October 21, 2016 2 by Guyana Daily News

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Unpaid Public Debts Destroys Future Generations –Economist PAGE 2

Guyanese continue to register their complaints to Guyana Daily News about the new government failed promises which dominated their elections campaign. “It is amazing that the same government that criticized the PPP administration did not deliver on any single promise that was made in the campaign” one citizen said. That person, who spoke under the condition of anonymity cited the Bank of Guyana Report which indicated that current revenue fell in 2015 by $741 million. “When the government of the day cannot create income but spends excessively, then the country is certainly heading for a disaster” the person said. She noted that this can also result in Police, teachers, nurses, other public servants and other ﬁrst responders not getting a pay increase, which has a trickledown eﬀect of quality social services being neglected by these employees. Other citizens expressed concerns regarding the shortfall in public debt that was under paid by G$20.292M as was mentioned in the Auditor General’s report for 2016. As such, Guyanese are therefore questioning whether the Minister of Finance is aware that he under-paid the public debt by G$20B. Additionally, they want to know why the President has

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

not objected to this kind of “reckless behavior” by the Minister. Meanwhile, one prominent Economist told the Guyana Daily News that defaulting on current national debts destroys the credibility and credit rating of Guyana and would eventually pass on that burden to current and future generations. “This should not and must not be the vision for a good life” the economist said.

“Country Was Left In Good Shape” –Jagdeo clear. I am just going to talk broadly because I can go into details but I

Despite claims by the APNU+AFC government of inheriting a “broken economy,” Opposition Leader and former President Bharrat Jagdeo has sought to make it clear that the economy was left in “good shape” when that government assumed office last year. Mr Jagdeo expressed this view on Thursday during a press conference held at the PPP’s Freedom House headquarters. According to the Opposition Leader, who served two terms as President, Guyana’s reserves were close to USD$700 million dollars when the David Granger-led administration assumed office in May of 2015. He said that a number of projects that were worth over USD$800M were left by the PPP after that party left office. Among these were the Ameila falls hydro power project, discovery of oil and gas which was piloted by the PPP, and two new gold mines. Given these developmental projects which were already in the pipeline when this government took over, the Opposition Leader contended that for someone to say that the economy was left in a bad shape, that person has to be “sick.” Among those who have, and continue to blame the state of Guyana’s struggling economy on the former Government are; President David Granger; Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman. Mr. Jagdeo also slammed the government for saying that it had to divert monies that was intended for the development of the country, to bail out the Sugar industry. “There are lots of things that could be done. But first of all, it is the government having a matrix that allows development, which is infused with the philosophy of growth and development” he said. The Opposition Leader, who is a qualified economist, went on to explain that the matrix for growth must be shielded from extraneous issues that can harm that objective. “This matrix has to be composed of consistent, clear policies to investors… [But] what you have now is every single Minister commenting on issues that could harm the investment environment. So it must be

don’t want to do so at this press conference” he added. Further, he pointed out that consistency with government policies which include incentives, must be prioritized. He noted that there must be uniform application when it comes to those policies, and that the Minister of Finance must focus more on economic growth rather than managing for ratios. “So I think if those things happen, clear guidelines to investors, uniformity in application of those guidelines and an enabling budgetary environment supporting those initiatives, that you can do well in an economy like ours. I can disaggregate those three into hundreds of examples and policies…” he said.

Opposition Leader and former President Bharrat Jagdeo

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

LOCAL FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

Sugar Workersamounted Protest GuySuCo No Pay Rise to some $1.1B. A disaggregation

Thousands of sugar workers across the sugar belt protested yesterday (October 20, 2016) for the second time this week. The workers action followed a meeting between the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) on October 19, 2016, the third in a recent series which addressed several matters among which, most importantly, is pay increase. The Corporation’s chief representative at the meeting, the same at the previous two, is no stranger to such type of discussions. On this occasion, unlike the meetings before, the GuySuCo’s representative adopted a strange, rather disrespectful and disdainful attitude. This unusual behaviour was vexing to the workers from the different estates that were in attendance and resulting in a less than cordial meeting. Such display by GuySuCo’s spokesman left us with the impression that is was purposeful. If so, to what end? At the meeting, GuySuCo informed the negotiations team that the financial constraints do not allow the Corporation to offer a pay increase again this year. This would mean that it is the second consecutive year that employees of the sugar industry are being denied an increase in pay even as other sectors of the state employees will be receiving this benefit, though it is inadequate. This dire message, in effect, represents another blow to the livelihood of the some 17,000 workers and t h e i r f a m i l i e s . O b v i o u s l y, t h i s unacceptable stance would leave the workers incensed. Such an adamant, discriminatory stance adopted by the relevant authorities must be looked at against the backdrop of other factors. We have noted that the 2015 audited financial statements revealed a loss of $2.6B by GuySuCo although, at a previous meeting, the Corporation had informed the Union that its loss was $16.6B last year. Additionally, the Union noted the o v e r s t a t e m e n t o f t h e i n d u s t r y ’s employment costs which were pegged at $21.6B last year (2015) through the inclusion, for the first time, of a new charge – employee retirement benefit – which

of the employment expenditure revealed that a whopping $1.8B was deemed other costs for which the Corporation is yet to provide an explanation. While GuySuCo constantly harps on its financial state, the workers and the Union are shocked to learn that a few of the Corporation’s hierarchy earned $396M in 2015. Indeed it is a stupendous sum that works out over a million dollars per day among the lucky few. The Union also is of the opinion that the Corporation is engaged with unnecessary work, if not wasteful spending at this time, especially on learning of plans to spend a huge sum of $500M on diversification initiatives as well as a further $1.5B on a road from Wales to Uitvlugt. Our Union is also puzzled as to how is it that the Corporation spent nearly $11B in 2015 to procure items such as fertilizers, chemicals, among other things, but such massive expenditure are not reflect in improved sugar productivity and production. It is recalled, that sugar production this year was pegged to be in the vicinity of 242,000 tonnes according to the 2016 National Budget. The Corporation itself has repudiated its previous production target and identified a new production level, some months ago, of 194,000 tonnes, a nearly 20 per cent decline. In terms of the Corporation’s financial status, it was pleasing to observe that GuySuCo’s finances were improving with cash resources rising from $700M at the end of 2014 to $1.9B at the end of 2015. The bank overdraft is on the decline from over $2B at the end of 2014 to about $400M currently. GAWU, however, wants to express its concern over GuySuCo incurring a higher interest charges for overdrafts though the balance has declined. The Corporation has not yet provided any clarification on this. At the meeting of October 19, the GAWU argued that the GuySuCo stance of not offering pay rises for 2015 and 2016 were serving to diminish workers’ morale and commitment which are certainly counterproductive at this time and defeat

the Corporation’s ‘One GuySuCo’ slogan which we understand, among other things, is expected to promote camaraderie, dedication and motivation among the workers. The Union stressed the need for the Corporation to invest in its human capital – its most important asset – and noted that the general well-being of the workers is also declining taking into account the rising cost-of-living. Our Union argued too that the Corporation can have a viable and sustainable future and we re-emphasized diversification into electricity production, white sugar and alcohol. The much touted diversification efforts into aquaculture, seed paddy cultivation, citrus fruits have had miserable results in the past and, so far we understand, there is no empirical evidence to point to their success this time around. The Corporation’s denial of a wage increase, at this time, is unprecedented. And, as if to rub salt into the workers’ wounds, GuySuCo’s attitude at the October 19 meeting was most unbecoming and harks back to a practice belonging, hopefully, to a past era. The GAWU as a democratic organization will consider collectively our response to this latest injustice. Sugar workers are learning, yet again, that essential bread and butter issues and their deserving benefit will come only out of their united struggles. The present elites seem to be pushing them in this direction. The workers have limited choices. In the face of so many blunders made by the top echelon of GuySuCo and others, we think it is yet not too late to turnaround fully from the current course that is not, in anyway, supportive of the industry, and indeed, the country’s economy. GAWU Press Release

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Guyana Child Labour Rate Highest In The Caribbean –UNDP Report PAGE 5

A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Caribbean Human Development Report (CHDR) has revealed that the child labour rate in Guyana, which stands at 16.4 percent, is the highest in the Caribbean. The report, which is titled ‘Multidimensional progress: Human Resilience Beyond Income’ is the first of its kind and seeks to address the vulnerabilities and key strengths of Caribbean countries. It was officially launched yesterday the University of Guyana’s (UG’s) Education Lecture Theatre, Turkeyen. The CHDR, among a list of other issues, found that there is an increasing human vulnerability in the region, particularly among women, youth and the elderly. Under the section titled “Vulnerabilities of children at risk of or actively participating in exploitative labour conditions and street children” the report pointed out that “in Caribbean countries, the child labour rate fluctuates between 0.7 percent in Trinidad and Tobago and 16.4 percent in Guyana.” Further, the report indicates that Guyana is the only country that is above the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) average which is pegged at 11 percent. To deal with this issue, the report highlighted some recommendations to improve that situation. These include; the improvement of policies and programmes against child labour; to strengthen social assistance (e.g. food stamp programmes) to parents and community-based multidimensional support (education, counselling, training etc.); promote the return to school and remedial education and apprenticeship; legislation against the presence of children in bars and clubs; awareness-raising campaigns and immunization. Another human vulnerability that the UNDP report highlighted was that of Indigenous people. The report pointed out that in Guyana, 11 to 25 percent of indigenous people live in the hinterland where they are the most populous ethnic group with a 42 to 89 percent population

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

share in the various administrative districts. It went on to state that “multiple deprivations are high in Indigenous communities, ranging from limited health care, to poor quality educational facilities. Issues of access to land and land rights are some of the persistent challenges faced by indigenous people in countries such as Guyana and Suriname.” Notwithstanding this, the report stated that some amount of progress has been made with regards to access to land and land rights in the two neighbouring countries.

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Security Guard Shot During Botched Robbery An armed gunman this morning shot a security guard stationed at the Electronics City branch located at the Forgarty’s Building on PAGE 6

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

Water Street during a brazen daylight robbery. According to reports reaching Guyana Daily News, the security guard whose name was given as Quincy Michael Joseph was shot in his chest, puncturing one of his lungs. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he received medical attention and was subsequently transferred to the Woodland’s Hospital. Reports have further stated that an employee of Unique Apartments, who has been identiﬁed as Abdel Odie, was being followed back to his car after he had cashed a cheaque next door at Republic Bank Limited in the value of $1.2M Gyd. Odie realizing he was being followed turned in the Electronic City store in an attempt to elude his pursuer and stood for about 10 minutes before greeted by the robber who followed him in the store and pressed a pistol against his side demanding that he release the package contained the money. It was noted that the Security Guard of the store was not initially in a position to see the robber's gun and as such when he came into view and tried to draw his weapon to counter, he was shot by the fugitive who proceeded to escape via a waiting motorcycle. Investigations are currently under way.

Gov’t To Review Barama’s Forestry Concessions & Focus On Conservation - A Move Condemned By Opposition Leader The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) on Thursday in a press release conﬁrmed that Barama Company Limited’s (BCL) will not be renewing its Forest Concession Agreement following the expiration of its agreement on October 15, 2016 and that the decision will now facilitate a revision of the importance of standing forests and determine the value that Guyana had been beneﬁting from for the last 25 years. The Ministry said that review will pave the way for a decision on what to do with 1.6M hectares that the logging company has given up. “The MNR notes that the decision of BCL presents an opportunity to engage in a stocktaking exercise where Government can objectively assess the value of the standing forest through its contribution to the ecosystem while simultaneously examining the value of the past 25 years to the people of Guyana. Such an exercise would be pivotal in decision-making as it relates to economic empowerment and development of sustainable livelihoods of present and future generations,” the release stated. The ministry related that it has mandated the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) to work with BCL to ensure a “smooth closure” of all concession related activities within the stipulated period, and to ensure that “all labour and other related issues” are fully addressed in a holistic manner in keeping with applicable laws and regulations and thanked the logging company for its years of service in Guyana and will engage the company on added value activities. “The government thanks BCL for its involvement over the past 25 years, and will be engaging the company in further discussions on its stated interest in the continuation of the added value activities.” Meanwhile on the same day, Leader of the Opposition Dr. Barrat Jagdeo and issued a warning to the government against moving away from the model of balanced development between sustainable development and conservation. The opposition leader had said that the focus on

conservation will chase away logging activities. “They now have moved to conservation so it’s chasing away logging activities, etc promising another two million hectares to conservation. If the new strategy is dominated by an approach to conservation the country loses out in the big scheme of things globally and our path to prosperity becomes even more difficult. More people will lose jobs here in Guyana…,” said Jagdeo. He related that the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) which was establish under the previous administration was the result of “tons of consultations,” which eventually lead to a US$250 million forest carbon sale to Norway. With the seizure of forestry concessions from Chinese company BaiShanLin, and the non-renewal of Barama’s Concessions, Guyana has seen the lost the top two biggest forest concession holders in the country. The scaling down of Barma’s operations is sure to have a rippling effect on business who reply on the logging company such as transportation services etc. The company through the years has played significant role in road construction and maintenance in the North West area, Region One. Barama is a subsidiary of Samling Global Limited, and has been established in Guyana since 1991.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

LOCAL FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

Police Divisions "A", "E", "C" and "D" To Beneﬁt From Mobile Resources In its continuing eﬀorts to equip the Guyana Police Force the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Public Security, has made available addition mobile resources in the form of four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles. While the full complement of these mobile resources is yet to be realized, the Supplier has thus far delivered, seven (7) All Terrain Vehicles, three (3) Pick-ups, and eight (8) motor cycles. With the trust of the Force to beef up policing arrangements in Region 9 and in particular in the Rupununi District additional manpower and increased supervisory capacity have been

allocated to Annai Police Station which now has ﬁve (5) policemen stationed there and two (2) All Terrain Vehicles. In ‘E’ Division (Linden), an additional All Terrain Vehicle has been allocated to Mabura Police Station and a new All Terrain Vehicle to Ituni Police Station while two (2) motor cycles for AntiCrime patrols purpose were allocated to Mackenzie Police Station. In ‘A’ Division (Georgetown/East Bank Demerara) one new four by four (4x4) and four (4) new two wheel motor cycles have been allocated for Ant-Crime patrols. In ‘C’ Division (East Coast

