Happy New Year
MONDAY 15th February, 2021
' No.106273
Two die in Valentine’s Day accident SEE PAGE 03
Dead: Tonika Halley
Londoner cycles to Rupununi in six days SEE PAGE 14
Dead: Dakera Gritten
Vaccinated health workers ‘all good’ so far
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US$135M+ ‘Norway funds’ for renewable energy, sustainable development 02 PAGE
Luke McKenna after arriving at Lethem, having completed the six-day journey
Vanita Willie is first runner-up Chutney Queen
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 15, 2021
US$135M+ ‘Norway funds’ for renewable energy, sustainable development –– LCDS being expanded to include 'blue' economy –– WWF Guyana Office hails this as ‘good step’, calls for strong safeguards By Vishani Ragobeer MORE than US $135M of Guyana’s earnings will now be invested into renewable energy projects and to strengthen those agencies involved in advancing Guyana’s sustainable development, according to Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh. During his presentation of the 2021 National Budget on Friday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Dr Singh highlighted that this sum of money was earned by Guyana through its forest partnership agreement with Norway but
never used. The sum, according to him, has remained in bank accounts outside of Guyana and perhaps, some of it could have been leveraged to secure hundreds of millions of dollars of private investments to fund the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project. Not wanting to let the funds nor certain key projects languish, Dr Singh emphasised: “We are taking steps to unblock the more than US$135 million that had not been released for allocation into projects.” In this vein, the funds will be invested into renewable energy projects and strengthen the agencies involved in regulating the
sector such as the Guyana Forestry Commission. Additionally, focus will be directed towards advancing ongoing projects such as the Amerindian land titling project, sustainable land management, and ICT access for hinterland, poor and remote communities. Guyana’s focus on sustainable, low-carbon development attracted international attention with the creation of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), a ground-breaking forest partnership agreement with Norway. This agreement, Dr Singh said, was the first for a developing country and the third largest agreement of its kind in the world. And,
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh
Aiesha Williams, Country Manager for WWF-Guianas, Guyana office
Guyana’s rainforests as seen from atop the Turtle Mountain at the Iwokrama Rainforest, Region Eight (Vishani Ragobeer)
this agreement provided for Guyana to earn payments for climate services up to US$250 million over a fiveyear period. EXPANDED LCDS With the country now refocussed on this strategy, Dr Singh indicated that Guyana will be assessing emerging international markets for forest climate services. Importantly, however, the LCDS of itself will be expandedsince it has been quite some time since that strategy was crafted. President, Dr Irfaan Ali, in his inaugural address to
Parliament on Thursday, highlighted that the strategy would be broadened to include wider environmental services, water resources management, climate resilience, biodiversity, renewable energy, and the marine economy. Further, the expanded LCDS will also include the establishment of an International Centre of Excellence for Biological Diversity with the objective of promoting cutting edge research and developing and exporting educational services. It is expected that the updated LCDS will be able
to create employment opportunities and allow Guyana to earn revenue. The Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance highlighted too that the updated LCDS will also incorporate Guyana’s status as a burgeoning oil and gas producer. BLUE ECONOMY During a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Aiesha Williams, Country Manager for WWF-Guianas, Guyana office, welcomed the renewed focus on the LCDS, deeming it a “good step”. TURN TO PAGE
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 15, 2021
Two die in Valentine’s Day accident –– two others hospitalised
A scene from the accident
Dead: Tonika Halley
TWO youths are dead and two others are hospitalised after the car in which they were travelling crashed into a utility pole on Homestretch Avenue on Sunday. Dead are 19-year-old Dakera Gritten and 21-year-old Tonika Halley, a mother of one, while Troy Glen and Delvern Luthers are hospitalised. Halley’s boyfriend, 22-year-old Joel Rose was treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and later discharged. The accident occurred at approximately 00:30hrs while the friends were reportedly on their way to a bar-b-que. Gritten, a labourer at Toolsie Persaud Limited (TPL), died at the scene of the accident. Halley succumbed at approximately 05:30hrs while receiving treatment for her injuries. The alleged driver has been identified as 19-year-old Rayon Alves, of East La Pentience. Alves is said to have suffered minor injuries, and assisted the other occupants out of the vehicle before fleeing the scene. He was later apprehended by the police
at his home and taken into police custody after being treated for his injuries at GPHC. According to a police report, the overloaded vehicle PVV 1289, was being driven at a fast rate of speed and proceeding west along the southern carriageway of Homestretch Avenue when the driver lost control of the motor vehicle and collided with a utility pole on the northern parapet. The vehicle ended up upside down in the trench running along the side of the Castellani National Art Gallery. “The motor car toppled several times and ended up in a trench. They [occupants] were all removed from the vehicle with the help of public-spirited citizens and were taken to the GPHC,” the report explained. According to reports, there are claims that Gritten was the driver of the vehicle; however, his relatives are vehemently denying this allegation. “My brother cannot drive," Detica Gritten, sister of the deceased, affirmed during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle.
According to Detica, she last spoke to her brother around 22:00hrs on Saturday just before he left home to attend the bar-bque with his friends. "I was on my phone when he came to my room and he said 'Tica how I look?' because he was going out, and I said you look good and that was the last time we talk. Around 1 am one of his friend call my mom and then she start shouting out ‘my son could never dead! Dakera could never dead!’" Detica recalled. Detica recalled that subsequent to last speaking with her brother, he was picked up from the home by the vehicle, and Alves was at the driver’s wheel. “He came here to pick up my brother. This car came full, Dakera couldn’t even fit into this car. Dakera force he self into this back seat so they double up just to go on this bar-b-que,” she related. Upon receiving news of the accident, the family immediately travelled to the site, but when they got there Dakera was already pronounced dead and a sheet was covering his body. According to
Dead: Dakera Gritten
Detica, she spoke with several witnesses on the scene who also told her that her brother was pulled from the back seat of the car, and not the driver’s seat. Gritten’s father, Deryck Gritten, said he encountered the alleged driver during a visit to the police station on Sunday. “When we go to the station the police arrest the man. Rayon turn to me and he seh ‘man I sorry for what happen’, and ask me how Kera mother feeling. When I ask he what really happen, he tell me he lose control of the car. The police was [sic] right there when he tell me that,” Deryck stated. Deryck remembered his son as someone who was always helpful, and mannerly. Dakera leaves to mourn his father, mother, two sisters and other relatives. Meanwhile, during a visit to the East La Penitence Housing Scheme, Halley’s grandmother, Clarence Springer said she had last spoken to her granddaughter on Saturday afternoon, and last saw her on Sunday morning at the hospital after the accident. “I get that news foreday morn-
ing. When I go to the hospital they said Tonika is getting worst [and] not responding to treatment , so most likely she would pass. They said she get a lot of damage inside, and the lungs full up [with water]. I go to her and I saying ‘Tonica, Tonica’ and praying for her. But she’s not saying anything, her eyes just staring us, and then she started to gasp, and then she just stop,” Springer said recalling her last moments with her grandchild. Rose, a sales clerk at the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), sustained injuries to his left leg and head, and was discharged on Sunday afternoon with instructions to make subsequent visits to the hospital for follow-ups on his condition. The Guyana Chronicle was unable to make contact with family members of the other injured persons.
US$135M+ ‘Norway funds’ for renewable energy...
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Guyana, according to her, has a history of being a world leader in low-carbon, sustainable development. And, she emphasised that Guyana ought to continue expanding on these efforts. “The Government’s focus on a blue economy aspect and
expanding the LCDS is really important,” Williams said, explaining that this means freshwater and marine biodiversity will now also be included in Guyana’s conservation and sustainable development efforts. Keen attention, she said however, must be directed towards
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ensuring that there are certain environmental safeguards in place to ensure that these sectors are not exploited indiscriminately. Engaging indigenous communities and the private sector, she said, has to be an important part of the process of expanding the LCDS.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 15, 2021
Courtney Benn sued $359M for failing to complete LTI dorms
By Richard Bhainie LEGAL proceedings have been instituted by the state against contractor Courtney Benn Contracting Services and its insurance company, CARICOM General Insurance Company Inc., for a breach of contract pertaining to the construction of dormitories at the Linden Technical Institute (LTI). According to court documents seen by this publication, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., on Friday last filed a fixeddate application in the High Court, claiming in excess of $359,309,158 in damages and money due, owing and payable to the state. The A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration on July 3, 2017, through the Ministry
The state of works at the Linden Technical Institute in September 2020
of Education (MoE), entered into an agreement with Courtney Benn Contracting Services for the construction
of dormitories for the Linden Technical Institute. The contract price was fixed at the sum of $398,272,895 and was supposed to be completed on or before February, 2019. However, while the contractor has received the sum
of $177,854,140 to date, he has failed to complete the said works. “As a consequence of the failure of the First Named Defendant to comply with the scheduled programme of works, the First Named Defendant breached his obli-
gations under the Contract,” the court document states. Due to this failure to comply with the schedule of works by Courtney Benn Contracting Services, which resulted in a fundamental breach of the agreement, the MoE caused the contract to
be terminated on February 12, 2021. “The actions of the defendant have impacted the interest of the public in the non-completion of the construction of the dormitories in the Linden Technical Institute,” Nandlall submitted to the court. The state is claiming general damages in excess of $100,000,000 and $100,000,000 aggravated damages for breach of contract; $39,827,289 as liquidated damages; $119,481,869 due, owing and payable by the contractor to the state. Recently, the government has also moved to the courts claiming in excess of $414,380,902 in damages, restitution and money due, owing and payable to the state by Courtney Benn Contracting Services for a breach of contract pertaining to the construction of the St. Rose’s High School.
