GNN Online Newspaper Oct 08 2015

Thursday, October 08, 2015

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Fisherman’s Murder

-page 2

SUSPECTS REPORTEDLY CONFESS

SUSPECTS IN FISHERMAN'S MURDER REPORTEDLY CONFESS

Ronald Emanuel Reid

The two suspects apprehended by Police yesterday in connection

with the killing of popular fisherman Ronald Emanuel Reid, last

detailing the cause of death of the late father-to-be.

Reid, who is formerly of Costello Housing Scheme, died of several stab wounds about the body, and was part of the crew fishing off Lichfield, West Coast Berbice.

According to police sources, the two m e n w h o w e r e apprehended; 39-year-old Gregory Nohar of Paradise, Essequibo Coast, and his brother, Roy, revealed that the fight which led to the stabbing started over who was scheduled to cook food on Tuesday.

While the brothers were maintaining that Reid was the one scheduled to cook for that day, Reid did not agree.

This reported triggered the altercation between the men, which led to Gregory allegedly plunging the knife into him.

According to the e v e n i n g r e p o r t e d l y captain of the vessel, Ron confessed to the killing of Kumar, it was the first time the 27 year old after Reid had gone to sea with

him. Kuman explained that before Gregory allegedly stabbed Reid, he had called his family and requested of them to meet him at the wharf. This, he believed could have been an indication of what followed.

“Is like he already plan to do what he wanted,” Kumar said, adding that “Roy Nohar been and hold back Reid from fighting, and like he brother decide fuh stab he then… The whole trip dem man picking at each other.”

Upon arriving onshore yesterday, a crowd awaited the arrival of the crew and the corpse which was seemingly wrapped hurriedly in a tarpaulin.

Police who were already on the scene had apprehended the two brothers, but were forced to bring them ashore at another point due to the uncontrollable nature of the gathering. One of the friends of Reid went as far

as drawing a knife from his waist and plunging on the vessel in an attempt to seek revenge for his friend.

Luckily, police who were alerted were able to apprehend him before any casualties.

Commenting on his son's death, Reid's father, Brian Reid told reporters yesterday that he was made aware of his son's death on Tuesday, but doubted it, since his son is not known to be involved in conflicts.

“My son don't deh in problem; he big and strong and he don't mess around p e o p l e . Yo u c a n a s k anybody about dis man; he don't deh in problem at all.

Anybody can tell dis man anything, and he don't really get vex; like I never hear my son cuss nobody” Brian Reid said.

Reid, who was expecting a child later this year leaves to mourn his wife and parents.

GUYANESE AMONG 13 ARRESTED IN CANADA FOR SMUGGLING DRUGS The Star (Canada) reported that following an 18-month investigation into firearms and drug smuggling across the Canada-U.S. border, thirteen persons- twelve from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are facing 48

charges.

It was stated that Ontario Provincial Police Chief Supt. Rick Barnum and seven other law e n f o r c e m e n t representatives made an announcement about the

international investigation on Wednesday.

Police served warrants for the 12 charged in the GTA about a week ago. Barnum said that a number of other suspects have been charged in

Newfoundland and Labrador as well as the United States, but didn't say how many there were.

One of the accused was listed as being from Georgetown, Guyana, and remains at large.

He is believed to be a local businessman closely affiliated to a leading entertainment company that operates radio and television stations. The 13 accused have been charged with a range of offenses, from importing cocaine to firearms possession to fleeing police. They range in age from 24 to 63.

Investigators found that cocaine and other illegal drugs were b e i n g s o l d t o Newfoundland and Labrador from the GTA. A

total of 123 kilograms of cocaine was seized – worth about $12.2 million according to police. Four vehicles, 22 handguns, and $146,000 Canadian were also seized.

Most of the cocaine was found by security staff working at several major Canadian airports, according to Barnum. He wouldn't elaborate on how or where these drug shipments were

found.

Dubbed “Project Monto”, it began in 2014 as an investigation by the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau that looked into drug smuggling into Canada from Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, Guyana and California. It also looked into illegal handgun shipments from Florida.

RAMJATTAN ACTED AS PRESIDENT YESTERDAY

Second Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan acted as President of the Republic of Guyana for a

brief period yesterday.

This was due to President David Granger's departure Trinidad & Tobago and

the absence of Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, who is on a private visit overseas.

Communication s director of the Ministry of the Presidency, Mark Archer, told GNN that the President's visit to Trinidad was just for a few hours. This is the first time that both President Granger and Prime Minister Nagamootoo would have been out of Guyana at the same time.

President Granger met with Tr i n i d a d & To b a g o ' s

Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley. According to a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister of Trinidad, it was the first encounter between the two recentlyelected leaders and they availed themselves of the opportunity to re-affirm the Guyana-Trinidad and To b a g o b i l a t e r a l relationship which is based on a history of shared values, respect, friendship and a tradition of cooperation at all levels of government, business a n d c i v i l s o c i e t y.

During their talks, Granger briefed Rowley on the latest developments regarding the Guyana-Venezuela b o r d e r c o n t r o v e r s y.

Rowley conveyed the expectation that the situation would be resolved in the best interest of all, in accordance with international law, and that neither side would do anything to escalate the situation. In terms of strengthening existing TT-Guyana bilateral ties, Rowley and Granger

exchanged views on d e e p e n i n g t h e collaboration already initiated in agriculture, skills development, and energy cooperation between both countries.

Also present at yesterday's talks were Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dennis Moses and Guyana Foreign Affairs Minister Carl B Greenidge.

WILLAIMS AND NANDLALL CLASH OVER LAW SCHOOL ESTABLISHMENT

Attorney General Basil Williams has accused the previous Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration of back peddling on its promise to establish a law school here.

During a media conference on Wednesday at the Minister's office, he dismissed claims that the David Granger-led administration is reneging on its promise to do same.

“It was the PPP which had back pedaled on establishing a law school…

I learnt at the last conference at which all member states were represented, that Guyana in fact got permission to open a local law school, but subsequently reneged on

that idea,” Minister Williams said.

