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GUYANA No. 104383 WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2015

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Lady Northcote sails again

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Fire guts UG bond

14 Mexico commits US$2M grant for Arts Institute – PM Nagamootoo ‘Granny’ killers get 81 years each 13 Page

Fire of unknown origin Tuesday evening destroyed a bond at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Guyana (Alva Solomon photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 25, 2015

Take control of your communities - Bulkan urges, as Guyana prepares for LGE

GUYANESE are being u r g e d t o e n s u re t h e y can participate at local government elections on March 18, 2016. Since the last such polls were held in 1994, there have been a number of changes to the local government system. According to Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, local elections are about persons taking control of their villages and communities. “I say to all of our citizens, make use of this o p p o r t u n i t y, s e i z e t h i s opportunity, this is a means for all of us being able to take charge, for the control of our communities,” Minister Bulkan urged. The Communities Minister further stated that this process will allow citizens to ensure that their parks, playgrounds and open

spaces are developed. Giving power to the people is a direction to which the coalition

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan government is committed, as it believes citizens should actively participate in their communities

developmental process. It has been recognised that there is a direct link between local democracy and human development. “We have to be able to participate to ensure that local democracy does not remain a concept or a construct, but it becomes something alive, living, and breathing where it offers us an opportunity, a vehicle for transforming these conditions in our communities,” Minister Bulkan stated. The 71 democratically elected councils which will come into being as a result of the Local Government Elections will bring fresh ideas, energy and enthusiasm to the management of communities, according t o t h e m i n i s t e r. T h e administration has committed to providing meaningful support to the councils when they are elected, so that they are equipped to effectively discharge their mandate. Although the hosting of these elections is a heavy burden which the State has to accommodate, the coalition government considers it to be necessary and an investment in deepening democracy, as well as good governance. (GINA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 25, 2015

Lady Northcote sails again - after $140M repair works AFTER two months of rehabilitation works, M o t o r Ve s s e l L a d y Northcote is back in the water after it was undocked from the E.C. Vieira Dockyard at Houston, East Bank Demerara on Tuesday. The 78-year-old MV Lady Northcote set sail along the Demerara River after its much needed $140M in repairs were completed by the

E.C. Vieira Investments Limited. The company had possession of Lady Northcote since the vessel was docked in September. While initial rehabilitation costs had been pegged at approximately $70M, the extent of the damage carried up the total cost to about $140M, due to extensive unforeseen damage. Amongst the extensive works done to Lady

Chief Mechanical Engineer (CME) Dwane Griffith speaking to the press onboard the Lady Northcote

Years of neglect results in Essequibo rice lands flooding

- relief efforts to commence soon LACK of maintenance of the drainage and irrigation system in Region 2, (Pomeroon/Supenaam) over the years has resulted in an uncontrollable siltation that caused flooding of rice lands between Sparta and Windsor Castle on the Essequibo coast. However, relief efforts are expected to commence as soon as Friday, November 27, 2015. Two excavators and one pontoon have been identified for this work. When the Government Information Agency (GINA) contacted the Regional Engineer – Region Two, Jafaun Permansingh, the agency was advised that maintaining the drainage and irrigation system is the responsibility of the regional administration and not that of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA). The regional engineer explained that currently the region is experiencing some serious issues pertaining to having the requisite equipment to execute works. He added that vandalism has resulted in the non-functioning of several of the heavy-duty machines and other equipment. “Vandalism is happening as persons are throwing sand in the engine block of the machines,” he stated. With regard to functioning pumps in the region, the regional engineer stated that seven of the nine pumps are not operational. However, efforts are under way to have them fixed.

Northcote were the repair of its hull; servicing of all on-board machinery; improvement of interior and exterior decking, and upgrades to the main and passenger decks. The facilities onboard have also been improved through the upgrade of the galley, while the vessel’s crew is expected to be more comfortable, thanks to improved beds and washroom facilities. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e offloading and loading capabilities were improved while all of the vessel’s plates were changed. In terms of safety, the vessel now holds 100 life rafts. The underwater propellers were also completely rebuilt. The rebuilding of the propellers is of particular significance; for years, MV Lady Northcote’s route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, Region 1 – lasted about 36 hours. However, the engineering team has projected that the rebuilt propellers will cut down on this travel time. The team will shortly be able to determine the accuracy of its theory when the vessel begins maximised functioning following tests. Meanwhile, members of the media were the

The Lady Northcote as it sets sail in the Demerara River from the E.C. Vieira Dockyard, Houston, EBD (Cullen Nelson photo)

first to be privy to the upgraded vessel during y e s t e r d a y ’s t e s t s a i l , which saw the motor vessel travelling from the E.C. Vieira Dockyard to the Kingston Wharf at a reduced speed. The trip was the first time the vessel moved in two months. During the hour-long trip, members of the media were able to interact with

key personnel involved in the repairs, including E.C. Vieira Investments Limited owner Edmond Vieira, and Chief Mechanical Engineer (CME) Dwane Griffith. Vieira explained that when Lady Northcote arrived at the dockyard for repairs, it had “no functionality”. “It was a very, very brutal rehabilitation service; very challenging,” Vieira

said. In response, CME Griffith lauded the contractor’s job and thanked Vieira on behalf of the entire crew. He added that the entire repairs process had gone off without a hitch. Lady Northcote is expected to resume its public trips sometime next week. (Public Infrastructure Ministry)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 25, 2015

Fire guts UG bond By Shirley Thomas THE Guyana Fire Service sprang into action late yesterday afternoon to fight a fire that broke out at the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the University of Guyana, forcing immediate evacuation of the entire university campus while triggering a major power outage at Turkeyen and contiguous areas on the East Coast of Demerara. Students attending lectures in the Cheddi B. Jagan (CBJ) Lecture Theatre recalled looking across the campus and noticing fire emanating from the old storage building around 19:00 hrs. They alerted their lecturer, who immediately discontinued classes, and the students grabbed their bags and exited the building. Immediately alerted, the

The scene of destruction in wake of the fire at the University of Guyana Central Fire Department (CFD) of the Guyana Fire Service promptly dispatched three tenders to combat

the flames – one from the CFD and two others from Alberttown. Twenty-five fire fighters and six officers converged on the scene of the fire. Fire Officer Andrew Holder recalls that the fire-fighters were at one stage challenged to source water, but fortunately found a large pond located between the Bursary and the Library, and so were eventually able to obtain water to extinguish the fire. At approximately 19:30 hrs, the firefighters had reportedly still not gone into the building, because it was rumoured to house a science lab, thus they were forced to approach the building with caution. The other challenge the fire official recalled the fire-fighters facing was the presence of a lot of flames, which posed a severe threat The building in which the fire started on the of the fire spreading to University campus

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surrounding buildings. Asked what could have possibly caused the fire, Officer Holder said they were still in fire-fighting mode and were still trying to ascertain what was in the building at the time of, or prior to the fire. However, they were able to contain the blaze to one building, before eventually extinguishing the fire. Asked for a comment on claims made by students that a loud explosion was heard in the building, Holder said there were only ordinary combustibles. UG Vice-Chancellor Professor Jacob Opadeyi confirmed that the fire started

in, and was confined to, a condemned storage bond and not a laboratory, as was the view initially held. That building also accommodated old examination papers and other documents stored by lecturers. Professor Opadeyi expressed gratitude to the fire-fighters for the sterling work they had done, claiming that he was ‘very pleased’ at their response to the fire call and the way they were able to manoeuvre and access water from the pond, even in difficult circumstances. “I am very pleased with their performance, because the danger of the fire

spreading was very high,” he confessed. The Vice-Chancellor said that another serious challenge was that the fire hydrants on the campus were not working. Asked about the impact of the fire on classes, he said it is likely to be very little, particularly on the students. However, it is expected to have emotional and psychological implications for the lecturers. Also, there will be implications for those students’ papers that have been destroyed in the blaze, since it is required that students’ scripts be kept for five years.

Destruction caused by the inferno

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 25, 2015

GuySuCo within reach of realising second-crop target THE Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is just about 13,000 tonnes away from achieving its 2015 sugar target of 227,443 tonnes. This production could be easily achieved in less than two weeks if industrial action is put on hold. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the corporation, Errol Hanoman, said the company could even go on to make another 6,000 tonnes which would take production to 233,361 tonnes for the year. The last time GuySuCo

GuySuCo CEO, Mr. Errol Hanoman achieved a second-crop target was in 2004, according to the

Gov’t to change teacher evaluation process - under GSSIP

CHANGES in the process of evaluating teachers and the teaching of Mathematics using technology are among the outcomes that will soon unfold as the Guyana Secondary School Improvement Programme (GSSIP) is implemented and integrated into the school system. Chief Education Officer Olato Sam, said “The secondary school project really is going to take on a key role, in transforming mathematics and secondary education, and moving us a couple of steps forward.” Importantly, he noted the project will provide the opportunity for integration of a school management information system in the local education system that would enable the ministry at any time, to have a direct technological link with schools. This, he pointed out, would allow for information that is constantly flowing, and for the ministry to have a base from which it can make solid planning and policy decisions. Sam also explained that the ministry expects to set some standards for mathematics instruction from the pilot, and then this will be replicated to all of the subjects. He, however, noted that in this initial pilot, the focus is on utilising tablets in school to ensure that the children have at their fingertips the latest technology and techniques for mathematics instruction, and that the teachers can use this seamlessly to enhance their instructional approaches. According to Sam, the pilot also allows for merging the local professional standards with an effective appraisal system for secondary level teachers. He explained that it would help, not only in enhancing the evaluation process, but also in bringing this more in line with contemporary practices, both regionally and internationally. The GSSIP is being tested and implemented under a US$10M loan agreement from the World Bank. The objective of the project is to facilitate more students exposure to secondary school mathematics teachers who have benefited from continuous professional development nationwide and, to increase the number of students in secondary schools with improved learning conditions in targeted regions. According to the mid-year 2015 report under the project, a diagnostic assessment of mathematics teachers was completed, the results of which are currently being used to prepare new modules that will guide the training of teachers and improve their knowledge and enhance the methodology used to deliver the mathematics curriculum. As part of a pilot programme, in the first half of the year, 100 math teachers from Regions 3, 4, 7 and 9 were trained in ICT literacy and software use. This has enabled the teachers to incorporate the use of technology to prepare their curriculums. (GINA)

CEO. He told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that on Saturday some workers of the East Demerara estates (Enmore and LBI) went on strike over the Annual Production Incentive (API) offered by the corporation. Hanoman said that talks on Friday with the Guyana Agricultural Workers’ Union (GAWU), regarding the API were left unfinished, after GAWU indicated that they

wished to meet with their membership with regard to the API offer. He said he was surprised that what took place after was that workers were encouraged to strike. GuySuCo is offering 2.7 days API which will be paid by March, 2016. However, this was rejected by GAWU. According to Hanoman, a large number of workers did not want to strike. He said the corporation is awaiting their return and

is encouraging them to maximise their earnings and to take the crop off. GuySuCo is confident it will reach its individual and overall targets, irrespective of the present industrial action by some workers. As of Monday, production stood at 133,146 tonnes for the second crop, while the yearto -date total stood at 214,290 tonnes. Hanoman also pointed out that ‘strike action’ in the interim is really a breach of

the law, since whenever there is an impasse, arbitration is the next step. Thus far, strike action has not been widespread. The CEO pointed out that on Sunday, sugar workers from the Blairmont Estate, West Bank Berbice (WBB), stayed home while Skeldon workers went on strike Monday, but indicated they would have returned to work yesterday. Rosehall factory workers also downed tools on Monday.

