GNN Online Newspaper September 30 2015

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

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AMNESTY EXTENDED

GUN AMNESTY EXTENDED OCTOBER 14 The period of amnesty for firearms has been extended to October 14, 2015. This is according to a statement released by the Public Security Ministry on Wednesday.

This decision was taken based on the resounding success the programme that was introduced by the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government's plan to curb the number of illegal firearms

circulating in the country.

It should be noted that the Police in “A” Division is the first police division that netted anything when t h e g u n s a n d ammunition amnesty period began on the first day of this month.

At 9:00 hours o n We d n e s d a y September 30, 2015 one .22 Revolver was handed over at the Brickdam Police Station, at 11:00 One

357 Magnum Revolver was also handed over at the said police station while at 12.45 One 12 gauge Shotgun and 12 cartridges were handed over.

The Brickdam Police Station also netted on Wednesday, one .32 Pistol and six live rounds in addition to One .22 Pistol twenty two live rounds of ammunition.

Earlier in the day some turned over to the Police at East La

Penitence one .22pistol and one hundred and forty six matching rounds of ammunition.

P e r s o n s interested in handing over firearms, ammunition or explosives can do so between 09:00h and 16:00h at selected Police Stations identified in the various Police Divisions.

The period commenced on September 1, 2015.

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan

CJIA EXPANSION PROJECT GRADUALLY MOVING AHEAD

Despite government's mandate that the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project should not exceed its initial US$150M cost and deadline of second quarter of 2017, the project

remains behind schedule.

After work was halted just over a week ago to facilitate an investigation into the death of an employee and injury of another, China Harbour Engineering Company

Limited (CHEC), was given the goahead to restart on the project o n Tuesday. It w a s reported that the two were part of a team of workers testing the soil at the project site when the land caved in and caused the death of Lui Li and injury of Zhang Yixun. The accident was caused by inadequate occupational health and

safety measures at the site.

Technical Advisor Ministry of Public Infrastructure Walter Willis was placed in charge of overlooking the operations of the company while Minister of Social Protection Simona Broomes made several recommendations to improve the work site.

The company is in violation of labour laws to which CHEC's local manager Kevin Liu committed to working with the Department of Labour to ensure compliance.

W h i l e i n opposition, the

government was critical of the CJIA expansion project and had voted against funding for it in light of concerns relating to cost and dislocation of nearby residents.

However, after thorough re-examination and discussions with the contractor, the government decided to move ahead with the project.

Discussions with the company saw a US$46.8M claim made by the company being reduced to roughly half of the amount. Some of the issues responsible for the claim included design changes and cost

overruns. The CJIA expansion project primarily involves the extension of the existing runway and construction of a new terminal building.

T h e n e w terminal building will cover an area of 16,000m2 and will feature eight passenger boarding bridges, two elevators, a CCTV system and departures control systems. The passenger boarding bridges will improve the safety by providing separate levels for passengers and vehicles.

TROOPS DEPLOYED TO FIGHT DRUG TRAFFICKING - MADURO Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro in his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday September 29, 2015 sought to defend the recent troop deployment at its border with Guyana, saying that it had more to do with is country's fight against drug trafficking.

Maduro stayed clear of speaking directly to the border controversy with Guyana. “With all due respect in this General Assembly of the United Nations, we had to carry out an operation along our borders with Colombia and Guyana, Maduro told the UN. He credited the Union of South America

Nations (UNASUR) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) that “helped to mediate the situation.” “There was the problem of drug traffickers and now today I can say that we really have positive hopes that the situation resolved and we would be able to resume normal working relations with the government of Colombia and the same applies to our sister Republic of Guyana.”

Venezuela a few days ago, ahead of the UN General Assembly, scaled back troops, missiles and gunboats that it had deployed near the border with Guyana. One the boats had been in the

Cuyuni River which is part of Guyana's territory.

Throughout his address to the United Nations General Assembly, he stressed the importance of peace globally and especially in Latin American and the Caribbean.

The Venezuelan President did not say much about talks he held

with the Guyana's President David Granger.

He thanked the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon for organizing those talks with Granger at Venezuela's request.

During those talks Maduro agreed to resume diplomatic relations by sending back his Ambassador to Georgetown and granting

approval for Cheryl Miles to be accredited as Guyana's Ambassador to Ve n e z u e l a . T h e Venezuelan leader has also agreed to allow a UN fact-finding mission to visit Caracas and then report back to the UN Chief after which a decision would be made.

G u y a n a continues to push for a

juridical settlement of the controversy. Granger in his address on Tuesday renewed Guyana's pledge to continue pursuing the path of peace. He said Guyana does not wish for Venezuela's “obnoxious territorial claim” to obscure the prospects of peace and obstruct the possibility of growth for the next 50 years.

FIRST LADY SEEKS HELP TO TACKLE UNDERAGE PREGNANCY Children, seniors, the unemployed and the underemployed in Guyana, dominated the First Lady Sandra Granger's address as guest speaker at a Women's Networking Reception in New York.

Mrs. Granger called for urgent help to deal with underage pregnancies as children 15 years and younger are becoming pregnant and giving birth to babies, naming Guyana, Belize and Jamaica as countries with the highest birth rate behind sub-Sahara Africa.

