October 28, 2016

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

Finance Minister Silent On Funding For GECOM, Other Budget Cuts cut in GECOM’s 2017 budget from GYD$5.8 billion to GYD$2 billion.

These agencies include, the Parliament Office, Office of the Auditor General, Public and Police Service Commission, Teaching Service Commission, Supreme Court, the Guyana Elections Commission, Public Prosecutions Office, Office of the Ombudsman, the Public Service Appellate Tribunal, Ethnic Relations Commission, Judicial Service Commission, Indigenous Peoples’ Commission, Human Rights Commission, Rights of the Child Commission, Women and Gender Equality Commission and the Public Procurement Commission.

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan was silent when the People Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) questioned him on whether he would consider additional funding for the Guyana Elections Commissions (GECOM) to allow the entity to conducted its planned house to house registration in 2017. The minister, by way of general comment had reiterated that if the fiscal profile for 2017 improves or other considerations comes in to play, the government is willing to eentertain additional requests by the constitutional bodies and that this would be “ditto” to every question and concerns the opposition had about the constitutional agencies budgetary allocation.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) noted during consideration of estimates for the 17 Constitutional agencies that there has been a 38 percent

The Finance Minister was questioned by Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira’s about whether he was aware that the Commission had decided to hold house to house registration to which he did not rrespond . However, House Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland had blocked that and several questions by PPPC parliamentarians about whether the GYD$2,029,932 allocation had taken into consideration a decision by GECOM to hold the house-to-house registration next year saying the rules prohibited parliamentarians from scrutinizing the operational aspects and projects by the constitutional bodies.

The House Speaker also blocked PPPC MP, Zulfikar Mustapha from inquiring if the Finance Minister was aware that GECOM was considering electronic registration, electronic voting, electronic identification and electronic tabulation. Addressing other budget cuts, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) and Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, brought to the House’s attention that the Parliament Office had requested $1.7 Billion but this was

reduced to $1.5Billon. Teixeira called on the Finance Minister to explain to National Assembly why the requested amount from the “highest law making body in the land,” was reduced.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, in defending the minister said that that all agencies propose sums and the Finance Minister has to use his discretion in allocating sums for Agencies. Opposition MP, Irfaan Alli, noted that the Minister’s actions were based on the “projected revenue assumptions”, and called for an explanation. No answers were given to the questions which saw Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, in also trying to defend the minister accused the opposition that while in Government, they refused to allow the Constitutional Agencies any financial independence and as the former government exploited their powers to restrict the monies available for the Constitutional Agencies.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

LOCAL FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016

Commissioners Of Long Awaited PPC Sworn In After key legislation was passed in the National Assembly in appointment and challenged them to uphold the oath which early August, members of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) were finally sworn in by President David Granger on Friday at the Ministry of the Presidency. The Commissioners include, Attorney-at-law Emily Dodson; Programme manager at CARICOM Secretariat Carol Corbin; Small Business official, Sukrishnalall Pasha; Ivor English and former Labour Minister, Dr. Nanda Gopaul. The PPC consists of five members with experience of procurement, legal, financial and administrative matters and will bring an end to cabinet’s role in the award of multi-million dollar contracts. These persons were nominated by the Appointments Committee and were approved by two-thirds of the elected members of the National Assembly on August 8. Under provisions of the Constitution, the President could only appoint members of the PPC after their nomination has been approved in the House, and by a twothirds majority. In brief remarks following the swearing in, President Granger said that the PPC’s authority “must never be diminished or ignored” and noted that the establishment of the Commission represents respect for the “supreme law of the land.” The President congratulated the commissioners on the

they took. He also charged them to uphold the constitutional duty of the commission to be independence, impartial and fair.

President Granger, Members of the PPC, Minister of Public Security (Khemraj Ramjattan) and Minister of Social Cohesion(Amna Ally)

Cummings Lodge Man Charged With 2015 Murder Twenty –nine-year old resident of Cummings Lodge, Jameel Junior Young appeared in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan charged with murder which he allegedly committed on March 10, 2015. He is slated to return before the court on November 17, 2016 for report and continuation into the matter. The accused, who is employed in the interior, was not allowed to enter a plea to the indictable charge, however in an outburst before the court; he accused the officers who arrested him of beating him so that he would sign a confession statement. It is alleged that Young murdered 27 -year-old Randy Persaud of Agricola, East Bank Demerara on the day in question. According to reports, Persaud who had just returned to Guyana from Suriname was sitting in front his home at Third Street, Agricola when he was gunned down. It is believed that Persaud was murdered as a result of a monies owed to individuals.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

LOCAL FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

Government promises to end “Blackouts” Cabinet Secretary, Joseph Harmon has noted that Coast have complained bitterly about the recent the recent spate of “blackouts” in Demerara, Essequibo and Bartica was caused by problems by the Guyana Power and Light Inc. in relations to its maintenance schedule and its transmission and distribution networks.

He told a post cabinet media briefing that Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson updated Cabinet on the issue and gave timelines for the rectification of the problems. It was noted that new power generation equipment was already procured. Many residents across the Essequibo

surge of “blackouts” over the past years.

When the Guyana Daily News contacted the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), an official said that only one generator is working to service the entire region, the other generator is out of service. Ms. Williams, a resident of Hampton Court, which is situated on the northern half of the coast, said that a lot of her electrical appliances have damaged due to sudden and frequent power outages.

LOCAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Monies Must Be Accounted For “Irrespective Of Where It Was Spent” – Bulkan Tells Mayor Chase-Green PAGE 6

Following statements made by Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Green that the recent audits conducted at the Municipality were unprofessional and disrespectful, the Ministry of Communities has issued a statement with the intent address several facts as it relates to the audit that was conducted into grants made to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC). In an article in appearing in the local newspaper “Stabroek News” on October 25, 2016, under the headline, “Mayor miffed at ‘disrespectful’ audit into $300M subvention” Georgetown Mayor, Patricia ChaseGreen was quoted saying that the investigation of City Hall was unprofessional and disrespectful. In response to the comments made by the City Mayor, the Ministry of Communities issued a statement on Thursday, noting that it was not involved in an investigation at the municipality but is merely collecting data in preparation of a response to audit queries that stemmed from the 2015 Auditor General’s Report. “The Ministry also wishes to note that at this stage, there is no basis on which to launch an investigation. Further, it is required of the Permanent Secretary to account for all expenditure under the Ministry of Communities, irrespective of where it was spent,” the statement read. In 2015, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council received two grants appropriated under the Ministry’s Capital Programme to be used for the “Georgetown Restoration Programme” and the “Emergency Solid Waste Management of Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill” amounting to $300M and $100M respectively. It was highlighted in the 2015 Auditor General’s Report that over 200 payment vouchers contained “discrepancies” either with no evidence of the payment being certified by the accountant or any other authorized officer; further, approval by the City Treasurer was not seen on 140 payment vouchers totaling $143.682M. A disclosure that have caused public outage. According to the report, there was also no evidence of the Finance Committee approving 58 payments totaling 48.404M, and no evidence of

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016

receipt or payee acknowledgement for a payment of $750,000 to a contractor via cheque #164407587. The Ministry’s statement also it is normal procedure for queries raised in the Auditor General’s report to be resolved before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) starts its work. This is done in conjunction with the Auditor General and the Accountant General’s Office. The report was submitted on October 5, 2016, following which a letter was sent to the Town Clerk and copied to the Mayor, informing them of a decision to dispatch the Ministry’s internal auditor to have the issues resolved, the statement added.

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

Special Prosecutors To Be Sourced, Criminal Charges For Pradoville II Occupantsoons Block Key EU Ceta Trade Deal With Canada Cabinet Secretary Joseph Harmon has noted that government has received a forensic report into the Pradoville II issue, and after examining the report, it was found that there are indications of criminal culpability. He told a post cabinet media briefing that further investigations is required and as such, special prosecutors will be hired to investigate the issue. The Cabinet Secretary clarified that the reports would be handed over to the police and not to the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU), for criminal investigations to commence. When asked by the Guyana Daily News, what are some of the criminal culpabilities found in the report, Minister Harmon said that that “plots of land were transferred at prices that were not market prices” and that the valuation which was given were “unusual” for that time and venue. He further stated that the report looked at the transfer of a plot of land not far from what is now known as “Pradoville II” for a meager price. He said that criminal and civil cases will now have to be formed.

However, former Minister of Housing and Water, Irfan Alli, has dismissed the allegations of misconduct at Pradoville II, calling it “vexatious” and “lacking potency.” He told some sections of the media that the reports were “creating a

manufactured controversy which did not exist with the aim of diverting attention from the public outrage over the Government criminal and shameful decision to increase the pay of its Ministers by 50 per cent in a clandestine manner”.

Another PPP/C Member of Parliament and Attorney-at-Law Charles Ramson Jr. had stated that the Attorney General cannot institute charges against any former Government Minister.

Cabinet Secretary Joseph Harmon

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

LOCAL FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

“Let Us Celebrate Diwali As Nation” Minister Amna Alli Urges Guyanese

Georgetown, Guyana – (October 28, 2016) As Guyana prepares to observe Diwali, Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms Amna Alli has urged that Guyanese celebrate the festival as a nation so as to contribute to a more unified country. The Minister made these comments on Wednesday during her address at a pre-Diwali cultural event hosted by the management and staff of the West Demerara Regional Hospital, Essequibo Islands – West Demerara (Region Three). “Let us celebrate [Diwali] as a nation.

Let us celebrate our achievements as a nation. Let us celebrate our diversities… as a people we are different in terms of religion, culture, age, race, ethnicity, geographic location and all those things that give us our own identity.

But we are beautifully put together as a people with our diversities,” the Minister said.

She added that Guyana’s multicultural population is such that the religious holidays are observed by all ethnicities, and all people are given a chance to celebrate.

With unity at the helm of the Ministry’s mandate, Minister Alli added that on a larger note, the Ministry of Social Cohesion will seek to ensure that of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it will make a tangible contribution to achieving Goal number One, which is to end poverty in all its forms. “That is why we have taken the lead with the Bs Initiative. The aim is to ensure that children in Guyana have access to education…It is only when a good education is acquired, that one is placed in a good position to compete on the labour market and enjoy a certain standard of living,” she said.

Goal number 10, which is to reduce inequalities, is also high on the Ministry’s list of priorities the Minister stated. “The vision for Social Cohesion in Guyana is for a unified country, where diversities are embraced, where conflicts are resolved, collaboration with stakeholders are strengthened and decisions made result in

equal opportunities and benefits for all,” she said. On that note, Minister Alli mentioned the Ministry’s ongoing consultations initiative aimed at gathering feedback from stakeholders countrywide on issues affecting social cohesion in various communities. The feedback will contribute to a National Strategic Plan 2017-2021.