Wi l l i a m s s a i d one of the reasons proffered by the former administration for not establishing the law school was its inability to pay intended lecturers an equivalent salary to that of other law schools, under the aegis of the Council of Legal Education (CLE).

The Minister said the government is now pushing for either a public/private partnership or a fully private partnership in establishing the law school since it cannot bear the cost alone.

“If we had a private/public law school venture…it would be easier for students to study here, as

we have access to good clean healthy foods, a major component of the cost…,” Minister Williams explained.

Meanwhile, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall in an invited comment told GNN that the PPP/C government has always supported the establishment of a local law school and that position has not changed.

He recalled in 2014 Basil Wi l l i a m s a t t e n d e d a meeting at the University of Guyana (UG) with the law students at which he was the guest speaker and Williams demanded that the PPP set up the law school.

Williams accused the PPP of dragging its feet on the

issue, adding that the position of the PPP in not proceeding to establish a law school is “elitist.”

Nandlall said Williams promised the hundreds of students that were gathered at the event that the APNU would establish a law school once in government.

“Opposition leader David Granger at the University of Guyana on another occasion made a similar promise, so I don't know if Basil Williams don't have nothing to do when he made such statements.”

Nandlall stated that Guyana must continue the work started by the f o r m e r P P P / C administration to ensure

that the dream of having a regional law school established here is realized.

He noted that the coalition government can continue to “kick around” with promises they made to the Guyanese people and continue to fool them.

He said the Guyanese populace will judge for themselves.

President David Granger was quoted as telling the UG students that “I cannot say that it is something that we can achieve in the first year or two…but in the first five years…law students can look forward to completing their LEC in Guyana.”

His promise came in recognition of the numerous challenges and time-consuming constraints law students have to endure in pursuit of their education.

Law students continue to experience in pursing their Legal Education Certificate (LEC) at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago.

M a n y l a w students, who became overwhelmingly frustrated with the challenges experienced this year, have

also advocated for the establishment of a local law school.

T h e H u g h Wooding Law School had announced a more than 30 per cent increase in its tuition fees as well as changes in its payment scheme which would require prospective and continuing students to pay 100 per cent of their fees at the beginning of the school year. Though this matter has been temporarily addressed, students were taken on a rollercoaster ride as they contemplated the likelihood of their future falling apart. Adding to the worries, students also complained of not receiving their grades from the entrance exam they wrote for acceptance into the Trinidadian law school.

C u r r e n t l y, t h e Caribbean region hosts three Law schools: The H u g h Wo o d i n g L a w School in Trinidad and To b a g o ; t h e N o r m a n Manley Law School in Jamaica and Eugene Dupuch Law School in Bahamas. These law schools have a system of zoning where most Guyanese and Barbadian students will be zoned to Trinidad, while countries like Belize would see their students going to Jamaica.

PPP SAYS TOO MANY AUDITS, BUT WANTS ONE FOR CITY HALL

Clement Rohee

The People's Progressive Party (PPP) is accusing the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) and the top officials of City Hall of refusing to conduct an audit at the council.

The Opposition Party in a statement issued on Thursday said it noted the widespread public outcry for City Hall to be audited.

“The Party has also taken

Minister Jaipaul Sharma

notice of the stiff resistance by the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor and the Town Clerk against any audit being done at City Hall, a stand that runs counter to the present state o f a ff a i r s w h e r e t h e country is awash with Commissions of Inquiries, audits, investigation, etc, the statement added.”

The statement noted that the defensive

position adopted by Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma, in the wake of the public demand for City Hall to be audited “is a shame and disgrace to the office he holds.”

The party stated that it is disingenuous for him to say that because it is part of the Local Government system, it is beyond the control of Central Government to audit City Hall. It adds

that Guyanese are not prone to accept such stupidity.

“The Ministry of Public Service is part of Central Government and so is the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, in the case of the former, an audit is currently being done there while the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs had conducted several audits at Amerindian Village Councils deemed to be supportive or the PPP/C, “ the statement noted.

H o w e v e r, Minister Sharma denied the PPP's accusation of not wanting to conduct an audit at City Hall. He told GNN that if it was solely up to him he would have proceeded with an audit into the operations of the Council given the fact that corruption claims were made against former town clerk Carol Sooba, who he

believes was being shielded by the PPP/C administration.

S h a r m a explained that he was given a task as to which entities should be audited and that he is simply following instructions.

Further, he explained that the decision to conduct audits was made at the level of Cabinet. Sharma said he is not a member of cabinet.

He said most of the agencies that are being audited are those that have been receiving monies from Central government through the annual budget and are not being scrutinized by Parliament.

Minister Sharma said “as a matter of fact one of the agencies that will be audited is the Guyana Energy Agency, which is headed by my brother and I will be going after that

agency like any other agency.”

He also made reference to statements made by Rohee during the 2015 National Budget debates in the National Assembly that the APNU+AFC government is slowing down the economy with the numerous audits, probes, investigations and Commission of inquiries.

Sharma questioned why Rohee would now call for an additional audit taking into consideration his recent utterances.

The Minister is of the view that Rohee and the rest of the PPP should be busy trying to win Georgetown at the upcoming Local Government Elections, rather than making reckless accusations.

Residents of Tiger Bay (Georgetown), Railway View (Meten-Meer-Zorg, Region three) and Tucville (Georgetown) are being given the opportunity by the Habitat for Humanity Guyana (HFHGY), the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the British High commission to learn simple ways to better tackle climate change. While the project is being funded by the UK to the tune of 12, 645 pounds, volunteers are provided by the HFHGY and the CDC. The Climate smart project which was launched at the CDC headquarters Thursday morning will provide training for residents at the squatter settlements relating to ways in which they can change their day-to-day behavior to avoid losses during natural disasters.

During his address to the gathering, British High Commissioner Greg Quinn highlighted the importance of climate change education at every level of society, alluding to th e p r ed icted El N in o weather pattern in Guyana.

Speaking about the project Mr. Quinn said "it will help to empower and inform people about actions they can take to avoid e n v i r o n m e n t a l contamination and unhealthy households. It will increase the awareness of what they can do to help improve the environment."

National Director of the Habitat for humanity, Rawle Small said the project which commenced in August 2014 will be completed, hopefully by March, 2016.

