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Spots secured No. 104665

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2016

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…new pact signed for 25 spots for Guyanese at Hugh Wooding Law School

Cummings Lodge woman found dead in home 2 P.

Gov’t finalising plans for development 8 of Eugene F. Correia Airport P.

Veterans’ CoI

Soldiers risk impotency, blindness …due to exposure to

mercury-contaminated water

Toshaos nudge gov't on land titling 8

The gorgeous looking 20-year-old Britany Singh was on Sunday crowned the 2016 Miss India Guyana by outgoing queen Lieve Balnckaert. She prevailed over the crowd favourite, 24-year- old Tihirih Boodhoo, and the only other contestant, Abigail Mohabir (Adrian Narine photo)

…amendment to Amerindian Act

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 5, 2016

Cummings Lodge woman found dead in home By Ravin Singh

TRAGEDY struck in the village of Cummings Lodge, East Coast of Demerara (ECD) on Sunday when 47-year-old Anita ‘Sandra’ Mohan was found brutally murdered in her home. The woman, who was self-employed, was discovered with stab wounds about her face and body by her 27-year-old son Imtiaz Khan, about 16:45hrs on Sunday. Khan, who spoke with the Guyana Chronicle, explained that when he returned home from work he found his mother dead in the kitchen, which is located in the bottom flat of the wooden house. “I come home from work about quarter to five and I see my mother dead. She get beat and stab in her face. So I shout out to my aunty and relatives them for rescue. But she was beaten a long time, because the blood was dry on her skin and she was almost stiff,” a visibly shaken

The body of 47-year old Anita ‘Sandra’ Mohan being removed from her Lot 315 South-east Cummings Lodge home on Sunday evening

Khan said. The now dead woman lived with her son and nephew, Kevin (only name given) who is also known as ‘Chucky.’ It was reported that ‘Chucky’ was taken in by the woman since he was a child, after his single- parent mother died. While investigations were ongoing last evening, he (Chucky) was held as a suspect for questioning.

However, Khan explained that ‘Chucky’s’ alibi is that he was out looking after cows, which he normally does. In a twist of events though, the woman’s son revealed that someone who owes them money had threatened to kill both his mother and cousin recently. “A bannah owe we some money from boarding. My mother

Anita Mohan who was found brutally murdered in her home on Sunday

used to cook for he. He owe we about $20,000. And couple weeks now we ain’t dealing because he ain’t want to pay us and we keep asking for the money. He is an old convict so I don’t know if is he do it,” Khan reasoned. He further disclosed that the man has been finding excuses to pay the money,

saying that he does not have it and when he works he will repay them. “Two nights ago he threaten ‘Chucky’ and six of them tackle he [Chucky). So he went to the station to make a report and the police said they ain’t got no vehicle,” Khan said. Meanwhile, neighbours reported that the police had been contacted since the woman’s body was discovered by her son and it was not until after 18:00hrs that they arrived at the scene. “Imagine the station deh a stone’s throw away. Sophia station deh right behind deh and we call them since this boy find he mother and they come hours after,” one neighbour told this newspaper. In addition, the woman’s body was not removed until after 20:00hrs after it was said that the hearse had difficulties in locating the place. The dead woman’s sister who opted not to give her name, described Mohan as “the mother of the village,”

27-year old Imtiaz Khan

revealing that she treated everyone in the area as if they were her family. “If people call Sandra and tell she them hungry, Sandra gonna feed them. If people ain’t got place to sleep, Sandra gonna call them in by she and provide somewhere for them. She had a big heart, and she worked hard to provide for her family,” the woman said. Sandra walked and sold vegetables in the village and sold non-alcoholic beverages at her home. She took care of her son as a single parent since he was a child, after her husband had abandoned his family.

Former PS was afraid of being charged criminally THE non-renewal of the contract of Indira Anandjit as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Legal

Affairs was a result of questionable practices, the chamber of the Attorney General and Minister of

Legal Affairs has said. The statement comes days after Anandjit had raised several issues regarding the non-renewal of her contract and blamed Attorney General Basil Williams for most of them. Anandjit had decried the manner in which she was removed from her post by Williams. In a

…AGMLA says she had asked to be transferred letter to the editor of the Guyana Chronicle, Anandjit said she was informed of the non-renewal of her contract by virtue of a newspaper article carried by the Stabroek News on August 31. The former permanent

Former PS of Ministry of Legal Affairs, Indira Anandjit

secretary was sent on 52 days administrative leave by Williams to facilitate an investigation by the Auditor General into the disappearance of approximately $2.5M worth of Commonwealth law books and computer parts costing almost the same amount from the ministry. It is believed that the

law books went missing between 2013 and 2015. But Anandjit maintained that the books have not disappeared and moreover, the Minister of Legal Affairs is more than aware of where the books were located. “What is disturbing is that Minister Williams feigned ignorance of these books when at a meeting he was told about them. It was even followed up with other discussions on procurement of books for the ministry. It is grossly unfair for Minister Williams to publicly attack me saying that I could not account for the books when he knew who had them,” said the former permanent secretary. She noted too that while she had approved payment for the books, they were used by former Attorney General Turn to page 3 ►

Spots secured

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 5, 2016

…new pact signed for 25 spots for Guyanese at Hugh Wooding Law School By Svetlana Marshall AFTER years of negotiations, the University of Guyana (UG) was successful in signing a collaborative agreement with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the Council of Legal Education (CLE) paving the way for 25 Guyanese law students to have automatic entry into the Hugh Wooding Law School. The agreement was signed on Saturday during the 48th Meeting of the Council of Legal Education in Antigua and Barbuda, but not without objection from a minority. Speaking to Guyana Chronicle from Antigua,

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams said Guyana secured the support of its CARICOM brothers and sisters, with 20 representatives voting in favour of the provision maintaining the Hugh Wooding Law School as the automatic entry for the 25 Guyanese law students. Six persons had objected to that proposal. He said initially the draft collaborative agreement spoke to the issue of space and created a sense of uncertainty. “In fact, the provision that went to the council was that Guyana should be entitled to no less than 25 students to any law schools and they had removed the Hugh Wooding Law School

Attorney General Basil Williams

and replace it with any of the law schools, but I argued that they couldn’t move from certainty to uncertainty. So that provision was put to the floor and we won it,” the

Former PS was afraid... Anil Nandlall and were kept in the chambers. However, the ministry in response said one day after the former permanent secretary proceeded on annual leave, “incriminating documents” were taken to Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Williams. According to the statement, the former permanent secretary had “oppressed, marginalised and discriminated”against staff of the ministry. “The staff advised the newly appointed Minister of the Public Service procedures which required the matter and documents being sent to the Auditor General.” According to Williams, the documents showed that Anandjit approved the payment of over $2.5M for Commonwealth Law Reports which went missing along with over $2M in computer parts. “…but those purchases could not be found as having been received in any of the records of the ministry,” the statement added. The Auditor General was asked to investigate that matter and months after that investigation purportedly began, the ministry received a report from the Auditor General’s office. That report was challenged by virtue of the Audit Act.

“The Report could be interpreted to mean that former President Donald Ramotar and former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, conspired to spend taxpayers’ money in the custody of the ministry to purchase the law books for Nandlall’s benefit,” the statement added. In May, Williams had said Auditor General Deodat Sharma informed him of a secret arrangement between former President Donald Ramotar and former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall relative to the missing law books. According to a document written by Ramotar and addressed to the Auditor General, and seen by Williams, the former President admitted to having a private arrangement with Nandlall to spend money voted for under the Ministry of Legal Affairs to acquire the law books for his (Nandlall’s) private use. “These books would have been voted for in the budget of the ministry, but they would not have been within the curtilage of the ministry…not in the library and could not be found anywhere,” said Minister Williams. The Ministry of Legal Affairs said following the

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change in government, when Minister Williams took office, he was met with staffers who greeted him with exultations of “we are free at last, free at last.” “There were many reports of Ms Anandjit taking files and giving them to Nandlall; downloading information from the ministry’s computers and giving them to him or his driver and suppressing documents and other information relevant to the new administration, yet the minister never dismissed her,” the ministry stated. The minister said the former permanent secretary had written Minister of State Joseph Harmon, indicating that she did not wish to return to the Ministry of Legal Affairs but would like to be transferred to another ministry. “She never sought to return to the Ministry of Legal Affairs and for good reason; she was afraid of being charged for a criminal offence.” The ministry called on the former permanent secretary “to tell the nation whether she left the Ministry of Tourism, GECOM and the NCN under similar circumstances.” Melissa Tucker, the Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, is acting as the permanent secretary.

Attorney General explained. Under the initial proposal, Guyana was hoping to not only gain automatic entry into the Hugh Wooding Law School for Guyanese students, but also non-Guyanese graduates. But the agreement signed on Saturday did not cater for non-Guyanese law graduates. “There was no consensus on any more than 25,” Minister Williams said, when asked about entries for international law students studying in Guyana. The University of Guyana was represented by its Deputy Vice- Chancellor, Dr. Barbara Reynolds; however, she was not party to the deliberations in the Council which led to the agreement. During the meeting of the council, Guyana was represented by Williams, Chief Justice (ag) Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and representatives of the Guyana Bar Association, including its President Gem Sanford-Johnson. The original agreement

among UG, UWI and the CLE had come to an end in 2013. As a result, Guyana had lobbied the CLE through CARICOM for an extension, pending the finalisation of this new agreement. In 2014, the then Chairperson of the Council, Jamaican Queen’s Counsel (QC) Jacqueline Samuels-Brown had raised a number of concerns when approached by CARICOM to give Guyanese law students automatic entry. “By the treaty establishing the Council of Legal Education, UWI’s graduates have automatic entry, bearing in mind, we already have a population at the law school now of over 400, and bearing in mind that the law school was built to accommodate less than 200,” Samuels-Brown was quoted as saying then. Based on a number of factors, the Council at the time had agreed to continue the arrangement to give the 25 top Guyanese law students automatic entry into the Hugh Wooding Law

School, but this time based on the availability of space. However, prior to that request, the council had denied Guyanese Law students automatic access into the Trinidad law school. The agreement between UG and the Council had expired in November 2012; however, it was extended to 2013 based on a request from the Guyana Government. However, during the first meeting of the Council in February, 2014 the issue arose, but following a heated debate the majority on the Council voted against Guyana’s request for the extension of the agreement which dates back to 1996. The council on Saturday also elected a new chair – Senior Counsel Reginald Armour of Trinidad and Tobago.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 5, 2016

New Miss Talented Teen queen crowned By Tamica Garnett

ON a night when eight teens contended to be the best, 14-year-old, New Guyana School student Aliya Wong stood out and was crowned Miss Guyana Talented Teen 2016, as the curtains came down on the pageant Saturday evening at the National Cultural Centre. Crowned by 2014 winner Reesa Sooklall, an elated and emotional Wong noted that it was a proud moment for her

to take over the title, avowing that this was only the beginning for her. “Winning this pageant has made me feel like a confident, phenomenal young woman, who has achieved so much so far and I am so proud of how far I’ve come in the competition. It makes me so happy, and I know that this is not the end, it’s only the beginning.” A tearful Wong said. Outfitted in a green Kiesha Edwards’ evening gown, the West Coast Demerara girl prevailed as the best of the

final three, triumphing over crowd favorite and eventual first runner up, Jerusha Ferrell and second runner up, Ayanna Glasgow. Wong was also adjudged “Miss Congeniality,” applauded by host Feliz Robertson for her bubbly personality and warm smile throughout the pageant. In other awards of the night, Ferrell took away the award for “People’s Choice”, through garnering the most votes on social media, and was also the winner of the pageant’s

