GNN Online Newspaper - Oct 22, 2015

Thursday, October 22, 2015

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GUYANESE DESERVE TO ENJOY THEIR BIRTHRIGHTS

VENEZUELA AIM IS TO OBSTRUCT GUYANA'S DEVELOPMENT Addressing the Eleventh Parliament for the third time, President David Granger earlier today made strong statements against Venezuela's acts of aggression, contending that the Spanish-speaking country's aim is to obstruct Guyana's development.

With the ongoing border controversy back on the front burner, since Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's May 26 decree, the issue has demanded regional and international attention, with support from regional and international organisations favouring Guyana.

According to the President, the Constitution of Guyana defines the territorial space of the country. Guyanese, he said, have inherited this space from progenitors who fought long and hard to secure and preserve our territorial integrity.

As a result, he posited that, “Guyanese deserve to enjoy the Godgiven rights for which their ancestors struggled − their land, their liberty and their livelihood − so that they can all have a good life. It is their birth right.”

H o w e v e r, h e explained that currently, Guyana, faces threats to its territory which are similar to those that it faced fifty years ago just as it was about to gain independence for its people. The prospect of peace on its borders, he said, and the promise of progress in exploiting its full potential in the hinterland soon faded.

The first jolt, according to the President, came from Guyana's western neighbour - Venezuela, which claimed 159,500 km² of the western Essequibo. This area,

–PRESIDENT which represents nearly three-quarters of the country's landspace comprise five of Guyana's ten administrative regions.

He further explained that the Venezuelan National Armed Forces seized the 7-km² Ankoko Island in the Cuyuni River in October 1966 – Guyana's independence year and has remained in illegal occupation ever since.

“The island is used as a military garrison to harass miners and to engage in occasional acts of provocation against the Guyana Defence Force's border detachment at Eteringbang on the opposite bank of the river” President Granger added.

T h r o u g h unsubtle threats and undiplomatic coercion, President Granger offered that Venezuela has sought

President Granger as he makes his way to the National Assembly

President David Granger prepares to address members of the National Assembly

to establish itself as the arbiter of Guyana's development of the entire Essequibo that it still refers to as its zona en reclamación. “ Ve n e z u e l a ' s claims are not only illegal.

They are injurious to the economic development of G u y a n a . Ve n e z u e l a , therefore, must desist from hindering our economic development in an obtrusive and obstructive manner that is tantamount to interference in our internal affairs. It must desist from threatening investors who have a legitimate right to pursue their activities in our territory” the President said.

He continued that the second jolt came from Guyana's eastern neighbour, Suriname, which laid claim to the New River Zone in southeastern Guyana, an area of about 15,000 km².

Following this development, the Guyana Police Force expelled a team of Surinamese surveyors from the Zone in December 1967.

This resulted in threats by Suriname to expel Guyanese living in that country, Granger said, adding that Surinamese forces returned to the New River Zone to construct a military fortification at a place it called 'Tigri'.

Despite this however, he boasted that Guyana has

never laid claim to another state's territory, but has always pursued peace despite the losses, assaults and injuries which have been inflicted on it.

He further noted that Guyana's pursuit of peace had led to the signing, together with Britain and Venezuela, of the Geneva Agreement in February 1966, three months before gaining Independence.

In the event of a disagreement over the border controversy, the UN Secretary General was mandated to choose one of the means for the 'pacific settlement of disputes' stipulated in Chapter VI of the Charter of the United Nations. The Good Officers Process was chosen.

But despite 25 years of being active, Granger related that this process has been exhausted. In light of this fact, he maintained that Guyana favours a juridical settlement through recourse to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“Guyana's decision to select another one of the options available under the G e n e v a A g re e m e n t , therefore, was wholly consistent with its object and spirit. The recourse to a juridical process as a final and binding means of resolving the controversy

is provided for by the provisions of the Geneva Agreement. Guyana has done nothing which can be regarded as being in breach of the Geneva Agreement” President Granger said.

But despite these acts of aggression by the two neighbouring countries, the Head of State urged the legislative arm that Guyana fully respects the Geneva Agreement, even while they await the results from the Secretary-General's determination in the wake of the visits of his teams to both Guyana and Venezuela.

“Guyana shall continue to work with b o t h Ve n e z u e l a a n d Suriname to make our region a more peaceful, prosperous place and to pursue cooperation arrangements but not to the detriment of our territorial integrity and sovereignty.

“Guyana has never, and will never, violate any international treaty to which it is a Party.

This country has no intention of displaying aggression towards its neighbours. It will continue to work to bring about a peaceful resolution to the controversies with Venezuela and Suriname” he concluded.

Wells drying out in Region Nine ‐efforts being made to source new pumps

Bryan Allicock

Water in many of the deep wells in Region Nine is beginning to reach unreachable lows.

Regional Chairman; Bryan Allicock noted that many of the school's wells are affected and the El Nino Committee is working to

address the issue.

“One Instance we have a 250 ft well but the installation of the pump is just one hundred and fifty feet so we have to take out back that pump and then put on more length on the hose that we have to reach

the water. That is what we are working on today” He stated that the Secondary school in Sand Creek is using a gasoline pump for now but the Regional authority is working to source other pumps.

“I'm going to make contact with the CDC today see if they can help us purchase some of the pumps that will be required…the solar driven pumps so as long as the sun is there, the pumps will be going” He noted that tanks were placed in each sub-districts and the gasoline so that whatever source of water can be obtained will be distributed when the needs arises.

“We have three communities (Yurong Paru in the south Pakaraimas, Pipan, Tiperu) that are already using those things (reservoirs) from inception and they are piping the water down in two inch pipes so they wouldn't waste too much. That is being brought down by

gravity feed, no energy is used there” The Regional Chairman added that purification methods are being looked at to supply some communities with water from rivers that run through the communities.

“We are looking at purification in those communities but we haven't gotten anything as yet on the ground so we are looking within the next two weeks that we could get things going” he said.

In relation to farming activities in the community, the Chairman disclosed that no progress was made to source the better type of cassava sticks for farmers from Brazil as yet, however he is hoping to complete that process in the coming week. The Cassava leaves

he said are drooping but heavy dew in the nights is helping to alleviate further damage a little. “ We a r e s t i l l working to source the caasava stick that will mature in four month and be able to with tand the dry conditions but onto now we haven't ha the cross border meeting that we had asked fro from the ministry of foreign affairs… looking to follow up next week because we have farmers coming in for an expo and we'll like to give it to them then” Allicock said.

He added that the regional heads will be having statutory meetings tomorrow during which issues will be addressed and letters will be written to the various ministries to solicit help.

SURUJBALLY HEADS SOCIAL PROTECTION OBSERVER MISSION MINISTRY PREPARE TO HAITI STAFF FOR RETIREMENT

Dr. Steve Surujbally

Chairman of the Guyana's Elections Commission, Dr. Steve Surujbally is heading a Caribbean Community (Caricom) mission to observe Haiti's upcoming elections. This announcement was made by the Caricom Headquarters on Thursday.