Vanita Willie is first runner-up Chutney Queen -- Vicadi cops 5th place, ‘Tony Cuttz’ 7th Monday January 15, 2021 –– 04:30 HRS Tuesday January 16, 2021 –– 04:30 HRS Wednesday January 17, 2021 –– 09:00 HRS
Vanita Willie during her performance
By Rehana Ahamad
DURING the Christmas season, there were three Chutney/Soca songs that dominated the local airwaves, and festive spaces; these pieces provided us with the perfect amount of hype and vibrancy needed for us to culminate a year as eventful as 2020. Even better, is the fact that these pieces were all done by incredibly talented Guyanese artistes; we know them as Vanita Willie, Tony Cuttz and Vicadi Singh. Their songs, ‘Poowah’ by Willie, ‘Johnny Walker’ by Tony Cuttz, and ‘Never Gonna Leave’
by Singh, have racked up brilliant reviews locally, regionally and far beyond. The trio, backed the exceptionally versatile Shakti Strings Band, and more specifically, their producer – keyboard whiz himself, Avinash Roopchand, were encouraged to break the almost 10-year hiatus and enter the 26th edition of the Chutney/Soca Monarch competition hosted in Trinidad and Tobago; the finals were hosted virtually on Sunday night, and thousands were logged on throughout the almost fivehour-long competition. TURN TO PAGE
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 15, 2021
Armoured vehicles deployed to major Myanmar cities after mass protests Security forces in Myanmar opened fire to disperse protesters at a power plant on Sunday and armoured vehicles rolled into major cities as the new army rulers faced a ninth day of anti-coup demonstrations that saw hundreds of thousands on the streets. As well as mass protests around the country, the military rulers were facing a strike by government workers, part of a civil disobedience movement against the Feb. 1 coup that deposed the civilian Government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Soldiers were deployed to power plants in the northern state of Kachin, leading to a confrontation with demonstrators, some of whom said they believed the army intended to cut off the electricity. The security forces fired to disperse protesters outside one plant in Kachin’s state capital Myitkyina, footage broadcast live on Facebook showed, although it was not clear if they were using rubber bullets or live fire. Two journalists from The 74 Media, which was broadcasting live from the site of the confrontation, were arrested along with three other journalists, the news outlet said in a Facebook post. As evening fell, armoured vehicles appeared in the commercial capital of Yangon, Myitkyina and Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine state, live footage broadcast online by local media showed, the first large-scale rollout of such vehicles across the country since the coup. The Government and army could not be reached for comment. Shortly after midnight, residents in Myanmar reported an internet outage. All four telecommunications networks were inaccessible from about 1 a.m. on Monday (1830GMT), they said. In the early days after the coup, the Internet was cut across the country. Western embassies from the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada and 11 other nations - issued a statement late on Sunday calling on security
forces to “refrain from violence against demonstrators and civilians, who are protesting the overthrow of their legitimate government”. The U.S embassy in Myanmar earlier urged American citizens to “shelter in place”, citing reports of the military movements in Yangon. It also warned there was a possibility of a telecoms interruptions overnight between 1:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. “Internet shutdown in #Myanmar now in effect again across all major operators, reportedly until 09:00,” Alex Warofka, product policy manager for human rights and freedom of expression at Facebook, said in a post on Twitter after the internet went down. “Hope that everyone stays safe tonight amidst very concerning reports of military activity. #KeepItOn”. CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE In the latest sign of disruption by workers, the Department of Civil Aviation said in a statement many staff had stopped coming to work since Feb. 8, causing delays to international flights. It added that on Thursday four air traffic controllers had been detained, and had not been heard from since. A pilot, who asked not to be named for fear of retribution, said hundreds of staff from the department
were striking. Soldiers were surrounding the international airport in Yangon late on Sunday night, he said. Trains in parts of the country also stopped running after staff refused to go to work, local media reported, while the military deployed soldiers to power plants where they were confronted by angry crowds. The junta has ordered civil servants to go back to work, threatening action. The army has been carrying out nightly mass arrests and on Saturday gave itself sweeping powers to detain people and search private property. But hundreds of railway workers joined demonstrations in Yangon on Sunday, even as police went to their housing compound on the outskirts of the city to order them back to work. The police were forced to leave after angry crowds gathered, according to a live broadcast by Myanmar Now. Richard Horsey, a Myanmar-based analyst with the International Crisis Group, said the work of many government departments had effectively ground to a halt. “This has the potential to also affect vital functions – the military can replace engineers and doctors, but not power grid controllers and central bankers,” he said. PROTESTS ACROSS NATION Hundreds of thousands
of people protested across the nation on Sunday. Engineering students marched through downtown Yangon, the biggest city, wearing white and carrying placards demanding the release of ousted leader Suu Kyi, who has been in detention since the coup and charged with importing walkie-talkies. A fleet of highway buses rolled slowly through the city with horns blaring, part of the biggest street protests in more than a decade. A convoy of motorbikes and cars drove through the capital Naypyitaw. In the southeastern coastal town of Dawei, a band played drums as crowds marched under the hot sun. In Waimaw, in Kachin state, crowds carried flags and sang revolutionary
songs. Suu Kyi’s detention is due to expire on Monday. Her lawyer, Khin Maung Zaw, could not be reached for comment on what was set to happen. More than 384 people have been detained since the coup, the monitoring group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said, in a wave of mostly nightly arrests. Late on Saturday, the army reinstated a law requiring people to report overnight visitors to their homes, allowed security forces to detain suspects and search private property without court approval, and ordered the arrest of well-known backers of mass protests. (Reuters)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 15, 2021
Tajeram Mohabir
Oil and gas sustaining the economy OIL and gas are finite resources, meaning that they are non-renewable and there will come a time when they will no longer be available to be extracted. This is however estimated to be not until the next 20-30 years. Even though the sector might not be long-termed, it is vital for the stimulation of global economic growth and social development, aiding in vast improvements to standards of living. The 17 Sustainable Development goals (SDGs) governing major world challenges were established by the United Nations (UN) in 2015. These challenges govern standards of living and include poverty, hunger, health, education, clean water, and affordable energy. The World Energy Outlook (2018) purports that 53 per cent of the world’s demand for energy used primarily for transportation, chemicals and manufacturing are supplied by oil and gas. This is not expected to change drastically anytime through 2040, but the demand for oil and gas is expected to increase. The current position of the world’s economy is that oil and gas are necessities and in great demand. Guyana has been blessed with the opportunity to provide this resource to international markets and would
be able to benefit immensely from the returns. Opportunities such as these are crucial, especially for developing countries such as Guyana. While there is recognition that the process needs vast improvement, like the other sectors, with time these challenges will be overcome with guidance from relevant professionals and authorities. ExxonMobil has been recently called out by pressure groups, who are trying to transition to safer energy practices and who are trying to enter Guyana’s oil industry. However, the relationship between Guyana and ExxonMobil remains intact and Exxon will use their investment returns to fund their energy-transition strategy. The gas-to-shore project is a trending topic in Guyana. This project is proposed to be set up at Wales, where the sugar estate was once in operation and which sourced income for thousands of employees over the years until 2017 when all operations were halted. This project has drawn attention locally, regionally and internationally with mixed reviews on whether this route should be taken or not. However, this project is in line with the government’s plans in attaining cheaper energy for Guyanese, along with adopting the
sustainable development goals set forth by the UN. In the gas-to-shore project, the natural gas will be used for generating electricity along with producing liquified petroleum gas (LPG). LPG is a safe and clean gas which helps to reduce the carbon emissions. In Europe, LPG offers 15 per cent lower greenhouse gas emissions than heating with fuel oil. This indicates that Guyana is on the right track in sustaining the environment. It has been noted how costly it is for GPL to supply electricity throughout the country and the cost of maintaining and upgrading the systems. This challenge could have long been minimised if the Amaila Falls Hydro Project were in full operation at this time. Based on an analysis carried out by Chief Financial Analyst Joel Bhagwandin, of JB Consultancy & Associates on the gas-to-shore project, initial investment is estimated at US$400 million which will be funded equally by both ExxonMobil and the Government of Guyana. Two scenarios are given below for reference to indicate the expected operating profits, along with energy demand for a 10-year period from 2021-2030. Scenario One: if one million MWs of electricity is generat-
ed annually, expected revenue is US$125,000 million, LPG revenue is estimated at US$20,000 million with an operating cost (40 per cent) to be US$58,000 million, giving a net operating profit of US$87,000 million. Scenario Two: if 2,190,000 million MWs of electricity is generated annually, expected revenue is US$273,750 million, LPG revenue is estimated at US$26,000 million, with an operating cost (40 per cent) to be US$119,900 million, giving a net operating profit of US$179,850 million. Energy demand forecasted for scenario one is expected to increase by 55.13 per cent to 1,491,912 MWH, while in scenario two demand is expected to increase by 182.20 per cent to 2,662,238 MWH. However, in a recent press conference by the vice-president, he reported that the project is estimated to be around US$500 million to US$800 million, and that the actual cost will be known when the government goes to tender following completion of the requisite studies. The analysis conducted by the analyst though shows that even if the project is US$500 – US$800 million, the benefits will outweigh the costs and thus is still a feasible project and is much needed.
The implementation of this project can result in 50 per cent savings on fuel imports which is currently over US$500 million. Energy costs for manufacturing firms is currently 40-50 per cent of their operating costs; this can be reduced drastically with the project in operation. The gas-to-shore project is expected to create thousands of jobs for many persons, especially in the vicinity of Wales, thereby starting back economic activity flow. This investment will also result in development projects such as homes being constructed, which will have a spin-off effect mainly on the banking and construction sectors. Public and private investments are expected to increase on an average of 52 per cent annually, or GY$345 billion over the next decade. This project will aid in Guyana achieving affordable energy, conquering poverty and hunger (agro-processing will be commissioned) along with families being able to send their children back to school. In the end, billions of dollars will be pumped back into the economy and the cycle will continue with further investments.
