No. 104638
TUESDAY AUGUST 9, 2016
Price: $80
Mining lifts economy (Vat Inclusive)
‌Two per cent growth recorded at mid-year
Page 3
Murder, gun crimes down
Page 9
GRA losing billions 8 in VAT exemptions Page
House clears spending on Durban Park - funds for medical drugs storage bond also approved
Page 4 Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson explaining to the House the expenditure on the Durban Park Project which fell under Financial Paper One. Up to press time on Monday, the House was still examining Financial Paper Two (Adrian Narine photo)
Gov’t to repay NIS - money invested Page in failed CLICO Page 22
Gov’t to repay NIS
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 9, 2016
- money invested in failed CLICO
THE National Insurance Scheme (NIS) is to receive $5.6B from the Government of Guyana as compensation for the financial loss suffered as a result of an investment made in the now bankrupt Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO). Finance Minister Winston Jordan disclosed on Friday during a media briefing that Cabinet, at its last meeting, consented to repay NIS through non-negotiable debenture certificates. The repayment would be made over a 20-year period at a fixed interest rate of 1.5 per cent per annum, the principal sum being four billion, eight hundred and eighty-two million, four hundred and forty-six thousand, one hundred and ninety-nine dollars ($4,882,446,199). He said yearly payments are to begin from January 1, 2017, and at the end of the 20-year period, Government would have paid over five billion, six hundred and fifty-one million, four hundred and thirty-one thousand, four hundred and seventy-five dollars ($5,651,431,475) in terms of principal and interest. “It is the best that the Government can do at the moment, but it is substantially more than NIS would have had if this
investment continues to be impaired,” Minister Jordan said. The decision to repay NIS follows a motion by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), when in opposition, to call upon the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government to take all steps necessary to guarantee that policyholders of CLICO Guyana would suffer no financial loss. That motion, moved by then Opposition Leader Robert Corbin and seconded by Winston Murray, sought to have Government give an unequivocal guarantee to all contributors and beneficiaries of the NIS that there would be no consequential loss in benefits to them as a result of CLICO’s bankruptcy; and that the Government, and not contributors, would take up the slack. Resolution 82, passed by the National Assembly on March 12, 2009, called upon Government to take all necessary steps to ensure that there would be no financial loss to any policyholder or depositor of CLICO (Guyana); and to take all possible actions to secure the investments made in CLICO (Guyana) by the NIS on behalf of contributors and beneficiaries of the Scheme, to prevent any consequential loss in benefits to them. The National Assembly had endorsed the statement by the
government of the day, guaranteeing the savings, pensions, investments, and insurance of all investors, depositors, policy holders and contributors of CLICO (Guyana). The Finance Minister said NIS has been “impaired” as a result of the CLICO situation, and was finding it difficult to provide the beneficiaries with assistance. “NIS investments in CLICO are impaired, with extreme unlikelihood of getting back that money,” Jordan said, adding: “As a result of that impairment…not only NIS, but the beneficiaries in NIS are suffering terribly; because their ability to raise benefits will obviously be constrained by the fact that they don’t have this money, and this money cannot be put to earn additional monies for them.” NIS invested more than $6B in CLICO (Guyana), and CLICO reportedly invested some US$34M in its Bahamian counterpart, which became liquidated. The liquidator of the CLICO (Bahamas) company said in 2010 that, based on a preliminary view of documentation, policies were not issued by CLICO Bahamas, and as such, premiums received from Guyana and Suriname were never paid to the Bahamian company.
M&CC explores options for relocation of vendors TOWN Clerk Royston King has disclosed that City Council is looking at installing a double-deck in Bourda Green and extending the Stabroek Market in order to accommodate the ultimate relocation of vendors of Parliament View Mall. On Monday, when he spoke of the three-months extension granted the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) for vendors to continue plying their trade at the Parliament View Mall, the plot of land south of Public Buildings, he said: “We have received an extension at Parliament View Mall that will go until December. Again, I wish to publicly announce my gratitude to the owner for his support and understanding of our efforts at the M&CC,” King said at City Hall’s statutory meeting. “We are not in any way attempting to take bread from anyone, but we’re 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,” he said. The Town Clerk said he is hoping, at the expiration of
Town Clerk Royston King this extension, not to have to seek any further extensions, and that a policy from the Public Health and Markets Committee would be made available. “There are several options on the table. We are looking at a double-decker in Bourda Green, and we’re looking at the extension of the Stabroek Market, among others.” Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen said she also hopes there would be no need to apply for a further extension of the life of the Parliament View Mall, because of the trauma and stress the City Hall team had endured to secure this
extension. “The owner has his own development (plans) for that area, and we would not want to stop development in Georgetown based on our own inadequacy of not providing proper vending areas for vendors,” the Mayor observed. She said it was disappointing that when a meeting was called on the issue, all the members of the Markets and Public Health Committee did not turn up. “Maybe they had other commitments, but we have to be proactive in this; we cannot sit down. We sat down for the three months, and were not able at the end of the three months to come up with one suggestion. If we were forced to remove those vendors at the end of August, where would we put them?” the Mayor pondered. “The Markets Public Health Committee said they wanted to do a policy so (that) at the end of the three months we would have been able to do something. The end of the three months is here, and we have done nothing! We are lucky that we were able to have an extension,” she said.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Mining lifts economy
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…Two per cent growth recorded at mid-year
By Ariana Gordon BUOYED by a sterling performance in the mining sector, the local economy has recorded a 2% growth over the past six months, and is expected to post a growth rate of approximately 4% at the end of the year, despite low returns in rice and sugar. Finance Minister Winston Jordan has disclosed that he is pleased with the overall performance of the sectors, on Monday hailing the mining and quarrying sector by saying that it has performed “very good”; while noting that economic growth in the first half of the year reached 2 per cent, substantially above the 0.9 per cent (revised from 0.7 per cent) growth rate achieved during the same period last year. “The performance of the economy in the first half (of the year) was buoyed by growth in the mining sector, particularly as a result of increased production of gold, as well as growth in some of the services sector,” the MidYear Report stated. Production in the gold industry reached 322,493 ounces during the first half of 2016, an increase of 94.3 per cent over the same period last year. It is believed that “improved oversight of concessions to the sector was among factors that contributed to an increase in output.” The report, tabled in Parliament on Monday, detailed that production levels for small and medium scale miners increased by 26.2% in the first half of 2016, compared
to production for the same period in 2015. Additionally, with the improved international price for gold combining with the two new gold companies reaching full capacity, enhanced production levels are expected in the second half of the year, the Mid-Year Report stated. Gold production for the year is expected to be at an alltime high, rising from the budgeted 450,873 ounces to a projected 650,000 ounces. GDP AT 4% Minister Jordan disclosed that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is likely to increase to 4 per cent, as projected by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), instead of the original projection of 4.4 per cent. This decline in the projected GDP is as a result of the disappointing performances in rice and sugar. “The outlook is still good. Because of the shortfall in rice and sugar in the first half, which we are not projecting to be made up in the second half, (it) would be sort of offset by the substantial increase over budget by gold,” he said before the tabling of the 2016 Mid-Year Report in the National Assembly on Monday. AGRICULTURE The agriculture, fishing and forestry sectors have contracted by 10 per cent, despite growth in the livestock, other crops and fishing subsectors. Sugar production for the first half of the year stands at 56,645 tonnes, or approximately 30 per cent
the sugar industry, the El Nino dry weather was the main cause for reduced production levels, as it resulted in poor yields and a loss of 3,312 hectares of paddy. Farmers suffered from additional losses due to the arrival of the rainy season just as they were about to harvest paddy, and delayed payments from millers also resulted in farmers suffering losses. Minister of Finance Winston Jordan below production at the same period last year. “This shortfall in production was mainly due to the severe El Nino dry spell from September 2015 to April 2016, which affected the growth of the ratoon canes; which in turn resulted in lower yields,” the report stated. The El Nino weather phenomenon, combined with the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo’s) inability to irrigate the fields, along with delays in the acquisition of fertilizers and fertilizer applications, affected the quality of canes harvested. Due to the shortfall, the sugar industry’s target for 2016 has been revised to 218,188 tonnes, down from the budgeted 231,145 tonnes. RICE Like sugar, growth in the rice industry also declined during the first half of the year; with production recorded at 265,818 tonnes, a 26.2 per cent decline compared to the same period last year. As was the case in
OTHER CROPS Notwithstanding the effects of El Nino on the rice and sugar industries, the other crops sector grew by 2 per cent in the first half of the year. This sector is expected to improve its performance during the second half of the year. The Livestock industry grew by 0.8 per cent, and it is expected that in the second half of the year the industry would expand, given the expanded production of poultry, meat and eggs that would occur in Regions 7 and 8 utilising the Black Giant Poultry Initiative, which could lead to greater productivity of chickens. Similarly, the fisheries sector grew by 2.1 per cent during the first half of the year, as compared to the same period last year. “However, the sector continues to be affected by sustainability issues due to overfishing, but Government is taking steps to address the problem by reducing illegal and unregulated fishing,” the report said. FORESTRY Compared with the same
period in 2015, the forestry sector contracted by 13.1 per cent during the first six months of 2016. The MidYear Report said many of the concessions issued by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) were not fully operational. It is, however, anticipated that the latter half of the year would see operators fully mobilized and achieving an increase in production comparable to the first half of the year. Mobilization of labour and equipment began late in the second quarter. “In spite of the contraction, the sector is still projected to grow by 2.5 per cent in 2016, as relatively dry weather conditions allow for improved access and increased operations,” the report said. MINING The Bauxite industry has performed creditably thus far, with production in the first half increasing by 2.9 per cent to 760,689 tonnes, as compared with 746,824 tonnes produced last year. As a result of the better-than-expected performance and recovering prices, production of bauxite for 2016 has been revised to 1,860,747 tonnes, upwards from the budgeted 1, 526,467 tonnes. The other mining and quarrying sector grew by 13.9 per cent during the first six months, and this was mainly driven by a 16.7 per cent growth in the diamond industry. “Although the growth in the diamond industry was strong, it was weaker than the growth rate of 97.9 per cent
a year ago, when there was some inter-industry shifting from gold to diamond, mainly due to the low gold prices in 2015.” It should be noted that the sand and stone sub-categories of the sector performed “less creditably than diamonds.” MANUFACTURING The manufacturing sector contracted by 14.1 per cent during the first half of the year, due to the decline in the output of rice and sugar. “There were some bright spots in the sector, however, as production increased for products such as rum, stockfeed and pasta,” the report stated. Other manufacturing declined by 3 per cent as a result of reduced production of pharmaceuticals and aerated beverages. Notwithstanding the overall performance, many of the smaller industries within the services sector performed “creditably” during the first half of 2016. The financial and insurance industries grew by 5.9 per cent, and the electricity and water industries grew by 8.1 per cent. “The positive growth performances in the mining sector and some services sub-sectors served to partially offset the below-par performances of the agriculture, construction, and wholesale and retail sectors. As a result of the overall growth, projection for 2016 has been revised downwards to 4 per cent from 4.4 per cent projected in Budget 2016,” the Report said.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 9, 2016
House clears spending on Durban Park ‒ funds for medical drugs storage bond approved The National Assembly has cleared $931 million which had been used from the Contingency Fund to build the Durban Park and rent new facilities to store pharmaceutical drugs, among other projects. Funding for the projects was cleared on Monday night under Financial Paper No.1/2016. The Durban Park project, for which the Government had faced unrelenting questions, did not generate significant questioning from the Opposition despite the quantum of expense cited on the Financial Paper. Spending for Durban Park, built specially for the 50th anniversary celebrations, has been put at $406 million under the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. Questioned by the Opposition, Minister David Patterson admitted that when the Public Infrastructure Ministry was handed the project in April, its completion was pegged at $150 million. The project was previously being undertaken by a private contractor. Patterson said that subsequent works, notably strengthening the grounds, were not anticipated, hence the need for resort to the Contingency Fund to complete the project, which eventually amounted to $406 million. When the PI Ministry took over, a selective tendering process was done and 16 contractors were
hired to complete the stadium, which was used for the Independence Day celebrations on May 26, Patterson disclosed. The stadium will shortly be handed over to the Ministry of Communities, Patterson announced. Controversy in the House surrounded the $65 million rental of properties to store pharmaceutical drugs. It was indicated on the Financial Paper that $38 million had been paid as rental to the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (New GPC) for the period March-June 2016. Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton indicated, however, that since the New GPC was charging $19 million a month (shared 50/50 between the Government and the Georgetown Hospital), the Government was obliged to seek cheaper rental. CHEAPER RENTAL That cheaper rental was secured from the Linden Holding Company for $12 million a month. However, for the month of July 2015, a total of $25 million was handed over, being rental and a security deposit. Pressed to give details of the company and its owners, Minister Norton gave the company’s address as 176 Middle Street, but said the actual storage bond was located at Sussex Street, Charlestown, Georgetown.
He could not immediately provide an exact address, or name the owners of the company, but undertook to provide the information at a later point. He also said the initial contract was for three years, and that the contract was signed with the company. When the questions were first put to him, the minister indicated that he would be inclined to provide the contract once the other party agreed. The Opposition protested that agreement from the other party should not be the basis for the release of the contract, since public funds were involved. In the end, the Minister said he would provide the signed contract to parliamentarians. Among the other funds approved under the Financial Paper were $234.7 million for the Ministry of Agriculture, of which $193 million were for the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), which had to cater for the prolonged dry spell affecting Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10. Of this amount, $139 million were utilised for fuel and lubricants, $36 million for equipment maintenance, and $17.4 million for transportation equipment.
