been financing a substantial part of our justice programme…and that project is coming to an end and we went to lobby to see if we could get the continuation of that project and also to update them on where we are with judicial matters in St. Lucia,” Chastanet told reporters. “I also did not meet with any of the political authorities in the UK, as you know Brexit is a very hard issue and we had to schedule our meetings very late,” he added.

During the news conference, Prime Minister Chastanet took the opportunity to brush aside remarks by the main opposition St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) over the appointment of former national security minister Guy Mayers as the island’s new High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. The SLP had contended that Mayers was

St Lucian Prime Minister Allen Castanet (Source: thevoiceslu.com)

controversial period of ‘Operation Restore Confidence’ (ORC), which led to several extra-judicial killings.

Chastanet said that while there are concerns about Mayers alleged involvement with ORC, he had an opportunity to have read the entire report by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementing Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) that carried out the investigation into the extra-judicial killings and he did not find Mayers name included in it. “I’ve not read anything or seen anywhere in which anyone has made any allegations that Mayers was illegally or wrongfully involved in anything to do with that. I can say to you in having discussions with other governments as well, when we vetted him, there was absolutely no problems or concerns expressed by anyone as it pertains to that,” he added Chastanet told reporters that Mayers professional background and the developments unfolding in Britain after that country decided to leave the European Union after 43 years makes him well suited to the diplomatic posting.

“If you look at the UK market right now particularly BREXIT and what has happened, he (Mayers) is well informed to be in that market,” Chastanet said, explaining that trade is an important aspect of the diplomatic posting. He said Mayers experience as a former president of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce and a former minister for trade and commerce, as well as minister of national security, also gives him a great advantage.

Chastanet said on the visit to Paris the delegation met with marketing agents, as the government advances plans to establish a banana export arrangement with France. “We had an opportunity to go and see the places of distribution,” he said, noting that on arrival in Morocco the St. Lucia delegation met with government agencies responsible for the fertilizer programme “and also with regards to the possible linkages with agriculture and also the training component as to what the Moroccan government has been providing”.

Chastanet made it clear that no discussions were held with government officials “or the political secretariat in Morocco” insisting “that is a trip we went into some preliminary discussions about. “There is going to be a mission by the Moroccan government we are hoping by mid-September which will then be followed by a state visit.,” he told reporters. (Antigua Observer)

REGIONAL PAGE 47

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

Dillon To Keep ‘Eye’ On Accused National Security Minister Edmund Dillon said yesterday Government would put measures in place to monitor prisoners who would secure bail in the wake of the expiration of the Bail (Amendment) Bill and Anti-Gang legislation. There are some 600 prisoners in the system who can now access bail after the Acts expired at midnight. “They are entitled to apply for bail.

Whether they are granted bail or not is another matter,” Dillon said yesterday. “Being proactive, the Ministry of National Security would take the necessary measures to ensure those who apply for bail and who would have been there on several kinds of charges, would take the necessary precaution and the necessary action to do further monitoring if and when bail is granted.” Dillon declined to reveal much more about the ministry’s plans in that area. However, he assured: “We will take the necessary additional measures if and when certain persons are granted bail.”

With the expiration of the Bail Bill, anyone arrested for gun-related offences can now be granted bail once they meet the necessary criteria. This controversial amendment had seen a division in the magistracy, as some magistrate believed that the amended law applied to all gun-related offenders while others viewed the law as applicable to illegal firearm owners. The misconception was cleared up when Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar ruled that the law was to address illegal guns and only those with illegal guns should be denied bail for a 120-day period. Leading up to the expiration of the bills, the Government sought an extension but was not supported by the Opposition, as the law requires a three-fifth majority.

AG disappointed Speaking about the current situation yesterday, Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi said he was disappointed that the Opposition did not support the move to extend the life of the legislation. Now that the bills have expired, the offence of being a gang leader, member or assisting a gang member are no longer offences under law. He added, however, that it would not be that some offenders would be automatically granted bail but that they could now apply to a judge for bail before 120 days and if they are denied they could re-apply within 28 days.

Government had previously indicated its desire to extend the legislation for another two years, to August, 2016, but failed to get Opposition support on that, hence the lapse of the legislation.

Speaking with the T&T Guardian on the issue yesterday, secretary of the Police Service Social and Welfare Association Insp Anand Ramesar said the expiration of the legislation now removed one of the He added that the system used to deny bail under the expired laws were based on charges and not convictions and given the current tools in their fight against crime. sluggish criminal justice system, the charges route versus conviction He added that the Criminal Gang and Intelligence Unit (CGIU) was a more feasible approach. Al-Rawi added that the full effect of the served two purposes, to rid the country of gangs through arrests and to expiration would be known tomorrow after remanded prisoners apply gather information relating to gangs but with the expiration of the for bail now that the law was defunct. He said that was something that Acts, he said CGIU officers could now only gather information in was advanced with great vigour by two former attorney generals — relation to specific crimes, since being in a gang or any affiliated gang Anand Ramlogan and Garvin Nicholas — along with former offences were now no longer illegal. “This was one of the major tools government senator Wayne Sturge, when the People’s Partnership we had in the Police Service armoury. Now that has been taken away was in government and he questioned why they did not support the amendments now. with the passage of time,” Ramesar said.

Al-Rawi said since the court wis on vacation the Government was monitoring the situation to see whether Chief Justice Ivor Archie would need to call out another judge to assist the lone judge now conducting bail hearings, given that approximately 620 people could now access bail. He said they were now in talks with the Criminal Gang and Intelligence Unit to determine what kind of law they would now need to convict gang leaders. “We have to understand what they are made of, how they operate.

That should have been going on since 2011 when the law took effect. The question asked now is, do we need such a law,” AlRawi said, adding that there is very little data on the effectiveness of the anti-gang legislation. Al-Rawi said the Government was now doing research within other Commonwealth countries on gang legislation and how they have worked in those countries. He added, however, that he was looking at bringing amendments to the laws in the new parliamentary period. (Trinidad Guardian)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 48

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

North Korean Diplomat At London Embassy 'Defects To Another Country’ A diplomat at the North Korean embassy in London has defected to another country, BBC News understands. The diplomat left the embassy, based in Ealing, west London, earlier this month for a "third country", reports in the South Korean media say. The diplomat reportedly lived in the UK for 10 years with his wife and family, the BBC's diplomatic correspondent James Robbins said. Neither the Foreign Office nor the embassy has commented. Calls about the issue have not been answered at the Embassy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), which is the North Korean embassy's official title.

curry house. Their children are in nearby state schools and one is a stalwart of the local tennis club.

The other side of their lives, though, involves keeping tabs on North Korean defectors who often settle in New Malden in south-west London. Two of the officials were probably the men who turned up at a barber shop in London to object to a picture in the window of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, with the caption "bad hair day". They are also thought to have escorted Kim Jong-un's brother to an Eric Clapton concert in the Albert Hall. (BBC)

"A DPRK diplomat in London is going through procedures to seek asylum in a third country," a report in the South Korean daily newspaper JoongAng Ilbo said. "The DPRK Embassy made belated attempts to figure out the diplomat's whereabouts, but has failed," the paper's report added, citing an anonymous source.

The paper said that in this context "a third country" means one which is not either North or South Korea. 'Prove valuable' "A high-level defection, if confirmed, will be deeply embarrassing for the regime," said John Nilsson-Wright, an expert on Asian affairs at the London-based Chatham House think tank.

"London has always been an important diplomatic priority for the DPRK given the amount of personnel stationed there and the considerable resources devoted by the regime to maintaining its presence there," he added. "The intelligence benefits to the UK and its allies from such a defection are likely to prove valuable."

North Korea has an embassy in west London. The diplomats there can be charming, particularly over curry at their favourite

North Korea's London embassy is located on a residential street in Ealing, west London

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 49

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

Syrian Conflict: Russian Bombers Use Iran Base For Air Strikes Russia's defence ministry says it has used a base in western Iran to carry out air strikes in Syria. Tupolev-22M3 long-range bombers and Sukhoi-34 strike fighters took off from Hamedan on Tuesday, a statement said. Targets were hit in Aleppo, Idlib and Deir al-Zour provinces, it added. Local groups said 27 civilians had died. It is reportedly the first time Russia has struck targets inside Syria from a third country since it began a campaign to prop up Syria's president last year. Iran is Bashar al-Assad's main regional ally and has provided significant military and financial support since an uprising against him erupted in 2011.

In recent months, senior Russian and Iranian officials have discussed boosting their military co-operation, reports the BBC's Steve Rosenberg in Moscow. Last week, Russia asked Iran and Iraq to allow Russian cruise missiles to fly through their airspace for attacks on terrorist targets in Syria. Russia has been operating jets and helicopters from bases in Syria for the past year, but this is the first time that Moscow has deployed aircraft to a third country in the region. Reports indicate that up to six Tupolev Tu-22M3 bombers known by the Nato codename of "Backfire" - are now operating from an air base in western Iran.

These planes - originally designed as a long-range strategic bomber have already been engaged in the Syrian air campaign but operating from bases in southern Russia. Placing them in Iran dramatically reduces the duration of their missions. The Russian defence ministry says that an unspecified number of Sukhoi-34 strike aircraft have also been sent to Iran. Their deployment marks an intensification of the Russian air campaign - perhaps a reflection of the scale of the fighting in and around Aleppo - and it is a demonstration of the growing warmth in ties between Moscow and Tehran, the Syrian government's two closest allies.

The Russian defence ministry statement said Tuesday's air strikes had killed a "large number" of militants from so-called Islamic State and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, a rival jihadist group previously known as al-Nusra Front.

They had also resulted in the destruction of five warehouses filled with weapons, ammunition and fuel, and jihadist training camps in the northern provinces of Aleppo and Idlib, it added. Three command centres in the

eastern province of Deir al-Zour were also hit.

The Local Co-ordination Committees in Syria said 15 civilians had died in Russian strikes in the Tariq al-Bab district of Aleppo and a further two in the Daret Izza district. Another 10 people died in air attacks in the Ommal neighbourhood of Deir al-Zour, the committees said. News of the strikes comes a day after Russia's defence minister suggested it was close to an agreement with the US on collaborating in attacks on IS militants around the divided city of Aleppo, where fighting between Syrian government and rebel forces has escalated in recent weeks.

"We are moving step by step closer to a plan - and I'm only talking about Aleppo here - that would really allow us to start fighting together to bring peace so that people can return to their homes in this troubled land," Russia's RIA news agency cited Sergei Shoigu as saying. However, US state department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau told reporters: "We have seen the reports and have nothing to announce." The US has conducted hundreds of air strikes against IS and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham militants in Syria since September 2014, but it backs the rebellion.

Also on Tuesday, Human Rights Watch alleged that Russian and Syrian government aircraft had been using incendiary weapons in civilian areas in violation of international law - something Moscow has denied. A review of photographs and videos indicated there were at least 18 incendiary weapon attacks on rebel-held areas in Aleppo and Idlib between 5 June and 10 August, the US-based group said.

Witnesses and emergency workers reported at least 12 civilians wounded in five of the attacks.(BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 50

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

South Africa Rape: 'Shocking' Levels Of Violence In Mining Area One in four women living in a key platinum mining area in South Africa has been raped in her lifetime, a survey by medical charity MSF has said. About half of women in Rustenburg had been subject to sexual violence or intimate partner violence, it said. The charity said the findings of its survey were "shocking but not uncommon" in South Africa. South Africa has one of the highest incidences of rape in the world and a low prosecution rate.

Based on its survey of more than 800 women aged 18-49 in Rustenburg municipality, north-west of Johannesburg, MSF said only 5% of the approximately 11,000 women and girls raped each year reported the incident to a health worker. Stigma The research also suggested that a very low number of these women were aware of how to prevent HIV transmission and even pregnancy. MSF said survivors of sexual violence faced numerous other barriers to seeking care.

“Stigma within communities is high and options are few for accessing well-resourced, dedicated sexual violence health services," it said. Despite lying at the centre of South Africa's platinum belt, Rustenburg is home to many poor communities. The area attracts both men hoping to work in the mines and women from across South Africa and abroad who hope to benefit from the local mining economy. MSF said unemployment was particularly high for migrant women "creating conditions that promote dependency on men who are more readily employed by mines in the area".

Marikana anniversary The charity said there was a need to increase

Many women in the Rustenburg area are poor and remain dependent on men, MSF says(AP)

the number of staff trained in sexual healthcare in the area . T h e B B C ' sPumza Fihlani in Johannesburg says the authorities hope ongoing awareness campaigns will encourage rape victims to seek medical attention and even legal recourse. The survey was published on the fourth anniversary of the shooting by police of striking workers at the Marikana mine in the Rustenburg municipality. Thirty-four people died in what was the worst violence in South Africa since the end of apartheid 20 years earlier. The incident led to intense scrutiny over the roles of the police, mining companies, unions and the government. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 51

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

Radical Cleric Anjem Choudary Guilty Of Inviting IS Support Radical UK cleric Anjem Choudary has been convicted of inviting Supporters of Choudary included: Michael Adebolajo and Michael others to support the so-called Islamic State group, it can now be reported. Choudary, 49, drummed up support for the militant group in a series of talks posted on YouTube, the Old Bailey heard. He was convicted alongside his confidant, Mohammed Mizanur Rahman.

The Met Police said many people tried for serious offences "attended lectures or speeches given by these men".

Counter-terrorism chiefs have spent almost 20 years trying to bring Choudary, a father of five, to trial, blaming him, and the proscribed organisations which he helped to run, for radicalising young men and women. Both men were charged with one offence of inviting support for IS - which is contrary to section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000 between 29 June 2014 and 6 March 2015. The verdict on the two defendants was delivered on 28 July, but for legal reasons can only now be reported.

The trial heard how the men decided in the summer of 2014 that the group then known as Isis [Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham/the Levant] had formed a "Khilafah", or Islamic State, that demanded the obedience and support of Muslims. 'Turning point' They then invited others to support IS through speeches and announced their own oath of allegiance to its leader. The oath of allegiance was a "turning point" which meant they could be put on trial, police said. Choudary was once the spokesman for al-Muhajiroun, an organisation that can be linked to dozens of terrorism suspects.

Its leader Omar Bakri Muhammad fled the UK after the London suicide bombings on 7 July 2005. Over the years since, Choudary has become one of the most influential radical Islamists in Europe and a string of his followers have either left the UK to fight in Syria or tried to do so. Jump media playerMedia player help The court heard that in one speech in March 2013 Choudary made it clear that he wanted the Muslim faith to "dominate the whole world". "Next time when your child is at school and the teacher says 'What do you want when you grow up? What is your ambition?', they should say 'To dominate the whole world by Islam, including Britain - that is my ambition'," he said.

Adebowale, the murderers of soldier Lee Rigby Suspected IS executioner Siddhartha Dhar Omar Sharif, a British suicide bomber who attacked Tel Aviv in 2003 Brusthom Ziamani, jailed 12 years later for planning to kill in the streets of London The trial also heard that Rahman - previously convicted of soliciting to murder - went on Facebook to tell his followers that migration to IS territory was a "duty". "Let's be clear, the Muslims in the Khilafah need help," he wrote, after communicating with a British fighter who urged him to find recruits.

“The one who is capable to go over and help the Muslims, must go and help." Commander Dean Haydon, head of the Met Police's counter-terrorism unit, said the case which led to the conviction of Choudary and Rahman was a "significant prosecution in our fight against terrorism". He said: "These men have stayed just within the law for many years, but there is no-one within the counter terrorism world that has any doubts of the influence that they have had, the hate they have spread and the people that they have encouraged to join terrorist organisations. "Over and over again we have seen people on trial for the most serious offences who have attended lectures or speeches given by these men.

"The oath of allegiance was a turning point for the police - at last we had the evidence that they had stepped over the line and we could prove they supported ISIS." He said the trial had considered over 20 years' worth of material over more than 333 electronic devices containing 12.1 terabytes of storage data. Sue Hemming, the head of counter terrorism at the Crown Prosecution Service, said the men "knowingly sought to legitimise a terrorist organisation and encouraged others to support it".

"They used the power of social media to attempt to influence those who are susceptible to these types of messages, which might include the young or vulnerable," she added. Choudary currently has more than 32,000 followers on Twitter and his account can still be viewed online, despite requests for its removal in August last year and the following March. He and Rahman will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on 6 September. The flag of Islam will fly over Downing Street, was his favourite prediction, followed by some kind of rhetorical flourish.

“The Muslims are rising to establish the Sharia... Pakistan, Afghanistan and perhaps, my dear Muslims, Londonistan." He would greet the journalists with a smile, and some guile, dressed up as charm. He liked playing games. It gave him a sense that he was winning. Except it wasn't a game. The evidence now shows that Anjem Choudary is one of the most dangerous men in Britain. Not a bomb-maker. Not a facilitator. But an ideologue, a thinker, who encouraged others not to stop and think for themselves before they turned to violence to implement their shared worldview. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 52

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

Hackers Auction Files 'Stolen From NSA’ A group of hackers calling itself Shadow Brokers claims to have stolen a collection of malware files from a group linked to the US National Security Agency (NSA). The hackers are holding a bitcoin auction and say they will give the code to the highest bidder. Experts said that a sample they have released for verification could be genuine. Whistle-blowing website Wikileaks tweeted that it also had the data.

In a message on file-sharing site Pastebin, Shadow Brokers describes its haul as "cyber weapons" and says it is offering programs "made by creators of Stuxnet, Duqu, Flame" - high profile forms of computer malware said to be government-sponsored. The department Shadow Brokers claims to have stolen it from is named by security company Kaspersky as the Equation Group, which is believed to be linked to the US security services. There is no end date for the auction, but the group says that it will send decryption instructions to the winner "when we feel it is time to end".

It also says it may release the code for free if it receives bids totalling more than one million bitcoins (£438m). But all bidders must pay the full amount up front and will not be refunded even if theirs is not the winning bid. Shadow Brokers' account on Tumblr has disappeared. And it does not commit to honouring any of its promises. In an FAQ about trust, it says: "No trust, risk. You like reward, you take risk, maybe win, maybe not, no guarantees." It also claims the Equation Group does not know what has been stolen.

Cybersecurity expert Dr Steven Murdoch, from University College London, told the BBC: "It is extraordinary that a

government based (or at least government supported) group would get comprehensively hacked, but there is evidence indicating that this may have actually happened," "Now that the vulnerabilities that the group were exploiting have been disclosed, they will be fixed and new ones will have to be discovered, at significant expense.

"However, if indeed these techniques were used by the NSA, they will be very worried that there is now enough information leaked that would allow forensics experts to attribute hacking attacks to the NSA, both disrupting ongoing operations and causing embarrassment."

(BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 53

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

Nazi Gold Train: Team Starts Poland Dig Despite Doubts Treasure hunters have begun digging at a site in south-western Poland where they believe a Nazi train, laden with stolen gems and arms, is hidden. Experts say there is no evidence that the legendary train exists there. The explorers - led by Piotr Koper from Poland and Andreas Richter from Germany - said ground-penetrating radar results were "very promising". They think the train was hidden in a tunnel in 1945.

The dig, near the city of Walbrzych, may take up to 10 days.

Since World War Two there have been rumours that a train full of loot and guns disappeared into a complex of tunnels - part of a secret military project which the Nazis never ďŹ nished. At the time the Soviet Red Army was advancing into the heart of Nazi Germany. The Nazis had many miles of tunnels constructed near Walbrzych during the war. In December Prof Janusz Madej from Krakow's AGH University of Science and Technology said its geological survey of the site had found no evidence of a train. "There may be a tunnel. There is no train," he told a press conference in Walbrzych.

A spokesman for the treasure-hunting team, Andrzej Gaik, told reporters on Tuesday: "We have to ďŹ nd a railway track, probably the entrance to a railway tunnel and, if the tunnel exists, there should be a train there." Local folklore said an armoured train had been carrying gold from what is now the Polish city of Wroclaw as the Soviet army closed in. It was said to have gone missing near Ksiaz castle, 3km (two miles) from Walbrzych. (BBC)

A yellow bulldozer started digging in woodland near Walbrzych(AFP)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 54

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

Kathleen Kane, Pennsylvania Top Lawyer, To Face Prison Those embarrassing emails led to the resignation of two state Supreme Court justices, and other top government employees. She will stay on as the top lawyer for the state unless she resigns or until she is formally sentenced, or her term runs out. Several lawmakers have vowed to use obscure legal manoeuvres to remove her if she does not voluntarily step down. "What she did while she was the attorney general, the fact she would commit criminal acts while the top prosecutor, is a disgrace,'' assistant district attorney Michelle Henry said after the verdict. The judge has released Kane on bail after She was found guilty of leaking sealed court documents intended to requiring her to forfeit her passport to prevent her from leaving the embarrass a rival prosecutor, Frank Fina, who Kane believed had country. planted a news story claiming that she had ended a statehouse sting operation. An aide for Kane testified during the trial that she became Before being released the judge also warned Kane that there would be "hell-bent on getting back at Frank Fina", and described her additional consequences if there were any signs that she was behaviour as "unhinged". She instructed her aides to leak the retaliating against witnesses. Several of her top aides testified against information the news media, and later lied under oath when her during the trial in exchange for immunity. Kane, once a rising star questioned by state officials. In her first year as attorney general, of the Democratic Party, assumed office in 2013 becoming the first Kane pursued policies favouring gun control and marriage equality woman, and the first Democrat, to hold the position of attorney During the trial, Kane declined to testify, and her defence team did not general. She had not held an elected position before then. She now call a single witness to the stand. She claims to be the victim of an faces a maximum sentence of 28 years in prison, however a lesser "old-boys" network that are taking revenge on her for revealing lewd sentence is expected. (BBC) messages sent by government employees using state email servers.

The top law enforcement official in the US state of Pennsylvania has been convicted of several crimes after she leaked documents critical of a rival. Kathleen Kane, was found guilty of all nine counts including conspiracy, official oppression and perjury. Perjury, which is a serious charge, can alone carry a penalty of seven years in prison.

Her license to practice law has been suspended and the governor has urged her to resign immediately. Kane, 50, is due to be sentenced within 90 days, and has vowed to appeal.

Pennsylvania politicians are calling on Kane to resign immediately following her conviction(AP)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 55

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

China Launches QuantumEnabled Satellite Micius China has successfully launched the world's first quantum-enabled satellite, state media said. It was carried on a rocket which blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in China's north west early on Tuesday. The satellite is named after the ancient Chinese scientist and philosopher Micius. The project tests a technology that could one day offer digital communication that is "hack-proof".

distances involved. But aside from the tricky physics, there is also the difficult matter of firing tiny sub-atomic particles at precise targets on the ground, across vast distances, while travelling incredibly fast through space. There are good reasons this is the first attempt.

Why China? It has the money. China has allocated vast amounts of money for basic scientific research in its latest five-year development plan. It's also willing to take big risks on some as-yet unproven technologies. But while China is leading the project, officially titled Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS), Austria is also involved. The scientist who first proposed the idea to the European Space Agency (ESA), without success, in 2001, is University of Vienna physicist Anton Zeilinger.

But even if it succeeds, it is a long way off that goal, and there is some mind-bending physics to get past first. How does it work? The satellite will create pairs of so-called entangled photons - tiny subatomic particles of light whose properties are dependent on each other - beaming one half of each pair down to base stations in China and Austria. This special kind of laser has several curious properties, one of which is known as "the observer effect" - its quantum state He is now working on the latest project under the man whose PhD he cannot be observed without changing it. once supervised, Pan Jianwei of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

So, if the satellite were to encode an encryption key in that quantum Are other countries also trying this? Yes, but with smaller, less risky state, any interception would be obvious. It would also change the projects. Canada, the US, Japan, the European Space Agency and key, making it useless. If it works, it will solve the central problem of others are also involved in the field. The UK's University of encrypted communications - how to distribute keys without Strathclyde has also teamed up with the National University of interception - promising hack-proof communications. The encrypted Singapore to do quantum experiments on board tiny satellites. But message itself can be transmitted normally after the key exchange. China's is by far the most ambitious project to date. If its attempt fails, Has it been done before? Not from space, making this launch the others' relative caution may seem sensible. If it succeeds, they will be playing catch-up fast. experimental.

But fibre-optic quantum key distribution networks already exist in Europe, the US and China. The signals weaken over distance though, which this project is hoping to minimise by sending the signals mostly through space, keeping attenuation to a minimum despite the

What are the applications? In the face of ever more powerful hacking and surveillance - which could one day also include powerful quantum computers - the security of commercial communications is also increasingly important. "Quantum computing is largely seen as the next big thing in communications," says Marc Einstein, Director of the Information Communications Technology (ICT) practice of Frost and Sullivan, Japan, citing secure transmission of credit card data as a likely early application. The broader technology has applications for precision too, he says, in everything from healthcare to industrial production. "There are millions of applications.

Some people say quantum computing could change everything." (BBC)

The rocket containing the satellite took off from the Gobi Desert(CHINA DAILY/REUTERS)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 56

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

Pakistani Girl, Parents Drown In Latest Selfie Deaths

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AFP) — An 11-year-old girl drowned on people not to go near the river. "Each year around a dozen people Tuesday after falling into a river in northern Pakistan while drown here," he said requesting not to be named. attempting to take a selfie and her parents also died trying to save her, “This is a tourist spot and people usually come here for picnic and officials said. The drownings occurred in the Kunhar river that flows most of them are outsiders who have no idea about the depth of the through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, at a hilly tourist spot in river," he said. So-called "selfie deaths" have surged with the global Beesian village, some 200 kilometres (120 miles) north of Islamabad. rise of smartphones. On July 5, Peruvian police recovered the body of The deep, rocky and fastflowing river is popular for white-water a South Korean tourist under a waterfall in the Amazon jungle, days after he fell in while taking a photo of himself. A week earlier a 51rafting.

"The girl, Safia Atif, was trying to take a selfie along the river when year-old German tourist plunged 200 metres (650 feet) to his death she slipped and fell," local police official Arshad Khan told AFP, while posing for a photo on a mountainside at Peru's top explaining the incident was witnessed by other tourists. Safia's archaeological site, Machu Picchu. (Jamaica Observer) mother Shazia Atif then jumped in to save her daughter but was swept away.

"Seeing both his wife and daughter drowning, the father Atif Hussain also jumped in to rescue them but he met a similar fate," Khan added. "The dead bodies of the mother and daughter have been recovered while we are still looking for the body of Hussain," he added.

He said the parents were doctors from Punjab province and had taken their family to the area on holiday. They are survived by a nine-year-old daughter and six-year-old son who witnessed the event. "Both of them are in the protective custody of the local administration and they will be handed over to their family members when they arrive," he said. The incident was confirmed by other administration officials and family members of the deceased. One official said the government had put up signs warning A tourist takes selfies as others visit Sao Jorge Castle in Lisbon on July 2, 2016. (Photo: AFP)

BuyAny1L ar georMedi umPi z z a&Get A 2L i t r eBus t aAbs ol ut el yF r ee F l av orof Y ourChoi c e

LOT12& 13FI FTH STREETAVENUESUBRYANVI LLESHERI FFST. GEORGETOWN DELI VERY:231-0745

We d n e s d a y A u g u s t 1 7 , 2 0 1 6 n r u T e s er a v e l o P

LOCAL PAGE 59

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

Businesses Continue To Suffer Excessive Taxes From GRA

The collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) for the first half of 2016 exceeded that of the corresponding period in 2015 by five percent. However, there was a significant decline on VAT collection from imports in the last 12 years, according to Chairman of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia. According to the mid-year report, as it relates to the performance of Guyana’s economy, presented by Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, $17.3B was collected in 2016 compared to $16.4B for the corresponding period in 2015.

Despite the increased collection of VAT overall, there has been a noticeable reduction on the amount of VAT collected on imports. Collection in this category declined by $1.4B, while VAT collected on domestic supplies, increased by $436.4M.

current state of the economy, the constant harassment by the Mayor and City Council, Customs and GRA, the introduction of new and increased taxes, the imminent Parking Meter fees, which are additional burden on the business community. Many businesses have been complaining to the Guyana Daily News about closures of their operations.

Business operators who wish to remain anonymous, are of the opinion that the Government do not have the right policies in place to foster the businesses in Guyana and are seriously contemplating investing in other countries. The Government had recently introduced a number of new taxes and fees, such as the container fee, whereby business operators will have to pay a fee of $25000 initially, for containers that are parked in front of This is a direct impact from the ongoing sluggish economy. The their business place, however, this amount was reduced to Commissioner General noted that increased collection on VAT $5000 pending change of the legislation. on domestic supplies has been credited to the raking in of almost $125M in VAT arrears and $74.7M from the local manufacturing and services sectors. Major industries in Guyana’s economy have recorded significant decline in their operations.

According to the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan in his midyear 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. It should be noted that the term ‘contracted’ is in essence a decline.

These facts show that the economy could be on the path to a financial collapse. Businesses are complaining about the

LOCAL PAGE 60

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

Central Bank Alarmed At Leakembezzled Of Confidential Info At SOCU or stole public monies for personal gain, accused

Bank of Guyana Governor, Dr Gobin Ganga has noted that the Bank is extremely concerned that confidential banking information had been leaked to the press and was widely published. Over the weekend various sections of the media had published the bank account numbers of Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency, Omar Shariff who is under investigation by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) over the alleged theft of billions of dollars.

The bank account numbers of 14 accounts, along with a summary of its balances and withdrawals were revealed and included information pointing to several asset holdings for Shariff, including shares in a number of local organizations which includes shares owned in two local banks and Banks DIH Limited. Dr Ganga, in a report published on iNews said that the Bankers Association is likely to make a formal pronouncement on the matter shortly and as Central Bank Governor he is “very worried” about the divulged information, since it can only serve the banking sector in a negative way and is likely to bring dispute about the bankers.

The matter was raised during recent consultations held on the draft State Asset Recovery Bill when Nazla Faizoul, Legal Officer of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) had fears about confidentiality and had questioned the security of the confidential information being passed onto agencies such as SOCU and State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU). Last week, Shariff, in relation to the allegations that he had laundered,

SOCU of leaking confidential information to the media.

According to the central bank Governor, the leakage of such confidential information can only serve to damage the public trust in the local banking sector and will hurt Guyana’s credibility on the international scene since such developments point to its enfeebled reliability to secure confidential information recalling that this was one of the reasons that the Bank of America had pulled out of Guyana.

He said that the BoG is monitoring the developments and is in fact looking to see what recourse is available to remedy the situation. In the past, the topic of leaked confidential information has generated much public debate since the SARU bills was presented to parliament and came back to the forefront of public opinion with the publishing of Shariff’s confidential information. -By- Pablo Cupido, Guyana Daily News.

LOCAL PAGE 61

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

GUYANA MUST TAKE THIS PATH TO BECOMING AN INDUSTRIALISED NATION Guyana’s successful path to the 21st century must move to becoming an Industrialized nation, it must have the right pro-business policies, competitive energy, educative energetic workforce, tax incentives, friendly legislation and environment is imperative to the reality of this dream. The most important being the Building of a Hydro Power Plant. According to the United Nations, manufacturing is an important employer, accounting for around 470 million jobs worldwide in 2009 – or around 16 per cent of the world’s workforce of 2.9 billion. In 2013, it is estimated that there were more than half a billion jobs in manufacturing.

Industrialization’s job multiplication effect has a positive impact on society. Every one job in manufacturing creates 2.2 jobs in other sectors. Small and medium-sized enterprises that engage in industrial processing and manufacturing are the most critical for the early stages of industrialization and are typically the largest job creators.

They make up over 90 per cent of business worldwide and account for between 50-60 per cent of employment. Guyana’s missed opportunity in becoming an industrialized nation lies with Amaila Falls Hydropower Project. This project would have seen GPL’s bill being brought down to 11.5 cents USD from 19.3 -20.7 cents USD per Kwh. The benefits of a Hydro Power Plant are numerous, and cannot be overstated. Hydropower uses water, meaning that it is clean energy, no fossil fuel is being used and therefore it will not aid in Global Warming. Hydropower will reduce significantly the energy bill of any manufacturing plant and it also has a longer life span. Although the initial cost to setup these venture is high, the long term benefits

will definitely outweigh the initial setup cost. Cheap energy is very essential for Industrialization. Competitive energy is essential for a successful industrialized nation along with adequate Infrastructure, will take Guyana to the next level.

In many emerging countries adequate infrastructure in communication, roads, schools, and health care are lacking. Poor infrastructure will become a barrier to trade, jobs will be affected, and lack of access to good education, farmers will have problems to get their produces from the satellite areas. The Government of Guyana should make this a priority when planning for the 21 Century.

Technology is essential for a developing nation, the world is linked by technology, whether be it trade, communication and infrastructure, the Government must place emphasis in this area, education in ICT must be had by everyone in Guyana.

Technology is the main driving force in any country becoming Industrialize. The work that goes on at our wharves everyday affects our lives. Approximately 90 percent of the goods that enter Guyana come via ships. From gas, cars, food items, medical supplies to the stationery in our offices, comes via Harbors and Ports, and is also the main exist to the rest of the world. Our Harbour is the main gate way to participation in the world trade, access to International Markets, as a matter of fact a significant amount of jobs in Guyana depends on the Ports and Harbors. The establishment of a deep water harbor is very significant to the development of the Economy.

With the establishment of online shipping agencies, where products are instantly being purchased from overseas, the items must be able to move from point A to B, hassle free. Guyana is strategically located for the establishment of a deep water harbor, it is the only English speaking country in South America, and is not land lock like most of the countries in South America. Brazil’s President and former President of Guyana Donald Ramotar, had discussion for the establishment of a deep water harbor.

With the establishment of a deep water harbor, Guyana will forge new trading partners and markets.

This is an important component of Industrialization, the products that will be manufactured will have to be exported, so the Government will have to set up the right environment to forge New Markets. Guyana will soon become an oil producing nation. In order for the country to adequately benefit from the proceeds of oil, the Government must have a blueprint for the 21 Century. Hydropower along with adequate infrastructure coupled with the building a deep water harbor and the necessary business policies, the country will gain from oil proceeds, and hence the path to an Industrialized Nation.

LOCAL PAGE 62

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

Man Charged With Threatening Grandmother Magistrate Fabayo Azore released Devon Smith on GY$5000 bail after he appeared before her charged with making use of threatening behavior towards his grandmother. Smith, 27, of Laing Avenue, pleaded not guilty to the charge. He told the court that he has no idea what is happening and he does not know what he did wrong. Smith will return on September 16, 2016. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

Man Threatens Wife With Knife After She Refused To Unlock Phone Magistrate Fabayo Azore today fined a gentleman by the name of Nelson GY$10,000 or three weeks imprisonment in default of the fine for the offense of making use of threatening behavior towards his common law wife of 12 years. Nelson was unrepresented and pleaded guilty with an explanation to the charge. The 35-year-old man told the court that on the day of the incident, he became upset when he picked up his wife’s phone to make a phone call and saw a lude message from an unknown number.

According to the man, an argument then ensued between them over the message and a couple days later, the issue was back up for discussion when he asked her to unlock her cellphone and she refused. Nelson noted that he then picked up a knife and threatened her to unlock the phone. The magistrate upon hearing this asked the Virtual Complainant if Nelson ever behaved in that manner before. She said no. Nelson issued a public apology to his wife and was then fined for the offense. By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

Importation Of Vehicles Older Than 8 Years Is Now Restricted

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the Guyana Revenue Authority reminded motor vehicle dealers and other importers that the recent legislative changes to the Customs Act restricts motor vehicles that are eight years and older, from the date of manufacture to the date of importation, from entering Guyana. GRA noted that this new Law already took effect from May 01, 2016.

According to the authority, it has already issued notices to this effect in the media and therefore urges vehicle importers to desist from purchasing such vehicles and attempting to import the restricted cars “since vehicles in contravention will be forfeited and disposed thereof, in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Laws. Other fines and penalties may also be imposed.” Importers should also note the restriction does not include heavy vehicles, namely trucks, Lorries, vehicles used in the agricultural and industrial sectors and special purpose vehicles. Finance Minister Winston Jordan had expressed the administration’s intentions to remove the excise tax on motor vehicles that are under four years old and lower than 1500cc.

These vehicles currently attract excise tax at a rate of 30 percent with an effective tax rate of 118.7 percent. With this removal, Jordan explained, the effective tax rate will be reduced to 68.2 percent. Another major impact from the budget would be the reduction of excise tax from 50 percent to 10 percent on motor vehicles under four years old – that is for vehicles between 1500cc and under 2000cc.

