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GUYANA DAILY NEWS
LOCAL TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2016
Planes Grounded After Collision At CJIA A parked Fly Jamaica 767 aircraft was severely damaged after the wings of a Caribbean Airlines plane that was attempting to park, collided with it, causing damages to the stabilizer of the aircraft. The Passengers and crew members of the Fly Jamaica plane had just disembarked when the incident occurred at around 7:40h Tuesday morning. According to reports the Caribbean Airlines flight had just arrived from New York and was heading to its parking area on the tarmac when it connected to the back of the Fly Jamaica Plane. There were no injuries reported. However, as part of the probe by the GCAA, both planes will have to remain grounded. The Pilot for the Caribbean Airlines plane is expected to provide a statement and face questioning by investigators today as the probe begins. Reports further stated that Fly Jamaica has been forced to postpone its service to Toronto today as a result of the incident.
Guyana Fails to Meet Projected Economic Growth Targets Finance Minister, Winston Jordan has described the economic performance for Guyana this year as “dismal” as the country has failed to reach the projected targets for the 2016. The country achieved an economic growth of a mere 2.6 percent from the projected 4.4 percent while was the revised to 4 percent. During his presentation of the budget to the National Assembly, Minister Jordan indicated that gold continues to be the only booming industry, since “the economy felt the drag of dismal output performances in sugar, rice, forestry, and construction, including housing”. While he said that the international price of gold rose by over 7 percent in 2016, he also related that the industry may face downward pressures in 2017, in light of a likely increase in interest rates in the US and the tapering off of the European Central Bank’s (ECB) bond buying programme. Jordan attributed the failure to meet projected targets to “several unexpected developments” including “the downsizing of Barama and Demerara Timbers Limited’s operations in the forestry sector; structural changes and ongoing strikes in the sugar industry; and the slow pace of implementation of the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) conspired to reduce the real growth rate to 2.6 percent.” In addressing the Agriculture and Forestry sectoral performance, Minster Jordan said that “this sector is expected to contract significantly in the second half of 2016 with dismal performance expected for all sub sectors, except fishing and other crops.” The minister said that recovery in 2015, sugar is projected to decline by 18.7 percent, to reach 188,000 metric tonnes in 2016. In the rice industry, due to continued uncertainty in the rice industry, the minister said that output is expected to reach 600,000 metric tonnes in 2016, representing a decline of 12.8 percent from the levels achieved in 2015. The minister said that the Mining the forestry subsector is expected to contract significantly by 33.3 percent, principally as a result of Barama halting the production of logs and the UK's restriction on greenheart logs originating from Guyana. The manufacturing sector is projected to contract by 7.1 percent, as a result of the dismal performances in sugar and rice, as well as
a small decline in other manufacturing. On the bright side, both the fishing and other crops sub-sectors performed creditably, with growth recorded at 11.8 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively. Growth in the fisheries sub-sector is expected to be augmented by the introduction of deep float pelagic tuna production. Despite the high risk, the mining and quarrying sector is projected to grow by 35.7 percent in 2016, the highest in over a decade. The bauxite industry is expected to grow by 9.6 percent, while the other mining and quarrying sector 8 is projected to rise by 22 percent, mainly on account of a 92.5 percent increase in sand production and a 9.2 percent increase in stone production.
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan
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GUYANA DAILY NEWS
LOCAL TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2016
VAT To Be Paid On Water, Electricity Bills The APNU+AFC had promised in its 2015 election campaign that within the first 100 days in office the rate of the Value Addes Tax (VAT) will be reduced from 16%. A year later and the VAT was reduced by 2 percent; this was announced by Finance Minister Winston Jordan during his 2017 budget presentation. How will this benefit the working class and poor citizens of the country? Many persons believed that the 2 percent reduction is being recovered by the introduction of VAT on electricity and water. The minister admitted that the Guyanese economy is taxed and that legitimate businesses are threatened with the high tax rate “high and multiple taxes." The Minister was very bold to announce additional VAT even after sharing those sentiments, as a result businesses will be affected tremendously, adding to the already burdensome high energy cost in the manufacturing sector. "I propose to increase the VAT threshold from $10 million to $15 million. It was found that a significant number of persons were unable to maintain proper records to meet the minimum threshold requirement for VAT registration. As such, this measure will allow the GRA to concentrate on the cohort that makes the bulk of VAT payments, since there will be a smaller tax base and consequently less VAT registrants to administer,” the Minister noted. The Minister further stated that 14 percent VAT on electricity consumption in excess of $10,000 per month and VAT will be attached to water consumption in excess of $1,500 per month.
Education Sector Gets Largest $43.1B Cut Of Budget 2017 The education sector has been allocated the largest cut of the national budget with some $43.1B or 17.2 per cent of the budget. Finance Minister Winston Jordan said that the government’s annual allocation to the sector is in recognition of the definitive role that it is expected to play in changing the country’s development trajectory. Minister Jordan said that in tackling problems which beset the sector, the causes must be address at the core. Towards achieving this goal, he explained that in the $43.1B allocation to the sector, a sum of $1.9 B will provide for the school feeding programme and $578M for the purchasing of textbooks. Together with the President’s 5 Bs Programme, Minister Jordan said that these measures are expected to result in improved attendance, attentiveness, and productivity. Further, to address issues of overcrowding and facilities’ improvements over $3.5B has been allocated to construct, extend, rehabilitate and maintain schools, teachers’ quarters and other buildings. Within this, Minister Jordan said, several new schools are slated for completion including Yurong Paru and Hiowa Nursery Schools in Region 9, Bamia Nursery and Primary in Region 10, and Baramita Nursery in Region 1. A total of 481 trained teachers were added to the pool of qualified teachers in the public school system this year. Minister Jordan said that in 2017, Government aims to add 600 more to afford each student increased quality contact time. Budget 2017 also provides for about $2.4B to be invested to improve learning outcomes of students, at the secondary level, with the aim of expanding the pool of employable, certified labour that can adequately bridge the skills gap. Minister Jordan said that
special focus will be placed on improving access for persons with disabilities. Further, $2.5B has been allocated for Technical Vocational Education (TVET) interventions countrywide, the Minister said. This investment will see the expansion of TVET programmes into the four hinterland regions. Budget 2017 also caters for the on-going repositioning of the University of Guyana (UG) and the efforts to generate revenue and pursue investments that will create a more financially sustainable institution. For 2017, the Government has allocated $2.9B to support UG’s operations and construct a teaching and learning complex for mathematics and science. Minister Jordan said that the Student Loan Agency will be restructured to ensure institutional sustainability, achieve efficiency in processing of student loans, enable an electronic database to improve client interactions and improve customer service.
LOCAL
GUYANA DAILY NEWS Former Employees Charged With Stealing From Gafoors PAGE 5
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2016
Dean Williams, 26, and Ricardo Khemraj, 24, this morning appeared in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Delon Bess, charged with the offence of simple larceny which they allegedly committed between October 14 and November 12, 2016. The duo was granted bail in the sum of GY$100,000 each and will return before the Chief Magistrate on December 6, 2016 for continuation into the matter. Williams and Khemraj, who are both residents of the Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara and former employees of Gafoors, pleaded not guilty to the act. Williams' lawyer, in his bail application noted that the stolen items were recovered. It is alleged that between the dates in question the duo stole a quantity of lights, property of Sattaur Gafoor valued at GY$81,000.
Father Of Four Charged With Discharging Firearm Thirty-four -year old Leon Smart today appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court charged with discharging a loaded firearm at Rajesh George. The accused was granted bail in the sum of GY$150,000 and will return before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on December 5, 2016 for continuation into the matter. The father of four was unrepresented and pleaded not guilty to the charge. The application to be granted bail was not objected to by the Police led prosecution, however the stipulation was attached that Smart must report to the Agricola Police Station every Friday for the duration of the matter. It is alleged that on November 25, 2016 at Princess Street, Georgetown the accused discharged a loaded firearm at the Virtual Complainant, with intent to maim, disable, disfigure or cause grievous bodily harm.