2016 Miss Guyana Talented Teen winner, Aliya Wong (third from left) flanked by from left, second runner up Ayanna Glasgow, 2014 queen Reesa Sooklall and first runner up Jerusha Ferrell (photo by 55Photography) “Cotillion”, while Glasgow walked away with the “Best Gown” award, after gracing the stage in a pink, off shoulder, “can can” Randy Madray designed evening gown. Glasgow also ended as the “Best Talent” winner. Fifteen year old Ahiesha Antoo won “Best Multimedia Presentation”, and Geetanjali Nauth won “Most Improved Delegate”. An award was also bestowed upon former franchise holder and mother of pageantry in Guyana, Pamela Dillon of Simpli Royal, who this year handed over the Miss Talented Teen franchise to Imperial House, headed by Wazim Khan. Giving a speech after receiving her award Dillon thanked all those who supported the pageant, but noted that more is still needed to be done, as last year went without the hosting of the annual pageant due to low ticket sales. It was a tough night for the judges who had to narrow down the eight young ladies to three, then that final one. The ladies were

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judged on several aspects, some of which were completed prior to Saturday’s pageant night, including the girls’ performance at the “Cotillion”, a “Personality Interview” segment and the “Multi Media Presentation”, which featured each teen exhibiting a presentation based on a charity of their choice that they had worked with during their pageant training. But in the end it all came down to how the girls answered the final question. Read by Robertson, the question put before the final three young ladies was: “Do you think that social media has helped or hurt our society, and why?” Though there was much lacking in the answers of the young ladies, Wong’s winning answer stated: “I think that social media have helped our society because as youths we have social issues where society tries to define us. We have issues where we need to reach out to someone, and sometimes there is never someone there at home

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to help us. Through social media we have reached out to our friends and our close sisters and brothers to help us deal with every situation we have.” Ferrell opined that social media has both negative and positive features in her answer, while a flustered Glasgow had a hard time getting across what she wanted to say. Just prior to announcing Wong’s win, Sooklall took her final walk and thanked all of those who helped her along her journey as the queen, including her designer Randy Madray, family and friends, all those who have offered sponsorship and support to the pageant. Sponsors for this year’s pageant included Professional Guard Service, Medical Choice Pharmacy, Nesha’s Flowerland, Trophy Stall, Pegasus Hotel, Pieces and Things, Juju, Computer World, Buckhead ATL Boutique, Moi Toori Boutique, Pink Memo Boutique, Missology Guyana, among others.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 5, 2016

Climate Change threatens the basis of food security in Caribbean THE impact of climate change in Latin America and the Caribbean will be considerable because of its economic dependence on agriculture, the low adaptive capacity of its population and the geographical location of some of its countries, notes a new study by FAO, ECLAC and ALADI. The study was presented today at the meeting of the Community of Latin American

and Caribbean States (CELAC), in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, as a key input to incorporate climate change management in the Plan for Food Security, Nutrition and Hunger eradication of CELAC 2025. According to the three agencies, the agricultural sector is the most affected by climate change, which is essential when considering that it contributes 5% of re-

gional GDP, 23% of regional exports and employs 16% of the economically active population. “With a structural change in the patterns of production and consumption and a big environmental push, Latin America and the Caribbean can achieve the second objective of the Sustainable Development Goals, ending hunger, achieving food security and improving nutrition while promoting sustainable

agriculture, “said Antonio Prado, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), while introducing the report in the Dominican Republic. According to Prado, the Food Security Plan of CELAC and the new Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development will be

Clinton’s classified email errors due to ‘improper labelling - Kaine DEMOCRATIC vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine on Sunday defended Hillary Clinton against criticism over her handling of classified information as secretary of state, saying she was unaware of the sensitivity of some information she exchanged over email because it had been “improperly labeled.” In July, the Federal Bureau of Investigation rebuked Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee, for her use of a private email server during her tenure as secretary of state from 2009 to 2013, saying she was “extremely careless” in her handling of classified information. According to records released by the FBI on Friday, Clinton told the bureau’s investigators in a July interview that she could not recall getting any briefings on how to handle classified information or comply with laws governing the preservation of federal records. Kaine, a U.S. senator from Virginia who sits on the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services committees, told ABC’s program “This Week,” that the volume of information received by government officials often makes it difficult to know what information has been declared classified. “There were emails that contained classified information that had been improperly marked. So when she received the email, the material that was classified - which is supposed to be flagged and identified as classified - in many instances was improperly labeled,” Kaine said. “We look at so much material, unless it is specifically

pulled out and identified, it is difficult to know sometimes whether a statement or a paragraph is classified or not,” he added. Kaine likened Republican Donald Trump’s recent call for Russia to “find the 30,000 emails that are missing” from Clinton’s server to the 1972 burglary at the Democratic Party headquarters at the Watergate office in Washington that upended Richard Nixon’s presidency. “He has openly encouraged Russia to engage in cyber hacking to try to find more e-mails or materials, and we know that this cyber attack on the DNC was likely done by Russia,” Kaine told the Sunday television program. “This is serious business.” Trump was referring to some 30,000 emails deemed personal by Clinton’s lawyers that she has repeatedly said she chose “not to keep” while returning thousands of other work emails to the government in 2014. This has been widely interpreted as meaning that Clinton deleted the personal emails, but her staff have declined to confirm if this is the case. Clinton, who is facing Trump for the White House in the Nov. 8 election, has been dogged for more than a year by the fallout from her decision to use an unauthorized private email account run from the basement of her Chappaqua, New York, home. She repeatedly said she did not use it to send or receive classified information. The government forbids handling such information outside secure channels. Contradicting Clinton’s comment that she never exchanged classified information over her private email

server, the FBI said that at least 81 email threads contained information that was classified at the time, although the agency said the final number may be more than 2,000. While the FBI has scolded Clinton over the handling of classified information, the agency recommended that no criminal charges be filed against her. Clinton has said that in hindsight she regretted using a private email system while secretary of state. Opinion polls show that voter concerns

about Clinton’s honesty and trustworthiness are among her biggest vulnerabilities. A series of surveys show the race has tightened over the past few weeks. In a Reuters/Ipsos poll taken during the week of Aug. 26 to Sept. 1, Trump had the support of 40 percent of likely voters while Clinton had the backing of 39 percent. Clinton’s support has dropped steadily in the weekly tracking poll since Aug. 25, eliminating what had been an eight-point lead for her. (Reuters)

two fundamental pillars for this process. The report by the three agencies highlights, that climate change will affect crop yields, impact local economies and jeopardize food security in Northeast Brazil, part of the Andean region and Central America. “The challenge for the region is considerable: how to continue the positive process of eradicating hunger as the effects of climate change on production systems become deeper and more notorious,” said Raul Benitez, FAO’s Regional Representative to the ministers of CELAC. The countries whose ag-

ricultural sectors will suffer the greatest impacts (Bolivia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Paraguay) also face significant challenges in terms of food security. Some countries in the region, as well as CELAC, have already taken important steps in designing plans for adaptation of the agricultural sector to climate change, but the challenges are still considerable. Only in terms of financial resources, without taking into account the necessary policy changes, it will require around 0.02% of annual regional GDP.

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com

Editorial

Planning in the dark

THE Georgetown City Council is in the news again on the vendors’ issue. This time, Mayor Patricia Chase-Green is calling on the Markets’ Public Health Committee to be more proactive in formulating a policy that would cater for relocation of vendors from the Parliament View Mall to a more suitable location. In efforts at ensuring local government is given a chance to work -- after more than six election cycles of denying citizens the right to elect their leaders -- all eyes will be focused on how the country’s oldest and most populated town is managed by the city fathers and mothers. It is very important for this nation’s growth and development that the most basic form of democracy is given a chance to work, and elected representatives partner with the citizens in so doing. Neither can function properly and succeed without the other. There exists a symbiotic relationship, and such can thrive only in an atmosphere of mutual respect. When grassroots democracy fails, it carries dire consequences for democracy at other tiers of government (i.e. national and regional). When all tiers of government fail, people lose faith in the system and no longer consider themselves valued and vital to the nation. And where despondency marks perception of governance, those who do not become disengaged, apathetic, or feel the migration push, often use situations such as these to abuse the State’s resources. These are characteristics that exemplify a doomed nation, and this is something Guyanese should avoid at all cost. Whereas the mayor is applauded for holding the council and its various committees accountable for ensuring vendors occupying Parliament View find a permanent location, it is unfortunate that before the decision was taken to first relocate them, such was not a pre-eminent consideration. It cannot be over-emphasised that every level-headed citizen would want to see improvement and orderliness in the city, including within the vending community. What this issue is clearly showing is that those on the Council who supported

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 5, 2016

Former PS accused of downloading MLA files to give to Nandlall Dear Editor, THE staff Ms. Indira Anandjit had oppressed, marginalized, and discriminated against waited only one day after her departure on annual leave she had not taken since 2013 to take incriminating documents to the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs (AGMLA). The staff advised the newly appointed Minister of the public service procedures which required the matter and documents being sent to the Auditor General. The documents showed Ms. Anandjit, the Chief Accounting Officer of the Legal Affairs Ministry, approving

payments of over two and one half million dollars for Commonwealth Law Reports and over two million dollars in computer parts, but those purchases could not be found as having been received in any of the records of the Legal Affairs Ministry. After not hearing from the Auditor General for many months, the Ministry received a purported report, which it challenged under the provisions of the Audit Act. The Report could be interpreted to mean that former President Ramotar and former AGMLA Anil Nandlall conspired to spend taxpayers’ money in the custody of the ministry to purchase

the law books for Nandlall’s benefit. In the words of Sir Richard Drayton, it was a “predatory relationship seeking to strip private wealth out of state assets.” When the Hon. Attorney General took over the office, he met staffers who greeted him with exultations of “We are free at last, free at last.” There were many reports of Ms. Anandjit taking files and giving them to Nandlall; downloading information from the ministry’s computers and giving them to him or his driver, and suppressing documents and other information relevant to the new administration; yet the minister never dismissed her. Ms. Anandjit did write

the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, but she indicated to him that she did not want to return to the Ministry of Legal Affairs (MLA), and would like to go anywhere else. She never sought to return to the MLA, and for good reason: she was afraid of being charged for a criminal offence. Ms. Anandjit must tell the nation whether she had left the Ministry of Tourism, GECOM and NCN under similar circumstances. The AGMLA rejects the contentions in Ms Ananjit’s letter. Regards, MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS

I plan to give Dr. Norton a big embrace Dear Editor, WHENEVER I see the honourable Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton, I plan to give him a big embrace, and pat him

on the back. I think Dr. Norton recently demonstrated the level of sincerity and statesmanship that has eluded many elevated officials for

moving the vendors from Stabroek Market failed to give the issue proper thought before making the decision. The tendency to plan in the dark as a feature of management has to be abandoned. Planning -- short, medium and long term -- requires taking systematic and scientific approaches to getting things done. Though from the mayor’s point of view vending at Stabroek Market is a “no no,” and this position has been accompanied by an assurance that the council is “not in any way attempting to take bread from anyone”, council has to prove by its actions that such concern is genuine. An objective that focuses on ensuring the economic livelihood of persons is secured, had it started from said position, would have recognised that the relocation to Parliament View would achieve the exact opposite. As though in hindsight, the Council sought to compensate for the evident economic dislocation of this group of vendors through a weekly flea market on Regent Street, but this fell through, and is another manifestation of poor planning. What continues to be missing in the planning endeavours

what seems like a lifetime. There’s an endemic trend in Guyanese socio-culture to find a plaster for every sore, or dodge personal responsibility. Lies, denials, pretence, and deception

are just a few of the snide, subtle vices that seem to be trending our social strata. Yo u c a n c a t c h a See page 7

at the human component level is the involvement of the group whose economic welfare is being directly impacted by the decisions coming out of City Hall. In that the affected vending group also comprises persons who are single parents and vending is the only source of income for them, a compassionate approach to governance and management would not overlook these factors. The mayor has assured city dwellers, users, and the country at large that the council is “trying to organise the city in a way that will make it (comparable to) modern cities and that would allow it to stand shoulder to shoulder with the great cities of the world.” This goal will find support of the majority of Guyanese, if not all. Similarly, it is being advised that modern cities are built through proper planning and involvement of stakeholders. A modern city would never be achieved using condemned and outdated approaches to planning and management. City Hall continues to have the support of the citizens in doing the right thing.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 5, 2016

