Tuesday December 22, 2015
REMEMBERING PRESIDENT HOYTE
President Granger pays his respect to Former President, Hugh Desmond Hoyte, S.C. whose 13th death Anniversary is being observed today
Glen Lall denies vendetta against Brassington -PAGE 4
Linden to Lethem road to materialize 2019 -PAGE 4
President distributes toys to children in Bartica
President David Granger yesterday declared that there is a lot in store for Bartica, during a toy drive in the soon to be town. Approximately 400 children received Christmas presents, compliments of the Government of Guyana at the Bartica Secondary School. Referencing the official naming of the community as a town in 2016, the President
said, “Bartica is going to be a rich, green town. It is going to be a prosperous town and all of you... will be able to enjoy a good life in years to come. May God bless you and Happy Christmas.” He was accompanied by Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally, who was instrumental President Granger and Santa, today, distributing Christmas gifts to children in in organising the Bartica, Region 7 country wide toy drive. Also assisting the President was Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure,
Annette Ferguson. The President added that befitting the season, his visit was one of peace and goodwill and emphasised that Christmas is a time for children. Minister Ally, in an invited comment, said that spreading cheer to children at Christmas is something the People’s National Congress has been doing, since they were in opposition. (MOTP)
More bicycles donated to President Granger’s ‘Three Bs’ initiative Granger and Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally, were made possible by David and Margaret Enterprise, of Potaro, Mahdia, Region Eight and Antarctic Maintenance and Repairs in Georgetown. Kent Phillips, of Antarctic Maintenance and Repairs, said after having read about the initiative in the local papers he thought it was an excellent venture to support. The 21 bicycles, which will soon be presented to school children Speaking also on behalf Yesterday 21 bicycles David Granger’s The bicycles which of the other donors were added to help ‘Boats, Buses and were presented to First who were absent from support President Bicycles’ initiative. Lady, Mrs. Sandra the ceremony, Phillips
First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger; Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally display the bicycles donated by Kent Phillips and Ms. Sade Barton of Antarctic Maintenance.
said that he is sure that the bicycles will definitely serve their intended purpose. Meanwhile, Minister Ally thanked the donors, saying it’s encouraging to see that the initiative is “catching on” and people are responding favourably. “More and more private citizens are contributing. The President has a passion for education and he wants to ensure that every child gets an education, this will allow many students who are at a
disadvantage, to get to school,” she said. The ‘Boats, Buses and Bicycles’ initiative started back in July when President Granger celebrated his 70th birthday and made a call for support of the initiative that will ensure transportation is provided so that school children can get to school safely and comfortably. Since then, there has been a tremendous response, with citizens and businesses donating boats and engines and bicycles. (MOTP)
Three more advocacy centres for abused youths set up in 2015 Centres or one-stop shops have now been established in Regions, 2, 3, 4 and 5 that will support a multi-disciplinary themed approach in the fight against child sexual abuse. Head of CCPA, Ann Greene told the Government Information Agency yesterday of this d e v e l o p m e nt . In the battle against child sexual assault, the Child Care and Protection Agency
(CCPA) of the Ministry of Social Protection, working with its NonGovernmental Partners (NGOs) has been able to support the creation of three additional advocacy centres. The centres establish a safe, childfriendly, neutral and confidential place that bring together, in one place, all professionals involved in the investigation and treatment of
suspected child abuse cases. These centres also provide support to victims, witnesses, and their families. Greene told GINA that particular focus is on forensic investigation, so that those who are sexually abused, “they only have to tell the hurt and pain just once. It is recorded, so that the police can hear and whoever is in need of it. They have it recorded so that the victim really does
not have to tell it over and over,” she explained. It is hoped that with the operations of these centres there will now be more seamless coordinated support for child victims of sexual abuse and the minimising of the system-induced trauma for these children, youth and their families. The centres also look at the follow-up work for the victims, with particular focus on the
Husband dies after fight with wife
medical treatment. Lakeram was treated and discharged while Mahadeo was hospitalized. Both were subsequently charged with attempted murder following legal advice. On Sunday, Mahadeo took his own discharge and returned home. Yesterday he Forty-five year-old According to wife, Gaitree Lakeram and his wife appeared Harrichand Mahadeo the police, Mahadeo of on December 17 last. at the Charity Court died earlier this Truli Island Essequibo The argument led and were placed on morning at the Suddie River, was involved to them inflicting $100,000.00 bail Hospital a few days after in an argument with wounds on each other each. However, they a fight with his wife. his forty-six year-old and both sought were kept in custody
A West Coast Demerara resident died last night after the car which he was driving ended up in trench.
According to the Police, sixty-nine yearold Clement Sukdeo of Windsor Forest, WCD, was driving along the
Leonora Public Road at about 23:3 hrs last night when he lost control of the vehicle. The car turned turtle in a nearby trench. Sukdeo was rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Investigations ae ongoing.
Ann Greene
provision of therapeutic treatment for the victims. They get a chance to heal, Greene explained. The advocacy centres are manned by the
NGOs whilst the CCPA handles the referrals of the cases to the centre. Child Sexual abuse is the second highest reported cases to the CCPA.
after being unable to raise the bail money. While in custody, Mahadeo complained of feeling
unwell and was taken to the Suddie Hospital where he died this morning.
Man died after car topple in trench
Linden to Lethem road to materialize 2019-Granger Negotiations are ongoing with regard to the construction of the Linden to Lethem highway. President David Granger while acknowledging its importance committed to bringing this project that was being pursued by the former administration into fruition. According to the President, his government is “working to make it happen,”
citing that it is a very expensive venture. He said the project is critical given that Region nine is the largest Region and efforts are afoot to further develop it. “If we are to develop that region we need to develop that highway, so it’s not optional it’s obligatory as far as I’m concerned” In June of this year Brazilian Brazilian Ambassador Lineu Pupo de Paula during a courtesy call on First
Vice President and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, at his office committed to the construction of the highway and the setting up of a hydro project in Guyana. The two projects were discussed by the former administration. A Joint Working Group was established under the Guyana-Brazil Corporation Agreement had submitted the proposal. In December
2012, the Working Group on Infrastructure Projects was established following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries. Both Guyanese and Brazilian nationals have long bemoaned the deteriorating state of the Linden to Lethem Road, despite constant repairs by the former administration. When the road is paved, it will
President David Granger
significantly enhance the lives of Guyanese, particularly traders using the route. Such a move will also result in the reduction of transportation costs while stimulating increase trade and other economic opportunities.