The effective tax rate of 152.3 percent for this category will be reduced to 85 percent. It was believes that vehicles, especially the popular Toyota Premio and Allion sedan family cars, would become cheaper. However, local car importers are asking Government to reconsider the proposed tax changes for used, imported cars, stating that an eight-year-old restriction will effectively drive prices up as the newer the cars will have more expensive prices.

LOCAL PAGE 63

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

Guyana Receiving Help From Argentina To Strengthen Local Blood Banking System Three medical personnel from the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) will be heading to Argentina on August 23 to partake capacity building exercises focused on Quality Management and Control in These human resource capacity building exercises, which will take place at the Garrahan Hospital in Argentina, represents phase two of a three year programme which falls within the framework of the SouthSouth Cooperation Agreement between the two South American Nations.

Acting Director of the NBTS, Dr. Pedro Lewis will be spending 2 weeks in Argentina, while Quality Manager, Ms. Davina Singh and Donor Organiser, Ms. Tonza Bamfield will be spending one week. Speaking at a press conference in the Ministry of Public Health’s boardroom today, Argentine Ambassador, Luis Martino explained that the overall aim of the programme is to improve the blood safety levels in Guyana by building and strengthening human capacity, knowledge and technology. Phase one of the programme saw Dr. Ana Del Pozo, who has a strong background in the blood services sector; and Dr. Sebastian Oknaian, an expert in quality control in blood transfusion visiting Guyana in 2013 and in December, 2015.

Ambassador Martino informed that upon the completion of the first phase, the experts shared with him that they detected many strengths at the NBTS. According to him, this upcoming phase will now allow the participants to have a first-hand view of the procedures and standards at the Garahang Hospital. This will, in his view, help in the development of a plan for ongoing capacity building in all the regions with a blood banking presence.

The third phase will entail a visit by the Argentine team to Guyana in December of this year, followed by the continuation of training for the three NBTS medical Ambassador Martino said that if all goes well with the three year programme, they are ready and willing to broaden the scope of the South-South Cooperation in health beyond blood transfusion to other areas such as medicine. Meanwhile, Acting Director of the NBTS, Dr. Pedro Lewis, explained that the NBTS has already been able to improve its services due to the visits by the consultants during the first phase of the programme.

Areas which have been improved include blood management and the collection of statistics. He thanked Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton as well as Ambassador Martino for the capacity building opportunities presented to him and his colleagues Ms. Singh and Ms. Bamfield also expressed gratitude for the opportunity and both stressed the importance of the work that they do at the NBTS. They spoke of the importance of the capacity building exercises and assured that they will grasp all of the knowledge and experience that they can in Argentina, so that they can share such with their colleagues in the other regions. In addition to the NBTS in the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) compound, Guyana also has a blood banking presence at the Suddie Regional Hospital, West Demerara Regional Hospital, New Amsterdam Regional Hospital and the Linden Hospital Complex.

Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton expressed gratitude to the Argentine Government for their technical support in the implementation of the programme. He stressed that the Ministry of Public Health is working assiduously to improve health care Services in General.

Ministry of Public Health Press Release

LOCAL PAGE 64

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

CXC 2016 Results Released The Caribbean Examination Council today held a conference announcing the results of the May/June 2016 Examination with this year’s top performer being Fatima Karim of Saint Roses High School who attained 19 grade ones and a single grade two. Present at the head table of the conference were Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dilma Nedd, Superintendent of Examinations Ms. Kadir, Director of NCRED Jennifer Cumberbatch and the Chief Education Officer and the Assistance Chief Education Officer. The list of the Guyana’s Top Performers included 157 candidates those of who would have achieved grade one passes in eight subjects or more.

Of the 157 candidates there were 46 who secured grade one passes in 11 or more subjects. The top ten candidates being from 5 different schools namely St. Roses High School, Queen’s College, Sarawati Vidya Nakitan, Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School and Skeldon Line Path Secondary.

The Top Ten performers being: · Fatima Karim 19 Ones, 1 Two ·

Kayshav Tewan

– St. Roses High School – –Queen’s College – 19 Ones

· Aadilah Ali – Queen’s College – 18 ones , 3 Twos, 1 Three

· Ramkumarie Ramdass Nakitan - 18 Ones, 1 Twos ·

Sarawati Vidya

Sariah Singh – Queen’s College – 18 Ones

· Jousha Indarjit - Skeldon Line Path Secondary – 17 Ones · Kimberly Najab - Sarawati Vidya Nakitan – 15 Ones, 3 Twos · Kevall Lall - Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School – 15 Ones · Pritisha Baldeo - Sarawati Vidya Nakitan – 14 Ones, 3 Twos, 3 Threes · Narindra Persaud - Sarawati Vidya Nakitan – 14 Ones, 3 Twos, 3 Threes.

LOCAL PAGE 65

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

Public Officers Who Break The Law Should Not Be Afforded Immunity-AG Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General (AG), Basil Williams, during a press briefing on Monday at his Chambers, Carmichael Street, told the media that public officials who pillage state assets should be persecuted despite immunity. The Attorney General said Public officials who are provided immunity under the Constitution will not be protected from the State Assets Recovery Bill once it has been found that state property was unlawfully acquired.

Guyana’s Constitution provides immunity against civil or criminal proceedings, in particular for the president, “during his term of office or thereafter” (Article 1821). However, the Attorney General pointed out that constitutional provision is a “question for debate.” “In terms of pillaging the assets of this country, equally we will argue that the immunity that purports

to in here, in the constitution, doesn’t afford him (or her) any defence,” the Attorney General said.

The Minister added that acts of crime such as corruption should not afford public officials immunity from the law. The draft State Assets Recovery Bill empowers the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) to recover state assets unlawfully acquired by public officials or other persons through civil proceedings. The issue of immunity was first brought up during national consultations of the draft Bill which was held last week at the Pegasus hotel. Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Cecil Dhurjon said that the Bill does not make provisions to address the issue of immunity. However, anyone who commits a crime is subject to persecution according to the laws, Dhurjon pointed out. (GINA)

LOCAL PAGE 66

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

Woman Charged With Assault Sheron Hartmon appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court charged with unlawfully and maliciously assaulting Farleen Shafeek with intent to cause bodily harm. Hartmon who lives in North Cummingsburg, was not represented and pleaded not guilty to the charge. She was granted GY$25,000 bail and will return on September 16, 2016. It is alleged that on August 1, 2016 at New Market Street, Georgetown, Hartmon and Shafeek got into an argument which further ensued into a physical altercation. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

Sophia Man Granted Bail Following Fight At GPHC Terence Patterson today also appeared before Magistrate Azore charged with unlawfully and maliciously assaulting Shondel Clarke with intent to cause bodily harm. Patterson, 51, who hails from Sophia, was not represented and pleaded not guilty to the charge. There was no objection to bail buy the prosecution and Patterson was granted GY$10,000 bail and will return to court on September 16. It is alleged that on August 15. 2016 at the Georgetown Public Hospital, Patterson assaulted Clarke. -ByJarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

$5000 Bail For Man Who Allegedly Broke Car Window Rosco McIntyre appeared before Magistrate Azore charged with unlawfully causing damage to the property of Ganesh Vishnauth. McIntyre, 25, pleaded not guilty and there was no objection to bail by the prosecution. He was released on GY$5000 bail and is set to also return on September 16, 2016. It is alleged that on August 12, 2016 at Meadowbrook Georgetown, McIntyre physically assaulted and damaged the back window of the motor car which is property of Vishnauth. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

REGIONAL PAGE 67

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

MP Promises Ten Gold Medals In Tokyo Games

A $23 million indoor sporting complex was opened for business yesterday in Sangre Grande and the expectations were high from politicians for those who use the facility. Toco/Sangre Grande MP, Glenda Jennings-Smith, went so far as to promise that for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 athletes from the eastern region would bring home ten gold medals. So far, for the Rio Olympics campaign none of T&T competitors have earned any medals. Jennings-Smith referred to the accomplishment of Toco resident, Keshorn Walcott, who captured gold in javelin in the 2012 games in London, saying Walcott had to travel out of the region to train.

Sports Minister Darryl Smith publicly praised former MP for the constituency and former sports minister Roger Boynes as one of the main people who championed the call for the complex to be constructed in Sangre Grande. He said the facility was about 60 per cent completed when the PNM came into office in September 2015 and could not understand why it was not completed by the former administration. He said while the facility was only marked for

MP for Toco Sangre Grande, Glenda Jennings-Smith, second from left, congratulates Sports Minister, Darryl Smith, second from right, following the unveiling of a plaque at yesterday’s opening of the North Eastern Regional Multi-purpose Sports Facility in Sangre Grande. Also in photo is chairman of the regional corporation, Terry Rondon, left, and former government minister Roger Boynes. PHOTOS: RALPH BANWARIE

basketball, he

h o p e d othe r athletes would use it for

other games. He said the youth of the nation wanted to have a voice and he was making every effort to accommodate them.

The minister said the abandoned Brian Lara Cricket Complex in Tarouba would be opened in December. Responding to negative comments on social media regarding T&T athletes participating in the Rio Olympics, Smith said it was the biggest team of athletes sent to the Olympics. He said it was the first time T&T had so many female competitors on its team and it was the youngest team ever sent to an Olympics.

He called upon those making negative comments on social media about T&T athletes to refrain from doing so and instead should give their support, respect and love. Terry Rondon, chairman of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation, said there were so much sports in the region but there were no facilities for the training of athletes. He said he too was confident world class athletes would emerge from the facility. He appealed to the Minister of Sports to have staff housed at the facility. (Trinidad Guardian)

REGIONAL PAGE 68

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

Fisherfolk Protest Market’s Closure

Vendors and fishermen at the Otaheite Fish Market burned tyres with the dead fish.” outside the market yesterday, blocking the roadway and preventing Threatening further protests, Charles said the vendors would not refurbishment works from starting on the compound. Around 1 pm stand down. “No work will be taking place in the community until the yesterday, the vendors threw old tyres across the roadway leading minister meets with us. We will protest every single day until he into the market and set them ablaze as they warned employees of comes,” he added. Minister: No request for meeting Contacted for Pioneer Construction 2000 Ltd against starting any work on the site. comment yesterday, Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat said Pioneer was contracted by Government to conduct refurbishment he had received no request for a meeting from the vendors and no works on the facility. The vendors chanted in front of the fire, calling requests for compensation either. on Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat to visit and speak to Asked if he would try to meet with the vendors given the current situation, Rambharat said: "There is a fisheries officer assigned to that them.

President of the Otaheite Vendors Association, Clement Charles, said area and a director of fisheries. The fishing association should be after meeting with officials from the Fisheries Division on Monday, dealing with the representatives of the Fisheries Division of the the vendors needed Rambharat’s intervention. “Right now we are Ministry." However, he added: "If it becomes necessary to meet with calling on the Minister of Agriculture to come and address the me, I am always available to meet. To date no one has asked to meet vendors because there is a contract awarded to Pioneer Construction with me." (Trinidad Guardian) 2000 Ltd and the members right now are disagreeing with the work they are organising to perform on the market and on the compound,” Clement said. Outlining the issues plaguing the industry in recent times, Charles said: “We need the minister to come down and address the people because earlier on, we had a fish spill and then an oil spill and our vendors are being affected presently where they can’t take care of their families in terms of making sales because the general public has been panicking recently.”

He said the proposed works for the upgrade of the facility would take about eight weeks but the vendors had no alternative accommodation until it was finished. “Now they are going to shut down here for about two months and we need some kind of monetary compensation that the vendors could take care of their families because this is school time... we need books. “We are losing money daily because the public is waiting on the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), Fish vendor Vishnu Cyril shows his disapproval on the timing of refurbishment works to the the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) and the Caribbean Otaheite Fishing Facility during a protest yesterday.

PHOTO: RISHI RAGOONATH Industrial Research Institute (Cariri) to address the situation

REGIONAL PAGE 69

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

I Suffer Like A Dog In Cell

San Fernando resident Anthony Gaskin, who spent a night in a cell and was fined $250 for littering the road with a styrofoam cup, believes he was unfairly treated by the police. However, PC Ramchairth, the officer who arrested and charged Gaskin, has caught the attention of environmental activist Marc de Verteuil, who has hailed him as hero. Speaking with reporters yesterday at his home at Embacadere, San Fernando, Gaskin felt the police had spited him by not giving station bail for “such a minor offence.

“I suffer like a dog (in the police station cell) on Sunday,” said Gaskin as he recalled the incident. Gaskin, who is unemployed, was arrested shortly after 9 am on Sunday at Mucurapo Street and taken to the San Fernando Police Station, where he remained until Monday morning when he was taken before a San Fernando magistrate charged with littering.

He pleaded guilty before Senior Magistrate Nanette Forde-John and was fined $250. The magistrate scolded Gaskin for his actions, saying if everyone acted like him the country would be a dirty place.

She ordered him to pay $70 forthwith and gave him seven days to pay the balance of the fine or else face jail time.

Shaking his head as he recalled his experience yesterday, Gaskin, who will celebrate his 54th birthday next Tuesday, said he went to the grocery to buy ingredients to cook lunch, which consisted of lentil peas, rice and liver, for his two daughters. On his way back home, Gaskin said he stopped and bought a drink of puncheon. “When I done I just throw the cup on the road and the police van stop and the officers just come and handcuff me,” he said. At the time, Gaskin said he was not sure for what he was being arrested.

He said, however, he was told by the police that after they took his fingerprints he would be granted his own bail but that never happened. “I had to lie down on the cold concrete (in the cell). It did not feel good at all. They had no right to keep me in there for so long for that petty offence. That offence come like gambling and obscene language. What they did was wrong,” he added. Gaskin said the pack of liver was put in the refrigerator in the station after he complained to the police it would spoil. Although he was offered meals at the station, Gaskin said he declined. While he is aware that littering is against the law, Gaskin said he never thought he would be arrested for the offence.

But Gaskin, who admitted he had previous run-ins with the law, said he had put the incident behind him and offered this advice to other people: “Do not litter.” He said he was released from the cell shortly after the case was called after the officer who charged him went to the station and retrieved the $70 he had on him when he was arrested and took it to him so he could pay the court. Gaskin said he has been going through difficult financial issues and even received an eviction notice from the Housing Development Corporation. He appealed to members of the public to help him find a job so he could keep his home and improve his living conditions.

Kudos from environmentalist However, environmentalist Marc de Verteuil, who publicly commended Ramchairth as a hero on his Facebook page, said in an email to this newspaper that while he could not comment on the police procedure, he would like to commend

Ramchairth for taking a leadership stance in the war on litter.

“Trinidad is slowly becoming a labasse with people thinking it is perfectly okay to drop their trash where they stand.

“If all police acted like Constable Ramchairth, 99 per cent of littering would stop. Constable Ramchairth is my hero for the day.” De Verteuil offered the officer, through his company WOW Expeditions, a free, private tour, for him, his wife and children “to say thank you on behalf of a litter-weary nation.” He said Ramchairth was a fine example to all. (Trinidad Guardian)

REGIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Hinds Warns Road Contractors: Quality Work Or Face Blacklist Road work contractors can face a blacklist if they submit shoddy talk.” He added: “Forgive him, he knows not of what he speaks. Very PAGE 70

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

work which begin to fall apart before the expiration of 15 to 20 years, recently we went to the constituency of Naparima to attend to says Works and Transport Minister Fitzgerald Hinds. Maintaining his problems there so what you would have heard from that MP is just the Government was committed to getting value for money, Hinds said usual political small talk. contractors who failed to deliver quality work would not be “We have told the country in our campaign, we told this country for contracted in the future. He said when roads were repaired, they 60 years, we told this country by our example and by our leadership, expected 15 to 20 years of service from them. He said if it meant that we govern for the benefit for all of Trinidad and Tobago. “That is spending extra time and money to address drainage and other issues, the reason why we are in Government today. The people understood it would be done. “We need to have smooth roads without having to that and they voted resoundingly for a PNM Government. And we are be dancing through manholes and potholes. In this country, like it wise enough to know that if you want this country to develop and you want this country to do well, you can’t look at selected areas, so you happens in other parts of the world, it can be done, it must be done.

So the contractors who come out, they will not be giving us sub- can ignore him.” standard work, they will give us quality work, otherwise they won’t Last weekend, Indarsingh accused the Government of discriminating get to work for us again,” Hinds said during a tour of Chatham against Freeport residents who used Beaucarro Road. He said he yesterday. His visit came three months after Chatham residents wrote to Hinds on three occasions, pleading for repair works on the protested for repairs to a landslip that threatened to cut them off from road but all his requests have fallen on deaf ears. He questioned the rest of the country. Hinds told residents that work would begin whether the stoppage of work was an act of political discrimination before the end of next month. But that news was somewhat subdued against the residents, adding millions are being spent on remedial as when Hinds and Point Fortin MP Edmund Dillon visited the works on the Southern Main Road, La Brea, which is a PNM community yesterday, four new landslips had developed along the constituency. (Trinidad Guardian) Southern Main Road. Promising those slippages will also be repaired, Hinds said assessments would have to be done first and contracts issued.

However, he again stressed that the country did not generate the amount of revenues it did when oil and gas prices were high. “It takes money to care,” Hinds told a handful of residents gathered under a tent near one of the landslips. At least two of the landslips created one-lane traffic and a resident said they worsened with each rainfall. Hinds said his technical officers, who accompanied him on the trip, had a look at the landslips and plans were underway to shore up the areas to prevent further slippage. “My focus was initially on the slope slippage a bit up from here. That was what Minister Dillon focused our attention on and we sorted it out and we are ready to get on with that. I came to deal with one matter and he has given me more.

“Right behind us is a very recent development so we have our experts here and they have already cast their eyes on that and we will get Earth Investigations Systems Ltd to come here very shortly and conduct some soil test,” Hinds said. As with other project, Hinds said he did not have the cost. He also promised to have Richardson Road Extension, Point Fortin, paved when funding became available. The road is expected to be used as an alternative route to access the Guapo beach to ease the usual weekend traffic congestion.

Forgive Indarsingh Responding to Couva South MP Rudranath Indarsingh’s accusation that Government was politically discriminating against Freeport residents, Hinds said the PNM had always governed all of T&T. For this reason, he said, the Works and Transport Minister, Fitzgerald Hinds, left, along with director of Pure, Hayden Phillip citizenry elected them into Government and and National Security Minister Edmund Dillon assess a landslip along the Southern Main Road, Chatham, yesterday. PHOTO: KRISTIAN DE SILVA Indarsingh’s claims were merely “political small

REGIONAL PAGE 71

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

Sunrise Airways On Final Approach To Jamaica PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Wednesday, August 17, 2016 – Haiti-based Sunrise Airways today announced that it has entered into the final phase of its application process toward initiating its first-ever flights to Jamaica. “Our journey to this point has been long, with some minor turbulence endured along the way, but I’m very pleased to say that we are now, indeed, on final approach to spread our wings to Jamaica this fall,” said Philippe Bayard, President of Sunrise Airways.

Building upon its initial plan to serve the Kingston–Port-auPrince route, Sunrise has vastly expanded its commitment to the Jamaica market.

“Our current application to the J a m a i c a n C i v i l Av i a t i o n Authority features a total of 25 HAITIAN CARRIER SUNRISE AIRWAYS ANTICIPATES RECEIVING FINAL possible new routes,” said APPROVAL BY SEPTEMBER 2016 ON FIRST-EVER FLIGHTS TO/FROM JAMAICA. Bayard. “Unique to our plan, Sunrise intends to be the only airline serving all three of Jamaica’s international gateways – as unique leisure travel options enabling vacationers to experience Norman Manley in Kingston, Sangster International in Montego Bay, the best of both countries in a more seamless fashion.” and Ian Flemming International Airport in Ocho Rios – with overseas Sunrise Airways will deploy its flagship ATR 42-320 aircraft on its new Jamaica routes. With newly refurbished cabins, a maximum flights.” seating capacity of 46 seats, in-flight service, onboard lavatory, ample Sunrise Airways’ proposed new flights from Jamaica will connect all overhead space, legroom, and cargo capacity, Sunrise ATR’s are three of the country’s international airports with destinations in Haiti, setting a new standard for excellence in Western Caribbean skies. the Dominican Republic, and Cuba. “We see tremendous potential Sunrise Airways anticipates receiving final clearance from the for growth along all of our proposed lines of flying, especially the Jamaican Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) by September 1, 2016 for Jamaica–Cuba routes,” said Bayard. “We’re committed to serving the launch of its new Jamaica flights during the fall of 2016. more of Cuba from more of Jamaica than any other airline, creating (Caribbean360) valuable links for foreign commercial and cultural exchange, as well

REGIONAL PAGE 72

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

Sandals Acted Illegally, SaysbackBahamas Labour Minister to us within 24 hours,” Gibson said. “However, after not hearing

NASSAU, Bahamas -- Bahamas minister of labour Shane Gibson on Monday claimed that officials at Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort were demanding that the 600-plus employees they made redundant sign a deed of release in order to receive their redundancy package.

He called the move “illegal”. In a communication to Parliament, Gibson said, “We were advised that Sandals was demanding that employees being made redundant sign a deed of release.

“I understand that this is illegal, as the law does not require employees being made redundant to sign such a document for redundancy money that they are entitled to.” Sandals plans to close for renovations until sometime in October. The government admitted to being blindsided by the move. On Sunday, Gibson said the ministry of labour did not learn of Sandals’ plans to close until an August 2 letter advising of the closure was “leaked” to the media.

He said up to Monday, Sandals’ management had yet to respond directly to a letter the ministry of labour wrote dated August 4. “We have never had a major employer in this country proceed this way in making hundreds of employees redundant without first meeting with the ministry of labour,” Gibson said. “I am again calling on the National Tripartite Council to move post haste for updating our redundancy laws, making it mandatory that proper notice be given and consultation take place before moving to make employees redundant.”

Gibson noted that he requested a meeting on August 3 and met with [Sandals] CEO Adam Stewart. He said it was suggested during that meeting that Sandals lay off the employees, instead of making them redundant. “They told us they would consider this suggestion and get

Minister of Labour Shane Gibson

from them, my ministry wrote Sandals a letter on August 4 requesting Sandals’ latest position and further details on the proposed closure.

“Sandals has yet to respond to my ministry.

“Instead, resort representatives wrote to the attorney general and copied the ministry of labour on Friday, August 12, informing us of their decision. “We were advised the resort would be closed [for] eight weeks beginning today. “Mr Speaker, we got the letter on Friday advising us that the resort will be closed for eight weeks beginning today to carry out repairs and renovations to the Sandals property.

“The resort informed us that this work could not be carried out in the presence of guests, therefore staff members will be let go with the exception of 44 Bahamian managers, 13 work permit holders and 44 line staff. “... Additionally, some 60 line staff members have been retained and will be sent to Sandals Emerald Bay, Exuma. “That letter did not include the necessary details for my ministry to proceed how we normally do. “In fact, we are still waiting on a response to a letter we sent 11 days ago.” In a statement, opposition leader Dr Hubert Minnis questioned how the government could allow the resort to close and make workers redundant without engaging in dialogue to ease the impact. Just over a week ago, Prime Minister Perry Christie told The Nassau Guardian he was deeply concerned about the looming closure of Sandals and had personally intervened in the matter. When asked about the matter on Monday in the foyer of the House of Assembly, Christie declined to comment. (Caribbean News Now!)

REGIONAL PAGE 73

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

Training Exercise Held For CARICOM's Primary Disaster Relief Unit BRIDGETOWN, Barbados -- Thirty-two participants from the disciplined forces, including police, military and fire services, successfully completed four days of training in preparation for their role in providing relief and humanitarian assistance in the event of a disaster. The annual training workshop of the CARICOM Disaster Relief Unit (CDRU) was held at the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency’s (CDEMA) headquarters in Barbados from August 8 to 12, 2016.

The training was facilitated by CDEMA in collaboration with the Regional Security System Headquarters (RSS HQ) with funding from the US government through the US Southern Command. The CDRU is one of the specialised teams trained by CDEMA each year as part of the Regional Response Mechanism (RRM).The RRM is coordinated by CDEMA to provide humanitarian and technical support in a timely manner if requested by any of the CDEMA’s 18 participating states.

The system is extremely dependent on the readiness and willingness of the governments of participating states, regional institutions, key development partners, agencies of the United Nations and humanitarian partners to work together in offering immediate assistance when the call comes from the CDEMA Coordinating Unit.

From 1992 -2015 the Regional Response Mechanism has been in action 17 times and in several instances to multiple islands at the same time.

The response has been to disasters resulting from volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and weather related events. In his feature address at the closing ceremony last Friday, Ronald Jackson, executive director of

CDEMA said, “I am very proud of what we have accomplished together, not just this week but over the past 25 years of CDERA’s/CDEMA’s existence. Whilst many were talking about civil/military cooperation and coordination, the CARICOM Community under the leadership of CDEMA and in partnership with the RSS and the region’s military, security and fire chiefs were actually actively doing it.”

“The significance of the RRM and the CDRU should not be understated. There is real capacity in the region to assist our participating states,” he added. The CDRU comprises military, fire and police assets drawn from the 18 CDEMA participating states. The Unit is deployed to provide humanitarian assistance in direct support to the civil authorities of any state affected by natural or technological hazards. The CDRU's mission is to conduct disaster response and relief operations and its main tasks include the management of relief supplies, emergency telecommunications and the provision of appropriate personnel for repairing critical lifeline facilities.

The four-day training included introductions to disaster management, national disaster management and the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), introductions to the Regional Supply Tracking System (RSTS), incident command system, urban search and rescue in CDEMA participating states, dignity and human rights and civil/military coordination. The training concluded with a field training exercise that allowed the Unit to perform their specific roles in a hazard impact scenario with bases established at the airport and sea port.

The field exercise setting allowed for the various phases of operations to be tested – from alert to deactivation. The CDRU is activated, mobilised and deployed by the Regional Security System's Central Liaison Office (RSS/CLO) in consultation with and on behalf of CDEMA. Its operations are guided by the CDRU operational plan, standing operating procedures and a m e m o r a n d u m o f understanding between CDEMA and the RSS. (Caribbean News Now!)

Members of CDRU team participating in the field training exercise at the Regional Security System Headquarters, Paragon, Christ Church, Barbados

REGIONAL PAGE 74

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

Vincentians Benefit From Two Major USAID Projects

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent -- Vincentians are benefitting from a modernized juvenile justice system and are better equipped to adapt to climate change as a result of two major projects supported by the US government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in collaboration with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). United States deputy chief of mission to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean and the OECS, Laura Griesmer, highlighted these developments during a close-out ceremony for the St Vincent and the Grenadines phase of the Caribbean regional US$5.8 million “Juvenile Justice Reform Project” and the US$9.5 million “Rallying the Region to Action on Climate Change” project.

Griesmer told the gathering that of this US$15.3 million regional investment, the US government provided approximately $1.3 million in assistance to support reform efforts in St Vincent’s juvenile justice sector and $1.5 million to improve the country’s resilience to climate change. Commending the St Vincent and the Grenadines government for improving its juvenile justice system, she praised the local implementing committee for ensuring that programming was integrated across both the public and non-governmental sector and that the island’s social services department was reorganized to enhance efficiency.

“These accomplishments are exciting, as they demonstrate a willingness to make appropriate changes in systems and procedures within the context of juvenile justice reform. As a result, the treatment of youth in conflict with the law has vastly improved and greater

advocacy for children’s rights and holistic juvenile justice reform exists both at this facility and in the country,” Griesmer stated. She commended the youth present for their willingness to make positive changes that would ultimately benefit their family, community, and country. To help reform the country’s juvenile justice system and meet international standards, the US envoy noted that the juvenile justice reform project supported the development of a national juvenile justice strategy and a draft child justice bill, which seeks to protect vulnerable children placed before the judicial system.

She further noted that over 200 juvenile justice practitioners and media personnel had undergone extensive and specialized training to enhance their knowledge of modern approaches resulting in improved treatment of youth within the system. In addition to making significant progress on juvenile justice reforms, Griesmer said under the RRACC project the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines also “took positive steps toward enhancing its resilience to climate change.”

To combat severe water scarcity, USAID supported a rainwater harvesting and disaster management demonstration project at six designated disaster shelters in St Vincent and Bequia. In Bequia, additional water storage was provided for the island’s desalination plant and distribution lines installed to facilitate reliable access to freshwater. “Turning public buildings and disaster shelters into water catchment centers provides a welcome solution to citizens who lack access to water during severe droughts and emergencies,” said Griesmer. “This drastically improves sanitation, health, and the wellbeing for vulnerable communities – particularly following natural disasters when the groundwater is polluted and infrastructure is damaged.

USAID Mission Director, Chris Cushing delivers remarks at the close out of the USAID projects in St Vincent and the Grenadines

By working together with the communities to develop and implement climate smart techniques, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has a more dependable supply of clean water and increased capacity for climate change adaptation and resilience.” Reiterating t h e U S g o v e r n m e n t ’s continued commitment to supporting future juvenile justice and regional climate change initiatives, Griesmer said the activities and lessons learned in St Vincent and the Grenadines were models that could be easily replicated across the region.

(Caribbean News Now!)

REGIONAL PAGE 75

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

IMPACT Justice Legal Education Survey Hits The Road BRIDGETOWN, Barbados -- The Canadian governmentfunded Improved Access to Justice in the Caribbean (IMPACT Justice) project has appointed three consultants to conduct interviews of key stakeholders in the region for its legal education survey. The consultants are Dr Adrian Cummins, prominent attorney-at-law from Barbados, Professor Jane Ching, professor of professional legal education, Nottingham Law School, United Kingdom, and Dr Noel Watson, CEO of AZ Information Jamaica Limited.

The survey, which is now in its final phase, was suggested by the Council of Legal Education. It is intended to consider the purpose of legal education and revisit the “West Indian System” to see how thinking has changed since it was designed in the 1960s and consider whether it is adequately meeting the needs of the region, particularly having regard to, inter alia:

(4) the extent to which information technology is being used to cut cost through the provision of online courses; and (5) how well equipped are new practitioners graduating from the West Indian System of Legal Education for practice in nontraditional areas of law?

Stage one of the (1) the current and projected demand for legal education and the stakeholder’s interviews will commence in The need for the services of legally trained persons; Bahamas on August 17 (2) the current arrangement for funding legal education and the 19 and move on to Jamaica (August 19–23), Antigua and scope for change, particularly taking into account the prevailing Barbuda (August 25-26), Montserrat (August 26–27), St Kitts and Nevis (August 29–30) and Dominica (August 31 and projected economic environment; September 1). Amongst those selected for interviews are: (3) the current system of admissions in the Council of Legal attorneys general, ministers of education, deans of faculties of Education’s Law Schools and in the Faculties of Law of the law, principals of law schools, presidents of bar associations University of the West Indies (UWI), University of Guyana and prominent attorneys-at-law in these territories.

(Caribbean News Now!) (UG) and the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTECH);

REGIONAL PAGE 76

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

Rambharat Buffs Delinquent Farmers, Public Servants “Non-performing public servants from the Land Management Division will not prevent me from doing my job,” Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat said yesterday as he vowed to crack down on land grabbers and delinquent farmers. The tough talking Rambharat was addressing hundreds of former Caroni 1975 Limited workers who were retrenched in 2003 when the sugar industry was shutdown. Saying land grabbing was evident across the country, Rambharat admitted to experiencing “tremendous frustration” by the lack of co-operation from public servants working in the Land Management Division.

“I will not be hindered by non-performing public servants in the conduct of my duties as a minister. From now to September I have made a promise that I will accelerate the work I am doing and where there is waste, including human resources who are idle, that I will take the appropriate steps,” Rambharat warned.

He also said an audit was being done by PricewaterhouseCoopers on every contract given out by the Estate Management Business Company (EMBD), a State enterprise which took charge of Caroni’s land assets when the company became defunct. “We will audit every single contract awarded by EMBD in relation to development of those lands.

Up to 2010, the development of a residential lot by EMBD was costing $160,000 at maximum. By 2015, it was costing taxpayers $760,000 to develop a lot of land,” Rambharat said. He added: “If contractors were paid without doing work, or if contractors were paid more than they should be paid, steps will be taken to retrieve that money.”

The minister also said farmers who received their agricultural plots were likely to lose their lands if it was not under cultivation. He said it was not satisfactory that former workers had agricultural leases for more than two years

and had not done any cultivation. One former worker, Cecil Teelucksingh, admitted yesterday he had not cultivated his land because he did not know where it was located. “We have no access to the lands and it is costing a lot to prepare the land. We don’t get subsidies and we cannot get loans. Caroni had $100 million in equipment.

Why didn’t Caroni provide the equipment to prepare the land?

Fertilizers and seedlings cost a lot of money,” Teelucksingh added.

Latchman Ramjohn also said he could not plant because there was no access to his plot. “It is dangerous, too, because we have no lights or water on the land,” Ramjohn added. President general of the All Trinidad General Workers Trade Union, Nirvan Maharaj, could not be reached yesterday as calls to his cellphone went unanswered.

(Trinidad Guardian)

Farmer Ramkissoon Khadoo, right, thanks Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat after receiving his land lease during yesterday’s VSEP lease distribution ceremony for former Caroni 1975 Limited workers at Rienzi Complex, Couva. PHOTO: ABRAHAM DIAZ

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 77

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

California Wildfire: 80,000 Evacuated East Of Los Angeles department of forestry and fire protection said. The authorities

A rapidly moving wildfire has forced the evacuation of some 82,000 people in San Bernardino County, just east of Los Angeles, officials say. The blaze broke out on Tuesday in a mountain pass and has already engulfed about 15,000 acres (6,070 ha) of land. Tens of thousands of homes are at risk from the so-called Bluecut fire. A state of emergency has been declared. Another fire, the Clayton, which broke out on Saturday in northern California, has destroyed 175 homes. 'Raining ash' The Bluecut fire spread with great speed in the parched canyons around San Bernardino. At least a dozen buildings have already been engulfed. US Forest Service spokeswoman Lyn Sieliet said: "It is a very fast-moving fire, it has wind behind it."

California Governor Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency in San Bernardino County to bring in federal assistance. The blaze forced the closure of a stretch of Interstate 15, the main road between Las Vegas and Los Angeles area. Some 700 firefighters are battling to control the blaze in the Cajon Pass. Its cause remains unknown. The fire is now heading into the Mojave Desert. The main communities forced to evacuate were the ski resort of Wrightwood and the desert town of Phelan. A rancher in Phelan, Shannon Anderson, told Associated Press news agency: "It's raining ash." Further north, the Clayton Fire in Lake County was now 35% contained, California's

announced on Tuesday that Damin Pashilk, 40, was facing 17 counts of arson and was suspected of involvement in numerous other fires in the Lake County area over the past year. He will appear in court on Wednesday. A third fire, the Chimney, has affected 6,900 acres since Saturday and has destroyed about 40 buildings in central California.

(BBC)

The Blue Cut fire spread at speed in the canyons around San Bernadino

US Police Catch Cuban Fugitive Known As The Ghost After 26 Years On The Run Police in Florida on Tuesday announced the arrest of a Cuban fugitive who had been on the run for 26 years, earning himself the nickname The Ghost. Anibal Mustelier, 66, was detained in Hialeah, near Miami, on charges of armed robbery and grand theft. He is also suspected of having worked as a contract killer, officials say. Police say they were led to Mr Mustelier by an informant who had knowledge about a jewellery theft on 7 August which allegedly involved him. Big fish US Marshalls first issued an arrest warrant for Mr Mustelier in 1990. Hialeah Police Sergeant Carl Zogby said arresting officers had not at first realised who they had in their custody because Mr Mustelier had given them a false name. "We went fishing for a grouper, and we caught ourselves a whale," Sgt Zogby said, adding that Mr Mustelier had become known as The Ghost for his ability to hide in plain sight. "He was an international fugitive from ATF [Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives], FBI and the US Marshals." Sgt Zogby said Mr Mustelier was wanted for his alleged participation in two murder attempts in 1989 and 1990, during the heyday of the Miami drug wars, when rival drug dealers fought over control of the city. Hit man? Officials believe Mr Mustelier was hired by fellow Cuban Orestes Blanco Lima to kill another Cuban in Miami, Francisco Condom-Gil. But an attempt to shoot Francisco Condom-Gil dead and a subsequent attempt to blow him up in his car both failed. Francisco Condom-Gil was a veteran of the 1961 Bay of Pigs failed military invasion of Cuba and claimed that he was being targeted for his anti-Castro views. This gave rise to the theory that Mr Mustelier had links to Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro. But Blanco Lima later said he wanted Francisco Condom-Gil dead because he had once kidnapped Blanco Lima's son. Blanco Lima was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the attempted murder and Mr

Mustelier, who could not be found, was indicted on charges of conspiracy to murder in his absence. Second career Police believe during his time on the run, Mr Mustelier went on to become a prolific bank robber. He is suspected of being behind one of the largest robberies in Florida, when about $5m (£3.9m) worth of jewels were stolen from safety deposits in a bank in Brickell. Police originally thought that after the 1996 robbery he had fled to either his native Cuba or to Venezuela. But they now suspect he may have been hiding all along in the Miami area, using a number of aliases. For the past 18 months, Mr Mustelier had been sharing a small, single-storey, detached home in Hialeah with his girlfriend, Sgt Zogby said. Hialeah police suspect him of being behind a recent string of jewellery store robberies. He was arrested on Sunday after police managed to infiltrate his alleged gang, officials said. (BBC)

Anibal Mustelier had been on the run for 26 years (MIAMI-DADE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 78

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

Diesel Oil Spills From Grounded Oil Rig On Scottish Island A British oďŹƒcial says thousands of liters (gallons) of diesel have likely spilled from an oil rig that was blown onto a remote Scottish beach. The Transocean Winner was being towed when it broke free of its tug and ran aground on the Isle of Lewis on Monday. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency says two fuel tanks on the rig have been breached.

