CoI knocks judge No. 104578
FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 2016
Price: $80
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…for lengthy, 'unlawful' jail sentences
Anti-crime boost …GPF acquires forensic video P.3 analysis equipment
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Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan formally receives the forensic video analysis equipment from Canadian Counsellor and Head Development Cooperation Officer, Daniel Joly in the presence of Commissioner of Police (acting) David Ramnarine
‒ used in identifying car in KN grenade incident
GI taxi driver Cops cash in Take us seriously THAG raps gov't over ‘mishandling’ of tourism sector still critical 3
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…police among 300 allocated house lots during Berbice outreach P.10
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TAKE US SERIOUSLY 2
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 10, 2016
THAG raps gov't for ‘mishandling’ of tourism sector THE premier umbrella tourism body here, Tourism Hospitality Association Guyana (THAG) said it is disappointed at reports that Minister Cathy Hughes would be relieved of the tourism portfolio and also criticised the administration for not placing enough emphasis on the sector. There have been media reports of the move to reassign the tourism portfolio to Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin and have Hughes focus primarily on the telecommunications, which she was handed last year. However there has been no official announcement by the government on the change. In a strongly worded statement THAG said it is astonished and disappointed at the recent announcement in the media of the planned move of the tourism portfolio. “THAG is frustrated at yet another adjustment to the tourism portfolio whenever identified ministry’s focus is adjusted.” According to the body, at the commencement of the new government’s term in office, it had welcomed the identification of Mrs Hughes as a standalone Minister of Tourism; however this portfolio has been
THAG President Shaun McGrath
drastically diluted over the last twelve months to the proposed move being presented. “If the current Minister of Public Communication, with a strong background in and understanding of the industry, is too busy to address the needs of the industry, how could an equally demanding portfolio of the Minister of Business be able to devote attention to the Tourism Sector?,” THAG asked. THAG reaffirms that it is critical to the industry’s development to have a minister who has the time to focus on the sector’s development, understands the needs of the industry and auxiliary sectors; i.e. transportation, agri-
Minister of Public Telecommunications and Tourism, Cathy Hughes
culture, culture, arts and craft, and with the depth of knowledge of the key stakeholders’ ability to effect change. “We have noted that commitments to foster sector growth in the government’s manifesto, but with two budgets presented, this commitment remains largely undelivered. THAG now believes that the steps taken by government in the last year in the administration of the sector are regressive and disadvantageous to our development.” THAG noted that the tourism sector is keenly focused on answering President Granger’s call for a Green Economy and believes that tourism is one of
the few sustainable pillars in our country’s economy. The body said too that the Government of Guyana identified that tourism contributes 9% of revenue per annum to the GDP and the recently produced report from the Tax Advisory Board stated that because the capital/labour ratio is low, tourism is one of the sectors with the greatest job creation potential; however, no allowances have been made to build the industry. “Imagine what the industry could achieve with our own dedicated Minister of Tourism. We wish to make it absolutely clear; the Association finds no fault in Minister Gaskin. We only wish that the Tourism Industry would be afforded a level of serious commitment and appointed a standalone Minister. Tourism is an export drive industry that benefits everyone. The just concluded Jubilee celebrations offer the best example of Tourism’s impact on the economy and the nation. We all witnessed the trickle-down effect to market vendors, the impact on the local supermarkets, overwhelmed due to in-
creased demand, locations booked for events, craft shops with a surge of visitors seeking souvenirs, tours booked for locations across the country; such as Kaieteur Falls, accommodation fully booked, airlines with all seats confirmed, dining establishments on rotation trying to keep up with the constant flow of visitors and said visitors about to return to their homelands with good news of a booming destination and plans to return in the New Year. This is but one event, however many other opportunities exist for our booming destination that will require constant effort and engagement with the travelling public and industry operators, hence the need for a committed standalone Minister.” According to THAG, 2015 was a productive year for the sector, noting that having a minister who understood the needs and the concerns of the sector and was able to make representation “on our behalf at the regional and international arena was very well received.” The tourism body said in the past year, they
have been able increase product development and marketing budget for the sector. “We were able to acquire the support and commitment of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation to aid the implementation of the Tourism Satellite Accounting System in Guyana and recommit to the implementation of the Destination Guyana Marketing Plan. 2015 marked approximately 10 years since Guyana’s Tourism Minister attended World Travel Market, a major international tourism marketing event to meet with key industry partners and representatives to promote “Destination Guyana”. The meetings with the members of the Diaspora were also invaluable as they were instrumental in the decisions of many to return home for the Jubilee Celebrations,” THAG stated. THAG hopes that the restructuring is given further consideration and in the process the needs of the sector would be afforded greater consideration in the plan for the way forward.
Proposed hike in DHB tolls under consideration THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MoPI) has said that no decision has been made to hike tolls for the Demerara Harbour Bridge, but rather a proposal has been submitted to Cabinet for review. In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Public
Infrastructure said that despite media reports, there has been no increase in the tolls for the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB). The ministry referenced a June 8, 2016 edition of the Guyana Chronicle, under the headline “Cabinet clears new tolls for DHB,” which indicated that a decision was taken by Cabinet to increase tolls from $20 to $40 for motorcyclists and from $100 for $200 for motorcars. The tolls for buses and SUVs remain unchanged, the article said. However, the MoPI clarified that while the proposal to increase the tolls is indeed up for Cabinet consideration, approv-
al has not been granted. “Rather, the memorandum, submitted by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, was deferred. Minister Patterson is currently out of the country but is being represented by Minister within the Ministry, Annette Ferguson, who has confirmed the deferral of the memorandum and has indicated that the proposal is still being ironed out. Furthermore, the management of the DHB is unaware of any newly implemented tolls. MPI wishes to emphasise that the ministry and the DHB company will relay any official increase in tolls for the bridge.”
Anti-crime boost
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 10, 2016
…GPF acquires forensic video analysis equipment – used in identifying car in KN grenade incident By Rabindra Rooplall The Government of Canada on Thursday gifted the Guyana Police Force a forensic video analysis equipment and software packages under the Justice Education Society project. The simple handing over ceremony was done in the boardroom of the Ministry of Public Security on Brickdam. Present were Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, Permanent Secretary, Daneilla Mc Calmon, acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine, Canadian Counsellor and Head Development Cooperation Officer, Daniel Joly, Global Affairs Canada representative, Batoul Hussain, Justice Education Society (JES) Project Manager, Evelyn Neaman and representatives
from the Guyana Forensic Laboratory. Minister Ramjattan said the equipment will give the police force a boost as the same equipment and training were put to use in identifying the vehicle on a surveillance camera system when a grenade was tossed near the vehicle of Kaieteur News publisher Glenn Lall outside the newspaper’s office and printery. The video analysis training from the JES had helped in the investigations that led to a number of persons being taken into custody for questioning, the security Minister said. VIDEO ANALYSIS “A lot of people sometimes don’t realise what is required is analysis and competent people to under-
stand how to do the analysis of these video clipping we find when crimes are committed and how you go through the process of magnifying that, what to look for, like matching details on a vehicle.” He said from the first video provided by Kaieteur News it was found that the rear number plate appeared not to be present, but with magnification it was discovered that it was there but covered in mud. He pointed out that the training of police officers by the Canadians enhanced the ability of the Police Force in many areas. This has paid off in the reduction of crime by 16 per cent. Noting that government plans to place more closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras around
the city, he said the project execution unit of the Citizen Security Programme (CSP) is going to be making assessments based on what is known. He said service providers from certain companies from Canada, USA, China and UK among others will have to satisfy the IDB requirements in relation to procurement. SMART CITY PROJECT “As we speak, the Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum is in Mexico City, because there is a project by a Chinese company that has invited a number of Latin American and Caribbean countries to give an example of what they can provide in a Smart City Project,” Minister Ramjattan noted. He said officials have al-
Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan and Canadian Counsellor and Head Development Cooperation Officer, Daniel Joly at the handing over ceremony
ready been selected and a final plan will have to be executed. When these cameras that will aid in the upgrade of security are procured, the Security Minister said “these will be durable products being procured, not that when they are placed up after six months it (CCTV cameras) breaks up and fall apart, we will need to ensure that they can withstand the harsh climate,” he explained. Acting Commissioner Ramnarine said the Justice Education System (JES) has a dedicated group of individuals who have imparted a tremendous amount of knowledge to boost police officers and their operations in the field. “This has enhanced our ability to better investigate serious crimes. Coupled with this is that the current personnel in the CID are dedicated, academically qualified, enthusiastic and it seems to be very clear by now that there is pride in their work, this has caused more care and attention being given to the work done,” the Assistant Commissioner explained. “Coupled with the substantial amount of training that was received and will continue to be received, would lead us in a direction where all Guyana can be proud of the Police Force.” Canadian Counsellor and Head Development Cooperation Officer, Joly said the programme is being implemented by JES, which is a Canadian-based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) funded by the Government of Canada through the anti-crime capacity-building programme.
He said Canada is celebrating 50 years of bilateral relations with Guyana and the project is part of Canada’s commitment to promote freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law by strengthening the professionalism and accountability of law enforcement agencies. The capacity building efforts in Guyana are helping the Criminal Justice System to be more responsive to both the needs and concerns of citizens, Joly said, while the Minister of Public Security and head of the Police Force are seeing the benefits of the training courses and investigations in solving cold cases. “We are very pleased with the level of cooperation received both from the Ministry of Public Security, Legal Affairs, as well as the offices of the Chancellor of the Judiciary and the Director of Public Prosecutions and especially from the Guyana Police Force,” the Canadian official remarked. MONITORING HOT SPOTS He said he is certain that the equipment handed over will be put to good use since it is very timely, with the intended purchase of CCTV’s that will monitor the hot spots in Georgetown. Emphasizing that the cameras will gather massive amounts of information, Joly said the forensic video equipment being handed over will be used by specialists, who were appropriately trained by the JES programme for better analysis of video footage in aiding police investigations.
GI taxi driver still critical By Shirley Thomas
GLADWYN Brandis, the Green Ice (GI) taxi driver who was abducted, beaten and abandoned in Sophia on Tuesday night, remains warded at the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he has shown some improvements but his condition remains critical. Brandis has suffered a
fracture to the head besides lacerations and is unconscious. The 44-year-old father of five, who lives at 1170 Pigeon Place, South Ruimveldt was said to have been on duty on Tuesday night when he was hired. Though the details are still uncertain it would appear that he was either hired to go to Sophia or
was forced to divert to that location. He was at the time operating from the Aubrey Barker base and after he failed to return, the base despatcher tried to make contact with him by radio, but transmissions went unanswered. His car was subsequently found abandoned in Plum Park, Sophia on Wednesday
morning with Brandis in the back seat wounded and in an unconscious state. A neighbourhood resident recalled seeing the car parked at the roadside Tuesday night, but had no idea that something was amiss. However, next morning when the car was still there the concerned resident called the Green Ice taxi
service. Meanwhile someone peered into the car and saw the driver lying in the back seat unconscious. The police, as well as staff from the taxi service were alerted and visited the scene. The injured man was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where scans determined that he had suffered a fractured
skull and other injuries. His wife Nicole was too distraught to go into details, but said that he had been working as a taxi driver for some 18 years, and it was the first time that he has ever suffered in such a manner. However, she is thanking God that he is alive and is now praying for his full recovery.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 10, 2016
Obama officially endorses Hillary Clinton
PRESIDENT Obama has officially endorsed Hillary Clinton as the Democratic Party presidential nominee. His endorsement came after meeting Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders who has been battling Mrs Clinton for the nomination. Speaking in a video tweeted out by Mrs Clinton, Mr Obama said she may be the most qualified person “ever” for the role of President. The two are set to start campaigning together soon. “I want those of you who’ve been with me from the beginning of this incredible journey to be the first to know that ‘I’m with Her.’ I am fired up and cannot wait to get out there and campaign for Hillary,” Mr Obama said in the video. “Secretary Clinton and Senator Sanders may have
Obama is sporting the tie he wore on Tuesday. Bernie Sanders has said he will continue to campaign in Washington DC, leading up to the capital city’s primary next week - but expect most Democrats to close ranks quickly. The Vermont senator even struck a more conciliatory tone after a
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The Democrats clearly view the general election battleground as the industrial Rust Belt states. And for the first time since 1998 there is a popular, scandal-free second-term incumbent president working hard on the campaign trail to preserve his legacy. (BBC)
UN chief spars with Saudis over child victims
Mr Obama has made his endorsement official Mr Obama’s endorsement been rivals during this pri“means the world”. mary, but they’re both pa“It is absolutely a joy triots who love this country and an honour that Presiand they share a vision for dent Obama and I, over the the America that we all years, have gone from fierce believe in.” competitors to true friends,” The two ran against one she said. another for the Democratic Presumptive Renomination in 2008 and publican nominee DonMr Obama later made Mrs ald Trump tweeted that Clinton Secretary of State. M r O b a m a ’s e n d o r seSpeaking to Reuters ment means he wants “four following the endorsemore years of Obama” and ment, Mrs Clinton said “nobody else does”. Given the high production value of the video, the announcement had obviously been in the works for some time. In fact, astute observers have noted that Mr
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meeting at the White House, saying he looks forward to “working together” with the former Secretary of State to defeat Donald Trump. Mr Obama and Mrs Clinton will make their first joint appearance together in Wisconsin next week. Before that she’s visiting Ohio and Pennsylvania.
