GNN Online Newspaper - Dec 31, 2015

Thursday December 31, 2015

hello 2016!

A Message from

The Guyana News Network (GNN) takes this opportunity to extend to all the visitors to its website a blessed and prosperous 2016.

Cognizant that a New Year could bring new challenges, GNN is confident that the resilient characteristic of Guyanese and and unity among all in the spirit of our national our international visitors will mitigate those circumstances. motto; “One People; One Nation; One Destiny”.

A New Year also promises to bring success and prosperity.

GNN also takes this opportunity to express its profound We at GNN trust that 2016 will deliver on your expectation gratitude to the business entities that continue to lend and ask that all keep in their thoughts the less fortunate. support in helping to sustain Guyana’s only online evening e-paper and to the well-wishers for the encouragement.

Many exciting things are envisaged for 2016, with the highlight being the celebration of our country’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

Once again a Happy New Year!

We trust that the celebrations would foster goodwill

50th Anniversary celebration to be launched at midnight

Jubilant sounds emanating from sirens, bells and horns will envelope the atmosphere at midnight tonight as traditional fireworks display simultaneously ushers in the New Year and Guyana’s 50th Anniversary celebration.

According to Minister within the Ministry of Education and Cochair of the National Commemorative Commission, Nicolette

Henry, it was agreed that Guyana’s Golden Jubilee celebration should be launched at the start of the year, given the fact that events will be rolled out during the year and not just on one day.

The event which will be hosted at the newly renovated Independence Arch, one of Guyana’s previously forgotten landmark, will feature an address by President David Granger, while

the other highlights will include cultural performances. Expected to headline the event too, is Guyana’s musical icon, who is Miss World Guyana, Lisa Punch.

The launch, which is opened to the general public, is the first of a series of activities which will be held to observe and recognize Guyana’s 50 years of Independence which was won after much

sacrifices and struggles.

As it relates to needed infrastructure, human capacity and the will to successfully execute this monumental task in 2016, the Minister was keen to note that the Ministry is very much equipped with these resources, and support is being rendered by other agencies including the Private Sector and other Ministries.

According to Minister Henry, one of the main aim of the activities, which are geared towards mirroring the theme “reflection, celebration and inspiration” is to integrate minority groups which are scattered across the country into the celebrations.

As such, one of the major activities planned to coincide with the celebration is the erection of Totem Poles in all ten administration regions.

Smaller poles will be erected in outlying areas, and the team will make their way to Georgetown, which will be the last stop and the unveiling of the largest Totem Pole in the country.

And while the activities will be no means be limited to Georgetown, the Minister sought to reassure Guyanese that the Government has an interest in every corners of the country.

“We want to get the people who live outside of Georgetown involved and have an integrated system. There will also be some competitions and promotion geared towards promoting behavior change. We the Government believe that we need to work on behavior to promote better outcomes” the Minister said.

She further noted that some of these activities

speak to etiquette and a sense of national pride and patriotism.

To this end, she hinted at a possible movement which aims to encourage Guyanese to put a national symbol on their house or car, which directly highlights a sense of patriotism.

In an effort to underscore the role of behavior change at all levels, Henry revealed that one of the competitions which will be held next year is a courtesy one, where persons who use minibuses can access an application on their phone and rate a bus driver who was courteous or law abiding in some way or the other. This aims to build social cohesion, and build on a foundation of tolerance where clashing personalities can coexist.

Privatize sugar industry -

GuySuCo CoI report

The Guyana Sugar C o r p o r at i o n ( G U Y S U C O ) Commission of Inquiry (CoI) which was introduced by the Government to investigate the operations into an ailing sugar industry has recommended that the corporation be privatize within three years.

The report which was presented to the National Assembly yesterday further suggests that “the state divests itself of all assets, activities and operations currently associated with GUYSUCO.” And while the threeyear privatization process is awaited, the Commission suggests that the new management of GUYSUCO focus on basic essentials to rehabilitate the

fields, factories and infrastructure of the corporation.

Additionally, it noted that there should be no accommodation for new projects which will demand limited funds.

This, according to the Commission, is aimed at making the estates more saleable and attractive to investors, both locally and foreign. And so far, the report revealed, a few expressions of interest both formal and informal have been received.

However, while the ongoing process of amalgamating estates for obvious economies of scale may continue, the CoI does not recommend the closure of any estate.

Additionally, the report recommends that financial support in the short term, which will be needed, be provided

by the Government on a timely basis.

And according to the report, what led to the current poor unacceptable state of GUYSUCO were, inter alia; mismanagement of human, financial and material resources; absence of motivational and effective leadership and lack of business acumen; unavailability of financial resources to fund, on a timely basis, essential capital and routine works; and dearth of relevant experience and knowledge relating to the uniqueness of the sugar industry, notwithstanding some notable exceptions.

Earlier this month, the corporation’s General Manager, Errol Hanoman had announced that trimmed its debt by over $3B after having

suffered severe blows over the last few years.

These setbacks were largely attributed to the fact that GUYSUCO’s production had been routinely declining from 2005, to 2014.

But despite its insolvent status, GUYSUCO has been receiving massive bailouts from the Government through the annual National Budgets. This year, the corporation had received a whopping

$12B subsidy from the Government as was provided for in the 2015 Budget.

Meanwhile, the corporation boasted of an exceeded production projection for 2015.

Sugar production for the year which stands at 229,215 tonnes, has surpassed the projected target of 227,443 tonnes.

And Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder had revealed

that for the second crop, four estates - Skeldon, Albion, Blairmount and Uitvlugt had exceeded their production targets, with Skeldon factory recording its highest output since its commissioning.

GUYSUCO currently provides direct employment for over 17,000 workers while over 60,000 persons are dependent on the industry.

Suicide dropped in 2015- Top Cop Guyana was earlier this year regarded as the countries with the highest suicide rate in this part of the world. However, yesterday, Wednesday, Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud told journalists that for the year 2015 they have recorded a decrease in the number of suicide.

According to the Commissioner this trend could well be as a result of the attention that has been given to the issue over the years by society and organizations. In giving the figures, Seelall explained that for this year there were only 89 reported cases of suicide while in 2011 there were 102, 95 in 2012, a

peak in 2013 to 128 and a drop in 2014 to 97.

This year, the Commissioner established the National Suicide Help Line in collaboration with other stakeholders.

Additionally, he noted that the country has been recording less domestic murders and domestic violence reports.

Persaud said that this too is due to the attention that has been given to the issue by the police and the members of the public who have been sending strong messages that domestic violence and murders are not acceptable behaviour.

He said the attention that has been given to the two

issues by the members of the public did send the message that society is intolerable to these practices and that acted as a deterrent to those who are guilty of practices.

“This brings into focus the positive attention given to the issue by all

sectors of our society and we would have certainly achieved the success that we are seeing”, he stated.

According to him in 2011 there were 4979 cases of domestic violence reports which came to police stations, 3786 in 2012, 3225 in 2013,

Medical, other welfare benefits for police

860 in 2014 and 1436 in 2015. The Commissioner related that while the reduction has been slight, it is still significant as he spoke of the reduction in domestic related murders.

In the past, the police had indicated that because of

was also launched this year to help keep ranks physically fit in an effort to address their health.

The ranks will benefit from training in the area of food Emphasis is being and nutrition placed on the welfare while exercise and of the men and women physical fitness within the Guyana would also be focus.

Police Force. This is The Guyana Police aimed at promoting Force also now has best international an ongoing program p r a c t i c e s . where it caters for Commissioner of the occupational Police Seelall Persaud health and safety for on Wednesday told ranks and the focal reporters that the force point person from now has a medical the force has been insurance policy and working very closely while all ranks are with the Department not part of it as yet, of labor on this issue. the hope is that this will soon be achieved. boost recruitment established a group is a fitness assessment The CoP is also The media was told and retention, the health insurance. program within the looking to boost the that in an effort to force would have Added to that, there organization that welfare for children of

the new posture of swift action they adopted with regard to domestic violence and abuse, it caused perpetrators to think twice while those who were on the receiving end of have been coming forward and make reports after witnessing police actions in other cases.

He called on the society to continue treating the issue with the urgency that they have been doing in recent times since according to him it impacts negatively on what some may consider the most important social unit, which the family.

men and women who would have served in the force and died in the line of duty.

This will be catered for in the recently launched Guyana Police Force Fallen Heroes Foundation which would address education and welfare issues for those children.

