Monday, September 28, 2015
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TENSION EASES -Page 2
-GUYANA/VENEZUELA BORDER STANDOFF
TENSION EASES -GUYANA/VENEZUELA BORDER STANDOFF
Guyana and Venezuela delegations meeting with UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, yesterday at UN Headquarters, NY
From all indications the tension between Guyana and Venezuela which escalated recently, is decreasing. Led by their respective leaders, the two sides held talks on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York. The talks were mediated by U.N. Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon during the world body's General Assembly. During Sunday's meeting, both President David Granger and President Nicolas Maduro were allowed to present their cases to Secretary General Moon. While Granger expressed concerns about a recent Venezuelan troop buildup near Guyana/Venezuela border, Maduro reportedly used a recent picture of
army chief, Mark Philips, taking a salute, as being aggressive. H o w e v e r, President Granger pointed out that the salute in no way could be taken as being aggressive. He noted that with Venezuela's population 40 times that of Guyana and an army 40 times bigger, there is no way that this country can threaten Venezuela. He also raised the fact that Venezuela expelled a US oil research ship from Guyana's waters in October 2013. A U.N. statement said the two presidents expressed a “willingness to continue to engage in dialogue.” Guyana has already engaged legal minds on the border controversy and President Granger
wants Venezuela to go back to the drawing board and refashion is relations with Guyana. He said he wants cordial relations with its Spanish speaking neighbor. Former Venezuela leader, Hugo Chavez, had publicly stated intentions to engage in trade and other bilateral activities with Guyana with no interest in reviving claims on Essequibo which were settled since 1899 under an arbitration award. Guyana and Venezuela have shared good bilateral relations over the years, especially with the Petro Caribe arrangement in place whereby several countries in South America and Caribbean states, including Guyana, were offered oil from Venezuela
c l a i m s t o Ve n e z u e l a Guyana's biggest countyand also to waters that belonged to this country. The Guyana government immediately rejected the decree, informing CARICOM, the Commonwealth, the United Nations and the Diplomatic Community. Last week, President Granger announced that Venezuela has deployed troops and anti-aircraft equipment to the borders of Guyana. Venezuela gunships were also placed in the Cuyuni River, which lies within Guyana. Government yesterday confirmed that Venezuela has started pulling back the troops and the guns. Guyana held military exercises around the country on Saturday, after it accused Venezuela of deploying troops to its b o r d e r . Ve n e z u e l a n officials have said only that
at concessional terms with promised to work with repayments stretched over Guyana. In May 2015, the two decades. Guyana, c a p i t l i s e d o n t h e situation got worse after o p p o r t u n i t y w i t h US-owned Oil Company, Venezuela, as it allowed Exxon mobil, announced for the use of delayed t h a t i t h a d f o u n d payments to plug in other areas of the economy. Guyana, in turn, had been selling rice in exchange for the oil. However, things went downhill in 2013 after Venezuela gunships detained and removed a US-chartered oil research ship from waters in Guyana in 2013. The 36-member crew, including US citizens, President David Granger briefing reporters after was detained and the ship the meeting in NY (Neil Marks photo) escorted to Margarita, a significant evidence of oil troops were conducting Venezuelan island. The in its concession offshore exercises in the country's seizure of that ship would Guyana. east and Guyana said its follow a visit a few President Maduro on troop movements were not months before by the new May 26, 2015, issued a aimed at inflaming the President Maduro who d e c r e e t h a t r e s t a t e d situation.
US, EUROPEAN OR BRITISH VISA NEEDED TO GET TO RUSSIA While Guyanese do not need a visa to travel to Russia, they must either possess a United States, European or British visa to get to Russia. This follows an agreement that was signed between Russia and Guyana on the
sidelines of the United Nations 70th general assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York, at the weekend to allow Guyanese to travel to Russia without a visa. Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greendige and his Russian counterpart
Sergey Lavrov sealed the deal between the two c o u n t r i e s ; h o w e v e r, important to note is that there are no straight flights from Guyana to Russia. In order to get to Russia, one must first travel to New York, Holland or London. The agreement will afford
will now afford citizens to stay for a maximum of six months. Minister Greenidge said the process is aimed at encouraging movement between the two countries. It is expected to see major boost for the local tourism and business industries.
The Minister said he views this move as one that will also remove a major barrier and one that will enhance business relations between the two countries. Guyana already has a long list of countries where its citizens can travel without visas.
