Thursday November 05, 2015
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-PAGE 9
THREE IN CUSTODY FOLLOWING MAHAICONY ROBBERY
OPPOSITION URGES CITIZENS TO TAKE STAND AGAINST CRIME -PAGE 2
Opposition urges citizens to take stand against crime - the “Roger Khan-type” approach to crime fighting would not be returned to - Ramjattan
PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee
The People's Progressive Party (PPP) is encouraging “citizens of Guyana to organise themselves in Community Policing Groups, Neighbourhood Watch, and Businessmen's anti-crime networks to protect their communities, neighbourhoods and their businesses from the criminal enterprise and to exert pressure on the
Guyana Police Force to deliver on its motto 'Service and Protection'." In a statement today, the PPP expressed shock at the recent robbery of Cambio dealers and money changers on America Street in Central Georgetown by armed gunmen. The party highlighted “from all
indications it was a wellexecuted attack with much planning having gone into it since all of the attackers escaped unscathed and left little or no trace of identity behind them”. It noted that this recent incident “gives the lie to the recent claim by David Granger [President, Republic of Guyana] that gangs have been
National Tint Policy being considered
Minister Khemraj Ramjattan
dismantled and is something of the past. Secondly, it is a slap in Ramjattan's [Khemraj Ramjattan, Minister of Public Security] face in respect of his "success" propaganda about ridding the streets of illegal guns (alluding the recently concluded gun amnesty program)”. “It is to recalled that following a knee-jerk "high level crisis meeting on the crime situation" involving Granger, Harmon [Joseph Harmon, Minister of State], Persaud [Seelall Persaud, Commissioner of Police], Ramjattan, Nagamootoo [Moses Nagamootoo, Prime Minister, Republic of Guyana] and Phillips [Mark Phillips, Chief-OfStaff, Guyana Defence Force], Harmon boastfully announced that all the resources will be given to law enforcement to bring crime under control” the PPP says. During an interview with Minister of
Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan yesterday, the Guyana News Network (GNN) posed questions relating to the same incident to which the Minister urged citizens to be patient as the government works to build a modern and professional force which he said would take time. He was firm that the “Roger Khan-type” approach to crime fighting would not be returned to. “I will continue to do what I am doing and which I know will eventually bear fruit”, the Security Minister noted. He said there are a number of issues that have to be dealt with including the degrading environment the Police have to work in. “I would have to refurbish almost all of the stations. The conditions are generally deplorable”, Ramjattan added. He explained that some social issues would also have to be addressed including education with
regard to school dropouts which he says contribute to the situation; building families as the bedrock of society given that some may not be as responsible as expected; addressing unemployment which becomes even more challenging given the low prices for rice and low production in the sugar industry; rogue cops within the system who continue to bring the force into disrepute; having more people joining the force to enhance capacity for more patrols and having more CCTV cameras with advance technology. The Minister stated that some 3-4 million US dollars have been invested for, among other security requirements, protective gears for the Police. This he believes would boost capacity to combat crime.
Minister of Public S e c u r i t y, K h e m r a j Ramjattan, has that he intends to have a public consultation on the issue of tints. He noted that one of the components of the National Crime Fighting Strategy is the use of tint meters to determine the density of the tint on vehicle windows. Speaking to the Government Information Agency (GINA),
Ramjattan said, “We have to get more tint meters so that we can check out the tints for vehicles …I would like to go public and have a consultation on this issue of tints, how much tint and light penetration we should have, whether it should be on the back windows only …,” He believes that public consultation on the issue is important. “I need
to bring to the public my take on it, and what they have to say so we can have public consensus when we move forward in relation to tint.” O n l y t o d a y, Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman at a post- Cabinet press briefing held at the Ministry of the Presidency said that Cabinet is considering a policy for tints on vehicles' windows.
Latest accident victims were close friends The two teenagers who were killed on Tuesday night following an accident on the #74 village Corentyne Public road, have been described as “best friends”. Dead are 19 year-old Balram Nourang and 17 year-old Haresh Ramsaywack, both from #69 Village, Corentyne. According to a Police statement, Omchand Nourang of No. 69 Village Corentyne, 19 year-old Balram Nourang, along with 17 year-old Haresh Ramsaywack, were heading south when the driver, Balram, swerved and lost control of the vehicle. This resulted after the vehicle colliding with the concrete base of the NO. 75 Arch located at the western corner of the No. 74 Public Road.
The car was damaged almost beyond recognition. This accident followed one on Monday also on the Corentyne road-way, in which two persons, 48 year-old Paula Kissoondial and 15 yearold Akeem Harry were killed, making four who died in accidents in a twelve-hour span in Berbice. Only yesterday, President David Granger outlined a plan of action aimed at reducing road fatalities in Guyana while launching Road Safety Month 2015, at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal. He said that the time to bring order and sanity to Guyana's roadways has arrived. He pointed out that Guyana has public
roads, not highways, with the Linden-Soesdyke highway, to some degree, being the only exception. This means that most of the roads are situated in heavily populated areas. A d d i t i o n a l l y, encumbrances such as shipping containers, roadside vendors' stands, derelict vehicles and stray animals must be removed from roadways. “The evenhanded enforcement of our traffic laws will help to promote greater safety on our roads…November should be a month when the nation ponders the more than two thousand of its citizens who died over the past decade and many more who continue to be injured every year,” the President said.
The mangled car. [iNews’ Photo]
Work on Umana Yana still to commence ‐despite April 2016 deadline
Minister Annette Ferguson
Works on the historic rebuilding of the famous Umana Yana is still to commence, despite an April 2016 deadline being touted by the Indigenous Affairs Ministry. Speaking with G N N e a r l i e r t o d a y, Minister within the Ministry of Public
Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson revealed that the introductory stages of the work, for which her Ministry is responsible, has not commenced. "No work has commenced as yet... I think it is still at the tendering and evaluation stage, so we have to
await the outcome of that before we can commence any work" the Minister said. But despite this late start to such a historic undertaking, Ferguson further disclosed that she unaware as to whether the $60M project will incur additional costs.
Given the limitations of the current stage the project is at, Minister Ferguson refused to comment further on the undertaking, offering that the successful completion of the tendering and evaluation phase will lead to new developments. Just recently, Ministerial advisor on Indigenous Peoples' Affairs, Mervyn Williams, explained that the foundation for the building will be an operation which will be executed by the Public Infrastructure Ministry. This aspect of the project also caters for the floor design. Wo r k i n t h i s regard was expected to commence in October, with a given deadline of December, which the Infrastructure Ministry has committed to. As it relates to the actual rebuilding of
the structure, he disclosed that the Wai Wai brothers and sisters from Maschineries will be responsible for this task. The team will be led by local Toshao, Paul Chikema. In addition to the structure being larger than the previous one, the Indigenous Affairs Ministry is also attempting to source expertise from the Public Infrastructure Ministry to explore the option of using only renewable energy for all electrical requirements. The design will follow a similar fashion of that which stood before it, but with an increase in space between the floor and roof. This, according to Williams, is to allow the freer passage of Atlantic air which sweeps in from the seawall sitting just nearby. The floor too, will be elevated
higher than the previous one. The materials needed for the building will be sourced from Maschinerie – a village in Deep South Rupununi – since it is the only place those materials are known to be available. Additional materials will be obtained from St Cuthbert's in Region four Mission and Moraikobai in Region five. The conical palm thatched hut (benab) which was erected for the NonAligned Foreign Ministers Conference in Guyana in August 1972, was completely destroyed by a fire of electrical origin late last year. Its reconstruction is expected to coincide with Guyana's 50th Independence A n n i v e r s a r y celebrations next year.