Recently there were several donations coming in from persons locally and overseas. The Commissioner also to travel to the diaspora where he raised funds for the said foundation.

He had indicated to the media that his soliciting venture was very successful.

Domestic Violence Act to be amended Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence during her end-of-year press conference yesterday, said that the Domestic Violence Act (1996) will be amended, and already there are some proposals in this regard. She said that the Ministry is in discussion with the

relevant stakeholders and other interested persons on the issue.

The Domestic Violence Act is intended to create easier access to justice for victims of domestic violence.

According to Minister Lawrence, “We have recognised also that there are some shortcomings

in the act which we need to fill… We have already begun to look at them, and we are hoping that in 2016 we will be able to take it to the National Assembly, take it to a select committee where we can have wider views and we can have the Act amended”.

Additionally, the

Ministry will be merging the Men’s and Women’s Affairs Bureaus into a single unit to be named the Gender Affairs Bureau in keeping with the government’s vision and global trends.

This unit will be launched early in the New Year.

“Our policies will be

Minister Volda Lawrence

more aggressive with the establishment of the unit, and we are hoping that we will be able to get the word across, that it will not be tolerated

in Guyana and persons should not be hitting on each other or abusing each other,” Minister Lawrence stressed.

Continue to work hard in the interest of the people – Granger to gov’t MPs President David Granger said that the APNU+AFC Coalition is bigger than Party and individual politicians and urged them to continue to take their responsibility to the people of Guyana seriously. He was at the time addressing the Coalition government Members of Parliament during a meeting yesterday at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Granger added that each member must work hard to make the coalition work for the people over the next five years and beyond.

The six party Coalition, which will be contesting the first Local Government Elections (LGEs) in Guyana since 1994, as a single unit,

won the 2015 General Elections, a victory, which the President prefers to refer to as an opportunity to change the trajectory of Guyana.

President Granger used the opportunity to reiterate his commitment to ensuring that LGEs are held every three years as constitutionally required, to ensure that the people of Guyana are actively involved in the governing of the country.

Referring to the results of the 2015 Elections, President Granger said, “This is a transformational event in Guyana’s political history and we have to make it work. We have to do everything possible to demonstrate to the Guyanese people

that this is the form of Government that could deliver to them that good life. It is not just a temporary electoral expedient... it is the way of the future. It is an inclusionary process that will give every community in Guyana, hinterland or coastland; of every ethnicity, of every religious group, of every social class and opportunity to have their voice heard.”

The President charged the Parliamentarians to continue to work hard in the interest of the Nation, since it is their core belief that the Coalition is capable of delivering a better quality of governance to the people of Guyana.

Adding that Government is a month away from delivering the 2016 Budget, President Granger called on the

President David Granger during his address to Members of Parliament at the Ministry of the Presidency today

will present our second budget. That budget has to be reflective of the needs of our people for development.

That can only be truly reflective if there is a process of consultation with the people and a representation of their views,”, he noted.

Also speaking during

the meeting, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan.

He said that while there will be difficulties and challenges for the Coalition, these must be overcome and called for a continued ‘unity of purpose’. (MOTP)

Number 2 of 2015, for the amount of $6.5B were approved. The sums were expended during the period December 31, 2012; December 31, 2013; and December 31, 2014.

The monies requested in the two supplementary papers covered current and capital expenditures for the Office of the President, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Public Service Ministry, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, and several other ministries and government agencies.

During the consideration of the estimates, the Finance Minister was unable to provide answers for nearly all the questions a requirement for Progressive Party that were asked, to opposition compliant with the (PPP) Administration which anti-money laundering but had been leader Bharrat Jagdeo deeming and countering the rejected by the then objected, it incompetence. financing of terrorism combined Opposition. local framework. S u p p l e m e n t a r y The long awaited report The House also Appropriation Bill, on the Commission Inquiry (CoI) approved close to $10B Bill Number 1 of 2015, of into the Guyana in supplementary funds for the sum of $3.2B; Corporation that were spent under and Supplementary Sugar was the former People’s Appropriation Bill, Bill (GuySuCo)

also laid in the House yesterday. It has recommended privatisation of the corporation as early as is practicable, with an aim to complete the process in three years. The State was urged in the report to divest itself of all assets, activities and operations currently associated with GuySuCo. M e a n w h i l e , concerns raised by the Parliamentary opposition led to the deferral of two bills; the Law Reform Commission Bill 2015 No. 12 of 2015 and the Coroners (Amendment) Bill, Bill No. 11 0f 2015.

A letter was sent to Minister Williams

by PPP/C MP Anil Nandlall outlining the party’s concerns with the bill and for it to be sent to a Special Select Committee.

members of Parliament to continue to engage in a process of national consultation so that the needs of the people can be adequately addressed.

“We have to meet them.

We have to find out what their needs are, particularly now at this time of year when a month from now we

Parliament wraps up 2015 sittings

The Anti-Terriorism and Terrorist Related Activities Bill No. 16 of 2015 was passed in the National Assembly last evening.

Opposition Members of Parliament refrained from voting since they were pushing for the bill to be sent to a Special

Select Committee.

The bill was tabled last week by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams but was deferred after concerns were raised by the opposition on lack of consultation.

The bill is said to be

Make 2016 count Traditionally, the birth of a new year brings expectations in addition to the mundane pledges of strengthening weakness and sustaining success.

Expectations, while natural, must however be within the context of time and relevance. In Guyana, the New Year breaks with a new government after just over two decades. With a new government, comes new priorities. Again, a natural progression.

As the year, 2016, during which Guyana will celebrate its 50th anniversary as an independent nation arrives, unification of Guyanese seems to be on the forefront of the government’s agenda. It is a most welcomed endeavor given that this is surely what all would want. However, in the past, accusations were leveled at some politicians for dividing the people for the gratification and even survival of political Parties.

As evolution of the world continues, so has ideology in some parts. It probably would not be inaccurate to state that the transition of human thinking holistically is not parallel to

that of the world’s transformation. In other words, while some have been able to adapt to mitigate changes, many others have lagged behind.

Not to cast aspersion, some of our own can be accused of trying to resist the forces of change. This may attributed to the perceived comfort they feel in the ‘cushion’ of the past.

That given, a foremost expectation would be for the unshackling of such ideological prison within those referred. Such selfinflicted freedom would enhance capacity and better position a more pragmatic approach in helping to forge the seemingly elusive unity. This of course on its own may not be sufficient to precipitate the desired result. A genuine sense of inclusiveness is pertinent. Welcomed strides have been made to foster this much needed component as evident through the establishment of the Ministry of Social Cohesion.

The importance of this Ministry cannot be overemphasized.

However, the effective discharge of its mandate is of immense importance

in such a diverse nation. The Ministry on its own cannot achieved the lofted goals; it must be genuinely supported by all stakeholders including political Parties.

This emphasizes the need for the change in ideology alluded to.

While, this is easier said than done, another expectation would be for all, at the individual level, to inculcate (for those who haven’t) attributes pertinent to the fostering of social cohesion.

As the government pursue its goals in this direction, the Opposition has concerns, which it believes if not address, could stymie the efforts for national unity. While this poses its own challenges, it presents an opportunity for meaningful engagements keeping the larger picture of unity in mind.

Such engagements must happen and be sustained in the interest of togetherness. One would expect that in the New Year these engagements materialize.

Local Government Elections (LGE) are scheduled for March 18, 2016. One would hope that those

elections would be free from racial acrimony and would be conducted in the true spirit for an election designed for the ordinary man.

This of course is another expectation for 2016. It would be a litmus test for the sustaining of the peace that generally prevailed during the May 11 Elections. Hopefully, engagements would be realized among all stakeholders including political entities.

Dialogue has been accepted as a powerful tool for cohesion.

The celebrations of the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary

would be far more meaningful if the expectation of national unity is further enhanced.

For this to be realized, the efforts of engagements must be seen as coming from both sides.

The benefits are far too important for this not to happen.

Maybe this period could present an opportunity through reflection to reaffirm the need of putting country first. It would take a sense of mutual respect, a shedding of pride, if any is been exhibited, and a profound sense of responsibility of working in unison in the interest of the nation and its people.

As the flags would proudly flutter and soar high during the celebrations demonstrative of pride and achievement over a half of a century, so must our spirits; all, be lifted with confidence, trust and belief in each other of genuinely wanting a better Guyana with a good life for all.

The opportunity is now; it’s here; again.