Economically this budget is a comeback for Guyana
Dear editor,
FIRST of all, let me congratulate the Hon. Dr. Ashni Singh MP, senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and team for a well-crafted budget 2021. I must also extend congratulations to the PPP/C government for presenting yet another budget with all Guyanese in mind. Budget 2021 as I have predicted on my Facebook page a few days before the original presentation, will be one of the best or another great budget from the PPP to the people of Guyana -- all the people
of Guyana and not some. As the Hon. Dr. Singh was presenting his budget in the House, to all Guyanese and the world, I was saying to myself: where have I gone wrong in my predictions? There is something for everyone, no matter what the opposition says. They will also benefit tremendously because there is no new taxation that will be added to the citizens of this land that will cause hardship and be a burden on them. I see all benefiting in a massive way, including the children who are attending public schools, through the rise in the school grant to every child, irrespective of race or which
political party their parents are supporting. The APNU+AFC had taken this away and parents were left feeling the hardship. There is so much good in Budget 2021 that will generate major development in all sectors, which I won’t touch on because of limited space that will be granted to me. But I must say that this budget is one that was well put together and more over it was crafted with the Guyanese people in mind. This budget is a comeback for Guyana economically because of the hundreds of opportunities that will be created through both private and public investments in our land
by more businesses expanding and opening new doors, small-business grants; job creation; youth empowerment and training; public sector investment in upgrading the standard of our public service; better health care; quality delivery in the education sector; major investments in sports and culture; massive improvement and investments in the agriculture sector; more scholarships to our children to study locally and overseas, etc. After five years Guyanese now have the opportunity to see who are the ones who care for the Guyanese people. We have the opportunity to see what a caring government does
for their betterment and moreover, helping to create a better life for all. Budget 2021 is a people’s budget and it will open the avenues to a better life for every Guyanese. Congrats once more to Hon. Dr. Ashni Singh and team, along with the PPP government for a well-crafted people’s budget and for the vision of a better and brighter Guyana headed by H.E. Dr. Ali. Guyana is on the rise. Regards, Abel Seetaram Former APNU+AFC Region Five RDC councillor
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 15, 2021
GHK Lall parrots fiction as facts
I READ with equitable interest and alarm the antipathetic stance he is assuming, for this current government, in the oil-and-gas imbroglio inherited from the past administration. Again, his missive is assuming the mantle of a provocateur, interweaving fiction as fact, theory as objectivity and his pen as a cutlass. Using smokes and mirrors, his diatribe diametrically denouncing Vice-President (VP) Jagdeo’s narrative on the inherited complexity of the veritable Pandora’s Box of Guyana’s oil and gas, is quite disingenuous. In several perusals, I am disappointed that Lall has not evidenced an iota of proof of his catharsis, yet feebly attempting to excoriate the VP’s public sensitisation of Guyana’s oil situation. Coming from an ABC country, I am certain that as an arbitrageur Lall had experienced market inefficiencies and how to take
advantage of derivatives of the same asset to engender profitable arbitrage opportunities. He is, I am positive, also cognisant of the secrecy involved to gain/maintain the asset advantages in order to maximise profitability. How then is that different from what the VP and Guyana Government is championing for the greater good of the citizenry by strategically managing negotiations? Should the government over-promise and under-deliver? This is an altruistic tale of David vs Goliath that The Honourable Vice-President Bharat Jagdeo, has been commissioned to carry out, by the prevailing government. In my humble opinion, Dr. Jagdeo, by virtue of being a past President as well as Finance Minister, possesses the requisite skillsets and experience to broker favourable agreements for the benefit of all. Fencing a “fit-for-purpose”
team with the required academic discipline and in alignment with the government-sanctioned objectives, will tenaciously “thrust and parry” to eke out successful outcomes. Editor, a country where the future of over 750,000 folk, and counting, are at stake; where the nation’s patrimony was systematically denuded by inefficacious management by the previous government, including the, ummm, HIDDEN signing bonus... hmnnn... wait… wait… wait....I wonder.... Did Lall ever upbraid THAT administration for inequity, whilst being in their employ? I think not. This thunderously reverberates as pure hypocrisy on Lall’s penmanship. Robert Browning’s “He who pays the Piper calls the tune” comes to mind. Editor, referencing the Wales gas-to-shore site, revealed by the VP, that Lall is jeremiading about is Lall’s convenient conjuration of
the Mephistophelean Waltz. His dirge of the VP’s non- disclosure of feasibility information about other possible sites will be the causative factors to influence the contracted firm to, unequivocally, choose Wales, is a discredit to Lall’s lazy logic and scholarship. Again, he parrots fiction as fact, expecting that the general public will gobble up his pusillanimous dilations. And again, I ask. No contrarian narratives / opinions from you, Mr. Lall, when you were employed by the previous government? Why not? Why now? Surely you must have heard/read VP Jagdeo’s explanation that Wales was primarily chosen for the gas-toshore site to minimise the expected negative environmental impact, and further, planned initiatives for other regions, population-density studies and impact on the green initiative, etc. If not, Mr. Lall, Sir, I also recommend that you access Guyanese son of the soil Joel Bhagwandin’s
comprehensive, non-political, analytical literature on why Wales is optimal for the gas-to-shore initiative. Editor, Lall taking digs at President Irfaan Ali, VP Jagdeo and the entire administration, by extension, is counter-productive, especially if CONSTRUCTIVE criticism is absent. Opining without objectivity is continuous trauma for this already scarred nation and to perpetuate divisiveness by penmanship/readership is visible marginalisation. This nation is slowly rebuilding and healing and this fledgling government is accelerating the pace of initiatives with alacrity, as President Ali has previously declared that he is the President for/ to ALL Guyanese. Give nation building a chance. Regards, Jonathan Subrian Esq.
Debate on local content policy is commendable Dear Editor, I HAVE been following with fascination the development and debate over local content for Guyana’s nascent energy sector. Having read the draft policy paper on local content recently published by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Guyana Government should be proud that there are well-qualified staff to prepare such a comprehensive document as part of what is an active and engaged response to the issues of how to incorporate this industry into an existing economy, with the goal of extracting full benefits for the population. Here are a few light observations for consideration.
The use of targets and measures to evaluate and regulate local content, be it employment levels or the supply chain, may be counter-productive. The targets as set out in the draft paper point to 100 per cent local employment for many levels running up to 10 years after a project has been approved. This may not be realistic as many of the skilled jobs in oil and gas require at least 10 years’ experience. This is because of the need for high performance and safety standards for the industry. Secondly, the requirement for 100 per cent of supplies and services in some categories for exploration and production may be hard
to achieve, given the highly specialised nature of the sector. The other hazard of mandating 100 per cent local suppliers is that it might result in limited competition and have the effect of driving up the costs of a project, to the point where the government’s take is depleted, or worse, the operators begin to question its viability. A study of how this may play out would be useful, which leads me to another point. The availability of skills: In an economy such as Brazil’s, there is a large pool of skilled workers who can be attracted to the energy sector. Guyana’s small population and the exodus of skilled labour since the 1960s have
created a dearth of engineers, managers and other higher-level staff to the point where, according to some companies, they are unable to find the manpower to fully develop their own businesses . The danger is that there will be a widespread migration of workers into the sector at the expense of manufacturing or other industries. Anecdotally, this is said to be happening already, inasmuch as some companies are diverting capital away from their core activities and into oil and gas. The irony would be that in trying to gain as many benefits from oil and gas, other sectors might be stunted due to a lack of human, capital and entrepreneurial
resources. This would work against the goal of building a diversified economy which is resilient to the notorious fluctuations and time limits of oil. One way to counter that would be to require the same employment targets for other sectors such as mining, construction and manufacturing, as was recommended by the Advisory Panel on Local Content. As such, I would suggest as a first step that there be a comprehensive survey to quantify the supply of skills that might be applicable to the new sector, combined with evaluating what might be the projected long-term demand by operators and contractors. This would also
be highly instructive and helpful for training purposes as part of capacity-building. Mandating and legislating for local content would likely end up creating increased costs both for government in terms of regulatory agencies, and for operators and contractors looking to comply. Working out how these are balanced by the benefits of such a mandatory approach, and how it might affect the growth of the oil sector as well as the long-term shape and vision for Guyana’s economy, is an important debate. Yours sincerely, Lynn Nicholas
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 15, 2021
Process begins to replace Harbour Bridge boss ON Saturday evening, the Ministry of Public Works issued a vacancy notice for the positions of General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC), as well as Plant Manager of the controversial Asphalt Plant located at Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara. The DHBC position was previously held by Rawlston Adams, who had resigned following the revelations of an audit into the operations of the State-owned asphalt plant, which is a subsidiary of the DHBC. Apart from the gross mismanagement and reselling of government asphalt, the audit found that Adams had approved the purchase of an $897,000 bracelet for himself. Adams has since resigned and has commenced efforts to repay the State for the expensive gift. Additionally, as a consequence of the reselling racket, at least six persons were fired from the Ministry of Public Works which has
At least six persons were dismissed following the uncovering of mismanagement and reselling of government asphalt
oversight for both the DHBC and the asphalt plant. Subject Minister, Juan Edghill, had declined to provide the names and designations of those who have since been
dismissed. In Saturday’s notice however, the ministry also invited suitably qualified applicants to fill the position of Plant Manager of the Asphalt
Plant, a position once held by Troy Halley. In its invitation to applicants, the ministry, in a prominent sub-heading, stressed on the agency’s accountabil-
ity objective, which would see the DHBC manager acting only in accordance with regulations and guidelines set out by the agency’s Board of Directors. “The board delegates responsibility for management and day-to-day operations to the General Manager and the authority to carry out these responsibilities in accordance with the direction and policies established by the board,” the notice read. It further indicated the need for the DHBC official to collaborate with external auditors for the execution of audit exercises. Similar requirements were also laid out for the position of Plant Manager. The plant, along with the DHBC was placed under the microscope following allegations of corruption highlighted in the local press in September 2020. A team of experts was assembled, and an investigation commenced into the operations of the plant. The probe examined
Vanita Willie is first runner-up ...
The Guyanese artistes were among the lasts to perform at the Southex-sponsored virtual activity, and their performances were colourful, pulsating and created quite a stir in the comments section of the LIVE-feeds on social media. However, none of the Guyanese who participated won the competition as many of us had hoped. In the Queen aspect of the competition, Vanita Willie swung her waist to the first runner up position; Vicadi Singh dished out a serving of his ‘silky smooth’ vocals to be awarded fifth position, while Tony Cuttz mesmerised and energised the virtual audiences and was tied in seventh place with Trinidad’s Adesh Samaroo. Many were also hopeful that overseas-based Guyanese, Joel ‘Prince JP’ Pharous would have placed, having executed a wonderful performance of his latest song, “It’s Over”. The activity also provided an ideal forum for the Berbice Delight Dancers – two-time Chutney Dance Competition winners, led by Valerie Barran. The artistes have all took to their Facebook Page to express gratitude to their producers, sponsors, and WR Reaz, Coordinator of the Guyana leg of the competition. Reaz told the Guyana Chronicle that Guyana was well-represented on the big stage, and that the artistes have all made their
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all dealings at the plant for the period 2013-2020. The investigation was wrapped up in December last, and the findings were submitted to Minister Edghill on December 30. Meanwhile, the investigations brought into focus, the issue of gift-giving at the then Ministry of Public Infrastructure. As auditors dug deeper, it was found that the former DHBC head was not the only person drawing down on big gifts. As a matter of fact, the gift-giving scandal allegedly extended to the former subject ministers, David Patterson and Annette Ferguson, both of whom reportedly benefitted from millions of dollars’ worth of personal gifts that were paid for by government agencies under their remit, and by extension, taxpayers’ monies. The police have been called in and the scandal remains under investigation.