The PPP’s Juan Edgehill was unrelenting in his questioning of the rental contract to Linden Holding Company in relation to the storage of pharmaceutical drugs
Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton has undertaken to provide parliamentarians with the contract under which the Government is renting a storage bond from Linden Holding Company to keep pharmaceutical drugs
were expended for fuel and lubricants, $4 million for transportation of equipment, $8 million for tractor pumps, $.4 million for contracted excavation works, and $8 million for other works -- including procurement of fuel drums and stop logs, among other things. Under a separate spending in Region Six, $41 million were spent for emergency excavation works in various areas, namely Eversham, Bush Lot, Maida, Adventure,
TACKLING FLOODS Flooding of several areas in Region Five needed addressing, and this was done at a cost of $41 million; of which $16.6 million
Kildonan, Bengal, Letter Kenny, Numbers 73 and 74 Middle Walk, Number 72 Intake Canal, and the Chine Cross Canal to Kilmarnock Village. Under the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), $20 million were provided under “Office Materials and Supplies” to offset expenses for the procurement of maps and writing Turn to page 5 ►
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 9, 2016
World hails advancement in indigenous peoples’ affairs IN a statement the International Labour Organisation (ILO) said this International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is the first to follow the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change. According to the ILO these extraordinary achievements have set the international community on a critical path to ending poverty and protecting the planet. “The Agenda’s pledge that “no one will be left behind” requires particular attention to indigenous and tribal peoples - and especially to women among them – in our efforts towards
achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Indigenous and tribal peoples are uniquely vulnerable to discrimination and exclusion. They face specific difficulties in accessing quality education, decent work opportunities, support for income generating activities, and social protection. They are also among the most affected by the impacts of climate change and land dispossession,” the ILO statement read. It added that the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda and its four pillars of social dialogue, labour rights, social protection and employment, places the world of work at the centre of the solutions to social, economic and en-
vironmental problems. “We must ensure that indigenous and tribal peoples are able to realise their full potential as partners in delivering on the promise of inclusive, productive and sustainable development. Through access to decent work, millions of indigenous women and men around the world will become agents of change, not only to secure their own livelihoods and needs, but also to preserve their natural resources. This will contribute to the collective efforts of all the stakeholders to create prosperous and peaceful societies that respect the environment and act against climate change.” According to the ILO its Indigenous and Tribal
House clears spending... materials, which aided the development of Orders and other related documents in support of the 46th Republic anniversary celebrations, the 50th Independence anniversary celebrations, and intensifying Operation Dragnet -- a Joint Security exercise. Also under the GDF, $35 million were provided for vehicles and spares, with Government explaining that maximum serviceability and operational readiness of the GDF’s fleet of vehicles was necessary during the heightened period of Operation
Dragnet, and to cater for the Republic and Independence anniversaries. For the GDF, $46 million were also provided for “Other Transport, Travel and Postage.” Government said this allowed for the hiring of an aircraft to satisfy routine maintenance issues and operational requirement, since over the past months the GDF fleet of aircraft has been unserviceable for varying periods. Presently, it was stated, the Y12 and Skyvan are unserviceable due to main-
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tenance issues. Additionally, the funding was needed for the hiring of air, sea and land transportation for other operations-related activities such as Operation Dragnet. In addition, the GDF received a further $84 million, which catered for expenses related to the laundering of uniforms (ceremonial Army uniforms for some 600 soldiers), rental of tents and other equipment in support of the intensification of Operation Dragnet for the anniversary celebrations.
Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169) and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples stress the right of indigenous peoples to take part in decision-making processes on matters that may affect them directly. It is now critical to build strong and effective mechanisms for institutionalised dialogue, consultation and participation so that their voices be heard and their contributions harnessed. “But this will be no easy task. It will require all of the key actors to come together: public authorities, employers’ and workers’ organizations, the representative institutions of indigenous and tribal peoples and civil society. The ILO is prepared, through its international conventions and supervisory mechanisms, and together with United Nations and development partners, to support this essential dialogue and help deliver on its vital conclusions. Together, by building bridges and strengthening partnerships, guaranteeing equal access to education and most importantly, by empowering indigenous and
tribal peoples through decent work, we can surmount the challenges ahead.” Meanwhile, European Union High Representative, Federica Mogherini in a statement reaffirms the union’s commitments to promote and protect the rights of indigenous peoples. “Despite the many positive developments in recognising the rights of indigenous peoples, there are persistent human rights violations, including killings and abuses against indigenous Human Rights Defenders in a range of countries. The EU is therefore stepping up its efforts to protect Human Rights Defenders working on behalf of the most vulnerable and marginalised, including indigenous peoples, and those campaigning on land rights issues,” Mogherini said. According to Mogherini, the EU is also stepping up its engagement with indigenous peoples, in line with the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy. Before the end of the year the EU intends to prepare an overview of its policies and actions supporting indigenous peoples, as well as
a list of best practices. The promotion of cultural rights in accordance with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is also at the heart of peace-building through inter-cultural dialogue, as set out in the new European Union Strategy on international cultural relations. At multilateral level, the EU engages in a consensual manner in the ongoing debates at the United Nations concerning the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. In June of this year, the Organisation of the American States adopted the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The declaration is the first instrument in the history of the Organisation of the American States which specifically addresses the rights of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. The EU congratulates the OAS and its Member states, as well as the indigenous peoples of the Americas, on this achievement. The Declaration will add a new dimension to the EU’s relations with its partner countries in the Americas.
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Editor-In-Chief
Nigel Williams Editor
Godfrey Wray
Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com
Editorial
Wanted: Good work ethics
CONVERSATIONS about Guyana meeting the requirements to confront challenges that exist in the 21st century primarily focus on the lack of skills and, to a lesser extent, that of work ethics, though both are equally important in achieving the desired results. Every company, corporation or government will have programmes and deadlines supported by a level of quality control in determining outcomes at appropriate cost. As Guyana trains, and our skills migrate and are utilised in other countries, Guyanese are known to be commended for the way they perform and the benefits derived from their participation. Obviously, among our emigrants are those who have been demonstrating high levels of reliability, dedication, cooperation, and character that would bring about a high level of productivity. These are some of the key requirements that speak to a good employee. Guyana is at the threshold of again being opened to an influx of foreign investors in our natural resources sector, but what confronts the nation is the perception that our work ethics are lagging behind; and dare it be said, in all sectors of society. It matters not in which sector this is more pronounced, in that it is prevalent, it is deserving of being addressed on a national scale; and it matters not whether government or a non-governmental organisation takes the initiative, given that it has to be taken up. It is not unusual to hear a worker blame late attendance on transportation or having something to do at home before leaving, though the condition of employment stipulates the time to be at work. Time management is important in any operation, yet it continues to be treated with scant regard. On the other hand, the prevailing management culture has contributed to the malaise or carefree attitude of workers to the business at the work place. It is unrealistic to expect persons to work and live in an environment where conditions of employment -- regardless of one’s performance -- remain static, and wages/salaries are not improved until the law that sets the minimum standard changes; yet these are common practices. Notably in the private sector, many workers are paid the legal stipulated minimum wage regardless of their skills or capacities to perform. Cultivating and practising good work ethics within an organisation has two contributory factors: from the employer and from the employee, and if both are considered good then productivity will be high. The issue of reliability -- where an employee is always punctual and can be relied on to work through the hours assigned -- has to be supported with the reliability of the employer to pay wages/salaries on time, and favourably addressing other conditions of employment as stipulated by laws and, where possible, organisations’ benefits and incentives.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Mental health unhealthiness
Dear Editor
He posted a heart wrenching appeal sometime after midnight, a few days on the Facebook page of The Caribbean Voice (www.caribvoice.org), asking for help because he was having familiar feelings of the kind that had driven him to attempt suicide once before. Immediately, some members of the group sprang into action. As we engaged him in chat, someone from the Mental Health Unit of the Ministry of Health joined in and quickly phone-messaged a counselor. It took a while, but eventually the doctor called and set up an appointment for him at the Georgetown Public Hospital, at 8:00 am. We continued to engage him until he went to bed sometime after two that same morning, promising that he would do nothing foolish, but instead would keep the appointment the following day. As daylight chased away darkness, he informed us that he was keeping his appointment, thankful that he was getting professional help. But his arrival at the hospital created confusion and frustration as no one could direct him to the doctor he was seeking. Frustration was turning to resignation as he texted that he was leaving and going to the seawall to end it all. As one member of The Caribbean Voice kept him engaged, the same personnel from the Mental Health Unit, who had put him in connection with the doctor, hurried to the hospital, some two hours plus after the 19 year had arrived. Yet it took that person almost another hour before she could connect him with the help he needed. The young man was given attention but refused to stay over for observation, as he was under the popular misconception that only ‘mad’ people are held back at the psych ward and he most definitely was not mad. And while he initially agreed to keep the subsequent appointment some three days later, he later changed his mind.
So, The Caribbean Voice continues to engage him, as we usually do with regards to all our cases, hoping that we can still persuade him to take the additional counseling. This experience begs the following questions: why was it impossible for hospital staff to direct the young man to psych ward? Surely this information should be available at reception desks and known by all staff? Why was there no mental health professional to meet with the young man until close to 11 am even though he had an 8pm appointment? Surely the staff at the mental health unit knows that delays and consequent frustration can concretise the final act of suicide? In any case the young man is in an upbeat mood, since he found a temporary job, as his lack of employment was a trigger for his suicidal mindset, especially since it clearly created tension between him and his parents with whom he lives, and for whom he feels responsible. And, having once before attempted suicide, the idea of suicide came very easy to him. Frighteningly, however, is that youth unemployment is 40% according to the Caribbean Development Bank, a state of affairs that is fertile ground for youth suicide and actual suicides, which may well already be impacting both, given that so many suicides go unreported. Thus our concern that government seems to be going back on its election campaign promise to provide jobs for the youth. While we applaud the efforts being undertaken thus far, especially by the police and the First Lady, we strongly urge that these be extended nationwide, be as inclusive as possible and be followed by job placements, perhaps in collaboration with the various business associations. We suggest too that all high schools implement summer, work study internships for students moving into fifth forms and perhaps extend this to weekends/evenings where possible during the fifth form years.
As the two groups hold their side of the contract, there will emerge a level of cooperation, not only between the management and the managed, but among the workers in total. The development of any organisation requires educating workers and operatives of the task required, and providing them with the required tools and an environment conducive for them to effectively and efficiently perform. Correspondingly, workers should recognise they have a responsibility to perform and deliver consistent with their assignment. The existing atmosphere wherein workers use the employer’s computer and paid time to post and converse on Facebook and other social media, or do their own work are displays of poor work ethics. Though some would contend that their personal phones are being used to connect to social media, even this is wrong, because the time-off taken to use one’s personal phone is paid for by the employer to conduct the employer’s business. While
A job placement program is also needed for all tertiary level educational institutions. Alarmingly too, the myth that dealing with counseling and the psych ward or the psychiatric institution means someone is ‘mad’, holds tremendous sway in Guyana and that may be why transparent and obvious warning signs are ignored by care givers and loved ones. Far too often, after a suicide, we hear or read that so and so had talked about wanting to take his or her life but those around him or her thought he or she was joking and/or did not take that person seriously. Thus TCV strongly urges the Ministry of Health to embark on a sustained education campaign to combat this myth. As well, we urge the Ministry of Health to make sure that mental health professionals are available 24/7 at public hospitals, especially where there are psych wards and that mechanisms, including signage providing directions, be put in place to make access to such wards easy and quick for anyone seeking help, given that delays and consequential frustration or anger can lead to loss of lives. This particular case also brings to the fore the suicide hotline. Empirical and anecdotal evidence indicates that Guyanese are hardly utilising the hotline and we do recall that an appeal last year for figures to be released was met with deafening silence in spite of claims of its success. The Caribbean Voice has been publicising the hotline via our self-esteem pledge, which has been distributed to schools and communities in many parts of Guyana. However, it is critical that the Ministries of Public Security and Public Health embark on an ongoing, national campaign to make the suicide hotline a household item and to encourage citizens to make use of it with the promise of absolute confidentiality every time. As well statistical and related evidence proving its extensive use and success ought to be made public, as this will bolster wide Turn to page 7 ►
the employer is expected to honour his obligations, so, too, is the worker. It is disappointing that persons would enter an organisation, public or private, to transact business and those paid to deliver the good or service are treating the customer with little regard, or can be seen taking time out to be on their personal phones, delaying the time that customer would have programmed him/herself to transact the business. This newspaper, as a microcosm of the society, is not absolved from the issues, responsibilities and concerns being addressed. And it is reasonable to assume that, like us, others feel this matter is deserving of being placed on the national agenda. It would help if a national conversation can begin, not with the intent of pointing figures, but of addressing where the society, as a whole, has gone awry and what can be done to return good ethics in the workplace.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 9, 2016
URP says gov’t has broken its promises Dear Editor There is a blatant, total disconnect between what the Coalition Government offered the voters and people of Guyana in May 2015 and what the people are now receiving. And just like the Donald Trump fiasco in America, President Granger and his team continue to represent their shortcomings as if it is a joke.
After a year and a half there is still no Diaspora office, something the administration continues to promise those overseas Guyanese they are trying to hoodwink into returning home. If there is one honest revelation coming out of this government it is the fact that passports issuance and the exodus from Guyana have steadily risen over the last year although the PNC/AFC coalition said they will stem the tide.