It is the time! It has become even more relevant. It must not be lost. It means that 2016 matters; it must be counted; be made to be counted.

Best wishes for a prosperous 2016 to all!

three killed in Carifesta Avenue accidenT Three persons were last evening killed in a vehicular accident on Carifesta Avenue when a car and canter truck collided.

According to information reaching the Guyana News Network the canter truck was heading west along Carifesta Avenue while the car was head east at the time of the incident.

The canter had the

time only had its driver Linden Eastman inside while the car had GDF Seargent Pyle and his wife Stacy Pyle.

No one could immediately say how the two ended up colliding but from all indications the car did ended up in the path of the canter truck.

Eastman of Prashad Nagar and Joseph Pyle were killed on the spot while Stacy Pyle

died while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

All three persons were pinned in the vehicles and it took the jaws of heavy equipment from the Guyana Fire Serviced to free them before they were rushed to the hospital.

On the scene not much relatives gathered but at the scene was filled

with police traffic ranks, reporters and other persons who were traversing the area at the time of the accident.

The police were forced to close the traffic off from both ends of Carifesta Avenue to facilitate the free work space of the medical and rescue teams who responded to the distress call.

At the Georgetown hospital the mother

of the dead said that she daughter Stacy hours earlier

woman saw her Pyle two and she

was in very high spirits.

Her daughter worked at the Davis Memorial Hospital as a nurse.

Jagdeo says PPP wants police promotion -Differ from what Rohee had said

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Opposition leader Bharrat Jagdeo says his party wants policemen and women to be promoted this year, contrary to what is being reported in sections of the media.

Speaking at a year-end press conference at Freedom House today, Jagdeo was definitive on the party’s position with regard to the annual promotion.

“The Peoples Progressive Party and I as opposition leader, we want police promotions this year, we don’t want what our General Secretary said being used as an excuse for not promoting

policemen, in fact, I spoke with Rohee on Monday and he said that nothing that he said should be interpreted as not wanting police to be promoted,” Jagdeo clarified.

He questioned why the officers should have to wait until 2016, a decision that was made by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

The Opposition leader expressed concern that in some quarters the move not to promote officers this year is being attributed to what the PPP wants, “so let me make it clear that the Peoples Progressive Party and the Members of Parliament and I as

Clement Rohee

opposition leader we want policemen to be promoted this year, all policemen,” said Jagdeo.

However, Rohee at his weekly press conference on Monday December 28, 2015 urged that police promotions be put on hold until certain disciplinary matters are competed.

Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud announced yesterday that the PSC has taken a decision to put the promotions on hold, in which he expressed disappointment. He however, admitted that the PSC is a constitutional body that must be allowed to function

i n d e p e n d e n t l y.

The Top Cop said this move would affect the moral of the officers since they were already interviewed for

Seelall Persaud

the posts and have high hopes.

He alluded to the fact that promotions are always done at the end of the year and the decision

plays right into the hands of Rohee.

The promotions are expected to be announced in February 2016.

2015: New gov’t; a clean City and two Diwalis As 2015 ends, it would be fitting to describe it, in general terms, as eventful.

Historic could not be ruled out. While, like every year, there would have been numerous events, the more defining ones could sometime be challenging to choose.

However, given what 2015 presented to Guyanese, it may not necessarily be that difficult to crown the events that impacted the most on Guyana.

In this context, the Guyana News Network (GNN) presents what it believes to be the three events that help define 2015.

If the swiftness in which the year ‘ran’ were to be counted, it probably would be the foremost reason that makes 2015 unforgettable.

expected margin; some 4000 plus votes! The PPP alleged fraud in the process and have since filed an election petition in the Court.

The change which saw Brigadier Rt. David Granger becoming the country’s eight Executive President, was peaceful in its transition. Barring a few ugly incidents on the night of the May 11 elections, it must be the most peaceful elections and change of guard in Guyana’s history.

The change saw some twenty-five Ministers, including the Prime Minister, being sworn in.

This also must be historic. It also saw another former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, becoming the Leader of the Opposition; second after Desmond Hoyte. Jagdeo made The General his official return to and Regional politics in March of Elections: 2015 after leaving the Presidency in 2011.

This resulted in a During the months

new government after twenty-three years. The coalition of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) unseated the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) by the narrowest of

of 2015 the coalition government has been in office, some events stood out. Clearly the salary increases for Ministers and Members of Parliament lead the pack given the controversy it attracted. The

disclosures from forensic audits; the suspension of Parliament for a period due to the unavailability of some Members; the dismissals of some senior staff and the announcement of a date for Local Government Elections after t w e n t y - o n e years, are some other highlights.

Not to mention an increase in crime over a period would be remiss.

The government launched “Operation Dragnet” to counter and has

reaped

success.

Cleaning the City: This clearly was a pleasant and welcomed initiative.

While there is still work to be done,

areas that have been cleansed, dispelled what seemed as myth; “The Garden City”. While not all ’50 shades of green’ have been unveiled, to finally experience a clean City, is refreshing.

It began the very next day after the new President was sworn in. Many learnt of

the Garden City! Of course, it begged the question; why this level of intense cleaning could not have been done before? As it unfolds, It is clearly fitting in to the government’s thrust of providing a ‘good life’ for all.

the importance of the Independence Arch which surely may have appeared obsolete by those who ironically pass by it over the years.

Public play-parks that have been built continue to attract thousands providing an alternative to the Seawall or Gardens.

Mayor Hamilton Green seemed to have gotten a spring in his step after May 11. After all, even he would have wanted to actually ‘smell the roses’ in

This not only rattled Hindus here, but shocked all as it was the first time in history, Guyana celebrated Diwali on two different days! The original date for the National Holiday, November 11, as proclaimed by former Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, was reassigned by his successor, Khemraj Ramjattan, following a petition from a number of leading Hindu organisations and individuals.

Two Diwalis:

A public spat ensued. The petition claimed that based on calculations, the date could not have been November 11, as proclaimed by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS), whose leader is a Member of Parliament of the PPP. The subsequent division was not

confined just to the Hindu community but reached the political realm.

The PPP supported November 11. As expected, Hindus were divided over which night to celebrate; two resulted!

From all indication, it appears the controversy would be repeated in 2016.

Clearly, change was not only at the level of government!

Over 191 kgs of cocaine intercepted at CJIA in 2015 In 2015, a total of 191.6kgs of cocaine was intercepted at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) which is an increase from 2014.

This was disclosed

by Commercial and Administrative Manager at CJIA; Dursatty Doonauth who stated that last year, a total of 185kgs of cocaine was intercepted at the airport.

During a Press Conference today, she said “overseas, a total of 86kgs of drugs originating from Guyana were detected. This can be compared to 126kgs for the corresponding period last year. “ It was disclosed that these detections were made mainly in the United States of America, among other countries concealed in checked luggage, including carryons and false sides, Milk, Alcohol and Other food

items and ingested.

The airport also saw a 6% increase in arrivals and also in imported cargo.

Doonauth said “the total passengers flown was 504,717 compared to 478,092 in 2014 and Imported cargo for the period under review amounted to 3,486,397 Kg compared to 3,295,977 Kg in 2014, a 6% increase for the corresponding period last year. The cargo comprised industrial supplies, personnel effects, hatching eggs and other consolidated cargo.”

However, exports amounted to 2,693,908kgs or a 6% decrease for that of the corresponding period in 2014 – 86%.

Of the cargo was Agro Industrial products and livestock while 6% was industrial supplies.

Of the 3,486,397kgs for incoming cargo,

71,676kgs were related to mails. Of the 2,693,908kgs of outgoing cargo, 24,948 related to mails.

The Airport Corporation collected revenues in excess of G$1B for 2015.

The income in 2015 has almost doubled in the last six years Doonauth said. She added, of the income collected, $418M was transferred to the Consolidated Fund in 2015 compared to $393M in 2014.

Expenditure for 2015 is $761M as compared to $687M spent in 2014 due to the increase can be attributed to increase in staffing and additional maintenance work in Terminal Building and Other Infrastructure.

International Aircraft Landing saw a 1% increase from 2014.

“Jet aircraft landings increased from 2,884 to 3,199 due mainly

to the introduction of additional flight by COPA, Fly Jamaica, Insel Air and Dynamic Airways” she said.

Giving an update on the Airport Expansion Project, she pointed the changes made to the project after the current government assumed office, noting that the Runway Extension is 7.81% completed

which entails the Excavation of humus and back filling sand.