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sponsors and Team 592 quite proud. He reminded too that competitions often attract high emotions, particularly as it relates to those who may disagree with the results. “I understand people may share different opinions but in the end [we have to] let the music do the talking,” Reaz said. He had previously indicated that public voting would play a key role in deciding who would win the competition. Nonetheless, the promoter said he was pleased with the activity, and believes that the Guyanese who competed have a far way to go in the music industry. “This is really a stepping stone to move forward and build on the genre of Chutney/Soca music in Guyana,” Reaz said. He expressed gratitude for the support given to the team by the Shakti Strings Band, Team MMR, Envy Sounds, E-Networks, Abee Chunes Radio, Onsa Entertainment, RRT Enterprise, Jumbo Jet, NMCRA Connector Realty our of Queens New York, as well as Adana Homes and Satishwar Persaud from The artistes pose with members of the Shakti Strings Band, along with local Coordinator, WR Reaz Canada.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 15, 2021
Vaccinated health workers ‘all good’ so far –– but concerns linger over side-effects, adverse effects of vaccines, survey finds
By Vishani Ragobeer SOME 668 frontline health workers received the first dose of the Oxford-Astrazeneca COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday and Friday last week, and while many of them reported feeling some side effects, there have been no adverse reactions reported. Head of Medical Services at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and Cardiologist, Dr. Mahendra Carpen, was one of the 318 health workers who took the vaccine on Thursday, the very first day it was made available in Guyana. After taking the vaccine, he reported that he was able to return to his usual busy schedule, even performing surgical procedures and consulting with a number of patients. “I still have feelings in my fingers,” he half-joked, while flexing his fingers. “I can still smell, I can still see out of both eyes; I don’t have any of the known side effects and I don’t feel any different today than I felt [the day before].” In the cardiology unit at the GPHC, registered nurse Jeanel Lewis was one who took her vaccine on Friday. On that day, a total of 350 persons were vaccinated. Lewis said that she experienced nausea, which is one of the common side effects of taking vaccines in general, not just these COVID-19 vaccines. Later, she experienced a headache and some dizziness and nausea, and subsequently, a fever. “These are all normal side effects when taking a vaccine,” she wrote in a Facebook post. Eventually, she said, “24 hours after being vaccinated, all side effects have subsided and I’m (feeling) 100 per cent.” Meanwhile, Director of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at the GPHC Dr Zulfikar Bux was also another person who received the ‘jab’ (the COVID-19 vaccine), last week. He related that he felt some soreness in his arm, a mild headache
On Thursday, he related that the ministry will engage in a risk-communication strategy to help dispel misinformation and help to ease the hesitancy identified through the survey. It must be noted that the hesitancy survey was published on January 25. This means that the persons were surveyed weeks before Guyana was even aware which of the vaccines it would eventually receive. Now, Guyana has received its first batch of vaccines -- the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine -- from Barbados. This vaccine, reportedly, has an efficacy of 62 per cent. However, it is also reportedly 90 per cent efficacious with a lower dose than the required two doses.
A nurse collecting basic information from head of Medical Services at the GPHC, Dr Mahendra Carpen, before he gets the COVID-19 vaccine (Vishani Ragobeer photo)
and later, body aches and some fatigue, but, he was not worried. “Knowing what I knew, I realised that my symptoms were a sign that my body was mounting an immune response to the vaccine and therefore, I am developing immunity against COVID-19,” he highlighted. HESITANCY SURVEY Recently, a COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy survey was conducted by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF). The survey consists of 819 persons in total drawn from the general population across all 10 administrative regions as well as key populations of persons older than 60 years old, health workers, social workers and adolescents. Importantly, this survey found that there was a widespread belief that vaccines can protect from serious diseases. In fact, the survey stated that 86.8 per cent of the respondents believed that vaccines could protect them from serious diseases. But, the survey stated that it does not provide evidence
of widespread support for the COVID-19 vaccine and that many persons were concerned over the potential side effects of the vaccines. According to the data, 60.2 per cent of the general sample either agreed or strongly agreed that it was important for everyone to get the COVID-19 vaccine once available, while 68.0 per cent of respondents from the general sample also said that they would take the COVID-19 vaccine. “This can be interpreted as moderate support among the population for the COVID-19 vaccines,” the survey said. However, only 46.0 per cent of respondents from the 60-years-or-older age group were of the view that everyone needs to get the COVID-19 vaccine once it is available; the necessity of taking the vaccine was recorded in 50.9 per cent (or just about half) of the adolescent group and 56.0 per cent of the health workers’ group Interestingly, as reported in the survey, only 57.4 per cent of health workers expressed willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine, and
only 45.8 per cent of respondents 60 years or older demonstrated any willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Among adolescents, 61.1 per cent of respondents voiced their willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine. All of the groups stated that they had little information on COVID-19. In fact, the lowest number of persons who stated that they had enough information on the vaccine was the health workers. Only 16 per cent of the health workers felt they had enough information on the COVID-19 vaccine. “A considerably large number of respondents indicated that they have concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine,” the survey stated, adding: “The main barrier to the uptake of the COVID-19 Vaccine was not related to its efficacy, but to the potential side effects of the vaccine.” The analysis revealed that as high as 77.3 per cent of respondents from the general sample mentioned that they have concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine. These concerns were largely about the potential side effects or adverse effects of the vac-
cine. Indeed, during the vaccination exercise on Thursday, the Guyana Chronicle was informed that there were few healthcare workers who were eligible to receive the vaccine but did not take this first dose. Many of them had concerns over the short time in which these vaccines were developed, side effects, how long immunity would last and generally, whether the vaccines were safe. These concerns are not unique to Guyana. In fact, the World Health Organisation (WHO) noted that vaccine hesitancy — which is a delay in the acceptance or outright refusal of vaccines despite the availability of vaccination services — as a threat to global public health. This sense of hesitancy, the WHO reported, may be driven by complacency, lack of confidence, fear and misinformation. Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony has consistently emphasised that vaccination will not be mandatory, but encouraged persons to get vaccinated, since it will help to protect individuals from the virus.
BENEFITS vs POTENTIAL RISKS Dr. Carpen noted that healthcare workers have “real concerns over these vaccines” which is understandable, since COVID-19 and the medical approaches to the disease have only been around for a short while. He, however, emphasised that the benefits of being vaccinatedi.e., gaining protection from COVID-19- outweighs any potential risks, in his estimation. And he believed that many health workers have assessed the benefits and the risks too. Before the vaccination exercise commenced on Thursday, he highlighted that the Health Ministry had asked departments within the GPHC to submit lists of those persons who wanted to take the vaccine. Those lists, he said, had very few people. “But, guess what, as soon as the vaccine got here and people started taking it, the line to get the vaccine was far more excessive than the list that was submitted,” Dr. Carpen said, adding: “I have confidence that they will look at the evidence and they will see that the benefits are far more than the risks.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 15, 2021
From where the madness stems
THERE are people in our society who have mental health issues. The majority of whom have no idea that their thought process or feelings and beliefs differ considerably from the average person. Unfortunately for children, some of these people are their parents; adults who can harmfully taint their child's upbringing and outlook on life. Whenever the words' mental health' is mentioned in Guyana, the public tends to associate them with people acting mad and committing crazy deeds or offences. Still, it is not always immediately apparent that someone has a mental illness or disorder. We walk past people with mental problems every day, sometimes we interact with them, and things may run smoothly or they may not; it all depends on their state of mind at the time. By now, most people have heard of bipolar disorder; post-traumatic stress disorder, and borderline personality disorder. These are
just a few of the ailments that affect people who have suffered extreme emotional or mental stress in childhood; there are many more. These ailments can also result from genetic features and the negative environmental influences in which children are raised. The disorder can be mild, moderate or severe. Parents cope the best way they know; using the physical, mental and emotional capabilities they possess. However, many fall short due to any or a combination of the negative experiences mentioned above. In some households,' Parents abuse their children physically, emotionally and psychologically. They accuse them of bad behaviour, unaware of the fact that they, (and not the children) are the ones who have problems and need professional guidance and help. Parents can have irrational, ignorant, narcissist, impulsive, and sometimes explosive, unstable behaviour that is 'normal' for them, but negatively affects their
children's growth and natural development. One fourteen-year-old boy recalls: "My mom was incarcerated when I was small and my Uncle and Aunt looked after me well; I was happy. Now mom is home, and we live together, but I don't like the things she does and says to me, or her attitude. She is always beating, forcing or threatening me to do things that she wants, which only makes me dislike her more. I want to like her, she is my mother, but right now I'm unhappy. I pray that one day I won't be afraid of the horrible things she says or of getting beat and I can speak my mind. If we are going to have a mother-son relationship, we must understand each other and talk things through. The more she keeps forcing me to do what she wants, the more she pushes me away'. In this scenario, the mother seems unable to connect with her son or see him as a young man who has rights and his own mind. She has
a problem, stemming from her past, and now shaping how she deals with the present. Trying to bond with her son after a long absence, in an insensitive manner is causing more damage than good. She is unable to see her son's perspective or take his emotions and thoughts into consideration. The child would like to bond with his mother, but the mother's tactics prevent the child from being himself and causing him undue anxiety and emotional anguish. Some people may observe this situation and think, the mother has every right to treat her son any way she chooses because the boy is a child, and she is the mother. Another person might say the mother needs guidance as she does not possess the skills to communicate effectively with her son. Whichever observation you agree with, without professional intervention, the child will suffer. So many children adopt negative behaviours because their parents have problems.
The mother or father might say, 'I don't know why this child behaves like that. He doesn't listen when I talk; he's disrespectful'. But the child might explain to a counsellor, 'My father calls me bad names and slaps me in my head for silly things. He is always on his phone; I can't communicate with him.' When highlighted by professionals, some parents can recognise their problem, and its effects on their children. They are open to adopting new parenting strategies and learning where the problems lie and how they can be fixed.
The Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, hosts programmes for parents who want to help themselves and their children enjoy a better future. Counselling, therapy, and parental programmes go a long way in righting some ills meted out to children from frustrated, problematic parents. However, some parents refuse to acknowledge their problems.
They believe their actions and behaviour are correct and would go to lengths to prove that they can do and say what they like to their children. In their eyes, no one has the right to intervene or stop them. In severe cases where parents are harming children and causing them misery, the children may become 'wards of court', and a judge will rule in the child's best interest. Self-reflection and self-evaluation can help parents decide whether they are fair and level-headed in their decision-making on behalf of children, or whether they are guided by pain from the past. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY
Corn, soya bean industry expected to take off SENIOR Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, on Friday, said the government proposes to allocate $500 million to
develop the corn and soya bean industry. The minister made this announcement in his Budget 2021 presentation during the 18th Sitting of the Nation-
al Assembly at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC). “The sum will be invested in supportive infrastructure to catalyse private invest-
sion of cultivation of non-traditional crops is critical for diversification of the economy, reducing imports, meeting market demands and the development of value-added products. In 2021, support for the establishment of over 100 shade houses countrywide will be provided with a view to increasing the production of vegetables,” he said. Further, the government will continue to provide assistance to farmers, particularly in the Pomeroon, in Region Three and along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway Government is forging ahead to have to meet the high demand for local farmers diversify their cultivation planting materials for citrus, ment in the production of This announcement comes the Department of Public Incorn and soya. It is envisaged at a time when the PPP/C formation (DPI) has reported. mega-farms will cultivate Government is forging ahead A d d i t i o n a l l y, r e tens of thousands of hectares, to have local farmers diversify search-based extension supbenefiting from the econo- their cultivation, particularly mies of scale in modern grain since Guyana expends about port will be intensified for production, thereby leading to US$25 million annually to fruit production to improve higher production and produc- import these commodities to productivity and meet the tivity,” he said. feed livestock. Agriculture growing demand of domestic Corn and soya bean are Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, fruit juice manufacturers. D r. S i n g h s a i d t h e among the commodities tar- has been encouraging farmers geted for development under to capitalise on the opportuni- $383.1B Budget would enthe Ministry’s Intermediate ty now to cultivate these crops sure Guyana’s recovery from Savannahs Development Ini- as support would be made the last five years of trauma. Among other things, it lays tiative. The other areas are available. aquaculture, cattle rearing The Finance Minister also the foundation needed to enand orchard crops like cit- announced that $1.2 billion sure sustainable growth. The historic budget rus fruits. The Intermediate has been set aside to support Savannahs is considered a operations at the National was delivered under the vast untapped opportunity for Agriculture Research and theme, ‘A Path to Recovery, agricultural development in Extension Institute (NAREI). Economic Dynamism and Guyana. “Mr. Speaker, the expan- Resilience’.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 15, 2021
One Guyana for all Guyanese, President Ali tells Buxtonians
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and members of his team during the meeting on Saturday (DPI)
PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali, said the community of Buxton is an important link in the Corridor of Unity and pledged to work closely with residents and to listen to their ideas in making the initiative a reality. “To move together, all must be involved… this charge will be led by the communities themselves,” the President said as he reiterated his commitment to working with all communities to achieve the ‘One Guyana’ drive during a community meeting on Saturday. He also assured the residents that all communities will continue to get the necessary support as they are part and parcel of the government’s overall development agenda. “Today, we are moving in one direction … we are going to create this Corridor of Unity. To move together, all must be involved.” Along with the announcement, the President also listened to the concerns of the residents gathered at the ground. Issues raised ranged from the improvement of the grounds in the community to access to housing. President Ali and his team were commended by
the residents for their efforts in the communities across the country and they said that it was time to let “bygones be bygones”. “Today is the beginning of a journey that will take us positively forward… we have the ability to live with each other, let us begin,” the President told the residents. He added that his government will work with the community groups, along the corridor to build trust that will lead to the Corridor of Unity.
Sport gears were also presented to the various clubs in the community as the President announced another project called ‘the Republic Unity Cup’. He said that the initiative will commence with sporting and cultural development and pointed to sport being a unifying medium. The Head of State was joined by several government officials, including Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall; Minister of For-
eign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr; and Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues. (DPI)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 15, 2021
$120M to support persons living with disabilities –– $30M complex at Mahaica to provide training
THE government has proposed the allocation of $120 million to safeguard the rights of persons living with disabilities and to ensure they have access to support and services that would enable them to enjoy quality lives and contribute to nation-building. Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, made this announcement on Friday, in his presentation of Budget 2021 in the National Assembly. The minister also said $50 million would be allocated to the National Commission on Disability, even as the government increases resource allocations to the Disability and Rehabilitation Services within the Ministry of Health. The government also plans to build a $30 million complex at Mahaica, that will provide vocational training for persons with disabilities. Minister Singh also an-
Government has proposed the allocation of $120 million to safeguard the rights of persons living with disabilities
nounced that in 2021, the Persons with Disability Act (2010) would be reviewed and amended. “We will continue to de-
liver key services to this vulnerable group, who are at risk of being discriminated against,” Minister Singh said. The administration is also
concerned about the incidence of domestic violence and its impact on victims and their families. To this end, there will
be a significant increase in the subvention to the organisations providing support to victims of domestic violence, including Help and Shelter,
which will benefit from over $50 million this year. Additionally, the government will establish a court superintendent department with a cadre of lawyers to lead prosecutions in each regional division for cases of domestic violence. A Survivors Advocates Programme will also be implemented to offer emotional support and crisis counselling to victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Meanwhile, the government’s attention to the welfare of senior citizens has been heightened, especially now, in light of their vulnerability to COVID-19. This year, through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, major emphasis will be placed on improving services to senior citizens. (DPI)
WiFi urgently needed in Region Two Amerindian communities ––REO says e-learning difficult By: Indrawattie Natram REGION Two Regional Executive Officer (REO) Devanand Ramdatt has emphasised the urgent need for government WiFi in Amerindian communities located in the Upper and Lower Pomeroon River. This will not only assist residents to communicate and keep abreast with what is happening in other parts of the region and across the country, but it would also make it easier for learners to access educational materials and participate in e-learning. During the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) statutory meeting for February, Ramdatt said scores of residents, particularly parents in the hinterland communities, are requesting connectiv-
Prime Minister’s representative, Arnold Adams responding to comments made about the need for internet connectivity in Amerindian communities in the region Regional Executive Officer Devanand Ramdatt delivering remarks during the statutory meeting
ity to the government’s WiFi. Ramdatt explained that during his recent visit to the Amerindian community of Wakapoa, parents had complained that they do not have
internet access to assist their children with their research; he related that they have also indicated that they cannot afford data plans for their mobile phones.
Another major challenge is that whenever the worksheets are provided to parents by teachers, most of them cannot fully understand the contents. Ramdatt expressed his belief that access to the internet would make it easier for parents to help their children
with their school work. He therefore called on the Prime Minister’s representative, Arnold Adams, to make the necessary representation for the establishment of ICT hubs in those communities. TURN TO PAGE
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 15, 2021
Two new boarding bridges, other rehabilitation work for CJIA THE controversial project to modernise the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is set to benefit from an additional $2.5 billion of government funds. This was confirmed by Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance. Over the past nine years, more than US$150 million has been exhausted on the CJIA expansion project which has encountered several delays and a plethora of problems, including a malfunctioning sewer system and three changes of government. The project was initiated by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C)’s Donald Ramotar administration (2011-2015), and when the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition assumed office in May 2015, the project, which had been slated for a December 2017 completion, was halted for a review. Following that review, the scope of work was adjusted; several changes were made, and a new deadline was set for December 2018. Fast-forward to August 2020, the PPP/C’s regained power and the Irfaan-Ali government insisted that the contractor must once again readjust the project to be in compliance with the original contract signed prior to 2015. “Mr. Speaker, on assuming office, immediately confronting us was a modified and poorly redesigned CJIA. This forced us to take drastic measures to remedy the situation to ensure that the project fulfills its commitment to be a modern international airport,” the Finance Minister told the National Assembly on Friday.
An artist’s impression of what the modernised and expanded Cheddi Jagan International Airport will look like The contracted firm, China Harbour Engineering Consultants (CHEC) had recently demanded more monies to complete the project, as per its original specifications; however, after a series of consultations, the company agreed to finance some $1.8 billion in works, at no cost to the Government or the people of Guyana. Prior to the adjustments, the original project specified the extension of the runway from 7,500 to 10,800 feet, so as to accommodate the Boeing 747-400 aircraft. It also provided for a new building to accommodate eight passenger boarding bridges. However, with the modifications, the scope of works was reduced significantly; the terminal building was refurbished instead of being demolished, paving way for only four air bridges.
