Issuu

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2016

No. 104560

AUGUST 19, 2016

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English takes a leap ... but CSEC results deemed unsatisfactory

I want to be a petroleum engineer

Page 16

Old cars will be dumped, forfeited Page 21

…GRA warns dealers

Page 16

- says St Rose’s girl who scored the most Grade Ones

Fatima Karim scored 19 Grade Ones and a Grade Two

One of the popular Toyota models that are banned from being imported

GDF MOUNTS American forger Granger unchallenged gets 36 mths EXERCISE for PNCR’s top job Page 2

Page 9

Page 20

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

GDF

Coast Guard teams

that's supporting

up with American

ExxonMobil's offshore operations

Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guardsmen are being trained aboard a supply vessel that is providing logistics support to ExxonMobiFs drilling operations in Guyana, the army announced last Tuesday. The GDF said Sub Lieutenant Eweart ing after which they will then be rotated Andrews and Petty Officer Domsford out to allow for another two persons to Wray embarked on MY Dante for sea enter the program, the GDF added. training. MY Dante is a vessel owned The training is both deck side and by the United States-based Edison engineering, covering a number of Chouest Offshore LLC. shipboard skills, exposing them to drills "This training is a collaborated ef- such as man overboard, fire fighting, fort between the Guyana Defence Force damage control, spill response and seand Edison Chouest Offshore LLC with curity awareness and training the aim of enhancing the Coast Guard On the deck side the Officer will personnel knowledge on vessels, exbe exposed to dynamic position system, posing them to new methods and prouse of radar, electronic chart display inviding an experience for the young formation system, navigational chart Coast Guard soldiers," the GDF said in plotting, and correction of nautical a statement. charts and publications The Coast Guard personnel will be The engineers will be schooled in on board the vessel for 28 days of train-

GDF The

EXERCISE

Guyana

Defence

Force

(GDF) Field Tactical Exercise (FTX), HOMEGUARD commenced today, with the final contingent

troops

moving

into

the

Exercise Area located in the jungles and savannahs of Ituni and Tacama (Regions 10 and 6). The Exercise will continue over the nextlO days and culminate on August 26.

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Brainstorming of the various scenarios and the totality of the Exercise, occurred during the Study Days and a Command Post Exercise (CPX) which were conducted over the past two weeks. Following these activities, a Tactical Exercise Without Troops (TEWT) was conducted. The Exercise is designed to assess the GDF troops in Close Country Warfare (CCW) and Open Country Warfare (OCW) simulations of battle. The Exercise will also be utilising all available resources and pitting the troops against a simulated enemy, in order to validate training at all levels. Exercise HOMEGUARD comes 10 months on

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Troops being briefed before departure the heels of the successfully completed Exercise GREENHEART which was conducted in Region Seven last November. These Exercises are all part of the continuous training for the Officers and Ranks of the GDF, and are also designed to enable them to test theories and develop new strategies related to how OCW and CCW can best be executed.

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One section of the convoy on its way to the Exercise

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

The Peter Haynes Column

ACROSS-THE-BOARD SALARY/WAGE

\ INCREASES ARE

COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE

Trade Unions in Guyana, through the ages, have insisted on ~ and prevailed in most cases of negotiating

Collective

Bargaining

Agreements,

which

■>

«r

included across-the-board increases for all of their members. Generally, this method of negotiating and achieving wage increases for workers has brought advantages to some

workers, but, in the main, has presented disadvantages for V

the majority of the members of unions. It is therefore worth5

while examining whether this system should be allowed to continue, or whether Performance Related Pay (PRP) in-

creases should be rendered the normal practice, especially

with reference to the Public Service. PRP could be described as a compensation scheme, in which the final salary of an employee is based upon a function of some form of measured "performance," where key aspects of the design of the scheme would involve how performance is measured, who measures it, and how it is linked to the employee's base salary - which can all vary considerably. To further define the PRP system, performance can be based on qualitative assessments of quantifiable measures of elements, such as inputs (effort, allocation, attendance, voluntary contributions in the workplace and additional acquisition of skills), outputs (compensation for pre-agreed tasks or the number of clients/cases served) or outcomes (test scores, official client evaluations, service utilization rates or revenue collection). Accordingly, salaries can then either be wholly a function of performance, for example as piece-rate pay in a manufacturing setting, or a combination — such as commissions on a-base salary, in a sales environment, or a combination of base pay, or one-off bonuses or merit increases on base pay. The local Public Service Union is currently seeking from the government across-the-board increases for its members: it is stipulating that everyone, whether or not their performance is satisfactory, receive this salary increase. Surely a union leader who takes this position is basically saying that all members must get increases even if they are shirkers, slackers, inefficient, erratic in attendance, or failing to meet the standards required for respective positions. On the other hand, should merit-based pay schemes be implemented, the designers and implementers would be able to consider different ways of

measuring and rewarding performance in order to engender different — and positive — effects on behavior.

;

In some cases, a basic measure would be likely to stimulate improvement among poorer performers, while threshold measures might stimulate improvement among the middle range employees. Alternatively, however, measures that are solely reliant on a manager's subjective assessments of performance could be perceived as unfair and lead to diminished motivation — and even unrest.

It is not surprising that the Public Service Workers' union leaders would look at Performance Related Pay schemes with skepticism, because

some workers, including many personally known to them, would receive unwarranted increases. Now that the union wants to make all of its mem-

bers happy with a salary increase, even if they are not deserving of it, quanti(continued on page 11)

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

4 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

6 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

Misplaced criticisms

The Obamas’ mentorship programmes

BARACK and Michelle Obama have not only broken several barriers and secured history-making moments in United States’ (U.S.) politics and their lives, but they have used their portfolios to make changes in the lives of others, in the U.S. and around the world. Both Obamas having come from humble beginnings and rising to where they are today seem determined in ensuring that they reach out to others, so they too can have better opportunities in their lives. Where the young Barack started effecting changes in the lives of others as a community organiser that he continues today as President, is evidence that he sees helping others as a privilege and by extension continues to distinguish himself from among his peers. One such is his mentorship programmes, one of which is local and the other international. The “100,000 Strong in the Americas” programme sets the goal to increase students’ participation to 100,000 from Latin America and the Caribbean studying in the U.S. and 100,000 from the U.S. doing vice versa by 2020. Students from the University of Guyana during 24th July -3rd August engaged their counterparts of Texas Technical University. What is most instructive about this programme is the visionary approach in looking at the world through 21st century lens, which acknowledges diversity and the Americas’ changing demographics with a willingness to plan and embrace same as against ignoring and stifling. According to the U.S. Department of State it is “Against this future landscape, 100,000 Strong will deepen relationships across the Hemisphere, enabling young people to understand and navigate the rich tapestry of shared values and culture and lead the process of greater commercial and social integration, key to our region’s long-term security and prosperity.” “My Brother’s Keeper, which is the local mentorship programme, sees collaboration with the Obamas and leaders across the various spectra in the society. Targeting the young, including those from disadvantaged communities and socio-economic backgrounds, this programme offers role models who interact with the young, helping them with needed lifeskillsand support to believe in themselves, seek expression and empowerment through legitimate channels and where inaccessible, seek to make it possible through implementation and creating connections. Mrs Obama has taken on similar work. Her local “Let’s Move” aims at addressing the cultivating of healthy lifestyles among the young. This mentorship programme is making full use of different channels, appeals and personalities to effect change. It is not unusual to see Michelle in the White House garden with schoolchildren digging dirt, planting, reaping, discussing healthy eating and celebrating the harvest. She has also capitalised on her physical agility and the entertainment industry, including celebrities to push this programme. From jumping ropes, to playing hula hoop, rapping and appearing on late-night shows, she continues to find creative and receptive ways to motivate and inspire her

Dear Editor, AS A senior Guyanese citizen, who is interested in seeing that the people of Guyana unite and work together in helping to cause Guyana to progress, I cannot help but make my observation known to the public in relation to the recent issue raised by my former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall. Firstly, I wish to clearly state that no one is perfect; we all make mistakes. The PPP/C did when they were in power, and the AFC/APNU will make mistakes from time to time. There is nothing wrong if any member of the public draws attention to any mistake; however, when persons deliberately try to misguide the public with observations that are full of half-truths, so as to have the public on their side, it is time to speak up. The incident I am speaking about is the case that was decided against the Government in November, 2015. This case was started while the PPP/C was in power, and