The mission will observe the first round of the Presidential Elections and the second round of the Legislative Elections which will take place on 25 October.

“The fielding of this Mission comes at the request of the Government

of Haiti and follows the presence of CARICOM Election Observation Missions in St. Kitts and Nevis, Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, “Caricom said.

Fifty-three Presidential candidates will be vying for the support of the 5.8 million registered voters. The second round of the Legislative elections will be a run-off for seats for the Lower House and the Senate in Haiti's 119 constituencies. The first round on 9 August 2015 saw some 2000 candidates from over 100 political

The Ministry of Social Protection yesterday launched a two-day seminar to prepare 20 of its employees for retirement from the Public Service.

These employees will be retiring over the next four years should the retirement age remain at 55.

This seminar, the first of its kind to be hosted by the Ministry, is designed to assist the prospective retirees to understand and parties vying for these adopt a positive approach seats. towards retirement, and According to CARICOM, the Election Observation Mission will comprise eleven members, including election officials from CARICOM Member States and experienced election observers, along with two representatives of the CARICOM Secretariat who will also provide administrative and logistical support.

The team was scheduled to arrive in Haiti on October 21, and will depart on October 27 and 28.

numerous years in social service delivery, many of the retirees could become employers when they undertake businesses in those same areas. Some options she said could include child care, care of the elderly, counselling and support services, and consultancies.

At present, public servants generally retire at age 55, but they have the option of doing so at age 50. To receive pension after retirement

understanding the procedures for acquiring superannuation and benefits. “ Yo u h a v e a great opportunity in retirement to take what was shared with you over the years and make it valuable, but how you do that depends on your attitude…There is a big need for home care and child care. While Government is responsible, it cannot handle all the cases and so

Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence addresses participants at the seminar

guide them through important issues which are likely to develop during their retirement.

In addressing the staff, Minister of Social P r o t e c t i o n , Vo l d a Lawrence said that public servants often retire with a reservoir of rich knowledge and experience, which can be useful in a developing a country like Guyana once innovative ways are found for them to continue working.

She noted that having worked for

from the public service, permanent employees must have at least 10 years of service.

Among the issues being addressed at the seminar are those relating to retirees and the national Insurance Scheme (NIS) pension, benefits and medical expenses; nutrition and care; entrepreneurship after retirement; the psychosocial impact of retirement; the Dependants' Pension Fund and retirees; and preparing for retirement, including

there are opportunities for you to use your skill even after you retire to make a meaningful contribution and earn at the same time…We have to package our knowledge and market ourselves,” Minister Lawrence said.

She also urged them to plan financially so that at retirement they are not saddled with too many expenses, as many persons retire at 55, but are only able to access safety nets, such as NIS benefits until they are 60 years, and Old Age Pension until 65.

(Adapted from GINA)

Prisons head resigns after charged with sex offence The Head of the Guyana Prisons Service, Welton Trotz, on Thursday handed over the operations of the agency after he was c h a rg e d f o r s e x u a l l y assaulting a junior member of the organization for which he headed.

He was granted one hundred thousand dollar bail after he appeared before Magistrate Fabio Azore

during an in camera court matter from which members of the press was locked out. Trotz was not represented on his first appearance and will return to court next week Tuesday, October 27.

Trotz was charged following advice from the Director of Public Prosecution after the Police Criminal Investigation department

c o n d u c t e d a n investigation.

The initial investigation was done by a body set up by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the leadership of former Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee.

C h a r g e s w e r e recommended but it is believed that the file was never sent to the police or the DPP.

Trotz was once a n A s s i s t a n t Commissioner of Police in the Guyana Police Force.

The Prison Service will now be headed by Clive Grahame who up to earlier today was serving as the Deputy Director. Senior Superintendent Gladwin Samuels is expected to be placed as the acting Deputy Director of Prisons.

Welton Trotz

Safari to benefit indigenous communities

GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh flanked by Executive Members of the Safari Club at the launching of the 3rd South Rupununi Safari

Guyana's indigenous population in the South Rupununi, Region Nine, is set to benefit significantly from the third annual South Rupununi Safari which commences a sixday adventure on

November 24, 2015. This safari serves to promote this swathe of Guyana which teems with wildlife, flora, fauna and Indigenous cultures.

During the launch of the safari today

at the Ministry of Tourism, Camp Street, Director of t h e G u y a n a To u r i s m A u t h o r i t y ( G TA ) , Indranauth Haralsingh, told the media that the journey entails 1000 miles to and from the south of

Guyana. Fourteen (14) indigenous communities will be visited during this expedition, and it is expected that the residents will benefit from various contributions geared at aiding their daily lives.

Explaining the process, Frank Singh, Head of the newly formed Safari Club and Director of Rainforest Tours, advised that the club has collaborated with the Ministries of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs and Communities to identify the needs and wants of the various communities they intend to visit. “ W h a t w e normally do is that we will call the Ministry of Health and ask them what drugs the villages need, and as we are going, we will assist by taking those, and for the schools we look at the education of the children,”

Singh stated. He advised too, that a club in Trinidad has made some donations.

“For every single child in every village that we are stopping, they have slippers, books and sports gears and so on so basically when we go in on the third safari we will be taking them in.”

Meanwhile, the GTA Director indicated that the communities will also benefit in other forms as the safarians would pay various fees for using the resources of the villages visited. “They would pay to stay at the guest houses and schools, they pay village fees, they pay fees for the rental of their properties, they procure food supplies, beverages and so on from the communities, as well so it helps,” he stated.

He noted that this expedition also serves as a

market for local village products as participants of the safari would purchase them. Organisers are of the view that this also supports the development of the communities and the maintenance of the road networks heading to the various villages. There is also collaboration with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure in this regard.

The 2015 safari is expected to attract participants from Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname again this year, while persons from Brazil, Barbados, Canada and England have indicated their intention, but haven't yet confirmed. It is an activity that is supported and promoted by the Ministry of Tourism and the GTA. (Adapted from GINA)

Report on flogging of Sand Creek Primary Students received A report detailing the investigation into the flogging of three students with a bell at the Sand Creek Primary School by the Head Teacher, was today handed over to the Te a c h i n g S e r v i c e Commission (TSU).

T h i s w a s confirmed by secretary of the TSU, Sophia Hunt, during a telephone interview today.

She was unable to disclose any further information relating to the matter, however GNN spoke to Regional Education Officer in Region nine, Carl Parker, who noted that the TSU has to “launch a probe into the matter to determine the extent of discipline that the teacher in question, Michael Alfred, must face.”

“As we speak, the teacher is off of the job, and he is still reporting to the education department on a daily basis. The police has expressed an interest in the matter, I'll have to follow up on that aspect of it” the REO said.