“In this regard, agreement was recently reached with the contractor to accommodate two more boarding bridges for large transatlantic aircraft and construct the superstructure and façade for the new commercial complex which will house additional duty free shops, restaurants, and lounges, at no additional cost to the government. Mr. Speaker, looking to the future, we will place the CJIA back on track to be a regional hub,” Dr. Singh said in his 2021 budget presentation. He explained that the 2021 allocations will go towards financing some major improvements to the facility, including the procurement of the two additional passenger boarding bridges to accommodate large transatlantic aircraft, to bring the total to six boarding bridges; the
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WiFi urgently needed in Region Two ... In response, Adams informed Ramdatt that he has already forwarded the concerns to the Prime Minister’s office and E-Governance and a team is expected to visit the region to check on the issue and find a solution. “I know the struggles and as such, I keep pushing
for the internet. I know it is difficult for the children, especially during this pandemic,” Adams said. Meanwhile, the region’s Chairperson Vilma De Silva said she recently visited the Lower Pomeroon where parents there also complained. She said parents in Marlborough have re-
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quested ICT hubs for their children to utilise during the pandemic. She informed councillors that the RDC will be following up with the relevant authorities within the government to have this issue addressed.
rehabilitation of the airline and airport administration offices, as well as outfitting the commercial complex. Earlier in January, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, met with officials of the contracted firm, (CHEC), to impose stricter short-term deadlines for the delayed project. The company was asked to prepare and submit a Resource Allocation Plan outlining how it intends to proceed with the project, in keeping with the latest timelines agreed to by both parties. During the recent meeting, CHEC agreed to furnish Minister Edghill with preliminary designs of outstanding aspects of the project, at least by January 31. The overall deadline for construction works was given as December 31, 2021.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 15, 2021
Londoner cycles to Rupununi in six days
FROM the very first time he came to Guyana and took the bus to Lethem from Georgetown, Luke McKenna of London, England, told his friend that he would in future like to
make the trip with his cycle. Much to his delight a few days ago, he was able to complete the journey in six days. Having cycled in this manner in various countries
across the world, McKenna told the Guyana Chronicle recently that this is something he thoroughly enjoys doing. Having to make the trip to Lethem on a dirt road was especially challenging, but
Luke McKenna after arriving at Lethem, having completed the six-day journey
he nevertheless went ahead to do it. “I really enjoyed the nature and wildlife. The last day was the biggest day with about 140 kilometres; it was a long day and the savannah was blistering,” Mc Kenna said, adding that he saw such animals as snakes (venomous and non-venomous), monkeys, agoutis, tapirs, armadillos, insects and even fresh jaguar poo on the trail. His friends were all there at Lethem ready to welcome him and celebrate the success of his journey. “I always knew that I was going to make it. The only thing that would’ve stopped me is if something broke on my bicycle.” He did experience a crash though, where there was a huge crack on the road and his back wheel took an impact when he tried to jump it. The cage attached to his cycle that was storing his personal items almost broke off. “I took it easy afterwards on bumpy roads,” he recalled. Among the memorable experiences that McKenna enjoyed on the trip were camping in the bushes, sleeping in his hammock and even doing some cooking while out there. He also explained how he was able to produce light for himself in unique ways. McKenna enjoyed his stop-over at Michelle’s Island at Kurupukari where he spent a day before continuing his trip. Located at the pontoon crossing, he said that folk there are “genuinely very good people.” He disclosed that he definitely plans putting together a group of his friends when they arrive from England to cycle once again to the Rupununi. This time though, he wants to extend the trip over a few more days to allow for more camping and opportunities to enjoy nature along
McKenna was able to take in exciting sights of nature and wildlife along the way
McKenna plans on cycling again to the Rupununi, this time with friends
the way. McKenna came to Guyana about three years ago on a project with the South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS) and spent seven months helping the group with filming of the endangered Red Siskins. He spent the time at the Dadanawa Ranch located on the Rupununi River in the Upper Takutu-Upper
Essequibo region. Not only did he enjoy his time at the ranch, but he also got himself a Guyanese girlfriend which evidently affected his decision to return to Guyana after having returned to England to work as an engineer for a camera company. Since returning to Guyana, McKenna said his aim is to do more voluntary work with the SRCS.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 15, 2021
Over 200 babies registered at newly opened Onderneeming Health Post
PPP/C Councillor Arnold Adams making comments about the newly commissioned health post
Dr. Ranjeev Singh addresses attendees at the Regional Democratic Council meeting
By: Indrawattie Natram SINCE its commissioning on January 23, 2021, healthcare workers at the Onderneeming Health Post in Region Two have registered more than 200 babies. Residents of Onderneeming Sandpit have praised the Ministry of Health for ensuring that the facility became operational. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, commissioned the health post as part of efforts to boost primary healthcare services in the rural area. Residents previously had to pay $2000 to travel to the Essequibo Coast to access healthcare services. They have related that they are now happy that a nurse and a midwife are stationed at the health post. At the February sitting
of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillor and Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr. Ranjeev Singh, informed attendees that over 200 babies were registered at the health post, a service that was not available to residents in the past. Dr. Ranjeev told the gathering that plans were in place to convert the health post into a health centre. He said that decision was made because of the number of persons accessing healthcare in the community. He also told the council that a nurse and a mid-wife were placed at the facility to effectively serve the community. “We have recognised the need and so persons don’t have to travel to access healthcare at Suddie. It's right within their reach at
Onderneeming,” Dr. Ranjeev Singh said. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Health and Sanitation Committee, Arnold Adams, said that, since the commissioning, he has been getting positive reviews from residents. He said that residents were suffering for far too long and as such deserved the best healthcare within their reach. He informed that a cleaner for the facility will soon be hired. Subsequently, Region Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva commended the regional health team for representing the people of Onderneeming. She disclosed that the area has close to 2000 residents who will now benefit from the presence of the health post.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 15, 2021
Pulses are key to food security, healthy diets -- says FAO
THE Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) QU Dongyu has highlighted pulses’ cru-
cial role in achieving food security, healthy diets and sustainable agri-food systems. Speaking at the opening of FAO’s virtual event to mark World Pulses Day, Qu highlighted pulses’ incredible
potential for making FAO’s aspirations of better production, better nutrition, better environment and a better life a reality, and thus contributing towards transforming agrifood systems - making them more inclusive, resilient and
sustainable. “World Pulses Day is a valuable opportunity to pay tribute to this diverse and versatile commodity,” said the FAO Director-General. Pulses are the edible seeds of legume plants, such as lentils, chickpeas and Bambara beans. Qu highlighted that pulses require less water than other protein sources, and could be planted on small plots of land; were an affordable source of safe and nutritious food, high in protein, fibre, vitamins and micronutrients; and could fix atmospheric nitrogen, release high-quality organic matter in the soil and facilitate soil nutrients’ circulation and water retention. “Less fertilisers, a smaller water footprint and reduced use of energy, means lower greenhouse gas emissions,” he said. The Director-General also pointed out that pulses had a higher cost-benefit ratio than other staples, which helped diversify and improve the income of rural people, often women and youth, and located in vulnerable regions. “Pulses have a long shelf life. Shifting consumption patterns to more pulses could, therefore, contribute to reducing food waste,” he said, noting that this characteristic has proved useful during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people without access to fresh food could still consume pulses. Qu also reiterated FAO’s commitment to supporting its Members to increase the production and consumption of pulses, noting the importance of consumption as the true engine of transformation. IN SUPPORT OF PULSES Pope Francis - in a message delivered by the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to FAO, Monseigneur Fernando Chica Arellano - said that pulses were a noble food, with a huge potential to bolster food security globally. Pulses are a simple and nutritious food that overcome geographical barriers and go beyond social classes and cultures, he noted. Pope Francis also deplored the fact that many people, including children, didn’t have healthy or sufficient food, and stressed that the consumption of healthy diets should be a
universal right, with states having to play a key role in making this a reality. Argentina’s Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Luis Eugenio Basterra, extolled the many virtues of pulses, including their being an excellent crop in dry environments where food production was difficult due to the scarcity of water, and especially for vulnerable populations with little or no access to technology, for whom access to food represented a true challenge. China is the world’s fourth largest producer of pulses. China’s Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Renjian Tang - in his message delivered by NIU Dun, China’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to FAO - put forward solutions to promoting the sustainable development of the world’s pulses industry by: bolstering efforts to increase pulses’ consumption; increasing the supply of pulses through production expansion, scientific and technological innovation; and establishing a global common market for pulses. NEAR SELF-SUFFICIENCY Narendra Singh Tomar, India’s Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, said that pulses were especially important in a country such as India where the population was mostly vegetarian and considered pulses a major food item. He noted that his country had achieved near self-sufficiency in pulses production, and was the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses, producing nearly a quarter of the world’s pulses. France is the largest producer of pulses in the European Union. France’s Minister for Agriculture and Food, Julien Denormandie, said that protein crops, especially pulses, were the crops of the future. He noted that France’s objective was to increase areas planted with pulses by 40 per cent over the next three years, and to boost the consumption of pulses, including through the school meals programme. Burkina Faso played a leading role in the designation of World Pulses Day. The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Burkina Faso to FAO, Jose?phine Ouedraogo, highlighted the key role of
women in the production, processing and distribution of pulses in local markets. The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Argentina to FAO, Carlos Bernardo Cherniak, agreed, noting that pulse production initiatives contributed to the empowerment of rural and indigenous women. The President of Cuatro Pinos - a cooperative of indigenous women in Guatemala - Sandra Xiquin emphasised that pulses such as beans were important to the people of her country; however, the tradition of cooking and consuming pulses was no longer as strong as it used to be and it was important for this tradition to be restored. The UN Food Systems Summit 2021 Special Envoy, Agnes Kalibata, said that pulses provided a potential answer to several questions regarding how to “recover better” after COVID-19. Kalibata also encouraged everyone at the event to get their ideas on the table, including elevating the role of pulses in food systems, and to participate in the food systems dialogues. The President of the Global Pulse Confederation 2021, Cindy Brown, noted that, globally, there had been an increase of about nine per cent in the consumption of pulses over this past year of the pandemic - more than double the increase in consumption that was estimated to result from the successful 2016 International Year of Pulses. The World Trade Organisation Counsellor, Diwakar Dixit, pointed out that the global production of pulses had grown by over 50 per cent in the last 20 years, with developing countries playing an important role. Global pulses trade has grown two times faster than growth in production with some of the poorest countries on the planet being amongst the top exporters of pulses, he said. The FAO Deputy Director-General, Beth Bechdol, closed the event, reiterating pulses’ essential role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The event was moderated by Alex Jones, FAO’s Director of Resource Mobilisation and Private Sector Partnerships Division.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 15, 2021
Simmons clobbers Windward Islands Volcanoes LENDL Simmons made his sixth List A century as Trinidad and Tobago Red Force had their second win of the CG Insurance Super50 Cup on Saturday night at the Coolidge Cricket Ground. After bowling out the Windward Islands Volcanoes for 227, Red Force appeared to be full control at 159-2 in the 30th over after Simmons made an entertaining 102 off 114 balls. He hit seven fours and five sixes to take the CG Insurance Man-of-the-Match award as Red Force scored 228-6 off 45.3 overs – to win by four wickets with 27 balls to spare. Simmons reached the milestone of 4,000 List A runs during his innings but fell via the run out route thanks to some excellent work from substitute Roland Cato. This led to a slide which saw four wickets for 22 runs off 40 balls, to leave Red Force on 181-5 the 37th over. Simmons shared an 81-run opening stand with Evin Lewis (37) and a 78-run second-wicket stand with Nicholas Pooran (17). Captain Kieron Pollard then hit 31 off 35 balls with three huge sixes but fell close to the end when he was well caught by Cato off left-arm spinner Larry Edward (2-48). “In the first game I didn’t get a score, so coming into this game I wanted to do something special for the team. It feels good to get a hundred, but I would have liked to see it home,” Simmons. “We are playing a good brand of cricket and we now have two wins in
our two matches so we want to continue the winning ways.” All-rounder Kerron Cottoy had earlier top-scored with 72 from 75 balls while captain Sunil Ambris stroked 66 from 77 balls to help Volcanoes rally. Off-spinner Jason Mohammed (3-50) and fast bowler Anderson Phillip (3-63) made inroads in the Volcanoes innings while left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein opened the bowling and ended with with 2-25.