Mr. Nandlall has publicly acknowledged that he assigned it to a private practitioner to handle. He is now criticising current Attorney General Basil Williams for being incompetent because Mr. Williams is saying he was not aware of the case, and that a decision was given against the Government. To properly understand my concern, it is essential for me to give you a short background of my legal experience. I have been practising in Guyana as an attorney-at-law since 1972; firstly, as a prosecutor with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, then as a special legal adviser to the Ministry of Natural Resources, where I created Guy Oil with the assistance of Carl Hooper Snr. and Mr. Leon Rockliffe, who was responsible for establishing Guy Oil. I then came into private practice, and in 1983 I won a murder case in Barbados at a time when the Learned Chancellor of the Judiciary, the Attorney General Basil Williams, and Neil Boston

were final year LLB students in Barbados. I had the opportunity to give them encouragement to become good lawyers, and I think my advice prevailed. Now one can understand that I am speaking from a background of experience. If a private practitioner is appointed to act as the legal representative of the Government of Guyana, that practitioner has a responsibility to keep his clients informed of the status of the case. At this point, I would expect that after the case was finished in the High Court, the practitioner had a professional duty to notify the then current Attorney General of the decision that was given. This current Attorney General states he was not informed. The second point is that based on the impression he has given, the former Attorney General would have known of the decision. If he was genuine, he would have personally notified the current Attorney General, but this seems not to have

Reshuffle the Cabinet Dear Editor, THE change of government last year has not brought much expected relief in economics, security and youth affairs by the APNU/AFC administration. The government ascendancy to power may be the continuation of its predecessor’s unilateral economic policies, systemic security failure, and autocratic rule by those who now sit on opposition benches. Editor, the youth population had expected the government to promote racial harmony, job opportunities, and inclusive participation in managing our country’s affairs. Instead, the government seems reluctant and more interested in hiring aging party loyalists from the bygone era.

Governments across the globe work closely with their youth population and key sectors to develop and maintain their economies. However, in Guyana, the government is neglecting the youths. Editor, while foreign investments are needed to keep our country’s economy growing, land ownership by foreign companies has become a major issue in Guyana’s hinterland and coastland. In the future, land will become scarce and land occupation by foreign companies in disputed areas will endanger Guyana’s national security and create tensions with its continental neighbours. At present, Guyana’s economic growth is slow, and urgent actions need to be taken.

target group. At the international platform there is the “Let Girls Learn” programme which aims to ensure that adolescent girls get the education they deserve. This sees her visiting countries where women are still experiencing hurdles in having access to education and what we in Guyana take for granted. There are a lot of benefits to this programme. Some of these are that educated girls will grow into educated women and play more determined roles in their lives and society, including getting into politics and influencing decision-making that impact their lives and the environment within which they live. With almost half (49.6%) of the world population being women -- according to UNESCO millions of girls are denied the fundamental right to an education -- it means that the world is moving ahead without a significant part of its population having an input, much less being able to reach

However, if our government plans to create a green economy, then this will have serious implications for mining and forestry if Guyana is to achieve this goal. The extraction of oil will commence soon in Guyana’s territory, and will create more tensions with her neighbor, Venezuela. Our military is not strong or modern to defend this country in any major conflict. Therefore, foreign companies will depend on their respective governments to protect them from possible military intrusions. They will call on Guyana to accept military protection, and we will end up with a different type of situation. Accepting military protection from any of those countries will create strained

been done. Further, my understanding is that when an office holder is leaving office, he is duty bound to hand down to, and inform, the new official of all the current matters that are at hand. One wonders if this was ever done. Had this been done, it would be obvious that the new Attorney General would have been duly informed of all the unfinished matters. I now ask the question to which I would ask Mr. Anil Nandlall to respond, so that the public could become aware of the circumstances. Until this is done, I would say that Mr. Anil Nandlall has no right to publicly make statements about the current Attorney General and cast blame on him. Speak now, Mr. Nandlall, and let us know who the liar is; and then let us go to the Parliamentary Committee as you are suggesting in the case of Dr. Norton. Regards, JONAS CODDETT relations with other countries that do business with Guyana, and will create a negative spotlight for Guyana on the world stage. It is also a form of modern-day colonialism for another country to occupy a sovereign state. Editor, we are a peaceful people; let’s remain that way. We must never allow foreign intervention to cause strained relations among our people. If our government is seeking to be re-elected in 2020, The President must reshuffle his cabinet, include youths in government affairs, upgrade security and land ownership policies, create economic policies that will benefit locals in the hinterland and coastland, and stop playing “Political Monopoly.” Regards, DWIGHT LARSON Isseneru Village

the level of head of state and/or government. The reality of the paucity of women in such roles was not lost on the First Lady when speaking at the Democratic Convention in July, a country that is 238 years old and for the first time a woman became the nominee of a major party (breaking the proverbial glass ceiling as she noted) and stands the chance of becoming the country’s president in a population where women comprise 50.1 percent. The humility the Obamas bring to public service is exemplified in their ability to connect with the ordinary man and woman, empathise with their challenges and determination to play a role in making a positive difference in such persons’ lives. And it is not an untrue statement to say that in addition to being a breath of fresh air, the Obamas are an inspiration to leaders and peoples everywhere.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

8 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

Bartica gets asphalt plant, compliments of Berbice construction company

BARTICA on Saturday received a $150M asphalt plant, compliments of local construction company, Associated Construction Services (ACS). The asphalt plant has the potential to produce 300 tonnes of asphalt daily and is expected to boost employment in the mining town, as well as road projects. Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, who was present at the commissioning ceremony, described the investment by ACS as timely.

HINTERLAND ROADS She also noted that the APNU+AFC coalition government has committed to ensuring that all-weather roads are constructed in the country’s hinterland locations. “With this asphalt plant being here, it will see many road projects moving from loam, DBST (Double Bituminous Surface Treatment), with asphalt roads becoming a reality,” she said. Minister Ferguson said that the establishment of an asphalt plant in Bartica would also aid in the reduction of pollution. She said residents have over the years been affected by dust entering their homes. Additionally, the asphalt plant would reduce the cost associated with transporting asphalt to Region 7 (CuyuniMazaruni). Meanwhile, Minister

of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally assured residents of the administration’s commitment to assist the region in leveraging their natural and human resources for the town’s development. She said the investment by ACS is one of several that will foster development in the town. Reassuring that “Region Seven is on the cusp of significant development,” she noted that the commissioning of the asphalt plant is an indication that development of the region’s roads has been prioritised. Regional Chairman, Gordon Bradford said that in Bartica, ACS has continued to support the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) on a number of projects and initiatives. Bradford also explained that earlier in the year, the RDC took the decision to “do away with chip seal roads,” as these were “not standing up to the rigours of the type of vehicles that traverse the local roads.” “We took that decision that any road that we are going to construct there must be asphalt surface,” Bradford said. He said that ACS on hearing of the RDC’s decision, took up the challenge to help the council meet its goal. ACS investment in Bartica covers the preparation of the land for the facility and the acquisition and installation of the fully computerised plant that was procured

from India and assembled by an Indian engineer. The engineer also spent one month in Guyana providing training to the local staff who will manage the facility. Mayor Gifford Marshall said that the multi-million dollar investment in Bartica is testimony that the new municipality is leading the way and will definitely be the model of Guyana in economic, sports, health and green energy. “ … the season to be happy is now and the place to be happy is in the beauti-

ful place of Bartica…when someone can leave Region Six and come to Bartica to make a major investment you know that Bartica is the place to be,” Marshall declared. Going forward, he promised that the town council will work feverishly to ensure that Bartica promotes a green economy. He assured that the council will work with the local contractors to ensure that Bartica’s pristine environment is not destroyed in the name of development. This is the second asphalt plant set up by ACS. In 2014,

the company invested more than $100 million in the establishment of a modern asphalt plant in Tarlogie Village, Corentyne, Berbice. The plant was the first of its kind in the Ancient County, serving to provide quality asphaltic concrete. Established in 1997, ACS of Hampshire, Corentyne, Berbice provides construction services across the country. The company builds roads, rents machinery and equipment, and is also involved in charitable work. (GINA)

Wanted American forger gets 36 months in jail STACY Hamilton (44) of Texas, United States of America appeared on Monday before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit a felony. Hamilton pleaded guilty to both charges - the first of which stated that between January 1 and August 12 at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, she conspired with persons known or unknown to fake a Guyanese passport with the name Tara Maughn. The other charge stated that on August 12, at Port

Lethem, she presented a fake passport to an immigration officer. The prosecution contended that Hamilton was a wanted fugitive from her homeland since she had pending matter before the court in the USA. Police Prosecutor Corporal Deniro Jones explained that the foreign national entered Guyana on January 1, via Cheddi Jagan International Airport. While in the country she met with persons to forge a passport in favor of Tara Maughn. Jones noted on August

Convicted Stacy Hamilton

12, Hamilton was stopped at the Lethem Check point by immigration officer Stephen Williams after she submitted the fake passport. The officer confronted the woman and she confessed that she had bought the passport for $1,500USD from a man. Hamilton further disclosed that she had gotten the passport to travel in Brazil. Attorney-at-law, Paul Fung-a-Fat stated that Hamilton has been living in Guyana for more than a year at Grove, East Bank

Demerara. The lawyer further disclosed that US police officials had already made contact with Hamilton and also the woman had an open ticket back to her homeland. The Magistrate in her ruling considered the woman’s guilty plea while placing weight on the seriousness of the offences. The US national was sentenced to 18 month on each of the two counts of conspiracy to commit a felony. These will run concurrently. After serving her jail time she will be deported.