Additionally, the UG figures of departing graduates are even more staggering – the university continues to train people to migrate in search of jobs as priority for jobs goes first to the retired army boys. Reports are that upwards of 60% of all UG graduates are bailing out of Guyana, taking with them their influence, training and brain power. Yet even after all the brouhaha and the millions
Mental health... spread confidence in its effectiveness. After all, it would have been quicker for the young man to call the hotline and get help than to reach out to TCV via Face book. On the issue of confidentiality, TCV has also found that too many Guyanese are still skeptical of counselors and counseling because of claims that confidentiality is not often kept. In fact, the grapevine revealed that a suicide prevention activist, who committed suicide last year, might have done so partly because the confidentiality she was promised was breached. That is why the promise of confidentiality with regards to the suicide hotline is so absolutely critical. And perhaps that is why, far too often, those seeking help emphat-
ically refuse counseling in Guyana and/or by Guyanese, when we place that on the table for them. Also, this case and many others that TCV has handled over the last two years, make it clear that mental healthcare has to be national in scope and easy to access. Thus TCV reiterates its call for mental health care to be integrated into the physical health care system, per the recommendation of the World Health Organization, for nations like Guyana. And we urge that a look be taken at the Shri Lankan Model in this respect, as that nation has very successfully implemented this integration. For the record our interventions are pro bono and while we do have our
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own complement of counselors we also do sometimes refer cases to various counselors in Guyana with whom we have developed relationships, and who also offer their services free of charge to our referrals. Incidentally, not all of our cases are related to suicide. In fact we have handled domestic violence, sex abuse and rape, child abuse and alcoholism cases as well, and while most of our cases are from Guyana we have dealt with cases in a number of other countries as well, since people seek us out through our Internet and social media presence. Sincerely Annan Boodram The Caribbean Voice
of dollars garnered from the many trips to those in the Diaspora, this government has refused to put systems in place to formalise the input of the brain power of those Guyanese living abroad. This is not different from the PPP–all talk and no action. Nothing has really improved since the PPP was replaced; in fact, it is the same. It is almost shameless how this government is refusing to do what it continues to promise it will do. It is as if they believe Guyanese are daft. Another noticeable reality is the fact that there seems to be no sign of the “significant” salary increase for the police, army, doctors and teachers, that they were promised while these governing folks were in the opposition and on the campaign trail. Where is the passion for rewarding the hard working and grossly underpaid civil servants? Where is the good life that
President Granger continues to promise? The only good life and rewards have come to the upper echelons of those in government–President, PM, VPs, Ministers, and their advisors. The electorate and the general citizenry will never forget how they were tricked by this administration. Not once; never did they talk anything about increasing their pay from $500,000 to a whopping $800,000 and then backdating that raise to just one month after they took office. When in opposition, they spoke only about increasing the pay and living conditions of the masses and taking a pay cut for themselves. But when they were sworn-in, they rewarded themselves. They were awarded our trust, they betrayed us! They fattened their own coffers and that of their new opposition buddies, while the voters - those they made the prom-
ises to - continue to observe the disparity between the haves and the have not’s. The voters are forced to watch as their elected officials cruise past in their air-conditioned, chauffeur-driven, SUV’s. The electorate notes that all the bills of top Government officials are paid in full; including drivers, maids, gardeners, rent or mortgages, car and fuel, light, water and telephone. This does not include the monies they receive for entertainment allowances and overseas travel. Yet even as they sit with their fat salaries in their ivory towers, they wrangle to raise the pay of those who voted for them and those who have to meet all their own financial obligations. If this is not shameless, what is? Regards Vishnu Bandhu Leader, URP
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 9, 2016
GRA losing billions in VAT exemptions … to tighten screws on tax cheats
WITH over $20B lost during the first half of this year as a result of the Value Added Tax (VAT) exemptions given to companies, Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Godfrey Statia has declared that there will be tightening-up on exemptions granted. The Commissioner General told reporters on Monday that VAT exemptions would have been given as a result of the Investment Development agreements made with the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) over the past two years. He said that while there are no irregular exemptions, efforts are being made to be strict on the issuance of exemptions. “What we are trying to do is to tighten it; Ministry of Finance, Go- Invest and GRA sit down and set criteria, rather than them (exemptions) being granted on a willy-nilly basis. So we are developing a set criteria by which we could grant exemptions, that is what we intend to use going forward,” the minister indicated. Meanwhile, Statia said that much focus will be placed on enforcement and compliance so as to ensure there is an increase in VAT collections overall. The recently appointed
Minister of Finance Winston Jordan
GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia
Commissioner General said more GRA officers will be sent to businesses to ensure that those who have been escaping the payment of VAT now comply with the laws. He noted that too much money is lost as a result of tax evasion. “We also have to shift our resources into the enforcement mode and go behind the businesses for them to comply so we are looking more at enforcement, compliance, investigations and further examinations so as to increase in the VAT collections,” said Statia, who was part of a press briefing hosted by Minister of Finance Winston Jordan. According to the Mid-Year report for 2016, VAT collections totaled $17.3B during the first six months, representing 5 per cent more than the same period last year. VAT on imports
declined by $1.4B while VAT on domestic supplies increased by $436.4M. The GRA head pointed to three reasons behind the shortfall in VAT collection. He said GRA has inherited a lot of exemptions from the previous administration and it is those exemptions that total $20B. Secondly, he said there are many leakages at the importation level and focus will be shifted to address that. Domestically, Statia said emphasis must be placed on enforcement so that GRA can go after businesses to ensure that there is compliance with tax regulations. He estimates that there has been a slothful process to refund VAT payments, and as such, there is a backlog of payments dating back to 2013. “We also would not have paid VAT refunds for a while and that for this year we paid in excess of $2B in refunds… and at the end of the year we expect to pay close to $5B. What has happened is that VAT refunds were not paid timely for 2013, 2014 and 2015,” the Commissioner General added, noting that efforts are being made to “bring the system up to date”. Statia said too that as much as $4M is being lost per container shipped to Guyana. “…that is why you have to shift emphasis and do more post clearance audits and more investigations and these things.” Earlier this year, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan said the lax enforcement by the GRA has aided in the limited collection of VAT. “This is what I have been doing for the last six to eight months with the GRA — trying to bring them around to the realisation that their first and foremost responsibility is to enforce the law and to collect the Government’s revenue,” the Government Information Agency (GINA) quoted the minister as saying.
Kitty Market to open November 1
TOWN Clerk Royston King has announced that works on the Kitty Market, which have been stalled for months due to a lack of finances, will be completed in time for the market to have a November 1 reopening. “We have recommenced works at the Kitty Market, and we’re moving apace,” King told the fortnightly statutory meeting at City Hall on Monday. The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has, to date, received more than 170 applications from citizens who wish to occupy
new stalls in the market, the ground floor of which is costing the Council roughly $35M. The market, which King observed has great historical significance and bears much pride for the Kitty community, is to feature a traditional health centre, office for rates and taxes, and space for the community councillor. “We are also contemplating putting some space for the councillor’s office at the market; and this is not only at Kitty, but wherever we have municipal buildings, we intend to make space available
for councillors working with their local communities,” King disclosed. According to King, there will be a decentralisation of Council’s work, as the market will take into account the needs of communities between Cummings Lodge and Kitty. The upper flat of the market is being remodelled to include a rates and taxes office as well as a municipal clinic. “People from Cummings Lodge to Kitty don’t have to come all the way to City Hall to pay their rates and taxes. We
Tuesday August 9th, 2016 - 09:00 hrs Wednesday August 10th, 2016 - 09:30 hrs Friday August 11th, 2016 - 10:30 hrs
Works on the Kitty Market, stalled for months due to a lack of finances, are expected to be completed in time for a November 1 reopening of the market
are aiming to reintroduce the system that was in place many years ago,” Mayor Patricia Chase-Green told the Chronicle. The upper flat of the market will also accommodate new vendors, Chase-Green informed, and installing a clinic up there will also be looked at. The Kitty Market was established in 1882, two years after the Bourda Market had come into being. Like the Bourda Market, Kitty Market is timber-framed. The 19th century structure had suffered massive deterioration over the years prior to its renovation, causing vendors operating in its environs to lodge numerous complaints with the City Council. The Council had, however, long been citing financial woes as the reason why the market had continued to remain a “threat to life and limb”. Renovation work at the market was stalled recently, and City Engineer Colvern Venture had cited his inability to secure materials as a result of limited finances. The City Council had hoped to finish works on the market in time for the Golden Jubilee celebrations, but had been unable to so do.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Murder, NTC to zero in on Amerindian Act gun crimes down … serious crimes decreased by 17%
POLICE have announced a 16% decrease in murder, as well as a 9% drop in gun-related crimes for the month of July. The Force also recorded a 17% decrease in serious crimes at the end of July, relative to the same period last year. In a statement, police said that in addition to the drop in murders and gun-related robberies, there was a 12% decrease in armed robberies where other instruments were used; a 22% decrease in robberies with violence; a 2% increase in robberies with aggravation; a 17% decrease in rape; and a 21% decrease in break and enter and larceny. Burglary went down by 15%, whilst larceny from the person decreased by 35%. “The Guyana Police Force continues to work handin-hand with various stakeholders in both the public and private sectors in a collaborative effort to reduce crime country-wide and improve safety of all Guyanese. This was deemed possible by the gaining of momentum in increasing public trust which spins off into the gathering and sharing of intelligence that result in the solving and prevention of serious crimes and in some instances even the reopening of cold cases,” the Force said. In the aspect of training and development of ranks, the Guyana Police Force said it has recently seen the graduation of two hundred and twenty five ranks from its various training colleges in the three counties of Guyana. These ranks have been deployed across the seven policing divisions in an effort to boost the present strength and further aid in the reduction of crimes in particular, by increased visibility. A further 215 recruits were recently accepted into the Felix Austin Police College and currently 33 ranks are being trained in investigative techniques to boost the Criminal Investigation Department. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT Additionally, in the area of Traffic Management, the Force has recorded 72 road fatalities at the end of July this year, which is 13 more for the same period last year. “While there was a reduction in serious accidents, there have been increases in minor and damage accidents.” The Guyana Police Force said it has charged 41,497 persons with traffic offences so far this year. This includes 15,427 for speeding and 1,035 for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). Besides, traffic enforcement is continuous country-wide with special emphasis being placed on DUI, speeding and use of cellular phones whilst driving. Attention is also being paid to pedestrian crossings at schools and elsewhere, where foot traffic is heavy during peak hours. “The Traffic Department is also seeing an influx of newly trained Certifying Officers who will assist in reducing traffic offences on our streets and roadways,” the police noted. Additionally, the Force said that in excess of 44 ranks have already been selected and training commenced for a number of overseas training programmes in several ‘specialists’ fields as the Police Force looks to bolster its resources in expertise.
THE contentious Amerindian Act of 2006 is paramount on the agenda of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) for discussion when the Council meets later this month. The NTC meets for its annual conference from August 22-26 and the body in a release expressed “deep concerns” regarding the revision of the Amerindian Act as well as largescale mining. The body is highlighting its concerns following last week’s appearance before the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources by Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock and officials of that Ministry. The NTC described as “most dangerous to the indigenous peoples”, what it perceives as the politicising of the indigenous peoples’ interest to favour party lines. “Keen to note are the fact that the outgoing Minister of Amerindian Affairs obtained a mining permit, a mining block and large assets in her son’s name only to stand there and criticise the process that they left in place,” the NTC claimed. CONFLICT OF INTEREST The body noted too that a current high-ranking Government official and other Government officials have mining blocks which presents a conflict of interest. “This demonstrates that there seems to be unity in some form by both the opposition and the sitting administration in that these political forces have an interest in seeing the Amerindian Act of 2006 not revised as they potentially stand to lose their and/or their friends conflicted
interests,” the body stated. As regards the NTC conference later this month, the body said that it is important that politicians, whether in office or out of office, commit to attending or designate staff to attend conferences such as the NTC’s to truly understand the issues as presented by the indigenous peoples. Following last year’s conference , the NTC said its resolution not only called for the international community to respect the territorial integrity of Guyana, including maritime waters, but it also expressed the need for the Government to address the mining issues as it is having detrimental impacts on indigenous communities and the urgency with which it should be addressed. The NTC said that last year it also called for the revision of the Amerindian Act of 2006 and it argued that it is “one of the most dangerous pieces of legislation in treating with indigenous issues”. “In one year as being the NTC executive, we have started the consultative process on the revision of the Amerindian Act of 2006,” the NTC added. The body said that it will continue to advocate for an impartial and objective approach to indigenous peoples’ rights, and for the de-politicisation of the indigenous peoples and their rights. The Council was established under the Amerindian Act of 2006. It consists of all toshaos and has a 21-member executive. The Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs is an ex-officio member of the NTC.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 9, 2016
International Congress on Biodiversity opens…
Forest countries need investment to thrive, sustain biodiversity - President Granger FOREST countries, including those of the Guiana Shield – Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil and Venezuela - require investments to spur “green economies” which would ensure their prosperity and at the same time protect its unique plant and animal life, or what is known as biodiversity. This was the view shared by President David Granger Monday evening when he opened the fourth International Congress on Biodiversity of the Guiana Shield. It is the most significant scientific conference on biodiversity to be held in Guyana. The President said that incentives are needed for countries in the Guiana Shield to keep their forests intact while investment is needed for sustainable development. He posited that “green” economies require investment to sustain protected areas and for sustainable energy. Mr Granger said that the absence of investment will place pressures on the governments of the Shield as they move towards greater natural resource extraction, including increased deforestation and mining, both of which have adverse effects on biodiversity. Present at the event were Chairman of Guyana Society for Biodiversity and Eco-systems Dr. Patrick Williams; Chairman, International Society for Biodiversity and Eco-systems Professor Dr. Marten Schalkwijk; Vice Chancellor of University of Guyana Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith; UNDP Resident Rep Ms. Khadija Musa; foreign delegates, and other stakeholders. Listing the benefits of the Guiana Shield, the President noted that it is one of earth’s oldest geological formations; one of the largest blocks of tropical forest remaining on planet earth; one of the most biologically rich and diverse in the world and one of the homes to many rare and unique species of fauna. Explaining that the shield is a zone of giants, President Granger said it is home to some of the world’s largest anacondas, ants, anteaters, armadillos, fish, and jaguars, amongst others. He said the Shield possesses thousands of species of freshwater and marine fish, birds, plants, trees,and insects. Adding that the Shield’s pristine forests, largely
President David Granger uncontaminated aquatic ecosystems, and other intact ecosystems, also contain 15 per cent of the world’s freshwater reserves.The Head of State noted that the Shield is essential to enriching and replenishing the world’s biodiversity and, consequently, is essential to the planet’s survival. The Shield is vast; it is spread over 2.7 million km² and extends from the Brazilian state of Amapá to Pará, Roraima and Amazonas in the east; it includes all of La Guyane (French Guiana); Suriname and Guyana and the Venezuelan states of Delta Amacuro, Bolívar and Amazonas, and continues into Colombia in the west. He explained that the Shield’s biodiversity provides ecosystem services such as food, freshwater, medicinal products timber and non-timber products. It aids in the regulation of climate, the water cycle, water
quality and pollination. Its biodiversity reduces soil degradation and enhances soil nutrition. Its forests provide storage for carbon and mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. “We have only one world; the world has only one Guiana Shield. Our responsibilities as the Shield’s trustees impose on us the responsibility to protect and preserve this unique patrimony,” the President asserted. He said that the current congress, which runs until Friday, has an important role to play in presenting the Shield’s importance to the Continent, the Caribbean and to the world. He explained that in order to save the Shield, a three-prong approach is needed for this challenge. This would include institutions, information, and investments as means of ensuring the Shield’s ecological integrity. In underscoring his points, President Granger said a permanent institution aimed at protecting, conserving and sustainably managing the Shield’s biodiversity must be established with a functional scientific research institute and an administrative secretariat which coordinates the efforts and combines the work of the Shield’s six member states at the international level. He added that the Shield commands a common regional resource which, if it is to be effectively managed, requires a regional cooperation and coordination. Further, President Granger said policies to protect and preserve the Shield’s biodiversity require mechanisms for data and information sharing, since the Shield provides environmental services to all of humanity. The International Society for Biodiversity of the Guiana Shield (IBG), through the hosting of its international congresses, has been engaged in the exchange of scientific information of the Shield. The IBG congresses have been instrumental in bringing researchers, governments, natural resource practitioners, non-governmental organizations and communities together to discuss issues and share experiences related to conservation and sustainable use of the Guiana Shield. It has enabled international cooperation such as the Guiana Shield Initiative and the Guyana Shield Facility.