Demerara) one new four by four (4x4) vehicle has been allocated for AntiCrime patrol. In ‘D’ Division (West Coast/West Bank Demerara) two (2) new two-wheel motor cycles and one new four by four (4x4) vehicle have been allocated for Anti-Crime patrols. On receipt of the additional mobile resources, further allocation will be made and this will be communicated. Guyana Police Froce Press Release

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

LOCAL FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

President Says Environmental Protection Cooperation An Obligation, Not Option -At Conservation International Board Meeting

from left- Mr. Russell Mittermeier, P h . D . , E x e c u t i v e V i c e C h a i r, Conservation International, President Ian Khama of Botswana, Chairman, Chief Executive Oﬃcer and Cofounder of Conservation International, Mr. Peter Seligmann, President David Granger, former President Anote Tong of Kiribati, former President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson of Iceland and Chairman of the Executive Committee, Mr. Rob Walton Washington D.C. – (October 21, 2016) Chairman, Chief Executive Oﬃcer and Co-founder of Conservation International (CI), Mr. Peter Seligmann described President David Granger as a visionary and steadfast leader and

committed the organisation’s support for his ‘green’ agenda, even as the Head of State made the case for ‘green’ economic development and conservation in Guyana, during a panel discussion at the oﬃcial dinner of the Board of Directors Meeting. President Granger was joined on the panel by President Ian Khama of Botswana at the Decatur House in Washington, D.C. The Guyanese Head of State declared his commitment, as incoming Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and as leader of a country that sits in the heart of the Guiana Shield, to work to develop and expand regional cooperation for conservation eﬀorts. He said, “In the Guiana Shield itself we need a build a stronger alliance because the Guiana Shield incorporates part of Colombia, part of Venezuela, all of Guyana and all of Suriname, all of La Guyane and part of Amapá and other parts of northern Brazil. We have to collaborate… It is obligatory, not optional for us to collaborate and… my closest [CARICOM] neighbour is Suriname and we have already engaged in some level of collaboration and I would like to invite the other nations in northern South America to join us in

Chief Executive Oﬃcer and Co-founder of Conservation International, Mr. Peter Seligmann chairing the panel discussion with President David Granger and President Ian Khama of Botswana

ensuring that that Guiana Shield remains the second ‘garden of eden’. Mr. Seligmann lauded the President’s position that the future of Guyana depends on the protection of the standing forest and his commitment to work within the Guiana Shield and the Caribbean Community to establish strong regional cooperation in the defence of the environment. “He has made a commitment of putting 10 percent of his nation into protection; two million hectares and that is just the ﬁrst step and he has come here to meet with CI, to meet with you to learn how we operate and what is it that we can do to support his visionary eﬀorts as he looks at how you engage and involve Indigenous people, how you transform oil and gas revenues into forest conservation and how you actually create a strong economy that is balanced with the protection of nature. This is the type of leadership that the world needs,” he said. Guyana is focused on the development of protected areas, wildlife management, coastal zone protection, as well as, the development of renewable sources of energy, even as the country’s value to the world as a new carbon sink in the reduction of climate change is emphasised, the President said. However, he also indicated that education of Guyanese is important in ensuring that people understand the value of their natural resources in an economy with historical reliance on the extractive sectors. “There are challenges largely because of ignorance and we need to educate our children about the potential or possibility of making better use of our environment,” he said. Speaking on the value of agreements like the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund and Norway Partnership, the President indicated that it is a model that can be replicated through similar agreements with other states since countries like Guyana are providing a service to the world.

Continued on next page...

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

LOCAL FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

President Says Environmental Protection Cooperation An Obligation, Not Option -At Conservation International Board Meeting (Cont’d)

President David Granger and Chief Executive Oﬃcer and Co-founder of Conservation International, Mr. Peter Seligmann, who chaired the panel discussion at the oﬃcial Board dinner.

He said, “By protecting our forests we are making a contribution to the world and we are very happy to have such an agreement… It is good model and we would like to renew that model… and embark on similar agreements with other industrialised countries because we are providing a global asset, a global facility by absorbing so much carbon dioxide.” The President added, though, that he looks forward to an renewal of that agreement that allows for the

development of renewable energy options, beyond the current options for hydro-electricity. Mr. Seligmann declared CI’s commitment to supporting President Granger’s vision. “It is extraordinary leadership and really, really timely. We have seen so many of the forest areas on this planet disappear and your leadership and engagement and stimulus to others is really important and I just want to say for everybody in this room and everybody at CI, we are totally

Chairman, Chief Executive Oﬃcer and Co-founder of Conservation International (CI), Mr. Peter Seligmann (at far right) leading a session of the Board meeting yesterday

committed to helping you,” he said. Earlier in the day, President Granger had met with the Botswanan Head of State, President Khama, and in an invited comment following that meeting, he said that while the two countries are diﬀerent geographically, there opportunities to learn from regional cooperation leadership. “[President Kama] has been a leader in pioneering inter State cooperation for environmental protection and he has brought together several African states. There's the Gaborone Declaration for Sustainable Development in Africa, where several states cooperate to preserve their environment and Guyana too, as a part of the Guiana Shield, is working with Suriname, French Guiana and the other states of the Guiana Shield; Brazil and Venezuela to do the same thing. So we are heading in the same direction and I believe that we have lessons to learn,” he said. President Granger has expressed gratitude for the work CI has been doing in Guyana for more than 14 years, noting that a lot of the environmental protection education that has already occurred in Indigenous communities in Guyana has been through the organisations work. He said, “Conservation International has been a very important partner. It is a very powerful non-governmental organisation. It has done work in Guyana; a lot of work has been done in the protected areas in the hinterland particularly in the Rupununi, and we have a lot to learn from their experiences and I believe we have a lot to beneﬁt from their participation in future environmental projects.” Guyana’s Head of State deliver an address to the members of the Board today. Also in attendance at the meeting are former President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson of Iceland and former President Anote Tong of Kiribati. MOTP Press Release

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

LOCAL FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

Suspect In Morning Robbery Shot As Investigations Continue Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting of a male juvenile, who allegedly committed a crime of Simple Larceny, in the compound of Republic Bank Limited at Waterloo and New Market Streets, Georgetown, early this morning. Investigation revealed that about 0400h. a female security guard on duty at the facility, observed the suspect in the compound in possession of her handbag which she left on a table. She raised an alarm and the suspect dropped the bag and scaled the fence. The guard then alerted her supervisor from the Professional Guard Service and shortly after a patrol responded. A male ﬁtting the description of the suspect was seen in the area and was confronted and in this intervening process, a round was discharged from the shotgun in possession of a member of the patrol. The suspect was rushed to the GPHC where he is presently undergoing surgery for gunshot wounds to his face and body. Guyana Police Force Press Release

Man Reprimanded For Stealing So He Could ‘Return To Georgetown’ Frankie Junior Smoke will now be required to do eight weeks of community service after he confessed to robbing a Lethem resident of valuables which he was hoping he could sell to get money to travel to Georgetown. Smoke appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates court recently where he was charged with Breaking and Entering and Robbery. After pleading guilty with explanation and presenting the court with his explanation, Magistrate McLennan sentenced him to serve eight weeks community service or 6 months imprisonment if found in default of the sentence. Unrepresented before the court, the 33-year old, explain that he had recently been released from Prison and was in the process of obtaining his own home when he went to Lethem to visit his mother. He said that at the time, he was homeless and having recently been released from prison, he did not have money to return to Georgetown. As such, he stole some items from Michelle Kimeon of Lethem, as a means of acquiring money to return to Georgetown. Magistrate McLennan upon hearing this, questioned him as to whether he did in fact commit the crime as a means of obtaining transportation back “to town” - a claim which Smoke did not deny. It was noted that on October 3, 2016 at Beverly Hills Drive Central Rupununi, Lethem, the Virtual Complainant, Michelle Kimeon secured her premises and retired to bed. Upon waking up the next morning at around 06:15 hrs, she observed the back door of the building opened and several items missing. The items included; 1 Macbook Air, 1 iPhone 6, 1 Hp Laptop, 1 Kindle and 1 pair of shears, totaling over $525,000 GYD. She subsequently reported the matter to the police, who, acting on information went to the house at which the accused was staying and found the items and later arrested Smoke.

Mason Freed Of Recruiting Cocaine Trafficker Three Months after being charged for allegedly recruiting convicted attempted drug trafficker Patrima Issacs, Mason, Shemar Morris was today released after the case was dismissed by Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court. It was alleged that Morris, of Lot 60 Durban Street, Lodge, between March 1, 2016 and July 3, 2016 had recruited Isaacs to traffic 698 grams of cocaine. He was remanded to prison for the duration of the trial. The Prosecution revealed today that based on the information provided to the court via testimonies, evidence and investigations carried out, a Prima Facie case had been established. However, Defense Attorney, Adrian Thomas maintained his no case submission against the Prosecution. Magistrate Daly in her ruling stated that she does not believe that a Prima Facie case had been established and as such she was on able to call on the accused to lead a defense. Isaacs, after appearing in court pleaded Guilty to the charge which stated that on July 5, 2016 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport she was in possession of 698 grams of Cocaine within the handle of her bag and disguised in sanitary pads between her legs. She was ordered to pay a fine of $1.8M GYD and sentenced to three years imprisonment.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

REGIONAL FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

Trinidad Appeal Court Rejects Opposition Election Challenge

Members of the UNC legal team, from left, Wayne Sturge, Jayanti Lutchmedial, Timothy Straker QC, Anand Ramlogan SC, Gerald Ramdeen and Kent Samlal leave the Hall of Justice, Port-of-Spain, after the election petition was dismissed on Monday. Photo: Nicole Drayton/Trinidad Guardian PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad -- The Court of Appeal in Port of Spain, Trinidad, took just two hours on Monday to reject an appeal by the opposition United National Congress (UNC) challenging the dismissal of its election petitions over the results of last year's general election. Chief Justice Ivor Archie and Appellate Judges Allan Mendonca and Peter Jamadar dashed the UNC’s hopes of having a by-election in five marginal constituencies as they ruled that the polls had been conducted “in a free and fair manner consistent with the constitutional requirements for democracy," the Trinidad Guardian reported. However, the appeal panel, comprised of the country’s most senior judges, ruled that the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) overstepped its remit when it decided to extend the polls by one hour in Trinidad due to heavy rainfall. “The population can feel safe that the democratic process has not been undermined,” Archie said as he noted that the EBC’s breach was not egregious enough to taint the election result and render it null and void, as contended by the UNC. Referring to a cross-appeal filed by the EBC, Archie said the court was not in a position to afford the commission the power to make adjustments to an election in extenuating circumstances, such as natural disasters. “It is improper for us to interfere as any rules are in the providence of Parliament,” Archie said. The Court of Appeal’s

decision on the issue is final, as there is no right of appeal to the United Kingdom-based Privy Council in election petition cases. The panel’s decision to deliver its judgment just hours after submissions in the appeal, after two-and-ahalf days of hearings, appeared to surprise the legal teams in the case, as the Appeal Court almost always reserves their decision at the end of appeals, the Trinidad Guardian noted. While delivering the brief oral decision, however, Archie explained that the panel felt that an almost instant decision was needed as election petitions are required to be handled expeditiously. “The result was clear to us and we thought that we should not keep the population waiting,” Archie said. The panel’s decision was consistent with High Court Mira Dean-Armorer ’s judgment in the case delivered in August, except in terms of the distribution of legal costs to the parties. While Dean-Armorer ruled that the UNC should pay the legal costs incurred by People’s National Movement (PNM) candidates in successfully defending the petitions, the Court of Appeal felt that the costs should be borne by each individual as the petitions dealt with issues that were of public interest. About The Case Following its 23-18 defeat in last year’s general election, the UNC initially filed petitions for six marginal constituencies. Both the PNM and the EBC initially appealed trial judge Mira Dean-Armorer’s decision to grant the UNC leave to pursue the claim but were denied by the Court of Appeal. In March, the petition for one constituency was struck out by Dean-Armorer after the UNC failed to serve it on successful PNM candidate Maxie Cuffie by the deadline for doing so. In its petitions, the UNC contended that its loss in the election was affected by the EBC’s decision to extend the time for the polls. Both the PNM and the EBC had claimed that the commission was allowed to take the decision and, even if it was not, the results of the election would remain the same, even if all the votes cast during the extension, regardless of candidate chosen, were to be subtracted from the totals of the winning candidates. Besides the petitions, Dean-Armorer has also been assigned two cases in which three private citizens are challenging the EBC’s decision, including an application for judicial review seeking the court’s clarification on whether the EBC had the constitutional power to make the decision and a claim claiming that the EBC breached the constitutional rights of Tobagonians by not allowing them an extension. Both cases were deferred as they are directly affected by the outcome of Dean-Armorer and the Court of Appeal’s decisions on the petitions. (Caribbean News Now!)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

REGIONAL FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

Bahamas Hurricane Damage Estimated At Over $500 Million

A home damaged by Hurricane Matthew in North Andros By Royston Jones Jr. Nassau Guardian Staff Reporter NASSAU, Bahamas -- Prime Minister Perry Christie said on Wednesday the estimate for the damage caused by Hurricane Matthew in The Bahamas earlier this month is over half a billion dollars. The government on Wednesday brought a resolution to Parliament to borrow up to $150 million to help cover the cost of relief efforts related to Matthew and Joaquin, which hit a year ago. Speaking in the House of Assembly, Christie said Matthew caused “unmeasured personal loss” and great damage to government buildings, airport facilities and roads. “In fact, we have a running debate between the financial secretary and myself,” Christie said. “He is projecting that the loss to the country; the combined loss of Matthew and Joaquin, would be some $800 million.” Christie said the ministry of finance has advised him that Joaquin, which decimated the central and southern islands last October, could cost up to $200 million. Hurricane Matthew is estimated to have caused $500 million in damage, but could cost up to $600 million, Christie said. The prime minister noted that the final damage assessments have not been completed. Joaquin was originally pegged to have caused $100 million in damage. Noting that the reconstruction efforts since Joaquin are ongoing, Christie explained that the ministry of works has awarded around $68 million in road and bridge repair contracts. He said another $6.8 million in contracts is ready to be awarded, which would bring the cost of Joaquin to more than $70 million, without taking into account the cost of home repairs and reconstruction, repairs to seawalls, assisting the agricultural and fisheries industries, and recent tax reductions. Matthew impacted The Bahamas between October 3-7, causing widespread destruction on several islands, including New