10 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

\ A AQtOSS-THE-BOIUID SAUMAGE

INCREASES ARE C0UNTER-PR0DIICI11IE (from page 3) tative measurement of performance should be introduced. In an earlier column, I referred to the fact that most of the larger unions in Guyana have been led by the same individuals for decades, without any procedures being undertaken to develop succession plans. This may be a compelling reason for them to now demand across-the-board increases. To explain, across-the-board increases place young and aspiring public servants at a great disadvantage: these are generally the individuals who produce best, but get the smallest increases — while the older, long-serving workers, who are essentially awaiting the passing of another two or three years to complete 33M years of service, would get almost twice as large an increase as the employees with five to ten years of service. Is it not more sensible to recommend, instead, that wage/salary in-

creases reflect the unbiased and scientific evaluation of every employee? Such evaluations should be arranged to reward three levels of performance. For example, the best performers would get an eight percent (8%) raise; the middle level of performers would get a six percent (6%) increase; and those at the low level, if they are deserving of any salary/wage increases, would get what amounts to a cost- ofliving increase, of perhaps four percent (4%). Not only would such a this system be fair, but it would go a long way in improving efficiency and productivity. The top performers would be motivated to continue to be top producers, while those at the two lower levels would strive to improve and receive better rewards. Implementing these quantitative and transparent measures would serve to reduce, and, it is hoped, remove the age-old tag that public service workers carry on their backs, of being shirkers.

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THE CRAFTY DENTIST ^ ^ r I Ihis tooth will be difficult to remove," the dentist told his ^ patient. "I think you should have an anesthetic even though it will be a little more expensive." "OK," agreed the patient and began feeling in his pocket for his money. "You don't need to pay me yet," said the dentist. "I know," replied the patient. "I'm just counting my money before you put me under." TWO REASONS A newspaper writer, after working for seven long years, was finally granted two months vacation with full pay. However, he turned down his boss" kind offer. The boss asked him why. The newspaper writer said there are two reasons.

"The first," he said "is that I thought by taking such a long leave it might affect the newspaper's circulation." The boss asked him what was the other reason. "The other reason," replied the writer, "is that it might NOT affect the newspaper's circulation."

HEALTHY PLACE Mr. Peterson, a tourist from Toronto, arrived in Barbados. On his way to the hotel in an airport taxi cab, Peterson asked the driver, "Say, is this really a healthy place?" "It sure is," the cabby replied. "When I arrived here I couldn't say one word. 1 had hardly any hair on my head. I didn't have the strength to walk across a room, and I had to be lifted out of bed." "That's wonderful!" said the tourist. "How long have you been here?" "I was born here."

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

Passport

...

office

opens

Unnen

residents overjoyed, anticipate rollout of other services By Vanessa Braithwaite

RESIDENTS of Linden expressed high appreciation to the Ministry of Citizenship on Tuesday as the official launch of passport services took place. The launch took the form of a simple ceremony at the temporary location in the National Insurance Scheme's compound. It saw in attendance Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valarie Patterson, Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira, Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland, Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph, Deputy Director of Community Development Council Sandra Adams, Senior Immigration Officers and Regional Councillors. It was highlighted that the office is part of the Government's programme to decentralise passport services throughout Guyana for the benefit of all Guyanese. From Today (Wednesday), residents of Region 10 will be able to access services for renewal or replacement of lost, damaged or expired passports. This can be done eveiy Wednesday and Thursday, and they can uplift the passport the following Thursday. First-time applicants will, however, still have to travel to Georgetown to process their application. This is as a result of the unavailability of the machinery used to produce first-time machine-readable passports. Minister Valerie Patterson expressed gratitude to Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix and the Government of Guyana for bringing such services to Region 10. "This is really going to give the people of Linden a boost and Region 10 where they don't have to spend money to travel to Georgetown to get a passport with the exception of the first time applicants," she said. The Minister revealed that this is just the first slice of

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Mayor Holland cuts the ribbon to open the new passport office in Linden. Also in picture is Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Patterson and other officials

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A resident of Linden accessing service at the new passport office

the pie as all of the services offered by the Ministry of Citizenship, including birth certificate will be decentralized. She said that the Ministry is in the process of acquiring a land to build a permanent office which will accommodate all of those services. Similar sentiments were echoed by Regional MP Jermaine Figueira, who also applauded Minister Felix for seeing the wisdom in decentralisation as it allows for the materialising of President Granger's vision. "I do believe it is unfair for persons to have to travel to Georgetown to get these services that can be offered within the township it will alleviate the frustration of having to travel.. .this is just the first step. Minister Felix first made the announcement of the regional passport office at the 'Meet the Public' initiative in July. "This (development) is for two purposes: we realise the need to bring government services in the region, and we need to reduce the unnecessary crowds that we have at the passport office at Georgetown," Minister Felix had said at the 'Meet the Public' initiative. Following implementation of this service in Region Ten, decentralising of passport application services will expand to other areas, including Maharuma in the Waini Region (Region One); Anna Regina in Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two); New Amsterdam and Corriverton in East Berhice-Corentyne Region (Region Six); Bartica in Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven); Mahdia in Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight), and Lethem in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequiho (Region Nine).

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

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The downed Flambouyant Tree on downtown Main Street (Photos by Samuel Maughn) THIS Delonix regia, commonly called Flamboyant or Royal poinciana, was uprooted by heavy winds early yesterday on Main Street, posing a traffic hazard. This tree, whieh comes under the purview of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), belongs to the Leguminosae family and originated in Madagascar. It is named after Phillippe de Longvilliers

de Poiney, a former governor of St Kitts. According to Wikipedia, this regal flowering tree is now widely distributed throughout the tropics, and is one of the showiest trees when in bloom. It often reaches a height of 40-50 feet. To control its height, one simply trims the branches two to three times per year. It is used as a shade tree here in

Guyana, as well as in many of the Caribbean islands. When in bloom, there are clusters of reddish-orange flowers with a broad cream to white lip. Each flower has five petals. After flowering, seed pods develop whieh hang on the tree for several months. There is also another colour in this tree; a golden-yellow, whieh, though rare, is equally as beautiful as

the vemhllion variety. The Flamboyant Tree is planted along avenues and in parks, giving shade and people can sit under them and have a picnic. At present, many of these trees are in full bloom, and are readily identifiable on Brickdam and Main Street, as well as along the East Coast and East Bank Demerara.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

WHY

BELIZE

VICTORIES

CELENMIIK

USA'S

TIE

SIMQNE

OUWK

BUS

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, Wednesday August 17,2016 Even before this year's Olympics, Simone Biles had already catapulted onto cereal boxes on the strength of her 14 world championship medals, the most ever for an American female gymnast. But the Rio games have lifted her into something like Olympic immortality - and perhaps elevated the profile of Belize, where Biles has dual citizenship. After Biles took home gold for the United States in the individual all-around gymnastics final last Thursday, the Belizean national board of tourism tweeted their congratulations, inviting her and the four other members of the US female gymnastics team to vacation there. And Biles accepted. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Biles grew up in a Houston suburb, where she was adopted by her maternal grandfather and his second wife, Nellie - daughter of a prominent Belize City family - while her biological mother struggled with addictions to drugs and alcohol. The gymnast regards her grandparents as her parents, and has taken up Nellie's origins as her own. "We're trying to put Belize on the map as much as we can," Nellie told The New

A York Times. "Simone is competing for the U.S., and we're not taking any credit away from that. But the fact that she has dual citizenship, I don't see why we cannot celebrate her second country also." Nellie's mother, Evarista Cayetano, was a teacher and grocery store owner. Her father Silas began as a teacher as well, before rising through the ranks of the Belizean civil service, culminating in his election to senator in 1985, according to an obituary. Some Belizeans are taking Simone's success as a credit to their own country. "We are taking all the gold medals she is going to win," Kim Simplis Barrow, the First Lady of the tiny Central American country, joked with the Times. Last Wednesday, Belize's widest-cir-

i Simone Biles holds up one of her gold medals dilating paper ran an item informing readers that "young Belizean fans, especially females, will be thrilled to learn that the star of the USA gymnastic team at the Olympics

in Rio, Simone Biles, has embraced her Be lizean roots," referring to an NBC interview published earlier this year. (Christian Science Monitor

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print ;ueen ffiffi^TEompson |from Jamaica became the first 'woman since 1988 to take gold in both the 100m and 200m sprints. r