$37.2B Allocated To Infrastructure Sector budgeted for the rehabilitation of stellings at Bartica, Supenaam,
The infrastructure sector is set to receive a massive $37.2 Billion out of the $250 Billion 2017 budget. Minister of Finance Winston Jordan during his presentation of the 2017 budget said that an infrastructure network that can support rapid economic development requires huge capital investments. “This is especially true of Guyana with its sparsely populated town and village centres scattered over its 214,970 square kilometres. Recognising this, we have allocated $37.2B to narrow the infrastructure deficit in the country, even as we pursue other financing options, including Public-Private Partnerships (P3s), for the large scale transformative projects,” Minister Jordan explained. The allocation is an increase from 7.6 percent in 2015, to a proposed 14.9 percent in 2017. Minister Jordan noted that the 2017 Budget is intended to kick-start the government’s development agenda by investing heavily in critical infrastructure, power, transportation, and logistics, among other areas. The Finance Minister indicated that the government has been waiting for over five decades to bridge the coastal and hinterland divide, and create national and hemispheric inter-connectivity with the Linden to Lethem corridor. According to Minister Jordan, for 2017, several infrastructural projects onboard include; Commencement of the first phase of the Linden to Lethem Road project which spans Linden to Mabura Hill, Commencing of work on a permanent fixed bridge across the Essequibo River at Kurupukari, seeking funding to construct a road from Parika to Goshen, followed by the construction of a bridge from Monkey Jump to Bartica, complementing the bridge crossing the Essequibo River at Kurupukari, resurfacing and rehabilitation, where necessary of the Linden-Soesdyke highway and pursuing negotiations for the dredging of the Demerara River, in order to reduce the need for high frequency, low capacity, offloading of vessels among others. For 2017, the sum of $294M has been
Mazaruni, Morawhanna, New Amsterdam and Rosignol, while $240M has been allocated to recondition the Malali, Sandaka, and Lady Northcote vessels. Approximately $295M will be used to purchase a barge and dock several vessels. The continued maintenance and upgrading of the stellings and vessels will facilitate a normalised and safer flow of private and commercial traffic across our waterways. Sea and river defences remain as critical to Guyana’s safety and future, given the effects that climate change is having across the country. A total of $2.5B was allocated towards the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of sea defence infrastructure in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six. The sum of $385M has been set aside to complete rehabilitation of nine airstrips across the hinterland and to commence rehabilitation of three more. This represents an interim intervention by the Government, pending negotiations with the Caribbean Development Bank for a larger project, of about US$15M, to upgrade aerodromes and airstrips.
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GUYANA DAILY NEWS
LOCAL TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2016
Herstelling Man Charged With Armed Robbery Excavator Operator, Ryan Goodluck was this morning granted bail in the sum of GY$75,000 after he appeared before Magistrate Delon Bess in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court charged with committing the offence of robbery under arm which he allegedly committed on October 29, 2016. The 22 year-old accused who pleaded not guilty to the charge is expected to return before the court on December 15, 2016. The accused father of two appeared with his lawyer, who in his bail application stated that his client is innocent and resides at a fixed address in Herstelling, Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara and as such he should be granted reasonable bail. However there was an objection to bail by the prosecution who stated the prevalence and nature of the offence as the main reason. It is alleged that on the day in question the accused while armed with a gun approached the virtual complainant, Madisa Cameroon on Motor Cycle HC 528 and while being armed with an offensive weapon that is to say a gun, robbed Cameroon of 1 Camera Phone valued at GY$60,000, one purse valued at GY$3000 and GY$11,000 cash, total value of GY$74,000.
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GUYANA DAILY NEWS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2016
Haiti's Interim President Calls For Calm Before Election Results Announced press briefing, the head of state called for calm and urged candidates to use the legal processes provided by the electoral law and the constitution in the event there were challenges to the results, HaitiLibre reported.
Interim President Jocelerme Privert PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti -- The interim president of Haiti, Jocelerme Privert, gave a press briefing on Monday at the National Palace, a few hours ahead the publication of the preliminary results of the elections of 20 November. At the
"The preliminary results of these elections should in no way compromise the socio-economic stability of the country," declared Privert, noting that the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) enjoys total independence in the context of these elections and that the executive has refrained from any interference in the electoral process. The election was a key step in restoring constitutional order in Haiti, where former president Michel Martelly's mandate expired after the results of last year's first round poll were
annulled amid widespread claims of fraud. Nearly 6.2 million people were eligible to vote in the country, parts of which are still struggling to recover from a devastating hurricane. Of the 27 candidates who ran for president, four have already claimed victory in the first round. Haitian law offers candidates the opportunity to challenge the results from the presidential and legislative election in electoral courts. Final results will be published on December 29, according to the calendar established by the CEP. Any candidate who gains more than half of the votes will be the winner. Otherwise, a runoff election is set for January 29, 2017. (Caribbean News Now!)
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GUYANA DAILY NEWS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2016
St Vincent And The Grenadines Diaspora Mapping Project Launched In The UK
(L-R) Natalie Hanley (IOM); Doris Charles (Minister Counsellor); Cenio Lewis (High Commissioner); and Renitta Peters (RIDU) LONDON, England -- The government of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) through the Regional Integration and Diaspora Unit (RIDU) is conducting a Diaspora mapping exercise funded by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) through the IOM Development Fund (IDF). The project was launched at the High Commission for St Vincent and the Grenadines in
London with presentations by Renitta Peters (RIDU) and Natalie Hanley (IOM) to a packed attendance, including High Commissioner Cenio Lewis, Doris Charles (Minister Counsellor), Carolin de Freitas-Sawh (Counsellor), Dr Christopher Stange (Hon. Consul) and chairpersons of the National Committee representing the various SVG Associations across the UK. The objective of the project is to map the skill sets of Vincentians living abroad over the age of 18, in a simple confidential questionnaire that takes two minutes to complete with disclosure of personal information purely optional at the website portal. The project aims to link Vincentians with the needs and opportunities that exist in St Vincent and the Grenadines and will strengthen both the government’s capacity to engage and dialogue with the Vincentian Diaspora as p a r t o f t h e c o u n t r y ’s s t r a t e g i c development focus. At the end of phase one, a Diaspora database will be created.
In the second phase, a needs assessment will be conducted in which private and public organizations, institutions, associations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can participate through a consultative process to determine what skills/resources will be needed for achieving the objectives. Some members of the Diaspora often have a genuine interest to implement developmental initiatives in their country of origin and fund programmes and projects but lack an organized medium to facilitate participation. Though some individuals and groups overseas have already taken up supporting development through the sending of remittances, investing in businesses and supporting family members, this project will help the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines learn more about the Diaspora’s interest and expectations to engage in a more meaningful way. (Caribbean News Now!)
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GUYANA DAILY NEWS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2016
First commercial Flight From The US To Havana In More Than 50 Years Lands In Cuba other airlines began flying regular routes to several Cuban cities outside the capital in late summer, but Monday’s flight was the first of the new Havana-bound service and the first of four daily flights American plans from Miami to Havana.
HAVANA, Cuba -- An American Airlines 737 took off from Miami International Airport on Monday morning on the first regularly scheduled flight between Miami and the Cuban capital of Havana in more than half a century. “It’s a monumental day of great historic relevance with Miami being the epicenter of the Cuban American community and American’s hub for the region,” said Ralph Lopez, AA’s vice president for its Miami hub. “We’re excited to live in these exciting times and serve Havana.” American and several
Other flights from the US were also scheduled to arrive in Havana on Monday. With the addition of the Havana route, American now flies to six Cuban cities. “It’s early in the process [of opening the Cuban market], but we like where we are and that we have the most service to Cuba,” said Howard Kass, American’s vice president of regulatory affairs. The new flights are part of the Obama administration’s opening toward Cuba, but their future could be in jeopardy depending on President-elect Donald Trump’s Cuba policies. He has said he will unravel changes made by
President Barack Obama unless Cuba makes political changes. In addition to American’s daily MiamiHavana flights, on Wednesday it is also adding service from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Havana. JetBlue plans to start its twice-daily service from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to Havana on Wednesday and from Orlando on Tuesday. On Thursday, Spirit Airlines will begin service from Fort Lauderdale, Delta Air Lines will launch service from Miami, New York’s JFK and Atlanta to Havana and Frontier also will have its inaugural flight from Miami to Havana. Southwest will begin offering twice-daily service from Fort Lauderdale to Havana on December 12. (Caribbean News Now!)