Guyana

EDITORIAL

Ending violence against women THE United Nations has dedicated the 25th of November every year as “International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.” This day must not only mark a date to recount statistics and talk about mistreatment meted out to one of society’s vulnerable, but also be accompanied by a redoubling of efforts to end the violence and sanction those who perpetrate it. Violence against women has been declared a global pandemic and human rights violation. In the male dominated world-view, the role of women in the family, home, relationship and society have been taken for granted and this taken-for-granted-ness has led to the perpetuation of violence in several forms. From seeing women as physically and genetically inferior to men, objectification and promotion of violence to women in lyrics, unequal pay for equal work, domestic/spousal violence,and limitations of opportunities to marginalisation in a nation’s decision-making processes; the list is long and angst numerous. Such acts of discrimination having been ingrained in the society often come as a shock to even the well-meaning, when these are pointed out as acts of violence. Yet these impact the socio-economic well-being of women and girls impeding progress in areas such as poverty eradication, HIV/AIDS, peace and security. According to the World Health Organisation, violence is “the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or against a group or community, that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation.” Such as manifested in this classification is distinguished in four modes, namely: physical; sexual; and psychological attack; and deprivation. This general definition of violence which is based on the same World Report on Violence and Health is further divided into three sub-types according to the victim-perpetrator relationship. These are: 1) Self-directed violence in which the perpetrator and the victim are the same individual and is sub-divided into self-abuse and suicide; 2)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 25, 2015

My river dredge operation is not destructive Dear Sir/Madam I WOULD like to bring to the attention of the public and the relevant authorities the concept of my river dredge working on a privately owned river claim that is located around the Isseneru area. I would like to highlight the following: A river dredge is equipped with a suction gravel pump that creates a vacuum that brings up the gravel from the river bed; and that gravel, along with water, passes through a sluice box, where the gold stays on a specialised carpet and the gravel returns to the river where it belongs, and stays there. The place where I’m working has been worked before by other river dredges, it’s not virgin area. The dredge does not pollute the river, because that gravel has been washed and rewashed billions of times, and does not disturb the fishes; we normally catch fish by casting our hooks from the dredge itself, even when it is working. We use the same water for cooking, washing and bathing, etc. Waste oil is given to the residents who ask for it, to

be used on motor chain saws and other appliances. We have adequate toilet facilities, and our garbage is disposed of by burning; all of this on the land, just the same as anyone else living in that general area. We only work from 05:00 hrs in the morning up until 21:00 hrs (5am to 9pm), as agreed upon by councillors of the village. We would then turn off all engines and use kerosene lamps. From where the hospital and school are located, it is very difficult to hear any noise coming from the dredge in the day, and impossible to hear anything in the night, due to the noise of generator sets that villagers use for their electricity supply. I am a professional miner, and I carry out my mining operation in a responsible and respectable manner, always environmentally and sociably friendly, and in strict conformity with all mining rules and regulations. Contrary to what was published in the newspapers, stating that I was ordered to stop working, I, Suresh Ramkissoon, have never been issued with any

injunction or cease-work order. I had stopped my dredge from working for almost one week, due to a “request” and “not” an “order” by the Minister of Natural Resources, in the hope of resolving this issue in an amicable way between the village, the GGMC, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and me. I re-commenced my work only after the team of relevant authority personnel had visited the area. The hospital, the school, church, ball field and everything else are situated about three-quarters of a mile upstream from where I am working. Earlier this year, I had worked much closer to houses (day and night) and never had anyone complain about anything. Only yesterday, four mines officers (one of them an environmental officer) came here to do inspections, and they have not found us in breach of anything. References of my moral conduct could be obtained without the slightest hesitation. I have an impeccable track record, not only in

Guyana, but also in Brazil, Venezuela, Suriname and the Republic of Guinea, in West Africa. I would be willing to shoulder the expense for any relevant authority to come to my dredge and spend some time to confirm the accuracy of this information. I may not agree with everything that someone may say, but I will always defend their right to say whatever they have a mind to. I am a born Guyanese, and I have contributed a lot to this great country, and I have the right to work where I am a presently working, just the same as any other good and loyal Guyanese. I have a lot of expenses and I owe a lot of money to diesel suppliers and other people. The river was very dry and I had a real hard time, and I am not doing anything wrong. I heard through the grapevine that another dredge owner is waiting to put his dredge to work in the same area where I am presently working. Yours faithfully, SURESH RAMKISSOON

Beware of indiscriminate prescriptions of presumed panaceas for GuySuCo Dear Editor, LAST Sunday’s Chronicle newspaper carried an article by Mr Sase Singh titled: “The Finale — it is time for distributive leadership.”

At first glance, I thought Mr Singh’s article might have been directed to the Hon Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and his top people in the field of Education, because the concept

Interpersonal violence which is between individuals, and is sub-divided into family and intimate-partner violence and community violence, where the former category includes child maltreatment; intimate-partner violence; and elder abuse, while the latter is broken down into acquaintance and stranger violence and includes youth violence; assault by strangers; violence related to property crimes; and violence in workplaces and other institutions; and 3) Collective violence which is committed by larger groups of individuals and can be sub-divided into social, political and economic violence. Every member of society, including woman and girl, man and boy, needs to be educated on what constitutes violence against women, since this is the first and most important step in moving to eliminate the violation. In this regard, it becomes even more important for women to play a leading role in shaping, influencing and developing laws and executing national policies and programmes that would be shaped out of recognition of the problems and measures needed to eliminate the problems. To this end, it is worthy to recall the counsel of social activist Dr Dawn Stewart in her address to the Guyana Women’s Roundtable in May this year during the elections season. In addressing the issue of women and their role in politics, Dr Stewart noted that there remain concerns about the lack of respect for wom-

of “distributive leadership” has its genesis in education administration (where, incidentally, there are still debates about its relevance and efficacy).

However, I became alarmed when I realised that Mr Singh’s article was focused on the sugar industry, and moreso, in his See page 7

en, lack of encouragement of women to participate without fear, or verbal or physical abuse. She went on to say leadership and tolerance and understanding must be shown in order to address the anomalies. In our society, women comprise more than half of the population and also make up more than 50 percent of the electorate. Theirs is a potent voice and force with the power to change political fortunes and the circumstances of their lives and family. But this is achievable only in an atmosphere where there is an absence of fear, violence is eschewed, and women stand up and demand their rightful and equal place in society, be it in politics, government or non-governmental organisations, in the community, in the home, and towards self and each other. As the United Nations Secretary-General’s Campaign, “UNiTE to End Violence against Women” invites the world to galvanise action to end violence against women and girls around the world, it carries recognition and responsibility that violence against women is preventable and essential. It therefore behooves men and boys to join hands with women and girls to fight negative, long-held traditions and actions. Both sexes must be in this together and as each one can teach one and self, the elimination of violence against women will not be a concept or yearly event to mark, but a spirited campaign buttressed by meaningful actions to stamp it out.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 25, 2015

We desperately appeal for a review of our grades Dear Editor, WE applaud our colleagues for coming forward and exposing one of our problems at the Berbice Campus. However, there is another issue which the administration has failed to address. During the last academic year, one lecturer taught five courses to one group of first-year students, and two of the same courses to two other first-year groups. For the courses, we were given three sets of course work assessments. In each course, we received the grades for the first assessment. We did not receive the marked papers or grades for any other assessment. We went into the final exams unaware of our final coursework grades. When our results for the courses were published at the end of

the semester, we were all in shock and dismay. The lecturer award ed mainly Ds and Fs in a non-transparent process. Committed and dedicated students who were never absent from classes and who had earned ‘A’s in the first assessments were not spared the Ds and Fs. Students who had consistently earned ‘A’s in their other courses received the same treatment. The combination of Ds and Fs destroyed the GPAs of dedicated and committed students. Desperate and frustrated, we sought the advice of a lecturer, who referred our concern to the administration and directed us to a process where we requested the Dean’s review of the conduct of the courses. Some of us, who could have afforded the

cost to review an exam grade, applied for reviews. By the way, some of our colleagues who had failed one of these courses did the course when it was conducted in the summer by another lecturer. They received ‘A’s and ‘B’s. To date, we have not heard from the administration. Our issue remains unresolved, and we are coming to the end of yet another semester. Mr Minister of Education, like our colleagues who appealed to you before, we are pleading for the transformation of UG to begin in the classroom. Our letter is not a personal attack on any lecturer, for we have dedicated and committed full-time lecturers, who encourage us to excel and are happy when we do so. The quality of some of our part-time lecturers leaves

a lot to be desired, and we are totally against a system that allows one person to initiate students into UG with five courses and play God with their future. Mr Minister, we are not saying that students cannot earn Ds and Fs. Our issue is that each student deserves to earn each grade through a transparent process. We are begging you, Mr Minister of Education, to use your good office and make the administration show us how we moved from ‘A’s to Ds and Fs. We ask that they produce our marked assessments for all of the affected courses and review our grades. Out of fear of victimisation, we have agreed not to sign our names. CONCERNED CITIZENS

New ideas needed to improve the fortunes of GuySuCo Dear Editor, I THANK Mr Nowrang Persaud for his letter, but was not surprised with his expressed alarm at the use of the concept of “distributive leadership” in GuySuCo. I, however, would agree with him that this concept did originate in the education sector. However, may I humbly advise him that this concept has successfully been tested and adopted in turning around failing companies with much success? So the concept is well used in industry today. Changes in GuySuCo can be driven from the bottom up. The factory and field foremen can lead the way in reducing waste in the industry. We have to step out of the box and accept an alternative

way. No need for any fear Mr Persaud, we all have to be realistic and accept that the oldstyle system of “a few big men” at the top has failed. Although elements of that system are still necessary, by and large, headquarters has to create greater space for the technicians and the workers to push the ideas to successfully turn around GuySuCo. GuySuCo is exactly where it is today because the big men who ran the industry for years were not “pragmatic” and realistic, but relied on the old philosophy that headquarters knows it all; and in the end, they brought the industry to its knees. The old model failed, it is time to try what even Harvard University is recommending today. Change is very hard to

accept, especially for those who have done the same thing over and over for decades. The reality is: we do not have a choice. We cannot continue to run the industry in the same old command-and-control manner, or else it will die. We cannot expect the Treasury, in the long run, to be pumping billions into this industry; it is just not economically feasible. What is certain is that there has to be a greater balance of power across the industry. Steps have to be taken to empower workers to more actively contribute, not only their labour, but also their ideas on how to improve the work process. It was Ralph Waldo Emerson who said: “In skating over thin ice, our safety is in

Beware of indiscriminate ... From page 6 words: “was written for the primary benefit of field and factory foremen and the workers, in general, to better empower them to take the industry forward”! As a member of the CoI into the sugar industry, the report of which is

still under consideration by our government, I am restrained from saying or writing things which might be premature or misinterpreted; but, as an experienced Human Resource Management professional, I am constrained to warn against indiscriminate “prescrip-

tions” of presumed panaceas, such as “distributive leadership,” “visioning,” “core values,” etc., while overlooking or ignoring the wisdom of pragmatic, situational and contextual leadership. NOWRANG PERSAUD

our speed.” Our speed at embracing the necessary changes will be essential for success in GuySuCo. Regards, SASE SINGH

Linden mortuary requested ice to store the dead

Dear Editor, IT IS with utmost disgust and grief that I write this letter, highlighting the poor state of the funeral parlour in Linden, Wismar and the way bereaved ones have to ‘endure’ and send off their loved one’s remains. Recently, I attended my grandfather’s funeral in Linden, and was most sickened, during my bereavement, at the state in which families’ corpses are being handled and preserved for a funeral. The body of my relative was stored at the mortuary of the Linden/Wismar Hospital. There is a fee charged. One would believe that the corpse would be stored properly for the keeping of the body for the ritual funeral service, then burial. Contrary to that belief, I sadly highlight that there is no proper storage at the Linden/Wismar Hospital mortuary. My relative’s body, on the day of the funeral, was in a decomposed state. There was a putrid stench. Certain body parts had to be extremely covered from the public’s sight, because it was that much decomposed. It was told to the wife of the deceased that she should have provided ice to store the body. How ridiculous can that be of a mortuary to make such a request. How much ice can one carry to store a body? Is the same ice we store in our home freezers suitable for that use? This surely is not the first of such a case in Linden. I was told that it has become a norm for Lindeners, because this mortuary is the only operational, one apart from a newly refurbished one in Mackenzie, which is not functioning as yet, because they need generators. This concern warrants immediate attention from the ministry-government and the Environmental Protection Agency; Industry, Infrastructure and Energy bodies. It is callous to treat human remains with such mindless carelessness. It is unhealthy to have to inhale such a stench (air pollution), and it is a total disgrace for the mortuary to be functioning with poor or no proper facility for storage and preservation of human remains. I hope that, with this letter, the relevant authorities address this concern as soon as possible. Regards, MS. ESTHER REID (Deceased’s wife 647-7672) and MS. R. SHIPLEY (Grand-daughter of deceased 688-2760)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 25, 2015

