October 17, 2016

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

LOCAL MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Burnham Era Is Back With Minister Patterson’s Threats – Political Commentators Many Political commentators have will now be at the forefront- actions condemned the alleged threats on Facebook by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson.

Patterson reportedly threatened to investigate and punish members of the Political Opposition for not listening to President David Granger’s speech to Parliament on Thursday last. Minister Patterson reportedly said that political opponents who dare to protest the abuse of the President’s executive power by being absent from his address to the Parliament, will now be at the fore front of the government priorities and will kick into higher gear.

“What happens next is entirely due to the Opposition’s actions today- the kid gloves will be taken off, since an unwritten line was crossed…

(Punishment for crime of corruption) will go into a higher gear; building of cases against alleged corrupt officials

which I support. By this boycott, it will strengthen the efforts,” Patterson said.

The PPP walked out of the National Assembly when President Granger was about to address the opening of 43rd Session of Parliament, citing abuse of Executive Power.

Some believe that Patterson’s remarks represent the entire government’s view to suppress the will of the people, which comes on the heels of the President’s attempts to remove a constitutional office holder from office. “We wish to remind Mr. Patterson and the government that citizens have a constitutional right to express their views and opinions without fear, and that these words by Mr. Patterson are testimonials to the dark days of the Burnham era”, some political commentators noted. They are calling on the international community to take note of these new developments.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

LOCAL MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Taxi Driver On Bail For Alleged Fraud

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan today released a Green Ice taxi driver on $20,000 bail after he was accused of

converting $90,000, which is the property of Shawn Bali , for his own personal use and benefit. Chetram Suknandan was not represented and pleaded not guilty to the charge. He will return before the Providence Magistrate’s Court on October 20, 2016 for report.

The 37-year-old taxi driver promised the Magistrate to repay the VC; as such the

Magistrate instructed that he pay the money before the end of this week and Police Prosecutor Corporal Dinero Jones made no objection to bail. It is alleged that on October 10, 2016 at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, Balio gave Suknandan the $90,000 to pay his [Balio], however the accused reportedly converted the money to his own use and benefit.

Prime Minister Pushes Food Security, Urges Farmers To Diversify

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has noted that Guyana must not sacrifice food security for oil wealth as he urged farmers to remain in farming and embrace diversification. He alluded to the current crisis in neighbouring Venezuela which is rich in oil but have deficiency in food security; and which is now experiencing a food crisis and suffering from the steep drop in oil prices on the global market. “Soon we will have oil. Oil wealth is good and welcomed.

But we must not sacrifice food security for oil wealth. There are countries today that are rich in oil but are net importers of food and, also, water.

Our neighbour to the West, is a sad and tragic case in point, where there are daily scramble and even mini-riots for food and, even, toilet paper” the prime minister said at the opening of a World Food Day Exhibition and Fair at the Mahaicony Community Centre Ground on Sunday. The government is now pleading with local framers to embrace diversification in order to avoid a similar plight like that of Venezuela, making it a

full-time job.

The diversification includes livestock and aquaculture but now seem to favour rice over sugar as Guyana’s made agricultural product.

“Traditionally, Guyana’s agricultural sector has revolved around rice and sugar. We have seen some efforts to diversify into livestock and aquaculture. We must now move with alacrity in agricultural diversification so as to remain competitive and ensure that we are trailblazers within the Caribbean,” said the prime minister.

Nagamooto said that Guyana must follow the examples of other countries where rice is used for value-added products and that Guyana needs to go into agro-processing.

He reveled that, coming on the heels of his visit to India, that an exploratory team will be visiting Guyana soon. And “I will encourage them to invest in transforming the rice sector.” The Prime Minister highlighted some of the progress in the rice industry. “Guyana has made great progress in show-casing its rice.

Packaging of Guyana’s rice has improved considerably through the efforts of some large scale millers and producers. Guyana’s rice can be seen on the supermarket shelves around the Caribbean.

But rice is a base commodity. We need to also focus on value added products, cereals, biscuits, flour and a host of other product which are in demand across the world. We need to follow the examples of other countries where rice is used for

value-added products. We need to go into agro-processing.” Nagamootoo also mentioned that the government plans to expand that initiative of the rice producing mega farms in the Rupununi savannahs.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that like rice, Guyana’s sugar is known globally as a product of premium quality.

But “Perhaps it is time we consider focusing on a niche market.” Essentially, producing sugar aimed at satisfying specific market needs, as a specific price range, production quality and the demographics that is intended to impact such high end bakeries, restaurants.

However, unlike rice, the Prime Minister did not mention anything about value added products of sugar.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

LOCAL MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Broadcasting Authority Gets New CEO The Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) has officially appointed a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) which was effective since September 26, 2016. According to a press release issued today, Dr. Prudence Lewis- Bhola has being chosen to function in the position of CEO of the broadcasting entity because she boast a multitude of experience in broadcasting and private sector management. “Dr. LewisBhola exemplifies all the requisite skills, knowledge and abilities necessary to successfully execute the mandate of the GNBA.” The statement noted that Dr. Lewis- Bhola holds a doctorate in Transformational Leadership, having completed her doctoral degree in June of 2015 in the United States of America; she also holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Social Sciences Degree in Communication from the University of Guyana. The release stated that the newly appointed CEO is “Keenly aware of the issues and challenges of the local broadcast landscape, she is optimistic that much can be achieved from meaningful engagement and collaboration with all stakeholders in the broadcast industry.” In addition, the CEO plans to be “proactive and diligent in her efforts to execute the GNBA’s statutory mandate. She has already commenced strategic planning sessions with GNBA’s senior management team and hopes to lead a series of consultative sessions with broadcast operators over the next two months.” The GNBA is currently under a probe by Retired Major General, Joseph Singh into allegations of corruption made by a broadcaster

against two GNBA members. The appointment of the new CEO comes at the time when there are also reports that the Chairman of the GNBA, Leonard Craig has signaled that he would be stepping down due an opportunity to pursue a doctorate during the next three years In China.

Dr. Prudence Lewis-Bhola(GNBA/File Photo)

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Government Awarded Contracts Hurting Farmers PAGE 6

According to several farmers, food security in Guyana seems to be a growing problem that must be addressed urgently by the current government. They noted that food security is a foundation in building social and economic development, however, the government

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

does not seem to have any National Food Policy in place. Farmers noted that Guyana has a very high level of p o v e r t y a n d malnutrition and as such, the government should invest significant resources in the shortterm in order to prevent food shortage.

According to some farmers, the government not only failed to promote a viable food policy but they are taking away the market which aids the small farmers that will allow them to expand in the future. In this regard, it was noted that the government awarded the

contract to Suriname based company “Rudisa”. One farmer was quoted as saying “what happens to all the farmers that was supplying DDL, what is their future and what will become of their families that depended on farming for their livelihood.”

World Food Day 2016 was observed on October 16 and the United Nations is highlighting the close links between climate change, sustainable agriculture, and food and nutrition security, with the message: “The climate is changing. Food and agriculture must, too.” “As the global population expands, we will need to satisfy an increasing demand for food,” said Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon in his message commemorating the Day.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

LOCAL MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Alleged Teen Bandit Remanded

Magistrate Leron Daly today remanded 17-year-old Shemar Thompson until October 25, 2016 after he appeared before her in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court charged with two

counts of robbery underarms which he allegedly committed on October 13, 2016 in Georgetown. The accused was not allowed to plead to the indictable charge; however his Attorney argued innocence claiming that the matter is of mistaken identity.

The Attorney also revealed to the court that her client was assaulted by ranks of the police force and arrested while he was on his way to meet his mother.

However Police Prosecution revealed that the injuries the accused obtained

were at the hands of residents of the village where the incident occurred. The Prosecution objected to bail, stating that Thompson will pose a problem to return to court.

It is alleged that on the day in question at around 4:55h, Thompson of West La Penitence while in the company of another and armed with a gun, robbed Steven Emanuel. It is further alleged that on the same day at around 6:00h, under the same circumstances the duo robbed Diana Richard of GY$14,520.

SWAPS Implantation To Help With Guyana’s Ease Of Doing Business

The implementation and full usage of the Single Windows System or Single Windows Automated Processing System (SWAPS) which is trade facilitation idea that enables international (cross-border) traders to submit regulatory documents at a single location and/or single entity

stands to benefit the business community and country as a whole, according to the Ministry of Business. Funding for the project is being sought from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

In August of this year the Bank hired a consultant to conduct a review of all documents and reports associated with the project as well as to evaluate the cost of the project. The CDB is currently reviewing the consultant’s draft report, meanwhile another appraisal mission is planned during this week. The Ministry of Business views this project as one that will improve Guyana’s competitiveness and contribute to improvement in its ranking on the World Bank’s ease of doing business index and is keen to see it realized.

However, while the logic of a simplistic approached to cross border trading is regard as a step in the right direction, the complexity of its implementation cannot take too lightly either, establishing a Single Window System is not a simple one step process, it is also very difficult to replicate a system has worked in one country into another country because different countries have different capabilities, resources, and institutional issues.

The Ministry of Business, which is

championing the project, has appointed a steering committee comprising of Kim Stephen (Ministry of Business), Komal Singh (Private Sector), Sese Jones (Guyana Revenue Authority), Andrew Astwood (Shipping Association of Guyana) and Francis Simmons (Ministry of Public Telecommunication), Sheranne Isaacs (Ministry of Finance), and Nicola Namdeo (Ministry of Business) to oversee the implementation of SWAPS in Guyana. Once funding has been approved, the project is expected to begin in 2017, however, benefits of the project will only be realized after full implementation, which is approximately 2 years after.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

LOCAL MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

$1M Pledged To Science And Technology Programme At SVN-President Tells Students At Graduation Ceremony It is for this reason why I am happy to be here this

President David Granger, Professor Clement Sankat (on stage) and Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo (standing below) with SVN's graduating class of 2016 Georgetown, Guyana – (October 17, 2016) President David Granger, yesterday again emphasised the importance of designing curricula that are focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), which are the key areas necessary for the building for a strong, competitive economy and the development of a ‘green’ state. The Head of State, who was speaking at the Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) Hindu School’s 12th graduation ceremony, said that as long as the school pursues STEM, the State will support the school and pledged $1M to bolster its science programme The ceremony was held at the school’s Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara campus. Over 90 students, who successfully completed this year’s Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) examinations, received certificates and the top students received various prizes. The school’s top student this year, Ms. Ramkumarie Ramdass, who attained 18 Grade Ones and one Grade Two, received a gift voucher, a laptop, a trophy and a certificate from President Granger.

Wife of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo presented the Prime Minister’s Award of Excellence to Ms. Kimberley Najab, who gained 15 Grade Ones and three Grades Twos.

Delivering the feature address, the Head of State spoke of the importance of imparting strong values through the education system.

He said that even during periods of slavery and indentureship, Guyanese ancestors realised that education, more than anything else, was not only the way out of poverty, but also a way of inculcating strong values. “Our education system, despite earlier experiments, is still rooted in religion.