Lendl Simmons made 102
KFC onboard with GMR&SC Drag Championship WITH speed on the mind of every drag racer, the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club continues to garner support for its month- end drag racing event. Fast food franchise, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), has continued their support of motor racing locally by being one of the first sponsors of the February 28 event. Having already being a patron in not only drag racing but circuit racing and karting, the company has rejoined the quarter-mile shootout. In an invited comment, Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) president, Rameez Mohamed, said, “We are glad to welcome a stellar sponsor such as KFC to drag racing.” “They have been on board with us since 2018, sponsoring all our major meets, and they have also sponsored the GT motorsports KFC cup, so their investment in motorsport has been no small feat.” Mohamed noted that, already, the committee is moving apace with preparations for the highly anticipated event that has been approved by the National Covid-19 task force, and since there has not been any drag racing since 2019, efforts are being doubled to ensure an almost
perfect meet. “I think this will be a fantastic race meet and we are expected to see a record amount of cars as was the case with the last Sunday’s Endurance Championship first round. The pandemic has left competitors hungry and has afforded them new times to make their machines better and even complete new race projects, so a day of much fun is expected.” The GMR&SC has confirmed that the event will be live-streamed for the viewing pleasure of fans at home. The club projects that around 100 participants will lineup for the 13:20hrs start, come February 28th and those desirous of competing can contact the GMR&SC via their Albert Street office or call 225-5457. Other sponsors of the event so far include Mohamed’s Enterprise, Prem’s Electrical, E-Networks, Motor Trend Service Center, Wind Jammer Hotel, Cyril’s Taxi, A&R Jiwanram Printery, B.M. Soat Auto Sales, Trans Pacific, Unicom United Commodities, MMD Hollow Blocks & Pavers, KGM Security, Ready Mix Concrete, Homeline Furnishing, Secure Innovations & Concepts Inc.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday February 15, 2021) COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) India & New Zealand (2) Reginald Foster-287 (ENG vs AUST, Sydney, 1903-04)
Today’s Quiz:
(1) What was the result of the second Test of the just-concluded WI/BANG series? (2) Who was declared Man of the Match?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 15, 2021
West Indies complete stunning victory over Bangladesh CMC – Seventeen wickets tumbled on a dramatic fourth day as West Indies snatched a nerve-jangling 17-run victory to edge Bangladesh in the second Test and complete a truly astonishing series whitewash here Sunday. Staring defeat in the face after they crashed from their overnight 41 for three to 117 all out in their second innings, West Indies bowlers turned the game on its head by knocking over Bangladesh for 213, the hosts falling just short of the modest target of 231 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. No such climax was envisioned when West Indies resumed the penultimate day with a lead of 154 runs but left-arm spinner, Taijul Islam (5-36) and off-spinner, Nayeem Islam (3-34) ripped apart the innings. Man-of-the-Series, Nkrumah Bonner, unbeaten on eight at the start, topscored with 38 while wicketkeeper, Joshua Da Silva, got 20, but West Indies lost their last seven wickets for 67 runs, about 25 minutes after lunch. Left with just under five sessions to steal a share of the series honours, Bangladesh seemed on course for victory when they raced to 70 for one with tea beckoning. Opener Tamim Iqbal struck an aggressive 50, Captain Mominul Haque got 26 and Liton Das 22, but Bangladesh’s batsmen failed to convert starts and the last nine wickets went down for 143 runs on either side of the interval.
Burly off-spinner, Rahkeem Cornwall, in only his fourth Test, led West Indies’ charge with four for 105 to end the contest with nine wickets and emerge with Man-of-the-Match honors. John Campbell (top) and substitute Kavem Hodge embraced Rahkeem Cornwall after the off-spinner took the final wicket to earn West Indies victory in the second Test. He also snapped up three catches at slip, the last of which was a tumbling low catch which removed the dangerous Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 31, to end the match and West Indies’ nine-year wait for a Test series win on Bangladesh soil. Part-time off-spinner, Kraigg Brathwaite, who hardly put a foot wrong in the field as captain on Sunday, was one of the unlikely heroes with the ball, taking three for 25 while left-arm spinner, Jomel Warrican, claimed the final wicket of the match to end with three for 47. The victory with a day to spare completed a fairy-tale tour for the under-strength West Indies who arrived here last month shorn of nearly all their first-choice players, and given little chance of competing in the series. Further, the result was in contrast to the last tour here three years ago when West Indies suffered a chastening series whitewash, losing both Tests heavily inside three days. “It’s a series win in Asia since 2012 for the first time. Coming here without
some players, with the protocols and so on,” an elated Brathwaite said afterwards. “People will be proud. People wrote us off but we kept it simple, enjoyed it, and we proved them wrong.” West Indies knew they were up against it when they lost nightwatchman Warrican for two in the morning’s fifth over, hit in front by pacer Abu Jayed (2-32) with the score on 50. And when left-hander Kyle Mayers was also trapped on his crease by Abu for six approaching the first hour, the Caribbean side were in strife at 62 for five. Jermaine Blackwood was stumped for nine off Taijul, two balls after the drinks break, but Da Silva arrived to join Bonner in a crucial 31-run, seventh wicket stand to take West Indies safely to lunch on 98 without further loss. Bonner, who got 90 in the first innings, counted three fours in a knock lasting 120 balls and just over three hours while Da Silva, already with 92 in the game, hit four fours in nearly an hour at the crease. Da Silva perished in the second over following the resumption, however, edging a prod at Taijul to slip, as West Indies lost their last four wickets for 13 runs in 21 deliveries. Bonner was ninth out, bowled by Nayeem, bungling a reverse sweep. Chasing their uncomplicated target, Tamim attacked from the start, belting nine fours in a 46-
ball cameo as he put on 59 for the first wicket with Soumya Sarkar (13). With the frontline bowlers all proving ineffective, Brathwaite introduced himself and struck with his very first ball, Cornwall lunging forward at first slip to snap up Soumya after his cut rebounded from Da Silva’s gloves. Brathwaite then got the key wicket of Tamim in his fourth over, the veteran tapping a catch to Shayne Moseley placed at short cover for the anticipated stroke, at 70 for two. And in the last over before tea, Cornwall claimed Najmul Hossain for 11 to a catch at short leg by Moseley to leave Bangladesh on 78 for three at the break. After the interval, Mushfiqur (14) edged Warrican behind and Mohammad Mithun (10) turned Cornwall into Bonner’s hands at backward short leg in the space of 19 balls, before Mominul and Liton stalled the Windies progress in a 32-run, sixth wicket partnership. Both fell as Bangladesh lost three wickets for 16 runs to slump to 163 for eight but not for the first time in the series, Mehidy counter-attacked with three fours and two sixes in a 56-ball knock as he added 25 for the ninth wicket with Nayeem and 25 for the last wicket with Abu. With the game in the balance and West Indies needing a single wicket for victory, Warrican found Mehidy’s edge and the towering Cornwall swooped up the catch low at slip.
SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES 1st Innings 409 BANGLADESH 1st innings 296 WEST INDIES 2nd Innings (overnight 41 for three) K Brathwaite c wkp Liton Das b Nayeem Hasan 6 J Campbell b Taijul Islam 18 S Moseley c Mohammad Mithun b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 7 N Bonner b Nayeem Hasan 38 J Warrican lbw b Abu Jayed 2 K Mayers lbw b Abu Jayed 6 J Blackwood st Liton Das b Taijul Islam 9 +J Da Silva c Soumya Sarkar b Taijul Islam 20 A Joseph c Najmul Hossain Shanto b Taijul Islam 9 R Cornwall c Mushfiqur Rahim b Nayeem Hasan 1 S Gabriel not out 1 TOTAL (all out, 52.5 overs) 117 Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Brathwaite), 2-20 (Moseley), 3-39 (Campbell), 4-50 (Warrican), 5-62 (Mayers), 6-73 (Blackwood), 7-104 (Da Silva), 8-114 (Joseph), 9-116 (Bonner), 10-117 (Cornwall) Bowling: Taijul Islam 21-4-36-4, Nayeem Islam 15.5-5-34-3, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 6-1-15-1, Abu Jayed 10-4-32-2. BANGLADESH 2nd innings (target: 231) Tamim Iqbal c Moseley b Brathwaite 50 Soumya Sarkar c Cornwall b Brathwaite 13 Najmul Hossain c Moseley b Cornwall 11 *Mominul Haque c Cornwall b Warrican 26 Mushfiqur Rahim c wkp Da Silva b Warrican 14 Mohammad Mithun c Bonner b Cornwall 10 +Liton Das c wkp Da Silva b Cornwall 22 Mehidy Hasan Miraz c Cornwall b Warrican 31 Taijul Islam lbw b Cornwall 8 Nayeem Hasan lbw b Brathwaite 14 Abu Jayed not out 0 Extras (b8, lb4, nb2) 14 TOTAL (all out, 61.3 overs) 213 Fall of wickets: 1-59 (Soumya), 2-70 (Tamim), 3-78 (Najmul Hossain), 4-101 (Mushfiqur), 5-115 (Mohammad Mithun), 6-147 (Mominul), 7-153 (Liton), 8-163 (Taijul), 9-188 (Nayeem), 10-213 (Mehidy). Bowling: Cornwall 30-5-105-4, Joseph 2-0-160, Gabriel 2-0-8-0, Warrican 16.3-4-47-3 (w2), Brathwaite 11-1-25-3. Result: West Indies won by 17 runs. Series: West Indies won two-match series 2-0. Man-of-the-Match: Rahkeem Cornwall. Man-of-the-Series: Nkrumah Bonner. Toss: West Indies.