She committed to working with medical professionals

to develop a friendly tone to teach sex education and to reduce the incident rate that has become a financial burden on youths and the state.

The first lady spoke of many students that lacked basic reading and writing skills. Some of the children she noted were still promoted to higher learning. This she blamed on the 'no child left behind' program that placed students into a higher class, despite a failing grade.

First Lady Sandra Granger and others New York

The “No child left behind” policy also known as the “Grade Repetition/Retention and

Automatic Promotion” was implemented under the former administration to decrease school-

dropouts; however, it was later scrapped after not finding favor with parents and teachers.

The first lady stated that “I want our children to aim higher. We have to put the tools in their hands to make sure they are properly educated.”

Referencing the her first education initiative in the historic village of Buxton, on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), she says it will be a model for other areas.

A Y o u t h Development Initiative

homework club will provide afterschool tutorial for youth and adults lacking reading, writing and computer skills — a model for other areas of Guyana such as the Hinterland region where 30,000 students will also receive footwear to attend school.

The reception, hosted by Ismay and Dr. Alisha Griffith, attracted scores of professional G u y a n e s e w h o volunteered to work with the first lady on domestic abuse, suicide, education, health, and youth programs, after a Q&A segment.

CHARGED FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL Clint Bastian of Lot 5 Good Hope, ECD, was stopped and tested with a breathalyzer on 2015-0812 while driving motor cycle CF 8539 on Carmichael Street, G e o rg e t o w n . H e w a s found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol.

H e w a s c h a rg e d a n d appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate Court on 2015-08-17 where he pleaded 'guilty' and was fined $7,500.00.

Mohamed Ally of N u m b e r 7 1 Vi l l a g e , Corentyne, was stopped and tested with a breathalyzer on 2015-0815 while driving motor vehicle PFF 5955 on the Number 62 Public Road, Corentyne. He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol.

H e w a s c h a rg e d a n d appeared at the Springlands Magistrate Court on 2015-08-17 where he pleaded 'guilty' and was fined $7,500.00.

Raymond Roopnauth of N u m b e r 6 4 Vi l l a g e , Corentyne, was stopped and tested with a breathalyzer on 2015-0809 while driving motor vehicle PRR 4660 on the Number 51 Public Road, Corentyne. He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol.

He was charged and appeared at the Springlands Magistrate Court on 2015-08-10 where he pleaded 'guilty' was fined $7,500.00.

Arjune Samlall of Lot 947 Bath Settlement, WCB, was stopped and tested with a breathalyzer on 2015-08-15 while driving motor vehicle PLL 6099 on the Number 62 Public Road, Corentyne, He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol. He was charged and appeared at the Springlands Magistrate Court on 2015-08-17 where he pleaded 'guilty' and was fined $7,500.00.

Amier Rahaman of Lot 33 Number 64 Village, Corentyne, was stopped and tested with a breathalyzer on 2015-0815 while driving motor vehicle HC 5318 on the Number 62 Public Road, Corentyne. He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol.

He was charged and appeared at the Springlands Magistrate Court on 2015-08-17 where he pleaded 'guilty' and was fined $7,500.00.

Denesh Makhanlall of Lot 179 Section B, No. 68 Village, Corentyne, was stopped and tested with a breathalyzer on 2015-0816 while driving motor vehicle PLL 7660 on the No. 63 Public Road, Corentyne. He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol.

He was charged and appeared at the Springlands Magistrate Court on 2015-08-17 where he pleaded 'guilty' and was fined $7,500.00.

MAN FOUND WITH MARIJUANA ARRESTED

A man is police custody following the discovery of a quantity of marijuana.

Police say about 01:00 h o u r o n We d n e s d a y

September 30, 2015 ranks of a police patrol conducted a search on a motor vehicle at Ross Public Road, West Coast

Demerara (WCD), during which 12 kilograms of marijuana were found.

Investigations are ongoing.

GPSU BIENNIAL CONFERENCE OPENS

Invitees at the opening

The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) is hoping to improve the treatment of public servants while fostering better relations with the government. The GPSU opened its 21st Biennial Delegates Conference t o d a y ( We d n e s d a y , September, 30) at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.

President of the GPSU P a t r i c k Ya r d e t o l d government officials that public servants must be respected and called for the return of the Public Service Appellate Tribunal and the honoring of the outstanding awards.

He further highlighted the importance of adhering to

principles of collective bargaining.

These comments were made in light of experiences with the previous administration which were highlighted i n c l u s i v e o f “politicization of the Public Service Commission… the non – function of Public Service Tr i b u n a l , d e n i a l o f promotions, nonpayment of increment, denial of natural justice and due process and blatant discrimination,” Standing in for President David Granger; Minister of State Joe Harmon assured the gathering that Current government understands that it is

impossible to function without the public service.

He added that the administration intends to use the findings of the ongoing Public Service Commission of Inquiry to address the burning issues in public sector including, wages and salaries.

The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU)'s 21st Biennial Delegates Conference under the theme “Enhancing the Process of Restoration of D i g n i t y a n d Professionalism in the Public Service”. The subtheme for the conference is “Efficient and Quality Service”.

MAN WANTED FOR DOUBLE MURDER ARRESTED Police have arrested a man at Mawise Backdam, Mahdia, who is wanted for two separate murders.