Alfred, on Friday, October, 09, rehit three two female students; ages 10 and 12+ and one male; age 10+ with a bell

after they entered the school without saying “Good Morning”.

The 12 year old female suffered lacerations to her head and received three stitches at the Lethem Hospital.

He was sent on Administrative leave on t h e s a m e d a y. I n i t i a l investigation had disclosed that the teacher claimed that he was

frustrated since he said he was made to sleep in the school, a situation that neither the education department, nor the regional Administration are aware of.

An Official from the Ministry of Education was sent into Region Nine on the following Monday to complete an investigation into the matter. In the past, the

Te a c h i n g S e r v i c e Commission had recommended that teachers be dismissed for brutally flogging students.

NCN CEO MAY HAVE LIED ABOUT QUALIFICATIONS - DRAFT AUDIT REPORT HR Manager's employment also questioned Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Communication Network, Molly Hassan has within thirty (30) days to respond to some damning revelations that were discovered during a forensic audit conducted at the state-owned entity upon receipt of the report.

In a leaked copy of the draft report published on a blogging site GT Mosquito it was stated that the contracts and personal files of the CEO and the Human Resource Manager were also examined, since they both joined the staff of the Company during the year under review (2014).

The following observations were made: (a)The CEO was employed in May 2014, however, on her curriculum vitae (CV) is listed a Bachelor's Degree in Business (Hons) from the Edcel/Anglia Ruskin University which is stated as 'Completion December, 2014'. The report stated that enquiries revealed that December, 2014 was the intended completion date and not the actual date of completion as she is still currently enrolled in the degree program.

Documents were presented that showed the date of enrolment into the University was effective January 2015 making it impossible for the completion date to be December 2014. Further, it was revealed that the CEO intended to join a previous version of the degree program whose awarding body was the University of Wa l e s , h o w e v e r, t h e governing body ceased partnership with the University of Wales since in the year 2012 at which time the Anglia Ruskin University in whose records the CEO is listed as being enrolled in January 2015 became the new validating partner.

Therefore, at the time of employment at NCN in May 2014, the CEO was not yet enrolled in the degree program.

“As a result, it was difficult for us to determine whether the information provided was a deliberate attempt to mislead or there are other explanations and clarifications that are yet to be presented,” the report noted. (b) A second qualification on the CV of the CEO is stated as an 'Associate Degree in Marketing and Marketing Management' from the University of Guyana.

However, only a certificate for a Diploma in Marketing was evident in the personal file. As a result, it was difficult to determine whether this was yet another deliberate attempt to mislead or there are other explanations and clarifications to be presented (c) There was also no evidence of an advertisement or applications submitted or deliberations by the Board of Directors or any other authority for the appointment of the successful candidate for the vacant position of Chief Executive Officer, the report stated. ( d ) T h e Management of the Company failed to obtain a police clearance and written references from the Human Resources Manager in light of certain details contained on his curriculum vitae (CV).

According to information on the CV, five of the seven previous places of employment were for periods of less than one calendar year with the last period worked being February to December 2011, which is in excess of two years before applying at the Company. Audit checks also revealed that similar observations and concerns were raised by the Internal Auditor in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Board. In this letter, it was disclosed that character references were sought from four of the Human Resource

Manager's previous employer and that they all share the same view that this person should not be employed since he was either dismissed or asked to resign because of poor work ethics and or financial irregularities. It was also pointed out that the Human Resource Manager's last period of employment was January 2012 to August 2013 and not February 2011 to December 2011. This information may have been deliberately omitted from the CV submitted to NCN since it was stated in the letter that he was dismissed from that entity due to financial irregularities, the report highlighted.

The Audit Office recommends that the Management of the Company investigate the matters listed above and take corrective measures to have them resolved.

In addition, the report also pointed to a number of irregularities with regard to the purchase of fuel.

NCN expended some $15.615M solely for the purchase of fuel from GuyOil for 17 vehicles.

Some vehicles were being filled with fuel as much as 28 times per month.

It was stated that log books for ten vehicles along with fuel slips for two vehicles were not presented for audit examination hence there was no determination of the fuel expenditure.

The report found that “Motor vehicle no.

PKK 3623 was listed as being assigned to the Marketing Manager during the year under r e v i e w, h o w e v e r, a n examination of his contract revealed that he was not entitled to a Company vehicle but instead was paid a travelling allowance of $52,000 per month which was paid to him for the y e a r u n d e r r e v i e w.

However, amounts totaling $274,322 representing fuel

Molly Hassan

consumption were paid for the Company vehicle which was utilised by the Marketing Manager. As a result, the amount stated as operating expenditure was overstated since the fuel charges for this vehicle should have been paid for by the Marketing Manager.”

In a letter to the media yesterday, Hassan noted that within the past six months she encountered several unwarranted and

malicious attacks on her character and reputation.

Her earnings were recently made public and shows that she reported makes about G$1M which is more that some Ministers.

In her letter she stated that most recently, the unethical exposure of her private information which sought to cause harm to her professional reputation and that her right to employee employer privacy has

been breached in a most filthy way. According to her it appears slanted towards making her a scapegoat for ills affecting the Company which predates her employ.

She also alluded that the security of her young children and husband is now officially compromised and that it has far reaching social implications and consequences.

Investigation ordered into alleged rape of prisoner Commissioner of Police, Seelall Peraud, has instructed that an investigation be conducted into the allegations of a prisoner being raped by a Police as stated by the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). This is according to statement from the Public Relations Office of the Guyana Police Force.

The statement noted that the instruction is cognizance of an article published in the Kaieteur News today, Thursday, October 22, 2015, under the caption “Prisoner

claims detective raped him in Station”.

According to the Kaieteur News, a 36 yearold man claimed he was forced to have unprotected sex with a police officer in exchange for a case against him being dropped, at the very Police station where the case of Colwyn Harding's baton rape made headlines in

November of 2014.

According to the man, he was also a witness in the Colwyn Harding baton rape case. Though he never came forward publicly for fear of discrimination, he alleged that the police nevertheless continued to harass him and accuse him of petty crimes.

REGION 6 TO GET NEW WATER FACILITY -MORE THAN 20, 500 CUSTOMERS TO BENEFIT G u y a n a Wa t e r Incorporated (GWI) customers of Region 6 will benefit from the construction of a state-ofthe-art Water Treatment Facility at Sheet Anchor which will serve customers from #19 Village to Fort Ordinace and Good Banana Land, Canje. The Government of Guyana is investing G$2.581 Billion to improve the water sector infrastructure across all the Administrative Regions.

GWI Chief Executive Officer, Dr. R i c h a r d Va n W e s t Charles, met with Region 6 Chairman, David Armogan and Regional Executive Officer (REO), Dr. Versammy Ramaya on Wednesday to discuss the current developmental

plan for the water sector in the Region, the company stated in a release.