He added that the project aims to “measure behavioral change; identify the social factors that produce unhealthy h o u s e h o l d a n d neighborhood living conditions, what influences changes best, create positive changes and increase access to healthy housing and climate smart behaviours.”

Leslie Edghill, Program Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity Guyana Inc. noted that specific group of persons are targeted. He highlighted that persons residing in squatting areas do not have access to those utilities that makes everyone else comfortable.

S q u a t t e r settlements in Guyana are prone to flooding given their layout or disorgansied way of building.

Three squatter Settlements

targeted to Better Tackle Climate Change

www.gnngy.com e-Mail: gnn@gnngy.com Tel: 611-9698

EDITORIAL

The pains of West Indies cricket If one were to proclaim that the glory days of West Indies cricket is over and would never return, he/she could not be faulted given the current state of affairs or lack thereof. What may be unfortunate, it that young players would have little or no knowledge of the many conquest that dream period resulted. And that's understandable. The diligent and committed ones would not hesitate to use available technology of the internet and otherwise to get au fait. Surely a budding fast bowler would relish looking at a video of Michael Holding with his gazelle-like action steaming in and rocking out middle the stump of a stubborn Australian batsman.

Such a treat would not necessarily be confined to locals here or in the Region. A budding fast bowler in Sri Lanka or Afghanistan would derive the same benefits. The skills that can be learnt also would not be confined to just from Michael Holding.

His colleagues that made up the “fearsome four” are equally talented and revered; Andy Roberts, Joel “Big Bird” Garner, Colin Croft and those that came later like Malcolm Marshall who clearly led the pack.

Wayne Daniel, Sylvester Clarke, Patrick Patterson, Curtley Ambrose and Courtney Walsh were icons and would remain so. They made the team under Clive L l o y d a n d S i r Vi v i a n Richards unbeatable.

These bowlers instill fear into opposing

teams. The incident in Jamaica in 1976 when most of the Indian batsman were injured as a result of hostile and genuinely fast fastbowling, is indicative of such prowess. While some may have felt it was too overpowering, it exemplifies the ability of these legends to win; the only thing they knew. Of course they were not alone and were equally supported by some of the greatest batsmen ever to play the game. Led by the “Master Blaster” Viv Richards, who was named as a member in best eleven of all time, opposing bowlers experienced recurring nightmares to say the least.

That era saw the likes Roy Fredricks, Gordon Greenidge, Clive Lloyd, Alvin Kallicharran, Desmond Haynes, Larry G o m e s , G e o ff D u j o n , Ricthie Richardson in long list of truly great players.

They made winning as easy as easy could be. Back then, many fans, despite fully behind the West Indies and the players, craved for opposing teams to put up resistance. The West Indies won so many times that it became mundane. For some, the game became too one-sided which must be acknowledge as complimentary. In other words, winning was so routine that it would be safe to say that in some way it may have induce a waning of interest; maybe. The declaration in Jamaica alluded to, would not have helped this cause.

The fans wanted opposition and it could have

been the same for the West Indies team too. This is probably why greats like Sunil Gavaskar, Mohinder Armanauth, Javed Minandad, Zaheer Abbas, Ian and Greg Chappell, Martin Crowe, Graham Gooch and Alan Lamb among a few others, ended being very popular here in the Region. They showed resistance and withstood the barrage of the fearsome four. Even with that, the West Indies came out triumphant. So what went wrong over the last fifteen to twenty years? To answer that would need much more space. While the reasons are many, it appears that an absence of prudent management from the Board may be placed first on the list.

The Board has the responsibility for the overall development and sustainability of the game in the various territories across the Region. That basically encompasses it primary function. That said, the game has evolved and new challenges were birthed. This meant that the Board would have had to adapt as the evolution unfolded and continues to do. Has this happen? A scant perusal of the state of the game in the various territories hold the answer.

The fact the Regional three or four-day competitions are played to empty stands, reveal a lot. Back in the days in question, Regional four-day matches were like local Test matches. The greats played against each to packed grounds. The exhibition of artistry of

batting, bowling and fielding didn't only satisfy eager fans, but was also an education to budding players.

What is now available to provide such showmanship for educational purposes within the Region? The answer to that would most likely answer what went wrong.

Unfortunately, the wrong

seem to be continuing compounded by what appears to be divisions within the management structure. Only recently the coach, Phil Simmons, was suspended for advocating his need to have the best team possible from the available pool. If by asking for the best team would lead to such actions, then the pains currently felt by fans

and even sponsors, appear to be unending; sadly of course! Wanting the best team now is more like a needle in a haystack from a period when no “haystack” was around; only “needles”; needles that inflicted “pain” in opposing team. The wait for a repeat seems in vain.

Sinclair now Director General of Tourism

Donald Sinclair

M i n i s t e r o f To u r i s m Catherine Hughes, today announced the a p p o i n t m e n t o f M r.

Donald Sinclair as Director General of the Ministry of Tourism with effect from October 1, 2015. made this disclosure to members of the media during a press conference at the Ministry of Tourism, Colgrain House, Camp Street.

During a press

conference at Colgrain House, Camp Street, Hughes expressed confidence in Mr. Sinclair, stating that he is capable of carrying out his duties effectively. She alluded to his wealth of knowledge in the tourism field. “I am really excited to introduce him to you, and to be able to say that he has joined our team,” said the Minister.

Mr. Sinclair held

a number of related senior positions, both locally and internationally. Prior to his appointment, he served in Suriname as Director at the Suriname College of Hospitality and Tourism.

In addition, he had previously served as Special Assistant at the Ministry of Tourism, and also Executive Director of t h e G u y a n a To u r i s m Authority (GTA).

Couple remanded on trafficking charge

The Georgetown Magistrates Court

Forty-six year old Derek Alexander of 218 Half Mile, Wismar and Fortynine year old Duel Pollydore of 2119 Central Amelia's Ward, Linden were both remanded after being slapped with a trafficking charge.

The charge stated that on October 7, 2015

the duo had in their possession 64 grammes of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

Police prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones objected to bail based on the gravity and prevalence of the offence.