In May sections of the Linden to Lethem Road was washed away by heavy rainfall and the lone-north-south corridor to the Rupununi had become impassable.
Glen Lall denies vendetta against Brassington
Glen Lall
Publisher and owner of Kaieteur News Glen Lall has refuted claims that he is on a witch hunt against Executive Director of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Winston Brassington as is reported in the media. It was reported that Brassington is under attack by Lall over his decision to take legal action against Royal Investments Inc (RII), part-owned by the
newspaper’s publisher and his close friend Tony Yassin after they failed to pay an outstanding balance of US$2M for the Guyana Stores Limited. Speaking with the Guyana News Network, Lall is of the view that those claims are nothing but a smokescreen and a diversion from the real issue. Lall pointed to reports that came out from three prominent
and well respected chartered accountants in the Guyana, namely Christopher Ram, Anand Goolsarran and Clive Thomas, who are also writers for two of the most popular Newspapers. According to Lall, the accountants have been writing on almost every subject and issues pertaining to the sale, distribution, give away deals that Brassington and Marcia Nadir allegedly did under the former administration. He added that every single one of the issues Kaieteur News, Stabroek News have reported on for a number of years now. He went on to state that Brassington has failed to answer questions posed to him by the auditors on
all the alleged deals, including Guyana Stores. “He has not being able to say a word, as a matter of fact, every single deal was secretly done. Is only when we get a lil tip and we go after it and expose him then they run come and give some hanky panky story and some flimsy excuses,” Lall told this publication. He also spoke of the numerous reports that have been out in the public domain alleging corrupt practices committed
estimates current and capital totaling $3.2B for the period October 25 2011 to December 2014 is expected to be considered at the next sitting of the House. Financial paper number 2 of 2015 statement of excess on the current and capital estimates totaling $6B for the period January 1, 2012 to June 16, 2014 will be considered as well. T h e opposition Peoples Progressive Parry/ Civic (PPP/C) at a recent press conference had expressed concern that its business might be prevented from being address in the House with the postponement
of Parliament from November 12. According to the PPP/C Chief Whip Gail Teixeira that day was scheduled for opposition b u s i n e s s . Te i x e i r a e x p r e s s e d worry since the government has indicated that it will be presenting the 2016 National Budget in the House in January, which will be followed by the debates and the consideration of estimates and expenditures. She believes this could see the opposition business being pushed further down, hence it will not be able to debate the controversial salary increase motion.
Winston Brassington
by Brassington. With regard to Brassington’s move to go to the Court to recover some $2M owed by Tony Yassin owed for the sale of Guyana Stores, Lall said the issue has nothing to do with him. “To bring in my friend at Guyana Stores he has his own problem, as a matter of fact they are known for this every day, they never deal with the issue they deal with the individual.” Lall has promised that revelations
will be made soon with regard to the alleged theft of monies from the public purse. He also spoke of the seeming reluctance on the part of the administration in prosecuting Brassington. Recently, there have been a number of allegations of corruption being levelled against Brassington. He has since come out in defence of many of those allegations. NICIL has accused Goolsarran of deliberately misrepresenting facts regarding the accounting by the body during his forensic audit of the holding company. In a statement, NICIL said that over the past two weeks, the final draft forensic audit report of NICIL and Atlantic Hotel Incorporated (AHI) has been serialized in the media, even before it was given the opportunity to review and comment.
Opposition business to come up at twentieth sitting of the House Sherlock Isaacs
The opposition business is scheduled to come up at the twentieth sitting of the National Assembly, which is scheduled for some time in January. This was confirmed by Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs on today. According to Isaacs, every fourth sitting opposition business is given priority over government’s business, however, if there is a financial paper or estimates that would be
given priority over the opposition’s b u s i n e s s . “ T h e standing order says financial papers estimates and so on should stand as the first item of public business on the order paper. Although it’s an opposition day financial paper or so these things will still be given priority over opposition business,” Isaacs further explained. Financial paper number 1 of 2015 supplementar y
Gail Teixeira
The PPP/C is also expected to move a Motion calling on all Members of Parliament (MPs) to make available their Income tax returns for the past ten years. The Motion on MPs tax returns states that all MPs are required to file annual income tax returns to the Guyana Revenue Authority in
compliance with the Income Tax Act, Chapter 81:01. It follows repeated calls by leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo for MPs to make public their income tax returns for the past decade.
Guyana rice still stuck at Belize Port The Ministry of Agriculture’s Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) have detained three containers containing 75 tonnes of Guyanese Rice that was imported into the country by a private importer. Up to today, (December, 22) it is uncertain whether the rice will have to be returned to Guyana. According to Belize 7 News, CEO at the Ministry of Agriculture;
Jose Alpuche when asked whether the shipment will be “follow up to be sent back or actioned off or destroyed, What is the sentiment of the government at this time?” said “I’ve not discussed with BAHA precisely where they are with that issue. But I really don’t want to comment on the details of that” It’s been 5 days now since 3 containers containing 75 tonnes of Guyanese Rice landed in Independence Village
at the Port of Big Creek. The owner of that rice, Importer Jack Charles, is still waiting for the BAHA to explain in writing why they have seized his cargo and refused to release it to him. He was hoping that they would have released it by now so that he could start selling you his Grade A Premium rice at 69 cents a pound for the Christmas holidays says the Belize News. Ministry of Agriculture’s CEO Jose
Alpuche, said selling the Guyana rice on the Belize market will provide unfair advantage over local producers. He said “The question is not even about Mr. Chawla importing rice, the question is whether what is being produced in Guyana Represent fair competition on the Belize market place. The reality is that rice is Guyana is heavily subsidized and we don’t offer subsidies to our large scale commercial producers here. So what would come in from Guyana would represent an unfair trading advantage.” On Friday, the Importers’ technical advisor, who is a former CEO of Trade; Sergio
Concerns relating to health precautions at Guyana’s ports of entry have mounted after the recent outbreak of the H1N1 (swine flu) in Trinidad and Tobago and the Zika Virus in Brazil. To this the Ministry of Public Health has assured that precautions are being taken, noting that health officers are on guard to identify such cases. During a recent interview; Health Minister; George Norton noted that “we have our port health officers in place and for instance in T&T has the swine flu. Our port health officers would expect flight attendants to report on any passenger who would manifest such symptoms and from there we would take all the necessary p r e c a u t i o n s … . We might have to make some adjustments but we can be safe in saying
that we are aware and as a result prepared” Last Friday, the Health Minister in Trinidad; Terrence Deyalsingh confirmed that 29 cases of the H1N1 (swine flu) virus and three known related deaths. He also disclosed local healthcare workers in public facilities are declining vaccination against the virus. There are a number of flights arriving from Trinidad and Tobago daily. It was reported that a patient here who was suspected to have been infected with the H1N1 virus (swine flu) has died. However the Ministry is awaiting the return of samples sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), which is the only laboratory in the Caribbean able to confirm the presence of the H1N1 virus to be returned, to confirm whether it was the H1N1 virus. The virus can spread
when an infected person coughs or sneezes and droplets containing viruses get into the air and are inhaled by persons nearby. Persons can also become infected by touching surfaces (doorknobs, desks etc.) contaminated with flu viruses and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose. S y m p t o m s of the influenza includes cough, fever, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Safe and effective vaccines that can prevent influenza or reduce the severity of illness are available at local health centres. Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of serious complications of influenza and for people who live with or care for high risk individuals.