She noted that among the several consultations held thus far, stakeholders from Region Three were also part of this process during an outreach held in the Region in September. “We want to hear from stakeholders so that issues of concern to Guyanese could be addressed so that we can embrace cohesion,” she said. Drawing attention back to the significance of Diwali, the Minister said, “let us enjoy this victory of good over evil…let us not allow our differences to divide us…let’s unite so that one day we would see a unified Guyana where our diversities are embraced and conflicts are resolved, and we can truly celebrate as Guyanese: One people, One nation and One destiny,” the Minister said.

MOTP Press Release

LOCAL PAGE 11

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

Interior Operator Remanded On Drug Charge

C

hief Magistrate Ann McLennan remanded 40-year-old Leroy Fraser after he appeared before her in the Georgetown Magistrate’s

Court charged with being in possession of narcotics with the intent to traffic on October 26, 2016. The matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s

Court where Fraser will appear on November 18, 2016.

The accused who works as a transporter in the interior, was unrepresented before the court and had initially entered a guilty plea. However, he told the court that the cannabis does not belong to him and is in fact the property of a gentleman known to him as “Dougla.” As such, the Chief Magistrate entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

It is alleged that on the day in question, at “7 Mile Police Station” at around 13:00h, officers conducted a search on the motor car owned and operated by the accused when they found a black plastic bag in the spare tyre compartment of the car. The black bag allegedly contained three transparent bags which contained the said narcotics which when weighed summed up to 674 grams.

LOCAL PAGE 12

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

“Aim For Higher Education”-President Granger Tells BHS 2016 Graduates Georgetown, Guyana – (October 28, 2016) President David Granger, yesterday, urged graduates of the Berbice High School (BHS) class of 2016 to aim for higher education, particularly in disciplines of agriculture, environmental science and information technology, to ensure they are well-positioned to make meaningful contributions to the development of a ‘green’ Guyana. The Head of State was at the time delivering remarks at the school’s annual graduation and prize-giving ceremony, where over 100 students, who wrote the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), received their certificates. President Granger lauded the head teacher and staff of the school, which is the top secondary institution in East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six) and, which moved up to the position of fifth in the country this year from seventh in 2015.

Speaking of the school’s motto “Carpe Diem”, the President reminded the graduates that completing secondary school should not be the end of the road and urged them seize every available opportunity for higher learning. “I want to congratulate you on the step that you have taken. A new chapter is about to unfold in your lives; new opportunities are about to be opened, new pathways lie ahead and your education here at Berbice High School has prepared you for all of those opportunities,” he said. He explained that Guyana is blessed with an abundance of natural resources and rich biodiversity, which must be properly managed and protected at all costs. “We are part of the lungs of the earth. We are a global resource and I look to you the graduates to help to protect our wildlife, our coastal zone, our rivers and the atmosphere so that generations to come will enjoy these resources,” the President said. Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, Mr. David Armogan, who delivered the charge, reminded that the world is rapidly changing as a result of technology and urged the graduates to ensure that they are not left behind.

“Today we have just turned an important corner, but you are far from the end of the road… You are free to dream big, but unless you chase those dreams, they will never become a reality,” he said. Mr. Armogan

encouraged the young graduates to set short, medium and long-term goals for themselves and work towards achieving them. He said that while the country owes each one of them a living, they have a corresponding responsibility to contribute to its development. He also urged them to adhere to the tenets of social justice, democratic values, fundamental human rights and the rule of law. Guest Speaker at the event, veteran educator, Ms. Shafiran Bhagan commended the Government of Guyana for its commitment to improving the education sector. She made specific mention of the One Laptop Per Teacher and the Boats, Buses, Bicycles + Breakfast and Books (‘Five Bs’) programmes, which, she said, are transforming access to and delivery of education. This year, a total of 138 BHS students wrote the CSEC examinations in 25 subject areas of which 124 passed five or more subjects with Grades One to Three, a success rate of 89.85 percent. Head Teacher, Ms. Tracey Helligar, in her report, informed that despite challenges in certain areas, a total of 247 Grade Ones were obtained compared with 207 in 2015. This year’s top CSEC student is Jose Cummings who gained 13 Grade Ones, three Grade Twos and two Grade Threes, while Ronichia Schwiers is the school’s top CAPE student with four Grade Twos and two Grade Threes.

MOTP Press Release

Berbice High School’s graduating class of 2016

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS Guyana Fashion Week For November Launch Guyana Fashion Week 7 is around the corner and adrenaline is Coordinator for his commitment and dedication. This year, GFW PAGE 14

running high as designers, models, make-up artists, and hair stylists are expecting a show of international standard. It's the second longest running event of its kind in the Caribbean and the first to incorporate the Arts, so collectively, to magnify the national tourism product, through celebrating the fashion arts and its adjuncts, within an event tourism enterprise. Guyana Fashion Week has become a staple on the biennial calendar, so it would serve your national as well as regional interests, wholeheartedly, in building creative entrepreneurship alliances as well as in boosting progressive youth empowerment initiatives. During an interview with Emerald Digital Productions, Project Coordinator Keron Nelson expressed that the ‘models have been giving their best during the training sessions’, making emphasis on diversity of their team. “We have models from all over the region, Trinidad & Tobago, Curacao, New York and even Argentina all of which come to Guyana for the Premiere of the Fashion Week.” He also expressed his satisfaction with the impact that the Guyana Fashion Week is having on the plateau, taking into consideration the massive assistance to this year auditions in comparison to previous years. “This is the biggest audition that we have ever had since 2007. The casting started since March with the participation of over 300 persons. After a rigorous process of elimination, we selected 80 models to perform on the runway this November”. Mr. Nelson also noted that the event represents a ‘priceless opportunity to meet renowned models and fashion designers from the region’. The Guyana Fashion Week commences with a church service on November 6 at Love and Faith Ministries. On November 7, there will be a workshop for models and is being facilitated by Artistic Director of the event, Richard Young followed by a leadership workshop that is being conducted by Dr. Sonia Noel, Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Fashion Week on November 8. On November 9, the Theatre Guild will come alive with ‘Performing Style’ followed by a media conference on November 10, as well as a hairstylist’s workshop facilitated by Essenese Sambury, Master Cutter, Hairstylist and the CEO Caribbean School of Cosmetology. Meanwhile, later in the day, the designer’s workshop will be facilitated by Walter Greene Fashion Editorial, Director of Profiles98 Magazine. On November 11 there will be the ‘Meet and Greet In Style’, Cocktail Reception at Pegasus and on November 12 will be the Beauty and Fashion Expo. This will be followed by the finals ‘Model Image’ competition and young designers showcase. On the night, the first runway show will commence at 20:00h followed by an ‘All White Affair’ after party at Aura Lounge. On November 13, the Beauty and Fashion Expo continues from 09:00hrs-18:00hrs and the final runway show will be held at 19:00hrs. The public will be able to attend the Beauty and Fashion EXPO free of cost, and purchase pieces from the designers as well as support the other beauty businesses. With the holiday season approaching, it will be great to select your Christmas party outfits and gifts. Youths have played an integral part in the planning and execution of Guyana Fashion Weekend; one such individual being Keron Noble, Project

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

will feature the Indigenous fashion display. Trafficking In Persons (TIP), domestic violence and people living with disabilities are the causes GFW will be highlighting this year. Guyana Fashion Week is the second longest fashion event in the Caribbean and the team very thankful for the support since 2007. NOVEMBER 6-13, 2016 at Pegasus Hotel Tickets avaible at: Nigel's Supermarket, Kings Jewellery World & Pegasus Hotel Tickets Cost: $3000 REGULAR $4000 VIP (Photos/Write up from Guyana Fashion Week Facebook page) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013577107808

Guyana Fashion Week on The Pulse (Models: Nkechi Vaugh & Meleesa Payne; Photographer: Jay Carter ; Creative Director: Kenatta Chester)

Guyana Fashion Week Schedule

REGIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Turks And Caicos Elections Called For December 5 large number of independent candidates have announced their PAGE 15

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

intentions of trying to win a seat at large, including former premier Michael Misick, despite his legal status. Misick has been charged with a list of criminal offences relating to his 2003-2009 administration. He is now required to appear daily at trial in a specially constructed court room on Providenciales.

Premier Dr Rufus Ewing (L) and Opposition Leader Sharlene Cartwright Robinson

By Caribbean News Now contributor PROVIDENCIALES, TCI -- On Thursday, Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Premier Dr Rufus Ewing adjourned the House of Assembly, after outlining his government’s achievements and announcing that general elections will take place on Monday, December 5, 2016. According to Ewing’s ruling Progressive National Party (PNP): “Our Vision 2020 will be in your hands on Progress Day – Monday, 5 December 2016.” The announcement comes as no great surprise, since the local parliament would have been automatically dissolved on November 28, pursuant to the government’s four-year maximum term as set out in the constitution. Islanders have therefore been active preparing for the election. Both the PNP and the opposition Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), led by Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, have announced their lists of 15 candidates. This includes five running “at large”, who will vie for votes from all of the ten separate election districts.

A new party, the Progressive Democratic Association (PDA), is led by former PDM leader Oswald Skippings, who during the 2012 election failed to win his own seat at large, which cost him and the PDM the election and the government. A

This trial has been underway since December 2015 and is expected to continue into 2017. Misick was unable to achieve endorsement from his own PNP party, whose candidates include his brother, niece and nephew, all members of the current administration. The outgoing PNP administration was elected in November 2012 on the heels of an interim government, whereby the country was governed directly by the United Kingdom for a three-year period, after a commission of inquiry found what it described as “systemic corruption”, during the previous two PNP administrations. Of the 15 electoral seats, the PNP won eight and the PDM won the remaining seven.

The British prescribed constitution, made as a result of the commission of inquiry’s final report, also gave one each appointed member of parliament to the PDM and the PNP, while two such members went to the British-appointed governor, who therefore held the balance of power in parliament, with his two appointed members. (Caribbean News Now!)

REGIONAL

GUYANA DAILY NEWS Suriname-based Fly Allways Faces Uncertain Future PAGE 17

By Caribbean News Now contributor PARAMARIBO, Suriname -- Start up Suriname-based airline, Fly Allways, following years of setback towards certification to fly, apparently now faces dark skies ahead. With creditors awaiting payments, poor payloads, and one of its two Fokker 70 aircraft being used as a source of spare parts to keep the other one flying, Fly Allways faces an alarming financial future.

The airline’s current financial situation does not allow the airline to keep the second aircraft flying. “Fly Allways request

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

for an extension of maintenance time on major components of its aircraft such as the overhaul of the landing gear was not approved by the aviation authority of Suriname,” said a source.

“This has led to the grounding of one aircraft, which is now being used as a source for parts of their sole flying Fokker 70.”

The closest place in the Caribbean where the Fokker can be serviced is Curacao; however, there are unconfirmed reports that neither of the two Fokkers went to Curacao for maintenance. “After two years of sitting in Suriname, the two Fokkers haven’t been to a maintenance hangar. Fly Allways still does not have an approved maintenance base,” the source said.

With creditors and personnel now facing delayed payments and salary cuts, the future looks grim. Management is reportedly considering whether a move to another Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country is possible. “Pilots have had to accept a major pay cut or leave,” our source said. “The load factor between Suriname, Guyana and Barbados is below 30 percent.