Lady Northcote repairs fail to meet October deadline ‐addi onal cost projected The Lady Northcote vessel which was docked for repairs estimated at over $70M in September, has failed to meet its October deadline with more funds expected to be injected into its repairs. T h i s w a s according to Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, who told GNN earlier today that after the contractor, E. C. Vieira Investments Limited would have commenced work on the vessel, it was realised that additional work needed to be done. Initial parts which were listed to be repaired include; the hull; all underwater parts including the propeller and shaft; interior and exterior decking; main and passenger decks; and servicing of all machinery
on board as well as the generator or the ridge. Positing that the new estimated completion time is now the end of this month, Minister Ferguson disclosed that these additional works are expected to cost more. However, she could not give a fixed figure. In the meantime, the MV Kimbia is the lone vessel plying that route, given that efforts to source a foreign vessel proved futile. The option though, of having a new vessel to support the Kimbia and Northcote along that route is still in the pipeline, Ferguson added. As it relates to limitations of having the one vessel on this route, the Minister revealed that since the docking of the Northcote, the Ministry has not received any complaints from
passengers about delays in travelling time. T h e L a d y Northcote vessel which plies the Georgetown to Mabaruma, North-West District (NWD) route was docked for repairs in September of this year, w i t h E . C . Vi e i r a Investments Limited being contracted to spearhead the “repair and refit” of the vessel. According to Minister of State Joseph Harmon last month, the age and condition of the Lady Northcote which belongs to the Transport and Harbours Department have been a concern of Cabinet, given the route which it traverse. It was noted that in some instances, when the vessel is down, persons would be stranded for as long as a month with their produce
at the Wharf which results in a loss of production. To combat this however, Harmon offered that, “We [Government] wanted to satisfy the people of Region one that
we're going to put in place a very firm type of arrangement that will satisfy them. Over the last couple of years, the service to that region has been most erratic.”
B u t t h e deplorable state of this vessel was as a result of the nature of the route which it traverses. As such, its immediate repairs were seen as necessary.
“RAAM-LEELA” AT LUSIGNAN FROM TOMORROW
Residents of Lusignan and neighbouring villages on the East Coast of Demerara, will over this weekend, experience the splendor and excitement of “Raam-leela” which is a
brief story of the advent of Lord Rama. Enacted by students from various Mandirs ( Te m p l e s ) u n d e r t h e guidance and Pandit Hardesh Tiwarie, “Raam-
leela” also provides an opportunity to educate and remind of the many virtues and pertinent messages through its depiction of some aspects of the Ramayana; a
scriptural injunction that is intertwine with the history of India. L o c a l l y, i t i s k n o w n simply as the story of Lord Rama. The students of various ages have been training for some four months to present through drama and music, this rich cultural event. The presentations will be held at the Gopaul Mandir, Lusignan and commences on Friday, November 6 and continues until Sunday, November 08, 2015. Each evening the show will start at 18:00 hrs (6:00 pm) and a minimal admission of $300.00 is being charged.
Witness protection law to come on board soon -witnesses could have identity changed
Minister Raphael Trotman
Government is seeking to provide protection for witnesses in court matters
through a Bill that is to be laid in the National Assembly soon.
Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman told the media
that Cabinet has approved the draft of the witness protection bill 2015. “The witness protection bill will establish a program for the protection of witnesses who give evidence in the Courts of Guyana,” he stated. He said the legislation will ensure the protection of witnesses and their families against intimidation and or physical harm during and after their involvement in Court proceedings. It will include the establishment of safe houses, granting of assistance to participants and the provision of new identities where necessary. Alluding to the fact that it is more of a
CARICOM crime initiative, Trotman noted that Trinidad, Barbados and Jamaica have already started working with each other where they move witnesses, both before, during, and after trials within each other countries. He pledged that Guyana will avail itself for this type of arrangement as well. “This legislation will give us a sense of uniformity and allow us to enter into that existing framework,” he added. On the issue of funding from the international community, the Minister said the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, a United States based support mechanism will play a major role. R e c e n t l y, t h e
United Kingdom Prime Minister visited Jamaica where he announced that a large grant will be available to Caribbean countries, Guyana is hoping to tap into this. The ability of the criminal justice system of many countries to investigate and prosecute persons involved in serious and organized crime are often limited. One of the challenges in many countries is in obtaining the cooperation of victims and witnesses in order to obtain important information and evidence on such matters. However, witness has proven to be a key tool in addressing this issue.
Several being questioned for America St. robbery
Police sources have confirmed that several persons are being questioned in relation to the daring robbery and shooting on America S t r e e t o n Tu e s d a y evening. According to sources who are close to the investigations, the persons were picked up based on police intelligence. Those picked are from several wards in Georgetown and some of them according sources are known to the police and would have been at one point or another the subject of a police investigation. Those being questioned are however are not in the custody of the police
in A Division but rather the police Criminal Investigation Department in Georgetown. O n Tu e s d a y close to one dozen men armed with weapons and had their face masked stormed the Hinks and America Street junction where they robbed several money changers of cash and other valuables. The incident took place just after 1900hrs in that busy section of the City. From all reports, it was chaos in the City as the gunshots rang out with many persons who were about their business and some
getting home, scrambled for cover as the robbery victims had guns pointed to their bodies and were stripped of their belongings and valuables. One man reported on Tuesday evening that he was robbed of more than one million dollars and gold jewelry. Others who were not willing to speak about the robbery, were made to lay down while all their valuables were taken away. Minister of P u b l i c S e c u r i t y, Khemraj Ranjattan, said the robbery is a huge development and an unusual crime.
Request to reschedule Parliamentary Sitting �New date to be announced Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business, Moses Nagamootoo, today made a request to the S p e a k e r, D r. B a r t o n Scotland, for the Sitting of the National Assembly scheduled for November 12th, 2015, be rescheduled to a later date. The request was made based upon Guyana's attendance at the upcoming Summit of South American-Arab Countries (ASPA) to be held from November 9-13 in Saudi Arabia and which has necessitated the attendance of His Excellency, President David Granger and Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge. The Prime Minister noted that
Guyana's attendance is of critical importance at this time. He pointed that it is of national importance that Guyana, a s a n e m e rg i n g o i l producing state, participate in this strategic summit. ASPA is a bi-regional mechanism for cooperation and political coordination. ASPA is made up of the 22 member states of the League of Arab States and the twelve countries of South America. Also during this same period, several other key government functionaries, Members of Parliament and Clerks of the Assembly are likely to travel overseas to
attend important conferences and training courses. In an effort to ensure a full complement of Members of Parliament in the National Assembly, the Prime Minister had previously requested that the sitting be brought f o r w a r d t o M o n d a y, November 9th, 2015 but he later withdrew that request to the Honourable Speaker as it did not satisfy the requirement of the six-day notice for a change of date. T h e Government has since expressed regret for requesting the rescheduling of the Sitting of the National Assembly of November 12.
Trotman stands by Ramjattan on 2:00 am curfew Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman is in full support of Minister of Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan's decision not to suspend the 2:00 am curfew. This is in light of a call made by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Wednesday for the Minister to remove his decree, in light of the upcoming holiday season. Minister Ramjattan made it clear that he will not budge on the issue, noting that if anything, he will bring forward the time. When questioned by the media on whether consultations should have been held before the Minister said definitively that he will not be revising the 2:00 am curfew Trotman said he endorsed the Ramjattan's decision.