The court heard that policemen went to a

stall at the Mackenzie Market where they found a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems parceled in Pall Mall cigarette packets.

They pleaded not guilty to the offence.

They fact that the two are parents of a nine year old was not enough grounds for them to secure bail.

They were remanded until November 10 when they will appear at the Linden Magistrate Court, for report and fixtures.

Ramotar weighs in on pay hike

Former President Donald Ramotar

Former President Donald Ramotar has spoken out against the recently confirmed pay hike for Government Ministers, Members of Parliament, Vi c e P r e s i d e n t s a n d Advisors, saying that it

was the same government who told public servants that it cannot afford to pay them more than 5% with effect from July instead of January as is customary.

“I have noted with interest the recent

astronomical salary increases awarded by the Minister of Finance to himself and his Cabinet colleagues by way of an Order gazetted on 25 September 2015,” Ramotar said in a strongly worded statement.

The former President declared that this display of what he deems largesse with oneself at the expense of the public purse is nothing short of a scandalous outrage and a slap in the faces of the working people of Guyana.

“Putting aside the fact that political service is supposed to be self-sacrificing in its very

essence, putting aside the fact that those holding political offices in most democratic countries of the world do so at a loss of personal income, I have one simple question to ask of the Minister of State, Ramotar added.

He said if Harmon and his colleagues claim to have been earning so much more in the previous private occupations, would they be so kind as to disclose exactly what income they reported to the G uyana Revenue Authority and how much taxes they paid to that Authority over the past five years prior to entering

the Cabinet. “I rather suspect that the answer to that question would be interesting, Ramotar posited.

H e s a i d Ministers Harmon, Nagamootoo, Ramjattan, Jordan, Sharma and their other ministerial colleagues, being the new champions of accountable government that they are, would have no difficulty telling the nation what they reported as their incomes and how much taxes they paid to the GRA over the past five years.

The recently announced pay hike has sparked much controversy among the political

opposition and some union bodies, including the Guyana Teachers Union which has since demanded an increase for t e a c h e r s . H o w e v e r, government officials have since offered a number of justifications for the increase.

Recently, Minister Harmon told the media that the increases are justifiable and that government has to pay the people if they want performance. It was said also that the increases are to avoid corruption among government officials.

Gov't promises El Nino assistance to Region 9 The residents of Region Nine are calling for deeper wells among other provisions for water during the dry months.

Given the fact that the Region only experience one rainy period per year (May/June to August), water supply during dry months is not sufficient to sustain farming activities.

This concern was e x p r e s s e d b y Vi c e Chairman of the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), Randy Gilbert, during a meeting with Minister of State; Joseph Harmon and officials from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Ministry of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs, Ministry of Communities and other staff from the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday. The visit was spearheaded by the CDC's Disaster Management

team.

Gilbert told Minister Harmon that the villages and the entire region, battle during these months, to ensure that that there is enough water for basic needs such as cooking, washing and bathing. To this end, Gilbert said that the cattle and farms are often neglected and losses are incurred.

“Each year, there is a shortage of water during this season and we cannot allow it to persist as it is. We need deeper wells. Each community should and have to get deeper wells.

The wells we currently have are too shallow and not all communities have them so we really need to look at this. The residents are willing to dig deeper wells but we need support from the government,” Gilbert said.

Minister Harmon and team meeting with members of the North Rupununi District Development Board

In this regard, the government has committed to providing immediate and long-term support to residents of Region Nine to address the current El Nino condition which is significantly affecting that region.

Minister Harmon said the provision of purification tablets, water tanks and other related materials to combat the effects of the season will be provided through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), while the building of a warehouse in Lethem for the storage of food and other needed items is actively being pursued. “ A s y o u r government, we are your servants. We are here today to ensure that the service, which we provide to you, is a service that is of high quality. I came here because I am your servant.

If there is a problem that affects you or any other person in this country, it is our responsibility to respond to it and we will do so diligently,” he said.

Over at Lethem and Sand Creek, Minister Harmon met with Regional Vice Chairman, C a r l S i n g h , representatives of the c o m m u n i t y , Neighbourhood Democratic Council

Minister Harmon and team in Rupununi

(NDC), Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) and other government agencies, where similar sentiments were also expressed.

Residents also suggested that 'Water Committees' be set up in the communities to ensure that the valuable resource is carefully managed.

They also called for the provision of dry season cassava sticks to protect the livelihood of farmers.

Minister Harmon told residents that long-term measures must be put in place to respond to changes in climatic conditions.

He noted that when Government spends money, it must be able to assist residents, not only

through the current issues but these decisions must also be made with longer term solutions in mind.

Minister Harmon related that the Guyana will begin using overseas conferences and trips to seek advice and help in combating the situation and finding solutions.

“We will have to invest in research and development in all of our related ministries to ensure that we don't spend money on trial and error; that we can spend in technology that can provide you with a certain level of certainty,” he told officials and residents.

T h e Hydrometeorological Service issued an advisory on Tuesday,

O c t o b e r, 0 6 u rg i n g persons to conserve on water as the Northern Hemisphere will experience El Niño conditions that will continue for the remainder of the year with a 55% chance it will last into the second quarter of 2016. It says the condition is expected to gradually weaken during April to June, 2016.

However, this condition is not expected to severely affect the Coast since the second annual rainfall period from December to early February. While the El Nino condition will shorten the rainfall period, there is still expected to be intermittent showers.

Diaspora investment forum in Canada slated for tomorrow

Minister David Patterson

A diaspora investment forum which will be attended by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and three other Ministers is scheduled to commence tomorrow in Canada.

The revelation was made on Monday by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, who disclosed that apart from himself, Minister of Public S e c u r i t y, K h e m r a j

Ramjattan and Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin will be attending the forum which runs until October 12.

The team will also comprise of two officials from the Guyana Office for Investment (GoInvest) and an employee from the Guyana Energy Authority (GEA).

According to Minister Patterson, the team is scheduled to meet with several large businesses on the 9th, followed by a general forum on the 10th. At the general forum, presentations will be made o n i n v e s t m e n t

opportunities in Guyana, as the team seeks to attract investors.