‘Don’t mess with your benefits’ …GuySuCo cautions striking workers

By Rabindra Rooplall MANY workers of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) will reportedly not qualify for the Annual Production Incentive (API) and other benefits if they continue to strike while the company aims for its targeted 227,000 tonnes sugar production that is to be achieved in the weeks ahead. GuySuCo’s Chief Industrial Relations Manager Deodat Sukhu, made this dire prediction as he informed that GuySuCo had agreed to meet with the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) on Friday last to discuss increased wages for workers, but this did not materialise as GAWU had already initiated random strike action on at least three estates, according to GuySuCo. The company is warning that strike action could jeopardise any talks on wage increases. Sukhu declared that GuySuCo contacted GAWU General Secretary Seepaul Narine yesterday to inform him that the company is looking for total resumption of work before engaging in any further consultation with the union. “Our current total revenue is barely enough to pay wages. GuySuCo cannot talk under duress; workers need to understand that they need to work. Workers on strike can disqualify themselves for other benefits if they did not acquire 80% of work on duty. By being absent from work, they can disqualify themselves and they can have greater losses,” the Chief Industrial Relations Manager explained. “We have even written to GAWU stating that if strike action continues we would be withdrawing the offer, because [a] strike would only take us more deep into financial difficulty, because we are already trying to make a payment we can’t afford just to fulfil our expectation.” Sukhu said workers must realise that strike action would destroy the industry, which can barely afford to maintain its workers. He said the 2.7 days Annual Production Incentive (API) offered by the corporation can only be paid in March 2016, although the corporation’s position has been rejected by GAWU. Sukhu said he understands that a large percentage of

the workers did not want to strike, because they wanted to maximise their earnings and to take the crop off. GuySuCo is optimistic that its 2015 sugar target of 227,443 tonnes will be reached, irrespective of the present industrial action by some workers. Although GAWU had informed GuySuCo that the strike had been called off, at least on three estates, there was still strike action in the industry; and Sukhu warned that this action could scuttle any talks on wage increases, especially since GAWU is aiming for an unrealistic five days API, which the company is financially unable to pay.

Noting that this type of strike action can bring the industry to its knees and result in the workers suffering in the long run, Sukhu said he understands that many impromptu strikes are still being organised by GAWU at the various factories. Government has had to bail out the sugar industry with $28 billion in the last five years alone. And now, with its debt load of $82 billion and an expected $5 billion needed for capital investment, together with anticipated further bailout in 2016, any strike action in the industry would sound the proverbial death knell for the industry. As of week ending November 6, 2015, Skeldon and Blairmont estates have surpassed their weekly target; while Albion, Rose Hall and Enmore estates respectively achieved 91.43%, 90.29% and 90.26% of their production targets.

WHY NOW Meanwhile, the current industrial action called by GAWU has forced the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GuySuCo Mr Errol Hanoman to ask some pertinent questions. Hanoman reportedly told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that certain questions need to be answered by the union. “Why deny workers additional wages and incentives that they can earn in the three weeks remaining to crop’s end? Why deny GuySuCo from realising its 2015 targeted sugar production? What is there to be gained from this protest action, even as [the] production target is within reach?” The CEO made it clear that the protest action will only make the situation more serious for the sugar company, as sales will be affected along with payment of wages and salaries, and obligations to suppliers. He added that, “Whilst on strike, there can be no engagement, so when the union officially calls off the strike and workers return, then dialogue can resume.” GuySuCo is just about 13,000 tonnes away from achieving its 2015 sugar target of 227,443 tonnes. According to Hanoman, the target can even be surpassed by at least 6,000 tonnes, which would take production to 233,361 tonnes for the year. The last time GuySuCo achieved a second-crop target was in 2004. As of today, production stood at 133,464 tonnes for the second crop, while the year-to-date total stood at 214,607 tonnes. Some workers are on strike over the Annual Production Incentive (API) offered by the corporation. Hanoman told GINA on Monday that talks on Friday, with GAWU, regarding the API were left unfinished, after GAWU indicated that they wanted to consult their membership. GuySuCo is offering 2.7 days API which will be paid by March 2016. According to Hanoman, a large number of workers are against strike action at this time. He said the corporation is awaiting their return and is encouraging them to maximise their earnings and to take the crop off.

NGO gives poor Berbice students opportunity to write CSEC TWENTY-THREE students who faced financial challenges, were given an opportunity to write the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate [CSEC] in 2016, after their examination fees were paid through the benevolent Pandit Suresh Sugrim, of the Humanitarian Mission of New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir Inc. At a simple local ceremony held at the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) complex at Babu John, Port Mourant, Corentyne, on Thursday last, the community advocate who, despite being exposed to limited education, urged the recipients to grasp the opportunity given, as an education breaks the cycle of poverty. Pandit Sugrim said the idea of assisting the students was birthed after the plight of a single mother, who underwent a gastro intestinal surgery, and wears a colostomy bag, was highlighted as she was unable to fund the required sum for her child’s examination. Recognising the change one can have if given the opportunity to obtain the CSEC certificate, Sugrim solicited help from several donors, who collectively pooled $600,000. With that sum in hand, he returned to Guyana, where he contacted Regional Education Officer [REO] Ms Volika Jaikissoon, who guided him on the way forward. At last Thursday’s ceremony, beneficiaries were drawn from the Port Mourant Secondary and the Lower Corentyne Secondary Schools on the Corentyne Coastline, along with the New Amsterdam Multilateral and the Tutorial Academy Secondary Schools in New Amsterdam. However, it was noted that the financial aid can be accessed by students attending any of the secondary schools across Region 6 [East Berbice/ Corentyne]. Ms Jaikissoon, expressing gratitude to the donors, urged her students to make the best use of the assistance, which was garnered through the hard labour of others. “All you need to do is to be grateful, by working hard to excel,” she urged. Meanwhile, students received subsidies of varying amounts, which was subsequently deposited by the NGO, into a designated account at a financial institution. Expressions of gratitude were also entertained by students and their parents.

Pandit Suresh Sugrim addressing recipients of the CSEC financial aid from the Humanitarian Mission of New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir Inc.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 25, 2015

Removal of death penalty can give ‘Islamic State’ a window

- lawyer tells forum

The Chair, Dr Asunta Vivo Cavaller, accompanied by the panelists, Dr Lloyd Barnett (Greater Caribbean for Life), Prithima Kissoon (Deputy Solicitor General, Legal Affairs Ministry), Leo Bradley Jr (Human Rights Commission, Belize) and Merle Mendonca (Guyana Human Rights Association representative) By Svetlana Marshall WITH an increase in global threats against humanity from the Islamic State (IS), a terrorist group operating in Iraq and Syria, a call is being made to keep the death penalty on the statute books. Attorney-at-Law Avette Richards made the call on Tuesday during the Caribbean Regional Conference on the Abolition of the Death Penalty at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre at Liliendaal,Greater Georgetown. Richards, who described herself as a concerned Guyanese, said in the past she would have advocated abolition of the death penalty, but given the war that has been launched against humanity by ISIS, she is now “sitting on the fence.” The inhumane acts of terrorism executed by ISIS are no longer confined to Iraq and Syria, but have spread to Denmark, France, Mali, Nigeria and Turkey. Here in the Caribbean Region, reports suggest that 89 Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) nationals have joined the terrorist group. “It is coming closer to home,” Richards posited, as she emphasised that it is now a global problem. “We cannot take certain things off of the books for now,” the attorney added, even as she called for a referendum to be done. Human rights organisations across the world and the International Commission against the

Death Penalty should have a more holistic perspective on the issue, she posited, noting that more attention should be given to victims and their families. Richards received approving nods from many who were there. Richards’s comments come at a time when the United States has issued a global travel alert as the manhunt continues for the recent Paris attackers. The global alert was issued on Monday by the U.S. State Department in light of “increased terrorist threats” from militant groups in various regions of the world. According to the U.S. State Department, current information suggests that ISIL (aka Da’esh), alQa’ida, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups are planning terrorist attacks i n m u l t i p l e re g i o n s – attacks which may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons. “Authorities believe the likelihood of terror attacks will continue as members of ISIL/Da’esh return from Syria and Iraq. Additionally, there is a continuing threat from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organisations, but conducted on an individual basis. Extremists have targeted large sporting events, theatres, open markets, and aviation services,” the U.S. State Department said. On November 13, approximately 120 persons

were killed when gunmen and bombers launched a series of attacks across Paris. GHRA DIFFERS But the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) representative Merle Mendonca said Guyana and by extension the rest of the Caribbean should not fight “fire with fire or violence with violence.” According to her, innovative strategies are needed that would “encourage us to remain civilised human beings.” Mendonca, who was among the panelists who spoke extensively on the need to abolish the death penalty, was backed by Coordinator of Red Thread Karen De Souza, who was a part of the audience. De Souza said based on her experience, it should not be left up to the judge to sentence someone to death, saying that the poor will suffer if the death penalty is not abolished. “I do not believe that we should leave something as important as a person’s life to the discretion of a judge or to the discretion of the court.” According to her, many of the people who are sentenced to death are from the lowest possible economic strata of society and are often unable to employ the services of “high-flying lawyers.” 23 PERSONS ON DEATH ROW According to Deputy Solicitor General of the

L e g a l A ff a i r s M i n i s t r y Prithima Kissoon, 23 persons are awaiting the death sentence. In Guyana, the Criminal Law Offences (Amendment) Act of 2010 has removed the

mandatory death penalty for persons convicted of murders. The amended legislation has made provisions for life imprisonment and imprisonment with the

p o s s i b i l i t y o f p a ro l e . H o w e v e r, t h e d e a t h penalty has been retained for limited cases such as murder of a police officer on duty, a judicial officer or treason or terrorism.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 25, 2015