Between Barbados and Guyana an average of 20 seats are occupied. Plans to commence service to Haiti have been cancelled,” confirmed a second source. (Caribbean News Now!)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

Caribbean Fisheries Ministers Meet In Cayman Islands

The region is developing harmonized food safety legislation to help build a resilient Caribbean seafood brand GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (CRFM) -- The Ministerial Council of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), the top policy and decision-making arm of the CARICOM agency, met on Thursday in Grand Cayman for its sixth special meeting.

The meeting was held as part of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture, which is hosted in the Cayman Islands under the theme “Investing in Food and Agriculture”.

High on the Ministerial Council’s agenda are plans to develop marine capture fisheries and aquaculture across the Caribbean, with the aim of reducing the region’s US$4 billion food import bill, while building a Caribbean seafood cuisine brand that the region and the world can embrace as a safe and healthy choice. The 17-

member Council met for a three-hour session to advance proposed legislation and guidelines that will support an enabling environment for a harmonized regime of food safety.

At the Ministerial Council’s recent meeting in Jamaica, chairman Karl Samuda, m i n i s t e r o f i n d u s t r y, commerce, agriculture and fisheries of Jamaica, urged the region to explore the untapped market of open-sea fish and aquaculture and to lock in a bigger share of the US$136-billion global industry. On Thursday, the fisheries ministers looked at strategic interventions that the region can make to develop the full potential of its marine capture fisheries and aquaculture, in line with the current push towards the blue economy and blue g r o w th , w h i c h a i ms t o maximize benefits from the region’s expansive maritime spaces.

With the recent battering of

some Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries by hurricanes and storms during this hurricane season, the need for the region to establish better mechanisms to provide risk insurance for fishers is also a high priority. The Council is reviewing the progress made towards the activation of the Caribbean Ocean Assets Sustainability Facility (COAST), which includes a risk insurance facility for fishers. The Caribbean Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) is developing a new sovereign parametric policy for the fisheries sector, and a micro-insurance policy for small-scale fishers based on the template for the existing livelihood protection policy (LPP) that targets farmers and labourers.

Fishers will soon be able to purchase the policy and obtain quick payouts when they experience losses due to storms, heavy rainfall, high winds and other climate related variables. The CRFM Ministerial Council is also discussing a model protocol for responding to the influx

of sargassum seaweed that has been affecting fisheries, coastal and marine ecosystems and other economic activities in the waters of Caribbean countries. The initiative by the Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission of the Food and Agriculture O r g a n i z a t i o n ( FA O / W E C A F C ) t o establish a regional fisheries management organisation in the wider Caribbean region and a proposal by South Korea for the establishment of a world fisheries university are also being considered by the Ministerial Council.

The meeting of the Council precedes the 62nd Special Meeting of CARICOM’s C o u n c i l f o r Tr a d e a n d Economic Development (COTED), scheduled for Friday. The CRFM, which is represented at the meetings in Cayman by executive director Milton Haughton, has lead responsibility for the development of the marine fisheries and aquaculture industries, highlighted by COTED as priority commodities. (Caribbean News Now!)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

CARICOM Region Urged To 'Take A Big View Of Agriculture’ Technical Centre of Agriculture and Rural security programme and hence continued

CARDI Executive Director, Barton Clarke

By Kenton Chance GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands -Stakeholders in the regional agricultural sector have been urged to take “a big view of agriculture” as Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations continue to highlight the importance of food production to its economic and social development. The call on Wednesday by executive director of the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), Barton Clarke, came as he addressed the opening ceremony of Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA), which is taking place in the Cayman Islands until Friday. “We are in this business together. This business of addressing the challenges of addressing food and nutrition security for the Caribbean and all the people therein and this is a business that requires us to increase production and trade, to take a big view of agriculture,” Clarke told delegates.

“At the same time, not leaving out the many small farmers that we have and recognising that our breath of undertaking, not only includes agriculture but also includes forestry and fisheries.” Clarke said CARICOM’s pursuits in agriculture cannot take place without appropriate partnerships, including between the public and private sectors. “Without appropriate partnerships, none of what we plan can be pursued,” Clarke said.

CWA is being held under the theme “Investing in Food and Agriculture” and delegates are speaking to the issues related to advancing the framework for investment in the sector. Clare said that in examining the issues involved, stakeholders want some centrality for the role of the private sector, bearing in mind that small farmers are also part of the private sector. CWA 2016 is taking place as CARICOM countries continue to struggle with the collective US$4 million annual food import bill.

Michael Hailu, executive director of the

Cooperation -- a joint agency of the African Caribbean and Pacific Group of States and the European Union (ACP-EU) -- said that money sent abroad to buy food, creates jobs overseas. “Transformation of agriculture in the Caribbean is critical in addressing many of the challenges that the region faces. The large and growing food import bill is not only a drain on the region’s foreign exchange, but it deprives it of opportunities for economic diversification and job creation, especially for young people, in farming and food processing industries.”

Hailu welcomed the focus on investment in the food and agriculture sector, saying that there is certainly much opportunity in this area in the Caribbean. “The private sector is critical not only as a source of much needed investment, but holds many of the skills and experience needed if we are to transform Caribbean agriculture into a profitable business -- one that is inclusive of smallholder producers, women and young people,” he said. He told the ceremony that governments need to create the enabling conditions and incentives to spur increased investment so that the food and agriculture sector can grow and move forward.

“The good news is that many governments in the region are now recognising the benefits of investing in agriculture and taking concrete steps to promote the sector,” he said. In addition to draining foreign exchange from the region, the food imported into CARICOM is killing its citizens, specifically through chronic noncommunicable diseases, said Lystra Fletcher-Paul, the Food and Agricultural Organization’s sub-regional coordinator for the Caribbean. She said there was a role for initiatives such as school-feeding programmes in combating this trend while, at the same time, creating opportunities for farmers, by linking them to school meals.

Fletcher-Paul said that linking farmers to school meal help in promoting farmer investment as well as lifelong healthy eating habits among our children. She said that, in St Lucia, the private sector has invested in the school feeding programme providing infrastructure and equipment. And, in St Vincent and the Grenadines, the first Parliamentary Front Against Hunger has been established in the Caribbean to support the implementation of the food and nutrition

investment in food and agriculture, thereby ensuring sustainability of the programmes even if there is a change in government.

In his address to delegates, secretary general of CARICOM, Irwin LaRocque, said that lack of investment is one of nine key constraints to the development of agriculture within the community. “The thrust to encourage greater investment in agriculture is fully in sync with CARICOM’s Strategic Plan for the period 2015-2019. Among the strategic priorities stated are: building economic resilience; social resilience; environmental resilience and technological resilience, all of which resonate with the agriculture sector,” LaRocque said.

He told delegates that building competitiveness and unleashing key economic drivers to transition to growth and generate employment, is one of the highpriority areas for focused implementation during the span of the plan. And, premier of the Cayman Islands, Alden McLaughlin, noted that for the first time, CWA is being held in a CARICOM associate state, one that is known for other things, but not agriculture.

McLaughlin said that the Cayman Islands traditionally had been involved in subsistence agriculture, but its prominence fell with the emergence of the tourism and financial services sectors. He said, however, that all is not lost. “With the new technologies that are available and with greater understanding of the science involved in agriculture, Cayman is more than capable of being self-sustaining in a number of crops,” he said. Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2016 is focusing on a number of issues, including the coconut industry, agribusiness development, governance and public policy for food and nutrition, and the role of culinary arts in the development of the agriculture sector in CARICOM. The planners this year decided to move away from the traditional CWA Expo and create an event that would give producers the opportunity to showcase their products to both the region and the Cayman Islands “high value” tourism and retail markets. This year’s CWA2016 MarketPlace provides regional agriculture, food and beverage producers the opportunity to showcase their goods and services and meet and network with potential customers, prospects and partners. (Caribbean News Now!)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

IDB To Support Cassava Production In Jamaica And Small-scale Fisheries In Honduras

DB President Luis Moreno MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica -- President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group, Luis Moreno, officially signed technical cooperation agreements to support two important projects in the region – one that will enhance local cassava production in Jamaica and another to boost competitiveness for small-scale fisheries in Honduras. The signing took place at a special event during Foromic 2016, Latin America and the Caribbean’s most important conference on microfinance and entrepreneurship in Montego Bay, Jamaica, on October 24. The first technical cooperation issued to the Desnoes and Geddes Foundation to support Red Stripe’s Project Grow was valued at over US$814,000. The objective of this project is to improve the livelihood of small and medium-scale cassava farmers while developing a climate-smart agricultural system, and generate sustainable employment opportunities for vulnerable youth in Jamaica.

The project also aims to enhance the capacity of small and medium-scale producers to supply quality cassava to

commercial buyers such as Red Stripe.

Red Stripe managing director Ricardo Nuncio said that the project is extremely important because “it has huge potential for us to substitute 40% of that imported material which is high maltose corn syrup with locally grown cassava.

This will generate close to 3,000 jobs by year four (2020).” The company currently substitutes ten percent of its imported raw material with cassava. The technical cooperation will also facilitate training that will be conducted on Red Stripe farms, in collaboration with technical experts at the Center for International Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), specialists from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MoAF) and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA).

Red Stripe will provide secure market access through buyer commitment and price stability, in the form of three-year purchasing contracts with eligible small and medium-sized farms. The second grant awarded to Asociación Goal Internacional includes technical assistance resources from the Nordic Development Fund (NDF) and reimbursable funds for a Mutual

Guarantee Fund from Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) resources to encourage financial support for smallscale fisheries.

With a combined value of over US$5.5 million, the project objective is to boost competitiveness of artisanal fishing companies and organizations to ensure economic sustainability and environmental responsibility, preserving the mangrove ecosystem and increasing resilience to climate change in Honduras.

“The technical cooperation is extremely important.

We have done a lot of work over the years looking to develop small scale fisheries, we have done a lot of investigation on the market system, a lot of studies on the marine coastal environment and we’ve identified this as a critical intervention for sustainable economic development in the north coast of Honduras,” explained director, Asociación Goal Internacional, Bernard McCaul. Moreno expressed optimism about both projects, which it is hoped will contribute to sustainable growth and development in both countries while supporting small to medium-scale producers. (Caribbean News Now!)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

CDB Approves US$3.7 Million For Youth Empowerment Project In St Lucia BRIDGETOWN, Barbados -The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved funding of US$3.7 million to support at-risk youth in Saint Lucia. The Youth Empowered for Life Project will expand access to existing social services, as well as develop new social programmes to target young people and their families in selected communities across Saint Lucia.Saint Lucia is faced with an increasing crime rate, driven in part by inadequate social infrastructure and limited access to social services. Youth in Saint Lucia face disproportionately high levels of unemployment and underemployment, which can

lead youth to turn to crime and gang violence. The project will focus on mitigating risk factors that can lead to criminal behaviour, enhance employability, and support community safety and security.