A police report stated that the man had in his possession an unlicensed .38 revolver and six matching rounds.

The arrest was made after the ranks received a tip-off off a location where the man

was hiding out.

The man is wanted by police for two separate murders at Konawaruk nd Mawise Backdam.

He is in police custody assisting with investigations.

SEA DEFENCE WORKS TO COMMENCE IN OCTOBER The Ministry of Public Infrastructure is currently in the process of finalizing the evaluation of works to be done on 15 lots of Sea and River Defence countrywide.

Sea and River Defence Officer, Kevin Samad, says rehabilitation of sea and river defence structures in Regions Three, Four and Six should commence shortly.

“Before the end of this week we will be able to make submissions to the National Procurement and Tender Board Administration which would then will review the tenders made then proceed to award tenders. We are expecting works to commence early October,” Samad explained.

An amount of $1.4B was allocated in the 2015 National Budget to be expended on sea and river defense. With this allocation, structures in Regions Two, Three,

Four, Six and Seven would be improved to ensure that the vulnerability of flooding due to overtopping is reduced.

In addition to the investments, according to the Government Information Agency (GINA), plans to develop new and integrated coastal zone policies and strategies to ensure an

integrated approach to delivering sustainable sea and river defence management.

The National Mangrove Management Action plan will also be updated and implemented so as to strengthen the coastal zone management system.

AGRICULTURE MONTH ACTIVITIES TO KICK OFF ON SATURDAY Agriculture month 2015 activities will be unveiled on National Tree Planting day (October, 3) which will be observed under the theme “Exploiting our strengths: advancing agriculture and social protection.”

The Guyana News Network (GNN) spoke to Public Relations Officer at the Ministry Erika Haag-Tularam who noted that this year heavy focus will be placed on the development of small farmers.

Among the activities

planned is the commissioning of the Eversham pump station at East Berbice, Corentyne and the opening of the No. 6 village Rice seed facility. Added importance will also be placed on value added products in an effort to improve local processing and packaging capabilities.

Shade house facilities will be commissioned at the University of Guyana's Tain Campus to highlight the possibilities that

surround small scale farming. Shade houses, while protecting plants from the effects of climate change and increasing production, it also allows for the production of more vegetables in a small area.

During the month of October, the Pesticide and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) will be commissioning a storage bond at its Mon Repos facility.

This event will be used to inform the public on the uses and storage of chemicals. This

is seen as aspect of the month's activities as reported cases of misuse of chemicals becomes more frequent, with the most common misuse being for the purpose of suicide.

Guyana will also be joining in the observance of World Food Day on Friday, October, 16 under the theme “Social Protection and Agriculture: Breaking the cycle of rural poverty.”

GUYSUCO AND PRIVATE CANE FARMERS ENJOY A GOOD RELATIONSHIP

-HANOMAN

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GuySuCo, Mr. Errol Hanoman, has lauded the excellent relationship that currently exist between the corporation and private

cane farmers.

Speaking to GNN, Hanoman's comment was in response to the Opposition People's Progressive Party (PPP) coming out in support of private cane farmers of the Upper Corentyne who took strike action recently to register their disagreement of a 30% percent reduction in payment for the year's crop supplied to the G u y a n a S u g a r Corporation (Guysuco).

According to the

P P P, G u y s u c o i s demanding the thirty percent reduction in payment for costs to reap the farmers' cane, the use of Guysuco's punts to transport the cane harvested by private cane farmers.

“There is no merit in the contentions being made”, Hanoman noted. He said that those who protested were not representative of all the farmers and pointed out that many others did not support the protest action

which was brief.

He said the GuySuco provides a service to the farmers and the cost must be recovered which is understood by the farmers. “I can't understand the issue. Is GuySuco supposed to offer extended credit to the farmers?” he questioned.

The PPP in a statement issued Tuesday noted that this action is another example of the APNU+AFC government

turning its back on another group of agricultural producers who have been producing significant amounts of both cane sugar and rice for local and overseas consumption.

“This retrograde step by Guysuco is a glaring example of how, as a result of bad agricultural policies and its non-commitment to consult with stakeholders in the agricultural sector, “the PPP stated.

H a n o m a n

reiterated that the cost for the services provided must be paid for which is even more pertinent given the corporation's dire financial situation.

FATHER OF FOUR EXECUTED T h i r t y - S i x Ye a r o l d Dexter Griffith on Tuesday evening received three bullets about the body as he sat on the street corner close to his Lot 465 East Ruimveldt “back Circle” home. He was shot execution style by one of two men who cornered him in the community.

His mother Lavern Griffith who spoke with the Guyana News Network (GNN) on Wednesday explained that she was at home when she heard the rapid expositions which sounded like gunshots.

Shortly after she said that persons were observed running away from the direction the explosions were coming from but her son was not one of them, although she was aware that he was around the

corner.

The woman said she immediately sent her reputed daughter in law to see if Dexter was still around the corner. It was then she received the dreadful news that her son was shot and was lying in the drain panting for breath.

Mrs. Griffith explained that she went around the corner and pulled him from the gutter and summoned a taxi and left for the hospital. She told GNN that on the way to the hospital her son attempted to say a few words and in the process he mentioned the name of one of his assailant.