Veteran journalist Raschid Osman to be buried today V

ETERAN journalist Raschid Editor-in-Chief of the Guyana Chronicle, Osman, 78, who died in his Nigel Williams, also paid tribute to the late sleep Saturday morning, will journalist and editor. be buried today. The funeral “Mr Osman was a wonderful human-beservice will be held at the First ing whose experience and work in both print Assembly of God Church on Durban Street and broadcast media made him one of the from 14:30hrs. foremost journalists of his era….He would Mr. Osman was a former Editor at the Guybe sorely missed,” Williams said. ana Chronicle and up to last Friday served as “The staff will miss his guidance and the Assistant Editor with the Sunday edition. calmness with which he dealt with difficult Friday evening, he opted to cover the opensituations. On behalf of the entire Editorial ing of the National Drama Festival, which he Department, I express deepest condolences did. Mr. Osman has covered the arts during his to his sorrowing relatives, especially his several decades in the profession. wife Yvonne and only child, Ruth Osman,” He was also fondly loved on radio for his Williams added. Mid-Morning Classics, which he began preFormer Editor-in-Chief of the Chronisenting in 1975. After a brief pause this year, he cle, Mark Ramotar, with whom Mr Osman chose to return to the air due to the clamouring worked closely during the past several years, of fans for the programme. also expressed his shock and deep sadness He had once said Mid-Morning Classics was at the passing of his friend and colleague. a part of his life. And there were so many who “Mr Osman was a good, decent human claimed that it was those On-Air programmes being with a kind heart and a congenial that introduced them to classical music personality. I will miss his dry wit and his Another veteran, Hubert Williams, who seemingly effortless ability to crack a sharp was flying into Barbados on a two-day asjoke in the office,” Ramotar commented. signment, was shocked to learn of the death Ramotar also fondly recall Mr Osman’s but found the time to applaud Osman’s contriteasing in the office: “Mark, if you want to bution to journalism and the arts. He posited: live to see my age you have to stop burning “Raschid was a short and quiet gentle giant your candle at both ends!” in the Editorial Department, who spoke little, Also, News Editor at the Chronicle, but wrote volumes on music and the arts. Tajeram Mohabir, said he was deeply sadHis death brings an end to one of the great dened and surprised when he learnt about survivors in Guyanese newspaper and radio Mr Osman’s passing. “I recalled the day journalism.” before he was in a jolly mood, trading jokes Godfrey Wray, a former Sports Editor and in the office. It was his way of livening up Sunday Editor and now Editorial Consultant the office. Many of us will miss his sharp, with the Chronicle, was rendered speechless witty and sarcastic counter jokes. This was when he got the news. He could only mutter: the light side of ‘Ossy’ as we called him.” “But we were together in the Editorial Depart“Aside from his light side, he was very ment up to late yesterday. The void he leaves serious with his work and was a master at will be hard to fill.” writing colour stories,” Mohabir stated, addFormer Information Minister in the People’s ing that Mr Osman will be deeply missed National Congress government Yvonne Hareand for young journalists will be rememwood-Benn, said the death was a tremendous bered for his dedication to work and being a RASCHID OSMAN loss because Raschid had a lot to share with the stickler for quality writing. younger media operatives. “He was a very thorClaudette Earle, top journalist and colough professional, dedicated to his task,” she league for many years, was also stunned by added. Chairperson of the Board of Directors the news. She said: “As a weaver of the writJean La Rose, said the news was a major shock because Raschid played a very important ten word Raschid Osman stood tall among his contemporaries. Whether he was analysing role in all-round media. “It is a great loss,” she lamented. the interpretation of a Tennessee Williams character by a Theatre Guild actress or whether Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, a journalist for many years, in a statement de- he was listing layers of symbolism in a Ron Savory painting, Raschid’s use of language scribed Mr Osman as a “towering figure in Guyanese media and in the arts”. was both effective and magical. Mr Nagamootoo said the loss of Mr Osman is an enormous blow to these fraternities “In this digital age where language is increasingly codified and stripped of nuances, his and to the Guyanese society. mastery of prose was elegant and incisive.” “Unfailingly committed to his work and to the arts, Osman leaves a rich legacy for General Manager of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Michael Gordon exyoung journalists to emulate. His arts reviews were par excellence as was his work in radio. pressed deepest sorrow to Osman’s family. He said the loss would be a dent in the quality On behalf of the Cabinet and the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana I of broadcasting and the written word. “Those are big shoes to be filled,” he said express deepest condolences to his wife Yvonne, daughter Ruth and all his relatives and Mr Osman leaves to mourn his wife, Yvonne, his daughter Ruth, and many other friends,” the Prime Minister said. relatives and friends, including the staff of the Guyana Chronicle.

REMEMBERING RASCHID OSMAN

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 25, 2015

A Beautiful Mind

(Tribute from Joan Cambridge) IN the more than seven decades I’ve been alive, few people have made an impression on my mind to match Raschid Osman; his memory lingers… It’s that intrinsic sense of aesthetics he possessed; his quiet dignity and facility being an exemplar of the mantra advocated by Max Erhmann in his Desiderata poem – “Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others…” Raschid Osman was a civilized gentleman. When we talked on the telephone, he’d encouraged me to write for The Chronicle; why would I want to write for that dishonest rag that nobody buys, I asked him and incredibly, Raschid Osman responded: “I don’t blame you.” With the advent of a Coalition for National Unity Government, life in Guyana and The Chronicle have been restored to an acceptable state. Last time I saw him briefly after thirty years or so, was at a Roy Brummell book launching last Monday at Moray House; he looked frail. I mentioned that Godfrey Wray had suggested he should interview me for the paper but he didn’t seem to be aware of this till

I got this E-mail from him – Hi; Just got the great news that you are considering doing some writing for us. It’s an exciting thought. It would be a good idea for me to do a piece on you to sort of introduce you to our readers. Even if you don’t agree to write for us, I am still keen on doing a story on you. I remember you as one of the most exciting woman editors ever. Please contact me and let’s see if we could do the interview on Thursday this week. Thanks Raschid PS: Remember you enjoyed my LP with Heifetz playing Gershwin? My response to this was – Hi, Thursday it is, then; tell me more...can’t wait... A LUTA CONTINUA! P.S....enjoyed every one of those soothing ‘mid-morning melodies’; I enjoyed you, Raschid, remember? Then a note to reschedule – Hi, Sorry about this. Just learned that the Sunday Editor will be away. It’s already late in the week and I am pressed. Could we

make the interview early next week? Monday or Tuesday would be fine. I’m sure you understand. Thank you Raschid Of course I understand Raschid anytime you choose like ‘Sancho’ to call me “…midnight, backdam self – anywhere” I will answer the opportunity to sit down with you and recall that euphoric time; rewind with you and review the idyll of those years we shared at the Guyana Graphic with Godfrey Wray and Eleazer Watson, Montague Smith and Carl Blackman, Sybille Hart, Frank Campbell, Rickey Singh, Hubert Williams, Winston Oudkerk, Donald Periana, Duke Lambert and many more; some still with us, others whom you’ve transitioned to join in the realm of ancestors; to celebrate the way we were. ....wish I could have told him this; I meant to say it to him on Monday or Tuesday when we met for that interview; but alas, death cancels all engagements. However, thankfully, memory lives on in infinity. Rashid Osman’s brilliant, beautiful mind was marinated in the music he loved and shared with us in his inspirational ‘Mid-morning Classics’ on the radio. I am happy to hear the program has been resuscitated. Rest placidly as was your wont, my brother.

Guyana Press Association mourns Osman’s death

FOLLOWING is the full text of a statement issued by the GPA yesterday on the death of veteran journalist Raschid Osman: The Guyana Press Association mourns the passing of veteran journalist Mr. Raschid Osman and hereby extends condolences to his wife Yvonne, his daughter Ruth and his other relatives and friends. As we reflect on his life, the words of Martin Carter’s Death of a Comrade resonate. Carter said “death must not find us thinking that we die.” Indeed, the sting of death certainly will not wash away Mr. Osman’s illustrious career in print and broadcast journalism. His was a sterling commitment and dedication to the profession he loved. His colleagues at the Guyana Chronicle remember that on Friday Nov 20, 2015 he left early to get ready to attend the opening of the National Drama Festival. He did cover that assignment and died the following morning at the age of 78. Mr. Osman started his career as a feature writer at the Guyana Graphic in 1963 and continued in that role when the newspaper became the Guyana Chronicle. Eventually, in 1982, he was appointed Managing Editor and from then on was promoted to Sunday Editor, then Editor and eventually Editor-in-Chief in 1989. In 1991, he left for Dominica and took up a job as Editor of the Dominica Chronicle and stayed there until 1999. He returned home and worked on Special Projects at the Guyana Chronicle and then took up a

job as News Editor of the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation. From 2003-2005 he served as Editor at the Government Information Agency. Before, rejoining the Chronicle, he had served as the Head of the Public Relations Department at the Ethnic Relations Commission. At the time of his death, he served as Assistant Editor with the Sunday desk at the Chronicle. During his long career, Mr. Osman travelled to many different parts of the world, including Nigeria, China, Korea and several islands in the Caribbean. Osman’s love for the arts moved him to pen brilliant critiques of stage plays, musical and dance concerts, and national cultural events. In his writing one could have seen not only a commanding use of language, but also deep knowledge of what he was writing about. In a review of the full first performance by the National Dance Company for the first Caribbean Festival of Arts in 1980, he wrote of the performance of the Cuban modern dance instructor Orestes Mejico, who was then attached to the company: “His work was unique, much of the choreography keeping him close to the floor, his torso and arms inscribing low patterns, an intricate ballet performance that defies the classical position of the upright torso, with only the arms and legs moving at angles.” He also took time to pay tribute to those who championed the art forms, as

is seen in a 1979 ode to Rajkumari Singh, a cultural leader of the time. “The truth is that long before the obsession with ‘roots’ became the ‘thing’, Rajkumari Singh clung to her Indian Heritage with all the vitality she could muster, in all this, never allowing her nostalgia for the life-style of her (forebearers) to so cloud her raison d’etre that she thought the thing to do was to go back to the Indian Sub-Continent.” At the dawn of the 1980s, he told readers of the introduction of Mass Games here: “Mass Games came alive yesterday (February 28, 1980) for thousands of Mash [Mashramani] revellers, a spectacular sweep of colour and pageantry and informed by a precision that had to be seen to be believed….There is little doubt that Mass Games has instilled the children with discipline that would be hard to beat. For the most part, the participants moved as if they were all parts of one big machine operated by a single operator.” As the decades rolled on Mr. Osman would continue with insightful art reviews. But there was another side to him that brought magic to a different audience, something that had become part of his life. For half an hour every morning mid-week, 9:30 to 10:00 a.m., his radio programme Mid-Morning classics regaled listeners of classical music - “the poignant music of Chopin, or flowing Strauss waltzes, or Tchaikovsky mel-

odies, or inventive Mozart opera, with arias which progressed logically, every ‘i’ dotted and every ‘t’ crossed, or a rousing Rossini overture, chockfull of crescendos that he loved so much,” he wrote recently. He began presenting the programme in 1979, but handed over the programme to someone else when he left for Dominica in 1991. When he returned home in 1999, the programme had lost is sponsor and was off air. He resuscitated the programme, and was thrilled when, not having to reply on vinyl LPs he could present a more “vibrant and heavenly” programme using music recorded on CDs. At the time, the Tenors Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti, sopranos Jessye Norman and Kathleen Battle were in their prime, and he ensured listeners received a great deal of their work. The programme was put on pause for a brief period this year, but he had only recently started doing the programme again. More than his professional life however, Mr. Osman endeared himself to those he came into contact with. He proved to be a genuine soul, who possessed incredible charm and wit. Importantly, he loved his family dearly and would often talk about them. He was proud of his wife’s activities in the church and the talent of his daughter Ruth, who grew up to be a jazz musician, often crediting her talent to her father’s love for music.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 25, 2015

Baramita students’ visit to Georgetown a ‘dream come true’

Students of Baramita School being briefed on self-esteem and hygiene at the Ocean View Hotel, yesterday By Shirley Thomas IT’S a dream come true and a most fulfilling experience for 23 students from the Primary and Secondary Departments of Baramita School in Region 1, currently on a 3½ day visit to the city, compliments of the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health O r g a n i z a t i o n ( PA H O / WHO) country office and other key stakeholders. PAHO Consultant Angela Hoyte told the Guyana Chronicle that the visit was sponsored by PAHO/WHO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health; Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs and the Ministry of Social Protection. The initiative was in

response to a request made by four students of the school for a group to be taken to Georgetown to see the Guyana National Museum. At that time, PAHO/WHO Representative Dr. William Adu-Krow and Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton were on a factfinding visit to Baramita to make an assessment of the frequency and causes leading up to suicide as a rampant phenomenon in the community. The trip was planned to include other places of interest in the city and has turned out to be a huge success. The visit commenced last Sunday when the 23 enthusiastic students, accompanied by Senior

Mistress Jennifer Williams; Village Councillor Bernice Williams; Community Health Worker Akeem Henry; parent Rubina Thomas and others arrived at the Ogle Airport. Hoyte confirmed that the students have since paid visits to President David Granger, had lunch with PAHO’s Dr. William Adu-Krow, visited the National Library, the Bank of Guyana, and its Roof Garden where they had a panoramic view of the picturesque city of Georgetown. They were also taken to the Guyana Zoo in the Botanical Gardens. The touring party visited the Ministry of Education and had fruitful discussions with Minister of Education Dr

Mahaicony fatality driver - police continue still at large manhunt THE Guyana Police Force continues to search for Altab Bacchus, who continues to be on the run following a fatal accident -- earlier this month -- that killed a mother of seven and injured three other persons. Police sources who wish to remain anonymous have said that Bacchus might have skipped the country, but that theory has not been confirmed, since there is no official record to support such claims. Police Traffic Chief Dion Moore explained yesterday that Bacchus remained on the run, although he had indicated that he was going to hand himself over to the

police following the incident. The police are convinced that the man had been ‘drink driving’ at the time of the accident. They are basing their assumption on eyewitness accounts of what had transpired during that fatal accident. The three persons who survived the accident have all been discharged from hospital, and are said to be recovering well. Two of the three are still receiving m e d i c a l c a re t h ro u g h clinics, as recommended by the doctors who had looked at them during their admission following the accident. On the night of the

accident, two vehicles collided while one was trying to negotiate an uneven spot on a bridge, while the other had suffered a blowout. The other driver was held by the police following the accident; and after the reportedly errant driver, Altab Bacchus, had failed to show up at the station, the driver of the other vehicle was released on station bail. The police are continuing their investigation into the matter, and are asking members of the public to contact them should they have any information relative to the whereabouts of Altab Bacchus.