"Through this project, we hope to divert young people away from crime and violence, and enable them to make positive contributions to their households, communities and wider society. The Project was designed to meet the needs of different age groups and genders, and we are optimistic about the outcomes it will achieve,” said Deidre Clarendon, division chief,

social sector division, CDB. The project includes the expansion of existing Youth Court Diversion Programmes, which target youth who have committed minor crimes, in an effort to prevent reoffending.

Community-based programmes will also be implemented, including afterschool and summer programmes, workshops which focus on skills such as leadership development and training, and the inclusion of sports and expressive arts in communities.

The project will also look at options for redevelopment of the George V Park in Castries, which will provide a safe public space for children,

young people and families. In collaboration with the government of Saint Lucia, CDB will also host a regional symposium on communitybased policing. This will allow regional stakeholders to share experiences and discuss challenges, lessons learned, and opportunities for addressing crime and insecurity in the Region. The project meets CDB’s strategic objective of supporting inclusive and sustainable growth and development, and integrates gender equality, a cross-cutting theme in its Strategic Plan (2015-2019).

(Caribbean News Now!)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

IMF Warns Of Significant Challenges To Belize Economic Growth

Picture taken from: euractiv.com WASHINGTON, Oct 28, CMC – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says Belize continues to face significant vulnerabilities and challenges driven by high public debt, large fiscal and external deficits, and declining international reserves. The IMF executive directors, who met to discuss the September report of an IMF mission to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country, said that the adverse weather conditions have also posed difficulties and emphasized that decisive policies are urgently needed to ensure macroeconomic stability and improve growth performance. In September, the IMF mission warned that the Belize economy faced multiple challenges.

It noted that gross domestic product (GDP) growth slowed to one per cent in 2015 due to falling oil production and reduced output in the primary commodity sectors, and turned to negative 1.5 per cent in the first half of 2016 relative to the same period in

2015.

The IMF said then that the decline in oil and other commodity prices led to deflation in 2015, but the inflation rate turned positive in early 2016 owing to higher food prices and the hike in the fuel tax. It said Hurricane Earl, which hit Belize in early August, compounded the challenging economic environment. “The fiscal position has weakened, pushing the public debt higher. The overall fiscal deficit expanded to 8 percent of GDP in 2015.” The executive directors noted that placing public debt on a downward path is a key priority.

“While noting that fiscal adjustment could initially impact growth, they emphasized that rigorous and sustained efforts, including both revenue and expenditure measures, are critical to ensuring fiscal sustainability and building investor confidence,” the IMF said in a statement.

It said that the directors welcomed the important steps taken by the authorities to contain public expenditures and increase revenue, but highlighted that additional measures,

particularly raising the GST rate, reducing the public wage bill, reforming the pension plan for civil servants, and strengthening public financial management, will be important going forward. “Directors noted the improvements in the financial sector and called for sustained efforts to tighten supervision and reduce vulnerabilities.

They underscored the importance of continued careful assessment and monitoring financial sector risks and agreed that an asset quality review of all banks would dispel possible uncertainties about the size of their capital buffers.” They warned that timely completion of financial stability reports, including stress tests that adjust banks’ capital buffers for shortfalls in provisioning, would further strengthen the financial sector supervision toolkit.”

The IMF directors noted that the loss of remaining Correspondent Banking Relationships (CBRs) could have a negative impact on the financial sector and the wider economy and will require action on multiple fronts, both domestically and internationally.

“They also highlighted that stronger implementation of the AML/CFT framework and improved transparency in the offshore sector, with technical assistance where needed, would help further improve compliance with international standards and understanding of money laundering and terrorist financing risks, and help address the withdrawal of CBRs.,” the statement added.

(Antigua Observer)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

St. Vincent’s Permanent Representative To The OAS Presents Credentials

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, CMC – The Organization of American States (OAS) says St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ new Permanent Representative, Lou-Ann Gilchrist, has presented her credentials to Secretary General Luis Almagro. The presentation took place on Wednesday during a ceremony at OAS headquarters here.

“Ambassador Gilchrist highlighted her country’s continued commitment to the OAS and its guiding principles,” the OAS said.

Gilchrist said since St. Vincent and the Grenadines became a member of the OAS, in 1981,

only two years after the nation obtained from Great Britain, “we have been committed to promoting and strengthening the four main pillars and principles enshrined in the OAS Charter. “Accordingly, I must reassure you of my country’s unwavering commitment to

integral and sustainable development, democracy and governance, multidimensional security and the protection of human rights,” she said.

In welcoming the new envoy, Almagro recognized her broad experience as an educator and leader, according to the OAS. “You have a strong background in the field of education and in other areas of the work of the OAS, particularly the InterAmerican Council of Integral Development (CIDI),” he said.

“Having led your country’s education process as Chief Education Officer over the last several years, I am confident that your expertise will be beneficial to some of the innovative programs in this area in which CIDI is working,” Almagro added. (Antigua Observer)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

St. Lucian Ambulance Attendant Arrives At Murder Scene, Finds Out Person Shot Deadp rWas His Sister ovide emergency response at the scene of the shooting.

Upon arriving at the scene Felix got a shock no one should have to go through, he saw his sister lying on her back with a gunshot wound to the head. Saint Lucia Fire Service is currently providing counselling to Felix as he struggle to come to terms with the loss of his sister.

(St. Lucia News Online)

T

he tragic revelation of the shooting death of Verna Augustin was made in a rather unexpected way to one of her siblings who worked as an ambulance attendant.

The sibling, Augustin’s brother Ian Felix, only found out that his sister was the one who got shot when his unit responded to a call to

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

Uber Drivers Win Key Employment Case

(GETTY IMAGES) Uber drivers have won the right to be classed as workers rather than self-employed.

The ruling by a London employment tribunal means drivers for the ride-hailing app will be entitled to holiday pay, paid rest breaks and the national minimum wage. The GMB union described the decision as a "monumental victory" for some 40,000 drivers in England and Wales.

Uber said it would appeal against the ruling that it had acted unlawfully. The San Francisco-based company had argued that its drivers were not employees but selfemployed contractors.

The ruling accused Uber of "resorting in its documentation to fictions, twisted language and even brand new terminology", adding: "The notion that Uber in London is a mosaic of

30,000 small businesses linked by a common 'platform' is to our mind faintly ridiculous." "This is a monumental victory that will have a hugely positive impact on drivers," said Maria Ludkin, legal director at the GMB, which brought the case. The TUC said the case had exposed the "dark side" of the UK's labour market.

General secretary Frances O'Grady said: "For many workers the gig economy is a rigged economy, where bosses can get out of paying the minimum wage and providing basics like paid holidays and rest breaks.

"What is happening at Uber is just the tip of the iceberg.

Lots of people are now trapped in insecure jobs, with low pay and no voice at work.

We need the government to get tough on sham selfemployment." Jo Bertram, Uber's UK manager, said:

"Tens of thousands of people in London drive with Uber precisely because they want to be self-employed and their o w n b o s s . " T h e overwhelming majority of drivers who use the Uber app want to keep the freedom and flexibility of being able to drive when and where they want. While the decision of this preliminary hearing only affects two people, we will be appealing it."

Two drivers, James Farrar and Yaseen Aslam, argued that their actions were controlled by Uber, which meant they were employed by the firm - but that they did not have basic workers' rights.

Mr Farrar said his net earnings in August 2015 after expenses were £5.03 an hour.

Mr Aslam no longer drives for Uber. 'Ground-breaking' decision Nigel Mackay from law firm Leigh Day, which represented the two drivers,

said: "This judgment acknowledges the central contribution that Uber's drivers have made to Uber's success by confirming that its drivers are not selfemployed, but that they work for Uber as part of the company's business.

"This is a ground-breaking decision. It will impact not just on the thousands of Uber drivers working in this country, but on all workers in the so-called gig economy whose employers wrongly classify them as selfemployed and deny them the rights to which they are entitled." Martin Warren, partner and head of labour relations at Eversheds, said the ruling may not mean other cases brought by workers in the "on-demand economy" will have similar success.

"Each case will depend on the specific terms and arrangements between the individual and the company they work for. Nevertheless other firms who rely heavily on the 'on-demand' freelance workforce will be watching cases like this keenly," he said. Alex Bearman, partner at Russell-Cooke solicitors, said Uber could look to meet any additional costs by increasing the percentage of each fare that it kept as commission: "It seems likely that this decision will be appealed and we may not see a final determination for some time to come." (BBC)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

Oregon Stand-off: Wildlife Refuge Occupiers In Shock Acquittal

Ammon Bundy, second from right, leads the group(AFP) Seven leaders of an armed militia who led a 41-day stand-off at a US federal wildlife refuge in Oregon have been cleared of the charges against them. The surprise verdict acquitted them of conspiracy and firearms offences. A lawyer for one of the leaders, Ammon Bundy, was tackled to the ground by US marshals after shouting at the judge. The militia occupied the refuge in early January, accusing the government of unlawful interference in the affairs of ranchers.

One protester was shot dead by police during a confrontation outside the refuge when some of the defendants were arrested, days before the occupation was brought to a peaceful end in F e b r u a r y. T h e s t a n d - o ff highlighted the simmering resentment among rural communities in the US West over federal control of land. A total of 26 people have been charged over the stand-off. Some have already pleaded guilty to conspiracy. A second group of defendants is due to stand trial in February. Prosecutors argued the defendants, led by Ammon Bundy and his brother Ryan, had kept federal employees from

their jobs at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. But defence lawyers say the jury was unable to find beyond reasonable doubt that the occupiers had intended to prevent federal officers from going to work.

Drama erupted in the courtroom after Ammon Bundy's defence lawyer Marcus Mumford shouted at the judge, demanding the immediate release of his client. As the exchange escalated, court marshals tackled him to the ground and used a stun gun on him. Judge Anna Brown said Mr Bundy could not be released because he and his brother still faced charges in a separate armed stand-off case at their father's ranch in Nevada in 2014. Lawyers for the defendants expressed their surprise at the verdict, including Robert Salisbury who described it as a "stunning victory for the defence".

'Extremely disappointed' Alongside the Bundy brothers, Jeff Banta, Neil Wampler, Kenneth Medenbach, David Fry and Shawna Cox were all cleared of the charges. During the occupation earlier this year, the group established armed patrols and vetted those who visited the refuge. They said the takeover was a justified act of civil disobedience against an

overreaching federal government. After several weeks one of the protesters, Robert "LaVoy" Finicum, was shot dead during a 26 January traffic stop outside the refuge as the Bundys and several others were detained.

After the acquittals, US Attorney for the District of Oregon Billy Williams said he had "hoped for a different outcome".

But he said he strongly believed the case needed to be brought before a court and decided by a jury. The FBI also said it was "extremely disappointed in the verdict". Friends of the occupiers - and there are plenty of them in the western United States - will trumpet this verdict as a victory for freedom in the face of federal oppression. The rationale behind the protest was the charge that the US government acts unconstitutionally in its treatment of ranchers. A bird sanctuary established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 might not have been the most obvious symbol of such "oppression", but in truth it was an easy, empty target for the heavily-armed militia.