UN SECRETARY General, Ban Ki-moon says he faced “unacceptable” pressure to remove the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen from a blacklist over child casualties. Mr Ki-moon said a number of countries had threatened to cut off vital funding for many UN programmes. He said the decision to remove them from the UN list of violators of children’s rights was “one of the most painful” he’d had to make. Saudi Arabia denies the threats. THE UN announced on Monday that it had temporarily removed the Saudi-led co-
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alition from the child’s rights blacklist, which was published last week. In his first public remarks following the announcement, Mr Ban said he decided to do so after Saudi Arabia, along with some other Arab and Muslim countries threatened to cut off funding to UN humanitarian programmes. He said he “had to consider the very real prospect that millions of other children would suffer grievously if, as was suggested to me, countries would de-fund many UN programmes.” “It is unacceptable for member-states to exert undue
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pressure,” Mr Ki-moon told reporters at UN headquarters. Human rights groups had sharply criticised the decision to take Saudis off the list, saying the UN chief’s office had “hit a new low”. The Saudi Ambassador to the UN, Abdullah Mouallimi, denied that his Government had exerted pressure on the UN. “We did not use threats or intimidation and we did not talk about funding,” said Mr Mouallimi. On Monday, Saudi Arabia vigorously protested against the released UN report which said the coalition was responsible for 60 per cent of child deaths and injuries in Yemen last year. Saudi officials said the casualty figures were “wildly exaggerated”. Later that day, Mr Ban accepted a Saudi proposal to remove the coalition from the blacklist pending a joint review of the cases and numbers cited in his report. The coalition - which comprises Saudi Arabia and nine other Arab and Muslim nations, supported by the US and UK - began fighting the Houthis in March 2015, two months after the rebels drove Yemen’s Government from power and took full control of the capital, Sanaa. Last Thursday, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon issued his annual report on children and armed conflict, which described the situation in Yemen as “particularly worrisome”.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 10, 2016
Peru election goes down to the wire
ELECTION officials in Peru are counting the last remaining votes from Sunday’s presidential poll. With 99.5 per cent of the votes counted, former World Bank economist Pedro Pablo Kuczynski has a 0.23 percentage point lead over his rival, Keiko Fujimori. Both candidates have called for calm and say they are awaiting the final results. Election officials say counting was delayed by votes coming in slowly from
Keiko Fujimori wants to become Peru’s first female president
All pregnant women in Jamaica to be tested for Zika
THE Ministry of Health in Jamaica will require all pregnant women to be tested for the Zika virus. “When a woman is tested positive for being pregnant and she has to go through the initial stages of testing, we are going to require her to also do a Zika test, so that we can track, as part of the monitoring,” Health Minister, Dr Christopher Tufton announced on Tuesday. An unborn child is athigh risk of developing microcephaly – an abnormal smallness of the head,
which is associated with incomplete brain development – if the mother is infected with the Zika virus during her pregnancy. Zika has also been linked to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare, neurological disorder which causes muscle weakness and, in severe cases, paralysis and breathing problems, and the Ministry of Health is therefore preparing the Intensive Care Units and High Dependency areas at hospitals across the country in the event that persons are diagnosed with that illness.
“We will be getting additional ventilators; we will procure more and repair others that are not presently functioning,” Dr Tufton said. He had previously announced that his Ministry, through the National Health Fund, would provide J$1 million (US$8,014) to each Member of Parliament to support Zika activities at the constituency level up to the end of August. Up to a week and a half ago, 21 people, including two pregnant women had tested positive for the Zika virus. (Caribbaen360)
Once a woman becomes pregnant, she will have to be tested for the Zika virus
overseas and the remote Amazon region. The last ballot boxes arrived from Hamburg, in northern Germany, on Wednesday evening, election officials said. They said almost 900,000 Peruvians living abroad had been eligible to vote. Votes cast in the Peruvian Amazon were transported for large stretches by boat. Ballot boxes from the Apurimac and Ene valleys, where remnants of the Maoist rebel movement Shining Path are still active, had to be flown out for security reasons. The latest tally of votes is available at the Peruvian electoral commission (ONPE) website. Outgoing President Ollanta Humala urged the authorities “to deliver the results in the quickest and most-responsible manner”. The closeness of the result came as a surprise after polls in the run-up to the election had suggested Keiko Fujimori had a comfortable lead over Mr
Pedro Pablo Kuczynski is an economist who wants to revive Peru’s economy Kuczynski. Analysts said corruption scandals in Ms Fujimori’s Popular Force Party may have dented her support since April, when she comfortably won the first round of voting. She is the daughter of Peru’s former President, Alberto Fujimori, who is in jail for crimes against humanity. In the run-up to the second round, Mr Kuczynski portrayed Ms Fujimori as a “risk to democracy”, reminding voters of her father’s crimes and authoritarian style of Government.
But many Peruvians, who credit her father with defeating the Shining Path rebel movement, were drawn to her promise of being tough on crime. Mr Kuczynski, who is an ex-Wall Street financier, said he would use his international financial experience to promote economic growth. He has the support of prominent figures such as Nobel-Prize-winning novelist Mario Vargas Llosa and left-wing candidate Veronika Mendoza, who came third in the first round of voting.
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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
The diaspora conference
GUYANA can look forward with much hope and optimism in building and consolidating business partnerships when senior Government functionaries today meet with investors and executives in New York at an investment forum. All told, the occasion will target the Guyanese diaspora with the aim of bringing together Guyana’s leadership, the business community, corporate leaders and investors to explore the exciting investment opportunities in Guyana. The forum is important, as it is happening at a time when the economy is less than robust due to a downturn in markets for rice, sugar, gold and bauxite, all local major exports, in the international arena. The World Bank also in its latest report has projected that Guyana’s economy will record less growth in the next two years. Of course, the projections of the Bank are subject to change due to a volatile global environment, but undoubtedly, it points in the direction that much work is needed in the years ahead. And the New York confabulation can be the ideal forum for Government to build serious, genuine and long-lasting relationships with credible investors, so that Guyana’s economy can be given the impetus it needs in the years to come. When all is said and done, there is a whole lot that can be garnered from the diaspora in terms of business, tourism and skilled human resources. While efforts have been made to harness the wealth of this community, one can safely say that they were haphazard, piecemeal and lacked thorough attention. The Remigrant Housing Programme under the former administration readily comes to mind. Given these shortcomings, it would be useful for the Government to work to close the loopholes of this programme if it decides to go ahead with it, and to give attention to crafting a comprehensive programme for the diaspora. Foremost in all of this is the setting up of a diaspora desk or department that looks into the myriad areas of opportunities that are available to Guyana and look at ways of how Guyana can fully capitalise on them. In doing this, it would demonstrate that Guyana is not only talking the talk, but walking the walk when it comes to business. In all of this, Go-Invest has an important role to play, in not only engaging the diaspora in terms of business, but also in trying to woo large businesses to set up shop here. In this regard, such a forum as the one in the Big
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 10, 2016
Rights Commissions achievable before year end
PRESIDENT David Granger on Thursday said that establishment of the four rights commissions is achievable with the full cooperation of the Opposition by the end of this year and reiterated his commitment to meaningful consultations with the political Opposition to see this process through. The President was at the time responding to questions posed by a reporter during
the recording of his weekly programme ‘The Public Interest’. The commissions are: the Women and Gender Equality Commission, Indigenous Peoples’ Commission, Rights of the Child Commission, the Human Rights Commission and the Ethnic Relations Commission. “Each Minister is aware of the person in the Opposition with whom he or she has to deal on matters of State
policy… It is just a matter of form to ensure that there is consultation and there are many other issues on which we have to consult with the Opposition but there are no obstacles to consultation and it is the principle of the Coalition to ensure that there is consultation,” President Granger said. At a press conference subsequent to the President’s Public Interest recording, parliamentarian for the oppo-
sition People’s Progressive Party, Bishop Juan Edghill bemoaned the busy travel schedule of the Government Ministers which will end by June 20. Edghill saw this as hampering the work of the Committee of Appointments, especially since the Opposition holds a minority in that committee. Edghill, a former Chairman of the Ethnic Relations See Page 7
Time for action
Dear Editor
PLEASE allow me some space to ask for some action to be taken on behalf of the Guyanese people by this APNU+AFC Government. I have read in the papers this last week several reports of continued corrupt practices in various government ministries. As a miner, I am mostly concerned about the Ministry of Natural Resources, but as a Guyanese, I am very concerned about the ocean of corruption we are sinking under. Several allegations have emanated from the Ministry of Natural Resources revealing irregularities at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). This administration has audits, fraudulent documents, suspicious data, conflicting testimonies and public accusations of corrupt practices. We hear about bribes and the manipulation of data. We hear that the Land Management Unit has been implicated in several corrupt activities, yet there has been no shake up. We hear that
the GGMC has transferred the Gold Board at Charity to a private company owned by GGDMA members, nobody knows under what terms. We hear that the same people implicated in gold-smuggling are now the people receiving licences to buy and sell gold through the GGMC. The newspapers are filled with allegations of various “runnings” by the GGMC and the GGDMA members, yet we hear of no action by the Minister of Natural Resources. The Minister of Natural Resources famously stated that the ‘free for all’ days are over in the mining industry. But what actions has he taken. What has he done to stop this corruption? Sadly, it has been business as usual at the GGMC and the corruption continues. We agree that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and the work of prosecuting these crimes falls on the police. But the minister in charge of the departments should at least do something. At the least they should suspend those accused until the criminal probe is completed. It is
Apple City on Friday is vital in the sense that it serves as an avenue to establish linkages and building a network with entrepreneurs, both in the diaspora and farther afield, to take Guyana forward. Business in Guyana for years now has been more or less routine business with grocery stores, beverage shops, clothing establishments, hotels and entertainment spots crowding the market. There is hardly, and in some cases, no innovation at all to business, notably in the areas of medicine, technology and agriculture, even though Guyana is by and large an agricultural economy and a net exporter of food. It is clear that while the vision is probably there, Guyana lacked the expertise to venture into these areas, and would need to tap the expertise that can be had in the diaspora if it intends to move robustly in this direction.
reported that these corrupt practices are still occurring, which is to be expected because it is the same people in the same positions. We see where a crook robbed a tourist during the Jubilee week festivities he was swiftly hunted down and arrested and brought before the courts. The value of his crime was less than $20,000. Yet over a hundred billion taxpayers dollars have disappeared from various government ministries, more than $100,000,000,000 and no one has been arrested, brought to court or has even been suspended from their post. Where is the change we voted for in May 2015 Mr. President? Why spend all this money on audits if no action is to be taken? Please Mr. President, implore your ministers to do something. Take some action, at the least, clean house. The reports of malfeasance and fraud in most if not all government ministries are too much. You must do something! Please we beg you! It was reported during the last administration that Guyana was the most cor-
rupt country in the Caribbean and one of the most corrupt in the world. The various audits have proven this fact. The Government ran for office vowing to end such corruption. The people of Guyana voted for their agenda. People were heartened when they decided to audit the various departments and were not surprised to see the various schemes employed by the previous administration, their supporters, their friends and families to enrich themselves. Though the scale and the creativity were shocking, it is as if they constantly studied new schemes to rip off the country. How long must the Guyanese people wait for action, shall this government act or must the people of Guyana wait on another change of Government before Guyana loses its place as the most corrupt country in the Caribbean and one of the most corrupt countries in the world? Regards Very Concerned Citizen
And movement is this direction should not be ignored, since from the looks of things, the road ahead appears to be rough. But encouragingly, there are also a great number of opportunities to be had and it will require Guyana adopting a proactive approach to seize them. From the pronouncements of the Government, it understands the importance of creating the environment for business to grow and flourish. Highly encouraging is the decision to place greater attention to small business development, agro-processing and the hosting of business expos, among others. With these, one can expect the hosting of more investment conferences and seminars both locally and abroad. And in this regard, the Ministry of Business should consider introducing a Business Month or Business Week to celebrate and promote business in Guyana.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 10, 2016
Antonio Isles murder trial continues…
Shopkeeper ‘did not see anyone beating the person who was on the ground’ By Michel Outridge
THE case of murdered seaman Antonio Isles continued in the High Court yesterday before Justice Navindra Singh and a 12-member jury which saw four witnesses testifying. The first witness to take the stand was Carol Barry, who was then the shopkeeper at K Mark at Pike Street, Kitty, where the deceased Antonio Isles had a Guinness with Kelvin De Peazer on March 1, 2013. She told the court that on March 1, 2013 at about 20:30hrs Isles called “Montana” was passing the shop when De Peazer called him to have a drink. Barry added that De Peazer was having a beer while Isles had a Guinness and he spent a few minutes there and then he asked for a ‘light’ for a cigarette and exited the shop. She recalled that he spent about 10 minutes at the shop and she went inside to attend to customers and shortly after she heard some sounds, which she described as ‘lashes’ and sent De Peazer, who had remained at the shop, to go out to see what was happening. Barry said she saw a crowd and a few minutes elapsed and then she saw De Peazer return with Isles, who was staggering at the time. She told the court that Isles was placed to sit on a stone at the side of the shop and he did not look like his normal self since he appeared to be dazed. Barry stated that she went into the shop to get a soda
water for Isles and then told De Peazer to take him to the Kitty Police Station and to the hospital. She related that De Peazer left with Isles in a taxi. She admitted that she was unable to recognise anyone from the crowd that had gathered when she saw Isles lying on the ground in Pike Street, a short distance from the shop. Barry said when De Peazer brought Isles to the shop he had to assist him because he was unable to walk on his own. Meanwhile, during cross-examination by defence counsel Peter Hugh, the witness said that from inside the shop she could see De Peazer through a window and when she heard the noise she sent him to see what was going on. Barry told the court that she saw someone on the ground but could not make out who it was but she had a clear view even though the street light was not in working order. When questioned she stated that when she came out of the shop she did not see anyone beating the person who was on the ground. Defence Counsel Dexter Todd in cross-examination asked Barry who was present after the crowd had dispersed and she said it was just Isles and De Peazer she saw. She noted that the police came five days after to ask her how long Isles spent at the shop. The second witness, former Detective Constable Odel Percival said relative to a report of murder committed on Antonio Isles, on March 6,
2013 at 07:00hrs he contacted Kevin Washington and put the allegation to him after which he was cautioned. In response, Washington told him, “Offica meh ain’t do nun” after which he was arrested and taken to Kitty Police Station and placed in custody. In addition, Percival told the court he did intelligence gathering within the Kitty area which caused him to arrest Washington, who was known to him. Under cross-examination by Hugh, the former cop said he was not instructed to arrest Washington, but he was aware that he was at the time a minor. The third witness, Detective Sergeant Hubert Henry told the court that at that time he was the Officer-in-Charge of Kitty Criminal Investigations Department (CID). He told the court that relative to the murder of Isles he visited the crime scene on March 6, 2013 at 09:00hrs with a party of ranks in company of Margaret De Florimonte and Kelvin De Peazer. Henry added that they pointed out the spot where the incident occurred and they told him something and he checked the area and found nothing of evidential value but observed that the lamp post was in working order. The Detective Sergeant told the court that he later held a confrontation between De Florimonte and Washington in the presence of another rank where, she repeated her story and it was recorded as her statement. He pointed out
Rights Commissions ...