Rupert Roopnaraine. They also met with officials of the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Social Protection. OCEAN VIEW HOTEL ACCOMMODATION Yesterday’s activities included an interactive oneon-one talk on self-esteem and hygiene, conducted by PAHO consultants, in a warm and informal atmosphere at the Ocean View Hotel, where the students are being accommodated. The day’s schedule concluded with visits to the National Communications Network (NCN) and the Guyana National Museum, which was of particular interest to the touring party. Visits around the city will continue today

and they depart Georgetown for Baramita tomorrow. Meanwhile, the students have expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Adu-Krow and staff of PAHO; Dr. Norton and all the other stakeholders for making their visit to Georgetown possible and affording them what they described as a “rewarding experience.” They have stated how happy they were that what was once a dream has turned out to be a most intriguing reality. Expressing appreciation on behalf of the school, Senior Mistress Williams said: “Our gratitude to our sponsors. PAHO gives them (the students) hope and us, as teachers too.” Over time there has been a worrying increase in the

suicide rate in Baramita, Region 1. According to a reliable source and confirmed by a community health worker, from 2006 to the present, there have been 65 cases of suicide at Baramita, with most of them being by hanging. PRIDE & SELF-WORTH Out of concern for this development, PAHO and other stakeholders sought to put together a package for the young people which would have them engage in activities that would make them feel good about themselves; harbour feelings of pride and selfworth, while bringing them to a conscious realisation that life is precious and should be cherished, not callously taken.

COMMUNITY leaders accompanying the Baramita students on their visit to Georgetown. From left are Village Councillor Bernice Williams; Community Health Worker Akeem Henry, and Rubina Thomas, a parent

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 25, 2015

‘Granny’ killers get 81 years each By Michel Outridge AFTER hours of waiting y e s t e r d a y, t h e f o u r accused fingered in the Robb Street ‘Granny’ murder trial were all found guilty by the 12-member jury. The unanimous decision was announced in the High Court before Justice Navindra Singh. Orwin Hinds, Kevin October, Cleon Hinds and

‘MURDERED’: Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris Roy Jacobs, were each sentenced to 81 years’ imprisonment for the murder of Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris. Justice Navindra Singh handed down the sentence with a base of 60 years – plus 10 years for premeditation; 10 years for murder for pay; five years for the use of a firearm and minus four years for the time served on remand. The four will be eligible for parole after serving 45 years. H o w e v e r, D e f e n c e Counsels George Thomas and Moti Singh yesterday indicated that they would file appeals for their clients - Orwin Hinds and Kevin October. Justice Singh, before he handed down the sentence, told the court that the sentence would be the same for the four men since there was a plan and it was executed by the

quartet. Meanwhile, before the sentences were passed yesterday afternoon in a packed court room, when asked if they had anything to say Orwin Hinds said he was innocent of the charge since he did not know anything about the murder. Kevin October told the court that he was also innocent and if they had checked the station diary at the Brickdam Police Station on June 30, 2011 when the elderly woman was killed it would have been seen that he was in police custody and was released after. He added that it was a trap by the police and the prosecution to frame him for the murder which he knew nothing of. Cleon Hinds said he too was innocent of the charge before him and “is just so he get a murder charge because I does work car and I don’t know anything about no murder.” Roy Jacobs said, “I am innocent of this charge because I do not know anything of the murder.” However, after he was sentenced he told Justice Navindra Singh that “Your day will come, judgment day will come for you and you have children too.” Before the sentences were handed down, defence lawyers George Thomas, Moti Singh and Raymond Alli all asked the court to be lenient with their clients. Thomas said it was Orwin Hinds’s birthday and it was his first offence. After the sentences were handed down, relatives of Kevin October were reduced to tears. They exited the court room and wailed loudly before the quartet was led away to jail. Orin Hinds, called ‘Redman’, of Burnham Boulevard, Mocha, East

The four convicts hiding their faces at the High Court Bank Demerara; Kevin October called ‘Troy’, of Second Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara; Cleon Hinds, and Roy Jacobs called ‘Chippie’ or ‘Black Boy’ of Evans Street, Charlestown, were on trial before Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed 12-member jury for the murder. According to the indictment, the four men murdered Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris pursuant to an arrangement whereby money was to be passed from one person to another. On the evening of June 30, 2011, two men went to Fiedtkou-Parris’s Robb Street home asking for ‘Auntie’, a title by which she was called. They were directed up a side step and as FiedtkouParris emerged from her bedroom, one of the men pulled out a gun and shot her several times to the upper part of her body. The men then jumped into a waiting car while the injured woman was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 25, 2015

Mexico commits U.S.$2M grant for Institute of Creative Arts – PM Nagamootoo

THE Government of Mexico has committed to the Guyana Government a sum of U.S.$2M to aid in the construction of an Institute of Creative Arts in Guyana. This commitment was among several secured by Prime Minister and First Vice-President Moses Nagamootoo on his recent visit to Mexico. The Prime Minister made these statements during his address to the graduation exercise of the University of Guyana Berbice campus over the

weekend. He explained that the government is planning to set up a creative arts institute as it recognises the role the creative arts play in the overall development of a society. “We must always look to our musicians, to our dancers, our sculptors, to all the people who are involved in the creative arts that they have a role to play in our country, to be able to reflect, to mirror and reproduce the soul of a proud Guyanese people,” the Prime Minister advised.

Meanwhile, the government has already started work to re-introduce

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo music in schools. One hundred and forty eight primary school teachers from Regions 3, 4, and the Georgetown Education District, and eight Trainer of Trainers from Regions 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 were

trained in music education in August this year. In a recent interview with GINA, Minister within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry, said the teachers were equipped with the necessary skills to effectively deliver music programmes in primary schools. “There is also the intention to integrate things like the literary arts, drama and music bigger than singing and that type of thing…so there are a lot of plans to have a lot of initiatives integrated into the current curriculum.” Guyana is in the process of developing a cultural policy to guide interventions for the advancement of this field. To this end, a cultural policy adviser was employed by the department of culture and consultations have begun on crafting this document.

Wednesday November 25th, 2015 - 14:30 hrs Thursday November 26th, 2015 - 05:00 hrs Friday November 27th, 2015 - 05:00 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 25, 2015

No progress in Tota Mangar carjacking incident - police

‘A’ DIVISION Commander Clifton Hicken told the Chronicle on Monday that the police are still investigating the incident of carjacking involving former University of Guyana Deputy Registrar Tota Mangar on November 16 at Camp Street, Georgetown. The police have, as yet, neither arrested anyone nor recovered the car which was stolen. Mangar told the Chronicle that he keeps checking with the police regularly, but has not received any positive word, Tota Mangar more than a week after the dreadful incident. Mangar was robbed on the evening of November 16, after he left a book-launching ceremony at Moray House and went into his car on Camp Street, Georgetown. As he entered the vehicle, two men approached and simultaneously opened the right side doors of his car, one ruthlessly placing a knife at his neck and the other a gun to his face, before demanding that he hand over the keys and exit the silver Toyota Escudo. Up to Monday last, the respected historian and former GNNL board member said he was “still shaken” by the whole ordeal. He explained that he had been invited by long-time friend and fellow Essequibian Roy Brummel, to a ceremony at Moray House to launch two of his books. The writer had recently migrated from the United States of America (USA), and Mangar was highly anticipating the meeting after a period of separation. (Shauna Jemmott)

CJ grants 12 petitioners $4.5M bail - pending determination of their cases

ACTING Chief Justice Mr. Ian Chang, SC., yesterday granted 12 petitioners bail in the sum of $4,545,000 pending determination of their cases. Particulars follow: For possession of narcotics, Seon Brewster was placed on $150,000 bail; Rayon Baldeo was placed on $100,000 bail; Conrade Hackett and Paul Coleman were each granted $650,000 bail; Clorunda Evans was granted $275,000 bail; and Mervyn Griffith and Shiwogobin were each placed on $300,000 bail. For discharging a loaded firearm, Mahadai Singh was placed on $150,000 bail. For break and enter, Errol Johnson was granted bail in the sum of $400,000. For unlawful assault, Lennox Fortune was granted $20,000 bail. For robbery under arms, Anthony David was placed on $850,000 bail. And for possession of firearm and ammunition, Neon Howard was placed on $700,000 bail. (George Barclay)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 25, 2015

Op-Ed: U.S. Embassy recognises International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women By U.S. Ambassador Perry L. Holloway THE world community joins us today, November 25th, in recognizing the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW). It is a time to renew our commitment to end this scourge and to stand in solidarity with women and girls who have been victimized. Millions of people across the world are rallying under the orange banner, chosen to symbolize our collective hope for a brighter future for all. Orange lights will illuminate iconic landmarks from the historic ruins at Petra in Jordan to Niagara Falls in North America. Following the IDEVAW, the U.S. Embassy will be

participating in 16 Days of Activism against Genderbased Violence. The 16 Days of Activism is an opportunity for everyone to become involved in their communities and spread the important message that gender-based violence is never acceptable. Launched by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Kimoon, the campaign, which concludes on Human Rights Day on December 10, demands decisive action from everyone— men and women, boys and girls, government officials and community leaders. Gender-based violence comes in many forms, from intimate partner violence and rape and sexual assault to early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation. Each is a stain on our collective humanity, a

barrier to peace and stability, and demands action by all of us to bring it to an end. Worldwide, an estimated one in three women will be physically or sexually abused in her lifetime, and one in five will experience rape or attempted rape. In some places, especially in conflict zones, these statistics are even higher. Such violence is not inevitable - and each of us can do something to stop it. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has remarked that “preventing and dealing with the effects of gender-based violence is a fundamental moral issue; it’s a basic question of right vs. wrong. But it’s also about our collective security, so people who don’t get motivated by the moral issue or a sense of right and wrong at least

hopefully can be motivated by some pretty practical choices, and by security – I

US Ambassador Perry Holloway mean, we have learned in painful and searing ways that gender-based violence can rip families apart, rip communities apart, and attack state structures. And too often, in too many countries, it perpetuates conflict and creates instability for generations.” At a global level, the

United States is working with the United Nations to end gender-based violence with the new 2030 Agenda. We are pleased with the adoption of an Agenda that emphasizes gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as both a goal in its own right, and as a cross-cutting issue that we must address if we are to achieve any of our development goals. From Berbice to Beirut, the United States is committed to making a difference by raising awareness of genderbased violence, educating policymakers on the issue to increase legislative support, training service providers to better address the needs of survivors, and working to increase justice and accountability. We fund projects that provide safe spaces and vocational training for survivors, and work to mobilize religious, business owners, and community leaders to end different forms of genderbased violence.