Guyanese do not require visas for entry into Antigua and Barbuda; Argentina; Aruba; The Bahamas; Bangladesh; Barbados; Montserrat; Panama; Peru; South Africa; St Kitts & Nevis; St Lucia; St Vincent & The Grenadines; Suriname; Trinidad and Tobago and several other countries.
UN TEAM TO VISIT VENEZUELA Venezuela will receive a team from the United Nations in the coming weeks to investigate its claim to more than 2/3 of Guyana's territory. This decision was made following a meeting between President David A. Granger, President Maduro and Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-Moon at the weekend. President Maduro said " We w i l l r e c e i v e i n Venezuela in the coming weeks so determined the G e n e r a l S e c r e t a r y, a special technical committee of the General Secretariat, under the Geneva Agreement, to do a comprehensive job on the circumstances and the current status of this dispute, this Venezuelan claim Guyana Essequibo." He says documents will be provided to the team to
support the claims. At the meeting, where both sides had an opportunity to express their issues, President Granger reiterated that Guyana's sole concern at this time is for a legal settlement to Venezuela's claim. After the meeting, the President stated that “The Secretary General has a menu of measures which he cited. He knows very well it has reached a stage where there has to be further legal investigation,” to have the matter resolved. It was also agreed that Venezuela will return its ambassador; Reina Arratia Diaz (who was recalled in July as the border dispute escalated) to Georgetown and continue the process to accredit Guyana's ambassador to Venezuela; Cheryl Miles immediately.
Maduro also stated that he will aspire to have a closer relationship with Guyana through dialogue. Meanwhile, Venezuela has scaled down its military presence at its border shared with Guyana. On May 26, Venezuela issued a decree No. 1787 claiming most of Guyana's territorial waters off of the Essequibo coast, hence blocking Guyana's access to resources in that area of the Atlantic Ocean. This came one week after A m e r i c a n fi r m ExxonMobil discovered a “significant” oil find. The decree was withdrawn on July, 07 and replaced by decree No. 1859. The second decree which has no set boundaries but sought to support and
Venezuela President at UN General Assembly
justify the actions of the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB) in defending the newly created Integrated Defense Maritime Zones and Island, which encompasses most of Guyana's exclusive
economic zone, including the oil rich Stabroek Block offshore Essequibo. Last week, Venezuela had increased military presence at its border with Guyana and later noted that it was for an
“operations exercise”. However, this move did not sit too well with the Guyana Government, which put the country on alert, saying its troops would be observing and d e fi n i n g Ve n e z u e l a ' s aggression.
JAGDEO CALLS FOR INTERNATIONAL FORENSIC AUDIT INTO FAKE SOPS Leader of the opposition and former President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, wants international forensic auditors to investigate how fake statements of poll (SOPS) got into the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) following the May 11, 2015 General and Regional elections. His comment came in light of statements made by GECOM's Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally, claiming it is impossible to determine how the fake SOPS got into the commission. He questioned why the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) would want an investigation to be launched. Surujbally said there will be no investigation of the matter, adding that the fake SOPS were never counted. He said they were brought in by whoever knowing fully well it would be caught. However, Jagdeo has made it clear that the
PPP/C does not have any confidence in Surujbally as Chairman, saying that he was part of the problem. After the May 11 polls, the PPP held numerous protests outside GECOM's office, calling for Surujbally to resign from his post. However, those calls have gone unanswered since the Chairman has made it clear that he will not step down, neither will he buckle to pressure from the PPP/C. However, Jagdeo at a press conference on Friday held at the party's Robb Street headquarters contended that “any attempt to subvert the will of our people and the only person who can do an investigation of criminal liability is the police, they're the authorized body.” He warned that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is authorized to investigate and there is a
danger of Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, attempting to “interfere” with operational matters, as he has been chided for in the past few months. “This country needs to know how fake sops got into GECOM…we need to see where the trail leads, whether to the PPP, or to APNU or some individual,” Jagdeo stressed. The PPP/C is holding firm to its call for reforms at GECOM, including the resignation of Commission Chairman, Dr Surujbally. The opposition leader stressed that reforms at GECOM are necessary to prevent irregularities.