REGIONAL
GUYANA DAILY NEWS Honduras Welcomes New Direct Flights These From Europe new routes are set to increase European tourism for PAGE 12
Hondurans welcome new Air Europa flights TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras -- Europeans looking for a quick Latin American adventure do not need to look any further as Air Europa announced a new direct fight from the Spanish capital of Madrid to the second largest Honduran city, San Pedro Sula. Now, waking up in the Plaza Mayor and falling asleep by the Puerto Cortés is even easier. On November 21, Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández announced that, starting in April 2017, through the European airline, Air Europa, there will be one weekly flight from Madrid to San Pedro Sula. The airline chose to begin flights in April and run them until October, just in time for Europe's high season for tourism.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2016
Honduras, while also encouraging more Hondurans to travel abroad. This new route represents another step forward for economic development for Honduras, where the government has vowed to continue investing in tourism as a part of its Economic Development Plan, Honduras 20/20. This project is said to create over 7,000 jobs for Hondurans, while lowering costs for travelers. By increasing connectivity throughout Central America, Honduras' tourism initiatives seek to establish the country's position within a more integrated and globalized world. As of 2015, Honduras had some of the highest levels of connectivity with Spain in Central America with 27.2% and with Guatemala and El Salvador with 13.5% and 18% respectively, with hopes of increasing that number even higher after the new route takes place. “This [new flight] means that we will have an open door to specific European destinations like, Barcelona, Bilbao, La Coruña, Vigo, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Valencia, Alicante, Málaga, Tenerife, the Canary Islands, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Roma, Milan, Brussels, Amsterdam, Lisbon and Oporto, among other cities," Hernández declared. Air Europa will use an Airbus A330-200 that holds 275 tourist class seats and 24 in first class. As Honduras embarks on another journey to improve its global presence, the partnership between Air Europa and Honduras will aid in the country's mission of spreading its culture and people around the world, while remaining open to inquisitive foreign minds that hope to travel in order to learn about those qualities unique to Honduras. (Caribbean News Now!)
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GUYANA DAILY NEWS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2016
Police Commissioner Fires Back At Senator
Source: winnfm.com St Kitts – St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): Commissioner of Police Ian Queeley is firing back at Opposition Senator Nigel Carty who has been making damning accusations about the Force. “My very first meeting I said to all and sundry that I will not be putting up with any instance of corruption or integrity issues, and once evidence is forthcoming a public example will be made of those persons. I’ve said it on every occasion, publically and I’ve said it privately and I’ve said it with all my meetings with senior and junior officers,” Commissioner Queeley says. “I can even go further to say…since I have taken over the leadership of this organization. At least three police officers have been arrested. Only last week, one was sentenced to prison for one month for…his involvement in criminal activity, and I will stand by my word that I would not be tolerating or part of covering up, anything to do with criminal activity,” he asserted. Senator Carty has charged that police have been manufacturing evidence to make it appear as though they are finding and removing illegal weapons off the streets, an accusation that the Police Commissioner vehemently denied. The Senator however, responded to the Commissioner’s denial within hours. While he did not reiterate his original c h a rg e s , h e h a d o t h e r s t a r t l i n g accusations to make about Police. He
insisted that there are corrupt elements in the force and says that its recent track record suggests political interference and a lack of transparency. “From what I can tell, for the most part, the men and women in our Police Force are highly professional people who mean well. Be that as it may, we as citizens cannot turn a blind eye to the few rogues and criminals in uniform who corrupt the ranks of the Police Force,” the Senator said. “And, beyond the rogues and criminals, good police officers sometimes bow to overt or subtle political and other pressures in the subversion of justice.
These pressures to which I refer are excessively egregious under the current administration. These are matters to which my attention is often turned,” he said. Over the weekend WINN FM spoke with Commissioner Queeley about the further allegations made by the Senator, including the suggestion that the Force was not actively pursuing a case involving the son of Former Prime Minister Dr. Sir Kennedy Simmonds. “The matter with the former Prime Minister’s son, there is not much I can comment on to say except that the matter is being presently being heard in the Court,” Queeley told WINN. “A number of witnesses have been called. The matter has been further adjourned, and so I cannot comment on the case, suffice to say that the police will do what they have to do when matters come to their attention.” Commissioner Queeley also rejected Mr. Carty’s assertion that Police are being politically influenced. “No politicians, none of the politicians have been interfering in any way, shape or form with what I have been doing, so again, I don’t know why the Senator is operating like that, but I appeal to him, if he [has]
the information…or evidence that is required, come forward. He can call me personally, and give me the information and I will ensure that investigations are commenced straight away into the matter.” The Senator has also accused Police of not pursuing a social media blogger who goes by the name of Mabel Richards.
The Opposition has charged that the profile has been used to make death threats and statements bordering on treason. Carty opined that the person behind the Mable Richards persona is a member of the Police Force. Queeley says if the Opposition Senator has evidence to prove his allegations, that he has a duty to provide such to the police. “If the Senator [has] information that can point us to a particular police officer or police officers that are involved in that…Mabel Richards affair, we would be happy for that information, because there were and are instances coming out of that which [are] damaging to the credibility of that organization and the Police [are] investigating.” He told WINN that Police were investigating a report from Opposition Leader and former Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas, about an apparent death threat directed at him, posted on the Mabel Richards profile. The Commissioner said it was difficult to trace social media posts because IP addresses are usually dynamic. “We are using the available resources that we have at this time to pursue such, because some damaging statements have been made in relation to the Force, but I think the Senator is in my view is making some claims that are unfounded and if he [has] that information, I say again to him, put it up or shut up.” (Caribbean News Now!)
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GUYANA DAILY NEWS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2016
Election Day 489 Contest Local Government Polls
A total of 489 candidates are competing for 228 divisions, plus the mayoralty of the Portmore community in today’s Local Government Elections. The battle is really on between the two major political parties, although active independents in St Ann, Westmoreland, St Mary, St James and Hanover could decide the majority in the councils (municipal corporations) in those parishes. While the weather could have a minor impact on voting today, violence is not expected to play any major part in the electorate’s decision. From all appearances, the generally high level of crime and violence affecting the country has not interfered with the campaigning by the candidates leading up to today. “We had a very peaceful campaign right across the country,” Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie, who has been leading the ruling J a m a i c a L a b o u r P a r t y ’s ( J L P ) campaign, told the Jamaica Observer last night. “Everywhere we went the reception was excellent. Both sides have shown a high level of maturity and we are very happy with the response,” stated McKenzie, himself a veteran of local government politics and former mayor of Kingston. General Secretarydesignate of the opposition People’s National Party (PNP) Julian Robinson figuratively agreed with those sentiments, except for one report he said he had received from Portmore about intimidation in the Newlands area. “Not me personally, but some issues of interference were reported from Portmore. But it has been generally peaceful, and I don’t think there have been any major
incidents,” Robinson, who represents St Andrew South Eastern in the House of Representatives, said yesterday. Dr Horace Chang, the JLP general secretary, believes that heavy rains which have been affecting the island over the past few days will not dampen the spirit of the voters, especially those supporting his party. He said he was expecting a 35-40 per cent voter turnout, compared with the 28-34 per cent recorded in March 2012 when the PNP retook control of all 13 councils plus Portmore. Dr Chang, who represents St James North Western, one of the volatile areas of Montego Bay, said he had seen no politically motivated violence in the area.
“The rains have been happening for several elections now. We expect a bigger turnout than in 2012, and we expect to win nine or 10 of the councils,” he added. A very tight race is anticipated for the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC), while the PNP is expected to easily retain the Portmore Municipal Council. There has been no official diagnosis of the race for the only directly elected mayorship in Jamaica, which involves current acting mayor Leon Thomas for the PNP and the JLP’s only member of the council, Keith Blake. However, it is anticipated that the Government will pick up some divisions based on its performance in the February 2016 General Election which it won by one seat. Despite losing close to 5,000 votes in Portmore due to last week’s Supreme Court decision, the PNP is expected to retain the two divisions which were most severely affected by the judgement, but is likely to lose other divisions in the municipality based on the results of February.