We all can take action in our own lives to end genderbased violence. We can support survivors by listening to them and believing in them. We can educate men and boys to support women and girls and stand up to violence. As First Lady Michelle Obama said, “think about the needs of women and girls with every program you create, with every policy you craft, with every project you undertake.” Please join us and the international community in commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the 16 Days of Activism that follow. We all must work together—the international community, governments, multilateral organizations, private sector companies, and grassroots-level advocates to address and prevent violence from o c c u r r i n g a n y l o n g e r. Together we can, and will make a difference.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 25, 2015

USAID, CARICOM sign US$165M agreement THE United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) signed accords yesterday, representing a US$165 million development assistance contribution from the United States Government to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean. CARICOM SecretaryGeneral Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, and USAID Eastern and Southern Caribbean Mission Director Christopher Cushing, initialled the five-year Development Objective Agreements (DOAGs) during a brief ceremony at the CARICOM Secretariat

in Guyana. U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, was among several dignitaries who witnessed the signing. The agreements will spearhead USAID’s 20152019 Regional Development Cooperation Strategy that covers youth, HIV/AIDS, and climate change programming in Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, St Kitts-Nevis, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname and Guyana. An estimated US$89 million in funding will go towards reducing youth crime and violence in target communities; US$52 million are earmarked for

achieving epidemic control of HIV/AIDS among key populations; and a total of US$31 million will support initiatives that reduce the risks to human and natural assets resulting from climate vulnerability. During the ceremony, Ambassador Holloway stated: “The United States Government and USAID are pleased to partner with CARICOM in these initiatives which will improve the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable groups, including youth and socially marginalised populations. Our success over the years has been possible largely due to the support of our partners, without whom implementation would not

U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway and CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque at yesterday’s signing ceremony

be possible. CARICOM, by virtue of its commitment to improving the economic, social, cultural, and technological advancement of Caribbean people, remains a beacon in this regard.” In welcoming the partnership initiative, Ambassador LaRocque added: “These agreements

are rendering assistance in areas that have been identified as critical to the well-being of our citizens. Combating the challenges posed by climate change, HIV/AIDS, and crime and violence, with reference to youth participation, is right at the forefront of the issues facing our Community

today.” USAID Eastern and Southern Caribbean partners with national and regional organisations to support programmes that help to create resilient societies, empower youth, support climate-change adaptation, and foster positive health outcomes.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 25, 2015

What I Expect From the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris By Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations For the nearly nine years that I have been SecretaryGeneral, I have travelled the world to the front-lines of climate change, and I have spoken repeatedly with world leaders, business people and citizens about the need for an urgent global response Why do I care so much about this issue? First, like any grandfather, I want my grandchildren to enjoy the beauty and bounty of a healthy planet. And like any human being, it grieves me to see that floods, droughts and fires are getting worse, that island nations will disappear and uncounted species will become extinct. As His Holiness Pope Francis and other faith leaders have reminded us, we have a moral responsibility to act in solidarity with the poor and most vulnerable who have done least to cause climate change and will suffer first and worst from its effects. Second, as the head of the United Nations, I have prioritized climate change because no country can meet this challenge alone. Climate change carries no passport; emissions released anywhere contribute to the problem everywhere. It is a threat to lives and livelihoods everywhere. Economic stability and the security of nations are under threat. Only through the United Nations can we respond collectively to this quintessentially global issue. The negotiation process has been slow and cumbersome. But we are seeing results. In response to the UNâ€™s call, more than 166 UN Secretary General countries, which collectively Ban Ki-moon account for more than 90 per cent of emissions, have now submitted national climate plans with targets. If successfully implemented, these national plans bend the emissions curve down to a projected global temperature rise of approximately 3 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. This is significant progress. But it is still not enough. The challenge now is to move much further and faster to reduce global emissions so we can keep global temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius. At the same time, we must support countries to adapt to the inevitable consequences that are already upon us. The sooner we act, the greater the benefits for all: increased stability and security; stronger, more sustainable economic growth; enhanced resilience to shocks; cleaner air and water; improved health. We will not get there overnight. The climate change conference in Paris is not the end point. It must mark the floor, not the ceiling of our ambition. It must be the turning point towards a low-emission, climate-resilient future. Around the world, momentum is building. Cities, businesses and investors, faith leaders and citizens are acting to reduce emissions and build resilience. The responsibility now rests with Governments to conclude a meaningful, binding agreement in Paris that provides clear rules of the road for strengthening global ambition. For this, negotiators need clear guidance from the top. I believe this is forthcoming. The leaders of the G20, who met earlier this month in Antalya, Turkey, showed strong commitment to climate action. And more than 120 Heads of State and Government have confirmed their participation in Paris, despite heightened security concerns in the wake of the terrorist attacks. I see four essential elements for Paris to be a success: durability, flexibility, solidarity and credibility. First, durability. Paris must provide a long-term vision

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What I Expect From the UN Climate ...

From page 21

consistent with a below 2 degrees trajectory, and send a clear signal to markets that the low-carbon transformation of the global economy is inevitable, beneficial and already under way. Second, the agreement must provide flexibility so it does not need to be continually renegotiated. It must be able to accommodate changes in the global economy and strike a balance between the leadership role of developed

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 25, 2015

countries and the increasing responsibilities of developing countries. Third, the agreement must demonstrate solidarity, including through financing and technology transfer for developing countries. Developed countries must keep their pledge to provide $100 billion a year by 2020 for adaptation and mitigation alike. Fourth, an agreement must demonstrate credibility in responding to rapidly escalating climate impacts. It must include regular five year cycles for governments to assess and strengthen their national climate plans in line with what science demands. Paris must also include transparent and robust mechanisms for measuring, monitoring and reporting progress. The UN stands fully ready to support countries in

implementing such an agreement. A meaningful climate agreement in Paris will build a better today â€“ and tomorrow. It will help us end poverty. Clean our air and protect our oceans. Improve public health. Create new jobs and catalyze green innovations. It will accelerate progress towards all of the Sustainable Development Goals. That is why I care so deeply about climate change. My message to world leaders is clear: success in Paris depends on you. Now is the time for common sense, compromise and consensus. It is time to look beyond national horizons and to put the common interest first. The people of the world â€“ and generations to come â€“ count on you to have the vision and courage to seize this historic moment.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 25, 2015

Kenya government talks with athletes angry at graft, doping NAIROBI, (Reuters)-Keny a ’s g o v e r n m e n t m e t athletes to discuss their grievances on Tuesday, as runners occupied the athletics federation building for a second day, protesting against corruption and doping allegations engulfing their sport at home and abroad. Commissioner for Sports Gordon Oluoch said he would try and resolve their complaints, but did not commit himself to any specific action, and criticised the protesters for resorting to “the laws of the jungle”. A g ro u p o f m o s t l y low-level athletes swooped on the Athletics Kenya headquarters in Nairobi on Monday morning, ordering staff to leave and barricading themselves inside. Around about 60 were still there yesterday,

said witnesses. The Professional Athletes’ Association of Kenya (PAAK) said it feared that honest athletes could

WILSON KIPSANG face collective punishment because of scandals about doping and media allegations that top Athletics Kenya officials had embezzled some sponsorship money. Athletics Kenya has denied all such allegations. Kenya, boasting some of the world’s finest middle and long-distance runners, has in recent years been rocked by a spate of failed drug tests and the country’s athletics federation has drawn criticism for not doing enough to tackle doping. Allegations of corruption among Athletics Kenya chiefs tied to a Nike sponsorship deal, combined with

Russia’s recent ban from global athletics, have stirred fears that the East African nation could be banned from international track and field. “We want to discuss the issues raised by the athletes to see if we can resolve the matter,” Oluoch said before a meeting at the Sport Ministry. “We believe in the rule of the law. So even if the athletes have genuine cases, they must operate within the confines of the law, not through the law of the jungle,” said Oluoch. Among athletes who joined talks at the ministry were Wilson Kipsang, president of PAAK and former marathon world record holder, and Wesley Korir, winner of the 2012 Boston City Marathon who is now also a lawmaker. The international police body Interpol has said it will coordinate a global investigation into suspected corruption and doping in athletics, after an anti-doping commission report this month alleged widespread corruption and collusion in Russia. Former International Association of Athletics Federations president Lamine Diack is being investigated by French police over allegations he received bribes to cover up positive doping tests of Russian athletes.

FA releases new ‘safety-first’ guidelines for concussion (Reuters)-THE Football Association has issued new safety-first guidelines on how to identify whether a player has been concussed following an injury and how soon they should be allowed to return. The guidelines state that a player suspected of being concussed should be immediately removed from play or training and must not return to play that day. In cases where concussion is proved, an adult player can only return to play after 19 days at the earliest, while the earliest possible return for an under-19 player is 23 days. “The paramount priority for The FA is player safety, and so the publication of these concussion guidelines is integral to achieving an unprecedented high level of care and safety for players at all levels,” said Dr Ian Beasley, the FA’s head of medical services. The issue of concussion gained prominence in England after the death of former West Bromwich Albion striker Jeff Astle in 2002, at the age of 59. Astle, known for his skill at heading, died from a brain condition most commonly associated with boxers, known as dementia pugilistica or boxer’s disease, and after his death his family launched a campaign to draw attention to the concerns for football and sport in general. The new guidelines were drawn up in consultation with a panel of experts to address fears over rising head injuries across all sports.

Minister Roopnaraine, GTU Head call ... From back page Roopnaraine pledged that the government will be doing everything in its power to foster and support sports in schools, beginning with the putting in place of policies that support this initiative. “The ministry recognises that the championships have long been the proving ground for emerging talent. Even as we are in the process of developing our national sports policy, we will be seeking systems that identify promising athletes,” Roopnaraine said. Citing Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago as exemplar models, the Minister noted how those countries are reaping the benefits of strong sports support systems put in place starting at the school level. Roopnaraine reminded of the powerful tool that sports is in the area of building social cohesion, a point also touched on by Lyte in his remarks. “Sports is one of the most powerful vehicles that can be used to forge national unity, which can be ultimately used to build a sense of deepened nationhood. It offers opportunities for people of different strata to work together for a common goal.” Lyte expressed. Lyte commended the athletes for making it through to the national level, proving that they are among the country’s best in their categories, having withstood all the preceding competitions. “Each participant would have worked extremely hard to get thus far, having faced serious competition at the varying levels. This kind of competition definitely allows us to witness Guyana’s most talented at this level, and I therefore take this opportunity to congratulate you for making it this far,” Lyte said. Lyte spoke of the potential that Guyana had to make it far on the international stage, and like Roopnaraine noted the need for more measures to be put in place to ensure that those who can take Guyana far in sports are given the support they need. “We need to place more emphasis on sports in schools. The time has come for sports to be firmly cemented in our national curriculum and the resources to provide support for growth and development must be made readily available. We have too many young people who can compete at the highest level of competition. We must not allow them to fall to the wayside,” Lyte declared. Also present at the event was Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, while Regional Chairwoman for Region 4, Genevieve Allen also remarked on the importance of sports in the development of young individuals.