Providence, Andros, Grand Bahama and the Berry Islands. It remains unclear just how many people were impacted by the storm. Addressing criticisms that the government did not prepare sufficiently for Matthew, Christie said the government was well prepared and took steps to protect The Bahamas. To this end, he said, the government engaged financial experts to complete a study on the country’s ability to finance the potential disaster prior to the storm. He said the government made this decision so it would be in a position where it would not “panic over an issue of this kind”. According to the study, which has not been released to the public, “With a more structured compliance program, the revenue base could grow by 10 percent in the short term and up to 20 percent in the medium term of up to three to five years.” In addition to implementing an exigency order, suspending duty on items needed for rebuilding and restoration efforts, Christie said the government intends to “create some more efficient and effective ways to bring relief to our people”. As it relates to the bond issue, Christie said the ministry of finance designed a two tranche financing, a structured financing model – a tranche for commercial banks up to $120 million and a tranche for the public of $30 million. He said the government accepted the Central Bank’s recommendation that nonresidents with a nexus to The Bahamas be allowed to participate in the offering. The prime minister also said that all of the commercial banks the government approached for funding agreed to the mechanism for financing that the government presented to Parliament. (Caribbean News Now!)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

REGIONAL FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

UN Chief Calls On General Assembly To 'Fulﬁl Moral Duty' To Assist Storm-ravaged Haiti

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (centre) visits a temporary shelter for victims of Hurricane Matthew in Les Cayes, Haiti, during a trip on 15 October 2016 to meet with communities, government officials, and humanitarians working in the country. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe NEW YORK, USA -- Briefing the United Nations General Assembly on the humanitarian situation in Haiti following the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew, Secretary-General Ban Kimoon underlined the urgency of additional resources to help respond to the dire needs in the country. “People who before had little, now have nothing. No homes. No crops. No livestock and no livelihoods,” Ban told an informal meeting of the General Assembly on Thursday. “Access to the hardest hit areas is difficult. People are in desperate need of food, water and shelter,” he added, recalling his visit to Les Cayes, one of the most-affected areas, along with Jérémie, in the south-west of the country, where the hurricane made landfallon 4 October. Barely a

week after the storm, on 10 October, the UN launched a nearly $120 million “flash appeal” to fund its humanitarian response in the aftermath of the disaster. A large part of the request ($56 million) focused on providing emergency food, nutrition and agriculture to the people of Haiti. Other sectors in the appeal included water and sanitation, emergency shelter and non-food items, health, protection, logistics and communication, early recovery and livelihoods, education, and coordination. However, ten days since its launch, the appeal is only 22 percent funded, Ban said. The UN chief stressed that funding is required to step-up response in the fight against cholera on the island. Efforts to address this waterborne disease were also severely affected after Hurricane Matthew hit. “Last Friday, Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson briefed the member states on our efforts,” Ban reminded delegations on Thursday, informing them that the Organization is also developing a proposal to bring assistance to those most directly affected by cholera and that he would present this plan to the Assembly in due course. Appealing to all member states to respond with financial support needed on both these tracks to ensure success, the secretary-general emphasized: “We must fulfil our moral duty to the people of Haiti.” (Caribbean News Now!)

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REGIONAL FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

US-China WTO Wrangle Strengthens Antigua-Barbuda Resolve Against US

Prime Minister Gaston Browne ST JOHN’S, Antigua -- Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has noted the robust response on 18 October by the United States government to a trade dispute with China, discussed under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules. Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee of the US House of Representatives, Kevin Brady, has called the action against China a “victory”, describing it as "another example of how our nation wins when we rigorously enforce our trade agreements." Brady went on to say that the US “must continue to hold China and our trading partners accountable”. Browne said that he

expects the US government to uphold its obligations to Antigua and Barbuda, arising from a WTO judgment over Internet gaming, in the same way that US oﬃcials demand compliance from other countries. Joining in US triumphalism on the China matter, the US Trade Representative, Michael Froman, said in a statement, "This is another important victory for United States aerospace manufacturers, and the many thousands of American workers and families they employ.” Browne observed that, more than 12 years after winning a judgment at the WTO against the US for a violation of WTO trade rules, “Antiguan and Barbudan workers and their families are yet to see the US compensate our country for the sum of US$21 million per year since 2007 that the WTO ruled is due to our country”. In this connection, Browne disclosed that Antigua and Barbuda’s ambassador to the US, Sir Ronald Sanders, who was tasked in August this year to lead discussions with the US, has been instructed to re-energise discussions with the US Trade Representative’s Oﬃce to secure Antigua and Barbuda’s entitlements, or the government will be forced to implement the terms of the WTO award against the US. The award allows Antigua and Barbuda to sell US copyrighted material without paying fees or royalties up to the sum of US$21 million per annum. The prime minister also disclosed that, in a few weeks’ time, his government will inform the WTO of the continued failure of the US to settle the matter and of the steps being contemplated to hold its trading partner to account. (Caribbean News Now!)

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

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REGIONAL FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

Auditors Examining Venezuela State Oil Company Find $11 Billion Missing National Assembly have found that more than $11 billion is missing and unaccounted for at Petróleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA), the country's state-owned petroleum agency, and have pointed fingers squarely at the agency's former head, Rafael Ramirez, the current Venezuelan ambassador to the United Nations. Ramirez has not responded to the allegations. PDVSA has been reportedly the object of massive corruption, including overpricing of purchases, and diverting the difference to corrupt Venezuelan politically exposed persons (PEPs), PDVSA managers, and oil industry officials.

By Kenneth Rijock MIAMI, USA -- Auditors working on behalf of Venezuela's

The agency has also been accused of laundering drug proﬁts, being an illegal source of US dollars, and massive cases of corruption, The agency's proﬁts, which are the property of the people of Venezuela, have disappeared, leaving it unable to service its bond issues, as they come due, and it may actually be insolvent, all due to systemic corruption. Oil revenues are the major funding source for the Venezuelan government. (Caribbean News Now!)

REGIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS CCRIF Completes US$29 Million Payouts To Member Governments Affected By Hurricane Matthew payouts to 10 member governments management and ﬁnancing strategies in PAGE 21

CCRIF CEO Isaac Anthony (L) presents a cheque for US$3,781,788 to Saint Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet. Photo: Government of Saint Lucia GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands -- On Monday, CCRIF SPC completed payments totalling US$29,204,248 to the four CCRIF member countries affected by Hurricane Matthew. These payouts were made to Haiti, Barbados, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines on their tropical cyclone and/or excess rainfall insurance policies – all within 14 days of the end of the event. On Wednesday, CCRIF CEO Isaac Anthony officially presented the payout cheque for US$3,781,788 to Saint Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet at a short ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office. Chastanet indicated that “this cheque will be going directly to strengthening and rebuilding our agriculture sector and to paying for some of the costs that we have". Anthony congratulated Saint Lucia on its commitment to securing catastrophe insurance through CCRIF and stressed that it is essential for all countries to have some form of disaster risk coverage. Since CCRIF’s inception in 2007, the facility has made a total of 21

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

totalling almost US$68 million. CCRIF members consistently indicate that these rapid payouts are an invaluable benefit of membership. Almost immediately after an event, CCRIF is able to inform countries if their policies were triggered and if so, the approximate payout amount. These infusions of cash within two weeks after an event are critical for immediate repair and recovery activities. Small farmers and other individuals in Saint Lucia also benefited from quick insurance payouts due to Tropical Cyclone Matthew. Thirty-one individuals in Saint Lucia received payouts totalling US$102,000 on their livelihood protection policies (LPPs). This microinsurance product was developed under the Climate Risk Adaptation and Insurance in the Caribbean Project implemented by the Munich Climate Insurance Initiative (MCII) in collaboration with CCRIF, MicroEnsure and Munich Re. The livelihood protection policy provides insurance coverage to low-income persons such as small farmers, day labourers, tourism workers, fisherfolk, etc. for extreme weather events such as rainfall and wind. Like CCRIF’s sovereign products, the LPP is parametric and therefore payouts can be made very quickly and all payouts were made within 14 days of Matthew’s passage through Saint Lucia. The LPP also is available in Jamaica and Grenada and MCII, CCRIF and other partners plan to expand access to other countries in the region starting early next year. The sovereign insurance purchased by CCRIF member countries is effectively complemented by microinsurance at the individual level, which supports people whose livelihoods can be affected by natural hazard events without them having to wait for help from other sources like the government. CCRIF noted that countries can employ a range of disaster risk

an attempt to enhance resilience and reduce vulnerability. These may include both risk mitigation and risk transfer strategies such as insurance. Broadening access to risk transfer has been cited as a necessary part of climate change adaptation. With respect to risk financing, two main types of strategies are usually pursued – exante and ex-post strategies. Ex-post instruments do not require advance planning and include, for example, budget reallocation after a disaster hits, tax increases and donor assistance. On the other hand, using ex-ante risk financing instruments such as CCRIF requires proactive advance planning and involves investing in national catastrophe risk management prior to a natural disaster occurring. Such strategies allow governments to reduce their budget volatility through a combination of self-retention (for example, dedicated domestic reserve funds) and risk transfer instruments (such as insurance that CCRIF provides). The use of risk transfer mechanisms can therefore be seen to be taking a proactive and comprehensive approach to disaster risk management, one that also focuses on fiscal and debt sustainability, towards safeguarding national growth prospects. (Caribbean News Now!)

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REGIONAL FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

Eastern Caribbean Works To Promote Broader Usage Of Electronic Payments BASSETERRE, St Kitts -- A recent periphery of engagement in the electronic payments conference and workshop aimed at promoting broader usage of electronic payments in the Eastern Caribbean and the possibility of reducing the usage of cash was held at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) headquarters in St Kitts on Monday. The workshop was hosted by the ECCB and VISA School of Public Policy. Prime minister and minister of finance, Dr Timothy Harris, noted that the workshop was timely and important. He congratulated the ECCB for taking the initiative to host such important discussions. “It is for us in the sub region, a time where we can be considered to be at a critical juncture and so we need to assess where we are now and where we need to position ourselves in the development of the financial services sector,” Harris said. “It is therefore important for all stakeholders to keep abreast of global developments in the financial services especially those developments related to e-money, virtual currencies and other innovations that have significant implications for the business environment in our currency union. The prime minister said that there needs to be some sort of measure to get more people involved in utilizing the financial services. “It is estimated that about two billion people around the world do not have access to basic financial service,” he said, while noting that the issue of financial inclusion was discussed during his recent meetings in Washington DC. “Part of that discussion was how do we enable and empower more people across the world to become involved in the formal systems. Luckily for us in the currency union we have a different lived reality in that our people, the large measure, are not at the

financial services sector but are very active participants in that sector.” Harris praised the ECCB for its continued efforts in ensuring that the proper systems are in place. “To date, the Central Bank as part of its mandate has managed to ensure that the appropriate systems are in place to allow for the proper management and supervision of our payments systems,” he said. “With the introduction of timely upgrades, the ECCB has successfully maintained the real time gross settlement system that supports the electronic capturing and processing of financial transactions from the point of initiation to the final settlement. This has allowed our citizens and residents to benefit from faster and more efficient processing of their business and personal transactions while using our banking system.” Harris said that financial institutions have made notable contribution to the development of the financial services sector in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). He added that important strides were made with the introduction of credit cards and online banking services. “In fact, electronic payments were successfully introduced into our financial services since the mid-1990s and are now widely used by many of our citizens and residents,” he said, while adding that stakeholders in the Federation can attest to the fact that the services have introduced more convenient and efficient payment alternatives over and above the offerings of traditional banking. “These changes have also helped to reduce transaction costs for financial institutions and hopefully for their customers. We have taken great strides over the

years to expand financial services. Generally, the financial institutions and the ECCB have met expectations in the past with the introduction of new products and services and the maintenance of a reliable and accessible payment system which have served us well. Mobile banking has taken root and is already transforming the way we conduct business on a daily basis. In some cases vast improvements are noted in comparison to the traditional banking which required a physical visit to the bank with various pieces of documents to complete a transaction," he said. Harris said that in facing the realities of the region’s current status in 2016, all stakeholders in the economic space of the region including ECCB, the regional governments and the financial institutions must realize that there is no place for complacency. He said that all involved now, have a duty to become much more proactive in building the financial architecture of the region. (Caribbean News Now!)

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REGIONAL FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

BVI Asian Trade Mission Spends Second Day In Beijing the response of oﬃcials of the CNTA to Elise Donovan By Natalia Prieto BEIJING, China -- During the second day of the BVI Asian Trade Mission’s stop in Beijing, premier and minister of ﬁnance, Dr Orlando Smith, and his delegation met with vice chairman Li Shihong and other senior members of the marketing and international cooperation departments of the China National To u r i s m A s s o c i a t i o n ( C N TA ) t o familiarise the organisation with the British Virgin Islands (BVI) as a tourism destination. As part of the meeting, the BVI delegation shared a video that showcased the territory, and they were pleased with

the territory’s scenic natural beauty. Additionally, the ﬁrst in a series of roadshows hosted by BVI Finance during the BVI Asian Trade Mission was held in Beijing. The roadshow was held under the theme “Strategies for Global Success - BVI: The International Partner of Choice” and featured a welcome in Mandarin by executive director of BVI House Asia, Elise Donovan, a keynote speech by Smith and various panel discussions on the BVI advantage. The event culminated with a networking session where the delegation was able to conduct one-on-one discussions with the audience. (Caribbean News Now!)