The Public Infrastructure Minister further revealed that he will be making presentations on roads and proposed routes; sensitization on bridges and the proposed new demerara bridge; the four new towns which the government to establishing; and new stellings which he posited should not only serve ferries, but be developed into commercial and social space.

In addition to this, he noted that, “we'll be speaking to them about

alternative energy and I will also be telling them about the security services for the airport. Already we have a proposal from a Canadian firm.”

Noting that no one specific industry will be targeted, Minister Patterson reiterated that they will attempt to open up all investment opportunities for Guyana.

The genesis of the forum dates back to a visit made

by President David Granger to Canada about 3-4 weeks ago, where he was greeted by several business persons who expressed interest in projects, investing in Guyana and even

returning to Guyana.

A team was then formed and mandated to follow up on these proposed intention. And since the announcement of the forum, Patterson noted that the response has been “overwhelming.”

In fact, he opined that he is unsure whether the team will be able to facilitate the amount of persons who have expressed interest, but that they remain committed to meeting as much people as possible, since they need concrete proposal investment positions to take to Cabinet.

Government working with airlines to replace CAL for London Route A delegation from the Ministries of Public Infrastructure and To u r i s m w i l l m e e t Executives of several airlines at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, United Kingdom from November 2 to 5, 2015.

T h i s announcement was made

by Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson during a recent press conference. He noted that the ministry has long since commenced ground work to attract airlines as Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) announced its plan to discontinue its London route service in January 2016.

'In recent month, we have ramped up our efforts to have a major European Carrier provide airlift to Guyana. This is to facilitate easy travel for the estimated 100,000 Guyanese living in the

United Kingdom and the many European visitors that want to come and experience Destination Guyana” said Patterson.

He added that “WTM is considered the leading global event for the travel industry, which will offer our delegation a unique opportunity to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business”.

Simultaneously, a team headed by Minister Patterson and Ramesh Ghir, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation will continue ongoing negotiations with several North American airlines.

The expansion of Cheddi Jagan International Airport, introduction of additional fuel facility at CJIA, modernization of the Air Traffic Control Facility and aggressive tourism marketing are all part of the CRG commitment to providing

a ff o r d a b l e a i r l i f t f o r visitors to Destination Guyana.

Further, the Ministry will work closely with CAL's management to ensure that passengers who are displaced will be r e f u n d e d o r accommodated on other flights.

Caribbean Airlines will be discontinuing its Trinidad to London route from January 10th 2016.

According to CAL, this decision follows a detailed review of its network as well as maintenance costs of the Boeing 767 aircraft, which is used to service

the route.

It says its limited resources will now be used to build connectivity in the North American and Caribbean markets.

As the transition takes place, CAL says it will help its customers find alternative travel arrangements, with other

airlines servicing this route.

For passengers who booked flights to London after January 10th, the Airline is offering a full refund and re-allocation to other services.

PRESIDENT ACCREDITS FOUR NEW AMBASSADORS In welcoming the Ambassadors to Guyana, the Head of State signaled his intention to promote

fruitful relations with their countries. He also a s s u r e d t h e Ambassadors of g o v e r n m e n t ' s

cooperation while the carry out their mandate.

T h o s e accredited are :-Nonresident Ambassador of

Belgium Ambassador presented his letters of Credence to President Granger

Addressing the Ambassador of Belgium to Guyana, President Granger said there remains great scope for the strengthening of relations, particularly in the areas of economic and commercial cooperation and in advancing common interests within

i n t e r n a t i o n a l organizations.

He added that the Kingdom of Belgium's experience in pursuing the peaceful resolution of conflicts through legal mechanisms would be of invaluable assistance to Guyana as it pursues the objective of a juridical

settlement. The Kingdom of Belgium has consistently sought judicial settlements to its disputes with other countries, particularly through the International Court of Justice.

G u y a n a established diplomatic relations with Belgium on June 10, 1971.

the Kingdom of Belgium to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, G u y S e v r i n ; Ambassador of the

Republic of Indonesia, Dominicus Supratikto; n o n - r e s i d e n t Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of

Vietnam, Nguyen Van Kien and non-resident Ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Pak Chang Yul.

Indonesian Ambassador took the general salute at Independence Arch

Guyana and the Republic of Indonesia established diplomatic relations on August 27, 1999 but the two countries have long prior been involved in engagements within the Non-Aligned Movement which Guyana joined in 1970.

P r e s i d e n t Granger told the new

ambassador that despite the distance between the two Republics, they continue to share common interests, goals and aspirations. These include the reduction of poverty, opposition to all forms of terrorism and combating climate change. He added that “we do believe that, with your accreditation,

the channels of communication between our two countries will be enhanced, thereby enhancing cooperation on matters of mutual interest.”

Korean Ambassador shares a toast with President Granger Vietnamese Ambassador lays a wreath at Independence Arch To t h e A m b a s s a d o r t o l o o k s f o r w a r d t o diplomatic relations on Guyana from Vietnam, the cooperating with Vietnam to April 19, 1975. The two Head of State highlighted the promote the achievement of c o u n t r i e s h a v e s i n c e common problem Guyana a global agreement that pursued relations based on shared with the country is takes cognizance of the the principles of mutual that they are both vulnerable vulnerabilities of states to respect for each other's to the adverse effects of vulnerabilities to climate- independence, equality and global warming and climate induced shocks. co-operation for mutual change.

G u y a n a a n d benefit.

He said Guyana V i e t n a m e s t a b l i s h e d

President Granger in his address to the Ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, noted that the country hosted state visits by Guyana's first President, Mr. Arthur Chung and first Prime Minister, Mr. Forbes Burnham. These visits led to a number of

cooperation agreements countries and to establishment of close ties between Guyana and Korea.

He said “Guyana today welcomes the opportunity of your accreditation to renew our relationship with Korea. We express our desire for

respectful relations between our republics.”

Guyana and Korea established diplomatic relations on May 18, 1974.

Guyana and Korea have enjoyed cordial relations ever since.

AMAZING WORLD

Coral worldwide threatened by bleaching - NOAA Corals worldwide are at risk from a major episode of bleaching which turns reefs white, scientists have confirmed. The US National Oceanic and A t m o s p h e r i c Administration (NOAA) warned it may affect over 38% of the world's reefs, and kill over 12,000 sq km of reefs.