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Commission, warned, “If we spend more time on the FIU and the ERC and the other rights commissions don’t make it on the agenda, then this will be a delay. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, under whose portfolio governance falls explained that when the Coalition took Office, it did not find any records for the Commissions and as such, the process had to be started from beginning. He added that it was under the previous administration that these commissions were left to languish and that his office is working to ensure that they are all
operational as quickly as possible. “This process of meeting with stakeholders is on-going. The Constitution provides generally for a three year term of appointment for commissioners, which is a mechanism to foster maximum transparency and accountability. I, as Prime Minister, and my staff have since met with the UNDP [United Nations Development Programme] Resident Coordinator to ascertain best practices for the Human Rights Commission format since this Commission was never made operational under the PPP Government,” the Prime Minister said. He added that new com-
missioners will have to be constitutionally appointed and in this regard, the Parliamentary Committee on appointments has begun the process of meeting with national candidates for the Ethnic Relations Commission. Commissioners were last appointed for the Women and Gender Equality Commission, Indigenous Peoples’ Commission and Rights of the Child Commission in 2010, while the Ethnic Relations Commission has been without a chair since 2011. The Human Rights Commission, which has to be comprised of the chairpersons of the other four Commissions, was never constituted under the previous administration.
that he then cautioned Washington and he said, “I was there yes” and then I asked him if he wish to put it into writing and he said no. Henry added that Washington in his presence gave the oral statement freely and was not promised a reward or inducement nor was he assaulted or threatened. He told the court that he re-visited the crime scene and made contact with Dennecia Halley and told her father he would like to have an interview with her and would like him to be present. She was taken to CID at the East La Penitence Police Station where the allegation was put to her then she was cautioned and she said, “Meh
ain’t beat nobody.” Henry stated at that point he asked Halley if she wished to put that in writing and she declined based on her father’s advice. He told the court that the interview was not complete because Halley’s father started to misbehave. Henry added that he also held a confrontation between De Peazer and Washington and the allegation of murder was put to him but he was cautioned. Washington said, “I was there yes” but did not wish to put it into writing. Henry told the court that he made efforts to locate the other persons whose names were mentioned but were unable to locate them so the probe remains incomplete. He
related that based on advice he charged Washington and Halley for the murder of Isles. The state prosecutors are Michael Shahoud and Orinthia Schmidt, while the defence counsel are Peter Hugh and Dexter Todd. Isles, 40, of Lot 248 Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown was allegedly beaten by a group of persons at Pike Street on March 1, 2013. The seaman was admitted to the GPHC and later succumbed to his injuries. A post-mortem examination performed by Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh gave the cause of death as a fractured skull. The trial continues today at 09:00hrs.
Going undercover as a sex worker --A photojournalist describes how she posed as a prostitute to follow the trade in human flesh By Mimi Chakarova SOMETIMES I wonder if I would do it again. That’s the funny thing about life. Experience comes in random, sporadic servings. It’s only years later that the story takes shape. I didn’t intend to spend more than a year covering human trafficking. It ended up taking a decade. I didn’t intend on reporting in more than two countries. So, how did I end up in nine? Before my trips, my mum used to ask: “It took us so many years to get out of poverty, why do you keep returning there?” I would sit in her kitchen and the only answer that would come to mind was: “It’s so damn familiar.” I can say the same about the Balkans. Each time the plane landed, I was home. It could have been Turkey, Greece, Albania, Bulgaria (my birth country), or Macedonia - I wasn’t an outsider. I understood the culture, the rawness of our ways, the dark humour of our days. But there is one thing I couldn’t understand. What had happened to us? How did we start selling our own girls? How did we make profit from deceit and violence? At first, I was a photojournalist. I saw the world through the camera. And my idea was to return to my origins and find girls who had survived
and escaped their traffickers and pimps. I knew about the shame and stigma in our culture. I knew that once a girl was forced into prostitution, she could never return and expect her village to understand her ordeal. She was judged, trashed, discarded - even by her own family. The ‘break down’ It took time to find women who had survived. I went to shelters; I met with lawyers and social workers. And when I finally sat there with one young lady, and took out my camera, I saw an indescribable terror in her eyes. I assumed that she was afraid of being photographed and recognised by those whom she had escaped. But that was far from the truth. The camera reminded many of the young women of their experience of being trafficked. They were often photographed by the pimps during what is known as the “break down” period - days or weeks of torture and rape designed to break down the spirit and resistance of their victims. Some were videotaped while being gang-raped. It was an effective method of control. “If you ever try to run away, we have the photos here as proof. We know where you live. We’ll send them to your father, to your mother,” they were told. I understood that the cam-
era had become my foe. It would take time and trust. In some cases it took months, in some years. I pulled out a notepad instead and listened to their stories. I returned whenever I could. And over time, I started piecing together the reality of sex trafficking. I began to understand what greased its wheels - persistent poverty, demand and corruption. Showing the faces of these young women was no longer enough of a testament to their courage and strength. The missing piece of the puzzle was what happened to the women once they were sold in the countries that exploited them as sex slaves. I decided to follow their route, making my way to the red-light districts and brothels of Istanbul, Athens, Dubai, Prague ... ‘The banality of evil’ It was dangerous. But there was another problem. As a woman, I couldn’t pose as a client as many of my male investigative colleagues did. I also had no budget for this work so coming up with a more elaborate undercover trafficking operation wasn’t a viable option. I had to become one of the women. I had to devise a plan that could get me into these spaces. And I had to bring in hidden cameras and film what I was seeing. The banality of evil helps its disguise.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 10, 2016
The business of co-ops WE were all young men; none of us pioneers were yet 20 years old, but we were not to be confused with the National Service. Of course, we came from different backgrounds, with different grass-root stories, but when we all landed at Kuru Kuru in 1973, the one thing we were certain of was that we were there to help build a multilateral college, and we would be the first students. That was the lure the recruiters used to entice us to join the Pioneer Corps that would enter Kuru Kuru. We would all later understand why that lure was concocted, because parents understood the necessity of trade-skill training, as against this new concept of the State agenda of agricultural cooperatives. We were given a stipend of $20 a fortnight, of which $4 would go to savings. Some of us, like my buddy, ‘Big Bear’ Cyrus Boyce, were chainsaw operators; we were building log cabins for the managerial staff and their wives. We pioneers were located in tents on the slope leading to the memorable Kuru Kuru Creek. Our toilets were the surrounding forests, which we engaged with cutlass and shovel, well aware of the Annie ants whose bite would temporarily paralyze, with fever. We offered support to the professional builders, supplying water to big contractors like Turner & Sons. We also acquired night construction work with the local small contractors like Mr Pickering at reasonable wages, because those funds bought the ‘drain pipes’, ‘fat pants’ and chambray shirts for our visits to The Nook at Soesdyke, where girls, music and beers lay waiting. THE STUPID MYTH We were young men who ran on the two-and-a-halfmile red loam road, from the Linden Highway, because
someone had started the stupid myth that jaguars liked to pounce on lazy strollers. Subtly, we were guided into farming projects. We were taught block-making with the right mixtures. One of our first projects was to build a piggery, then chicken pens that were located further away. (We were forced to reinforce the pens after the ocelots had a chicken feast. We enjoyed their frustration when attempting to breach the stronger fencing; we shone those field hand-torches and watched as they retreated into the bushes). At Kuru Kuru, I began to hate our zoo, which, to my mind, was a sanatorium for animals, whose natural instincts were being stifled in those small cages. We developed farmlands further along the creek; this had to be done skilfully because the soil of that part of the highway was not very conducive to cash-crop farming. Only one man was planting pines on the ‘Highway’ then; one Mr. Glasglow, who also sold cigarettes. And according to Skipper Gordon and Copper, who managed us, he made a mean local liquor. We were later moved to some barrack rooms, which were built by GDF ranks, with our support. We still slept on ‘jackasses’ (bush wood expanding crocus-jute bags). We were upset when the catering girls were moved in with proper beds in their spanking new dormitories. THE PROTEST CARTOON I drew a protest cartoon, and we delivered it in quite a serious mood to the principal, Mr Basil Armstrong, whom we liked. We then retired to bed, grumbling to our ‘jackasses’. About two weeks later, the Minister of Cooperatives, William Haynes, came into
--A biography of the Kuru Kuru; a jubilee record
our corner of the now finished college with enough beds, talking about the little cartoon. The Minister was in a good mood, so we relaxed, and thought that this was the end of the cartoon protest. We were so wrong. Back then we were called K.A.Y.S., or Kuru Kuru Agro-industrial Young Settlers Coop. We had worked our way into the initial government plan, and were now comfortable in that mould. The Kuru Kuru Coop College was launched in early 1974. The group of young men that comprised KAYS was the support labour that built that institution. At the launching, Prime Minister Forbes Burnham urged us to be independent; to value our labour and not to end up having to retire at 55, then die a few years later from a feeling of hopelessness in the prime of our lives. Then after the speech, he spoke about the now infamous protest cartoon. I wanted to sink into the earth, but my fellow pioneers urged me forward. His words to me that day were: “Use your talent to tell the stories of our heroes,” heroes I was unaware of at the time. But that’s another story.
LIFE AT KAYS KAYS had to function within a co-op business format; sell to co-ops mainly. This was frustrating, as many of the co-ops were hardly managed by business people, and proved our worst nightmares. While as secretary [at 17 years old], we cultivated an independent group of support with people like Blaire’s Delight at Linden, who would drop in and order produce then return for his order and leave a cheque. There was a co-op at Linden that was hopeless. We also took on contracts from the College. Many tired evenings, we absorbed the lessons on book-keeping taught to us by Mr. Lakeram Persaud. This would come in useful months later, when we were visited by a group of lily-white shirt- jacked folk. That’s the first time I would hear the word ‘auditors’. They proceeded to ask questions about how we operated financially. Our esteemed college staff would frequently send the catering girls to pick up eggs, chickens, tomatoes etc from us. Following Mr. Persaud’s cue, I had them sign details consisting of: For whom,
amount, and their signature on behalf of whom. The auditors left as calmly as they came. The college staff were a little stiff with us for a period, but things soon returned to normalcy. BOYS TO MEN We had grown from boys to men. By then, the college had students from the Caribbean and the University of Guyana. Miss Vashti Werner was the head of the Home Economics section; Rigby Dover was our manager and secret political mentor. Nurse George was the resident medical person; so when my left foot was burnt while attempting, with Chalmers, to light the fireside with gasoline, I became domiciled in the college’s exclusive medical quarters. There I was nurtured and fed by the ‘home-ec’ girls, whose food was heaven compared to Brother Fitzroy Billy’s elastic eat-now-or die bakes, and Cookie’s skimmilk laxative cook up. Eventually, ‘Orlando’ Gordon, Bamfield, and some other KAYS members grudgingly escorted me away from the comfort of the medical quarters. THE CONNIVING ACCOUNTANT One incident that reso-
nated with us all was when we approached a gentleman who was the accountant at the Ministry of Cooperatives about the $4 saved for us while we were pioneers. With me were Gordon, Tilak, ‘Pointer’, Bamfield and others. We stopped this man and, pointing at me, he responded: “What are you and them going to do with money?” We were too shocked to answer as he walked away. Years later, in 1991 at Luciano’s Snackette on King Street, there was the gentleman. By this time, he was part of a popular anti-government movement, with a small audience. His self-righteousness was aggravating; so, reminding him of our pioneering savings, and his arrogance. I even implied that he stole it. That was too much for the goodly gentleman, so he left. Too short is one article to tell the story of KAYS and its environment. I conclude by mentioning the following names, as I remember them: Brian Hector; ‘Swagger ’ Jones; ‘Fat Boy’, whose hobby was minding scorpions and snakes as pets; Lloyd Pickering; Murtland Paul; Keith James; Percy Muhkram; Chippy Luke; Jap-head; Eric Hohenkirk; Rudolph and Sammy; ‘Baby’Norman, the youngest; Harry Narine; and the memorable ‘Joe Slay’ Fernandes; ‘Quarters’ Barnes; Erleen; Grace and the aatering girls; Terry the electrician who married Erleen; and too many others whose energies demonstrated that the positives of Burnham’s co-operative movement, in this case, was ahead of the bureaucracy mandated to shepherd its success.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 10, 2016
PPP yet to name members for local gov’t commission By Derwayne Wills
THE People’s Progressive Party is still to name its nominees for the Local Government Commissionmore than a month after it was written to by Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, on the issue. Local Government Elections were held in March, but the Local Government Commission is still to be convened. The commission is expected to deal with appointments and discipline of non-elected local government authorities, thus taking that responsibility from the Minister of Communities. At a press conference at their party’s Robb Street headquarters, PPP Chief Whip Gail Teixeira sought to lay blame at the foot of the Government, ignoring the fact that that her party had failed to respond to Minister Bulkan on the issue. The commission will include eight commissioners. Four will be appointed by the President; three will be nominated by the Opposition Leader for appointment by the President; and one from the Parliamentary Committee of Appointments. Teixeira said the Parliament Committee’s one nom-
ination was done some six weeks ago in consultation with the trade unions in the local government system. “There have been more than three sittings [of the National Assembly] since we made the decision, and there seems to be no haste on the Government side to get the motion into Parliament,” Teixeira told reporters on Thursday. Teixeira even went as far as saying that Bulkan is yet to write to the Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to request his three suggestions for appointment as commissioners by the President. She added that there were attempts made to encourage Minister Bulkan to approach the Opposition Leader in writing in order to acquire the constitutionally mandated three nominations from the Office of the Opposition Leader, but “he (Minister Bulkan) never answered.” However, the Ministry of the Presidency in response to the allegation challenged Teixeira’s position, producing a titled “Operationalisation of the Local Government Commission” which was delivered to the Opposition Leader’s Church Street office on May 12 of this year. The ministry’s release
noted that the letter had been signed for by someone at the Opposition Leader’s office on the day of delivery, and that “an acknowledgement of the letter was only received from that office yesterday, June 9, 2016.” Teixeira, earlier on Thursday vehemently denied her party’s leader was in receipt of any such letter from the relevant minister. “He has not done it. There is no letter to the Leader of the Opposition!” she said emphatically, referring to Minister of Communities, Minister Bulkan. “He can’t blame the PPP for not setting up the commission,” Teixeira noted, adding that the Minister of Communities is still yet to name his nominee, and is similarly expected to advise the President on the need for the President to provide three names to the commission. Teixeira went on to accuse the Government of deliberately holding back the setting up of the Local Government Commission in order to “fill the vacancy to replace our overseers and town clerks, as they did at the regional level with the REOs (Regional Executive Officers), prior to the Local Government Commission
A snapshot of the letter purportedly sent and received at the Office of the Opposition Leader by Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan
coming into being.” In its release, the Ministry of the Presidency reiterated the need for the Opposition Leader
to name his nominees to the Local Government Commission. “This body is critical to management of matters related to the
regulation and staffing of local government organs and with dispute resolution within and between local government organs.”