GUYANA BEING SENIOR RANK DID NOT RECEIVE SLAP ON THE USED AS BACKRISK-POLICE SOURCE TRACK ROUTE
$6M COCAINE BRIBE T h e A s s i s t a n t Superintendent of Police (ASP) who is among five junior ranks being investigated in connection with a $6M (six million dollars) bribe to allow a minibus with cocaine and cash to go free on the Corentyne Coast is not receiving preferential treatment, contrary to what is being said. The Guyana News Network (GNN) spoke with a senior police source Monday morning out of the Police Force Headquarters at Eve Leary in Georgetown who said the rank was immediately transferred as soon as the incident came to light. The senior police officer explained that the ASP has since been confined to an office at Force Headquarters where he receives instructions in the interim only from the Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud. It was explained to this newspaper that one has to remember that despite the claims of the corrupt practice and given the ongoing investigation, the ASP has to remain innocent until proven guilty. Up to the time GNN spoke with the senior officer the file pertaining to
the investigation was not yet sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). On the question of the removing of the ASP from Berbice following the incident, the senior officer further explained that when senior officers are removed from areas where they are fingered in corrupt deals or practices to ensure that they do not tamper with ongoing investigations, and above all, to ensure that the confidence of the police in the community remains intact. The ASP since he was brought to Georgetown has been making several visits from his confined office to the CID Headquarters when the need arises, as the investigations into the matter continue. The junior ranks are being questioned in Berbice. Up to Friday last, the police were able to recover from two of its ranks who are under close arrest $1.60,000.(One million sixty thousand dollars). It is now widely touted in sections of the force that the same two ranks who have been cooperating with the police since the
investigation commenced, will now be used testify against their colleagues including the ASP who also pocketed part of the six million. On September 10, 2015 the ranks intercepted a minibus loaded with cocaine and cash but rather than detaining the occupants of the minibus and lodging the illegal substance and large amount of cash, they negotiated a settlement of $6M to let the shipment pass. The occupants of the minibus when asked told police investigators that they delivered the cocaine and cash to two nationals from Suriname. That however was not substantiated. The occupants of the minibus have been cooperating f u l l y w i t h t h e investigators. The matter came to light after one rank who did not receive the amount that was promised to him by the other ranks. GNN learnt that the rank who reported the corrupt act to the Divisional Commander Errol Watts was promised $300,000 but when the time came for the money to be paid up the deal was not honored.
PPP SUPPORTS MINIBUS OPERATORS' CALL FOR WITHDRAWAL OF WATER TAXIS The People's Progressive Party (PPP) has made known its support for the demand by private minibus operators plying the Number 56 route (New Amsterdam – Rosignol) for government to withdraw the use of Water Taxis to cross the Berbice River. The Party's G e n e r a l S e c r e t a r y, Clement Rohee during a media conference on Monday said minibus operators have suffered a significant reduction in their daily operations and consequently, of their take home earnings as a result of the introduction of
It would appear that a number of persons want to use Guyana as a channel to get to other countries illegally. This sentiment was expressed minister of C i t i z e n s h i p Wi n s t o n Felix, who highlighted several issues over the past months which suggest same. During a recent press conference, the Minister said the government will be clamping down on errant Airlines as efforts will be made to tighten Guyana's ports of entry. He noted that the airlines are responsible for flying individuals to Guyana, who do not have the required documentation. His Ministry will collaborate with the To u r i s m M i n i s t r y t o circulate the Standard Operating Procedures to several Airlines. Minister Felix said there have been a number of attempted illegal entries over the last few months where the
immigrants did not possess the required documents or cash to stay in the country. In addition, most of the visitors lacked a Guyana visa. “ O n t h e September 23, we had about seven Haitians arriving at the airport and they were refused entry because they had insufficient funds. They said they wanted to stay for two weeks but I don't know how they could do it when the highest amount of money any of them had was US$200. They did not even have anyone there to receive them,” Felix told media operatives. Felix noted that there have been attempted entries by citizens of the Dominican Republic as well. “Not only did they lack sufficient funds, but they wanted to stay at the Princess Ramada Hotel and Kanuku Hotel. “I don't understand how they would have stayed there when they lacked funds
water taxis heavily subsidized by Guyanese tax dollars. The PPP is of the view that river taxis were introduced in the Berbice River by the A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance for Change ( A P N U + A F C ) administration as a transportation service to “get back” at the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) because the company has not agreed with the APNU+AFC political demand to reduce the toll for crossing the bridge. “ T h e introduction of the river taxis is to bring the company to its knees through economic pressure and political blackmail and to undermine the revenue stream of the Company,” Rohee opined. He said from all indications the government has no clearly thought out public
transportation policy which takes into consideration the interest of all interested stakeholders. T h e P P P supports the demands of the No. 56 minibus operations and that in the context of consultative d e m o c r a c y a l l stakeholders; including the government, the BBCI, the water taxis, the minibus operators and the residents in the community be consulted with a view to finding a win-win solution to the satisfaction of all. Last week a number of mini bus operators of region five protested at the western entrance of the Berbice Bridge at D'Edward Vi l l a g e We s t C o a s t Berbice, to vent their dissatisfaction with the implementation of the use of the Water Taxis from Monday September 21, 2015. This action they
Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix
and again they didn't even have visas,” Felix stressed. Additionally, he noted that a Syrian who was allowed entry into Guyana through Brazil and was scheduled to travel St Kitts was found in Monsterrat. He was deported to Guyana. Minister Felix made it clear that the Government and his Ministry will not condone such activities and negligence and as such, the first step against such occurrences will be taken this week. stated has caused them to lose revenue. Many of the operators indicated that they had bank loans to pay and families to provide for. As such they called on the government to withdraw the water taxis and also to commence meaningful discussions with the Management of the Bridge so as to come to an amicable solution. The move to reintroduce water taxis to cross the Berbice River was made after Government was unsuccessful in getting the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) to reduce the toll to cross the Berbice River Bridge by $300. Government had said that four water taxis would be put into operation. Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson said the service would be withdrawn once the Private Sector takes hold of the business opportunity.