“I would never second guess my brother and colleague, I think I smiled today when I read a comment of his that next they will be asking not to pay taxes.” T r o t m a n reminded that he law of Guyana stipulates that businesses should close at 2, however, he believes that once consultation is started on breaking the law it will create chaos. “I think that if at all consultations should take place about whether or not we should amend the law, but consultation by a Minister of government to not recognise the law is treading on very dangerous grounds,” Trotman told the media. He clarified that the Minister could possibly hold consultations on
whether the law should be revised, but not to break the law. The PSC said it has observed and received reports from its members that the enforcement of the 2:00 am closure for bars and night clubs is having a significant negative impact on businesses within the entertainment industry. T h e Commission stated “In addition, with the upcoming Christmas holidays, we are recommending the extension and relaxation of the 2:00 am edict to facilitate our visitors for Christmas and into the N e w Ye a r . T h i s i s especially so, as we seek to mark the 50th Anniversary of our
Independence in 2016.” The PSC said it is also concerned that this could have a long term negative impact on Guyana's d e v e l o p i n g To u r i s m Industry. H o w e v e r, t h e Minister has threatened to bring forward the curfew to 12:00 am. He is insisting that majority of the road deaths are caused by drinking and driving. In addition, Ramjattan is contending that drinking after 2:00 am is a contributory factor to violent crimes and domestic violence. Three months ago the Minister was asked to relax the 2:00 am curfew but maintained that there will be no waiver. Minister Raphael Trotman
PRIVATE SECTOR RAISED CONCERNS WITH FINANCE MINISTER
PSC delegation with Minister Winston Jordon and officials from the Ministry of Finance
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) raised some of their concerns with Minister of Finance today during a meeting which is part of the 2016 Budget consultations. The PSC delegations was led by its Chairman, Major General (Rtd) Norman Mc. Lean. One of the issues raised was the present state of the economy to which Minister Jordan stated that “information coming out of
the Bureau of Statistics shows that the outlook of the economy remains positive for the rest of the year”. He added that “the first half of the year was affected by a downturn that began in 2014”. The Minister pointed out that at a recent IMF/World Bank Annual Meeting he attended, it was revealed that world economic growth had slowed, and so the challenge
of a slowdown in growth was not peculiar to Guyana. Jordon also said that his Ministry was collaborating closely with the Hon. Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, to improve the ease of doing business in Guyana, which in turn would effect an improvement in Guyana's ranking in the Doing Business indicators. He told the PSC that the government was
pursuing new markets for rice to which there have been very encouraging responses while noting that for the first time in the recent past sugar production had exceeded the target. The PSC welcomed the news that Private Sector Credit and production had increased. The PSC also raised challenges with the VAT R e f u n d s s y s t e m employed by the GRA, to which the Minister pointed to the functioning Tax Reform Commission as well as the impending audit of the entity will ensure that the challenges raised will be addressed. The PSC welcomed the improvements being made at Go-Invest to make it a truly 'one stop agency' but cautioned that the bureaucratic malaise of the past should not be continued. The body also noted that the recent expansion of airlift capacity for cargo out of Guyana should be seen as an opportunity to boost diversification of the Agriculture sector into fresh fruits and vegetables which are in high demand in the North American and
Caribbean markets. They urged Government to invest in laboratories and other devices that would ensure certification and accreditation. The PSC also discussed other issues for consideration in the 2016 budget, including corporate, personal and property taxes – written submissions on these had been sent to the Tax Reform Commission; interior roads and airstrips; export marketing support; liberalization of the telecommunications sector and the National Competitiveness Strategy. In response to the issue of airstrips, Minister Jordan informed the PSC that funding has already been approved for the upgrade of two airstrips and discussions are ongoing with international funding agencies for the upgrade of several others. He added that there was common ground between his Ministry and the issues raised by the PSC. Minister Jordan and the PSC agreed to meet quarterly in the interest of closer collaboration. During the meeting
Minister Jordon took the opportunity to inform the Commission on some latest statistics coming out from the Bank of Guyana. The stats show that thePrivate Sector Credit and Production have seen 6 percent growth for the period January to October and projected that this growth will continue into the final quarter of 2015. Likewise, other positive economic indicators showed Real Estate Mortgage loans rising by 12 percent, and Construction and Engineering by 9 percent. According to a statement from the Finance Ministry, “on the production side, Rice grew by 15 percent between January to July; and Sugar by 4 percent for the period January to October, while positive growth was recorded for diamonds, eggs, poultry meat and electricity, among other sectors”. Jordan said this should boost investors' confidence in the economy as well as catalyze the Private Sector to renew their resolve to increase their investments in production as well as value added services.
Guyana/Barbados to widen relations -a number of projects to be implemented
Vice-President Carl Greenidge at the signing of the agreement in Barbados
The governments of Guyana and Barbados have agreed to forge ahead with a number of projects
allowing for the widening of relations between the two countries through the signing of a third joint
commission. T h i s w a s facilitated following a delegation from Guyana, led by Foreign Affairs
Minister Carl Greenidge, which recently travelled to Barbados. Briefing the press on Thursday, Minister of Governance, Raphael Tr o t m a n , s t a t e d t h a t Greenidge had reported to Cabinet that the Guyana delegation met with Barbados Prime Minister, Freundel Stuart and other Ministers his Government to foster relations for national development. He said the G u y a n a / Ve n e z u e l a controversy was also discussed. Greenidge also held meetings with the Education Minister of Barbados on matters dealing with CXC and e d u c a t i o n g e n e r a l l y, Trotman said. “We were quite
happy because what we are seeing is a warming up or a hotting -up because we don't have cold relations with Barbados, but following this meeting our relations are going to become closer, Trotman added.” H e s a i d government is looking forward to the successful implementation of the various projects relating to maritime cooperation in particular and tourism as well. T h e t w o countries established formal diplomatic relations on November 30, 1966. At the inaugural Joint Commission meeting in 2007 in Georgetown, Guyana, it
was agreed that Joint Commission meetings should take place biennially and alternately in Guyana and Barbados. This meeting resulted in the two sides identifying a number of agreed areas of cooperation in which joint endeavours could be pursued. Specific areas in which decisions have been made include investment and exports, tourism, hospitality and air services, agriculture and fisheries, maritime administration and marine affairs, education, immigration and security, culture, and youth and sports.
No more monies for GuySuCo Commission Of Inquiry -Trotman In light of Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, seeking clarity on the report compiled from the Commission of Inquiry (COI) that was conducted into the operations of the G u y a n a S u g a r Corporation (GuySuCo), the question is being asked whether more monies will be plugged into the Commission in order for a final report to be submitted. H o w e v e r, Governance Minister Raphael Trotman during a
media conference today, at the Ministry of the Presidency, clarified that no more monies will be spent on the commission. The report is finished, the work of the Commission is in its finalizing stage, Tr o t m a n s t a t e d . H e explained that while the Minister is seeking some clarifications into recommendations from the Commission the life of the commission has not been extended “or that one dollar more than necessary is going to be
spent.” Minister Holder had explained that “the preliminary report came in but what the agreement with the COI is that they have to give a preliminary report, the government is supposed to look at that and request whatever further information they'll need. We've gotten that report and we've asked them to clarify that, that and that and in 20 days time, they were supposed to come back with the final report.”