Indeed, the lack of resistance may have helped to secure their acquittal. How could the occupiers have impeded US Fish and Wildlife Service workers "by force, intimidation, and threats," if they walked in to the reserve unchallenged? Whether the jury acquitted them on such technical grounds or whether it was striking a blow for states' rights is impossible to know at this stage.

Still, both interpretations amount to the same thing: a slap in the face for the feds.

The Oregon stand-off explained How did it begin? In October last year, a federal judge ruled that sentences on two Oregon ranchers, Dwight and Steven Hammond, for burning federal

land were too short and jailed them for about four years each.

Angered by the ruling, Nevada native Ammon Bundy began a social media campaign backing them and travelled to Burns, Oregon, organising meetings.

His group attracted supporters from across a number of states and Mr Bundy called it Citizens for Constitutional Freedom.

On 2 January the armed militiamen took over the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge - and widened their range of demands. What were the militia's aims? It was an extension of the Sagebrush Revolution of the 1970s and 1980s that demanded the transfer of federal land in many Western states to local control. Mr Bundy's own father - a Nevada rancher - had been involved in a protest over cattle-grazing rights in 2014. One policy is to try to persuade ranchers to tear up their federal grazing contracts.

Although many local residents were sympathetic with the cause, many also opposed the occupation of the refuge. Even the local ranchers who are serving the longer sentences distanced themselves from the militia. Are militias legal? The term has a complex history and generally refers to those outside the official military who can be called on in times of need. The US constitution refers to the president having command of "militia of several states" and that Congress "can call forth militia" to tackle insurrection and invasion. Those who form such militias cite the constitution and various references in federal and state law as granting them legality. (BBC)

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

Syria Rebels 'In Push To Break Aleppo Siege’

Rebels outside the city have so far been leading the offensive(REUTERS) Rebels in Syria have announced a big offensive aimed at breaking the government siege of east Aleppo. A UK-based monitoring group said rebels fired "hundreds" of missiles on western Aleppo, killing at least 15 civilians. In response, Russia's defence ministry said it had asked permission from President Vladimir Putin to resume air strikes against the rebels after a 10-day pause, Russian media report. About 275,000 people have been besieged in the east of the city for months.

The Syrian government said it had repelled offensives on several fronts around Aleppo by both rebel groups and militants from so-called Islamic State (IS). "Booby-trapped cars, two tanks and a large number of armoured vehicles" were destroyed, the defence ministry said on its website. Russia said it

was time for all rebel groups in eastern Aleppo to be considered "legitimate targets". The attacks are so far coming from rebels outside Aleppo but it is understood that rebels inside the city will join the offensive.

“All the revolutionary factions, without exception, are participating in the battle," the military spokesman for the Fastaqim faction inside the city said, AP news agency reports.

They include Jabhat Fateh alSham, formerly the al-Qaedalinked Nusra Front, as well as fellow Islamists Ahrar al-Sham.

Rebels fired Grad missiles at alNayrab, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) monitoring group said. Up to 115 people were killed or wounded, it added.

They also detonated two car bombs against government positions to the south-west of the city. One was a tank driven by a French suicide bomber from Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, a spokesman for the group said.

The area around the Hmeimim

air base near the coastal city of Latakia - the main airport used by the Russian air force - was also reportedly targeted, the SOHR said. The rebels said this counter-attack would come. But even though disparate groups have united for this effort, "liberating" East Aleppo won't be easy. They have hit an airbase and are targeting other Syrian positions in an effort to cripple any response. But the Syrian army is the least of their problems - by itself, it is relatively weak.

The Syrian government is supported by Lebanese, Iranian, Iraqi and Afghan Shia militias, as well as Russian air power soon to be bolstered by a naval fleet in the Mediterranean. One of the main rebel factions spearheading this operation is Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, which is affiliated to al-Qaeda. It is the very group the US has tried to untangle from the fighters it supports.

This means that from a Western perspective at least, the rebels

are on their own. The rebel offensive came as Syria's foreign minister Walid Muallem met his Russian and Iranian counterparts, Sergei Lavrov and Mohammad Javad Zarif, in Moscow. They pledged to increase support for the Syrian government. Mr Lavrov reiterated Moscow's call for moderate rebel groups to disassociate themselves from Jabhat Fateh al-Sham. He quoted US Secretary of State John Kerry as saying if this did not happen the moderate groups concerned would be considered a legitimate target . "I think... the time has come for the logic set out by John Kerry to find some practical shape," he said. Mr Lavrov also accused US-backed rebels in Syria of impeding humanitarian operations in Aleppo, adding that UN humanitarian workers had behaved "unprofessionally" by failing to allow sick and injured civilians out of the city.

Mr Muallem accused the West of attempting to drive IS militants from Iraq to Syria to fight the Syrian government. Divided city It is the rebels' second attempt to break the siege.

In August they temporarily opened a corridor between the east and west after the government entirely encircled them for the first time in July.

The city, previously Syria's economic hub, has been divided between the two sides since 2012. Almost 500 people have been killed and 2,000 injured since government forces, backed by Russian air strikes, intensified an assault on the east of the city a month ago. UN human rights chief Zeid Raad Al Hussein has described the city as a "slaughterhouse". (BBC)

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

Philippines Duterte: God Told Me To Stop Swearing

Mr Duterte was on a ight home after a visit to Japan(AFP) Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte says he has promised God he will clean up his famously vulgar language.

Arriving in his home city of

Davao after a trip to Japan, Mr Duterte said God gave him an ultimatum on the plane. "I heard a voice telling me to stop swearing or the plane will crash in mid-air, and so I promised to stop," he told reporters at the airport. Mr Duterte's blunt speaking, often directed at the

West, has contributed to his popularity at home.

He called President Barack Obama a "son of a whore", called the European Union "hypocritical", threatened to leave the UN and accepted comparisons to Hitler, saying he would gladly kill three million drug addicts. All were responses to criticisms of his bloody war on drugs, that has seen thousands of alleged drug dealers and users killed by police and vigilante groups. Mr Duterte said he had promised God he would not "express slang, cuss words and everything", and said a "promise to God is a promise to the Filipino people". But he suggested his promise might have its limits.

Whether he will stick to not swearing when talking about the US, EU or arch political foe Senator Leila de Lima, will depend on timing, local media quoted him as saying. Like most Filipinos, Mr Duterte is Roman Catholic, although he has boasted about his womanising and called the Pope a "son of a whore" for causing traďŹƒc jams during his visit. The president has spoken about being abused by an American priest as a child, saying that informed his political views. He recently said that the Philippines wanted "a separation" from long-standing ally the US, and wanted American troops to leave the country, possibly within two years. (BBC)

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PAGE 35

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

US Election: Clinton 'Eyes Biden For Top Diplomat Job’ top job or bust for most

(AP) Vice-President Joe Biden is being considered for the secretary of state job if Hillary Clinton becomes president, US media are reporting. Politico first reported Mr Biden was "at the top of the internal short list" of the Clinton team who are planning for her winning the White House.

With 11 days to go, she leads Republican Donald Trump in the polls. Mr Biden, 73, was a senator for 36 years and chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. So he has the foreign affairs pedigree for secretary of state, which is in effect the country's top diplomat, but has a reputation for being gaffe-prone.

Recently he has been very critical of Mr Trump for being too close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He also said he wished he was still at high school so he could take the billionaire "behind the gym" to fight him. He has a very close relationship with the president despite raising eyebrows early on by referring to the then Senator Obama as "the first mainstream African American who is articulate and bright and clean". In the summer, he went to Latvia and assured the Baltic states that the US would defend Nato countries against possible Russian aggression.

Mr Biden pondered a run at the presidency himself last year but said the recent

death of his son Beau meant he would not have been able to focus fully on a campaign. This was supposed to be Joe Biden's valedictory tour; his fleeting final moments in the corridors of power.

Instead he's again the subject of political speculation, which is exactly how he seems to like it. This time around the Clinton team is leaking that he could be up for secretary of state in a potential administration.

Last year Mr Biden put himself in the spotlight by publicly grappling with whether to run for president.

It would be unusual for a vice-president to hop down a rung in the ladder to secretary of state. It's the

occupants of Mr Biden's office. Then again, it's a position for which the former chair of the Senate foreign relations committee, who was added to Barack Obama's ticket to give it foreign policy gravitas, seems well suited. Mr Biden may follow through on his promise to fade from the stage, perhaps to write a book. The Clinton team may just be floating an inconsequential trial balloon or trying to drum up pre-election enthusiasm within the party's base. If the offer does end up on Mr Biden's table, however, don't be surprised if he takes the plunge.

What happens next? Mrs Clinton and Mr Trump will spend the remaining days before the election crisscrossing the country in their bid to persuade undecided voters. Expect to see lots of appearances in battleground states such as Ohio, North Carolina, Florida and Pennsylvania Voters will go to the polls on Tuesday 8 November to decide who becomes the 45th president of the US The new president will be inaugurated on 20 January 2017 (BBC)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

Mosul Iraq Battle: 'Tens Of Thousands Of Civilians' Used As IS Humanh u mShields an shields," Ms

So far, only "modest" numbers of people have fled Mosul, the UN says(REUTERS) Islamic State (IS) militants have abducted tens of thousands of civilians from around the Iraqi city of Mosul to use as human shields, the UN says. The group also killed some 190 former members of Iraq's security services and 42 civilians, apparently for refusing to obey its orders, the UN adds.

Iraqi, Kurdish and allied forces have advanced on their push to retake Mosul, the jihadist group's de facto capital.

As many as 1.5 million people are believed to

remain there.

There are fears IS could use them to defend itself as the operation gets closer to the centre of the city. "Credible reports" suggested that civilians in sub-districts around Mosul had been forced from their homes and relocated inside the city since the offensive began earlier this month, UN spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said. Men, women and children from 6,000 families were abducted in areas including Shura, she added. "Isil's depraved cowardly strategy is to attempt to use the presence of civilian hostages to render certain points, areas or military

forces immune from military operations, effectively using tens of thousands of women, men and children as

Shamdasani added, using an acronym for IS. She said the allegations had been corroborated by the UN but added that the true number might be greater. The UN said last week IS was apparently not allowing families to flee for territory held by the Iraqi army outside Mosul and that civilians suspected of being disloyal to to the group appeared to had been t a rg e t e d . T h e organisation added that only "modest" numbers of people had so far fled Mosul. (BBC)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

Brisbane Bus Driver Dies After Being Set On Fire By Passenger

talented singer and dancer who was engaged to be married. "I've been confronted with many situations, but here, this is a rare one where there appears to be no A bus driver has died in Brisbane, apparent motive," Police Supt Jim Australia, after a passenger threw Keogh told reporters. "A bus an "item" which set him on fire, say police. Six "deeply traumatised" passengers escaped the smoke-filled vehicle with the help of a taxi driver who forced open the back door of the bus.