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REGIONAL FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

The Cuban Embargo, A Barrier To Development. trade between April 2013 and June 2014 H o w e v e r, j o i n t v e n t u r e s f o r t h e

USA embargo against Cuba

Over the last year, the relations between Cuba and the United States have been slightly normalized. Fifty three years after the detonation of the Cold War between these two countries, US President Barak Obama traveled to the capital city Habana, Cuba to materialize the normalization of the relations between the two countries. Obama is the first American President to ‘step’ in Cuba for more than 90 years. It was considered a ‘new chapter in history’. A promising step for the development of the country’s economy. Cuba was removed from the Statesponsors of Terrorism list on 2015, followed by the upgrade to Embassies of the Interest Offices in both countries. This marked the official end of decades of hostilities. Small steps are being taken from both sides to accelerate stable economic relations between the two countries. But, there is a major barrier, the ‘Embargo’. The Embargo, in Cuba called the ‘The blockade’ is the partial or complete prohibition of commerce and trade with a particular country or a group of countries; in this case Cuba. The ‘blockade’ was imposed on the island on October 19, 1960 by former US President, John F. Kennedy. It was later extended to restrict almost all imports on the island, on February 1962. It was considered one of the cruelest ramifications of the Cold War. The economy of the island has been, since then, threaten to the point of a collapse. The Cuban government has been forced to ‘adapt’, implementing ingenious measures to keep the nation’s economy afloat. The support of the extinct Soviet Union for three decades was the key to survival, then the solidification of bilateral relations with Venezuela and China in the late 90s helped to keep the island on the qualification of ‘developing country’. But Cuba struggles with an omnipotent monster. According to statistics, Cuba has lost around $1.1 trillion since Washington imposed the sanctions in 1960, taking into account the depreciation of the dollar against gold. The damage to Cuban foreign

amounted to $3.9 billion, the report said. Without the embargo, Cuba could have earned $205.8 million selling products. The Cuban government estimates the loss in the national economy around $685 million annually. Adding to this figure is the fact that Cuba cannot export or import products to the United States freely; use the US dollar in its international financial transactions; or have access to bank loans in the United Sates or any of its affiliates in third countries or international financial institutions. Cuba’s condition of ‘developing country’ rests entirely on foreign trades, technology, foreign capital, loans, investments and the international solidarity. Since the normalization process between Cuba and the USA started to be implemented in the island on 2014, a set of changes have been seen. Bilateral arrangements have been implemented, migratory policies have been discussed, memorandums establishing cooperative relations have been singed but the embargo remains. The US President issued a presidential policy directive this October 14th, in which a set of measures to help consolidate the bilateral relationships between the two countries were to be implemented. This one includes the authorization of the import, promotion, sale and distribution of Cuban pharmaceutical products approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. Likewise, the green light was given for the development of joint medical research projects, for commercial and noncommercial purposes, between people and institutions of both countries, as well as the opening of bank accounts in Cuba by persons and entities linked with these activities.

development and marketing of products in this industry are still banned. Another measure adopted was the elimination of the import limit of up to $400 of Cuban goods acquired either on the island or in third countries for personal use placed on U.S. citizens. However, Cuba remains unable to sell these products in the U.S. market. According to the Cuban Newspaper. Granma, the Cuban Government has expressed their commitment to continue solidifying this relations, but has stressed on the need to implement radical measures by the USA government in order to improve Cuba’s economy. Changes to be implemented · Allow Cuba to open travel information oﬃces in the United States. · Authorize exports to Cuba of U.S. products for essential sectors of the island’s economy, such as mining, tourism, biotechnology, and oil, among others. · Authorize imports of Cuban products to the U.S, beyond those produced by the non-state sector. 4- Authorize imports to the U.S. of goods manufactured or containing products grown, produced or made by Cuban state entities (nickel, sugar, tobacco, rum and others). To date, only biopharmaceutical products are permitted.

Continued on next page...

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The Cuban Embargo, A Barrier To Development. (Cont’d) · Allow exports to Cuba of medical supplies and equipment which can be used in the production of biotechnological products on the island. · Allow broader forms of collaboration for the development, marketing and supply of Cuban medicines and biomedical products, such as direct investment by U.S. companies and joint ventures. · Authorize the sale of the raw materials Cuba requires to produce medicines for the country’s population and those of other developing nations. · Authorize U.S. companies to sell Cuban medical treatments in the U.S. · Allow U.S. citizens to receive and pay for medical treatment in Cuba.

· Allow Cuban entities to open bank accounts in the U.S.

hydrocarbons located in Cuba’s Exclusive Economic Zone (ZEE).

· Instruct U.S. representatives in international ﬁnancial institutions not to block the granting of credits and other ﬁnancial facilities to Cuba.

· Authorize foreign companies to use oﬀ-shore oil exploration and extraction platforms, which have more than 25% U.S. made components.

· Allow U.S. citizens and companies to make investments in Cuba, beyond those approved within the telecommunications sector.

In order for the U.S. government to promote policies to help Cubans, it is imperative that it remove blockade restrictions to contribute to decisively dismantling this unjust policy. The economic, commercial and ﬁnancial blockade imposed on Cuba for more than 50 years is a ﬂagrant, massive and systematic violation of human rights.

· Authorize U.S. subsidiaries unrelated to the import and export of goods to Cuba (the latter prohibited under the Torricelli Act) to do business with Cuba, such as providing services. · Authorize U.S. companies to carry out all transactions and exports related to the exploration and extraction of

S o u r c e : http://www.granma.cu/mundo/2016-1020/medidas-en-el-camino-correcto-pero...

INTERNATIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Ceta: EU 'Not Capable' Of Signing Canada Deal, Freeland Says PAGE 29

A trade deal between the EU and Canada is on the brink of collapse after talks between Canada and a Belgian region broke down on Friday. Canada's Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland left the talks in Brussels, saying the EU was "not capable" of signing a trade deal even with Canada. Talks on the deal began in 2009. Belgium, the only country blocking agreement, needed consent from the regional parliament of Wallonia. The deal was to be signed next week. Speaking outside the seat of the Walloon government, Ms Freeland told reporters: "It seems evident for me and for Canada that the European Union is not now capable of having an international accord even with a country that has values as European as Canada." She added: ``Canada is disappointed, but I think it is impossible.'' It was unclear whether the EU would keep negotiating with Wallonia in coming days to solve the impasse. The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, or Ceta, is expected to boost bilateral trade. But Wallonia - with just 3.6m people - sees the accord as a threat to farmers and welfare standards. The region has a strong socialist tradition. Its fears echo those of antiglobalisation activists, who say Ceta and deals like it give too much power to multinationals - power even to intimidate governments. There have also been big demonstrations in several EU countries against Ceta and the TTIP trade talks with the US. At a glance: Ceta Negotiations began in 2009 and ended in August 2014 The deal aims to eliminate 98% of tariďŹ&#x20AC;s between Canada and EU It includes new courts for investors,

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

harmonised regulations, sustainable development clauses and access to public sector tenders The deal is opposed by various groups, including environmental activists, trade unionists and Austrian Socialists. Despite this, the European Commission, in charge of the EU's negotiations, has refused to unpick the text which was agreed with Canada in 2014. Some EU leaders, including European Council President Donald Tusk, have voiced frustration that French-speaking Wallonia is delaying a deal that took seven years to negotiate. (BBC)

European nations were still hoping to sign a deal(AFP)

INTERNATIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Syria Conﬂict: Aleppo A Slaughterhouse, UN Rights Chief Says PAGE 30

UN human rights chief Zeid Raad Al Hussein has described the Syrian city of Aleppo as a "slaughterhouse". In a speech, he said the siege and bombardment of Aleppo's rebel-held east were among the "crimes of historic proportions" being committed in Syria. Almost 500 people have been killed and 2,000 injured since government forces, backed by Russian air strikes, launched an assault on the east a month ago. Syria's government has said civilians are suffering because of "terrorists". Meanwhile, the UN said a lack of security guarantees had forced it to delay plans to carry out medical evacuations from Aleppo on Friday during the second 11-hour "humanitarian pause" declared unilaterally by the government and its ally, Russia. Russia has said it will also suspend air strikes between 08:00 and 19:00 local time (05:0016:00 GMT) on Saturday to allow civilians and rebels to leave the city via safe corridors. However, very few people have reportedly taken advantage of the offer, with rebel factions asserting that it would amount to forced displacement and surrender. Aleppo, once Syria's largest city and the country's commercial and industrial hub, has been devastated by fighting since 2012. It has been left divided roughly in two, with President Bashar al-Assad's forces controlling the west and rebels the east. At the start of September, troops and Iranian-backed militiamen severed the rebels' last route into the east and placed its 275,000 residents under siege. Two weeks later, following the collapse of a nationwide truce brokered by the US and Russia, the government launched a ground offensive to take full control of the city, accompanied by an aerial bombardment of unprecedented scale and intensity. At an emergency session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday, Mr Zeid warned that "crimes of historic proportions" were being committed in eastern Aleppo and elsewhere in Syria. "The ancient city of Aleppo, a place of millennial civility and beauty, is today a slaughterhouse - a gruesome locus of pain and fear, where the lifeless bodies of small children are trapped under streets of rubble and pregnant women deliberately bombed," he said. Mr Zeid added that his staff had "documented violations of international humanitarian law by all

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

parties in Aleppo". "Armed opposition groups continue to ﬁre mortars and other projectiles into civilian neighbourhoods of western Aleppo, but indiscriminate air strikes across the eastern part of the city by government forces and their allies are responsible for the overwhelming majority of civilian casualties. "These violations constitute war crimes. And if knowingly committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against civilians, they c o n s t i t u t e c r i m e s a g a i n s t h u m a n i t y. " T h e commissioner said the failure of the international community - particularly the UN Security Council - to protect civilians and halt the bloodshed "should haunt everyone of us". Syria's permanent representative to the UN, Hussam al-Din Ala, made a visibly angry statement afterwards, insisting that the Syrian government was waging a battle against terrorism. Later, the charity Save the Children warned that aid workers and medical professionals in eastern Aleppo were reporting the widespread use of cluster bombs, which are banned under international law. It cited the Violations Documentation Centre, an activist-run site, as recording 137 cluster-bomb attacks in Aleppo between 10 September and 10 October - a 791% increase on the average of the previous eight months. (BBC)

Almost 500 people have been killed in rebel-held eastern Aleppo in the past month, the UN says(REUTERS)

INTERNATIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Pakistan Court Says Schizophrenia 'Not Mental Disorder’ PAGE 32

The Supreme Court in Pakistan has ruled that schizophrenia is not a mental illness, paving the way for the execution of a paranoid schizophrenic man convicted of murder. Imdad Ali was declared clinically insane after killing a cleric in 2002. Safia Bano, Mr Ali's wife, had appealed against her husband's conviction on the grounds that he was insane. But the court rejected the appeal on Friday, saying schizophrenia was "not a permanent mental disorder". A copy of the court verdict, obtained by the local Express Tribune said: "The prognosis has been improved with drugs, by vigorous psychological and social managements, and rehabilitation. "It [schizophrenia] is, therefore, a recoverable disease, which in all the cases, does not fall with the definition of 'mental disorder'." Mr Ali's lawyers say he does not understand crime or punishment, and his doctors say he is delusional, hears voices in his head, and suffers from a persecution complex. The United Nations says it would be a violation of international law to execute Imdad Ali. The American Psychological Association defines schizophrenia as "a serious mental illness characterised by incoherent or illogical thoughts, bizarre behaviour and speech, and

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

delusions or hallucinations, such as hearing voices". In 2015, Pakistan ended a a seven-year death penalty suspension. The ruling means Mr Ali could be hanged as early as next week. (BBC)

Saﬁa Bano has pleaded for mercy for her husband(AP)

INTERNATIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Mosul Battle: IS Launches Iraq Counter-Attack At Kirkuk PAGE 33

Islamic State (IS) militants have mounted a ferocious counter-attack in north Iraq, killing at least 19 people in and around the city of Kirkuk. They attacked government buildings, killing at least six police officers, and a power station under construction, where 13 employees died, officials say. Twelve IS fighters also reportedly died and fighting seems to be continuing. Government and Kurdish forces began a long-awaited operation against the IS capital in Iraq, Mosul, on Monday. Mosul lies 170km (105 miles) to the north-west of Kirkuk, a multi-ethnic city claimed both by Iraq's central government and the Kurds. The BBC's Richard Galpin, in northern Iraq, said IS had attempted an "audacious" counter-attack on Kirkuk that had tried to show it was still a force to be reckoned with. The attack was "clearly aimed at diverting the Iraqi army" from Mosul, he said. Hours after the initial assault, witnesses in Kirkuk said gunfire could still be heard and militants were walking openly through the streets. A state of emergency was declared and Friday sermons were cancelled as mosques remain closed. A news agency affiliated to IS said fighters had broken into Kirkuk's city hall and seized a central hotel but officials denied this. District police chief Brig Gen Sarhad Qadir told the BBC suicide bombers and other IS fighters had attacked three police buildings and the headquarters of a political party in Kirkuk. "All of the militants who attacked the police emergency building and the old building of the Kirkuk police directorate have been killed but a number of other militants are still in Dumez district," he said. The governor of Kirkuk, Najm al-Din Karim, insisted that Kurdish Peshmerga fighters and counter-terrorism forces were completely in control of the situation. He blamed the attack on IS sleeper cells. "Because of the ongoing Mosul offensive, they may want to create a situation where forces would be withdrawn from there and the focus shifted to Kirkuk," Mr Karim