That name is being withheld from the police and the media by the dead man's mother who said

that she will only release it when she is finish doing what she has to do. Police sources have however confirmed that they too are in receipt of a call name and the person is no stranger to them. The suspect is being pursued.

Asked what might have led to her son's murder, the woman said she cannot explain and that is why she continues to be angered by the entire ordeal. She said that her son never got himself involved with anyone neither had any brushes with the law.

The dead man's mother denied reports that her son was fingered in a rape case in the past, saying that she had no such knowledge.

She described her son as a hard working family man

who would ensure that he walks his daughter to school in the morning and return for her in the afternoon before he goes out to play football and then go around the corner and spend some time with some other children who are not his own.

G r i ffi t h w a s g u n n e d down shortly after he had finish spending time with the children in the area who left for their respective homes. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital. He leaves to mourn his children ages 13, 6, 4 and 18 months along with his Mother and other siblings.

PRESIDENT Six steps to stronger TO HOST willpower FIRST PRESS CONFERENCE ABOUT YOU:

Besides intelligence, willpower is meant to be the single most important trait for success in life. In our latest SmartList, we explain simple ways to improve your selfcontrol.

HOLD IN YOUR PEE – Strangely, it can stop you making impulsive decisions. Psychologist call it “inhibitory spillover”. Intriguingly, the UK Prime Minister David Cameron claims to use this strategy before important meetings. The idea is that while the brain is exercising self-control on one task, its discipline spreads to any other task at hand. In one study, for instance, some participants were asked to drink a few glasses of flavoured water. Before having the chance to relieve themselves, they were given the opportunity to earn some money. The participants who needed the toilet were more likely to forgo a smaller, immediate award in order to receive a bigger pay-out later on – a classic test of willpower.

GET A SUGAR RUSH – The blood sugar boost your resolve and lead to wiser decisions. Self-control uses up the brain's energy reserves, meaning that you are more weak-willed when you are hungry. One study found that judges are more likely to make rash judgements before lunch for this very reason – and it could also explain why we lose our temper and get “hangry” around dinnertime.

But a simple sweet drink can give you a boost and restore your reserves. It's not a good strategy if you are trying to be healthy, though.

LAUGH – When we feel happy, we find it easier to endure pain for long-term gain. Although willpower can wear down over the day (and with hunger) there are ways to restore it. One option is comedy. A recent study found that people who watched funny videos were better at controlling their impulses later on. They were more likely to stomach a nasty-tasting drink, for instance, that was meant to be good for their health.

President David Granger will engage the media for the first time via a press conference since he assumed office some four months ago.

A p r e s s conference is scheduled to be held on Friday October 2, 2015 at 11:00 hours at

SLEEP ON IT – We are less likely to give in to temptation in the morning. Psychologists think of willpower as a “limited resource” – essentially, you can use it up over the course of a day. We can't always choose when our self-control is going to be tested, of course – but when making a big decision (about whether to buy a car, or end your marriage, say) you may do better to sleep on it. Otherwise, you may face regret in the morning.

MEDITATE – Restful contemplation refocuses your mind on the things that matter. Self-control often involves suppressing some difficult emotions, as you keep your eye on the prize. Fortunately, mindful contemplation helps you to balance your feelings, so that you can continue to act in your own best interests.One simple technique is to focus your attention across different parts of the body, observing the unique sensations in each place.

STOP FEELING GUILTY – Ironically, feelings of guilt send you down a slippery slope into temptation. So enjoy a bit if indulgence every now and then. The mind automatically associates guilt with pleasure – meaning that we find our vices even more enticing when we know we're not meant to enjoy them. Conversely, a little guiltfree indulgence may just be the rest you need to help you maintain your resolve. So if you do find yourself breaking a resolution, don't beat yourself up – just see it as a momentary lapse that will leave you renewed and ready to fight on. (BBC)

the Ministry of the Presidency.

The Guyanese Head of State returned from the United Nations General Assembly on We d n e s d a y a n d i t i s anticipated that he will update the media on his bilateral engagements.

Regional

Regional

CDB SUPPORTS FISHING INDUSTRY IN GRENADA, PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY AT SEA For people who work at sea, an injury or accident while on the job could mean huge losses for them—and their families.

In Grenada, where the fishing industry has experienced positive growth since 2012, but where most seafarers operate without formal training or certification, the impacts could be even more devastating.

From September 2015 to June 2016, through funding from the Caribbean Development Bank's Basic Needs Trust Fund, 112 male and female seafarers from Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique will have the opportunity to learn techniques that will make them less vulnerable to the risks associated with their profession.

The training takes place at the Caribbean Fisheries Training and Development Institute in Trinidad, where the first cohort arrived on Monday, September 28, 2015.

Throughout the nine-day programme, which is a

blended curriculum of practice and theory, the seafarers will learn personal survival techniques, firefighting and prevention, first aid, personal safety and social responsibility.

The Institute is accredited by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and delivers training in accordance with the Standards of Training, Certification and Wa t c h k e e p i n g f o r Seafarers (STCW) 1995, established by the IMO. “In Grenada, fishing is very vital to economic development.

Making sure seafarers have the capacity and knowledge to handle issues they could encounter while at work is essential to keeping this growing industry afloat,” said Darran Newman, Portfolio Manager, Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF).