NICIL responds to Kaieteur News Dear Editor,

THE Kaieteur News article of Wednesday, September 1, 2016 titled “NICIL’s operations still shrouded in secrecy” is rash in its claim that NICIL Board members are uninterested in bringing wrongdoers to justice. While the forensic audit report of Mr. Goolsarran has been in the hands of the NICIL Board for several months now, the Board is awaiting the outcome of the additional transactions audit, recommended by the Forensic Auditor and endorsed by the Cabinet, which is currently being undertaken by the Audit Office of Guyana. In the meantime, the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has been examining NICIL’s records and files for any evidence of corruption and other illegality. NICIL stands

ready to take whatever appropriate action is required. Nevertheless, the NICIL Board has already made several policy reforms and operational adjustments (italicized below) based on the forensic auditor’s comments and recommendations (bold below) as follows: It is inappropriate for the Minister (of Finance) to appoint himself to chair NICIL’s Board, since in effect he is reporting to himself on matters relating to NICIL. The Minister of Finance does not now sit on the NICIL Board. It would be desirable for the Executive Director and the Deputy Executive Director to proceed on leave to facilitate the transaction audit. Mr. Winston Brassington, NICIL CEO, resigned in January 2016. Deputy CEO, Mrs. Marcia Nadir-Sharma, is on administrative leave pending the outcome of the transactions audit.

As regards liquidating NICIL as a private limited liability company under the Companies Act 1991 and appointing a receiver to oversee the liquidation process, this is a policy decision to be taken by Government. A decision was taken by the Board not to recommend the disbanding of NICIL. The Board recommended that NICIL retain both its original custodial and oversight role as a holding company, and also its development role. The development role, in conjunction with line ministries, involves capitalization, financial and legal structuring, and project management with respect to certain investments approved by Cabinet. In addition, NICIL continues to be responsible for various types of assets, particularly land and property, until such time that the Government may deem it necessary to privatize same.

I plan to give Dr. Norton a big ... From page 6

thief ‘red handed’ stealing mangoes from your tree, and take a picture of him mounted on the sixth branch with the bag full of mangoes in his hand; but he would deny he was the one stealing the mangoes. On the rebound, he might even accuse you of trying to rob him of the bag of mangoes he bought with his earnings, although being obviously unemployed. This is the cunning nature of many these days. Not so with Dr. Norton. The honourable Minister found himself embroiled and cornered in a pharmaceutical storage bond fiasco after someone ‘peeped the card’. The political opposition swung into attack mode reminiscent of bloodthirsty savages, and sought vehemently to deliver Norton, like Jesus, to the crucifix of the Parliamentary Privileges Committee.

Dr. Norton claims he was misled, even being oblivious of the inner deal surrounding the rental arrangement of the storage bond. In other words, Norton conveys the impression that he ‘sold it as he bought it’ in parliament from his sources. Well, that doesn’t really hold water when you are a politically exposed person.

It clearly demonstrates the positive evolving changes in our political culture. Dr. Norton quickly recognized what was at stake: His ship of accountability had sprung a leak. His exoneration was premised by that apology for his error, and solid commitment that there will be no recurrence of this nature at his hands.

I do not wish to comment on Dr. Norton’s culpability here. My interest lies in how the honourable minister handled the challenge to his office. His credibility and political future was under the microscope. The dear minister lost no time in issuing a public apology.

Indeed, the honourable minister should be commended for his contrite resolve towards defusing this matter of national interest. Hopefully, too, his approach can serve to guide other officials who may encounter similar challenges, or inadvertently stumble along the way. I wish Dr. Norton unhindered success for the rest of his tenure.

That was an act of humility and repentance virtually unknown in this country, especially from an erring person of prominence, moreso the minister of an incumbent government.

Regards, ORETTE CUTTING (Mr.)

Collaboration with ministries and agencies is being used to enhance effectiveness; for example, a MoU has been signed with the Ministry of Business concerning the administration of industrial estates. Serious doubts as to whether valuations were indeed carried out. Current Valuation Policy - Clear and objective principles are applied in a consistent and non-partisan manner. Current Pricing PolicySale price of property has a very close and unbiased relationship to market value. Current Leasing and Sub-Leasing Policy – Leasing performance requirements are to be strictly enforced. NICIL sold the Government’s investment in GT&T in 2012 for US$30M, of which the sum of US$25M was received. The balance of US$5M was to be paid within a period of two years. No new contract

will include terms for payment by instalments. Full payment of the purchase price must be effected before possession and/or transfer of ownership will be allowed. NICIL does not have its own procurement rules, which is a key requirement of the Procurement Act. NICIL is guided by the provisions of the Procurement Act, and is in the process of formulating clear implementation rules and guidelines for larger projects.

Refer this report (Forensic Audit Report) to the State Assets Recovery Unit with a view to recovering any State assets/properties that might have been improperly and illegally transferred to third parties. SARU is conducting its own investigations, and is yet to formally advise the NICIL Board on its progress. Fulfilment of principles of corporate governance… adherence to legal and stat-

utory and policy instruments and good practices 1. The current Board of NICIL subscribes to the principles of transparency and accountability. However, constraints exist, as in the case of the Marriott Management Agreement that was executed under the previous administration. The terms of this Agreement are “strictly confidential”, and disclosure is not possible without the written consent of Marriott. 2. Dividends and other revenue/surpluses are now substantially remitted to the Consolidated Fund, except for what is required for NICIL’s day-to-day purposes. 3. A firewall now exists between NICIL’s finances and those of Government agencies. MAURICE ODLE (Dr.) Chairman, NICIL Board of Directors

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 5, 2016

Gov’t finalising plans for development ‒ aircraft operators say of Eugene F. Correia Airport taxiway congested THE National Air Transport Association (NATA) of Guyana has expressed concerns in regard to what are deemed “the effects of serious congestion” and “inequitable development” at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle, ECD; and Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson has said a final report on the matter will be completed and presented to Cabinet shortly. Patterson told the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday that a

draft proposal was prepared by lawyers and submitted approximately three weeks ago. “The report addresses such matters as the Review Committee, as well as regulatory shortfalls in the lease agreement and operations of the airport. We will be moving to implement all the various recommendations after discussing (them) with Cabinet, the Ogle Airport Inc., the security Committee, as well as operators,” Minister Patterson has said.

Acknowledging that the issue has been ongoing for a long time, the minister said he is looking to provide a “complete solution, rather than a piecemeal approach.” NATA’s concerns were raised even as the Association called for the establishment of a National Airport Authority which would ensure a fair, equitable, and safe environment for both domestic and international operators. In a statement to the media, NATA said the congestion is as a result of

“inequitable development at the airport”, along with the “mixing of international and domestic flights.” “There are over one hundred domestic flights operating daily, which contribute significantly to hinterland and national development, which are seriously affected by confined areas on the airport runway, apron and taxiways,” the NATA statement said. According to NATA, nine aircraft operators are forced to share one “older winding taxiway to access the

Kissoon faeces-throwing trial

Several questioned over death of key witness FOLLOWING the early Friday morning fatal accident that claimed the life of a key witness in the columnist Freddie Kissoon 2010 faeces-throwing incident, Acting Crime Chief Hugh Jessemy on Saturday said several persons were questioned but only the driver of the ill-fated taxi remains in custody. He related that sleuths are working to verify the story given to them by the taxi driver, who claimed he was also liming at the regular

‘Thursday night Plaisance Line Top’ hang-out when he alleged that he was hired by two men, one of whom placed a gun to his head. The driver told police that he turned to look at the men and it was then he lost control of the speeding car which slammed head-on into Osmond Griffith. Jessemy said they are trying to pinpoint the loopholes in the incident. At the time, Griffith, of Durban Backlands, had stopped to urinate at the side of the road when he was

struck down, after which he was hurled some distance away. When he landed on the road, it was reported that he had received a broken neck and limbs. Griffith’s child mother, Fidela Duncan, who resides in Sophia told the Guyana Chronicle when she saw his body almost every part was broken and based on reports, it would appear that he was intentionally struck down. She disclosed that he did not discuss the Freddie Kissoon case with her and he

was not jittery about anything since he seemed normal. Griffith is the father of two small children. Police told the Guyana Chronicle that the driver of the taxi was under the influence and was said to be speeding at the time he struck down Griffith. It was reported that he left the Plaisance Railway Embankment lime with a friend in a car and soon after he asked the driver to stop because he wanted to urinate and it was then he was killed.

runway, which leads to congestion and costly delays.” The Association argued that the situation has worsened over the years, as new operators started operating there and older operators expanded their operations without enabling infrastructure, such as a new taxiway to the runway. A new taxiway to the runway is deemed critical for efficient and safe operations, NATA stated. “This unhealthy situation is further compounded by congested airspace.

NATA is extremely concerned about the issues of operational safety under the present environment,” the statement said, while noting that representation has been made to administration of the airport to no avail. “As such, we are urging the Government to accelerate the review process undertaken by our focal minister, the Hon. David Patterson, for remedies to the present anti-competitive and inequitable development of the airport.”

Toshaos nudge gov't on land titling

…amendment to Amerindian Act Ravin Singh CHAIRMAN of the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC), Joel Fredericks is urging government to move swiftly in addressing the issue of land titling for Amerindians, as well as amendment to the Amerindian Act. Fredericks made the comments during a news conference at the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs office, Quamina Street last Friday. Fredericks’ announcement on this issue comes less than one week after the conclusion of the annual NTC’s Conference which was held from August 22 to 26, 2016. At this forum, where more than 212 Indigenous leaders assembled, it was agreed that land titling and amendments to the Amerindian Act are the two most critical issues affecting Amerindians. The NTC head, who described the conference as a “success,” explained that the top priority issue for the government to address is land issues; not only titling, but all other land related issues. In Guyana, most of the lands occupied by Indigenous Peoples are in far flung regions where there is a high concentration of mining and mining related activities. Having seen the effect of mining on the environment, which includes land used by Indigenous peoples, the NTC head said he believes that the Ministry of Natural

Resources must work along with indigenous groups to resolve some of these issues. “When you go to some of villages threatened by mining, it is heart breaking. So the National Toshao’s Council would like to sit with Natural resource Ministry to address issues for Indigenous people because the indigenous peoples are concerned about the environment.” He referenced the fact that when miners extract gold and leave, it is the Indigenous Peoples who remain there to live in conditions which should have been better. “Without our land we cannot exist because that is where we dwell for our livelihood. So this is a burning issue which needs to be addressed” he said, adding that some amount of work was done under the previous administration but more could and should have been done. He then shifted his attention to legislative amendments, noting that the conference facilitated deliberations which initiated the process of amending the Amerindian Act. “A country is governed by laws and the Indigenous peoples have the Amerindian Act. When you examine the act, certain parts need to be amended. Why NTC is calling on the government to revise it, is to strengthen it, to protect the Indigenous peoples or they will always be vulnerable.” He added that the NTC Turn to page 14 ►