OPPOSITION LEADER ENGAGES FORMER US PRESIDENT AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS A series of high-level meetings are being held in United States of America (US) by Opposition Leader, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. One of his most recent engagements was with former US President, Bill Clinton, whose wife, Hillary Clinton, is the next presidential hopeful. While there, Jagdeo is expected to meet other US stakeholders. Opposition Leader in talks with Bill Clinton
Opposition Leader engages US stakeholders
CONCESSIONS FOR RICE FARMERS MAY BE CONSIDERED less than the $6000 per bag as was promised during the election campaign. The protest was organised by the Guyana Rice Producers, Association (GRPA) and led by its General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj. He said rice harvesting had commenced throughout the Region and millers were not paying fair prices. The RPA General Secretary said it was not fair to farmers and called on the David Grangerled Administration to Protest action taken by rice farmers on the Essequibo Coast may not have been in vain as Government announced that it may consider the option of providing rice farmers with certain concessions in the next national budget. This comment was made by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder who noted that the decision taken will be long term and not just to satisfy a temporary problem. “Certainly our budgets are being
prepared, certainly these things could be incorporated if they are considered to be necessary of a requirement,” said Holder. The Minister made the comment following mass protests by rice farmers on the Essequibo coast. Hundreds of rice farmers throughout Region Two staged a protest last week at the G u y a n a R i c e Development Board (GRDB) office at Anna
Regina. The farmers called for proper representation from the Administration and the G u y a n a R i c e Development Board (GRDB), for fuel and vehicle concessions, lucrative market for rice and fair prices. Farmers say some rice millers are paying $1900 for Grade 'A' paddy and this is unfair since it cannot offset their cultivation expenses. They noted that they will not accept
represent the country's rice farmers. The farmers were armed with placards which read, “RPA wants Governnt to explain the loss of the Venezuela Market”, “ R PA d e m a n d s t h e removal of all dishonest people from GRDB”, “ R PA s a y s d o n o t cripple the hands that feed the nation”, “Rice too big to go”, “RPA demands the $23B allocated in budget speech be made available to pay farmers” and” RPA
demands Government interventions into the payments for farmers”. M i n i s t e r Holder highlighted that if everyone is given the concessions as per their demasnd, it will put strain on the economy's development. Presently, the Guyana Government provides a high degree of concessions to the mining sector with calls being made for more concessions in light of dropping gold prices internationally.
MOTORIST FOUND WITH GUN, AMMO Police have arrested a motorist after he was found with an unlicensed .38 revolver and several rounds of ammunition in Georgetown on Monday. A statement issued by the police noted that at approximately 02:00 hours
the motorist was stopped by traffic ranks on Thomas Street but drove away as the police approached him. Police say the man was later intercepted by ranks of a mobile police patrol and a search of his vehicle unearthed an unlicensed
.38 revolver with 6 matching rounds, four (4) 9mm. Rounds and two (2) .32 rounds. He has been taken into custody and charges will be made shortly.
INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED INTO OPERATIONS AT SUPENAAM STELLING time. The complaints from commuters using of the Parika-Supenaam ferry services saw the management of T&HD implementing a rotation system, where the most senior supervising officer from each port (the Assistant Superintendent or Superintendent in some cases) are rotated. An article was published in the September 28, 2015 edition of the Guyana
Supenaam ferry
The transport and harbors Department (T&HD) has launched an investigation into the operations at the Supenaam Stelling t o d a y ( M o n d a y, September, 28) following an article in the Guyana times newspaper which stated that friends of staff at the stelling are given preferential treatment. G e n e r a l Manager of T&HD Marclene Merchant said the investigation
will conclude by this weekend as the A s s i s t a n t Superintendent has already written his statement surrounding the incident. She assured that any member of staff that is found culpable of any w r o n g d o i n g , disciplinary actions would be taken against them. “There is a system where thirty vehicles are usually allowed into the
compound to go on the boat. The space for twelve vehicles is usually left for priorities and perishables. If there are not so many priorities travelling on that particular crossing, other vehicles from the line are allowed to enter onto the vessel,” Merchant explained. While vehicles are loaded based on a firstcome - first-serve basis, they are expected to be present at least an hour before the departure
Ti m e s N e w s p a p e r, captioned “Vehicle owners, businesses complain about staff at Supenaam Stellingfriends get preferential treatment”. The article one businessman complained of reaching first to join the ferry on Sunday morning; however, one of the staff opened another gate allowing entry to seven other vehicles that came minutes after the boat started to load. Like that
businessman, many others have voiced their concern over the operations at the Supenaam Stelling. Apart from calling for lower fees, passengers and businesses called on the Public Infrastructure Ministry to examine the operations of the Stelling. End.
Bizpage
SECRETS TO RETAINING CUSTOMERS -FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER but the cleanliness of their facili es.
Neatness Is Your Best Friend
Many small business owners will be interested in ways to a ract and retain customers so here's some ps to make it a bit easier. First impressions are important, and are one of the biggest reasons why people will either return to your store or take their business elsewhere. Don't give them a reason not to come back.
Cleanliness Is Godliness There are many places where persons go and there are many others where they avoid. It's not because of the products or services offered by the business,
The terms “clean” and “neat” are not the same. Clean is when something is free of dirt and stench; neat is when something is presented professionally in the manner it is supposed to be. Here is an example: If you sell clothing, then mannequins are a very important fixture. If they have smudges on their faces or you fail to dust them once in a while, then you need to take the me to “clean” them. However, if they are clean, but not displayed properly (e.g., you use tape to keep them together, they are crooked, etc.), then they are not “neat.” Also, make sure they are wearing the right size clothing, and that merchandise matches the
displays. Clu er is another reason people hate going to a store. If people have to work in order to walk through the clu er of your store, they are more likely to go to a compe tor who has taken the me to make their space neat and customer friendly.
YOU RUN A PROFESSION, BE PROFESSIONAL! Most people do not realize this, because they are only in their own stores, but li le things can make a difference. For instance, STOP handwri ng signs. Handwri en signs are the most unprofessional thing you can see at a store. Print signs from your computer or go to a local print shop. Got tape? You shouldn't. Stop taping up wires or holes in the wall. Use zip es and buy some drywall mud and paint. If you allow these type of DIY fixes on a regular basis, your store is quickly going to be looked at as just another shop. Again, make sure to evaluate all possible reasons why people could be turned off from your store. However, looking at some of these simple reasons that you normally might not think of, could have an immediate impact on customer reten on.
Entertainment Damian Lewis Heavily Lata Mangeshkar Tipped To Be is 86 today! Next James Bond Damian Lewis is said to have been given the ' u n o ffi c i a l n o d ' f r o m producers of the Bond films to become the next 007. Though not confirmed, 'Spectre' is likely 47-year-old Daniel Craig's final turn as the suave secret agent, and this latest talk has placed 'Wolf Hall' star Lewis as the firm bookies' favourite. “He is seen as an all-round international star who is perfect for the role.
As he ages, he looks increasingly suave and sophisticated. “But at the moment all focus is on the release of 'Spectre' in November. Producers are convinced it's a particularly strong 007 movie.
“Daniel excels in the role and there is no pressure on him to step down. But if he does, people close to Damian have had an unofficial nod he is the number one choice.”
India's nightingale and global singing icon, Lata Mangeshkar, celebrates her 86th birthday today. She was born on September 28, 1929, and has been in the Indian music industry for 73 of those years. In 1942, when Mangeshkar was 13, her father died of heart disease. Master Vinayak ( Vi n a y a k D a m o d a r Karnataki), the owner of Navyug Chitrapat movie company and a close friend of the Mangeshkar family, took care of them. He helped Lata get started in a career as a singer and actress. In 1974, The Guinness Book of Records listed Lata Mangeshkar as the most recorded artist in the history, stating that she had
reportedly recorded "not less than 25,000 solo, duet and chorus backed songs in 2 0 I n d i a n languages" between 1948 and 1974. Her record was contested by
Mohammed Rafi , w h o w a s claimed to have sung around 28,000 songs. After Rafi's death, in its 1984 edition, the Guinness Book of World Records stated Lata Mangeshkar's name for the "Most Recordings", but also stated Rafi's claim. The later editions of Guinness Book stated that Lata Mangeshkar had sung no fewer than 30,000 songs
between 1948 and 1987. T h e e n t r y w a s discontinued by Guinness editions in 1991 without explanation, while several sources continued to claim that she recorded thousands of songs, with estimates ranging up to figures as large as 50,000.