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told Kurdish news agency Rudaw. "Also because they are being defeated in Mosul, they want to boost their morale with these kinds of actions." Five Iranian employees are believed to be among the dead in the attack on the power plant to the north of Kirkuk, Iraq's electricity ministry said. Seven other employees and ﬁve police guards were wounded. The power plant, which is still under construction, is being built by an Iranian company. Associated Press reported that the IS ﬁghters had asked to be taken to the Iranian workers before killing them. Government forces said on Friday they had regained control of a further two villages - al-Awaizat and Nanaha south of Mosul, killing 15 IS militants and forcing 65 families to evacuate their homes. On Friday, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein said the organisation had received reports of IS using people living near Mosul as human shields. There were also reports the group had "shot dead civilians who have tried to rise up against them or who they suspect are disloyal", he added. (BBC)

Kurdish forces joined Iraqi government forces in the operation against the attack in Kirkuk(REUTERS)

INTERNATIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Russian Warships Pass Through English Channel PAGE 35

A flotilla of Russian warships is passing through the English Channel en route to Syria. Two British naval ships are shadowing the vessels. The Ministry of Defence said they would be "manmarked every step of the way" while near UK waters. A Russian tug, believed to be in convoy with the taskforce, entered the channel first off the coast near Ramsgate. EU leaders have strongly condemned Russia's involvement in bombing the Syrian city of Aleppo. The ships are within international waters but Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said the UK would "be watching as part of our steadfast commitment to keep Britain safe". The UK's Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan, escorted by the Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond, sailed from Portsmouth on Tuesday to track the Kuznetsov group as it headed south from the Norwegian Sea. The aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov and other Russian naval vessels are believed to be heading to the eastern Mediterranean. It is the only carrier in the Russian navy and can carry more than 50 aircraft. Its weapons systems include granit anti-ship cruise missiles. Why such a large-scale deployment? One Russian newspaper this week described the Russian warships heading to the Mediterranean as an "armada". But why such a large-scale deployment? And why is Moscow sending its only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, to the region? Friday's Komsomolskaya Pravda makes it clear: "This is no tourist trip to the Med. It will strengthen Russia's current naval presence off the Syrian coast and provide air cover. The aircraft carrier planes and on-board weapons may also be used for strikes against terrorists." But this is not just about boosting Russian firepower in Syria. If that was the case, it would be easier for Moscow to deploy more bombers to its airbase in Syria near Latakia. Sending a large Russian flotilla through the North Sea and the English Channel sends a clear message to the West: anything you can do, we

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

can do just as well - or even better. Russia wants to be seen as a global player, a major military power. And it wants to be respected or feared (or both) by the West. Russia already has about 10 ships off Syria, which have fired cruise missiles during Russia's bombardment of what it says are antigovernment rebels in Syria. The deployment comes as a "humanitarian pause" in attacks on rebel-held eastern Aleppo in Syria begins. The temporary truce is part of a plan to allow civilians and fighters to leave, and Russian and Syrian air strikes have been halted since Tuesday. Prime Minister Theresa May urged European leaders to send a "robust united message" to Moscow over its bombing campaign. At a Brussels summit on Thursday, Mrs May told her counterparts the current assault on Aleppo was "particularly horrific" and Russia's actions had "undermined the West's efforts" to provide a political settlement, Downing Street sources said. Although the EU imposed sanctions on Russia following the conflict in eastern Ukraine, it has so far failed to act over Moscow's military intervention in Syria. (BBC)

Russian warships passing through the English Channel

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 36

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

South Africa To Withdraw From War Crimes Court South Africa has formally begun the process of withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC), notifying the UN of its decision. South Africa did not want to execute ICC arrest warrants which would lead to "regime change", a minister said. Last year, a South African court criticised the government for refusing to arrest Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir. He is wanted by the ICC on charges of genocide and war crimes. Mr Bashir was attending an African Union summit in Johannesburg, when the government ignored an ICC request to arrest him. He denies allegations that he committed atrocities in Sudan's troubled western Darfur region. Several media outlets say they have obtained a copy of the "Instrument of Withdrawal", signed by South Africa's foreign minister. "The Republic of South Africa has found that its obligations with respect to the peaceful resolution of conflicts at times are incompatible with the interpretation given by the International Criminal Court," the document says. Runaway train' Justice Minister Michael Masutha said at a press conference that the government would table legislation in parliament to withdraw South Africa from the ICC. The Rome Statute, under which the ICC was set up, required the arrest of heads of state for whom a warrant was issued. The consequence of this would be "regime change" and the statute was incompatible with South African legislation which gave heads of state diplomatic immunity, he added. The ICC has a notoriously fractious relationship with the African continent. Despite 34 African nations voluntarily signing up to the court's jurisdiction - in recent years a handful of governments have decided their idea of international justice is incompatible with that set out in the Rome Statute. When the Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta was charged with crimes against humanity, the African Union argued that heads of state should be entitled to immunity for the duration of their term in office, a direct contravention of the ICC's raison d'etre to hold the most powerful to account. The trial against Mr Kenyatta later collapsed because of a lack of evidence. There were almost farcical scenes when the Sudanese president attended a summit in Johannesburg at the invitation of the African Union, then disappeared during dinner after resounding calls from human rights groups for South Africa to uphold its obligation as a member of the ICC to detain him in line with the outstanding arrest warrant. It seems this divided loyalty between the competing demands of AU and ICC has driven South Africa to initiate the process of pulling out. Nine out of 10 of the ICC's current investigations are in Africa - leading to allegations of bias against African countries. So is this the beginning of the end of the world's first permanent war crimes court? The answer will partly depend on whether this withdrawal generates a domino effect. Human Rights Watch has criticised South Africa's decision. "South Africa's proposed withdrawal from the International Criminal Court shows startling disregard for justice from a country long seen as a global leader on

accountability for victims of the gravest crimes," said Dewa Mavhinga, the NGO's Africa division senior researcher. "It's important both for South Africa and the region that this runaway train be slowed down and South Africa's hard-won legacy of standing with victims of mass atrocities be restored," Mr Mavhinga said. Mr Masutha said the government had also decided to drop its appeal against a ruling of South Africa's High Court, that it had violated its international obligations by failing to arrest Mr Bashir. The appeal was due to have been heard next month. The move to leave comes a week after the South African President Jacob Zuma visited Kenya, a country that has been highly critical of the ICC ever since the prosecutor charged its President Uhuru Kenyatta with crimes against humanity. He denied the charges, and the trial later collapsed beceause of a lack of evidence. The ICC and global justice: Came into force in 2002 The Rome Statute that set it up has been ratified by 123 countries, but the US is a notable absence It aims to prosecute and bring to justice those responsible for the worst crimes - genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes In the court's 14-year history it has only brought charges against Africans. Two weeks ago Burundi said it would pull out of the ICC - a decision described by the court as "a setback in the fight against impunity". MPs backed the decision and its president signed the measure into law on Tuesday. Last year, Namibia also said it planned to withdraw from the ICC, describing the court as an an "abomination" which wanted to "dictate" to Africans on how they should be governed. Previously, the African Union has urged member states not to co-operate with the ICC, accusing it of being racially biased against Africa by failing to prosecute suspected war criminals from other parts of the world. The ICC denies the allegation, saying it pursues justice on behalf of Africans who are victims of atrocities. The 124-member ICC opened in 2002. It is the first legal body with permanent international jurisdiction to prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. (BBC)

Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir was in South Africa for a meeting of African leaders in 2015(AFP/GETTY IMAGES)

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INTERNATIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Theresa May 'Optimistic' She Can Get Right Brexit Deal For UK PAGE 38

Theresa May has predicted "difficult moments" ahead in Brexit negotiations but said she is optimistic she can get a deal "that is right for the UK". Speaking at a summit in Brussels, she said she felt it could be achieved, despite the continuing deadlock over a landmark EU-Canada trade deal . Mrs May said she had played an active role in discussions and was not "backwards in coming forwards". It is her first EU summit since she became PM following the Brexit vote. At a news conference before meeting European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker for a working lunch, Mrs May said Britain would be "a confident, outward-looking country". 'Mature relationship' She said she aimed to "cement Britain as a close partner of the EU once we have left", with the country able to control its immigration but trade freely with the EU. She said she would seek a "mature cooperative relationship" with the EU. "I recognise the scale of the challenge ahead. I am sure there will be difficult moments - it will require some give and take. "But I firmly believe that if we approach this in a constructive spirit, as I am, then we can deliver a smooth departure and build a powerful new relationship that works both for the UK and for the countries of the EU, looking for opportunities, not problems." Asked whether the difficulties over Ceta - an EU-Canada trade deal that has stalled because one Belgian region has objected - might affect a UK post-Brexit deal, Mrs May said she was "not looking to adopt a model that another country has" but was seeking a new relationship with the European Union. "Obviously we have got negotiations ahead... those negotiations will take time, as I say, there will be some difficult moments, it will need some give and take but I'm optimistic that we can achieve a deal that is right for the UK because I actually think the deal that is right for the UK will also be right for the European Union." The prime minister arrived for the two-day summit on Thursday. She was given a few minutes at the end of a working dinner on Thursday to talk about the latest Brexit news - which was reportedly met with silence by other EU leaders. BBC correspondent Damian Grammaticas said Mrs May had received a "pretty good reception" and other EU leaders had been "pretty complimentary" about her but she had only had five minutes to talk about Brexit at 1am - the UK's departure from the EU is not on the main agenda at the summit. Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron accused the prime minister of a "haphazard" approach to Brexit in her own cabinet, adding: "It's not surprising she is struggling to

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

convince other European leaders that this will be anything like the 'smooth withdrawal' her office is briefing. "Instead of putting the views of a minority of hardline Tory Brexiteers first, our prime minister should be doing what's right for the British people. This means remaining in the single market, maintaining cross-border security and ensuring that Brexit leaves nobody worse off." 'Immigration debate' Meanwhile the man seen as frontrunner to replace French President Francois Hollande, Alain Juppe, has said he would revoke a treaty that allows UK border officials to check passports in Calais - known as Le Touquet - should he be elected president next year. The former French PM blamed the 2003 agreement for the creation of the "Jungle" encampment and said: "We cannot accept making the selection on French territory of people that Britain does or doesn't want. It's up to Britain to do that job." He added: "A debate must be opened and a new accord obtained with Britain." Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is also in Brussels, where he held talks on the sidelines of the European Council with politicians including Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka and Party of European Socialists president Sergei Stanishev. He invited socialist EU politicians to London for a meeting in February about Brexit. Formal exit negotiations will not begin until Mrs May triggers Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, something she has said will be done by the end of March 2017. This means Brexit, backed in a UK-wide referendum in June, is likely to take effect by the summer of 2019. (BBC)

Mrs May said she had not been "backwards in coming forwards" at the summit(REUTERS)

INTERNATIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Millions Of Indian Debit Cards 'Compromised' In Security Breach PAGE 39

A number of major Indian banks are taking safety measures amid fears that the security of more than 3.2 million debit cards has been compromised. Some of the affected banks have been asking their customers to change security codes. They are also blocking and replacing debit cards. The breach is thought to have been caused by malware on an ATM network. Some customers are complaining that large sums of money have been taken from their accounts. Indian banks have issued nearly 700 million debit cards. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which controls all retail payments systems in India, confirmed in a statement that there was a "possible compromise at one of the payment switch provider's systems". A security breach of this scale is likely to create a lot of negative sentiment among bank customers. While the government is now investigating the incident and most people don't expect a big monetary impact, the reputation damage will be large. Already, Indians are suspicious of electronic payments and the country is largely a cash economy. Most people use cash for most purchases - whether it's buying vegetables from the street vendor or buying gold jewellery in high end store. According to a study by Visa, only 10 digital transactions per capita are carried out in India compared to 163 in Brazil or 429 in Sweden. This poses a huge financial burden on the economy and banks have been trying hard to wean Indians from cash. But they haven't been very successful. Indian banks had issued 697 million debit cards as of July this year - a small number compared to many other countries. But while the government has been trying to sell cards as a risk free method of payment compared to using physical money, not many are convinced that banks are taking enough cyber security measures. Indian banks have reported close to 12,000 frauds related to credit and debit cards and net banking in 2015, the government told the Upper House of the parliament earlier this year. All Indian Banks have cyber security protocols comparable to their international peers says Mohit Bahl, Head, Forensic Services at KPMG India. "But they are not as robust in constantly monitoring and updating their security measures. This breach could have happened

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

in anywhere in the world. Banking and financial services sector is particularly vulnerable.'' "All affected banks have been alerted by card networks that a total card base of about 3.2 million could have been possibly compromised," the NCPI statement said. It added that a total of 13m rupees ($194,612;£159,031) have been withdrawn, mainly in China and the US, through fraudulent transactions so far, affecting 19 banks and 641 customers. The NPCI has urged customers "not to panic" because "corrective actions already have been taken". "The advisory issued by NPCI to banks for re-cardification [reissuing of new cards] is more a preventive exercise," it said. Payment platforms like Visa, Mastercard and RuPay said their own networks were not affected but they were helping Indian authorities in their investigation. Several banks have also confirmed that they were taking measures to avoid fraudulent transactions. The State Bank of India (SBI), the country's top lender, said it had found about 620,000 of its more than 200 million cards were "vulnerable". But Mrutyunjay Mahapatra, a deputy managing director at SBI, told the Reuters news agency that he did not expect any significant financial loss to take place. Standard Chartered, Yes Bank, HDFC, ICICI and Axis bank have also taken similar "precautionary measures". (BBC)

Indian banks have issued nearly 700 million debit cards(GETTY IMAGES)

INTERNATIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS US Election: Clinton And Trump Trade Barbs At Al Smith Dinner White House rivals Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have when, in an attempt to mock Mr Trump's calls for a ban on Muslim PAGE 41

poked fun at each other at a charity dinner, a day after their bitter duel on the debate stage. She laughed as Mr Trump joked about her well-paid speeches and the FBI investigation into her private email. But the Republican was booed when he joked that his Democratic opponent hated Roman Catholics. Opinion polls suggest Mrs Clinton's lead over Mr Trump has narrowed, less than three weeks before the election. Just four percentage points now separate the candidates, according to the BBC's poll tracker. Americans vote on 8 November to elect a successor to President Barack Obama, a Democrat, as well as members of Congress, currently dominated by the Republicans. The annual Alfred E Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York is a white-tie gala that every four years features the presidential candidates. There is a tradition that the rivals stand up and make jokes about each other but this year it comes after one of the most rancorous campaigns in memory. On Wednesday night in Las Vegas at their final debate, Mr Trump called his Democratic rival a "nasty woman" and they both interrupted each other throughout. They refused to shake hands before or after. But at the New York event, they briefly put their differences aside and sat just one seat apart, with Cardinal Timothy Dolan between them. They did not shake hands or make eye contact but when Mr Trump stood up to speak, he gave her a friendly double-pat on her shoulder. He joked that this crowd - of about 1,500 people - was her biggest audience yet and, in a dig at her Wall St connections, he said it would be unusual for her to be with so many corporate leaders and not get paid. But when he said she was so corrupt she got booted off the Watergate commission, boos rang out. And they resurfaced when, in a reference to emails hacked within her campaign team, he said she was "pretending not to hate Catholics". It was one of the few occasions when the smile left Mrs Clinton's face. Perhaps his best line was when he referred in jest to his wife Melania's plagiarised speech in July, which borrowed from First Lady Michelle Obama. Some of her jokes... "I've had to listen to Donald Trump for three full debates… I have now stood next to Donald Trump longer than any of his campaign managers." "After listening to your speech, I will enjoy hearing [his running mate] Mike Pence deny that you ever gave it." "I'm so flattered Donald thought I used some kind of performance enhancer [before the debate]. I did. It's called preparation." "He [Mr Trump] actually sent a car for me tonight. Actually, it was a hearse." And his... "Last night, I called Hillary a nasty woman, but this stuff is all relative. After listening to Hillary rattle on and on and on, I don't think so badly of Rosie O'Donnell anymore." "Now I'm told Hillary went to confession before tonight's event, but the priest was having a hard time when he asked her about her sins, and she said she couldn't remember 39 times." Then Mrs Clinton stood up and had her chance. "We'll either have the first female president or the first president who started a Twitter war with Cher," she said. Instead of seeing the Statue of Liberty being a beacon of hope, Mr Trump rates her looks as a "four" or "maybe a five" if she loses the torch and tablet, and changes her hair, Mrs Clinton joked. She drew fewer laughs

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

immigration, she referred to the current president as a Muslim. Mr Obama is a Christian but conspiracy theorists have sought to portray him as a secret follower of Islam because of his father's religion at birth. Conjuring up a Trump White House, Mrs Clinton imagined a reunion of former presidents involving Mr Obama and asked, "How is Barack going to get past the Muslim ban?" Both candidates were reading from notes but Mrs Clinton poked fun at a recent incident when Mr Trump's teleprompter broke down at a rally in North Carolina. Having described Mr Trump as the puppet of Russian President Vladimir Putin during Wednesday's presidential debate, she suggested he had had trouble using his teleprompter because he was "translating from the original Russian". Guess who came to dinner: US media reaction New York Times: "Breaking with decades of tradition at the gathering once he took the microphone, Mr. Trump set off on a blistering, grievance-filled performance that translated poorly to the staid setting, stunning many of the well-heeled guests..." Fox News: "Some of Trump's attack lines showed a sense of humor. Clinton was the first one to laugh when Trump joked that she had bumped into him earlier in the night "and she very simply said `Pardon me"' -- an unsubtle reference to the Republican nominee's frequent declarations that his opponent should go to jail..." LA Times: At times, the crowd was outright booing and hissing at Trump as the Republican presidential nominee delivered lines that sounded more like angry campaign rants than humor... Not all of Clinton's jokes landed either, but she did not get as rough of a time from the crowd or use quite as sharp a knife as Trump wielded." The Daily Beast: "The night progressed as Trump himself strove to be humorous, remaining enough of a truly nasty man to inspire more boos... Clinton had her turn and was tough enough and good enough that you were almost glad Trump had been invited." (BBC)

They called a truce although some of the jokes were close to the bone(AFP)

INTERNATIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Slow Lorises Being Sold On Facebook Rescued In West Java PAGE 42

Indonesian police have rescued 34 slow lorises destined to be sold as pets on Facebook. The officers discovered the criticallyendangered species crammed into cages in West Java. The world's only venomous primate has become popular in recent years thanks to a proliferation of YouTube videos portraying them as cute and cuddly. But the rising demand for slow lorises as pets is pushing the species to the brink of extinction. Hunters sell the lorises to dealers for £3 ($3.66), while traffickers can get as much as £31 ($37.90) each, said Diki Budiman, assistant director of the police unit dealing with the case in West Java. Teeth cutting Captivity alone is traumatic for each loris - just being in a brightly lit room is painful for the nocturnal creature. Animal traffickers go further, cutting their teeth with pliers, wire cutters or clippers to make them easier and safer to handle. The painful procedure can be fatal. If they survive, more than half will die during transport. "It is a bit difficult to say how many die exactly, but we estimate it probably is about 80%," Christine Rattel, of International Animal Rescue, who are now caring for the lorises, told the BBC. "They can die from stress alone." Under Indonesian law, hunting, capturing or keeping slow lorises as pets is strictly forbidden. But the reality is that slow lorises are sold openly in the markets of Indonesia, and now Facebook makes it easy for traders to set up business. On this occasion, Indonesian police managed to arrest five people -

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

two alleged hunters and three dealers - before the lorises had even gone on sale. Because of their swift actions, the animals got away relatively unscathed, with only one having its teeth cut. International Animal Rescue later discovered six were pregnant. More worryingly, at least five had air rifle bullet wounds, with one of the pregnant females losing her sight in one eye. "The good thing in this particular case is that they had been hunted just before," said Ms Rattel. "They have not been long in captivity, and we will probably be able to release them fairly soon. "We just need to find somewhere to return them to the wild." (BBC)

The slow loris is the world's only venomous primate(INTERNATIONAL ANIMAL RESCUE)

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INTERNATIONAL PAGE 44

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

Princess Diana's Stepmother Raine Spencer Dies At 87 Raine Spencer, stepmother of Diana, Princess of Wales, has died at 87 after a short illness, her family has announced. Countess Spencer died on Friday morning at her London home, her son William Legge, the Earl of Dartmouth and a UKIP MEP, confirmed. Her marriage to Diana's father Earl Spencer from 1976 to 1992 was the second of three in her life. She was the daughter of romance novelist Dame Barbara Cartland. In her early life, she served as a Westminster city councillor from 1954 to 1965. Her first marriage was to the Earl of Dartmouth and lasted from 1948 to 1976. Following the death of Earl Spencer, her second husband, she married Count Jean-Francois de Chambrun in 1993, but the marriage only lasted three years. When she married Earl Spencer and moved into the ancestral home at Althorp, Northamptonshire, she became stepmother to sixyear-old Diana and three-year-old Charles, who now holds his father's title. 'Diana's best friend' Ingrid Seward, friend of the countess and editorin-chief of Majesty magazine, told the BBC: "When she first married Spencer, they [his children] loathed her. And they made her life extremely difficult. "They used to call her 'acid Raine'. Now I don't know which of the children invented that one but Raine was very stoic and she put up with it all. "And when Earl Spencer became ill she virtually did save his life. She was at his bedside the entire time and I think Diana suddenly saw that this stepmother wasn't as bad as she had imagined. "And then later in Diana's life almost at the end of her life, suddenly Raine Spencer was Diana's best friend." She said Countess Spencer was a "very intelligent, witty woman". "She had that wonderful energy, she could get anything done, which is why I think Spencer fell in love with her," she said. Ms Seward said that after the death of Earl Spencer, Countess Spencer went to work in department store Harrods. "She ran the shop floor, she worked everywhere and then she ended up in

men's ties," she said. "But then she worked for the international side of Harrods. She spoke ﬂuent French she was very bright, she was charming, so she was the perfect ambassador for Harrods." Inquest appearance For many years, Countess Spencer was also on the board of directors at Harrods. But at the 2007 inquest into Diana's death she said: "I never went shopping in Harrods. It was my husband who practically lived there." In that appearance at the inquest she talked about her relationship she had enjoyed with Diana in the years before her death in 1997. "She always said I had no hidden agenda," she said in her evidence. "So many people, because she was so popular and so world famous, wanted something out of her. It was a very draining life." Speaking at the inquest about press intrusion into Diana's life, she said: "I suppose this happens with pop stars and celebrities and people who call themselves celebrities nowadays." Countess Spencer and Diana were pictured talking in June 1997, just 13 weeks before the death of the Princess of Wales, when the countess was invited to a private viewing of Diana's dresses that were being auctioned by Christie's. (BBC)

Countess Spencer was pictured with her stepdaughter Diana, Princess of Wales, in London just 13 weeks before the death of the princess.(GETTY IMAGES)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 45

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

A Day Like Today of 116 children. The body of the deputy head teacher was found

A day like today 1966, an avalanche of mud and rocks buried a school in the town of Aberfan, South of Wales, killing 116 children and 28 adults. It is Britain’s worst landslide disaster to date. Aberfan is a small mining village in the Taﬀ River Valley, Wales. This an area was known to be an economic powerhouse by coal mining, with the Merthyr Vale Mine as its main economic resource. The Pant Glas Junior School, a small farm and several houses were located below a hill where the mine used to dump its waste. At the Merthyr Vale mine, 36 tons of ash, coal waste and sludge were produced daily. This was piled up in what was known as a ‘tip’. The largest Merthyr Vale tip was nearly 700 feet high at the time of the incident. During the days leading up to October 21st, there were heavy rains in the area. On the day of the disaster, workers of the mine noticed that tip had started to slide. Unfortunately they did not have a telephone, so were unable to report the problems quickly, they resolved to move the crane back from the edge of the slide and cut the overhanging rain. At about 9 a.m., mine workers heard a loud noise. Upon inspecting they found that the tip had crashed down the hillside onto the farm, the school and eight homes. 150 tons of coal and waste smothered the entire village. The mud was measured at 45 feet deep outside the school and much of the school was buried. There were about 250 people in the school when the avalanche hit and more than half were initially missing. Expectedly, many of those who were pulled from the rubble came out with severe injuries and lifelong scars. Parents and rescue workers immediately began to dig through the debris to reach those trapped below the debris. The last survivor to be pulled clear was out within the ﬁrst two hours. The next six days of digging brought out only dead bodies, including those

The Aberfan Disaster1966

with the bodies of ﬁve children in his arms. Another ﬁve months of investigation and the deposition of more than 100 witnesses, it was determined that the tip had blocked the natural course of water down the hill. As the water was soaked into the tip, pressure built up inside until it cracked, with devastating results. Today the site of the disaster has been turned into a park. A yearly memorial is served in honor to the victims on the site of the disaster, while the entire country observes a minute of s i l e n c e . S o u r c e : http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/10/21/aberfanminutes-silence-on-50...

The Aberfan Disaster1966

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

DIY GARLAND

HOROSCOPE PAGE 48

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

Daily Horoscope

Source: www.starlightastrology.com

Abrupt changes concerning your professional position are evident. You can make ﬁnancial gains if you are prepared to take a risk. Try to think things through.

Disharmony in your relationship may cause minor ailments. Social activity should be on your agenda today. You will not be able to trust someone you work with.

Your interest in helping others may take you back to school. You are best to tuck your money away where no one will be able to touch it, including yourself. You may want to sign up for lectures or courses that will bring you mental stimulation.

Your mate may want to pick a ﬁght but if you're persistent with your affections their anger should dissipate. It's hard to stay mad if the object of the anger refuses to react. Try not to be so demonstrative.

Don't reveal any personal details. A new relationship can be yours if you get out with friends. You may ﬁnd that your emotional partner will not be too eager to accommodate you.

You could ﬁnd yourself having problems with coworkers and employers. Social events held in your home will be successful and entertaining for all. You'll have problems with authority ﬁgures if you don't play by the rules.

Heed the advice given by family or old reliable friends. Be careful of the groups you join or the people you associate with. Try to avoid serious discussions with loved ones.

Put your thoughts into some trendy new ideas. Travel for business will not only bring you valuable information but also proﬁts as well. Do not overspend on entertainment.

Discord may arise with someone you're close to. Chances are you split up the last time because you didn't really want to make a commitment. Don't be too conﬁdent that coworkers are on your side. Don't prejudge. You may get drawn into a personal situation that will not be to your liking. Your personal secrets may be revealed if you let coworkers in on your family dilemmas. You will be popular with acquaintances; however, loved ones could feel left out and insecure.

Large organizations may try to talk you out of your hard-earned cash. Spend time getting to know each other. Although upsetting, changes in your domestic situation will be favorable. It will be all around you. Don't let friends convince you that you should contribute to something you don't believe in. Limitation could set in if you've been spending too much.

RECIPE PAGE 50

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016

RECIPE OF THE DAY: KEY LIME PIE

Ingredients Graham cracker crust 1½ cups ground graham crackers ⅓ cup granulated sugar 6 tbsp PALMBOOM* butter, melted Key Lime Filling 2 14 oz cans sweetened MOI* condensed milk ½ cup light sour cream ¾ cup lime juice OR key lime juice zest from 2 regular limes or 4 key limes Whipped Cream Topping 1 cup heavy whipping cream ½ cup powdered sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation Graham cracker crust Preheat oven to 375F. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter in a small bowl. Press the crumb mixture into an 8" - 9.5" pie pan. Bake for 7 minutes. Cool for at least 30 minutes. Key Lime Filling Preheat oven to 350F Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, lime juice, and lime zest in a medium bowl. Pour into prepared graham cracker crust and bake for 10 minutes. Let pie cool slightly before chilling. Chill for at least 3 hours. Whipped Cream Topping Beat heavy cream and sugar together in a mixer until stiﬀ peaks form. Beat in vanilla. Spread or pipe the whipped cream on top of the cooled pie. Top with additional lime zest if desired.