13 injured in bus, car collision at La Union THIRTEEN persons were injured Thursday morning after a minibus and car collided in the vicinity of La Union, West Coast Demerara. Police reports disclosed that the accident occurred at 5:50hrs as minibus BPP 700 was proceeding south along the eastern carriageway and motorcar HC 407 was heading north along the western carriageway. The front left side wheel of the car is said to have developed a mechanical problem that caused the driver to lose control and encounter a head-on collision. It was further disclosed that all three persons in the car were injured and the driver was listed as critical after being taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital. Ten persons were also injured in the minibus, but an elderly man jumped out of the front passenger seat window with minimal injuries.
The two vehicles after the collision
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 10, 2016
Ramjattan: High unemployment among youths leads to criminality
By Rabindra Rooplall “WE ARE having some bad economic times and generally in times like these there will be increased unemployment, especially at the youth level. And indeed our youth unemployment level is pretty bad and this causes the young and even old people to start getting idle and criminality begins to be on the upsurge if and when we don’t contain it with other means; and this is what we are doing to help in that process,” Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has noted. He made this disclosure after receiving forensic video analysis equipment and software packages under the Justice Education Society project from the Canadian government yesterday in the boardroom of the Ministry of Public Security on Brickdam. The Security Minister said the government has been receiving support from the Americans, Canadians, British, Russians and Chinese in gaining resources to combat
criminality. He also noted that within the last two years, the ministry has had the highest number of officers on training programmes overseas to enhance their outlook on policing and security. “Interactions with police around the world with training seminars are all helping and of course I am not interfering with this process, if there is any interference is that I want the rogue cops to be caught,” he declared. A 2015 Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) study stated that Guyana’s unemployment rate was at 40% and based on a quantitative assessment, the cost of excess youth unemployment runs into US$ millions for government. The study entitled “Youth are our Future: The Imperative of Youth Employment for Sustainable Development” noted in-depth interviews conducted in the region, a number of causes and consequences of youth unemployment. Among factors identified were the state of the
participation in anti-social behaviours, participation in negative behaviours as a consequence of social exclusion, low self-esteem, hopelessness and ambivalence. And at the household level, the impact included a reduction in disposable incomes to support unemployed youth and a greater burden on caregivers and other household members.
Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan
economy; structure of the labour market, lack of relevant skills, lack of experience, lack of knowledge of vacancies, constrained opportunities due to health status or disability, location, stigma and discrimi-
Cops cash in SOME 300 houselots ranging from $92,000 to $300,000 were allocated to Berbicians during an outreach by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) on Thursday. The houselots were distributed to residents in Kilcoy/Chesney, Bloomfield, Ankerville, Number 77 and Number 76 Housing Scheme to members of the Guyana Police Force and residents who had previously applied. Speaking at the Albion Sports Complex where the distribution was held, Minister with responsibility for Housing, Valarie Adams-Patterson, said the exercise was to reach out and provide affordable housing to citizens. “Today is one of many events planned to interact and assist the public. We
have houselots available, so we came and do onthe-spot allocations. Those who do not have an application in [the] system, they can also do the requisite and have their applications filled on site.” Successful outreaches were also done in New Amsterdam, Linden and Lethem and will continue in Region Five today. During the first session of the outreach, applications from ranks of the Guyana Police Force were seen and processed. The second half of the day was dedicated to deal with residents’applications. Based on a request by the Police Association, ranks who had applications in the system but were not allotted houselots, were given their s on the spot. Aside from the houselot distribution, issues fac-
nation due to age, ethnicity, criminal record, gender, motherhood, poverty, area of residence, disability; a reactive approach to gaining employment due to negative experiences of employment (by self or from others), lack
of work ethic, belief that opportunities are limited due to social class or political affiliation. Direct personal consequences of youth unemployment identified included the lack of means to support self,
CONSEQUENCES The consequences at the community and national levels were high youth crime rates, poor health, poverty, community degradation (as shown up in graffiti, vandalism, and unsafe environments), lost revenue from employment taxes and lost national output, as well as higher public expenditure to address causes and consequences. The study finds that despite the existence of several core components for addressing youth unemployment across the region, the overall system is fragmented and disjointed.
…police among 300 allocated houselots during Berbice outreach
Minister with responsibility for Housing Valarie Adams-Patterson (second right) interacts with a resident at the outreach on Thursday
ing residents pertaining to housing were also addressed. Meanwhile, ‘B’ Division Commander Ian Amsterdam, who was also at the outreach, said ranks who will be housed in the area will make the community safer.
Special Constable Eartha Caesar, now a proud owner of a houselot, said she is delighted to have finally received one after applying since 2011. Caeser intends to commence building as soon as she can. “I can now breathe
a breath of relief to finally be the owner of a houselot. I was allotted a land at Fort Ordinance and it feels like a dream come through, cause since then I applied and today I come and everything taken care of, I am very proud,” she said.
Special Constable Eartha Caesar
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 10, 2016
CoI – Camp Street Prison
$400,000 per year to maintain a prisoner – repeat offenders increased by over 100% THE State spends approximately $485,000 on one prisoner per year at the Camp Street penitentiary, which amounts to $1,329 per day, while repeat offenders have increased by over 100%. This was disclosed in the findings of the recent Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Camp Street prison riot that claimed 17 lives following a fire on March 3rd. According to the CoI report, which the Guyana Chronicle has seen, the figure represents a more inclusive and up-to-date calculation, which was submitted to the CoI. However, it was noted that government’s Strategic Plan of 2010-2015 lists the figures as $334,617 per prisoner each year, which amounts to $920 per day for each prisoner. The per capita cost is arrived at by dividing the total operating cost (including overheads) by the
total prisoner population for the relevant year. SUBSTANDARD ACCOMODATION The report further revealed that as at February 29th, 2016, the Georgetown Prison housed 979 inmates and this is estimated to be 448 or 84% over the maximum accommodation capacity. According to the report, the prison should only house a maximum of 531 prisoners. It was noted that of the 979 detainees, 55 are living in dormitories five times smaller than the recommended standard prescribed for that number; 61 are living in areas four times smaller than recommended; 123 are living in areas three times smaller than the recommended standard; 311 are living in spaces two and a half times smaller than the recommended areas and 205 are living in areas half the recommended size. “In overall terms, only 79 of the 979 inmates live
in areas that meet international standards with respect to space. Almost half of inmates (47%) are living in enclosed spaces with three times as many people as is recommended for minimum standards of physical and mental health, to say nothing of human dignity,” the CoI concluded. According to the report, considerations of air, light, absence of regular running water and inadequate waste disposal facilities need to be taken into account, pointing out that food quality deteriorates as the prison budget stretches to cover more meals than originally calculated. The personal hygiene of prisoners deteriorates as well. “As the problem gets worse, inmates spend more and more time locked down in these harsh conditions, unable to move to work stations, recreational facilities, educational classes and other activities because such activities are sacrificed to the
Rain halts work on Kwakwani all-weather road MUCH to the dissatisfaction of minibus drivers who ply the Linden-Kwakwani route, the construction of an all-weather road between the two locations has not commenced despite a budgetary allocation of $55M. The drivers claim to be suffering as a result of the current state of the 150-mile road, which is at present a rough mixture of slush, condensed soil particles and enormous pot holes. According to one bus driver who identified himself as ‘Tiger’, the condition of the road has caused several accidents over the years, especially when it rains. The minibus drivers are calling on the relevant authorities to have the road construction expedited since they have been suffering for over seven years. “This access road has been in a deplorable state for as long as I can remember and it is really taking bread out of our pockets,” he lamented, supposedly speaking on behalf of the others. A n d R e g i o n al Vice-Chairman, Elroy Adolph, who hails from Kwakwani is hoping that the present contractor is changed once the road con-
struction commences, since he has been failing the drivers and residents miserably. He also posited that the aggregates used to complete this task are mediocre and incompatible with the natural soil of the roadway. According to Adolph, the materials are sluggishly thrown on the surface and roughly graded down. When heavy duty trucks and other vehicles pass, the road is opened and left with huge holes. When it rains, the vehicles experience tremendous difficulty to pass and have to engage in team pushing as the vehicle often becomes stuck. “When the rain fall, we does have to lay planks on the road for the vehicles to pass as the state the road was in made it impossible to drive through,” said bus driver ‘Tiger’. Under normal weather conditions it would take a bus driver approximately three hours to reach their destination, but in inclement weather it would take about 4-5 hours. This would result in the consumption of additional gasoline as the vehicle would face a tremendous battle with the challenging conditions of the road. In addition, the
Vice-Chairman recommends that quality materials be used to construct the roads. “Is seven years that this contractor continues to use the same type of materials on the road and it continues to fail us so we need proper materials,” commented ‘Tiger’. And also commenting on the issue was Regional Chairman, Renis Morian, who told this publication that the road has been tendered for, and the sum of $55M has been allocated for its construction. Although a contractor has not yet been awarded the contract, he has advised contractors to gather up their work force so that commencement can start immediately as the weather permits. “I have told the contractors to gather up their force so they can start right after,” he said. Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson, during a recent visit to Kwakwani, revealed to the residents that the $55M will not allow for a bituminous road but his ministry was in the process of securing a loan for such construction and this was roundly applauded by the residents.
The scene following the recent riot at the Georgetown Prison
need of overworked prison officers to complete the basic tasks of supervising meals and ablution schedules,” the report noted. It is the view of the Commissioners that the combination of overcrowded, uncomfortable and unhygienic confinement are ideal conditions for epidemics, for gangs to prosper and to propagate
discontent. Moreover, the CoI found that reducing numbers in prison to manageable levels is the single most important priority for establishing safe, humane and purposeful prisons. It was further noted that repeat offenders have increased by over 100%, “indicating not only a waste of taxpayer dollars but also
the need for a more comprehensive and structured partnership within the wider justice system.” Chairman of the Commission was Justice James Patterson and the other Commissioners were Dale Erskine, a former prisons director, and Merle Mendonca, a human rights activist.
ByFar eez aHani f f
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 10, 2016
Cameras on you THE many Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed around the city have aided the police in identifying a number of reckless drivers, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has said. He said too that the cameras have also helped with the prosecution of most of the drivers. CCTV is a TV system in which signals are not publicly distributed, but are monitored, primarily for surveillance and security purposes. It relies on strategic placement of cameras, and observation of the camera’s input on monitors somewhere. Ramjattan made the comments after receiving Forensic Video Analysis Equipment and Software packages
under the Justice Education Society from the Canadian Government yesterday. He received the donation in the boardroom of the Ministry of Public Security. Brickdam, Stabroek. “Cameras in and around the city caught drivers jumping red lights, driving fast,
driving dangerously and recklessly; what we do with these equipment’ is to get the video and send it to drivers. What has been happening in our court system is the minute you charge a driver, he pleads not guilty, but when the videos are sent to them they all plead guilty,” he disclosed. This, he said, has eased the backlog of cases at the Magistrate Courts since many plead guilty instead of wasting the court’s time when a DVD is sent to them showing what had occurred. The Security Minister said the guilty pleas rose to its maximum while drivers are wasting no time in pleading guilty and paying their required fines. He explained that this is a major benefit of the CCTV’s
cameras. In its recent report on the traffic situation here, the Guyana Police Force disclosed that there were almost 400 offences of drivers caught violating the traffic signals or breaking the traffic laws.The police then located the vehicle and if possible the person in the CCTV footage and replay the violation. While most of
…Ramjattan says CCTV reins in scores of reckless drivers the drivers would own up to their crimes, the police said that there are some drivers who would deny being the driver at that time—if this is the case, then contact will be made with the owner of the vehicle and the police will then try to locate the driver. This newspaper was told that the cameras are being monitored by the police on a daily basis
at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary. “We have a special task force set up to deal with CCTV at Traffic headquarters. We get a disc with the footage here and when we locate the drivers, we bring them and play the footage for them,” one senior traffic officer noted. He said that the CCTV has been very helpful to the Traffic Department.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 10, 2016
Attack on KN...