Minister Raphael Trotman
He highlighted that given the importance of the decisions to be taken, the investigation and recommendations must be done properly. “This is an important decision, it is the future of the sugar industry so we are taking our 'pain' to make sure we get it right” the Minister stressed. H o w e v e r, Trotman disclosed that Cabinet, at its Tuesday meeting decided that a special day will be identified before the end of the month for the receipt of the report, its
consideration and all related matters to GuySuCo and sugar. The final report which contains findings and recommendations on the way forward for the sugar industry, could see major changes implemented quite shortly in the sector. The report when submitted will have to be to be perused and deliberated on by Cabinet before any action is taken. The members of the CoI were: Parvatan (Chairman); Professor Clive Thomas (Financial
and Economic Analysis); Dr Harold Davis and John Piggot (Agronomists); John Dow and Joseph Alfred (Factory O p e r a t i o n s ) ; G e o rg e J a m e s ( S u g a r Processing); Nowrang Persaud (Industrial Relations); Claude Housty (Marketing); Seepaul Narine, who was the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) representative and Omadatt Chandan who s e r v e d a s t h e Commission's Secretary.
M&CC TO BETTER CO-ORDINATE ROAD BLOCKS FOR CITYCLEAN UP ‐Follows complaints of inconvenience by drivers
The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is looking to have a more structured collaboration with the traffic department
when blocking roads for the ongoing clean-up campaign to avoid inconvenience to drivers and other road users.
“We are looking to co-ordinate that and that will be in place shortly…we'll put something in place
because it can be a traffic hazard and we understand we ought to be courteous to persons who use the roads in that area…I don't
wanna give you a deadline” Lewis said. GNN also spoke to 'A' Division Commander Clifton Hicken who says the traffic police has to play a major role to avoid the traffic congestion. H i c k e n explained that “if they're cleaning up the street, it is not a permanent arrangement so it does not need to sanctioned by Minister, all they need to call the police, tell the police they wanna clean up the street, it is for the benefit of the country, the traffic police will go out there and redivert the traffic. It is not that they close off the road, we will just divert the traffic for a period in which they're
cleaning”. Drivers have been complaining that while the cleanup is an excellent initiative, the blocking of the roads needs to be done in a more structured manner as it affects those who are not aware of the streets that are blocked until they get to the location and have to divert. They noted that if persons are told beforehand, they will try to avoid certain streets, therefore minimizing the traffic that has to be diverted.
Green Recreational Park for Georgetown Minister within Ministry of the Presidency, who has responsibilities for Governance, Raphael Trotman earlier today revealed that Cabinet this week has approved the transformation of Durban Park area, just behind the 1763 Monument, into a Green Zone Recreational Park. According to the Minister, Government, through Cabinet has a p p r o v e d t h e
transformation of the area into “a green zone, a green space, and more in keeping with recreational facility where the young and the elderly can exercise”. The idea behind this move, he noted, is to transform the area into an available park that erodes the "bad scenes" of a developing forest. This, he said, would provide residents (especially) f r o m n e a r - b y
communities to enjoy in their leisure time. Further, he is of the conviction that the site can possibly become a replica of the Washington Monument experience, where thousands gather for rallies and the like, on an almost routine basis. Tr o t m a n a l s o hinted at the possibility of some concessionaires selling and operation of food and refreshment facilities.
Three in custody following Mahaicony robbery Following an operation which commenced as early as 0400hrs this morning, the police have been able to capture an additional two bandits who robbed a supermarket at Mahaicony and terrorized its proprietress and workers. The Guyana News Network was reliably informed that the police have also been able to recover a 9mm Pistol suspected to have been used during the midafternoon robbery yesterday.
Police sources who have spoken with this news site revealed that the of the two bandits who were caught earlier today, one received chop wounds about his body while the other was shot by the police. In explaining the chop wounds, the police source stated that the bandits were hiding beneath some leaves in a farm land and while the farmers were clearing the area with the use of cutlasses one of the bandits was chopped.
Ranks are still on the hunt for the others. According to information four men robbed the business place and one was caught yesterday afternoon as they were fleeing in the victim's car. The car has since been recovered by the police after it ended up in a trench after a chase by one of the owners of the business. Public spirited persons turned out in their numbers and unleashed a beating on the captured suspect while the other
three made good their escape. Today the Guyana News Network while in the area observed that the police were seen searching close by areas with a K-9 Dog and metal detector as they received information of where the final suspect might be hiding. The business woman who requested to remain off camera, told GNN that three of the four men stormed her business place and one was acting as a lookout. She related that
The getaway car at the Police station
she and others present at the time were beaten and robbed of cash and jewelry during the process. Most of the ordeal was caught on
camera and the police are reviewing the footage to see what other clues they can unearth that might lead to the arrest of the final suspect.
Pesticide Board to make Gramaxone 'Restricted'
As the instances of pesticide being used as a method of suicide, the P e s t i c i d e a n d To x i c Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) is working to make it more difficult to access Gramoxone which
is often used. A source at the PTCCB today noted that Gramaxone is currently listed as a general pesticide which means it does not require any form of identification to be
purchased, however the board is working to have it listed as 'restricted'. He explained that “it (gramaxone) is currently being considered and then it will have to go through gazetting before it become restricted so we are working on that one…Restricted use pesticide is, you have to have an ID and you have to have clearance from someone who are in authority; e.g. Monocrotophos; if someone goes to buy that, there are only few vendors who sell it (one) and two, the vendor will have to have that person identification and a statement from , let's say NAREI (National Agriculture Research and Extension Institution) in this case, that that person
is an established coconut cultivator so they can have access to that pesticide”. Despite the fact that pesticides is meant to be sold to farmers, the laws does not restrict the purchase of registered pesticide to anyone else, he noted. “There is no law, we can only act based on the regulations and there is no law to say a person, because how would you know that the person is not a farmer. So our law doesn't cover for the sale of (unless it is a restricted use pesticide then only persons who have certain identification process will be having access to that) but In terms of 'General used pesticide (which they are registered as), then the general use pesticide is available to whoever come and buy them” the
source said. The Pesticide a n d To x i c C h e m i c a l Control Act and Regulations covers the requirements for person vending. Pesticides currently listed as “restricted” includes Aluminum Phosphide, Monocrotophos, Oxfamil, Metanil and DDT. Only this week, a couple who is believed to have committed suicide at the Kingston Seawall was found to be in the possession of receipts from Caribbean Chemicals Limited on Croal Street showing the purchase of Tritox (an insecticide used for cash crops including bouanger plants) and 'Super-Zone' (Gramazone made by a different company and therefore labelled such).
The receipts was retrieved from the right pocket of the dead man. The bodies of Kavita Ackloo and Ramesh Beharry were discovered by passersby on Monday last (November, 02) at the Kingston seawalls around 17.00 hrs. There were many other cases where Gramaxone was used as a method of suicide, especially in the farming communities in Essequibo and Berbice. Guyana remains the country with the highest suicide rate with the ingestion of Poison being the major contributor. In 2014, the Wo r l d H e a l t h O rg a n i s a t i o n ( W H O ) released its inaugural Global Report on suicide prevention in which is sited Guyana as having the highest estimated suicide rate globally.
Another outgoing Investigation passenger busted launched after newborn fell with cocaine off bed The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has launched an investigation to determine what would have led to a one-hour old baby falling off a A female passenger on a Caribbean Airlines flight bound for Trinidad and Tobago was early this morning taken into custody at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) after a quantity of cocaine was found in her possession.
The woman, Odessa Pollard, of East La Penitence, is believed to have hid the cocaine in milk powder packets. The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU), conducted a
search that led to the discovery of the cocaine. She is the latest to be nabbed at the country's main airport for trying to traffic illicit drugs.
hospital bed. According to statement from the hospital, the baby was born on Tuesday, November 03, 2015, and within an hour, fell.