Jordan says student loan repayment satisfactory FINANCE Minister Winston Jordan on Monday expressed satisfaction with the number of persons who are taking advantage of the reduction in interest rates for borrowers of student loans. Just over a week ago, the Finance Minister announced that there would be a reduction in interest rates for defaulters who enter into an arrangement with the Student Loan Agency to repay outstanding sums by the end of August and September. Calling it a “Jubilee offer”, the minister said borrowers could benefit from a 75 per cent reduction in accumulated arrears of interest if borrowers pay off outstanding sums by August 31. If, however, borrowers are unable to repay by August 31, they can still benefit from a 50 per cent reduction in accumulated arrears of interest if they bring their accounts up-to-date by September 30 of this year. Minister Jordan disclosed that, as of August 5, some 42 persons had benefited from the 75 per cent rebate. Those persons would have paid $19.9M and would have benefited from $9.3M in interest rebate. “It seems to be generous,” said the Finance Minister, who noted that in the case of the 50 per cent rebate, only two persons had taken up the offer. Those two persons paid $134,000 to the Student Loan Agency and benefited from a rebate of $129,000. “I am pleased with responses in terms of reactions of people calling in, finding out balances, and how they can make payments,” he disclosed.
The Finance Minister also disclosed the monthly installments that would have to be paid by the various categories of students at the University of Guyana (UG). For those whose programmes cost $127,000 per year, the minister said a person completing a four-year degree programme will have to pay $5,684 per month for the next 15 years. A person who studied law would have to pay $7,868 per month for 15 years; while a person who does law with pre-law will pay $9,335 per month. He said the monthly installment for those who studied medicine would be much more than for other programmes. Those who did “a straight medicine degree” would have to repay $21,885 per month for 15 years, while a person who did pre-medicine and medicine will have to repay $23,387 per month for the same period. “Those are the facts in front of us when it comes to the issue of repayment,” Minister Jordan said, while stressing that “every student borrower has a moral obligation to repay what was borrowed”. “There is no argument, in my book, of you borrowing money and not paying it back…I had people tell me to my face they will not pay back any. We would have to take them to court,” the minister stated. The Finance Ministry is looking at ways to make the repayment of money borrowed easier for both local and overseas borrowers. That Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Wanita Huburn, disclosed that the use of Mobile Money, Bill Express
and Western Union are to be methods employed to make the repayment process easier. She said the Ministry is also examining the use of a PayPal System for the transfer of funds from foreign territories to local banks. Notwithstanding the aforementioned progress, Minister Jordan sought to clear the air on the possible restriction of those who have failed to repay their student loans. He told reporters at a press briefing at his office that he and his colleagues in Cabinet were well aware that implementing such a ban without a Court Order is illegal. He said that was not the intention of the Government. “Everybody was aware…the whole Cabinet was aware that stopping people without Court Order and these kinds of things was illegal, so to speak. So the proposition that was put up by the committee that was formed by Cabinet to look into all aspects of how to improve collection came up with the idea…that perhaps what we would do is put the database there [at ports of exit) and we will put a desk where somebody could make an arrangement… never with any intention of stopping anybody…,” Jordan explained. That move, the minister said, would at the very least facilitate persons beginning the process. “The point here is…we are not asking people to pay off their loans if you are not current. Secondly, the database will not include people who are current… This was the intent, but it is now off the table,” he added.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 9, 2016
CoI gives fresh hope to veterans By Shauna Jemmott WITH the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into conditions and circumstances facing veterans within the security and legal spheres, there is fresh hope that retired officers of the joint services would be adequately recognised and compensated for their services and the sufferings they had endured. Retired Colonel Desmond Roberts was on Monday sworn in before Georgetown Magistrate Judy Latchman as the lone Commissioner to enquire into conditions and circumstances facing veterans of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana People’s Militia, Guyana Police Force, and the Guyana National Service. As per the terms of reference of the CoI, “the inquiry will investigate, examine, and report on the required support to enable the transition from service to civilian life; the quality of welfare service that promotes independence, maintains dignity, and provides the required support after service; the eligibility and adequacy of veterans’ benefits.” Those benefits include “compensation for disabling injuries, psychological trauma, or a terminal disease resulting from his or her participation in service activities; dedicated counselling and treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder or related conditions; honouring and memorializing of fallen veterans; education, training and skills’ development; facilitation of employment placement; facilitation of, or advice on, business opportunities; pension; access to
healthcare; and housing.” TWO-MONTH DEADLINE The CoI was established, and the lone commissioner is required to deliver, within two months, to President David Granger “a report into the findings into those matters; and to inquire into all incidental consequential matters connected therewith, to report the findings and conclusions, and to advise the State on the conditions and circumstances facing the veterans.” In a presser held just after the brief installation ceremony, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said it was the earnest hope of President David Granger, even as he sat in the seat of Opposition Leader during the Tenth Parliament, that such a commission be established. “…President Granger, who was at the time Leader of the Opposition, brought a motion in the National Assembly calling on the government at that time to establish a Commission of Inquiry to inquire into the terms and conditions and the manner in which veterans of the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana National Service, the Guyana People’s Militia and the Guyana Police Force, how they were being treated after they would have retired from these forces,” Harmon stated. While the previous government ignored the recommendation, Government now feels it is necessary to give effect to it. He said many of the veterans have been treated with total disregard, and some find it difficult to move
Commissioner Desmond Roberts taking the oath before Magistrate Judy Latchman ahead in post-retirement. “Many of them are basically left destitute. Many of them who would have retired at a very early stage would have to be competing with younger people for jobs after they would have left the army. We would have to look at several issues. One has to do with aging, which is a big issue in the world right now. The other one has to do with the manner in which veterans are being treated,” the Minister of State disclosed.
actually given service to the nation; persons who would have put their lives on the line for their country… We believe that after they have
a look at that. So the CoI could possibly look into those matters.” Meanwhile, Colonel Roberts told reporters he believes that military skills should be made transferrable, and a few other administrative matters should be considered. “A lot of veterans, or people who are actively serving, have skills that are quantifiable, and I think that sometimes they’re not transferrable. We have to try and get some equivalency, to make sure that military skills can be transferred.” Colonel Roberts had also served as Director General of the Guyana National Service, and Director of the Guyana Youth Corps. “I worked in all kinds of capacities in the field, and I think that in terms of administration, it is a very serious thing,” Colonel Roberts said. The public hearings will begin in two weeks, according to the Commissioner.
UNIVERSAL He said veterans’ concerns have become universal, with many countries placing emphasis on the welfare of the men who had served in the armed forces, establishing special departments to address their needs. “…In Guyana, we are basically now trying to catch up. And these are people who would have
Retired Colonel Desmond Roberts, Magistrate Judy Latchman, and Minister of State Joseph Harmon displaying the sealed CoI document (Photo by Samuel Maughn)
Investigate disappearance of $5M - Region 10 councillors urge SARU
REGION 10 Councillors are calling on the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) to investigate how $5M handed over to former Regional Executive Officer (REO) Henry Rodney by residents of Ituni in 2011 had been disposed of. The money, garnered from the sale of scrap iron, should have been used to fund developmental projects in the community, but was placed in a special account with former regional officials being signatories. To date, its location cannot be determined. The matter was recently raised at the Council, and residents are seeking answers whilst Councillors are asking that an urgent investigation be conducted to ascertain where the fund is located. Councillor Gordon Callender has asked that an investigation into the whereabouts of this money be conducted earliest, but Regional Chairman Renis Morian, not responding favourably to this request, has posited that it is the responsibility of
completed military service or paramilitary service, they should be treated with a certain level of dignity and pride,” said Harmon, himself a veteran. He told reporters that, by September 30, Government hopes to have received clear recommendations so that it can implement systems to ensure that veterans are treated fairly and are satisfied with the way they are being dealt with “by a society to which they have given their services and the best days of their lives.” Harmon noted the two months given, but said: “Because of the nature of this investigation, it will probably require also an enquiry into the way in which the services operate right now; because you become a veteran after you would have completed service, and if the conditions of service now do not prepare you for a return to civilian life, then we need to have
the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) to conduct such a probe. “This RDC ain’t gave nobody $5 million, so I ain’t investigating $5 million. If NICIL got a case that they gave somebody $5 million, then NICIL got to pursue the case… We don’t have no legal responsibility to pursue anybody for $5 million,” Morian has declared. This response has been rejected by some councillors, and Councillor Vladimir Glasgow has even attempted to move a motion for the investigation to commence. “The fact that a previous REO and a previous Chairman are the persons who were responsible for receiving this fund, I strongly believe that we, as the RDC [Regional Democratic Council] which is responsible for making representation on behalf of the people in this region, should look into this matter…. We have a duty as councillors elected by the people of this region,” Glasgow stressed.
The Regional Chairman, however, denied Councillor Glasgow the opportunity to move the motion by positing that it was “under any other business”. A committee was, in 2013, established to investigate the missing funds after residents had called on then Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon for answers. That committee was, however, unable to determine what had happened to the funds, but records revealed that the last withdrawal was made by an employee of the RDC in December 2011 in the sum of $1.2 million. Councillors serving during the tenure of REO Henry Rodney were forced to move a no-confidence motion against him after there were allegations of his involvement in fraud. Former President Bharrat Jagdeo had, however, responded that he was the only authority able to remove the REO, since he had appointed him. And according to former Councillor Valarie Patterson, the Council was forced to work with the REO under such circumstances. The Region 10 RDC has, over the years, been subject to fraud on various levels. Currently, three employees are on administrative leave, pending investigation by SARU into misuse of state assets.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 9, 2016
ARIES - Your lack of patience motivates you to move away from the centrist position you were previously holding. But you are more compulsive than impulsive about executing your plan today because you are fearful about making a careless mistake. It’s one thing to acknowledge you’re at a point of no return, but it’s something else to be cool enough to make your current actions count. Be as practical as you can without walking away from your dreams. In Muhammad Ali’s words, “The man who has no imagination has no wings.” TAURUS - Your expectations can lead to trouble today if you are relying on someone else for advice. A close friend or partner will likely step up to the plate to present an alternative perspective on a current situation. Although you may be appreciative of the additional point of view, it’s not wise to accept it as equal to your own perceptions because other people have their personal biases. Take any feedback you receive now as simply more data upon which to base your decision. Ultimately, the best answers come from within and not from anyone else. GEMINI - You believe you know the best way to go about your business today and are reluctant to listen to anyone else’s criticism. Nevertheless, your air of self-sufficiency won’t prevent someone from answering your questions before you even ask them. Although your gut reaction is to be dismissive, you could learn something important if you get past your resistance and maintain an open mind. It’s your option to go back to your original idea if you so desire. Nevertheless, your receptivity might just lead to a breakthrough strategy you never considered before. Inspiration springs from the most unlikeliest of places. CANCER - You’re motivated to express what’s on your mind today, even if the thought of revealing your truth makes you recoil in fear. But don’t let the limitations of your logic stand between you and effective communication because your disclosure carries the potential to positively impact your life. You have the power of integrity on your side; don’t be afraid to use it for the good of all. Just remember that right thinking leads to stagnation without right action. LEO - You have stories that you want to keep to yourself today and no amount of prying will encourage you to loosen your lips. Your current charm enables you to keep things to yourself without alienating anyone in the process. In fact, you make it look easy when you matter-of-factly declare your boundaries in such a friendly manner that people can’t help but smile and agree with your right to personal space. No one will hold a grudge if you combine your honesty with kindness. VIRGO - You’re unwilling to gamble on shaking up your schedule today, even if your calculated odds look promising. Oddly enough, you are not intrigued in the slightest by endless stacks of data that could be used to justify your position. Instead of your regular penchant for facts, you’re eager to unwrap a few magical tidbits now. Although you’re fascinated by the alluring music of your imagination, there’s little room for error when it comes to your world of efficiency. LIBRA - It’s all about your self-esteem -- or your lack of it -- today. Typically, you shine when you’re surrounded by like-minded people who know and love you. But maintaining your confidence isn’t easy, especially if you long for time by yourself away from the crowd. Whatever course of action you choose, you must juggle your attraction to the spotlight and your current fear of being on the big stage. As Irish novelist Laurence Sterne wrote, “In solitude the mind gains strength and learns to lean upon itself.” SCORPIO - You’re unsure how to handle your intense mood changes now that the emotional Moon is kicking up a storm in your sign. As soon as you acknowledge your feelings, they morph into a new configuration that makes it difficult to keep track of them. Unfortunately, you can exhaust yourself, and others, by making a big deal of every passing thought. It’s all about cultivating a healthy perspective; if you find yourself wandering off course, slow down and re-establish your centre of gravity. SAGITTARIUS - You might not want to come out of hiding today, although this reclusive behaviour contradicts your normal outgoing nature. Of course, you are not responsible for everyone else’s feelings, but there’s no reason to alienate your allies by ignoring them. It won’t take much extra energy to simply inform them of your motives so they won’t over-personalise your introspective attitude now. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “It’s easy to stand with the crowd; it takes courage to stand alone.” CAPRICORN - You are extremely discerning about who you associate with and you aren’t willing to change your selection criteria just to appease someone else today. However, establishing your standards might not be as logical of a process as you claim; instead of adhering to rules, you arbitrarily pick and choose your friends by the feeling in the pit of stomach. There’s nothing wrong with trusting your instincts as long as you don’t hide behind the illusion of sound judgment. Ultimately, your erroneous assumptions can be your worst enemies. AQUARIUS - Nearly everything you do today is aimed at climbing the ladder of success. But you’re not satisfied now with making progress and then resting on your laurels. You’re gazing further into the future and are willing to make short-term sacrifices to achieve long-term objectives. Although you might be tempted to set out on your own, there is much to gain from the resources others could bring to the table. Decide what you’re willing to give up for the luxury of someone else’s participation. Small acts when multiplied by many people can transform the world. PISCES - You have your heart set on doing something out of the ordinary and you don’t want to wait forever to make it happen. However, there may be someone else involved who has a slightly different idea of what an adventure might look like. Don’t get discouraged if a resolution seems elusive now; you will have plenty of time to put it all together once you reach a mutual agreement on the overall plan. Steer clear of impulsive decisions today. In the words of Ben Franklin, “Take time for all things. Great haste makes great waste.”