Woman among 12 in custody The impounded car identified in the video footage and reportedly linked to the tossing of the grenade on Saffon Street at the vehicle of the Kaieteur News publisher
TWELVE persons are in police custody including a woman who appears to be the owner of the vehicle suspected to have been used when a grenade was lobbed outside Kaieteur News at Saffon Street last Saturday evening. Police reports disclosed that detectives are convinced that very soon they will be able to find the mastermind behind the recent attack. Investigators are trying to put the puzzle together as everyone in custody is pointing fingers at the other amidst conflicting reports. However, most of the persons in custody agree on a key individual whom police are seeking. Police had approached the court Wednesday for an extension of the 72 hours in which they may hold suspects during the probe. The first person who was taken into custody was a 19-yearold driver. That car was later found abandoned at Norton Street and Mandela Avenue. He has reportedly confessed to being the driver of Toyota Spacio, PSS 5252 from which someone tossed a fragmentation grenade at Kaieteur News publisher Glenn Lall’s vehicle Saturday last. The driver reportedly abandoned the vehicle after crashing into an
elderly woman near Norton Street and Mandela Avenue, shortly after the device was thrown. Police Tuesday morning arrested six men and seized the motorcar. The police appear to be close to identifying the mastermind and motive behind the attack. When the device was thrown, Lall and several staffers were in close proximity outside the Kaieteur News premises, where a wake was being held for Kaieteur News Assistant Editor Dale Andrews. Police said 15 detectives are working on the case to ensure that all ends are covered. Video footage from a Kaieteur News CCTV camera shows the grey-coloured vehicle, heading north, slowing as it approached Lall’s vehicle. The occupants then accelerated after the device was thrown. The grenade, discovered by staff of the newspaper, did not explode although it was later discovered that the pin had been removed. The police later exploded the device at the Kitty seawall. United Kingdom High Commissioner James Quinn, government officials and the Guyana Press Association (GPA), among others, have condemned the act.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 10, 2016
US$40,000 reportedly vanishes from City Hall had received no such donation. “There was no money paid to the Treasury or scope of works sent to the Engineering Department. So we don’t know where this $8M
Former M&CC Protocol Officer Waynewright Orderson
By Svetlana Marshall FORMER Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) Protocol Officer Waynewright Orderson has been called in for questioning in connection with the disappearance of US$40, 000 that was allegedly donated to City Hall. In November 2015, the Chinese Embassy reportedly donated US$40, 000 to the City Council to assist with a beautification programme, but when a progress report was sought recently, both the Council and the Administration were clueless as to where the money was. They reportedly had no knowledge of the donation. On Thursday, Mayor Patricia Chase-Green told the Guyana Chronicle that the City Constabulary has launched an investigation into the missing funds, while confirming that Orderson was called in for questioning. The missing funds were brought to light last Tuesday when Ambassador of the Federal Republic of China Zhang Limin sought a progress report while paying the Mayor a courtesy call. Mayor Chase-Green said it was during that meeting that she was informed by the
Mayor Patricia Chase-Green
Chinese Embassy that the Global Friendship Foundation had received US$40, 000 on behalf of the municipality. “They [Chinese Embassy] thought that the foundation was a part of the municipality, but that is not so,” the Mayor told this newspaper. The Global Friendships Foundation is a non-profit citizen diplomacy network, which creates and strengthens partnerships between Georgetown and other cities, and communities internationally. In 2014, the foundation was chaired by the former Mayor Hamilton Green. Chase-Green is however maintaining that the Council
went or who would have received this money on behalf of the Council. We are told a foundation, but I don’t know.” Asked whether the Guyana Police Force will be
called in to assist with the investigation, Chase-Green did not respond in the positive nor negative, simply maintaining that an investigation is ongoing. “All we are asking is for
the individual or individuals to say to the Council what work was done to the tune of $8M, who authorise the work and if no work was done, where is the money?”
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Cabinet press briefings to resume next week POST-CABINET press briefings will continue as per normal from next week, according to President David Granger who gave a full commitment to hold the conference which has not been held since April 20. President Granger told reporters on Thursday during his Public Interest programme that: “It is not a question of transparency. It was an administrative lapse, and we will correct that and have the meeting more frequently.” President Granger’s pronouncement earlier Thursday morning was not released for public consumption until last evening. However, the parliamentary opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) raised the very issue at a press conference it held calling the Granger administration out on its commitment to provide public information.
The statement from opposition chief whip, Gail Teixeira, and her colleague MP Bishop Juan Edghill, was in relation to reports of an increase in tolls for the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB). A press release from the Ministry of the Presidency yesterday underscored not only the “open door” policy of the President, but the ability of Cabinet Ministers to speak freely on matters regarding their respective portfolios. “The confusion between ministers speaking out of turn or in contradiction to each other creates a cauldron of confusion and certainly, many times… the knee-jerk reaction of this government is to deny,” opposition MP Teixeira told the press corps yesterday morning. “Have we abandoned the process of Cabinet decisions being announced to the public in a structured manner, so that the public can know exactly what is happening?” Edghill asked, adding that under the PPP administration, press briefings with the Cabinet Secretary customarily followed cabinet meetings for the week. “Providing information to the people of Guyana is not a choice and should not be considered a burden. It should be considered a responsibility of a government that is accountable and transparent,” Edghill, a former junior Finance Minister said. In this administration,
State Minister Joseph Harmon has not appeared at press briefings for months
State Minister Joseph Harmon holds responsibility as the Cabinet Secretary. The Ministry of the Presidency, in its release last evening, denounced claims of lapse in relating Cabinet decisions to the media from April 29 to May 31. “In the absence of the weekly press briefings, the Ministry of the Presidency’s Press and Publicity Unit has issued releases on important Cabinet decisions,” the release said, adding that 14 press releases on Cabinet decisions were issued on April 29. Following reports in this publication and the Stabroek News, the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday issued a number of multi-million dollar contracts which had received Cabinet’s “no objections.”
Friday, June 10, 2016 - 08:30 hrs Saturday, June 11, 2016 - 09:30 hrs Sunday, June 12, 2016 - 10:30 hrs
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GRDB, Eureka labs internationall By Alva Solomon
EVEN as World Accreditation Day was celebrated globally on Thursday, the Eureka Medical Laboratory and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) have upgraded their laboratory facilities to achieve international accreditation so as to satisfy the international requirements of their customers. In Guyana, entities which conduct laboratory tests are nationally certified by the Guyana National Bureau of standards (GNBS), however, accreditation is the result of several procedures, beyond certification, which leads to an entity being internationally accredited to trade in various products. GNBS Public Re-
lations Officer (PRO) Lloyd David told this newspaper that accreditation is a tool which can be used to assess bodies that offer services such as testing. “So when they (Eureka) deliver a test or a test result, it will be accepted in other countries,” he said. For an entity to be accredited, it will provide a proposal to the GNBS and that body will conduct a “gap analysis,” which includes audits and reports on findings during a period of assessment. For Eureka Lab, accreditation has brought satisfaction to the staff of the facility. CEO of the lab, Andrew Boyle, told this newspaper that accreditation will positively impact business there, while noting that expan-
sion of the lab’s infrastructure is under way. Accreditation, according to Boyle, provides the business “with a lot of confidence, self-satisfaction and I think it should also give our client confidence in us.” He said that the process leads to “extremely high standards,” as he noted the importance of certification. “Certification opens the doors and made it quite easy for us,” he said, as he recounted the road to accreditation. He added that the lab has always been known for its high standards including its state-ofthe-art equipment, which he noted provided the leeway for accreditation to be achieved with ease. According to the GNBS, this year, the focus of accreditation is
A young employee separates the varied grains of rice at the GRDB laboratory during the grading process
Staffers of the Eureka Laboratory were busy on World Accreditation Day which was celebrated globally on Thursday on the public sector in tandem with the theme for World Accreditation Day, which is “Accreditation: A Global Tool to Support Public Policy.” The GNBS PRO noted that it is important that the conformity assessment bodies, another term for certified entities, expand their reach to be accredited. He said that move bodes well for national development. He cited the GRDB being a public sector agency, whose accreditation can benefit the country, since its mandate surrounds the export of rice, a commodity which impacts the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually. During a tour of the GRDB at Cowan Street in Kingston, Allison Peters, Quality Control Manager, told the media that the body has
been certifying rice since around 1994-95 when it was established. Prior to that, certification was done by the then National Paddy and Rice Grading Centre. She said the accreditation process “took us many long years” to attain, a status which it eclipsed last year. Prior to that, the body was certified by the GNBS for some five years. “Most people in Guyana do not understand the benefits of being accredited,” she said, noting that the process of accreditation ensures the system is traceable from the destination point of a product to its initial handlers. Peters said the GNBS has been working with millers in order for them to understand the importance of accreditation. She said when the country started export-
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ly certified ing rice to Panama, an international body came here to sample the rice prepped for exportation. “They came to use our lab facilities and because we were in the process of being accredited, now Panama accept our certificates as being the certificate of choice,” she noted. She added that it is mandatory that the GNBS issues the relevant certificate for any quantity of rice which is being exported from Guyana. “Accreditation has to do with credibility with the people who are doing the job, to show that you are comfortable to obtain the end results,” Peters
sands of US dollars. Candel Walter Bostick, Head of the Conformity Department of the , noted that one of the main objectives of CROSQ is to promote accreditation across the Caribbean region to ensure that the locally manufactured products and services are accepted at the international level. Wa l t e r - B o s t i c k , who was on hand at the GRDB office, said since the authorities are now promoting accreditation, “We have started to put much recognition to World Accreditation Day since 2010.” She said that over the year, sensitisation has
A lab technician operates a machine at the GNBS lab where she separates white rice from the rice paddy added. She said the process is very expensive; however, the Caricom Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) assisted the GRDB financially in funding the placement of a consultant who travelled to Guyana to assist the rice body in the preparation process for accreditation. “We ended up having full funding to undertake the processes,” which she noted costs thou-
grown and the two labs which were highlighted on Thursday were accredited in less than a year. “ A l o t o f c re d i t should be added to our laboratory certification programme, because most of our laboratories were certified to the national standard which kind of created the foundation for them to prepare for accreditation,” Walter-Bostwick added.
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CEO of Eureka Medical Laboratory Andrew Boyle makes a point during an interview at the lab on Thursday. PRO of GNBS Lloyd David is at centre while another representative of the GNBS is at left.
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RK pays back Balwant Singh’s Hospital
ROSHAN Khan’s Security Service has made good on an agreement to compensate Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital in excess of $1.6 Million, representing the amount stolen by bandits in an armed robbery staged on one of the firm’s armoured vehicles, as it was transporting cash from the medical institution last October. Chairman of R.K’s Security firm, Roshan Khan, in a simple ceremony at his Charlotte and Light Streets headquarters on Tuesday, handed over a cheque for $1,623,750 to accountant, Mr. Derek Sukhram receiving on behalf of Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital. Witnessing the presentation were RK’s General Manager, Ms. Ingrid Abrams; Security Advisor/Transport Manager, Colin Boodie, as well as representatives of the media. During the robbery committed at the corner of East
and Middle Streets, the driver of the armoured vehicle, Gavin Paul Trotman was seriously wounded. Four bullets were pumped into his body by two armed bandits who drove up from behind on a motor cycle. The fourth bullet was lodged in his shoulder and had to be extracted by doctors. According to Khan, the bandits, under the guise of attempting to overtake the security vehicle ‘bored’ their way through. “And our driver, trying to act gentlemanly, pulled aside to give them the way.” It was then that the men opened fire on the driver of the armoured vehicle, first wounding, then relieving him of the money being transported. Trotman was admitted and treated at the same hospital where he remained until he was out of danger. All medical expenses were undertaken by Mr. Roshan Khan. Khan, who was high in
–money was stolen during robbery
At centre, Mr. Roshan Khan presents cheque to Accountant Derek Sukhram of Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital. Looking on at left is Security Adviser Colin Boodie and at right – General Manager, Ingrid Abrams praise for the insurance brokers representing his business (MP Insurance Brokers and North American Life
Insurance Company), added: “They represented us well … and the money was received last week.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Derek Sukhram, on behalf of Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital expressed gratitude to Mr.
Khan for his humanitarian response and the expeditious manner in which the payment was made.
RAMADAN
President David Granger receives the plaque from President of the CIOG, Al Hajj Fazeel M. Ferouz, while Sheik Moen ul-Hack (left) and Mr. Khakan Ramjohn look on
PRESIDENT David Granger on Thursday received a courtesy call from members of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), who presented him with a prayer for the nation etched on a brass-plated plaque. The meeting was held at the Ministry of the Presidency, a release stated. The prayer was done by the CIOG’s Director, Sheikh Moen ul-Hack on the occasion of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary. The visiting delegation also informed the Head of State of some of the ongoing programmes that are spearheaded by their organization, as well as events that are planned for and after the Holy Month of Ramadan.