With such a densely populated Region, GWI's aim is ensure consistent and quality service with minimum disruptions,' Dr. Van West-Charles noted in his remarks to the Regional Chairman and REO. He said “with the recent investment in the Region's water service infrastructure, GWI will ensure that all works are executed to a high standard with the improvement of the standard of living being the ultimate goal.”

The construction of the new facility forms part of the Water Supply and Sanitation Infrastructure

Improvement Programme (WSSIIP), funded by the Government of Guyana, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Caribbean Investment Facility (CIF) of the European Union (EU).

According to the release, in excess of 20,500 or more than 5, 300 households will have enhanced levels of service and improved quality of water upon completion of the Facility which will commence construction in January 2016.

To e n c o u r a g e water conservation by customers, the programme will include the installation of water meters within the project area. To foster improved public health, the programme also includes

Dr. Van West-Charles, Region 6 Chairman David Armogan and the REO Dr. Versammy Ramaya in discussion

a co mp o n en t f o r the installation of septic tanks within the community of S h e e t A n c h o r, E a s t Berbice.

“Enhancing public health through the provision of safe, potable w a t e r a n d t h e

improvement of the sanitation system is the main thrust of water service improvement programme for Region 6,” Van West-Charles stated.

He indicated that GWI would be available

24-hours to the Regional Administration through Divisional Manager, East Berbice, Jawaharlal Ramjug, who will be implementing an 'afterhours' emergency team to respond to service disruptions, leaks and any emergencies.

FORMER PRESIDENT LASHES OUT AT JUNIOR FINANCE MINISTER

Former President Donald Ramotar Former President Donald p r e m a t u r e i n f o r m a t i o n Ramotar has added his voice relating to the audit with the to the issue regarding the justification that he is in forensic audit at the National receipt of the report and Industrial and Commercial therefore did not disclose I n v e s t m e n t s L i m i t e d , any information relating to (NICIL). its findings to the media. He Earlier in the week, noted however, that he is in Chief Executive Officer of constant contact with the N I C I L , W i n s t o n auditors.

He lashed back Brassington, in a statement issued to the media, accused and accused Brassington of Junior Minister of Finance, breaching the “protocol for Jaipaul Sharma, of breaching addressing the forensic the protocol for addressing audit” via his statement t h e f o r e n s i c a u d i t a n d thereby disclosing findings making sensational public of the preliminary report into statements without balance, the agency.

A statement from much to the detriment of a fair and balanced audit and Ramotar noted that he is of the view that decency and audit process.

S h a r m a d e n i e d respect of people's rights has reports of him releasing been thrown out the window

Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma

with regards to the developments surrounding the audit.

Ramotar noted in the statement that Sharma confirmed that criminal charges have been recommended against Brassington. He pointed out that the recommendation had been made following the unearthing of several cases of fraud and corruption during the forensic audit into the company.

He added that a statement issued prior to this also leveled similar charges against former Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and Former Head of the President Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger

Luncheon. “These charges are totally unjustified”, Ramotar's statement noted.

He pointed out that since the findings of the audit have not been made available for public examination, thus, judgment cannot be passed According to him, the premature pronouncements made are tantamount to slander.

He also stated that one of the individuals conducting the audit, Anand Goolsarran, was hired illegally pointing that was no advertisement placed for professional auditors to conduct the audit.

The former P r e s i d e n t s a i d M r.

Goolsarran previously

Winston Brassington s e r v e d a s a n a u d i t o r clarified as being lawful”, attached to NICIL and is a Ramotar clarified.

The statement consistent critic of the operations of that entity in h i g h l i g h t e d t h a t M r the local media. Therefore, Goolsarran failed to make it is a glaring conflict of public that NICIL has been interest to have such an d e p o s i t i n g b i l l i o n s o f individual conduct an d o l l a r s i n t o t h e Consolidated Fund over the investigation of NICIL. R a m o t a r a l s o years.

“We need to step commented on Goolsarran's r e c o m m e n d a t i o n t h a t up to the plate and stand up NICIL must hand over its for the protection and money to the Consolidated preservation of the rights of Fund. “This is totally wrong a l l G u y a n e s e , w h o s e and is misleading the public. freedoms are now under The fact is that there is no threat. It is time to make our compulsion for NICIL to collective voices heard and hand over its money to the denounce these vicious and Consolidated Fund. Many malicious acts of witch legal opinions have been hunting by members of the sought on this matter and current regime, Ramotar that position has been added.

Gov't approves pay hike for REOs The A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) has approved the appointments of seven new Regional Executive Officers (REOs).

T h i s w a s revealed by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on We d n e s d a y a t a p o s t Cabinet media briefing. On Tu e s d a y O c t o b e r 2 0 Cabinet approved a proposal by Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan for the appointment of REOs for seven of the 10 administrative regions.

The new salary is $600,000 as against the $292,196 that was given by the Peoples Progressive

Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration.

The package includes a basic monthly non-taxable salary of $300,000, $70,000 duty allowance which is also non-taxable, and a $10,000 allowance for cellular phone. The REOs will also be entitled to 42 days vacation leave, dutyfree concessions (Scale A), vacation allowance, g r a t u i t y, p a y m e n t o f residential landline bill, (local calls only), the payment of electricity charges at place of residence, the provision of security at the place of residence and the provision of a government vehicle and driver.

Appointments

were approved for Leslie Wi l b u r g t o b e R E O , Region 1; Rupert Hopkinson, REO Region 2; Dennis Jaikaran (Snr), REO Region 3; Pauline Lucas, REO, Region 4; Roderick Edinboro, REO Region 5; Veerasammy Ramayya, REO Region 6; and Gavin Clarke, REO Region 10.

The REOs for the three other regions are P e t e r R a m o t a r, R E O Region 7, Raphael Downes, REO Region 8 and Carl Parker, REO Region 9.

Each REO will be contracted for three years as against one year which obtained under the past administration.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

Approval granted for establishment of National Tripartite Commission

Minister Simona Broomes

Cabinet has approved the appointment of the Board of Directors of the National Tripartite Commission, to be Chaired by Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Simona Broomes.

The Board includes, Minister of Social P r o t e c t i o n Vo l d a Lawrence, representatives of the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industries (CAGI), the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG).

“The committee is constituted by members

from government, representatives of employer organizations and representatives of workers organisations or t r a d e u n i o n s , “Nagamootoo told the media.

It will deal with matters relating to industrial relations, Human Resource management, and labour policies. He added that, “this is one of the more outstanding feature that we would like to retain in our system of governance to be the partner with the trade union movement and with employers association.”

Cabinet has also appointed members of the Board of Directors for the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board which will be chaired by Justice Claudette La Bennett and will include representatives from CAGI, GTUC and FITUG. The Prime Minister has advised that, “we have appointed these entities to work along with the Government and this board…very important features of the struggles of the working people of Guyana for trade union recognition emerged from the Trade

Union Recognition Act chapter 98:07 of the laws of Guyana, and it concerns the procedures for certifying trade unions and recognised bodies.”