After vaccination, persons still ought to take preventative measures to reduce the spread of viruses. Additionally, several persons travel to and from Brazil given the fact that the two countries share one border which is said to be porous. Dr. Norton stated that Guyana is taking precautionary measures similar to those put in place during the outbreak of the Chikungunya virus. Just last month, the pan American health organization outlined that there were close to 10 cases of the zika virus in the Caribbean. Currently, there are not systems in place to test persons travelling to Guyana from destinations where the zika virus is prevalent. There have been reports of birth defects as a result of mothers who have contracted
Garcia explained that this rice fight is bad for Belize’s reputation with its fellow CARICOM countries. To this, Director General of Foreign Trade; Leroy Almendarez; affirm that “But we must understand here that Belize and Guyana has no dispute.” He added that during his recent visit to attend the COTED meeting, he met with “head of Guyana Rice Development Board, we met with the minister of trade and they assured us that it would be a country - a government to government thing.” Technical Advisor, RC Imports; Sergio Garcia had also stated that the approach taken by the Belize government will promote a bad relationship between the two nations. However, Almendarez disputed this claim noting that “It does not give us a black eye nor a bad reputation” since this occur in other countries in the region.
Remember, it’s more about collaboration. Yes there is an open market place, but we are joined and integrated, so we can compete with blocks outside of the region, not with each other.” Charles who is the importer said the local rice farmers have been gouging consumers with their unregulated, high prices for rice. He claims that the Government is trying to protect the profitaddicted producers, when its highest priority should be protecting the public. He said despite the government claims, rice was brought into Belize in 2014 and package and sold as local produce so this is double standard. The importer is planning to file a lawsuit in court, however he is also trying to give BAHA more time to provide him with written reasons as to why they have detained his cargo.
Guyana prepared to deal with Swine Flu and Zika - Norton
Health Minister Dr. George Norton
that zika virus. The most common symptoms of zika are fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, pain behind the eyes, and vomiting. The zika virus is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes polynesiensis mosquitoes. The same mosquitoes that transmit chikungunya
and dengue. The Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are generally found in and around places where people live and congregate. After being bitten by an infected mosquito, symptoms of the disease appear following an incubation period of three to 12 days.
Sacked GuySuCo worker reinstated A tractor operator in the Cane Transport Department who was dismissed from the Skeldon sugar Estate, at the midnight hour on September 19, 2014 was reinstated in his job with effect from December 21, 2015. According to the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Daniel Stephen will be compensated for his lost wages with approximately seven (7) months’ pay of the fourteen (14) month period he was off the job. Cde Daniel Stephen was verbally dismissed on the night
of September 19 by Devendra Kumar, Estate Manager of Skeldon Estate, owing to an incident between himself and Daniel. On the next day, Daniel’s dismissal was confirmed in writing. The incident last September had triggered strikes and widespread protests. Workers from Albion and Rose Hall Estates on two (2) separate days struck in a show of solidarity with Stephen. The strike ended before the strike turn of Blairmont, East Demerara, Wales and Uitvlugt Estates. GAWU and the Corporation under
the aegis of the then Ministry of Labour, now the Ministry of Social Protection, approved a Terms of Resumption Agreement which stipulated, among other things, the recall of Stephen’s dismissal letter and in its place, a letter of suspension. The dispute itself was next subjected to conciliatory proceedings which concluded on the strong advice that Stephen be reinstated in his job. GuySuCo disagreed with the Chief Labour Officer and, therefore, refused to re-instate the aggrieved worker. The dispute
next became subject to arbitration proceedings. The sole Arbitrator, Mohamed Akeel, former Chief Labour Officer, out of the blue, after two (2) sittings lasting about two (2) hours each ruled that Stephen
remains dismissed. Akeel did not hear arguments from the Union nor the GuySuCo. The Union at the two (2) short sittings was arguing that GuySuCo breached its own Disciplinary Code and Procedures, claiming that the operator should have been suspended rather than dismissed. The unorthodox conduct of the Arbitrator forced the Union’s Attorney to seek judicial intervention. Chief Justice (a.g.) Ian Chang set aside Akeel’s ruling. Akeel is reported to have conducted another Arbitration
exercise without the participation of the Union (GAWU) and the Secretary of the Tribunal. Thereafter, against the changes in the Management of the GuySuCo and a new Government following the May 11, 2015 elections, the Union followed its representation to have Daniel Stephen reinstated in his job. GAWU recognizes the role of the Ministry of Social Protection, among others, in the reinstatement of Daniel Stephen.
national leadership and international statesmanship. Desmond Hoyte – during his presidential septennium from 1985 to 1992 – was able to employ this considerable experience, to deploy his personal expertise and to apply his abundant
endowments and talents in the highest executive office. He continued to build on the foundation of the previous twenty-one years,” Granger added. The event was attended by several members of Government including Minister of Governance, Mr.
Raphael Trotman; Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Basil Williams; and former Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Mr. Robert Corbin.