Elaine Thompson winning the Thompson's dominant victory emulated the legendary American Florence Griffith Joyner, the last woman to win both 100m and 200m gold medals at the same Games. After the race Thompson said she was shocked by her Rio success and revealed Joyner was a huge inspiration to her, having watched videos of her 1988 races on the internet. The Jamaican started strong and surged ahead of the field. Pre-race favorite Dafne Schippers from the Netherlands tried to take the initiative coming off the bend, but Thompson stayed in control and managed her race perfectly, accelerating away for victory. After the bend, she never looked

X like relinquishing her lead to win in 21.78. Schippers finished on silver with 21.78, American Tori Bowie got bronze in 22.15, adding to her silver from 100m. Thompson was overwhelmed by her victory; "My school motto was 'let the light shine' and I let my light shine to-night. It's a big surprise to me because I have had a hamstring in. jury. You must overcome these things and tonight I am standing here with a gold. To beat Dafne is a hard run. I had rough days training 200m race but I did not let that overcome me I'm a warrior." Diutchwoman ' Schippers, the 2015 world champion, beating Thompson in the final in Beijing, was disappointed with her race; "I came for gold. 1 was in good form. 1 was getting closer and closer. 1 felt I was nearly passing her, but then I broke down as well." "I came here and did what my coach said — finished what I started," said bronze medallist Bowie. "1 feel like my execution at the start from the blocks was not the way I normally execute. 1 haven't spoken to my coach yet but I am thankful for how the race went. My goal today was to finish as best I could and I'm leaving with another medal. Who couldn't be thankful for that?"

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12 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

Peace Pole restored at City Hall

THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC), in collaboration with the Peace Pilgrim Foundation and the American University of Peace Studies, has unveiled the restored ‘Peace Pole’ in the City Hall Compound. City Mayor Patricia Chase-Greene said on Monday that City Council is working assiduously to ensure Georgetown returns to its former ‘the Garden City’ glory. She said efforts to return the city to this status must be done in a peaceful manner. “We must work to strengthen the peace of our nature; peace among our communities; peace within the environment; peace among individuals; and most of all, our inner peace,” said the Mayor. Echoing the sentiments of Mayor ChaseGreene was assistant Town Clerk Sherry Jerrick. She said it is the vision of the City Council to develop Georgetown into a city that is healthy, peaceful and clean. Jerrick noted that the Mayor and City Council “does not stand only as a legal instrument, but as an instrument of peace.” And Dr. Eton Simon, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Executive Chairman of the American University of Peace Studies, and Friend of the Peace Pilgrim Foundation, expressed gratitude to the M&CC for fostering the efforts towards restoring the Peace Pole, and by extension renewing the restoration of peace. Dr. Simon said the Peace Pilgrim Foundation is one which spreads the message of peace, while stressing that good must be used to overcome evil, truth to overcome falsehood, and love to overcome hate. “Only good can overcome evil,” he said. Collis Spencer-Drake, Administrative Director of the American University of Peace Studies, said the Peace Pole is not merely an object of decoration, but serves as a reminder to keep peace in the thoughts of all citizens always.

The Peace Pole is being unveiled by Prabhupada Deva Prabhu, while City Mayor Patricia Chase-Greene (left), Dr. Eton Simon (left), Sherry Jerrick (right) and a religious leader look on

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

Overseas-based Guyanese opens educational facilities at Woodley Park

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

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16 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

I want to be a petroleum engineer - says St Rose’s girl who scored the most Grade Ones

WITH 19 Grade Ones and a Grade Two, Fatima Karim of St. Rose’s High in Georgetown, stood at the top of the list when the country’s top performing students at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations were announced Wednesday. With Guyana’s recent big oil find, she wants to become a petroleum engineer and has already decided that she wants to study at the University of Texas at Austin to make her dreams come through; but that’s perhaps after she is done with sixth form and the Caribbean Proficiency Exams, CAPE. Education officials did not announce a “top performer” but no one chalked up as much Grade Ones as Fatima. Outspoken, brave and assertive best describes her, but the 16-year-old was not quick to brag about her academic prowess when this newspaper caught up with her. Modestly, she said that while she worked hard, the credit for excellent per-

formance goes to Allah, her parents and her teachers.

Fatima Karim scored 19 Grade Ones and a Grade Two

“It’s a great privilege. Thanks to Allah; he has given me this knowledge,” she told Guyana Chronicle in an interview. She is proud that her accomplishment has put her school again in the forefront, after being beaten by more prestigious schools for several years. That aside, she said the amount of passes one gets is not something to shout about. “It does not matter what grades you attained but how hard one had worked for it.” For Fatima, working hard did not mean having a strict study routine. “I’m not really a scheduled person but I had to drop a lot of things to focus on my studies. She attended lessons six days per week, and for sure she took those seriously, but she treasured the time spent with her friends. ‘We were the loudest persons in class!” she confessed, and said that that

interaction with the group of friends continued on social media. When it comes to the subjects, she was furious that she could have attained a Grade Two in Chemistry. “I’m dead serious; I’m going to review it, because that’s impossible!” And the performance that surprised her? “I think my biggest accomplishment is that fact that I passed Office Administration and landed a Grade One,” she giggled. Expressing gratitude, the top student labeled her teachers as “the driving forces within school” but placed special emphasis on Sir Kester, Miss Success and Miss Johnson. Fatima urged the next generation of CSEC candidates to remain focused. “If you plan to write a lot of subjects, you have to stick to it! You have to fight, study and give each subject the same attention.” (Clestine Juan)

English takes a leap ... but CSEC results deemed unsatisfactory

By Ravin Singh GUYANA’s overall performance in English A at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination has shown significant improvement but there continues to be a decline in Mathematics, education officials revealed Wednesday. The results of this year’s performance at CSEC, offered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), were announced by the Ministry of Education on Wednesday at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) office at Kingston, Georgetown. The percentage of students who passed English A, with Grade One, Two or Three, moved from 49.36 percent last year to 59.3 percent this year. However, the statistics revealed that performance in Mathematics declined this year, with a pass rate of 38.37 percent, compared to 45.07 percent last year.

This year, the number of students gaining Grades One to Three in the general and technical proficiencies increased by 0.67 percent over last year’s total score of 62.72 percent. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Delma Nedd, said the results were not satisfactory. She said failure to achieve a 50 percent pass rate in Mathematics was still worrying. Nedd said the Ministry hopes to address the issue in a comprehensive way once the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the education system is completed and the report, with recommendations, is handed over, likely by December. EXCELLENT PERFORMANCES But despite the worry over Mathematics, the Ministry announced that of the 35 subjects written at this year’s examinations, the overall results indicated excellent performances in 15 subjects where the Grades One to Three passes exceed-

ed 75 per cent. These subjects were: Agriculture Science (DA), Agricultural Science (SA), Biology, Food & Nutrition, French, Home Economics Management, Information Technology, Principles of Business, Religious Education, Theatre Arts, Electronic Document Preparation and Management, Physical Education & Sport, Music, Building Technology (Const.) and Building Technology (Woods). Significant improvement was also noted in Biology and Physics. Grades One to Three passes in Biology moved from 59.3 percent last year to 76.38 percent this year, while Physics moved from 44.81 percent last year to 55.83 percent this year. Human & Social Biology showed improvement in Grade One to Three passes from 49.35 percent last year to 58.42 percent this year. In the Business Education subjects, the performance in most of these subjects was satisfactory. Principles of Business recorded an excel-

lent performance with a pass rate of 84.91 percent. Principles of Accounts moved from 65.43% last year to 70.81

Delma Nedd, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education speaks at the press conference Wednesday when this year’s CSEC results were announced percent this year. Excellent performances were recorded in both Information Technology (General) and Electronic Document

Preparation and Management, where the pass rates were 84.94% and 91.07% respectively. In the Modern Languages subjects, French recorded an excellent performance with a pass rate of 79.86 percent, compared to 54.96 percent last year. Spanish improved from 60.51 percent last year to 66.33 percent this year. All of the students who wrote Music gained passes in Grade One, Two or Three. Theatre Arts, and Physical Education and Sports both recorded over 95 per cent passes in Grades One to Three. Performance in Religious Education improved, scoring 88.1 percent, compared to 81.45 percent last year. SATISFACTORY ERFORMANCES Meanwhile, “satisfactory performances” were recorded in 18 subjects where the Grades One to Three passes exceeded 50 per cent while Grades One to Four passes were in excess of seventy five percent.