Nagamootoo added that, “it means that if this body were to function effectively and efficiently, there should be no poaching, no renegade trade unions trying to impose themselves on the workers.”

He stated that workers under the laws have a right to pick a union of their choice.

Gov't soon to re-table a number of Bills A number of Bills will be re-tabled in the National Assembly by the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government. This was communicated to Cabinet

by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Wednesday at a post Cabinet Press briefing r e v e a l e d t h a t Amendments to several pieces of legislation are to be made which are

expected to be laid in the National Assembly f o l l o w i n g t h e consideration by the Parliamentary Affairs Sub-Committee.

T h e B i l l s identified are the Broadcast Amendment Bill 2015, the Coroner's Amendment Bill 2015 and the Law Reform Commission Bill 2015. It was agreed that the bills would be referred to the Parliamentary Affairs subcommittee which is chaired by Nagamootoo.

According to the Prime

Minister, Cabinet also noted a list of outstanding matters of the 10th Parliament. The list comprises of Bills that had lapsed from the previous Parliament and which should be re-tabled in the National Assembly.

“Our remit is we are not opposed to any piece or pieces of legislation that may have been submitted to Parliament before, notwithstanding that they have been submitted by the then government but if we find merit in any of the

pieces of legislation and there are in the in the interest of Guyana we're going to proceed to retable them as Bills tabled by this new government and not without prejudice to an acknowledgement that there might have been originated from the previous government”, the Prime Minister stated.

Some of these bills Nagamootoo listed are: * Wages and Salaries Commission Bill *Local Authorities

Establishment of Towns – Mabaruma, Mahdia, Bartica and Lethem * T h e Telecommunications Bill

* The Public Utilities Bill

AMAZING WORLD PIG-SNOUTED TURTLE FROM DINOSAUR ERA DISCOVERED IN UTAH A strange pig-snouted turtle that lived alongside tyrannosaurs and duckbilled dinosaurs has been discovered in Utah. The University of Utah announced the finding in a news release Wednesday. A team from the Natural History Museum of Utah

discovered fossils of strange-looking turtle in the Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument in southern Utah.

Joshua Lively of the University of Texas at Austin called it one of the weirdest turtles that ever lived. He studied the

fossils for his master's thesis. The 2-foot-long turtle lived about 76 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period when southern Utah was a wet, hot climate with rivers and bayous.

Researchers say its pig-like nose with two nostrils makes it unlike

any other turtle ever found. The findings were published in the Journal o f Ve r t e b r a t e Paleontology. (MSN News)

HALLOWEEN ASTEROID TO SHAVE PAST EARTH A big asteroid is hurtling towards Earth and will shave past our planet on Halloween, but astronomers say there's no need to be spooked -- it's definitely not on a collision course.

The space rock is about the size of a football stadium and is moving at an "unusually high" speed of 78,000 miles per hour (126,000 kilometers per hour), said NASA. Early estimates put the asteroid - called 2015 TB145 -- at about 1,542 feet (470

m e t e r s ) i n d i a m e t e r, according to the astronomy website Earth and Sky. NASA expects it to be the largest known cosmic body to get near our planet until 2027. "If the size is correct, the new found asteroid is 28 times bigger than the Chelyabinsk meteor that penetrated the atmosphere over Russia in February 2013," Earth and Sky said.

The good news is this asteroid will pass at a very safe distance of about

310,000 miles (nearly 500,000 kilometers), or 1.3 times the span between the Earth and the Moon.

The asteroid will actually pass closer to the Moon than the Earth, skimming by at a distance of 180,000 miles.

Astronomers may be able to spot it with telescopes, though amateur skywatchers will likely not be able to see it with the naked eye. The time of the closest pass is 11:14 am US Eastern time (1514 GMT) on October 31. (MSN News)

SNAKE 'NOT GUILTY OF KILLING CLEOPATRA' The story that Cleopatra, ancient queen of Egypt, was killed by a snake bite has been rejected as "impossible" by University of Manchester academics. Egyptologists and snake experts have combined to examine the plausibility of the tale of the queen being killed by a cobra hidden in a basket of figs.

They believe a snake big enough to kill the queen and two maids would not have been small enough to be concealed. They also challenge the credibility of three consecutive fatal bites.

Cleopatra, who died at the age

of 39 in 30BC, was a ruler of Egypt who became embroiled in power struggles within the Roman empire.

But her story and her death have become part of popular legend, portrayed in fictional form from Hollywood epics to Carry On films and television comedy.

From Roman sources onwards, her death has often been attributed to a poisonous snake or "asp", with the queen using the fatal bite as a way of ending her own life.

But Egyptologist Joyce Tyldesley and Andrew Gray, curator of herpetology

at Manchester Museum, say the supposed culprit - a cobra - would have been too physically big to be concealed in the way that has been portrayed. They are typically 5-6ft long and can grow to 8ft (2.5m), and the Manchester experts reject the idea such a snake could be hidden in the way suggested.

Even if such a snake had been smuggled in to Cleopatra, they say it would have been very unlikely that it could have killed Cleopatra and two of her servants in quick succession. "Not only are cobras too big, but there's just

a 10% chance you would die from a snake bite: most bites are dry bites that don't inject venom," said Mr Gray.

"That's not to say they aren't dangerous: the venom causes necrosis and will certainly kill you, but quite slowly. "So it would be impossible to use a snake to kill two or three people one after the other. "Snakes use venom to protect themselves and for hunting - so they conserve their venom and use it in times of need.

(MSN News/BBC)

1,200-YEAR-OLD VIKING SWORD DISCOVERED BY HIKER A sword is probably the last thing you'd expect to find on a hike -- especially one that's more than a millennium old. But that's what happened to a man in Norway who recently stumbled across a 1,200 year-old Viking sword while walking an ancient route.

The find, which dates from approximately 750 AD and is in exceptionally good condition, was announced

by Hordaland County Council. County Conservator Per Morten

Ekerhovd described the discovery as "quite extraordinary." It's quite unusual to find remnants from the Viking age that are so well preserved ... it might be used today if you sharpened the edge," he told CNN. Outdoorsman Goran Olsen made the unusual find when he stopped for a rest in Haukeli, an area known for fishing and hunting about 150 miles (250 kms) west of capital, Oslo. The rusted weapon was lying under some rocks on a

well-known path across a high mountain plateau, which runs between western and eastern Norway.

The mountains are covered with frost and snow for at least six months of the year and not exposed to humidity in summer, which contributed to the sword's exceptional condition, Ekerhovd said, adding that archaeological remains are often found along the paths.

H e s p ecu lated that the sword could be

from a burial site or may have belonged to a traveler who had an accident or succumbed to frostbite on the high pass.