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The Age of the Drone IF you’ve been paying attention, you’d have noticed that still and video photography in Guyana have been elevated to new heights, joining the rest of the world’s photography enthusiasts and filmmakers in capturing adventures with the stunning detail that only drone photography allows. Once upon a time, the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) such as drones lay only in the hands of a privileged few, being used primarily by the United States as part of its controversial “War on Terror” for both surveillance and missile-launching missions. Later, law enforcement agencies and film-makers signed on to the new trend for milder reasons. But with the price of camera drones significantly reduced since they were first released, interest in these tiny robots has skyrocketed, growing in popularity even among civilians. GROWING INTEREST This growing interest has now trickled into our little paradise, so that in the last few months, several news agencies and local photographers have added aerial imaging to their portfolios, bringing new perspective to their work with the use of these sleek aviators. One needs only look at projects produced by the likes of Wildfire Entertainment, and the latest video projects out of our very own Poonam Singh and Jackie Hanover, or even the coverage of recent national events to witness the detailed beauty of all the action from the sky. Local photographers vouch for the benefits of the drone, saying that new opportunities have opened up for them since adding this feature to their portfolio. Jay Carter, who has been practising professional photography for over three years, admits that when he invested in his DJI Phantom which costs over US$500, he knew he was taking a risk, but was sure that it would pay off. And it has. “At the time I bought it, not a lot of people had it here.
And so, I wanted to be among the first,” Jay told The Buzz. “I didn’t want to just settle for what I have almost mastered; I wanted to push myself. Using drones requires a whole different type of thinking in terms of composition and controlling the shot, and I wanted to experiment with that.” The young photographer states that his investment has since paid off, in that it has increased his bookings. He has worked on music videos and other projects, and was recently hired to capture shots of our Independence Flag-Raising Ceremony from above. Photographer Saajid Husani has also attested to the benefits of the drone, having used his to capture several of the breathtaking shots you see in Poonam Singh’s ‘G.U.Y.A.N.A’ music video. NEW HEIGHTS “Drone photography, when done right, can take you to new heights. Literally. The new perspective on landscape, and seeing things from a different angle is what sparked my interest,”Saajid said. “The ease of controls and fluid movement from the advanced technology of the ‘gimbal’ gets you great footage.” (Drone jargon 101: The ‘Gimbal’ is the part of the device which keeps the camera level, giving you those clear, steady shots despite the movement of the drone.) Saajid said that while operating the drone is not in itself difficult, there are still very serious aspects in its use. “It’s not just about flying and videoing and getting aerial work. The basics and advanced side of photography still applies, such as camera movement and lighting,” he said. He said, too, that while this technology can take Guyana’s photography and videography industries to new heights, it should be used in moderation. “It’s something that can easily get overplayed; so, knowing when and how to use it is a big must.” Ackeem Thomas doesn’t own a drone, but has access
--The advent of aerial photography in Guyana
A shot taken with Saajid’s drone (unknowingly taken at the time the Gaafoor’s building was on fire) trolled drone. Though the occurrence ended incident-free, to one, nonetheless, and has hasn’t crossed their minds. it speaks to the possible aviaemployed its use in different “Sometimes I feel weird tion dangers that could occur aspects of his work, having flying it, because it feels like with these devices. recently done video work an invasion of privacy,” Jay Following that incident, for the upcoming local film, said. But he admits that thus the Guyana Civil Aviation Au‘A Bitter Lime’ using drone far, it hasn’t been an issue thority issued guidelines for footage. He states that pho- with people, as they seem the use of drones in Guyana, tographers looking for a good more fascinated than bothered which took into consideration drone could spend as much by its use. Saajid Husani warnings for flying within a as US$500-600, but it would When flying his drone, safe distance of people and be a good investment to their Saajid said, he always takes will see these useful gadgets other objects. craft. privacy into consideration, The GCAA also stipulated soaring through neighbourfor the benefit of his equipthat persons using drones for hoods daily. THE DOWNSIDE ment also. “People’s privacy And while this exciting commercial use would also be Of course, there’s anoth- should be taken in considertechnological turn may not required to apply for permission. er side to the use of drones ation when using this techbenefit us in Guyana, the that has not yet reached our nology, for your equipment’s heights to which these flying ON THE BRIGHT SIDE shores. Concerns have been safety; and in light of the That aside, the future devices can be taken are cerraised regarding the invasion rights of citizens, it would be of drone technology looks tainly remarkable to consider. of privacy, and even the threat wise not to violate anyone’s Moreover, I’m sure we bright. In a few years, gito safety that these miniature privacy,” he said. Guyanese will find some ants like Google and Amazon aircraft pose. Earlier this year, an heintend to put the drone to other useful means in which In the US and UK, per- licopter of the Guyana Deuse in their distribution and we’ll put it to use as regards sons have called for the au- fence Force was reportedly delivery networks, which advancing our local content. thorities to put specific laws “buzzed” by a remote-conin place to regulate the personal use of drones; and while these do not currently exist, authorities have assured that existing laws on these matters can include the use of drone technology and adherence to privacy. In Guyana, however, it seems as though the enthusiasts are thus far content with simply capturing high quality imagery and footage that we have for years been deprived of without infringing on personal space rather than using them as a means of privacy infringement. But that doesn’t mean that the issue of privacy A shot of the Stabroek market taken with Jay’s DJI Phantom Drone
‘50 Women, 50 Years’ 24
AT A time when the world has seen a marked transformation regarding women’s rights, it is important that young girls and women the world over are constantly given the encouragement to strive to higher heights so as to make contributions that they can be proud of. Through the upcoming publication, “50 Women, 50 Years”, author and publisher Roianne Nedd will give Guyanese women the opportunity to be that inspiration. As the title suggests, the book will feature the profiles and accomplishments of 50 Guyanese women in its attempt to prove that ‘Out of the ordinary, comes the extraordinary’, a main theme
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday June 10, 2016
--A book about, and for, Guyanese women
women of all backgrounds in an aim to highlight that despite one’s economic or educational position, success is still within their reach. In an interview with Roianne, she said that compiling this book will bring out stories that need to be told about Guyanese women from all walks of life. “So many Guyanese women have so many inspirational stories, but don’t get to talk about these stories enough,” Roianne said. Roianne Nedd, “And if we want things UK-sased Guyanese publisher and author to change for girls, we have to be role models; they are being promoted by the pub- not just going to change,” she said. lication. Girls should be able to see The book seeks to attract
that humble beginnings can make extraordinary outcomes, she said. “Women you might see who have achieved something may have come from a background similar to theirs. Moreover, we need to appreciate someone who brings up six wonderful children has contributed to society as much as someone who has done something else, so we wanted to get a cross section of Guyanese women from home and abroad,” Roianne said. The selection process is one that allows women to voluntarily submit their stories Online via the Women of Kaieteur Website. ‘Women of Kaieteur’ is
an organisation founded by Roianne and several other UK- based Guyanese, and aims to unite Guyanese women around the world so as to boost employment and enterprise. When the book is published, Roianne said that she will then seek sponsorship so as to distribute at least one copy of it to every school in Guyana so that girls can have access to it. So far, she said, the stories she has been receiving have been nothing short of inspiring. “There’s a woman of Guyanese parentage,” she said, “who became a teenage mom at 15 years old; now,
she has a successful career in the UK government for the Probation Service. So, every day she helps people through rehabilitation. “Another interesting story we have received is from a woman who says her greatest achievement was being able to open her own farm; and she sent us a photo of her on the farm.” Apart from in schools, the published book will also be available worldwide via Roianne’s Online bookstore. Women interested in submitting their stories can visit the following website. http://www.womenofkaieteur.org/50-women---50years.html
‘Miriamy’ for Jubilee Theatre Festival THROUGH the Jubilee Theatre Festival, Guyanese were fed five weeks of rich local culture through theatre arts, exploring fifty years of memorable plays from Guyanese playwrights through the years. As the theatre festival comes to a close this weekend, play enthusiasts will be treated to two final works of theatrical art in the form of Frank Pilgrim’s Miriamy and Francis Quamina-Farrier’s Journey to Freedom. Set to be staged tomorrow at the Theatre Guild, Kingston from 20:00hrs, F r a n k P i l g r i m ’s M i r i amy surrounds the scandal that unfolds on the fictional West Indian island of St. Midas following the news that the titular character, a widow with several children, is pregnant with the island’s very first set of quintuplets, but does not know who among the five suitors is the father of the babies. Interestingly enough, Miriamy herself never appears in the play. Instead, the plot centres on the gossip-loving town folk who are all caught up with finding out who the father is. It is of utmost importance that this mystery is solved, so as to have the two wed before the birth. This will be the first set of quintuplets in the West
The Cast of Miriamy
members. “This is an extremely funny, fast-paced and challenging play, and we are working hard to breathe life into this outstanding piece of work,” she said. The actress is no stranger to the stage, having made her mark over the years in works such as Ronald Hollingsworth’s ‘83 Million Gees’ and Collette JonesChin’s ‘Virtue’, for which she won the Best Actress Award in the 2012 Drama Festival. Yet, being part of this play makes her determined to do her role justice, as she sees it as nothing short of a legacy. “I feel as though I’m part of something greater than
myself… And it is almost terrifying, knowing all the performers that have staged this play before us,” Nicholas-Garrett said, adding: “This play has charted a new course for West Indian comedy, and so I hope I can do my part justice.” Miriamy was first staged at the Theatre Guild on September 24, 1962, and is one of the oldest plays in the festival. The Play has been described by playwright, Al Creighton as “One of the classics of Caribbean comedy.” On Sunday, the festival will close with Francis Quamina Farrier’s Journey to Freedom at the National Cultural Centre.
Lloyda Nicholas-Garrett (centre) during rehearsals with Nikose Layne (left) and Leon Cummings (right) Indies, and the first coloured quintuplets in the world; and having the children born out of wedlock could bring shame on the traditional St Midas people. THE CAST The cast for the 2016 production consists of a group
of vibrant thespians, all of whom are excited to bring their originality to the play. Among the list of actors are well-known names such as Henry Rodney, Lloyda Nicholas-Garrett, Mark Luke Edwards, Tamika Henry, Nikose Layne, Mark Kazim, Randolph Critchlow, Rush-
ell Carroll and Mariatha Causway. Speaking with The Buzz, Nicholas-Garrett, who plays Stella Singer, one of the lead characters in the play, stated that participation in Pilgrim’s legendary piece of work induces a feeling of great honour for all the cast
Nikose Layne and Tamika Henry during rehearsals for ‘Miriamy’
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Finding your perfect fit
OVER the past months, I have been seeing numerous posts on social media concerning women and their tastes in swimwear. We’re all faced with the same issues from time to time: Finding the perfect swimsuit; wondering why we could never find a bikini with the proper fit; mixing and matching. Nothing ever seems to work! US-based Guyanese international designer, Roger Gary is a ‘pro’ when it comes to swimwear. I thought it was the perfect time to get the fashion guru himself to ‘dish’ on what he thinks works best for different body types. It’s like having our very own swimwear stylist. ‘Aqua Couture’ is a line of swimwear created by Roger Gary for the woman who wants to stand out on the beach, at pool party, or while on holiday. Enjoy!
Go for something that fully covers your upper body, especially the stomach area, as well as a supportive style that gives you comfort like this one-piece high-neck with soft cups and adjustable straps. (Photos by Delano Williams)
Depending on your level of confidence, you can try a bandeau top. Make sure the bottoms fit well; there’s nothing worse than getting a size too small.
This type of figure is usually naturally slim or quite athletic, so get playful in your favourite little number. A one-shoulder maillot with cut out detail will wow any crowd. Over-the-shoulder styles can help to create the illusion of a fuller bust. You can also play around with more adventurous styles, boy-shorts and crop tops.
Women lucky enough to have this body shape are completely blessed, and find it quite easy to fit into any swimwear. Any style looks great. I’d say a classic triangle top and tieside bottom will always flaunt this figure to the max.
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‘Painting the Spectrum 12’
--A SASOD film festival
IN AN effort to promote awareness of the issues surrounding the LGBT community, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) is again hosting its LGBT Film Festival, “Painting the Spectrum 12” at the Dutch Bottle Café on North Road here in Georgetown. This week, the festival continues with two films aimed at portraying the love and the everyday endeavours for self-acceptance faced by LGBT persons. On Tuesday, the feature film will be “Kiss Me”, the story of Mia, a thirty-something well-to-do architect who finds her life turned upside down when she unexpectedly falls in love with the free-spirited Frida. The two women meet at an engagement party; Frida’s mother is about to marry Mia’s father, and discovers an instant attraction that immediately calls into question Mia’s engagement to her long-time boyfriend, Tim. This deeply romantic and passionate drama has earned universal acclaim from fans and critics around the world, and has already established itself as one of the most beloved lesbian films of the decade. On Thursday, the festival continues with “Blackbird”,
a film telling the struggle for self-acceptance of 17-yearold Randy. Since his father left, Randy takes care of his emotionally disturbed mother. But as strong as he seems on the outside, Randy is battling an inner struggle and denial of his true self. It’s not until he opens himself up to love that he discovers that becoming a man means accepting who you really are. “Painting the Spectrum 12” continues every Tuesday and Thursday in June, commencing at 18:00hrs. The festival offers free, onsite HIV counseling and testing, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The Advancing Partnerships and Communities (APC) Project will also be available every night. There is no charge for admission to the film festival. Drinks and snacks will be on sale. All proceeds go towards SASOD’s LGBT Emergency Shelter & Community Centre Fund. The films are intended for mature audiences. Persons must be 18 years and over to attend. SASOD reserves the right to refuse admission to persons who do not have identification to prove they are not minors.
Buzzing this weekend
TODAY POETRY and Jazz on a Stool is back for the entertainment of poetry lovers. Come out to Julian’s Bar on Cummings Street and enjoy the lyrical and musical talent of gifted poets, or share some of your own work during Open Mic. Admission is $1,000. Event begins at 19:30hrs.