T h e statement noted that the baby's condition is being monitored and that some injuries were revealed following related tests.
Head of UG Law Dept. dies following accident Head of the University of Guyana (UG) Law Department, Sheldon McDonald, died last evening, following a vehicular accident which he was involved in on Friday last. On Friday evening, following the Law Department's annual social which was held at King's Plaza, McDonald was reportedly heading home when a vehicle slammed into the car he was driving at the time, after which his vehicle s t r u c k a n o t h e r. T h e accident took place in Success Village, East Coast Demerara.
The Jamaican national, who served the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat for a number of years, sustained serious injuries to his chest and body and was immediately admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Reports reaching GNN also indicated that due to the critical state he was in, the regional scholar was kept under observation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at GPHC. According to one of his final year Law students, he was made
aware of McDonald's death about 10:00pm and immediately contacted the hospital to confirm whether the reports were true. "I was told by Dr Rambarran that he [McDonald] had multiple injuries and was being managed by General surgery and orthopedics. He became unconscious [last] evening and by the time the doctors got to him (minutes) he has already succumbed" the student told his colleagues. Several other students, including the current President of the Law Department, Chevy
Devonish, expressed their shock at his demise, given that reports emanating a few days ago suggested that he was recovering. McDonald, who considered himself "a Caribbean scholar," were one of the contributors to the Revised Treaty of Chagaramus which is the binding document upon which CARICOM currently exists. He leaves to mourn 4 sons who currently reside in Guyana.
Sheldon McDonald
Rice industry is being robbed by low price - Seeraj General Secretary of the Rice Producers Association ( R PA ) , D h a r a m k u m a r Seeraj says the rice industry is being robbed as Guyana is selling its rice below the world market price. He made this remark in light of a comment made by Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder that several countries are lined up waiting to purchase rice from Guyana. “If countries are lining up, they are lining up now in my view because Guyana is practically giving away its rice and the rice board has pleaded with them to implement minimum prices for export of rice and paddy so as to protect Guyana's industry,” Seeraj noted. According to the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP), there is a situation whereby a lot of millers and exporters are now fighting one another in Guyana as against Guyana operating as a unit to compete with external competition. “He added that “The competition is here, some companies are signing up large contracts for very prices and some of
these prices are way below world market price.” He highlighted that in the absence of a regulatory function and policy arrangement the industry is operating in a chaotic manner. He opined that the industry is being robbed of essential revenues that could have addressed the concerns of millers, exporters and farmers. Seeraj said the high price market has always been a problem for Guyana. “If we produce 650,000 tonnes of rice we can sell it out in one month for USD$100 per tonne and then the entire country will be bankrupt because there is no way Guyana's industry can survive on that.” the PPP/C MP explained. He said he was made to understand that some people sold rice now for USD$150 per tonne of paddy, he deemed this “utter nonsense.” This he says shows a lack of coordination, direction and leadership in the industry in addressing a sector that is critical. He reminded that it was stated in Parliament last year that rice was the
single largest earner of foreign exchange. “That is how critical rice is and if you're going to knock rice b e c a u s e o f t h e R PA , because of the farmers in rural areas, you're knocking the country, you're knocking basically your macro-economic and stability.” He pointed out that farmers are already on the breadline Turning his attention to the Venezuela rice market issue, Seeraj noted that it will be hard to replace since Venezuela bought rice from Guyana for a higher price than all other countries. Seeraj further explained that “If Venezuela accounted for 38 percent of our export by volumes of rice and paddy it accounted for about 7578 percent of export earnings and that it the significance of the Venezuela market.” He posited that whichever market replaces the Ve n e z u e l a m a r k e t b y quantity will fall way short in terms of value. Dharamkumar Seeraj
HEALTH
TAPEWORM MAY HAVE INFECTED MAN WITH CANCEROUS CELLS Scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified a puzzling and unsettling new cancer-like illness in a 41year-old man, who is believed to have become infected through a common stomach bug. The case — the first known transmission of cancer cells from a parasite to a human — involves an HIV patient from Colombia who developed multiple, large tumors in various parts of his body. Local doctors biopsied those tumors and found that the cells acted like cancer cells in their destructiveness but were strange in other respects. For one, they were about 10 times smaller than normal human cancer cells. The doctors contacted the CDC for help.
A t i s Muehlenbachs, an agency pathologist in the special unit that investigates unexplained mystery illnesses and deaths, wasn't sure what to make of the cell samples when he and his team received them in 2013. The cells' growth pattern was cancer-like, they noticed, with overcrowding and a high rate of multiplication. But the cells also fused together, which is rare for human cells. One early theory, Muehlenbachs said in an interview Wednesday, was that they could be a new type of infectious organism. But after performing dozens of tests, the team discovered the cells contained DNA snippets of a dwarf tapeworm, Hymenolepis
nana. That analysis was verified by a researcher and tapeworm expert at the Natural History Museum in London. "In the initial months, we wondered if this was a weird human cancer or some unusual, bizarre emerging protozoa-amoebalike infection," he recalled. "Discovering these cells had tapeworm DNA was a big surprise — a really big surprise." T h e C D C researchers, who published their findings Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine, now think the Colombian man may have ingested some microscopic tapeworm eggs, most likely in food contaminated by mouse droppings, insects or human feces. Because of the
man's compromised immune system, the tapeworms multiplied rapidly inside his gastrointestinal tract and the cells invaded other parts of his
body. It's unclear whether the cells in the tapeworm eggs exhibited cancer-like properties before
they entered the man's body or whether some interaction between the parasite and his body then caused them to become cancerous.
COULD SMOKING MARIJUANA RELIEVE SEVERE MORNING SICKNESS?
Medical marijuana may be an untapped source of relief for pregnant women suffering from severe morning sickness. On its own, marijuana uses remains heavily debated: The Daily Beast cited that 23 states so far have "recognized marijuana for its medical benefit" and allow it to be legally prescribed, while other states are only recently considering the idea of
legalization. But even in states where it's legal, The Daily Beast has found that many physicians still refuse to sign off on medical licenses for pregnant women. This is to be expected when national guidelines typically warn against marijuana use during pregnancy. This past July, The American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists (ACOG) r e l e a s e d n e w recommendations inspired by the increased prevalence of marijuana. To ACOG, women who are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy should avoid marijuana based on the findings "endocannabinoids play key roles in normal fetal brain d e v e l o p m e n t . " Endocannabinoids are receptors that the main ingredient of marijuana, THC, clings on to. And there are some studies that find marijuana use during pregnancy may triple the risk of premature and stillbirth. Yet, for Trinity
Dogood, medical marijuana was the only thing that offered her relief from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) — "an overlooked pregnancy disease marked by rapid weight loss, malnutrition and dehydration due to unrelenting nausea and/or vomiting," the Hyperemesis Education & Research (HER) Foundation reported. It's also reportedly the leading cause for hospitalization in early pregnancy. Dogood told The Daily Beast that her doctor hadn't prescribed much else for her symptoms than making sure she got her recommended dose of
vitamin D. When she'd exhausted several natural remedies for otherwise relief, including essential oils, her boyfriend produced marijuana for the two of them to smoke. "I couldn't stop heaving long enough to take a hit from the pipe, so he took a hit and blew it into my face," Dogood said. Soon after that Dogood stopped "vomiting up stomach acid." Dogood is one of an increasing number of women considering medical marijuana. One 2014 study published in the Hawai'i Journal of Medicine & Public Health found that Hawaii women who reported severe nausea during pregnancy
were significantly more likely to report use of marijuana during pregnancy than those who did not report severe nausea. In Hawaii, medical marijuana use has been legal since the year 2000. Dr. Anthony Anzalone, a general practitioner from New Jersey, told The Daily Beast that marijuana could be potentially risky for the fetus. But, he says, the risks of untreated HG could be even more harmful. "I did obstetrics for 25 years," Anzalone said. "On a scale from 1 to 10 [in terms of severity], [HG] is off the charts…marijuana would h e l p t r e m e n d o u s l y. " (Adapted from MSN)
ARE BROWN EGGS REALLY HEALTHIER THAN WHITE EGGS? The question: Do brown eggs pack more nutrients than their white counterparts? The expert: Nutritionist Alexandra Caspero, R.D., owner of the weight-management and sports-nutrition service Delicious Knowledge The verdict: As far as foods—pasta, flour, bread, you know the drill—go, brown is typically healthier than white. But open your egg carton and that nutrition rule flies straight out of the fridge. Brown eggs and white eggs are, nutritionally at least, exactly same: about 70 calories, 6 grams of protein, and a generous helping of B vitamins. So why the different hues? "White-feathered chickens lay white eggs. Brown feather chickens lay brown eggs. It's as simple as that," Caspero says.