“Proper training reduces the probability of accidents, injury or death among seafarers,

safeguards their income, and protects their families from falling into poverty,” she said. For Grenadians, seafarer training and certification also provides opportunities for employment in the maritime industry locally and around the world. For the Government of Grenada, it reduces the number of rescue missions in response to accidents at sea and allows for cost savings.

The seafarer skills training sub-project is being delivered under the seventh cycle of B N T F, w h i c h h a s contributed US$123,500 to the initiative. The Government of Grenada will provide US$6,500.

The sub-project aligns with the Government of Grenada's priorities and key areas of support: expanding educational opportunities in adult literacy and Technical and Vocational training with relevant certification, and improving the quality and safety of the fishing industry.

T &T FISHERMAN KILLED BY PIRATES

IN YET another incident of piracy in waters between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela, a young fisherman has been killed in a violent attack

by Spanish- speaking gunmen off this country's coastline. Christian Steve Hernandez, a 19-yearold Las Cuevas man was shot dead by the pirates early on Monday evening and one of his colleagues remains in hospital in serious condition when he was wounded in the attack.

Hernandez was among five men who came face to face with death when they were intercepted by a vessel occupied by eight Spanish-speaking men.

While three of the Trinidadian's dived into the sea to escape a hail of

bullets, Hernandez killed and another man, Roger Clement severely wounded, in a serious condition at hospital in Port-of- Spain.

The survivors of the ordeal told police the men took them to a dark area near the platform and proceeded to rob them of items including a tool box and then opened fire on them. Hernandez and Roger Clement were shot multiple times, while three others jumped off the boat and hid in the water to avoid their attackers.

They emerged from the waves after the pirates sailed off and took their injured colleagues, to Staubles Bay. They arrived on land at about 6 pm on Monday where a Medical Officer declared

Hernandez dead on arrival and sought to stabilise the wounded Clement who was transferred to the St James Infirmary. The three survivors of the ordeal are now in the care of police officers, assisting with the investigation.

Ye s t e r d a y ' s incident was the second death at the hands of Spanish- speaking bandits in waters off Trinidad for this month. Marcus Haniff, 23, was killed during a fishing expedition in the Gulf of Paria on September 19.

The pirates took their boat engine and all their valuables, before ordering Haniff and his fisherman friends to jump into the ocean. Shots were fired behind the group of men and Haniff, who was a n o n - s w i m m e r, d i s a p p e a r e d .

In another incident involving pirates, five Venezuelans were killed by members of the Guardia Nacionale a few weeks ago while they were in search of two Trinidad and Tobago fishermen, Shawn Madoo and Vishal Ramlochan, who were missing since early July.

BRITAIN TO BUILD PRISON IN JAMAICA Prime Minister David Cameron yesterday announced that the British Government will help fund the construction of a prison here, where Jamaicans incarcerated in England will complete their sentences. Cameron made the announcement following bilateral talks with Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller at Jamaica House in the first few hours of his official visit to the Caribbean island.

Cameron did not state the cost of the prison, however British

media have reported that his Government will spend £25 million on the project that will effectively end a deadlock in negotiations over a prisoner transfer deal between London and Kingston. More than 600 Jamaicans are said to be in British prisons and Government officials there say the deal could save English taxpayers £10 million a year when transfers begin in 2020.

Yesterday, the BBC reported that more than 300 offenders are expected to be deported to Jamaica under the scheme,

which covers those sentenced to at least four years who have 18 months or more left to serve.

Cameron said the prison would help to improve the ability of the Jamaican justice system to deal with crime.

"This, I believe, is in the interest of both of us and is a good example of how we can work together to benefit people here in Jamaica, and in prison too," he stated.

Cameron announced also that his Government will establish a £300-million fund to provide grants to

Caribbean countries for infrastructure projects to, among other things, enhance the movement of cargo.

"I believe this money can help to unleash trade across the region with your roads and bridges, and port infrastructure to help speed up freight movements, and it will benefit British businesses who have the knowledge and expertise to deliver infrastructure improvements," the prime minister said. He noted that this will make the UK

the largest bilateral donor to the region.

The two leaders also discussed the urgent need to tackle climate change, with Cameron pointing out that the UK had spent £60 million in the Caribbean over the past five years on initiatives to combat the problem. He said, however, that more needs to be done and that it was for this reason that Britain would spend some of the £6 billion budgeted for the next five years to finance climate change programmes, on local

related activities.

Simpson Miller indicated that she raised the highly anticipated and controversial matter of reparations, but there seemed not to have been a deep discussion.

According to Simpson Miller, she brought the issue to Cameron's attention, but indicated that "Jamaica is involved in a process under the auspices of the Caribbean Community to engage the UK on the matter while we are aware of the obvious sensitivities involved".

INTERNATIONAL

RUSSIA COMMENCES AIR STRIKES IN SYRIA Russia appears to have begun carrying out air strikes in Syria against opponents of President Bashar al-Assad, a US defence official says. The official said the strikes reportedly came in the area of the western city of Homs.

Washington was informed in advance that they were about to take place.

The development came amid reports that President Assad had formally requested Russian military support. Reports from Russia say the upper house of the Russian parliament granted President Vladimir Putin approval to deploy the Russian air force in Syria.

