Issuu

WEDNESDAY 2 ndDecember, 2020

’ No. 106201

232 persons hired at Skeldon Estate PAGE

–– over 100 more to be employed next year, $40M spent so far on preparatory work

US$16M Carnival Casino opened –– more than 300 to gain employment 07 PAGE

Owner of the Sleepin Group, Clifton Bacchus (fourth left), flanked by his employees in one section of the extravagant casino that was officially opened on Tuesday (Adrian Narine photo)

Over 200 issues identified in resubmitted CJIA work plan

PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Over 200 issues identified in resubmitted CJIA work plan –– contractor requests more money; Min. Edghill says situation unacceptable THE Government of Guyana is finally in receipt of the revised work plan for the Cheddi Jagan Airport Modernisation Programme, but the resubmitted document, prepared by the contracted firm, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), has come in for much criticism from the Senior Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill. According to Minister Edghill, the revised work plan has failed to once again address a number of the concerns highlighted by the Irfaan Ali Government, which assumed office in August 2020. During a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the Minister noted that the resubmission is one that is not only problematic, but also accompanied by a request for additional funding; something that he is not quite pleased about. “My government is not considering that,” he affirmed. According to Minister Edghill, concerns relative to

ald Ramotar Presidency. The Ramotar administration lost power in 2015. 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. With the PPP/C now returning to office, it has a number of conMinister of Public Works, cerns with the regards to the Bishop Juan Edghill Coalition-initiated changes. Back in September, Presithe resubmitted work plan are being examined by the dent Irfaan Ali had toured the consultant and the project facility, examining the works which were said to have been engineers. “There were about 200- 97 per cent completed at the plus issues that were identi- end of 2019. In the presence fied for fixing, modifications of China’s Ambassador to or completion,” Minister Guyana, Mr. Cui Jianchun, President Ali cited several Edghill said. The project to expand shortcomings, expressing and modernise the Cheddi dissatisfaction with what he Jagan International Airport had seen. President Ali had main(CJIA) was initiated by the People’s Progressive Party/ tained that Guyana will not Civic (PPP/C) AdministraSee page 4 tion in 2011, under the Don-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 2, 2020

232 persons hired at Skeldon Estate –– over 100 more to be employed next year, $40M spent so far on preparatory work

By Navendra Seoraj CULTIVATING an environment for the sustained growth and development of Guyana’s ailing sugar industry has started across the belt, with management of the shuttered Skeldon Sugar Estate, for example, hiring 232 persons to lay the foundation for the rejuvenation of a facility which was once heralded as a potential saviour of the industry. The Skeldon Estate, like the Rose Hall and Enmore Sugar Estates, was closed in 2017 by the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government. The closure of those estates left over 7,000 persons without a job or source of income. The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), “in its glory days”, was referred to as the backbone of Guyana’s economy, as the company employed roughly 16,000 persons; it was a major source of foreign currency; and a provider of community healthcare, drainage services, and welfare facilities. The industry has since been reduced to a level of insolvency and instability, but the new Government believes there is still hope, although there are production challenges relating to low productivity, high cost of production, lack of competitiveness and poor management. In the next five years, starting with Budget 2020, the Government plans to implement measures to promote a diversified agriculture-based economy, create more jobs, and increase the income of farmers. Over at the Skeldon Estate, which is expected to start sugar production in 2022, some 814 persons have already registered for re-employment, but

Skeldon Estate General Manager, Vishnu Panday the estate will be closing off its total staff capacity at 240 for this year. SEVERED WORKERS REHIRED “We have employed 232 persons so far, but we have registered 814 people in addition to what was employed… the registered persons and those who were hired are all persons who were severed from the estate,” said Manager of the Skeldon Sugar Estate, Vishnu Panday, during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, on Tuesday. He said the estate will be increasing its staff capacity to 360 persons next year and ultimately to 1,800 persons when the estate is fully operational. Persons currently employed with the Skeldon Estate are tasked with completing preparatory work and laying the foundation for a full recovery of the estate. Panday told the Guyana Chronicle that the estate has so far expended $40 million on wages, salaries, agro-chemicals, and for the preparation of the cane fields, among other things. Funds have also been spent