Daniel Stephen
Desmond Hoyte’s 13th death Anniversary commemorated today
His Excellency, President David Granger addressing those gathered at the Commemoration service at the Seven Ponds, Place of Heroes, Botanical Gardens this morning
Today marks 13 years since the death of Former President Hugh Desmond Hoyte, S.C. In a ceremony to commemorate his death anniversary, President David Granger described the Former President as an example of selfless service to the people of Guyana and a man who possessed an acute awareness of the need to change the direction of the country, which verged on the brink of bankruptcy. “ G u y a n a remembers Desmond Hoyte, its second executive president, a patriot, with affection and respect,” President Granger said, in his address to the simple ceremony held
this morning at the Botanical Gardens. At the time of the General Elections of December 1964, Guyana was stagnant after seven years of mal-administration, Granger said, noting that the country was financially bankrupt, economically backward and socially broken. “Our first Prime Minister Forbes Burnham bore the brunt, repairing the damaged state. He led our country into Independence; built colleges, schools and the university; constructed a new airport, bridges, highways and rehabilitated our sea defences; initiated
the vital MahaicaM a h a i c o n y Abary scheme; inaugurated huge housing settlements,” Granger said. G r a n g e r pointed out that Hoyte served faithfully at Burnham’s side, ascending to the Office of Prime Minister and later to the Presidency; making him a part of the continuum even as it prepared him to confront the challenge of change. “His execution of the portfolios as Minister of Home Affairs, of Finance; of Works and Communications; of economic development and of regional development was an education in
Government and other officials at the service which was held this morning
From right: Former Leader of the Opposition, Robert Corbin, President David Granger and Ministers at the Commemoration of the 13th Death Anniversary of Former President, Hugh Desmond Hoyte
Brassington willing to serve or step down During a press conference on Monday afternoon at the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Ltd (NICIL) head office in Kingston, Winston Brassington said he is willing to continue serving under the current administration, however he is also willing to step down from his position as head of NICIL if asked. Describing his relationship with the coalition administration as cordial and professional, he said “If the government said they don’t want me, I am fine with that.” Following an audit report that reportedly recommended criminal charges and disciplinary action for breaching laws, Brassington who is the head of government’s
holding company, yesterday said he broke no laws, accusing forensic auditor, Anand Goolsarran of divulging the contents within the draft report without giving the entity an opportunity to comment. “As far as I know, and in good faith, I have not broken any laws and if Mr [Anand] Goolsarran is suggesting it, then I believe I have a clear defence on why what we did was properly done and we should not be held responsible and the only way this matter can be determined is if this matter goes to court and be heard and no one has ever challenged us,” Brassington told reporters at a press conference. A leaked forensic audit report on the operations of NICIL
suggests that under the former administration, head of the entity engaged in malpractices, and would have made poor decisions on behalf of the people of Guyana. The forensic audit report commissioned by the APNU+AFC government of the controversial holding company NICIL has recommended criminal and/or disciplinary action against all those responsible for the interception of state revenues totalling $26.858 billion in violation of the constitution. Similar action has been recommended in the final report of consultant Anand Goolsarran over the expenditure of sums by the National Industrial
and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) in violation of the constitution. NICIL’s activities had long been a source of contention for APNU and the AFC while they were in opposition and its auditing was one of the earliest assignments after they entered office as a coalition in May this year. Brassington declared, “I am confident in my integrity” throughout his 21-year log tenure at NICIL/ Privatisation Unit and found it inconceivable as to how he could be charged based on the forensic audits. “I believe at best that a lot of what is being said by Mr. Goolsarran are opinions of a legal nature which are not backed up by evidence on that. On the other
Winston Brassington
hand, we have many years of practice where these things had been happening” he said. He noted that the audit opinion of NICIL is a clean audit opinion for every year under his leadership- 2002 to date. The Head of NICIL and the Privatisation Unit denied that US$5 million had been hidden in a secret bank account. “There was nothing hidden, there was no secret, it was fully known to the NICIL Board, it was fully known to
the auditors when they looked at NICIL,” he said, explaining that GYD$1 billion was advanced by the Guyana National Cooperative Bank (GNCB) to NICIL based on the Office of the President’s authority to be invested in the Marriott Hotel. However, the money was returned to GNCB earlier this year, he said, and Republic Bank’s loan funds have become available.
Umana Yana reconstruction on -foundation, floor schedule competed
The foundation and floor of the historic Umana Yana which is currently being rebuilt, has been completed and is currently in its curing stage, Ministerial Adviser, Mervyn Williams has said. S p e a k i n g with GNN earlier yesterday, Williams revealed that the part of the project which the Ministry of Public Infrastructure was responsible
for, which was the construction of the foundation and floor, has been completed and the curing phase is expected to end on December 30. On December 31, the Ministry is expected to hand over the project to the Indigenous Affairs Ministry, which will then be responsible for erecting the actual structure. Presently however, materials which were needed
from Indigenous settlements, except Maskeneries in the Deep South Rupununi, have been sourced. “ M a t e r i a l s from Moraikobai have been obtained through the efforts of Colin Andrews who is the former Toshao and also the materials which were needed from St Cuthbert’s Mission. Toshao Lennox Shoman assisted the Ministry
in this regard” the ministerial advisor said. However, he explained that the additional materials which need to be sourced from Maskeneries will be transported to Georgetown, when it is ready for use. Toshaoo Paul Chikema, who will be responsible for this aspect of the project has visited the site and indicated that the team is ready to commence work. Boasting that all works are currently on schedule, Williams stated that the design of the structure remains the same. The design will mirror the previous structure but with an increase in space between the floor and roof. This, the advisor said, is
to allow the freer passage of Atlantic air which sweeps in from the seawall nearby. Also, expertise from the Public Infrastructure Ministry will be sought to explore the option of having, exclusively, solar generated electricity for the facility. According to him, this reconstruction is a major undertaking by the ministry, given that the building represents the historical, current, and projected cultural contributions of the Indigenous people to Guyana. “It is the wish of the President, the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and his team that we have this benab reconstructed, and that is what we are working towards,” Williams said, adding
that the completion is slated to coincide with Guyana’s 50th Independence Annivers ar y. C onstr uc ted by the Wai Wais in 1972, the 55 feet Umana Yana was a conical palm thatched hut (benab) erected for the Non-Aligned Foreign Ministers Conference in Guyana in August that year as a VIP lounge and recreation centre. The landmark structure served as the venue for a number of historical and cultural events for over four decades. In December last year, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister at the time, Dr Frank Anthony announced that the PPP/C government would have pumped $50M into the 2015 budget for the reconstruction of the Umana Yana
HIGH TIDES ALERT The Ministry of Public Infrastructure would like to advise the general public to take all necessary precautions during the spring tides period of December 22, 2015 to December 29, 2015. The predicted tide indicates above normal levels for this impending period. The Sea and River Defence Department considers the following areas to be particularly susceptible to possible flooding as a result of storm surges which may induce overtopping of sea/river defence structures: •Johanna Cecelia, Cullen/Perseverance, Essequibo Coast; Charity & along Pomeroon River Banks •Zeelandia/Moor Farm, Marionville/Bendorff, Good Success/ Sarah - Wakenaam Island
•Thierens/Success, Maryville, Cane Field/ Amsterdam, Endeavour/Blenheim - Leguan Island •Rotterdam/Crane, Anna Catherina to Leonora, W.C.D Parika, Look Out, Salem/Sparta, E.B.E
•Water Street, Georgetown, Kingston, Georgetown to Ogle, E.C.D, Mosquito Hall/Unity– E.C.D •Bush Lot/Maida, Scottsburg, Corentyne and Along the East Bank of Berbice River The highest tides are expected to be on Friday December 25, 2015 at 3:47pm at a height of 3.10 metres and Saturday December 26, 2015 at 4:28pm at a height of 3.08 metres. In addition to the captioned locations, all persons residing along the banks of
rivers and low lying coastal areas are advised to take all the necessary precautions against possible flooding. Precaution should also be taken by all mariners including those operating fishing vessels and larger vessels. Use of beaches and foreshore areas for recreational purposes during this period is not advised.