Syria's civil war has raged for four years, with armed groups - some of them Islamist, including the Islamic State (IS) group have been fighting to overthrow the government.

The US defence official said: "A Russian

official in Baghdad this morning informed US embassy personnel that Russian military aircraft would begin flying anti-Isil [IS] missions today over Syria. He further requested that US aircraft avoid Syrian airspace during these missions.

"We've seen media reporting that has suggested Russian missions have begun." The official declared a US-led coalition would continue to fly anti-IS missions over Iraq and Syria as planned, and expressed criticism of Russia's move.

"While we would welcome a constructive role

by Russia in this effort, today's demarche hardly seems indicative of that sort of role and will in no way alter our operations. "It also only underscores the need to begin having meaningful deconfliction discussions very soon."

To date, More than 250,000 Syrians have been killed and a million injured in four-and-a-half years of armed conflict, which began with anti-government protests before escalating into a full-scale civil war.More than 11 million others have been forced from their homes, four million of them abroad, as forces loyal to President Assad and those opposed to his rule battle each other - as well as jihadist militants from IS and other groups. Growing numbers of refugees are going to Europe.

Regional and world powers have also been drawn into the conflict. Iran and Russia, along with Lebanon's Hezbollah movement, are propping up the Alawite-led government. Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are backing the Sunni-dominated opposition, along with the US, UK and France. (BBC)

TALIBAN TIGHTENS GRIP ON AFGHAN CITY OF KUNDUZ

Ta l i b a n fi g h t e r s w h o seized a military hilltop site in Kunduz, are tightening their grip on the northern Afghan city. The capture of the Bala Hisar fortress came despite efforts by government reinforcements, backed by

Nato airstrikes and special forces, to retake the city.

It leaves the airport as the army's last stronghold.

T h e Ta l i b a n o v e r r a n Kunduz on Monday, their biggest military gain since they lost power in 2001.

T h e Ta l i b a n h a d

blockaded the Bala Hisar fortress for two days.

Hundreds of Afghan security personnel were stationed there, and their fate was not clear.

Late on Tuesday the Taliban tried to capture the airport as well, but two

US air strikes halted their advance. Clashes went on through the night around Kunduz, and the provincial hospital was reportedly struggling to cope with the number of casualties. Kunduz is one of Afghanistan's largest cities, and is strategically important as a transport hub for the north of the country.

Militant violence has increased across Afghanistan since Nato ended its combat mission in Afghanistan in D e c e m b e r, l e a v i n g a 13,000-strong residual force used for training and counter-terrorism operations.

On Tuesday the U n i t e d S t a t e s acknowledged the seizure of Kunduz as a setback, but said it remained confident that Afghan

security forces could retake the city. Sayed Sarwar Hussaini, a spokesman for Kunduz's police chief, told Reuters: "Hundreds of Taliban are killed and their dead bodies are on [the] streets." There was no i n d e p e n d e n t confirmation, and the Taliban denied their local leader had been killed.

The Afghan defence ministry claimed on Tuesday that the town's police headquarters and prison had been recaptured, after militants released hundreds of prisoners when they took the city on Monday. But Taliban-released video featured militants in the town showing off seized tanks, armoured vehicles, police cars and Red Cross vans.

T h e Ta l i b a n ' s

new leader, Mullah Akhtar Mansour, said the government should admit defeat. In Kabul, members of parliament called for President Ghani to resign.

The head of Afghan intelligence was called to parliament to explain what went wrong in Kunduz.

The assault on Monday was swift and took Afghan forces by surprise. As darkness fell, heavily armed fighters crossed fields to attack the city from multiple directions. They quickly overwhelmed several of the police checkpoints defending the perimeter of the town before moving into the centre. Kunduz province has seen a number of attacks since April, with the Taliban joining forces with other insurgents.

IRAN THREATENS 'HARSH' RETALIATION OVER HAJJ STAMPEDE AT MINA

Iran's Supreme Leader is threatening Saudi Arabia with "tough and harsh" retaliation after saying that the bodies of Hajj stampede victims are not being repatriated swiftly. "Saudi Arabia failed to fulfill its duties concerning the desperate wounded (pilgrims)," said Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iran's official PressTV. "Should we decide to show any reaction, our reaction will be tough and harsh," it quoted him as saying at a military academy Wednesday. Iran's Foreign Ministry also summoned the Saudi charge d'affaires Wednesday, warning against any delay in identifying and

repatriating missing and dead Iranian pilgrims.

Iran and Saudi Arabia have been stepping up their war of words over last Thursday's stampede, with Riyadh accusing Tehran of politicizing the tragedy and Te h r a n d e m a n d i n g a n apology from Saudi Arabia, which it says mismanaged the Hajj.

The Saudi staterun SPA news agency says at least 769 people were killed and more than 900 injured in the crush at Mina, a neighborhood about 2 miles from the Mecca holy site, but Iran says the death toll is higher. Iran's Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization says 239 Iranian pilgrims

have so far been confirmed dead, with 241 others unaccounted for, PressTV said Wednesday. It referred to what it said was an overall death toll of 4,173.

Khamenei also lashed out Sunday at Saudi Arabia over the Mina deaths. "Saudi Arabia's rulers, instead of shifting blame (to others), must accept their responsibility in this heavy mishap by apologizing to the Islamic Ummah and their bereft families, and meeting their obligations to that effect," "The Muslim world has many questions, and the deaths of more than 1,000 people in this incident is not a minor issue;

therefore, the Muslim world must think of a remedy to this issue," he continued.