It is still family-based. It was on the family and on the religious orders that the Guyanese poor relied for their children’s education after Emancipation and after the end of Indentureship… Our fore parents understood, from the start, that religion and education combined the sacred with the secular, the spiritual with the temporal,” President Granger said. He said that Guyana is fortunate to be a nation that has been enriched with the diverse cultures and civilisations of Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. “Diversity is an asset, not a liability.

afternoon; because this very institution is monument to our diversity,” he said.

He lauded the school’s administration for producing students, who are both disciplined and who are achieving academic excellence at examinations year after year. “The values of education are concerned with producing persons of quality. Education must edify the mind, enhance skills and emancipate the mind from arrogance, from anger and from hatred. Education can achieve these ends only if it embraces certain values and this school combines the values with value education… It equips students with the attitude, behaviour and character to become responsible members of society.

Education instills respect for others, respect for authority…respect for the property of others. These are values, you don’t get this from a book,” President Granger said. The graduation was charge was delivered by distinguished Guyanese educator, Professor Clement Sankat, who said that the achievements of SVN over the past 14 years has eclipsed that of many other schools, which have been in existence for decades. He told the graduates that in the Caribbean region and the world at large faces many serious challenges that have a direct bearing on economic development.

Some of the main challenges include crime, food security, environmental management, climate change, energy and energy conservation, economic diversification, private sector-led growth, health care and lifestyle-led diseases, poverty reduction, sustainable development and trade. “In addition to the very noble careers that many of you aspire to, like doctors, lawyers and teachers, in this new world of the 21st century, you should aspire to a broader range of potential disciplines. This is the real world that you are facing…This century is about a new revolution, the environmental revolution and you have to be part of this,” he said.

He also spoke of the importance of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and the boundless opportunities that it brings. This sector he said, is a major growth area in the world and noted that the wave of technologically-driven activities will only increase in propensity and use in the coming years and the young generation must be prepared to participate. Meanwhile, SVN’s Principal, Swami Aksharananda said that the school holds the second highest position in Guyana with regard to the number of students, who graduated with 11 Grade Ones and more and Eight Grade Ones and more.

Additionally, the school’s matriculation rate is over 75 percent. He informed that the 2016 graduating batch has students, who were enrolled after less than 400 marks at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) but have gained passes in over 10 subjects at the CSEC level including English and Mathematics. “Of this present batch of students, only two would be admitted in senior secondary schools in Georgetown, the rest would not be, yet according to the performances, at least 24 of them would be in the batch of high performers,” the Swami said.

MOTP Press Release.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

REGIONAL MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

UN Secretary General Visits Haiti In Aftermath Of Hurricane general stated, noting that some families groups in identified priority sectors, and it

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon greets people at a shelter during his visit to Haiti’s western city of Les Cayes, which was heavily damaged

by Hurricane Matthew. Photo Logan Abassi UN/MINUSTAH PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- Haiti is facing its largest humanitarian disaster since the 2010 earthquake, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Saturday in Port-au-Prince, where he urged friends of the island nation worldwide to “step up” and provide the resources the Haitian people so desperately need in the wake of the “utter devastation” wrought by Hurricane Matthew.

“It is one thing to read about the damage caused by the hurricane. It is another thing to see it for oneself,” Ban told reporters in the Haitian capital at the end of his mission to show solidarity with the people, many of whom had very little and now, he said, have lost everything in the aftermath of the powerful storm.

The Category 4 storm slammed into the country on 4 October and, according to UN relief wing, caused extensive flooding and mudslides, damage to road infrastructure and buildings, and electricity and water shortages, particularly in Haiti's southwestern departments where it made landfall. The UN estimates that 546 have been killed, 438 injured, and 128 are missing, with some 2.1 million people affected throughout the country. “Today, in Les Cayes, I saw utter devastation. I have heard from many victims.

I have felt their pain. I understand their frustrations, even anger,” the secretary-

have lost their homes, crops and livelihoods. “It is heartbreaking,” he said.

Any attack against a humanitarian convoy is an attack against suffering, against those who are most needy At the same time, Ban strongly condemned all attacks against humanitarian convoys, telling the press conference that he had witnessed such an attack on Saturday in Les Cayes where World Food Programme (WFP) trucks were attacked at the base of the UN Stabilization Mission in the country, known as MINUSTAH. “Any attack against a humanitarian convoy is an attack against suffering, against those who are most needy. I understand the impatience and anger of the people waiting for emergency relief,” the secretarygeneral stressed, adding: “We are doing our best to open roads and allow this help to arrive as quickly as possible.” “But when [trucks carrying medicines] are attacked and looted, when food and water are plundered, this can only increase the distress of all and discourage international aid. I implore you: let the aid through,” he emphasized. And while many might feel alone, Ban stated that while in Les Cayes, one of the hardest-hit areas along with Jérémie, he had said loudly and clearly: “The United Nations is with you. I am with you.”

'The hurricane upended people's lives' In the face of this humanitarian disaster, he recalled that just days after Hurricane Matthew hit, the UN launched an emergency appeal of $120 million dollars.

“I urge all friends of Haiti around the world to step up and give. Provide the resources the people of Haiti so desperately need.

This is a matter of life and death,” underscored the UN chief. The so-called 'Flash Appeal,' launched by the UN on behalf of the international humanitarian community, seeks to respond to “the most urgent needs” of people impacted by the storm, now estimated to be some 750,000.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the appeal targets vulnerable

takes into account the national-level capacities and those of humanitarian partners on the ground. “The hurricane upended people's lives. it also disrupted the elections,” continued the secretarygeneral, stating that he is pleased the Provisional Electoral Council has announced new dates for the polls, with the first round to take place on 20 November.

“This shows the government's commitment to a return to constitutional order despite the challenges faced by the hurricane,” he added.

Fight against cholera made even more difficult by hurricane Turning to what he cited as another “vital challenge” made even more difficult by the hurricane – the fight against cholera, the secretary-general said: “I deeply regret the loss of life and suffering. I wish it could have been avoided.”

Deeply regretting that the epidemic is continuing, “adding to the misery caused by the hurricane which has raised the risk of disease transmission,” he, announced: “The United Nations is intensifying actions on cholera. We are stepping up efforts to contain cholera and ensure all have access to clean water, sanitation and health systems.”

On Friday at UN Headquarters in New York, Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson briefed member states on the issue, saying the first track of the new UN approach to tackling cholera involves intensifying efforts to treat and eliminate the disease; and the second track aims to develop a framework proposal to member states for material assistance to those Haitians most affected by cholera after the 2010 outbreak.

Ban said on Saturday that he is pressing the international community for support on both fronts. “We must fulfil our moral duty,” he underscored. Concluding his remarks, the secretary-general again pledged his full support and solidarity with the people of Haiti and pledged to “work hard to ensure that the world remembers – and acts.” (Caribbean News Now!)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

REGIONAL MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Jamaica Foreign Minister To Issue Statement On Discussions With Trinidad And Tobago be presented to the Jamaican senate soon. This was disclosed by

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, addresses Friday’s sitting of the Senate. JIS Photo

By Chris Patterson KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) -- A formal statement outlining discussions to date between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago will

minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, while responding to questions posed by opposition members regarding relations between the two countries, at Friday’s sitting of the senate.

“The statement will provide a more complete update on where we are with the issues; suffice it to say that progress has been made,” she said. Johnson Smith informed that, although the new facility for persons who have been denied entry has not been completed by its July deadline at the Piarco International Airport, another area has been constructed and renovated to “facilitate persons who are not landed”. “It was toured by minister of national security, Hon. Robert Montague, and our high commissioner on October 13.

There are improvements which we have asked for, including the installation of a telephone,” she said. Johnson Smith said the installation of the telephone will allow persons to communicate with relevant parties who could assist if they have been denied entry. The minister further noted that discussions were undertaken with minister of foreign and CARICOM affairs of Trinidad and Tobago, Senator Dennis Moses, during the 71st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which was held in New York from September 19 to 24. (Caribbean News Now!)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

REGIONAL MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Hurricane Matthew Devastation Revives Talk Of French Reparations To Haiti in the Western Hemisphere, it was once the most profitable

Service members from Joint Task Force Matthew and representatives from the United States Agency of International Development delivered relief supplies to areas affected by Hurricane Matthew to Jeremie, Haiti. Photo via the official US Navy Page, from Capt. Tyler Hopkins/US Navy [Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti -- One week after Hurricane Matthew devastated Haiti, many on social media are suggesting it's time for France to repay its debt to the country. The Category-4 hurricane struck parts of the Caribbean nation on October 4, 2016, causing Haiti's largest humanitarian crisis since the 2010 earthquake.

The Civil Protection Directorate in Haiti has confirmed 473 deaths, 339 injuries and 75 people missing, while many international media reports have put the death toll at more than 1,000 people. A further 1.4 million people are in need of assistance and some bloggers have been sharing links for “organisations that are quietly doing good work in Haiti that does not line the pockets of multinational aid corporations, or continue to fatten the Port au Prince elite”.

In the wake of the disaster, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has launched a flash appeal to raise US$119.8 million in emergency funding. But the impact of the hurricane is also leading many people to ask whether France should provide financial assistance by finally repaying its colonial reparations to Haiti. As Facebook user Mandy Dalton put it: “The hurricane and the earthquake were not the worst disasters to happen to Haiti. The worst disaster was manmade. Haiti is still dealing with the aftermath of a debt that it should have never had to pay.” Leondra Saintil added: “Hurricane hitting Haiti is heartbreaking.

You know what would help? France paying the $21 billion it owes in reparations.” While Haiti is now known as the poorest country

possession of the French Empire. Saint Domingue, as it was then known, traded extensively in coffee, cotton and sugar, among other exports. Haiti declared independence in 1804, after leading a successful anti-slavery and anti-colonial insurrection, and becoming the first country in modern times to officially abolish slavery.

But it paid a heavy price for its freedom -- 150 million gold francs, later reduced to 90 million gold francs -- to compensate French settlers and slave-owners for their lost plantations.

This was a tremendous sum, and it crippled the country. In fact, it took until 1947 for Haiti to finish paying it off. In 2003, former Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide estimated that the “independence debt”, as it has come to be known, was worth a modern equivalent of about US$21 billion, including interest. Other people have put the figure closer to US$17 billion. In fact, after the devastating hurricane in 2010, 100 artists and scholars signed a petition to try to force France to repay this amount “as reparations for a 200-year-old injustice.”

At the time, France dismissed it. Then in May 2015, the issue again drew international attention after French President Francois Hollande told an audience on the French island of Guadeloupe, “When I go to Haiti, I will, for my part, handle the debt that we have.” His aides later insisted he was referring to the moral debt, rather than a financial obligation.