**Imported and distributed by SUPERFOODS

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

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Sammy Disrespected By WICB Claims Afridi team Peshawar Zalmi. Sammy, who captained the team to two World T20 titles, the most recent coming earlier this year, was controversially replaced as skipper of the West Indies team in August of this year after being told that his position as leader of the team had been reviewed and that he no longer merited. The all-rounder in addition to leading the team to both T20 titles also displayed solid form during the regional Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Twenty20 competition.

akistan bowling legend Shahid Afridi has suggested discarded West Indies skipper Darren Sammy was not properly honoured by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and given the player the honour of captaining Pakistan Super League (PSL)

On Wednesday Sammy was named captain of Zalmi ahead of the new Pakistan Super League (PSL) season, surprisingly by Afridi who suggested the player had not been given his due by the WICB. “Your cricket board (West Indies) does not give you the respect but we honour you with our team captaincy,” Afridi said. The 32-year-old Sammy was replaced by Barbadian Carlos Brathwaite. (SportsMax)

Sammy Could Become Pakistani Citizen

ormer West Indies captain Darren Sammy, who was this week named captain of the Peshawar Zalmi cricket franchise for the Pakistan Super League (PSL), could become a citizen of Pakistan in the near future. Javed Afridi, the team’s

relationship with Afridi and was in Dubai for the draft that was held Wednesday at the Dome Hotel in Dubai Sports City. Meanwhile, former West Indies captain Sir Vivian Richards said he was happy that the player, who led the West Indies to two T20 World Cup titles, was made captain of the franchise.

owner, is reportedly seeking to get Sammy Pakistani citizenship. Afridi has reportedly been working on getting Sammy Pakistani citizenship since April. Sammy shares a close

“The man has taken his country to two World Cup titles in the T20 format and this should count for something,” said Sir Vivian, who attended the draft as mentor for the Quetta Gladiators. “He has loads of experience in T20 cricket and I think that he will bring a lot to

this tournament as captain.”

Sir Vivian said it was good to see West Indies players getting respect around the world. “We have had some top picks here, including Carlos (Braithwaite) on my team and we all know what he can do. We are all excited about this event and looking forward to some great cricket.” Eight West Indian players were picked in the draft. The Caribbean had four platinum picks in Chris Gayle, Keiron Pollard (Karachi Kings), Sunil Narine (Lahore Qalandars) and Andre Russell (Islamabad). This was followed by four Diamond picks in Dwayne Bravo (Lahore Qalandars), Darren Sammy (Peshwar Zalmi), Carlos Brathwaite (Quetta Gladiators) and Samuel Badree (Islamabad United). (SportsMax)

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Riders Demand Resignation Of Guyana Cycling Federation President They say the leadership has fallen short of their mandate to raise the standard of the sport in the country. The riders said the GCF has failed to hold meetings and that the president and his executive failed to attend the 2016 national championship. They also said the president has failed to publish the results of the WADA drug tests done in November 2015. They even accuse the president of publishing inaccurate information on social media, which subsequently embarrassed the federation. Burrowes, who lives in the United States, has responded to the claims saying that he will be in Guyana in the coming weeks to meet with members of his executive and the disgruntled clubs.

isgruntled riders associated with the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) have signed a petition demanding the resignation of the organisation’s president Horace Burrowes and his executive. Meanwhile, Burrowes has reportedly admitted that internal conﬂicts at the executive level have been having a negative eﬀect on the sport. The 40 cyclists, who signed the petition, have been upset about the way the GCF was being run since the executive took command 16 months ago.

He revealed that in the meantime, he has been working behind the scenes to get technical and other assistance for local cyclists and he was currently in talks with the Mexican cycling body, seeking assistance for the development of Guyanese track cyclists. President Burrowes said he also plans to pursue more alliances with the Pan American Cycling Confederation (COPACI) when he attends that organisation's Annual General Meeting ﬁxed in Cuba in January 2017. (SportsMax)

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Tamim Lays Foundations As Bangladesh Make The Running Batty's pop-eyed roar of triumph did not merely reﬂect his

Bangladesh 221 for 5 (Tamim 78, Mushfiqur 48) trail England 293 (Moeen 68, Bairstow 52, Mehedi 6-80) by 72 runs Tamim Iqbal produced a mature and restrained innings of 78 from 179 balls, as Bangladesh set the tempo once again against a curiously passive England attack to reach the close of the second day at Chittagong in a hugely promising position. By the close, England's lead had been whittled down to a meagre 72 runs with five wickets still in hand, thanks to a 58-run stand between Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan, who continued Tamim's business-like theme on a wicket that offered turn and bounce but perhaps less venom than might have been anticipated once the hardness of the new ball had been negotiated. The pair had taken their stand to the brink of stumps, when with the shadows lengthening and England's heads beginning to drop - Ben Stokes summoned up one last bout of vigour to lure Mushfiqur, on 48, into a fatal snick to the keeper. The catch, in fact, was very nearly spilled by Jonny Bairstow as he tumbled forward to snatch at a rare opportunity, but he somehow clung on to give England late reward for a day's work full of effort but somewhat lacking in inspiration. In fact, had it not been for Bangladesh's peculiar aversion to breaks in play, their position could have been all the more promising by the close. In addition to Stokes' late breakthrough, three of their other four wickets fell in the final over of a session - two in four balls to Moeen Ali before lunch, before a further breakthrough for Adil Rashid on the stroke of tea. Mushfiqur's departure left a huge onus on the shoulders of Shakib, who reached the close on 31 not out, and who will resume day three knowing that the second new ball will be available within the first half-hour of play. The most prized scalp, however, went to the oldest spinner in town. In the 14th over of his England comeback - at the age of 39 and having missed the small matter of 142 Test matches since his last appearance, also against Bangladesh at Chester-le-Street in 2005 - Gareth Batty slid in a flatter, faster ball to Tamim, who grazed a thin nick through to the keeper.

personal jubilation. It was a fair reaction to a wicket of huge significance, for Tamim had been threatening - as he so often does against England - to seize the game for his own amusement. Remarkably, this was his seventh half-century in nine Test innings against England, dating back to his thrill-aminute centuries at Lord's and Old Trafford in 2010. Having laid the groundwork in a mightily restrained effort, he had looked ready to lift the tempo as England toiled in the afternoon sun. After England had been bowled out for 293 in the first hour of the day, Tamim reined in his instincts on a treacherous surface and waited 48 balls for his first boundary - a full toss from Rashid that he rifled through the covers with power and placement. His caution had been vindicated in the final over of the morning, when his more fluent opening partner, Imrul Kayes, was bowled for 21 by a beauty from Moeen that gripped and bounced to clip his off stump, before - three balls later Mominul Haque spliced another bouncing bomb to gully to depart for a duck and leave Bangladesh anxiously placed on 29 for 2 at the break. But as Tamim's innings progressed, so too did his fluency, particularly on the drive which, by staying very leg-side to the offspin of Moeen and Batty, he was always threatening to unfurl. Sure enough, he brought up his half-century from 131 balls with a sweetly timed back-foot drill off Moeen, to confirm that Bangladesh's 14-month absence from Test cricket had not impacted on his penchant for statement innings against his favourite opponents. He had two significant moments of fortune - first on 28 when he carved Moeen on the up through point and just burst through the fingers of Rashid, diving to his left. Then, on 55, he was given out caught at slip off Moeen - a fine sprawling effort by Joe Root - but successfully reviewed the decision, as replays showed it had deflected off his elbow. The unfortunate umpire was Kumar Dharmasena, who had given Moeen out three times in six balls on the first day, only to have each decision overturned, and he had already added to that tally in the morning session, when a Stuart Broad lbw decision was shown to have been missing leg. Arguably those incidents were still playing on his mind late in the afternoon, when Mushfiqur, on 45, was rapped on the pad by Chris Woakes - one of the few genuine opportunities that England's seamers were able to create. Hawk-Eye confirmed it would have been clipping leg stump, but Dharmasena seemed reluctant to put his finger on the line yet again.

Continued on next page...

PAGE 57

Tamim Lays Foundations As Bangladesh Make The Running (Cont’d) Two balls after Tamim's reprieve, however, his partner was gone instead. Mahmudullah's innings of 38 from 66 balls had been a solid, busy performance, right from his first delivery, when he had responded to Moeen's pre-lunch breakthroughs by galloping down the track with confident footwork to smother the spin before it could bite. But, having come within four balls of completing the entire afternoon session without losing a wicket, he succumbed to a big legbreak from Rashid that looped above his eyeline and snicked a thick edge for Root to scoop a sharp low catch at slip. Aside from that breakthrough, Rashid was a disappointment too profligate with his full tosses and too easy to navigate off the pitch on the occasions when he found significant turn. Moeen, too, failed to live up to the promise of his doublewicket breakthrough, while Batty, who had shared the new ball with Broad in a seam-spin combo, offered plenty of spirit but little significant threat until Tamim's departure. It was left to England's seamers to look lively in the closing overs, as Broad responded to Stokes' extraction of Mushfiqur by ramping up the pressure on Shakib as Bangladesh dug in for stumps. By and large, however, the trio - Woakes included - were economical

but negated, and bowled just 23 overs between them. All in all, England were left to reflect on a first-innings performance that they might initially have thought was abovepar for the conditions. After resuming on their overnight 258 for 7, they lost Woakes, the most accomplished of their remaining batsmen, to the first ball of the day, caught at short leg off Taijul Islam for 36, and spent the next 50 minutes scraping together another 35 runs. Rashid, with a penchant for the flick through midwicket, and Broad, using his long levers to sweep to good effect, provided the bulk of those runs but also added their names to the ever-lengthening list of DRS-related decisions in this contest. Rashid, astonishingly, had an lbw overturned when replays showed that an apparently dead-straight pad-rapper would have missed leg stump, while Broad also used DRS to escape an lbw before being last man out, adjudged caught behind after a rare successful review from Bangladesh - the 10th of the innings, a world record. The successful bowler was Mehedi Hasan, who completed a fine debut with figures of 6 for 80. (ESPNcricinfo)

PAGE 59

Opening Weekend Matchups For 2016 Flow Super Cup Announced Manning Cup competition against the top eight from the rural daCosta Cup competition. The winning school takes home Ja$1 million. The opening match at Sabina Park sees Excelsior High School taking on Ocho Rios High School. The draw for the opening matches was held at the National Indoor Sports Centre on Wednesday night. Over at the Montego Bay Sports Complex at Catherine Hall, Dinthill High will play Bridgeport at 5 pm, while Cornwall College tackles Denham Town. Fireworks are expected on Saturday when some of the biggest names in this year’s schoolboy competition go up against quality rivals in the ﬁrst round of matches.

Last year's Flow Super Cup semi-ﬁnalists Wolmer’s High School has been drawn to play Little London High School at Sabina Park at 7:00pm in one of the feature matches on the opening day of the 2016 edition of the three-year-old competition on Friday, October 21. The Flow Super Cup pits the best eight Jamaican schoolboy teams from the urban

At Catherine Hall at 5pm STETHs battles 2014 ﬁnalist Holy Trinity after which Rusea’s High School challenges Haile Selassie at 7pm. At Sabina Park, inaugural champions and last season’s ﬁnalists Jamaica College face Clarendon College at 5pm. Then at 7 pm, Kingston College, favoured to win most, if not all titles this year, takes on either Vere Technical of Glenmuir High School. (SportsMax)

PAGE 60

Younis, Misbah Assert Pakistan Dominance

Pakistan 304 for 4 (Younis 127, Misbah 90*, Shafiq 68) v West Indies Younis Khan's 33rd Test hundred gave Pakistan the ideal first-day platform in the second Test against West Indies, lifting them from an uneasy 42 for 2 to a commanding 304 for 4 at stumps. Returning to the side after missing the day-night Test in Dubai to recover from a bout of dengue fever, Younis looked like he had never been away. He added 87 with Asad Shafiq for the third wicket, and 175 for the fourth with Misbahul-Haq, as Pakistan ground down a limited West Indies attack in typically benign firstday conditions in Abu Dhabi. Younis made 127 before he fell in the 84th over of the day, slog-sweeping Kraigg Brathwaite's parttime offspin to deep midwicket. It turned out to be the last ball of the day, with the umpires ruling that the light had faded too much to continue just as the nightwatchman Yasir Shah walked in to the middle. Misbah, who already has five hundreds in Abu Dhabi and averaged 99.77 at the ground before this innings, went to stumps batting on 90. West Indies' bowlers endured a long and largely thankless day on the field, made worse by two costly misses. In the last over before tea, Kraigg Brathwaite failed to hold on to a return catch off a firmlyhit flat-bat drive when Younis was on 83. Then, batting on 54 in the eleventh over after tea, Misbah nicked a ball from Shannon Gabriel that straightened in the corridor. Wicketkeeper Shai Hope, having initially moved in the wrong direction, dived low to his right behind the stumps, and the ball bounced out of his right glove. Gabriel bowled impressively in patches, picking up two wickets and generating reverse-swing with the old ball, but the rest of West Indies' bowling didn't make much of an impact. Miguel Cummins and Jason Holder made up somewhat for their lack of incision by conceding less than three runs an over, but the spinners were neither threatening nor economical. Among them, Devendra Bishoo, Roston Chase and Brathwaite conceded 181 runs at an economy rate of 4.41. Having chosen to bat first, Pakistan lost their first wicket in the fifth over of the morning, Azhar Ali playing on while looking