Hugh Shaw, the government representative for maritime and salvage, said "we're probably talking about a maximum of 52 (metric) tons of diesel oil as the worst-case scenario." That's more than 50,000 liters (13,000 gallons). Shaw told the BBC Thursday that any oil spill was a concern, "but this is extremely low-risk." He said there was no sign of oil on the ocean surface or coastline. (ABC News)

The Transocean Winner drilling rig is seen o the coast of the Isle of Lewis, Scotland, after it ran aground in severe weather conditions, Tuesday Aug. 9, 2016. The oil rig, carrying 280 tonnes of diesel, broke free of its tug and ran aground on the remote Scottish beach where it is being monitored by a counter-pollution team.

(Andrew Milligan / PA via AP)

INTERNATIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Donald Trump's New Nickname For Hillary Clinton Puzzles Germans In his big foreign policy speech Monday, of the refugee crisis, compared with 34 percent Merkel’s title out of a list of several options; PAGE 79

Donald Trump coined a new nickname for his Democratic opponent: “America’s Angela Merkel.” “In short, Hillary Clinton wants to be America’s Angela Merkel,” he said at the event in Youngstown, Ohio. “And you know what a disaster this massive immigration has been to Germany and the people of Germany. Crime has risen to levels that no one thought they would ever, ever see. It is a catastrophe.” Trump was clearly trying to make a point about the European refugee crisis, arguing that Clinton’s policy toward refugees was approaching the scale of Germany’s. In 2015, Germany took in just over 1 million refugees from the Middle East and Africa, a policy which has divided the country’s residents and created a complex political situation there. But those listening to Trump’s comments from across the Atlantic in Berlin noted the comparison with both a bit of confusion and a certain amount of amusement-because while it’s true that the refugee crisis in Germany has presented a new political challenge for Merkel, she’s still relatively popular and overall remains one of the most influential, well-regarded leaders in Europe.

And what’s more, many Americans probably have no idea--or only the vaguest idea--who Merkel actually is. “It struck me when I heard these comments of Trump,” said Peter Matuschek, chief political analyst for the German polling firm Forsa. “[Merkel] still is enjoying approval rates that [former Chancellor Helmut] Kohl had never dreamed of.” Trump’s comments Monday about the German leader were only the latest in a string of criticism he’s thrown Merkel’s way: the GOP nominee has previously claimed that Merkel is “ruining Germany,” that she is a “catastrophic leader” and even that she’ll “be out if they don’t have a revolution.” “I don’t know what happened to her,” Trump said back in January.

“She was doing well, maybe she got powerhungry, maybe she thought she was invincible ... the German people are saying we’ve had it, we’ve had it.” It’s certainly true that the refugee crisis has put Merkel--who has typically had sky-high approval ratings--in one of the toughest spots of her political career. Her approval ratings have bounced up and down over the last year as the refugee crisis and various related terrorist attacks hit the headlines; that was especially true after reports of women being sexually assaulted in Cologne on New Year’s Eve this year, attacks that were largely believed to be perpetrated by refugees and recent migrants. A new poll out from the German TV station ARD found that two-thirds of Germans disapproved of Merkel’s handling

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

who were in favor. As for her overall approval rating in the poll, part of a series called DeutschlandTrend, Merkel was at 47 percent approval--higher than in February after the New Year’s Eve attacks, but far lower than the 75 percent approval rating she had in April of 2015 before the refugee crisis heated up. (By comparison, an August CBS News poll had Trump’s favorability rating at 36 percent among U.S. voters; Clinton’s was at 46 percent.) “I would say the beginning was the New Year’s Eve incident in Cologne. That was a point where people were looking at this whole thing differently,” said Jan Philipp Burgard, a German journalist and political scientist who covered the 2008 and 2012 U.S. elections for ARD. In his speech, Trump specifically referred to that incident. “In Cologne, Germany, on New Year’s Eve, we have seen the reports of sexual violence and assault, far greater than anybody knows,” Trump said Monday. He’d previously claimed that there were “hundreds and hundreds of rapes” during that night, which is an exaggeration of the actual reported numbers. Still, Merkel is viewed internationally as perhaps the strongest and most visible leader in Europe--something that does not go overlooked when it comes to her political fortunes at home. Merkel is still strongly favored to win a fourth term next year when Germany holds its next national elections. According to a Forsa poll from late July, 46 percent of German citizens named Merkel as their pick for chancellor if the position were elected directly--down from the mid-50s last year, but still more than 30 points higher than any of her potential opponents. The leader of the second-biggest party in Germany, the Social Democratic Party’s Sigmar Gabriel, took only 15 percent in the same poll. “Her approval rates are still very high, especially compared to the other politicians,” Matuschek said. “Although there has been some dissatisfaction in her rank and file with the refugee issue, of course when people decide to vote they do not only evaluate one policy field but the whole picture.” (For reference, Forsa also asked Germans how they felt about Trump’s proposed Muslim ban last month. Just 10 percent said they were in favor of something similar--and 87 percent of those surveyed were against it.) If Trump was hoping the new nickname would stick to Clinton the way “Crooked Hillary” or “Lyin’ Ted” did, he might have a tougher time with this one just because of how relatively unknown Merkel is in the U.S. In a Pew Research Center survey in 2012, American respondents were asked to identify

two-thirds couldn’t say. Of those who did have an answer, twenty-two percent were correctly able to name her as the leader of Germany; 4 percent thought she was the leader of France, 5 percent said she headed the International Monetary Fund and 4 percent thought she was in charge of NATO. (Those numbers may have gone up in the last four years, but it’s probably fair to say that Merkel is still relatively unknown among average U.S. voters.) Still, that lack of more than a basic knowledge among American voters about Merkel and what’s happening in Germany could potentially work to Trump’s advantage, some said. “I think that for Americans there’s certainly admiration but also a little bit of puzzlement about what Angela Merkel has undertaken with letting refugees come in with no upper limit into Germany,” said Sudha David-Wilp, a senior transatlantic fellow at the German Marshall Fund in Berlin. “Donald Trump is using that sort of grey-zone of lack of information-because we really don’t know what the outcome will be in Germany, there are arguments for and arguments against it.” It’s unclear how sustained Trump’s use of the new moniker will be--he hasn’t seemed attached to “Crooked Hillary,” expressing some regret at one point that he’d already used “Lyin’” for Cruz (In fact in June, he launched LyingCrookedHillary.com). But he clearly intended to test it out beyond the confines of his speech: the GOP mogul’s new branding continued with subsequent campaign emails bearing the “Merkel” nickname, all pertaining to the refugee issue. “America’s Merkel Plans 620,000 Refugees,” one read. “When Will America’s Merkel Answer Questions On Her Radical Refugee Plans?” said another. Merkel, for her part, is staying above the U.S. election fray and refraining from commenting on Trump. “I don’t want to wade into the American debate,” she said during a July news conference when asked about Trump. “I’m following it with interest. I’ll just wait for the vote result.”

(CBS News)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 80

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

India: Three Die As Kite String Slits Their Throats Three people, including two children, have died after their throats were slit by glass-coated strings used for flying kites on India's Independence Day. Saanchi Goyal, 3, and Harry, 4, were looking out through the sunroof of their cars in different parts of Delhi when sharp strings slit their throats. Zafar Khan, 22, died in the same manner when he was riding his motorbike. Glass-coated strings are used to bring down competitors' kites, but they also end up injuring and killing people. Many Indians fly kites to celebrate festivals and important occasions like the Independence Day, which is celebrated on 15 August. But every year, there are reports of people dying or getting wounded from the kite strings - locally known as manja treated with powdered glass or metal to sharpen them.

Similar strings killed a five-year-old boy in 2015 in the northern town of Moradabad, and a five-year-old girl died in Jaipur in 2014. These strings also kill and maim hundreds of birds annually - at least 500 birds have been admitted to the Charity Birds Hospital in Delhi in the past three days alone, Indian media reports say. The hospital says it treats up to 8,000 birds every year. On Monday, a policeman in Delhi was also injured from a sharpened string. The Delhi government has now banned the use of

sharpened manja to fly kites and promised to run campaigns to educate people about the dangers of using such strings. Authorities said the sale, production and storage of nylon, plastic or any other glass or metal-coated manja would be prohibited in the capital city and those who violated the ban would have to pay a penalty of 100,000 rupees ($1,495; £1,148) and could be jailed for up to five years. (BBC)

Kite-flying is a popular sport in many parts of India(GETTY IMAGES)

North Korea Diplomat In London Defects To South A top North Korean diplomat who disappeared from the country's embassy in London has defected to South Korea, officials in Seoul have confirmed. Thae Yong-ho and his family are under the government's protection, a South Korean official said. Mr Thae was the ambassador's deputy and is thought to be the highest-ranking North Korean official ever to defect. His main mission in London had been to spread positive perceptions of the North Korean leadership. He had been due to return to Pyongyang with his wife and children. Mr Thae had come under pressure from his government to quash growing criticism of North Korea's human rights record, sources say. The BBC's diplomatic correspondent, James Robbins, says it now looks as if Mr Thae's heart may not have been in the task of defending North Korea. In the past, Mr Thae had argued the British were brainwashed by their ruling class into believing "shocking, terrifying" lies about North Korea under its leader Kim Jong-un. "If the people in this country, or in America, knew that there is a country in the world where there is a free education, free housing, free medical care, then they'd have second thoughts," he had said in one

speech. South Korea spokesman Jeong Joon-hee said: "On his reasons for defection, Minister Thae cited disgust with Kim Jong-Un's regime, admiration for South Korea's free, democratic system and the future of his family." (BBC)

It is confirmed that Mr Thae (seen on the right in this file picture) is in South Korea(GETTY IMAGES)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 81

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

Russia Attacks: 'Militants' Killed In St Petersburg And Moscow A special forces raid in St Petersburg and an attack by gunmen near Moscow have left at least six suspected militants dead, officials say.

Four were killed at a block of flats in St Petersburg, as special forces searched for North Caucasus militants. Later, two gunmen suspected to be from the North Caucasus injured two traffic police officers east of Moscow before being killed by security forces. Russia has been battling a long and bitter insurgency in the region. 'Firearms and axes' Russia's FSB security service said the St Petersburg raid had been aimed at detaining "wanted persons accused of participating in illegal armed groups in the North Caucasus". It added: "Criminals were destroyed by return fire when they attempted to resist." Reports said a number of arrests had also been made at the block of flats. Images showed balaclava-clad officers surrounding the block on the outskirts of the city. In the later incident, two gunmen attacked traffic police on the Shchelkovskoye highway in Balashikha, 20km (12 miles) east of Moscow. Police were investigating whether the men were from the North Caucasus. A spokesman for the Russian Investigative Committee told the Tass news agency: "Two policemen were wounded in the attack. One of them is in a serious condition. "The attackers had firearms and axes. One of them was shot dead by the police during the attack and the other was killed when he was resisting arrest." A police source told Tass one of the traffic police officers had died but this has not been confirmed. Security operations against

Russian security forces raided suspected North Caucasus militants in St Petersburg(EPA) militants are common in the North Caucasus region itself but are rarer in major cities outside. The insurgency in North Caucasus followed two bitter separatist conflicts in Russia's Chechnya republic and has occasionally spilled over into violence in other parts of Russia. (BBC)

Freed Nigeria Chibok Schoolgirl 'Misses Militant Husband’ The first Nigerian schoolgirl from Chibok to be rescued from Boko 21-year-old said she was unhappy about being separated from Mr Haram says she misses the father of her baby, a suspected Islamist militant. In her first interview since being found with her baby in May, Amina Ali Nkeki told Reuters she also wanted to go home to Chibok, a town in the north. She and her child are being held in the capital, Abuja, for what the government calls a restoration process. More than 200 girls were kidnapped from a school in Chibok in April 2014. The abduction led to the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, that was supported by US First Lady Michelle Obama and Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai. The Boko Haram group has waged a violent insurgency for several years in north-eastern Nigeria in its quest for Islamic rule. Ms Nkeki was found three months ago by a vigilante group in a forest with suspected militant Mohammed Hayatu, who identified himself as her husband, and their child of four months. The

Hayatu, who was arrested after they were found. "I want him to know that I am still thinking about him," she told Reuters. "Just because we got separated, that does not mean that I don't think about him." During the interview she only lifted her gaze from the floor once to breastfeed her daughter when the baby was brought into the room, Reuters reports. "I just want to go home - I don't know about school," she said.

"I will decide about school when I get back." Her mother, Binta Ali, told the BBC Hausa service earlier this week that her daughter wanted the government to give her a sewing machine so she could become a seamstress. She said the man claiming to be her daughter's husband had said he was a mechanic from the town of Mubi before he was captured by Boko Haram - and that he had organised their escape.

Earlier her brother had told the BBC that because of an increase in air strikes Mr Hayatu was no longer willing to continue fighting and they had planned to leave together. Ms Nkeki said she had not watched the video, released by Boko Haram on Sunday, which apparently shows recent footage of some the other missing Chibok girls. "I think about them a lot - I would tell them to be hopeful and prayerful," she said.

"In the same way God rescued me, he will also rescue them." Boko Haram at a glance: Founded in 2002, initially focused on opposing Western-style education - Boko Haram means "Western education is forbidden" in the Hausa language Launched military operations in 2009 Thousands killed, mostly in north-eastern Nigeria, hundreds abducted, including at least 200 schoolgirls Joined so-called Islamic State, now calls itself IS's "West African province" - though splits have recently emerged Seized large area in north-east, where it declared caliphate Regional force has retaken most territory last year (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 82

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

US Election 2016: Trump Overhauls Campaign Team Again Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has well you're going to pivot, you're going to.' I don't want to overhauled his campaign team for the second time in two months, with two new leaders. Pollster Kellyanne Conway becomes campaign manager and Stephen Bannon of Breitbart News the CEO. Paul Manafort remains campaign chairman, but analysts say he has effectively been demoted. Mr Trump told AP the new leaders were "terrific people... they're champs". Mr Trump has seen his poll ratings slip since the party conventions last month. He trails Democratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton both nationally and in key battleground states. 'I don't want to change' The latest shakeup comes just 82 days before the election. On his website, Mr Trump said: "I have known Steve and Kellyanne both for many years. They are extremely capable, highly qualified people who love to win and know how to win." The Associated Press news agency said the details of the new hierarchy were hammered out at a lengthy senior staff meeting at Trump Tower on Tuesday and that more senior appointments were expected in the coming days. The executive chairman of Breitbart has himself described his role there as "virulently anti-establishment", views that have led the website into staunch support of Mr Trump. An article in Bloomberg in October last year described Mr Bannon as "the most dangerous political operative in America" - a phrase Mr Trump's own website was happy to repeat in announcing his appointment. He will temporarily step down from Breitbart to work on the campaign full time and is expected to lead a highly aggressive strategy. The new appointments come ahead of the Trump team's first major TV advertisements, due to start this week. Although Mr Manafort stays in his job, analysts say the new appointments, which come two months after campaign manager Corey Lewandowski was sacked, represent a demotion. The Washington Post cited Trump campaign aides as saying Mr Trump respected Mr Manafort but felt "boxed in" by people "who barely knew him". Mr Manafort, a former adviser to George HW Bush and Bob Dole, only joined the Trump campaign in March. Ms Conway has experience with political campaigns, having previously worked with former Vice-President Dan Quayle and former House speaker Newt Gingrich. In a Republican press release last month, Ms Conway was said to be widely regarded as "an expert on female consumers and female voters". Her ability to accurately predict election results in the past has won her awards. Mr Trump has been pressed by some Republicans to tone down his fiery rhetoric in the wake of a number of controversial comments in the past two weeks and the subsequent drop in poll ratings. But Mr Trump appears to want to stand by the campaign style that won him the Republican nomination. He said on Tuesday: "You know, I am who I am.

It's me. I don't want to change. "Everyone talks about, 'Oh,

pivot. I mean, you have to be you. If you start pivoting, you're not being honest with people." What is Breitbart? Politically conservative news and opinion website based in California, with sections in London, Jerusalem and Texas. Founded in 2007 by Andrew Breitbart, the conservative commentator who had worked on the Drudge Report and Huffington Post, among others. He died of heart failure in March 2012. Key stories include: Shirley Sherrod case. Breitbart posted excerpts of a speech appearing to suggest racist remarks by a Georgia agriculture official. She was sacked but a full transcript revealed the comments not to be racist. Breitbart later settled a lawsuit Anthony Weiner sexting scandals: Played a key role in publishing text and photos in the so-called Weinergate affair that eventually led to the resignation of the New York congressman Mr Manafort has had a troubled week, following a report in the New York Times that ledgers in Ukraine showed he was earmarked for $12.7m (£9.8m) in undisclosed cash payments from the former pro-Russian government between 2007 and 2012. He denied receiving any "off-the-books cash payment". The Trump team's alleged proRussia links have been a key issue of the campaign, and the latest allegations sparked a call from the Clinton campaign for a full disclosure. Opinion polls since the national conventions have made grim reading for the Trump team, both nationally and in key states. The national lead for the Democratic candidate is currently between seven and eight points, the polls suggest. The New York Times said on Monday that no modern candidate trailing by this much three weeks after the conventions had won the election. An opinion poll in the state of Virginia, carried in the Washington Post on Tuesday, gave Mrs Clinton a 14 point lead there. (BBC)

Mr Trump has seen his poll ratings slip since the party conventions last month(GETTY IMAGES)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 83

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

A Day Like Today Not every actor is a carrier of the gift to ‘reach’ the audience, sometimes it takes a special connection with the script and the camera to transmit a message. The lines, if not interpreted with the delicacy or strength required could drift away, get perpetually lost

and forgotten as the abstract process that the exchange of words represent. For some, transforming a written speech to an immortal momentum is the personification of a challenge that can be battled with practice and dedication. But for others it is a natural actionreaction process.

Getting into the skin of a character turns easy as 1 2 3. This is the case of Robert Anthony De Niro, one of the greatest actors of modern filmography. De Niro was born a day like today in Manhattan, United States, 1943. Son of a poet and an abstract painter, he was easily dragged into the artistic side of his genes.

Starting his career in his early 20s appearing on off-Broadway small productions. His performances were soon noticed by blooming actor and director, Martin Scorsese who put his name on the billboards with the 1973 film ‘Mean Streets’.

His career took off with his 1974 interpretation of Vito Corleone, in the ‘God Father II’, starring with high profile figures such as Al Pacino, Robert Duvall and Diane Keaton, paper that gave him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. A rough diamond was taking shape into a dazzling gem. The 70s were certainly the foundation for his career, but the 80s and 90s were the consolidation of this. Showing his versatile skills on memorable roles, such as the mafia lord Al-Capone, in the 1987 gangster film ‘The Untouchables’, followed by his impersonation of a catatonic patient in the 1990 drama ‘Awakenings’.

De Niro was destined to make his name resound like a strong eco in movie theaters around the globe, making it a synonym of acting power. Today his flexible techniques and rough interpretations, define him as a gifted ‘thespian’ and legend of the big screen.

Source: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/robert-deniro-born -By- Rocio Perez, Guyana Daily News.

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 h u r s d a y A u g u s t , 1 8 , 2 0 1 6

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

LOCAL PAGE 86

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

City Hall To Comply With Govt’s Recommendations Of Parking Meters Contract Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green has revealed that the City Council is working towards the implementation of recommendations made to the controversial parking meter contract by the Ministries of Finance and Legal Affairs. During an interview with the Guyana Daily News on Thursday, Chase-Green said that the city treasurer, who is responsible for the negotiations on any financial matter on behalf on the city council, and the Town Clerk are looking at the recommendations. She explained that they are moving forward to have the rules and regulations of the Guyana Revenue Authority adhered to along with having the Guyana Tourism Authority involved in the process. The Mayor reiterated that all recommendations are implemented to ensure that the National Parking Systems/ Smart City Solution company is guided especially as it relates to the financial regulations. Mayor Chase-Greene said that there would be a delay in the September 01 launching of the meters given the implementation of the recommendations. Government in its review had noted that the contract is burdensome and is heavily in favour of the investors. When asked about this, the Mayor assured that those issues which includes the timespan and cost will be addressed. The government had found was that there was nothing illegal about the contract and it appeared from a review of the documents that the terms and conditions were onerous and they were heavily in favour of the concessionaire. It was therefore recommended that the Mayor and City Council hire an accountant to review the rates and fees contained in the agreement between City Hall and the investor. The Parking Meter Project when implemented will see some 415 meters being installed across the city of Georgetown.

SARU MAY ESTABLISH “WITCH HUNTING” COURT

Head of the Bar Association in Guyana, Gem Stanford-Johnson, is calling for the establishment of a separate court for the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU). However, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and former Attorney General Anil Nandalall have both noted that SARU is unconstitutional and cannot have a separate court. It was noted that this body must first become constitutional before any consideration is given for an independent court.

A draft legislation has been created and will soon be placed before the National Assembly for consideration. Many political commentators have questioned whether the judges will be free from political interference if indeed a separate court is established.

The opposition has complained that critics of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) have been appointed to the head of the agency, in the likes of Dr. Clive Thomas. The PPP is of the view that Dr Thomas is has a personal agenda against the Party, and that the vendetta is not only his, but an entire APNU+AFC Coalition Government. It was noted that the SARU is made up of leading APNU/AFC political figures. SARU is currently located in the Ministry of the Presidency, and it is reported that the staff of that agency are given a top up as a means of payment from the treasury currently, however, in the draft legislation, the unit will be funded with 25 percent from the seizures of assets, and the remaining balance will be placed in the coffers of the country.

It is alleged that the Unit has been created with the objective of “witch hunting” members, friends and associates of the PPP. Over the past weekend, the agency has been accused of leaking confidential banking information of former Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of the Presidency, Omar Sherrif. SARU came in for much criticism from the Bank of Guyana Governor Dr. Gobin Ganga, who has stated that this move by SARU only serves to discredit the local banking sector on the international scene.

Op-Ed PAGE 87

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

Op-Ed: Manufacturing Sector Must Have Lower Energy Cost The manufacturing sector in Guyana is under severe pressure, the main reason being the absence of competitive energy and poor policies by the government.

Products such as bottled water, packaged roti, tamarind balls, plantain chips, butter, sugar cake and breadfruit chips, just to name a few, are being imported from overseas. Similar products are manufactured right here in Guyana; however the ones made in Guyana are more expensive, because of higher production cost.

Manufactures in Guyana must have access to more competitive energy cost in order to compete with the rest of the industrialized nations. Recent studies show Guyana’s missed opportunity in affordable energy, lies with the Amaila Falls Hydropower project. This project would have seen GPL’s bill being brought down to 11.5 cents USD from 19.3 -20.7 cents USD per Kwh. The benefits of a Hydropower Plant are numerous, and cannot be overstated. It will reduce significantly the energy bill of the manufacturing sector and it also has a longer life span. Although the initial cost to setup these venture is high, the long term benefits will definitely outweigh the initial setup cost. Cheap energy is very essential for Industrialization.

Access to market is another hurdle to the manufacturing sector, products manufactured in Guyana cannot seem to find its way in the international market, access to seed financing is also lacking in Guyana, banks don’t finance startup businesses and the collateral to obtain loans for existing businesses are high. The Guyana Government should set up a financial institute to finance small businesses especially in the manufacturing sector. Competitive energy along with adequate financing will propel the manufacturing sector into the 21st Century.

LOCAL PAGE 88

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

Mayor Chase-Green To Devise Plan To Relocate Taxi Drivers

President David Granger along with the City Council and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure ventured into a major clean-up project for Georgetown with the breaking of 2016. The month of May was decisive for the adoption of strategies that involved the rescue of vital landmarks of the city. The cleaning up involved the Stabroek Square, an area which is ‘polluted’ with people most of the time.

The Stabroek Square as monument and landmark of Georgetown, represents not only an inanimate building located at the ‘Cuzco’ of the city, it is the major source of interaction, and has become a cellular business chain. Vendors occupy the vast area in front of the ‘Guyanese Big Bang’ from dawn to dusk. Taxi drivers and minibus operators provide transportation to those buying, and passing through the place as an obligatory path to be taken to reach different destinations.

The City Council announced to vendors and bus drivers that

they would be temporarily removed from the cited area and taxi drivers also faced the change. They were given no prior notice.

But while the City Council has an interim plan for the vendors, the taxi drivers were left out in the cold. Speaking with this newspaper, Selwyn Chase, a taxi driver, said that “business is slow” since the relocation of the vendors.

“The City Council needs to arrange a meeting with us and determine where we are going to be located. This is the main income source for many of us and a plan needs to be applied.”

As such, Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Green told this newspaper that the occupation of the taxi drivers in this venue “will not be allowed.” “The taxi drivers have bases, they should be operating from their base, and there are also private taxi drivers that should not operating in the area.

People use it as a park car, it is not, and it should not be used as such or as a vendor’s area. It should remain as it is, an open space. Stabroek Market has its history, and we want to maintain the history of that particular area,” the Mayor said. She further noted, “the City Council and the constabulary ranks, over the years were bombarded with reports of robberies on that sector.

Since the vending have been removed in the area, there have been a great reduction in robberies outside of the market, we have to look at the best practices as a council, to do the best for the entire Georgetown and the habitants of that particular area.”

Concerning the direct impact on the lives of this drivers, and the radical switch that this change represent, the Mayor expressed that she understands the situation and “sympathizes with them.”

“We cannot allow congestion in front of the market, and around areas. We need to have rules and regulations,” she stated. She said that a meeting is being arranged with the Town Clerk, Mr. Royston King and the taxi drivers following a request which was sent to City Hall regarding the parking of such vehicles in front of Demico House. Other meetings are expected to take place addressing the way this zone will be regularized.

LOCAL PAGE 89

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

Female Police Constable Charged With Larceny Police Constable Dawnette Jupiter today appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Georgetown’s Magistrate Court charged with Simple Larceny which she allegedly committed on Friday August 12, 2016. Jupiter was released on GY$75,000 bail and will return tomorrow for statements and the setting of a date for the commencement of trial. The police constable, who is the mother of one from Swan Street, Pouderoyen West Bank Demerara appeared unrepresented and entered a not guilty plea to the charge.

She was granted bail after there was no objection by the prosecutor who stated that investigations are already completed and the stolen items were recovered. It is alleged that on the day in question at the Commissioner’s Office, Eve Leary, Jupiter, 35, stole one Samsung Galaxy S4 valued at GY$129,000, one 32 Gigabyte memory card valued at GY$8000 and one GTT sim card valued at $3000 property of Royston McPherson. -ByJarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

Man Charged With Robbery, Damage To Property Magistrate Leron Daly today remanded Joshua Austin until September 12, 2016 after he appeared before her in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court charged with one count of robbery while armed with an offensive weapon and one count of unlawfully causing damage to property both of which he allegedly committed on July 16, 2016. Austin will return on the given date for statements and for a date to be set for trial.

Austin who appeared unrepresented in court entered a not guilty plea to both the charges and was denied bail after Prosecutor Nevil Jeffords stated to the magistrate that he currently has a pending matter of a similar offence before the Chief Magistrate and it is the belief of the prosecution that if he is granted bail he might commit further offences.

It is alleged that on the day in question Austin at East Ruimveldt, while in the company of others and being armed with a knife robbed Nigel Clarke of one cellphone valued at $45,000 GYD and $6,000 GYD cash. It is further alleged that on the same day in question in the same vicinity Austin unlawfully damaged the window screen of motor vehicle PPP 3771 valued at $70,000 GYD. By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

LOCAL PAGE 90

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

Programme To Be Implemented Shortly As Part Of Gov’t Diversification Thrust As part of Government’s quest to diversify its agricultural production, Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, on Wednesday, spearheaded an outreach exercise to the islands of Leguan and Wakenaam, Region Three. The exercise forms part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s mandate to better serve its farmers; by adequately addressing some of the ills affecting their mode of production and by promoting the cultivation and production of non-traditional crops.

Guyana’s efforts to expand and diversify the agriculture sector are a policy direction that has gained the attention and support of Government. “The government’s thrust for development in the agricultural sector over the next five years is hinged on the drive to diversify and expand production in non-traditional activities….Our focus is centered not only on improving the drainage system and rationalising production on the coast, but also in developing these new areas of activity,” Minister Holder explained.

The subject Minister was at the time addressing scores of rice, cattle, coconut and cash crop farmers in Leguan where he echoed the call for not only togetherness, but for farmers to work collectively, to push for the sector to further advance. “This pursuit by the Government to modernise the agricultural diversification thrust in our country has already begun to produce favourable results,” the Minister said.

Dabie Singh, a farmer of Leguan during a tour to his farm showcased a thriving industry where he currently runs a successful farm with production of ducks, turkey, sheep and hassar.

“We are running a successful model farm here…people sometimes hear about Leguan and think that we are small disorganised farmers but, indeed, we have come a far way and we intend to continue to boost our production with the help of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority,” Dabie said. Extension officers of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) have been working tirelessly to ensure that farmers receive the necessary technical advice so they can engage in proper animal husbandry.

The farmer in his drive to further diversify recently joined the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute’s quest for large scale coconut production. Coconut water and copra are at present on high demand in the export market and farmers are now positioning themselves to tap into this lucrative industry. The Ministry of Agriculture has maintained its commitment to ensuring that export continues to thrive and as such, stakeholders in the agricultural sector continue to receive assistance from the administration, to boost their efforts to diversify the sector by exploring new and modern technology.

At Wakenaam, Mr. and Mrs. Amos Gordon, retirees, currently run a modern duck hatchery which supplies the island, as well as the coast with duck meat and eggs. “We started very small and, as you can see, we have expanded where we supply the coast also….anyone can benefit from such means of production, you just have to want to succeed,” Mrs. Gordon said. Chief Executive Officer, GLDA Nigel Cumberbatch has committed to having an Artificial Insemination programme implemented on the island.

The farmers lauded the move by the Ministry in ensuring they can safeguard their livelihood by expanding the dairy industry. A team from GLDA is scheduled to commence work with farmers and other

key stakeholders shortly, in looking at ways in which Government can boost the cattle industry in the islands. “We have huge potential on this island, we just have to tap into it. Working together we can further develop the cattle industry,” Cumberbatch said.

Government has recognised the potential for other crops, livestock and aquaculture in the development of the country and as such, has been channelling a substantial amount of resources to provide the necessary infrastructural, technical assistance and training to equip farmers with the necessary skills to explore, and venture into, new opportunities in the agricultural sector.

The Minister was accompanied by Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture, George Jervis, Chief Executive Officer, GLDA, Nigel Cumberbatch, General Manager, Guyana Marketing Corporation, Ms. Ida Sealey- Adams, Chairman of the Board of Directors, National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), John Piggott, Head, Chief Executive Officer, National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute, Dr. Oudho Homenauth, Legal and Inspection Unit, Fisheries Department, Gary Baird and Senior Engineer, NDIA, Rudolph Persaud. (GINA)

Minister Holder, Permanent Secretary of teh Ministry of Agriculture George Jervis, GLDA CEO and NAREI CEO and other officials while speaking to a farmer during the outreach

Agri. Minister Noel Holder, GLDA CEO Mr. Nigel Cumberbatch while engaging farmers during the outreach

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS IAC Members Call On President Granger PAGE 91

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

Members of the Indian Action Committee (IAC), today, called the promotion and preservation of the culture and traditions on President David Granger to inform him of a project that they brought by Indian Indentured Labourers in 1838. are currently working on to augment the Government’s efforts MOTP Press Release towards fostering social cohesion in the Guyanese society. The meeting was held at the Ministry of the Presidency. The delegation from IAC included Mr. Evan Radhay Persaud, Mr. Aditya Persaud, Ms. Shazeeda Wong, Ms. Herandai Khemraj, businessman Mr. Roy Mookram and local actors Mr. Godfrey Naughton and Mr. Kirk Jardine. The Committee is currently working on a stage production called “I AM US”, which is slated for the National Cultural Centre (NCC) in the first week of October. Mr. Naughton explained that the play, which will also be taken to other regions across Guyana, seeks to address age-old issues that prevent Guyanese from different ethnic groups from fully understanding and trusting each other. Mr. Evan Persaud, an executive member of the Committee, explained that they are hoping to open the play to the Guyanese public free of cost. In response, President Granger assured that From L-R- Mr. Aditya Persaud, his Government is supportive of any group or programme that Mr. Godfrey Naughton, Mr. Kirk Jardine, can contribute to the fostering of social cohesion and national Ms. Shazeeda Wong, President David Granger, unity. The IAC, formerly known as the Indian Arrival Mr. Herandai Khemraj, Mr. Evan Radhay Persaud Committee is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation, and Mr. Roy Mookram at the which was established in 2003 and has as its primary objective, Ministry of the Presidency

Police Recruit Charged With Larceny Police Recruit Nicholas Harvey today appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore charged with simple larceny which he committed on August 14, 2016 at the Police Barracks, Eve Leary. Harvey was fined $50,000 GYD or 3 months imprisonment if found in default of the fine. Harvey, 21, who has been a recruit at the Felix Austin Police Training College for two weeks, appeared unrepresented in court and pleaded guilty to the charge. He pleaded with the Magistrate for leniency stating that this is his first matter before the court. Magistrate Azore after listening to prosecution facts and hearing the defendant’s plea decided that it would be best to issue a fine rather that sentence him to serve imprisonment. She however warned him of the severity of the punishment if he returns before her court. It was noted that on the day in question, the virtual complainant, Durant LaFleur who is also a recruit at the training college left his Blu Cellphone valued at $27,000 on a table charging. Durant upon leaving his phone went into his room to fold some clothing and noticed his phone missing. The matter

was reported, investigations were carried out and the defendant was summoned where he admitted to stealing of the cellphone. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS GUYANESE COMPLETES AGRICULTURAL TRAINING IN MEXICO UNDER SAGARPA/IICA AGREEMENT AND NOW PROCEEDS TO COMPLETE MASTERS UNDER IICA/CONACYT SCHOLARSHIP The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) the Secretariat of Agriculture (SAGARPA) of Mexico and IICA PAGE 92

and the National Science and Technology Board of Mexico (CONACYT) signed an agreement on September 27, 2011 to establish a scholarship programme aimed at professionals from the agricultural sector in the hemisphere. The agreement provides on an annual basis 100 scholarships to young professionals for post graduate programmes aimed for the development of competitive, sustainable and inclusive agriculture in the Americas.

As a result of this Agreement, four (4) Guyanese students have benefitted during the years, the most current being Ms. Analesa Skeete, Research Assistant at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), who was awarded a Scholarship on June 29 last to pursue her Master in Biological Sciences at the Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán (CICY). In 2014, Ms. Skeete was among the fourteen (14) students who have benefitted from the technical training activities, under

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

signed Agreement to train 150 Technical Personnel from the Caribbean in priority areas. At that time she was exposed to training in Plant Pathology Techniques.

Ms. Skeete has been assigned to the Project “Management Strategy for the Control of Raoiella Indica Hirst (Red Palm Mite)” in Guyana since 2013 and has also been dealing with common pest and diseases affecting coconut in Guyana. Her interest and experiences have led her to receive training locally from experts affiliated with the Mexican National Institute of Research on Forestry, Agriculture and Livestock (INIFAP) at NAREI during April, 2015, under a bilateral agreement between the Governments of Guyana and Mexico with support from IICA. Guyana stands to benefit tremendously upon Ms. Skeete’s completion, who will be specialized in pest and diseases of coconuts, which is a priority to the Government of Guyana since the country currently does not have many professionals pursuing this field. IICA Delegation in Guyana is proud to be associated with this capacity building activity and is committed to facilitate the development of the professional careers of young innovative technical specialists to boost the agricultural sector in Guyana through the provision of CONACYT/IICA Scholarships.