In his subsequent visit to Haiti, Hollande tried to sidestep the issue by telling the country, “You’re not asking for aid, you want development.” This exchange led to an outpouring of articles calling on France to finally compensate Haiti by paying back what it owed. Since last week's hurricane, many netizens have been reposting articles from that time, with many saying now is the time to revisit the issue. Facebook user Sol DjVaselli Duverne put it even more simply, captioning his post with a simple “PAY UP.” (Caribbean News Now!)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

REGIONAL MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Five Trinidadians Held In Venezuela On Terrorism Charges Set Free

National Security Minister Edmund Dillon PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad -- Five Trinidad and Tobago men who have been detained in Venezuela since 2014 on terrorism charges are being released and sent home on the basis of time served in custody, national security minister Edmund Dillon confirmed on Saturday.

The five -- Dominic Pitilal, Wade Charles, Asim Luqman, Andre Battersby and Leslie Daisley -- were detained in Venezuela in March 2014 on terrorism activity charges, the Trinidad Guardian reported.

They had gone to Caracas allegedly to seek visas for Hajj. Another Trinidad and Tobago group that had likewise gone to seek visas for a pilgrimage was also detained. However, that group, which included several imams, was released soon after and they returned home. During a May meeting in Port-of-Spain between Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the Trinidad and Tobago government took the opportunity to ask for the matter regarding the men to be expedited. Shortly after, the charges were changed to intention to commit espionage and to commit a criminal act.

The men continued appearing in court on these matters. But relatives said they were reluctant to plead guilty since they did not want such a conviction on their record as this would keep them under future scrutiny and prevent them from travelling. The case was heard in a Venezuelan court between Thursday and Friday of last week with Trinidad and Tobago Caracas Embassy senior officials present. “The judge passed

a guilty verdict and a sentence of two years, six months and 25 days was given,” Dillion said in a statement. He noted that was equivalent to the length of time they had been detained.

“The judge ruled that they have already served time and are now free. As such they will now be processed and deported to Piarco at the earliest opportunity,” he added. Meanwhile, foreign affairs minister Dennis Moses said last Tuesday that he had had talks while at a recent UN conference with the Turkish foreign minister and Saudi Arabian officials regarding Trinidad and Tobago nationals detained in both countries. He declined to divulge details.

Islamic studies student Tariq Shamoon Mohammed has been detained in Saudi Arabia since August 2015.

Mohammed, who had been studying there for several years, had returned home for a visit with his family, but was detained by Saudi authorities on his return. The government is also awaiting word on nine people carrying Trinidad and Tobago passports who were detained by Turkish authorities in July in company with a Syrian national reported to have been taking them to join Isis. The nine, including men, women and a child, are at a Turkish detention centre. (Caribbean News Now!)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

REGIONAL MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

US Embassy Continues Citizen Science And Climate Change Program In St Vincent

Participants of the citizen scientists workshop pose for a group photo with presenter Dr Gillian Bowser, and Deputy Public Affairs Officer Jeff Barrus at the conclusion of the session at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College KINGSTOWN, St Vincent -- A threecountry traveling program to promote ways ordinary “citizen scientists” can help observe and promote awareness of climate change in their communities, sponsored by the US Embassy to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), recently visited St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

During her visit to SVG, program presenter Dr Gillian Bowser, research scientist at Colorado State University, met with science and geography students of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College.

After an engaging discussion on

environmental issues facing SVG, Bowser led the students on an excursion outdoors where they observed various specimens found in shrubs and plants on the campus, and photographed their finds. Bowser also conducted a workshop for a group that was comprised of a number of environmental and non-governmental organizations, and members of the local hotel and tourism association. They collected specimens from various plants on the lush grounds of the venue, as well as from the beach. “The US Embassy hosted this program because the nations of the Eastern Caribbean are highly sensitive to the impacts of climate change due to their small geographic size, low coastal elevations, and fragile landscapes,” said deputy public affairs officer Jeff Barrus.

“These impacts can have far-reaching ramifications for regional economic growth and development, public health, and food security. We support efforts to build capacity within the region to adapt to

and mitigate the effects of climate change. This begins with widespread awareness of the problem by the general population.” Bowser is a research scientist at Colorado State University where her research is f o c u s e d o n b i o d i v e r s i t y, sustainability, and women’s scholarship.

She has devoted much of her efforts to how climate change impacts resources and communities. A native of Brooklyn, New York, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Northwestern University, a Master of Science in Zoology at the University of Vermont, and a doctoral degree at the University of Missouri – St Louis. She worked with the National Park Service for over 20 years as a wildlife ecologist, including 11 years spent studying insects, bison and rodents at Yellowstone National Park. (Caribbean News Now!)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

REGIONAL MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

T&T Muslims Released From Venezuelan Jail.

CARACAS, Venezuela, Oct. 16, CMC – A judge in Venezuela has ordered to release of five Trinidadian Muslims who were imprisoned for two years and seven months in a high security jail, on charges of suspicions of terrorist activities and espionage. The men – Wade Charles, Dominic Pitilal, Asim Luqman, Andre Battersby and Leslie Daisley, who were held on March 19, 2014,were taken to court on Thursday and Friday before being r e l e a s e d o n S a t u r d a y. “ We a r e overwhelmed with joy.

We just happy it’s all over,” said Petital.

However, the men remain at the Servicio Bolivariano de Inteligencia Nacional (SEBIN) jail – known as a jail for political dissidents – until they go through the immigration process. Also detained in March 2014, were the wives of three of them men along with eight children and

three Imams. They were detained at the Plaza Hotel in Sabana Grande, Caracas where they were staying while awaiting visas to undertake an Umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

The wives and the children were the first to be allowed to return to Trinidad, while the Imams were freed after 45 days. At a press conference held Saturday, Head of the Islamic Front, Umar Abdullah asked that the nation welcome the men home. “This is what you can expect of a Muslim community when they return home,” he said. Abdullah also called on the government to put measures in place to make it easier for them to reintegrate back into society.

In August, Abdullah told reporters that Caracas appears to be finding ways to prevent the return of the men whom he said had travelled to Venezuela in search of

visas to travel to Saudi Arabia. He then called on the government to have a “greater sense of leadership” and urged officials t o establish diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia to ensure that local Muslims will not have to travel to Caracas in search of visas to attend the Hajj, an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, and a mandatory religious duty for Muslims. (Antigua Observer)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

REGIONAL MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Power Restored To Most Homes After Hurricane Onslaught

H

AMILTON, Bermuda, Oct 16, CMC — Only just over one thousand customers serviced by the Bermuda Electric Light Company (Belco) remained without power on Sunday as the island continues to return normal after being battered by Hurricane

Nicole last Thursday. During the passage of the storm, 27,000 customers, suffered outages as the Category three storm ploughed across the 21 square mile British Overseas Territory.

However, work is being done to restore service and by early Sunday just 1,112 customers were without power, down from the 2,734 on Saturday. “Many of the remaining customers are in small pockets, many are single calls,” said a Belco spokeswoman. However, there are several areas where there are still double-digit numbers remaining to be restored.” Sean Durfy, chief executive officer of the Ascendant Group, which owns Belco, said

although Nicole was a Category 3, going on a Category 4 hurricane, “she wasn’t as devastating as she could have been”.

Meanwhile, the Bermuda Telephone Company – the Internet and cable TV providers were also whittling down the number of customers who lost service during the storm. As a result of Nicole’s torrential rain, which left several areas flooded, the island’s total rainfall for the year rise to 62 inches – that is 17 inches above normal. In addition, schools, which closed on Thursday, are due to reopen on Monday, although some places are still be assessed. (Antigua Observer)

Man Charged With Rape, Attempted Murder Of Dennery Woman

T

he male suspect in the October 8, 2016 rape and chopping incident of a female in Dennery has been charged with the offences of rape, attempted murder and stealing from

person, the police have confirmed. Police said the charges were laid against the alleged perpetrator on Friday, October 14, 2016. The woman claims she was offered a drop to her home by the male assailant, who diverted and drove his car in a area with thick vegetation, where he forced her to have sex with him.

Once he was done, the man allegedly instructed the woman to wipe her self. But while doing so, the woman said the man took out a sharp instrument from his car trunk and started chopping her. In an attempt to block her face, the woman placed her hands in the air and sustained

multiple chop wounds. The woman claims that the man then proceeded to put his hand over her mouth to stop her from screaming.

Strangely, the man then left her behind, but not before taking her cash and mobile phone. The woman said she managed to run towards a public road and stopped a white van that assisted her to the police station, where she told them what happened. She was later taken to hospital for treatment. The victim had described the man as a ‘friend,’ who she never expected would have done that to her. (St. Lucia News Online)

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Daasrean Greene Officially Sworn In As New DPP Daasrean Greene Attorney-at-Law Daasrean Greene was officially sworn in as the country’s new Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), this morning at Government House. Greene, whose contract will last for one year, took the oath of office before Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy. He will have the task of deciding on whether to appoint a special prosecutor to deal with both the IMPACS Lambirds cases.

The new DPP will also be responsible for addressing the backlog of court cases that continue to be a major impediment to the local justice system. Greene has been in legal practice since 1999. He obtained his legal education from the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). He joins Sixtus Stephen Brette, who was appointed acting Deputy DPP on June 20, 2016. (St. Lucia News Online)

Government Formulates Occupational Health Policy GIS – The Government of Saint Lucia is working towards formulating a comprehensive policy on Occupational Safety and Health. Labour Commissioner Ray Narcisse said injury or death on the job is a possibility that should be planned for. “Against the reality that occupational accidents and incidents happen every day, there is need for us to come together in a tripartite setting, that is government, employers and unions, to discuss all occupational principles, measures, procedures, and systems that can be put in place to prevent accidents and to help workers to feel safe and confident within the workplace.”

These principles, measures and procedures will be collated into one document – a policy. Narcisse said once that policy available, it would be submitted to stakeholders for feedback before it is finalized. “We have unions. We have employers. They will fine tune the document and eventually come up with something that we can all agree to, and that document will be sent to government for final ratification.

After you’ve had this document, then that document can be used as a benchmark for all public and private sector organizations so that the application of health and safety standards would meet that requirement.” Representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO), were present for the consultation and

contributed to the policy. The ILO Constitution outlines that workers should be protected from sickness, disease and injury arising from their employment. The ILO has adopted more than 40 standards specifically dealing with occupational safety and health, as well as over 40 codes of practice. (St. Lucia News Online)

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Mosul: Iraq And Kurdish Troops Make Gains In Battle Iraqi pro-government forces have made gains at the start "caliphate" in parts of Iraq and neighbouring Syria. The of a large-scale operation to retake Mosul, the last major stronghold of the so-called Islamic State (IS) in the country. Iraqi government troops and Kurdish fighters launched their push towards the city in the early hours of Monday. IS seized Mosul, then Iraq's second-largest city, in June 2014. The UN has expressed concern for civilians caught up in the offensive, which could last for months. The BBC's Orla Guerin, who is with Kurdish tank units advancing from the east, says they are now within 300m (about 1,000ft) of IS positions. The Kurds seized several villages in the first few hours of the operation. As the assault began, one Kurdish general told our correspondent: "If I am killed today I will die happy because I have done something for my people."