Chances are that brown eggs owe their superior health reputation to their inflated price tag. But as Caspero explains, brown eggs cost more than white eggs simply because they cost more to produce. Brown chickens are larger than their white cousins, so they eat more food, which in turn costs farmers more. And guess who pays for that? You. Of course, this exception to the nutritional rule has its own exception. Exactly what those farmers feed their chickens, be they brown or white, influences their eggs' impact on your health. For instance, vegetarian-fed chickens aren't ever fed other chickens. (Gross, yes, and oddly reminiscent of Soylent Green, but it happens, Caspero says.) Meanwhile, organically raised, cage-free hens aren't fed anything that's been treated with antibiotics or pesticides and often have access to natural feed found in the great outdoors. The next time you're in the dairy aisle, don't judge an egg by its color—find out what the farmer fed the hen that laid it. (MSN)
OUR WORLD
Boy asks judge to keep mom in prison
Shannon Smith (left) with Brooklynn, Robert Takach and Bradyn
When Bradyn Smith was 4, his father put him in time-out and his mother got mad. He said he heard his parents fighting. He said he saw his father shove his
mother. Then, he said, he watched his mother grab a knife, drive it through his father's chest and toss it into the sink. His father, Robert Takach, died at the
hospital at age 25. H i s m o t h e r, Shannon Smith, now 29, was convicted of v o l u n t a r y manslaughter and tampering with
evidence in the 2009 slaying. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Smith appeared Wednesday in court in Warren County, Ohio, to ask for early release.
In anticipation, her now 10-year-old son, Bradyn, penned a letter to the judge, asking him to keep his mother behind bars. “Dear Judge Peeler: I feel that my mom should stay in prison because I seen her stab my dad clean through the heart with my sister in his arms,” Bradyn wrote in pencil. “…Life for me would be 10 times better if mom didn't kill my dad because that took a big amount of happiness out of mine and my sister's life.” At Wednesday's hearing, the judge set Smith's release date for December 2016, marking seven years of incarceration, her a t t o r n e y, C h a r l i e Rittgers, said. For three years after her release, she will be on community control, which is similar to probation, and she will be on house arrest the first year.
Ta k a c h ' s mother, Patty Todd, said in an interview after the hearing that she was still in shock. “The judge said she needed to be out to be there for her children — but her children are afraid of her,” Todd said. “She took a life in front of her children. The court just disregarded the children's lives, my son's life.” B y m o s t accounts, Smith and Takach had a rough relationship. The two met when they were children and, in 2004, had one of their own: Bradyn. The new parents moved in together and, in 2007, had a girl, whom they name Brooklynn. But violence, drugs and alcohol kept coming between them. (Adapted from(MSN)
Workers discover 19th century burial vault under New York City Park Wo r k e r s u p g r a d i n g water mains under New York City's Washington Square Park this week discovered a vault containing a large pile of skeletal remains dating back approximately 200 years. Officials from the city's Department of Design and Construction told Newsday that the vault measured 8 feet deep, 15 feet wide and 20 feet long. It contained the remains of at least a dozen people. Anthropologists and archaeologists would be asked to investigate the vault to determine its exact age. The agency told DNAInfo that work on the project would
continue as planned south of the burial site. The vault was discovered east of the park, in an area surrounded by New Yo r k U n i v e r s i t y buildings. The land where the park is now located was a so-called potter's field, or public burial ground, between 1797 and 1825. The city bought the land the following year and turned it into a military parade ground, and then a park. Historians have estimated that approximately 20,000 people were buried underneath the park. (Fox News)
Regional
Regional
Boy dies of suspected swine flu in T&T
A 15-year-old Couva boy H o s p i t a l ( S F G H ) , is suspected of having yesterday. According to died of the dreaded H1N1 reports, the boy was President Nicolas Maduro Flu Virus (swine flu) while brought to the Hospital warded at the Intensive e x h i b i t i n g a d v a n c e d Care Unit (ICU) of the San symptoms of pneumonia F e r n a n d o G e n e r a l and was warded at the
ICU unit where he was reportedly placed on a respirator. H o w e v e r doctors were unable to save him and he died early yesterday morning. Contacted for comment, SFGH medical director Anand Chatoorgoon, in a text message, noted that the cause of death had not been confirmed. “Yes a boy died, but H1N1 not confirmed,” Chatoorgoon stated, adding, “I have not seen laboratory reports, so I can't say if the pneumonia was caused by
the H1N1, but it is possible.” There has been one confirmed H1N1 death at the hospital, that of a Siparia resident Cherrie Ryce, some three weeks ago. Meanwhile, SWRHA chief executive officer, Anil Gosine, said there were four additional suspected cases of persons exhibiting symptoms of pneumonia, but reiterated that only laboratory testing would be able to verify whether it was the disease. He said the influenza vaccine would
shortly be given at its health centres throughout the south west region. “The Ministry of Health will procure and send to the health centres through the county medical officer of health offices,” Gosine said. “I don't think it is an epidemic,” Gosine said adding, “there is no need to panic, but at the same time, it's a virus. As with most virus, when you get it you have to drink a lot o f l i q u i d s , w a t e r. ” Symptoms include cough; fever; sore throat; stuffy or runny nose; body aches, headache; chills
a n d
f a t i g u e .
Like the regular flu, H1N1 can lead to more serious problems including pneumonia, a lung infection, and other breathing problems. And it can make an illness like diabetes or asthma worse. Persons with symptoms like shortness of breath, severe vomiting, pains in the belly or sides, dizziness, or confusion should seek medical attention immediately. (Adapted from the Tr i n i d a d N e w s d a y )
PRISON OFFICERS THREATEN SHUTDOWN The government has been given an ultimatum by the nation's prison officers. Act within a month to improve the security of officers or face protest action designed to shut down the entire service. The ultimatum comes as prison officers reacted to the murder on Monday of Prison Superintendent David Millette who was gunned down in his car outside his Morvant home. The warning from prison officers came even as National Security Minister Edmund Dillon met yesterday with the Prison Service's Executive at the Maximum Security Prison (MSP), Golden Grove in Arouca.