The Terminal Building on the other hand is just 2% completed as the Current and preliminary design work is done. Only $171.307M and $10M was provided in the 2015 Estimates for this project.

The total project cost is US$150M but the Government of China

PPP will participate in Independence celebrations once “treasury is not raped” Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

The PPP/C has committed to participating in the activities to commemorate the country’s fiftieth Independence anniversary as long as the activities will be cost-effective.

Responding to the question posed by the Guyana News Network on

whether the party will be partaking in the activities to observe Guyana’s golden jubilee, Opposition leader Bharrat Jagdeo noted that Independence belongs to all Guyanese and not to any political party.

He said his party will participate in state functions but will not

support exorbitant sum of monies being used from the state coffers to host these functions. “We want to celebrate too but we’re not going to do this when it is designed to rape the treasury. We have celebrated in the past….we have a total lack of transparency about spending in relation to this issue,” Jagdeo said.

Jagdeo alluded to advisors overseas who claim they are collecting money on behalf of the government to celebrate the country’s 50th annivers ar y.

According to him, “we have a Minister who is involved, we have a person who claims he’s

involved overall, not the Minister.”

“We don’t want to get involved in that sort of thing that will use the resources of the treasury in an extravagant and wanton way. We will participate in the state activities and the tastefully organized lowcost celebrations,” he clarified.

The Opposition leader reminded that it was the PPP that led the fight for Independence in Guyana, adding that there was one political party in 1950 which was the said party. “We started the fight for Independence, many of our people went to jail, many were killed, we were thrown out

of office several times by the British because of our position on I n d e p e n d e n c e .”

Cabinet has afforded the National Task Force some $36M for the rehabilitation, restoration and renewal of Guyana in preparation for the country’s golden jubilee.

Guyanese in the diaspora have planned an elaborate celebration to commemorate the achievement.

A commemoration planning committee was earlier this year constituted. Rickford Burke has been named coordinator of the Celebrations in New York. President David Granger will be invited to attend the festivities.

through the Exim bank of China will be providing the sum of US$138M and the balance to be met by the Government of Guyana.

The proposed new completion date for this project is now December 2017.

Locally, activities to observe this s i g n i f i c a n t achievement will commence tonight at the Independence Arch on Brickdam where Jubilant sounds emanating from sirens, bells and horns will envelope the atmosphere at midnight as traditional fireworks display simultaneously ushers in the New Year and Guyana’s 50th Anniversary celebration.

President Granger is slated to address the event. Other highlights will include cultural performances.

Guyana gained independence from Great Britain on May 26, 1966.

GECOM sets January 05, 2016, deadline for applications for approval of symbols to contest Local Gov’t Elections

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) says that Tuesday, January 5, 2016, is the deadline

for the submission of applications for approval of symbols to contest Local

Government Elections.

In a statement today, the Commission noted that all Political Parties,

Voluntary Groups, and Individual Candidates which/who are desirous of contesting the Local Government Elections to be held on Friday, March 18, 2016, are required by law to submit applications for approval of their symbols to GECOM not later than 21 days before Nomination Day for the Elections.

Nomination day for Local Government Elections is Tuesday, January 26, 2016.

The statement also noted that applications for

approval of symbols, which must include printed versions (and electronic versions as far as is practicable) of the respective symbols, must be submitted to GECOM no later than Tuesday, January 5, 2016. Applications can be submitted through the Office of the Chief Election Officer, or via the Returning Officers for the Respective Municipalities and NDCs. It added, that any List of Candidates submitted

by any Political Party, Voluntary Group or Individual Candidate on Nomination Day, without the required preapproved symbol, will be deemed defective and the defaulting Political Party, Voluntary Group, or Individual Candidate will be deemed to be defective and the relevant Political Party, Voluntary Group or Individual Candidate would consequently be ineligible to contest the Local Government Election.

GPL to build new sub stations in 2016 In 2016, total of $543,010,347 (Five hundred and Forty-three Million, ten thousand, three hundred and forty-seven dollars) has been budgeted to improve, extend and build substations in 2016 to improve the overall distribution of electricity countrywide.

This was disclosed

during a year end Press Conference today where Acting Chief Executive Officer; Colin Welch stated that substations will be established at “Linden Highway/ Soedyke Highway Junction 16.7MVA Substation to the tune of $685,003,032, however $ 83,050,287 will be budgeted for in 2015.

$108,447,454 will be budgeted for a substation at Canal No. 2, $90,545,099 for a Parika Substation and $ 107,686,319 for a substation at Williamsburg.

The Kingston Substation, No. 53 Substation, Sophia, Vreed-en-Hoop and Edinburg Substation will be extended in the New Year. $196,259,615 is budgeted for the upgrading of

transmission line, $3,975,801,654 for power plants and $5,107,434,765 for general works.

The company disclosed that consumption in 2015 was 522, 944 Megawatts as compared to 493,592 in 2014.

Its total operating cost was 29,100,346 in 2015 compared to 37,012,108 in 2014.

In 2015, the company listed its achievement as being able to Develop

a five-pronged strategy for the Program by the GPL/PCU to counter foregoing issues and challenges experienced in 2015 with implementing the Annual Operation plan and launching Lot A- Rehabilitation of (328km) of the low & medium voltage distribution network on the 22nd October (scheduled to be opened on the 19th January, 2016), launching

the Management Strengthening Program which is aimed at strengthening GPL’s managerial capabilities to support its senior management in the operational areas of the company and also its Validation firm to supervise all rehabilitation works was launched on 21st October, 2015.

the Ministry of Communities taking over responsibilities for the Housing D ep ar t ment c u r r e n t l y assigned to Scott.

The official announcement is expected sometime over the holiday weekend.

It is believed that the move to move Broomes may have been prompted by complaints allegedly made by

Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence. Broomes has been considered as an extremely proactive official.

GNN understands that this afternoon, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) expressed shock over Broomes expected removal from the Labour portfolio.

Expected Cabinet reshuffle; Broomes,

Scott to be reassigned Minister Simona Broomes

Minister Keith Scott

VALARIE PATTERSON

It is believed that President David Granger will soon announce a reshuffle of his seven-month old Cabinet and re-

establish the Ministry of Natural Resources.

According to information, Minister within the Ministry of

Social Protection, Simona Broomes may be transferred to the expected re-establishing of the Ministry of

Natural Resources while Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Keith Scott, is expected to take the place Broomes will be vacating.

In addition, Region 10 Member of Parliament, Valerie Sharpe-Patterson, is expected to be sworn in as Minister within

Task Force on TIP to be reconvened; National Drug Strategy Master Plan modified The Ministry of Public Security says in its ongoing efforts to improve the efficacy of the Security Sector in Guyana, and to avoid duplication of strategies among stakeholder Agencies, will reconvene meetings of the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons in 2016.

A statement from the Ministry noted that Provision for the establishment and operation of this Task Force is provided for in the laws of Guyana, namely the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act No. 2 of 2005 therefore the Government is duty bound to ensure that this obligation is fulfilled.

The functions of the Task Force will be carried

Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

out in accordance with Section 30 of the said Act. The Task Force will be chaired by the Honourable Vice President and Minister of Public Security, who according to Sections 31 and 32 of the Act holds responsibility for the collection and dissemination of information on efforts to combat trafficking in persons and the training

of law enforcement and immigration, inter alia.

Minister Khemraj Ramjattan will be joined by Ministers from the Ministry of Social Protection, Ministry of Legal Affairs, the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, along with the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Task Force will also include technical representatives from

various Ministries, other Government Agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations who will work together to carry out activities in the National Action Plan and Report to the Task Force’s Ministerial representatives.

The crime of trafficking in persons is an international phenomenon which has been said to be the second largest criminal industry in the world.

According to the statement, the Ministry of Public Security pledges to invest in initiatives geared at reducing the incidence of trafficking in persons in Guyana, with the aim of totally eradicating the scourge.

One such major initiative will be the formulation

of an Action Plan for the period 2016-2017.

Persons are encouraged to continue to report suspected cases of trafficking in persons to the Hotline of the Ministry of Social Protection at 227-4083.

The statement also noted that the National Drug Strategy Master Plan (NDSMP) 2016-2020 will soon be released.

This Plan resulted from a review and modification of the NDSMP 20142018, triggered by the need to bring it in line with the most recent national and international dynamics of the drug problem.

It stated that the Government of Guyana is committed to ensuring the sustained safety and security of its

citizens well into the future, against the drug problem. In advancing this position, a strategic approach was adopted to remedy the problem.