Ministry of Agriculture Guyana Press Release

REGIONAL PAGE 93

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

SEPoS Celebrates CSEC Success

South East Port-of-Spain Secondary (SEPoS), located in the inner city crime hot spot of Nelson Street, is celebrating the results of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) with top performing schools in Port-of-Spain, central and east Trinidad.

“Pretty pleased” was how dean Roger Martin described the school’s results. “We are now establishing the honour roll, the top performing students who got a number of ones, and it looks good,” Martin told the T&T Guardian yesterday.

He said they were unable to divulge further details since they were still tabulating the results but added that South East Port-of-Spain Secondary usually performs well every year. Fr Gregory Augustine, principal of Fatima College, was also pleased with how his students fared in the CSEC and C a r i b b e a n A d v a n c e d Proficiency Exam (CAPE). “We did very well. We got 100 per cent passes in both CAPE and CSEC. I am g e n e r a l l y p l e a s e d , ” Augustine said.

Augustine said under 200 students Fr Gregory Augustine

at Fatima College wrote CAPE and around 140 wrote CSEC. He said the school got 13 scholarships last year and he was hoping for “a little improvement” this year, modestly indicating he was expecting the number to increase. In the east, Lakshmi Girls Hindu College principal, Sonia Mahase-Persad, and her teachers were also celebrating. Mahase-Persad said the school had better grades this year and based on the numbers of ones students got, she was expecting a record number of scholarships this year. They got 29 scholarships last year. “We have improved this year.

Ninety-nine per cent of the 142 students who wrote the CSEC and all the 85 who wrote CAPE got full certificates. “This was our best year in CAPE. We have also seen an increase in the number of students getting ones across the board,” she said. Presentation College (Chaguanas) principal, Gary Ribeiro, was also celebrating. “We did well, as Presentation normally does.

Ninety-nine per cent of the 80 students who wrote the CSEC got five and more passes. Students did very good in the sciences. Ninety-eight per cent of the 75 students who wrote CAPE got full passes.” Ribeiro said he was expecting a “happy scholarship this year” because of the outstanding performance of some students who got straight distinctions.

Preysal High, Couva, said yesterday they were unable to access the results from the school’s system because it was down and could not give information. Other schools said no official was present to give information. Some said they were still tabulating the results and others preferred to wait until later in the week. The Ministry of Education’s Communications Department said it was not authorised to make the results public yesterday and Minister Anthony Garcia could not be reached. (Trinidad Guardian)

REGIONAL PAGE 94

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

Man Going To Quiet Dogs Jumped, Killed A longstanding feud between two sides of a family may have led to the murder of Point Fortin father Selvin Sammy, police said yesterday. Although residents of Country Street, Fanny Village, heard gunshots ringing out around 3.30 am yesterday, it was not until 6.25 am that neighbours alerted his mother, Ellen, that Sammy was lying under the house. A neighbour contacted Point Fortin police and when PC Carter and a team arrived they found Sammy, 47, with gunshot wounds to the shoulder and head.

Sammy had just moved into the rental house with Ellen and his 15year-old daughter. His relatives told investigators they left him watching television around 1.30 am and it is believed he heard the dogs barking and went outside to quiet them. However, an eyewitness said men were seen under the house and it was possible that he was shot in the shoulder before being executed with a shot behind the head. Region III Homicide Bureau officers, led by acting Sgt Ramjag, and Crime Scene Unit officers processed the scene and found shotgun pellets under the house. Police also took an air rifle from the house, which Sammy’s friends said he used for hunting.

Investigators are hoping that CCTV footage from a nearby business will help in identifying his murderers. No one was arrested up to yesterday. While investigators did not confirm whether his death was part of the family dispute, they said it was one of the motives they were looking into. Sammy’s wider family includes members who own several businesses in Point Fortin. Friends said he recently sold a house he inherited and that had caused a rift among certain family members. They said he was expected to move into a new house in Valencia that was recently built and had recently purchased a new Ford Ranger.

Other relatives said they had also been threatened over money and properties. On December 30, 2010, Sammy’s cousin, Richie Sammy, a poultry depot proprietor, was shot dead. Police believed Richie’s killer was waiting for him when he arrived at his home at Erin Road, Cap-de-Ville, in his white AD wagon around 7 pm As he drove into his garage, he was shot once in the neck. His sister, Susan, said her siblings were not getting along and she believed someone had ordered a hit on him. She said Richie was entangled in a family dispute.

Richie was also suspected of murdering Ravi Sookdeo, the son of another Point Fortin poultry depot owner in September 2009.

Sookdeo, 24, was working in his father’s poultry depot along the Southern Main Road, Point Fortin, when two men walked into the shop. The men demanded that Sookdeo cut up a chicken and when Sookdeo told the men that he could not, one of them pulled out a gun and shot him in the face. Police initially said his death could have been a case of mistaken identity and those close to the family said a hit was placed on someone who worked at another poultry shop nearby.

(Trinidad Guardian)

Ellen Sammy, the mother of murder victim Selvin Sammy, speaks with Sgt Ramjag of Region Three Homicide Bureau at her home at Fanny Village, Point Fortin, yesterday. PHOTO: KRISTIAN DE SILVA

REGIONAL PAGE 95

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

Diego Martin Brothers Slain The sins of one brother fell on another, resulting in both men being gunned down at their Diego Martin home yesterday morning. Police reports stated that Joshua and Jerome Johnson, 33 and 31 respectively, were at their home at Broome Street, La Puerta, around 9.45 when they were ambushed and killed. Police said gunmen came from the back of the house and shot Joshua before heading to the front and killing his younger brother. Police said Joshua, an unemployed father of two, had recently moved back to the area after he had initially fled because he was owing money for drugs he took on consignment.

Police said that was their main theory on the motive behind the killing of the two men in a relatively quiet neighbourhood. Police said Jerome was mentally challenged but may have posed a threat to the killers while they were fleeing the crime scene. Residents told the T&T Guardian Joshua was marked for death, as people “wanted he dead real bad.” The claim was supported by police who said Joshua was involved in criminal activity and had tried to escape the consequences by fleeing the area.

The brothers had two sisters who were police officers, residents said.

Speaking with the media at the murder scene, councillor for the area, Michael Alonzo, said he was disturbed by the shooting deaths in the quiet community. He added he knew both men personally as residents in the area and living not too far from where they were murdered.

“What was really disturbing to me is that one of them is mentally retarded and just up to this morning I saw him and I gave him something to eat. This is a quiet area and nothing like this has ever happened before.

I think in the case of Jerome it was the wrong place at the wrong time,” Alonzo said. “This was an isolated incident and I hope the community goes back to how it was. As far as I am told there was one relative who was around at the time of the incident and she should receive counselling along with the rest of the family.” Relatives of the men did not speak to members of the media as they were too distraught. The killing of the two men and another in south Trinidad took the murder toll to 286 for the year compared to 258 for the same period last year. (Trinidad Guardian)

Police investigators at the scene of the double murder yesterday of brothers Joshua and Jerome Johnson at Broome Street, La Puerta, Diego Martin. PHOTO: ABRAHAM DIAZ

REGIONAL PAGE 96

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

Hundreds Escape Burning Cruise Ship In Caribbean Sea

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (CMC) — The United States Coast Guard says more than 500 people made their escape on emergency slides from the Caribbean Fantasy cruise ship off the Puerto Rican coast after a blaze erupted in the ship’s engine room. On Wednesday morning, the Coast Guard said it responded to a fire aboard the 561f o o t Caribbean F a n t a s y, about two nautical m i l e s north of San Juan Harbor.

T h e Panamani an-flagged passenger/ cargo ship

with 512 passengers and crew was en route to the Dominican Republic. “It was like something out of a movie,” Maria Prensa, a 64year-old Dominican Republic passenger, told the British Guardian.

“You panic when you see that. You’re in the middle of the ocean and there’s a fire. Imagine that.”

The mostly Dominican Republic passengers included dozens of school-age athletes headed to competitions in Puerto Rico, including a cycling team, a girls’ volleyball team and a boys’ baseball team.

Gyno Funes – one of two mechanics on the ship, told the Guardian that he was in the control room when a fuel hose burst open and fire erupted.

“We were trying to extinguish it for two hours but couldn’t,” said Marlon Doblado, the other mechanic. According to a coast guard spokesman, Ricardo Castrodad, the agency had started an investigation into the fire, although it was too early to say what would happen to the ship, which has been grounded. The ship runs several times weekly between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

(Jamaica Observer)

REGIONAL PAGE 97

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

CAPE Results 2016

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados -- Performance in the 2016 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) remained consistent with that of the past five years. Approximately 90 percent of the entries achieved Grades I-V, which are the acceptable grades at CAPE. Thirteen percent of the entries achieved Grade I, just under 20 percent achieved Grade II, 23 percent achieved Grade III, 20 percent Grade IV and 14 percent achieved Grade V. Performance improved in 19 of the Units offered this year.

These include a ten percent improvement in History Unit 1 with 81 percent of entries achieving acceptable grades this year compared with 71 percent in 2015. There was also a ten percent improvement in performance in Management of Business Unit 1 with 96 percent of entries achieving Grades I-V compared with 86 percent in 2015.

Environmental Science Unit 1 saw an eight percent improvement with 97 percent achieving acceptable grades this year compared with 89 percent last year. For Computer Science Unit 2, there was a four percent improvement in performance. Ninety-six percent of entries achieved Grades I-V this year compared with 92 percent in 2015.

Similarly, 90 percent of entries for Applied Mathematics achieved acceptable grades compared with 86 percent in 2015, for a four percent improvement. One hundred percent In five Units, entries achieved 100 percent of acceptable grades; these include Art and Design Unit 1, Performing Arts Unit 2 (Cinematic Arts), Performing Arts Unit 2 (Drama), Performing Arts Unit 2 (Music), and Digital Media Unit 2. Other New Generation CAPE subjects that returned exceptional results include Entrepreneurship Unit 2 and Physical Education and Sport Unit 2 in which 99 percent of entries for both Units achieved acceptable grades.

Ninety-nine percent of entries for Management of Business Unit 2 and French Unit 2 also achieved acceptable grades. First-time offerings Two subjects were offered at CAPE for the first time at the May/June 2016 sitting: Logistics and Supply Chain Operations and Integrated Mathematics. Seventy-one percent of entries for Logistics and Supply Chain Operations Unit 1 achieved acceptable grades, while 50 percent of entries for Unit 2 achieved similar grades. For Integrated Mathematics, the recently introduced compulsory Unit to obtain the CXC Associate Degree for students not doing any other CAPE Mat

hematics Unit, 47 percent of entries achieved acceptable grades.

The subject previously offered as Geometrical and Mechanical Engineering was changed to Building and Mechanical Engineering Drawing (BMED), and offered for the first time at this year’s May/June sitting. Eighty-six percent of entries for BMED (Mechanical Engineering) Unit 1, and 75 percent for BMED Unit 1 (Building Drawing) achieved acceptable grades. Ninety percent of entries for BMED Unit 2 (Mechanical Engineering) and 84 percent of entries for BMED Unit 2 (Building Drawing) achieved acceptable grades. Performance in Caribbean Studies and Communication Studies, the two traditional compulsory Units at CAPE continues to be excellent. For both Units, 97 percent of entries achieved acceptable grades. Growth The number of CAPE candidates this year grew by just over 300, from 30,547 candidates in 2015 to 30,859 candidates this year. The number of subject entries however fell marginally from 122,795 entries in 2015 to 121,711 in 2016. The two largest CAPE Units remain Communication Studies and Caribbean Studies with 16,425 entries and 12,565 entries respectively.

Pure Mathematics with 5,704 entries, Management of Business with 5,195 entries, and Chemistry Unit 1 with 5,126 entries complete the top five CAPE Units. New Subjects for 2017 Two more New Generation subjects will be added to the CAPE offering come the May/June 2017 sitting. These are Green Engineering and Financial Services Studies. The two subjects will commence teaching in September 2016 and the first examinations will be offered in May/June 2017 sitting. Green Engineering was recently launched at a ceremony held in Guyana on 28 July, while Financial Services is slated to be launched in September in Antigua and Barbuda.

(Caribbean News Now!)

REGIONAL PAGE 98

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

Six Murders In 24 Hours, As Police Service Exceeds Ten "Performance Targets”

ON the day the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) congratulated itself for exceeding ten performance targets, there were four murders. Today, two more murders were recorded. At its weekly press conference in Port of Spain on Wednesday, Acting ASP Michael Pierre said there had been a reduction in violent crimes and deaths caused by road traffic accidents while there have been increases in the seizures of illegal guns, ammunition but murders continue to worry the service. Piere said it was the: “final phase of its strategic journey outlined in the TTPS strategic plan 2014 to 2016.”

Pierre said that, “Under the period January - June, 2016 of the 37 performance targets set for 2016 thus far ten milestones were identified as exceeding the established annual targets. This includes the reduction of violent crimes, increase in firearm seizures and the reduction in fatal Road Traffic Accidents (RTA).” While he beamed about this he admitted that the service continues to be bedevilled by “gun related violence and a low detection rate for murders.” “In this regard,” continued Pierre, “the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service will be steadfast in our resolve to achieve a reduction in firearm-related violence in order to regain the nation's confidence and trust and have a shift in the public's perception of safety and security in Trinidad and Tobago.”

With regards to violent crimes last year between January to June there were 2294 violent crimes reported, while between January to June 2016 there were 1956 which Pierre said represented a 14.73 percent reduction. Between January to June 2015 a total of 321 guns were seized while during this same period this year a total of 397 guns were taken off the streets of Trinidad and Tobago which the police said represented a 23.7% increase. With regards to fatal RTA's there were 66 between January and June 2015 while there were 51 between January to June this year which represented a 22.7% reduction.

On Wednesday four people were killed in separate

incidents. Fabricator Selwyn Sammy, 47, was discovered dead shortly after daybreak with multiple gunshot wounds at his Point Fortin home. Brothers Joshua and Jerome Johnson were shot dead at their La Puerta, Diego Martin home at around 9.45 a.m.At Sixth Company Street, St Mary's Village, Moruga, 41 year old Marvin Ravello was shot and killed in a drive by shooting at around 8.30 p.m.

Wednesday.

And in the early hours of Thursday morning, two more people were murdered. Point Fortin fish vendor David Hinkson was listening to music in his home when he was called out and gunned down. Two women who were in the house said they heard three explosions and crawled under a bed. And Andrea Edwards was stabbed to death at Carenage. Her husband, Rawle Joseph, was also stabbed multiple times and is in critical condition at hospital. (Trinidad Express)

REGIONAL PAGE 99

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

Duke Cautions Agri Minister Public servants said yesterday they feld disrespected by the bouff from the Minister of Agriculture Clarence Rambharat. Even the president of the Public Service Association, Watson Duke, thought the minister’s statement to be one that would affect the morale of the public servants but in the words of Christ said: “He is forgiven because he does not know what he says.”

Duke said he would chalk up the minister’s statement to “ignorance and lack of experience.”

“He should desist from making that statement again. “Some say that people in office (referring to ministers) do not know the brunt of challenges that they are met with when they report to work on a daily basis,” Duke said. Rambharat said on Tuesday non-performing public servants from the Land Management Division were preventing him from doing his job. He said he was frustrated by the lack of co-operation in that division as he tried to stamp out land grabbing. One worker at the ministry, who spoke on the condition anonymity, said dealing with members of the public was not an easy task. “People feel that we are magicians here at the ministry and can get everything done at the same time for them but there are procedures to follow. Also, there are only so much work that one person can do when the day comes,” the worker

said. Duke said public servants were the ones that working on a plan to rebuild the capacity of the felt the economic crunch and were the ones Land Management Division to process suffering and “despite all that they still do a lot of applications and respond to the public in a timely the country. They are the ones who got the country manner. We are also dealing with the issue of to this point and have been pushing the country enforcement and the need to strengthen our forward. “Clarence needs to be careful of his capacity for enforcement,” Rambharat said. words. It has not been since a year yet that he is in Asked if any action would be taken against idle office and all of a sudden he becomes an authority workers or if they could face disciplinary action, to public servants. It is inappropriate and selfish of Rambharat said that disciplinary action was a the minister,” he said. Asked if public servants matter for the permanent secretary at the ministry. were getting the necessities to carry out their “Appropriate action includes finding others ways duties, Duke replied: “No. They are not providing to get the work done,” he added. (Trinidad the proper office space, not providing proper Guardian) infrastructure, proper training—as the public service academy stands as a white elephant—and also, the motivation factor, delayed payments and non-payments make them feel they are not important.” He said despite all that, public servants continued to make sacrifices for the country. Asked to elaborate on his statement, Rambharat said yesterday he was specifically addressing the issue of complaints that phones were not being answered and that people were not being able to find out what was going on with land transactions. “I was also addressing the issue of enforcement of the retractions on use of lands for Minister of Agriculture, agricultural purposes only. “We are currently Clarence Rambharat.

Criminals Not Targeting Chinese—ASP The Chinese business community in Santa Rosa is not being targeted by criminals, police say. The police are also saying they are not sitting idly by doing nothing as the businesses are attacked by criminals. T&T Police Service public information officer, ASP Michael Pierre, made the comment during yesterday’s weekly press briefing when asked about the increase in robberies within the Santa Rosa area and whether he felt the bandits were xenophobic. He said: “I will not state that the Chinese community is being targeted. We are well aware that robberies are diverse in nature and anyone can be a victim of a robbery.

“What we have done and what we will continue to do is to increase our presence in the areas, which are the hot spots, where persons may be targeted and regarding that we will also appreciate the partnership with members of the public, as without information we cannot solve crimes.” He added that the investigation into the spate of robberies in the community was ongoing and six men had been held in connection with them. He added that the men were held based on information received, saying: “We are not sitting idly by and are doing all that is required to do in terms

of solving crimes in T&T.” In an interview with the T&T Guardian on Tuesday, Chinese Association of T&T committee member, David Lee Kim, said it was no secret that Chinese businesses were being targeted.

Unable to say how many Chinese businesses operate in Trinidad, Lee Kim said in the last two years there had been a proliferation of restaurants, supermarkets and casinos set up

by Chinese in the country which criminals view as a “gold mine” and “easy pickings.”

“Chinese people have become an easy target by the criminal elements. They are not known to retaliate or fight back when under the barrel of a gun or being beaten mercilessly,” Lee Kim said. The residents of Santa Rosa said they were fearful after two recent robberies of Chinese businesses. The latest Chinese victim was a 74-year-old man who was beaten on July 28 and left for dead at his Pinto Road business place which is located two buildings from the Pinto Road Police Post. Another Chinese businessman, who is situated a mere 500 feet away at Avocado Road, was also relieved of the day’s sales two weeks ago as he closed up his business. During a visit to the community by the T&T Guardian earlier this

week, the residents complained that although there was a police post in the areas, the bandits were still targeting the businesses and residents alike. Since the story was published on Tuesday, there has been an increased in police presence in the area, a sight the residents have now welcomed. ACP Surajdeen Persad has also indicated that they were investigating the matter and patrols would be increased to allay residents’ fears.

(Trinidad Guardian)

ASP Michael Pierre

REGIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Media Colleagues, Friends Urge: Learn From Angela’s Legacy PAGE 100

Angela Martin was an authentic and unapologetic human being who had an unwavering sense of loyalty and love for her friends and family. She possessed her own unique sense of style and creativity, fought against injustice and cruelty and was nurturing and protective of those closest and dearest to her. Those were the sentiments expressed by speakers at the funeral service of Express Woman Magazine editor, Angela Valerie Martin.

Martin, 60, passed away on August 9 from complications associated with diabetes at her family home in Morvant, the same house where she was born. Celebrating her life and career accomplishments during a three-hour service at the Daybreak Assembly Pentecostal Church, Poinsettia Drive, Morvant, yesterday, several of her closest friends, including Express editor-inchief Omatie Lyder, reflected on her contributions to the field of journalism and the special brand of love, passion and enthusiasm she exuded. Criminologist Renee Cummings, who was described as one of Martin’s “besties”, summed up Martin when she said: “No one else looked like her, spoke like her, laughed like her, wrote like her. She had an extraordinary sense of self and style, creative and unapologetic, as she lived her truth. She was confident and comfortable in every inch of her skin.” Tearing up as she delivered the first of the two eulogies listed on the programme, Cummings had the congregation laughing and crying at times as she spoke of Martin’s love for “big things”, such as handbags, jewelery and hairstyles, and her appreciation of diverse textures and rich tones when it came to her clothing. Cummings said Martin’s positive energy was always transferred to others via her effervescent personality. Reflecting on her ability to call the nation’s attention to struggling and ambitious people trying to make it in today’s world through the pages of Express Woman, Cummings said dignity, love, respect, loyalty and kindness were character traits that Martin shared with the world. “When you get... give,” Cummings said, reinforcing Martin’s philosophy of love for humanity and devotion to the job.

Also paying respect was Public

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

Administration and Communications Minister Maxie Cuffie, a former journalist, who once worked alongside Martin. Cuffie, along with his wife, retired permanent secretary Hermia Tyson-Cuffie; former chief executive officer of Government Information Services (GISL) Andy Johnson; former Laventille East/Morvant MP Donna Cox; former permanent secretary Roslyn Khan Cummings; former Miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam and mas leaders Ian Mc Kenzie and Nina Jeremiah were among those who attended the funeral.

Several employees from the Trinidad Express and T&T Trinidad Guardian also turned up to pay their respects. A voice for women Lyder recalled meeting “mother hen” Martin in 1982 on the eve of her wedding, after Martin helped in having Lyder’s wedding dress sewn by her (Martin’s) best friend Cheryl. She had a passion for happily-ever-after stories, Lyder said, holding back tears as she delivered the second eulogy. Lyder recalled Martin’s early entrance at the Express in 1980 when she was hired by the late Keith Smith, former Express editor, to head the Action Line column. She was promoted to the post of Special Publications editor in 1990. She said Martin left the media fraternity after her marriage and moved to the US. Lyder joked that upon her return to T&T she went to work at the Trinidad Guardian. “But like most reporters who have left the Express, she returned to the paper in 1999,” Lyder said. Having accepted the post of editorship of Express Woman until her passing last week, Lyder said: “She wasn’t perfect and never pretended to be. She took constructive criticism in stride, never rude or disrespectful, always open to another view and ideas from others. She, however, also stood her ground confidently for the things she believed in. “There was room for women and men of all walks in the magazine, from farmer to CEO. As she called it, real women, real stories.” She said Martin’s death had left much of the staff distraught. Lyder thanked Martin’s family for lending her to them as they were now richer for it. Referring to Martin’s health struggles as she battled diabetes and its complications for years, Lyder said she was

never one to sit around feeling sorry for herself. “Journalism is public service and Angela has served her country selflessly.

Her goal was that struggling women would be inspired by the trials and triumphs of other women, that they should know that they too, could weave gold from straw. “She hated cruel people, the kind that loved to inflict emotional pain on others and would, week after week, urge us to live by her motto of be kind to each other,” Lyder said.

Cuffie said Martin had been instrumental in securing his employment as former Head of News at CCN TV 6, for which he remained forever beholden to her. Childhood neighbour and longtime friend, Carol Charles, read a poem she wrote following Martin’s passing. Her elder brother, Ancil Martin, revealed the level of care he was able to provide to Martin during her struggles with diabetes, changing her bandages, reviving her after she nearly slipped into a diabetic coma and even ensuring she could move around on her own. As someone from humble beginnings, Kevin said his sister never let fame go to her head and learned how to live peacefully and lovingly with everyone with whom she came into contact. Kevin said while Martin’s sudden death was hard, he was happy she had not suffered nor had she been a victim of a homicide or vehicular accident. (Trinidad Guardian)

A cross section of mourners, including Communications Minister Maxie Cuffie, and former MP Donna Cox, pay their respects to Angela Martin, during her funeral, yesterday, at Daybreak Assembly, Poinsettia Drive, Morvant.

PHOTO: NICOLE DRAYTON

REGIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Oil Slick Washes Up In Godineau Swamp PAGE 101

Three weeks ago, thick black oil washed into the Godineau swamp with the evening tide. The oil blanketed the mangrove roots, killing the crabs and oysters which lived between the roots. Since then, crab and oyster vendors who made a living in the swamp have found their pickings slim and are now crying out for assistance. During a tour of the swamp yesterday, president of the Crab Catchers and Oysters Association of South Oropouche, Kishore Ramsingh, said the vendors desperately needed help. “We make a living out of this swamp and the last oil spill come and damage our livelihood and we are looking to get someone in authority to see if they could help with a little compensation because this is we living here. “All the crabs dying, all the oysters dying, we don’t know what to turn to...to get a dollar to go by,” Ramsingh said. As the boat made its way down the river, a black oily substance was seen on mangrove roots. Ramsingh said the vendors reached out to State-owned oil giant, Petrotrin, but said: “Nobody never came to us to tell us anything. Everything just go to deaf ears. We asked to get officials from Petrotrin (to visit) and nobody give us a reply yet.” Although the vendors are seeking compensation from Petrotrin or monetary assistance from the Government, Ramsingh said they were not asking for much. “We just looking for a little compensation so we could survive for the next few months. We don’t expect the Government or the company to pay us for life. If we get a two or three months compensation so the chemicals and oil could die off from the soil so we could get back to our livelihood again,” he added. He said with the new school term around the corner, the vendors were hoping for a speedy response. “School opening just now, plenty people you seeing here right now have books to buy. We have children to send to school. We have groceries to buy and right now it hard, it very hard. If anybody could help we, with a little grocery even, we would be very thankful,” Ramsingh said. Doodnath Mayrhoo, Member of Parliament for Fyzabad, said he was

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

hoping the matter will be raised in Cabinet today. “This is something of national importance and the Minister of Agriculture (Clarence Rambharat) should take this first-hand and address it because there are people affected from Central all the way down to Cedros. “We are hoping tomorrow at their Cabinet meeting that this is discussed and Government comes up with a plan that will assist the fishermen, the crab catchers and the oyster vendors,” Mayrhoo said. He said on Monday a letter was sent to Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley asking for his intervention. “We called on the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture to do what they could to assist those fishermen.

We are seeing first-hand the pollution where oil has come up and stuck against the oyster shells and the crabs and all other creatures in the mangroves,” he added. (Trinidad Guardian)

Naresh Lutchmipersad pokes a dead caiman floating in the Godineau Swamp yesterday.

The swamp was contaminated during the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Paria.

PHOTO: RISHI RAGOONATH

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 102

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

Turkey Attacks: Blasts Targeting Police And Soldiers Kill At Least 12

At least 12 people have been killed and 219 wounded in three bomb attacks in Turkey's southeast. Blasts at police stations in Van and Elazig killed four police officers and two civilians, reports said. Five soldiers and a village guard died when their vehicle was targeted in Bitlis province. Turkish officials blamed the Kurdish militant group, the PKK, for the attacks, which took place outside Kurdish majority areas in the region. "Our fight against terror will never cease," said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

attacks on police vehicles in nearby Diyarbakir and Kiziltepe last week. Since last month's failed coup in Turkey, there has been much talk of national unity. But this has not included the pro-Kurdish political party which the Turkish authorities say supports the PKK, reports the BBC's Turkey correspondent Mark Lowen. The proKurdish HDP denies any link to the militants. More than 180 PKK militants had been killed and 3,000 detained since the coup bid, Mr Erdogan said. (BBC)

The PKK has carried a series of bombings targeting the police in the largely Kurdish south-east since a ceasefire with the government broke down last year. Last week, PKK commander Cemil Bayik threatened increased attacks against police in Turkish cities. Ongoing conflict Television footage showed plumes of smoke rising above the destroyed police building in Elazig. The force of the blast blew out nearby cars, uprooted trees and left a large crater outside the building. The bombing in Van struck near a hall where a wedding party was in progression, sending the bride and groom and their guests fleeing in panic, AFP news agency reported.

The blast in Elazig destroyed the police

At least eight people were killed in two station and nearby vehicles(REUTERS)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 103

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

Russia Furore Over FGM In Mainly Muslim Dagestan A report on female genital mutilation (FGM) in the North Caucasus has sparked a fierce debate in Russia, with some clerics defending the practice.

A civil society group found FGM to be common among Muslims in mountain villages in Dagestan.

Girls' genitals were cut in primitive homes.

Regional Muslim leader Ismail Berdiyev suggested all women should undergo FGM but later withdrew the remark. But a senior Orthodox Christian priest, Vsevolod Chaplin, had backed Dagestan has many remote villages and dozens of ethnic groups(AFP) him.

In a Facebook post (in Russian), Archpriest Chaplin expressed "my villages. The mutilation - condemned by the United Nations as "child sympathies for the mufti, and I hope he doesn't retreat from his abuse" - was usually carried out in primitive conditions, without position because of the howls and hysterics which will start now". anaesthetic, on infant girls aged up to three.

"We Orthodox Christians have different traditions - but that never Women quoted anonymously in the RJI report said they considered stopped us respecting the traditions of neighbouring peoples," he FGM to be a Muslim duty for their daughters. Usually it involved wrote. He said FGM was not necessary for Orthodox Christian removal, or part-removal, of the clitoris and/or labia. But the most extreme form of FGM - sewing up the vagina to leave a tiny hole - was women "because they're not promiscuous anyway". not done. Girls suffered psychological trauma, bleeding and painful But he approved of the mufti's statement that God had created scarring from FGM. 'Alien to Islam' RJI said the subject was taboo in "woman so that she could give birth and bring up children". the mainly Muslim republic, home to many different ethnic groups, "Feminism is a 20th-Century lie," he added. 'Less debauchery' Mr the largest of which are the Avars.

Berdiyev, the mufti of the North Caucasus, had said earlier that FGM FGM was largely ignored by Muslim community leaders, RJI said. A was practised in some villages in Dagestan and that it was necessary senior mufti in Russia's Spiritual Administration of Muslims, Rushan to curb women's sexuality. "It would be very good if this were applied Abbyasov, called FGM "alien to Islamic theology". He said there was to all women," the Islamic cleric said, adding, "It doesn't stop women no clear Muslim instruction about FGM and no evidence that it giving birth and there would be less debauchery." Speaking later to "tames desire".

More than 200 million women and girls around the Russian media, he said his "joke" had been "twisted" by journalists to world have undergone FGM. The UN estimates a further three make it look like he advocated FGM. million are at risk of being mutilated.

FGM has been documented in Some Facebook users lambasted the priest's position on FGM. Arik 30 countries, mainly in Africa, but also in the Middle East and Asia.

Elman said "you don't have to sympathise with Islam in order to know (BBC) that FGM is not a commonly accepted part of Muslim tradition, but has regional, tribal roots". Igor Tetyuev said it was "not the role of a celibate monk" to "discuss women's bodies, childbirth and children".

Irina Gubernatorova said "burning heretics at the stake and drowning witches in sacks were also ancient and glorious Christian traditions shall we go back to them?" In its report (in Russian), the Russian Justice Initiative (RJI) said it had interviewed many women in Dagestan and discovered that FGM was widespread in mountain

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 104

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

South Sudan Conflict: Sacked VP Riek Machar Goes Into Exile South Sudan's sacked Vice-President Riek Machar has left the country, weeks after his forces were involved in deadly clashes with government troops. Mr Machar had gone to a neighbouring country, his spokesman said. He had initially fled the capital, Juba, during the violence in July, demanding a neutral force be deployed to keep peace and guarantee his safety. The fighting erupted less than a year after a peace deal was signed to form a unity government and end the civil war.

It was bodyguards for Mr Machar and President Salva Kiir's presidential guards who fought each other, sparking days of violence in July. Hundreds of people died and more than 100,000 fled across the border. The UN has launched an independent investigation into allegations that its peacekeepers failed to respond when troops loyal to Mr Kiir attacked a residential compound popular with foreign aid workers last month. During the attack, a local journalist was shot dead at point-blank range and troops reportedly raped several women, among them foreigners working for relief agencies.

Political differences between Mr Machar and Mr Kiir ignited the civil war in December 2013 - and they only agreed to settle their differences under intense international pressure, signing a peace deal last August. Mr Machar returned to Juba in April to take up the post of vice-president, but President Kiir dismissed him in the wake of the

Riek Machar has not been seen in public since fleeing Juba last month(AFP)

latest violence. He has not been seen in public since and his exact whereabouts are unknown. A member of his opposition SPLA-IO party told the BBC that he was en route to Ethiopia, via the Democratic Republic of Congo, but earlier media reports said he was in Tanzania or Chad.

Mr Machar had been "safely evacuated to a safe country in the region" after a "botched attempt to assassinate" him, a statement from the SPLA-IO said. Last week, the UN authorised a 4,000-strong African protection force for Juba with a more robust mandate than the 12,000 UN soldiers already in the country. But South Sudan's government said it opposed the deployment and it is not clear how the mission can go ahead without its co-operation. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 105

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

US Ready To 'Hand Over' The Internet's Naming System The US has confirmed it is finally ready to cede power of the internet’s naming system, ending the almost 20-year process to hand over a crucial part of the internet's governance. The Domain Naming System, DNS, is one of the internet’s most important components. It pairs the easy-to-remember web addresses - like bbc.com - with their relevant servers. Without DNS, you’d only be able to access websites by typing in its IP address, a series of numbers such as "194.66.82.10".

More by circumstance than intention, the US has always had ultimate say over how the DNS is controlled - but not for much longer. It will give up its power fully to Icann - the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers - a non-profit organisation. The terms of the change were agreed upon in 2014, but it wasn’t until now that the US said it was finally satisfied that Icann was ready to make the change. Icann will get the “keys to the kingdom”, as one expert put it, on 1st October 2016.

From that date, the US will lose its dominant voice - although Icann will remain in Los Angeles. If anyone can, Icann? Users of the web will not notice any difference - that’s because Icann has essentially being doing the job for years anyway. But it’s a move that has been fiercely criticised by some US politicians as opening the door to the likes of China and Russia to meddle with a system that has always been “protected” by the US. "The proposal will significantly increase the power of foreign governments over the Internet,” warned a letter signed by several Republican senators, including former Presidential hopeful, Ted Cruz. Whether you think those fears are justified depends on your confidence in the ability of Icann to do its job.

It was created in 1998 to take over the task of assigning web addresses. Until that point, that job was handled by one man - Jon Postel. He was known to many as the “god of the internet”, a nod to his power over the internet, as well as his research work in creating some of the systems that underpin networking. Mr Postel, who died not long after Icann was created, was in charge of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). Administration of the IANA was contracted to the newly-formed Icann, but the US's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the Department of Commerce, kept its final say over what it was able to do. It’s that final detail that is set to change from October.

No longer will the US government - through the NTIA - be able to intervene on matters around internet naming. It rarely intervened. Most famously, it stepped in when Icann wanted to launch a new top-level domain for pornography, “.xxx”. The government wanted Icann to ditch the idea, but it eventually went ahead anyway.

From October, the “new” Icann will become an o rg a n i s a t i o n t h a t a n s w e r s t o m u l t i p l e stakeholders who want a say over the internet.

Those stakeholders include countries, businesses and groups offering technical expertise. Best option “It's a big change,” remarked Prof Alan Woodward from the University of Surrey. "It marks a transition from an internet effectively governed by one nation to a multistakeholder governed internet: a properly global solution for what has become a global asset." Technically, the US is doing this voluntarily if it wanted to keep power of DNS, it could. But the country has long acknowledged that relinquishing its control was a vital act of international diplomacy.

Other countries, particularly China and Russia, had put pressure on the UN to call for the DNS to be controlled by the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union. A treaty to do just that was on the table in 2012 - but the US, along with the UK, Canada and Australia, refused, citing concerns over human rights abuses that may arise if other countries had greater say and control over the internet and its technical foundations. Instead, the US has used its remaining power over DNS to shift control to Icann, not the UN. In response to worries about abuse of the internet by foreign governments, Icann said it had consulted corporate governance experts who said its the prospect of government interference was “extremely remote”. "The community’s new powers to challenge board decisions and enforce decisions in court protect against any one party or group of interests from inappropriately influencing Icann,” the group said in a Q&A section on its website.