to reopen the estate’s field workshop. Additionally, some 193 hectares of cane materials have been prepared and are being nurtured for planting next year. The aim at Skeldon is to cultivate 700 hectares of cane materials next year, ahead of production in 2022. It was reported that the Skeldon Estate is the only sugar factory in Guyana with a diffuser technology that allows for automation. Based on past results, the factory peaked at 86 per cent efficiency on automation, and the team headed by Panday is hoping to push this number higher to ensure the factory realises its true potential. NO EASY TASK The task ahead is no easy one for the current administration, as millions of dollars in equipment were left to deteriorate, rendering them inoperable or in some cases repairable, but at a ‘hefty’ cost. But the Government has already released $3B to bail out GuySuCo, of which $2.2B will be used for the re-opening of the three estates and the remaining $0.8B will be used to re-capitalise the current assets to help achieve outlined objectives. It was reported that the Rose Hall Estate will be the first of the three estates to be re-opened and is expected to begin grinding in 2022. The sugar corporation has so far re-hired over 690 persons to work on the three shuttered estates. So far at the Rose Hall Estate, some 270 persons have been hired to do preliminary work while 194 persons have been hired at Enmore. As work continues on those shuttered estates, harvesting of sugar cane at operational estates has intensified, with production

moving to 52,139 metric tonnes of sugar for the second crop of 2020. The Guyana Chronicle was told that the second crop, which spans over 20 weeks, is anticipated to produce 69,480 metric tonnes of sugar. Although there are positive signs, the industry continues to be affected severely by the rainy season and by the consequential effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In view of the many challenges, teams across GuySuCo’s three sugar producing Estates (Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt) have implemented systems to continue production in Berbice until December, 2020. One of the strategies is greater utilisation of the “bell loaders” to accelerate loading of sugar cane onto the punts. The Corporation, as part of its strategic economic turn-around plan, is working to reduce the amount of canes being transferred as ‘carry over cane’ to the first crop of 2021. AGGRESSIVELY MOVING AHEAD Further, the Corporation is aggressively moving ahead with its efforts to market packaged sugar, often referred to as direct consumption sugar, among other value-added products to markets in the Caribbean, North America and Europe. Packaged sugar and valued-added products will be sold at every supermarket and shop locally. It is common knowledge that the resuscitation of Guyana’s ailing sugar industry will have to be done through a Public Private Partnership, and, already, investors from Asia, North America, the Caribbean and Guyana have formally signalled their intention to join this process.

A bell loader harvesting sugar cane The Government of Information on the inGuyana, in September, had vestors’ identities remain advertised for Expressions confidential at this time, but of Interest (EoIs) from fi- Singh, during a press briefnanciers who are not just ing at GuySuCo on Monday, interested in investing in said the proposals will soon sugar, but in being part of be reviewed. the industry’s resuscitation. Singh, while not delvChief Executive Officer ing into the details of the (CEO) of the Guyana Sugar actual proposals, said Corporation (GuySuCo), interests have been exSasenarine Singh has said pressed in sugar refinthat the Government has re- ery, ethanol production, ceived 10 EoIs from foreign agro-energy, a distillery companies, and one propos- a n d p a c k a g e d s u g a r , al from a local investor. among other things.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Autopsy finds…

Good Intent mother died from strangulation, stab wounds

Wednesday, December 2, 04:30hrs - 06:00hrs

AN autopsy performed on the body of Jennifer Anderson, 62, who was killed by her son on November 25, has revealed that she was strangled and stabbed to death. The murder occurred at Murphy Street, Good Intent, West Bank Demerara (WBD). Her son, Devon Anderson, who is deemed by residents as a ‘drug addict’, was on Monday charged with murder. Anderson, 32, of the aforementioned address, was charged with murdering Jen-

nifer Anderson in the course or furtherance of a robbery. O n M onday, he ap peared, via Skype, at the Vreed-en-Hoop courtroom of Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty. He was not required to plead to the charge, which states that he committed the offence between November 25 and 26, and he was remanded to prison until January 14, 2021. He had also stabbed his four-year-old niece multiple times, and she is currently a patient at the West Demerara

Regional Hospital. Residents said the drug addict would normally steal items from his mother. Mark Anderson, called “Dan”, 42, a mason of the said address (second house on same land) claimed that he was at home and was contacted by an individual, who related that Kemaya Anderson (the grand-daughter of the deceased) related to him that the suspect assaulted her and her grandmother. He also stated that he saw that Kemaya had injuries, and as a result, he

DEAD: Jennifer Anderson went to the home of the deceased where he made checks for her and discovered her lying motionless, face down on the floor in the north-eastern bedroom of her home. The police were immediately summoned to the scene.

Over 200 issues identified ... From page 2

be tolerant of unsatisfactory work, specifying that the project will only be accept-

ed if it is done in accordance with the “original contract” that was signed in 2011.