MARK WAHLBERG ASKS POPE FRANCIS TO FORGIVE HIM FOR 'TED' Mark Wahlberg, a devout Catholic, asked Pope Francis for forgiveness for his raunchy R-rated comedy “Ted.” The actor-producer made the plea in jest, during an appearance at the World Meeting of Families Saturday in Philadelphia. Aretha Franklin, Andrea Bocelli, Juanes and the Philadelphia Orchestra performed at the event, and Wahlberg served as host. After 14-year-old Bobby Hill of the Keystone State Boychoir performed an opera solo, he told Wahlberg that he liked his performance in the hit film about a potty-mouthed talking teddy bear. “He whispered in my ear that he liked the movie 'Ted,'” Wahlberg told the Pontiff and the crowd. “I told him that was not appropriate for his age. Holy Father, please forgive me.” Wahlberg didn't get into box office details Saturday night or he might have sought to atone for “Ted 2,” this summer's sequel that was a dud commercially. On a more serious note, the Pope concluded his six-day visit to the United States on Sunday by meeting with victims of sexual abuse. He spent time with five victims — three women and two men — the Vatican said in a statement. All were abused as minors, either by clergy, family members or teachers. “I hold the stories and the suffering and the sorrow of children who were sexually abused by priests deep in my heart,” the Pontiff told the victims. “I remain overwhelmed with shame that men entrusted with the tender care of children violated these little ones and caused grievous harm. I am profoundly sorry. God weeps.”
Regional
Regional
BACK TO SCHOOL IN DOMINICA (Dominica) Almost every school in storm-ravaged Dominica will open this morning. Minister of Education and Human Resource Development, Petter Saint-Jeansaid that 72 of the island's 75 schools will be open for classes. “We have come a long way. Not so long ago, there were 22 schools that were affected. Now, there are just three schools that are not yet ready to resume classes,” he said. Saint-Jean, 53, who has been education minister since 2009, was speaking at the Dominica Relief Celebrity charity game at Kensington Oval on Saturday night that attracted elite sportsmen Brian Lara, Yohan Blake and Dwight Yorke. “The support has been overwhelming. This T20 charity match means everything to every Dominican,” he said. (Nation News)
MISCHIEF MAKERS ARE AT WORK (T&T) MISCHIEFMAKERS are trying to “derail” Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley from governing the country, but they will all fail, general secretary of the People's National Movement (PNM) Ashton Ford has said. Ford made the comments yesterday as he responded to concerns raised about Rowley wearing a balisier tie to the funeral of former PNM minister Errol Mahabir last Friday. Ford said in 2012 the general council of the PNM ruled that the wearing of the tie bearing the party's logo will be optional. “We made the wearing of the tie optional. Individuals can wear it in the Parliament if they wish, but it is optional. More importantly, at all PNM events and PNM activities, all officers of the Movement wear the
NO EXCUSE
Former Prime Minister of Barbados Owen Arthur Prime Minister Keith Rowley
balisier tie,” Ford said. Ford said that is exactly what Rowley did on Friday. “At Mahabir's funeral, PNM flags were flown at half mast and we paid due respect to him as an ex-officer of the Movement, ex-minister under the PNM government and a ex-
p a r l i a m e n t a r y representative under the PNM government and we gave him his due, flags were flown at half mast and people wore balisier ties at the funeral. The balisier tie will always be there,” Ford said. Ford said Rowley wearing the Balisier tie was a nonissue. (Trinidad Express)
(Barbados) The economic problems facing Barbados should be no excuse for people to engage in lawless behaviour. And any threat to law and order should be dealt with firmly. This was the position of former prime minister Owen Arthur during his address at the Small Business Association
Awards Ceremony at the Radisson Aquatica Resort on Saturday night. Making reference to the “recent spurt of crime and violent behaviour” in the nation, Arthur said: “Although the economic times have been tough, they do not serve as a justification for the kind of criminal behaviour that is taking place in our
nation.” The former Barbados Labour Party leader added: “Ours is still a society that allows aspiration to be matched to opportunity.” (Nation News)
INTERNATIONAL
BOAT WITH MALDIVES IRAN CRITICIZES PRESIDENT BOMBED
(CNN) An explosion hit a speedboat carrying the President of the Maldives and his entourage, injuring the first lady and two other people, a government minister said. President Abdulla Yameen was unhurt in the blast, which took place today as the boat was pulling away from a jetty in Male, the capital, said Mohamed Hussain Shareef, the minister at the President's Office.