The Master Plan utilizes a long term balanced approach between public health and public security.

It addresses Demand Reduction, Supply Reduction, Control Measures, Institutional Strengthening and Policy Coordination as well as International Cooperation. It draws on the views of several Ministries and NGOS, as well as the results of outreach consultations conducted throughout the hinterland of Guyana when the 2014-2018 NDSMP was being prepared.

PPP takes partial blame for losing -says Party show elections-Jagdeo maturity Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

The Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is holding on to the firm belief that had the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) acted professionally the results of the May 11 General and Regional elections would have been different.

Addressing a press conference today (Thursday), Opposition leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, did not shy away from the party shouldering some of the blame for the slim loss.

He was responding to the question of what would the party have done differently in the campaign trail given the results of

the May 11 polls.

Jagdeo explained that it is not only what transpired in the campaign that influenced the results, saying that there are several factors.

He alluded to the promises that were made by the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) which some of the people believed, leading to a decline in votes for the PPP/C. He singled out cases whereby representatives from the AFC faction namely, Vice Presidents Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan went into the Essequibo

region and met with rice farmers and millers making promises and deceiving them with regard to how much they can be paid for a bag of paddy.

He noted that some of those farmers believes them and casted their ballots for the coalition.

“I went back to those farmers and they were bitter, they were duped.

They have lost all trust in the people who carried those messages.”

This, he said also happened to some sugar workers, noting that some of them were convinced about the twenty percent increase that they were assured that they would have been getting.

In addition, Jagdeo admitted that the PPP/C also contributed to the decline in votes.

He reflected that in the past there was a huge gap in terms of votes casted in favour of the

party and those casted for its major competitor.

“One of the factors was our own complacency and in many parts our attitude. We have had people at different levels of government, even the lowest level of government who became arrogant and that sort of thing that harmed us.”

He admitted that the party lost connection with the people, another contributing factor.

Yet another contributing factor he said was “generation under thirty.” They have no memory of how it used to be and so this message of change was a very potent one.”

He said that people thought that change could have only gone in one direction, which is for the better. However, according to Jagdeo, many are understanding that changes can get worse too. “The next

time we go to the polls that curiosity factor will be satisfied.”

Moving forward, he said his party has examined all the above issues and is working to improve on its strengths.

The opposition leader commended his party for accepting the results and for venting its disagreement through the Court, via the elections petition.

“When we had 30,000, 20,000 differences in vote between us and the PNC at that time for two years come out and shut down the country, burn buildings, etc,” he stated.

He alluded to the five thousand difference in vote between the PPP/C and the coalition. “I wonder if it was the reverse what would have happened in the country with just less than five thousand votes separating us.”

He commended the party for taking a mature stance. “We

acted different, as a mature party. And I hope that this sets a precedence about how parties should act in the future because we had our differences but we did not seek to destroy the country. Although we’re very unhappy with the results we’re using the Court to pursue our claim.”

He promised to speak about why he believe the party lost the elections, outside of the issues with GECOM and those raised today at another forum.

The PPP/C was ousted out of office after its twenty-three years reign by the coalition APNU+AFC on May 11 at the General and Regional elections by a slim win. The party has since been challenging the results since it believes that the elections were rigged.

Presently, a matter pertaining to the results is before the Court.

Old Age Pensions to be paid on Monday The Ministry of Social Protection is advising that Old Age Pensions which are usually paid on the 1st of each month will be paid at the usual locations as of Monday January 4th.

This is because tomorrow, Jan 1 2016 is a national holiday and the Guyana Post Office is unable to put arrangements in place for payments to be made on Saturday Jan 2nd.

Energy Agency save revenue on petroleum-based imports and forty dollars ($10,037,940.00) was expended.

He said “in addition to capital and current release, it is projected that revenue generated from fuel licensing and agency fees for 2015 would be G$61,306,889.

The GEA also received G$83,680,000 as current release and this was expended During a Press in accordance with Conference, Sharma the approved budget. said the Guyana Energy The total projected Agency’s capital expenditure for 2015 budget was approved is G$142,928,000.” for the sum of eleven Additionally, a total million, four hundred of eight billion, two thousand dollars hundred and forty-two ($11,400,000.00) of million, five hundred which ten million, and fifty thousand, thirty-seven thousand, six hundred and nine hundred twenty-five dollars

Mahendar Sharma

Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency; Mahendar Sharma today disclosed that “the average cost per barrel of petroleumbased imports decreased from US$113.72 in 2014 to US$73.68 in 2015, a decrease of 35.2%.”

He said “an estimated 4.96 million barrels (13,582 barrels per day) …be imported by the end of 2015 for an estimated total value of US$365.27 million, which represents an increase of 0.4% and a decrease of 35.0%, respectively when compared to 2014.”

($8,242,550,625.00) in fuel payment transactions for PDVSA were facilitated by the GEA. Highlighting some of the challenges experienced, he said “it appears as if person(s) were able to tamper with and access the bulk marking injector installed at one of the terminals to pilfer small quantities of marker concentrate left in-line after marking operations have been completed.”

In its proposed work plan for 2016, the GEA will be pursuing several renewable ventures including the “installation of more than 20kW gridconnected solar PV

systems on schools, Installation of 12 Solar Powered and 65 energy efficient street lights in Bartica, Installation of LED energy efficient lights and occupancy sensors in 30 schools, Install a 15 to 20kW hydropower system, Provide 20 energy efficient institutional stoves to dorm schools, Piloting/testing of an electric vehicle and Electronic Filing and submission of licencing documentation through a centralized hub on the GEA’s website with the objective of providing online licensing services.”

New Year’s message from the Government of the Cooperative Republic of - coming from the Department of Public Information Guyana Guyana stands at the dawn of a new year, 2016.

This marks Guyana’s Golden Jubilee, a monumental landmark celebrating 50 years as an independent state.

2016 follows a year of political change in Guyana. That change in government is the second in 50 years. It rejuvenated hope. It brought an end to minority authoritarian governance.

But it also came with new challenges, of threats from external forces aimed at compromising our national patrimony.

We thank the international community for its unwavering support of our country in defense of our territorial integrity and our sovereignty. As in the past, so shall it be in this new year and forever more: We will not yield, not even a blade of grass.

As we embark on this historic year of reflection and celebration, as a people, it is incumbent upon us to rally together to make 2016 a year of

meaningful change and progress. Over the past seven months the work to transform Guyana started. We can see a new landscape, of a clean and green Guyana, emerging.

However, 2016 must be the year of fundamental reorganization of the manner in which our nation’s business is administered. There are major priority items which must be advanced – a reorganization of our productive sectors including sugar, rice and mining; constitutional reform; t e l e c om mu n i c at i on s liberalization; creating a green economy; expansion of national radio and television to all corners of Guyana; attracting major investment; revitalization and strengthening of our agriculture sector; creating a business friendly environment and repositioning our tourism product.

The issues of constitutional reform and telecommunications

liberalization are especially critical priority items for 2016. We need to remove all traces of authoritarian powers in our principal law, and to open up Guyana to the new wave of making t e l e c om mu n i c at i on s a viable industry.

We need to end onecompany monopoly in the telecommunications sector.

The archaic t e l e c om mu n i c at i on s framework needs to be demolished and replaced with a forward-thinking system which will allow for low cost connectivity

in all forms and across all geographic spaces without the constraints of limited bandwidth, weak signal and slow access.

We need e-governance and e-commerce to be our new mode of doing business.

We need to transform Guyana’s ICT sector.

We want our young people, those in the formal education system and those who would have graduated from it, to master new technologies to access jobs and develop careers. Our spectrum is a national

asset, and it must be used and protected.

Your Coalition Government is committed to pursuing an agenda which puts Guyana first and which pursues a good life for all in a green economy. Our Coalition Government has re-established and reinforced the fundamentals of our democracy: observance of the doctrine of separation of powers among the executive and legislature and the judiciary; respect for the rule of law and the rights

changes took place at a time when our country was pregnant with transformative changes at the economic and social

levels with the PPP/C at the helm.

Hundreds of thousands who had already benefitted from the people -centered social programmes and the economic opportunities initiated by the PPP/C administration looked forward to more opportunities but these are yet to come.

The change in government brought in its wake many disappointments for many but opportunities only for a few. It is the hope and expectation

of all Guyanese that 2016 will bring opportunities for all.