Prior to the adjustments, the original project specified the extension of the runway

An artist’s impression of a modern and expanded Cheddi Jagan International Airport

from 7,500 to 10,800 feet, so as to accommodate the Boeing 747-400 aircraft. It also provided for the construction of eight passenger boarding bridges. This required the demolition of the existing terminal building, and the construction of a new one capable of accommodating the eight structures. However, the revised scope of work done by the previous Coalition Government facilitated the refurbishing of the terminal building instead of its demolition. This meant that only four air bridges could be accommodated. While the recently resubmitted work plan did include provisions for the eight air bridges, there were still a number of unresolved issues, including the construction of office spaces, a gallery and waiting area. Over the past nine years, the project has also encountered a plethora of other problems, including an inadequate and malfunctioning sewerage system. Although Minister Edghill could not provide a new estimated date of completion, he did explain that, “All the bonds and so that are in place expire on December 31, 2020.” As a consequence, the Public Works Minister said that CHEC could face possible actions from the government. The Minister declined to say what those actions could be. In a press release, CHEC had explained some of the challenges that surrounded the project, including its being handled by three separate governments. In the same statement, the company also committed to working with the Irfaan Ali administration to ensure proper delivery of works.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Production must replace old culture of buying and selling –– President Ali says, urges local businesses to reposition for economic transformation By Navendra Seoraj

INCREASED interest in Guyana’s economy has created the need for local stakeholders to “step up” and reposition themselves, in order to absorb the potential benefits that will accrue to this fledgling petroleum state, said President, Dr. Irfaan Ali. Guyana, with its newfound oil wealth, is on the cusp of economic transformation, and has already received the title of “investment capital of the region” and possibly the world. This has so far served as encouragement for some of the key players in not just the international oil and gas industry, but for hoteliers, agro-processors, and other investors who are interested in penetrating the country’s growing economy, which has a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of about US$4 billion. “Oil and gas represents a paradigm shift in our country’s development. Oil and gas will move our development

trajectory to a higher level, and to be engaged at a higher gear in other aspects of our economy,” said President Ali during a virtual address at the opening ceremony of the virtual Guyana Oil and Gas Summit, which was organised by the international firm, CWC/ Global Future Energy Limited (GFEn), and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). Such a shift, he said, must be accompanied by new ways of doing business. And, in his view, it requires shrewd business acumen. In giving further advice, the President said: “The old culture of buying and selling must give way to one which emphasises the production of goods and services, and partnering with others to maximise local traction in the sector. “Local firms must become bold and ambitious; they must think big and international… They must embrace innovation and inventiveness, if they are to compete effectively in the global economy.”

As Guyana prepares to absorb those opportunities and attention, Head of the Department of Economics at the University of Guyana, Sydney Armstrong advises that the country must develop a local content policy, to serve as not just a safeguard, but as a conduit for persons to capitalise on the potential opportunities. “The local content policy needs to specify in terms of components of labour, especially when we talk about massive hotels… Guyanese must be able to benefit from the construction process, and also be a part of not just lower levels of the general operations, but also be managers, supervisors and so on,” said the economist. The Government, in September, had established an advisory panel on local content. The panel was tasked with undertaking a review of all existing initiatives and policies relating to local content in the petroleum sector and to provide guidance for the development of Guyana’s

Local Content Policy and Legislation. The panel comprises Shyam Nokta (chair), Carl Greenidge, Anthony Paul, Kevin Ramnarine, Carvil Duncan and Floyd Haynes. The team handed over its report to the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, on Tuesday. The policy, once ratified, will pave the way for an inclusive environment, amidst increasing foreign investment and interest in Guyana. President Ali, during his virtual address, reiterated that this policy is being developed through a consultative process which includes examination of best practices employed around the world. This is testimony to the Government’s committed to ensuring that local businesses have optimum participation in the oil and gas sector. While it is imperative for locals to benefit, the President said he is not against foreign inv-estments, as these will help Guyana to acquire capital, skills and technology to convert economic transformation into economic opportunities. Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) are essential for capitalising on the opportunities which the oil and gas sector promises, and it is also vital to building capacity of local sectors. The oil and gas summit provided an opportunity for both local and foreign investors to establish synergies and build capacity through strategic partnerships.