Eleven people were treated by paramedics for smoke inhalation and minor injuries. Police arrested a 48-year-old man and have ruled out terrorism. The bus driver was identified as Manmeet Alisher, a 29-yearold man well known in Brisbane's Indian community.

Friends described him as a The driver, Manmeet Alisher, was well-known in the community(FACEBOOK/MAN EET ALISHER)

driver, going about doing his business, supporting the community, has had his life taken from him in what is a senseless and needless act." Taxi driver Aguek Nyok helped passengers escape.

"All the people were at the back trying to get out of the bus but they couldn't get out the front because of the flames," he told the CourierMail newspaper. "They couldn't open the back door so I kicked it down and they all came running out." Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said it was "a very, very sad day for the council and the wider community". Flags will be flown at half-mast across the city on Saturday as sign of respect for Mr Alisher. (BBC)

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GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

Celebgate Hack: Collins Sentenced Over Nude Photos Theft

Dunst - by sending emails appearing be from Google or Apple.

Collins was charged with accessing the photos between 2012 A Pennsylvania court and 2014, in a case has sentenced a man to known as "celebgate".

18 months in jail for hacking into the accounts of celebrities and stealing nude photos a n d v i d e o s . Ry a n Collins, 36, pleaded guilty to the charges in May. He had stolen the usernames and passwords of more than 600 people. Collins tricked his victims including actresses Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Upton, Scarlett Johansson, and Kirsten Naked photographs of Jennifer Lawrence were leaked online after an iCloud hack in 2014(AFP)

But was not charged with releasing them. A s t a t e m e n t b y prosecutors said: "Investigators have not uncovered any evidence linking Collins to the actual leaks or that

Collins shared or u p l o a d e d t h e information he obtained." Collins accessed at least 50 iCloud accounts and 72 Gmail accounts.

Court ďŹ lings said he had used fraudulent email addresses designed to look like security accounts from service providers, including email.protection318@i c l o u d . c o m , noreply_helpdesk0118 @outlook.com and secure.helpdesk0119@ gmail.com. Collins was originally charged in Los Angeles, but s e n t e n c e d i n Pennsylvania, his home state. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 41

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

Nigeria To Spend $10bn To End Conict In Oil-rich Niger Delta

Naked photographs of Jennifer Lawrence were leaked online after an iCloud hack in 2014(AFP) A Pennsylvania court has sentenced a man to 18 months in jail for hacking into the accounts of celebrities and stealing nude photos and videos.

Ry a n C o l l i n s , 3 6 , pleaded guilty to the charges in May. He had stolen the usernames and passwords of more than 600 people.

Collins tricked his victims - including actresses Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Upton, Scarlett Johansson, and Kirsten Dunst - by sending emails

appearing be from Google or Apple.

Collins was charged with accessing the photos between 2012 and 2014, in a case known as "celebgate".

But was not charged with releasing them. A statement by prosecutors said: "Investigators have not uncovered any

evidence linking Collins to the actual leaks or that Collins shared or uploaded the information he obtained." Collins accessed at least 50 iCloud accounts and 72 Gmail accounts.

Court ďŹ lings said he had used fraudulent email addresses designed to look like security accounts from service providers, i n c l u d i n g email.protection318@ i c l o u d . c o m , noreply_helpdesk0118 @outlook.com and secure.helpdesk0119 @gmail.com. Collins was originally charged in Los Angeles, but sentenced in Pennsylvania, his home state. (BBC)

INTERNATIONAL PAGE 42

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

Tony Blair: Options Must Stay Open On Brexit

51.9% of UK voters backed leaving the EU in June The UK should keep its "options open" over Brexit, Tony Blair has said, adding that a second referendum should not be ruled out. The former PM told the BBC the vote was a "catastrophe" and said it was vital to study the "real-life implications". Mr Blair said he accepted the verdict of June's referendum, but recommended looking again at Brexit when "we have a clear sense of where we're going". Downing Street said it was "absolutely committed" to seeing Brexit through.

A spokesman said the British people had expressed their view very clearly on 23 June, when 51.9% of voters opted to leave the EU, adding: "There will be no second referendum." Supporters of leaving the EU argue it will free up the UK to trade better globally and give the government better control of immigration. 'We're the insurgents now' But Mr Blair told BBC Radio 4's Today programme he believed the Brexit vote was a catastrophe and argued that it was important that the views of the "16 million" people who had backed remaining in the EU should not be

ignored.

He added: "If it becomes clear that this is either a deal that doesn't make it worth our while leaving, or alternatively a deal that's going to be so serious in its implications people may decide they don't want to go, there's got to be some way, either through Parliament, or an election, or possibly through another referendum, in which people express their view." But he said the vote for Brexit could not be changed "unless it becomes clear that the British people have had a change of mind". Mr Blair's interview followed an article in the New European newspaper in which he said those who believed in the EU "have to recognise we're the insurgents now".

"We have to build the capability to mobilise and to organise. We have to prise apart the alliance which gave us Brexit." UKIP MP Douglas Carswell tweeted that Mr Blair was "seeking to de-legitimise and reverse" the referendum result. The government has promised to invoke Article 50 - setting formal talks with the EU in motion - by the end of March next year. It says it will not provide a "running commentary" on its stance before negotiations for leaving the EU begin but has pledged to

make Brexit work for the whole country.

Mr Blair told the BBC it was unclear what the outcome of negotiations, in terms of restrictions of movement of people and access to the single market, would be, adding: "We will start to see the real-life implications of this decision to go." 'Very, very tough' "We've got to work out: are the freedoms that we are going to gain really so substantial that we want to leave the European Union?" He warned of the talks with the EU: "I'm convinced that it's going to be very, very tough. We have to understand we are not going to be conducting these negotiations with a group of European businessmen who might well decide that they want maximum access to the UK... "The people we are going to be conducting these negotiations with are the political leaders of the European Union and their parliaments. "I'm arguing we should keep our options open," he said.

Mr Blair, who was prime minister between 1997 and 2007, announced last month that he was winding up most of his commercial ventures to focus on not-for-profit work. In 2004, Mr Blair said a UK referendum would be held on ratification of the European Constitution Treaty, creating, among other measures, a European Council president and a "common defence policy". But voters in France and the Netherlands rejected the treaty, which was discarded. In 2007, the Labour government rejected calls for a referendum on a second treaty, which came to be known as the Lisbon Treaty, arguing it was a different document and a UK referendum was not needed.

Earlier this month, Mr Blair told Esquire magazine he was considering whether there was a "role" for him in UK politics, having not been actively involved for almost a decade. (BBC)

FUN CORNER PAGE 44

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

Movies with One Word Titles Word Search

CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 45

WANTED

Fast Growing Food Distribution Company Seeking Salespersons. Must Have a Drivers License And Valid Police Clearance.

Some Experience Necessary. Call For Interview Tel# 2318344 Or 223-1034 **** One Receptionist.

Must be Computer literate, 18 years or older. For more information call 2316338.

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

VACANCY

Fast Growing Food Distribution Company Seeking Canter Driver.

Must Have A Driver License And Valid Police Clearance. Some Experience Necessary.

Call For Interview Tel # 231-8344 Or 223-1034

VACANCY

Fast growing reputable Food Importer & Distributor seeking a Warehouse Worker.

Must have Experience & Valid Police Clearance. For more info Please call 231-8344 / 223-1034

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

VACANCY

FOR SALE

One Pharmacy Assistant Please call 231-5900 **** One Lab Assistant Please call 231-5900 **** One Lab Technician Must have a Diploma in Medical Technology, be able to work as part of a fast moving team.

MUST BE LICENSED Please call 231-5900

Eccles lot for sale.

50x100. $6M Please call 638-7677

SERVICES

Tattoo Removal, Laser Lipo, Hair Removal and more.

For more information call Skin Care Clinic on Tel: 231-5900.

PAGE 47

The 704 Sports Bar, Club and Sky Lounge invites all brave women and men who serve and protects us, for a night of celebration and relaxation. Don’t Miss it! Source: https://www.facebook.com/704Guyana/?fref=ts

The Animae Caribe Festival present ‘Dark Night’!

Thinking about a trip to Trinidad & Tobago?

Already there? If is the case The Animae Caribe Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Festival invites you to pass by Upper Floor, Building FZ-5 Frederick Settlement Industrial State, T&T, to enjoy and educational weekend, with the company of creative local minds, and high profile animators. Don’t miss the screening of the Guyanese delegation represented by the Guyana Animation Network (GAN) also The Suriname Animation Network (SAN) and the T&T Animation Network (TAN).

The Closing and Awards ceremony will take place on Saturday 29th At TZAR Ariapa Avenue. After the formalities, animators and organizers of the event, will gather for a ‘Dark Night’ of Animation Screening and Cosplay The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha in association with ZeeTV and Digicel, Competitions, at the Dance Club ‘TZAR invites the audience to enjoy for an spectacular Diwali Motorcade on Saturday Nightlife’ on #33 Carlos Street, Woodbrook. The October 29th. The Motorcade leaves the Shri Krishna Mandir, Campbeville at celebration will conclude with the ‘Tzar 18:00hrs for the LBI Community Centre Ground, were will be a large cultural Halloween Party’. Don’t Miss It! Take part of presentation beginning at the 19thhrs, featuring directly from India Kushal the celebration.

Paul, Jyotica Tangri, the Dharmic Nrytia Sangh and other top Guyanese Cost: $40, (local currency) free if in costume. singers. Shubh Diwali From the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha!

Source: Source: https://www.facebook.com/Guyana-Hindu-Dharmic-Sabhahttps://www.facebook.com/events/115819558091 175973365839875/?hc_...

7203/

PAGE 48

PAGE 50

WhereEvent Guyana

Club Privilege

Club Privilege invites you to Participate In the ‘Black too Black’ Party next Saturday October 29th.

Dress color that matches the Night. Most glamorous ladies will be rewarded with a discount on door prices, Music , fun and special drinks and cocktails are guarantee to make A party for the whole family to enjoy. Come to 92 Middle Street, Georgetown on Friday you forget about the Sunrise. Don’t miss it. All Night Black 28th Of October to enjoy the Bakery with assortment of specialty breads, pastries, for those with a nocturnal heart. cheeses, juices and Ice Cream. The ‘Feast’ starts at the 22:00hrs until Sunday 30th of October. Don’t miss it! Make your Halloween tasty.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/clubprivilegegy/ Source: http://www.wherevent.com/detail/Fernandes-Bread-Box-HalloweenSpookacula...

The ‘Sassy Revellers School Of Performing Arts’ have organized a Parade in Commemoration of Diwali. The show will start from Parade Street, Kingston Georgetown on Friday, October 28th, at the 20:00hrs. Don’t miss it! Take part of the celebration, join the craze.

Source: http://www.wherevent.com/detail/Sassy-Revellers-School-Fireball-2-Steppi...

HOROSCOPE PAGE 51

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

Daily Horoscope

Source: www.starlightastrology.com

You need to lie back and enjoy a little rest. If you go shopping, only take what you can afford to part with.

Don't let your emotions interfere with your efficiency.