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 5, 2016

Audit reveals:

PPP starved EPA of funds …agency hamstrung by limited staff, poor wages By Ariana Gordon THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has, over the last four years of the former administration, been starved of adequate financing to carry out its mandate. That aside, the agency was understaffed, and its workers were underpaid. Thus there are many limitations facing the agency. The Ministry of Finance had tasked former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran to conduct an audit into the affairs of the Environmental Protection Agency. In his report, Goolsarran said that for the years 2012 to 2014, the EPA had received on average only 61 per cent of funds requested from the Government for operating expenses. Fifty-two per cent of the requested amount had been received in 2012; fifty-seven per cent in 2013, and 77 per cent of revenue requested was provided in 2014. “In a brief to the subject minister dated 8 June 2015, the Agency reported that with only monthly subventions to cover salaries for staff and some essential services, it had to significantly limit its field and operational activities”, Goolsarran reported. Additionally, the Goolsarran report said the EPA did not have a “dedicated regional presence” where its services are much needed. Arrangements are now in train for the EPA to have a more decentralized operation next year, with a presence recorded in Regions 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. It was also noted that some site visits required for the processing of applications for environmental per-

mits have been delayed because of insufficient funds. The EPA, needing some 262 officers to fulfill its mandate, has a staff structure of only 97 workers. “The actual staffing of the Environmental Management and Permitting Division (EMPD) and the Environmental Management and Compliance Division (EMCD) (were) 23 and 27 respectively, compared with Management’s assessment of the desired level of staffing of 41 and 90 respectively. These two divisions are the backbone of the Agency; and combined, they were operating with staff strength of approximately 38% of the desired level. “This, coupled with high staff turnover due to the low levels of salaries offered, would have had an exacerbating effect on the operations of not only these two divisions, but also for the organization as a whole,” the report stated. The salaries provided to officers of the EPA were described as unattractive, and a reason why it is increasingly difficult to attract qualified persons. The emoluments received by workers of the EPA have been likened to those of the traditional public service workers. “For example, the position of legal officer attracted a salary of $262,107 per month; and the Finance Officer, a professionally qualified accountant, earned $226,362 per month,” the report added. The EPA is a semi-autonomous body and is governed by its own legislation and a board, but it was found that there was the “over-involvement in decision-making by the then Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, as well as the Public

Service Ministry, especially in the area of recruitment. In effect, the Agency was treated as a Department of the subject Ministry.” Given the nature of their jobs, environmental officers who were required to do field work were not the beneficiaries of duty-free concessions to assist them in acquiring their own vehicles. This, coupled with the limited number of vehicles at the EPA that would be used for field trips, made the execution of tasks difficult. With no pension plan, workers were recruited on a contractual basis at public service salary scales. EPA workers nevertheless benefited from a sixmonth gratuity. “However, the latter could hardly be a substitute for a dedicated pension plan, whether contributory or non-contributory. Such a plan is likely to provide for a more settled organization in terms of staff recruitment and retention,” the report stated. PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS It was observed that the physical space used for the EPA office was not sufficient, and was “unsuited” for the agency’s operations. The building in Sophia had no laboratory facilities for the testing of samples. It was noted that, in its capital expenditure programme for 2015, the EPA had requested $200M to construct a new ‘green’ building. The amount was not provided, as the Government’s estimates of revenue and expenditure was not presented before the National Assembly as at May 31 that year. “Management commented that, in the 2016 budget, an amount of $40 million has

Teen bandits nabbed RANKS of the Guyana Police Force, assisted by information provided by public-spirited citizens, have arrested two teenagers who allegedly robbed and shot 43-year-old popular barber Troy ‘Akee’ Hercules of Henrietta, Essequibo Coast as he was entering his yard at about 03:00hrs on Saturday. Just as he was about to

close his gate after parking his car, Hercules was reportedly confronted by two masked men, one of whom was armed with a handgun. They allegedly relieved him of his jewellery, the gunman in the process shooting Hercules in the stomach and groin before both bandits escaped. Hercules was rushed to the Suddie Hospital, where he has been admitted a pa-

tient. His condition is regarded as stable. The police have said that, acting on information received, the two suspects were each arrested on board vessels at Supenaam and Parika respectively. They reportedly had on their persons an unlicensed handgun and eleven rounds, along with the stolen articles.

been allocated to commence construction work on a new building”, the Goolsarran report detailed. PROPOSED RESTRUCTURING OF THE EPA US$240,000 had been provided in early 2015 as funding from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to facilitate the organisational changes of the EPA. “Under the direction (of) the then Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, the Agency tendered for ‘Consultancy Services for the Re-orientation of the Environmental Protection Agency’, to address the organizational changes needed to strengthen and improve efficiency.” The US$240,000 was transferred from GGMC by virtue of a cabinet decision dated September 9, 2014. The money was placed in the Agency’s US account at a commercial bank. However, no bids were received for the project after two attempts. “The EPA received an additional amount of $600

million from the GGMC, consequent upon Cabinet decision of 15 January 2015. Of this amount, $500 million was to be transferred to the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to execute works in Regions 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 10 as part of the “Pick It Up” campaign. However, no transfers were made to the NDIA, as a Memorandum of Understanding for the execution of the works had not been finalised. As at 31 May, 2015, the balance on this account was $515.718 M.” The report made it clear that the transfer of funds by GGMC to other government agencies to incur expenditure is outside of its ambit, especially if the expenditure is unrelated to GGMC’s activities. “This practice not only undermines the role of Parliament in approving public expenditure, as provided for under Article 217 of the Constitution, but also Section 16 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability (FMA) Act 2003. If the GGMC has funds that are surplus to its requirements, it would be entirely appropriate for transfers to be made to the Consolidated

Fund, to allow for the Legislature to reallocate funds to other areas of Government operations that are in need of them,” the report added. Additionally, Goolsarran said the transfers were not part of the national estimates, and as such the expenditure would not be seen in the country’s public accounts, thereby contributing to under-reporting of public expenditure. Having determined that Cabinet, at the time, acted “improperly in approving these two transfers” and its actions violated both the Constitution and the FMA Act, the EPA Board considered and accepted the recommendation to have the two amounts transferred to the Consolidated Fund. “At the time of reporting, the agency was awaiting concurrence from the subject minister before proceeding further. In a missive to the minister, the EPA proposed the establishment of a Technical Services Division to rationalise the existing workload of the EMPD and the EMCD, as well as other units dedicated to the implementation of the regulations on air quality, and oil and gas, among others.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 5, 2016

Woman accused of stealing $700,000 from aunt A NINETEEN-year-old woman was on Friday placed on $100,000 bail by Magistrate Annette Singh for allegedly stealing over $700,000 in cash and gold from her aunt. Farida Khan denied the allegation, which stated that between July 15 and 31 August ,2016, at Blygezight Campbellville, Georgetown, she entered the dwelling house of Bissondam Khan and stole $660,000 and two gold chains along with one gold ring valued $ 50,000; a total value of $710,000, property of Salochinee Sooknandan. The prosecution stated that on the

day in question, in the presence of the accused, the accused mother Bissondam Khan received $700,000 and a quantity of gold from her sister Sooknandan, who left Guyana on July 16 for Trinidad. When Sooknandan returned to Guyana and asked her sister for her belongings, she received only $40,000 and she discovered that two gold chains and a gold ring were missing from the quantity of jewellery. However, under caution, Khan admitted to taking $20,000 from the money. The matter has been adjourned until September 26, 2016.

Monday, September 05, 2016 - 05:00 Tuesday, September 06, 2016 - 05:00 Wednesday, September 07, 2016 - 08:30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 5, 2016

Veterans’ CoI

Soldiers risk impotency, blindness …due to exposure to mercury-contaminated water By Shirley Thomas SOLDIERS’ exposure to mercury-contaminated water while working in the interior can lead to blindness, impotence and other diseases, former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Major-General Ret’d Joseph Singh last week told a commission inquiring into veterans’ affairs. The Commission of Inquiry was tasked by President David Granger to examine the conditions and circumstances facing veterans of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana People’s Militia and the Guyana National Service (GNS) and to look into the living conditions of veterans and make recommendations for improvements. The first two days of testimonies last week saw chilling revelations, which point to a frightening scenario in relation to the health status of both veterans and serving soldiers of the Guyana Defence Force. “I would say over the last 10 years, the proliferation of mining activities or at least small mining has encompassed areas where the military tend to patrol or actually reside. And if they are downstream and have to use river water, there are a lot of risks,” Singh told the inquiry. He said the danger lies in the fact that, indeed if there is heavy metal contamination, when fish such as the hymara, which is a bottom-feeder and well loved by soldiers, ingest the heavy metal; it is transferred through the food chain and shows up in the human system. “This manifests itself in low sperm counts and

diseases that cause blindness. It is also said that prolonged contact with mercury can cause impotence,” the retired army general said. He sounded a word of caution, stressing: “Soldiers at Ankoko, Makouria, Eteringbang, the Cuyuni and at the Venezuelan borders, those soldiers in particular will be susceptible to the impact of heavy metal contamination, in terms of use of water and fish, as well as ranks having worked in the Mazaruni, Cuyuni and Essequibo between Kaow Island and Makouria. In response to a question by the commission about his position on reports of illnesses contracted by soldiers in the interior and places where there was mining taking place, on account of the presence of mercury in the water, and their diet generally, it was at this point that Singh, who is also President of the Guyana Diabetic Association, touched briefly on ‘diet’ and the consequences of unhealthy eating and how this can result in various illnesses, particularly chronic, non-communicable diseases. Singling out two of the more dangerous ones that have a direct impact on kidney function, he mentioned diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure).One or both of these conditions, uncontrolled, can eventually lead to kidney failure, thus necessitating dialysis. SOLDIERS NEED DIALYSIS Singh said that “quite a number of our soldiers need dialysis and cannot afford it.” Kidney dialysis is a life-support treatment that uses a special machine to filter

harmful wastes, salt, and excess fluid from one’s blood. Dialysis is a procedure employed when one’s kidneys fail. It involves pumping all the blood out of your body and filtering it through artificial means, before returning the cleansed blood to your body. Dialysis is used in the short term, pending a kidney transplant, but will have to be done systematically. Singh explained that it is not a one-off: “The kidney having failed, you will be required to be on a dialysis machine, three times a week for three to four hours a day for the rest of your life.“ Quoting costs, Singh cited one facility which charges about $300,000 per month, stating: “If you don’t have that you die.” But more recently, other facilities are being equipped with dialysis machines. At a private facility at Annandale on the East Coast of Demerara, there are 20 machines, while the Georgetown Public Hospital has about four. THE COST OF DIALYSIS “The patient can get referrals from the Georgetown Hospital; you can get referrals from the Georgetown Public Hospital and pay $9,000 per treatment at Annandale, which is $27,000 per week, or $108,000 per month. NIS will carry you for 30 or 40 sessions, he outlined. After that, you basically are on your own.” Additionally, dialysis can be accessed only in Region Four. Singh disclosed also that there are many teenagers who, having been diagnosed with kidney failure, are now subjecting themselves to dialysis treatment.