An Iraqi military source told the BBC that combat units had inflicted heavy losses on IS forces as they moved in on the Hamdaniya district, east of Mosul. Progovernment forces have also made gains as they move on Mosul from the south, security sources say.

Meanwhile IS claimed that a number of suicide attacks targeting pro-government forces on the outskirts of the city had suppressed the advance. The IS-linked news agency, Amaq, reported that eight suicide attacks had targeted Kurdish forces. But the group has not made an official comment on the launch of the offensive. Iraqi government troops and Kurdish fighters are operating from Qayyarah airbase, which was recaptured in August. The US-led coalition fighting IS is backing the assault on the city, which has a population of approximately 650,000, with air strikes. Who is fighting? About 30,000 pro-government troops are involved in the operation. The main assault is being led

by Iraqi army troops. About 4,000 Kurdish fighters are trying to clear villages to the east of Mosul, to allow the army to move in. US Special Operations personnel are advising forces on the ground. Elite Iraqi counterterrorism forces are expected to join in the coming days. An estimated 4,000-8,000 Islamic State fighters are defending the city. Why Mosul matters Mosul, the oil-rich capital of Nineveh province, is Iraq's second-largest city. IS militants overran it in June 2014.

Its capture became a symbol of the group's rise as a major force and its ability to control territory. It was there that IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi proclaimed a

city was one of Iraq's most diverse, comprising ethnic Sunni Arabs, Kurds, Assyrians and Turkmens, as well as a variety of religious minorities. While members of those minorities largely fled the onslaught by IS, many local Sunni Arabs initially welcomed the militants, angered by the sectarian policies of the previous Shia Arab-led central government. But after two years of brutal IS rule, opposition has reportedly grown inside Mosul. One major concern for those still there is the involvement of Shia militiamen in the offensive, after they were accused of sectarian abuses in other cities that have been recaptured. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has sought to reassure them by saying only Iraqi security forces would be allowed to enter Mosul. Even if IS is driven out of Mosul, the group will still control areas of northern and eastern Iraq. What about the civilians in Mosul? Up to 100,000 Iraqi civilians may flee to Syria and Turkey to escape the military assault in Mosul, the UN says. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has issued an appeal for an additional $61m (£50m) to provide tents, camps, and winter items such as blankets for displaced people inside Iraq and the two neighbouring countries. UN humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien said: "I am extremely concerned for the safety of up to 1.5 million people living in Mosul who may be impacted." Many are expected to be caught in the fighting. There are fears that residents could be used as human shields by IS. As many as a million people could be forced to flee their homes. Most are expected to leave "with only the clothes on their backs," Becky Bakr Abdulla of the Norwegian Refugee Council told AFP news agency. (BBC)

Mosul Assault: On Front Line With Kurdish Fighters

INTERNATIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS RT: NatWest 'Freezes Russian Channel's UK Bank Accounts' PAGE 24

NatWest bank has frozen the accounts of Russia's state-run broadcaster RT, its editor-in-chief says. Margarita Simonyan tweeted: "They've closed our accounts in Britain. All our accounts.

'The decision is not subject to review.' Praise be to freedom of speech!" RT says the bank gave no explanation for its decision. It said the entire Royal Bank of Scotland Group, of which NatWest is part, was refusing to service RT. The broadcaster, previously known as Russia Today, says NatWest wrote to its London office saying: "We have recently undertaken a review of your banking arrangements with us and reached the conclusion that we will no longer provide these facilities." The bank said its decision was final and it is "not prepared to enter into any discussion." A letter posted online by the channel appears to show that the freeze is not in effect yet. It warns that banking facilities will be "cancelled and closed" on 12 December. Ms Simonyan said the closure included the personal accounts of some senior RT staff working in the UK. She told Russian state media: "They haven't explained the reasons and I think they can't explain them because there can't be any reasons. We have an absolutely transparent operation there, absolutely transparent funding. There have never been any complaints in this regard at all.

"They have failed to defeat us by simply vilifying us, by picking on our broadcast, so they decided to try the banking flank: 'Try broadcasting when all your accounts have been closed.' Yet we will try." RT, which is run by the Kremlin, has previously been sanctioned

by UK broadcasting regulator Ofcom for biased reporting. This included claims that the BBC "staged" a chemical weapons attack for

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

a news report on Syria. The BBC won a case against the TV channel after complaining to Ofcom, saying the allegations made in a programme called The Truthseeker were false and struck "at the heart" of its obligations to accuracy and impartiality. Ofcom ruled that elements of the programme were "materially misleading".

Russian media outlets have made inroads into the UK recently. The state-funded Sputnik news agency set up in Edinburgh in August to broadcast live radio programmes from Scotland. It said its goal was "telling the untold" to Scottish and UK audiences, although critics say it will act as a Kremlin mouthpiece. (BBC)

Broadcaster RT is backed by the Kremlin(RUSSIA TODAY)

Hitler House In Austria 'To Be Demolished’ The house where Adolf Hitler was born is set to be demolished to stop it becoming a focal point for neoNazis. The future of the former guesthouse has been widely debated in Austria, where opinion was torn between tearing it down or changing its use. The argument was further complicated after its owner refused to sell. But Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka said a committee of experts had decided that the house should be demolished, reported Austrian newspaper Die Presse. A new building put in its place will be used for administrative or for charitable purposes, the paper added. "The Hitler house will be torn down. The foundations can remain but a new building will be erected. It will be be used by either a charity or the local authorities," Wolfgang Sobotka told Austrian newspaper Die Presse. The house has been the subject of years of legal wrangling between the owner and the government, which has been renting it since 1972 and currently pays about €4,800 ($5,300; £4,100) a month for it. But the woman who owns it, who is now retired, has repeatedly refused to sell the three-storey building in

Braunau am Inn to the government. But Austria's parliament is soon expected to pass a new law allowing it to seize the house from its owner. (BBC)

The Austrian government is looking to pass a law to allow it to tear down Hitler's birthplace (pictured)(AFP)

INTERNATIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS North Dakota Pipeline: US Journalist Amy Goodman Faces Riot Charge US journalist Amy Goodman is facing charges of participating in a construction in North Dakota, saying it will desecrate sacred land and PAGE 26

"riot" after filming Native American-led protests over an oil pipeline in North Dakota. The Democracy Now! reporter said she would surrender to authorities on Monday in response to the charge. District Judge John Grinsteiner will decide whether there is sufficient evidence to support the riot charge. Ms Goodman filmed the crackdown on protesters by authorities last month. "I wasn't trespassing, I wasn't engaging in a riot, I was doing my job as a journalist by covering a violent attack on Native American protesters," Ms Goodman said. The charge relates to her Democracy Now! coverage of the protests against the Dakota Access pipeline on 3 September. Earlier this month US actress Shailene Woodley was arrested at a construction site for broadcasting the North Dakota protests on Facebook. The video by the Divergent star was viewed more than 2.4 million times on social media within hours of being posted. The Dakota Access oil pipeline project, which will cross four states, has drawn huge protests. Native Americans have halted its

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

damage the environment. (BBC)

Amy Goodman said she was "doing my job as a journalist"(GETTY IMAGES)

Aleppo Bombing 'Kills 14 Members Of One Family’ Russian and Syrian bombings at the EU meeting in Luxembourg on

Fourteen members of one family have died in an air strike on rebelheld east Aleppo, volunteer rescuers say. Eight children and two women were among the dead, said the civil defence force known as the White Helmets. An Aleppo resident told the BBC the city had endured heavy bombing in the past 24 hours, with "bunker-buster" munitions shaking the ground. The EU foreign affairs chief has said sanctions against Syria might be expanded. But Federica Mogherini said increased sanctions against Syrian President Bashar Assad's Russian backers were not on the agenda. She was speaking as EU foreign ministers met in Luxembourg. The family died in the alMarja area of the city on Monday, after what the Syrian Civil Defence force said was a strike by a Russian jet. The White Helmets said another 25 people were killed late on Sunday in a strike on a residential building in the al-Qaterji district. Rescuers used a crane to extract a 12-year-old boy from an upper floor after part of the building collapsed on his legs, and they later carried a dead baby from the rubble, her face caked in mud, AFP reported. In a BBC interview, a teacher in Aleppo described the latest wave of air strikes: "They are using a new kind of weapons. The same bunker-busters but they are stronger. The earth would shake for longer time. We had to wake up about five or six times. This is the first time it happened like this." A ceasefire in Syria brokered last month collapsed after just a few days.

Since then Syrian forces, backed by Russia, have been bombing the city of Aleppo - the most high-profile battleground in the country's civil war - in what Washington has called a war crime. Aid agencies say a 72-hour ceasefire is urgently needed to allow supplies in and civilians out of devastated areas in the rebel-held and governmentbesieged east of the city, where 275,000 people live. 'Crimes against humanity' The US and UK warned of new sanctions in response to continued air strikes on Aleppo following talks in London on Sunday.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said "crimes against humanity" were taking place daily in Aleppo, after meeting his British counterpart Boris Johnson. Mr Johnson said that additional sanctions on the Syrian regime "and its supporters" were under consideration, as measures designed to "keep the pressure up". Britain, France and Germany are expected to push for strong condemnation of the

Monday. According to Reuters, diplomats say a fresh ceasefire with an observation mission, a renewed push for peace talks, access for EU aid and proposals for economic sanctions on some 20 Syrians suspected of directing attacks on civilians are all likely to be discussed. 'Full control' North of Aleppo, Turkey said it had largely regained security on a key stretch of border. The Turkish military said Turkish-backed rebels had seized control of nine areas from the Islamic State group, including the symbolically important town of Dabiq, 10km (six miles) from the border, on Sunday, Reuters reports.