You might find that the extra cash will come in handy when an opportunity to invest comes along. Your partner will be emotionally unable to cope. Work hard on improving your living quarters.

You'll have problems with authority figures if you don't play by the rules. You can make money if you pursue your own business. Work diligently and you will get ahead today.

Accept the inevitable, and opportunities for advancement will follow. Your ability to come up with good solutions for problems related to work will no doubt help you in getting a promotion. Opportunities to get involved in self improvement projects will be rewarding.

Plan a trip to the country or take a drive to the beach.

Try to spend some time on your own. Don't say things that could be damaging later on. Cut loose.

Don't allow your lover to take advantage of your good nature. Sudden changes regarding work and colleagues are apparent. Be prepared to neutralize any threats.

You will be in the mood for competition, and your ability to lead a group will bring you popularity. Do not get into uncertain financial deals. Listen to the advice given by others.

You can make it up to them later. You can invest in profitable ventures. Problems with large corporations or institutions are apparent.

Look for professional guidance if it will help unite the family. Don't let your mate stop you from attending an event that could be most important. Be careful not to sign your time or your cash away.

You can make extra money. Rewards will be yours if you put in the overtime required.

Someone you work with could try to undermine you. You may overspend if you travel today; however, the trip will be one to remember.

Do your own thing. Physical work or exercise should be part of your schedule. You can make professional decisions today that will affect your position You may win favors if you present your ideas and include your family. Offer love and affection instead of conflict and rejection. Don't be afraid to push your beliefs and attitudes.

RECIPE PAGE 53

GUYANA DAILY NEWS

Ingredients

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016

RECIPE OF THE DAY: CARROT CAKE

3 cups grated carrot 1½ cup sugar 2 cups flour 4 eggs, slightly beaten with essence 2 tsp spice (cinnamon or allspice) ½ tsp salt 1¼ cup COCAMAR* oil A little baking powder Preparation Scrape, wash and grate carrot, and put in a large mixing bowl. Add sugar, spice, salt, eggs, oil and flour with baking powder. Put in greased cake pan. Bake for 30 minutes in a medium oven, or until side loosens from the edge of the pan.

ALTERNATIVE RECIPE Ingredients 4 cups grated carrot 3 cups flour 3 cups sugar 1 cup COCAMAR* oil 1½ cups crushed pineapple 7 eggs 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda 4 tsp ground cinnamon

Preparation In large bowl mix together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, sugar and oil until smooth. Beat in egg, then milk. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture, stirring just until blended. Lightly coat griddle or skillet with oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Drop batter onto the griddle and cook until tiny bubbles appear on the surface of the pancake, then flip and cook a few minutes more. **Imported and distributed by SUPERFOODS

PAGE 54

Philadelphia Businessman Buys St Lucia Zouks

Jignesh Pandya of Royal Sports Club is the new owner of Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise St Lucia Zouks, based in Philadelphia. Pandya is the founder of the Rohan Group of companies, a real estate venture with over 100 combined commercial and retail properties that employs in excess of 1,200 people. He currently also serves as the Chairman of Global Sports Ventures, LLC and Royal Sports Club, LLC. The 2016 season was the Zouks’ most

successful yet, with Daren Sammy’s St Lucia-based side reaching the CPL Finals for the first time.

“Today is a landmark day for the Zouks franchise, and indeed for the Hero CPL, and is further evidence of the growing stature of the biggest party in sport, both in the Caribbean and internationally,” said Damien O’Donohoe, CEO of HERO CPL. “Discussions have been ongoing with Mr Pandya and his representatives for many months and they have a clear vision for the Zouks to elevate them even higher for the seasons to come in terms of recruitment and in building all aspects of the franchise, from root to branch.

Their passion for the Hero CPL is obvious, with their values being closely aligned to our own, to strive to be an innovative market-leader, and I have no doubt that these are exciting times to be a

Zouks fan.” Outlining his vision for the Zouks franchise, Pandya said his aim is to mould the Zouks into a dominant team. “Our aim is to help drive the Zouks forward to become the dominant team in the CPL by producing consistent results that will enable us to be title contenders in every edition of CPL going forward,” said Pandya.

“Royal Sports encounters numerous investment opportunities in the sporting businesses across North America and Europe, and one of the investments that really excited us was the CPL and we felt it was a great addition to our sports portfolio.” Pandya said his company will also explore more investment options in terms of tourism and other business opportunities that are available in the region. (SportsMax)

PAGE 56

Spurs Continue Winning Start To Season, Wade Debuts For Bulls WA D E S TA R S O N DEBUT

@NBAonTNT! #NBARapidReplay https://t.co/P1DHmRWNfg — NBA (@NBA) October 28, 2016

Back home in Chicago after swapping the Miami Heat for the Bulls, Wade lived up to the hype.

The three-time NBA champion had 22 points, six rebounds and five assists to sink the Bulls.

After two games, the San Antonio Spurs are unbeaten, while Dwyane Wade made his Chicago Bulls debut on Thursday.

The San Antonio Spurs made it two wins from two NBA games after defeating the Sacramento Kings 102-94. After upstaging the Golden State Warriors on the road, the Spurs continued their winning start in Sacramento on Thursday. Kawhi Leonard produced another impressive display for the Spurs.

Dwyane Wade made his debut for the Chicago Bulls, who overcame the Boston Celtics 105-99. The Atlanta Hawks soared over the Washington Wizards and the Los Angeles Clippers proved too strong for the Portland Trail Blazers.

LEONARD LEADS SPURS… AGAIN! If 35 points against last season's runners-up was not enough on Tuesday, Leonard got himself into double-digits again.

Leonard posted 30 points and five assists as the Spurs preserved their 100 per cent record.

LaMarcus Aldridge added 16 points of his own, while Dewayne Dedmon and David Lee were also in double-digits.

Jimmy Butler top-scored with 24 points.

WA D E R E V E L S I N C H I C A G O RETURN "That's a homecoming right there!" @DwyaneWade #ThisIsWhyWePlay pic.twitter.com/eWlDmALEeh — NBA (@NBA) October 28, 2016 Blake spins + wins for the deuce on

CLIPPERS WIN OPENER, HAWKS FLY Playing for the first time this season, the Clippers defeated the Trail Blazers 114106.

The Hawks, meanwhile, were 114-94 winners over the Wizards on the back of Paul Millsap's 28 points.

WARRIORS LOOKING TO BOUNCE BACK After losing their season opener, the Warriors - led by Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson - are at the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. LeBron James and reigning champions the Cleveland Cavaliers face the Toronto Raptors. (SportsMax)

PAGE 57

Moyes Claims Sunderland Are Improving

Despite sitting bottom of the Premier League, David Moyes believes winless Sunderland are getting better. David Moyes believes Sunderland have improved in recent weeks, as they wait on a first Premier League win of the season. The Black Cats sit bottom of the table with just two points but, having been beaten by moments of individual brilliance at West Ham and Southampton in their last two matches, Moyes insisted the confidence of his players is growing. Sunderland now host Arsenal on Saturday, and the former Manchester United boss

claimed that, with the Stadium of Light behind them, his men can get a positive result.

"Our confidence is good and the players know they are doing better," he told a pre-match news conference on Friday. "The results haven't shown that, but the last two results could have been different. "We want the fans in full voice, but what we do on the pitch will determine that, so we need to get them off their seats." Sunderland's preparation for this fixture has not been ideal, though, with Moyes charged by the FA for comments made about the referee's decision not to award a penalty at Southampton, and the travelling squad then being unable to fly home due to fog.

But Moyes brushed off any suggestion those factors could be used as an excuse against the Gunners. "It wasn't that big a problem and quite often teams stay down after games," he said, "so we recovered there yesterday and it worked quite well."

However, Moyes - who replaced Sam Allardyce in the offseason - knows Sunderland face a tough opponent in Arsenal, who are unbeaten in all competitions since the opening weekend of the season. "Arsenal were strong last year, and they've been contenders for the Premier League for many years," he added. "They are strong again this year."

(SportsMax)

PAGE 59

Mkhitaryan Not Injured But Still Needs Time, Says Mourinho club and even a '#freemkhitaryan' of midfield. The veteran has played in campaign from fans on social media.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan's absence from the Manchester United team has caused a stir, but Jose Mourinho has pleaded for patience. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not injured but still needs time to adapt to the demands of Manchester United, according to manager Jose Mourinho.

The former Borussia Dortmund star has not featured for United since he was hauled off at half-time of the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at Old Trafford in September. Mkhitaryan had been struggling with a thigh injury but was left out of the matchday squads against Fenerbahce, Chelsea and City in the EFL Cup despite Mourinho stating he had recovered from the problem, prompting further speculation about his future at the

Speaking ahead of Saturday's Premier League match with Burnley, Mourinho insists that he has faith in the 27-yearold's quality but warned that he must build up his sharpness before returning to the team. "Sometimes I confuse the meaning of 'fit' in the English language - sometimes fit means that you aren't i n j u r e d , " h e s a i d o n F r i d a y.

"Mkhitaryan is not injured, he is training with the team at 100 per cent. "Some players have the profile of adapting easily, but some other players need more time to feel the intensity.

"Some players need time to feel the competitiveness and the level of work without the ball. Mikhi needs time to become the top player we know he can be. "Of course we believe in MKhi and sooner or later there will be no problem."

United bounced back from their 4-0 thrashing by Chelsea with a 1-0 win over City in the EFL Cup last-16 on Wednesday, in which Michael Carrick produced a fine performance in the heart

each of United's last three wins in all competitions, and Mourinho could only express his admiration for his impact.

"One thing is to be 25 years old, another is 35.

That's the logic of things. But the only thing I can say is that he's phenomenal, no doubts about it," he said. "I think I have to manage him, I cannot expect from Michael what I can from [Marcus] Rashford or [Ander] Herrera in terms of playing seven consecutive matches. But he's phenomenal. "There is no relation to victories but, for sure, he gives us important things - stability in our game, mental freedom to the other guys around him to be more offensive. He's not just a player, he's someone who has a big understanding of the game. "You cannot stop the clock. It's a pity to have some players who become older. In five years' time, [Lionel] Messi will be 34 and we'll all be crying. "Michael is such an important player and he's very difficult to replace." (SportsMax)

PAGE 60

Tamim: No Defence For Bangladesh Capitulation

England took nine wickets for only 49 runs on another dramatic day of Test cricket against England. Tamim Iqbal said there was no defence for Bangladesh's dramatic batting collapse after his imperious century had put England on the back foot on the first day of the second Test in Dhaka. Opening batsman Tamim made a magnificent 104

from 147 balls, 12 of which were dispatched to the boundary and added 170 for the second wicket with Mominul Haque (66) to put the Tigers on top at Shere Bangla National Stadium.

Bangladesh folded following the loss of Tamim, losing nine wickets for only 49 runs in a remarkable turnaround as England spinner Moeen Ali (5-57) led the way with great support from Ben Stokes (2-13) and Chris Woakes (3-30).