Ramotar condemns attacks on NICIL head; urges gov’t to focus on nation building
Former President Donald Ramotar has registered his concern in relation to what he claims “sustained attacks” by sections of the media and supporters of the David Granger-led administration on Executive Director of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Winston Brassington. Ramotar, in a statement pointed out that from the beginning, the regime began a witch hunt against several persons who were perceived to be supporters of the former Peoples Progressive Parry/ Civic (PPP/C) administration and those who worked dedicatedly during its tenure.
S p e a k i n g on the issue of the ongoing forensic audits he noted that “they were designed as a tool to harass and denigrate persons who worked with the PPP/C government to build our country.” The former President expressed the view that Brassington has been attacked and demonized, and has not even been given the chance to defend himself. “The audit conducted on the operations of the Marriott Hotel by Mr Anand Goolsarran was most unprofessional and should engage the attention of the professional bodies of accountants in Guyana. This was exposed thoroughly at a NICIL press conference.
Even though Mr Brassington provided all the explanations in his preliminary report, the responses were mainly ignored in a final report that was not sent to NICIL,” the statement added. The former leader is of the view that the APNU+AFC operatives are not interested in the truth, adding that they are not interested in transparency and natural justice. “What they want is to create trumped-up charges and to attack the integrity of persons who clearly acted professionally in the discharge of their duties,” he stated.
According to him, the real problem is that they shouted so much about corruption at NICIL and they are now unable to prove any of their charges. The statement added that the government is speedily losing credibility and their vindictive nature is being exposed for all to see. He accused them of descending into mudslinging and slander. According to the former President “this behavior of deliberately using the media to slander and libel people and seemingly to even scores is also an abuse of Freedom of the
Press. It undermines democracy and harms our country.” He continued “many honest and talented Guyanese who are not members of the APNU or AFC will think twice before offering their services, knowing that they could be subjected to such defamation and abuse by unscrupulous persons in the regime and the media operatives who support them.” Ramotar is calling on the regime to cease the witch hunts and instead focus more on building the nation. Brassington has been fingered in alleged corruption
following the completion of the forensic audit report conducted at NICIL. Over the past weeks corruption allegations continue to pour in against Brassington and the manner in which NICIL operated. From the onset the PPP had expressed concerns with regard to the auditors that were handpicked by the Grangerled government claiming they are known friends of the coalition raising the question of credibility. Brassington said recently that he broke no laws.
Transparency body urges govt to take actions against GPL CEO
Colin Welch
Transparency Institute Guyana Inc (TIGI) is calling on the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government to take action against the Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Power and Light Company, Colin Welch who allegedly has been fingered in corruption. This call came after reports surfaced
alleging that Welch was allegedly involved in corruption with regard to the procurement of prepaid meters worth US$4M by the company. Welch is said to have reportedly intervened in a multimillion contract for prepaid meters and allegedly asked the supplier to lie to authorities in Guyana about the specifications. In a statement issued today, the body chided the government for treating the matter lightly. “TIGI denounces the cavalier treatment by the government of this matter where instead of a thorough investigation in the face of allegations against a sitting CEO the matter is instead quashed which appears to have the effect of averting in-depth investigation,
and giving the CEO the chance to correct himself in future, if not completely absolve him from any consequences of his actions,” the statement added. The corruption watchdog said it feels that the matter has not been treated with the gravity that has been meted out to some former government officials facing allegations of corruption. The statement said it is troubling to note that Minister of Public Infrastructure David Pattersen, in aborting the tender on the basis that it started under the PPP, fails to appreciate that an illegal act is still illegal regardless of when it is committed or its origin. “TIGI is further dissatisfied
that the Director of Public Information, in a press statement said that “Minister Patterson… instructed an independent review of the complaints. All of the main complaints were found to be invalid” since no information is given on who constituted the investigation team, nor any assurance of a transparent investigation having taken place,” the statement added. The transparency body pointed out that GPL is a major public entity and the Minister must understand that transparency is expected of and from him as proper conduct is expected from the CEO. The body is calling on the Minister to disclose to the public the report on
the investigations so that the public can decide whether or not an independent review is required.” It was pointed out that under the new government, senior officials have been sent on leave, in many cases without conformance to due process, on which TIGI has voiced its disapproval in the past. “This is as good a case as any, for the individual to be sent on leave to facilitate an investigation but instead the public is being told that the future of Welch with the power company will be determined by the new Board.” TIGI says it expects consistency from the Grangerled government.
VALMIKI VIDYALAYA FREE
HIGH SCHOOL
WILL HOST A SPECIAL 5 DAY
YOGA AND
PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT CAMP FOR CHILDREN BY
HIS HOLINESS SWAMI KAIVALYANANDA KAIVALYA ASHRAM INDIA CHAIRMAN, INTERNATIONAL VEDANTA UNIVERSITY TRUST DATE: 14th – 18th December, 2015 CAMP TIME: 8.00 AM - 10.00 AM (DAILY) VENUE: VALMIKI VIDYALAYA HIGH SCHOOL 169 PETER ROSE AND CROWN STREETS, QUEENSTOWN, GEORGETOWN TELEPHONE: 226-1293 or 628-1242 The five days training sessions is specially designed for your children. It focuses on the Science of Yoga, mental development of the Child as well as spiritual and cultural aspects of life. The aims and objectives of the camp are to develop and prepare Your Child for the future and provide the necessary tools for them to understand this rich culture, its traditions and human values.