“It is a widespread problem. The highest concentration of which is at Linden and then the Rupununi. It has to do with diet.” “So soldiers, if you know soldiers who have high blood pressure and diabetes, but are not yet candidates for End Stage Renal Failure (ESRF), they should go and get themselves checked in order to see what help could be had. Those who are serving, keen attention need to be paid to their diets, and check the EGFR tests so see whether you are a candidate.” Other illnesses he touched on, prevalent among veterans are: loss of sight and hearing and dental problems. He recalled the days when the army’s (GDF) cooked on half drums, sometimes way into the wee hours (3:00 o’clock) in the morning, admitting, “And many of them became absolutely blind.” He gave names to substantiate the claim. Additionally, ranks who were in the artillery section and lacked proper hearing aids started suffering from hearing impediments, the former army chief said. He also cited malaria and ‘bush yaws’ at the time. Singh told the commission that soldiers who have a legacy of injuries or illnesses that occurred within the military need to be taken care of. “Wherever I worked since retiring in 2000, whether it’s the Elections Commission, Conservation International, GT&T or the Geology and Mines Commission, soldiers, would come, former comrades in arms would come with a lot of welfare problems: illnesses, people would come, they don’t have wheelchairs, they don’t have

Cellphone thief jailed City Magistrate Annette Singh on Friday sentenced a man to three months imprisonment after he was found guilty for robbery. It was alleged that on August 16, 2016 at the Route 42 bus park in Georgetown, Sheik Majid stole from Leon Kurt one Samsung double sim

cellphone valued $ 140,000. According to the facts of the matter, on the day in question Kurt and Majid were in separate minibuses on the Route 42 bus park in Georgetown. Kurt had just used his phone and placed it in his shirt pocket. It was during this time Majid while

in the other bus reached over and took the phone out of Kurt’s pocket. However, after the incident occurred the bus that the defendant was in drove away. Majid was later arrested and placed before the court where he was found guilty of the offence committed.

Major General (Ret'd) Joe Singh

enough money to bury their families…”he told the commission. Singh also touched on the difficulties former soldiers encounter in securing civilian jobs after retirement. He cited that a majority of ex-soldiers are absorbed into security services. “While working as Chairman of Geology and Mines, there were 17,000 small miners working in the gold- mining interior, and I could guarantee that at least two or 3000 were former soldiers. Many were driving minibuses, a significant number were in the security services, but there were some common issues which they raised,” Singh told the commission. He noted that when it comes to the National Insurance Scheme and their benefits. “It’s only when they are about to go to the NIS that they recognise that many of their contributions would not have been paid in, and they have to go

through all that.” Meanwhile, Chairman of the Commission, Desmond Roberts, told Singh that there was a long list of concerns raised by veterans and said that many people would want to know why soldiers should be given special treatment. In response, Singh observed that soldiers give the best years of their lives and service to the country. Secondly, he said the army tends to cocoon persons from the reality of the outside world and because the army tends to provide all their basic needs – barracks, meals, camaraderie, logistics -- etc it is only when you’re out there, on a ‘cold pavement’ that you realise all the things that you were receiving in the military–the military looked after you. But once you are outside, you are on your own; and if you didn’t have that transitional period to re-orient you to civilian life, you have a problem.” As such, Singh recommended that the State should ensure that those persons who have served the best years of their lives are accorded the dignity of their transition, which does not deprive them of healthy living, peace of mind, and not having to worry about a job, and more particularly those who are family-oriented, can take care of their families without having to sponge or get involved in underhand activities.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 5, 2016

Time to go back to school THREE, two, one and they’re off back to school, with all the anticipation and revelations that a new school term can bring. For some parents it’s a breeze: new shoes, new books, nice uniforms and accessories for their children? No problem. But, for others, it’s another part of their continual uphill struggle to supply what their children need to get by. Parents really need to be resilient nowadays; they need to be shrewd and disciplined in the way they economize to survive. So, this week on 4 MINUTES FOR CHANGE, we salute those parents who

struggle, and we take ‘our hats off’ to all their endeavours. Parents, we encourage you to never give up; there is a strong possibility that you will reap the benefits of your efforts in the future. Regardless of your social or economic standing as a parent, there are some things you can do to add to the benefits you may reap in the future; and because this is a new school term, what better time to start? That is, if you do not already know and do the things we are about to share. You can: ● Encourage children to

enjoy and apply themselves to their education. Remember, it is an essential part of their development ● Be enthusiastic about their contributions and achievements, especially when they share them with you. Praise them and give recognition to their efforts. ● Catch up on how they spent their day EVERY DAY, or as often as possible. Learn about their friends, their teachers, their experiences, and the things that matter to them. ● Show a genuine interest in what they say and the things they talk about. If

you are busy, tell them you will set aside some quality time to spend with them later. It is better to give quality time than listen to a child half-heartedly. ● Remember that children often need to offload experiences and events, in order to make space and prepare their minds for new ones. Be a good listener; ask questions, make comments, let them go into detail. This helps to develop their imagination and observation skills. ● Make your child feel special every time you see him/her. Treat him or her as if he/she is the centre

of your world. Even if you have had a hard day, you can still show some affection. Maybe he/she has had a hard day too. ● Teach children that the sky is the limit, and they can achieve whatever they put their minds to. ● Bear in mind that there is a time for everything. There is a time to work, a time to learn, a time to play, and a time to rest. Don’t get stressed. Create positive guidelines and boundaries for you and your child/children this new school term, and stick to them. Be organised for productivity and for your

own sense of well-being. Balance the things you need to do with caring for your children. Protect them and keep them safe; make them feel loved and appreciated. By doing these simple things, you can help your children to become valuable members of our society in the future. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the Childcare and Protection Hotline on 227-0979, or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com This is a message from the Childcare and Protection Agency of the Ministry of Social Protection.

Natural Resources Minister pledges support to CSEC graduates AFTER being invited as special guests and honoured by the Ministry of Natural Resources for their academic achievements at the pilot “Oil and Gas Lecture” held last week, four students along with one other who successfully completed the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams, met with Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, to discuss their plans for the future. Parents and guardians of the students were also present. During the meeting, the students, three of whom are planning to pursue careers in engineering, shared valuable insights with Minister Trotman on how the Government and the ministry can support them. The feedback will be used to inform activities that will provide financial, mentorship and leadership support to prepare more young

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman in discussion with the young achievers and their parents

people to be integrated into the natural resources sector. In response, Minister

Trotman thanked the students for their feedback and reinforced government’s

commitment to ensuring that no efforts are spared to make opportunities avail-

able for their development. He also pledged the support of the Ministry of Natural

Resources, noting that the ministry’s message to young people is “we care and we want to help.” He shared some of his initial ideas with them, including plans to engage local companies and multinationals to work together to ensure that their dreams become a reality. One of the activities that will be launched soon is a mentorship programme that will be open to a wide cross-section of Guyanese youth, who are planning careers in the natural resources sector as well as other auxiliary services that will become available as the oil and gas sector develops. The Ministry of Natural Resources is very mindful of the important role that youth can play in development of the sector and is keen to engage in long-term endeavours that will see youth armed with the skills and experience they need to take up key roles.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 5, 2016

Principal slams poor conditions at nursing school

By Svetlana Marshall

“THE system is not working for us,” Principal Nursing Tutor of the Georgetown School of Nursing Cleopatra Barkoye said, as she bemoaned the conditions under which learning takes place at the central nursing school. Barkoye made the comments as she delivered the Georgetown School of Nursing 2014-2016 Report during the school’s 30th Biennial Graduation Ceremony held recently at the National Cultural Centre. Speaking in the presence of the Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton and PAHO/WHO Country Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow, Principal Barkoye spoke of the many challenges facing both tutors and students, among which is the lack of a conducive learning environment. “Students are sitting in classrooms where the heat becomes unbearable most afternoons [and] at such times no learning takes place,” she pointed out, while noting too that the library is also unsuitable for students to conduct personal studies and research. Clinical areas, Principal Barkoye further reported, are still overcrowded. “Nursing students must compete with other categories of students to deliver patient care. The midwifery students work against the tide many times, each trying to secure their 25 normal deliveries which is an uphill task, considering the competition with medical students, and their colleague midwifery students from the Charles Roza School of Nursing,” she noted. According to her, the situation is further compounded by the lack of supervision, due to the fact

students [are] affected negatively,” the principal further complained. She said it is important to have the issues affecting the school addressed in a timely manner. “It may seem dismal, but the health of our nation lies in our hands. Therefore, it is imperative to get it right from the beginning. The Georgetown School of Nursing is one such beginning,” she said. She said in order for the school to successfully graduate nurses and mid-

ternet and adequate resources, particularly an increase of full-time tutors. “Officials at the Ministry of Public Health must become reflective, lest the past experiences of students’ failures become meaningful to current events and guide future behaviours. Solutions must become clearer and not lop-sided,” she emphasised. She added: “Any sane person or educator who understands the genesis of the Georgetown School of

Principal Nursing Tutor of the Georgetown School of Nursing, Cleopatra Barkoye

that there are no full-time clinical instructor position existing at the nursing institution. As a result of the current situation, the students attending the evening classes are placed at a disadvantage, since they are ever so often unable to carry out many of the clinical procedures. Additionally, the students attending the evening classes incur additional costs to access their learning lab, which is at the East Street building. Turning her attention to the challenges facing the full-time tutors and even the pool of 45 parttime lecturers and clinical supervisors, Principal Barkoye said the untimely maintenance of equipment and faculty has been affecting them for far too long. “The improper maintenance of equipment has left many computers in the school in a state of disrepair. The lone air-conditioning unit in the faculty office had wept for so long many buckets of tears; finally, it has given up the ghost. This leave [sic]

The Georgetown School of Nursing

tutors unable to sit at their desks to prepare lessons, because their concentration is divided between the open textbooks on their desk and the piece of cardboards in their hands,” she pointed out. Additionally, tutors are unable to deliver their courses in an effective manner, due to the limited supply of materials. “The continued disruption of water to the building is an unnecessary bother that students and faculty can do without. The much needed internet is unreliable and for many months at times without this invaluable resource at the school, tutors and

wives within the specified period, there must be additional effort, communication and coordination of all the stakeholders and finances. “The system as is, is not working for us. All the stakeholders can do better for our present student population that which was not done for the graduating class of 2016,” the Principal Nursing Tutor underscored. However, Principal Barkoye did not leave the podium without offering much-needed advice. She said what is needed, is a healthy working environment for students and tutors, high-speed in-

Nursing failure rate will stop the blame game. A healthy working environment will enable students to learn in comfort and improve their success rate.” While the graduating class of 2016 has shown marginal improvement in the various programmes, Principal Barkoye is warning of a recurrence when students’ performances were at an all-time low. This year, 310 persons successfully completed the three primary programmes offered at the Georgetown School of Nursing: the Single-Trained Midwifery Programme, the Nursing Assistant Programme and

the Professional Nursing Programme, also known as the Registered Nursing Programme. Duty-free concessions for all tutors were another key recommendation made by the Principal Tutor. Quoting former Principal Nursing Tutor, Sister Vashti Hinds, Barkoye said: “In order to be qualified as a nursing tutor, the nurse must go through many years of preparation: three years to become a professional nurse; two years of clinical experience; one year [of] training as a midwife followed by four years of training in education at the University of Guyana – a total of 10 years.” Additionally, she said tutors are required to travel more than 30 miles per day to execute their duties. Principal Barkoye said while the Public Health Ministry may be unable to increase their salaries currently, duty-free concessions can be an alternative. “Like teachers, we are also eligible for duty-free concessions. We are only 10 in number presently. We are patriots. Why not help us feel proud of our achievements? We are aware of the fact that there is a tremendous shortage of nurses and this will continue to grow. Hence, it is only fitting to institute ways to retain your highly qualified staff,” Principal Barkoye said, as she further quoted Sister Hinds. In response to the concerns raised, the Public Health Minister committed to addressing a number of the issues, while Dr Adu-krow announced PAHO/WHO’s willingness to furnish the faculty with an A/C unit. PAHO/WHO has also been working with the school to have tutors undergo a Master’s programme.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 5, 2016