The JLP said it is extremely confident of retaking the 41-seat St Catherine Parish Council, which is currently held by the PNP with a 27-14 majority, as well as the Trelawny Parish Council, which it lost when a former Labourite turned independent candidate, Paul Patmore, swung the council to the PNP in 2012. Patmore has dropped out of contention this time, claiming that keeping the seat has become too costly for him personally. However, his reason for withdrawing may resonate with other independents, as only 31 independent candidates are contesting these elections which, in the early days following Universal Adult Suffrage in 1944, were dominated by independents, including National Hero Marcus Mosiah Garvey. In Hanover, former JLP candidates who have decided to run as independents this time could cost the governing party much-needed votes to take the council. The presence of independent PNP candidates in St Ann South Eastern opposed to MP Lisa Hanna is unlikely to affect those two seats, but the JLP said it is confident it can win the St Ann Council. The most independents in any one seat are the four who will be contesting the Riverside Division in H a n o v e r N o r t h We s t e r n . O n e independent, Marlon Mitchell, withdrew from the contest in Bellefield, Manchester, shortly after being nominated, allegedly due to intimidation arising from a similarity with the name of another candidate. Voting commences at 7:00 am and closes at the usual 5:00 pm. A final result is expected by midnight. (Antigua Observer)
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GUYANA DAILY NEWS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2016
Human Chain Link 2016 Coverage
Taken from wikipedia.org Barbados – THE HUMAN CHAIN Link in celebration of Barbados 50th anniversary of Independence is gradually forming around the island. In Holetown, St James a number of people started to started to gather just before 10 a.m. Some of them participated in the first attempt at a chain link in 1979. The group included tourists, students of the St James Primary school and families who all want to “hug Barbados. BARBADIANS DRESSED in National Colours have turned up in their numbers at Bay Street, St Michael to take part in the Human Chain Link. Some groups had assembled from as early as 8:30 a.m. and those who came later had to travel elsewhere to fill in gaps along the stretch. Government senators including Maxine McClean and Darcy Boyce were spotted near the Bay Street Esplanade, along with representatives of corporate entities and school groups. Among them were staff of Dollarwise, the Seventh Day Adventist School, St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Primary School and St Ursula’s. There was also great fanfare and cheers when two military officials made a parachute descent onto the nearby Browne’s Beach and the YMPC pasture. PARENTS AND TEACHERS connected to the St Mark’s Primary School were this morning busy preparing the children to be part of the historic human chain link around Barbados for its 50th year of independence. Things were not as hectic however just a half mile further up as the
only visible sign of preparation was a lone police officer anticipating the link to connect at the entrance to Blades Hill, St Philip. EXCITEMENT WAS BUILDING on one of the major arteries in St Michael. The human chain started to form as students of the Westbury Primary School joined workers from the area in the One People One Barbados effort at uniting the country for the 50th anniversary of independence. Traffic continued to wiz by on the busy Spring Garden Highway but participants maintained a safe distance under sunny conditions. The hand-holding is a second attempt at a 1979 event. It was Rhonda Phillips’s (above) second chain link since she participated in 1979 effort when she was a child. “I feel great. I don’t know if I’ll get another one,” she said. EXCITEMENT filled the air along the South Coast during the Human Chain Link this morning. Smiles flashed across the faces of local and visitors who gathered with family and friends to show their national pride. People from all walks of life, many of whom sported national colours, joined hands while braving the hot sun. At some parts of the link, typically areas without shade, there were gaps. Some participants whispered “we don’t want to be in no hot sun” as the marshal stationed at the area tried to convince them to fill the spaces. Maurice Foster, who was intimately involved in the November 30, 1979 human chain link, also participated. He was standing along Rockley, Christ Church. BRAVING THE HOT morning sun many Barbadians made it their business to show unity via the human chain link. Along the Oistins to Maxwell route the Nation Online team witnessed students, visitors, fisherfolk and many companies take part in the symbol of nationhood.
English visitor Pauline Williams said she could not be happier to be a part of the initiative and was very thankful to the organisers. “I will not be here for the 75th, so I’m really happy right now to take part,” she said. Entertainer Tamara Marshall who was just outside of Massy Supermarkets Oistins said she was taking part in honour of her grandfather Joseph Marshall. “I’m really happy to be here sharing this very special moment and I will never forget it as long as I live,” she said before linking hands with the Nation Publishing’s gym instructor Patricia Evanson. Evanson said she was so ecstatic to be a part of this as she was in the first chain link in 1979. National surfer Joseph Burke, who was with his dad Alan Burke and immediate family along the Maxwell, Christ Church stretch, said that they were just happy to celebrate in such a way with the rest of Barbadians. Students from Christ Church Girls’ School in Oistins, Christ Church. (Antigua Observer)
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GUYANA DAILY NEWS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2016
Football Team Among Victims Of Brazilian Plane Crash
Rescuers search for survivors from the wreckage of the LaMia aircraft A plane carrying 81 persons, including the Brazilian football team ‘The Chapecoense’ has crashed on its way to Medellin, capital city of Colombia, on Monday night. According to reports, the delegation of the football team, had to ‘switch’ planes in Sao Pablo, due to a last minute decision allegedly taken by the Brazilian aviation
authority. The team was scheduled to board a chartered flight directly to Medellin, but they were ‘adviced’ to wait 2 extra hours and board a commercial flight instead. This was the beginning of the tragedy. After a brief stopover in the Bolivian city of Santa Cruz, flight 2933 of the LaMia Airlines, ‘took off’ to Medellin. Reports say that the plane lost contact with ground controllers on Monday evening after the pilot reported an electrical fault.
Pictures taken by member of the Brazilian Chapecoense soccer team, before the tragedy
At around 22:15hr local time, on the approach to the Colombian city of Medellin, it crashed in Cerro Gordo in the municipality of La Union. So far, the Colombian authorities have reported 77 fatalities, and 4 survivors. Players, coaching staff and journalists were among the passengers, with defender Alan Ruschel and goalkeeper Jackson Follman the only players confirmed as survivors. Reports suggest another defender, Heilio Neto, was also rescued, but another goalkeeper, Danilo Padilhay, has succumbed to his injuries after surviving the initial crash. The team had been due to play in the final of the Copa Sudamericana, against Medellin’s professional football team ‘Atletico Nacional’. The match was seen as the biggest in the history of the relatively small club, which entered Brazil's top division for the first time in 2014.This was the South America's second most important club competition, was scheduled for Wednesday but has now been suspended. The football community has expressed their shock after this tragedy, joining amily and friends of the victims in their loss. Brazilian professional footballer, Neymar da Silva posted on his Twitter account, earlier this morning- “Pray for my companions please”-, he wrote. English professional footballer Wayne Rooney also posted -“Sad news to wake up today. Thoughts are with Chapecoense Real, and their family and friends”- Argentine retired professional footballer, Diego Armando Maradona posted earlier on his Facebook account –“My condolences are with the family of the victims of the Chapecoense football team, and with all the persons that perished in this tragic plane crash”. Brazilian President Michel Temer announced three days of national mourning, and top Spanish clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona held a minute's silence at the beginning of their practice s e s s i o n s . S o u r c e : h t t p : / / w w w. e l nacional.com/GDA/video-emitioChapecoense-tragedia_0_96710...