We encourage ALL parents to register their children for this once in a lifetime rare opportunity to be taught by Swamiji THE HEADMASTER, STAFF AND MANAGEMENT VALMIKI VIDYALAYA HIGH
Swami Kaivalyanandaji, a renowned Yoga Guru, former Academician attached to Universities. Swamiji has been teaching Vedanta, Yoga and Sanskrit for many years in India and abroad. He hails from Kerala, the birth place of Aadi Sankaracharya in India.
Brazil women warned not to get pregnant as Zika virus linked to rare birth defect Due to the spread of zika virus (ZIKV) in Brazil, a ministry health official has advised women to avoid getting pregnant. The mosquito-borne ZIKV has resulted in 646 reported cases in the state of Pernambuco, a region where a state of emergency has recently been declared. “Don’t get pregnant at the moment,” advised Claudio Maierovitch, the director of the communicable disease
surveillance department at Brazil’s ministry of health. He added, “That’s the wisest course of action.” The zika virus is responsible for an increase in cases of micro-encephalitis, an inflammation of the foetal brain that can stunt the growth of the affected foetus’ head. Ministry health officials in Brazil have recorded two adult deaths and 1,248 cases of micro-encephalitis since
the outbreak was first detected in April and has since spread to 13 states. The majority of cases of micro-encephalitis have occurred in the northeast of Brazil. Cases, however, quickly started to appear in the southeast states of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. An autopsy on a baby born with microcephaly in the state of Ceara revealed the presence of the zika virus, a disease carried by the
Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also transmits dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya. In an unprecedented move, in November the Brazilian health ministry linked the zika virus to the microcephaly epidemic. Previously, the condition had been attributed to radiation or drug use by the expectant mother. Though it is not official policy, Maierovitch has advised women in high-risk areas to avoid
attempting to conceive. Last week, the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization issued a worldwide epidemiological alert because of the virus. ZIKV has also been reported in Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico,
Paraguay, Suriname, and Venezuela. Brazilian health minister, Marcelo Castro, said that cases of the zika virus were expected to increase across the country. Brazil is host of the 2016 Summer Olympics Games. (Adapted from the Jamaican Gleaner)
Why a drug to prevent HIV infection is in low demand Public-health officials are pushing for much wider use of a drug that has proved effective at preventing HIV infection. PrEP, or preexposure prophylaxis, is a daily medication that people at high risk for HIV can take to protect against
acquiring the virus, which causes AIDS. The drug Truvada was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2012 for use as PrEP. About 50,000 people a year in the U.S. become infected with HIV, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Still, fewer than 22,000 people are estimated to have taken PrEP for prevention, according to an analysis this year in the journal Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS. AIDS remains a significant cause of death in certain populations although treatments have made
living with the syndrome a reality for many. The CDC in November released a report suggesting some 1.2 million U.S. adults
who are at substantial risk for acquiring HIV could benefit from PrEP. Among those are one in four gay and bisexual men; one in five people
plant was commonly used for health reasons such as relieving pain, said Cardinal Rivera, who also serves as the archbishop of Mexico City. Rivera was asked about his views on the medicinal use of marijuana at Cardinal Norberto Sunday that the church a news conference. Rivera, the Catholic has never had a problem Back in November, Church’s top authority recommending the use the Supreme Court in Mexico, said he has of “all elements from ruled that growing, no problem with the nature that can be used possessing and use of marijuana for to help improve health.” smoking marijuana for medicinal purposes. He recalled that when recreation is legal under The cardinal said he was a child the the right to freedom.
The ruling did not approve the sale or commercial production of marijuana nor does it imply a general legalization. But if the court rules the same way on five similar petitions, it would then establish the precedent to change the law and allow general recreational use. A few days after the ruling, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto said he opposes
any legalization of marijuana. “For me, it would not be desirable, I am not in favor of an eventual legalization of marijuana,” he said in a speech. But he did say he was willing to listen to other opinions. An October opinion survey by the Parametria polling firm said that 77 percent of Mexicans opposed legalizing marijuana, while 20 percent supported
who inject drugs; and one in 200 sexually active heterosexuals. Taking PrEP reduces the risk of HIV infection through sexual transmission by as much as 92 percent and by about 70 percent in people who inject drugs, the CDC says. Still, one in three primary care doctors haven’t heard of the medication, according to a 2015 CDC survey. (Fox Health)
Mexican cardinal says church doesn’t oppose medicinal pot
the idea. The poll had a margin of error of four percentage points. In the United States, the states of Washington, Colorado, Alaska and Oregon have legalized marijuana use. The South American nation of Uruguay adopted a plan to create a legal pot market in 2013. (Foxnewslatino)
Colombia fumes at ‘stolen’ Miss Universe crown For Colombians, Sunday might have been the ugliest night in the beauty business. For a few brief minutes, this looks-obsessed Andean nation thought it had held on to the Miss Universe crown for the second year running. But when the pageant’s host, Steve Harvey, announced that he’d made a mistake and that the honor belonged to the Philippines, the mood turned into that of a jilted prom queen. The gaffe made the
front page of most of Colombia’s dailies, sent the Internet into overdrive and may be sparking a lawsuit. Barranquilla’s El Heraldo splashed “Universal Error” across its front page while Bogota’s ADN read: “Miss Universe for Three Minutes.” One popular clip focused on a moment where a spectator in the Miss Universe audience seems to be handing Harvey an envelope shortly after the flawed announcement. For
many, that was dubious proof of a rigged event. “It wasn’t a mistake by Steve Harvey, it was a dirty humiliation, a manipulation to make Miss Colombia look ridiculous in front of the world,” one commenter wrote of the widely circulated clip. Harvey apologized profusely on air for the error and held up the winning envelope to prove there was no foul play. But when he took to Twitter to apologize,
had the dubious honor of placing the tiara on Ariadna Gutierrez’s head only to be forced to transfer it to the dome of Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Miss Philippines. Vega herself was crowned at a less
controversial pageant at the FIU Arena in Miami. The Colombian law firm De la Espriella said two of its attorneys are filing a lawsuit against the pageant. (Adapted from MSN)
put lives at risk and threatened people’s health while making more than $7m from manipulating patients’ “sacred trust”, federal investigators found. Some patients were injected repeatedly with radioactive material for heart tests they did not need, with Dr Persaud saying the results showed they needed surgery.