The bleaching has hit reefs in the Pacific, Atlantic and Caribbean.

The mass bleaching is caused by rising water temperatures resulting from two natural warm currents and exacerbated by man-made climate change. Bleaching happens when corals under stress drive out the algae

known as zooxanthellae that give them colour.

If normal conditions return, the corals can recover. But the process can take decades, and if the stress continues, the corals can die. Reefs are under multiple threats including pollution, overfishing, sedimentation and damage from boats and tourism.

The current worldwide bleaching episode is predicted to be the worst on record as the warming Pacific current, El Nino, increases in s t r e n g t h . Wa t e r temperatures are being driven further by a separate natural warmwater mass dubbed the

Pacific Blob.

Man-made climate change also contributes, as the oceans are absorbing about 93% of the increase in the earth's heat. Additionally, corals face ocean acidification as CO2 emissions are absorbed into the oceans, changing the pH of seawater.

Some scientists are warning that spectacular reefs as we know them - with branching corals and fan corals - are unlikely to survive changes in temperature and pH by the end of this century.

That's if they are not killed first by other damaging local activities.

The current bleaching episode was predicted by NOAA and confirmed by researchers and citizen scientists in the Caribbean. The main groups involved are XL Catlin Seaview Survey, the University of Queensland, and Reef

Hope for Tanzania's albino attack survivors

Check. Although reefs represent less than 0,1% of the world's ocean floor, they help support about a quarter of all marine species. The NOAA says the livelihoods of 500 million people and income worth over $30bn (£19,6bn) are at stake.

Some witchdoctors in Tanzania say that potions and charms made from albino body parts are guaranteed to bring success. This has led businessmen, politicians

Reefs are the breeding ground for tropical fisheries. They also provide shelter from the waves for tropical islands and bring invaluable tourist income.

(Adapted from BBC)

and others to pay criminals to kill albino people and cut off their limbs. A group of children who survived attacks, but lost arms or legs, has just been given prosthetic limbs in the US.

13-year-old invents brilliant way to stop driving drunk or high

Drunk-driving crashes device that can tell when a

killed more than 10,000 d r i v e r h a s c o n s u m e d people in the US in 2013 alcohol or used other drugs — about 30 people every day and Krishna Reddy wants to change that. The 13-year-old from Wichita Falls, Texas, invented a

based on how dilated his or her pupils are.

Reddy is one of 10 finalists in the Discovery Education 3M

Yo u n g S c i e n t i s t Challenge, an annual competition for the title of America's Top Young Scientist and a $25,000 prize. The finals will take place on October 12 and 13.

Reinventing the b r e a t h a l y z e r : Breathalyzers, which measure the alcohol content in a breath sample, can detect when someone has had a drink, but not if they've had other drugs. And they require the driver's consent to work (as opposed to being automatic). Reddy

wanted to create something better.

Our pupils constrict to filter the amount of light that gets into our eyes.

When we look into a bright light, our pupils get smaller; when it becomes dark, our pupils dilate, or get bigger. This is known as the pupillary reflex.

While certain drugs, like alcohol and opioids, can cause our pupils to constrict, others, like LSD, magic mushrooms, and cocaine, can cause them to dilate.

T a k i n g advantage of this effect,

Reddy built a device made of three things: A digital camera, a snakehead flashlight, and a toilet paper roll. It works like this: The flashlight is held up to the eye, and the toilet roll directs the light onto the pupil. Then, the digital camera takes video of the pupil as it contracts.

Using a software program Reddy wrote, the device (and a computer) measures the constriction of the pupil when the light is shone on it.

So far, it can be used to tell if someone has been drinking, smoking

marijuana, or if they've used certain painkillers, s l e e p a i d s , o r amphetamines. Because the pupillary reflex happens on the scale of millimeters and milliseconds, the device is far better than the naked eye at detecting a drunk or impaired driver The hope is that this device could detect when a driver's reflexes are impaired, and ultimately cut down on lethal traffic crashes. At least, until we all have driverless cars, that is.

(Adapted from Yahoo)

Regional

Regional

IBD READY TO WORK WITH PNM FOR MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) says it is ready to work with the People's national Movement Government to implement a mass transit system, noting now is the proper time to consider and effectively address Portof-Spain's needs for such a system and improved mobility.

This is according to the IDB's representative to T&T, Tomas Bermudez, who is currently in Washington DC. He said

once a final decision was made by the new Government, the IDB stood ready to work with the administration “to fully and quickly evaluate its chosen alternative and determine how we can best s u p p o r t t h e implementation of the project.”

Bermudez said after receiving a request recently from the Office of the Prime Minister, the IDB had just begun preparing a study offering

various mass transit options for metropolitan Port-of-Spain and its surrounding communities.

“Our transportation options study will be based on the IDB's extensive experience in developing these kinds of projects in other parts of the region, such as bus rapid transit, high-speed rail and subway systems,” Bermudez said.

He added the IDB hoped to be able to provide enough technical information and

financial data to the Government so as to help it to make a well-informed decision on what it considered to be the most practical and affordable transportation option for the citizens of the Port-ofSpain metropolitan region.

During Monday's national Budget, Finance Minister Colm Imbert announced the implementation of a mass transit system and disclosed that discussions were ongoing with the IDB on having a $10

billion light rail system implemented. He again announced the plan during a post-Budget analysis, hosted by the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce on Tuesday,

saying the IDB had also offered to finance the project.

(Adapted from the Trinidad Guardian)

DOUBLES PRICES UP (T&T) Two days after the country's budget was presented. Two barras and channa, sold for $4, is now $5. A tripple-three barras and channa has also been increased by $1. Doubles vendor for the past 35 years Mahase Kanhai said he felt he had no choice but to increase the price since he believed the increase in super gas would

eventually have an overall trickledown effect on all goods and services.