In 2016, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of our country’s independence.

The PPP is proud of its significant contribution to the struggle for our country’s independence.

History has recorded Cheddi Jagan as the architect of Guyana’s independence struggle.

We in the PPP will be celebrating our country’s independence anniversary at

of citizens; support for a plural, free and open media; and care for our elderly and children and our working people.

This is also the year in which Local Government Elections will return after 18 years. All citizens are encouraged to participate fully in these elections as you exercise your right to elect the community leaders of your choice and reactivate participatory, grassroots democracy in Guyana.

Our Government urges all citizens to help make our environment better.

We all need to join the clean-up campaign.

We all need to adopt the fresh approach. We need to reclaim our status as both proud and hospitable Guyanese.

The Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana extends to all Guyanese here and in the Diaspora, best wishes for a successful, transformative and peaceful 2016.

PPP NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends best wishes for a happy and prosperous new year to all Guyanese

at home and abroad.

2015 has brought significant changes to the political landscape of our country.

Those

various levels and by different means.

2016 will also be a year of challenges, however, the Party will view every challenge as an opportunity to advance the just struggle of the Guyanese people for free and fair election in future.

The PPP will exert every effort to ensure that the Guyanese working people are rightfully and justly rewarded with the fruits of their labour.

Happy New Year to all Guyanese!

‘Hundreds of images’ seized in ‘Glee’ actor child porn case, police say Detectives who searched the San Fernando Valley home of “Glee” actor Mark Salling looking for child pornography found “hundreds of images” they’ll use as evidence, police said Wednesday.

In general, detectives on the LAPD’s Internet Crimes Against

Children work on cases involving prepubescent victims, said task force Lt. Andrea Grossman.

On Tuesday morning, the group’s work led them to Salling’s home, where the images were found, Grossman said.

Salling, 33, who played Noah “Puck” Puckerman

on the Fox series that ended this year, was arrested and booked on suspicion of possessing child pornography.

He was released hours later on $20,000 bail.

Jail records show his initial court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 22, but that could change depending on whether or when county prosecutors file charges against the actor. (MSN)

Vidya Balan hospitalised for suspected kidney stones

We are just one day short of stepping into the New Year 2016.

to their destination and while the aircraft was gearing for take-off, Vidya experienced shooting pain in her back.

The pain was so severe that the paramedics were called on board and they were deplaned.

Vidya was later taken to a clinic at the airport for examination.

The couple took the next available flight back to Mumbai and upon return; Vidya Balan was admitted to Hinduja hospital.

The couple have now cancelled their New Year plans. Vidya Balan is being treated for suspected kidney stone and will be discharged soon.

Confirming the news, Vidya’s spokesperson said, “Vidya is currently in expert hands at Hinduja hospital and is well on her way to recovery.”

(Bollywoodhungama)

Just like us, most of the or the other to usher Bollywood celebs must in the New Year. This have made some plans year, however, Vidya

Balan and family won’t be in a celebratory mood because, she was rushed to Hinduja hospital and was admitted for suspected kidney stones.

Vidya Balan and her husband Siddharth Roy Kapur were en route an undisclosed destination abroad to usher in the New Year when she experienced sudden pain.

A source close to the actress said, “The couple had already boarded a connecting flight from Abu Dhabi

About 15 minutes after he arrived, the actor left the courthouse, shaking his head as reporters asked him comment.

Montgomery County First Assistant District Attorney Kevin Steele said earlier Wednesday in a press conference that Cosby was “charged with aggravated indecent assault.”

Aggravated indecent assault is pun-

ishable by up to 10 years behind bars.

Former Temple University employee Andrea Constand told police the comedian drugged and violated her at his home near Philadelphia in 2004.

“Mr. Cosby made two sexual advances at her that were rejected,” Steele said.

“Mr. Cosby urged her to take pills that he provided to her and to drink wine...

He committed aggravated indecent assault against her.”

She was “frozen, paralyzed, unable to move,” Steele said in announcing the charges.

The once-celebrated actor previously said under oath in a deposition that he had consensual sexual contact with Constand. (Adapted from MSN)

Bill Cosby arraigned on aggravated assault charges, posts bail Bill Cosby was arraigned Wednesday on a felony assault charge stemming from a sexual encounter with a woman 12 years ago.

He posted 10 percent of his $1 million bail in cash.

Magisterial District Judge Elizabeth A. McHugh cautioned

that she didn’t want any commotion in the courtroom before asking Cosby if he understood the charges against him.

Cosby said he did, and surrendered his passport to the prosecutor. Cosby was also ordered not to make contact with the alleged victim.

Over 160,000 flee worst floods in 50 years in South America More than 160,000 people have been displaced over the past several days by the heaviest floods to hit South America in 50 years.

At least 144,000 were evacuated from flooded areas near the Paraguay River in Paraguay, the hardest-hit country.

About 20,000 were displaced in Argentina and several thousand in Uruguay and Brazil.

Bolivia has also been

battered by severe floods.

The floods, caused by overflowing rivers and torrential rains blamed on the El Nino phenomenon, have been responsible for at least eight deaths: six in Paraguay and two in Uruguay. The causes of the deaths have ranged from falling trees to electrocution.

Over the weekend, both Argentine President Mauricio Macri and

Dilma Rousseff, the Brazilian president, toured affected areas and announced measures to help people recover and rebuild their homes.

Meteorologists attribute the heavy rains to the El Nino weather phenomenon, which happens every few years when the Pacific Ocean warms up around the equator. (Adapted from Al Jazeera)

US customs warn Caribbean migrants about travel at sea

United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have

issued a strong warning to Caribbean migrants who take to the sea in

Trade unionists yesterday expressed serious concern about how Government intends to achieve its stated objective of a seven percent cut in operating expenses at every State enterprise, statutory body, Ministry and in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), without cutting jobs in the public service.

Watson Duke, president of Public

Services Association (PSA) and first VicePresident of National Trade Union Centre (NATUC) spoke yesterday of “subtle threats” being made to job security of public servants as he spoke about Prime Minister (PM) Dr Keith Rowley’s address to the nation late Tuesday evening.

an effort to reach the US, saying that the venture is treacherous

and may result in death.

The warning came as 13 undocumented immigrants from Cuba on Tuesday landed on Mona Island, off Puerto Rico.

“Crossing the Mona Passage is a treacherous voyage filled with many dangers that pose a huge risk to migrants,” said Ramiro Cerrillo, Ramey Sector Chief Patrol Agent.

“We issue a concerned warning on the danger of traversing the Mona Passage, with the hope of avoiding an unfortunate event during this holiday

T & T Unions worry about job loss it,” Duke said. “Some subtle threats I would say were made to the working class; that we have to cut seven percent in the State sector, ministries, THA. We have to cut seven percent in operating costs. I don’t know what operating costs again they could cut. They are already operating with lack of “It was a speech that facilities, no chairs, the had a certain kind buildings are old. I don’t of ominous tone to know what else they

season,” he added.

The US Coast Guard on Tuesday notified the Border Patrol Ramey Sector Communications Center about the landing of 13 undocumented migrants on Mona Island.

The group consisted of 12 men and one woman all claiming to be Cuban nationals.

CBP said the illegal maritime smuggling ventures arriving to Puerto Rico from the Dominican Republic are ordinarily transported in rustic, homemade wooden

can cut but (Rowley) made mention that in the first instance, they would try to save jobs.

So it would seem to plans to achieve a me that job loss will seven percent cut come,” Duke warned. without cutting jobs. “I think that will require NATUC General a very creative and Secretary and President innovative mind to General of the Seamen cut your budget seven and Waterfront percent and it doesn’t Workers Trade Union interfere with labour,” (SWWTU) Michael Annisette told CNC3.

Annisette also wanted to know how the He pointed out that Rowley administration such a cut, on top of a

vessels commonly referred to as “yolas.”

It said a typical “yola” is an unsafe vessel, generally underpowered with a single outboard motor, and overloaded with a large number of passengers. As an example, a 40 foot “yola” can accommodate over 100 persons, CBP said.

According to the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), while smuggling by sea accounts only for a small portion of overall migrant smuggling around the world, the particular dangers of irregular travel at sea make it a priority for response; due to the reported fact that more deaths occur by sea.