to drive Gabriel through the covers, the ball nipping in a little and not quite coming on to the bat. Walking in at No. 3, Shafiq got going almost immediately, rising to his toes to cut Gabriel for four off the second ball he faced. In the next over, he punished another short ball, this time swivelling to pull Miguel Cummins through square leg. Shafiq continued to play his shots, moving confidently forward to ease drives through the covers and nimbly back to cut and pull deliveries from Bishoo that were only marginally short. As he sparkled at one end, Sami Aslam played a strange innings at the other. He seldom got the strike, and barely scored any runs when he did, while not looking particularly troubled by any of West Indies' bowlers. By the end of the 13th over, he was batting on 6 off 28 balls and Shafiq on 32 off 44. Then, off the second ball of the 14th over, he looked to drive Bishoo through the covers, against the turn, and was bowled through the gate by a dipping legbreak. In walked Younis, back in the side after missing the first Test to recover from a bout of dengue fever. He got an early freebie from Bishoo, wide and overpitched, to smear through the covers, but that was his only boundary in the 62 balls he faced before lunch, as West Indies tightened their lines and lengths. There was little in the conditions to challenge either batsman, and Younis moved safely to 29 without always looking at ease. His shuffle across the crease caused him a couple of uneasy moments: Cummins found his leading edge while he tried to work through the leg side, and Jason Holder got him to nick the ball when he moved across rather than forward, towards the ball in defence, but both balls fell safely short of fielders. Soon after lunch, Younis nearly played on to Cummins; defending firmly into the pitch, he had to stretch his left foot out to kick the ball away as it rolled back towards the stumps. But he grew increasingly comfortable at the crease after that, and took heavy toll of the spinners, pouncing on anything cuttable, and driving through the covers with and against the turn, the pick of his shots an inside-out loft over extra-cover off Chase's offspin. Shafiq fell in the ninth

over after lunch, chopping on while trying to force Gabriel through the covers off the back foot. Gabriel was reversing the ball both ways in this spell, and beat both of Misbah's edges soon after he came to the crease, but Holder took him off after a spell of only three overs. The longest spell Gabriel bowled all day lasted four overs. With West Indies' main threat out of the way, Misbah began enjoying himself, greeting Bishoo's reintroduction by pulling his third ball, a rank long-hop, over midwicket for four, and then, three balls later, launching a flighted ball high over the long-on boundary. Younis and Misbah took 40 runs off Bishoo's eight-over spell before tea, shutting the door in West Indies' faces right after Gabriel had opened it a crack with the wicket of Shafiq. Misbah only hit six boundaries in his innings: four of them came off Bishoo, of whom he took 37 runs in 40 balls. Post-tea, West Indies went into defensive mode, getting Cummins to bowl wide outside off stump with a packed off-side field. But the tactic didn't really stem Pakistan's run flow; there was no movement available to him, and plenty of large spaces in the vast outfield for Misbah and Younis to push the ball into for twos. After four overs, Cummins gave way to Gabriel; he found Misbah's edge in his second over, and Hope - playing this Test match because Shane Dowrich pulled up injured in training - put the chance down. Pakistan were 242 for 3 at that stage, and 242 for 4 may just have rattled them given they were playing five bowlers. Instead, Misbah a n d Yo u n i s a d d e d a f u r t h e r 6 2 . (ESPNcricinfo)

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Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce To Release Autobiography "Pryceless Journey” Two-time Olympic gold medalist, Ambassador Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, is to publish her tell-all autobiography this year, detailing her many struggles and obstacles along her path to becoming a n O l y m p i c C h a m p i o n . Ti t l e d , "Pryceless Journey", the soul-searching testimony reveals very personal and sensitive information, involving feelings of emotional upheaval, as well as providing success tips in overcoming personal challenges. Teaming up with veteran journalist, Ian Boyne, host of Television Jamaica's long-standing personality programme – Profile – Fraser-Pryce says "Pryceless Journey" will demonstrate the power of positive thinking, diligent application and resilience. "I am normally a shy and very private person, so some things told in this book will be revealed for the first time, even to some of my closest friends!" she revealed. "But I thought it was important to show people that anyone can achieve his or her dreams, no matter the limitations people place on you, or the doubts they voice about you. I want people to read this book and be inspired by my personal determination that led to my Olympic success and realise you can accomplish your goals, no matter where you are from!" Fraser-Pryce also revealed giving testimony to her Christian faith was also a major motivation for the book. “I want people to know how much my relationship with Christ has influenced my life and achievements. I want to bear witness!" she said. In "Pryceless Journey", she also speaks openly and fully for the very first time about her relationship with her husband, Jason, whom she credits for a lot of her success on and off the track. The book also sheds insight about the Olympic champion’s injury-plagued year leading up to her experience at the Rio 2016 Olympics and

how she dealt with the disappointment of failing to achieve her goal of becoming the first person to win three successive 100m Olympic gold medals. It also details what happened that night after the race and what she said to her fellow Jamaican competitors, including her teammate Elaine Thompson, prior to the crucial and defining race. "Working with Shelly-Ann on this project has been one of the highlights of my career,” said Ian Boyne, who conducted interviews with Fraser-Pryce over a nearly one-year period. “Shelly-Ann is a truly remarkable athlete and human being. She is the complete package." Boyne says he left each interview session with her feeling “energised, exhilarated and inspired". He says his introductory chapter titled, "An Appreciation" gives a behind-thescenes peek of those interview sessions and “my personal assessment of this great champion". 'Pryceless Journey' will be released locally by Pelican Publishers with international release to be negotiated and finalised.

"We don't document enough on the personal experiences of outstanding Jamaicans, and this book will address that deﬁcit. In Shelly-Ann's case, her journey prior to Olympic history in 2008, right through to now,” Boyne said. The Government of Jamaica has announced its intention to erect a statue in ShellyAnn's honour in time for the 55th Independence Celebrations next year. Later this month, she will also be the recipient of the award of the Honorary Doctorate from the University of The West Indies. (SportsMax)

PAGE 63

India To Use DRS For England Tests

Agarkar: 95% of cricketers will be in favour of DRS India have agreed to use DRS for the upcoming Test series against England on a "trial basis" to "evaluate the improvements made" in the system. India had played in the first series with umpire reviews, against Sri Lanka in 2008, but this will be their first bilateral contest since then with all the components of the DRS - including ball-tracking technology - in place. "We are happy to note that Hawk-Eye has institutionalised all the recommendations made by BCCI, and we confirm that this improved version of DRS will be used on a trial basis during the forthcoming series against England," the BCCI president Anurag Thakur said. "Based on the performance of the system and the feedback that we will receive, further continuation in forthcoming series will be decided." One of India's biggest concerns with the DRS, the predicted path of the ball after it hits the pad in the case of lbw

decisions, will be addressed by the use of ultra-motion cameras. The manual intervention in determining the point of impact will be minimised by the introduction of Ultra Edge, which according to a BCCI release had been approved by Massachusetts Institute of Technology [MIT]. It will also eliminate the possibility of another touch after the first impact affecting the predicted path or point of impact. "Earlier, there was a possibility that the operator would have missed a delivery and hence an lbw appeal could have been missed," the BCCI release said. "Now, Hawk-Eye has developed the technology to record and save all images so that in case an operator fails to arm the tracking system, the images can be rewound and replayed." Since their first experience with the system in its nascent stages, India were the biggest opponents of the DRS. The only times India used it since that 2008 series was in ICC events and in one Test series against England in 2011. In that series, the DRS was not used for lbw decisions. The BCCI's sustained refusal to use the DRS meant

that other countries would not use the system only when playing India. The board rarely articulated its opposition to the system in detail; India's former Test captain MS Dhoni used to say they would use DRS only when it was 100% accurate. The current India coach Anil Kumble, who is also the head of the ICC cricket committee, had made a visit to MIT before he took over the India job to be apprised of the latest developments in the DRS technology. During the recent series against New Zealand, India's current Test captain Virat Kohli had said India "definitely wanted to think about DRS", which was the first significant departure from their previous stance. On October 19, the ICC general manager Geoff Allardice made a presentation in Delhi that was attended by Kumble. Two days later, India confirmed their acceptance of the system albeit on a trial basis. (ESPNcricinfo)

PAGE 65

Kings Not A One Man Team - Gayle team eﬀort would be critical to the team improving on its fourth place ﬁnish in the inaugural season. “First of all, thank you for picking me in the Karachi Kings team. But I just want to say that this team is not all about Chris Gayle. All the players will be important for the team. We should respect every player. It's a team game. It's one team with one goal," the 37-year-old opening batsman said. "Karachi has 20 million people.

West Indies batting star Chris Gayle has been quick to dismiss any assertions the Karachi Kings are a one man team following the Pakistan Super League player draft on Thursday. Gayle, who was traded from the Lahore Qalandars for the new campaign, will

join a host of other stars at the club, among them West Indies teammate Kieron Pollard, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. Despite the talent available, the big left hander was quick to point out that a

Well, that's a huge fan base. I am sure Karachi Kings will be a huge success. And all our players will contribute to make it a successful team." Gayle also promised to play his particularly entertaining brand of cricket. "I know people call me a T20 entertainer. Yes, it's true that I love to entertain people with my style of cricket because people pay good money to watch us play. So I feel it's my responsibility as well to entertain them," Gayle said. (SportsMax)

PAGE 66

Australia To Play Test In India A Day After T20 In Adelaide Stadium in Pune. Abu Dhabi on November 3, 2014, two Such a schedule means Australia will have to select entirely diﬀerent squads for the three T20Is against Sri Lanka and the four Tests in India.

It's likely that Steven Smith and David Warner will not be playing the T20 international against Sri Lanka in Adelaide © Gallo Images/Getty Images In another example of tight schedules in modern cricket, Australia will play a T20 international against Sri Lanka in Adelaide a day before their first Test in India begins on February 23. There is only a 15 to 16-hour gap between the end of the day-night fixture at the Adelaide Oval on February 22 and the start of the first day of the Test series at the Maharashtra Cricket Association

"These are very significant decisions that actually change what it means to represent Australia," the Australian Cricketers Association chief Alistair Nicholson told ESPNcricinfo. "The player's view is that the best players should play for their country, and this is something we believe is echoed by the Australian public. If that is changing, then it poses the question: what does it mean for the value of the Australian cap?" This is not the first time Australia are moving from one series to another with a small gap in between. They finished a Test against Pakistan in

days before a Twenty20 international against South Africa in Adelaide on November 5. None of the players who were part of the Test featured in the T20I. The series against Australia will mark the end of India's busy home season in 2016-17. After the first Test in Pune, the teams will move to Bangalore for the second Test from March 4 and then to Ranchi for the third from March 16. The final Test of the series is in Dharamsala from March 25. Pune, Dharamsala and Ranchi will be hosting their first Test matches, after Indore did the same against New Zealand recently. In the series against England, Visakhapatnam and Rajkot will host their first Tests. India will have a gap of 11 days before the first Test against Australia in Pune. Their only Test against Bangladesh is scheduled to end on February 12 in Hyderabad. Australia's last Test before their tour of India is against Pakistan in Sydney from January 3 to 7. (ESPNcricinfo)

PAGE 68

Bravo Mistakes Will BeBravo's Onslack The Front Page - Guardiola pass to Luis received by a Barcelona player. So I

Claudio Bravo must fight to overcome criticism at Manchester City says Pep Guardiola, who had praise for upcoming opponents Southampton. Pep Guardiola urged Claudio Bravo to show fighting qualities after the latest high-profile error to blight the start of his Manchester City career. Bravo erred on a goal for Manchester United before City closed out a 2-1 derby win on his Premier League debut last month and was sent off as his team-mates crashed to a 4-0 Champions League defeat at Barcelona on Wednesday. Guardiola caused a stir by bringing the Chile international to the Etihad Stadium to operate as a "sweeperkeeper", jettisoning England goalkeeper Joe Hart to Torino. It was

Suarez that brought about his downfall at Camp Nou, although Guardiola insisted the error came with his execution rather than decision making. "I know, from the beginning, when Claudio is going to make a mistake he will be on the front page," he told a news conference ahead of Sunday's Premier League match against Southampton, where leaders City will aim to turn around a slump of four matches without a win across all competitions. "Every goalkeeper in the world, every central defender in the world, every striker missing penalties in the world is making mistakes, but Claudio has to ﬁght about that. "Of course the most diﬃcult thing in that situation is to discriminate when you can pass the ball and play or put the ball long. "Sometimes you have to put the long balls. I don't know with this kind of ball if you have to put long balls because he was alone with just one guy pressing the ball and three players to pass to. "If you hit the ball long it will be

don't think the decision is wrong in that moment, but the action – he didn't pass good and of course it is so dangerous." Guardiola took positives from City's display in Catalonia but knows the importance of getting back to winning ways against a Southampton side who impressed him during their 1-0 Europa League defeat at Inter on Thursday. "The people managing the club have to think short and long term but the manager is day by day," he added. "We are judged by what happens today, in three years we never know. "I am thinking about Southampton, of course. I saw yesterday the game against Inter Milan and football is unbelievable – they played amazing, much, much better than Inter and Inter won the game. "Inter shot once at the goal and won; Southampton created six or seven clear chances and didn't win. "I have seen how good a team they are and it will be tough. But we have to win again because it is four times without winning. We were able to win 10 times in a row [at the start of the season], so we are able to not win four or ﬁve or six times – football is like this." (SportsMax)

PAGE 69

At Last! Neymaragreed Signs New Barcelona Contract to an improved ﬁve-year deal and would complete the formalities at Camp Nou on Friday.

Neymar's contract saga at Barcelona is ﬁnally at an end, after the Brazil forward signed his new ﬁve-year deal on Friday. Barcelona star Neymar has at last put pen to paper on a new contract that will tie him to the club until 2021. The club announced on Monday the Brazil international had

Barca confirmed the news via their official Twitter account, posting a picture of Neymar alongside club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, captioned with the words "Done deal!". Speaking to the club's TV channel, Neymar said: "I'm very happy to renew with Barca. I'm at home here." Neymar's new deal contains a release clause that will reportedly rise as high as €250m in the final three seasons. The news brings speculation surrounding the forward's future to an end after months of uncertainty.

He was heavily linked with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain over the past year as talks over his new deal with Barca appeared to hit a stumbling block last season. Wagner Ribeiro, one of the former Santos star's agents, claimed recently PSG had put forward an offer of €40million tax-free per season, a private jet and a stake in a global hotel business in an effort to tempt Neymar to Parc des Princes. Neymar's father, meanwhile, claimed United were prepared to match his reported release clause of close to €190m last season, only to be rebuffed by both the player and Barca. (SportsMax)