Iran and some other Muslim nations dispute the death toll released by Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir responded by saying Iranians should not politically exploit a tragedy, SPA reported Sunday. "We are going to disclose the truth when it comes out (following the completion of an investigation) and not hide anything. Had a wrongdoing taken place in Hajj, those who were in charge would be fully held responsible," it quoted him as telling reporters in New

York as world leaders gathered for the United Nations General Assembly.

The Middle Eastern rivals have also been trading jabs over foreign policy in the wartorn nations of Yemen and Syria in their comments on the Hajj stampede. In an interview with Al-Arabiya on Monday, Al-Jubeir again accused Iran of politicizing Mina and said Iran was fanning unrest in the Middle East by arming Houthi rebels in Yemen and backing Syrian President Bashar alAssad.

Iran's Foreign Ministry responded Tu e s d a y b y i s s u i n g a statement from a

spokeswoman reemphasizing "poor management and lack of prudence of Saudi officials in connection with the Mina tragedy" and saying Saudi Arabia's armed intervention in Syria and Yemen would encourage extremism and instability in the region.

"Exactly at the time when thousands of Muslim countries' Hajj pilgrims are becoming victim of their lack of prudence, hundreds of Yemeni civilians are killed in a wedding ceremony in an a i r r a i d i n Ye m e n , " spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkha added. (CNN)

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FA HAS DILEMMA OVER BACKING PLATINI FOR PRESIDENT When the Football Association board meets at Wembley on Wednesday, one topic will be of particular interest. The latest twist in the unravelling of the basketcase that is Fifa. Because, with less than four weeks until nominations close for February's election of a new president of football's world governing body, the

FA knows that mounting uncertainty surrounds the candidacy of the man it is backing to lead football into a new era.

Having been dragged into the corruption scandal that has engulfed world football's governing body, Uefa supremo Michel Platini's reputation and campaign is on the line, the Frenchman

under mounting pressure to fully explain the £1.35m he received in 2011 from Fifa president Sepp Blatter for work he supposedly undertook between 1998 and 2002.

Blatter faces criminal investigations for what the Swiss attorney general Michael Lauber has described as a "disloyal payment". Both men deny

any wrongdoing, and Platini has now launched a belated fightback, insisting in an interview with French news agency AFP that the delay was because Blatter had told him it was not initially possible to pay him in full for his services as a consultant due to Fifa's "financial situation".

Why he did not say this publicly last week when he was first questioned by Swiss prosecutors is unclear. It has not gone unnoticed, of course, that according to Fifa's 2002 official finance report between 1999 and 2002 the organisation enjoyed surplus revenue of

115m Swiss francs (about £80m at the time), making it hard to accept that the body could not afford to pay Platini his fees.

What also makes all this so awkward is that shortly after Platini received the money in 2011, he backed Blatter's re-election as Fifa president, deciding not to stand against him. Platini says that the this had nothing to do with the money he received, and that the timing was merely

a coincidence, but for many, when Fifa is already on its knees after years of corruption allegations and in desperate need for transparency and integrity, the fact that the favourite to be its next leader is being treated by the Swiss authorities as "between a witness and an accused person" (according to Lauber), is a cause of grave concern.

BANKS DIH ON BOARD WITH SOUTH AMERICAN 10K Distance mecca of the Athletics in Guyana, the South American 10k was on Wednesday launched with the announcement that beverage Giants Banks DIH are the first sponsors on Board.

The 13th edition of the tournament according to President of the Athletics Association of Guyana Aubrey Hutson,

is expected to be contested on November 8 2015.

He indicated that this year will feature more participating nations, n o t i n g , “ We e x p e c t greater participation...we h a v e r e c e i v e d commitments from all 12 of the South American countries as well as calls from the United Arab Emirates as well as an

increase in the number of Caribbean countries," New frontiers he noted are on the Horizon for the sport with an overall winner to be crowned at the conclusion of the three legs, thus c r e a t i n g m o r e participation.

Additionally, this event will feature no categories and each athlete

will enter in the open division with athletes 16 and under being barred from participating.

Another change features the introduction of a points system where the athlete accumulating the most points will receive the overall crown as well as an extra $1500 USD. On the note of its

pole position for sponsorship, the Rainforest Waters and Powerade brands, Banks D I H Wa t e r B r a n d Manager Errol Nelson said, "Our involvement in the event will be in the form of creating the awareness of the brand along with providing refreshments for the athletes and ground

staff,",Nelson noted as he wished the event success.

The South American 10k will have three legs with the first beginning on October 31 in Suriname before coming to Guyana on November 8.

The final leg will be held on November 16 in Panama.

QUICK SHIFT DRAG RACING ON THIS WEEKEND Drag racing fans are in for a treat when the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) holds the second instalment of the Quick Shift this Sunday at the South Dakota Circuit Timheri.

The Motor Racing club has promised a jam packed day of racing, adding that, “Preparations are coming along perfectly well;

we have made some adjustments where we will have a smoother flow of events (races). We have the parking facility for the racers better organized and patrons will see a lot more races in a shorter period of time.”