Shareef said that the explosion caused the walls inside the boat to cave in, tossing the passengers around and showering them with debris. He noted that the cause of the blast was unknown but suggested the "chances of foul play are very high." It would be "extremely unusual" for a mechanical fault to set off such an explosion, he added. Security around
Yameen has been stepped up following the blast. The President's wife, Fathimath Ibrahim, suffered "extensive but not life threatening" injuries to her lower back, the minister said. A bodyguard was hurt by falling debris, and a government official suffered injuries to her hand and leg. All three of them are being treated at the main government hospital in Male.
ASIANS WOULD OUTNUMBER HISPANICS IN THE US Asians are on pace to become the largest immigrant group in the United States. Meanwhile, the share of new arrivals who are Hispanic is smaller than it was 50 years ago. And the percentage of the total U.S. population born outside this country was higher in 1890 than it is today. Those are just some of the takeaways from an in-depth report released Monday by the Pew Research Center. At a time when U.S. politicians and wannabe presidents are batting around arguments and insults about immigration, the nearly 130-page document provides nonpartisan analysis that explores trends and projects the future.
The report, "Modern Immigration Wave Brings 59 Million to U.S., Driving Population Growth and Change Through 2065," comes 50 years after the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act. That act did away with a quota system that once favored European immigrants and replaced it with a policy that looked toward family reunification for immigrants and employment needs in the United States. Since the act's passage, 51% of immigrants have come from Latin America and a quarter of new With one in five global immigrants living here, the United States holds the distinction of having the largest immigrant
SAUDI ARABIA OVER DEATHS OF HUNDREDS AT HAJJ PILGRIMAGE
population in the world. It doesn't look like that's going to change. Fifty years ago, 9.6 million of those living in the United States were born outside the country. Since then, about 59 million immigrants have come to the United States. But the official current population figure for those who are foreignborn is 45 million -- a number that factors in those who've since left the U.S. or died. By 2065, Pew projects more than 78 million people living in America will have been born elsewhere. By 2065, Hispanics are expected to make up 31% of immigrants. Asians, on the other hand, will outnumber Hispanics and make up 38% of immigrants.
Three days after hundreds of people died in a stampede at the holiest Muslim pilgrimage, the Hajj, Iran's Supreme Leader lashed out at host nation Saudi Arabia. "Saudi rulers, instead of shunning (responsibility), must accept their responsibility in this grave incident by apologizing to the Muslim Ummah and bereft families," said Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday according to Iranian state-run Press TV. At least 769 people were killed in a stampede in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, according to Saudi state-run SPA news agency. At least 934 people were injured. Whereas many other nations have so far reacted to the tragedy with a more diplomatic and conciliatory tone, Iran, a bitter rival, has blasted Saudi Arabia.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani cut short his visit to the United Nations and is expected to return home Monday to participate in a ceremony marking the return of the bodies of those Iranian who lost their lives in the stampede. "This is not a situation with which to play politics," Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said Saturday. "I would hope that the Iranian leaders would be more sensible and more thoughtful with regards to those who perished in this tragedy and wait until we see the results of the investigation." Saudi officials have said that they're investigating what caused hundreds of pilgrims to get trampled. Among the suggested causes: rushing to complete the rituals, extreme heat, throngs of worshippers pushing against one another in opposite directions, even
confusion among the many first-timers on the annual Islamic pilgrimage. O n S a t u r d a y, S a u d i Arabia categorically denied "misleading and distorted allegations" about road closures that it believes started through Iranian state-controlled media. "Claims that the stampede occurred following road closures because of a ministerial event or a dignitaries convoy are false," said Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf Al Saud, Saudi ambassador to the United Kingdom and Ireland, in a statement. And Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah told Lebanese al-Manar TV that Saudi Arabia should let the management of the pilgrimage be a joint Muslim issue or allow a Muslim committee to supervise its management.