As for how it will change what happens on the internet, the effects will most likely be minimal for the average user. "This has nothing to do with laws on the internet,” Prof Woodward said. "Those still are the national laws that apply where it touches those countries. "This is more about who officially controls the foundations of the Internet/web addresses and domain names, without which the network wouldn't function." (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 106

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

Ethnic Minorities Face 'Entrenched' Racial Inequality - Watchdog Black and ethnic minority people in Britain still face "entrenched" race inequality in many areas, including education and health, a watchdog warns. A review by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, which also looked at employment, housing, pay, and criminal justice, found an "alarming picture". Black graduates earn on average 23.1% less than white ones, and more ethnic minorities are unemployed, it found. The government said it was committed to "delivering real social reform". 'Different world' David Isaac, the commission's chairman, said the report reveals a "very worrying combination of a post-Brexit rise in hate crime and long-term systemic unfairness and race inequality".

“We must redouble our efforts to tackle race inequality urgently or risk the divisions in our society growing and racial tensions increasing," he warned. "If you are black or an ethnic minority in modern Britain, it can often still feel like you're living in a different world, never mind being part of a one nation society."

It underlines "just how entrenched and far-reaching race inequality remains", he said. The commission, which carried out an analysis of existing evidence, said: Black people in England are more than three times more likely to be a victim of homicide than those who are white Unemployment rates were "significantly higher" for ethnic minorities Black workers with degrees earn 23.1% less on average than white employees with

(GETTY IMAGES)

the qualifications Ethnic minority people were more likely to live in poverty than white people Ethnic minorities are still "hugely under-represented" in positions of power - such as judges and police chiefs Poorer white communities also face "continuing disadvantage", the report added.

The commission acknowledged there had been progress in some areas, citing an increase in the number of ethnic minority MPs and a rise in the proportion with a degree-level qualification across all ethnic groups. But Mr Isaac said the government's strategy in recent years has been "piecemeal and stuttering". He called for the government to introduce a comprehensive race equality plan "to build a fair society in which our origins do not determine our destinies". 'Real progress' The commission recommended that responsibility for the strategy be brought under one secretary of state.

New targets to improve opportunities and outcomes for ethnic minority communities should be introduced, it added. The government said "real progress" was being made - with black and ethnic minority employment rates at their highest levels for 15 years. "But there is clearly more to do, which is why we are delivering a comprehensive race equality programme on employment, university places, apprenticeships, start-up loans and recruitment to the police and armed forces," a spokeswoman added. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 107

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

California Wildfires: Thousands Flee Blue Cut Blaze Firefighters are continuing to tackle a huge blaze in southern California, with several of them describing it as the most ferocious they have ever seen. An evacuation order has been issued for an area home to more than 82,000 people, just east of Los Angeles. The Blue Cut fire, as it has been named, has destroyed homes and disrupted transport links between California and Nevada. Some people have been running for their lives just ahead of the flames.

On Thursday morning California fire authorities assessed that the Blue Cut fire had grown overnight by almost 5,000 acres (2,025 hectares), and is only 4% contained. The fire is continuing to grow again, as temperatures increase throughout the day. The blaze first ignited on Tuesday in a drought-ravaged mountain pass and spread at an "explosive" pace, authorities said. The flames have advanced, out of control, despite the efforts of over 1,500 firefighters.

Authorities are urging people to evacuate from more than 34,000 homes, but fear that up to half of them have not heeded their advice, a US Forest Service spokeswoman said.

Commander Mike Wakoski said he had never seen such extreme conditions in 40 years of service. "There will be a lot of families that come home to nothing," said San Bernardino County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig. "It hit hard. It hit fast. It hit with an intensity that we hadn't seen before," he added. There are no known fatalities but dogs are searching the ruins for bodies. Authorities have been unable to say how many homes have been destroyed, but some fear it will be in the hundreds.

Wrightwood, a tourist resort surrounded by pine trees in the San Gabriel Mountains, feels like it is besieged by fire.

Huge flames whipped by a strong breeze are advancing down a mountain ridge and along a forested valley towards the town.

Although it falls within the mandatory evacuation zone some residents have remained, keeping one eye on their homes and another on the fire. There is no sense of panic here. The Grizzly Cafe is open and serving food to police officers and journalists.

Half of the sky is a beautiful blue but in the other direction it is ominously thick with smoke as the Blue Cut Fire rages over vast tracts of forest and desert plains.

Even for California's firefighters, experienced in tackling wildfires, this blaze - or rather series of blazes - is proving very difficult to tackle. With temperatures high and humidity low, nothing here is safe from this massive fire. "No joke, we were literally being chased by the fire," said a tearful April Christy, sitting in a van with her mother Vi Delgado at an evacuation car park in Fontana.

Moments after first smelling the smoke, she said the flames were suddenly surrounding them. "You've got flames on the side of you. You've got flames behind you," she said. They grabbed their four dogs but were stopped by police from trying to rescue nine more shelter dogs and three cats, because there was no time. Her escape involved a harrowing race down a mountain road, led by one police patrol car in front and one behind her, with firefighters battling flames alongside her.

(BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 108

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

Clinton Going On Air With Favorite New Attack: Trump's Tax Returns

Hillary Clinton's campaign is putting money behind their new chosen attack on Donald Trump. Clinton's campaign will begin airing a new ad -- titled "Absolutely" -- on Thursday that hits Trump for not releasing his tax returns despite saying in 2014 that he "absolutely" would in a interview with an Irish television station. Clinton and her top aides have tried to weaponize Trump's lack of disclosure on taxes, repeatedly slamming the Republican nominee and speculating why he is declining to do what decades of presidential nominees have done.

"Under his plans, Donald Trump would pay lower tax rate than middle class families," Clinton said Wednesday in Cleveland.

"Of course, we have no idea what tax rate he pays because unlike everybody else who has run for president he refuses to release his tax returns so American people can't really judge."

Clinton's use of Trump's tax returns are an effort to raise credibility and honesty questions around the Republican nominee, an effort that Clinton's top aides hope will leave voters questioning whether Trump either has ties to questionable businesses or isn't as wealthy as he says he is.

Clinton has even started to say at events: "If you believe that

Trump is as wealthy as he claims." "He wants America to work for him and his friends, at the expense of everyone else," Clinton said earlier this month in Michigan, before noting that it is impossible to know how "nice" his tax plan will be to the Trump family "because he refuses to do what every other presidential candidate in decades has done and release his tax returns.”

The new ad -- which will air as part of the national cable ad buy - features Republican commentator George Will and 2012 Republican nominee Mitt Romney, who both oppose Trump, positing why he isn't releasing his tax returns. Will says it is "perhaps one more reason why we're not seeing his tax returns is because he is deeply involved in dealing with Russian oligarchs." Romney says: "Either he's not anywhere near as wealthy as he says he is (or) there's a bombshell in Donald Trump's taxes."

Clinton released her 2015 tax returns earlier this month and eight years of personal income tax returns in 2015. With that release, Clinton's aides said 38 years of Clinton tax returns have been available to the press over the course of her career, dating back to 1977. (CNN)

LOCAL PAGE 109

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

Mystery Of Missing Indian Plane Continues, 27 Days After Disappearance Twenty-seven days after an Indian military jet mysteriously vanished from radar on a routine flight over the Bay of Bengal, authorities are no wiser as to the aircraft's fate, Indian officials say. The Indian Air Force Antonov AN-32 transport plane carrying 29 people took off from the southern Indian city of Chennai at 8:30 a.m. on July 22 for a three-hour flight to Port Blair, in India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands. But 42 minutes after takeoff, the aircraft tilted to the left, descended swiftly from its cruising height of 23,000 feet and vanished from radar, Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar told the country's upper house of parliament in Delhi last month.

times a week for years, and the pilot behind the controls had put in about 500 hours on the route, said Parrikar. The Indian Air Force has been modernizing its AN-32 fleet, and the missing plane had undergone an overhaul to replace its equipment. But it had flown about 270 hours since the upgrade, he said.

"It's not that something new was changed, and (the crash) happened the next day," he said. While the cause of the plane's disappearance remains unknown, the plane had suffered three technical issues in the weeks preceding the crash, CNN affiliate News 18 reported, making a technical failure the most likely scenario. Defense Ministry "There is no SOS... no transmission on any frequency," he said. "It spokesman Nitin Wakankar said there was no reason to suspect just disappeared." Minutes before the disappearance, the pilot had terrorism was a cause. (CNN) said he was deviating to the right to avoid a heavy raincloud, said Parrikar. At the time it vanished, it was only about 8-10 minutes from reaching the limits of radar coverage in the region. Port Blair is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an Indian territory consisting of more than 500 islands -- only three dozen of which are inhabited -- in the Indian Ocean, about 1,370 kilometers (851 miles) east of Chennai.

'No clues whatsoever' Since then, search teams have scoured the vast search area for signs of the missing plane, or signals from its emergency locator transmitters, to no avail. The plane was equipped with two emergency locator transmitters, but -- like all the Indian Air Force's AN-32 fleet -- it did not have an underwater locator system, making the work of search teams more difficult, CNN affiliate News 18 reported. Indian Air Force spokesman Anupam Banerjee said that more than 1,000 hours had been flown searching for the missing aircraft, while Indian Navy spokesman DK Sharma told CNN that five ships and several Navy aircraft remained engaged in the search.

The vessels, said Parrikar, include a survey ship using sonar to scan the ocean floor -- four kilometers deep in places -- and a submarine.

But searchers still had "no clues whatsoever" on the plane's whereabouts, said Sharma. Crews have recorded dozens of sightings of debris, but frustratingly, none that comes from the missing aircraft.

Plane had been upgraded The plane was one of the Indian Air Force's fleet of about 100 Antonov AN-32s -- a twin-engine military transport aircraft.

The missing AN-32 flew the same route, to Port Blair and back, three

INTERNATIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Battle For Aleppo: Photo Of Shocked And Bloodied Syrian Five-Year-Old Sparks Outrage PAGE 110

A photograph of a dazed and bloodied Syrian boy rescued from a destroyed building in Aleppo after an air strike has caused outrage around the world. Images of the boy sitting in an ambulance were released by activists and have since been shared widely on social media. He was identified as five-year-old Omran Daqneesh, who was treated for head wounds on Wednesday, doctors said. His parents and three siblings are believed to have survived the attack.

The pro-opposition Aleppo Media Centre said the pictures of Omran had been taken in the rebel-held Qaterji district late on Wednesday, reportedly following Russian air strikes that killed at least three people and injured 12 others. The video shows the boy being carried out of a damaged building by a medic and then placed on a seat in the back of an ambulance, covered in dust and with a blood-covered face.

Omran is then left sitting quietly, appearing stunned by the ordeal. He runs his hand over his face and looks at the blood before wiping it on the seat. Omran's picture has already led to comparisons with another disturbing image, that of three-year-old Syrian refugee Alan Kurdi whose body was washed up on a Turkish beach after his family attempted to cross to Greece. Fighting between government and rebel forces has escalated in recent weeks in Aleppo, once Syria's commercial and industrial hub, leaving hundreds dead.

Russia said it was ready to stop military operations in the city for a 48hour period as early as next week after UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura pleaded for a "gesture of humanity" to allow aid deliveries to the two million people trapped there. No aid has been delivered to besieged areas since the beginning of the month. 'The horror of

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2016

Aleppo' Omran was pulled from the remains of a destroyed block of flats along with his parents and three siblings, aged one, six and 11, Al Jazeera Mubashir journalist Mahmoud Raslan told AP news agency.

“We were passing them from one balcony to the other," Mr Raslan who took the photo - said, adding that he had been handed three lifeless bodies before receiving the injured boy. Doctors said Omran was treated for head injuries and later discharged and none of his family sustained major injuries. The shell-shocked boy's image has prompted an outpouring of anger at the continuing fighting. "The stunned, bloodied face of a child survivor sums up the horror of Aleppo," tweeted Adib Shishakly, a member of the opposition Syrian National Council. Turkish-based commentator Omar Madaniah wrote: "A boy has come out from underneath the rubble in Aleppo after Russian airplanes targeted him.

This is the terrorist that all states are uniting against." Saudi media figure Jamal Khashoggi tweeted: "It is as if he is sitting at the Arab summit or the Security Council chiding those who are silent with his own silence and looks." More than 250,000 people have died in almost five years of war in Syria, with a further 11 million people displaced by the conflict, according to the UN. Staffan de Mistura is, even in the face of the enormous diplomatic challenge of bringing peace to Syria, normally a genial man.

Not on Thursday. He was visibly angry as he described how he had suspended the humanitarian task force after just eight minutes. There was no sense in meeting, he said, when no aid had been delivered to any besieged areas since the beginning of August. This is despite weeks of pleas from senior aid officials. The move by Mr de Mistura may be seen as measure of last resort. Since no negotiations are taking place, the UN may be hoping to shame the warring parties - and their backers like the United States and Russia - into, at the very least, a pause in fighting to allow aid in. But as the battle for Aleppo rages, the UN's diplomacy in Syria looks increasingly sidelined. (BBC)

F r i d a y A u g u s t , 1 9 , 2 0 1 6

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

LOCAL PAGE 113

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

Teixeira: Government Took Away Jobs, Monies And Giving It To 3B’s Initiative

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira told a news conference on Friday that since the APNU+AFC Coalition took office in May 2015, jobs are being replaced with booths, buses, bicycles and boats. Teixeira stated that the ethnic group with the largest dismissal rate in Guyana under the present Administration is the Amerindians, making reference to the staff at the Amerindian Land Titling Unit who were terminated in July 2015/ Approximately 1,952 persons of Amerindian descent were fired as Community Service Officers (CSOs) when the new government took up office.

According to Teixeira, the former PPP Government had a very strong vision for transforming all of Guyana not just one set of people. She stated that the PPP had funneled monies in developing the lives of the Guyana’s Indigenous people through the GRIF program. The Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) is a multi-contributor trust fund for the financing of activities identified under the Government of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). Pending the creation of an international REDD+ mechanism, the GRIF represents an effort to create an innovative climate finance mechanism which balances national sovereignty over investment priorities while ensuring that REDD+ funds adhere to the highest internationally recognized standards for financial, environmental and social safeguards.

According to Teixeira, the APNU+AFC Government cannot give account for US$8.2 million from the Amerindian Development Fund, (ADF), reasons for the dismantling of the Youth Entrepreneurial Apprenticeship Program (YEAP), the one Laptop per family and the Solar homes system distribution program. Former Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai, has stated that there is little evidence of development in Amerindian communities, since the APNU+AFC Coalition took office.

The PPP claims that youths in the hinterland areas are being profiled by the Government and are being called “the red brigade”, “the PPP politician” and the “red and dread Gail Teixeira team”.

FEATURE PAGE 114

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

The Unruly Horse SETTLEMENT OF COURT CASES: LEGITIMIZING INCOMPETENCE AND CORRUPTION By: Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP. Attorney-at-Law

There is no other Gov't in the Commonwealth that has settled more cases and paid out more public funds, as a consequence thereof, over a sixteen month period than the coalition Government. In this regard, the Administration has demonstrated such an incomparable proclivity and haste to dole out public funds and write off debts owed to the State, that it puts a strain on the rational mind not to conclude,that either incompetence overwhelms or, that there is a corrupt motive, or both In this piece, I will examine three (3) of such cases to demonstrate my point.

1.The Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) case.

This case involved a legal challenge launched in the High Court by DDL in 2002, to the Commissioner General's of the Guyana R e v e n u e A u t h o r i t y, a s s e s s m e n t o f consumption taxes owed by that company in a sum exceeding $1 billion, for the period January 2001-September 2002. This assessment by the Commissioner-General was eventually quashed by the High Court on the 1st of February, 2005. GRA appealed that decision to the Court of Appeal. On the 31st of July, 2008, the Court of Appeal dismissed this appeal on the ground that the Commissioner-General had used a wrong formula for the calculation of the consumption taxes. The Court prescribed a formula to be used. In 2009, the Commissioner-General, utilizing the Court recommended formula, assessed DDL's consumption tax liabilities for the period 2001-2007 (since after 2007 Consumption

Tax was abolished with the introduction of VAT). The newly assessed liability of DDL for that period was in excess of five billion dollars. Again, DDL filed legal proceedings challenging this assessment. GRA retained external Senior Counsel and was steadfastly defending this challenge when this Gov'ttook office. Instead of continuing to defend GRA's assessment done in accordance with the Court of Appeal's formula, this Adminsitration settled these proceedings, for the paltry sum $1.5 billion and gave DDL more than a year to pay. So, after fifteen (15) years of litigation, with DDL having the use of several billion dollars of State funds, interest free, this Gov't settles for $1.5b. The Oppoistion Leader, an expert in the financial field, pegged the loss to the treasury by this settlement, at approximately $20 billion. The reasons publicly proffered by the Minister of Finance for this settlement are equally preposterous. Among the reasons he advanced, is that the company's tax liability to the State declined with the passage of time!

Up until that time, like me, most people thought that debts increase with the accrual of interest, with the passage of time. A significant consequence of this settlement is that Banks DIH Ltd, who in like circumstances, paid billions of dollars in consumption taxes, assessed by the Commissioner-General, utilizing the same method used to calculate DDL's Consumption Tax liabilities, has signaled an intention to claim a refund of consumption taxes paid. Banks paid far more consumption tax than DDL as their production line is larger.

Therefore, the refund that will be sought will be several times the $5 billion for which DDL was assessed. To sum it all up, the settlement of this one case is likely to cost the taxpayers over $50 billion.

2. Haags Bosch/BK International settlement A ten year contract in excess of US$10m signed between BK International and Puran Brothers (a joint venture), with the Gov't of Guyana in 2009, for the construction and management of a garbage disposal site at Haags Bosch. From on or about 2013, the

Gov't began to complain to the contractor about sub-standard works being done under the contract. Notices and letters were sent identifying these defects and calling for their rectification. Several meetings were held, chaired by the President, to persuade the contractor to correct the breaches. All efforts proved futile. In 2015, the international funding agency of the project gave the Gov't an ultimatum to terminate the contract. As a result of several fundamental breaches of the contract, the PPPC Administration made a decision to terminate the contract, remove the contractor from the site and to sue for compensation for breach. A termination notice was issued in February 2015, terminating the contract. In March 2015, BK launched legal proceedings in which a number of prerogative writs were sought, quashing the termination notice and prohibiting the Gov't from removing the contractor from the site. Upon the change of Government, the coalition Government made great hue and cry in the press about the state of the dump site. Ministers Patterson and Bulkan led teams of public officials on site visits. For days, they publicly lambaste the sloppy and sub-standard works done at the site. They publicly criticized the contractor for negligent works. Minister Bulkan and Mr. Brian Tiwarie had exchanges in the press. In November 2015, the Court quashed the termination notice and restrained the Gov't from ejecting the contractor from the site.

continued on next page...

FEATURE PAGE 115

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

The Unruly Horse...cont...

The Attorney-General appealed. One must assume that he had good grounds to do so. In my view, he did. The Court erred in using public law principles to determine a private law contractual dispute. Having publicly castigated the contractor for shoddy works and having appealed the aforementioned Court ruling, one would have expected that the Attorney-General would have prosecuted his appeal and then sue the contractor for damages for breach of contract for the substandard work about which his Gov't complained. Instead, and to the public's absolute surprise, this Gov't negotiated a “settlement” with the contractor, whereby, rather than the Gov't receiving compensation for the contractor's breach of contract, the Gov't agrees to pay to the contractor US$5.7M. It is as if the Gov't is rewarding the contractor for the same shoddy and substandard works about which the Gov't itself publicly complained. When questioned about this bizarre settlement, three Gov't Ministers conveyed the clear impression that the contractor had sued the Gov'tfor compensation in the sum of US$10m, and that the Gov't managed to persuade the contractor to accept just over 50% of the claim. Indeed, the Attorney-General, on the 8th of August, 2016, in the Committee of Supply, expressed great fear that if the case is not settled, then the Gov'tmay be forced to pay a huge judgement. He cites, the Rudisa judgment in support of his argumentation.

My inquiring mind propelled me to get a

copy of this “case”, because I wanted to examine the claim of the contractor. I diligently searched the Supreme Court Registry for the years 2015 and 2016, but could not find any case filed by BK against the Government, claiming compensation in the sum of US$10M as was alleged, or at all.

So, again, the nation was misled. This $1.7b of taxpayers' dollars, which is being paid, is in relation to a non-existing case. To sum it up: this contractor received hundreds of millions of dollars under the PPP with respect to this contract; that it breached the contract, there is no doubt; rather than demand from or sue the contractor for compensation, this Gov'trewards the contractor in the sum of $1.7b and allows him to exit in 2015, a contract that was to end in 2021. In the end, when all the monies paid to this contractor under this contract are totaled, this contractor would have received the full contract price of US$10m for less than 5 years of sub-standard work under a 10 year contract. 3. The Rudisa cas This case was filed by Rudisa in the Treaty Jurisdiction of the CCJ claiming a refund from Guyana, of monies paid under a section of the Customs Act, which was found to be in violation of the Treaty of Chaguaramus. While these proceedings were pending, the Attorney-at-Law for Rudisa, indicated to the Court, his client's readiness to withdraw the proceedings if the offensive section of the law is repealed. The Court adjourned the matter for several months to allow Guyana to repeal that provision. Twice,

we piloted bills in the APNU/AFC controlled tenth parliament to do so. On each occasion, I detailed to the House the facts of the pending litigation and the consequences that will flow if the section is not repealed. On both occasions, my pleas fell on deaf ears. On both occasions, the APNU/AFC rejected the amendments. Judgment was eventually granted against Guyana in sum of G$1.2b.

Had the APNU/AFC supported the amendments, Guyana would have been saved this money. As an aside, what can be only described as unparalleled sophistry, the Attorney-General still blames the PPP for this debt. Significantly, during the hearing of this matter, a senior functionary of the distributor of Rudisa's products in Guyana, admitted under cross examination, that these products were under-valued by Rudisa before shipped to Guyana, in order to compete with Guyanese products. By this admission, Rudisa was guilty of underinvoicing and, therefore, never pay the correct amount in taxes on these products. If an assessment is to be done, using the market value of those products, Rudisa would be indebted to Guyana in the billions. These monies can be set off against the judgment. In the end, Guyana would not have had to pay a cent and Rudisa may still have been indebted to us. This was our plan. Although, it was made known to thos Gov't, rather than pursue this course and save the country over $1.2b, with bewildering alacrity, they paid the judgement.

LOCAL PAGE 116

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

Embattled Linden Town Clerk Speaks Out The controversy continues about the performance of Linden Town Clerk, Joneller Bowen and the measures taken by the Mayor Carwyn Holland and Councillors. In July, Councillors passed a noconfidence motion against Bowen. The motion which was proposed by Councillor Deron John and seconded by Councilor Neola Rogers, gathered the support of 10 councilors, while Councilor Lennox Gasper and Councilor Fern Mckoy abstained. The Town Clerk is being accused of leaking incorrect financial information to the media and the public.

However, Bowen has denied such allegations during an interview aired by online broadcaster, News Room. Bowen, in reference to the two noconfidence motions passed against her, both in the past and present council, maintained that there are irregularities in the procedure with the moving of the present motion since it was not done in accordance with the Municipal and District Council Act. Chapter 2801 Section #8. Bowen said she will not make any speculations related to the Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan’s response to the no-confidence motion against her, highlighting that the premise used to forward the motion is “baseless.”

During the interview with News Room, she maintained that she was sent to an Administrative Leave, locked out of the Council and personally escorted out of the Town Council by the Deputy Mayor. However she noted that only Minister Bulkan has the power to send her on leave, so she remains on duty at the Linden Town Council, in accordance with the Municipal Councils Act, Chapter 2801.

Mrs. Bowen also denied claims made by Mayor Carwyn Holland, concerning her alleged accusation towards him and the Deputy Mayor of spending more than $500,000 for the already depleted coffers for the Linden Town Council (LTC).According to reports, Mayor Carwyn has threatened with taking legal action against Bowen for defamation of character.

LOCAL PAGE 117

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

CITY HALL ANNOUNCES: TAXES! TAXES! AND MORE TAXES! Finance Secretary of the Mayor and City Council, Oscar Clarke, at yesterday’s press conference held by City Hall, stated that more taxes will be implemented by the Council in the 2017 budget. Mr. Clarke who is also the PNC’s General Secretary, stated that persons who uses the city’s space, will have to pay for it. He said that the space in the city belongs to the city and so anyone who wishes to use it, a cost will be attached to it. Mr. Clarke was at the time addressing vendors gathered at City Hall.

Mr. Clarke did not state the specifics of the new taxes. The Council backed by the APNU+AFC coalition Government has also proposed a 10% across -the board hike in rates and taxes. Clarke said the across-the-board rate hike, which would also form part of the 2017 City Budget, would not include new and improved properties whose market values are being determined by the Ministry of Finance Valuation Division. Recently, when suggested that new taxes will drive up the cost of goods and services, Mr. Clarke did not respond to the suggestion.

The Mayor of Georgetown Patricia Chase-Green is considering changing the by-laws of the city to include transportation and discharge of containers along city streets. It is alleged that a tax of $30,000 will be charged on any person wishing to Transport or Discharge a 20 foot container on any street or parapet within the City. It is also alleged that the tax will be $45,000 if the container is a 40 foot one, failure to pay the tax will result in a fine of $60,000 or $90,000 respectively.

It is further alleged that if anyone does not pay the tax then an additional $2500 will be charged for every day after and if persons refuse to pay any of the tax or penalty, the Mayor is contemplating the laws be changed to seize the containers. However, the council has reduced that fee to $5000 until the necessary laws are in place. The Council has introduced a parking meter for vehicular traffic in the city.

Many drivers are not optimistic about this move by the council, they are of the opinion that this will place additional burden on them. Businesses continues to complain about the state in which the council is managing the affairs of the city, they are not optimistic about the future of their investment in Guyana. Only recently the Council implemented a number of additional and new fees for businesses in the City.

LOCAL PAGE 118

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

Limited Scholarships Opportunity To Attend UG As the University of Guyana prepares to commence the new academic year 2016-2017 there are multiple students who are still awaiting their offer of acceptance amongst other necessary ‘go ahead’ which will see them commencing classes on the 29th of August. One of the major issues students have been crying about is the availability of student aid in Guyana as there still seems to be doubt over the student loan controversy. However this may not be true as the Government of Guyana has recently recommenced the distribution of limited Scholarships to the locally based University.

A few years back the Government had stopped this practice of the distribution as rumors of scholarship awardees not keeping their end of the bargain, became the reason. The scholarship will be issued to a limited amount of prospective and current students who will or would have chosen to study in any of the 28 programs that the Ministry has indicated ranging from Civil Engineering to Economics to Agriculture.

As the Scholarship is not for everyone the government has set up certain requirements which applicants will have to possess if they wish to be granted one, including current students will have to possess a minimum GPA of 2.7, applicants must be the holder of a valid Guyanese passport and applicants must be 35 years or younger. The University of Guyana over the past years has been issuing few scholarships under the Scholarship for Advanced Guyanese Education or SAGE program.

This program would have seen ten (10) applicants per academic year being chosen and awarded the four year scholarship. Over the past few weeks there has been much publicity over the availability of jobs in Guyana and this has caused much doubt in the minds of students who would have had hope that when they graduate jobs will be available.

LOCAL PAGE 119

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

“AMERINDIAN” COULD EVENTUALLY BE REPLACED IN GUYANA’S LAWS. A list of suggestions for amending the 2006 Amerindian Act were amongst several issues that came up at the 17 th General Assembly of the Guyanese Organization of Indigenous Peoples (GOIP) held at Wakapoa village, Region 2, on 31 st July, 2016.

Misnomers such as grant of land title and Amerindian in the Act could be replaced with return and first Guyanese respectively.

The Gathering also condemned the practice of a Cabinet Minister exercising powers to dismiss an entire elected village council, amongst other shortcomings in the present Act. Additional laws, backed up by effective law-enforcement, it was felt, are also needed in Guyana’s Constitution to make life tougher for human traffickers, of which indigenous females are prime victims. A mild seismic shift in the GOIP’s leadership also took place at Wakapoa, when Mary Valen- zuela of the Warau Nation replaced Colin Klautky as Chief.

Others elected to the new female- dominated Executive include Esther Robinson, (Secretary), Phyl Osorio (Treasurer), Colin Klautky (PRO), together with Natasha David, Lyn Roberts RN, Ann Payne, Claudette Fleming, Brian Chu, former Region 7 Councillor Victor Lawless and former Wakapoa Toshao Seaford Fredericks, as Committee Members. The Wakapoa and other lower Pomeroon indigenous communities bemoaned the gap between promises and deliveries made by past and present Guyana regimes in the quality of Education and Health Care systems afforded to villagers.

However, the community’s conceptualization of a forest preservation/eco-tourism venture at the Moraro area of Wakapoa was widely discussed, with the prospect of much-needed employment for villagers being envisaged. Plans to relocate the Walter Roth Museum were also given the thumbs down, since this could negatively affect many precious ancient pre-Columbus artefacts stored at its present location. The GOIP vowed to continue its advocacy for land rights, a green economy, self-empoerment and basic human dignity for Guyana’s first peoples, some of which has achieved measured successes since the Association’s resuscitation almost three decades ago.

GOIP Release

LOCAL PAGE 120

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

Brazilian Operator Fined For Illegally Mining In Kaieteur National Park

Ceso Alves De Alcantara, a national of Brazil, was fined after a raid by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) in the Kaieteur National Park Buffer area found equipment in the form of a dredge No. 9827 and a Doosan excavator engine No. DHKCEFALTB which belonged to him operating within the restricted park lands.

The illegal mining was found in April 2016 and the culprit will pay a fine of $7 million to the GGMC as the agency, together the Ministry of Natural Resources, continue to demonstrate its seriousness about meting out the measure of the law to those bent on breaking it. Mr. Alcantara’s mining equipment was detained and charges were prepared against him. According to the release, in discussions on the 4th and 5th of August, Mr Alcantara indicated that he fully regretted the situation, that he was almost ruined and has become ill with worry since the situation unfolded.

“In an understanding between Mr. Alcantara and the authorities, the equipment is to be removed from the buffer area to Grass Falls, granted that there are no future issue arising from his operation working near prohibited areas or without permission.” The Ministry of Natural Resources and the GGMC believe that Mr. Alcantara’s case can be used to send a strong message that there is a zero tolerance approach towards mining in protected areas and outside the confines of the law and that stern action can and will be taken against those found doing so. In recently months, the Ministry of Natural Resource together with the GGMC has moved to end illegal mining activities that have been on the increase in and around the Kaieteur National Park. -By- Pablo Cupido, Guyana Daily News.

LOCAL PAGE 121

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

Omar Shariff Sues Travis Chase And HGPTV

Embattled Permanent Secretary (PS) Omar Shariff has journalist Travis Chase and HGPTV – Omar Farouk Inc. According to reports emerging from a local online media house, a writ has been served to the journalist Travis Chase, HGPTV- Omar Farouk Inc. and Omar Farouk who are listed as the defendants. Shariff is claiming damages in excess of ten million dollars (G$10M) for defamation and slander by uttering of the following words on a television broadcast, “Shariff liquid assets stands at just about ten billion dollars”, among other defamatory remarks issued on HGPTV. In addition, there is also a further ten million dollars (G$10M) damages claim. This is for the defamation in relation to the publication of the news broadcast on the social media platforms, including the popular Facebook.In breaking his silence over the controversial matter during a press statement last weekend Mr. Shariff condemned sections of the electronic, broadcast and print media, claiming that the reports were “a series of vile, sensationalist, untrue, propagandistic, and, in substantial and material respects, misleading news reports.”This was after a copy of the embattled PS’s banking and assets information were leaked to a local newspaper via a “document” which is said to be misleading and likely erroneous.

LOCAL PAGE 122

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

Two Charged For Possession Of Cannabis

Daniel Smalle and Clifford Brackette today appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court charged with possession of cannabis. The men were both fined GY$2000 and GY$3000 respectively and are set to serve six months of Community Service each.

Smalle, who appeared unrepresented and Brackette, who was represented by Attorney Mark Conaway both pleaded guilty to the charge and pleaded with the Magistrate for leniency in her decision. The men will have to report to the East La Penitence Police Station at 05:00 hrs every Monday for the next six months. It was noted that on August 16, 2016 in Georgetown, Smalle and Brackette were found to be in possession of 2g of cannabis each. -By- Jarred Singh, Guyana Daily News.

President Plugs National Unity And Celebration Of Guyana’s Diversity -At Lord Hanuman Murti Consecration At Blairmont President David Granger has urged residents of Blairmont, West Coast Berbice to use their religious faith to promote peace, unity and harmony even as the administration continues to work to transform the country into a more cohesive society. The President was at the time speaking at the prana pratistha or consecration ceremony of a 4.5 metre tall ‘murti’ (statue) of the Hindu God, Lord Hanuman at the Blairmont Mandir. Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally, Regional Chairman, Mr. Vickchand Ramphal and other regional officials were also present at the ceremony.

President Granger said that he was extremely happy to receive an invitation to worship with them on this important occasion, which he said is evidence of the deep roots of Hinduism in Guyana. He reminded the gathering of his oath to serve as President of all of Guyana and said Guyana is a strong country because each ethnic group brings different strengths and is necessary for national development. “The Blairmont Mandir stands on sacred ground. It is central to the spiritual life of residents on the West Bank of Berbice. Devotees assemble there to worship and to enrich their spirituality so that they can learn and live according to the precepts of Hinduism... [This mandir] provides services to the community and brings residents together to improve their own lives. It must continue to be a beacon to guide this community,” the Head of State said. Speaking of Guyana’s culturally diverse society, the President said that he is of the firm view that the different ethnic and religious groups in Guyana need to develop a greater understanding of each other, so as to fully appreciate the richness of the nation’s diversity and strength of the country as a whole. “We cannot be strong if we are ignorant. We cannot be strong if we misunderstand each other, but through understanding we will be better able to combine our energies and our strengths and ensure that our children live in an age of enlightenment rather than n age of darkness,” he said. He also spoke of the importance of Hinduism in Guyana, which dates back 178 years. It was brought to the country by Indian indentured labourers in 1838 and today constitutes a significant demographic element.

“This magnificent murti of Lord Hanuman is a public manifestation of private devotion. It is a physical expression of a divine spirit. It can be seen far and wide by anyone approaching Blairmont. It is proof that the adoration of Lord Hanuman is widespread.

It is a reminder that his own grace is cast over the entire community,” President Granger said. Meanwhile, officiating priest, Pandit Rajin Lallaram in his remarks said that the erection of the murti must serve as a source of motivation and strength for people as the deal with the everyday challenges that life presents.

“Everyday we awake we are greeted with some trial, some difficulty for which we have to be in the unending process of finding solutions. So today with this establishment of this murti, I am sure that it will give us an opportunity to reflect on the strengths that lie within us and to use that strength, courage, inner will and power to contribute to a better society, a better nation and the world by extension,” Pandit Lallaram said. The murti, which stands on a concrete platform immediately next to the mandir, was constructed at the cost of over $900,000 by a privately owned company, located at Strathspey Village, East Coast Demerara.

MOTP Press Release Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally assisting in the cutting of the ribbon to officially mark the unveiling of the Lord Hanuman Murti at Blairmont.

REGIONAL PAGE 123

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

PTSC South Workers Want New Management

While PTSC workers in the company’s South office held off on protest action yesterday, they are renewing their calls for the management team to be replaced. In an interview with the T&T Guardian yesterday, Transport and Industrial Workers Union (TIWU) branch representative, Roland Woods, said the current management team could not run the service efficiently. “We have four people in charge who know nothing about running a bus service... they know less than us. Those are some of the problems we have to face here.

“We have some of the best buses and they just have the buses down. This is a gold mine and they just have the buses parked up here and the people who could repair the buses, you trying to fight them down. I told them the hornet’s nest raised and I am ready to deal with that,” Woods said. He said due to an ongoing police investigation about the theft of a bus engine, TIWU vice-president Andy Sinanan advised the workers to halt their protests.

“The workers didn’t come out today to protest because after I spoke to Andy Sinanan he advised me that we should hold off on the lunch time protests because it is in fact illegal for us to protest outside of working hours and he told us to hold off on the protest and let the police do their jobs and conduct their investigation,” Woods added.

He said he was expected to meet with several senior PTSC officials in Port-ofSpain today on the issue. “I was hoping to have a hearing with even the minister (Works and Transport Minister Fitzgerald Hinds) because you ought to have people in places that can get the job done. “That is what needs to be done. You have to change management and we the workers here are adamant that they change management. As long as we can prove that management is not sufficient and they cannot do the job, they need to be removed,” he said. Calls yesterday to the cellphone of PTSC general Transport and industrial Workers Union manager, Roland Forde, went unanswered. branch president, Roland Woods.