The sword, which was found without a handle, is just over 30 inches long (77 centimeters) and made of wrought iron. From its type, archaeologists estimate it to be from around 750 AD -- making it approximately 1,265 years old -- but warn that this is not an exact date.

Swords like this were status symbols in

Viking times because of the high cost of extracting iron, Ekerhovd said, and it's likely this blade would have belonged to a wealthy individual. The artifact has now been handed over to

the University Museum of Bergen for preservation work and a research expedition to the discovery site is planned for next spring. (CNN)

Regional

Regional

Venezuela president vows to tighten price controls Ve n e z u e l a P r e s i d e n t Nicolas Maduro is vowing to expand price controls in a bid to battle rampant inflation. Maduro said Tuesday he will increase enforcement of rules that limit the profit retailers can make. He also said he would expand price controls to all goods and services, and said no profit margin should exceed 30 percent.

He did not provide details about how the new system would be put in place.Critics blame

existing price controls for increasing shortages in the country, partly because many businesses say they cannot cover costs without getting a governmentsubsidized exchange rate, and that can be hard to obtain at a time when falling oil prices have squeezed government revenues.

The plummeting free market value of Venezuela's currency, the bolivar, makes it hard to i m p o r t g o o d s independently. Prices are

currently regulated products ranging from pantry staples to Barbie dolls. Meanwhile, Ve n e z u e l a ' s s o c i a l i s t party-controlled Congress made a formal request on We d n e s d a y f o r a n investigation into the head of the country's largest private company, the food supplier Empresas Polar.

C o n g r e s s President Diosdado Cabello released a recording last week of billionaire Polar CEO Lorenzo Mendoza

speaking with an economist on the phone about the possibility of an international bailout of Ve n e z u e l a ' s s i n k i n g economy.

Mendoza, who has often come in for attack from leading government officials, suggested in the call that the International Monetary Fund could create an adjustment plan for the country. Mendoza has confirmed that the telephone conversation was real, but denounced its

President Nicolas Maduro

secret recording and later distribution. He denied charges that he is conspiring against the

government.

Maduro on Sunday joined in calls for his prosecution.

(AP/Yahoo News)

Fourth H1N1 death in Audit uncovers Trinidad recorded financial irregularities

T&T recorded its fourth confirmed death from the highly contagious H1N1 Influenza (swine flu), which accounted for over 14,000 deaths worldwide in 2009.

The latest is Cherrie Ryce, 46, who died of swine flu at the San Fernando General Hospital last Saturday after being warded there for just over a week. The death certificate certified by Prof Hubert Daisley stated the cause of death as “H1N1 influenza, diabetes mellitus and type 2 hypertension.”

Now Ryce's relatives are calling on the Health Ministry to probe a possible cover-up at the hospital, saying she may have contracted the virus while staying in a ward that medical staff labelled as an “infectious ward.” Ryce's sister, whose name was withheld because of her job, said she was told there may have been other swine flu-related cases and deaths at the hospital for the year.

A staff member at the hospital said there were suspected cases of swine flu and when patients die, their cause of death were given as pneumonia. After Ryce's d e a t h , h e r d a u g h t e r, Jennel, and ten-month-old grandson, Isaiah, were quarantined at the San F e r n a n d o Te a c h i n g Hospital for three days having visited her on October 14.

The sister said Ryce was unable to walk properly due to an injury sustained in a childhood accident. She said Ryce was an outpatient at the hospital for years as she suffered with diabetes, hypertension and other ailments, and was even warded at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after slipping into a coma.

Recently she underwent an eye surgery and due to medical complications, she was enrolled in a clinic. She explained that when Ryce went to the hospital for a

schedule clinic appointment on October 8, she was doing well and had no symptoms of the cold or swine flu. She added that her According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 14,286 people died worldwide during the 2009 swine flu pandemic of which there were 237 deaths in Central America and Caribbean region. Barbados confirmed four cases; Cuba, one; Dominican Republic, 93 and Jamaica, 33. One death was confirmed in Trinidad, with several other being treated for the virus.

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said he was informed of swine flu risk yesterday and a statement would be made soon by acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Clive Tilluckdharry. However, he said he would keep a keen eye out as he allowed medical experts to do their jobs, saying his role as minister was to set policies.

“We are on top of it but my way of managing the ministry is that those closest to the issue will be the one making statements but I will be keeping a close eye. It will be derelict of me if I don't,” Deyalsingh added.

(Adapted from the Trinidad Guardian)

at State-owned housing body

The Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ) has found itself in the midst of another controversy after an audit uncovered multiple instances of troubling financial irregularities at the lossmaking State-run entity.

M a n a g i n g director of the HAJ Karl Bennett, during a line of questioning from Opposition member of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) of Parliament Audley Shaw at Gordon House yesterday, conceded that some $45 million had been used from the agency's deposit account without authorisation.

He explained that, “during the tenure of the last board, monies were utilised from deposits to make payroll for the incorporation cost (merger of the Caribbean Housing Finance Corporation Limited, National Housing Corporation Limited, and Operation Pride in 1998) but the monies were put back”.

In the meantime, permanent secretary in the housing ministry, Audrey Sewell, said the ministry was still awaiting a response from the HAJ to the findings of an internal audit for the 2014/15 financial year. She said the draft report of the audit was submitted to HAJ in July and that a response should have come within two weeks, as is the policy. But, in explaining why four months later the HAJ had not responded, Bennett said this was because of resource constraints as the agency was asked to respond to the findings of three other audits in July.

This included an audit done by the Auditor General's Department, the report from which is to come before the House soon, as well as the ministry's audit and another done by the Office of the Contractor General.

“We respect all the audits and we recognise the purposes for which they were done,” he said, giving the undertaking that the

ministry would receive a response next week.

Among the findings being questioned by the draft report from one of the audits, a copy of which was obtained by the Jamaica Observer, are the overpayment of close to $100 million in motor vehicle upkeep by one senior employee of the HAJ for a vehicle that was “ineligible” for the allowance.

The report also outlined that several senior managers are receiving travelling allowances, although their vehicle documents are expired. In another instance detailed in the report, a number of managers were paid gratuities of up to $2.1 million before completing their employment contracts. One manager wrote in his request for the advance payment: “I made it clear that if the gratuity was taxable it should be paid yearly. (Adapted from the Jamican Observer)

INTERNATIONAL

Sweden sword attack: Two dead after masked attacker strikes A pupil and a teacher at a school in Sweden have died following an attack by masked man with a sword.

The teacher died of his wounds at the scene while two male students, aged 11 and 15, and another teacher were rushed to hospital.

One of the boys subsequently died. The attacker was shot by police and is undergoing surgery at a nearby hospital.