Speaking during a break in the meeting, Dillon indicated that two of the demands of prison officers: to be provided with firearms and given security outside of the prisons - are being considered. As prison officers threatened to shut down the prison system, Prisons Commissioner Sterling Stewart appealed to officers to, “continue to be strong and walk with God.” “We are targeted. We are a target”. People believe we are an easy target. It is necessary for all officers to be aware of who they are, what we are doing and walk with that
consciousness and understanding, that their safety and security are i m p o r t a n t , ” Commissioner Stewart said. Prison Officers Association (POA) president Ceron Richards told Newsday the Association is demanding that officers be armed; officers living in high risk areas be immediately relocated to Housing D e v e l o p m e n t Corporation (HDC) homes where they will be more secure; a new policy for the allocation of prison officers be developed and approved by Cabinet in one month and legislation to ensure the protection of
officers come to Parliament in one month's time. Richards warned if the Association's demands are not met, “there will be serious implications for the prison system.” Asked to explain what those implications were, Richards stated point blank, “The jail will shut down!” Saying it has been over 20 years that prison officers are being shot at and their lives threatened, Richards said s e v e r a l p a s t administrations including the former People's Partnership, failed to treat with the concerns of prison officers. He stated while
“hope springs eternal” with every new administration, prison officers are not going to be comforted by political rhetoric and are demanding tangible steps to be taken to protect them. Richards expressed
disappointment that after being in office for two months, Minister Dillon was yet to meet with Association members. (Adapted from the Trinidad Newsday)
Medical Student murdered The University of Technology (UTech) Students' Council and the University of West Indies (UWI) Mona Guild of students have condemned yesterday's “brutal murder” of a 22year-old UTech medical student. The woman, identified as Shanique Walters, was shot dead in Hope Pastures, St Andrew last evening during a reported robbery while on her way home from school. Police reports are that Walters and another female student
were walking along Hope Boulevard when men in a motorcar demanded that the two hand over their h a n d b a g s . Wa l t e r s allegedly ran off and one of the men exited the motor vehicle then shot her. The other student, who had reportedly complied was unharmed. T h e U Te c h Students' Union Council who expressed sadness at the news in a statement last evening said it is time that young people take a stand against the violence that persists in
the country against youths. Meanwhile, the UWI Mona Guild this morning issued a release stating: “This has been a trend for far too long and it's about time these criminal elements stop preying on our university students.” The student-led organization expressed that “while crime continues to plague the nation, it is a harder hit when students are the victims of these attacks, primarily because they are future of Jamaica and
the hope for a less violent nation lies within the parameters of students”. “Our hearts go out to the family of the deceased and we join with the UTech student body in mourning,” the UWI release said. The UTech student body also issued a plea for all students and university officials to wear black today “to end the silence and stop the violence against our nation's youth”. (Jamaican Observer)
INTERNATIONAL
Canada's first cabinet with equal number of men and women
Canada's new Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has named a young and ethnically diverse cabinet, with a ministerial team that for the first time in the country's history is equally balanced between men and women. The ministers – 15 women and 15 men – are mostly aged under 50, in a team mar k in g b o th a generational change and a commitment to reflecting Canada's diversity. “It's important to be here before you today to
present to Canada a cabinet that looks like Canada,” Trudeau said on Wednesday soon after he was officially sworn-in as the country's 23rd Prime Minister – the secondyoungest in its history. Asked to explain his gender parity promise, he answered: “Because it's 2015.” Many of the incoming female ministers have been given key roles, including former journalist Chrystia
Freeland – now in charge of international trade – and Maryam Monsef, who fled Afghanistan as a refugee 20 years ago and will oversee the democratic reform p o r t f o l i o . Tr u d e a u ' s cabinet also includes two aboriginal members of Parliament and three Sikh politicians. But the Prime Minister also included some of the Liberal party's old guard, putting former party leader
Stéphane Dion in foreign affairs and giving one of his closest advisers, MP Dominic LeBlanc, the role of government leader in the House of Commons. Trudeau is the son of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, one of Canada's most recognizable and longest serving Prime Ministers. But he said he wasn't reflecting on his father's legacy during Wednesday's swearing-in. An MP since 2008, Trudeau led the
Mexican Supreme Court opens door to legalizing marijuana
The Mexican Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled to allow a small group to use recreational marijuana legally, opening the door to nationwide legalization and a potential new front in a drug war whose violence has devastated the country.
The 4-1 decision allows four representatives of a group to plant, transport and smoke marijuana for recreational use and declared unconstitutional five articles of a health act that banned the use and cultivation of the drug. The group, known as Smart by its Spanish acronym, argued before the court that the current drug policy has been ineffective and regressive, and it also interferes with the private lives of individuals. The group also argued that there's no evidence that regulation of legalized pot would increase drug use and violence. In fact, the opposite may occur, the group argued. The court ruling, which applies only to the four individuals seeking protection, said the prohibition of recreational marijuana can affect personal freedom. The Supreme Court ruling sets a precedent and puts the issue before the legislative and executive branches for further
centrist Liberals to ' a resounding victory in Octobers federal election, replacing Stephen Harper's Conservatives, who held power for nine years. The mandate gives him the opportunity to undo some of the former Prime Minister's record, including amending sections of controversial anti-terror legislation and pulling Canadian forces out of the US-led coalition against Islamic State. In a dig at his
p r e d e c e s s o r, Tr u d e a u promised cabinet members would have significant independence with their files. “Government by cabinet is back,” he said. Harper was known for centralizing power around the Prime Minister's office during his tenure and dominating the policy decisions being implemented by his own Ministers. (Adapted from MSN)
study, said Lisa Sanchez, director of the nongovernmental organization Mexico United Against Crime, whose members helped form Smart. The ruling shows there "exists an excessive, intrusive and unnecessary prohibition" against recreational marijuana, Sanchez said. "It's a paradigm shift with newly expanded liberties and rights," Sanchez told CNN en Español. President Enrique Peña Nieto has opposed the legalization of drugs. His country has waged war against drugs and drug-dealing cartels that have left tens of thousands of people dead or missing. The United States has long backed the Mexican government's battle against drug cartels, whose illegal product ends up for sale and consumption on American streets. But on Wednesday, the Mexican President took to Twitter, saying he respected and recognized the court decision on recreational marijuana and added the court ruling opens a debate on what is the best form of regulation to inhibit drug use. "Mexico has promoted in international forums, including the U.N., a broad discussion to address the global challenge of drugs," Peña tweeted. (Adapted from CNN)
INTERNATIONAL
'Significant possibility' ISIS bomb
brought down Russian plane Britain's Foreign Secretary said Thursday that there was a "significant possibility" that an affiliate of the Islamic State terror group (ISIS) brought down a Russian passenger plane in Egypt's unstable Sinai P e n i n s u l a S a t u r d a y, killing 224 people. The statement by Philip Hammond came hours after a U.S. intelligence source confirmed to Fox News that intelligence agencies have preliminary evidence, including intercepts, suggesting a bomb brought down Metrojet Flight 9268. Fox News also confirmed that the flight's passenger manifest is being run through watch lists and terror databases in the U.S. to identify suspect individuals. The flight that crashed Saturday was traveling from Sharm ElShaik to St. Petersburg when it crashed 23 minutes after takeoff. The overwhelming majority of
the dead were Russian vacationers who were returning home. On Wednesday, ISIS released a fresh claim of responsibility for downing the jet on a social media account well known to intelligence circles, an intelligence source told Fox News. The message said the onus was not on ISIS to explain how they brought down the plane, but it was up to the West to figure it out. A U.S. official briefed on the investigation told the Associated Press that there had been no formal judgment rendered by the CIA or other intelligence agencies, and that forensic evidence from the blast site, including the airplane's black box, was still being analyzed. The official added that intelligence analysts don't believe the operation was ordered by Islamic State leaders in Raqqa, Syria. Rather, they believe that if it was a
bomb, it was planned and executed by the Islamic State's affiliate in the Sinai, which operates autonomously. A spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin insisted that aviation investigators
were working on all possible theories as to why the Airbus A320-200 crashed and said naming just one possibility was mere speculation. "One cannot rule out a single theory, but at this point there are no reasons
to voice just one theory as reliable -- only investigators can do that," Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow. E g y p t i a n Antiquities Minister Mamdouh Eldamaty also rejected the U.S. and
British allegations outright. "(The crash) not a terror act. It was an accident," he declared (It's) very sad what happened, but we have to wait for the result of the investigation."