on restitution to the companies he defrauded. Lawsuits from several patients are under way. “The thing that bothers me most is the trust that the patients put into their relationship, believing that someone like Dr Persaud is Others were given seen some really bad going to provide bypass operations or stuff,” Justin Shammot, them with the best special stents for imaginary supervisory medical care they can, problems, the FBI said. agent with the FBI’s and in this case that “This is the worst Cleveland office said. just did not happen,” kind of healthcare Dr Persaud also faces Shammot said. fraud you can have losing his medical He also subjected and is the toughest license and a hearing patients to unnecessary I’ve seen – and I’ve in January to decide
medical procedures. The FBI said he performed unneeded nuclear stress tests and recorded false results in order to justify catheterization, in which a tube is inserted in a blood vessel via the groin, arm or neck and into the heart, as a further diagnostic test. He then falsely recorded that patients were suffering blockages. (Adapted from MSN)
he doubled the insult: he misspelled both the winning and slighted countries. “I want to apologize emphatically to Miss Philippians and Miss Columbia,” he wrote. “This was a terribly honest human mistake and I am regretful.” Colombia takes its beauty pageants seriously, and the nation has generated a number of finalists in the race. In 2014, Maria Paulina Vega became the country’s first Miss Universe since the 1950s. In fact, it was Vega who
Doctor who ordered unnecessary heart surgery and risky tests jailed for 20 years A cardiologist who ordered patients to undergo unnecessary open heart surgery and performed risky tests and procedures in order to reap fraudulent payments from Medicare and private insurers has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. Dr Harry Persaud, 56, from Westlake, Ohio, may have
Man about to be rescued is attacked and killed by a shark A Venezuelan man clinging to a buoy was moments away from being rescued by the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard when he was attacked by a shark and died while being transported to a hospital, the Coast Guard announced Monday. Seven Venezuelan men were aboard a vessel traveling from the island of Bonaire to the island of Aruba off the Venezuelan coast, carrying whiskey for sale, according to the Associated Press. When the vessel capsized, two crewmembers went down with the ship, and four others survived by holding on to a refrigerator and a pallet. The survivors were hospitalized in Aruba for dehydration. A rescuer was being lowered from a Coast Guard
helicopter and was about to save the man holding on to the buoy, but the shark attacked him first, Coast Guard spokesman Roderick Gouverneur, told The Associated Press. It was unclear when the vessel capsized or how long the men were in the water, but the rescue effort took place Saturday. “Venezuelans often travel on boats laden with goods to sell throughout the Dutch Caribbean No islands,” The Associated Press reported.
other
details
were
given.
(Yahoo)
Woman gives birth in back of patrol car Two security officers yesterday morning helped a 31-year-old woman give birth in the back of their car. The mother-to-be, Deton Assanah, safely delivered her baby in the patrol
car with the help of the two on-duty officers attached to the Community Comfort Patrol Unit (CCP), Shondel Davy and Sheldon Lawson. Davy and Lawson were on routine
patrol in the El Dorado area when they noticed a woman on the side of the road, surrounded by onlookers, rolling on the ground and grimacing in apparent pain. “While on the way, the woman started bawling in more pain and when I looked back I realised that she was in labour and
the baby was ready to be born so we pulled over and had no choice but to help her. The baby was born in the backseat around the Curepe area,” Davy added. Both Davy and Lawson said that despite their nervousness and lack of experience helping with childbirth, they were determined to
stay calm and help deliver the baby safely. “We just had to stay focused,” Lawson said. Davy, however, e x p r e s s e d disappointment in the way they were allegedly treated by officials at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC). “When we got to
the emergency department at the EWMSC we were told that we cannot bring the mother there and told to go somewhere else; it was only back and forth. I just find that they could have handled it more professional and deal with the emergency,” Davy said. (Adapted from the Trinidad Guardian)
longer likely because President Nicolás Maduro’s government respected the results of Venezuela’s Dec. 6 congressional elections. “Venezuela’s government must work toward achieving a true culture of democracy for our region,” Macri said during the meeting in Asuncion. “There’s no room for persecution based on ideological reasons or for thinking differently.” To emphasize his
commitment to the cause, Macri took a picture on the night he was elected president on Nov. 22 with Lilian Tintori, the wife of Leopoldo López, an opposition leader in Venezuela jailed early last year. Venezuela became a full member of the South American bloc in 2012 in an effort to link the region’s most powerful agricultural and energy markets. Maduro is absent from the group’s meeting, but Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Delcy Rodríguez
defended her country’s socialist government and accused Macri of interfering in Venezuela’s internal affairs. “Macri is defending the political violence of 2014, when (opposition demonstrators) used bazookas, set the public ministry on fire,” Rodríguez said of protests last year in Venezuela, in which several dozen people died. In a heated retort, Rodríguez also said Macri had freed criminals who were responsible for torture and murders during Argentina’s
1976-1983 military dictatorship. Argentina’s Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra later said the information provided by her Venezuelan counterpart was wrong.
She said Macri has not proposed an amnesty of dictatorship-era human rights abusers or agreed to their release. (Adapted from Foxnewslatino)
Argentina’s new president pushes Venezuela to free political prisoners Argentine President Mauricio Macri asked Venezuela’s government on Monday to free prisoners being held for political reasons. Macri made his appeal during a meeting of the Mercosur trade bloc in the Paraguayan capital. He recently said he would seek to suspend Venezuela from the South American block over its government’s jailing of opposition leaders. But that’s no
Massive Bauxite job cuts for Jamaica Company More than 30 per cent of employees at the Noranda Bauxite Company in St Ann could be out of a job come early next year. The Gleaner understands that the company is considering a massive redundancy exercise when it reopens in 2016 in order to reduce costs. The company will close
down operations today until January 3, laying off in excess of 100 employees. General secretary of the Union of Technical, Administrative and Supervisory Personnel (UTASP), St Patrice Ennis, said the company raised the proposal late last week. He said Noranda had indicated initially that
there would be a three to five per cent cut in labour at the same time of closure, which the union says could be accommodated by voluntary redundancy. However, UTASP said a further 30 per cent cut would be unsustainable. The exercise would affect all categories of workers. He said discussions
would be held with Noranda with a view to finding alternatives to further cutting labour. Noranda Bauxite, a subsidiary of Noranda
Aluminum Holding, has been facing a series of difficulties due mainly to a plunge in the global price of aluminium and
declining demand. The company has been unable to find a market for some 1.15 million tonnes of alumina, which it has not been able sell. The Government’s doubling of the bauxite levy from US$2.50 to US$5 has also heavily impacted the company’s finances. (Adapted from the Jamaican Gleaner)
One million ‘refugees and migrants’ reached EU in 2015 The number of “refugees and migrants” arriving by land and sea to the European Union passed the one million mark this year, according to the UN refugee agency and the International O r g a n i z a t i o n for Migration. The new figures, jointly released by UNHCR and IOM, listed the arrivals in six European countries since January 1, with the vast majority of people - 821,008 - landing in Greece.