The small northern town holds great value for IS because of a prophecy of an apocalyptic battle, and features heavily in its propaganda. In August, Turkey launched an offensive to clear the border region of militants, meaning both IS and Kurdish rebels fighting IS. A war that started with an uprising against President Assad has now split Syria into many parts. It has been going on for more than five years and has claimed 300,000 lives. (BBC)

Rescuers used a crane to reach this 12-year-old boy who was trapped in rubble(AFP)

INTERNATIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS UK Spy Agencies 'Broke Privacy Rules' Says Tribunal PAGE 27

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

UK spy agencies broke privacy rules by collecting large should be carried out lawfully came into force in February 2015 amounts of UK citizens' data without adequate oversight, the - this was put into practice by the intelligence agencies later the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) has ruled. Complaints same year. It included guidance as to how collected data should about data collection by GCHQ, MI5 and MI6 were put be acquired, managed and destroyed The tribunal found that, forward by campaign group Privacy International. The ruling prior to this, personal datasets compiled by spy agencies did not said some data collection did not comply with the European comply with Article 8 and were therefore "unlawful". "The Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). But it added that proper powers available to the security and intelligence agencies play statutory supervision was put in place last year. It was a "highly a vital role in protecting the UK and its citizens," said the Home significant judgement", Privacy International said. As part of its Office in a statement. "We are therefore pleased the tribunal has review of the spy agencies' activities, the IPT examined the confirmed the current lawfulness of the existing bulk organisations' collection of communications data - involving communications data and bulk personal dataset regimes." It the "who, where, when, how and with whom" was involved in added that the government was "committed" to providing conversations, but not their contents - and personal information greater transparency and stronger safeguards for bulk data about people. Such data is "vital for identifying and developing collection powers available to intelligence agencies. (BBC) intelligence targets", according to GCHQ. Article 8 of the ECHR states, however, that all citizens have the right to a private life and that any interference with personal data must be lawful and necessary "It is very significant," said Graham Smith of London law firm Bird & Bird. He added that much of the data collection had been carried out under an older piece of law - section 94 of the Telecommunications Act 1984. "It gave absolutely no clue at all that it could be used for this particular purpose," said Mr Smith. "Everyone accepts that what the agencies do operationally has to be secret, but the laws that say The Investigatory Powers Tribunal has made a new ruling what they can and can't do shouldn't be secret." 'Unlawful' about spy agencies' activities(THINKSTOCK) collection An official policy about how such data collection

Dutch Ambassador To China Suspended Amid 'Affair' Reports An inquiry has begun into the Dutch ambassador to China, Ron Keller, amid reports that he had a secret relationship with a local employee. The Dutch foreign ministry said Mr Keller would not remain actively in post while an investigation took place. An experienced diplomat, Ron Keller moved to Beijing in December 2015 after postings in Turkey and Russia. Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported on Monday that the relationship had only recently come to light. The Chinese woman worked in the embassy itself, it said, quoting insiders. Foreign diplomats in China are often advised against having relationships with local staff because of the risk of a so-called honey trap, involving local women acting as agents for the Chinese government. The foreign ministry made no comment on the report but said in a statement that it was investigating a complaint and

always took complaints seriously. Mr Keller is currently in the Netherlands, De Telegraaf reports, adding that his return to Beijing is considered unlikely. He has not commented on his suspension.

(BBC)

Ron Keller had only begun his posting in Beijing in December 2015(DUTCH EMBASSY)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

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Ben Needham 'Killed In Accident’ Toddler Ben Needham "most likely" died in an accident near to where he disappeared in 1991, police have said. Ben, from Sheffield, was 21 months old when he disappeared on the Greek island of Kos. An "item" believed to have been in Ben's possession at the time was found during fresh searches. South Yorkshire Police said the current line of inquiry, that Ben was killed accidentally, was the most probable cause of the boy's disappearance. The force said it remained committed to the investigation into Ben's disappearance and stressed the case remained open. Det Insp Jon Cousins, who is leading the inquiry, said: "During the course of the inquiries we have made over the last 19 months, we have closed off a large number of theories about what happened to Ben, many of which have been open for over 20 years. "My team and I know that machinery, including a large digger, was used to clear an area of land on 24 July 1991, behind the farmhouse that was being renovated by the Needhams. "It is my professional belief that Ben Needham died as a result of an accident near to the farmhouse in Iraklis where he was last seen playing."

Digger machine The information that prompted the fresh searches was revealed to police following television appeals in May. A friend of a digger driver, who was clearing land with an excavator on the day the toddler went missing, said the man may have been responsible for Ben's death. The driver, Konstantinos Barkas, died of cancer in 2015.

A team of 19 South Yorkshire Police officers, forensic specialists, an archaeologist and search and rescue personnel have spent 21 days digging near the farmhouse and a second site 750m away. Det Insp Cousins said an item, found on Saturday close to another item dated to 1991, had been shown to the Needham family. "It is our initial understanding that this item was in Ben's possession around the time he went missing," he said. "The recovery of this item, and its location, further adds to my belief that material was removed from the

farmhouse on or shortly after the day that Ben disappeared." The Needham family, who have long believed Ben may have been abducted, have been fully informed of the force's findings. Speaking to the Daily Mirror before the police briefing, Ben's mother, Kerry Needham, said: "They know he's dead but just can't find him. "Police said it's time we ended our 25-year search. They are right but I can't say goodbye knowing he's still on that island somewhere. I feel physically sick. I can't feel any worse than I do." She said she just wanted to "tear up" the whole island. "Someone knows where he is.

For God's sake, help me find him. We know he's dead but we need to find him. When someone dies you find a special place." Det Insp Cousins said: "Our thoughts are with the family as they are given time to digest this and they have our full and continued support. "Our drive has always been the family, and their welfare." (BBC)

Police looking for Ben Needham say he "probably" died near where he vanished in 1991

Ludwigshafen Fire: BASFexplosion Blast Hits German HQ that happened three hours earlier in the nearby town of

At least one person has been killed and another six are missing after an explosion and fire at German chemical company BASF's headquarters in Ludwigshafen. Several more were injured in the blast. BASF said the explosion had happened during work on a pipeline route for transporting raw chemicals to shipping. Flames and a cloud of smoke could be seen in a harbour area in the north of the town, where oil and gas tankers supply the plant. Residents were told to close their windows as the cloud of smoke spread. The explosion happened at about 11:20 (09:20 GMT) on Monday. BASF officials said the fire that caused the blast began in a supply line that transported flammable liquids and liquefied gas to a tank at the harbour. Police ruled out that the incident was caused by a terrorist attack, reports said. Seven people were injured, six seriously. The company's medical director said the situation was still confused and changing from minute to minute. Several fires broke out after the blast and there were reports of some residents living close to the port having breathing difficulties. Officials later stressed there was no evidence of a risk to public health. A pall of smoke rose about 100m (330ft) into the air and nearby towns and cities were all warned of potential hazards. Five hours after the incident, small fires were still burning in the area, although all were under control, officials said.

BASF manager Uwe Liebelt said the cause of the blast was not yet known but added that 14 facilities had been shut down. A separate

Lampertheim was not related, he said. The BASF plant is the world's biggest chemical complex. Among the facilities that were turned off were two steam crackers that make up the heart of its Ludwigshafen facility. Steam is used to "crack" naphtha gas at the site, ultimately to make products such as ethylene, propylene and hydrogen.

Rhineland-Palatinate police warned motorists in the area to avoid the towns of Oppau, Edigheim and Pfingstweide. (BBC)

Hours after the initial explosion at Ludwigshafen, the fire at the harbour was still burning(EPA)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Wikileaks: Julian Assange's Internet Access 'Cut' Wikileaks says an unidentified "state actor" has shut down internet access for its founder Julian Assange. The transparency activist has been claiming asylum at London's Ecuadorean embassy since 2012 to avoid extradition over sex assault allegations. There was no way to immediately verify if he had been knocked offline, and if so, how a state actor was suspected. Wikileaks has recently been releasing emails from Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign. The antisecrecy organisation did not return calls and emails on Monday, though it said in a tweet: "We have activated the appropriate contingency plans." A woman who picked up the phone at the Ecuadorean embassy said: "I cannot disclose any information." The ambassador has not yet responded to emails, and London's Metropolitan Police declined to comment. The Wikileaks claim follows the latest emails it disclosed from a hack of Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta's emails. It released three transcripts on Saturday of Mrs Clinton's paid speeches to Goldman Sachs, which her campaign had long refused to release. The scripts reveal her bantering relationship with the investment bank's executives, which is unlikely to allay fears among liberal Democrats that she is too cosy with Wall Street. The Democratic White House candidate's camp has claimed the cyber-breach was orchestrated by Russian hackers with the aim of undermining the US democratic process. While Mrs Clinton's team has neither confirmed nor denied the leaked emails are authentic, there have been no indications they are fake. 'Covert' Syrian action According to the latest leaked emails, Mrs Clinton told

a Goldman Sachs conference she would like to intervene secretly in Syria. She made the remark in answer to a question from Lloyd Blankfein, the bank's chief executive, in 2013 - months after she left office as secretary of state. "My view was you intervene as covertly as is possible for Americans to intervene," she told employees of the bank in South Carolina, which had paid her about $225,000 (£185,000) to give a speech. Mrs Clinton - who is accused of being hawkish by liberal critics - added: "We used to be much better at this than we are now. Now, you know, everybody can't help themselves.

"They have to go out and tell their friendly reporters and somebody else: Look what we're doing and I want credit for it." (BBC)

Julian Assange has been claiming asylum at London's Ecuadorean embassy since 2012(AFP)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

BRICS, The Potential Engine For Global Economy The Heads of State and Government of Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa and Prime Minister of India, highlighted the slow progress of the global economy in the VIII Summit of BRICS, celebrated from 15th to the 16th of October, in the Taj Exotica hotel in Benaulim, Goa, western state of India.

During the reunion, the leaders stressed the need for an active plan to accelerate the slow growth of the World’s Economy, pointing to the negative influence on the global economy of international conflicts, terrorism, and constant ‘flow’ of refuges and the uncertain situation of the United Kingdom (UK) after its exit from the European Union. The BRICS members are all leading developing or newly industrialized countries, distinguished by their large, fast-growing economies and significant influence on regional affairs. The BRICS is the acronym for the association of five major emerging national economies, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. This term was formulated in 2001 by British economist and then chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Jim O'Neill, on his publication ‘Building Better Global Economic BRICs’. The document highlighted the positive impact on the global economy, of the collaboration between this 4 nations. The initial dialogue about the consolidation of this ‘economic alliance’, was held in New York City in September 2006. After three years of dialogues, the group was consolidated in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on June 16th 2009. South Africa became member state in 2011. Since its inception, the BRICS has focused its agenda on the cooperation among its 5 Members States, prioritizing the active participation on the G-20 (international forum for governments and central bank governors from the 20 major economies worldwide). Agriculture, science and technology, culture, outer space, internet governance and security, social welfare, intellectual property,

health, and tourism, are some of the areas in which this group is focused. Between their agreements, the BRICS promote yearly reforms in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a way to improve global stability. This group is also open to cooperation and constructive engagement with other countries, as well as international and regional organizations in dealing with current international issues. Since its formation, the BRICS advocate for a more inclusive representation and democratic international governance. Looking to be recognized as a legitimate organization by the United Nations (UN). According to La Nacion, during the convention held in Goa, the BRICS insisted that they are the ‘driving force’ for the improvement of the World’s Economy, due to being the holders of 43% of the world’s population, owning 30% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and 17% of the global trade. Currently the focus of international economists, is in the potential that the relatively new alliance of this 5 major emerging national economies, in collaboration with the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) contribute to the ‘boost’ of the international market, alleviating the crisis left by the Brexit.