A student told Swedish television that initially the pupils thought it was a joke: "He had a mask and black clothes and a long sword," the pupil said. Another pupil said the man was wearing a Star

Wars mask. Police said the attacker was in his 20s and carried more than one weapon, including "at least one knife-like object".

One student told The Local newspaper: "I was in a classroom with my class when one of my classmates' sisters called her to warn her that there was a murderer at the school. So we locked the door to the classroom, but our teacher was still outside in the corridor. We wanted to warn him, so a few of us went outside and then I saw the murderer, he was wearing a mask and had a sword. Our

teacher got stabbed.

"The murderer started chasing me, I ran into another classroom. If I had not run, I would have been murdered. I'm feeling really scared.

Everyone's scared here."

Sweden's prime minister, Stephen Löfven, said it was a "black day for Sweden". School attacks are rare in Sweden - this is the first since a shooting at a school in Kungalv near G o t h e n b u rg i n 1 9 6 1 which killed one person and injured six others.

(Adapted from the BBC)

Golf and gluttony banned in China Communist Party China's ruling Communist Party has banned its m e m b e r s f r o m "extravagant eating and drinking", engaging in "sexual relationships outside of marriage" and playing golf, state media reported. The official Xinhua news agency described the measures announced on Thursday as "a moral ethical code that members must abide by", but critics say they are part of an effort to target opponents of President Xi Jinping within the party.

Party members were already barred from "keeping paramours and conducting adultery" but the new rule on sexual activity is stricter, Xinhua said. Playing golf - a favoured pastime of some officials which is also closely associated with wealth - and excessive eating and drinking were explicitly listed as violations of discipline for the first time, it added.

The regulations which claim to apply to everyone in the 88-

million-strong Communist Party - also forbid forming cliques within the party and nepotism. Since ascending to the party leadership in 2012, Xi has launched a sweeping crackdown on corruption, with thousands of officials falling from power. But critics say Xi has used the campaign as a political purge targeting his opponents.

The document did not detail punishments for violating the new rules, but the party maintains its

own feared internal disciplinary system, which operates without judicial oversight. Party discipline superseded criminal law, Xinhua said.

Wi l l y L a m , a writer on Chinese politics, told Al Jazeera that the latest regulations will be used as a tool to "attack and intimidate Xi's foes" in the ruling party. "There has been infighting between Xi and other factions in the party," he said. Willy added that the party's Central Commission for

Discipline Inspection, which is tasked with imposing the rules and led by a very close ally of the president, can choose who

to punish arbitrarily without a system of checks and balances. (Al Jazeera)

Kerry seeks to end Palestinian-Israeli violence

John Kerry US Secretary of State John Kerry called for an end to inflammatory Israeli-

Palestinian rhetoric as he met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who

blamed the Palestinians for a recent surge of violence.

Kerry arrived in Berlin on Thursday for talks with Netanyahu.

"It is absolutely critical to end all incitement, to end all violence and to find a road forward to build the possibility, which is not there today, for a larger process," Kerry told reporters as he and Netanyahu posed for pictures. He said he hoped for steps "that take us beyond the condemnations and beyond the rhetoric." For his part, Netanyahu blamed the Palestinians for the recent surge in killings, singling out Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

"There is no question that wave of attacks is driven directly by

incitement. Incitement from Hamas, incitement from the Islamist movement in Israel, and incitement, I am sorry to say, from President Abbas," he said. A senior US State Department official told reporters that Kerry hopes to persuade both sides to "tamp down" their rhetoric during a four-day trip to Europe and the Middle East, in which he also plans to meet Abbas and Jordan's King Abdullah.

His tone mirrored that of German Chancellor Angela Merkel at a joint news conference with Netanyahu on Wednesday evening. "We have to do everything to calm down the situation and in this spirit I think all sides need to make a contribution," she said.Israeli police said on Thursday that two suspects

attempted to get on a children's school bus in Beit Shemesh, a majority ultraorthodox area. After they were asked why they were doing so, they attempted tostab an Israeli at the bus stop at which point they were shot by the police, witnesses said.

The Israeli, a 25year-old man, was moderately injured, police said. They were both taken to hospital, and Israeli police confirmed that one of the suspects died of his wounds.

The second suspect was in a critical condition, a hospital spokesperson said.

In a separate attack on Thursday, a Palestinian approached a security crossing in Hebron and attempted to stab an Israeli

soldier before fleeing the scene. He has not been caught yet and no one has been injured yet. Since October 1, 52 Palestinians including suspected attackers, unarmed demonstrators and bystanders - have been killed

by Israeli soldiers or settlers, while eight Israelis have been killed.

Among the causes of the turmoil are Palestinians' anger at what they see as Jewish encroachment on the Al Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City, Islam's holiest site outside Saudi Arabia, which is also revered

by Jews as the location of two ancient temples.

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2nd Test: WI vs SL

Windies restricts Sri Lanka to 200

Buoyed by a quicker pitch with some live grass on it, We s t I n d i e s ' t h r e e pronged pace attack made

light work of Sri Lanka's top order before debutant left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican claimed four

wickets to wrap up the Sri Lankan innings at 200, two hours into the final session on the first day at the P Sara

Oval. In response, the visitors lost Shai Hope lbw to Dhammika Prasad in the first over but Kraigg

Brathwaite and nightwatchman Devendra Bishoo hung around before deteriorating light forced stumps.

That wicket proved a scene-setter and each of the West Indies' fast bowlers got extra bounce and zip before Wa r r i c a n t o o k o v e r.

Milinda Siriwardana, playing his second Test, scored his maiden fifty in the format, and Rangana Herath, promoted to vicecaptaincy after Lahiru Thirimanne was left out, indulged in hacks and hooks to avoid a total wipe out.

The morning session was packed with action, containing as many as five reviews.

We s t I n d i e s ' s e c o n d review, coming after the Silva wicket, was also successful, and accounted for 20-year old Kusal Mendis for an edgy 13 on Test debut. Mendis had

wafted at a Kemar Roach ball that straightened a touch and nicked behind.

Warrican settled down quickly, and twirled away in an uninterrupted 14-over spell after lunch.

His reward came off a bad ball: Kusal Perera stepped out and spooned a return catch off a full toss, becoming Warrican's m a i d e n Te s t v i c t i m .

Having received his Test cap from Garry Sobers, it turned out to a happy day for Warrican.

We s t I n d i e s , who had spilled five catches to add to a sixth chance that was not attempted in the first Test, lifted themselves significantly on the field, with the only blip being the Siriwardana drop.

Marlon Samuels made a diving save at backward point while Holder threw himself around mid-off.