England closed on 50-3 in reply to 220 all out and Tamim, who now has eight Test centuries to his name, made no excuses for the way the Tigers capitulated with the bat on a dramatic day. "I didn't come to defend today's collapse," Tamim said frankly at a media conference. "After first 10 balls the pitch was very much

easy to bat on, we had got many boundary balls and managed to score some quick runs.

In fact, Mominul was playing really well.

"But after 35 overs, ball had started to turn and it became difficult to bat on the crease, but certainly I'm not defending our collapse by saying this. "We are facing reverse swing bowling from English bowlers and we are not used to play such type of deliveries. It's not an excuse, but certainly this lack of playing reverse bowling in domestic league or nets is costing us. "We failed as a batting unit, it's true, but we haven't given up yet and hope to continue our venture with ball to restrict England within as trifle run as possible." (SportsMax)

PAGE 62

Pochettino: Title Race Could Go To Final Day

Mauricio Pochettino claims this year's Premier League title fight will be far more competitive than last term. Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino feels the Premier League title may not be won until the last game of the season. Spurs were in

contention before losing ground on Leicester in the final few weeks of 2015-16, the Foxes ultimately finishing an improbable 10 points clear of second-placed Arsenal.

The teams meet on Saturday at White Hart Lane with hosts Spurs in fifth place, one point off the joint leaders and already eight points ahead of mid-table Leicester. And the Argentine expects the teams' entertaining duel from last term to have little bearing on the result of this weekend's clash. "It is a different season and a different situation," Pochettino told a media conference. "We need to learn every day and try to be better in every competition we play, but I cannot tell you that we are learning from the game a few months ago.

“It is a very competitive season and there a lot of teams that are fighting to be on top of the table. This season will be tough and competitive. "Maybe we need to wait until the last game to see which club will win the Premier League." Pochettino revealed injured pair Harry Kane and Toby Alderweireld are both making good progress, but will not be fit to face Leicester.

(SportsMax)

PAGE 63

Guardiola: Real Madrid Don't Need A Manager Like Me and close friend Marti Perarnau made the claims on Spanish

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has laughed off rumours linking him with a move to Real Madrid last season.

Pep Guardiola says Real Madrid "don't need a manager like me" following reports the Catalan was sought to coach the European champions nearly a year ago. Guardiola's biographer

radio this week - saying Madrid tried to lure Guardiola, who was at Bayern Munich at the time, to the Santiago Bernabeu in November 2015, two months before they sacked then coach Rafael Benitez.

Guardiola subsequently took over at Manchester City ahead of the 2016-17 season, signing a three-year deal. Asked on Friday about Madrid's apparent interest, the former Barcelona boss told reporters: "I am a follower of FC Barcelona. "I don't think Real Madrid need a manager like me and I wouldn't fit there either." Guardiola won three LaLiga titles and two Champions League crowns during a glittering four-year spell in charge of Barca and Perarnau made it clear the 45-year-old joining their arch-rivals was "out of the question".

Perarnau told Cadena Ser: "Real Madrid called Pep Guardiola to try and tempt him last November, before they sacked Benitez. "Madrid contacted [Josep Maria] Orobitg, Guardiola's agent, in order to try and contract him. "But from the start it was out of the question. I was there." (SportsMax)

Tuchel Eager For 'Cup Final' Atmosphere In Ruhr Derby Showdowns with Schalke create a unique atmosphere, according to Borussia Dortmund's Thomas Tuchel.

Thomas Tuchel says it "feels like a cup final" when Borussia Dortmund clash with local rivals Schalke.

Dortmund go into the Ruhr derby on Saturday hampered by a series of injuries to key players, with Andre Schurrle, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raphael Guerreiro among those that missed Wednesday's shootout victory over Union Berlin in DFB Pokal, while Marco Reus is yet to play this season due to a groin issue.

Tuchel revealed that few of the absentees will return to fitness in time to face Schalke, as his side attempt to end a three-game winless run in the Bundesliga. Dortmund are sixth in the table and have yet to win a league game in October, leaving Tuchel determined to earn a positive result against his team's local rivals at Signal Iduna Park.

"When you're on the sidelines, there certainly feels something different about it. It feels like a cup final," Tuchel told a media conference. "Dortmund against Schalke is the [biggest] derby in Germany. I am glad to witness it so close up.

"We know the situation in the table, and we are of course not happy about recent results. "Schalke play very compact, they are a real team. We must show the necessary bite to find a solution and push Schalke [back] on the defensive." According

to the coach, Schurrle should be fit enough to return to the squad, but the game will come too soon for Guerreiro. Tuchel will give top scorer Aubameyang another day to prove he is fit enough to play a role after suffering from a calf problem. "On Thursday, no team training was possible for Aubameyang. It [the muscle] is super tight. If today he trains, he can play tomorrow," he said. (SportsMax)

PAGE 65

Guardiola: Real Madrid Don't Need A Manager Like Me WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS Radwanska - 15/8 Pliskova - 27/29 ACES Radwanska - 2 Pliskova - 6 BREAK POINTS WON Radwanska - 5/8 Pliskova - 3/7

A seventh consecutive straight-sets win over Karolina Pliskova sent Agnieszka Radwanska into a WTA Finals semi-final with Angelique Kerber. Defending WTA Finals champion Agnieszka Radwanska comfortably beat Karolina Pliskova 7-5 6-3 in a straight shoot-out for the last semi-final spot. Both players recovered from defeats in their opening matches by winning their second outing in Red Group, setting the stage for a winner-takes-all clash on Friday.

And it was Radwanska who triumphed, the Pole maintaining her 100 per cent record against Pliskova by coming out on top without dropping a set for the seventh match against the Czech in succession to set up a semi-final clash with world number one Angelique Kerber. With so much on the line neither player wanted to let anything slip in their early service games, but Pliskova eked out a 4-2 advantage.

Radwanska fought back, defending well and impressing when moving towards the net before claiming the first set with an exceptional forehand return. The Pole moved a break up at the first attempt in the second set but dropped her next two service games to trail 3-2. However, Pliskova, paying the price for copious errors, capitulated and failed to convert what proved a pivotal break point in game seven, with Radwanska marching on to a semifinal with top seed Kerber on Saturday.

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN Radwanska [2] bt Pliskova [4] 7-5 6-3

FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE Radwanska - 59 Pliskova - 52 PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE Radwanska - 74/42 Pliskova - 70/36 TOTAL POINTS Radwanska - 63 Pliskova - 53 (SportsMax)

PAGE 66

Conte Insists Title Talk Is Dangerous matches, Conte believes it is pointless to discuss who will be challenging for the trophy in May. "A win or a defeat does not change my ideas or the confidence of the players.

This system is a good fit," Conte, whose side were knocked out of the EFL Cup by West Ham on Wednesday, told a news conference. "We shouldn't look at the table but just concentrate on training and the next match - that will lead to improvement. This league is very difficult and anything can happen. "It is important to get consistency and trust in the work.

It is still far too early in the season to talk about Premier League title contenders, according to Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte insists it is too early to talk about a potential Premier League title challenge. The 2014-15 champions moved to within a point of leaders Manchester City with a 4-0 thrashing of Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Former United boss Alex Ferguson did not name Chelsea among the title contenders when asked for his view this week, despite having witnessed the emphatic defeat of his old side last weekend.

Yet with just a single point separating the top five after only nine

There are five teams that are very close but we shouldn't look at the table. It is too early to talk about the table and the title." Chelsea, who have won their last three league matches without conceding a goal, travel to in-form Southampton on Sunday looking to extend a run of just one defeat in eight away league meetings against Claude Puel's side.

Conte confirmed that midfielder Cesc Fabregas will not be involved, but the Italian could include both Branislav Ivanovic and John Terry in his side. "The situation is the same as before [West Ham]. Fabregas is not available, but Ivanovic is fully recovered," he said. "John came back from an injury and it's not easy to find the right shape, but I'm satisfied with him and the team. "John is an important player for us - if he plays or he doesn't - for the changing room and the club." (SportsMax)

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Everton Boss Koeman Would Relish Rooney Return club.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's clash with West Ham, the Dutchman told reporters at his news conference: "First of all, he's a great player - he's still not finished his career. "I don't know what his situation is, I need to respect his situation. That's not my problem. "Even if one time there is a possibility that Rooney is an option for Everton, I'd say 'yes, please'." On his struggles at United, Koeman added: "That's football. "He is enough of an experienced player and person that he knows what can happen.

"Everyone gets periods of criticism. It's part of the business and you need to stay calm and that's the best thing you can do."

Ronald Koeman would like to see out-of-favour Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney back at Everton. Everton boss Ronald Koeman has described Wayne Rooney as a "great player" and would welcome the chance to bring him back to Goodison Park. Rooney is currently out of favour at Manchester United with reports suggesting he has been told by Jose Mourinho that he can leave Old Trafford. The England captain has been linked with a move to Los Angeles Galaxy to link up with fellow Merseysider Steven Gerrard but Koeman would relish the opportunity to bring him back to his boyhood

Koeman's willingness to discuss Rooney appears to be part of a charm offensive initiated by Everton midfielder Leon Osman, who earlier on Friday told Sky Sports: "[A return] would not surprise me. "I think he has been mending bridges for a couple of seasons now and you know he is an Evertonian at heart. "I am pretty sure he would love to come back and I hope it happens." Rooney started his career at Everton, scoring a wonder goal against Arsenal aged just 16. He joined United in August 2004 and has been a regular for club and country ever since until this season, when he has struggled for playing time under Mourinho. (SportsMax)

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MLS Review: Late Goal From Valdez Sees Sounders Through, Impact Rout DC Ronald Koeman would like to see out-of-favour Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney back at Everton. Everton boss Ronald Koeman has described Wayne Rooney as a "great player" and would welcome the chance to bring him back to Goodison Park. Rooney is currently out of favour at Manchester United with reports suggesting he has been told by Jose Mourinho that he can leave Old Trafford. The England captain has been linked with a move to Los Angeles Galaxy to link up with fellow Merseysider Steven Gerrard but Koeman would relish the opportunity to bring him back to his boyhood club.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's clash with West Ham, the Dutchman told reporters at his news conference: "First of all, he's a great player - he's still not finished his career. "I don't know what his situation is, I need to respect his situation. That's not my problem. "Even if one time there is a possibility that Rooney is an option for Everton, I'd say 'yes, please'." On his struggles at United, Koeman added: "That's football. "He is enough of an experienced player and person that he knows what can happen. "Everyone gets periods of criticism. It's part of the business and you need to stay calm and that's the best thing you can do."

Koeman's willingness to discuss Rooney appears to be part of a charm offensive initiated by Everton

midfielder Leon Osman, who earlier on Friday told Sky Sports: "[A return] would not surprise me. "I think he has been mending bridges for a couple of seasons now and you know he is an Evertonian at heart. "I am pretty sure he would love to come back and I hope it happens." Rooney started his career at Everton, scoring a wonder goal against Arsenal aged just 16. He joined United in August 2004 and has been a regular for club and country ever since until this season, when he has struggled for playing time under Mourinho. (SportsMax)