SIMMONS SUSPENDED AS WI COACH Phil Simmons
Phil Simmons has been suspended with immediate effect as West Indies coach, two days after he e x p r e s s e d h i s
unhappiness with the ODI squad selected for t h e S r i L a n k a t o u r. ESPNcricinfo understands Simmons received an email from the WICB on
Monday morning, and an official confirmed the development. The WICB has not sent out an official release about the suspension and a message to the board president Dave Cameron remained unanswered. Simmons had been appointed coach
after the World Cup in March, a n d i s reportedly now seeking legal advice. Simmons' suspension comes shortly b e f o r e We s t Indies are to depart for Sri Lanka, where they will play their first Test under the new c a p t a i n , 2 3 - y e a r- o l d J a s o n H o l d e r, f r o m October 14. Former West Indies fast bowler Eldine Baptiste, who is also a n a t i o n a l s e l e c t o r, i s reportedly set to occupy the interim position as West Indies coach.
T h o u g h We s t Indies' limited-overs squads for the tour of Sri Lanka had not been announced, Simmons r e v e a l e d t h a t "interference from outside" at a selection meeting on September 23 had kept allrounders Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard out of the ODI side. Simmons said that he, as coach, and chairman of selectors Clive Lloyd had voted for their inclusion, but were outnumbered 3-2 despite Holder also wanting Bravo and Pollard in the team. "I think it's disappointing from the fact that I haven't
got the best 50-over ODI squad that we can select in the Caribbean," Simmons had said at a media conference, at the conclusion of the West Indies training camp at the 3Ws Oval in Bridgetown. "The chairman, Mr Lloyd, he came and he gave an exceptional speech saying that he thinks it is time they are back in the squad and he gave exceptional reasons for them being back in the squad. Unfortunately, when we went into the selection [meeting] we lost it 3-2. Him and myself - the captain [Holder] doesn't have a
vote in this - but the captain also gave his views as to why they need to be back." Bravo and Pollard have not been considered for ODI selection since they were
dropped for the series in South Africa in January this year, and their omission from the Wo r l d C u p s q u a d generated plenty of debate. At the time Lloyd had said he had spoken to the two players and explained to them that the selection panel wanted to move on and give youngsters more chances. (Espncricinfo)
‘IT'S A SHAM' -Dinanath Ramnarine That was how former West Indies Players Association ( W I PA ) p r e s i d e n t Dinanath Ramnarine described the selection process of the West Indies team. In an unprecedented development on Friday afternoon, Windies coach Phil Simmons expressed disappointment and frustration at the “outside interference” which resulted in allrounders Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard remaining ostracised from the regional team. Simmons, a highly respected coach who made a name for h i m s e l f i n c h a rg e o f Ireland, revealed that himself and Chairman of Selectors Clive Lloyd were outvoted 3-2 in their motion to include the duo by the rest of the selection panel — Courtney Walsh, Courtney Browne and Eldine Baptiste.
Simmons made it clear that it did not bother him that they were unsuccessful in their efforts but he is disgruntled by the “outside” pressure being put on the selection committee in what supposed to be an independent and democratic process. Captain Jason Holder, although not having a vote, had also lobbied in vain for the inclusion of Bravo and Pollard. Speaking at the WICB town hall meeting in Chaguanas on Friday, Cameron, even at the expense of contradicting himself, went through great pain to attempt to articulate that Pollard and Bravo's continued exclusion was based on cricketing decisions and was a choice solely made by the Selection Committee of which he was not part of.
Ramnarine, although extremely disappointed by what transpired, said he was not surprised that the selectors were allegedly not allowed to do their jobs. “The issue of interference is nothing new. There have been cases such as Lendl Simmons, Narsingh Deonarine and (Ramnaresh) Sarwan where WIPA represented them in my tenure and there were outside interference in selection process and they were awarded large sums of money for that. This is nothing new. One would have thought though that the WICB would have learned from that,” he said. Ramnarine u rg e d t h e c r i c k e t i n g public to speak vociferously in defence of
Simmons who he fears may suffer some backlash for his comments. “One has to commend Simmons and Clive Lloyd belatedly and feel a sense of pity for Jason Holder that he is given captaincy, wanting the best team and not being given it. Yet they say they want to provide support to him (Holder) but one of the things they can do to support him is giving him the best players,” he pointed out. The ex-Windies leg-spinner said the spotlight must be put on the selectors that voted against Pollard and Bravo. “This is the first time we have had a coach so honest and transparent. ( Tr i n i d a d E x p re s s ) -Dinanath Ramnarine
SPORTS
SIMMONS SUSPENDED -see page 11