(Jamaican Observer)

reduced 2015 to 2016 budget allocation, would mean increased challenges for workers’ operational efficiency levels. (Adapted from Trinidad Newsday)

Distracted Walking is an actual public health concern You’ve probably done it once or twice— snapped a photo, or sent a quick text, while walking. Chances are, nothing happened. But recently, one incident turned tragic. Thirtythree-year-old Joshua Burwell was likely taking a photo with his cell phone before falling to his death last week at San Diego’s Sunset Cliffs.

His death has drawn attention to distracted walking, the increasingly common practice of walking while staring at

an electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet, as CBS News reports.

As cell phones have become more popular in recent years, the incidence of injuries related to distracted walking has risen. In 2010, more than 1,500 people were treated in emergency rooms because of distracted walking, according to a 2013 report from Ohio State University. The number has increased six fold between 2005 and 2010. Some tragic

cases, like Burwell’s, have resulted in death.

The reason for these injuries is pretty clear: When you’re looking down at a gadget, you’re not looking where you’re going. As a result, you’re much more likely to veer off course.

“For pedestrians, this distraction can cause them to trip, cross roads unsafely or walk into motionless objects such as street signs, doors or walls,” according to a report from the National Safety Council.

Cities and states know this is a problem, and they’re trying to pass laws to keep citizens safe. Several states have tried fining pedestrians for distracted walking, as many have done for distracted driving.

But the laws have proved challenging to enforce. And although many people know that distracted walking is an issue, they’re having trouble quitting the habit.

Instead of combatting it, some tech companies have found a way to

mitigate it, by creating apps that allow texters to see the ground in front of them while they walk.

Distracted walking is relatively easy to

mitigate, even if you can’t kick the habit completely.

Just look up. (Adapted from Fox News)

Gambia parliament bans female genital mutilation, sets strict penalties for offenders Gambia’s parliament has passed a bill banning female genital mutilation and setting strict penalties for offenders.

The new law says a person who engages in female circumcision could face up to three years in prison or a fine of $50,000.

The bill, passed Monday by parliament, comes after President Yahya Jammeh condemned the practice in November.

Female genital mutilation is practiced in more than

13-Year-Old dies from using Tampons A mother is speaking out this week to warn others after her daughter’s devastating death due to toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

Diane Roberts’s 13-year-old-daughter, Jemma-Louise, began feeling ill while on a family vacation and was originally diagnosed with a stomach bug, according to the Manchester Evening News.

After the British teenager’s health

continued to deteriorate, her family brought her to a hospital where she was diagnosed with TSS, caused by bacteria related to tampon use. Jemma-Louise, a competitive swimmer, had reportedly begun using tampons not long before her illness because they allowed her to continue training throughout her menstrual cycle.

A week after her diagnosis, in March

2014, Jemma-Louise died of a brain bleed while on a heart and lung machine, according to the paper.

Blood tests before she died showed evidence of the staphylococcus bacteria, linked to TSS and sepsis.

Now Roberts is sharing her daughter’s story to raise awareness about an illness that she says doesn’t get enough attention. “TSS used to be talked about in the ’80s, but you

never hear it now,” she told the Manchester Evening News.

Roberts and her family have been raising awareness through fundraisers for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where JemmaLouise was treated.

Aaron Glatt, MD, spokesman for the Infectious Diseases Society of America and an infectious-disease specialist at South Nassau Communities

half of African countries. It entails the complete or partial removal of the external genitalia of women and girls for nonmedical reasons.

In 2010, female genital mutilation was carried out on nearly 80 percent of Gambian women and girls aged 15 to 49, according to UK-based charity 28 Too Many.

Dr. Isatou Touray, who campaigns against the practice, lauded the passing of the bill. (Fox News)

Hospital, says that while TSS is something to be aware of, it shouldn’t scare teenagers from using tampons entirely.

Only about one in every 100,000 women who use tampons contract TSS every year, according to a study out of the University of Minnesota, and Glatt says that cases of

its being fatal are rare.

Still, if you or your daughter is using a tampon and you suddenly get sick, seek help. “If you are not feeling well — if you have a rash, if you have high fevers, if you are confused, go to your doctor as soon as possible,” Glatt says.

(Adapted from Yahoo)

Mother shoots daughter she thought was intruder A woman in St. Cloud, Florida, woke up just before midnight Tuesday and fired a shot at a person she thought had broken into her home. But the person wasn’t an intruder; it was her 27-year-old daughter.

The woman fired one round, but police didn’t say where the bullet hit the daughter.

She died at a hospital.

The shooting appears to be accidental, police said. An investigation is ongoing.

“The homeowner’s story is consistent with the physical evidence and the witness’ statement,” police said.

The woman’s husband is a former undercover narcotics officer with the St. Cloud

Police Department.

In a recording of the 911 call provided by police, the husband

a dispatcher his daughter pacemaker and problems. She

had passed out, he says. He does not mention a gunshot.

After getting instructions to start CPR, the husband leaves the phone and a woman frantically talks to the dispatcher.

The daughter is still breathing but very slowly, she says.

The officer, a 17-year-veteran, is

An unrelated man and woman who had been seen alone together were caned in public in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, for violating Sharia law, a police chief said.

Four others were also caned in the formal punishment Monday, according to the chief of police who leads

a unit charged with finding people who violate Sharia law.

The form of Islamic law is enforced in a very strict way in the area, including prohibiting unmarried people of different genders from being alone together.

Two months ago the woman and man were arrested after

tells that has a heart

on administrative leave but is not under investigation, the department said. The mother is a 911 dispatcher for the Osceola County Sheriff ’s Office. St. Cloud is south of Orlando, in central Florida.

Police have asked the media not to identify the family members involved for safety reasons because of the husband’s past as an undercover officer.

(CNN)

Couple caned for being alone together authorities said they were seen alone in a guest room, said the Sharia police chief Yusnardi, who only goes by one name.

A judge sentenced the two to caning.

The other four other people were caned for gambling, Yusardi said. (CNN)

Chinese women had to wear bikinis for a chance to become flight attendants

The flight attendant industry has been accused of sexism for decades. While the industry has made considerable reforms, some Chinese companies have lagged slightly; decades behind.

In Qingdao, Northeast China, modeling agency Oriental Beauty hosted a slightly unusual competition over the weekend.

Recruiters from both the aviation industry and fashion industry watched from the audience as over 1000 female recent high school graduates

paraded around in conservative uniforms and bikinis, hoping to land job contracts.

More than 1,000 graduates, from Shandong, Hebei, Shanxi and other nearby provinces, competed for a chance at these often lucrative contracts.

Candidates were required to be 5’6” tall, unless they were exceptionally beautiful, in which case, the requirement could be dropped to 5’5”. Seems fair.

Women were further encouraged to be “elegant, slim, have

industry has long been accused of institutional sexism.

A report recently published in The Conversation found that newspaper advertisements routinely advertised for women “to be aged 18-25, slim, attractive, have good skin...[and a] pleasant personality.” (Yahoo)

sweet voice and have no scars in the exposed part of their skin,” The Daily Mail reports.

The Chinese aviation industry is a huge employer of women. In 2013, nearly 41% of Air

China’s employees were women, even though just 1.1% of all Chinese pilots were female. The

Security fears dampen New Year plans for some countries As the final hours of 2015 draw to a close, many countries are bidding a weary and wary adieu to a year marred by attacks that left many nations reeling, with rattled nerves. Still, most places are forging ahead with their celebrations as they refuse to let jitters ruin the joy of the holiday.

France’s defence minister has visited troops on duty before unusually tense New Year’s Eve celebrations in Paris after the November attacks that left 130 dead and hundreds injured.

Jean-Yves Le Drian stressed on Wednesday the need for “special vigilance, full mobilisation and a very significant presence” of security forces. About

60,000 police and troops are deployed across France. Paris police say 80 percent of their officers are on duty.

Authorities in the capital have cancelled the firework display initially planned. Instead, a five-minute video performance on the Arc de Triomphe will be relayed by big screens on the Champs Elysee just before midnight.

The New Year’s Eve firework display has been cancelled in Belgium’s capital due to threats of an attack.

Yvan Mayeur, the mayor of Brussels, said that the decision was taken on Wednesday evening after consultation with government officials.

Last December 31,

Mayeur said, 100,000 people turned out in the Belgian capital to welcome the New Year.

“In these circumstances, we can’t check everyone,” Mayeur said. Brussels was home to four of the attackers who killed 130 people in Paris November 13.

It was less than six months ago that a pipe bomb killed 20 people at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, but tens of thousands of people are expected to gather at the same intersection to ring in the New Year with live music and a countdown.