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Kenilworth 08:25 HRS Imperial Guard 09:05 hrs Marinaresco 09:40 hrs Shimmering Leaves 10:20 hrs Royal Badge 11:00 hrs Silver Snaffles 11:35 hrs Stockade ENGLISH RACING TIPS Lingfield 08:00 hrs Always Welcome 08:30 hrs Palmerston 09:00 hrs Field Of Dream 09:30 hrs Lady Lunchalot 10:00 hrs Seychelloise 10:35 hrs Man Of Harlech 11:10 hrs Diletta Tommasa 11:40 hrs Dutch Golden Age SOUTHWELL 08:40 hrs Clondaw Cian 09:10 hrs Degooch 09:40 hrs Brave Deed 10:10 hrs City Supreme 11:20 hrs Sporting Milan

Wetherby 08:50 hrs Draytonian 08:50 hrs Kisumu 10:25 hrs Yorkist 11:00 hrs Diamond D’Amour 11:30 hrs Cajun Fiddle IRISH RACING TIPS Dundalk 14:05 hrs Acoleina 14:35 hrs Twin Falls 15:05 hrs Chicago Fall 16:05 hrs Façade 16:35 hrs Dove Mountain 16:05 hrs Brosnan AMERICAN RACING TIPS Aqueduct Race 1 Hunter Cat Race 2 Jeter Race 3 Queen of the Cup Race 4 Talk Time Race 5 Wild About Harry Race 6 Richie’s Rich Race 7 Upgrade Race 8 Vancouver Race 9 Dynamic Decision

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 25, 2015

FIFA seeking life ban for Platini, say his lawyers PARIS, (Reuters)-Former French football great Michel Platini, until recently seen as the man to lead football’s governing body FIFA out of its worst ever graft crisis, could face a life ban from the sport if recommendations from FIFA ethics investigators are followed. FIFA’s ethics committee has completed an inquiry into accusations of corruption against Platini, who as a player led French football out of the doldrums in the 1980s before becoming one of the sport’s most powerful officials, and FIFA president Sepp Blatter A media consultant representing Platini’s lawyer Thibaud d’Ales said ethics committee official Vanessa Allard had recommended a life ban for the Frenchman, who is head of European football’s governing body UEFA. “I can confirm that she is proposing to the ethics committee a ban for life,” the consultant told Reuters. Allard’s report has been passed to FIFA ethics judge Hans-Joachim Eckert who is due to issue a verdict by the end of the year.

Swiss authorities opened criminal proceedings against Blatter in September over a 2 million Swiss franc (£1.3 million) payment from FIFA to Pla-

UEFA boss Michel Platini could face a life ban. tini in 2011. The case was part of a broader scandal that broke around FIFA in May when 14 officials including two ex-vice presidents were indicted in the United States. DISGUSTED BY CORRUPTION Platini, who in May said that he was disgusted by corruption within FIFA, and Blatter have

both been suspended for 90 days. They deny wrongdoing. Blatter’s former public relations officer and confidant Klaus Stoehlker said the Swiss did not want to “go into detail for now” on what the committee had recommended in his case. “He was very surprised at the news about Platini,” Stoehlker added. Platini, still determined to run in February’s election for president in Zurich, has registered as a candidate but FIFA’s electoral committee has said his bid cannot be processed while he is suspended. He could be allowed back into the race if the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) accepts his appeal against the 90-day ban but could then be eliminated again if Eckert’s panel hands him a long-term ban in its final verdict. If that happens, Platini would also have to quit his role UEFA president which he has held since 2007. For a long time, Platini was considered the natural successor to Blatter who has weathered one crisis after another in his 17 years as FIFA president.

The FIFA scandal is one of the biggest of several corruption affairs shaking world sport. International athletics has also suffered revelations of doping, largely affecting Russia, and corrupt manipulation of anti-doping test results. Platini was one of the most gifted players of his generation and inspired a French team which played with an exuberant Gallic flourish that delighted international audiences during the early to mid 1980s. He went on to coach the national team, then played a key role in helping France host the 1998 World Cup before moving on to become a member of the FIFA and UEFA executive committees in 2002 and, finally, UEFA president in 2007. The FIFA payment to Platini was made in 2011 for work Platini had completed nine years earlier, the Swiss attorney-general’s office has said, adding Platini was considered “between a witness and an accused person.” Platini says the payment was delayed only because of financial problems at FIFA.

Naveed Ali making a name for himself on the Canadian circuit TORONTO, Canada -- Twenty-three-year-old Naveed Akhtar Ali from Cornelia Ida Sports Club, West Demerara has been making a name for himself in the Canadian cricket circuit over the past two years. An all-rounder, who also plays for the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) First Division team, Ali made his debut for Civic Sports Club in the Toronto & District First Division in 2014 and also represented Elmbank in the Brampton Etobicoke District Cricket Association in the Elite League and Ambassadors in the Scarborough Cricket Association First Division. In 2014, Ali tallied 298 runs and captured 27 wickets from 18 games and was rewarded by the Twenty-three-year-old SCA for picking up six all-rounder Naveed Akhtar for 26. He also had the distinction of claiming a hat-trick in another five-wicket haul, helping Ambassadors top the conference, thereby qualifying for the Premier League in 2015 Apart from turning out for Ambassadors and Elmbank again in the 2015 season, Ali also ventured into the softball arena, representing Wakenaam Sports Club in the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL). Ali, who has since returned to Guyana, pointed out that during the 2015 season, he played in five different competitions across three leagues with his teams managing to reach three finals, winning two titles, qualifying for one semi-final and also a quarter-final. Ali scored 155 in the Elite League for an average of 38.7 while in the SCA he totalled 251 runs from 10 innings with two fifties and a highest score of 67. He also bagged 17 wickets. Playing mainly as a bowler in the OSCL, he captured 12 wickets from eight games, including a best of three for 19 against Dant in quest to compete in the grand final. (Frederick Halley)

Kendalls Union A book place in Ramnarine PCL official points Appiah Memorial T20 semi’s standings after Round 3

KENDALLS Union A team secured a crucial win against No 7, in their last preliminary match, to book a place in the semi-finals of The Ramnarine Appiah (Brother Appiah) Memorial twenty-over cricket competition for second division teams in the East Canje/ Lower East Coast, Berbice area. They now join leaders of Group A Young Warriors Cricket Club who won all their matches. In their match up at the Cumberland Ground in East Canje, Berbice, No 7 won the toss and took first strike and scored 120 all out. R. Ali 28, R Persaud 26, and S Bukshi 26 were the main contributors. Bowling for Kendalls Union A, A. Ramnarine took 3 for 10. Kendalls Union A in re-

ply struggled to 122 for 8 to win by a narrow margin of two wickets. T. Garnett 28, and D. Baijnauth 20 were the major scorers.

KHEMRAJ SUMAIR Persaud returned to take 3 for 12, and left arm spinner

Raymond Mohamed 3 for 22. In the preceding game at the same venue, Khemraj Sumair blasted a superb century (107 n.o) to lead Canefield Sports Club to a massive 77-run victory over Kendalls Union B. Winning the toss and batting first, CSC scored 181 without loss in their allotment of 20 overs. Sumair was supported by Leon Sunthgolam with 54. In their turn at the crease, Kendalls Union B folded for 104 with only V. Seedat with 28 offering any resistance. Sunthgolam returned with the ball to take 3 for 28 for the Canefield Sports Club. Both semi-finals will be played on the same day at a date and venue to be announced shortly.

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Following are the official points standings after the third round of matches ended on Monday in the WICB Professional Cricket League Regional 4-Day Tournament.

Abbreviations: Pts-total points, M-matches, W-won, L-lost, T-tied, I-incomplete match, A-abandoned match, DP-Abandoned match due to dangerous pitch, MR-match referee awarding match, Bat-batting points, Bowl-bowling points.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 25, 2015

Buxton Youth Developers table tennis player gets boost

Kevin and Denise Jeffrey Stand with Aneka Phillips and Facilitator of Buxton Youth Developers Robin Phillips. ANEKA Phillips of the Buxton Youth Developers was the recipient yesterday of a donation of clothing ahead of her departure with the Guyanese team to the North American Teams Table Tennis Championships in North America. Phillips, a product of the Buxton Youth Developers which has been doing social and sport work in the community for eight years, received the donation from Kevin

and Denise Jeffrey, who took time out to personally hand over the tokens. In handing over the tokens, Kevin, whose son Kristian is an ambassador of the organisation, wished the young lady well in her endeavours. He also engaged in a game of tennis with the young lady who was scheduled to depart with her 23 other colleagues last evening for the tournament.

Kevin Jeffrey engages Aneka Phillips in a game of table tennis According to the President of the Guyana Table Tennis Association Godfrey Munroe, the tournament will be held from November 26-30 at the Gaylord National Resort, National Harbour, Maryland, United States of America. Meanwhile, ambassador Kristian who recently retained his Caribbean Motor Racing Championship Group 4 title a week ago donated one of his trophies to

the students of the Youth Developers in an attempt to show his gratitude for their moral support. In handing the trophy over, his father Kevin conveyed a message which read, “Development in life is like motor racing; it is not only for the swift but for those who endure it to the end. Continue to develop and stay focused on your goals.”

Hughes’ six for 29 fails to save Stag / EBFA 7 A-Side Final East Ruimveldt Secondary Grove B down Agricola A MESMERISING spell of spin bowling from Akil Hughes was not enough to save East Ruimveldt Secondary from defeat against Lodge High, while Tucville Secondary also defeated David Rose High as the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary Schools Cricket League (NSSCL) sponsored by Digicel and Banks DIH Limited continued. At Thirst Park, Lodge High won the toss and elected to bat first. They were then dismissed for 155 in 16.5 overs as Timothy Sealy top scored, and Darren Mc Allister supported with 30, even though Hughes finished with 6-29 off 4 overs. Hughes was well supported by Jonathan Vyphious who had 2-6. Chasing 156 for victory in 30 overs, East Ruimveldt Secondary fell for 124 in the 17th over with only Dookram Bamfield offering any resistance with 48. Doing the damage with the ball for Lodge High was Hemar Smith, Ackeem Raymer and Anthony Smith, all with three wickets. In another game played at the same venue, Tucville Secondary defeated David

Rose High by five wickets. Batting first, David Rose

AKIL HUGHES High were dismissed for 114 in 15 overs. A. Glass-

man top scored with 51 while Romeo Browne had a five-wicket haul. In reply, Tucville Secondary got to their target of 115 for the loss of five wickets as Semariues Gaster and Romeo Browne returned with the bat to score 42 not out and 38, respectively. Matches continue today as Ascension High School takes on Tucville Secondary School at G N I C g ro u n d , w h i l e Central High School will play Charlestown Secondary School at Everest in a rescheduled second round match of the South Georgetown Zone.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday November 25, 2015) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) &AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

Herman Griffith- 6/103 (WI vs ENG, The Oval, 1928) Vanburn Holder- 6/50 (WI vs Eng, Birmingham, 1976)

Today’s Quiz:

Who is the first WI to register a hundred on Test debut? Who is the only WI to date to record a century on his ODI debut?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

A to wincompetition; Grove A place 3rd

IN a classic and heated end to the Stag / East Bank Football Association (EBFA) 7 a-side competition on Saturday afternoon last, Grove prevailed against old rivals Agricola in what was the perfect climax to an entertaining competition. Grove B stepped up to the plate to overturn the challenge of Agricola A in the final, pocketing the top prize of $100,000 via sudden death penalty kicks. Regulation time of 20 minutes failed to separate the two sides, ending 1-1. Grove B had the chance to take the lead in the game but having been awarded a penalty, Lloyd ‘Badai’ Matthews put the ball outside the upright. Agricola A was then awarded a penalty and Gordon Grant in hitting the ball into the back of the nets gave Agricola the lead. As time ticked away, Grove B, urged on by their fans had to pull out all stops to even the score, and that they did, compliments of a Travis Jones goal that sent the crowd into wild celebrations. No more goals materialised and in fading light, the ultimate decider was sudden death penalty kicks immediately after regulation time.