Source: http://www.lanacion.com.ar/1947709los-brics-todavia-creen-en-su-proyecto

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

International Day For The Eradication Of Poverty Moving from humiliation and exclusion to participation: ending poverty in all its forms. Today is international day for the eradication of poverty, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal to “end poverty in all its forms everywhere” explicitly recognizes that poverty results not from the lack of just one thing but from many different interrelated factors that affect the lives of people living in poverty. The theme this year – selected in consultation with activists, civil society and nongovernmental organizations – highlights how important it is to recognize and address the humiliation and exclusion endured by many people living in poverty. The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty has been observed every year since 1993, when the United Nations General Assemblé, by resolution 47/196, designated this day to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries.

Poverty eradication remains at the core of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty promotes dialogue and understanding between people living in poverty and their communities, and society at large. “It represents an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts and struggles of people living in poverty, a chance for them to make their concerns heard and a moment to recognize that poor people are in the forefront in the fight against poverty.” (United Nations, Report of the Secretary General, A/61/308, para. 58). Building a sustainable future requires us to intensify our efforts towards eradicating extreme poverty and

discrimination, and ensuring that everyone can fully exercise their human rights. The full participation of people living in poverty, particularly in the decisions that affect their lives and communities, must be at the centre of policies and strategies to build a sustainable future. In this way, we can guarantee that our planet and our societies can fulfil the needs and aspirations of everyone – not only those of a privileged few – for this and future generations.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

A Day Like Today ‘Smith Marshall’, ‘B-Bunny’, ‘Slim Shady’ or better known as Eminem, turned 44-years-old today. Marshall Bruce Mathers III was born on October 17, 1972 in St. Joseph, Missouri. He is the only child of Marshall Bruce Mathers, and Deborah Rae "Debbie" Nelson. Bruce and Debbie used to have disagreements in the regular basics, leading to the separation of the couple shortly after Bruce was born. His father moved to California and had two other children with his second wife. Debbie remarried, and gave birth to Bruce’s small brother Nathan Kane Samara, in 1986. The family was constantly moving from place to place, staying less than a year in ever residence. Bruce was described as a quiet, lonely child who was often bullied in school. Before turning his attention towards Hip-Hop (music genre under development at the time) Bruce was interested in storytelling, and comic- book writing. Even though he never really ventured into the world of writing stories, his ‘fluid relationship’ with ink and paper would latter represent the main tool for his career’s success. Bruce dropped from Lincoln High School, at the age of 17th. Starting to work in any place with an available vacancy, to help his mother pay the bills. Even though he stood as the male figure of the family during his teenage years, his mother would often kick him out of the house for the slightest reasons. The hostile domestic environment in which Bruce and Nathan grew up, became the controversial ‘family portrait’ that Bruce would latter offer to his fans.

Portrait disguised with catchy beats and graphic lyrics narrating ‘broken’ times. His childhood was his main source of inspiration. An immortalized chapter of his life that later became his never ending masterpiece. He started to rap at the age of 14 with neighborhood friends. They would denominate themselves as the ‘Manix’ and ‘M&M’. Later adopted by Bruce as ‘Eminem’. Even though the group’s life was ephemeral, Bruce enjoyed making phrases rhyme and being paid for it. He continued to sing in local rap contests, getting the rapid appreciation of the youth for his fast and elaborated oratory. Between the years of 1992 and 1999 Bruce collaborated with several rap groups, making a living out of his performances. He reach economic stability. During this period he was hired by the FBT Productions, allowing him to launch his first album ‘Infinite’. The album didn’t get much attention from the audience, but it wasn’t a total failure. Bruce now ‘Eminem’ was on a right path towards fame. An unfortunate succession of events triggered in Bruce the ‘crafting’ of an alter ego. An alternative personality that could reflect his frustration on stage, personality that he named ‘Slim Shady’. Slim Shady was different, it wasn’t the calmed Bruce, or the creative Eminem, it was sadistic and violent with the lyrics written on a piece of paper. It had this ‘forbidden passion’ that could only be unleashed with a microphone. People loved this odd combination of frustrated and talented ‘white rapper’ that was becoming as good as the most prominent rappers of the time. He started to be noticed not only by all kind of audience, but by skeptical producers that were willing to ‘flip a coin’ with this promising and profitable artist that called himself ‘Eminem’. Dr. Dre record producer, entrepreneur and founder of ‘Aftermath Entertainment’, was one of the personalities that first noticed Bruce’s talent. He didn’t hesitate to hire him after hearing one of his songs. Opening a ‘highways’ of opportunities for the young rapper. From this point Bruce or Eminem’s career was officially secured. From 2001 to date, his constant hits have been between the hottest tracks on the Billboard. He became the bestselling artist of the 2000s in the United States. During his career he have had ten number-one albums on the Billboard 200 and five number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Today Eminem is the sixth best-selling artist in the United States and the best-selling hip-hop artist. Globally, he has sold more than 172 million albums, therefore being one of the world's best-selling artists. The Rolling Stone Magazine ranked him as the 83rd on its list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, calling him the ‘King of Hip Hop’.

Source: http://www.biography.com/people/eminem-9542093

American rapper, songwriter, record producer, and actor 'Eminem'.

A sample of the many awards earned by 'Eminem’

Image of Eminem's Historic Wembley Show on July 12th, 2014

FUN CORNER PAGE 36

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

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HOROSCOPE PAGE 39

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

Daily Horoscope

Source: www.starlightastrology.com

You've been a little down and you need a lift. It would be in your best interest to stay away from any intimate involvement with a client or coworker. You may ďŹ nd yourself in an opportune position if you are willing to take a bit of a risk.

Insincere gestures of friendliness are likely to occur. Try not to skirt issues if you think you'll hurt someone's feelings. Residential moves will be in your best interest.

Curl up with a good book or go for a drive in the country. Discord could be unnerving. Children or friends may try to talk you into lending them money.

Your pursuits may end up being fruitless.

Compromise if you wish to have any fun at all.

Travel is evident, but be cautious while in transit.

Opportunities to go out with clients or colleagues will be in your best interest. Keep an open mind when listening to the opinions of others. Delve into your work if you can't make amends at home.

You can make career moves that will bring you a much higher income. Insincere gestures of friendliness are likely to occur. Empty promises could be likely where work is concerned.

Your unique contribution to the organization will enhance your reputation. Talk to superiors about problems that you feel are getting out of hand. Don't be critical or overly opinionated with dislikes; it could cause disapproval and unwanted opposition.

Make money using your ingenuity and creative talent. You can make money if you work on personal investments. Try not to overspend on friends or family.

You may ďŹ nd yourself in a heated dispute with a friend if you try to change your mind. Be willing to listen, but don't be fooled. You are best to ask questions if you aren't certain about issues that are confronting you.

Your talents might just be discovered. Don't get involved in other people's private doings. You may want to make changes that will turn your entertainment room into a real family affair.

Insincere gestures of friendliness are likely to occur.

Try not to skirt issues if you think you'll hurt someone's feelings. Residential moves will be in your best interest.

Make sure that you make reservations early. Find a way to consolidate. Heed the advice given by family or old reliable friends.

RECIPE PAGE 41

Ingredients

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2016

RECIPE OF THE DAY: CHICKEN CORN SOUP

4 ounces chicken breasts 1 egg white 6 cups chicken stock 2 cups FARMFRESH* corn 2 teaspoons salt 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper 1⁄2 teaspoon COCAMAR* oil 1⁄4 cup cornstarch 2 egg whites (beaten with fork) 1 ounce ham (minced) (optional) Preparation Finely chop chicken breast. Mix w/1 egg white & 1/2 cup water. Set aside.

Heat stock & next 5 ingredients.

Add chicken mixture & bring to a boil.

Add cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water.

Slowly add beaten egg whites while stirring soup constantly. Add ham if desired & serve. **Imported and distributed by SUPERFOODS

PAGE 42

Yasir And Bishoo Star On Compelling Day In Dubai

A

s many as 16 wickets fell on day four of the first Test, with Devendra Bishoo and Yasir Shah coming to the fore with the pink ball. Yasir Shah became the joint second-quickest bowler to take 100 Test wickets and Devendra Bishoo claimed career-best figures as West Indies hit back on day four of the first Test against Pakistan. Sixteen wickets tumbled on a dramatic Sunday in Dubai, where the Windies require 251 runs to win on a final day which Pakistan will be favourites to take the eight wickets they need to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.

The tourists closed on 95-2 in a day-night Test which burst into life in front of a sparse crowd - with the few who turned up fortunate to witness spinners Yasir and Bishoo put on a show

with the pink ball. Pakistan spinner Yasir took 5121 to bring up a century of wickets in the longest format in only his 17th Test as the Windies were all out for 357 - leaving them trailing by 222 runs.

Misbah-ul-Haq opted against enforcing the follow-on but his bowlers did not have much time to put their feet up, with leg-spinner Bishoo (8-49) recording the best figures by a West Indian since 1990 to bowl Pakistan out for only 123.

West Indies made an encouraging start in their pursuit of an unlikely 346 to win, but Mohammad Amir (2-26) struck twice to ensure Pakistan still have the edge. The Windies were in need of runs at the bottom of the order when they resumed on 315-6. Yasir came to the fore in the morning session, though, taking three of the final four wickets to wrap up the innings in quick time.

Azhar Ali was brought back down to earth after scoring 300 in the first innings, falling for just two when Shannon Gabriel (1-23) trapped him leg before, and Pakistan were 20-2 when Asad Shafiq went the same way to Bishoo.

Bishoo benefited from some poor Pakistan batting as they chased quick runs, ripping through the order in a flash with only Sami Aslam (44) and Babar Azam (21) passing 20. Misbah played on with an ugly heave across the line, with Bishoo going on to take the fifth-best figures by a West Indian against Pakistan to make a game of it. Kraigg Brathwaite (6) played on with a loose attempted drive at an Amir delivery to leave the tourists 27-1 and the left-armer got rid of Leon Johnson (47) late on a captivating day, with Darren Bravo (26 not out) and Marlon Samuels (4no) unbeaten at stumps. (SportsMax)

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PAGE 44

You Might Have Missed: Refugee Scores First Bundesliga Goal As Sevilla End Curse

W

erder Bremen's win over Bayer Leverkusen featured a magnificent moment, while Sevilla found a cure for their woes away from home. Barcelona, Chelsea and Real Madrid were among the big winners on a weekend that saw club football return after the international break.

Elsewhere, Manchester City stumbled by missing two penalties in a draw at home to Everton, allowing Arsenal to move level on points at the top of the Premier League. However, much more drama took place across the footballing world – with a magical moment in the Bundesliga and the end of a notable curse in Spain among the highlights. Here, we look at some of the other stories from the weekend: BUNDESLIGA HISTORY FOR GAMBIAN YOUNGSTER Scoring the winner with your first Bundesliga goal to give Werder Bremen a 2-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen would be a huge achievement in the career of any young player. For Ousman Manneh, though, the accomplishment is barely believable. Now just 19, Manneh only arrived in Germany at the age of 17 as an asylum seeker from The Gambia as his home country struggled with poverty and political troubles. The attacker left his family to live in a home for refugees in Bremen and played for a local club in an amateur league before being snapped up by Werder.