These included: Caribbean History, Clothing & Textiles, Economics, English A, English B, Geography, Integrated Science, Office Administration, Physics, Principles of Accounts, Social Studies, Spanish, Technical Drawing, Visual Arts, Human & Social Biology, Additional Mathematics, Electrical & Electronic Technology and Mechanical Engineering Technology. Satisfactory performance was also recorded in Visual Arts with a pass rate of 55.55 per cent – having improved from 34.25 per cent in 2015 and 41.12 per cent in 2014. The overall performance in Chemistry, the Ministry said, was unsatisfactory with a pass rate of 41.13 per cent. Of the 12,809 candidates that wrote the examinations earlier this year, 8269 were public candidates, while the remaining 4540 were attached to private schools. Subject entries between the 4677 male candidates and 8132 female candidates amounted to 73,303.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

18 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

PPP rejects collaboration with gov’t … claims ‘genuine social cohesion needed’

OPPOSITION Leader Bharrat Jagdeo told a concerned business sector yesterday that there will be no collaboration between the opposition and the government until there is genuine social cohesion. The former President was at the time speaking to diplomats and large and small business operators when

sured manufacturers that there was no economic crisis and that the economy was in good shape, Jagdeo claimed that bad policy decisions and cases of discrimination were driving fear into the business community, causing reduced investments. Jagdeo slammed Gaskin for making comparisons with neighbouring countries whose econom-

that President David Granger had spoken about social cohesion, but the practice of his government is different. The opposition leader told the business sector that government must first transition to a government for all before any collaboration. “What we said is that we have one pre-condition, that when you stop pursuing

try. Jagdeo focused however on the “capricious and misleading” statements made by Minister Gaskin when he was invited to address the manufacturers. The public is trying to find out government’s long-term plan, Jagdeo said, claiming that it cannot be found anywhere and different responses about the plan was coming from government

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo addresses manufacturers and other service providers during the luncheon problems. Jagdeo went on to say that unlike the former PPP/C government, the current administration is not keeping the nation up to date with plans other than making “declarative statements.” Under the PPP, Jagdeo said, the National Development Strategy was developed when macroeconomic stability and inflation were the concerns. Infrastructure then became the concern, he said, when the economy began to grow. He said the party then focused on poverty reduction and then the environment as global concerns changed and Guyana continued to show development. The Opposition Leader went on to explain that government said $55B was lost to private concessions and that significant reduction to private sector concessions were thus made. Jagdeo explained that persons bringing excavators and the likes into the country will have to pay 19 percent more on heavy-duty equipment since the government believes the

concessionary sum is too high. “A slew of new taxes,” is also pressuring the economy. Jagdeo explained that the government is saying to someone selling on the roadside for instance, that they must pay six percent more on their licences and that they must now be taxcompliant for seven years to renew their licences. This is unconstitutional, because the tax does not deny one the right to work based on compliance. “But that’s what’s happening to thousands of businesses across Guyana,” he stated. The government is also driving fear into investors by saying Guyana had operated on drug money, especially when U.S. banks are talking about de-risking. Jagdeo asked, “Why then would those banks and investors want to have correspondent relationships with any of your institutions? He said government must face it that, “they are doing badly and the conclusion is that there is a crisis in Guyana.”

VAT collection up by 5%

mid-2016, the tax agency had paid more than $2B in VAT refunds. “VAT returns were not paid timely since 2013. It has been inherited, and we are trying to bring the system up to date,” the commissioner explained. Minister Jordan had earlier informed media operatives that a team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been invited, and is likely to arrive this month to assess the possibilities of reducing the rate of the taxes. (GINA)

Captain Gerry Gouveia questions the Opposition Leader on collaboration with government the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) held its second luncheon at the Pegasus Hotel. Jagdeo has only recently been roundly condemned for alleged divisiveness in a racially-charged speech recently in New York. His presentation at the luncheon sought to provide a balance of views from both sides of the political arena, since Business Minister Dominic Gaskin had offered the government’s economic perspective at the association’s last event. While Gaskin had as–––THE collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) for the first half of 2016 exceeded that of the corresponding period in 2015 by five percent. However, there was a marked decline on VAT on imports, according to the mid-year report on the performance of Guyana’s economy, presented by Finance Minister Winston Jordan. The sum of $17.3B was collected in 2016, compared to $16.4B for the corresponding period in 2015. Despite the overall increased collection of

ic make-up are different from Guyana. The back and forth caused private persons to wonder at what point the government and the opposition would sit to collectively work on issues facing the country. Aviation personality and entrepreneur, Captain Gerry Gouveia, recognised the differences between the two political sides and questioned whether citizens could expect sometime in the next year to see team work between the government and the opposition. Jagdeo’s response was

VAT, there has been a noticeable reduction on the amount of VAT collected on imports. Collection in this category declined by $1.4B, while VAT collected on domestic supplies increased by $436.4M. While the decline in VAT collected on imports has been attributed to a fall in imports by the wholesale and retail sectors, newly appointed Guy-

the politics, your manifesto, your election promise and transition to what is good for all of our people and move the country forward, that will be the opportune time. So although we have heard the right-sounding words, social cohesion, working together; transparency… we have seen in practice, a different picture and that is causing problems in collaboration.” The former President said his party is proud of their track record and they will be doing nothing to tamper with the successes they have already brought to the coun-

ana Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner General Godfrey Statia said other contributing factors include “a lot of exemptions (VAT) inherited from the previous administration; and secondly, there are a lot of leakages at the import level.” The increased collection of VAT on domestic supplies has been credited to the raking in of almost $125M in VAT arrears

members. He continued that Gaskin had compared Guyana’s “better” economy to Barbados, but claimed this is unfair when the island does not have such fiscal room. He said Suriname depends heavily on gold, oil and alumina revenues and while oil and gold have been taking a beating for some time, the country’s alumina refinery was closed in 2015. Jagdeo pointed out that low oil prices in Trinidad has also affected that economy, but Guyana is not doing as well as they are despite their individual

and $74.7M from the local manufacturing and services sectors. The GRA Commissioner said efforts will be made to identify shortcomings and ensure compliance at all levels. “We would have to shift our resources to reduce that; and the third thing is that, at the domestic level, we have to also shift our resources into the enforcement mode so that we could go behind

the businesses for them to comply. So we are looking more at enforcement, compliance and investigations, and further examinations so as to increase VAT collection,” Statia declared. Speaking to media operatives at a press conference hosted by Finance Minister Winston Jordan to discuss the country’s mid-year economic report, Statia also stated that, as at

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

THE VILLAGE ECONOMY

Buxtonians have a sense of optimism By Margaret Burke BUXTON is one of the East Coast Demerara villages that continue to have their fair share of everything, including media coverage; and indeed, there is always much to say about this intriguing village. Originally founded as Plantation Orange Nassau, it was purchased by former

Dr. David Hinds slaves in 1840 and renamed Buxton after Sir Thomas Buxton, the man who had fought for the abolition of slavery. One year later, its sister village Friendship was also purchased, and the two villages were eventually merged to become Buxton-Friendship, a community possessing some 1280 acres of fertile land, and being one of the largest villages in Guyana. Buxton remains an interesting place, experiencing the good, the bad and the ugly. Buxtonians would readily agree that there is always something interesting occurring in the community; and though this is a village saturated with intellectuals at all levels and possesses people who are always willing to confront the challenges of everyday life within this community, maybe, just maybe, sometimes things are not always done right and in keeping with what would positively impact the rest of the country.

Yet there are people who would tell you they hate ‘the ugly’…. And this is clearly so based on views expressed, sentiments revealed, and actions taken. There is no village that might be able to express ‘purity’ of action in terms of its dealings with people. However, some might be more answerable than others. Thus the economy of the village has to be grounded on the way the people perceive themselves. AN OPTIMISTIC PEOPLE “Buxton is an action-oriented village with a people who have a sense of optimism”. Those are the words of Buxtonian Statesman Dr. David Hinds, an academic in his own right, and one of the mentors and motivators of the people of Buxton. Dr. Hinds notes that the people of Buxton have gone through trying times, difficult times. “In a sense,” he said, “Buxtonians became prisoners in their village…which had a tremendously negative effect…. Almost an entire generation has been scarred by that experience.” He was referring to the spate of unfortunate activities that occurred a few years ago. Dr. Hinds said there is now need for “repair work” to be done in the village. “We lost the spirit of collectivism – that ‘togetherness’ that would have a bigger impact (on everyone in the village), (for) that is what made our village a collective space in the past.” Without this, Dr. Hinds feels, not much success would be achieved. He indicated that Buxton was birthed out of collective ideas which filtered down into action, thus seeing much being achieved in all spheres of life; and has opined that without that element in the village, much will not be achieved. LAND ALLOCATION Immediately after the purchase of Buxton, there was a serious plan to streamline the village, giving responsibility to the leader of each family to place himself/herself in a sound social and economic position. Thus the allocation of plots of land within the village was given for the purpose of housing; then plots were allocated

at the back of the village for the purpose of farming. The forefathers were thinking in economic terms from the very instance of the birth of the village. Some groundwork had already begun on what was there before -– the cotton farm; however, much more needed to be done, while at the same time there was need to redesign many of the plots of land, putting in place different infrastructural works in addition to better drainage and irrigation systems. Eager to ensure that all systems were safeguarded, the villagers spared little time in establishing a Buxton-Friendship Village Council to ensure that all systems put in place were protected and main-

businesslike; but this is not true,” Dr Hinds indicated. Between 1838 and the 1970s, there was a flourishing village economy in Buxton, which fed itself. According to Dr. Hinds, “There was everything: poultry-rearing, animal husbandry, and all sort of businesses.” However, with time, there was a movement away from the initial established village council to that of Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs). This system removed from villagers direct control over the assets of the village, while at the same time there was less direct interest in any one-village setting, and more of an extended community. Almost simultaneous with the change

tained. These systems included the collection of property taxes, and imposition of fines on violators for intoxication; abusive language; other immoral behaviours, such as gambling and fighting; the security and maintenance of village infrastructure; and the security of established properties.