INTERNATIONAL PAGE 20
GUYANA DAILY NEWS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2016
Aleppo Battle: UN Alarm As 16,000 Civilians Flee Government Advance Up to 16,000 civilians have been displaced by the Syrian government's advance into besieged rebelheld areas of the city of Aleppo, the UN says. Humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien said thousands more were likely to flee if the fighting continued to spread and intensify in the coming days. He expressed concern about their fate, calling the situation deeply alarming. Troops and militiamen have retaken more than a third of the rebel-held eastern half of Aleppo since the weekend. Overnight, at least 18 people were killed in government air strikes on the remaining rebel-held areas, including 12 in the Shaar district near the new northern frontline, according to a UK-based monitoring group. Another 10 died in an air strike in the Bab alNairab area on Tuesday morning, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights added. An opposition activist network said a group of displaced civilians had been targeted and it put the death toll at 25. Aleppo was Syria's largest city and its commercial and industrial hub before the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began in 2011. It has been divided in roughly two for the past four years, with the government controlling the west and rebels the east. But in the past year, Syrian troops have broken the deadlock with the help of Iranian-backed Shia Muslim militias and Russian air strikes. In early September they reinstated a siege of the east, trapping the 275,000 people living there, and launched an allout assault later that month. Government forces stepped up their offensive two weeks ago and broke through the rebel lines on Saturday. By Monday, they had recaptured the entire northern half of the rebel enclave. “It's something that can't be imagined," Ahmad Aziz, a resident of a rebel-held area told the BBC. "We are witnessing the worst days ever. We can't move and see each other because of crazy shelling." Mr O'Brien said he was "extremely concerned about the fate of civilians as a result of the deeply alarming and chilling situation unfolding in Aleppo". "Intensified ground fighting and indiscriminate aerial bombardment over the past few days in eastern Aleppo city has reportedly killed and
injured scores of civilians," he added. "There are no functioning hospitals left, and official food stocks are practically finished." At the same time, Mr O'Brien noted, indiscriminate rebel shelling of civilian areas of government-controlled western Aleppo had killed civilians and displaced more than 20,000 in recent weeks. Mr O'Brien said initial reports indicated that up to 16,000 people had fled their homes in eastern Aleppo in the past few days for government- and Kurdish-controlled districts, or other rebel-held areas. The Syrian Arab Red Crescent and local nongovernmental organisations were helping the displaced, and the UN was ready to deliver aid to rebel-held Aleppo, he added. A spokeswoman for the UN high commissioner for human rights separately expressed concern that displaced people perceived to have links or connections to rebel groups might be detained by government or Kurdish forces. Peaceful activists and relatives of rebels have been punished in the past for their provision of support to what the government considers terrorists, she added. The parties to the conflict in Syria, Mr O'Brien said, had "shown time and again" that they were "willing to take any action to secure military advantage even if it means killing, maiming or starving civilians into submission in the process". Now at last, he pleaded, it was time to "restore basic humanity in Syria". (BBC)
The Syrian Arab Red Crescent and local NGOs are helping the displaced, the UN says(AFP)
INTERNATIONAL PAGE 21
GUYANA DAILY NEWS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2016
Mars Probe Returns First Pictures ESA/ROSCOSMOS/EXOMARS/CASSIS/UNIBE Europe's and Russia's new satellite at Mars has sent back its first images of the planet. The Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) arrived on 19 October, putting itself in a highly elliptical parking orbit. This must be circularised over the coming year before the mission can begin full science operations. But scientists have taken the opportunity of some close passes to the planet in recent days to check out the TGO's instrumentation. There is delight at the quality of the pictures returned from camera system, CaSSIS (the Colour and Stereo Surface Imaging System). TGO passed over a region called Hebes Chasma at its closest approach, just 250km from the Martian terrain. "We saw Hebes Chasma at 2.8 metres per pixel," said Nicolas Thomas, the camera's principal investigator from the University of Bern, Switzerland. "That's a bit like flying over Bern at 15,000km/h and simultaneously getting sharp pictures of cars in Zurich." Two of TGO's sensors - NOMAD and ACS also came through their early tests. These are the sensors that will make a detailed inventory of Mars' atmospheric gases. In particular, they will go after the components that constitute less than 1% of the planet's air - chemical species such as methane, water vapour, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide. Methane is the main focus. From previous measurements, its concentration is seen to be low and sporadic in nature. But the mere fact that it is detected at all is really fascinating. The simple organic molecule should be destroyed easily in the harsh Martian environment, so its persistence - and the occasional spikes in its signal - indicate a replenishing source of the gas. The speculation is that it could be coming from microbial life somewhere on the planet. It will be CaSSIS's job to look for possible geological forms on the surface that might tie into methane sources. A fourth instrument, FREND, will sense hydrogen in the near-surface. This data can be used as a proxy for the presence of water or hydrated minerals. This again is information that could yield answers to the methane question. TGO was the unspoken success on the day Esa's Schiaparelli lander crashed into Mars. The surface probe had been dropped off at the Red Planet by TGO and was making its ill-fated descent just as the satellite took up its parking orbit. The successful insertion almost went unnoticed in the fuss over Schiaparelli. TGO is the first phase in a joint venture at Mars that Europe is undertaking with Russia. The second step in this project known as ExoMars is to put a robot rover on the planet in 2021. It needs a large injection of cash on the European side to go forward, however - just over €400m. Research ministers from Esa member states are meeting this week in Lucerne, Switzerland, to try to resolve this budget problem. Seeing TGO perform so well should at the very least give the politicians a warm feeling as they push through their difficult discussions. (BBC)
INTERNATIONAL PAGE 23
GUYANA DAILY NEWS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2016
Syria Conflict: US Admits Mistakes Led To Strike On State Forces The US has admitted carrying out an attack in eastern Syria that killed dozens of Syrian forces fighting so-called Islamic State (IS). The US-led coalition said the "mistake" on 17 September was intended to target IS positions. Coalition aircraft from the UK, US, Denmark and Australia were involved in the attack near Deir al-Zour. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has maintained that the deadly airstrikes were intentional. The attack, which the Russian army says killed at least 62 Syrian troops, were halted when Russia informed the US it was hitting Syrian forces. "In this instance, we did not rise to the high standard we hold ourselves to, and we must do better than this," said US Lieutenant-General Jeff Harrigian. A spokesman for US Central Command (Centcom), the wing of the American military in charge of all its Middle East forces, said the mistake was "regrettable", adding that it was not the intent to target Syrian troops. However, President Assad said he did not believe the US account that the attack "wasn't an accident". "It was four aeroplanes that kept attacking the position of the Syrian troops for nearly one hour, or a little bit more than one hour," President Assad told the AP news agency. A spokesman for the UK Ministry of Defence said Tuesday's report showed that the decision to carry out strikes near Deir al-Zour was "made in
good faith". "We welcome the coalition's report and its conclusion that the decision to identify the targets as Daesh (IS) fighters was reasonable," he said. "We would not and did not intentionally strike known Syrian Regime military units," he added. (BBC)
Syria says its forces were deliberately attacked in the Deir al-Zour strikes (file picture)(EPA)
INTERNATIONAL PAGE 24
GUYANA DAILY NEWS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2016
Trump Names Obamacare Critic Tom Price To Key Role US President-elect Donald Trump has picked Tom Price, a strong critic of President Obama's healthcare reforms, as his future health secretary. The Georgia congressman and orthopaedic surgeon, 62, chairs the House of Representatives budget committee. He will play a key role in Republican plans to replace the Affordable Healthcare Act (Obamacare). In his campaign, Mr Trump vowed to repeal and replace the act, considered Mr Obama's flagship measure. However, he has since said he favours keeping certain provisions. Mr Trump said Mr Price was a "tireless problem solver" and "the go-to expert on healthcare policy". "He is exceptionally qualified to shepherd our commitment to repeal and replace Obamacare and bring affordable and accessible healthcare to every American," Mr Trump said in a statement. Mr Price said he was looking forward to the opportunity of serving as health secretary on behalf of the American people. He said his aim was to create a new system that worked for patients, families and doctors, adding that it should "protect the well-being of the country while embracing its innovative spirit". He will be working closely with Seema Verma, who will lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which oversees government health programs and insurance standards. "Together, Chairman Price and Seema Verma are the dream team that will transform our healthcare system," Mr Trump said. Earlier this month Mr Trump, who has pledged to repeal the healthcare bill, said he would keep some parts of the law such as allowing young adults to be insured on their parents' policies and banning insurers from denying coverage for preexisting conditions. Donald Trump campaigned as an outsider intent on cleaning up the federal government, but his top appointments so far paint a picture of a chief executive interested in working with establishment powers to advance a traditional conservative agenda. The president-elect's selection of Tom Price for health and human services secretary is a perfect example, as he opted for a congressional insider with detailed knowledge of the legislative steps necessary to realise Mr Trump's stated goal of dismantling Democratic healthcare reforms. His pick of Seema Verma for a key healthcare agency is also illuminating. She has a track record of working within the system to advance conservative priorities. For instance, she helped prevent a grassroots Republican revolt when Indiana expanded its Medicaid insurance coverage for the poor by implementing work and eligibility requirements. While Mr Trump blusters on Twitter and avoids most contact with the media, these latest moves seem to indicate the people running his administration will be detail-oriented and practical, albeit with a decidedly conservative bent. The real tell, however, may be who he picks for secretary of state. If it's Mitt Romney, the establishment insiders have prevailed. A loyalist like Rudy Giuliani? All bets are off. Mr Trump is set to meet Mr Romney for a second time despite one of his top aides launching a public