See the media as your friend ‒ Ramnarine tells police ranks THE media have a role to play in Guyana just as the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has a role in society and ranks should not have problems with the media if they are honest in their duties and have nothing to hide, Acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine said. Ramnarine addressing ranks of the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic and Anti-crime Patrols, at the Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary Saturday said “oftentimes we despise the media

but we don’t understand the role of the media. It is the eyes and ears of society, I don’t care what you think of an operative in the media, if you want to despise or you’re angry at the camera in your face, just tell yourself that if you don’t do anything wrong and you’re a professional and want to be accountable, then you have nothing to be afraid about or to be fearful of…” Questioning the purpose of shunning the media, Commissioner Ramnarine said the media and its operatives

are very important since they not only help to make police accountable, “they do so for every other institution, check around the world many things are not exposed but would lie under the carpet except for the role of the media it comes to light.” He continued: “Don’t go taking away people’s cameras and busing them or curse them and tell them don’t push the camera in your face, years and decades ago police had a problem with media, video or taking pictures of the police station, now all that is through the window, that is not an of-

fence for someone to video or record you once you’re in the public.” He said the media help in correction and police should see the media as their friend. Meanwhile, Mr. Ramnarine noted that the abuse of authority, the use of excessive force and getting physical and vocal with members of the public will not be tolerated. “The police uniform is a symbol of discipline…discipline from a law enforcement perspective means a function of command which must be exercised in order to create an organisation which is

Commissioner of Police (ag) David Ramnarine

amenable to direction and control,” he said. He noted that many junior ranks tend to bypass their supervisors or superior officers and head to the commissioner or even government officials to plead a matter of injustice when they are sanctioned. He said the Force has clear guidelines on discipline and standard operating procedures which are being ignored in the quest for personal satisfaction. “If you can’t have the confidence, trust and respect

of your assistant commissioner, senior superintendent or superintendent, you think I’m going to allow you to come to me, no way, I will be tolerating and condoning indiscipline to fester if I do that, I’m really not a nice boy,” he asserted. He underscored that Guyana is a signatory of the United Nations Code of Conduct for law enforcement officials. It stresses the conduct of the function of law enforcement officials in the defence of public order, and the manner in which those functions have a direct impact on the quality of life of individuals and on the society as a whole. Commissioner Ramnarine urged the ranks to live by the principles of the GFF and the UN Code of Conduct so as to foster a better working relationship with the citizens of Guyana, who have long lost confidence in the force.

Toshaos nudge... would like to be a key player in this process, since it serves as a representative body for over 212 communities and more than 70,000 Indigenous Peoples across the country. “Let us work together. The NTC would like to be the key player in the amendment, because it is law which will affect every indigenous people. It is time we work together in amending this act for the future,” Fredericks said.

From page 8

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock also offered brief comments, noting that the issue remains an important one for the Government. He, like Fredericks, said that discussions have begun on the issue and several recommendations with regards to amendments were made at the conference. However, he did not specifically say what these recommendations were.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 5, 2016

Sarfraz, Shoaib help Pakistan avoid ODI whitewash

(REUTERS)-Pakistan’s Sarfraz Ahmed and Shoaib Malik shared a fluent partnership of 163 to lead the tourists to a consolation four-wicket win over England in the fifth and final one-day international in Cardiff yesterday. The hosts, put into bat, mustered a respectable 302 for nine from 50 overs but their bowling lacked penetration and Pakistan reached the victory target with 10 balls to spare. England, who won the series 4-1, never produced the explosive power that has characterised their recent

Sarfraz Ahmed hit a top score of 90 see Pakistan to victory. one-day batting. Jason Roy made 87 off 89 balls and Ben Stokes 75

off 76 but they lost wickets at regular intervals, Pakistan seamer Hasan Ali

completing figures of 4-60. England fast bowler Mark Wood took two wickets in one over to reduce the touring side to 77 for three before Sarfraz and Shoaib assumed control. They attacked England spinner Liam Dawson on his ODI debut and Sarfraz struck an excellent 90 off 73 balls before skying Dawson to Alex Hales on the boundary. The experienced Shoaib also fell to a catch in the deep off Dawson for 77 but Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten 34 guided Pakistan home. The sides, who drew 2-2

in the test series, meet in a one-off Twenty20 inter-

national in Manchester on Wednesday.

SCOREBOARD

ENGLAND Innings J. Roy c H. Ali b Amir 87 A. Hales c Malik b Amir 23 J. Root b H. Ali 9 E. Morgan c&b Wasim 10 B. Stokes c Gul b H. Ali 75 J. Bairstow c Rizwan b Gul 33 L. Dawson c Gul b Amir 10 C. Woakesb H. Ali 10 D. Willey c Nawaz b H. Ali 6 C. Jordan not out 15 M. Woodnot out 8 Extras (b-4 lb-6 nb-1 w-5) 16 Total (for 9 wickets, 50 overs) 302 Fall of wickets: 1-37 A. Hales,2-64 J. Root,3-92 E. Morgan,4-164 J. Roy,5-219 J. Bairstow,6-258 B. Stokes,7-270 C. Woakes,8-274 L. Dawson,9-283 D. Willey Bowling: M. Amir 10 - 0 - 50 – 3,U. Gul10 - 0 - 77 - 1(w-2), H. Ali 10 - 0 - 60 - 4(nb-1),S. Malik 6 - 0 - 40 - 0(w-1)

I. Wasim 10 - 0 - 33 - 1(w-1),M. Nawaz 4 - 0 - 32 - 0(w-1) PAKISTAN Innings Az. Ali c Bairstow b Wood 33 Sh. Khanc Wood b Woakes 10 B. Azamb Wood 31 S. Malik c Roy b Dawson 77 S. Ahmedc Hales b Dawson 90 M. Rizwan not out 34 M. Nawazrun out (Bairstow) 2 I. Wasimnot out 16 Extras (nb-1 w-10) 11 Total(for 6 wickets, 48.2 overs) 304 Fall of wickets: 1-22 Sh. Khan,276 B. Azam,3-77 Az. Ali,4-240 S. Ahmed,5-256 S. Malik,6-266 M. Nawaz Did not bat: U. Gul, H. Ali, M. Amir Bowling: C. Woakes 7 - 0 - 47 – 1,D. Willey 8 - 2 - 32 - 0(w-2), M. Wood 10 - 0 - 56 - 2(w-1),B. Stokes 8 - 0 - 47 - 0(nb-1), C. Jordan 7.2 - 0 - 52 - 0(w-3, L. Dawson 8 - 0 - 70 – 2.

Warner ton secures 4-1 series triumph for Aussies (REUTERS)-Australia’s stand-in skipper David Warner led by example, hitting a brilliant century in their five-wicket win against Sri Lanka to complete a 4-1 series victory yesterday. Australia’s bowlers laid the foundation for their victory after routing Sri Lanka for 195 in 40.2 overs in the final match of the series at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

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The modest chase looked far from a cakewalk, however, as the visitors slumped to 25 for two in the sixth over before Warner’s century helped them romp home with seven overs to spare. Warner found an able ally in George Bailey and the duo added 132 runs as the world champions went on to exact a modicum of revenge after being whitewashed in

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the preceding three-match test series. Bailey (44), the top-scorer in the fivematch series, missed his third successive fifty but Warner could not be denied his seventh ODI century for a total of 199 for five. Leading the side in absence of regular skipper Steve Smith, who has returned home to rest ahead of a busy schedule, Warner played a captain’s knock of 106 which made all the difference in the low-scoring contest. The 29-year-old southpaw paced his knock according to team requirement and studded it with nine fours before being dismissed with his team seven

ing the last man out in the runs from victory. E a r l i e r, S r i L a n k a 41st over. The teams will now squandered their best start of the series to settle for a below-par score after Dinesh Chandimal, leading the side in ab- SRI LANKA Innings de Silvac Starc b Faulkner 34 sence of injured regular D. D. Gunathilaka b Zampa 39 skipper Angelo Mathews, K. Mendis c Wade 33 won the toss and opted to bD.Hastings Chandimal c Wade bat in the dead rubber at b Starc 1 U. Tharanga c Zampa Pallekele. b Head 15 Openers Dhananjaya de K. Perera lbw b Head 14 13 Silva (34) and Danushka Gu- D. Shanaka b Zampa Pathirana c Faulkner nathilaka (39) raised 73 runs S. b Boland 32 5 before the hosts lost three D. Pererab Starc S. Lakmal b Starc 0 quick wickets to slump to A. Aponso not out 0 78 for three in the 16th over. Extras (lb-2 nb-1 w-6) 9 195 Kusal Mendis (33) added Total (all out, 40.2 overs) Fall of wickets: 1-73 D. de 43 runs with Upul Tharanga Silva,2-77 D. Gunathilaka,3-78 D. (15) but another mini-col- Chandimal,4-121 K. Mendis,5-129 U. Tharanga,6-145 K. Perera,7-165 lapse followed soon. D. Shanaka,8-184 D. Perera,9-184 S a c h i t h P a t h i r a n a S. Lakmal,10-195 S. Pathirana M. Starc 9 - 0 - 40 chipped in with 32 runs Bowling: 3(nb-1 w-3), J. Hastings 7-1 down the order before be- - 30 – 1,

square off in a two-match Twenty20 series beginning tomorrow.

SCOREBOARD S. Boland 6.2 - 0 - 28 – 1, J. Faulkner 7 - 0 - 30 - 1(w-2), A. Zampa 6 - 0 - 43 - 2(w-1), T. Head 5 - 0 - 22 – 2. AUSTRALIA Innings D. Warner c&b D. de Silva 106 M. Wade c K. Mendis b D. Perera 3 U. Khawaja c Gunathilaka b D. Perera 6 G. Bailey lbw b D. Perera 44 T. Head c Lakmal b D. de Silva 13 J. Faulkner not out 8 J. Hastings not out 8 Extras (b-2 lb-2 w-7) 11 Total(for 5 wickets, 43 overs) 199 Fall of wickets: 1-11 M. Wade,2-25 U. Khawaja,3-157 G. Bailey,4-179 T. Head,5-189 D. Warner Did not bat: A. Finch, M. Starc, A. Zampa, S. Boland Bowling : S. Lakmal 8 - 1 - 30 - 0(w-3), D. Perera 10 - 1 - 51 - 3(w-1), S. Pathirana 10 - 0 - 36 - 0(w-1), D. Shanaka 2 - 0 - 10 - 0 A. Aponso 6 - 0 - 33 – 0, D. de Silva 7 - 0 - 35 – 2.

Forde cops sixth consecutive ... From back page old will use all of these events in his preparation leading up to his participation in the South American 10km. Among the females, it took Scott some 42 minutes and 21 seconds to make her way in, and another four and a half minutes for Alicia Jack to take the second place finish. The third to cross the finish line was Shyon Boyer in a time of 49 minutes and 32 seconds. In other results of the day,Claudrice Mackoy won the female junior category,while Odwin Tudor won the male title. Micheal Dividson took the

master’s 40-54 win,and Ian Archibald prevailed in the men’s 55 and over category. On the distaff side,the master’s title was won by Cyrleen Phillips. Following the completion

of the early morning event, Massy Group of Companies Country Manager, Persaud, congratulated the winners and conveyed his gratitude to all the participants who took part in the event;making it another

successful year. President of the Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hudson, was also on hand to thank all those who participated.

Rafael Nadal crashes out of ...