(Trinidad Guardian)

REGIONAL PAGE 124

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

Union Wants Nidco To Settle Unpaid Wages Former employees of Brazilian highway contractor, Construtora OAS, are calling on the Government to clear their outstanding salaries left unpaid by the contractor when it closed its operations last year. The Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU), which is representing the 1,000 former workers, yesterday met with the representatives of the National Infrastructure Development Company (Nidco) to discuss the issue as the State-owned project management company was responsible for the still incomplete San Fernando to Point Fortin Highway.

Speaking with reporters outside Nidco’s office in Port-of-Spain before the meeting, OWTU president general, Ancel Roget, said Nidco and the Government had a responsibility to ensure the workers were paid before it embarked on the process of seeking contractors to complete the project. “The Government, through its agent Nidco, would have fired contractor OAS, which owes these workers money.

We feel that there is a duty of care and responsibility on behalf of the Government and Nidco to now make good the payment of the outstandin g wages and severance payments to the workers,” he said. He claimed that the most of the workers were owed almost $30,000 each. “These workers are owed money and they ought to be paid at all costs. Those workers have commitments just like everybody else. Nidco would have fired OAS for whatever reason but our business is ensuring the workers are paid,” Roget added. He also stated he and the OWTU supported Government’s plan to complete the mega-project but maintained those who worked on the project since 2010 had to be paid first.

“We agree that the highway must be completed but the workers who have already done work on it must be paid,” Roget said. OAS was awarded the contract for the project, initially budgeted at $5.285 billion, in May 2010. The several segments of the project had been delayed since it commenced due to protest action by environmentalist Dr Wayne Kublalsingh and the Highway Re-Route Movement (HRM), a group of residents who are opposed to the project as they have to be relocated as they claimed it posed a danger to the environmentally sensitive Oropouche lagoon.

The HRM has a lawsuit before High Court Judge James Aboud in which it is claiming that the Government breached its rights by failing to consult with them before starting the project. The lawsuit is yet to go on trial. Last year several of the company’s sub-contractors sued it after it failed to pay them for the services they rendered. The contract was eventually cancelled after last September’s general election, with the project almost 63 per cent complete. Speaking in Parliament in May, Minister in the Office of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs, Stuart Young, called for an investigation into the project and OAS as he claimed it had cost overruns in excess of $8 billion.

Young also said three days before the last general election the Government “entered into a written agreement with OAS, called Contract Addendum No 2, whereby they expressly recognised that OAS was bankrupt, and stated that they could invoke Clause 15.2 (e) of the FIDIC contract immediately terminating the contract. “However, despite this, they proceeded secretly to give up this right of termination and waived all claims against OAS, thus releasing and discharging OAS from any liability,” he added. (Trinidad Guardian) OWTU president general Ancel Roget speaks to members of the media outside Nidco’s headquarters, Port-of-Spain, yesterday. PHOTO: SHIRLEY BAHADUR

REGIONAL PAGE 125

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

No Compensation For Crab Catchers Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat says oil spills are an environmental issue that has to be dealt with by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and not his ministry. Responding to a list of questions sent via WhatsApp, Rambharat added there would be no compensation paid to crab catchers, fishermen or oyster vendors by the ministry following an oil spill several weeks ago in the southwestern peninsular. “Oil is an environmental issue that has to be dealt with by the EMA. The ministry does not deal with environmental issues.

Those affected must make a complaint to the EMA,” Rambharat stated. After being told the fisherfolk and vendors were reaching out to the ministry for monetary assistance, Rambharat wrote: “There is no compensation to be paid by the ministry. The ministry is paying no compensation. There is no basis for the ministry to compensate fishermen.” He did not respond when asked whether he would be meeting with the affected fishermen and vendors.

On Wednesday, Otaheite crab and oyster vendors sent out a plea to Rambharat, asking for assistance as they had been out of work over the last three weeks. The vendors said oil which washed up in the Godineau swamp killed off the crabs and oysters and they had been unable to make their living. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Otaheite Vendors Association burned tyres and called for a meeting with Rambharat, saying they are being unfairly treated by the Fisheries Division in South.

Over the past few weeks, fishermen and vendors have been complaining of declining sales as they say statements made by secretary of Fishermen and Friends of the Sea, Gary Aboud, has frightened the public away from buying fish. On Tuesday, Cedros fisherfolk also called on the Government for assistance as they said their cupboards were empty and creditors were breathing down their necks. (Trinidad Guardian)

REGIONAL PAGE 126

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

Workers’ Group Seeks To Oust PM

A new group, involving an Opposition Senator and a United National Congress political activist, and close to 100 workers marched around the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) yesterday demanding the removal of the Prime Minister. The group, the Stakeholders Movement, had to be cautioned by police for using loudspeakers and road blocking. They were steadfast, braving midday rain and walked single file outside the St Clair office as Prime Minister Keith Rowley chaired his weekly Cabinet meeting.

On Wednesday, the organisation was granted permission to protest but it was not clear as to who the organisers were, but the participants were clear as to their purpose, demanding Rowley’s removal from public office. UNC Senator Gerald Ramdeen who arrived at 11 am rallied protesters to begin marching in front the office along Gray Street. However, they were asked to provide a copy of the permit to the police after they were advised to move the demonstration to St Clair Avenue as it had not been specifically stated that they were free to assemble on that particular street.

UNC activist Barrington Thomas was highly critical of the police attempts to break up the protest and disperse the demonstrators.

Addressing supporters around 1 pm, under the watchful eyes of police officers, Thomas said though they were given permission to assemble and also have a public announcement system, they had not been given permission to play it beyond the decibel level of a car radio. Thomas said they would not be deterred from their primary purpose. “PA system or no PA system, our call from our bellies and our voices is that the PNM must go and go now,” he said.

Pointing to the OPM building, he added: “Inside that place where they make wicked decisions to take away your food cards and take away your book grant and take away your milk for your children and take away your jobs and take away your freedom, if they think PA system or no PA system, we want to tell Rowley, Al-Rawi and that cabal in there that today is only the beginning. “We will fight Rowley and his Cabinet till the last man is standing.” The group had been granted permission to march from 11 am to 2 pm, just before the scheduled start time of yesterday’s post-Cabinet press briefing during which the Prime Minister spoke.

Among the protesters Among the protesters was 80-year-old cane farmer Deolal Mohan of Chaguanas. He said he wished to highlight the plight of the 9,000 workers, like himself, who had been left with rotted tractors and other equipment and were still awaiting payments from Government. Mohan demanded to know why monies released by the European Union since March had not yet been disbursed to the people for which it was intended. The EU reportedly handed over $75 million to Government earlier this year.

The money was part of an agreement between Government and the EU as payment for former cane farmers after the closure of Caroni (1975) Ltd. In April, Rowley said Government intended to pay out $52 million to the cane farmers as he claimed it had not been meant for the farmers but to reimburse the Government for money spent after the industry closed its pension plans and offered enhanced voluntary separation packages. Secretary of the Port Retirees Pension Committee, Herman Hernandez, said they too were calling on government to settle outstanding debts.

He said agreements were reached last year with the previous administration just prior to the general election which halted further negotiations. Hernandez claimed of the 900 members, some had already passed away as the majority of them were aged 65 and over.

Joking that the issue needed some “advertisement,” Hernandez hoped yesterday’s protest would bring some relief to their ongoing plight. Forestry employee, Conrad Eccles, said it was a similar situation as hundreds of employees were still awaiting salary payments for the last five fortnights.

Committee member, Austin Vidal, denied the protest was politically motivated saying: “This is about people, mainly those on the lower social rung of the ladder, coming together who are disenchanted for a common cause. “It is a movement of the people, for the people.” (Trinidad Guardian)

A police officer cautions attorney Gerald Ramdeen during the protest. PHOTO: SHIRLEY BAHADUR

REGIONAL PAGE 127

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

Govt To Award 400 Scholarships

Cabinet has decided to award scholarships to 400 students who wrote the recent Caribbean Education Secondary Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exam (CAPE). But principals across T&T, who have been identifying their top performing students and assessing how many scholarships their schools may get, will have some more waiting to do. The Education Ministry has not yet received the list of scholarship winners from CAPE and CSEC, Education Minister Anthony Garcia said at yesterday’s post-Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister, St Clair.

However, once the ministry gets the lists, its Scholarships Selection Committee would be hard at work, he assured. Giving a breakdown of the results, the minister said in the CSEC 58.1 per cent of the Form Five students who wrote the examination got full certificates or five and more passes. He said while students performed creditably well in subject areas like physical education and sport, religious education and economics, the ministry remained concerned about performances in mathematics and English A. Some 54.1 per cent of the CSEC students passed mathematics in 2016, a slight decline from the 61.1 per cent who passed in 2015.

Of those who wrote English A, 72 per cent passed, an increase from the 64.6 per cent in 2016. In Unit One of the CAPE, written by Lower Six students, 94.6 per cent of those who wrote the exam achieved a passing grade. In Unit Two, written by Upper Six students, 94.1 per cent passed. Garcia said the results showed a slight improvement from 2015. He said last year almost the same number of students achieved passing grades in the examinations. Asked how many students got no passes, Garcia said his ministry was still tabulating the figures but said nine per cent got below the lowest passing grade of five in CAPE. He said “30-something” per cent of those who wrote the CSEC got grades below the lowest passing grade of three. Garcia said the ministry had put strategies in place to deal with its concerns over the performance of students, particularly in the areas of English A and mathematics.

Many students did not read and the ministry wanted to encourage children to get into critical thinking, he said.

He suggested poetry as a good start. Children are also grappling with understanding concepts.

“There concerns with algebra.

When they don’t get a hold on algebra, it militates against them getting good grades,” he said.

Curriculum officers, ably assisted by school supervisors, have been mandated to go to the schools and meet principals and head of departments to make sure what was on the syllabus was being taught and being done in a timely manner, Garcia said. (Trinidad Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, left, looks on as Education Minister Anthony Garcia reviews CSEC data during yesterday’s post-Cabinet press conference Guardian) at the Office of the Prime Minister, St Clair. PHOTO: NICOLE DRAYTON

REGIONAL PAGE 128

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

Man Slain Hours After Proposing To Girlfriend

Hours after he proposed to marry his new girlfriend, fisherman David Hinkson was shot dead in front of his house at Sunset Beach, Point Fortin, on Wednesday night. The murder occurred a day before Hinkson, aka “Fatman”, was scheduled to appear at the Point Fortin Magistrates’ Court for maintenance of his three children from a previous relationship. He was a father of six. Hinkson, 37, suffered three gunshot wounds to his head, chest and abdomen and died on the spot. His cousin, Crystal Ward, and his girlfriend, who asked to be identified only as Molly, were inside the house listening to music when a man called out to Hinkson.

Ward said the house was not outfitted with electricity and when the stranger came, she and Molly came out on the porch flashing the light from their cellular phones on David and his visitor, turned assailant. “We did not recognise the man but he told us to stop shining the light on him. David seemed to know him because they were talking for about two minutes. Then we heard him shout out ‘No!’” That was followed by three loud explosions and a thud, they said. “David was a heavy man and when he fell it made a loud noise,” Ward recalled.

She and Molly dashed under the bed and hurriedly called the police. The house is located in a gutter along the steep incline of a cliff off Sunset Beach Road and Molly said it took police half-an-hour to get to the scene. “We came out before they arrived. We do not know who would do this,” Ward said. While Molly stood nearby wiping away tears, Ward said on the day he died, Hinkson had proposed to Molly and asked her to be his wife. “They were on the beach when he proposed. She is the first person he ever ask to get married to him,” Ward said.

She revealed Molly was her friend and she introduced her to Hinkson four months ago.

They moved in together shortly after and Molly said she enjoyed cooking for Hinkson. “He would go out and catch fish and we would go out the road and sell it. We were happy together. He planned to build over the house,” Molly added. Hinkson’s mother, Gloria, who lives close by, said his estranged common-law wife, Melissa Halls, had brought him up for maintenance of their three children —Daniel, five, Aliyah, three and Lennon, seven—and he was due to appear in court yesterday. Gloria said Hinkson also had two daughters—Ornella, 19, and Nikeisha, 18—from another relationship and another child with a woman with whom she was not familiar.

Saying she raised Hinkson’s first two daughters, Gloria described her son as a friendly man. She said she spoke to him two weeks ago but she did not know he was planning to marry Molly. “David was friendly with everybody. If he quarrel with you now he never hold you in mind,” Gloria added. Police said they were looking at surveillance cameras from houses surrounding Hinkson’s home.

His body has been removed to the Forensic Science Centre, St James, where an autopsy will be done today. Anyone with information on Hinkson’s death can contact Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS. Southern Division Homicide officers are continuing investigations. (Trinidad Guardian) Gloria Hinkson hugs her grandchildren—Daniel, five, Aliyah, three and Lennon, seven—at their Point Fortin home yesterday, hours after where their father, David Hinkson, was killed on Wednesday night. PHOTO: RISHI RAGOONATH

REGIONAL PAGE 129

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

Belize PM Says No Change In 'Gender Policy' To Result From Court Ruling BELMOPAN, Belize (CMC) — The Belize Government says there will be “no gender policy” as a result of a recent ruling by the Supreme Court that overturned the country’s sodomy law, ruling that Section 53 of the Criminal Code which criminalises consenting intercourse between adults of the same sex contravenes the right granted by the Constitution. According to Prime Minister Dean Barrow: “No gender policy will emerge in consequence of the chief justice’s ruling and do or set out some of the things that the churches seem to fear are inevitable consequences. It won’t happen. Nothing will change except, as I said, in this narrow regard."

Earlier this month, the Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LBGT) activist Caleb Orozco and his United Belize Action Movement (UNIBAM) expressed satisfaction with the ruling by Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin ruling that Section 53 of the Criminal Code contravenes the right granted by the Belize Constitution. “I can, in good conscience, say to the nation that insofar as the claimants are concerned, they have been given what is without a doubt a shield, they have not been given a sword, and the entire nation must understand this,” Barrow told reporters.

Orozco and the group had in 2010 challenged the law claiming it contravened the country’s constitution of no interference with a person’s dignity and personal privacy, as well as equality and equal treatment of all persons before the law. In a letter written by the Roman Catholic Church to Prime Minister Barrow earlier this week, Bishops Dorick Wright and Christopher Glancy highlighted the urgent need for appeal of the ruling, noting that in other countries decriminalisation of certain aspects of the sodomy law had been successfully challenged.

The church maintains that legalisation gave sudden rise to gay marriage legislation, laws which seriously breach the right of a child to a mother and a father. The church further contends that decriminalisation can allow for the establishment of “a draconian gender agenda in the school system”. But Prime Minister Barrow said, “We will, I repeat, make the rounds to set out Government’s position clearly to try to educate people. “We will continue to appeal for calm and respect to the ruling and for the differences among us. We will not just do the media rounds, if there are pamphlets and bulletins and literature that we have to put out we will do so.

“Cabinet has directed that we meet with the churches so that what I am saying here might be repeated and have the benefit of their forensic questioning of government in order to try as much as possible to clarify this absolutely horribly complicated issue,” he told reporters. But Barrow made it clear that his administration would not be appealing the decision of the Supreme Court.

“The chief justice found that that section, except by reading it down, is against the Constitution of the country which is the supreme law, that is the role of the chief justice, that is the function of the judiciary in our society.” Barrow said that he had been approached by a pastor telling him that the chief justice amended the Constitution. “He did no such thing. He amended Section 53 and he interpreted the Constitution with respect to one provision in a certain way, but again as the attorney general has said that is the role of the judiciary.

That is the function of the courts in our constitutional democracy. “So disagree with it all you like, and that is also your right in a democracy, but please do not say it is what it is not and please do not say that it is the government. We fought the case [and] we have to pay costs you know, not any; that is what I would want to appeal. “The chief justice ordered costs only against the government. The churches which filed these copious, voluminous briefs don’t have to pay anything and then the National Evangelical Association [of Belize] says I must file an appeal on their behalf.”

Prime Minister Barrow said that the question of costs is really secondary “but it is to make this point that we were, the attorney general was the defendant, the government fought to uphold Section 53 whether rightly or wrongly. “The government fought to uphold Section 53 but the courts in pursuance of their legitimate and mandated function found that Section 53 is unconstitutional. Government must respect that but don’t say that that means that it’s the government that changed the law,” he added, Meanwhile, the main opposition Belize Progressive Party (BPP) is calling on the government to make the ruling an issue for a referendum here.

BPP leader Patrick Rogers said "…referendums are used to guide elected members in Government, what the will of the people they are governing is”. According to Rogers, "any responsible administration, after seeing the results of a referendum... if they choose to maintain a stance that is in opposing view to that referendum result... won’t be governing much longer.

Because laws must benefit the population – our Constitution says to make laws that are beneficial to the people of Belize, right? So if the law is not beneficial to us, we have a right to resist that law, okay? If we say we want the law to be this way and the Government refuse to put the law this way, they won’t be governing too long”. The BPP treasurer, Robert “Bobby” Lopez, said the party will go to its financiers to raise at least BDS$300,000 to fund what he termed the “People’s Prime Minister of Belize, Dean Barrow Referendum”. (Jamaica Observer)

REGIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Gov’t Tackling Issue Of Int’l Banks Cutting Ties With Local Banks KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government is strengthening initiatives to tackle the PAGE 130

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

threat of international banks ending their correspondent banking relationships with local financial institutions. In order to reduce reputational risks and be in compliance with international regulations, particularly relating to criminal activity, such as money laundering, fraud and terrorist financing, international banks have threatened to cut ties with banks in the region in a de-risking move.

Holness, addressing a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday, said he considers the issue “a clear and present danger”. He noted that the Government is working assiduously to lobby banking counterparts in the United States, as well as to engage local banks on ways to mitigate the threat. Holness added that the Government has held a series of consultations with stakeholders and has been working closely with banks to ensure compliance with international standards.

He said he has also met with the Bank of Jamaica and the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, to facilitate further discussion on the matter. “At CARICOM, all the leaders agree that we would make a concerted effort to lobby the United States on ensuring that the correspondent banking issue does not de-stabilise the fiscal and economic growth security of the countries,” he said. The prime minister emphasised that countries in the region must move quickly to ensure that their legislative and regulatory frameworks align as much as possible with international banking requirements.

“The process is ongoing and I think that there is an evolving understanding on the part of the US regulators about the Jamaican challenges and the threats that de-risking poses,” he said. Holness also commended local banks for initiatives already taken to mitigate the risks.

Correspondent banking involves banks in large countries facilitating certain transactions for other banks. This may include wire transfers, business transactions, deposits, and gathering of documents on behalf of the other financial institution. Caricom has indicated that it will be hosting a global conference in the Caribbean aimed at strengthening this advocacy. (Jamaica Observer) Prime Minister Andrew Holness, addressing a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister on August 17. At right is Chairman of the Economic Growth Council, Michael Lee-Chin. (Photo: JIS)

REGIONAL PAGE 131

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

Over 30 Delinquent Taxpayers Arrested, MOCA/TAJ Target More Parishes KINGSTON, Jamaica — Over 30 delinquent taxpayers were arrested in a joint two-day operation by the Tax Administration Jamaica’s (TAJ) Special Enforcement Team (SET) and members of the Major Organized Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) in St Catherine and Clarendon. Twenty-two taxpayers avoided further court action by making full payments on spot after they were arrested, while nine others paid down significant amounts with arrangements of settling the outstanding taxes in short order.

According to a release from the TAJ, one man was detained on Wednesday on a warrant of disobedience. His name is Paul Walker. Walker was subsequently brought before the court and offered bail in the sum of $50,000. He TAJ said he was also placed on a monthly arrangement of $50,000 to settle his tax liability of $211,651.02. Walker is to return to court on October 11, 2016. Following the two days of operations in Clarendon, TAJ says it will now shift its focus to other parishes as it continues to ensure the protection of the revenue through enforcement activities.

AJ is encouraging taxpayers to speak with the tax authority to make suitable arrangements, if they are faced with difficulties in honouring their tax obligations, particularly where a judgement has been handed down by the Court. Failure to comply with a Court Order will result in strong enforcement action to recover the outstanding amounts. (Jamaica Observer)

REGIONAL PAGE 132

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

Woman Killed, Husband Critical

A Carenage woman was stabbed to death in her bedroom and her husband critically injured early yesterday morning in a case police were still trying to decipher up to last night. Police reports stated that the couple’s 14-year-old daughter, Keisha Edwards, heard screams in her parents’ bedroom around 2.10 am and later found her mother, Andrea “Hannah” Edwards, 37, dead on the ground and her father, Raul Joseph, 42, with stab wounds. Police said one of Joseph’s sons from a previous relationship later took his father to Westshore Medical where he remains warded in a serious condition.

But police said another theory being offered was that a man in dark clothing entered the house and attacked the two. A man in dark clothing was seen fleeing the house, police said they were also told. What has baffled police, however, is that the house, located at Moya Trace, off Haig Street, Carenage, was described as heavily “fortified,” making it almost impossible to break into the home. Police added they received information that Joseph and Edwards had a rocky relationship.

In 2010, Joseph’s father, Peter Salvary, 65, had his throat slit at Big Yard, Carenage. Salvary, a mason, was killed on January 7. He was attacked around 2.30 am, police reports stated. Joseph, the owner of a party boat named “Top Cat”, had a collapsed right lung and stab wounds to the chest and back, while Edwards, an assistant cook, had stab wounds to the abdomen and chest. On Edwards’ Facebook page, her most recent post was a video of a friend celebrating his birthday. The post was uploaded at 6.35 pm.

On Joseph’s Facebook page, many friends posted their condolences for his wife and get well wishes to him. Speaking with the T&T Guardian near the scene of the incident, Edwards’ younger sister, Sophia, said she was an ambitious woman who dragged that trait out of her. “She was a very loving and giving person and was hardworking. She recently got a job at a food place on Mucurapo Road as a cook and was working Sunday to Sunday. She had a real sweet hand, she could cook anything.

“She was always encouraging me to do the right thing. I will miss her ambition. She had the ambition to make you feel like you could do anything. I could tell you that because I was weak in that area and she always encouraged me. To know that she come from so far, only to go through this. It is like a nightmare,” Sophia said of her sister. Edwards added that she and her sister, despite their ups and downs, spoke everyday except the day before she died as she had no credit on her cellphone to call her.

She said she had been hearing conflicting reports surrounding her sister’s death, with some claiming an intruder did it while other reports suggested a dispute led to the incident. Edwards said: “You see this on TV and you wish that it would never happen to you. Right now I would just like to find out the cause of this. Why did this happen?”

With this killing and three others yesterday, the murder toll rose to 289 for the year. (Trinidad Guardian) A relative of Andrea Edwards is overwhelmed with grief at the scene of her murder in Carenage yesterday. PHOTO: NICOLE DRAYTON

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 133

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

Mystery Of Missing Indian Plane Continues, 27 Days After Disappearance

Twenty-seven days after an Indian military jet mysteriously vanished times a week for years, and the pilot behind the controls had put in from radar on a routine flight over the Bay of Bengal, authorities are about 500 hours on the route, said Parrikar. The Indian Air Force has no wiser as to the aircraft's fate, Indian officials say. The Indian Air been modernizing its AN-32 fleet, and the missing plane had Force Antonov AN-32 transport plane carrying 29 people took off undergone an overhaul to replace its equipment. But it had flown from the southern Indian city of Chennai at 8:30 a.m. on July 22 for a about 270 hours since the upgrade, he said. three-hour flight to Port Blair, in India's Andaman and Nicobar “It's not that something new was changed, and (the crash) happened Islands. But 42 minutes after takeoff, the aircraft tilted to the left, the next day," he said. While the cause of the plane's disappearance descended swiftly from its cruising height of 23,000 feet and remains unknown, the plane had suffered three technical issues in the vanished from radar, Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar told weeks preceding the crash, CNN affiliate News 18 reported, making a technical failure the most likely scenario. Defense Ministry the country's upper house of parliament in Delhi last month.

“There is no SOS... no transmission on any frequency," he said. "It spokesman Nitin Wakankar said there was no reason to suspect just disappeared." Minutes before the disappearance, the pilot had terrorism was a cause. (CNN) said he was deviating to the right to avoid a heavy raincloud, said Parrikar. At the time it vanished, it was only about 8-10 minutes from reaching the limits of radar coverage in the region. Port Blair is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an Indian territory consisting of more than 500 islands -- only three dozen of which are inhabited -- in the Indian Ocean, about 1,370 kilometers (851 miles) east of Chennai.

‘No clues whatsoever' Since then, search teams have scoured the vast search area for signs of the missing plane, or signals from its emergency locator transmitters, to no a v a i l . T h e p l a n e w a s An Indian Air Force Hercules comes in to land in Chennai after a search for the missing plane. equipped with two emergency locator transmitters, but -- like all the Indian Air Force's AN-32 fleet -- it did not have an underwater locator system, making the work of search teams more difficult, CNN affiliate News 18 reported. Indian Air Force spokesman Anupam Banerjee said that more than 1,000 hours had been flown searching for the missing aircraft, while Indian Navy spokesman DK Sharma told CNN that five ships and several Navy aircraft remained engaged in the search.

The vessels, said Parrikar, include a survey ship using sonar to scan the ocean floor -- four kilometers deep in places -- and a submarine.

But searchers still had "no clues whatsoever" on the plane's whereabouts, said Sharma. Crews have recorded dozens of sightings of debris, but frustratingly, none that comes from the missing aircraft.

Plane had been upgraded The plane was one of the Indian Air Force's fleet of about 100 Antonov AN-32s -- a twin-engine military transport aircraft.

The missing AN-32 flew the same route, to Port Blair and back, three

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 134

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

US Election: Trump Campaign Chairman Paul Manafort Quits The longtime Republican operative was considered a guiding hand in

Paul Manafort, campaign chairman for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, has resigned just two months after taking the helm. Mr Trump confirmed Mr Manafort's departure in a statement.

He first took control of Mr Trump's campaign after the businessman's campaign manager was fired in June. Mr Manafort, 67, has come under fire for his ties to Russian interests and former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.

But it is not yet clear why he left the team, which was overhauled earlier this week with the addition of a new campaign chief executive and a new campaign manager. Mr Trump has come under pressure in recent weeks after a series of controversial remarks and falling poll numbers. Why he quit - Jane O'Brien, BBC News, Washington Mr Manafort's lobbying connections to pro-Russia politicians in Ukraine are certainly a distraction for Mr Trump's presidential campaign - but unlikely to be the main reason for his departure.

In spite of Mr Manafort's efforts to impose discipline on the Republican nominee, Mr Trump continues to do badly in the polls and has reportedly bristled at efforts to bring him under control.

After all, "being Trump" is how he won the nomination in the first place. His new team now faces the task of allowing him to be himself while making sure he stays on message - attacking his Democratic rival Hilary Clinton instead of sparking controversy with his own verbal missteps. "This morning Paul Manafort offered, and I accepted, his resignation from the campaign," Mr Trump said in a statement. "I am very appreciative for his great work in helping to get us where we are today, and in particular his work guiding us through the delegate and convention process."

Mr Manafort has faced public scrutiny in recent weeks after the New York Times reported that the Ukrainian government had uncovered ledgers pledging more than $12m (£9.2m) in undisclosed cash payments for his work with Mr Yanukovych, who fled after an uprising in November 2013. Ukraine's Anti-Corruption Bureau is also investigating business deals worth millions of dollar that are linked to Mr Manafort.

He has vehemently dismissed the claims and denied any wrongdoing.

Mr Manafort, a former adviser to George HW Bush and Bob Dole, only joined the Trump campaign in March, to help the New Yorker secure the party's nomination. The announcement of new campaign chief, Kellyanne Conway, and campaign CEO, Stephen Bannon, earlier this week raised questions about whether it would diminish Mr Manafort's role.

steering Mr Trump toward a more conventional campaign as opposed to the anti-establishment brand of politics that made his primary campaign successful. A hotel developer with no previous experience of politics, Mr Trump stunned the political world by beating far more experienced figures in the Republican party. He faces Democrat Hillary Clinton, who has faced intense criticism over her email arrangements while secretary of state, in November's election. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 135

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

Photos Show IS Militants Fleeing Manbij With 'Human Shields’ Aerial photos have been released showing Islamic State (IS) militants using civilians as shields to escape the northern Syrian town of Manbij. The Syrian Democratic Forces said the pictures, showing a convoy of hundreds of vehicles, were taken on Friday. The USbacked alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters did not attack as there were civilians in each of the vehicles and it wanted to avoid casualties.

The militants were thought to have gone north, towards the Turkish border. SDF fighters took full control of Manbij after a 10-week offensive backed by US-led coalition air strikes and special forces personnel.

As it became apparent that the town would fall, some 100 to 200 IS militants gathered members of their families, supporters and civilian hostages, Baghdad-based US-led coalition spokesman Col Chris Garver told reporters on Tuesday. The civilians were then placed with the militants in every vehicle in the convoy that headed north, tracked by SDF fighters and the coalition, he said. "We had to treat them all as non-combatants. We didn't shoot. We kept watching." Hundreds of the civilians were released on Saturday, while others escaped.

During the offensive, the SDF had offered the militants a safe route out of Manbij to avoid civilian casualties, but they refused. Col Garver said the jihadists kept "throwing civilians... into the line of fire, trying to get them shot to use that potentially as propaganda". IS militants attempted to flee the Iraqi city of Falluja in a large convoy in June, but were bombed by Iraqi and coalition warplanes. About 175 vehicles were destroyed. (BBC)

The SDF released the aerial photos a week after capturing the town of Manbij(SDF)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 136

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

UK And Australian Citizen Scott Richards Held In Dubai A 42-year-old man arrested in Dubai for sharing a charity post on his Facebook page has been charged. Scott Richards, who holds both British and Australian citizenship, promoted a charity drive to buy blankets and tarpaulins for refugees in Afghanistan. He was held for 22 days then charged with fundraising without permission. Strict new laws prohibit the operation of any charity not registered in the United Arab Emirates. The UK Foreign Office said it was "providing support".

Laws created last year prohibit donations or advertising fundraising campaigns without prior written approval from the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai. Penalties for violating the law include prison terms between two months and one year and a fine of up to 100,000 dirhams (£20,000, $27,000). Extreme stress Mr Richards, who grew up in the Australian city of Adelaide, has been living in Dubai with his wife and two sons while working as an economic development adviser.

His mother, Penelope Haberfield, said he had only been able to change his clothes once every seven days while detained and had to pay for water. "His wife is under extreme stress," Mrs Haberfield told the BBC. "She can only take the clothes to him once a week. She takes him money so that he can buy water and extra food. "She's worried for him, she's worried for herself because if she runs out of money, will she have to leave the country? She's frightened for her children."

Blankets for children Police confirmed that Mr Richards had used social media to recommend a crowd-funding campaign run by a US charity which works in Afghanistan.

The crowd-funding campaign seeks $35,000 for "new tarpaulins, blankets, warm clothes and socks, and sleeping bags" for children at the Chahari Qambar refugee camp on the outskirts of Kabul. More than 100 children froze to death at the camp four years ago. Mr Richards was arrested at his home on 28 July and has been held at Al Murraqabat Police Station. He has been able to see his wife once a week and make limited phone calls. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 137

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

Burka In Germany: Interior Minister Calls For Curbs The German Interior Minister, Thomas de Maiziere, has called for a partial ban on the burka, a day after saying a full ban might not be constitutional. He said the burka did not fit in with Germany's open society and showing the face was essential to social cohesion. "We call on everyone to show their face," he said. The proposal would prevent anyone from wearing the veil in schools, universities, nurseries, public offices or while driving.

It requires parliamentary approval to become law. Chancellor Angela Merkel's governing coalition has been divided over the issue after several attacks in Germany claimed by so-called Islamic State (IS) and amid record numbers of Muslim asylum seekers. "We reject the full veil - not just the burka but the other forms of full veil where only the eyes are visible," said Mr de Maiziere.

“It doesn't fit in with our open society. Showing the face is a constituent element for our communication, the way we live, our social cohesion. That is why we call on everyone to show their face." He added: "Whoever wants to work in public service cannot do so while wearing the full veil."

There are no official statistics on the number of women wearing the burka in Germany but Aiman Mazyek, leader of its Central

Council of Muslims, has said hardly any women wear it, Reuters news agency reports. A study carried out by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees in 2009, and reported by Spiegel magazine, found that more than two-thirds of Muslim women in Germany did not even wear a headscarf. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 138

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

Jewish Man Stabbed On Street In French City Of Strasbourg An Orthodox Jewish man has been stabbed on a street in the French city of Strasbourg by an attacker reportedly shouting an Islamic slogan. Police arrested the suspected attacker who was heard shouting "Allahu Akbar" ("God is great"), according to French newspaper JDD (in French).

A police source said the victim was in distinctive Jewish dress. His life is not believed to be in danger. Local police told BBC News the attack was "not terrorist-related". According to the police source quoted by AFP news agency, the suspected attacker has a history of mental illness. Alexandra Gonzalez, crime journalist for French digital TV channel BFMTV, tweeted (in French) to say that the injured man's life was not in danger.

She also quoted a source close to the inquiry as saying that "no antiSemitic motive had yet been established". Strasbourg is home to a large Jewish community. Jewish people have been targeted by supermarket attacked in Paris in January of last year and a Jewish Islamist militants in France in recent years, with a kosher school in Toulouse attacked in March 2012. (BBC)

Mass Brawl In Bangladesh Over TV Soap Kiranmala An argument about a popular TV drama in Bangladesh erupted into a mass brawl involving hundreds of people, with 15 people badly injured, police say. Villagers in Habiganj district had gathered in a cafe to watch Indian-made Bengali fantasy drama Kiranmala. But when two men disagreed about the plot, others took sides and soon

hundreds of people were fighting with sticks and knives.

Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.

Kiranmala, a sci-fi drama about a warrior princess who saves mankind from evil, is wildly popular in Bangladesh. The brawl erupted in the cafe in Dhol village, 176 kilometres (109 miles) northeast of Dhaka. Local police chief Yasinul Haque told the BBC's Shyadul Islam: "Two men were involved in an argument over the episode, which turned into a group clash. There were hundreds of people attacking each other with sticks and knives.

“Police had to fire nine rubber bullets and five shells of tear gas to control the crowd, and at least 15 people needed hospital treatment."

New agency AFP reported that at least 100 people were hurt during the fighting. Mr Haque said the brawl began on Wednesday night and continued into Thursday morning.

Despite being made in India, Kiranmala is the most popular TV drama in Bangladesh in recent years, and is widely watched, correspondents say. Last year, local media linked the suicides of two Bangladeshi teenage girls to the programme, after their parents reportedly refused to buy them the dress worn by the princess. (BBC)

France Seizes 2,000 Dead Seahorses On Guinea-Vietnam Route French customs officials have seized about 2,000 dead seahorses - a protected species - in parcels from Guinea that were destined for Vietnam. Seahorses are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites).

But they find ready markets in Vietnam and China, where they are ground up to make supposed aphrodisiacs. In February 2015 French officials seized some 19,000 seahorses en route from

Madagascar to Hong Kong.

Customs at Chilly-Mazarin, in the Paris region, said several parcels of dead seahorses had been intercepted in July and August. Sent from Conakry in Guinea, they had been stuffed into plastic bags and were bound for Hanoi. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 139

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

Jewish Man Stabbed On StreAustralia Blocks Ausgrid Energy Grid Sale To Chinese Companieset In French City Of Strasbourg Australia has blocked the sale of Ausgrid, the country's biggest between the two. But the decision should hardly come as a surprise as energy grid, to two Chinese companies over security concerns.

Australian Treasurer Scott Morrison officially rejected the bid by the two firms to buy a 50.4% stake in Ausgrid. The sale had already been put on hold last week, a decision which had drawn much criticism from China. On Friday, Mr Morrison said selling the grid to foreign investors would be against the national interest. "After due consideration of responses from bidders to my preliminary view of 11 August 2016, I have decided that the acquisition by foreign investors under the current proposed structure of the lease of 50.4% of Ausgrid, the New South Wales electricity distribution network, would be contrary to the national interest," he said in a statement.

“This is consistent with the recommendation from the Foreign Investment Review Board." Blocking the sale is expected to widen the rift between the two countries, with China accusing Australia of bowing to protectionist sentiment. After the sale had been put on hold last week, China Commerce Ministry spokesman Shen Danyang had said: "This kind of decision is protectionist and seriously impacts the willingness of Chinese companies to invest in Australia." This rejection by the Australians will only serve to convince the Chinese that they are being messed about.

China is Australia's biggest trading partner, and this will almost certainly strain ties

Mr Morrison had initially raised concerns about the Chinese investment. He said very clearly that he didn't believe it was in the national interest, and the two companies needed to address security concerns. Now he says those concerns haven't been addressed, and that's why he's shut the deal down. That seems - on the surface at least - perfectly logical.