“It was $4 but we had no choice but to increase the price. We added the cost of everything and with the passing of the budget... gas gone up so everything will also go up soon,” Kanhai added. “Customers are still coming. They are not

We're cooked if we fail on climate change – IMF Chief LIMA, Peru (AP) — International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde said Wednesday that failure to take urgent action on global warming will condemn humanity to the same fate as the Peruvian poultry that so many delegates to the group's annual meeting are enjoying this week in a country famed for its cuisine. " I f w e collectively chicken out of this we'll all turn into chickens and we'll all be fried, grilled, toasted and roasted," said Lagarde.

Her comments came in a

panel discussion involving World Bank President Jim Yong Kim, UN climate talks executive secretary Christiana Figueres and economist and climate expert Nicholas Stern.

Lagarde and Kim argued strongly for removing subsidies on fossil fuels that are worth more than $5 trillion a year and on the immediate need for carbon taxes so that the burning of fossil fuels can fund clean energy replacements. But they both acknowledged it's a big challenge.

"We have been

trying to help countries remove fuel subsidies," said Kim, which inevitably means higher prices at the gas pump.

"Politicians don't like it when taxi drivers and truck drivers block the streets." Questioned about whether the world's governments can make the necessary shift to clean energy to prevent catastrophic climate change, Figueres said that while pledges from 146 countries submitted ahead of December's climate talks in Paris are not enough to bring greenhouse gases down to

acceptable levels, she believes closing the gap is "entirely doable."

The world's finance ministers and central bankers were beginning to arrive in Lima for the joint annual meetings of the World Bank and IMF that run through Sunday. The lending institutions hold their annual meetings away from their Washington headquarters every three years. The last time such a meeting was held In Latin America was in 1967, in Rio de Janeiro.

(Jamaican Observer)

complaining because when it comes to food it is the taste and quality that matter... however you want to spend your money... but the $4 was not cutting it anymore,” Kanhai added.

Asked whether he believed the doubles business was becoming more and more difficult to sustain Kanhai said it all

had to do with market prices, adding: “As the cost goes up we will go up too. In business it is about profit so I will adjust to suit.”

He said other doubles vendors in Central and along the East/West Corridor had also increased their prices.

(Adapted from the Trinidad Guardian)

INTERNATIONAL

30 KILLED IN WEDDING BOMBING Airstrikes hit a wedding celebration in Yemen, killing at least 30 people and leaving dozens more unaccounted for, local officials said. The bombing took place in Sanabani, a southwestern Yemeni town in an area controlled by Houthi rebels.

Officials say that Local hospitals have been overwhelmed with victims. The Houthis are locked in a bitter conflict

with forces loyal to the government of Yemen's deposed President. The pro-government fighters have the support of a Saudi-led coalition that has been bombing Houthiheld areas since March.

It wasn't initially clear who had carried out the strikes on Sanabani.

Coalition forces said they have no ongoing operations in the southwestern province in Yemen where the incident

occurred. "Not every explosion that takes place in Yemen is as airstrike - it could be a missile, car bomb, or weapons cache," coalition spokesman Ahmed Asseri said.

Civilians have suffered heavily amid the violence and disruption caused by the war in the impoverished nation -and weddings have been s t r u c k p r e v i o u s l y.

Airstrikes hit a marriage

ceremony last week in the southwestern province of Taiz, killing at least 131 people and wounding scores of others, the Houthi-controlled news agency Saba reported.

The news agency a n d Ye m e n i s e c u r i t y o ffi c i a l s a c c u s e d t h e Saudi-led coalition of carrying out the bombing.

The coalition denied the allegation, saying it didn't have any operations in that area. (Adapted from CNN)

Obama apologies to MSF US President Barack Obama has personally apologized to Doctors Without Borders, the aid group whose hospital in the Afghan city of Kunduz was hit by a deadly U.S. airstrike. But he didn't go far enough, according The charity group -- which is also known as Medecins Sans Frontieres, or MSF. It provides medical care in some of the world's most dangerous places and is calling the strike an "attack on the Geneva Conventions" and urging an independent

investigation by a neverbefore-used international commission. The I n t e r n a t i o n a l Humanitarian FactFinding Commission has been in existence since 1991. It requires a request by one of the 76 nations that have signed on to it for it to begin its work. Its job is to investigate whether international humanitarian law has been violated.

On Wednesday morning, Obama called and apologized directly to Liu. In a White House statement on that

conversation, he highlighted a U.S. military investigation into the strike and pledged full support to a joint NATO and Afghan government

probe. But there was no mention of the I n t e r n a t i o n a l Humanitarian FactFinding Commission.

"Governments

up to now have been too polite or afraid to set a precedent," Dr. Joanne Liu, president of Doctors Without Borders, said Wednesday. "The tool exists, and it is time it is activated." The Doctors Without Borders chief acknowledged Obama's apology, but doesn't want him to stop there. She pushed for the United States to allow an i n t e r n a t i o n a l investigation.

"We reiterate our (request) that the U.S. government consent to an i n d e p e n d e n t

PROTESTING MPS RELEASE TEAR GAS AND EGGS IN KOSOVO PARLIAMENT Opposition lawmakers released clouds of tear gas in Kosovo's parliament, causing two MPs to faint, in protest at a recent EUbrokered deal reached by the government with Serbia. The session was immediately cancelled on Thursday as smoke filled the chamber and two female lawmakers were taken by ambulance to hospital, according to AFP.The government later released a statement saying the opposition's "violent

behaviour" had "exceeded all bounds of institutional and democratic behaviour". Opposition members are angry over an accord brokered by the EU in August between Kosovo's government and Serbia, which the EU had hailed as a "landmark" in normalising relations.

Before releasing the gas, opposition lawmakers tried to delay the day's session by blowing whistles and throwing eggs at

governing coalition MPs.bThe government defended the deal with Serbia, arguing the n e w l y - f o r m e d Association of Serb Municipalities would not hold executive powers.

This is not the first time eggs have been employed in protest: last month the opposition pelted Prime Minister Isa Mustafa to prevent him addressing parliament over the ongoing dialogue

with Serbia.vAn egg struck the front lapel of Mustafa's suit as he left the podium.