to NDC were changes in the economy and the rest of the ‘world’. Of major concern was the fact that taxes were redirected to the NDC, which caused much concern among the village councillors, since they felt there was going to be less direct input into the village and its holdings. The result was the deterioration of public infrastructure within the village and the onset of bad drainage and irrigation; poor roadways; very few or no ranger to watch over the interest of farmers; all of which resulted in the general decline of the village’s agricultural production. Next week, we will continue to look at ‘the village economy’ and where it is at this point in time.

VILLAGE ECONOMY THAT WAS “In Buxton, almost everything that was needed in the community was provided for. Then there is the myth that African Guyanese were not engaged in business (because they) were never

‘Daddy Killer’ gets five years for trafficking ganja in N/A prison CONVICTED murderer Nandalall Rooplall, called ‘Daddy Killer’, had five more years added to his jail sentence after he confessed to trafficking 96.5 grams of marijuana while being an inmate at the New Amsterdam Prison. Before New Amsterdam Magistrate Alex Moore, Police Corporal Winston Poliah,

prosecuting, said the discovery of the illegal drug was made by Prison Officer Hutson, who observed the convict acting in a suspicious manner and carried out a search on his person, unearthing a black plastic parcel concealed in his pants waist. The police were summoned and the parcel, when opened, was found to contain

leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be portions of the cannabis sativa plant. In July 2008, the convict Rooplall, then aged 20, had fatally flogged his father, Sonalall, with a piece of wood. The senior Rooplall, a carpenter/contactor formerly of Canal Number Two, West Bank Demerara, had rebuked his drug-addicted son for his

behaviour when the youth became enraged and started to lash his father with a piece of wood. Rooplall began serving his twelveyear sentence at the overcrowded Camp Street Prison in Georgetown, but was transferred to the New Amsterdam Prison following a fire at that penal institution.

20 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

Granger unchallenged for PNCR’s top job By Ariana Gordon

AS the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) gears up for its 19th Biennial Delegates’ Congress, President David Granger will head into the conference unchallenged for the position of leader of that 59-year-old party. Other persons nominated for key posts include current Chairman Basil Williams, former leader of the party Robert Corbin, Volda

President David Granger Lawrence and Lurlene Nestor for Chairman. Williams told reporters at the party’s first press conference in over one year on Wednesday that he is ready to compete against the other nominees but noted that there is a possibility that he may be beaten by former leader of the party, Robert Corbin. Corbin had in the past said he is not interested in returning

to serve on the executive of the party or in any public post. He has since been quoted in another section of the media saying that he is not interested in the nomination. The nominations for Vice Chairman include Lawrence, Dr George Norton, Joseph Harmon, Aubrey Norton, James Bond, Dawn Hastings, Christopher Jones, Winston Felix, Beni Raymond, and Clement Corlette. Ronald Bulkan, Larry London and Annette Ferguson have been nominated to serve as treasurer. However, London has made it clear that he is not interested in the post. Nominees have until August 24 to confirm whether they are competing for the posts nominated for. There were 73 nominations for the members of the Central Executive Committee. Meanwhile, the party chairman said the Biennial Delegates’ Congress will be held under the theme “PNCR-Vanguard of a Green Economy” in keeping with President Granger’s push for a green Guyana. “As the largest mass-based party in Guyana and the largest partner in the coalition, APNU+AFC Administration, the People’s National Congress Reform will lead and show leadership as we work towards achieving the goal of a Green Guyana,” said Williams. Over 500 delegates and several hundred observers from all ten administrative regions of the country; the North America Region; and the United Kingdom are expected to attend the Congress. The party said it is proud to have entered government as part of a coalition administration in December 1964, while noting that

it was the PNC on Independence Day 1966 that “embarked on the task of transforming a deeply divided colony into the united Independent State of Guyana.” “Congress is a working session. For us it is not a period of jubilation but rather two days of hard work, where we not only examine the state of the Party but make plans for the economic and social development of the nation,” the party chairman added. Williams announced that President

Chairman of the PNCR Basil Williams Granger will deliver the keynote address to the Congress on Friday August 26 and thereafter deliberations will be made on matters of policy. The following day Oscar Clarke, General Secretary is expected to report on the work of the party. His report will be followed by two working sessions. On the final day of the Congress, delegates will vote for a

Work being done at Congress Place on Wednesday

Party Leader, Chairman, two Vice Chairmen, Treasurer and fifteen other members who will become the elected members of the Central Executive Committee of the PNCR. When asked to speak about security of those attending the Congress next week, Williams assured that measures are in place to ensure that all persons at the event are safe. At the party’s 18th Delegates Congress pandemonium broke as gun shots were fired causing supporters and delegates to run for cover. That matter was investigated by the police. “Democracy has its negatives in it—we are a democratic party, it is unfortunate that our democracy was abused–we can assure you that there won’t be a repeat of that… the arrangements that we are putting in place - any gridlock in terms of administrative, accreditation–we have them under control. You really can’t predict what is in a man or woman’s mind,” said Williams. Article 7.2 of our Party’s Constitution requires that the party have a Biennial Delegates’ Congress every two years. Meanwhile, infrastructural works are underway to the main entrance to Congress Place, Sophia and within the party’s compound but the party’s General Secretary maintained that work was scheduled to be done since January but due to inclement weather it was pushed back. “Works are not being undertaken because of Congress, these works were scheduled to be done earlier in the year but the imminent holding of the congress we better try to get some work done…” Clarke assured reporters that the project is not funded by the state.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

Linden Mayor wants fresh probe into 2012 killings

LINDEN Mayor Carwyn Holland is calling on the Guyana Police Force to reopen the investigation into the shooting to death of the three Lindeners during the 2012 unrest in that mining community over the electricity tariffs. Dead re: Shemroy Bouyea, Ron Somerset and Allan Lewis who were allegedly gunned down by armed ranks on July 18, 2012. The shooting occurred at the Wismar Mackenzie Bridge during a standoff with protestors and ranks from the joint services. Lindeners were at the time protesting the decision made by the former administration to increase the electricity tariff from $5 per kilowatt to $65. Holland on Monday made a national call for the investigation into the shooting to be reopened, stressing that the lives of Lindeners matter. “I believe that there needs to be a proper and a better investigation, I believe that the truth must be

told as to why those Lindeners were shot and who shot those Lindeners and there must be an answer, those lives must not go down without a proper investigation,” Holland affirmed. He said the he knows the investigation was closed but “there must be a reopening.” Four years after that fateful day, the police have not categorically ascertained the shooters responsible for the death of the three men. Former Deputy Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud stated that shotguns were used in the shooting and four shotgun cartridges were the only ammunition that was unaccounted for by police ranks after July 18. Two of the slain men were shot in the chest while one was shot in the back. It is believed that the shooters were standing about 15 feet away from the protesters when they opened fire. A five-member Commission of InCarwyn Holland

Old cars will be dumped, forfeited …GRA warns dealers

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is warning importers of used vehicles that the restriction on eight-year-old vehicles is being enforced, thus persons who violate the restriction will see their consignment dumped or forfeited. The GRA has, in a statement, urged dealers and other importers to refrain from seeking to import vehicles that are banned, since this is in violation of new regulations that became effective on May 1, 2016. The revenue agency noted that the recent legislative changes to the Customs Act restrict from entering Guyana motor vehicles that are eight years and older from the date of manufacture to the date of importation. The GRA also said that importers should note that the restriction excludes heavy-duty vehicles, namely trucks, lorries, vehicles used in the agricultural and industrial sectors, and special purpose vehicles. The agency said it has already issued in the media a num-

ber of notices to this effect, and therefore urges vehicle importers to desist from purchasing such vehicles and attempting to import same. Vehicles in contravention of the new regulations, GRA said, will be forfeited and disposed of in accordance with the provisions of the Customs laws. Other fines and penalties may also be imposed. Ensuring Guyana moves away from being a “second-hand economy” and guaranteeing that the country is greener are the thrusts behind government’s move to ban the importation of used and/ or re-conditioned vehicles eight years old from the date of manufacture to the date of importation. Finance Minister Winston Jordan said it was clear that Guyana was becoming an environmentally conscious country, and the new measures are accordingly geared at ensuring a green economy, clean environment, and safer equipment and machinery are being used by citizens. “Take advantage of modern technology,” Jordan remarked.