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 9, 2016
PSC keeps ‘green’ promise
13
- inks deal to help buy-in to president’s vision of a flourishing economy
By Alva Solomon THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) has sought the assistance of The Energy and Resources Institute of India (TERI) in its quest to go ‘green’, in keeping with a pledge it made to help the government realise its dream. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to this effect was inked yesterday by the two parties, with TERI’s Director-General, Dr Ajay Mathur signing on behalf of the Institute. The deal was inked at the Georgetown Marriot in Kingston, and will see TERI advising the PSC on poli-
cy matters, and the various private sector companies on how to enhance their investments by adopting greener technologies. RESEARCH-BASED As Mathur told his audience of primarily local private sector representatives, government and other officials at the signing yesterday, while TERI’s work is research-based, it invariably leads to policies that can be implemented, technologies and products that can be adopted, and the development of services that can be used by its partners. Noting that TERI is
working on establishing an office here by October, Mathur said the Institute’s work is primarily centred on the areas of energy, climate change, sustainable agriculture, environmental issues and water management. “In each research, the goal is to develop solutions that can help promote sustainable development,” he said, using as a typical example the development of a biomass gasifier to produce either heat or electricity. Among projects on which it has worked here before are the improvement of energy efficiency at the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo);
Part of the gathering at yesterday’s signing of an MOU between the PSC and TERI
the Moco Moco hydro-project; and the feasibility of establishing a biodiversity centre here. A NEW LEVEL “We want to move to a new level; of being able to support the Guyanese society, particularly the private sector, in not only talking about cleaner and more sustainable development, but also having the tools that are needed,” Mathur said, adding that it is against this backdrop that the partnership with the PSC is being viewed as being particularly important. “We commit to supporting the PSC in its consideration of ‘green’ growth and sustainable development,” Mathur said, adding that the relevant information will be provided to the business sector, and audits on energy performance will be undertaken to envisage the type of opportunities which exist. As a prelude to the partnership with TERI, PSC Chairman, Eddie Boyer said it was out of a recognition that the business community needed to support
PSC Chairman, Edward Boyer, and TERI’s Dr Ajay Mathur following the inking of the MOU yesterday the government in its quest to transform the country’s economy by way of adopting ‘green’ policies, that the PSC is seeking to enhance its knowledge and that of its members. He said the decision to throw its weight behind the government was taken when President David Granger outlined his commitment to the establishment of a ‘green’ economy which will rely on clean renewable energy, while contributing to the mitigation of climate change. Testimony of that pledge, Boyer said, was its inking of the MOU yesterday.
Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma in brief remarks, conceded that the MOU and its goals are in keeping with those of the government. The MOU, which covers an initial three-year period, allows for technical advice and support in the areas of climate change, energy and the environment and sustainable development. TERI, which is based in New Delhi, India, was formed in 1974 in India as an offshoot of the Tata conglomerate, and obtained its current name as the scope of its activities widened.
Fire averted at GPO - after vagrant tosses cigarette butt in garbage on ground floor
By Michel Outridge
A MAJOR disaster was averted on Monday afternoon when the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) responded promptly to a fire call at the ground floor of the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPO) building and successfully contained the flames. The section where the fire ignited is unoccupied and the area was supposed to be the storage room for water tanks for the Bakewell Food Court, which is expected to be opened soon. The ground floor of that section of the building is being rented by Bakewell and had a pile of garbage stacked there by vagrants occupying the pavement. The conflagration started when a vagrant reportedly threw the ignited end of her cigarette into the building, which is unoccupied, and went back to sleep on the pavement as if nothing had
happened. Her fellow vagrants reported that she usually smokes and is in the habit of not putting out her cigarette afterwards. GFS Divisional Commander, Compton Sparman, told the Guyana Chronicle on Monday afternoon that they received the fire call at noon. He added that two fire tenders from Central Fire Station and one from Alberttown responded and doused the flames which had consumed the large heap of refuse inside the building. Apart from inside the building being water-soaked there is minimal damage. Meanwhile, the pavement outside is littered with faeces, garbage and other stuff left there by vagrants who dwell there. A vendor told this newspaper that the vagrants do everything there, including urinating and defecating, and was in support of the sprinklers being placed there
since the place stinks and is so untidy that people cannot traverse there. The stench was unbear-
able on Monday and passersby had to step carefully to avoid the heaps of faeces on the pavement.
Employees of Bakewell assessing the damage after the fire inside the GPO building
The fire scene at the GPO on Monday afternoon
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 9, 2016
GSA curriculum to be overhauled THE curriculum of the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) is this year set for complete review with the objective of making it more relevant to governmental policies. Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, addressing the 156 graduands and GSA staffers at the school’s 52nd graduation ceremony, indicated that greater emphasis would be placed on practical aspects of the programmes being offered by GSA, and efforts would be made to expose students to the practice of agriculture in the various eco-zones. “This will ensure that, after training, students can be placed in any region and would be able to function effectively without much further training, since they would have had prior exposure in those regions,” Holder highlighted.
The GSA is expected in the near future to undergo a number of organisational changes, among which the Minister outlined are curriculum reform, systematic review of the school’s organisational structure, development of a strategic plan, and a policy on agriculture education that would serve both the nation and the institution by focusing material and other resources on achieving the desired goals. The graduands having completed the Diploma in Agriculture, Diploma in Animal Health and Veterinary Public health, Certificate in Agriculture, Certificate in Forestry and Certificate in Agro-Processing programmes, Minister Holder told them of the importance of job creation, and invited them to consider self-employment in the agriculture sector; hence making agricul-
ture a source of sustainable employment. “Agriculture must be viewed as a profitable business rather than purely for subsistence. Embracing this concept is the key to revitalising agriculture in Guyana,” he said. “Some of you will be entering the labour force for the first time, but I want to charge you to be entrepreneurs. Take the knowledge and the skills learnt here and apply them to your own businesses; the Ministry of Agriculture and its agencies are here to support you,” he admonished. The youth unemployment rate across the Caribbean averages 25 per cent, while here in Guyana this rate has been hovering close to 40 per cent. Thus the agriculture sector can be turned to for aid in tackling this problem, he posited. But for the industry to
Jury hears of killing and shallow grave burial By George Barclay JUDGE and jury in the Old England, Demerara murder retrial heard how Clifton Bonus called ‘Mutts’ was shot, killed and buried in a shallow grave at Upper Demerara River in June 2011. This was narrated at the retrial of accused Lakeraj Fredricks, 27, who is alleged to have shot and killed Mutts on June 3, 2011 following a row over marijuana plants. The post mortem on the partly decomposed body of the deceased was performed by Government’s Forensic Patholoigist Dr. Nehaul Singh, who testified at the trial. But it was Police Officer Troy Yorrick who told Presiding Judge James BovellDrakes and the jury last week, that it was he who was interviewing Fredericks at the Georgetown Prison when the accused elected to make a confession statement which recalled the killing and the burial in a shallow grave. According to Yorrick, Fredericks told him: “We used marijuana behind the
old airstrip at Linden. So Mutts, and Blamie, known as Ronaldo, had a problem early one morning. Mutts came into the backdam and he started a row with Ronaldo telling him he gon chop him to pieces and juck he up over marijuana. “Ronaldo had a gun in his possession and Mutts had a wood in his face in the camp and Ronaldo give me the gun and I shot Mutts behind the head. He was not dead and I gave Ronaldo back the gun. Ronaldo shot him in his head with his .32 black gun. Ronaldo threw the gun away in the lake in the area. I then chased Randy, my stepson home and Boy run and come from he farm and me and Blamie, who is Ronaldo,tell Boy he got to help me bury Mutts’ body. Me and Blamie fetch Mutts body and Boy fetch de shovel and we dug a hole and bury Mutts by a hill foot behind the same airstrip the same day me and Blamie went to Blamie family House at Garden of Eden. I want to say that I
cut and gave Mutts a farm to plant maijuana because he is my brother-in-law and he had his own seed and I have never trouble his seed. He took my seed and my weed and I told him about it and he stopped talking to me.” Internal examinations revealed two gunshot wounds, a flattened bullet and metal fragments. Cause of death was due to gunshot injuries to the head Dr. Singh said. When the hearing continued Monday, former policeman Ewin Trotman who had accompanied Yorrick to the Georgetown Prison when it is said Fredericks made the revealing statement, was called to testify. Another witness who also testified Monday was Parmatie Fredericks the mother of the accused. State counsels Mr. Siand Dhurjon and Miss Shonette Austin are prosecuting while Mr. Lawrence Harris and Mr. Hewley Griffith are defending. The hearing is continuing.
Agriculture Minister Noel Holder attain sustainability, it must address the aging farming
population by promoting greater involvement of youths in agriculture, he cautioned. The GSA, Holder said, will consult with employers and employment agencies to determine their expectations, in order to increase the probability of graduates gaining employment. Further, through the creation of a programme of internship at appropriate collaborating partner institutions or businesses, the GSA is considering giving assistance to graduates who have difficulty securing employment. Students who are recipients of Government’s
scholarships will be afforded the opportunity to develop their skills and work ethics through placement at appropriate Government institutions. Meanwhile, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative Reuben Robertson, who said he was pleased to see the ratio of males to females in the sector increasing, urged the graduands to “stay focused, disciplined, and work towards achieving (your) goals.” He advised them that real success depends on them; and he urged them to always remain optimistic.
Khan to remain off the job
- pending evaluation of audit report, says Dr Norton
RECENTLY reinstated Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Michael Khan has been instructed by Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton to remain off the job.
Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton
Making this disclosure was Minister Norton during a telephone interview on Monday, where he also stated that both GPHC Chairman Max Hanoman and Khan were already notified about the decision. The Guyana Chronicle understands that after a discussion by the Board following the completion
Michael Khan
of an investigation, Hanoman wrote a letter to acting GPHC CEO, Dr Sheik Amir, informing him that a decision was made to reinstate Khan. The substantive CEO was then sent a letter on Friday last instructing him to resume duties. Khan was sent on leave to facilitate a forensic audit into the operations at the hospital. Dr Hanoman said during an interview on Saturday that no serious issues were cited in the report debarring Khan from resuming duty as CEO, “so it is only right that he be allowed to return to work.” However, the Minister of Public Health stressed that the evaluation of the audit report on Khan is still incomplete and until the process is finished, Khan will remain off of the job.
Prison warden severely beats prisoner A PRISON warden on Sunday reportedly threatened to kill an inmate of the Timehri prison after the prisoner was accused of trying to escape while working at Sugrim Residence, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (ECD), residents said. According to reports, three prison wardens booked out prisoner Ramchand Parmasadin on Sunday to work outside the prison compound. The prisoner, who is serving a two-year sentence, was carried to Soesdyke where he was ordered to pack a container with coals. The prisoner who was eventually left unsupervised decided to leave his worksite. The warden found him sitting on a bench at the Soesdyke junction and he was severely beaten and threatened in the presence of civilians. This newspaper was also told that the prisoner was taken back to the Timehri prison and locked in solitary confinement. He was also beaten again. Residents of the area are calling on the Ministry of Public Security to investigate the incident and have the wardens dealt with accordingly.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Consultation begins on draft solid waste strategy By Rabindra Rooplall THERE needs to be a solid waste integration strategy to reduce the negative impact created by poor solid waste management on the health of citizens and on the environment. This was among the sentiments expressed at the launching of the consultations for the National Integrated Solid Waste Management Strategy, held by the Ministry of Communities on Monday. “The environment that we have is the only one, and if we do not do a good job in preserving and protecting it, then we will all be losers and victims. Cleanliness, sanitation and environmental conditions within our towns and communities can be improved,” Minister Bulkan said. Relevant stakeholders and partnering organisations of the Ministry attended and participated in this event, held at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown. Those included the mayors, town clerks, regional chairmen, Environmental
participation. Minister Bulkan said this would build capacity at the local democratic organs to deliver services to their constituencies; and it would include training and providing of equipment and tools necessary for local councils to be more effective and modern in the management of solid waste. Noting that the consultation strategy constitutes the next important steps in Government’s solid waste management approach, he said the Integrated Solid Waste Management Strategy was first drafted in 2014 under the Georgetown Solid Waste Management Programme, with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Finalisation of the strategy would emphasise participation in matters that affect communities all across Guyana. With Cabinet’s approval, Minister Bulkan said, the strategy would become the primary policy for integrated solid waste management. This will be implemented through regulations, standards
Media Inc, Alex Graham, pointed to the synergy between personal hygiene and public waste disposal practices. Graham, Communications Consultant for the Ministry’s “Green Generation Guyana” public awareness campaign, said provisions must be made to ensure the re-education of a society that is accustomed to improper garbage generation and disposal habits. He noted that the awareness campaign would especially be geared towards children, with the aim of producing a new cadre of Guyanese as a more modern and progressive way of addressing the issue of Solid Waste Management problem. WASTE MANAGEMENT BILL During his presentation, Environmental Consultant Samuel Wright detailed that every human action creates a by-product, and requires prior thought even before the waste is produced.