But the Chinese, who have already expressed their dissatisfaction with the way they are being treated, are unlikely to see this as more protectionism from Australia. Privatisation plan Earlier this year, Australia blocked the sale of Kidman & Co - the world's biggest cattle farm - to a Chinese investor. However, Mr Morrison said that the plans to privatise Ausgrid remained in place, aimed at helping the New South Wales state government to raise capital for local infrastructure projects. Australia's decision comes in the wake of the UK government's decision, under new Prime Minister Theresa May, to review the building of a nuclear plant partly funded by China.

“In their quest for global reach, Chinese firms have been acquiring significant stakes in international energy companies especially in emerging and developing countries," said Prof Kamel Mellahi of Warwick Business School. "But in the future firms may ask themselves the question whether the deal would go through just because the investor is from China. That said, such decisions will have little or no effects on Chinese investment in non-critical sectors." China's ambassador to the UK warned that the delay to approving the plant had brought the two countries to a "crucial historical juncture". (BBC)

Today Is World Humanitarian Day

Every day, humanitarian aid workers stand on the front lines of war and disaster, braving tremendous dangers and difficulties to deliver assistance to those who need it most. World Humanitarian Day (WHD), which takes place every year on August 19, recognizes the aid workers who risk their lives in humanitarian service, and mobilizes people to advocate for humanitarian action.

The day was designated by the General Assembly seven years ago to coincide with the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq. This World Humanitarian Day, the United Nations (UN) and its partners are calling for global solidarity with the more than 130 million people around the world who need humanitarian assistance to survive.

Under the theme of ‘One Humanity’, World Humanitarian Day will highlight how the world came together in Istanbul for the World Humanitarian Summit earlier this year, and made commitments to support people affected by crisis and ensure that aid workers can safely and more effectively deliver to those in need. Events will be held around the world on 19 August to honor the work of humanitarian workers and to celebrate the theme of ‘One Humanity’.

In New York, a wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the United Nations headquarters, and a high-level event will be held in the General Assembly Hall. In addition a digital campaign will be

launched on the day to raise awareness of the impossible choices that people caught in crisis face. World Humanitarian Day will also feature photo exhibitions and film screenings documenting the lives of those affected by conflict and disaster. [United Nations]

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 140

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

Photos Show IS MilitantsDonald Fleeing Manbij With 'Human Shields’ Trump mark of a lasting shift in strategy and tone. Trump has repeatedly on Thursday shelved his g u i d i n g mantra -never back down, never apologize -and did what he has refused to do in public in more than a year of campaigning. He expressed regret. Trump, reading from prepared remarks Thursday night, acknowledged that he sometimes says "the wrong thing" in an astonishing act of contrition that signaled Trump's willingness to break from his characteristic brashness and bare-knuckles style that carried him to victory in the Republican primaries, but risks dooming him in the general election.

“Sometimes, in the heat of debate and speaking on a multitude of issues, you don't choose the right words or you say the wrong thing. I have done that. And believe it or not, I regret it. And I do regret it, particularly where it may have caused personal pain. Too much is at stake for us to be consumed with these issues," Trump told supporters here. He added: "But one thing I can promise you is this: I will always tell you the truth." The real estate mogul did not say which of his numerous controversial statements he regretted.

Trump's remarks came on the heels of recent controversies that ranged from feuding with the parents of a slain Muslim-American soldier to suggesting "Second Amendment people" could act to stop Hillary Clinton from appointing a liberal Supreme Court. Trump's public expression of regret also followed his decision earlier this week to shake up his campaign leadership, installing a new campaign manager and bringing on a campaign CEO. A senior Trump adviser told CNN the speech was only just written in recent days, suggesting the influence of Trump's fresh team of top advisers.

Trump's campaign shakeup -- particularly bringing on the head of the controversial, far-right Breitbart News -- was widely considered a return to the "let Trump be Trump" mantra that guided Trump's campaign to victory in the Republican primaries. Trump's new campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, suggested in her first days on the job that she favored that strategy, but that she would also seek to "sharpen" Trump's campaign message, in part with scripted speeches like Trump delivered on Thursday.

“We're going to make sure Donald Trump is comfortable about being in his own skin, that he doesn't lose that authenticity that you simply can't buy and a pollster can't give you. And voters know if you're comfortable in your own skin," she told CNN's Alisyn Camerota on "New Day" Thursday morning. "And let him be him in this sense: He wants to deliver the speech, if he wants to go to a rally, if he wants to connect with the crowd in a way that's very spontaneous, that's wonderful. And that's how he got here," Conway continued, adding, "But at the same time, we have some really serious, pressing problems in this country that I'm hoping will start to be addressed more by the media."

While Trump's remarks Thursday marked a seismic change in the brash billionaire's style, it is still not clear whether the change was the

hinted at striking a more inclusive and presidential tone, but has also said time and again that he does not want to "change" or "pivot." "I am who I am. It's me. I don't want to change. Everyone talks about, 'Oh are you going to pivot?' I don't want to pivot. You have to be you. If you start pivoting you are not being honest with people," Trump told local Wisconsin station WKDT this week. The Clinton campaign immediately expressed doubt over the sincerity of Trump's contrition, calling it "teleprompter regret" and pressed Trump to go further.

"Donald Trump literally started his campaign by insulting people. He has continued to do so through each of the 428 days from then until now, without shame or regret," Clinton spokeswoman Christina Reynolds said in a statement. "We learned tonight that his speechwriter and teleprompter knows he has much for which he should apologize. But that apology tonight is simply a well-written phrase until he tells us which of his many offensive, bullying and divisive comments he regrets -- and changes his tune altogether."

Outreach to African-Americans Trump also sought to use his speech Thursday to appeal to African-American voters, an important voting bloc in the battleground state of North Carolina. Reading from a teleprompter, the businessman vowed as president to address the poverty and unemployment that has disproportionally affected African-American communities and urged black voters to "give Donald Trump a chance." "The result for them will be amazing," he said. "What do you have to lose by trying something new?" A sharp turn Trump's expressed regrets mark a sharp turn from his strategy of admitting no fault, going back to the start of his campaign 14 months ago.

When asked in interviews about specific instances where others have taken offense, Trump has always pushed back hard. Asked in May whether he regretted denigrating Arizona Sen. John McCain's fiveand-a-half years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam last summer -- "I like people that weren't captured," he said -- Trump declined. "I like not to regret anything," Trump told radio host Don Imus nearly a year later.

"You do things and you say things. And what I said, frankly, is what I said. And you know some people like what I said, if you want to know the truth.

Many people like what I said. You know after I said that, my poll numbers went up seven points." The Republican took a similar approach after skirmishes broke out in March at a rally of his in Chicago, which was postponed for safety reasons. Most recently, Trump said he wouldn't change anything about his response to Khizr and Ghazala Khan, the parents of a slain Muslim-American soldier. "I don't regret anything," Trump told Washington, D.C. television station WJLA earlier this month.

He pushed back against the couple for taking the stage at the Democratic National Convention and questioning whether Trump know what "sacrifice" meant. "I said nice things about the son and I feel that very strongly, but of course I was hit very hard from the stage and you know it's just one of those things. But no, I don't regret anything." Trump did, however, acknowledge to The New York Times' Maureen Dowd in April that retweeting an unflattering photo of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's wife, Heidi, was "a mistake." "If I had to do it again, I wouldn't have sent it," Trump said. (CNN)

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

LOCAL PAGE 143

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Police To Step Up Traffic Safety Campaign The average person is on the roadways at least twice daily, going and coming from work, school or wherever they might have been heading to or from, whether it is via public or private transportation. As of lately it seems as if we might be better off if we all were to go back to the days when we walked to our destination as road fatalities continue to climb. With the number of fatal accidents for the year so far being approximately 80, it may be safe to assume that one cannot be completely confident when one walks out of the door and onto the roadways.

Despite the strong presence of the traffic arm of the Guyana Police Force stepping up their road safety campaign, there are still multiple accidents which occur that can be avoided. Traffic Chief Deon Moore has told sections of the media that the police are looking into clamping down on the number of accidents which occur as a result of public transportation.

He also reiterated in an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA) that something needs to be done about mini-busses which are in violation of their road license by placing stickers and branding on their vehicles.

In Guyana it is a known fact that the busses which have those brandings and stickers are known as the “top busses” and also known to be the “wild” busses on the road. As the Guyana Police Force continues to do what they are trained to do it is only right that the drivers of every motor vehicle enforce what they were taught and be a defensive driver.

Jagdeo: Govt Wants $400M More Durban Park Project

The Ministry of Education has confirmed that it will not renew the contract of Chief Education Officer (CEO) Olato Sam. A statement from the Ministry revealed that the position will soon be advertised with the hope of finding a suitably qualified candidate by next month end as there was no automatic replacement from the current pool of Assistant Chief Education Officers.

According to the statement, Sam has served the sector with distinction and zeal for the past eight years, five of which he served as CEO. The Ministry expressed thanks to Sam for his contributions and extends best wishes to him for all future endeavours. The CEO was absent from the Ministry’s press conference on Wednesday to announce the results of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). The presentation of CSEC results which was previously presented by Sam was instead presented by acting Chief Education Officer (Nursery) Ingrid Trotman.

Efforts made by Guyana Daily news to contact Education Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine for a comment on the matter proved futile. Sam was appointed the CEO of the Ministry in 2011 and among his many achievements had served as the Director of the New Millennium Institute and introduced the phonetic-based literacy instructional programme through the Reading for All Learners Programme (RALP). He also lectured at the University of Guyana (UG), School of Education and Humanities, the Departments of Foundations and Education Management and Curriculum and Instruction.

LOCAL PAGE 144

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Malaria Outbreak In Region 7

An outbreak of malaria in region 7, village of Cuyuny-Mazaruni has caught the attention of the health authorities. The outbreak is said to be in a village called ‘Ciudad’ close to the Venezuelan border, according to reporters in the international media. Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease, caused by parasitic protozoans. The survival rate depends on the early detection of this.

Venezuelan nationals who cross the border with the disease, settling in the illegal mining areas of the region, have been reported to be the main source of the eruption. The poor work conditions represent a breeding ground for the mosquitoes.

The lack of health supplies has caused a state of emergency to be declared in the area and the difficulties in the communication have placed the zone in isolation. The issue did not come to light until an article was published in the ‘New York Times’ this week.

The ‘gold call’ as a lure from the mineral, keeps representing an issue in national soil, putting the authorities under constant pressure, trying to control the illegal arrival of desperate immigrants.

According to a report from a national newspaper, Public Health Minister. Dr. George Norton said that “the Vector Control Unit and the Regional Health Officers will be deployed to the Region.” The cases of malaria have been relatively controlled, since a major decrease from the year of 2012 to date. But the fight continues “with Guyana recording at least one positive case of malaria within every hour,” President David Granger had said on May last at the PAHO/WHO launching of the Health@50.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/15/world/venezuelamalaria-mines.html?_r=0 http://www.inewsguyana.com/malariaoutbreak-in-region-7/

Govt To Replace Olato Sam As Chief Education Officer

Olato Sam

The Ministry of Education has confirmed that it will not renew the contract of Chief Education Officer (CEO) Olato Sam. A statement from the Ministry revealed that the position will soon be advertised with the hope of finding a suitably qualified candidate by next month end as there was no automatic replacement from the current pool of Assistant Chief Education Officers.

According to the statement, Sam has served the sector with distinction and zeal for the past eight years, five of which he served as CEO. The Ministry expressed thanks to Sam for his contributions and extends best wishes to him for all future endeavours. The CEO was absent from the Ministry’s press conference on Wednesday to announce the results of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). The presentation of CSEC results which was previously presented by Sam was instead presented by acting Chief Education Officer (Nursery) Ingrid Trotman.

Efforts made by Guyana Daily news to contact Education Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine for a comment on the matter proved futile. Sam was appointed the CEO of the Ministry in 2011 and among his many achievements had served as the Director of the New Millennium Institute and introduced the phonetic-based literacy instructional programme through the Reading for All Learners Programme (RALP). He also lectured at the University of Guyana (UG), School of Education and Humanities, the Departments of Foundations and Education Management and Curriculum and Instruction.

LOCAL PAGE 145

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Loan For Specialty Hospital Cancelled T h e The Minister told the State newspaper that the government’s gove rnme nt of Guya n a decid ed to canc el the US$ 1 8 milli on line of credit deal with India for the construction of a Specialty Hospital in Guyana, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan is reported to have told the State newspaper, Guyana Chronicle. According to the report in the State newspaper, the original financing, from India’s Exim Bank, was for US$18M, but funds were expended on the original contract to Surendra Engineering, leaving about US$14 million. But the previous government was forced to terminate the 2012 contract, citing fraud, and sought to recover the funds with about US$14 million remaining.

decision to cancel the Line of Credit was communicated to the Indian High Commission on Wednesday and a decision was taken to terminate the Line of Credit, because the time has already lapsed. The Minister also cited the uncertainty over when a new contractor could be sought to design, build and outfit the specialty hospital and it would only result in further commitment fees, which essentially amounts to wasting money when no project exists at the time.

He said that Fedders Lloyd owns the design it had come up with for the project According to the Guyana Chronicle, when the new government took office they sought to salvage the project and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with another Indian firm, Fedders Lloyd, to design a new facility with the remaining funds. However, in mid-June the government announced that India was not interested in pursuing the project with Fedders Lloyd, as the World Bank had blacklisted the company until 2020, because of its procurement policy.

According to Jordan, the government is still engaging the Indian government to modernize hospitals in Guyana of which includes West Demerara Hospital, as well as the hospital at Suddie on the Essequibo Coast, and in Bartica in Region Seven.

LOCAL PAGE 146

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Diversification- The Tool To Unlocking The Full Potential Of The Berbice Region President Granger As Berbice Expo And Trade Fair Kicks Off At The Albion Sports Complex (Cont’d) More emphasis needs to be placed on packaging and the innovation of new products. If products are to be sold internationally, entrepreneurs need to place more emphasis on their creativity when packaging creating and packaging their products. The region is full of resources and there is great room for agro-processing to develop and add growth to the region.

Also speaking at the opening ceremony was the president of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Mohamed Raffik. He expressed that over the years the expo has evolved despite a number of challenges faced by the Chamber of Commerce, adding that there is still room for growth. In his message he expressed that in today’s global village scenario, Guyana needs to boost diversification in its economy. This, he said, can only come about with its citizens’ willingness to be imaginative, to think outside the box, to shed fossilized mind sets and prejudices, to inculcate the entrepreneurial spirit, to reach out to one another for ideas and partnership and cooperation. “Sugar production is linked to every person’s life in this region.

We are producing sugar at US 40 cents per pound and selling it for US 20 cents per pound. It is unfortunate that we are in this state. For too long sugar has been a political football and it is time the people of this region wake up and stop making sugar a political football.

We must also understand that rice is a business and we have to run it like a business.” Mr. Raffik said. He called for persons and government to employ better technology for the industry and move away from labour intensive practices to fully exploit the sector’s abilities.

During his remarks, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin said that government will continue to work with persons to formulate commodities to uplift the economy which will involve a diversification program to reduce import and advance export. “Even as El Nino posed great challenges for the region, Guyana is still expected to see a four percent growth in the economy.” Minister gaskin The Business Minister in clearing the air pointed to the fact that Guyana’s economy is the only one in the region with positive growth.

This flies in the face of Opposition Leader Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo who publicly pronounced that Guyana’s economy is in a downward spiral. Echoing similar sentiments during her remarks, guest speaker Ms Patricia Bacchus, CEO of Caribbean Containers Inc. She described Guyana’s economic status as “handsome given the state of other Caribbean nations like Trinidad and Tobago, who are experiencing economic contractions rather than economic growth.” She added that

industries like the rice and sugar industry are susceptible to a number of factors such as world market prices.

“If you remove rice and sugar from the equation, manufactured products would account for about three percent GDP.” she said.

Ms. Bacchus also urged the residents of Corentyne to explore diversification. “Do not put all your eggs in one basket. I see diversification as simply adding more baskets to put your eggs.

Reengineering the way we do business is as important as diversification given the integrated world economic trade arena.” she added. The remaining days of the expo will see patrons getting a chance to visit booths set up by the Ministry of Agriculture.

They will be given the opportunity to see the various products and the services they offer while having the opportunity to clear up issues with extension officers. The Berbice Expo and Trade Fair continues until Monday 22nd August. Patrons will have the opportunity to sample and purchase different items from exhibitors like Digicel, Ansa Mcal, Edward B. Beharry and Company and other small businesses.

Ministry of Agriculture Guyana Press Release

LOCAL PAGE 147

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Diversification- The Tool To Unlocking The Full Potential Of The Berbice Region President Granger As Berbice Expo And Trade Fair Kicks Off At The Albion Sports Complex The Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce last evening official kicked off the Berbice Expo and Trade Fair at the Albion Sports Complex, Corentyne under the theme “Promoting entrepreneurship for a diversified economy”. This year marks twelve years since the expo has been in existence and saw participation by corporate Guyana, several Government Ministries and small business operators. Given the current world trends where countries are being forced to adopt to economic and climatic changes to thrive, the theme which embodies the need to diversify and develop entrepreneurial skill was well suited and mirrored in the remarks of the various speakers. The Exposition is the single largest event in the region and allows for both large and small businesses to gain from sales and promotions. During his opening remarks, Secretary of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Poonai Bhigroog, expressed his satisfaction and gratification with the Chamber’s efforts in successfully organizing another such event. “I am happy to see that the Chamber of Commerce has recognised the need to promote entrepreneurship and diversification.” Mr. Bhigroog said. Bhigroog made a call on Guyanese to seek new avenues by diversificating their produce when dealing with the rice and the sugar industries. “We have to explore new ways to keep rice and sugar alive.” he added. Agriculturally, the region is probably Guyana’s largest producing regions given that most of its agricultural activities are rice, sugar, fishing and cash crop based. For 2015, the region produced ¼ of the national production for rice and just over ¼ of the national production for fish. Many business operate in fishing, etc., but the major strength lies in agriculture. Appeals were also made for persons to practice Climate Smart agriculture. Guyana has the potential to supply fruits and vegetables to its sister CARICOM countries on a large scale basis and the Ministry of Agriculture through the Guyana Marketing Corporation has been working tirelessly with farmers to ensure that the best possible markets are tapped into. This, however, can only be achieved through smart and planned agricultural practices. During his feature address, President David Granger appealed to the Corentyne as a whole to change so that the Corentyne can be better. “This is a vast region.

You have the potential to give your residents the good life. You are gifted with a strong production base and an abundance of talent.” President Granger said. The president also urged the residents to adopt new avenues and diversify the market in order to stimulate growth in the economy. “You have to change because even if you are depending on rice and sugar and you are getting good prices for a year, you can almost guarantee that you will get unsatisfactory prices another year due to fluxuating world market price.” President Granger added. The president called on the relevant authorities to develop a Corentyne action plan solely based on information and information technology, adding that that is the gateway to several opportunities. He added that there is a need for information to make informed decisions. “You can sell your products but you need information about what the market is calling for.” President Granger said. President granger also called on residents to be cautious of contraband trade. In order for Guyanese manufacturers to make a greater impact on the local, regional and international market, they need to be more innovative.

Continued on next page...

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS ‘I Believe In Empowering Women To Speak For Themselves’ – First Lady Tells Port Kaituma Self Reliance Graduates PAGE 148

Thirty women were, this morning, deemed women of success by First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, in her address at the closing ceremony of the Self Reliance and Success in Business Workshop, held at the Port Kaituma Community Centre, Matarkai Sub-Region, Barima-Waini (Region One). “Your education is a lifelong process, while you would have completed this workshop you will continue to learn, to grow, to support each other… Go back to your communities and help other women to develop, not only in the business sense but also in all the things you would have [acquired from] the programme,” Mrs. Granger told the graduates, who hail from Matthews Ridge, Baramita, Arataka, Four Miles and other communities. The First Lady then encouraged the women to share what they have learnt with the other women in their communities. “I don’t believe in speaking out for women. I believe in empowering women to speak for themselves. We believe that when women become empowered they empower their families and they are able to contribute in a much better fashion to the communities in which they live,” she said.

Facilitator of Interweave Solutions, Mr. Yohann Sanjay Pooran said the workshops focus on ensuring that each woman knows the importance of conducting legal and legitimate business.“We talk a lot about the importance of getting legal, registered businesses, conducting your business through the proper tax regime as established by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), ensuring that you follow through with National Insurance Scheme (NIS), ensuring that the business you operate is not only successful, but legal,” he said. Echoing a previous remark made by the First Lady about the link between empowering women and an overall enhanced standard of living for families and communities, Mr. Pooran said this theme is central to the training. “The more women that are empowered, the more women that have jobs or own businesses, the greater our impact on poverty and a [reduction] of suffering in the community. Not only are we changing the dynamic for you personally, but we’re changing the dynamic for your family, your children and your husband. [You are benefiting] … you are going to be running successful small businesses,” he said. Mr. Pooran reiterated that his organisation is proud to partner with the Office of the First Lady because of the transformation the training has fostered in people’s lives. “Good homes and strong families build strong communities, and in consequence they build a stronger nation, and for these reasons Interweave Solutions is very proud to be associated in participating with the First Lady’s office in this programme,” he said. In fulfilment of the social aspect of the workshop, the women have already formed themselves into small groups that will meet to find solutions to social problems affecting their communities. The groups are the Protective Women’s Group, the Matthews Ridge Women’s Group, the Baramita Successful Women’s Group and the Sunflower Women’s Group, which are all focused on combatting the prevalence of domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse. Meanwhile, in her address to her fellow graduates, Ms. Sophia Shelto, a business owner of six years and the president of the Matthews’ Ridge Women’s Group, said that the workshop has taught her several aspects of business management, which she intends to apply to hers. “By applying the ‘Six Ps’ to my business I am confident that I will succeed,” she said. Ms. Shelto also

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

pledged to use her role as leader of her social welfare group to keep the members motivated and inspired to continue learning. “As president of my group, we are committed to review and keep learning and improving ourselves by working together to create our group’s action and agenda; continue community action and service, help recruit new members and teach them about Self Reliance,” she said.”

The Self Reliance and Success in Business Workshop for Women has already been held in Lusignan, Demerara-Mahaica Region; Linden, Upper Demerara-Berbice Region; Lethem, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo; Rosignol, Mahaica-Berbice, Mabaruma, Barima-Waini Region; Bartica, Cuyuni-Mazaruni and in Mahdia, Sub-Region Two, Potaro-Siparuni Region. The workshops are held under the auspices of the Office of the First Lady and are funded by the Ministries of Social Protection and Indigenous Peoples’Affairs.

MOTP Press Release

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger delivering her remarks at the closing ceremony of the Self Reliance and Success in Business Workshop, held in Port Kaituma, Matarkai Sub-Region, Barima-Waini (Region One).

Participants of the Self Reliance and Success in Business Workshop for Women proudly display their certificates with( seated L-R) Ms. Crystal Baptiste and Mr. Yohann Sanjay Pooran of Interweave Solutions, Colonel (ret’d) Yvonne Smith of the Office of the First Lady, First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger and Member of Parliament, Mr. Richard Allen.

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Man Shot Dead By Police Constable Outside Camp Street Prison PAGE 149

An unidentified male was shot dead on Friday night after he allegedly created a ruckus outside the Camp Street prison and attacked ranks who were guarding the perimeter of the prison.

According to a police release, the incident occurred at about 23:50h outside of the Georgetown Prison on Camp and Durban Streets. The police revealed that earlier in the night, the unidentified man went to the back of the prison on John and Durban Streets, behaved disorderly and threw down some steel barriers, in the presence of the ranks guarding the perimeter of the prison. He was taken into custody by ranks of a police patrol but subsequently returned and continued the said behavior and action, south in front of the prison. The police release noted that a police constable armed with a service weapon and under the supervision of a subordinate officer, approached the unarmed man, who allegedly then attacked the rank. In the process the Constable discharged a round, hitting him in the lower

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

abdomen. He was immediately rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital and died while receiving treatment.

Investigations are in progress, including one by the Office of Professional Responsibility.

Martyrdom And Freedom – The Demerara Slave Rebellion The 193rd anniversary of the Demerara Slave Rebellion of 1823 was celebrated today at the 1823 Monument at Atlantic Avenue.

The struggles of those who fought for freedom are not forgotten.

The monument was designed and built by United States-based Guyanese sculptor Mr. Ivor Thom in commemoration to the largest slave rebellion in the history of the Western Hemisphere, which helped to accelerate the abolition of slavery, qualified as one of the most important events in Guyanese and Caribbean history. Today’s celebration was hosted this morning by President David Granger, Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport in collaboration with several African cultural groups in Guyana. The participants made the venue ‘shine’ from early hours in the morning, in remembrance to the hundred martyrs who were killed on August 20, 1823 at Bachelor’s Adventure on the East Coast, during the Demerara Revolt, which lasted two days, involving more than 2,000 slaves. Floral tributes were placed in front of the monument by President Granger and invited personalities. Dancing groups show their talent, on a nostalgic display for those who fell.

President Ganger announced the erection of a memorial site at Independence Park, to commemorate the public executions of more than 200 African rebels during the Revolution. “This atrocity, the arrest and consecutive executions at The Militia Parade Ground, were perhaps the single most significant event in the abolition of slavery in the British colonies. The Demerara was the turning point in slave society and I commemorated today as one of the most important events in Guyanese and Caribbean history,” President Granger said with a patriotic voice on the podium. “Future generations must not forget that freedom was bought at the high price of the martyrdom of hundreds of Africans on 20th August 1823,” he concluded. This is the first time that a national ceremony is being held to

commemorate this historic event at the monument site since it’s unveiling in 2013.

Source: http://gina.gov.gy/martyrdom-and-freedom/ -By- Rocio Perez, Guyana Daily News.

President David Granger at the Commemorative Ceremony at the Monument on Atlantic Avenue.

LOCAL PAGE 150

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Sod Turned For Construction Of New Health Post In Kurutuku, Region 7 As the Ministry of Public Health continues with its efforts to Treated mosquito nets as well as medication were handed over ensure every Guyanese has equal access to health care, subject to the residents by Minister Norton, along with a quantity of Minister, Dr. George Norton yesterday turned the sod for the clothing which was donated by Food for the Poor. While in the construction of a new Health Post in the remote village of region, the subject Minister and his team also took the Kurutuku in Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni). The new Health post opportunity to visit the site where the Eteringbang Health post will benefit some 100 persons who reside in the village, as well is being refurbished. The building is expected to be completed by mid – September. as those in neighbouring villages.

Construction is expected to commence within the next few days, since the materials have already been procured and the MOPH contractor is already on site. Dr. Norton pointed out that the village is very remote and is a far distance from Bartica, which has the nearest hospital, as well as the nearest Airstrip at Eteringbang. According to him, it is expected that basic deliveries will be done at the new Health Post, which would also provide pre and post- natal care and other inpatient services, particularly for those who may contract Malaria.

Currently, there is one Community Health Worker (CHW) in the village, and Dr. Norton expressed hope that in the very near future, the ministry will be able to have a Medex or even a trained midwife at the new Health Post. He informed that his officers have already taken the names of two persons from the village who are interested in pursuing studies to become a CHW and they hope to have them on board soon.

Minister Norton said that the plan is to ensure that regular visits are made to the village, so as to ensure that the contractual obligations are met. The new building will measure 25 by 50 feet and will accommodate the Health Post as well as living quarters.

Meanwhile, one of the residents of the village, Rosita Lewis pointed out that the CHW is currently working in a section of the teacher’s quarters, which is not ideal and poses a challenge, especially when caring for pregnant women.

As such, she stressed that the building will afford him a space to carry out his functions comfortably, and for this, the villagers are very grateful. Lewis said that the previous government was constantly promising to have the Health post constructed, but never fulfilled its promise. The villager expressed gratitude to the Public Health minister for ensuring that they have a new Health Post. Minister Norton was accompanied on his visit by Region 7 Engineer, Adrian Ragoobeer, as well as other officers from the ministry, including Director of Health Minister, Dr. George Norton (second from left) turning the sod for the construction of the new Health Post in Kurutuku, Region 7.

Regional Health Services, Dr. Kay Shako and Director Public Also in the photo are Residents of Kurutuku, Region 7 Engineer, Adrian Ragoobeer (fourth from left), Director of Regional Health Services, Dr. Kay Shako (third from right) and other officers from the Ministry of Vector Control Services, Dr. Horace Cox. Public Health Minister, Dr. George Norton hands over some of the treated mosquito nets to Kurutuku Resident, Lena Lewis. Also in the photo are Director of Vector Control Services, Dr. Horace Cox (left) and Director of Regional Health Services, Dr. Kay Shako (right)

HEALTH TIP

GUYANA DAILY NEWS HEALTH TIP

PAGE 151

INGROWN TOENAILS Ingrown toenails are a common condition in which the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh. The result is pain, redness, swelling and, sometimes, an infection. Ingrown toenails usually affect your big toe.

Often you can t take care of ingrown toenails on your own.

If the pain is severe or spreading, your doctor can take steps to relieve your discomfort and help you avoid complications of ingrown toenails.

If you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor blood flow to your feet, you're at greater risk of complications of ingrown toenails.

SYMPTOMS See your doctor if you: · Experience severe discomfort in your toe or pus or redness that seems to be spreading · Have diabetes or another condition that causes poor blood flow to your feet and experience any foot sore or infection Common ingrown toenail causes include: · Wearing shoes that crowd your toenails · Cutting your toenails too short or not straight across · Injuring your toenail · Having unusually curved toenail COMPLICATIONS · Left untreated or undetected, an ingrown toenail can infect the underlying bone and lead to a serious bone infection. · Complications can be especially severe if you have diabetes, which can cause poor blood flow and damage nerves in your feet. So a minor foot injury — a cut, scrape, corn, callus or ingrown toenail — may not heal properly and become infected. A difficult-to-heal open sore (foot ulcer) may require surgery to prevent the decay and death of tissue (gangrene). Gangrene results from an interruption in blood flow to an area of your body.

Your doctor can diagnose an ingrown toenail based on your symptoms and a physical examination of your nail and the surrounding skin.

INGROWN TOENAIL TREATMENT

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

If home remedies haven't helped your ingrown toenail, your doctor may recommend: · Lifting the nail. For a slightly ingrown nail (redness and pain but no pus), your doctor may carefully lift the ingrowing nail edge and place cotton, dental floss or a splint under it. This separates the nail from the overlying skin and helps the nail grow above the skin edge. At home, you'll need to soak the toe and replace the material daily. · Partially removing the nail. For a more severe ingrown toenail (redness, pain and pus), your doctor may trim or remove the ingrown portion of the nail. Before this procedure, your doctor may temporarily numb your toe by injecting it with an anesthetic. · Removing the nail and tissue. If you have the problem repeatedly on the same toe, your doctor may suggest removing a portion of the nail along with the underlying tissue (nail bed). This procedure may prevent that part of your nail from growing back. Your doctor will use a chemical, a laser or other methods.

Your doctor may also recommend using topical or oral antibiotics, especially if the toe is infected or at risk of becoming infected.

CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 152

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

WANTED VACANCY

Fast growing food distributor is seeking a Truck Driver. Must have Experience & Valid Police Clearance. For more info please call 231-8344 / 223-1034 / 223-1035.

**** One Receptionist. Must be Computer literate, 18 years or older. For more information call 2316338.

Replicable & fast growing food importer & distributor is seeking Fast growing local a Salesman. Must have online Newspaper is Experience & Valid seeking experienced CORRESPONDENTS. Police Clearance. For more info please call For more information 231-8344 / 223-1034 / please call 226-5088 / 223-1035.

226-5095 / 226-5096. **** Fast growing reputable food importer & Tattoo Removal, Laser distributor is seeking a Lipo, Hair Removal Warehouse Worker. and more. For more Must have Experience information call Skin & Valid Police Care Clinic on Tel: 231Clearance. For more 5900. info please call 2318344 / 223-1034 / 2231035.

SERVICES

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

REGIONAL PAGE 153

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Barbados Government Nudges Banks With Increased Tax BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Saturday August 20, 2016 – Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler has announced an increase in a tax on bank assets, on the heels of banking institutions not passing on to customers the benefits of the elimination of a minimum interest rate. Sinckler said the 0.15 per cent increase in the Bank Asset Tax – up from 0.2 per cent to 0.35 per cent – is expected to raise an additional BDS$14.3 million (US$7.15 million) in revenue. Delivering the 2016 Budget this week, Sinckler complained that although the April 1, 2015 removal of the minimum 2.5 per cent interest rate by the Central Bank of Barbados was intended to ultimately benefit consumers, that had not happened. “It was hoped that by freeing banks of this requirement, that as banking institutions received the benefits of a lesser cost burden at this end, it would have fed through for a faster and deeper benefit for consumers of banking services in many other critical portfolios,” the minister said. “To date, however, I must confess that like the average Barbadian, I am particularly unimpressed with the efforts made by the banks in this regard. As such, and as a little reminder to them of the need to share their new found and much appreciated benefits from the liberalization of the minimum savings rate, I have decided to use a little more concrete persuasion to nudge them along in the desired direction,” he said. The increase in the Bank Asset Tax took effect immediately, with the assessment for the assets starting from April 1, 2016. “The expected intake from the tax for a full financial year is estimated to be $33.3 million using the 2015 asset base of the banking system,” Sinckler said. President of the Barbados Economic Society (BES) Jeremy Stephen has warned that customers could

end up hurting more as a result of the tax increase. “Banks are not in the business of absorbing taxes, so more than likely this will be passed on to consumers, and as such you can expect even further interest rate cuts, unless consumers decide to move their money out of that liquid banking system and into say, Government debt, which is really what I believe is the intent here,” he told online newspaper Barbados TODAY. And President of the Barbados Bankers’ Association (BBA) David Noel has called for the tax to be shared equitably across the entire financial sector. (Caribbean360)

THE INCREASE IN THE BANK ASSET TAX IS EXPECTED TO RAISE AN ADDITIONAL BDS$14.3 MILLION (US$7.15 MILLION) IN REVENUE.

Bribery In Bajan Business? PrivateBarbados Sector Leader Raises Eyebrows TODAY. Speaking on a radio talk show, Sir David charged

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Saturday August 20, 2016 – The umbrella agency of private sector organizations in Barbados has stopped just short of admitting that some of its members engage in bribery and corruption. While making it clear he did not have any evidence that business people were bribing politicians as claimed earlier in the week by former Chief Justice Sir David Simmons, new Chairman of the Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA) Charles Herbert said in any case, if there were an easier way of conducting business here, there would be no need for bribery. “It is very hard for us to know how much of it [corruption claims] is true.