The bombing is not the only shadow hanging over the festivities.

Nine years ago, a series of small bombings at various points around

the city forced the lastminute cancellation of midnight celebrations at the same venue which also was ground zero for an extended political protest in 2010 that was quashed by the army with deadly force.

Indonesia is on high alert after authorities said last week that they had foiled a plot by supporters of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group to attack government officials, foreigners and

others in the world’s most populous Muslim nation.

About 150,000 police officers and soldiers have been deployed to safeguard churches, airports and other public places. More than 9,000 police are deployed in Bali, the site of Indonesia’s deadliest attack that killed 202 people in 2002.

Around one million people are expected to converge on New York City’s Times Square for the annual celebration.

The party begins with musical acts, including Luke Bryan, Charlie Puth, Demi Lovato and Carrie Underwood, and ends with fireworks and the descent of a glittering crystal ball from a rooftop flagpole.

This year’s festivities will also be attended by nearly 6,000 New York City police officers, including members of a new specialised counterterrorism unit.

In Kenya, which has been repeatedly attacked by Somaliabased fighters, police are urging vigilance as people prepare to celebrate New Year’s Day, on the eve of which many Kenyans gather in hotels to watch midnight firework displays.

(Adapted from Al Jazeera/AP and Reuters)

Celebrations begin to mark start of 2016

The world has begun celebrating the start of a New Year, with revellers in Australia and New Zealand some of the first to usher in 2016. Crowds counted down the last seconds of 2015 at Auckland’s Sky Tower, which hosted a laser show and fireworks display.

Up to 25,000 people had been expected to

turn out for the festivities in New Zealand’s largest city. The country welcomed 2016 at 1100 GMT, an hour after Samoa and Kiribati.

Fireworks lit up Sydney harbour at midnight (1300 GMT) as the New Year welcomed in many parts of Australia. About one million people were expected to turn out, and a pre-show for families was held at 9:00pm.

As the New Year sweeps across Asia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing and other major cities will kick off their own grand celebrations. In Egypt, festivities will be staged in front of the pyramids near Cairo, as the government works to revive its tourist industry.

Meanwhile, in Dubai, an extravagant display will illuminate the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, with 400,000 LED lights and 1.6 tons of fireworks set to be used.

When 2016 hits Europe, approximately one million people will countdown at the Brandenburg Gate in Germany’s capital, Berlin. Despite security fears across the continent, many major public events are going ahead, though with heightened security restrictions.

In Madrid, only 25,000 people will be allowed into the Puerta del Sol Square. More than 100,000 people are expected to watch the Mayor of London’s fireworks show, a ticketed event. Over in Sierra Leone, the declared end of Ebola will mark a return to festivities, after Freetown, the capital, was left deserted a year ago due to the disease’s outbreak.

On Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach, crowds will not only mark the New Year - they will also fete the 100th anniversary of Samba music, and the upcoming summer Olympics. (BBC)

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he is ready to negotiate with Boko Haram for the release of more than 200 girls kidnapped in April last year.

In a televised press conference on Wednesday, Buhari said that if the armed group could identify a credible leadership then the Nigerian government was “prepared to negotiate with them without any preconditions”.

they are in”. He added: “I assure you that the cause of the Chibok girls is on our minds.”

Nigerian troops have clawed territory back from Boko Haram in recent months, and last week Buhari announced that the military had “technically won the war” against the armed group. Some Chibok leaders suggested last week that the abducted girls had been “forgotten” by Buhari, who had said

fighters attacked the biggest city in the northeast, Maiduguri, with rocket-propelled grenades and multiple suicide bombings that killed about 50 people on Sunday night

Nigeria ready for Boko Haram negotiations Boko Haram snatched the girls from dormitories in the northeastern town of Chibok in April 2014, sparking international condemnation of former president Goodluck Jonathan’s government and military for failing to rescue them.

Buhari, who was sworn in as president in May, said that there is “no firm intelligence on where those girls are physically located and what condition

in the past that the war would not be won until the Chibok girls were rescued.

In an apparent response to the announcement of their defeat, suspected Boko Haram

and early Monday morning.

(Adapted from Al Jazeera)

New Year Nightmare: Massive fire at Dubai hotel

Firefighters battled a massive blaze that engulfed a luxury hotel in Dubai Thursday night while a spectacular New Year’s fireworks display lit up the night sky nearby.

Video shows orange tentacles of flames engulfing a large section of the high-end Address hotel for hours after the fire broke out.

Witnesses told CNN they heard explosions.

Early reports from Dubai authorities said the fire started on the 20th floor of the 63-floor hotel.

At least 14 people have sustained minor injuries from the fire, the Dubai government’s media office said Thursday night on Twitter.

But the highly anticipated New Year’s Eve festivities in the United Arab Emirates’ most populous city -- including what was billed as one of the world’s largest fireworks displays -- went ahead as planned.

Cheering crowds of onlookers watched as bursts of color filled the sky.

Just a few blocks away, the scene was dramatically different.

At the Address hotel, which describes itself as “the premier fivestar hotel” in Dubai, flames appeared to be devouring growing portions of the high-rise, even as government officials said the blaze was largely contained.

The fire broke out as governments around the world were on high alert for possible terrorist attacks tied to New Year’s Eve celebrations, but there was no immediate indication that terrorism was to blame for the blaze.

Jonathan Gilliam, a CNN law-enforcement analyst, said he was

surprised by how fast the fire spread, quickly engulfing several floors and illuminating the night sky. “This is looking absolutely horrific,” he said. “This is spreading very rapidly.”

(Adapted from CNN)

Simmons says ban on Commentator was a bit harsh

West Indies coach Phil Simmons admitted yesterday that his decision to ban popular cricket commentator Mohammed from interviewing the regional players prior to the start of the second Test against

Australia in Melbourne a few days ago, may have been a bit harsh, but he had to do it to protect his players.

His comments totally contradict a report by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) on Tuesday which stated

that there was no ban on Mohammed.

According to the report by the WICB management, “the team fully appreciates and understands the importance of the media towards providing information

whom he has known from Under-19 cricket, to tell him how he feels about what had transpired and sort things out.

Simmons was slighted by comments made

by Mohammed that his team was not training with the amount of intensity as their opponents the Australians.

Mohammed, who works as a radio commentator for the Australian Broadcasting on the game as Corporation (ABC), well as the growth was immediately and development barred from of the sport.” conducting interviews But yesterday on after Simmons i95.5FM radio contacted producer of programme Simmons the ABC commentary said he does not hold team Adam White to grudges and will inform him that he did approach Mohammed, not want Mohammed

The salary cap of franchises has been raised for next year’s Hero Caribbean Premier League, in what is one of several changes to the region’s premier Twenty20 tournament.

O r g a n i s e r s announced yesterday the salary cap had been placed at US$780,000, up from $600, 000 from last year.

Also, franchises will now be able to sign one ‘marquee’ player as a free agent before next February’s player draft, but will be allowed only three retained players instead of four.

The limit on overseas players has increased to five from four players while players who live in the franchise territory has been reduced from four to two.

Squad sizes have also been increased by one to 17.

Tom Moody, CPL’s International Director of Cricket, said the changes were designed to further improve the quality of the competition.

“Our aim each year is to make CPL even bigger and better so that we can attract the best T20 players in the world and make it as entertaining as

possible for the fans,” the Australian said.

“Over the past few months, we’ve worked alongside the franchise owners to make sure that the 2016 player draft is open and competitive so that the buzz and excitement of CPL will start building from January right through to the tournament launch in the summer.”

He added: “From early January 2016, we’ll start to reveal the franchise marquee players and the retained players so that by the time the draft comes around in February

fans will already have plenty to talk about.”

CPL involves six franchises:Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel,

to interview any member of the West Indies team.

Simmons explained that he reacted to what he considered to be misleading information by Mohammed to the Caribbean public about his team’s preparation which was compared to Australia’s.

According to Simmons, he felt that Mohammed had a responsibility to provide information in Australia as it regards the team back to the Caribbean, but he felt that the comments by Mohammed had instead been irresponsible as it did not reflect exactly what was happening with the team. (Adapted from the Trinidad Guardian)

New-look CPL for 2016

Jamaica Tallawahs, its fourth year.

St Kitts and Nevis (Jamaican Gleaner) Patriots and St Lucia Zouks - vying for the title of regional T20 champions.

The tournament is heading into

Thursday December 31, 2015

New-look CPL for 2016