A section of the stakeholders who attended the launch of the consultation on the National Integrated Solid Waste Management Strategy Protection Agency (EPA), the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Conservation International, sanitation service providers, University of Guyana School of Earth and Science, and the Central Board of Health. Underscoring the need for a more sophisticated approach in dealing with effective and efficient solid waste management, Minister Bulkan said this initiative is linked directly with the green economy agenda. He said that in order to reduce the carbon footprint of economic activities pursued across the nation, Government has underscored the importance of a green economic policy. “This will see new initiatives in waste management… this includes resource recovery from recycling, as well as waste-to-energy initiatives,” he said. SANITATION MANAGEMENT UNIT A Sanitation Management Unit has been established at the Ministry of Communities, the Minister said. The unit was not created as a project outfit, but as a unit with qualified subject-matter personnel, to provide oversight and advice for all waste management initiatives across the country. He said the unit would provide support to infrastructure development, institutional strengthening and capacity-building, and public awareness and community
and guidelines. He said further that the ultimate goal is to transform waste into useful resources, and to hold litter offenders accountable. “Littering and illegal dumping are widespread. There is limited emphasis on waste reduction and resource recovery, sustainable financial measures are lacking, and the waste collection service coverage is inadequate,” Minister Bulkan noted. “Without a clear path forward to reduce our waste and manage it better, Guyana’s long-term environmental, social and economic well-being will be placed at risk.” PREVENT WASTE GENERATION Satrohan Nauth, Environmental engineer attached to the Sanitation Management Unit of the Ministry of Communities, explained that Guyanese must begin to think about ways to first prevent waste generation before minimising and reusing it. He mentioned that the three pillars of waste management -- reuse, recycle and recover -- would help in reducing the amount of waste that eventually ends up at landfill sites. Nauth disclosed that the unit would be seeking to establish sanitary landfill facilities in all 10 regions of Guyana. Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tagman
He related that the Solid Waste Management Strategy is a progressive one, based on the sustainable paradigm of a green economy. Wright said that after a period of consultations in 25 communities in all 10 regions, the draft solid waste management strategy is expected to inform a final document which would support the enactment of the National Solid Waste Management Bill. According to Wright, it is projected that 40 per cent of all generated waste will, by the year 2024, be recycled, composted, or otherwise put to use. Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings-Williams, said during a closing address that many citizens are now fully cognisant of their role in contributing to a society that is clean, healthy, and wholesome for human habitation. “There are daily reminders about the state of our capital city just a few months ago -- the piles of garbage that was left lying on the street and the way illegal dumping had become a way of life. No more can we afford to allow our citizens, their children and grandchildren to regress to a status quo of wanton disregard for the environment,” Hastings-Williams said. The contract for the consultations was awarded to Project and Environmental Management Consultant Samuel Wright, and consultations are expected to be held in all 10 regions.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 9, 2016
City Hall lacks accountability, transparency - says PPP councillor Bishram Kuppen
By Navendra Seoraj COUNCILLOR Bishram Kuppen, who sits on the Georgetown City Council (M&CC) as a People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) representative, disclosed to the media at the PPP/C’s weekly press conference on Monday that he is uneasy with the situation involving accountability at the M&CC. Accusing the M&CC of withholding financial information, Kuppen noted: “I am deeply troubled about what is going on at City Hall regarding the lack of accountability and transparency as it relates to the City's finances, with
billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money being spent without any credible financial reports or audits performed for the money spent, as required by the Municipal & District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01, Sect 177.” The Georgetown City Council has recently promised to have improved services and facilities, better markets, efficient management of the City's affairs; and, more importantly, transparency and accountability for taxpayers’ money; but Kuppen said there is a perception that corruption is rampant at City Hall, and this perception is fuelled by the lack of accountability for hundreds of millions of dollars spent on projects
such as the Stabroek Market clean-up and the Merriman’s Mall rehabilitation project. No public tendering, he said, was made for these projects; and financial deficits are being reported every month. “I have consistently called for a forensic audit to be conducted on the City of Georgetown’s finances. And I am not the only one who has been calling for this forensic audit. When any new Council takes over, it should be presented with an audited financial statement of the Council's finances from the Auditor General as soon as possible,” Kuppen said, but noted that this did not happen. He said several attempts
Councillor Bishram Kuppen were made to move a motion for a forensic audit to be done at the M&CC, and several written requests were submitted to the Mayor and the Town Clerk to have the motions included on the agenda for the stat-
utory meeting held every Monday. However, it has been alleged that Town Clerk Royston King responded that the motions were faulted, but did not advise what those deficiencies were. Efforts to contact the Town Clerk for a response to this issue have proved futile. Meanwhile, in July 2016, it was reported in sections of the media that former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran had called for an immediate in-depth audit into the Council. Goolsarran insisted that 10 years of arrears in terms of financial reporting and auditing was not only a “disturbing trend”, but also showed that the Council
had no interest in bringing the accounts up to order. He said that, as of August 2013, the last set of audited accounts of the Council was for 2004, and the Audit Office had received financial statements for the years 2005 and 2007. There is no evidence to suggest that any financial statements were produced for 2006. According to the Municipal and District Councils Act, within four months of the close of the financial year, the City Treasurer is required to prepare and submit to the auditor financial statements for that year for audit. If the treasurer fails to comply, he/she would be guilty of an offence.
Container fee reduced to $5,000 THE Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC) has decided to reduce the container fee from $25,000 to $5,000, a release from City Hall revealed Monday. According to the release, a meeting was held on August 5, between the Mayor and City Council, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) to address the issue. It was noted that the reduction is an interim measure and the fee will be collected at the source, at the various ports and wharves, effective August 01, 2016. The release stated that discussions were also held on the possible implementation of per tonnage per cargo fee for all cargo within vehicles of specific type of weights traversing
the streets of the City. “The Private Sector representatives have also indicated their interest in forming a Tripartite Committee between the government of Guyana, The Mayor and Councillors of the city of Georgetown and the Private Sector Commission to engage in continued discussions on other initiatives and the institutionalising a solid partnership to develop and modernise Georgetown. This was agreed by all parties involved. The Committee will be in place by August 15, 2016,” the release further noted. The $25,000 container fee which City Hall sought to implement attracted much criticism from members of the business community and the PSC. Some businessmen had
also resorted to the courts, accusing the M&CC of illegally implementing such a fee. The court had ruled in favour of the businessmen. City Hall had said that the money is needed to repair roads, which the containers have damaged over the years. Meanwhile, according to the release, the August 05 meeting with the private sector representatives was held in an atmosphere of understanding and cooperation. “The Council wishes to advise that the collection of container fee and tonnage fee are instituted by invoking section 274 (h) in conjunction with section 272 of the Municipal and District Council’s Act, Chapter 28:01.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Lack of statement stalls Kissoon assault trial PROSECUTION failure to serve a statement given by Freddie Kissoon against Kwame McCoy, Jason Abdulla and Shawn Hinds in relation to the 2010 assault on him has forced the trial into an adjournment. The hearing commenced on Monday before City Magistrate Judy Latchman against former Liaison Officer under the PPP government, Kwame McCoy, self-confessed death squad member Sean Hinds and Opposition Executive, Jason Abdulla. The men are currently on $100,000 each for allegedly assaulting Kissoon, a newspaper columnist on May 24, 2010 at Georgetown. McCoy, Abdulla and Hinds allegedly walked up to Kissoon and threw faeces in his face after he emerged from Nigel Supermarket, Robb Street, Georgetown. It was reported that Abdulla and Hinds confessed to the crime while in custody. Attorney Latchmie Rahamat is representing McCoy; attorneys Euclin Gomes and Glen Hanoman are representing for Abdulla
Newspaper columnist Freddie Kissoon
while Hinds is being represented by George Thomas. The hearing commenced with testimonies from two policemen whereafter Kissoon would have testified. However before Kissoon could have testified, the defense attorneys strongly objected since the prosecutor, Corporal Kerry Boswick, had not provided them with copies of Kissoon’s statements. “It’s a common assault matter that has been brought six years after the event.
Shawn Hinds
Jason Abdulla
Kwame McCoy
After we have spent so much time before the court at this late stage the prosecutor is now asking for a statement to be now served,” Abdulla’s lawyer, Hanoman said. Hanoman added that the prosecution’s request was an insult to the court and certainly an abuse of process since the virtual complainant was Mr. Freddie Kissoon.” The lawyer further urged the court that unless the prosecutor provides the court with a proper excuse, prosecutor Boswick should not be granted time to have
the statement disclosed. McCoy’s lawyer, Rahamat stressed that the since the charge against the defendants was filed in February the prosecutor had ample time to serve statements in the matter. Hind’s lawyer, Thomas also charged similar views with his colleagues. Thomas vented Kissoon’s statement should have been the first one given to the defence because he was the virtual complainant in the case. Prosecutor Bostwick,
in response to the lawyers’ claims stated that he did not deliberately withhold the statement. The prosecution explained that the statement was in the case file, and might have been overlooked by the clerk who photocopied the statements. Magistrate Latchman granted the prosecutor time to properly prepare the statements which will also allow the attorneys the opportunity to recall the police witnesses for further cross examination. The statement was given to the defendants in the
afternoon and the matter was adjourned until August 23. On May 24, 2010, Kissoon had just emerged from Nigel’s Supermarket on Robb Street, around 19:00 hours and had already entered his vehicle when a man walked up to him and threw the faeces in his face. Kissoon managed to drive behind the perpetrator, who ran north along Light Street then west into North Road before jumping into a waiting white AT 192 Toyota Carina motorcar and escaped. A soiled Kissoon tried to intercept the car but backed off to avoid a collision. Meanwhile, police sources revealed that PPP/C Press and Publicity Officer McCoy had been identified as the alleged mastermind behind the attack on Kissoon. Hinds had provided security services to a number of PPP personalities, while Abdulla also worked at the then Office of the President and is now a functionary at the PPP’s Freedom Radio housed at the party’s headquarters on Robb Street, Georgetown.
Alleged trigger-man Two more Venezuelans remanded to prison to be deported THE ALLEGED trigger-man behind the Emancipation Day execution-style killing of Laing Avenue resident Orin David was on Monday remanded to prison by City Magistrate Leron Daley. Samuel McIntyre was not required to plea to the capital offence of murder, which alleged that on August 1, at Laing Avenue, he shot and killed David, called “Plait Hair.” The unrepresented McIntyre was remanded to prison until September 8, when he is scheduled to appear before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. The suspect was picked up and had his car impounded a day after the incident (August 2), and he is alleged to be the man who killed David outside his home. David was riddled with bullets by a group of men outside his Lot 89 Laing Avenue, Georgetown home after having a row with a friend who reportedly owed him some money. Investigations revealed that David, 32, had earlier had an argument with one of the suspects over bail money, and
Dead: Orin David
the suspect left and returned with the other men. As the victim approached the vehicle containing the suspects, several shots were fired. David was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital. One empty 12-gauge shotgun cartridge and a .32 spent shell were found at the scene of the shooting. David was freed in February 2015 after being imprisoned for five years for the alleged 2010 murder of Mahaica farmer Lakhram Bishundial, who had been fatally shot during a robbery at Hope
Murder accused: Samuel McIntyre
Turn, East Coast Demerara. Bishundial was on his way home from a city bank, after he had withdrawn some money for his younger sibling’s wedding, when he was robbed and killed by two men. David and another person, identified as Shawn Thom, were subsequently charged with Bishundial’s murder. Thom was freed a week before David. David had been well known to the police because he had had several brushes with the law, including possession of an unlicensed firearm.
TWO FEMALE Venezuelans were on Monday fined by City Magistrate Leron Daley for entering Guyana illegally. Evenny Bello, 23 and Candy Ramos, 33 were charged separately for entering Guyana illegally by sea on August 9, at Eteringbang, Cuyuni River and disembarking without presenting themselves to an immigration officer. Speaking through an interpreter, the foreign nationals both pleaded guilty to the charge. The unrepresented women were fined $30,000
or 12 months’ imprisonment. They were ordered to be kept in police custody until they reached the nearest port of exit, from where they would be deported. Almost two weeks ago 14 Venezuelans were fined and deported to their homeland after entering Guyana illegally for ‘betterment’, because of the economic crisis in their country. “No work and no water!” the charged nationals said as they told the court that they had ventured into Guyana because they had no other alternative,
Venezuelan National Candy Ramos
since there was no food, jobs or clean water in their country.
Cops say cocaine was in suitcase handles
FOUR DAYS after a 20-year-old woman was busted at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) with cocaine in her suitcase handles she was on Monday charged for trafficking the illicit drug. Jenny-Ann Crawford of Phase 1, East Ruimveldt Squatting Area, was taken before City Magistrate Leron Daley for having 410 grams of cocaine in her possession
for the purpose of trafficking. Crawford denied the charge, while her attorney, Ucie Anderson asked for the woman to be released on bail since she suffered from a mental illness. According to Anderson, Crawford was forced to dropout of school and could not attaint a job because of her ailment. The lawyer further disclosed that the cocaine was allegedly placed by a close friend of the woman who had provided the suitcase as a token.
“It was not visible to anyone packing the suitcase because the person hid it in the handles,” the lawyer pointed out to the court. Police Prosecutor, Inspector Kevin London contended that Crawford fully understood why she was being charged and that the woman’s ailment did not prohibit her from dealing with the drug. Magistrate Daley ruled in the prosecution’s favor and remanded Crawford until September 13.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 9, 2016
ANSA McAL supports reintegrating young mothers into school system
‒ donates $150,000 of baby care products to Education Ministry pliments of ANSA McAL, besides other baby care products such as clothing, powder, oil, towels, swabs, body wash and feeding utensils, all procured by the Ministry of Education. In the past year, although this programme was recently started, 17 young women from Region 4 (including Georgetown) and 14 from Region 10 were reintegrated into the
ANSA McAL Representative Joel Lee handing over some of the company’s ABCD diapers to Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary Delma Nedd. Also in photo are SHN HIV/AIDS Representative Janelle Sweatnam (left) and Deputy Chief Education Officer Donna Chapman
By Vishani Ragobeer ANSA McAL Trading Limited has donated $150,000 worth of newborn baby care products to the Ministry of Education to foster the Ministry’s programme of reintegrating young mothers into the school system. Marketing Representative of the Consumer Goods Department at ANSA McAL, Joel Lee, noted on Monday that the company is pleased to render support to the Ministry of Education in an effort to “help in offsetting some expenses” of the young
mothers, thus making it easier for the ministry to reintegrate them into the school system. He noted that this assistance to the ministry is “something that is ongoing”, and as the ministry expands the programme and seeks to render assistance to more young women, the company would work alongside the ministry. Lee stated, “This is just the beginning.” Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Delma Nedd, noted that the ministry is pleased to receive assistance from the company, after “reaching out” to its officials. She
said this donation would be part of the “care packages” the ministry, through its School Health, Nutrition and HIV/AIDS (SHN HIV/ AIDS) Unit, would be giving to more young mothers. The ministry, according to the Permanent Secretary, is seeking to collaborate with the Welfare Departments in schools, and with the young mothers to have them reintegrated into the school system, where they can be able to write the CSEC examinations to “equip (themselves) with the skills” to be employed and be marketable in the job environment.
SECOND CHANCE She declared that the ministry is not promoting teenage pregnancy, but is simply looking to give those affected a “second chance”, and to show them that “there is hope.” Janelle Sweatnam, SNH HIV/AIDS Unit Representative, noted that, in 2014, an initiative was started with the aim of supporting young women in the Education Department and reintegrating young mothers into the school system. She noted that each targeted mother would be presented with a care package consisting of tissues, diapers and wipes, com-
Three remanded for murder of Chinese restaurateur on C/tyne
Dead: Xiu Di Yang
Delroy Parks
Premchand Kallicharran
Cordel Small
PREMCHAND Kallicharran, called “Boysie”, 29, of Grant 1780 Crabwood Creek; Cordel Small, aka “Mad Dog”, 34, of Dukestown, Corriverton; and Delroy Parks, aka “Sickly”, 31, of Cromarty Farm, all East Berbice/ Corentyne communities in
Region Six, appeared before Whim Magistrate Charlyn Artiga, arraigned on the charge of murder committed on Chinese restaurateur Xiu Di Yang at Number 57 Village, Corentyne on February 7 last. Unrepresented by counsel, the defendants were re-
manded to prison until September 28, while the case has been transferred before the Number 51 Village magistrate. Investigations into this murder took a twist after one of the defendants confided in a prison inmate, and subsequently submitted a detailed
statement to the police. On February 7 last, the eve of the Chinese New Year, armed bandits invaded the Gin Li Lai Restaurant at Number 57 Village, Corentyne and fatally shot Xiu Di Yang, who had moments before shared dinner with her family.
school system under the ministry’s programme. The ministry is now looking to expand this programme to all other regions, especially hinterland areas, where there are many cases of teenage pregnancy. More than 100 young expecting mothers have been beneficiaries of these care packages over the past year.