Spice teams up with Kid Ink & Jeremih
KID Ink has enlisted Jeremih and dancehall diva, Spice for his new banger, “Nasty”. The uptempo track was produced by Hitmaka and Smash David. Spice says that the collaboration was the setup by Supa Dups who contacted her while she was in New York for a show. “I was in New York for a performance, and I got a call from Supa Dupes from Black Chiney Sounds saying that they (Kid Ink and Jeremih) were interested in doing a track with me,” the dancehall diva said, adding: “He (Supa Dupes) made the connection, and I went to the studio in Manhattan, laid down my part of the track, and they loved it and were ready to release it.” She also said that she has been getting a lot of attention since the single drop two weeks ago. “A lot of people have been calling me to say they love the song, and to say congrats on such a huge collab,” she said. “Nasty is gonna be a summer banger, so big-ups to Jeremih and nuff love to Kid Ink for wanting to fuse their genre with dancehall, and for having me on this single.” The single is reminiscent of Spice’s 2011 smash hit single, “So Mi Like It” for which Busta Rhyemes provided a remix. (urbanislandz.com)
TOMORROW The Jubilee Film Festival night is on for one last weekend. Tomorrow night, catch Frank Pilgrim’s 1962 comedy, ‘Miriamy’ at the Theatre Guild from 20:00hrs. Tickets cost $1,500 and $1,000. It will be nothing but good vibes at Gravity Lounge from 20:00hrs at their Vibes Overload Party. Enjoy mixes from Dj Shizzle and other sound masters. Drink specials will be served all night. Be sure to be there! Have an Hawaiian Night at Palm Court from 20:00hrs. Pulse Entertainment brings you tropical-themed entertainment with this islandstyle party. Ladies free before 22:00hrs. Admission is $2,000 otherwise.
The poster for ‘Blackbird’
SUNDAY The Jubilee Film Festival closes with Francis Quamina Farrier’s Journey to Freedom at the National Cultural Centre from 20:00hrs. Ready for another Hash Run? Then join the Guyana Hash House Harriers for Run #722. Meet-up is in front of
the British High Commission on Main Street at 10:20hrs. Hash Cash is $3,000 per person. Be amazed by the skill of local body painters and sculptors at the Gods and Monsters Body Art Show and Exhibition at the Pegasus
Hotel from 17:00hrs. Prepare to experience Body Art in Guyana like never before. Bravo Arts fuses the art of body painting and special-effects makeup to bring to life creatures you can only find in your dreams. Tickets: $3,000 for Adults and $1000 for kids.
Spice
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SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Fairview 08:45 hrs Facebook 09:25 hrs O Tamara 10:00 hrs Purely Atomic 10:35 hrs In Full Regalia ENGLISH RACING TIPS Sandown 08:45 hrs Ap[amurra 09:20 hrs Out Of The Dark 09:55 hrs Celestial Spheres 10:30 hrs Master Of Irony 11:05 hrs Shabbah 11:40 hrs Black Bess York 09:00 hrs Franca Florio 09:35 hrs Pandora 10:10 hrs Major Cornwallis 10:45 hrs Normandy Barriere 11:20 hrs Alqubbah 11:50 hrs Sign Of Victory 12:20 hrs Viserion Newton Abbot 09:10 hrs Policy Breach 10:20 hrs vLets Hope So 10:55 hrs Pass The Time 11:30 hrs Mrs Burbidge 12:00 hrs Vexillum 12:30 hrs Bumble Bay IRISH RACING TIPS Clonmel 12:35 hrs Killarney Lakes 13:05 hrs Balinaboola Lass 13:c5 hrs Cabarete 14;10 hrs Carole Rose 14:45 hrs Beau Et Sublime 15:15 hrs Capture The Drama 15:50 hrs Katy P AMERICAN RACING TIPS Belmont Race 1 One More Round Race 2 Kitays Rocket Race 3 Mei Ling Race 4 Lady Stardust Race 5 Kareena Race 6 Good Response Race 7 Adulator Race 8 Private Zone Race 9 Sea Calisi
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 10, 2016
King James leads Cleveland Bairstow rescues England to 30-point GSW blowout
3rd Investec Test: England v Sri Lanka at Lord’s
By Tom Fordyce
(REUTERS) - LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers stormed back into the NBA Finals with a dominant 120-90 victory over the defending champions Golden State Warriors (GSW) on Wednesday that cut the series deficit to 2-1. James, who called the game “do-or-die” for his team, scored a game-high 32 points and Kyrie Irving added 30 as the Cavaliers breathed new life into a series that had looked headed for a quick finish after a lopsided opening two games in Oakland. “We talked about effort for the last two days, just being ag-
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) shoots the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) in game three of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. (Ronald Martinez/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports)
gressive, playing hard, the physicality, and we brought that,” Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue told reporters. “When we play that way, we’re tough to beat.” Cleveland, well aware that no team in NBA history has ever come back from an 3-0 series deficit to win in seven games, got off to a fast start and led the entire way to keep alive their hopes of avenging last year’s Finals defeat to the Warriors. NBA Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry had a night to forget with 19 points on 6-for-13 shooting for the Warriors. Game Four is in Cleveland today.
Ali’s funeral draws thousands By Steve Bittenbender (REUTERS) - A Muslim funeral for Muhammad Ali yesterday drew thousands of admirers to the boxer’s hometown, where mourners prayed over the body of a man who battled in the ring and sought peace outside it. The Janazah, or funeral in Arabic, was held at a convention space in Freedom Hall, the complex where the former heavyweight world champion defeated Willi Besmanoff in 1961 in his last fight in Louisville. An estimated 14 000 people, representing many races and creeds, attended the service, where speakers repeatedly referred to Ali as “the people’s champion”. “The passing of Muhammad Ali has made us all feel a little more alone in the world,” said Sherman Jackson, a Muslim scholar at the University of Southern California. He praised Ali for advancing the cause of black Americans during and after the civil rights movement of the 1960s. “Something solid, something big beautiful and life-affirming has left this world,” he said of a man who was forced to
give up more than three years of his boxing prime for his refusal to serve in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. Ali, known for his boxing prowess, showmanship, political activism and devotion to humanitarian
Ali and his family planned his funeral for 10 years, making sure it would honour his Muslim faith while also adapting to the demands of Western media-driven culture. A final goodbye for
Boxing gloves with good wishes are left at a makeshift memorial for late boxing champion Muhammad Ali in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S., yesterday. (Reuters/ Lucas Jackson) causes, died on Friday of septic shock in an Arizona hospital. He was 74. Imam Zaid Shakir, a founder of Muslim liberal arts school Zaytuna College in Berkeley, California, led worshippers in prayers such as “Allahu akbar” (“God is greatest”) over Ali’s body, which lay in a casket covered with a black and gold cloth.
Ali will take place today, when thousands will gather for an interfaith service at the KFC Yum Center. Luminaries including former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and comedian Billy Crystal will attend. “Ali will never die,” boxing promoter Don King told Reuters. “His
spirit will live on.” Among those at yesterday’s funeral was a Bangladeshi man named Mohammad Ali who said he flew to the United States to attend the service despite failing health. He showed pictures of his famous namesake visiting his home nearly 40 years ago. “If I could not attend the funeral of Muhammad Ali, it would be a sad part of my life,” he said. “Today or tomorrow, I have to die. So I took the risk and came down all the way because he visited my home.” Ali rose to the top of the boxing world when black fighters were expected to be quiet and deferential. His braggadocio, even before he changed his name from Cassius Clay, startled white America. He further shocked Americans after he joined the Nation of Islam and adopted an Islamic name in 1964. In the 1970s, Ali converted to Sunni Islam, the largest denomination among Muslims worldwide. Late in life he embraced Sufism, a mystical school of the faith. He was admired worldwide and gave U.S. Muslims a hero they could share with the American mainstream.
(BBC) - Jonny Bairstow’s second century of the series helped England recover from another top-order collapse to reach 279-6 on day one of the third Test with Sri Lanka. Bairstow once again helped rescue England’s flaky batting as he hit an unbeaten 107 at a sun-kissed Lord’s. Together with 85 from skipper Alastair Cook, Bairstow’s third ton in six Tests dragged the hosts out of a hole in near-perfect conditions for batting. Rash strokeplay mixed with disciplined bowling from Sri Lanka had reduced Cook’s men to 84-4 just after lunch. But Bairstow profited from a dropped catch and then the most marginal of lbw decisions to continue his wonderful early summer run of form. Not since beating India 4-0 in the summer of 2011 have England whitewashed a Test opponent in a series of three or more matches. And while the weather forecast for the remainder of the match is uncertain, Bairstow’s fightback has given them a hold in a contest that had been drifting Sri Lanka’s way. Jonny Bairstow’s third Test While England have improved both in style and century propped up Ensubstance over the course gland’s innings, England of the last year, serious v Sri Lanka, 3rd Investec flaws remain - and the vul- Test, Lord’s, 1st day, June nerability of the top order 9, 2016 (Getty Images) is the most pressing of all. On a true pitch and under benign skies, they once again lost key wickets cheaply - four this time for 28 runs, having chosen to bat and looked completely untroubled in the first hour of play. First Alex Hales lost patience, having been kept runless for 22 balls, heaving unnecessarily at Rangana Herath to send a looping edge to Angelo Mathews at slip. Then Nick Compton, mired in a horrible trot of form and seemingly bereft of confidence, chased a wide half-volley and edged Suranga Lakmal behind for just one. Nick Compton has scored 277 runs in 12 innings since returning to the England Test side Joe Root followed four runs later, pinned lbw by the same bowler after the initial not-out decision was correctly overturned by the third umpire, and when James Vince had his bail removed by Nuwan Pradeep for 10 just after lunch, England had slumped from 56-0 to 84-4. Compton’s dismissal was the most chastening of all: to a ball that should have been routinely driven away for four, greeted by a ghastly silence from the near-capacity crowd, followed by a slow walk back to the old pavilion Lord’s suddenly the loneliest place in London.
Nadal out of Wimbledon
FORMER world number one Rafael Nadal will miss Wimbledon with an injury to his left wrist. The Spaniard, a 14-time Grand Slam champion, confirmed the news on his Facebook page yesterday. The two-time Wimbledon winner was forced to withdraw from the French Open in May after winning his second-round match. “As you can imagine it’s a sad decision but the injury on my wrist at Roland Garros needs time to heal,” he said. The 30-year-old needed an injection before his straightsets win over Facundo Bagnis in Paris. Nadal said he risked further injury - and a likely break in his wrist - if he continued to play. The current world number four had already pulled out of next week’s Wimbledon grass-court warmup at Queen’s Club. Nadal’s wrist problem is the latest in a long list of injuries - including to his knees, back and shoulder - which have seen him miss a number of majors in his career. Wimbledon champion in 2008 and 2010, Nadal has failed to go beyond the fourth round in the last four years, losing to Lukas Rosol, Steve Darcis, Nick Kyrgios and Dustin Brown.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 10, 2016
GFF STAG Elite League semi-finals
Team captains hoping for victory ahead of today’s Matches
THE four team captains for today’s Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/ STAG Elite League semi-finals are all hopeful of victory and are all eyeing the championship title when the whistle goes at the Leonora Sports facility, West Coast Demerara. Addressing the media yesterday at the GFF’s head office, Fruta Conquerors captain Trevon Lythcott, Pele’s Konata Manning, Slingerz’s Vurlon Mills and Alpha United captain Daniel Wilson all expressed hopes of winning their respective matches. Slingerz who won 13 of their 14 preliminary matches and are down to face Pele from 18:00hrs are highly favoured to advance to the final while the feature match will see Fruta Conquerors, who placed second in the preliminary round, tackle Alpha United from 20:00hrs. Addressing members of the media yesterday, Lythcott wished his opponents the best of luck and thanked the GFF for having his Fruta Conquerors outfit participate in the tournament, adding “I see my team coming out on top.”
Alpha United’s Daniel Wilson in response said it has been a wonderful tournament so far and his team have prepared well for the semi-finals and he is hoping that his team will come out on top. Speaking on behalf of Slingerz, Mills said it has been a great experience playing the STAG Elite League and it is only fair that the team give their supporters something to cheer about, come tonight. Mills urged the sporting public, especially football fans to come out in their numbers and witness the two semi-finals which, according to him (Mills), will be very entertaining. Pele’s Konata Manning, in very brief remarks, commended the GFF and Ansa McAl for staging such a tournament which will allow local players to achieve a higher standard of football. GFF president Wayne Forde used the opportunity to recognise the contributions that Ansa McAl has been making to the sport locally. The league, according to Forde, allowed the clubs to build capacity in their club
structure which in turn will move them to international standards. Forde also encouraged football fans to come out in their numbers as two exciting matches are anticipated. Ansa McAl’s Stag Beer Brand coordinator said his company is happy to be on board with the GFF’s programme. He added that he would like to see new faces (teams) being a part of the STAG Elite League and urged those teams who were not a part of the current League to step up to the `plate’. Meanwhile, the GFF has made arrangements with a bus company (Knightriders) to provide service to persons wishing to travel to the Leonora facility to witness the matches and this will cost each person $600 for the return trip. The assembly point is Square of the Revolution, Homestretch Avenue and Vlissengen Road. The first bus departs at 16:30hrs, while the last bus leaves the location at 19:00hrs. The grand final is scheduled for June 19 at the Leonora Sports Facility, West Coast Demerara.
Bolt number 32 on Forbes rich list (SPORTSMAX) - World fastest man Usain Bolt has jumped 41 places on the latest Forbes 2016 World’s Highest-Paid Athletes list. The 29-year-old Jamaican is listed as having accumulated earnings of US$32.5 million last year. The amount was up from the US$21M the athlete made the previous year. According to the wealth magazine, US$2.5M of those earnings come via salary and winnings, with a whopping US$30M coming via endorsements. The list is topped by Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo whose earnings were calculated at US$88M. Barcelona star Lionel Messi is second on this list with earnings of US$81.4M. Bolt is now 32 on the Forbes list. LeBron James, who leads the Cleveland Cavaliers against defending champion Golden
State in the ongoing NBA Finals, was third on the list and top among Americans with US$77.2 million. According to the publication, Bolt continues to be head and shoulders above his sport. “Usain Bolt continues to blow away the competition on and off the track,” the magazine said. “He won gold in the 100 metres and 200 metres at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing. It is the same double he pulled off at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics. Bolt will race at the 2016 Rio Olympics with eyes on a three-peat. “Bolt is in a class by himself in terms of his marketing prowess. His comps are not other track stars, but global icons like Messi, LeBron and Ronaldo. An Olympic year makes him an even hotter commodity.”