From back page

With the crowd on Arthur Ashe Stadium in raptures, the match came down to a deciding tiebreak. Pouille had three match points at 6-3 but hit a wild forehand long on the last as Nadal

saved them all to level at 6-6. Pouille was gifted a fourth match point as Nadal dumped an approach forehand into the net and this time he took it with a stunning forehand winner down the line. Pouille said: ‘It’s just

never over until the last point. I was a break down in the fifth set, I came back. ‘At 6-3 [in the tiebreak] I was like, “OK, you’re going to win this one”, then at 6-6 it was not the same. Honestly I’m very happy.’(Mail on Line)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 5, 2016

2018 World Cup round-up:

Wins for Germany, England and Denmark; Poland held

Bayern attacker Thomas Müller scored two goals as Germany beat Norway in Oslo.

Azerbaijan get their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a winning start with a 1-0 victory over 10-man San Marino. San Marino had Cristian Brolli sent off in the 52nd minute following a crunching tackle on Gurbanov. Denmark got their Group E campaign off to a winning start thanks to Christian Eriksen’s first-half strike against Armenia in Copenhagen.

corner of Rune Jarstein’s goal. Muller added a third on the hour mark, heading in Sami Khedira’s cross for his 34th goal for his country and allowing Germany to take it easy for the final half hour. Manuel Neuer captained his country for the first time

Denmark dominated the game and would have won by more were it not for goalkeeper Arsen Beglaryan, who kept out a 72nd-minute Eriksen penalty. Elsewhere in that group, Kazakhstan fought back to earn a 2-2 draw with Poland in Astana.

The game would probably have been beyond the hosts had Arkadiusz Milik’s shot gone in, rather than hitting a post, just before half-time but Kazakhstan made the most of their good fortune with two quick-fire goals from Sergei Khizhnichenko early in the second half. Late drama in Romania saw Stevan Jovetic’s 87th-minute header for Montenegro cancel out Adrian Popa’s goal for the hosts just two minutes previously. But the excitement wasn’t over there, as Nico-

Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg celebrates his win on the podium with the trophyReuters / Max RossiLivepic to a much bigger roar from podium and handed it on the fans yearning for a first to Rosberg, finished third Ferrari victory of the season

at their home race. Finnish team mate Kimi Raikkonen was fourth, with Australian Daniel Ricciardo fifth for Red Bull in a race with little drama on the track but more atmosphere than most of the others combined off it. Hamilton now has 250 points, Rosberg 248 with Singapore’s night race the next destination. “I don’t know really what happened at the start...I did everything normal,” said Hamilton. With the race effectively won and lost in the opening seconds, with Hamilton dropping to sixth place

By Stephen Mills REIGNING champions Germany kicked off their qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup yesterday in impressive fashion as they cruised to a 3-0 win over Norway. Thomas Muller was on target twice while Joshua Kimmich’s first goal for his country crowned an emphatic start to qualifying, as the Germans immediately took their place at the top of Group C. Muller opened the scoring with a second bite of the cherry on 15 minutes after his first shot was blocked and became the provider for Kimmich’s first goal for his country, his shot evading the lunges of two Norway players and nestling into the far

since being named their new captain following Bastian Schweinsteiger’s retirement from international football, but had little to do on a comfortable night. Also in Group C, Northern Ireland earned a 0-0 draw with Czech Republic and Ruslan Gurbanov’s goal just before half-time saw

Leicester summer signing Bartosz Kapustka put Poland ahead after nine minutes and Robert Lewandowski extended the lead with a 35th-minute penalty.

lae Stanciu put a penalty over the crossbar in the seventh minute of injury time. In Group F, a late Slovenia fightback earned them a 2-2 draw away to Lithuania to begin their World Cup qualification campaign. Lithuania’s goals came in the space of three first-half minutes, the first a stunning Fedor Cernych effort before Vykintas Slivka added a second. Bostjan Cesar headed the equaliser in the third minute of injury-time after Rene Krhin had started the comeback from 2-0 down with 77 minutes on the clock. Scotland top that group after a 5-1 win over Malta, ahead of England who beat Slovakia 1-0 thanks to a late Adam Lallana goal. (Eurosport).

Rosberg cuts Hamilton’s lead with win in Italy By Alan Baldwin

MONZA, Italy-(Reuters)-Germany’s Nico Rosberg won the Italian Grand Prix for dominant Mercedes yesterday to cut team mate Lewis Hamilton’s Formula One world championship lead to two points with seven races remaining. Triple world champion Hamilton, who had been on pole position as favourite to take his 50th career victory and third in a row at Monza, finished second after a slow start gifted Rosberg the race. Rosberg’s first victory at the historic circuit outside

Milan was his seventh of the season, one more than Hamilton, and 21st of his career as well as second in a row after Belgium last weekend. “I’m feeling great, the race is on with Lewis. It is always going to be a great battle and I look forward to what is to come,” he said from the podium as an army of Ferrari fans flooded the pit straight. The German also broke into Italian before attempting to win over the crowd with a rousing sing-along. Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, who mistakenly put on the winner’s cap before the

at the end of the first lap and then climbing back with pitstop strategy and just two simple overtakes, Rosberg had an untroubled run to victory. The German took the chequered flag 15 seconds clear of Hamilton, with both Mercedes drivers on the same one-stop strategy compared to the two made by Ferrari. “Lewis had too much wheelspin at the start and this cost him the victory,” said Mercedes motorsport head Toto Wolff. “From then on, it was basically over.”

Williams sisters on collision course at U.S. Open

By Simon Cambers

NEW YORK,(Reuters)-Serena and Venus Williams, the sisters with 29 grand slams and a stack of records between them, will try to maintain a collision course at the U.S. Open tennis today when they play their fourthround matches. World number one and Serena Williams defending champion Serena, trying to break the record shares with Steffi Graf, plays of 22 grand slam titles she number 52 Yaroslava Shve-

dova of Kazakhstan. Sixth seed Venus, twice the champion in New York, faces Karolina Pliskova, the big-serving 10th seed from the Czech Republic. Victory for both would put them one win away from a semi-final meeting at Flushing Meadows. Top seed Serena is still managing the right shoulder injury she suffered at the Rio Olympic Games last month but says she is ready to hit peak form.

“I feel OK,” she said when asked to grade her performance in week one. “So far, so good. “I don’t feel like I’m Serena out there yet, but hopefully she’ll come around the second week.” Venus is into the fourth ro u n d f o r t h e s e c o n d straight season, having gone four years without passing round three while she learned to cope with Sjogren’s syndrome, an

auto-immune disease that causes chronic fatigue and muscle soreness. “It’s just a lot of will power,” Venus said. “That’s really what it is. I started to feel better more consistently this year so I’m always trying to find things to help me feel my best. “But even if I’m not feeling great, I still manage to get a good fight in out there.” Men’s second seed Andy Murray, the Wimbledon and Olympic champion,

takes on Grigor Dimitrov for a place in the quarter-finals. Former champion Juan Martin del Potro, in the fourth round for the first time since 2012 after three operations on his left wrist, plays eighth seed Dominic Thiem. Third seed Stan Wawrinka, sixth seed Kei Nishikori and women’s fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska are also in fourth-round action.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 5, 2016

Haniff,Khan, and Adams emerge as champions at Massy United golf tourney UNDAUNTED by the four-month absence from the Golf Course due to steady,unseasonal rains and an almost impassable road, Golfers turned out with great enthusiasm for the massive Massy United 4th Annual golf tournament last Saturday. The top stream was a refreshing net range of 73 – 76, with some ten golfers in the range, comprising F Haniff, I Khan, C Adams – 73; Pur Persaud, P. London – 74; I Gouveia, M. Gayadin – 75: and A. Hussain, P Prashad and H. Tiwari - 76. Other golfers submitting scores ranged up to net 85.

In photo:, Mr Austin and Mr Ramroop pose with the day’s winners. Left to right, J. Medina, I. Khan, F. Haniff, V. Austin, C. Adams, P. Persaud, I Gouveia, and club president O. Ramroop.

While the scores are generally much better for all the golfers, the long absence did not deter keen competitive scores as demonstrated by the top ten. Club Captain,Chatterpaul Deo,was high in his praise of the golfers for the effort the made to come out and play and to produce such a close range at the top. Winners of the day’s tournament were:1st - Fazil Haniff 73/87; 2nd - Imran Khan 73/80; 3rd – Carlos Adams 73/99. Best Gross – Imran Khan; Nearest to the Pin (3 feet) - Ian Gouviea; and Most Honest Golfer – Jorge

Medina. (Any tie in golf – as in the case of 3 scores at 73 – is initially settled by the golfer with the better ‘back nine’ scores receiving the better place. The tournament was played under the open medal play system.) Meanwhile, Club President, Ramroop thanked Mr Jorge Medina and Macorp for the significant contribution made to the improvement of the road. Mr Medina in reply said that Macorp has been very happy to assist not only the Golf Club but also the Lusignan community in the improvement of the road.

Walsh looking for Bangladeshi Ambrose WEST Indies fast bowling icon Courtney Walsh is hopeful of discovering a Bangladeshi Curtley Ambrose during his tenure with the country’s cricket programme. Walsh put pen to paper with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) yesterday, officially beginning a three-year contract that will see the former world record holder serve as Specialist Bowling Coach. The newly-appointed Walsh stated that a primary part of his objective will not only be to identify, but to nurture

Courtney Walsh at his first press briefing as Bangladesh’s bowling coach in , Dhaka,yesterday.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday September 05, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Marius Fernandes (2) Rohan Kanhai Today’s Quiz: (1) Where and when did the WI win a Test match for the first time? (2) Where and when did the WI win an ODI game for the first time? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

and develop the nation’s talent. “In terms of my role here in Bangladesh, I am not here just as a coach, I am here as a mentor as well. I have always been a part of cricket, as part of Jamaica and the West Indies. I always try to get a couple of fast bowlers under my wing to mentor,” Walsh told the media on Sunday. “Curtly Ambrose was one of them. So if I can get a second Curtly Ambrose in Bangladesh I will be very happy because when he came into the team, I was one of the first one he looked up to and we probably had one of the best partnerships. So if I can pass that on to any two young Bangladeshi bowlers I will be very, very happy,” said Walsh. Ambrose, who made his debut for the West Indies against Pakistan in 1988, went to form part of a fearsome

Sport ministry on track for Rio athletes tribute

JAMAICA’s Minister of Sport Olivia Grange has said that plans for recognising and rewarding members of Jamaica’s team to Rio 2016 Olympic Games are proceeding. “Yes, the team has started working and we’re going over the proposals to ensure that we honour and celebrate the achievements of our Rio heroes in the most fitting way in October,” said Grange. The minister has established a special team — the Salute to Rio Sports Ambassadors Planning Committee — to lead the national celebration. The core membership of the planning committee is made up from a wide cross section of stakeholders and practitioners, including the Jamaica Olympic Association; government ministries, departments and agencies; sports administrators, and the private sector. “We have a very competent core team and we’ll be able to co-opt additional talent and skills because our aims are clear: we want to ensure that the salute to our athletes mirrors their outstanding achievements; and that the programme of activities that we develop will serve to unite and inspire the whole country,” said Grange. (Jamaica Observer)

bowling tandem with Walsh. Between them the duo managed to claim 924 Test wickets.