Twins arrive mid-air! ‒ Roraima Airways Gerry Gouveia calls it ‘an amazing magical day’
By Shauna Jemmott FOR Roraima Airways’ Captain Gerry Gouveia, that a woman should give birth to twins while the aircraft in which she was travelling was mid-air made it “an amazing, magical day”. It happened around 10:00 hours yesterday when a Roraima Airways aircraft, which was called out to do a ‘medivac’, was 8000 feet in the sky. The aircraft was being manned at the time by Captains Ryan Persaud and Emil Jahan, who, along with Ministry of Health officials, made the journey from Ogle International to Mahdia, in the Potaro-Siparuni district of Region 8. Their mission was to bring to Georgetown a pregnant woman they were told was having complications, and in need of urgent help. Taking to Facebook to relive the experience, Gouveia wrote: “We did a ‘medivac’ for
a pregnant woman with complications. “During the flight, God intervened and delivered the twins at 8000 feet in the plane.” His son, Captain Gerry Gouveia Jnr, would later tell the Guyana Chronicle that though several babies were born on Roraima aircrafts during medivac operations, this was their first multiple birth. “This is the first time we had twins,” Gerry Jnr said, adding that they’re “very cute little babies.” And though they might appear premature, they survived the ordeal, and are at the Georgetown Public Hospital with their mother, Malinda Srites. Everyone was excited when they arrived safely at Ogle, he said, adding that it was more than the usual feeling that grips them whenever a ‘medivac’ operation is successful. “This is exactly why I became a pilot,” he said.
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Basketball clubs given permission to practise at CASH THE renovation of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) for Guyana’s host-
ing of the recent Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) U-16 Championships brought with it an international standard to the indoor facility. With the renovation, it was expected that the standard of local basketball would improve. Since the conclusion of the CBC U-16 event, local clubs in Georgetown have been given the opportunity to train at the CASH in an effort to boost their level of basketball. This decision was made by the National Sport Commission (NSC) who gave clubs in Georgetown permission to practise. It was envisioned that the usage of the sports hall, would give national players real-time environment of
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international tournaments. Also to benefit is the Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) tournaments. These two school tournaments tipped off on April 23 and continued until June 12 in three conference zones Georgetown, East Coast and Berbice - with four age divisions: U-14, U-16, U-19 and Girls. However, they were stopped and postponed due to work being done at the CASH in time for the CBC U-16. The new dates for the NSBF Regionals (All Zones) are September 1729; Regional Finals September 30 and the NSBF and National Championships, October 1-9.
Cricket Australia fines O'Keefe for Sydney hotel incident (REUTERS) - Australian spinner Steve O'Keefe was fined A$10 000 (£5 845) by his board following an incident at a Sydney hotel late on Saturday. "O'Keefe was charged with a breach of Article 2.2.11 of the Code of Behaviour - conduct unbecoming of a player - and accepted a fine of A$10 000," Cricket Australia (CA) said in a statement yesterday. The 31-year-old left-arm spinner was part of the Australian Test team currently in Sri Lanka but returned home after a hamstring injury in the first Test cut short his tour. O'Keefe was issued an Infringement Notice by New South Wales Police for "of-
Australia spinner Steve O'Keefe
fensive behaviour," the CA said without disclosing details of the incident. Local media alleged the player was intoxicated when he abused police and security staff. "We take a zero-tolerance approach to this type of behaviour from players at any level in Australian
NSC/AAG launches Inaugural... certain areas in which athletics in Guyana has been lacking, impeding on the fraternities’ ability to make it on the world stage, according to Hutson. “The AAG, through its commitment to the IAAF, holds track and field camps in Guyana to deal with the three aspects that we feel are the reasons why we are not producing world calibre athletes. One of them is the adequate technical training, secondly nutrition, and thirdly to be able to have athletes operate together so that we can achieve the goals that we would like to see.” Hutson explained. Hutson went on to highlight John’s contribution to the whole initiative. The camp will be func-
tioning to develop both the athletes and coaches, and is expected to involve some 100 athletes and over 30 coaches, who will be encamped for the one-week period at the Leonora Secondary School, next door to the synthetic track facility. Also involved in the camp will be former Grenada Olympian and current U.S. track coach Joel Phillip, who will be working along with and lending technical and guidance to, the coaches here. Phillip is a coach with We HOPE Inc. The camp is expected to be an annual initiative, at least for the next four years, and focus will be placed on identifying athletes for the next Olympics in Tokyo.
Cricket," CA executive general manager Pat Howard said. "Steve understands our expectations and that we’re extremely disappointed this situation occurred, particularly as he is recovering from an injury." The spinner, who has played three Tests and seven Twenty20 Internationals, will undergo counselling and education as part of his sanction. "I know I failed to uphold the high standards expected of a NSW and Australian cricketer and apologise to all concerned,” O'Keefe said. "I take full responsibility for my actions and accept the sanction handed to me by Cricket Australia."
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“This is where we start. We start by holding camps and ensuring that the athletes from as small as age nine or eight are exposed to the best possible coaching that there is locally.” Hutson stated. At the end of the camp the participants will be issued with participation certificates. During his remarks, Jones recalled the story of how he was contacted a few months ago by John, with her hopes of donating 20 pairs of spikes, with the initiative growing to a donation of 100 pairs. John decided to make the donation after being encouraged by her 11-year-old son Matthew John, himself an athlete in the U.S. “Several months ago Ms Claudia Simon made contact
with me, with an initiative that she has, she wanted to give 10 athletes in Guyana 10 spikes; that mushroomed into something larger and we now have 100 that we’re going to be giving to the athletes here in Guyana.” Jones said. We HOPE (Helping Other People Excel) Inc. is aimed at providing opportunities to children and youths to achieve their full potential in academics and sports in developing countries. Saturday’s meet will see the participation of all of the athletes who were part of the camp. It will begin at 10:00hrs and is free of charge. The public is encouraged to come out and support the athletes.
India pursue series... place. Hope, however, will stay on the sidelines, with Leon Johnson coming in to open. The young and promising Alzarri Joseph is also waiting in the wings and will be raring to go if handed his Test debut. The pitch at St Lucia seems to have an even grass cover on it, but the reading of it has been contrasting.
While Virat Kohli reckons that the pitch is very similar to the one in Antigua and should thus help the batters, Jason Holder feels the pitch is one of the best in the Caribbean for the pacers and they should revel on such a track. Today will prove who is right, or if both are wrong. Ravichandran Ashwin needs 11 more wickets to
become the 11th Indian bowler to take 200 Test wickets. If he gets there in this Test, he will be the fastest ever to the landmark, breaking the 80-year-old record held by Clarrie Grimmett, who achieved the feat in 36 Tests. - Darren Bravo has just one fifty in his last ten innings at home. His scores read 9, 82, 19, 5, 14, 11, 11,
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10, 0 and 20 (most recent). - West Indies have never lost a Test in Gros Islet winning one and drawing three. They drew their only Test played against India here in 2006 after conceding a first-innings lead of 373. - India will be playing their 250th Test match away from home, the fourth team to the mark after England, Australia and West Indies.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Ervine hits maiden Test ton as Zimbabwe fight back (REUTERS) - Craig Ervine scored a maiden Test century to help Zimbabwe hold up New Zealand’s victory charge on day three of the second Test and steer the home side to 305 for six in their first innings by stumps
yesterday. The featherbed pitch at the Queens Sports Club is a batsman’s paradise with just 10 wickets failing in 270 overs in the game so far to see Zimbabwe close in on the visitors’ first-innings score of 582 for four
declared. Ervine took advantage of the conditions to crash an unbeaten 115 after forming a 148-run sixth-wicket partnership with debutant Peter Moor (71). He will be joined today by captain Graeme Cremer
(two not out) as the home side look to avoid the follow-on, needing 78 more runs to make New Zealand bat again. Zimbabwe started the day on 55 without loss and it took until the end of the 36th over of their innings
Craig Ervine celebrates his century against New Zealand in Bulawayo on the 3rd day.
for the tourists to make a breakthrough as Tim Southee bowled opener Tino Mawoyo (26) off the inside edge. It brought to an end the fifth-longest opening stand in terms of overs bowled in Zimbabwe’s Test history. Sikandar Raza (three) steered Neil Wagner to Kane Williamson at gully, before the latter dived fullstretch at short cover to dismiss Chamu Chibhabha (60) with a stunning catch off spinner Mitchell Santner. Zimbabwe were teetering when Santner bowled
Prince Masvaure (two) and Ish Sodhi trapped Sean Williams (16) leg-before-wicket to reduce the hosts to 147 for five. Ervine and Moor embarked on a patient rebuild of the innings, with the latter undoing some of his good work when he fell late in the day to a reckless shot as he pulled a poor delivery from Sodhi straight to Martin Guptill at midwicket. New Zealand lead the two-match series 1-0 after an innings and 117-run victory in the first Test at the same venue.
SCOREBOARD NEW ZEALAND 1st innings 582 for 4 decl. (T. Latham 136, R. Taylor 124 n.o., K. Williamson 113, M. Guptill 87, B. Watling 83 n.o) ZIMBABWE 1st innings (overnight 55-0) T. Mawoyo b Southee 26 C. Chibhabha c Williamson b Santner 60 S. Raza c Williamson b Wagner 3 C. Ervine not out 115 P. Masvaure b Santner 2 S. Williams lbw b Sodhi 16 P. Moorc Guptill b Sodhi 71 G. Cremer not out 2 Extras: (b-8, lb-2) 10 Total: (for 6 wickets, 120 overs) 305 Fall of wickets: 1-65, 2-83, 3-107, 4-115, 5-147, 6-295. Bowling: T. Southee 24-12-64-1, T. Boult 21-10-37-0, M. Santner 31-5-102-2 N. Wagner 25 -7-51-1, I. Sodhi 18-8-41-2, M. Guptill 1-1-0-0.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Tsolekile banned for 12 years for match-fixing offences
… Pumelela Matshikwe, Ethy Mbhalati and Jean Symes were also sanctioned for accepting money By Mark Gleeson CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuters) - Four South African cricketers, including former Test wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile, have been handed bans ranging from seven to 12 years for attempting to fix matches, Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced yesterday. Tsolekile, who played the last of his three Tests against England at Port Elizabeth in 2004, received a 12-year ban for "contriving to fix a match or matches" in the 2015 Twenty20 domestic competition, the board said in a statement. Pumelela Matshikwe, Ethy Mbhalati and Jean Symes were also sanctioned for accepting money from ex-international Goolam Bodi who was banned for 20 years in January for attempting to fix matches in the Twenty20 tournament. All the players, bar Mbhalati, were team mates of Bodi, perceived as the
go-between between corrupt betting syndicates and cricketers, at the Johannesburg-based Lions franchise. Matshikwe and Mbhalati was banned for 10 years for receiving payments, although three years of Mbhalati’s sentence were suspended. Symes received a seven-year ban for also receiving a payment and failing to disclose details of the approach to engage in match-fixing. "There is no evidence that this is widespread. We are fully confident that it is contained but will continue investigating,” CSA chief executive officer Haroon Lorgat told a news conference at Newlands. Details have also been passed to the South African police, he said. The bans follow a lengthy investigation by CSA’s anti-corruption unit. "We take our work seriously. We need something serious to trigger an investigation. We do not engage in witch hunts. Our primary re-
South Africa-A wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile celebrates as he stumps New Zealand batsman Jacob Oram during their cricket match in Potchefstroom October 16, 2005. (Reuters/Mike Hutchings)
sponsibility is to protect the integrity of the sport and no stone will be left unturned," its chairman Bernard Ngoepe said.Bodi, who was born in India and moved to South Africa as a teenager, played two one-day internationals and one Twenty20 match for the national side in 2007. Tsolekile played three Tests for South Africa in 2004.
South Africa's government made match-fixing illegal and punishable with a prison sentence following the Hansie Cronje scandal. Cronje was a respected captain of the national side before being banned for life in 2000 after attempting to fix matches on the orders of an Indian betting syndicate. He died in a plane crash in 2002.
Former world No.1 Wozniacki knocked out By Drazen Jorgic and Scott Malone RIO DE JANEIRO, | (Reuters)-Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova knocked out former world number one Caroline Wozniacki in the second round of the Rio Olympics yesteday, in another poorly attended tennis match on centre court. Twice Wimbledon champion Kvitova overpowered Wozniacki 6-2 6-4 to progress to the third round, where she will face either Russia's Ekaterina Makarova or Slovakia's Anna Karolina Schmiedlova. ''It was a tough draw for me. Petra played well today, really played aggressively and got me on my heels a little bit,'' said Wozniacki, ranked 53 in the world after an injury-ravaged season. Wozniacki's participation had been in doubt as injury
Petra Kvitova (CZE) of Czech Republic celebrates next to Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) of Denmark after winning their match. (Reuters/Toby Melville)
prevented her from fulfilling the minimum number of Davis and Fed Cup appearances required in a four-year Olympic cycle to qualify for the Games.
But she made it to Rio, where she was Denmark's flagbearer in the opening ceremony. Germany's Angelique Kerber, ranked second in the
world, faced stubborn resistance from Canada's Eugenie Bouchard but won 6-4 6-2. United States' Madison Keys, seeded seventh in the tournament, also progressed to the third round after a nail-biting 7-5 6-7(4) 7-6(5) win against France's Kristina Mladenovic on court one. On the men's side, Gilles Muller of Luxembourg beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France 6-4 6-3. Yesterday’s matches, like most of the other contests in the first three days of the tennis tournament, were played in stadiums that were more than half empty. Olympics organisers say about 82 percent of all Olympic tickets have been sold out, but for tennis, which boasts some of the world's most recognisable sports stars, attendance has been far below that level.