campaign against the former Massachusetts governor's nomination. Senior adviser Kellyanne Conway spoke out against Mr Romney on Sunday, saying Mr Trump's supporters felt "betrayed" he would consider the 2012 Republican nominee for the prominent role. Mr Romney was one of Mr Trump's harshest critics during the campaign. The presidentelect will also sit down with Tennessee Senator Bob Corker, the chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee. The two men are leading contenders for the all-important diplomatic post. Earlier, Mr Trump met retired Gen David Petraeus. He said he was "very impressed" with the former CIA director in a tweet after their meeting on Monday. Gen Petraeus pleaded guilty last year to a misdemeanour charge of mishandling classified information in connection to documents he had shared with his biographer, with whom he was also having an affair. The president-elect is also scheduled to meet Texas US Representative Michael McCaul, whom he is considering for secretary of homeland security. (BBC)
INTERNATIONAL
GUYANA DAILY NEWS Russia Hackers: German Spy Chief Kahl Warns Of Election Disruption PAGE 26
Germany's foreign intelligence chief has warned that Russia could seek to disrupt next year's German elections with cyber attacks. Bruno Kahl said his agency was aware of cyber attacks with no other purpose than "causing political uncertainty". "Europe is in the focus of this attempted disruption, and Germany in particular," he told Sueddeutsche Zeitung. Russia or groups linked to Russia have been regularly accused of such attacks. Campaigning has yet to start for federal elections in autumn 2017 but Angela Merkel announced last week she would be seeking a fourth term as chancellor. She told reporters that hacking attacks were now becoming commonplace and people should not allow themselves to be annoyed by them. She was speaking after a cyber attack on Sunday left 900,000 Deutsche Telekom customers with their broadband service cut off. The German government has not yet blamed any group for the hack but says "it's hard to tell the difference between criminal activities from a particular state and state activities". "Such cyber attacks, or hybrid conflicts as they are known in Russian doctrine, are now part of daily life and we must learn to cope with them," Mrs Merkel said. The hackers used malware to target Taiwanese-made Speedport routers and German officials say the attack could have been far worse if the routers had not crashed. "We were lucky this time - the attack didn't work properly," said Arne Schoenbohm of Germany's federal office for information security. If they had succeeded, the infected routers could have formed a network known as a "botnet" for attacks on websites known as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS). Why is Russia suspected? Earlier this year, Germany's domestic intelligence agency accused Russia of being behind a series of cyber attacks on German state computer systems, including targeting the lower house of parliament last year. A group known as Fancy Bear, which is thought to be linked to the Russian state, has been blamed for the attacks. It is also believed to have targeted Mrs Merkel's ruling Christian Democratic Union party. In October, the US
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2016
formally accused Russia of trying to interfere with its presidential elections by attacking political organisations. The Kremlin has consistently denied such allegations. On Tuesday, Mr Kahl said of Washington's assessment: "Attributing to a state actor is technically difficult. But there is some evidence that this is at least tolerated or desired by the state,." Mr Kahl has been in his post for nearly five months and has rarely spoken in public in that time. (BBC)
Bruno Kahl said there was a "kind of pressure on public discourse and democracy which is unacceptable"(AP)
INTERNATIONAL PAGE 27
GUYANA DAILY NEWS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2016
Burka Ban Backed By Dutch MPs For Public Places Dutch MPs have backed a ban on the Islamic full veil in some public places such as schools and hospitals, and on public transport. The niqab face veil and the burka, which covers the eyes, are included in the ban along with other face coverings such as ski-masks and helmets. The Dutch Senate must approve the bill, which has government backing, for it to become law. Supporters of the ban say people should be identifiable in public places. Prime Minister Mark Rutte's ruling Liberal-Labour coalition described the bill as "religious-neutral". Offenders would face a fine of up to €410 (£350; $435). Religious freedom campaigner Karima Rahmani said people should be able to wear what they want without the state interfering. "What is disturbing us about this law is that it is a direct attack on freedom of expression," she told a reporter from German media company ARD. A previous attempt to pass a law in the Netherlands banning the burka in all public spaces - including on the street - failed because it was deemed unnecessarily widereaching but similar laws have been passed in France, Belgium
and Switzerland. The Netherlands faces a national election in March 2017. The opposition anti-Islam Freedom Party, which has been leading in pre-election polls, wants a full ban on facecovering clothing. Between 100 and 400 Muslim women in the Netherlands are thought to wear the niqab. (BBC)
INTERNATIONAL PAGE 29
GUYANA DAILY NEWS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2016
Uganda Rwenzururu: King Charles Mumbere Charged With Murder The king of a region in Uganda has been charged with murder after clashes with security forces over the weekend in which at least 87 people were killed. Charles Mumbere was detained after government forces raided his palace in the Rwenzururu region on Saturday. The authorities accuse him of launching a secessionist movement to create a new state, to be called Yiira. The murder charges relate to the killing of a police officer in March, not to the unrest over the weekend. King Charles has denied any involvement in the violence. At least 16 police officers and 46 royal guards were killed in the clashes in Kasese district, according to official figures. Human rights campaigners are urging an independent investigation into the violence after pictures emerged of bodies dumped with hands tied behind their backs. The government denies carrying out extrajudicial killings in the region. Questioned about the raid, Gen Jeje Odong, Uganda's minister for internal affairs, said: "What happened is a situation of self-defence. "What do you do if I come to you, wanting to pierce you with a knife? Do you allow me to do it? Or you try to protect yourself?" The Rwenzururu kingdom is around the mountains of Rwenzori, about 340km (210 miles) west of Uganda's capital, Kampala. Its people, the Bakonzo, straddle both Uganda and neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. Tension has been high in the kingdom in recent years, with issues ranging from land disputes, to bitter divisions over plans to divide up
Kasese - one of the seven districts in the Rwenzori region. The king and some of his supporters have been accused of launching a secessionist movement, which authorities blame for a recent spate of attacks on security forces in the area. Traditional kingdoms, which are barred constitutionally from taking part in national politics, were abolished in 1966 but then restored by President Yoweri Museveni in the 1990s. President Museveni did not officially recognise the Rwenzururu kingdom until 2009, though this has not brought an end to the periodic unrest. Before becoming king, Mr Mumbere spent many years living in the US, where he worked in a Pennsylvania nursing home. (BBC)
Brussels Dance Tax: Why One Club Asks Customers To Stop Dancing If you're planning to hit the dance floor in Brussels, beware of a new tax and a strange request. Few people are aware of it, but a law requiring clubs and music cafes to pay a "dance tax" is being enforced in the capital of the EU. This is not EU bureaucracy gone mad. It's the homegrown, Belgian kind imposed by the City of Brussels authorities. For every dancer, establishments have to pay 40 cents (34p/$0.43) per night. The law was adopted two years ago, but some cafes are only now being audited. "The tax inspector explained that the tax is based on the number of people dancing," Nicholas Boochie, artistic director of the Bonnefooi venue, told local website Bruzz. "I first thought it was a joke, but it really does turn out to be true." At 40 cents per dancer per night, the amount can add up to €2,000 (£1,700) a year, he said, a large sum for a business with a small turnover. It's money he would rather put into hiring more performers. The city authorities say on their website that clubs and music cafes lead to additional expenses for the city in terms of security and public order, and that the tax is needed to cover some of the extra costs. Some point out that the law has been in force for some time, and that the Bonnefooi is lucky not to have been charged before. "Sometimes taxes are applied, but there are not enough officials to collect them," Marc Van Muylders, of Horeca Bruxelles, told Bruzz. So is there any room for tax avoidance? Nicholas Boochie wondered about the criteria for