What I would say is, when there is an ease of doing business, bribes go away, because you don’t need a bribe to get something done quickly. The minute there are delays, it opens the door for bribery because there is something to bribe you to do. So we can get rid of it by solving the ease of doing business,” Herbert told online newspaper

that there was a high level of corruption in Barbados, which was being swept under the carpet. While he did not cite specific examples, Sir David said there was evidence to suggest rising incidence of corrupt practices both at the private sector and Government levels, with the business community offering bribes to people in the public sector. “The bribers are usually the people in the private sector. All the big international companies that get exposed from time to time, they would have bribed the politician who is then held up to ridicule and exposed and often a lot of them get away. They are the ones in the wrong. You have to look at the briber and the “bribee”,” he said. In response, Herbert suggested that there was a culture within the public sector that encouraged bribery. Insisting that any form of corruption was wrong, the BPSA head spoke of the difficulty faced by businesses in getting things done. “It is difficult to do everything. It takes three days to get a liquor licence; it takes a month to get an amalgamation through Corporate Services; it goes on and on. Everything we do is difficult to do,” Herbert said. Therefore, he said, some within the business community might feel that in order to keep their businesses afloat they had to circumvent the system by offering kickbacks. In fact, Herbert said, some members of the private sector were able to get things done which others found difficult to achieve. But, while bribery might be suspected in some instances, he was not prepared to point fingers at anyone. “We don’t know if it is because they push harder than us, because they know somebody that we don’t know, or if they are bribed. We don’t know. So unless you have actually paid a bribe yourself, then you don’t know if bribing happens. “It is a tacit innuendo to spread; but the truth is, if it barks like a dog, smells like a dog and walks like a dog, it probably is a dog, though you can’t prove it.” Herbert said. (Barbados TODAY) (Caribbean360)

REGIONAL PAGE 154

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Doctors Welcome PM’s Prostate Campaign cancer in T&T “we are finding and discovering more cases...the good thing is

One of the country’s leading urologists Dr Lall Sawh yesterday said he saw sudden change in the attitude of patients who came for prostate examinations. Instead of being apprehensive, the men showed a willingness to be examined. Sawh credited Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley’s statement which appealed to men over the age of 40 to get tested for prostate cancer, some of whom have immediately taken his advice. Rowley, at his first public appearance after undergoing medical tests in the US, on Thursday said he was cancer free and urged men over 40 to do a prostate examination. “Today at the office patients who were scheduled to come in... it was easy to examine their prostate. They told us that the Prime Minister say that we should get examined so they do it. They said they were more motivated to have the examinations done. As they walk in they were saying, okay Dr Sawh, let’s get this examination done today. There was no reluctance at all. The Prime Minister did an excellent job by urging these men to do the test. He reached out to them. And I think they have taken him seriously.” Of the 25 patients Sawh examined at his private practice yesterday, he said between 15 and 18 came for prostate examinations. Sawh agreed with Rowley that men refuse the examination because of the macho image they try to project. He said men generally do not like to be probed. “Unfortunately this is their mentality. I think it was an excellent way the Prime Minister put the message across. As a matter of fact, I want to commend him for bringing the issue to the fore because we are limited in our outreach.” Sawh said he hoped that the attitude of men does not become a seven-day wonder. “You know after seven days they forget everything. “They come in the office petrified. They don’t want to do it at all. You have to talk them into it.” Whenever he has a lecture about prostate cancer, Sawh said, women would quicker show up than men, which defeats the purpose. Dr Michael Rampaul, senior urologist at the San Fernando General Hospital, also agreed that Rowley’s appeal was a wise and brilliant move. “I want to tip my hat to Dr Rowley for speaking out about the issue.” Rampaul said while they do not have updated statistics of prostate

that we are finding them earlier and people are becoming aware.” He said there are three stages of prostate cancer. In the early stage there are no signs.

Rampaul said the disease can be cured if detected early. Agreeing with the PM that cancer was more common among African men, Rampaul said our western diet also contributed to the disease. For this year, Rampaul said he has diagnosed between 15 and 20 new cases of prostate cancer patients at the hospital and his private practice. Rampaul said men are lackadaisical. “They don’t care to go for a check-up. There is a lack of exposure and information.”

Rampaul said women get their pap smears and mammograms done. “ Wo m e n a r e n o t embarrassed by these tests and examinations.

The men they have this macho thing about them...When men come for the test for the first time they are very apprehensive. They have this fear out of ignorance that it would cause pain.”

H o w e v e r, a f t e r t h e examination Rampaul said they realise it was not as bad as they t h o u g h t . ( Tr i n i d a d Guardian)

Dr Michael Rampaul

Man Gets 30 Months Jail For Bogus Cheques cheques.” Recalling the recent seizure of 500-plus fake debit cards, the

Fraud Squad investigators are warning members of the public to be wary of fraudulent cheques and making withdrawals at automated teller machines.

Their warning came as a Marabella construction worker Hayden James, 42, was yesterday jailed for 30 months on two fraud charges relating to a forged cheque. Noting that there have been a lot of fake commercial bank cheques circulating, the investigators said the fraudsters were well organised and professional. “We are seeing a lot of fraud with commercial cheques, they are making the cheques and the identification cards, they are depositing the cheques in the bank and then making withdrawals.” As a consequence, the officers are advising banks and business people to be extremely cautious when accepting and cashing cheques. He also advised business people not to attempt to clear cheques by calling the bank because the criminals are intercepting calls. “So when you think you talking to someone in the bank, you really talking to one of the criminals. Go in to the banks to verify all

Hayden James

officers said information from Interpol led investigators to search a room at a popular Port-of-Spain hotel where two Bulgarians were staying. Interpol had informed the local law enforcement officers that the foreigners were seen tampering with ATMs in Barbados. “When using your ATM cards ensure there are no foreign objects or smudges before you push your card in. If your card gets stuck do not put in your pin number.” They said the criminals were hiding small electronic devices in the machines to read and record the information on the cards. He also advised card users to try to keep minimal sums of money in the account so in the event their card becomes compromised they will not lose a large sum of money. Yesterday, in the San Fernando First Court, before Senior Magistrate Nanette Forde-John, James, who was arrested after he deposited a forged cheque valued $40,000, pleaded guilty to two charges. Prosecutor Ramdath Phillip said on July 11, James went to First Citizens’ Marabella branch where he deposited a cheque made payable to him in the sum of $40,755.10 and drawn on the account of Gulf Insurance Ltd. He withdrew $35,000 and used $1,341.18 to purchase US$200. However, the insurance company later informed the bank that they never issued a cheque bearing that number to James and he was not entitled to the money. He was charged by PC Hosein following an investigation supervised by Supt Tootaram Dookie, ASP Kent Ghisyawan and led by Sgt David and Popan. James had several previous convictions, but his attorney Ainsley Lucky asked for mercy, saying, “He found himself in a desperate situation. Economic challenges propelled this man to do what he did. This was the last act of a desperate man.” Phillip said none of the money was recovered. Asked by the magistrate where the cheque originated, Phillip said inquiries into that were still to be carried out. Forde-John sentenced James to 30 months on each offence, but ordered that the sentences run concurrently.

(Trinidad Guardian)

REGIONAL PAGE 155

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Result Stands

The independent body appointed to manage elections in T&T acted illegally when it took a decision to extend last September’s general election by one hour due to heavy rainfall in Trinidad. High Court Judge Mira Dean-Armorer made the statement in the Port-of-Spain High Court yesterday, as she dismissed five election petitions filed by the United National Congress (UNC) challenging the Elections and Boundaries Commission’s (EBC) decision. However, Dean-Armorer ruled that the UNC had failed to adduce sufficient evidence to warrant the election result being invalidated. “The court is prohibited from declaring an election invalid where the court finds the occurrence of a breach or breaches of an official duty or of the election rules and it appears to the court that the breach did not materially affect the election,” Dean-Armorer said as she noted that even if all the votes cast during the one-hour extension were to be deducted from the votes obtained by winning candidates, the election result would remain the same. “I have, in these petitions, striven to hold the balance to protect the will of the majority while ensuring that the patent mistakes have not reduced the election of 2015 to a mere sham,” she added. The UNC now has 14 days in which to appeal the judgment. The Court of Appeal’s eventual decision on the petitions will be final as it and not the Privy Council, has exclusive jurisdiction in election cases. While in her 53-page judgment, she said the EBC went beyond its constitutional and statutory remit in extending the poll, as it had no express power to do so, DeanArmorer said she felt that the EBC acted out of “genuine concern” for voters who it felt might be disenfranchised by the inclement weather conditions on election day. “Torrential rains and flooding on the 7th September 2015 may have impelled the EBC to issue the directive which they did. Nonetheless, the uncontrollable weather conditions did not confer on the EBC the power to direct that the law be broken. “The EBC, itself a creature of statute, ought at all times to abide by the clear dictates of the law and ought not to purport to dispense with those dictates even if faced with an apparently insurmountable problem,” she said. Apart from the EBC’s unlawful extension, Dean-Armorer said it was in substantial compliance with election rules and regulations. “In my view, there is no evidence to suggest that the conduct of the election was other than free or fair. “There was no allegation of intimidation or of the unavailability of election material such as ballot paper or ink.

There was no evidence of trickery or fraudulent counting of votes or false declaration by election officers,” Dean-Armorer said. She also rejected the UNC’s claim that EBC officials committed corrupt practices when they allowed voters to cast their ballots after the traditional 6 am to 6 pm period of voting had elapsed. Dean-Armorer said they were acting on the directives of the EBC and that the UNC could not prove that they acted with malicious intent. In addition, Dean-Armorer rejected the UNC’s contention that it had been prejudiced by the

decision, as many of their election officials had issues in receiving confirmation of the extension from the EBC. “The evidence discloses, however, that the opposing camp had a similarly well organised machinery and because of the late notification of the extension and the uncertainty, the PNM party organisers themselves abandoned any efforts to attract supporters to make use of the extended time,” she said.

Opposition pays legal costs Dean-Armorer criticised the UNC for asking her to consider its supporters who failed to take advantage of the extension, as the UNC had failed to bring them to testify in court. “In my view, this is asking the court to embark on an exercise of pure speculation,” she said. She also questioned the UNC’s decision to file petitions only in six marginal constituencies—La Horquetta/Talparo, Toco/Sangre Grande, Tunapuna, St Joseph, San Fernando West and Moruga/Tableland. The La Horquetta/Talparo petition had been dismissed at a preliminary stage by Dean-Armorer and later the Court of Appeal, as they ruled that it had been served on the PNM after the time frame for doing so had elapsed. “The ordinary man in T&T would recognise that the poll was conducted peacefully throughout the day and that the only obstacle was presented by inclement weather, over which the election laws had no control. My assessment, of the view of the ordinary man, is strengthened by the reflection that the election was challenged in only six of 39 constituencies in Trinidad, in spite of the fact that the very widespread multiple breaches took place throughout the island of Trinidad,” she said. As part of her decision, Dean-Armorer ordered that the UNC pay the PNM’s legal costs for defending the petitions. However, the judge exempted it from the EBC’s costs as Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, pointed out that the EBC was found to have acted illegally. (Trinidad Guardian)

High Court Judge Mira Dean-Armorer

REGIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Venezuela Official Suggests The Arrest Of Its Citizens In Guyana Was Unlawful PAGE 156

By Dennis E. Adonis CARACAS, Venezuela -- A Venezuelan government source with close ties to President Nicolás Maduro has suggested that the arrest of 14 Venezuelans in the Essequibo region by Guyanese officials may have been a breach of international norms since Venezuela views the area as disputed territory. His comments were made in response to the publication of an article in the Guyana Guardian on Monday, which highlighted the plight of several food seeking Venezuelans being stranded at an illegal border crossing at Turumban, as they pondered whether to enter Guyana via the Essequibo where 14 of their countrymen were arrested by Guyanese border police. While presenting a unofficial map that shows the Essequibo as being a part of Venezuela, the official maintained that the Venezuelans, who may be using the Cuyuni river to enter Bartica, were doing so legally since Venezuela considers the entire Essequibo region as historically theirs.

He did not specify whether any future arrest of Venezuelans in the Essequibo region would provoke a response from Venezuela or whether he was speaking officially for the Venezuelan government.

Nonetheless, even though Venezuela has never officially commented on the arrest and deportation of the Venezuelan 14, Maduro himself has maintained that the Essequibo is a part of his country’s territory.

However, contrary to his claim, the jungle-covered and mineral-rich region was awarded to Guyana via an 1899 tribunal that settled the boundaries between the two countries. And by all international accounts, the Essequibo region continues to be recognized globally as an integral part of Guyana. While some has considered the border issue as a political rhetoric, many Venezuelans who are already in Guyana seeking food, medicine and other supplies maintained that

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

they are not a part of any such conflict and is afraid that raising the issue now would only make it harder for the ordinary people like themselves. Since the start of the Venezuelan food crisis, an estimated two to three thousand Venezuelans cross illegally into Guyana weekly via the Essequibo region in search of food and medicine. For the most part, Guyanese police and soldiers monitoring the border often ignored their illegal entry and allow them in, even though this is against the country’s official policy. An unprecedented number of Venezuelans have since taken up temporary shelter in the capital city of Georgetown and the town of Bartica, where many Guyanese opted to provide them with food and shelter in hope that some economic normalcy may soon be restored to Venezuela, so that they can return to their families soon. (Caribbean News Now!)

Venezuelan President Nicola Maduro points out the Essequibo region on a map, which labeled the Essequibo as a state of Venezuela

Belize Decision A Significant Human Rights Landmark, Says UN Special Envoy BELMOPAN, Belize -- The decision of the government of Belize to accept the judgment of the High Court to decriminalise consensual sexual acts between adults in private has been described as a significant human rights landmark. Dr Edward Greene, United Nations (UN) secretary-general’s special envoy for HIV and AIDS in the Caribbean congratulated the government and parliament of Belize following the judgement last week, which amended Section 53 of the Belize Criminal Code. The National Evangelical Association of Belize and the Roman Catholic Church had urged the government to appeal the decision for a number of reasons. “This decision … is as important as the judgment of Chief Justice Kenneth Benjamin in taking the understanding and application of human rights to a level that recognises the inalienable rights, dignity and respect for all regardless of race, class, gender and sexual orientation,” Greene said. The UN special envoy indicated that it was his hope that “CARICOM governments would use this occasion as an opportunity to revisit the PANCAP Justice for

All road map which has been the subject of discussion and debate by a wide cross-section of stakeholders throughout the region”. (Caribbean News Now!)

Dr Edward Greene and Wilfred Erlington, Attorney-General and Minister of Foreign Affairs after discussions on the PANCAP Justice for All Roadmap with representatives of Belize cabinet , January 2015

REGIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Youthful Candidates For PNM Screening A total of 21 candidates were screened for the nine electoral districts within manager for San Fernando East, MP Randall Mitchell,” she said. “So I’m no PAGE 157

the San Fernando City Corporation at the party’s regional headquarters in San Fernando on Thursday night. The screening panel was led by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and other party executives. The party’s general secretary, Ashton Ford, told the media the party had screened candidates for the Arima and Diego Martin Corporations on Wednesday night at the Balisier House in Port-of-Spain. “As I said last night we were at Balisier House where we dealt with Arima Corporation and Diego Martin Corporation. We took decisions for those two corporations and we will release the names after the general council on Saturday,” Ford said. He said the willingness of younger nominees to serve is a good sign for the party’s future. “I must say we are impressed with the quality of candidates coming forward, they are young people. We have a 26-year-old, a 29-year-old, so it looks as though the party is in good hands because once you offer yourself to serve the community at that age, it signals to the community that you are prepared to work and develop the city.” Ford said the party would continue its screening until Wednesday. “Tomorrow we will be screening for San Juan/Laventille Corporation at Balisier House and on Monday we are dealing with Tunapuna and Sangre Grande. Tuesday, there is a break, and Wednesday we are back here in San Fernando for Point Fortin, Mayaro, Siparia and Princes Town corporations.” Although there was not a large crowd present, the nominees were well received by their supporters after their time in front of the panel. A big screen was also put up across from the office and the Olympic games were streamed live, much to the delight of those waiting outside. At the end of the screening, Attorney General Faris AlRawi and Finance Minister Colm Imbert joined supporters outside to look at the Olympic Men’s 200m race on television. Candidate hopefuls Hopeful candidate for Mon Repos/Navet District, Patricia Alexis, told the T&T Guardian that she was confident of her chances as she had been working behind the scenes for quite sometime in the party. “I’ve been working with the Mon Repos/Navet District for sometime. I served as area manager with San Fernando East (constituency). I’ve also done the local government campaign with the sitting councillor and I’ve also been the campaign

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

new face within the constituency, we’re still doing a lot of work in the area so it’s like home, it’s like family.” Incumbent Springvale/Paradise councillor Naigum Joseph said although he had been through the process already, it was still a learning experience. “Even though I am an incumbent I felt like it was still a learning process, they asked some questions about local government reform and I think I handled it well,” Joseph said. “I am confident on the work that I have done for Springvale/Paradise and I believe that the national and the local executive knows my ability and knows what I have done.”

Several incumbent candidates, including Mon Repos/Navet councillor Shaka Joseph and Cocoyea/Tarouba’s Rondell Donowa, did not offer themselves for re-election. San Fernando Mayor Kazim Hosein also spoke to the media but he declined to speculate whether he would return for a second term in the office, saying, “I don’t know the future, only the master knows that.” Hosein did say he had accomplished what he set out to do during his term as mayor, including dealing with the city’s homeless problem, traffic problems and beautification of the city. (Trinidad Guardian)

PNM candidates nominated for screening in the local government elections, Naigum Joseph and Teresa Lynch, give the thumbs up as they wait for their turn to go before the PNM executive at the PNM South Regional office, San Fernando, on Thursday.

PHOTO: RISHI RAGOONATH

IMF, Gov't To Discuss Relationship After Extended Fund Facility KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team is scheduled to arrive within the next month for discussions with the Government on a successor relationship to the four-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF), which ends in April 2017.

Audley Shaw, Minister of Finance

Finance and the Public Service Minister, Audley Shaw, made the announcement during Friday’s 13th IMF quarterly review media briefing, held at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). Shaw told journalists that while there are “various options” from which to choose, the Government is exploring the possible implementation of a “precautionary” arrangement. This, he explained, will facilitate continuation of the administration’s structural reform programme with specific measurable performance objectives and potential financial support, in the event of natural disasters and oil price spikes, “the sort of things that can affect your balance of payments”. Noting that Jamaica is on a “good trajectory”, consequent on implementation of the IMF-supported economic reform programme, Shaw said follow-up relations with the institution will not require another EFF arrangement. “As a Government, we have indicated publicly that we are not resiling from continuing a relationship with the IMF,” he said.

In her remarks, Head of the IMF’s Staff Mission Team to Jamaica, Dr Uma Ramakrishnan, advised that the members held preliminary discussions on the matter with Government representatives during the just-concluded 13th review for the April to June quarter. She indicated, however, that any recommendation for an alternative arrangement must be approved by the IMF’s Executive Board before it can be implemented. (Jamaica Observer)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 158

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Glass Bridge: China Opens World's Highest And Longest

It's finally happened. The much-heralded "world's highest and longest" glass-bottomed bridge has opened to visitors in central China. It connects two mountain cliffs in what are known as the Avatar mountains (the film was shot here) in Zhangjiajie, Hunan province. Bridge in numbers Completed in December, the 430m-long bridge cost $3.4m (£2.6m) to build and stands 300m above ground, state news agency Xinhua reported.

It has been paved with 99 panes of three-layered transparent glass. And according to officials, the 6m-wide bridge - designed

by Israeli architect Haim Dotan - has already set world records for its architecture and construction. The year of glass bridges Glass bridges in China have been a popular craze for the daring photo opportunities they provide.

Events like mass yoga displays and even weddings have been staged on several such bridges. One couple celebrated their special day by dangling in mid-air from a bridge in Pingjiang, also located in Hunan province. But how safe is it? This was the question on everyone's minds as the city geared up for the bridge's official opening. But officials have staged high-profile events to try and reassure the public of the bridge's safety.

Officials sent in sledgehammers and even drove a car, filled

with passengers, across the bridge earlier this year. The BBC's Dan Simmons was invited to take a bash at the bridge. Park officials have said a maximum of 8,000 visitors will be allowed on the bridge each day. So those wanting to add another thrill to their bucket list are strongly encouraged to book their slots in advance. (BBC)

Bin Laden Raid Bestseller's Author To Pay $7m A former US Navy Seal who wrote a bestseller about his role in the raid that killed Osama Bin Laden is to pay nearly $7m (£5m) to the government for violating non-disclosure agreements. Matt Bissonette failed to get clearance from the Pentagon before the book No Easy Day was published in 2012. He has agreed to forfeit all profits and royalties, as well as film rights and speaking fees.

In exchange, the government will dismiss other liability claims. The al-Qaeda leader was killed in a May 2011 Navy Seal raid on his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, and his body was buried at sea.

Navy Seals - special operations commandos - usually abide by a code of silence and do not publicly take credit for their actions. In the settlement filed at a district court in the state of Virginia, Mr Bissonette acknowledged he had failed to submit his book for review ahead of publication. He also apologised, saying in a statement that he had acted on the incorrect advice of his lawyer. "It was a serious error that I urge others not to repeat," CBS news quoted him as saying.

"Although I never intended to endanger my former colleagues, I now recognise that failing to seek pre-publication review could place them and their families at greater risk, for which I especially apologise."

Osama bin-Laden addresses a news conference in Afghanistan in this May 26, 1998 file photo. The former commando, who wrote under the pseudonym Mark Owen, will have four years to pay the bulk of the money to the government, according to the Associated Press news

agency.

He has 30 days to pay $100,000 made from presentations he gave using slides that were not approved by the Pentagon, it says. His account of the Abbottabad raid has been questioned by another member of the elite Seal Team 6 unit that carried out the operation, who has a different version of how Bin Laden was shot dead. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 159

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Slender Man Case: Morgan Geyser, 14, In Not Guilty Insanity Plea One of two girls accused of stabbing a 12-year-old classmate to court that it was reasonable to try both girls as adults because the please the online horror character Slender Man has pleaded not guilty crime was planned and violent. Their lawyers had argued for the case in a US court on the grounds of mental illness. A judge in Wisconsin to be heard in juvenile court, saying both teenagers were suffering has now appointed two doctors to evaluate Morgan Geyser. She and from mental illness.

Anissa Weier, both now aged 14, are being tried as adults, charged Following the attack, both suspects were found walking near a local with attempted murder. The girls could face decades in jail if highway, and a knife was found in one of their backpacks, police said. convicted, Their victim was stabbed 19 times in May 2014 but The girls had planned to stab their friend during a sleepover at Ms survived. She was found crawling from woods by a cyclist near the Geyser's house where they had been celebrating her birthday. But instead they decided to commit the crime the next morning in a city of Waukesha. She had stab wounds to her arms, legs and torso.

Ms Weier pleaded not guilty last year. Investigators say the two girls nearby park. After the attack, they reportedly intended to walk to had been plotting for months to kill their victim in "dedication" to Slender Man's mansion, which they believed was situated in Slender Man, a fictional horror website character. They spoke of their Wisconsin's Nicolet National Forest. The victim has recovered and desire to become the paranormal figure's "proxies" by killing to returned to school. The next court hearing is in October. (BBC) demonstrate their loyalty, police said. Grey line Who is Slender Man? He is a skinny, shadowy figure, who has appeared in photos, drawings and articles across the internet. Some claim he has tentacles emerging from his back and most say he wears dark clothes and has a pale face. The schoolgirls involved in the attack in Waukesha say there were inspired after reading about him in a creepypasta, a short online story designed to shock or scare the reader.

Slender Man first appeared on the internet in 2009. Eric Knudsen from Florida created the character in response to a call for submissions from the online forum SomethingAwful and posted the picture of the figure behind a crowd of people. Last month, an appeal court in Wisconsin Morgan Geyser had invited her friends over for a sleepover for her birthday before the crime(AP) confirmed an earlier decision by a lower

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 160

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

California Wildfires: Blue Cut Blaze Curbed As Evacuees Return

Firefighters in California have gained ground in tackling the massive Blue Cut wildfire, containing around 40% and allowing many evacuees to return home. But it was also revealed that some 96 homes had been destroyed in the fire since it broke out on Tuesday. Some 58 sq miles (150 sq km) have been charred in San Bernardino County, 60 miles east of Los Angeles. Several more fires continue to burn in other drought-stricken parts of California. Fire spokesman Brad Pitassi said late on Friday: "It's looking very good", adding that more gains were expected on Saturday, despite firefighters continuing to face dry, hot and windy weather.

He said the number of buildings destroyed could have been far higher. Blue Cut, named after a narrow gorge where the blaze broke out, had led to an evacuation order for 82,000 people on Tuesday. Many people have now been allowed to return but others were left homeless.

Johanna Santore was running an errand when the fire gutted her home. She fears she may have lost her pets.

“I'm actually feeling numb,'' she told Associated Press from an evacuation centre. "It's like a nightmare. We don't plan on rebuilding. We plan on leaving." Other fires still burning around the state include: Santa Barbara County: Two campgrounds evacuated North of San Francisco: Lower Lake fire now 75% contained after destroying 175 homes Sierra Nevada's Sequoia National Forest: Several hamlets evacuated (BBC) The man who owned the Summit Inn on Route 66 for 50 years visits its charred ruin on Friday, saying “it's over"

Yemen Conflict: Major ProRebel Demonstration In Sanaa

Large numbers of Yemenis have taken part in a demonstration in the capital Sanaa in support of Houthi rebels and their allies, who control the city. Demonstrators backed a new governing council announced by the rebels. Shortly afterwards, bombs were reported to have been dropped nearby by planes of the Saudi-led coalition backing the internationally recognised government. The Saudis have been repeatedly criticised over civilian deaths in air strikes in Yemen. On Thursday the charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said it was withdrawing staff from six hospitals in north Yemen after a coalition air strike hit one of its buildings, killing 19 people.

Separately, the US military has cut the number of its advisers directly supporting the Saudis' air war in Yemen from about 45 to five, US officials announced. However they said this was not related to growing international concern over civilian casualties. In another development, Saudi officials said one person had been killed and six others injured in cross-border rocket fire from Yemen that hit the city of Najran. It was the third such attack in a week. Sanaa-based political analyst Hisham al-Omeisy, who was at Saturday's rally, told the BBC it was attended by nearly 100,000 people.

“Suddenly the Saudi jets started circling on top of us, and as always, we thought they would just fly by, just trying to scare the crowd," he said, speaking to the World Service's Newshour programme. "Suddenly they started bombing and the crowd started running. I basically bolted out of the area. People started screaming... Because everybody's very well armed, they started shooting their AK-47s and their machine guns into the sky." AP news agency said the presidential palace in the city and other areas had been hit in coalition airstrikes, leaving an unknown number of casualties.

Yemen's Mareb Press website said coalition planes had raided al-Nahdein mountain, overlooking the palace. The Saudi-led force has been carrying out air strikes in Yemen since March 2015 to try to oust the rebels and defend the internationally recognised government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi. The UN says more than 6,500 people, mostly civilians, have been killed since then. It estimates that more than 80% of the population needs humanitarian aid. UN figures also suggest that forced displacement across Yemen is on the rise, affecting more than two million people. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 161

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Afghan Troops 'Retake Kunduz District From Taliban’

Afghan government forces have recaptured a key district of the northern province of Kunduz from the Taliban, the provincial governor says. Asadullah Omarkhel's announcement came hours after Khanabad district was seized by Taliban fighters. But local sources told the BBC that Taliban fighters were still present near the district headquarters. The newly arrived government forces aimed to open the road link to the city of Kunduz, the governor said.

Afghanistan's independent Tolo TV news channel also reported that government troops had recaptured Khanabad, which is about 30km (19 miles) east of Kunduz.

Earlier on Saturday the Taliban attacked from several directions, forcing government troops to retreat to Kunduz city, which briefly fell t o t h e Ta l i b a n l a s t y e a r .

Widespread fighting The Taliban have made gains since international troops officially ended their active fighting role in 2014. Afghan security forces are currently battling the insurgents in nearly half of the country's 34 provinces. Earlier this week, the Taliban captured a district in neighbouring Baghlan province and there has also been fighting in Helmand in the south and in eastern Nangarhar province.

Kunduz is one of Afghanistan's largest cities and has long been a strategically important transport hub for the north of the country.

But it has always held symbolic significance for the Taliban because it was a key northern

stronghold before 2001, when the group was ousted from power.

Hundreds of civilians from the area have reportedly fled east towards Takhar province. A spokesman for Takhar's police force said measures were being taken there to counter any Taliban attack.

Meanwhile, eyewitnesses in Kunduz city said some officials were fleeing to the airport there as fighting had now reached the gates of the city itself. Mohammad Yusouf Ayubi, head of Kunduz provincial council, told AP: "If the central government does not pay attention to Kunduz, the Taliban will overrun Kunduz city as they did last year."

Taliban fighters freed more than 600 prisoners in their attack on Kunduz city last September, among them nearly 150 insurgent fighters. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 162

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

World Mosquito Day

World Mosquito Day was first established in 1897, when the link between mosquitos and malaria transmission was discovered by Sir Ronald Ross. It aims to raise awareness about the causes of malaria and how it can be prevented, as well as fundraising for research into the cure of malaria. It is also a salute to the groundbreaking work of Sir Ross and scientists who have followed him. The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine celebrates World Mosquito Day with exhibitions and parties designed both to entertain and to inform, while other celebrations include Malaria No More’s ‘Mozzy Air’ campaign, encouraging people to take anti-malarial when flying to malaria zones, and Nothing But Nets’ twitter campaigns to provide mosquito nets for poor communities.

Malaria is a life-threatening blood disease caused by parasites transmitted to humans through the bite of the Anopheles mosquito.

Once an infected mosquito bites a human and transmits the parasites, those parasites multiply in the host's liver before infecting and destroying red blood cells. The disease can be controlled and treated if diagnosed early on. Unfortunately, this is not possible in some areas of the world lacking in medical facilities, where malaria outbreaks can occur.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), malaria symptoms can be classified in two categories: uncomplicated and severe malaria. Uncomplicated malaria is diagnosed when symptoms are present, but there are no clinical or laboratory signs to indicate a severe infection or the dysfunction of vital organs. Individuals suffering from this form, can eventually develop severe malaria if the disease is left untreated, or if they have poor or no immunity to the disease.

Symptoms of uncomplicated malaria typically last 6-10 hours and occur in cycles that occur

every second day, although some strains of the parasite can cause a longer cycle or mixed symptoms. Symptoms are often flu-like and may be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed in areas where malaria is less common. In areas where malaria is common, many patients recognize the symptoms as malaria and treat themselves without proper medical care.

Uncomplicated malaria typically has the following progression of symptoms through cold, hot and sweating stages: § Sensation of cold, shivering § Fever, headaches, and vomiting (seizures sometimes occur in young children) § Sweats followed by a return to normal temperature, with tiredness. Severe malaria is defined by clinical or laboratory evidence of vital organ dysfunction. This form has the capacity to be fatal if left untreated.

Source: https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/world-mosquito-day/

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 163

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

North Korea Calls UK-Based Defector 'Human Scum’ North Korea has branded a UK-based diplomat who defected to South Korea as "human scum". Thae Yong-ho, deputy envoy in London, and his family are now under the protection of the South.

Without listing his name, the North's Korean Central News Agency said the envoy had been accused of leaking secrets, embezzlement and child rape. It said the UK had been told in June and had been asked for his return but instead handed him to South Korea. In a commentary, the KCNA said "[the fugitive] should have received legal punishment for the crimes he committed, but he discarded the fatherland that raised him and even his own parents and brothers by fleeing, thinking nothing but just saving himself, showing himself to be human scum who lacks even an elementary level of loyalty and even tiny bits of conscience and morality that are required for human beings". The KCNA accused the UK of "handing over the fugitives without passports to the South Korean puppets and neglecting its duty to protect diplomats living in its own country". Britain's Foreign Office has not commented on the affair. 'Terrifying lies' Mr Thae is thought to be the highest-ranking North Korean official ever to defect.

His main mission in London had been to spread positive perceptions of the North Korean leadership. Seoul announced on Wednesday that Mr Thae had arrived there but refused to give further details about the defection. In the past, Mr Thae had argued the British were brainwashed by their ruling class into believing "shocking, terrifying" lies about North Korea under its leader Kim Jong-un. "If

the people in this country, or in America, knew that there is a country in the world where there is a free education, free housing, free medical care, then they'd have second thoughts," he had said in one speech.

The BBC's diplomatic correspondent, James Robbins, says it now looks as if Mr Thae's heart may not have been in the task of defending North Korea. South Korea spokesman Jeong Joon-hee said: "On his reasons for defection, Minister Thae cited disgust with Kim Jong-un's regime, admiration for South Korea's free, democratic system and the future of his family." (BBC)

Mr Thae (seen on the right in this file picture) is now under the protection of South Korea(GETTY IMAGES)

Bali Killing: British Man, Australian Woman Arrested A British man and an Australian woman have been arrested in connection with the beach killing of a policeman on the Indonesian island of Bali. They have been named by police as David Taylor and Sara Connor. The body of local traffic police officer Wayan Sudarsa was found on Wednesday, lying on a beach at Kuta. A spokeswoman for the UK Foreign Office confirmed it was "providing assistance to a British national who was arrested in Bali". The pair were reportedly arrested as they sought protection at the Australian consulate in Denpasar, Bali's capital.

Statements from nine witnesses led to the arrests, said Bali Police Chief Major General Sugeng Priyanto.

Beach death Mr Sudarsa's bloodied body was found on the beach outside the Pullman hotel in Kuta, Bali's most popular beach resort. Police said the officer had deep wounds to his head. A spokeswoman for the UK Foreign Office told the BBC that as well as providing assistance to a British national it was staying in contact with the local authorities. Meanwhile, a spokesman for Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the department was "providing consular

assistance to an Australian woman in Bali". Bali is a popular Western tourist destination, known for its tropical climate and palm-fringed beaches. Petty crime is common on the island, though more serious crime is rare. (BBC)

Briton David Taylor is escorted by police in Bali, Indonesia(EPA)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 164

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2016

Syrian War: Turkey To Play More Active Role

Turkey says it will take a more active role in efforts to end the war in Syria and accepts President Bashar al-Assad as an interim but not long-term player. But announcing the Turkish policy shift, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim insisted that Mr Assad "can't have a role in Syria's future". "He is one of the actors today, whether we like it or not," Mr Yildirim said. Fighting has continued in the city of Hassakeh, where Syrian government jets have bombed Kurdish areas for two days. Hassakeh, 80km (50 miles) south of the Turkish border, is mainly controlled by the Kurdish YPG militia, but Mr Assad's government forces are trying to push them out.

Turkey is staunchly opposed to Mr Assad, but is also fighting the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) - an ally of the YPG. Turkey does not want the Kurds to consolidate any territorial gains that could help the PKK. "In the six months ahead of us, we shall be playing a more active role," Mr Yildirim said. "It means not allowing Syria to be divided along ethnic lines." A future political settlement for Syria must not include Mr Assad, the PKK or "Daesh" - the so-called Islamic State (IS) group - he said.

Map of Syria and Iraq showing control by state and non-state armed groups Turkey is backing rebel groups fighting to oust Mr Assad, though it has not committed regular troops to the war in Syria.

Turkey is hosting about 2.7m Syrian refugees. Earlier this month Turkey patched up a bitter quarrel with Russia, whose air force is providing vital support for Mr Assad with daily air strikes against the rebels. The UN Children's Fund (Unicef) on Saturday called for urgent action to help more than 100,000 children "trapped in the horror" of Aleppo, ravaged by intense fighting and heavy air raids by Syrian government and Russian planes.

The children's plight was symbolised this week by the pictures of Omran Daqneesh, an injured five-year-old boy rescued from the rubble in Aleppo. The images of him with a head wound, looking utterly bewildered and shocked, stirred international outrage. The London-based Syria Solidarity Campaign reported on Saturday that Omran's 10-year-old brother Ali had died of his injuries, after the family home was hit by a bomb. Activists in Aleppo also reported Ali's death, al-Arabiya news said. The YPG has emerged as a major fighting force in northern Syria in the past two years, becoming a key ally of the US-led coalition against IS. Kurds made up between 7% and 10% of Syria's population of 24.5 million before the uprising against President Assad began five years ago. (BBC)

Turkish troops face a huge security challenge along the Syrian border(GETTY IMAGES)

Australia v New Zealand: All Blacks Hotel Room In Sydney 'Bugged’

New Zealand Rugby says a Sydney hotel room where the All Blacks held meetings was bugged before their first Bledisloe Cup match against Australia. The New Zealand Herald reported that a "sophisticated" listening device found on Monday had been hidden in a chair. The All Blacks beat Australia's Wallabies 42-8 on Saturday. The CEO of New Zealand Rugby, Steve Tew, said in a statement that Australian police and the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) had been informed. Saturday's game is the first of three in the annual Bledisloe Cup between Australia and New Zealand - which the All Blacks have not lost in 13 years.

Tew said: "We are taking this issue very seriously, and given it will be a police matter, it would not be prudent to go into further details." The New South Wales Police Force said in a statement that they had become aware of the allegation on Saturday, and had attended a hotel in Double Bay, an area of Sydney. Superintendent Brad Hodder told local media that a forensic team were looking at an "electronic device". Tew added that he had spoken to ARU chief Bill Pulver who was "just as shocked as I was", but added that it was not a "catastrophic issue" for Saturday's match.

"We haven't made any accusations of anybody so there's no room for denials," said Tew. Pulver told the New Zealand Herald that the idea of a bugging was "ludicrous" and said the ARU was not involved.

He said: "Mate, of course [the ARU is not involved]. "I just think it's a ludicrous concept that there are listening devices being placed in team rooms. I don't know how that could happen." The paper reported that hiding the bug "was a highly skilled and meticulous act and whoever put it there would have needed a significant amount of time to have pulled off such an accomplished job".

Indications are that the device was working and would have transmitted conversations about the All Blacks' strategy for Saturday's match. The game is the only one in this year's tournament scheduled to take place on Australian soil. The other two games are scheduled to be held in New Zealand cities. The All Blacks have won the Cup 43 times while the Wallabies have won 12 times.

The hotel where the All Blacks were staying has started its own investigation into the incident, the statement by New Zealand Rugby said. (BBC)