Spain feel pain as U.S. juggernaut rolls on (REUTERS) - After two routs to open the Olympic women's basketball tournament, the question is not so much will the all-conquering United States win a sixth straight gold medal but will they ever lose again. The U.S. followed up their drubbing of Senegal in their opener with a less ruthless but no less clinical 10363 dissection of third-ranked Spain yesterday, blowing out a team viewed by many as a legitimate medal contender. It seems as if nothing can stop the U.S. juggernaut as the mighty Americans ran their Olympic winning streak to 42 games, a 24-year stretch of domination dating back to the 1992 Barcelona Summer Games. "You go into the game thinking that maybe today is the day you can beat them because it is not impossible," offered a hopeful Spanish captain Laia Palau. "You just have to have a wonderful game on your side and they have to be, I don't know, sick." Spain have never won an Olympic medal, but with an experienced lineup, including two players who earn a living in the WNBA, they represented a huge step up in class following a 121-56 mugging of Senegal. But like nearly every other nation that line up against the United States, the Spaniards are still searching for their first-ever win. The two countries have met nine times in Olympic and world championship competition, Team USA winning all nine including their three previous Sum-
mer Games encounters by a whopping average of 35 points. "I haven't been on many underdog teams in my career but I do have an awareness of what it feels like when no matter what you do you have no chance, and it's not a good feeling," said U.S. captain Sue Bird. "But on the flip side there is also opportunity to upset, to make history and that I am sure is in the back of all their minds. "Would I want to be in their shoes, probably not, but they are trying to make history by beating us." Despite the difference in pedigree between Spain and Senegal, who are still chasing a first-ever Olympic wins, the Group B contest unfolded in much the same fashion. Playing in front of a small, sleepy crowd at the Youth Arena, the U.S. took a few moments to shake off the cobwebs but quickly turned on the style as they sped to a commanding 54-37 halftime lead. Once again the depth of Team USA was highlighted with all 12 players getting on the scoreboard, including five in double digits with Diana Taurasi leading the way with 13 points. "We're not easy to deal with obviously," said U.S. coach Geno Auriemma. "Spain is a pretty good but when you look at our depth it starts to take its toll on the other team. "That's the pressure we can put on teams, everybody we bring in off the bench can score and make a play. "It's a good place we are in right now."
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 9, 2016
President dubs Upper Mazaruni Games 2016 an ‘Olympic Affair’ … Finals to be held under lights THE 2016 edition of the Upper Mazaruni District Games opened on Sunday to the words of President David Granger dubbing the one-week event a local version of the Olympic Games. “We have the Olympics right here only the fireworks are missing,” were the words of the Head of State as he spoke to more than four hundred athletes from twelve villages who converged on Kamarang/Warawatta village. “Whenever I go to the other regions I always tell them about the Upper Mazaruni games, where villages come, where people walk sometimes for one or two days sometimes even longer to reach their destination,” the President said. He continued, “They come on foot they come by canoe. There is no other part of Guyana where we can see ten or twelve villages coming together voluntarily with their own resources to have fun to have games like Upper Mazaruni.” The President expounded on his pride to see the community-based involvement throughout the hinterland region, adding, “Sometimes
Part of the football action in the Upper Mazaruni Games 2016
Director of Sport Christopher Jones takes part of a meet-and-greet session with the participants of the Upper Mazaruni Games 2016.
I see nursing mothers just set aside their babies to go and play football, win the match, come back and continue nursing their babies, smiling.” The Head of State added that he and his government will continue to contribute to that happiness “by helping you to make the games bigger and better every year” while also throwing out a challenge to other communities like Bartica, to pick up and run with the initiative. The President was accompanied by First Lady
Sandra Granger, Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs Sydney Allicock, Minister within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry, Minister within the Ministry of Communities Dawn Hastings-Williams, Director of Sport Christopher Jones, Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford, Regional Executive Officer Roderick Edinboro and Ministerial Adviser to the Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs Mervin Williams. The day’s activities began
with a joint religious service where members from the various denominations gathered for praise and worship. However, on the stroke of noon, the teams all decked out in their respective club uniforms began a colourful parade approximately a quarter of a mile from the airstrip and converged on the centre of attention - the Kamarang Playfield. There, Vice-President Allicock, Minister Hastings-Williams, Regional Chairman Bradford and Regional Executive Officer, Toshao Norma Thomas all took the salute. Vice-President Allicock, in acknowledging the leading role Upper Mazaruni District
continues to play in sport, urged them to continue in this vein which can serve as a springboard for attaining international status. After officially declaring the Games open, Director of Sport Christopher Jones said the Ministry of Education and the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport had contributed fuel for the games to the tune of $400 000, trophies for male and female champions as well as gear for a number of sport disciplines. However, what was monumental was the donation of floodlights for the Kamarang Playground which will ensure this year’s games and future games are played under floodlights - the first of such
developments in sport for the region. Also adding to the excitement was a cultural dance that showcased the talents of the indigenous people as well as a parade by the Master Guide Club from Paruima. The Mini Totem Pole, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs and Cell Phone giant Digicel, was also on display and persons were allowed photo opportunities with the sculpture. When the action got going Kamarang’s Male Tigers walloped Waramadong, while the encounter between the female teams saw a reverse in the results at the final whistle.
Cricket summer camp underway at DCC A NUMBER of youngsters yesterday kick-started the annual Cricket Summer Camp, facilitated by Na-
tional coach Garvin Nedd at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground in Queenstown.
Roughly over 70 youngsters, ages 10 and 16 were placed into three groups under the watchful eyes of
A youngster plays a forward defence stroke in the presence on National coach Garvin Nedd while other participants look on. (Delano Williams photo)
Nedd and former Guyana/ West Indies batsman Travis Dowlin as they seek to learn the fundamentals of cricket over the next few weeks. Speaking about the opening day of the camp, Nedd said he is elated at the turnout because this is the foundation they use to take players forward into the future. “I’m targeting the younger players, the ones who are now starting their cricket careers with some batting, bowling and agility work,” Nedd pointed out. Nedd said that he expects more students to jump on board as the camp progresses and thanked Dowlin for being a part of the camp.
Meanwhile, Dowlin in an invited comment said that he was happy to be assisting Nedd and giving back to the club and the sport which
gave him everything. The camp continues today at 09:00hrs and registration is $2 000 per child. (Rajiv Bisnauth)
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Tuesday November 03, 2015) 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) Warriors & Tallawahs (2) Knight Riders& Zouks
Today’s Quiz: (1) Which team did not make the ‘final four’ in the CPL for the first time? (2) Which team made it to the ‘final four’ in the CPL for the first time? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Sangakkara praises Tallawahs spirit after Hero CPL victory KUMAR Sangakkara said it was the spirit of the Jamaica Tallawahs that propelled the team to the 2016 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title on Sunday night, following a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over three-time finalists Guyana Amazon Warriors.The Warriors were bowled out for just 94 by the Tallawahs who then raced to 95 for 1 in 12 overs, securing an emphatic victory. Sangakkara was ecstatic. “It is absolutely fantastic. I think it is just a vindication of how the team has played, unbelievably well, led by the captain Chris Gayle,” he said. “A lot of people look at Chris from the outside and think that he is all casual and happy-go-lucky but he is a man with a lot of determination to win and when you are close and playing in the same side, you see that passion.” The Sri Lankan icon said that the entire squad contributed to the team winning their second CPL, the first to do so. “Credit to superman (Andre) Russell, unbelievable again. Kesrick (Williams) I think has been just a champion throughout, but every
single person has contributed,” he said. “From Imad Wasim to Shakib al Hasan to Jonathan Foo coming in for the last two games, and then Oshane (Thomas), just two games, the semi-final and the final and bowled outstandingly well. I think it just been a fantastic team effort.” The Tallawahs never let the Amazon Warriors into the game, with Russell claiming the wicket of Nic Maddinson in the very first over. For Sangakkara, that start in which they picked up key wickets, was what set up the victory. “The start was absolutely brilliant with Russell getting Maddinson, we talked about the lines to bowl to him and it was the perfect ball in the channel. Chris Lynn, unfortunately, probably got out to the worst ball bowled to him the whole tournament, he has been an absolute champion for Guyana. A lot rested on his shoulders and unfortunately for him it was not to be his day. He was always going to be the danger-man and once we removed him and Dwayne Smith, the two left-
Jamaica Tallawahs enjoy their moment of triumph after claiming their second CPL title on Sunday night in St Kitts.
arm spinners (Shakib and Imad) just made sure that the pressure was built, wickets were taken and the fielding was outstanding.” Sangakkara is now 38 years old, but here he was hitting the winning runs in the final of the Hero CPL. He says that being able to play an important role for the teams he is a part of, is what keeps
him going. “That is the whole point of playing. If you are not going to contribute to winning campaigns it is always hard to keep yourself going. It was a privilege at my age to come and play with these boys and still be of value.” Sri Lankan Sangakkara comes from an island nation that has punched above its
Seven sport disciplines for IGG in October THIS year’s hosting of the Inter-Guiana Games, renamed the Inter-Guiana ‘Goodwill’ Games, is scheduled to include seven sports disciplines, namely basketball, swimming, table tennis, track and field, badminton, volleyball, and futsal, and will be held from October 20 to 24 here in Guyana. It was revealed earlier this year that the annual tri-nation Inter-Guiana Games between teams from Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana will go on without the participation of French Guiana, hence the decision was made to rename the event, only for this year’s hosting. “Because we don’t have French Guiana participating
in these Games, this 2016 IGG is title IGG/Goodwill Games, between Guyana and Suriname. “In 2017 Guyana will host the IGG and, hopefully, we will have French Guiana back on board so we will continue as the three countries,” says Guyana’s Director of Sport, Christopher Jones. The idea of including another Caribbean nation in the Games had been considered, but that idea was later thrown out, keeping the competition between Guyana and Suriname. The various disciplines to participate at the event have been notified, and the details of the Games were finalised following a meeting last Wednesday between officials from both ends.
Christopher Jones
“Pursuant to a meeting with the Director of Sport and Policy Adviser from Suriname, (the NSC) would have met with our local
disciplines to ascertain the availability of their athletes to participate in the IGG at October month-end. We would have communicated that information to Suriname, and last week Wednesday I had to travel to Suriname to ink that agreement.” Jones explained. According to Jones, after being impressed with the facilities in Guyana the Suriname athletes are eager to come and be a part of the Games. “The Director of Sports and Policy Adviser of Suriname had the opportunity to visit our facilities and the report from them is that our facilities are of top quality so they are even more excited to come and play here in Guyana,” he disclosed.
weight over the years, just like Jamaica, and he says that the word 'Tallawah' which means strong-willed and fearless is the perfect name for this team. “I think the name itself says it all. Small, but proud and strong. You take setbacks, you take it on the chin and you come back stronger. That has been the story of
Jamaica, from its athletes to its cricketers, they show that Tallawahs spirit. And this was just the case, from Florida to here, to lose three games on the trot to win against Trinbago, come here and beat one of the best sides, it is just the epitome of the word 'Tallawah'.” (Sportsmax. com)
TT crowned Regional Under-19 champions TRINIDAD and Tobago’s victory over Guyana last Saturday in the third and final round of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Under-19 three-day tournament handed them the title by the narrowest of margins. TT finished with 37.0 points, ahead of second-placed Leeward Islands who ended on 36.8 points and Jamaica who ended on 36.4 points. TT won one match and drew two matches, but still copped the title after earning nine batting bonus points during the tournament. No other team got more than three batting bonus points. The TT U-19 cricketers will now focus on the 50-over competition which starts later this week. Thus far TT has won all the WICB youth cricket titles this year - they clinched the U-17 and U-15 titles recently. (Newsday article)
Dr Ivo Pitanguy, a world-famous plastic surgeon, carries the Olympic torch in Rio de Janeiro, last Friday. He died a day later. (Photograph: HANDOUT/Reuters)
India pursue series victory in St Lucia … but West Indies out to stop them in today’s third Test
Leon Johnson is set to open the West Indies batting with Kraigg Brathwaite today.
IT was the fightback the West Indies team desperately needed. It was the fightback the series needed, too. India were on course to another thumping win against West Indies in Jamaica before a Roston Chase-led fightback helped the hosts stave off defeat and keep the series alive. Now, in St Lucia's Darren Sammy Stadium for the third Test starting today, West Indies start off with the belief that they can make something special happen. India, still going into the game as strong favourites, will know that West
Brazilian 'butt-lift' surgeon dies after Rio torch relay
Indies aren't the mere pushovers they seemed to be in the inaugural Test. India currently lead the four-Test series 1-0, and with two games remaining, the Test at St Lucia takes a lot of significance. A win for India will seal the series for the visitors and allow them to go for the jugular at Port of Spain, while a win for the home side will give them a shot at winning the series in the final Test. India look a well-oiled machine with most departments working their way they want it to. None of the batsmen appear to be struggling for form, while
the bowlers, despite the struggle on Day 5 in Jamaica, have been on top for most of the time. In fact, India face a problem of plenty leading up to the third Test. Murali Vijay, if fit, will fight for a spot along with KL Rahul, who hit a fine hundred in Jamaica, and Shikhar Dhawan. Ravindra Jadeja has been warming the benches for both Tests, and could be a viable option should Virat Kohli decide he wants the extra spinner. West Indies, on the other hand, have dropped the out-of-form Rajendra Chandrika and picked Shai Hope in his Turn to page 19 ►
DR Ivo Pitanguy, one of the world’s top plastic surgeons who helped make Brazil a popular destination for the rich and famous to get work done, died on Saturday. He was 90. Pitanguy’s death came one day after he carried the Olympic flame that later lit the cauldron at the Games’ opening ceremony in Rio’s Maracana Stadium. Suffering various health problems, he carried the flame while sitting in a wheelchair. Pitanguy had a heart attack at his home in Rio de Janeiro, spokeswoman Patricia Sallum said. One of his signature surgeries earned the nickname the ‘Brazilian butt-lift’. His skills with the scalpel helped make beauty-obsessed Brazil a leading international destination for plastic surgery tourism and one of the countries where the most operations are performed. Pitanguy was said to have a long list of international jet-set types whom he operated on, though he was also careful not to release names. He became so successful that he commuted to work in a helicopter from a private island. Despite his fame and wealth, he also liked to help poor accident victims for free. Early in his career, he created a surgical wing of a hospital to treat those with few resources. Other hospitals followed suit, leading to several that offer discounted or even free plastic surgeries to the poor. Called the “philosopher of plastic surgery,” Pitanguy argued that beauty treatments can help people in the same way that psychoanalysis does because it helps break down internal barriers. In other words, changes made on the outside of the body can boost self-esteem. His body was cremated last Sunday. (The Guardian)
NSC/AAG launches Inaugural Track and Field Camp By Tamica Garnett
THE Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), in collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC), and philanthropic organisation, We HOPE Inc.,
yesterday launched the inaugural Track and Field Camp, which begins today and will culminate with the hosting of a meet on Saturday at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora. The event was officially launched yes-
terday at the National Resource Centre, with AAG president Aubrey Hutson, Director of Sport Christopher Jones, and president of We HOPE Inc, Claudia John, among others at the head table. John, an overseas-based Guyanese,
through her organisation, has donated 100 spikes to the young athletes, with her donation coming fittingly when the AAG is setting about to host the camp. The drive behind the camp is to address Turn to page 19 ►
Director of Sport Christopher Jones (seventh from left) with Matthew John, We HOPE Inc. president Claudia John, and president of the AAG, Aubrey Hutson, along with some of the athletes who will be taking part in the Track and Field Camp. Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016