Lara, Ambrose for All-Star contests West Indies icons Brian Lara and Sir Curtly Ambrose join Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne, for the All-Star lineup of cricketers in three Twenty20 Matches in the United States N e w Yo r k C i t y (November 7), Houston (November 11) and Los
Angeles (November 14). There will also be an hour-long special ESPNcricinfo Legends' C o r n e r, w h i c h w i l l stream live on ESP N P l a y a n d ESPNcricinfo.com, and on ESPN Caribbean today at 8 pm. ESP N has
entered into an agreement to deliver coverage of the forthcoming “Cricket All-Stars” series to fans around the world. The Cricket AllStars features 30 of the most recognisable names in recent cricket h i s t o r y .
These global superstars will be playing three T20 matches in Major League Baseball stadiums for the first time ever. Tendulkar and Warne will captain two t e a m s . ( Tr i n i d a d Newsday)
Brian Lara
ENG vs PAK – Third Test
England crumbles to crushing loss It took until the final day of the final Test but Pakistan at last managed a reprise of England's 2012 nightmare against spin. They needed less than half of the overs available to polish off victory in Sharjah, Yasir Shah taking the first and last wickets to fall as Pakistan skipped home by a 127-run margin for a 2-0 win that will lift them to No. 2 in the ICC Test rankings. Alastair Cook resisted almost until the end, ninth man out for 63, but his team had been cut adrift during a dizzying first hour when they lost 4 for 11 in five overs. The conditions were perhaps not as treacherous as England's batsmen made them look but Yasir and Zulfiqar Babar did not need encouragement to prey on the slightest hesitation or indecision.
They collected six of the eight remaining wickets, evoking the damage inflicted by Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman last time around, not to mention their own exploits against Australia and New Zealand 12 months ago. With Shoaib Malik completing his final Test appearance by taking a seven-wicket haul, it meant Pakistan's spinners had collected 9 for 101 in England's second innings. That was nearly half as many wickets as England's trio of Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid and Samit Patel managed in the entire series. With 15 from just two Tests, Yasir reigned supreme. Defeat by a twoTest margin means England will slip to No. 6 in the rankings. Pakistan's
legspinner had trained with Shane Warne before the match and this was a finalday dismantling of which the Australian would have been proud. Joe Root, the No. 1-ranked batsman recently referred to by a team-mate as one of the best players of spin in the world, was lbw to Yasir's fourth ball of the morning, back when he should have been forward, and it caused a detonation as brutally effective as pulling the pin from a grenade. Scores: -Pakistan 234 (Misbah 71, Anderson 417) and 355 (Hafeez 151, Broad 3-44) beat England 306 (Taylor 76, Malik 4-33) and 156 (Cook 63, Yasir 444, Malik 3-26) by 127 runs. ( A d a p t e d f ro m Espncricinfo.com)
AUS vs NZ – First Test
Khawaja, Warner hundreds flatten NZ
Batting first after the captain Steven Smith won the toss, David Warner and Joe Burns weathered the new ball spells of Tim Southee and Trent Boult before accelerating to a union of 161. Usman Khawaja then capitalised with an innings of fluency right around the ground. Their runs allowed Smith the luxury of walking to the wicket at 2 for 311, and he was soon
making merry too. Warner's 13th Test hundred was his first since he made 101 in Australia's opening match of the year against India in Sydney, and was clearly informed by a few of the lessons he learned during the unsuccessful Ashes campaign in England. Burns' Brisbane experience served him well.
He showed tremendous patience to leave the ball well but also play the line when balls moved, not chancing an edge by trying to adjust too much. Scores:- Australia 2 for 389 (Warner 163, Khawaja 102*, Burns 71) v New Zealand (Adapted from Espncricinfo.com)
IND vs SA
South Africa under pressure after India 201
Some balls turned. Others didn't. The batsmen were uncertain. And 12 wickets fell on the day, nine of them to spin, as the Test season in India began with a distinctly subcontinental flavor. Some like M Vijay felt untroubled at the crease. Others didn't last long enough to figure things out. South Africa would feel
aggrieved that Faf du Plessis and Stiaan van Zyl fell in the latter pile after they bowled India out for 201. At 28 for 2 after the first day's play and having gone in a batsman short - JP Duminy has not recovered from his hand injury - South Africa will need a big first session
tomorrow, and have two grand players of spin in Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers to pin their hopes on. Scores:- South Africa 28 for 2 trail India 201 (Vijay 75, Jadeja 38, Elgar 4-22) by 173 runs. ( A d a p t e d f ro m Espncricinfo.com)
Thursday November 05, 2015
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NORTH GEORGETOWN CONFIDENT OF RETAINING NATIONAL SCHOOLS' CHAMPIONSHIPS TITLE
North Georgetown during the march past of last year's Na onal Schools' Championships Defending Champions of the National Schools' Championships, North Georgetown/District 11 is brimming with confidence ahead of the mega event set to start on November 23 at the Guyana National Stadium and the National Aquatic Centre. D i s t r i c t Manager, Mariska Williams related that North Georgetown is very confident of retaining their title. “ We a r e v e r y much confident as we always are, we have
submitted the team list already and we believe we have a strong team… we gave a few concerns with the female cycling it's not as strong as it normally is and we have a new breed of swimmers. “Our track and field is very strong because of the incoming runners from other zones,” Williams who has always been a part of the management team for the most successful District in the Championships' history. H o w e v e r,
Williams also revealed that preparations are in place for the squad of 101 athletes and six officials. In addition, Williams shared that one of the major part of the district's preparation will be an Inter-Georgetown meet among South, North and East Georgetown as well as East Coast on November 15 at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary. Nevertheless, Williams noted that while the teachers are not as strong as she hopes it
would have been, she expects the teachers to put on a top performance when the event commences. Meanwhile Williams shared a few concerns, highlighting that she hopes, uniforms arrive on-time compared to last year which forced the defending champions to participate in the march past with their bottoms only. The long-time team manager also stressed that team officials are bombarded when some athletes are not chosen
because of downsizing. The Swimming Championships will be h e l d o n M o n d a y, November 23 at the National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal. In addition to t h e s w i m m i n g competition, two field events, Long Jump and Shot Putt, along with the 10km road race, 40km and 25km cycle road race will also take place on November 23. The Games Village will be established on Woolford Avenue. Tutorial High, North
Georgetown Primary and Secondary Schools and Richard Ishmael Secondary will house the 16 Districts from across Guyana that will compete at the Championships. The Games Secretariat has been officially opened at GTU Headquarters, Woolford Avenue, with Districts submitting their entries. The Opening Ceremony for the championship is scheduled for November 24 at 10:30h.