Despite feeling the wrath of his fellow villagers and fans when he missed the spot in regulation time, Matthews took on the responsibility of taking the first kick for Grove; this time he buried the shot in style to hand Grove the lead. It was now Agricola’s turn to even things up or suffer a loss. Winston Rawlins was trusted with the shot and had to score but instead he hit the upright to hand victory to Grove B and the top prize of $100,000; Agricola A took away the runner-up prize of $75,000. In the 3rd place match, Grove A made light work of Agricola B; Joel Dick netting a brace to help them to victory and the third place prize of $50,000. Agricola had to settle for the $25,000 fourth place package. In the first semi-final, Lloyd Mathews and Denzil Crawford scored for Grove B in their 2-0 win over Agricola B while the other semi saw Agricola A getting the better of Grove A by the lone goal of that encounter which came off the boot of Travis Welch in the penultimate minute of the match. MVP, Highest Goal Scorer and Best Goalkeeper will each receive $10,000. The presentation of prizes will be done shortly.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 25, 2015

Police College, Harpy Eagles register credible results at NAFMA championships THE Felix Austin Police College and the Harpy Eagles Martial Arts Academy, which recently competed in the North American Federation of Martial Arts (NAFMA) Championships last weekend at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall came out with credible results. From Harpy eagles, Mark Zaman took first in the Kata division while all three, Nizi Realine, Krystal Realine, and Louis Realine, picked up top honours in the Kata 1st weapon division. Amitah Persaud picked up a first in Sparring and Kata and also picked up a second in 2nd Weapon. Gerald Beaton and Maria Roberts also picked up

top spots in Kata while Sensei Troy Bobb picked up

Some of the participants who competed in the NAFMA CHAMPIONSHIPS From the police per- and Kisha Clinton were wins in the Kata and First spective, Teneka Grand on the podium in both 2nd Weapon Division.

Singh elevated to ‘B’ contact; Jacobs and Motie awarded ‘C’ RAJENDRA Chandrika and Devendra Bishoo have obtained central contracts from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), making room for two Guyana Jaguars contracts .The consistent Vishaul Singh has been elevated from a ‘C’ contract to a ‘B’ while Gudakesh Motie and Steven Jacobs have been awarded ‘C’ contracts. Performance at the WICB PCL 2015/16 4-Day tournament along with training records and attitude were the main criteria for awarding contracts.

Singh has already scored two centuries

VISHAUL SINGH in three matches while Motie grabbed three

five-wicket hauls (a total of 23 wickets) and Steven Jacobs has impressed with his allround efforts. They have all been disciplined in their training and attitude towards the game. The Cricket Guy Inc (CGI) contracted players are Veerasammy Permaul, Raymon Reifer, Assad Fudadin, Vishaul Singh, Christopher Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Javon Searles, Ronsford Beaton, Paul Wintz, Keon Joseph, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shimron Hetmyer, Kandasammy Surujnarine, Steven Jacobs, and Gu-

dakesh Motie. Meanwhile, Chandrapaul Hemraj and Sherfane Rutherford have replaced Motie and Jacobs in the CGI Academy. The full Academy reads: Anthony Adams, Raun Johnson, Keemo Paul, Raj Nannan, Steven Sankar, Robin Bacchus, Kemol Savoury, Kevon Boodie, Dexter Solomon, Akshaya Persaiud, Tevin Imlach, Sherfane Rutherford, and Chandrapaul Hemraj. Leon Johnson, who is the captain for the Guyana Jaguars team, has retained his WICB central contract.

India captain Kohli calls day-night Test a ‘landmark’ NAGPUR, India (Reuters)-India captain Virat Kohli is “excited” Australia and New Zealand have agreed to play cricket’s first day-night Test and called the match starting on Friday at the Adelaide Oval a “landmark” occasion. The longest format of the game, played over five days, has seen dwindling crowds at grounds and according to governing body the International Cricket Council (ICC), day-night tests are an effort to address the problem.

“It is a landmark test,” Kohli told reporters yesterday ahead of the third Test against South Africa which starts in Nagpur today. “It is a big experiment. It is a big step towards changing something in test cricket. I hope it works. I hope it can be another option as well. “I’m glad two teams have actually agreed to play an official test like that as an experiment. Credit to Australia and New Zealand, both, that they have decided to do this.

“Hopefully, it will be better for the game. It will be a step which we all might remember a few years down the line. Let’s hope so.” The 50-over format and the shortest Twenty20 format are already day-night affairs across the world, but some Australian players have expressed concerns about the visibility and durability of the pink ball that will be used in the match. Kohli felt it was a step in the right direction to protect Test matches.

“If it is officially put into place it will be something different, it will be something exciting,” he said. “As cricketers we all should be willing and accepting of the fact that we need to step forward and contribute to the game however possible. “If this is a step towards improving the excitement and the popularity of test cricket, then I think every team should be in for it.” Play is due to start at 2PM local time (0330 GMT) and finish at 9PM local.

and 3rd aspects of self-defence.

Bolt, Fraser-Pryce claim Caribbean Sports Awards WORLD’S fastest man Usain Bolt and compatriot Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce came up trumps at the Annual Caribbean Sports Awards, as Jamaicans claimed five of the six categories on offer. Bolt won the Sportsman of the Year award ahead of Paralympic athlete Akeem Stewart of Trinidad and Tobago and fellow countryman O’Dayne Richards. Some of the other contenders w e re G re n a d a ’s Kirani James, Machel Cedenio and George Bovell of Trinidad and Tobago. Fraser-Pryce edged out Cuba’s Yarisley Silva and Alia Atkinson of JaUSAIN BOLT maica. The other nominees for the Sportswoman of the Year award were Jamaicans Stafanie Taylor (Cricket) and Danielle Williams (Athletics); Shaunae Miller (Athletics) of the Bahamas; Akela Jones (Athletics) of Barbados; Denia Caballero (Athletics) of Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago track and field athletes Kelly-Ann Baptiste, Michelle Lee Ahye and Cleopatra Borel. Jeffrey Gibson of the Bahamas and Danielle Williams of Jamaica were voted the top Rising Stars in the Caribbean. Jamaican relay teams dominated the Team of the Year categories with the quartet of Nesta Carter, Asafa Powell, Nickel Ashmeade, Usain Bolt taking the Male Team of Year for the 4x100m gold at the IAAF World Championships in a world leading time of 37.36 seconds. The Barbados Cricket team and the two-man beach volleyball team of Fabien Whitfield and Daneil Williams of Trinidad and Tobago were also nominated. The 4x100m championship record team of Veronica Campbell-Brown, Natasha Morrison, Elaine Thompson and Fraser-Pryce copped the Female Team of the Year.(Sportsmax.com)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday November 25, 2015

STAG Elite League Semi-finals on tonight!

Slingerz to battle Fruta Conquers; Alpha United face rivals Pele FC IT was said to be football’s litmus test; something the entire country zeroed in on, searching for criticisms. But after three months, the STAG Elite League (League Genesis) is finally coming to an end. Tonight, at the Guyana Defence Force Ground (GDF) the top four teams at the end of the prelim-

GREGORY RICHARDSON inary round will face-off in the semi-finals to see who will advance to Sunday’s Final at the Leonora Stadium. Points leaders Slingerz FC (28 points) will battle fourth place seeded Fruta Conquerors (20 points) from 19:00 hrs, while at 21:30 hrs arch rivals Pele FC (27 points) and Alpha United (26 points) will go head-to-head. Prior to the kick-off of the league, Slingerz FC was a clear favourite and though it wasn’t smooth sailing for the Javid Ali owned club, the team from Vergenoegen showed that they are more than just a popular name. There was much controversy surrounding the club and at one time, the team’s owner had threatened to pull his side from the STAG Elite League, citing an alleged unfair treatment by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), after the local governing had sanctioned the now top of the table club for not

taking the field against the GDF. However team, considered one of the most complete in the league, being equipped with some of Guyana’s best players showed much determination and resilience to persevere. Tonight, they face a team that is by no means a push-over. In fact, the last time the two teams met, the game ended in a 3 – 3 draw. Coach Calvin Allen will face a seasoned campaigner and former National Coach Joseph Wilson; a square-off between two of the local game’s best tacticians. Meanwhile, the second semi-final between Alpha United and Pele FC is being seen as a proverbial final in its own right. The sides have met

DELON LANFERMAN twice prior to tonight with the first game ending in a 2 – 2 draw, thanks a Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson double while in the second meeting, Pele FC was in devastating form, ripping apart Alpha United and won the game 3 – 0. The game will also be a showdown between the top two leading goal scorers in the STAG Elite League; Alpha United’s Delon Lanferman and Richardson. Lanferman ended the

preliminary round with 10 goals; one more than Richardson but the difference between the two is

that the Pele FC player is more versatile. Richardson is his team’s best player and

carried them thus far to the semi-final. He’s a player known to rise to the occasion.

The winners will advance to Sunday’s final to contest for the $4M first place prize.

Sport CHRONICLE

The Chronicle is at http://www.guyanachronicle.com

Slingerz to battle Fruta Conquers; Alpha United face rivals Pele FC See story on page 35

District 10 build up preliminary lead as District 2 set new high jump record By Tamica Garnett

Let there be light! Athletes of the North Georgetown District 11 yesterday lead the way in the symbolic lighting of the torch

All the way from Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon District 2 during the march past at yesterday’s opening ceremony (Cullen Bess-Nelson photos)

DISTRICT 2 Keona George claimed the first and only record of the day, while Claudrice McKoy and Selwyn Mingo gave notable performances, as District 10 etched out a significant lead over District 11 in the athletics competition of the National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships, which continued yesterday at the National Stadium, Providence. North Georgetown (District 11) may have gotten off to a confident start with winning the swimming competition when the championships began on Monday, but arch rivals Upper Demerara/Kwakwani (Linden) District 10 is getting the better of them on the track. Though District 11 remain the defending champions of the overall competition, it is District 10 that are the defending champions in the track competition, a title they seem intent on keeping. After the completion of 38 finals, District 10 stand with 216.5 points and a sizeable lead ahead of District 11, which stand with 150 points. On the heels of District 11 are West Demerara District 3 competitors with 133.5 points, and District 2 with 130.5 points. District 5 have 118.5 points and District

6 114 points. South Georgetown District 13 with 102.5 points and District 15 were the only other districts to claim triple digits. Out on the field, George claimed the record in the female Under-18 high jump, clearing 1.5m to top the 1.47m set by fellow District 2 athlete Yolanda Fraser some three years ago. Mckoy and Mingo claimed wins in the female and male Under-16 3000m, respectively, while withstanding heated competition from their Rupununi counterparts. Representing District 10, Mingo received the hardest of the battle when he came up against Francis Ignacio in District 9. Mingo clocked 10:06.5s to barely make it past the finishing line before Ignacio who was just behind with a time of 10:06.7s. McKoy of District 11 had somewhat of an easier time against Margaret Augusto, clocking 11:24.9s in front of the 11:27.6s clocked by Augusto. The District 13 Aaliyah Moore was third clocking 12:20.5s. The day’s event also included the 400m heats, where District 11 Jason Yaw clocked 52.2s to make it into the male Under-20 finals on Friday, and East Georgetown’s Natricia Hooper qualified for the female Under-18 400m.

Athletes of Potaro/Siparuni District 8, one of three districts from Guyana’s interior during the march past at yesterday’s opening ceremony

Minister Roopnaraine, GTU Head call for better support for sports in schools 55th edition of Nationals declared open

THE need for stronger support and policies for sports in schools across Guyana was highlighted by Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine and Guyana Teacher’s Union President, Mark Lyte, in their remarks as the 55th edition of National School’s Cycling, Swimming

and Track and Field Championships was officially declared open before a crowd of students and other spectators, yesterday morning at the National Stadium, Providence. The ceremony saw spectators being enthralled by physical displays by primary school students, and the lighting of the

torch by students of the defending champions, North Georgetown District 11. The ceremony was also attended by a number of prominent officials. The event, which featured over 1500 students from 15 districts across Guyana, was lauded by Dr. Roopnaraine for being the breeding ground

of many skilful athletes, and the largest event ever to bring together students and teachers across Guyana. However more needs to be done to ensure that the abilities of promising athletes are developed and sustained. Minister

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See page 31

Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine delivering the feature address. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015