Brathwaite branded ‘General’ by Bishop CMC – Interim Test captain Kriagg Brathwaite has been branded a “general of the highest proportions” by Ian Bishop, with the outstanding former West Indies fast bowler contending the seasoned opener had moulded the side into “national heroes”, in the wake of the series whitewash of Bangladesh. The 28-year-old was thrust into the role of leading an inexperienced 15-man squad for the two-Test series here after regular captain Jason Holder declined selection over COVID-19 fears. Holder was joined by Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase and Shimron Hetmyer in opting out, resulting in the backbone of the Test side’s batting disappearing for the series. On Sunday, however,
Brathwaite produced a captaincy masterclass as he presided over a thrilling 17-run victory in the second Test, snatching three wickets with his unpracticed off-spin to play a key role in bowling Bangladesh out for 213. “When you look at the way the opening partnership [for Bangladesh went], 59 for that opening partnership, to have this capitulation instituted by a brilliant move from the captain to bring himself on [was outstanding],” Bishop gushed following the result at the Shere Bangla National Stadium here. “Kraigg Brathwaite is a general of the highest proportions. His captaincy today has been spot on. There were times you could’ve thought – and I’m sure he would’ve thought – [to bring Shannon Gabriel back].
“Shannon Gabriel was loosening up for about an hour. Every time he started loosening up, someone got a wicket. “Jomel Warrican [was] brilliant in the end, [he] struggled a little bit early [but finished] with three for 47. “Brathwaite [got] three for 25, Rahkeem Cornwall [got] nine wickets in the Test match – national heroes all. “They braved the pandemic when others didn’t make it and to win this twomatch series two-nil has been a tremendous, tremendous accomplishment for the West Indies team.” He continued: “It is a series victory for the ages, given all that has been stacked against them coming on this tour to Bangladesh. These men have achieved what many thought impossible.
Captain Fantastic’ Kraigg Brathwaite has made his men national heroes.” The fairytale started in Chattogram when West Indies, fielding three debutants, stunned the hosts by three wickets after chasing down an improbable 395 on the final day. Kyle Mayers, on debut, struck an historic unbeaten 210 and in concert with another debutant, Nkrumah Bonner (86), put on 216 in a fourth wicket stand to underpin the run chase. When West Indies collapsed from 41 for three overnight to 117 in their second innings on Sunday’s fourth day and set Bangladesh 231 for victory, a series win seemed set to elude them. However, Brathwaite proved inspirational with field settings and the rotation
of bowlers, and his players responded favourably to upset the hosts again. The 53-year-old Bishop, who claimed 161 wickets from 43 Tests and has since become a well-respected international TV analyst, said Brathwaite had left a firm imprint of his own leadership and industry on the touring side. “The team reflects Kraigg Brathwaite’s leadership. Kraigg is industrious, hard-working and has a great work ethic and the team reflects that personality,” Bishop argued. “They are coachable. A friend of mine told me years ago that if a team has players that are always willing to learn and are coachable, there is no limit as to what they can achieve. “I’m not saying this team
is the number one team suddenly in the world or they are the number three team – that is the ultimate goal. This team is on the road on that journey. They’ve taken significant strides on this tour. “How many would have given them a chance to win two-nil coming here? I don’t know of any. Their self belief is so aspirational.” Bishop dismissed any notion that the quality of opposition had diminished the significance of the side’s achievement. “People may say it is only Bangladesh but Bangladesh at home have proven to be a difficult opponents for even higher ranked teams,” Bishop pointed out. “So with the inexperience in this West Indies batting lineup, this is a tremendous achievement.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 15, 2021
GCB U-19 Inter-County cricket …
Khan plays Berbice batting meltdown unbeaten en route hands Demerara title to senior chess title By Rajiv Bisnauth
DEMERARA capitalised on a batting meltdown by Berbice to win the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-19 One-Day Inter-County title yesterday at the LBI ground. The side from the Ancient County was left to rue the lack of application by a number of their batsmen, and was skittled out for 72 in 25 overs, but the run chase was no easy task, as the home team reached 77-8 in 25.4 overs. Earlier, after Andre Samaroo won the toss and elected to field, left-arm spinner, Michael Pooran, ripped through the heart of the batting order, claiming 6-10 off nine overs. The Berbicians were in danger right from the start, losing opener Rampertab Ramnuath in the innings first over to Bryon Bowen (1-18),
Demerara captain, Andre Samaroo, collects the winner’s trophy. without scoring. They then boundary in his 25, before lost the wickets of Jonathan the innings imploded once Rampersaud (1), and Shamar again. It was evident that the Angel (6), and were in danger of being bowled out wicket had turn and bounce, and Pooran, the Ogle Sports under 50. But Seon Glasgow joined Club player, utilised the opener Marvon Prashad pitch condition perfectly, and resurrected the innings claiming five of the remaining batsmen. Dwain Dick somewhat. Prashad struck three supported man-of-the-match fours in his top score of Pooran well, returning fig26, while Glasgow hit a ures of 3-19.
The Berbice spinners did make a match out of it as the hosts grinded out a narrow win by two wickets. Demerara found themselves losing both openers, Ushardeva Balgobin (8) and Mathew Nandu (0), cheaply. Both batsmen fell to off-spinner Rampersaud, who had figures of 3-21. Mavendra Dindyal and Alvin Mohabir helped to get the innings back on track, hitting 19 apiece. But when the partnership was broken, Demerara lost six quick wickets. Rampersaud added one more wicket to his impressive figures while leftarm spinner, Gourav Ramesh (1-10), fellow left-arm spinner, Nigel Deodat (2-31) and Aaron Beharry (2-15), were the other wicket takers. However, a level-headed Bowen, with 10 not out, saw his team home in company with Zachory Johad.
TAFFIN Khan marched his way to his fourth senior chess title when the curtains came down on the delayed 2020 edition of the National Closed Chess Championships at the Guyana National Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The 29-year-old Khan, who was favourite for the title after defeating 2019 champion, Anthony Drayton, in the second round of the seven-round event, ended the final unbeaten with a total of 6 ½ points. “I feel great winning back the national title, since I put a lot of preparation into winning.” Despite his dominance, Khan had to gain points against 2020 Rapid and Blitz champion, Davion Mars, in order to ensure that there was no playoff. Former champion and fellow Candidate Master, Wendell Meusa, would have forced a playoff had Mars defeated Khan, since he (Meusa) had gotten
Leonora Secondary school paving way for golf on West side TEACHERS and students of the Leonora Secondary School officially got their first tutorial on golf this past week, as the Guyana Golf Association (GGA) continued its school’s programme. This reaction was evident from the various Regional Education Officers, Head Teachers, Ministry of Education and Regional officials around the country, but especially so in Region three, where massive planned development is underway as indicated by President Dr. Irfaan Ali recently as he unveiled plans for the new mall, highways, and gas-to-shore facilities. Recently, Leonora Secondary School led the way in the expansion of the game behind the strong support of REDO Annesta Douglas, Head Mistress Gittens, all of the teachers, PTA president, and members of the RDC, all of whom are actively involved in creating the facilities for the children and parents to play the game. “This is a dream come true for our region and I am extremely happy that we are
Teachers and students of the Leonora Secondary School running their pilot golf programme last week in a position to offer a sport teachers who were present that will promote discipline, to also say farewell to Miss outdoor physical activities Letoya, a 15-year-veteran and mental toughness espe- who was recently promoted. cially during the pandemic,” In the keenly contested putsaid Ms. Douglas. ting match 4 playoffs, Git“West Coast Demerara tens delivered the winning is the new growth area and putt for her school. this will bring attention “The total feeling of to our region and pro- excitement, accomplishvide meaningful activity ment and focus is unlike for our families and I am anything you have ever happy to throw my sup- experienced, and I am port behind this wonderful very pleased to be the first effort.” school in Region Three to At the official launch of have this wonderful opthe school pilot programme portunity, “ said the head on Friday, the REDO and mistress as she praised the Head Mistress faced off in a receptive attitude from putting contest to the delight her Deputy, staff and stuof the school assembly and dents.
In launching the programme, Nicholas Fraser of the Ministry of Education Allied Arts Unit, said that the unwavering support of the Ministry of Education and his department head, Ms. Barker-King, made the programme possible and the focus on Golf, because it fully complied with covid-19 guidelines, was a blessing in disguise for students who had been deprived of physical activity. Meanwhile, president of the Guyana Golf Association, Aleem Hussain, explained that the development of the sport was the most important thing at the moment and thanked all involved for their support. “As the force behind the development of [the] game in Guyana, we are focused on guiding our partners on the manner in which they can use their dormant facilities to benefit our kids”. “The GGA does not own or operate facilities but simply provides access to training, equipment and competitions for participants,” he ended. (Clifton Ross)
Taffin Khan, arguably Guyana’s most talented chess player. past Rai Sharma in his last round. With the victory by Khan, Meusa placed second in the competition with 5 ½ points, with Glenford Corlette in third on 4 ½ points after he drew his final clash. Mars, who has never defeated Khan, was hoping that his December success in the faster versions of the game would have propelled him forward. Although he held his own in the competition, including a win over FIDE Master, Drayton, he could not get the better of Khan in their clash. Khan said that he played black and decided to open with the Nimzo-Indian Defence. He said that there were some tactics by both sides, but he managed to wrest some control towards the end. “After the dust had settled down, I had two rooks, a bishop and four pawns versus a knight, bishop, rook, and four pawns by Mars. In the endgame, I managed to win a pawn and exchange a rook after Mars had to give up his knight for two pawns; after that he just lost everything and resigned.” Eight of Guyana’s top players competed in the final.
West Indies complete stunning See story victory over Bangladesh on page 21
The West Indies players pose with the series trophy ( Bangladesh vs West Indies, 2nd Test, Dhaka, 4th day, February 14, 2021)
GCB U-19 Inter-County cricket …
Berbice batting meltdown See story hands Demerara title on page 23 Christopher Barnwell celebrates his first List A century. (Photo: CWI Media)
Barnwell slams maiden List A century –– Guyana Jaguars beat Jamaica Scorpions by 109-runs
The victorious Demerara team.
See story on page 22
KFC onboard with GMR&SC Drag Championship Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208
See story on page 20 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021