The ball gets rolling from 09:00 when free practice sessions are put in place for those who still

need to familiarise themselves with the current drag racing start light system.

An hour later, fans will be treated to the qualification stages where cars will be separated based on the amount of time it takes to complete the quarter mile i.e 12 seconds, 11 seconds, etc.

Following the

classing stage, the knockouts begin with cars going head to head until they come down to the finals where they will run a two best in three system.

Meanwhile the club has organized a meeting today (Wednesday) September 2015 at their building, Albert Street, Thomas Lands for all drag

racing competitors and those interested.

The meeting will commence at 5:00 pm and will focus on issues that drag racers may have and also on the implementation of systems to ensure the smoother flow of drag racing events.

Admission on race day is $1000 for Adults,

$500 for Kids under 12 and Vehicles are Free.

Sponsored by G T & T, Va l v o l i n e , F l y Jamaica, South Land International Inc, Universal Communications Inc, Gran S p o r t s , R e n t - a - Te n t , Ganesh Parts & General Store, Fanatix Designs, A&R Jiwanram Printery.

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SIMMONS NOT FIRED - WICB

Phil Simmons has not been fired, but he has been asked to answer "breaches of confidentiality", according to the WICB chief

executive Michael Muirhead, after the West Indies coach was suspended because he had alleged outside

interference in the selection of the ODI squad for the tour of Sri Lanka.

Muirhead said they hoped to reach a decision on

Simmons' future in the next seven days.

"What has happened with Phil Simmons is m o s t unfortunate, rest assured he has not been fired," he said. "Let us say he has been called to answer breaches of confidentiality and bringing the WICB into disrepute. He will be given a fair hearing by a panel and a decision will be made within the boundaries of our own HR policy.

"During the process he will continue to enjoy the full benefits of his full remuneration. The mater will be dealt with in

an expeditious manner and it is our intention to have a decision within the next seven working days."

Clive Lloyd, the West Indies chairman of selectors, also issued a statement saying such outbursts could not be excused. Simmons had said that he and Lloyd had been in agreement about wanting Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard back in the ODI squad, but had been outvoted 3-2 by the other selectors. " P h i l h a s apologised to all for his recent public statements and how strongly he would have felt on certain selection matters of the team," Lloyd said. "We agreed - at times - that we will have a difference of opinion, but we cannot condone such outbursts.

Therefore, we will always

seek discussion and dialogue at every stage of the selection process and work towards the best interest of West Indies cricket."

Simmons was suspended on Monday, two days after his outburst in which he said he had not been given the best ODI squad even though the captain Jason Holder also wanted Bravo and Pollard in the team. His comments came before the squad was officially announced by the WICB. An email from Muirhead informed Simmons of his suspension with immediate effect, six months after he had taken up the job. Former fast bowler and selector Eldine Baptiste was handed the role of interim coach for the tour of Sri Lanka.

(Espncricinfo)

BRAVO & POLLARD IN WI T20 SQUAD Offspinner Sunil Narine has been included in the West Indies squads for the ODIs and T20Is in Sri Lanka in October, after having opted out of their 2015 World Cup campaign because of issues with his action. There were eight changes from the squad that travelled to Australia and New Zealand: Chris Gayle was out of both squads after having a back surgery, but Darren Sammy, Lendl Simmons, Sulieman Benn, Sheldon Cottrell, Nikita Miller, Kemar Roach, and Dwayne Smith were omitted from the ODI set up.

made comebacks. Bravo, who had injured his hamstring during that tournament, was also in the T20I squad.

Allrounders Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard continued to be kept out of the ODI set-up, a decision that was revealed beforehand by Phil Simmons, who was later suspended as West Indies coach for saying there had been outside interference in the selection of the squad. Both players, however, were included in the T20I squad.

The selectors dropped a lot of the players who fared poorly in the World Cup, where West Indies struggled during the group stages and were beaten heavily by New Zealand in the quarterfinal.

The players included in the ODI squad were: Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Carlos Brathwaite, Andre Fletcher, Jason Mohammed, and Ravi Rampaul, a fast R a m p a u l . N a r i n e a n d bowler, made a comeback Darren Bravo, withdrawn in both formats after not from the World Cup squad,

even being included in the list of 30 probables for the World Cup; his last game for West Indies was during the aborted tour of India in October 2014. Legspinner Bishoo has not played an ODI or T20I for West Indies since October 2011, while wicketkeeperbatsman Fletcher has not played an ODI since May 2010. Allrounder Mohammed, who bowls part-time offspin, has played only one ODI, in December 2011.

Narine has not played international cricket since he was reported for a suspect action during the 2014 Champions League T20 and barred from bowling for Kolkata Knight Riders in the final of that tournament. He underwent remedial work and was included in West Indies' World Cup squad, but pulled out of the competition to give himself more time to work on his action.

The limited-overs leg of the tour of Sri Lanka comes after the two-Test series and begins with the first of three ODIs on November 1. West Indies will be coached by the selector and former fast bowler Eldine Baptiste, after Phil Simmons' suspension.

ODI squad: Jason Holder (capt), Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Jason Mohammed, Sunil Narine, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor T20I squad: Darren Sammy (capt), Samuel Badree, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Jason Holder, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor

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BRAVO & POLLARD RECALLED -see page 13