dancing. "Is throwing your arms in the air dancing?" he asked. The cafe is set to pay the bill, but not without a little peaceful protest. The windows of Bonnefooi now have stickers asking customers not to dance. "Can you stop dancing guys?" a message on the cafe's Facebook page asks, tongue firmly in cheek. If the answer is no, Mr Boochie is thinking about organising a "dance-protest" against the tax. Expect some nifty - if costly - footwork. (BBC)
This sort of dancing, at a protest in Brussels in 2013, is outdoors, so is fine - indoors, on the other hand... (AFP/GETTY IMAGES)
INTERNATIONAL PAGE 30
GUYANA DAILY NEWS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2016
A Day Like Today ‘Natie’, ‘Natasha’ or simply Natalie Wood, was a talented introducing her in the ‘Hollywood Walk of Fame’. American film and television actress, who drowned while on a Source: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000081/bio weekend boat trip a day like today 1981, at the age of 43. Natalie was born Natalia Nikolaevna Zakharenko in San Francisco, on July 20 th , 1938, to Russian immigrant parents. She had two small siblings. Wood would often describe her family as being either gypsies or landowning aristocrats, due to the captivating tales that they used to tell her about their life in Russia and their arduous journey to America. The Wood family was humble, but they prevailed the necessary to keep food on the table. Natalie’s mother, Mrs. Maria Stepanovna had a passion for the 7 th Art, and would go to the movies in the regular basics, often taking Natalie with her. This was the spark that lit Natalie’s curiosity for acting. When Natalie was around 3 years old the family moved to Santa Rosa, California. There she was noticed during a film shoot in downtown. After her early discovery, Natalie appeared in countless advertisements and interpret small papers on soap operas and TV shows. She was only 4 when first appeared on screen. Natalie’s last name was changed to ‘Wood’, by choice of one of her producer’s. After gaining popularity on TV, Natalie was casted to play more serious roles, but now on the big screen. Between the years on 1943 to 1947 she appeared in over 20 films. Being qualified as one of the most talented child starts of her time. Because she was a minor, Wood's formal education took place on the recording studios. As a teen actress Natalie had the same success as a child. The audience that followed the evolution of this talented girl stayed faithful to the equal growth of her career. Entering maturity, Natalie’s career fell in decline. Although many of Wood's films were commercially profitable, her acting was criticized. With the constant pressure of the press and mediocre offers from producers, Natalie decided to take a temporary retirement from the studios. She came back to the spotlight in 1969, just to take another ‘time off’ after becoming pregnant with her first child. Natalie continued working on Natalie Wood 1940's small production during the following decade. She would focus more in her personal life than in her career. Something than studio portrait many admired. On November 29 th 1981, Natalie tragically drowned while on a weekend boat trip to Santa Catalina Island, where she was filming the American science fiction movie ‘Brainstorm’. Many of the circumstances surrounding her drowning are unknown still today, because it was never determined how she entered the water. She was missing since the night before, and authorities found her lifeless body around 8:00am of the following day. At approximately a mile away from the boat. The autopsy report revealed that Wood had bruises on her body and arms as well as an abrasion on her left cheek. Today Natalie Wood, is remembered as female idol. A rough diamond with soft core. Through her career she earned several Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Oscar and Emmy nominations. Hollywood honored her trajectory, by Natalie Wood newspaper report on her death
American film and television actress, Natalie Wood
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I Lost My Love For Track - Bolt
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ine-time Olympic champion has revealed that during his build up to the Rio Olympics this past summer, he didn’t enjoy the sport anymore. Bolt, who accomplished an unprecedented Triple-Triple in Rio by winning the 100m, 200m and the 4x100m relay for the third consecutive Olympic Games, said the pressure of
expectation had begun to get to him. “The workload I had leading up to the Olympics and even at the 2015 World Championships meant there was so much pressure and stress that it just wasn’t fun anymore,” Bolt told the UK Guardian. The world record holder, who was in London for the premier of I am Bolt, a documenary of his legacy in the sport, said he struggled to get out of bed before eventually rediscovering his groove in training. Now that he has accomplished his goals of defending his titles in Rio, Bolt said he is enjoying the sport once again, as he heads towards retirement after the IAAF World Championships in London in 2017. “Now the pressure is gone. I’m much more relaxed and happy to go to training because I know it’s not going to be so intense anymore,” said the 30-year-old Bolt, who said that despite his advancing age, he is still the man to beat. “I never want to lose,” he said. “Even in a simple board game. I’m always going to be prepared, no matter how much I relax I am still a competitor. I’m still never going to lose.” (SportsMax)
Top Brasileirao Clubs To Offer Free Loan Deals To Chapecoense a number of journalists came down in the hills in
B
rasileirao clubs including champions Palmeiras want Chapecoense to be granted special measures after a plane crash devastated their team. Brazil's top clubs have pledged to offer to loan players to Chapecoense for free after the majority of their team were killed in a plane crash. A total of 75 people have been pronounced dead by authorities after a chartered flight carrying members of the first team and
in the Cerro Gordo area in Colombia. Brasileirao clubs - including Corinthians, Santos and the newly crowned champions Palmeiras - published a statement of solidarity on Tuesday in which they offered to provide players to Chapecoense and called for them to be made exempt from relegation for the next three seasons. "Though we are aware of the irreparable damage caused by this terrible event, the clubs understand that now is the moment for unity, support and assistance for Chapecoense," the statement read. "In this regard, the clubs announce solidarity measures towards Chapecoense, which will consist of, among other things: "(I) Free loan players for the 2017 season; "(II) A formal request to the Brazilian Football Confederation for Chapecoense not to be subject to relegation to Serie B of the Brazilian championship for the next three seasons. If Chapecoense finish the championship in the bottom four, the team in 16th place would be relegated. "This is the minimum gesture of solidarity that is at our disposal at present, but it is endowed with the most sincere objective of reconstructing this institution of Brazilian football, which has been lost."
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Blake Hopes To Build On being Spectacular Season For Union unanimously voted Blake’s outstanding performances
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amaica international Andre Blake hopes to build on a successful season for Major League Soccer (MLS) team Philadelphia Union after
Goalkeeper of the Year last week. After an outstanding season between the sticks Blake received the admiration of his colleagues with over 30 percent of votes, well clear of United States national goalkeeper Tim Howard who finished in s e c o n d p l a c e . “ I t ’s something I hope to continue to build on,” B l a k e s a i d . “ I t ’s a n amazing feeling to know that my hard work has been noticed,” he added.
during the course of the season, which saw him pull off weekly several spectacular saves for the highlight reels is said to have gotten the attention of scouts and several clubs outside of the MLS. The player, however, insists that he is focused solely on the club for the moment. “Right now, I’m still at Philadelphia Union so that’s the focus. If something should come later, then that’s something to think about. But right now I’m still a Philadelphia Union player, which means I’m still 100 percent dedicated to them.” Blake Jamaica’s starting goalkeeper will represent the country at next year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup. (SportsMax)
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Bennell Charged With Sexual Assault Against Boy Under 14
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he Crown Prosecution Service has announced ex-coach Barry Bennell has been charged with eight offences against a boy under 14. Former football coach Barry Bennell has been charged with eight offences of sexual assault against a boy under the
age of 14. The charges come after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) received a file from Cheshire Police relating to allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse involving 62-yearold Bennell. In a statement, a CPS spokesperson said: "On 27 September 2016, the Crown Prosecution Service received a file of evidence from Cheshire Police relating to allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse involving a former football coach, Barry Bennell. "Following a review of the evidence, in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, Mr Bennell, 62, has today
been charged with eight offences of sexual assault against a boy under the age of 14. "The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Mr Bennell will now begin and that he has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings." The charges include five counts of indecent assault on a boy aged under 14, two counts of inciting a boy under 14 to commit an act of gross indecency, and assault with intent to commit buggery. (SportsMax)
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Habana Laments New Low For Springboks
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outh Africa have suffered a torrid 2016, and winger Bryan Habana is ready to accept any criticism that comes his and the team's way. Bryan Habana says South Africa's dismal run of form has left him feeling at his lowest ebb. The Springboks have suffered a torrid 2016, losing seven of their last eight full Tests, including each of the last four and all three of their clashes against northern hemisphere sides this month. A loss to England at Twickenham was followed by a shock defeat to Italy, and a miserable tour was c o m p o u n d e d w h e n Wa l e s w e r e victorious in Cardiff on Saturday.