(Adapted from Espncricinfo)

2nd Test: England vs Pakistan

Misbah's century powers Pakistan Misbah-ul-Haq coming to the wicket at 85 for 3, with the afternoon session only one ball old, England would have hoped for something better. To have three wickets already banked was a merciful release for an attack whose suspicions that they would again be living on scraps were well founded. At the end of day one, Pakistan were 282 for 4 (Misbah 102*, Asad Shafiq 46*) There was a little more pace and bounce on offer than in the opening Test, although it was all relative, and there was also a hint of first-session turn, especially when Moeen's offspin took the wicket of Mohammad Hafeez. That breakthrough came in the first over after drinks, Hafeez, who had kept short leg interested on several previous occasions, deflecting gently to Jonny

Bairstow via an inside edge as he pushed forward, the first of two short-leg catches.

Ben Stokes soon had something to hearten him - a wicket with his fourth ball. If Bairstow's first catch was a gimme, the one that accounted for Shoaib Malik was something special, demonstrating an unyielding mind as the ball rapped him flush in the chest and then a spring to his left to hold a rebound with such alacrity that he made it look part of the plan.

Although Shan Masood passed 50 for the third time in Tests, when he nicked the first ball of the afternoon session to the wicketkeeper it meant that James Anderson had dismissed him three times in the series in only 13 deliveries.

Younis Khan and Misbah in unison is a familiar sight and the afternoon belonged to them, their stand worth 93 runs in 29 overs as they picked off opportunities with consummate ease.

Stokes was England's most unfortunate bowler as he passed the outside edge more times than he had reason to expect. When Misbah did edge, the ball trundled between first and second slip, reminding the bowler of a slow surface and Joe Root's stiff back - a condition that might again restrict his potential use later in the match as England's third spinner.

Younis was the slightly more venturesome of the two old stagers, but England again struck early in a session, three overs having elapsed after tea when Younis was caught down the leg side, a

Misbah-ul-Haq

decisive push at a ball from Wood as he sprung catlike across his stumps and a walk from the crease before the umpire could raise his finger, frustrated that he had fallen when well set.

That Pakistan's batsmen did add useful runs in the final throes of the day

owed much to a willingness to attack Rashid, who bowled with more confidence than he had in the first innings at Abu Dhabi but still disappeared at five an over.

When Rashid was withdrawn, Misbah decided to block for the

morrow. Or so it seemed.

Misbah has now drawn level with Inzamam-ul-Haq each scoring 7 centuries as Pakistan's Captain. ( A d a p t e d f ro m Espncricinfo)

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Digicel's Annual Breast Cancer Cycle Race set for October 24th Over fifty cyclists from twelve cycle clubs across Guyana have confirmed participation in this year's Breast Cancer Awareness Cycle Race. The fourth edition of the Cancer awareness cycle road race was launched on Thursday October 14th at the Fort and Barrack Sts. Office.

The race which is scheduled for October 25 has an added leg this year as against one in previous years.

The first leg will commence at 08:30hrs from Schoonard on the West Coast of Demerara, proceed to Bushy Park on the East Bank of Essequibo and returning to Schoonard, covering approximately 40 miles.

Ladies and veterans will ride to Uitvlugt then back to the point of origin.

Leg two, will commence at 12:30hrs and will see the seniors and juniors depart from Abary

and the ladies and veterans will start at Perseverance Halfway Tree and will ride to the National Park where they will make two laps around before seeing the chequered flag. T The first six top spots will be awarded, with the winner of the seniors carting off $150 000, top junior $80 000 and the top female and veteran $50,000 each as Digicel has air-marked over $1.3M for the one-

day event.

Keith Fernandes whose cycle club, Gillette Evolution is coordinating this year's race contended that, he expects a clean, fair and competitive race.

He further mentioned that registration begins at 6:00am sharp and his club is committed to ensuring that the race is properly coordinated.

Louanna Abrams Senior Sponsorship and Events Executive of

Digicel expressed the company's pleasure at being involved in the event for a 4th consecutive y e a r, a d d i n g “ We a t Digicel are pleased to be a part of this event especially in this month of cancer awareness.

We see it, as a part of a healthier society.

We will be donating all the proceeds from the registration fees to the Cancer Society in addition to our sizeable donation

all in the fight against breast cancer.”

This donation will help the Cancer Society take the fight to the hinterland regions of Guyana where it is difficult for persons to travel to Georgetown for screening, testing and treatment. In addition to the race, pink t- shirts will be distributed along the route to onlookers in keeping with the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

G.S.S.F. Launches Trap Shooting in Guyana

Some of the GSSF Members at the Trapshooting Launch pose with the Atlas Trap Machine in the mobile Trap house

The Guyana Sport Shooting Federation, in its quest to promote the various disciplines and art of sport shooting, on Saturday 17th October, 2015 marked another momentous day when the first clay was launched in a regulated manner at the G D F R a n g e a t Yarrowkabra.

GSSF Member and renowned shotgun enthusiast, Mr. Gerard Mekdeci, was invited to fire the first shot at a Clay target to mark this ceremonious occasion.

He held true to the task, hitting the biodegradable target with his first shot causing it to shatter in several pieces thus launching the

sport of Trap shooting locally.

The GSSF at the end of 2014 secured affiliation to the Amateur Tr a p s h o o t i n g Association.

Since then, it formed an internal Tr a p s h o o t i n g Committee tasked with pioneering this sporting discipline in Guyana which ultimately resulted in last Saturday's Official Launch of the sport of ATA Trap.

Trapshooting is a specific form of clay target shooting utilising shotguns. It is a game of movement, action and split-second timing which requires the

accuracy and skill to repeatedly aim, fire one shot in an attempt to break the 108mm clay discs which are hurled through the air at speeds surpassing 65kmh.

In registered trapshooting, the rules specify that targets must be thrown no more than 52 yards and should reach a height of between 8 and 12 feet at 10 yards from the trap house.

Shooters stand a minimum of 16 yards from the trap houses and take turns at calling “Pull” for the targets to be launched when they are ready.

Usually there are about 4 types of shotguns which can use

for trapshooting; those are over and under, single barrel, semiautomatic and pump action. Regulations stipulate they must be no larger than 12 gauge.

President of the Federation, Ms. Vidushi Persaud, in her remarks at the Launch expressed thanks on behalf of the GSSF to the following persons who equally contributed in order to purchase the ATLAS Automatic Trap Machine.

These include Dr. Soumi

SenGupta, Mr. Nicholas Deygoo, Mr. Vidyanand Persaud and Mrs. Dia Persaud as well as Mr. Richard Van Slytman of C&V Shipping who assisted in shipping the machine and clays to Guyana.

S h e a l s o acknowledged the kind gesture from a wellwisher of the Federation, Mr. Anthony Mekdeci, who upon learning of our plans to launch this sport, donated two manual Trap Machines for practice.

Mr. Gerard Mekdeci taking the ceremonious first shot to launch Trapshooting

Thursday, October 22, 2015

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Winners of last year's tournament pose with their prizes

: gnn@gnngy.com | Website: www.gnngy.com

-see page 13

Digicel's Annual Breast Cancer Cycle Race set for October 24th