Kosovo, whose p o p u l a t i o n i s predominantly ethnic Albanian, declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Belgrade fiercely rejected the move and still considers the breakaway territory as its southern province. As part of the recent deal, Kosovo agreed to give more

investigation led by the I n t e r n a t i o n a l Humanitarian FactFinding Commission to establish what happened in Kunduz, how it happened, and why it happened," Liu said.

The attack in the embattled city Saturday killed 12 medical staff members and at least 10 patients, three of them children. It was "the biggest loss of life for our organization in an airstrike," Liu said.

(Adapted from CNN)

financial and legislative rights to its minority Serb community, setting up Serb-run municipalities that allow for greater autonomy.

Opposition parties see the move as a threat to the majority and believe it could deepen the ethnic divide in Kosovo. (Adapted from Yahoo)

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PAN AMERICAN HOCKEY CHALLENGE SEMI FINALS ….

Guyana gear up for Venezuelan battle

Guyana will tomorrow (Friday) take on Venezuela in the semi-final stages of the of the Pan American Challenge in Chiclayo, Peru from 16:15 Guyana Time (GYT) This comes as the Guyanese finished as one of the top two teams in the

Guyana's Marvin Dannett holds on to possestion in the Group A match against Brazil Group A following their 22 draw with Brazil, the group A leaders, on Tuesday.

By virtue of topping the Group A, Brazil have to play Group B second placed Uruguay (14:00) while second placed Group A team

Guyana, have been paired with Group B winners Venezuela.

In the cross over games for places 5-8, Puerto Rico will take on Ecuador (09:30) while Panama take on Peru in the first round of matches from 10:45

In Guyana's most recent 2 - 2 d r a w, A r o y d y Bradford in the 12th minute through a field goal (FG) opened the scoring, putting the golden Arrow head ahead and exhorting early pressure on favourites Brazil.

However, two quick-fire penalty corners from Stephane VehrleSmith and Lucas Paixão (42nd and 43rd) gave the Brazilians a slim lead, with the Guyanese now having to chase to level the game.

Bradford would

again prove the determining factor as he converted a penalty shot to goal in the 51st, the last of the goals scored in this match as either team failed to convert any more shots.

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MESSI TO BE TRIED IN SPAIN ON

TAX FRAUD CHARGES BARCELONA, Spain (AFP) – The Jamaican Observer is reporting that Argentina and Barcelona

star Lionel Messi and his father Jorge are to stand trial on three counts of tax fraud that could carry

prison sentences. In a court filing in Spain, the judge in charge of the case rejected the request of the public prosecutor to try only the footballer's father.

The pair was accused in 2013 of defrauding the taxman out of 4.16 million euros (US$4.69 million) in taxes related to Messi's image rights between 2007 and 2009 through the creation of fake companies in Belize and Uruguay. No date has been set for the

trial, which will take place in Vilanova i la Geltru, a town 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of Barcelona.

Prosecutors had asked for the case against the fourtime World Player of the Year to be dropped as the alleged fraud was in their estimation carried out by h i s f a t h e r, w h o h a s managed his son's affairs since he was a child. They asked for Jorge Messi to be handed an 18-month prison sentence and a fine of half the defrauded

amount.

H o w e v e r, lawyers acting on behalf of the tax authorities pleaded for the player to also be tried and for both defendants to face a 22month prison sentence.In any case, both are unlikely to end up in jail as sentences of less than two years are normally suspended for first time offences in Spain.

"There are rational signs that the criminality was

committed by both accused parties," said the judge. Messi, 28, is the fourth richest sportsman in the world, according to Forbes magazine which estimates he earns almost $65 million a year. The news is just the latest blow for the Argentine, who will be out of action for six weeks due to knee ligament damage.

(Jamaican Observer)

BLATTER Bolt to decide on SUSPENDED; could face 100M lawsuit retirement

The world governing body of football's disciplinary arm handed three of its leading officials -- including P r e s i d e n t S e p p B l a t t e r, provisional 90-day bans. The question of just who is in charge of one of the world's most popular sports is being asked now that FIFA top officials were sanctioned.

This is another blow for the 79-year-old Blatter, who is facing a Swiss attorney general probe. The Swiss authorities are looking into allegations believed to

center on a 2005 TV rights deal between FIFA and Jack Warner, the former president o f C O N C A C A F, t h e governing body of football in North and Central America and the Caribbean, as well as an alleged "disloyal payment" to UEFA President Michel Platini, Platini, who heads up the European governing body of football, which runs the world's leading club competition -- the Champions League -- and F I FA s e c r e t a r y g e n e r a l

Jerome Valcke, were also banned for 90 days. FIFA's disciplinary body -- the adjudicatory chamber of the Ethics Committee, which is chaired by judge HansJoachim Eckert -- said the bans come into force immediately and could be extended by another 45 days.

Platini is a candidate to succeed Blatter as president of the organization, while another FIFA presidential hopeful Chung Mong-joon was also banned for six years and

fined $103,000. Their bans arguably give both of them reputation problems in the 2016 race election to determine who will succeed Blatter.

It's an organization mired in allegations of corruption and wrongdoing, and now key figures within FIFA have turned on each other with threats of litigation. Chung Mong-joon, the South Korean candidate for the presidency of world football's governing body, says he plans to launch a $100 million lawsuit against current chief Sepp Blatter.

Billionaire businessman Chung labeled Blatter a "hypocrite" and a "liar" while addressing the Leaders in Sport Business Summit in London Wednesday. The proposed lawsuit centers on Blatter's refusal to reveal his wages and expenses during a FIFA Executive Committee meeting in 2002. According to the legal advice Chung says he has received, he says he could sue Blatter for $100 million in "damages and compensation proportionate to the damage he inflicted on FIFA." (Adapted from CNN)

after Rio

World and Olympic 100m and 200m champion Usain Bolt says he has been discussing retirement with his coach.

H o w e v e r, t h e Jamaican star is undecided whether it will come after the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, or a year later f o l l o w i n g t h e Wo r l d

Championships in London.

Bolt, whose preparations for Rio 2016 will begin next week, says he wants to successfully defend his Olympic titles for a second time, and only then will he consider himself a "legend" in his sport. (BBC)

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MESSI TO FACE FRAUD CHARGE -see page 13