quiry into the shooting found the Guyana Police Force culpable in the deaths of three protestors but it failed to unearth direct evidence that any individual ranks shot the protestors. No evidence was given that anyone other than the police ranks were in possession of firearms when pro-

testors and persons in the vicinity were shot. Several civilians, including those who were wounded, had testified to seeing police ranks shooting into the crowd that had gathered near the Mackenzie/ Wismar Bridge. A few weeks ago Lindeners commemorated the lives of the martyrs in the form of a wreath laying service and a candle light vigil. The families testified that the absence of their loved once still affects them daily and though 4 years have passed the pain remains the same. It is for this reason and more that they demand justice must be served. Attorney at Law Nigel Hughes in his address contended that the state should compensate for the right to life as the Commission of Inquiry only gave economic compensation. “The state must compensate the citizens anytime it unjustly takes the life of its citizens….I urge those in charge of the state tonight to consider all of the injustices that were put upon the people of Guyana and begin to take small steps towards rectifying all the injustices of the past,” argued Mr. Hughes. The candle light vigil was held at the spot where the three Lindeners were shot while the wreaths were laid on their graves at the Bamia Cemetery.

Bandits given sound beating after botched robbery A BARBER who is known for wearing a thick gold chain attracted the wrong attention when two bandits on a motorcycle visited his North Ruimveldt home Wednesday afternoon and attempted to rob him. The barber has been identified as 37-year-old Roger Lovell. According to reports, one of the bandits acted as a lookout at the man’s residence while the other made his way into Lovell’s home and woke him up by beating him with a gun. Startled, the barber was questioned about the specific gold chain. As the beating continued

at gunpoint, Lovell used his bed sheet to wrap it around the bandit’s arm, tugging it towards a window. Both bandits were caught by the residents and beaten severely. “Police come here in time because they would of dead,” one man said. “I never see thief happy to see police,” another resident noted. Police recovered a .32 pistol and live rounds at the scene. Both bandits were admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital and one is reported to be in a critical condition. Lovell has also been hospitalized.

22 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

New director plans to make youth development a smoother process

MELISSA Carmichael was recently appointed to the position of Director of Youth, in the Ministry of Education’s, Culture Youth and Sport Department. Carmichael has disclosed that very early on, she plans to tackle major issues affecting youth development, and to do so in an organised manner. In an interview with the

Government Information Agency (GINA), the Youth Director said that her main concern is the level of unemployment among youths. A study from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) shows that the unemployment rate among youths is at 40 percent in Guyana. Acknowledging that, Carmichael noted that government has the responsibility

for providing an environment where youths can flourish. In June 2016, a National Youth Policy was presented in the National Assembly by the Minister within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry. Carmichael said that the policy will direct her actions for youth development. “We would have to use the policy to put forward any plan or projection from the

Youths at the recently observed International Youth Day

department for the youths, we will no longer be working haphazardly, but we will be guided,” the Youth Director stated. The policy outlines a number of initiatives and training programmes which will foster well-rounded individuals. According to Carmichael, young people are not efficiently trained for the job market available in Guyana. The Youth Director explained “what the department and myself are looking to do, is to ensure that we provide training that is aligned with what is out there in the job market.” Carmichael disclosed that very soon, a number of meetings will be held with youth organisations around the country to determine the issues affecting them. By conducting the meetings, Carmichael stated that the department would then be able to properly assess what’s happening, and put forward proper recommendations and proposals. Youth development remains on the front burner

No flight of fancy ––President says relocation of Walter Roth Museum administrative, rather than ‘whimsical’ decision

By Alva Solomon PRESIDENT Granger has cleared the air on the proposed relocation of the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology from Main Street, saying that it was not a spur-of-themoment decision. “This is not a whimsical move; it is because there are organisational changes,” he told reporters yesterday when braced on the subject following a function at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre at Liliendaal. Besides noting that every precaution will be taken to avoid any damage to those collections currently housed at the Museum, the president said it’s all in keeping with plans by the government to relocate the institution to the western wing of the Guyana National Museum on North Road.

The Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology at its current location on Main Street, in downtown Georgetown And just in case there are still reservations, given that the artifacts have to travel a bit in getting to their new destination, the president said he

doesn’t foresee any problem, as it’s just a distance of 400 meters. AN IMPROVEMENT “It’s not tumbling out;

it’s an improvement,” he said, adding that if the move could have been avoided, such would have been the case. Noting also that the gov-

Director of Youth Melissa Carmichael for government. This can be seen by the number of youth training programmes that are being conducted. These include the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme, the Youth Leadership Training Programme, the Hinterland Employment

and Youth Service (HEYS) Programme, National Training Programme for Youth Employment (NTPYE) under the auspices of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and the Sustainable Livelihood Entrepreneurship Development (SLED) initiative among others.(GINA)

ernment did not envisage encountering any resistance to the change of venue, which was announced on Friday last, President Granger said: “We saw it as an improvement in providing access to the Walter Roth Museum.” And while on the subject of improvement, the president said the authorities will do whatever it takes to ensure that the western wing of the Guyana National Museum is prepared to international standards. On Friday, the government announced that the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology has been earmarked for a major upgrade and change of location. According to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency, the government had taken a decision to relocate the museum from its current location on Main Street.

of Anthropology was established in 1974, but was not opened to the public until 1982. The museum was founded with the collections of Guyanese archaeologist Dr Denis Williams. In 1980, the ethnographic collections of Dr Walter Roth, J.J. Quelch and Sir Everardim Thurn were transferred to the Walter Roth Museum from the Guyana Museum. An ethnographic collection of the Wai Wai peoples was presented to the museum in 1991 by local cultural anthropologist, Dr George P. Mentore. The museum’s collections also include excavated artifacts from all ten administrative regions of Guyana. The museum is a non-profit institution created by the Government of Guyana to collect, exhibit and conserve artifacts relating to the nation’s ancient cultures, to conduct anthropological research and disseminate knowledge of the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana through its inhouse and outreach programmes.

THE REGION’S OLDEST Acclaimed to be the oldest such museum in the English-speaking Caribbean, the Walter Roth Museum

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

Gov’t heeds ‘clarion call’ for youth empowerment ––Minister tells YLTP graduands

FORTY-four youths from Region Nine are now in possession of valid leadership certificates after successfully completing a one-week Youth Leadership Training Programme (YLTP). They received those certificates during a graduation exercise on Friday at the Indigenous Peoples’ Conference Hall in Lethem. Youths were drawn from Moco Moco, St. Ignatius, Culvert City, Nappi, Parishara, Tabatinga and Lethem. According to Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Mr. Sydney Allicock, who delivered the charge at the exercise: “Government has heard the clarion call for the improvement in the quality of our local leaders; we learnt of the need for the strengthening of leaders’ capacity to negotiate, to conceptualise projects, create project proposals, and to record and report on finances.” Minister Allicock, himself a leader worthy of emulating, went on to say: “It is not by mistake (that) you are being trained; it is because there is a need for Guyana, and first of all, for Region Nine to be fully prepared for the development that we anticipate.” OIL FIND In obvious reference to oil giant, Exxon Mobil’s recent announcement, he said, “I am quite certain you are aware of the great oil find. We cannot wait until we see the oil; we have to pre-

have gained here!” HIGH PRAISE Coming in for high praise from the minister was Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment, Mr Aubrey Norton, the brainchild behind the YLTP initiative, from Minister Allicock whom he said “remains one of Guyana’s foremost youth leaders... and fully understands, better than most, the dynamics of education and the progression of youth in the different spheres of life in Guyana.” Norton would later explain that for years, there had been no critical youth leadership programmes, and that as such the programme he helped formulate had to be thorough. “This is a comprehensive programme that seeks to give persons the required information they need to develop as leaders,” he said, adding: “It emerged because, across the country, we find a lot of young people are in youth organisations etc., but they have not been exposed to training to improve their performance.” But that is all in the past, he said. “Government believes that solutions to a number of problems in Guyana will have to be solved at the level of the youth; so, as part of the thrust of youth, we have developed a youth policy, which will be going to Parliament...”