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday June 10, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
June 11, 13 & 15
5 ‘extras’ (1lb, 4w)
Today’s Quiz:
What were the bowling figures of Sunil Narine in the first game of the Tri-Nations series? How many WI have now captained the team in ODIs against Australia?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 10, 2016
Gov’t looking to support Atwell’s ‘corrective surgery’ ... Boxer not ‘in biggest fight of his life’ By Stephan Sookram THE Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Public Health is planning to support boxer Clive Atwell as he prepares to have reconstructive surgery in Trinidad and Tobago. The boxer who initially required surgery after incurring an acute-subdural hematoma (SDH) now has to do reconstructive surgery to his cranium. During a press briefing yesterday morning at the Ministry of Public Health’s Brickdam office, Atwell along with his wife, trainer and mother/coach met with Junior Health Minister Dr. Karen Cummings, Sport Director Christopher Jones and several other ministry officials. According to Dr Cummings, the 27-year-old now needs to send a formal re-
quest for assistance to the Ministry to complete the corrective surgery before further assistance can be forthcoming from the government’s arm. The briefing also dispelled erroneous statements that the government was not helping the boxer to undergo his surgery when it was in fact revealed that the ministry is in the process of acquiring the said instruments for the procedure. Both Minister Cummings and the surgeon that conducted Atwell’s initial surgery, Dr Amernauth Dookie, contended that contrary to the headline in yesterday’s Kaieteur newspaper titled, ‘Clive Atwell in biggest fight of his life,’ Atwell’s surgery is not life-threatening. “You (Clive) have a skull defect that needs to be repaired. It’s more or less cosmetic. You’re not going to lose your life if it’s
not done but you’ve given
According to Dr Cummings, the Ministry had been sourcing the instruments needed to complete the surgery locally at the
Director of Sport Christopher Jones (left) and Junior Minister of Public Health Dr Karen Cummings us (Guyana) good service and we would like to see the process to completion,” the Minister said.
UDFA U-17 League Final ...
Brewley’s lone strike hands Eagles 2016 title
Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) and is in the process of procuring the required instruments.
By Rajiv Bisnauth
Eagles captain Javair Smith is presented with the winners’ trophy by Sharma Solomon, president UDFA. OMAR Brewley’s single strike handed Eagles United the Upper Demerara Football Association’s (UDFA) 2016 league champions title, following their 1-0 win over Amelia’s Ward Panthers on Wednesday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. The deciding goal came in the 75th minute after both sides had played to a goalless first half. Brewley was able to get the lone goal of the game when he was fed a good ball in the middle by Titus Deere and his shot eluded the outstretched hands of Cleveland Jonus. That was the deciding goal but the Panthers did give a fight after that. In their thrust to get the equaliser they did net from a corner but that goal was disallowed for an infringement, by the assistant referee. The Panthers did get another chance but were unable to find the back of the net and the Eagles held on to the slim margin victory.
Outstanding for the winners, apart from Brewley were the Eagles’ captain Javair Smith who was steadying the play in the middle while at midfield was Herbert Adams and in goal was Shamar Gittens. Notable performances also came from wing-back Nicholas Gentle. The Panthers did have their moments of brilliance through central defender Keshawn Dey, as well as Stryon Warner, Shane Wilson and Jamal Sampson. Joel Isaacs of Net Rockers won the Most Goals Trophy for his 11 goals in the 12-team tournament. In the third place playoff game the Netrockers easily gained a 3-0 win over Milerock. All the trophies were donated by the Petra Organisation while tickets for the final were distributed to some five hundred schoolchildren by BOSAI Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc. and the Dave and Celena Furniture Store. Guyana Football Federation vice-president Rawle Adams witnessed the final.
are saying yourself (minister) that this thing will take some time.” “Trinidad told me that if I can get the money, It can be done in a week, they can have the stuff ready in a week, I would gravely appreciate whatever assistance I can get to travel to proceed along that line,” he continued. Should Atwell opt to do the surgery in Guyana, he will be the first to undergo something of that nature here but not the first under the blade of Dr Dookie, who admitted that he has done that surgery abroad. An acute subdural hematoma (SDH), according to neurosurgery.ucla is when a clot of blood that develops between the surface of the brain and the dura mater, the brain’s tough outer covering, usually due to stretching and tearing of veins on the brain’s surface. These veins rupture when a head injury suddenly jolts or shakes the brain.
Cycling velodrome, a step in the right direction, says Perreira FORMER Chairman of the National Sports Council, Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira, views the government’s consideration to erect an international cycling facility at D’Urban Park as a step in the right direction. Earlier in the week,
By Joe Chapman
However, procurement is providing a setback according to the Minister, who said, “This is not like ‘I have my money and the plates are selling here, we can go to buy, it’s nothing like that, it’s not done like that’.” The neurosurgeon contended, “His surgery is a reconstructive corrective surgery. That is not a life-threatening condition he has currently. He has a defect in his skull that needs repair and I agree with that.” “I’ve explained to him on various occasions that it should be done in six months which is up and I agree with that. Circumstances in sourcing them (the equipment and materials) or having it done overseas is out of my hand. If they have it, I will proceed and do the surgery,” Dr. Dookie said. Atwell, thankful for the help given so far said, “The thing is I want to move on with my life. Dr Dookie mentioned to me that he doesn’t know when the stuff will get here and you
Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira President David Granger said that his government is willing to consider the erection of the facility, but a decision will be made shortly on the way for-
ward. “As a former administrator and former Chairman of the National Sports Council, I welcome the news that Guyana in the months to come will see the start of the velodrome,” he said regarding Guyana sporting infrastructure. “We have produced outstanding cyclists over the years, but we mainly are forced to use the roads, so it has always been difficult to go to games where there is a velodrome and not having the experience,” Perreira outlined. Perreira, who is also a veteran cricket commentator, is of the view that with the erection of the velodrome, cyclists in the future will be better prepared and rather than winning medals, they can qualify for world games because of better facilities at their disposal. Guyana is one of the few Caribbean countries without a cycling track. The idea of a cycling facility came from a num-
ber of cycling stalwarts including Neville Hunte, Victor Rutherford, Aubrey Bryce, and Lloyd Conway among others,
President David Granger who sent out letters to not only President Granger but also to the Minister of Sport, the Director of Sport, the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) and the Guyana Olympic Association. D’Urban Park has a capacity to accommodate some 30 000, making it the largest venue in the country.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, June 10, 2016
Four coaches complete Phase 2 of WICB/ECB Level 3 Coaching Course FOUR Guyanese coaches participated and successfully completed Phases One and Two of the WICB/ ECB Level Three Coaching Course which was held in Barbados recently. Phase One was conducted over the period May 1 to 8, 2016 and Phase Two over the period May 31 to June 4, 2016. The Level Three Course is the highest certifying Coaching Programme to be conducted in the Caribbean under the auspices of the West Indies Cricket Board. The Guyanese coaches who attended the programme were Guyana Jaguars’ head coach Esaun Crandon, assistant coach Rayon Griffith, National Under-15 coach Julian Moore and the Territorial Development Officer Colin Stuart. Coaches Crandon and Griffith have been the two coaches at the helm over the
past two years when Guyana Jaguars won back-to-back PCL Regional 4-Day Tour-
Coaching Programmes. The two phases of the Coaching Course were con-
THE Guyana Amazon Warriors’ first step to winning their Inaugural Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will begin on June 20 when the official training camp gets underway. The six-day camp will be under the supervision of head coach Roger Harper. However, two star players from the squad, skipper Martin Guptill and Australian Adam Zampa will not be able to join the training camp due to commitments elsewhere. According to Operational Manager of the local franchise Omar Khan, the franchise has taken a decision to include Under-19 players, Akshaya Persaud, Keemo Paul and Tevin Imlach as part of the camp in order to have them exposed at a different level. The Warriors have gone for eleven regional-based players including Barbados’ Dwayne Smith, Trinidad and Tobago’s Jason Mohammed, Rayad Emrit and Steven Katwaroo; Antigua’s Orlando Peters, Guyana’s Assad Fudadin, Christopher Barnwell, Steven Jacobs, Veerasammy Permaul, Paul Wintz and Anthony Bramble. The squad also includes Australia’s Chris Lynn, Sohail Tanvir of Pakistan, and Muhammad Ahsan Ali Khan (ICC Americas).
tion of phase one examined suspect bowling actions, its identification, recommended
ophy inclusive of an examination of the Myers-Briggs Type indicators (MBTI), tactical analysis and decision making. The second sec-
procedures and remediation processes. Phase Two of the Course explored principles surrounding biomechanics,
wicket-keeping training and match approaches, essential elements of pace bowling, psychological profiling of players and three (3) assessment activities which targeted Individual Coaching, Group coaching and Player assessment, analysis and remediation. The successful completion of the two phases which has a substantial weigh on the overall Course, means that Guyana will now be equipped with four WICB/ECB Level Three Coaches. Anand Sanasie, Secretary of the GCB, commented that this Level Three Programme is another phase in the overall plan of the GCB to set up a robust coaching structure across the country. He posited that in another year’s time the goal is to have 30 Level Two coaches and 100 Level One Coaches across the country.
THE Guyana Boxing Association has combined forces with McNeal Enterprise for a tribute to the late great boxing and civil rights icon Muhammad Ali. Ali, who died on June 3 2016, had been suffering from a respiratory illness, a condition that was complicated by Parkinson’s disease. Sunday’s Event, according to head of the McNeal Enterprise, Odinga Lumumba, is more than just remembering a great boxing icon, it is about remembering a man who touched the lives of many outside of the squared circle. “He made an impact on Guyanese boxers and he has inspired many young people. Mr. Ali created an atmosphere that Black America could have fought for - more freedom in the turbulent days - and made a lasting impact on the world,” Lumumba said. He continued, “It will be a simple ceremony, we will give thanks for his life and show parts of his greatest fights; so
those who knew him can remember and those who didn’t know him can have a sense of what a great and compassionate person he was.” “We have invited sev-
ticular for those who have been oppressed.” GBA president Steve Ninvalle indicated that the venture is one of many the body and McNeal Enterprises will embark on in
The participants for Phase 2 of WICB/ECB Level 3 Coaching Course stand with their instructors. nament titles, while Moore has been the coach of the winning Under-15 teams over the past two years. Stuart has jurisdiction over the National
ducted by the England Cricket Board (ECB). The first section of the Course captured relevant information regarding advance
Guyana Amazon Warriors to begin training on June 20 By Rajiv Bisnauth
concepts on batting, spin bowling and fielding, skill acquisition, coaching philos-
Winning West Indies Youth World Cup captain Shimron Hetmyer was selected as the Under-19 player. The Guyana Amazon Warriors will play ten games in the preliminary phase of
Jamaica Tallawahs and repeated their feat the following year, only to be downed by Barbados Tridents in a dramatic final in St Kitts. Meanwhile, tickets and merchandise went on sale
OMAR KHAN the competition; four matches in Guyana, two in Florida and one each in Trinidad & Tobago, St Kitts & Nevis, Jamaica and St Lucia. The Amazon Warriors will raise the curtain on their home fixtures on July 7 when they take on Jamaica Tallawahs, and will also clash with St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, Trinbago Knight Riders and St Lucia Zouks over a sixday period. The Amazon Warriors have been one of the most consistent performers in the CPL. They reached the final in the inaugural 2013 season where they were beaten by
from yesterday at the CPL office, 238 Camp and Quamina Streets, Georgetown. Further, Khan revealed that a Berbice location for the sale of tickets will commence on Monday. However, that location was not yet finalised, according to Khan. Khan also disclosed that CPL OPCO Guyana Inc., is working to setup an Essequibo location. The cost per ticket is the same as last year with $4 000 or US$20 for the Red and Green Stands, $3 000 or US$15 for Orange Stand and $2 000 or US$10 for the Grass Mound.
GBA/McNeal plans ‘Ali tribute
GBA president Steve Ninvalle (left) and head of McNeal Enterprise Odinga Lumumba during yesterday’s press conference. (Adrian Narine photo) eral notable Guyanese, boxers, students and leaders to come and pay tribute to the late, great Muhammad Ali,” he continued. Lumumba reminded that Ali “was not just a boxer, he was a teacher and a leader and I felt that we needed to honour the things he had done in par-
the future and the fact that one of the greatest boxers is now a memory, the need to keep his work alive remains important. Tr i b u t e s s t a r t a t 17:00hrs at the ceremony which will be held at the Impeccable Hall on Brickdam. (Stephan Sookram)
Guyana Amazon Warriors to begin training on June 20 See story on page 35
Ali’s funeral draws thousands See story on page 32
Worshippers and well-wishers take photographs as the casket with the body of the late boxing champion Muhammad Ali is brought for his Janazah, an Islamic funeral prayer, in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. yesterday. (Reuters/Carlos Barria)
GFF STAG Elite League semi-finals Gov’t looking to support Atwell’s ‘corrective surgery’ Team captains See story on page 34
... Boxer not ‘in biggest fight of his life’
hoping for victory ahead of today’s Matches
See story on page 33
(R-L) Wife of Clive Atwell (extreme right) makes a point while her husband Clive sits with his mother/coach and his media officer. Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.
Cycling velodrome, a step in the right direction, See story says Perreira on page 34 FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 2016