Half of those arriving to Greece, Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, Malta and Cyprus by December 21 were Syrians fleeing war, another 20 percent were Afghans, and seven percent were Iraqis. Some 3,600 died or went missing, including 422 deaths at sea, the two agencies added on Tuesday. “We know migration is inevitable, it’s necessary and it’s desirable,” IOM chief William Lacy Swing said in
the statement. “But it’s not enough to count the number of those arriving, or the nearly 4,000 this year reported missing or drowned. We must also act. “Migration must be legal, safe and secure for all-both for the migrants themselves and the countries that will become their new home.” The UN refugee agency UNHCR is planning for arrivals to continue at a similar rate in 2016 but the IOM
said it was impossible to forecast future numbers. “I don’t understand why people are insisting that this is a European problem. This is a global issue,” Michael Moller, director of the UN office in Geneva, told a news conference on Tuesday. The IOM’s Swing warned that antirefugee sentiment could put lives at risk adding that suspicion was based on stereotypes, fear of national identity loss and a “post-9/11
security syndrome”. “Every person entering from abroad is potentially a terrorist, exacerbated now with what happened in Paris,” he told the Thomson Reuters
Foundation. “We’re very disturbed at the widespread anti-migrant sentiment that can lead to xenophobia and risks to migrants.” (Adapted from Al Jazeera)
Nigeria’s terrorists group ‘forces one million out of school’
An Islamist insurgency has kept about one million children out of
school in Nigeria and three neighbouring states, the UN children’s
agency has said. More than 2,000 schools were shut, while hundreds had been attacked, looted or set ablaze, Unicef said. Boko Haram’s sixyear insurgency has devastated north-eastern Nigeria, and has spread to Cameroon, Chad and Niger. Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari gave the military a deadline of
up around 32 percent of the population, are allowed to celebrate Christmas in their own communities – as long as Muslims aren’t invited. The ban was first enacted last year to control the act of celebrating Christmas excessively and openly, which could “damage the aqidah (beliefs) of the Muslim community,” the Ministry of Religious Affairs said in a statement published in the Brunei Times.
According to the statement, Christmas celebrations violate the penal code prohibiting the propagation of religions other than Islam to Muslims. “Some may think that it is a frivolous matter and should not be brought up as an issue,” a group of local imams told the Borneo Bulletin, the Australian newspaper reports. “We must keep it away as it could affect our Islamic faith.” While Brunei’s rulers do not enforce the harsh Islamic orthodoxies
the end of the month to defeat the group. But it is likely to be extended as Boko Haram is still bombing areas despite losing towns under its control in March, says the BBC’s Bashir Sa’ad Abdullahi in the capital, Abuja. The insurgency is said to have killed some 17,000 people and left more than two million people homeless.
Our correspondent says many schools in north-eastern Nigeria, especially in Borno state, have turned into camps for those who have been forced from their homes. Boko Haram has also targeted schools because of its opposition to Western education, which it believes corrupts the values of Muslims. In April 2014, it
of countries like Saudi Arabia, including sanctions for women do not wear headscarfs, the country’s wealthiest Sultan last year ordered the introduction
of Sharia law. The laws, which include harsh punishments such as the slicing off of hands and feet for theft and whipping for adultery, were supposed
abducted more than 200 girls from a boarding school in north-eastern Chibok town, an incident which drew international attention to the insurgency. In September, Borno governor Kashim Shettima said $1bn (£670m) would be needed to rebuild infrastructure destroyed in the insurgency. (Adapted from the BBC)
Asian nation bans public Christmas celebrations, threatens prison time
The tiny oil-rich Asian nation of Brunei has banned all public Christmas celebrations, from tree lighting to the donning of Santa hats, and threatened offenders with up to five years in prison, The Sydney Morning Herald reports. The prison term applies to Muslims seen celebrating the Christian holiday and non-Muslims found planning Christmas events. But the country’s non-Muslims, who make
to be implemented over three years, but their introduction has been delayed, the Sydney Morning Herald adds. (Fox News)
Tuesday December 22, 2015
Australian Cricketer punished for betting $9 on World Cup final An Australian cricketer has received a twoyear suspended sentence for bets totaling Aus $9 (£4.36) during the 2015 Cricket World Cup. Angela Reakes, 24, of the ACT Meteors in the Women’s National Cricket League, was guilty of breaching Cricket Australia’s (CA) anti-corruption code. She pleaded guilty to placing five bets on the Australia v New Zealand final man-of-thematch betting market. CA integrity unit chief Iain Roy said:
“Angela knows she made a bad mistake.” He added: “All elite cricketers are reminded regularly that betting on any form of cricket is strictly prohibited.” Australia won the World Cup final in March, beating New Zealand, with James Faulkner named manof-the-match. (BBC)
the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) will also be at stake. It was in India during the Champions League last year that Narine was banned from
bowling in the finals of the tournament by the Kolkata Knight Riders. (Adapted from the Trinidad Guardian)
WICB blanks Narine from Nagico series The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has rejected a request from the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (T&TCB), owners of the Red Force, to allow embattled off-spinner Sunil Narine to take part in the upcoming Nagico Super50 series that will be played in T&T and St Kitts from January 7. Narine has been banned from bowling by the International Cricket Council (ICC), who deemed his bowling action to be illegal. Narine, who bowled this country to the Nagico title this season with figures of six wickets for nine runs, recently failed a test on his bowling action at the Loughborough
University testing centre in England. He was reported during the second ODI of the West Indies versus Sri Lanka series in Sri Lanka in November. He visited England a couple weeks ago and was tested. He was made to bowl with the similar action he used during the match in which he was reported and it was found to be above the 15-degree bending that is allowable. A source told the Guardian that the T&TCB’s request was turned down since it was felt that the WICB did not want to go contrary to the findings of the ICC. Narine would have to get clearance from the ICC
in order to get back into action on the regional scene. However, Narine will be able to take part in the domestic league which begins in January after the Nagico
Super50. He is expected to line up for Queen’s Park Cricket Club. Narine will be looking to get back into cricket as soon as possible because his future in