The latest batch of YLTP graduands. Among those with them are Messrs Aubrey Norton, Sydney Allicock and Basil Williams (seated third, fourth and fifth from left respectively) pare now; we have to prepare today.” Noting that David Granger-led administration is always ready to heed the call, particularly where creating an enabling environment for the nation’s youths is concerned, Minister Allicock, by way of encouraging his charges to make use of the opportunity, said: “Education is a right; not a privilege! Your responsibility now must be to ensure you pass on this information to those in your respective villages and communities... using the knowledge you

SIMILAR PROGRAMMES Minister Allicock said he hopes similar training programmes will be carried out in all 212 hinterland villages and communities, since it is a way of complementing the ongoing Hinterland Employment and Youth Service Programme (HEYS). “This is a bold and enormous step taken in fulfilling the Coalition government’s commitment to Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples in a positively impacting way.” Meanwhile, 19-year-old Maxine

Welch, reputedly one of the country’s youngest Deputy Mayors, as well as Mark George were awarded for exemplifying best leadership qualities, while the award for most outstanding male and female personalities went to Frederick Stephen and Hayeeyah Asgar respectively. Among facilitators were Head of Education and Training, Ronald Austin Jr.; Head of Research and Planning, Adeti De Jesus; Head of Administration, Fayon Marshall; and Community Officers Fiona Hamilton, Atisha Daly,

and Suraj Narine. According to Austin, this is the fifth leadership programme that has been conducted so far for 2016 at the Department of Culture, Youth and Sports’ Madewini Training Camp, with participants being drawn from Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10. The graduation exercise was also attended by Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams; Region Nine Assistant Regional Executive Officer, Althea Fitzpatrick; and friends, relatives and well-wishers of the graduands.

24 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

(from page 7) ing system. A soccer game is decided on goals scored, a basketball game by points made, baseball - runs scored, and tennis points scored. These are OBJECTIVE CRITERIAwinning and losing depends on the efforts of a team of athletes who display strength, skill, and stamina in scoring points. Gymnastics, synchronized swimming, equestrian activities, and figure skating rely on the combined, subjective scoring of a panel of scorers then there's some sort of average. By these standards, are we going to next have ballroom dancing, dog and cat shows, or Donald Trump's former showcase event, the Miss America Beauty Pageant as Olympic sports? Relax. As The Donald would say - not going to happen. For the record I call these things creative activities competition. Yeah. Formula One Racing and NASCAR racing are not sports. They are competitions. You don't have to be an athlete to drive a car just get behind the damn wheel. Sure, things are not all cut and dried because there are some events and activities that fall between sport and competition. For example, you do not need to be an athlete to participate in target shooting - you can be a 450 pound slob of an SOB and still be a great marksman. You can sit on a chair to do the thing if the

THE

EVER

effort of moving is too difficult for your football-sized heart. Skateboarding? Oh heck, that's a sport? But don't get me wrong - there are many activities that demand and call for great skill, dedication and long years of practice. But that does not mean they are sports? Of course, big, rich nations benefit the most from hosting the Olympics and politics plays a key role in who gets to host and other accompanying issues. For developing nations there are a number of reasons why NOT to host these showcase events that highlight and expose the large gaps between rich and poor nations AND rich and poor communities in host nations. First is the cost and the fact that most host nations do not recoup any returns on their investments (ROI). Then there are the many infrastructural challenges that disrupt entire communities, permanently damaging and undermining the quality of life for residents whose communities are targeted for the various activities. Thirdly, this disruption is AFWAYS accompanied by human and civil rights violations. By destroying established urban areas, local populations are dispersed and displaced. For example, in Beijing's 2008 Olympics, a reported 1.5 million people were forcibly evicted from their homes with very little compensation.

■1 " !

ft .4i|

Usain Bolt shares a smile with Andre DeGrasse in the 200m heat In Rio the pre-Olympics eviction and displacement process was realized by the state's Police Pacification Units being dispatched to the city's favelas - the poor districts of Rio. A number of world heritage sites were destroyed while Brazil's elites raked in more and more money with con-

CHANGING TIMES...

the basement, to get good reception on the cell. I somewhat agree with all those who think landlines are still a necessity. Every time a severe thunderstorm occurs, the first thing to go is the Direct TV and cell ^cuphone signals. GENERAL When it comes to changing people's habits, new technology is one of the greatest forces that brands need to contend with. When technology is used to deliver convenience to consumers, the results can be great for the brand's bottom line. Today brands are using emerging technology to give people what they need. Convenience is the number one factor driving the popularity of streaming services. It clearly shows that the 74 percent of Americans use subscribed streaming services because they prefer to watch shows when they want to. They also use streaming services to catch up on recent episodes they missed, avoid commercials and to catch up on full seasons of shows. THE ANSWERING MACHINE The idea of having a machine answer your calls and take a message is not going to go away. The answering machine has evolved over the years. Answering services, where human operators were paid to answer the phone and take messages, were the rage for years, and then answering machines started to dominate the landscape. Recently, there are so many devices to choose from that the standard answering machine simply can't compete. You can have your computer answer

GOING. GOING. GONE

your phone calls. But most of all, the cell phone, with its built in voice mail and/or answering machine, is turning the stand-alone answering machine into a relic. Going . . .

(from page 17)

■

struction deals and post-Olympic games sweetheart contracts for more development projects like luxury condos and other highpriced real estate. So yes, I'll look at the games. Knock back a few Coors Fites and forget who the hell won what.

Going . . . Gone. ''It is always better to have information and not need it, than to need it and not have it''

r r

revs 23

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26 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

Egbert Fields

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending August 19, 2016

SportS CHRONICLE

Doris finishes a creditable seventh in triple jump at Rio Olympics By Tamica Garnett

AFTER three fouls and a good effort, national men’s triple jump record-holder Troy Doris wrapped up Guyana’s performance at this year’s Rio Olympics when his best efforts saw him clear 16.90m in the men’s triple jump final, yesterday, leaving him to finish seventh out of 39 participants in the event. Speaking with Chronicle Sport, online, following his performance yesterday morning the 27-year-old was upbeat about his finish in the final, and now looks forward to his future as an athlete. He said: “I felt really good about the performance. I keep telling myself I can’t be upset at the outcome because I need to put what happened into a different perspective. “It wasn’t just a track meet it was the Olympics. I wasn’t nervous but just focused on trying to execute perfectly and sometimes it got the best of me. I’m happy with 7th. Still going to train and prepare for the last few Diamond League events.” The Iowa University student was competing against the 11 other athletes who made it into yesterday’s final, which was, unsurprisingly, won by USA’s Christian Taylor with a jump of 17.86m. USA also copped silver with Will Claye taking second place in 17.76m, for a repeat from the 2012 Olympics. Doris’ performance yesterday was a marked improvement from the 16.81m that he leaped to in Monday’s preliminaries to make it into the final. In the preliminaries he finished sixth. Doris has a personal-best jump of 17.18m, in an event where the Olympic record stands at 18.09m and the world record is 18.29m. That 17.18m jump, which is also Guyana’s national record, has Doris currently ranked seventh in the world.

A disappointed Troy Doris looks to the heavens The mark is also Doris’ season-best after he made the jump earlier in May. Doris’ performance ended Guyana’s part in the Rio Olympics, as Doris was the last athlete to compete. Doris was without a question the best athlete on the six-man Guyana team line-up which also included athletes Winston George, Bre-

nessa Thompson, Aaliyah Abrams and swimmers Hannibal Gaskin and Jamila Sanmoogan. None of the other participants made it into the final of their event, or even passed their first round, save for Thompson who gained an automatic promotion to the second round of the women’s

100m heats after she qualified with an ‘A’ standard in the event. Doris made history on Monday when he made it into the final. Many were glued to their televisions, while social media was also buzzing with the news, as Doris reignited hopes of a possible medal moment, something that Guyanese could not dare do in the past years given the level of athletes we would usually send to the illustrious Games. Guyana continues to stand with a singular bronze medal won at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games by boxer Michael Parris. That is the reason Doris performance was so celebrated, given that even though he did not win a medal, he was the closest we have come in over 30 years. Many other stakeholders were also proud of Doris’ performance at the Games “I am elated as this is the first time that Guyana have competed in triple jump in the Olympics or in any major international competition, and have gone to the finals.” noted president of the Guyana Olympic Association, K. A. Juman-Yassin, who is also in Brazil with the athletes. Guyanese Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Aliann Pompey, who now works as overseas ambassador for the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), also weighed in on how she felt about the performance. Pompey is also currently in Brazil and took in the Guyanese performances up close and personal. “We were on the edge of our seats with each jump – willing him on. One of those barely fouls would’ve been a huge jump and I’m sure he is upset by that, but it’s a great finish and over the next few years, he’ll be a serious contender. That’s exciting! I am happy for him. As a competitor I know he wanted to do better. At this point, I don’t think anyone can be as hard on him as he would be on himself. We’ve never had a 7th place finisher at the Olympic Games. My best finish was 11th in Beijing,” Pompey said.