Habana, South Africa's leading try scorer in Tests, posted a lengthy heartfelt message on Instagram on Tuesday, conceding the Springboks deserve to come in for heavy criticism. "The pain, disappointment and lows of what happened over the past 3 weeks and that has been happening over the past 6 months is by far the toughest and lowest I have ever experienced in my rugby career, and I've had many lows," he wrote.
"To even begin to explain where it's all gone wrong is immensely difficult as there are so many things across the board to dissect and you cannot put it down to just one thing. "Purely from a players perspective, our onfield performances, bar a few individuals at certain times, hasn't been up to standard and we take full responsibility for that despite all the off field issues. "Personally, I honestly felt that I could make a positive influence and impact both on and off the field in 2016 and unfortunately I haven't been able to do
that and I apologise for the part I played in the results of this year. "I fully understand the hurt, dissatisfaction and despair felt about where this current Springbok team is and I'm also prepared to face all the criticism that comes my way in the part I've played.
"Like you all, I also want to see the Springboks be a force to be reckoned with and instill pride back into the jersey and be that symbol of hope and unity that it has been on so many occasions for our country. "I believe open and honest discussions need to be had with all the key role players, administrators, politicians, coaches and players to start a proper process of rebuilding and implementation of structures. "Whether or not I'm a part of this group going forward, or whether changes get made on an administrative, coaching or players level, we can never lose the belief that we can fix it." (SportsMax)
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Walters Could Be Tough Sell After Quitting Bout losing. He was a winner in all his fights –including the one that they called a draw (versus Jason Sosa) that he really won.
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op Rank CEO Bob Arum believes Jamaica boxer Nicholas ‘Axeman’ Walters will be a tough sell to networks after a disappointing finish to Saturday’s bout against WBO super featherweight champion Vasyl Lomachenko. Walters was dominated for seven rounds by Lomachenko, leaving the Jamaican to committed perhaps one of boxing’s
biggest sins by refusing to answer the bell for the eighth round. Arum believes the decision could prove to be a blow for the fighter’s marketability for future fights. “Well, probably yeah because they will judge it based on one fight,” Arum said of the boxer’s prospects of securing future network bouts. “But they have to understand that Nicholas Walters was a guy who was not used to
And he never faced this type of adversity and he was on his way to being knocked out and he couldn’t hit the guy,” he added. The Jamaican in truth hardly seemed able to get a foothold in the bout as Lomachenko seemed more dominant with each passing round and teased Walters as he struggled to keep up. Arum, while not endorsing the boxer’s decision believes it was understandable based on the situation he found himself in. “For an ordinary fighter, who just takes the good with the bad, that guy keeps fighting till he gets knocked out or losses a unanimous decision. But a guy who’s been a winner and he’s faced with this situation he looked at it as hopeless and quits,” Arum said. “I can understand that psychology, not that I’m endorsing what he did. I understand it.” (SportsMax)
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Du Plessis Airport Incident Was Staged, Claim South Africa
outh Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee believes the incident involving a reporter and Faf du Plessis at Adelaide airport was set up. The clash between a Channel Nine reporter and South Africa security staff protecting Faf du Plessis at Adelaide airport was staged, according to the Proteas. Du Plessis had been under the spotlight after being found guilty of ball tampering in the second Test against Australia at Hobart, the Proteas informing Australian media that the subject was not to be raised upon their arrival for the series finale in Adelaide. However, one journalist
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seemingly took no heed of that policy and attempted to question Du Plessis as he walked through the airport, before the reporter was forcibly shoved aside by a member of the Proteas' security detail. Australia went on to w i n t h e Te s t - a consolation victory as South Africa took the series 2-1 - and on their return home Du Plessis and team manager Mohammed Moosajee faced the media. "The behaviour of the journalist was provocative and aggressive," Moosajee said. "We've got no doubt that it was staged and planned, the way they set it up with the cameras that were there. "The behaviour of the gentleman in Adelaide was unacceptable. As far as our security was concerned it was a direct breach of security protocol and he had to act to protect our players." After being found guilty of the ball
tampering charge - which Du Plessis has appealed - the South Africa captain was fined 100 per cent of his match fee but allowed to play in Adelaide, where he scored a superb unbeaten century on day one. "The nice thing is the general feeling from the cricketing world is that they're on the same page, they agree it was blown out of proportion," Du Plessis said. "I learned a lot about myself as a leader. I suppose the biggest thing is how my character was tested. "When everyone was expecting you to fail, because there was so much going on away from the game, to see my character withstand that is something I will remember." Regular captain AB de Villiers, who missed the Australia tour with an elbow injury, is expected to return to the role for the three-Test home series with Sri Lanka around the turn of the year. "It's not a massive transition if AB takes over, he will always have my 100-per-cent support and he knows that," said Du Plessis. (SportsMax)
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Atletico Nacional Call For Chapecoense To Be Awarded Copa Sudamericana
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hapecoense's Copa Sudamericana final opponents Atletico Nacional are happy to step aside and let the tragic club be named champions. Atletico Nacional have called on CONMEBOL to award
Chapecoense the Copa Sudamericana after a plane crash claimed the lives of most of the Brazilian club's squad and staff. Chapecoense were travelling to Medellin for the first leg of their final against the Colombian club when their plane came down in Cerro Gordo in the municipality of La Union. At least 75 people on board were killed, with six individuals - including players Alan Ruschel, Jackson Follmann and Neto named by the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority as survivors.
CONMEBOL suspended "all activities" in the wake of the news, but
Nacional have called on the governing body to act and hand the Brazilians who played fourth-tier football as recently as 2009 - a first major title. A club statement read: "After being concerned about the human part we thought about the competitive aspect and we want to publish this communication in which Atletico Nacional invites CONMEBOL to award the Copa Sudamericana to Associacao Chapecoense de Futebol to honour their great loss. "For our part, a n d f o r e v e r, C h a p e c o e n s e a r e champions of the 2016 Copa Sudamericana." (SportsMax)
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PSG Still Adjusting To Life After Zlatan, Says Emery departure of previous head coach on Sunday.
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nai Emery feels Paris SaintGermain are not yet completely comfortable playing without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, now at Manchester United. Paris SaintGermain boss Unai Emery says his side are still adjusting to life without star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The former Sweden captain hit a stunning 50 goals in 51 games to help PSG to a second domestic quadruple in a row last season before he left the French capital to join Jose Mourinho's Manchester United. Emery - who took charge following the
Laurent Blanc in June - struggled to coax consistent performances out of his side in the early stages of the campaign, although a run of six wins in seven Ligue 1 matches has taken the champions to within a point of leaders Nice. And the former Sevilla boss accepts that the team is still learning to play without Ibrahimovic as the focal point of the attack. "When I arrived, I was told a lot about Zlatan Ibrahimovic," he said on Tuesday. "It's normal, he was one of the best player in the club history. I think we are learning to play without him." Edinson Cavani has gone some way towards silencing critics who questioned his ability to emerge from Ibrahimovic's shadow, with the Uruguay international having scored 18 goals in 17 appearances this term, including two in the victory over Lyon
Emery has been encouraged by his displays but suggested that he could still move for additional attacking players in the next transfer window. "Edinson Cavani scores a lot, he plays good matches when he has conďŹ dence," he said. "The idea of the club is to grow, step by step. I have to work with the team and the club will work on the rest [when it comes to transfers]." Emery conďŹ rmed that Layvin Kurzawa (hip) and Javier Pastore (knee) will both sit out Wednesday's Ligue 1 game with Angers at Parc des Princes. Blaise Matuidi is also a doubt due to a muscular discomfort, but Angel Di Maria could be available after missing the win over Lyon and 2-2 Champions League draw with Arsenal with a hamstring problem. (SportsMax)