Uganda end 38-year wait for Nations Cup spot

UGANDA have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 1978 after beating Comoros yesterday. Their 1-0 victory secured their place at next year’s finals in Gabon as one of the two best group runners-up. Group D rivals Burkina Faso also qualified with a late 2-1 win over Botswana to finish top of the table. Tunisia and DR Congo qualified as winners of their groups and Togo went through as the second best group runners-up on goal difference. Sixteen teams will compete at next year’s tournament, which runs from 14 January to 5 February: the 13 group winners and two best group runners-up, plus hosts Gabon. Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Morocco, Senegal and Zimbabwe had booked their places before yesterday’s matches. Burkina Faso, who lost to Nigeria in the 2013 final, left it very late to guarantee their qualification after Prejuce Nakoulma’s 18th-minute opener was cancelled out by a Botswana equaliser from the penalty spot. Visitors Botswana fought to hold their opponents, despite having Lesego Galenamotlhale dismissed on 61 minutes and Kabelo Dambe sent off with two minutes of normal time remaining. But Banou Diawara struck deep into injury time for the Burkinabe, who had Steeve Yago sent off moments before, to give them the victory and 13 points from their six group games. Uganda also reached 13 points, thanks to a 35th-minute winner by Farouk Miya in Kampala, but they finished in second place in the group because of a inferior head-to-head record against Burkina Faso. However, it was enough to send the Cranes to the finals for the first time for 38 years. Some Ugandan players raised their arms and others sank to their knees at the end of the match. Uganda’s last appearance at the Nations Cup ended in a runners-up spot when they lost to Ghana in the final.(BBC Sport).

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 5, 2016

Jaguars Franchise League 3-Day Tournament...

Chandrika lauds ‘complete performance’ after six-wicket victory …Lower Corentyne, Essequibo and West Demerara record wins By Rajiv Bisnauth EAST Coast Demerara captain Rajendra Chandrika lauded a “complete performance” by his team after they trashed Upper-Corentyne by six wickets in the second round of the Jaguars Franchise League three-day competition which ended yesterday at the Enterprise Busta Sports Club. Set a winning target of 117, the hosts reached the target inside the first session of play on the third and final day. The hosts ensured they would not lose with a first-innings lead of 78, and they will take even greater heart from the way their bowlers rattled through their opponents twice in less than five sessions. Resuming at 33-1, Chanderpaul Hemraj, who joined overnight batsman Gavin Boodwah (13), at the start of play made 34, before both batsmen were dismissed by off-spinner, Omesh Mathura (2-26), at 87-3. Leg-spinner,Troy Gon-

Kevin Boodie struck an entertaining century for Essequibo. salves, trapped Ramnarine Chatura leg before wicket without scoring, but Chandrika and second innings hero with the ball, Kamesh Yadram,took their team to the winning target without further trouble. Chandrika smashed four fours in his unbeaten 27-ball innings, while Yadram was on eight. “It was a complete performance,” said the hosts’ captain, who played no small

Veerasammy Permaul returned a match haul of 9 for 92. part in the victory, with a first innings half century (69) and 31 not out in the second innings. “We’re very happy with the way we executed our plans. We just need to continue in that manner, play good cricket and not be complacent going forward,” the West Indies opening batsman told Chronicle Sport after the game. In other matches com-

pleted yesterday, Lower Corentyne, Essequibo and West Demerara all recorded outright victories. Following are the final scores: At Albion: Lower Corentyne registered their second consecutive outright victory in as many matches. The home team resuming at their overnight score of 249/6 manage to get to 290 before they were dismissed. Sharaz Ramsarran finished on 30 not out. Foo had earlier registered his second consecutive century (127) as Lower Corentyne took a vital 78 run lead. Bowling for Georgetown, Gajanan Suknanand took 4/67, Devon Lord had 3/57 and Christopher Barnwell 2/40. Georgetown batting a second time could only muster 140. Only Robin Bacchus with 57 and Barnwell with 40 were the main contributors. Veerasammy Permaul followed up his first innings of 4 for 53 l with 5/39 in the second innings for a match haul

of 9 for 92, to move to 19 wickets after the first two matches. Raun Johnson also chipped in with 2/34. Lower Corentyne then raced to 65/1 with Foo scoring an unbeaten 26 while Kandasammy Surujnarine made 24 not out. At Cumberland: Essequibo registered a come from behind victory against West Berbice. Resuming on 111/8, Essequibo only manage to add 8 runs before they were dismissed. West Berbice in their second innings then made 165. Avishkar Sewkarran top scored with 40 while Shimron Hetmyer scored 35. Bowling for Essequibo, Ricardo Adams bagged 5/25 while Anthony Adams supported with 3/29. Kevin Boodie then struck an entertaining century to spur Essequibo to their victory target, reaching 216/4. Ricardo Adams returned with the bat to hit 49 and Ricardo Peters made 29. Boodie was dismissed for 102 Kevin

Jawahir had 2/47 bowling for West Berbice. At Everest: West Demeara registered their first outright victory. In their second innings they were all out for 236.. Raymon Reifer hit 38 and Romario Shephard scored 32, while . Tagenarine Chanderpaul top scored with 75. Ershaad Ali bagged impressive figures of 7/62 for East Bank Demerara. With a target of 329, East Bank Demerara failed to bat out the final 2 sessions as they folded for 129. Mark Brown scored 40 while Sherfane Rutherford made 32. Bowling for West Demerara, Reifer had 3/14 and Rishi Looknauth took 3/45 bowling for West Demerara. The third round begins on October 8, with Essequibo playing East Bank at Everest, West Berbice opposing West Demerara at Young Warriors Cricket Club, Georgetown tackling East Coast Demerara at GCC,and Upper Corentyne clashing with Lower Corentyne at Port Mourant.

Basketball Action returns to Sports Hall

THG Pacesetters fall to Suriname’s De Arend 47-64

ON a night packed with basketball action, the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) was the place for basketball fans to be.With three matches slated to be played plus the feature game,fans were in for a treat;and they were not disappointed. In the feature game of the night,which saw THG Pacesetters up against the visiting De Arend of Suriname,the Locals went down 47-64.At the end of the first quarter,which saw De Arend opening the scoring with a deep-three from Xavier Elburg,the visitors were leading 14-8,and already seemed in control. The second quarter saw the Suriname side passing the ball around the perimeter while crashing the paint for inside shots and lay-ups. On the Guyana side,

The winning Suriname De Arend team after beating THG Pacesetters on Saturday night. Stephan Gillis showed why he is Guyana’s best shooter,scoring multiple three-pointers to keep his

side in the game.However, the first half finished with Suriname leading by 11 points,with a score of 27-16.

The third quarter saw more of the same approach from Suriname, with the apparent game plan being to

crash the paint and hit the open man for the shot. The most exciting point of the third quarter came when Mitchell Zeefuik of De Arend tried to crunch a left hand tomahawk over a Pacesetter’s defender. The attempt missed but showed the intentions of the visiting side. The quarter ended 39-44 with Pacesetters still behind The fourth quarter saw De Arend turning on the jets to score 20 points to Pacesetters 7 to finish the game at 64-47. For the visitors,the scoring was almost evenly distributed between team members,while Stephan Gillis finished with 15 points for the local side. Meanwhile, in the supporting games,Guyana’s U-16 side fell to the Guyana U-19 side, while Plaisance Guardians thumped Nets. In their first game back in the arena since qualify-

ing for Centro Basket, the Guyana U-16 team came up short against the Guyana U-19 side. The game finished 65-76 with a first half score of 30-36, with the U-19 leadin by 6 points. Starting the second half, the offensive deficiency of the National side saw them giving up 20 points while only scoring 9 points in 7 minutes of play. For the next three minutes of the quarter, only 4 points were scored by both sides. The final quarter saw the U-16 outscoring the U-19 by 21-16,but the earlier damage had been done and the U-19 cruised to victory. Jaleel Duke led the scoring for the U-19 with 16 points, while for the U-16 side, Kevon Wiggins scored 18 points to be the leading game-scorer,albeit in a losing effort.

THG Pacesetters fall to Suriname’s De Arend 47-64 Forde cops sixth consecutive Massy 10km title, Scott wins women’s title See story on page 23

By Tamica Garnett

G U YA N A’s C l e v e l a n d Forde,nicknamed Little Kenyan,orchestrated a tactical win over Winston Missigher and Nathaniel Giddings,to take his sixth consecutive Massy 10km Road Race men’s title yesterday, while Ashanti Scott capitalised on the absence of several leading female distance runners to capture the win in the women’s category. Forde covered the distance,on the East Bank of Demerara from Diamond to Massy’s Ruimvelt location, in a time of 33 minutes and 10 seconds, to champion the event as Missigher once again failed in his bid to clinch another win over Forde,since beating him in the Jubilee 10 km Road Race. The time was a five-second improvement on the time that Forde clocked in the event last year, when the route was from Vreeden-Hoop to the Massy’s Office,but it was still behind the 32.39 that he clocked for his win at the Caricom 10km Road Race in July; leaving

Winners in yesterday’s Massy 10km Road Race show off their trophies him still unable to attain his wish of going below the 30 minute barrier. Commenting on the race,Forde said it was all about “consistency in training and determination” that lead him to the win. For the second place finish,Missigher covered the distance in 33 minutes, 30 seconds.Giddings was just behind Missigher,clocking 33 minutes and 33 seconds for third place. Cleveland Thomas finished

fourth (34m.01s),while Quacy Morian was fifth (35m.16s). Commencing with some 65 runners, things started to really thin off as the pack came out of the final 3km, with Thomas leading the way and Forde strategically keeping close by. Another thinning of the pack would ensue as things got down to the final 3km. With Thomas dropping back,the new leading pack consisted of Forde, Missigher and Giddings. With about

1km to go, Missigher and Giddings were left to battle it out for second place, as Forde established himself firmly in the lead. From there, it was all over and Forde eased his way to the finish line to pick up his win. Forde now has his sights set on participating at the Venture Credit Unit 5km in Trinidad later this month, and the upcoming Courts 10km Road Race in Guyana. The 30 year

Turn to page 20

‘Little Kenyan’ Cleveland Forde crossing the finish line for the win in the Massy 10km Road Race yesterday (Adrian Narine Photo)

Rafael Nadal crashes out of US Open …beaten in five sets by young Frenchman Lucas Pouille

The Spaniard was looking to make it into the US Open semi-final for the first time since 2013

RAFAEL Nadal suffered an upset in the last-16 of the US Open as Frenchman Lucas Pouille inflicted yet more Grand Slam woe on the Spaniard in a five-set thriller. Nadal has not won a ma-

jor title since winning his fourteenth at Roland Garros in 2014 and the wait goes on after he was beaten 6-1, 2-6, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (6) by No 24 seed Pouille in four hours and two minutes. It sets up an all-French

clash between Pouille and Gael Monfils, as they join Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to make this the first time since Roland Garros 1947 that three Frenchmen have reached the last-eight of a Grand Slam. Pouille said: ‘It’s my first match on the centre court here against Rafa. I couldn’t dream better than this.’ Pouille may still not be well-known among the more casual tennis fans but the 22-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise up the rankings this year from a position of No 91 in mid-February and reached the lasteight at Wimbledon. After missing much of this summer with a wrist injury, Nadal had made an

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impressive start to his Flushing Meadows campaign, progressing to the fourth round without dropping a set. But it took just 28 minutes for Pouille to take the opening set for the loss of just one game, Nadal struggling to make any impact on his French opponent’s serve. Nadal hit back to level the match at one set all but Pouille was unperturbed as he remained aggressive and pinned Nadal behind the baseline before serving out the third set. After exchanging breaks midway through the fourth set, Nadal edged ahead again for 5-3 and then swatted away a forehand winner to take the match to a fifth set, only the fourth he has

played since Roland Garros 2013. At a break down, Pouille initially appeared to be showing effects of a already playing two consecutive five-set matches to reach

this stage but he continued to battle hard and broke back for 4-4 as Nadal sent a forehand long. Turn to page 20

Rafael Nadal was beaten in five sets by Frenchman Lucas Pouille in the fourth round MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2016