Just over a year with Bremen's youth side and second team followed, before Manneh became a first-team player for the 201617 season. Then, in the 59th minute on Saturday, he sealed the points for his side with a confident finish. "I don't even know what's happened," he told the Bundesliga's website. "I don't know if I really did score a goal or if that was just a dream. It's an indescribable feeling and I just can't believe it. I have been so proud to be the first Gambian to play four games, and now I'm proud to be the first one to score!"

SEVILLA END AWAY-DAY CURSE Sevilla have won the Europa League for three consecutive seasons and have finished inside LaLiga's top seven in each of those campaigns. Therefore, it is hard to believe a team of their standing could go 22 away league matches over the space of 17 months without winning on the road. But that is exactly what had happened ahead of Saturday's trip to newly promoted Leganes, where they won 3-2 to finally break the curse.

Strikes from Franco Vazquez and Samir Nasri had them on their way, but two goals in the space of two second-half minutes from Timor and Alexander Szymanowski put the hosts level and it looked as if Sevilla had thrown away their opportunity. However, Pablo Sarabia scored with a stunning curling effort five minutes from time and the relief was palpable. With the monkey off their back, Sevilla sit third in the table, just one point off the top and believing anything is possible under Jorge Sampaoli.

CROTONE MAKE HISTORY… FOR THE WRONG

REASONS Crotone were never expected to thrive after winning promotion to Serie A for the first time in their history. However, the side from Calabria would have hoped they would have fared much better than this – they have now made the worst start to a Serie A campaign in 22 years. Their miserable start to the season continued at Sassuolo on Sunday.

Diego Galcinelli's early goal looked to have given them a dream first victory, but goals on 83 and 86 minutes from Stefano Sensi and Pietro Iemmello broke the visitors' hearts. Crotone now have one point from eight matches and are rooted to the bottom of the table. It is the worst start since Reggiana also had only point from eight. However, they are not the worst ever – Venezia lost all of their first eight games in 1949.

EMBOL-OH NO FOR SCHALKE For five straight seasons Schalke have finished in the top six of the Bundesliga and hopes were high for 2016-17 after new boss Markus Weinzierl was heavily backed in the transfer market.

However, the campaign is not panning out well – even though a 4-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach prior to the international break gave them hope of reviving a season that had seen them start by losing five straight matches.

They then drew 1-1 at Augsburg on Saturday, but only after €20million summer signing Breel Embolo had to be rushed to hospital with a broken ankle following a bad challenge from Konstantinos Stafylidis, who later made a public apology. Initial reports that he would miss the rest of 2016 were bad enough, but a later update from the club suggested the Switzerland international could be out for six months after the damage was found to be worse during surgery. Schalke are sitting in the Bundesliga's relegation play-off spot.

BORING BASQUE DERBIES A THING OF THE PAST Prior to Sunday's Basque derby between Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad, the previous five LaLiga meetings had produced four draws and a total of just seven goals. That all changed at San Mames, though, with Athletic edging a thriller 3-2 to move up to sixth in the table. Zurutuza had put visitors Sociedad in front early on, but a 21-minute blitz when a long-range strike from Iker Muniain was followed up with goals from Aritz Aduriz and Inaki Williams secured the points for Bilbao prior to Inigo Martinez's late strike.

It was Athletic's first derby win since March 2012. That was not the only high-scoring game in LaLiga, with Villarreal thrashing Celta Vigo – recent conquerors of Barcelona – 5-0, while Atletico Madrid hit seven against Granada and Real Madrid put six past Real Betis. (SportsMax)

PAGE 45

Mandzukic Out Of Juventus' Trip To Lyon

M

ario Mandzukic is not part of Juventus' 20-man travelling party to face Lyon as a result of an adductor injury. Juventus will be without Mario Mandzukic for their Champions League Group H match against Lyon after the Croatia striker suffered an adductor strain. The full extent of Mandzukic's injury is not known at this stage and Juventus' medical staff will assess the 30-year-old ahead of Saturday's trip to Milan.

"Mario Mandzukic … picked up a muscular strain in his right adductor region, the extent of which will be evaluated in the coming days," read a statement on the Juventus website announcing the 20-man travelling party to Stade des Lumieres.

Head coach Massimiliano Allegri will also be without Giorgio Chiellini for Tuesday's match due to the experienced defender sustaining a thigh problem. (SportsMax)

Neymar To Sign New Five-year Barcelona Deal the Champions League, Club World Cup and Supercopa de Espana in his first three campaigns. He was heavily linked with Paris Saint-Germain prior to agreeing the new contract ahead of a 2016-17 season that has seen him score five goals in eight appearances. "Neymar will make his contract extension official on Friday 21 October at 3.00pm CET at the club offices," read Barca's statement on Monday.

"As the club has already announced, the striker's contract extension with FC Barcelona will tie him to the blaugranes until 30 June 2021." Prior to the contract becoming official, Neymar is expected to be involved as Barca host former head coach Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City side in the Champions League on Wednesday. (SportsMax)

B

arcelona forward Neymar will sign a new contract to keep him at Camp Nou until 2021, the club have confirmed. Neymar will sign a new Barcelona contract to keep him at the club until June 2021 on Friday. The Brazil international is ready to officially sign the deal - which was originally agreed in June - the club have announced. Neymar joined Barca in 2013 and his terms at Camp Nou were due to expire in 2018, but the fresh agreement will see him tied to the Spanish champions for the next five seasons.

The 24-year-old has won two LaLiga titles, two Copas del Rey,

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PAGE 47

Sabbir Steps Up To Fill Bangladesh Vacancy

Sabbir Rahman has enjoyed plenty limited-overs success, but his Test debut will be a new frontier © PTI Sabbir Rahman will have to adapt his approach if he is to succeed on his Test debut next week. But he looks to be one of Bangladesh's most exciting prospects In the two years that he has spent playing 55 international matches, Sabbir Rahman has rapidly progressed from being a lower-order hitter in T20s to a dependable ODI No 3. He now has the chance to bring his free-spirited approach to batting to Bangladesh's Test team. He is arguably Bangladesh's most exciting Test entrant since Habibul Bashar and Aftab Ahmed in the early days of their status. Both brought a sense of adventure to the line-up, though Aftab couldn't sustain playing in his own brash style for too long.

Bashar was the batting mainstay from 2000 to 2007, combining his ability to play strongly off the front and back foot with the solidity of a run-maker. Sabbir doesn't necessarily have to fill Bashar's shoes or suffer Aftab's fate but he will also be expected to bat his own way, which so far has made him a regular in Bangladesh's limited-overs teams. "Everyone thought that I am a T20 player, that I would not be able to play one-dayers even," Sabbir said. "I proved that I can play ODIs. I am now in the Test side, so Insha'allah I am hoping for my debut.

I will try to make sure that I can play in all three formats in the same way." He is among four newcomers in the 14-man side selected for the first Test against England starting on Thursday, which also includes Mehedi Hasan, Nurul Hasan and Kamrul Islam Rabbi. The inclusion of these four talented cricketers is a welcome boost for the Bangladesh team management which is desperate to revive the Test line-up that had been shelved for more than a year. Sabbir stands out among the newcomers with his head-start at the top level, and an essential part of his approach will be the freedom he is given by the coach Chandika Hathurusingha, who has been arguing for his Test selection for more than a year.

When announcing the squad, Hathurusingha said that he will try

to find him a place in the playing XI. Though he didn't expand, it is likely that Sabbir may be given the No 7 slot. Ideally it would give him time to get set against a worn-out bowling attack, before taking on the second new ball. Bangladesh has long favoured choosing seven, and sometimes eight, full batsmen in Tests but they haven't had a batsman of Sabbir's experience and ability to call upon for quite some time. Nasir Hossain faded away after 2014, having showing some promise, while others, such as Mushfiqur Rahim, were promoted up the order after spending time at No 7.

Interestingly, Sabbir's mentor Khaled Mashud spent 32 Tests batting at this position during his days as Bangladesh's wicketkeeper, but it was mostly to stop batting slides and collapses. Sabbir's game is based on sharp reflexes and a willingness to release his arms at most deliveries, and, in one-day cricket, a readiness to go over the top during fielding restrictions.

While some of his shots on the on-side are a reminder of how Aftab used to smother fast bowling, Sabbir's overall game is more in the Bashar mould.

Bashar was a breath of fresh air in Bangladesh's inaugural Test match in 2000. He wasn't originally in the squad but went on to make a fast fifty in the first innings against India. Until June 13 last year, he was Bangladesh's highest scorer in Tests. His method was quite simple, as he would regularly go after the fast bowlers. He would initially top-edge a lot of the shorter length deliveries but soon found his groove against top bowlers like Shoaib Akhtar, Lasith Malinga and Heath Streak. He would struggle to find gaps against spinners, but the method ultimately paid off for him, and gave Bangladesh important runs. Sabbir plays spin well, and is a good rotator of the strike.

He has also shown a willingness to both use the fast bowler's pace to manipulate the field, and force himself on them too. He will have to choose between the two, and knows that success at this level will depend a lot on his judgment. It would be unwise to post him higher up the batting order at this early stage of his career but, with more Test experience, he could even emulate Bashar's No 3 batting spot with the same free spirit. Sabbir says that he doesn't want to change his approach, but understands that patience will be key in the longer format.

"I don't think there will be a lot of change in my approach," Sabbir said. "Runs are runs. Everyone will see the runs on the scoreboard.

I will try to play to my strengths. There is also a matter of time in Tests: even if you play a lot of dot balls, there is no problem. There is mental satisfaction that there are no problems playing dot balls.

In ODI or T20 cricket, you feel pressure if you play dot balls. "In Test matches, I will think about how to sacrifice a ball, how to judge a ball. I have practised it off the field, have practised it when I am alone. I have thought about how to play well in Tests. It depends on my mentality, really." (ESPNcricinfo)

PAGE 48

Zidane Bemoans Hollande's Benzema Jibe despite national team boss Didier Deschamps being permitted to pick him for this season's World Cup qualifiers, he is yet to make his return to the international fold. In extracts from his new book "Un president ne devrait pas dire ca" (A president shouldn't say that), Hollande offered a general critique of French footballers and their intellect, while turning particular focus on to Benzema.

"Morally, he's not an example, Benzema," he wrote. Speaking ahead of Madrid's Champions League match against Legia Warsaw, Zidane was unhappy with the intervention from his homeland's head of state. "I feel the Hollande quotes were unfortunate," he said. "They bother us. "It's difficult to say why [there is] so much criticism when they have already said that Benzema is available for the national team."

C

riticism of Karim Benzema by French president Francois Hollande has been labelled as "unfortunate"

by Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane. Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane has expressed his displeasure over French president Francois Hollande's criticism of Karim Benzema. The Madrid striker has not played for France since he was charged by a court in Versailles with complicity in an attempt to blackmail and participating in a criminal conspiracy as part of an investigation into an alleged plot to extort money from France midfielder Mathieu Valbuena last November.

Benzema was not considered for selection for Euro 2016 and,

Benzema got back among the goals as Madrid thrashed Real Betis 6-1 on Saturday, having struggled for form and fitness this term. "Benzema needs continuity to feel even better," Zidane added. "He needs to keep playing if he doesn't feel pain." Madrid's France defender Raphael Varane spoke alongside Zidane and would welcome the opportunity to discuss the president's comments. "I will talk to Hollande if I meet him," he said. "I'm not going to answer here today."

(SportsMax)

PAGE 50

Pakistan-India Women Series In Doubt

India and Pakistan, the ICC has said, have until the end of October to play their series © IDI/Getty Images The series between India and Pakistan's women's teams, which counts towards ICC Women's Championship points, is in major doubt. The two have till the end of October to play the series, but the BCCI has not responded to the PCB's queries on the series since May with either a confirmation or rejection. If the series is not played, an ICC spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo that the matter of how the points will be awarded will be referred to the event's technical committee.

The PCB wants India to forfeit the six points available for the series if they do not agree to play. Pakistan is due to host India for this series, which is supposed to consist of three ODIs, and the PCB is open to holding the series in the UAE. Eight teams are part of the ICC Women's Championship; the top four at the end of the championship, which runs over two and a half years, gain automatic entry into the 2017 Women's World Cup in England. The bottom four will have to qualify via a ten-team qualification tournament in early 2017.

"The two sides have until the end of this month to play the series, which has to be hosted by Pakistan," the ICC spokesperson said. "If the series doesn't go ahead, then the matter will be referred to the Event Technical Committee." A BCCI official said the board has not made a decision on the matter yet, and that it would be binding on the Indian government's call. "This is for the government to decide. The BCCI doesn't have a say in this," the official said. "We still have time to make a decision." Cricketing ties between India and Pakistan are currently stalled, given the political tensions between the neighbours.

The men's teams have not played a bilateral series against each

other since December-January 2012-13, when Pakistan visited India, but had met in various multi-team tournaments since then, including the World Cup, World T20, Champions Trophy and Asia Cup. The latest Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two boards in May 2014 featured six series from 2015 to 2023, but the series which was supposed to be played last December in the UAE was shelved; then, too, the BCCI had said it was up to the government to sanction the series.

There have been two major instances of teams refusing to play matches due to non-cricketing reasons in the past, and both times those teams had to forfeit the points. In 1996 Wills World Cup, West Indies and Australia refused to send their teams to Sri Lanka due to security issues arising out of the civil war; points for both the games were awarded to Sri Lanka. In 2003 World Cup, England forfeited their match with Zimbabwe, and New Zealand forfeited their match with Kenya, both due to security concerns due to political unrest.

In the ICC Women's Championship, India currently sit sixth on the table with 13 points five points adrift of the top four.

Pakistan are seventh with eight points. If the six points for the series are awarded to Pakistan, neither side will have a chance to directly qualify for the World Cup. Pakistan Women, regardless, are set to tour New Zealand for three ODIs in Nelson from November 13 to 17, counting towards the championship. It is understood the PCB wanted to play the India series ahead of this tour. India and Pakistan's women's teams are also scheduled to play the Asia Cup in Thailand between November 25 and December 5. (ESPNcricinfo)

PAGE 51

Du Plessis: Australia Will Be Mentally Scarred From Whitewash it's not just going in guns blazing and thinking we can dominate them. We will have to earn that right again." Du Plessis also revealed that the current Australia side are far less hostile than the team he faced when he first arrived on the international stage.

Stand-in Test captain Faf du Plessis thinks Australia's drubbing in South Africa will have taken its toll. Faf du Plessis believes Australia will be mentally scarred by their one-day international series thrashing by South Africa when the two sides renew their rivalry in a three-match Test series next month. The Proteas completed a 5-0 series whitewash over the beleaguered world champions on home soil last week.

Australia must now regroup as they aim to hit back in the longest format at home, where they will look to put another whitewash in their last Test series in Sri Lanka behind them.

Du Plessis thinks a drubbing in South Africa will leave Australia wounded, but the stand-in Test captain knows facing Australia in their own backyard will be a very different challenge. "To beat Australia the way we did, really convincingly and not giving them a sniff, will leave a bit of a scar on them mentally." he said. "I also appreciate that a Test team is a different team, and probably a more mature team, but if we can start really well in that first Test match to remind them that we are in the same space as a Test team, we will have a really good tour.

"People's expectation will be of us going there and dominating Australia again but that's not the case. "We've had an amazing series, which has been the highlight of a lot of our careers, but we go to Australia on a blank slate. "The guys are confident but

"When I first started playing against Australia, the guys were the toughest team to play against because of their personalities. They were guys that competed by being verbal." he said. "If you look at the Australian team now, their personalities have changed.

They don't have those aggressive guys that are at you the whole day, swearing the whole day. "We play a similar brand of cricket now. We are very competitive but we respect each other's personal space." The first Test gets under way at the WACA on November 3. (SportsMax)

PAGE 53

Set-pieces Can Make The Difference For United, Says Blind

Daley Blind thinks fine margins will decide Liverpool v Manchester United and believes he may have found a potentially decisive advantage. Daley Blind thinks set-pieces could make the difference in Manchester United's bid to beat Liverpool at Anfield. The Netherlands international is set for

his sixth meeting with the Reds, having only suffered defeat in one of his previous five appearances in matches between the fierce rivals.

Blind is aware of the fixture's importance to United and Liverpool supporters and hopes the height of Jose Mourinho's men can give them the advantage in the Premier League showdown on Monday. "We have a lot of height in the box and we must use that," Blind said to MUTV. "Top-level football games are close and they can be decided with small details - setpieces are one of them and it is an opportunity for us to score a goal.

"Games like this are played with a lot of emotion but, just like every game, we go into this to win. "What is important is the result and we will try to get that. "These are the games you live for when you are young, growing up wanting to be a footballer.

"It will be a tough game - we will have to play well but so will they." United are three points behind Liverpool going into the game and were the last team to beat Jurgen Klopp's side at Anfield in the Premier League back in January - the hosts are unbeaten in 10 since then. (SportsMax)

PAGE 54

Taylor Leads Windies To Level Series With England

West Indies Women’s captain Stefanie Taylor led the charge as the team pulled level in its five-match series with England 2-2

on Sunday, following a 42-runs win at Sabina Park. Taylor topscored for the home team with a fluent 84 before returning to peg back the English by taking figures of 3 for 22 as the team rescued itself from a situation that seemed filled with peril earlier in the innings.

Despite chasing a record total to win, led by opener Tammy Beaumount’s 57 off 64 balls and fellow opener’s Lauren Winfield’s 51 off 74 the English were cruising at 133-1, chasing the home team’s 223 for six. The team, however, incredibly lost its remaining eight wickets for just 48 runs, bowled out for 181 inside 45 overs.

Winfield’s second successive 50 helped England off to the perfect start but her run out, having been sent back by Heather Knight, began the collapse. The innings featured an amazing futher five run-outs. The series decider will be played at Sabina Park on Wednesday. (SportsMax)

PAGE 56

Bishoo Believes In Windies Momentum on 95 for two needing a further 251 runs to win the Test match on Monday’s final day.

The regional team’s day three fight back was quickly ended on day four, with leg-spinner Yasir Shah bagging 5-121 to become the joint second-fastest bowler to reach 100 wickets in 17 Test matches. Choosing not enforce the follow-on Pakistan looked to score quickly, but Bishoo ripped through the team’s line-up as they were scuttled out for 123, leaving a target of 346. It is a total the spinner feels is very much in reach.

Leg spinner Devendra Bishoo believes the momentum is in the West Indies favour following exceptional performance that saw the bowler grab figures of 8 for 49 during the first day-night Test against Pakistan in Dubai. The West Indies closed day four

“It’s was a great bowling effort we set up ourselves in this Test match now after the first two days. The first two days were two hard days but I think we’ve made up very well and we have a very good chance,” Bishoo said following the close of play. “I think everybody is up for it now because there is a little boost in confidence the Twenty20 and the One Day have already finished, but I think we as the Test squad after a day like today are setting up ourselves for a good series we just have to try and win this Test match.” (SportsMax)

PAGE 57

Steve Waugh Shows Interest In Selection Role

Steve Waugh said that while nobody has approached him yet, he is willing to consider a selection role if it came up © Getty Images Steve Waugh, the former Australia captain, has indicated a willingness to consider the role of selector after it emerged that the panel's chairman Rod Marsh will vacate his post at the end of the season. Series defeats in Sri Lanka and South Africa have renewed focus on the Australian team's performance, and there is tension in the air as Steven Smith's team look to rebound by winning at home. Marsh's decision not to seek a contract renewal was announced after the South Africa ODI series ended in a 5-0 defeat, and he will not be the only man under pressure, should results go badly this summer.

Pat Howard, the head of team performance, is also out of contract next year, and will be looking to recast the selection panel before that time. Darren Lehmann, the national team coach and selector, has had his contract renewed until 2019.

Waugh, whose twin brother Mark has been a selector since 2014, said he would be open to joining the panel. "I'd listen to it if the opportunity came up, but there are a lot of things you've got to throw into the mix and see whether it's the right time," Waugh told the Sydney Morning Herald. "I think there are a lot of good cricket brains in Australia.

No one has asked me, but I'd listen to it." Aside from a brief chat during the 2015 World Cup, Waugh has seldom been seen near the Australian side since his 2004 retirement, but has remained a respected voice and was a member of the Argus review panel in 2011, alongside fellow former captains Mark Taylor and Allan Border. Waugh perceives 2016-17 to be a pivotal summer for Smith in particular. "You always have a honeymoon period.

The first six to 12 months, everything is fantastic.

You make all the changes and they work," Waugh said. "Then,

the reality sets in and it's a bit harder than that. "I think losing that series in Sri Lanka probably was a bit of a shock to the system. I thought our fielding was very poor, which is unlike Australia, and that sort of set the benchmark for the rest of their cricket. "[Smith] will be having a good look at himself, his captaincy style and which players he wants in the team. These six Tests in Australia could well define his captaincy going forward. I think if they have a good series in Australia and the team stays stable, and they respond to his leadership, then it's great for him, but if things don't go well, it will be a challenging time for him, particularly after the last few losses.

But, as a captain, the one thing about Steve Smith is he's amazing in the way he responds when things are down." Waugh also noted Smith's recent comments about the "quiet" nature of numerous members of the Test team and wanting to see a more boisterous group. "That's when he's got to get together with the selectors and say 'this is the type of player I want in the side'," Waugh said. "I'm sure he'll be talking to Rod Marsh and the selectors, saying, 'look, we need a bit more life, a bit more talk and attitude and a bit more Aussie Way'. That may define some of the selections in the first Test. If he wants more talk out there, he's definitely got to get it."

(ESPNcricinfo)