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 2, 2020

A difficult habit to change

ON Tuesday, December 1, 2020, this newspaper reported on a news item headlined, “Father of three dies in Corentyne accident,” in which it relates that “Police are investigating the death of 26-year-old Ganesh Ramlakhan, a father of three, who was struck off his bicycle by a van on the Bramfield Pubic Road, East Coast Berbice, on Sunday evening.” Ramlakhan, who resided at Number 11 village, fell off his bicycle and received injuries to his body. He was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital, and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbed around 01:00hrs on Monday. His mother, Latchmie Armogan, was in tears when this newspaper spoke with her. She said her son had internal bleeding, and suffered severe injuries to his left side. The article continued, “Meanwhile, the wife of Ramlakhan, Hemwattie Balkarran, 29, said her husband was the sole breadwinner for the family; she is now uncertain where their next meal will come from. Ramlakhan was a sluice operator, and at the time of the accident, he was on his way

to work. He leaves to mourn his wife and children, aged seven, four and one.” The news report also informed readers that this is the second time tragedy has struck the family in recent years, recalling that in March 2016, Armogan and her 16-year-old son, Joshua Ramakhan, were struck down by a speeding car at Palmyra Village, while they were making their way home. The impact flung both mother and son into a nearby canal, and resulted in the death of the teenager several months later. An earlier news report headlined, “Road Safety Education Enforcement Awareness Campaign”, disclosed that the Ministry of Home Affairs had officially launched its Road Safety Education Enforcement Awareness campaign. The report informed readers that Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, and Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill initiated the campaign by participating in road block and education exercises on Vlissengen Road and along the East Bank Public Road. During that exercise, Minister Edghill urged drivers to observe the road rules,

including the ‘Five Cs’. The report related that traffic police and representatives of the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) also participated in the exercise. In December of 2019, Police launched a major, aggressive road safety operation as part of its efforts to reduce traffic accidents. The traffic plans were finalised for 2020. Code-named “Safe Road”, the operation was programmed to be conducted in all 10 administrative regions. Operation “Safe Road” commenced from 06:00hrs on Sunday, December 15, 2019 across the 10 administrative regions. The reckless and irresponsible use of Guyana’s roadways indicates that motorists are not heeding or practising the Guyana Police Force’s code of behaviour: Care, Caution, Consideration, Commonsense and Courtesy. At an earlier press conference, Works Minister Edghill had outlined Government’s plans to create further safety measures for road users, including, but not limited to, more lighting, pedestrian

walkways, and bike lanes that will be incorporated with roadworks. He said that the foregoing is part of the Government’s urban improvement strategy. In conclusion, Minister Edghill said, “The Government sees this as an important venture, as there has been a 17 per cent increase in pedestrian deaths in 2020, as was seen for the same period in 2019. Albeit we are currently being faced with a Global Pandemic, the Guyana Police Force has recorded an alarming five-odd per cent increase in fatalities for this year in comparison to last year. This is of serious concern to our Government, and we intend to leave no stone unturned as we seek to identify methods that can be implemented to make our country’s roadways safe.” However, it is the human quotient in responsible road use that is the requisite factor for any road safety measure to succeed. Despite many road safety programmes devised by successive police commissioners over preceding years, the reckless and injudicious human factor prevails, and the carnage continues.

India’s role in battle for COVID-19 vaccine Dear Editor,

INDIA is viewed as the most important global player in the fight against the pandemic, because of its capacity to manufacture a vaccine, and the research of its scientists racing to have ready vaccines to combat the virus. The world is turning to India now, when a few years back they shunned it. And even though its vaccine is not quite ready to be rolled out to inoculate people against the Coronavirus, Indian pharmaceutical companies are the hope for the pandemic world, in particular the developing world of Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and much of Latin America, since virtually none, other than Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, are experimenting with producing a vaccine. No African or Caribbean country is working on a vaccine. So they depend on India to make the vaccine available. Several countries will begin rolling out their COVID-19 vaccine next week, but they depend on India to produce it; billions of vaccines have been ordered from Indian pharmacies. The Indian government itself has ordered one billion indigenous developed vaccines that have not even been rolled out by Indian

pharmaceutical companies experimenting with three vaccines in their final stages of trials on large numbers of humans. There is a strategic global partnership emerging between India and key developed countries on the roll-out of the vaccine, as well as between India and major drug manufacturers in the West on the vaccine development. Scientists from Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, amd Sputnik V all have an India link for experimentation by Indian scientists. And there is the indigenous Indian BioNTech vaccine expected to be rolled out month end, of which there are also multi orders. Emergency authorisation will be granted to vaccinate people with one of the above. Which is most efficacious will not be known until months after people have been vaccinated. The three globally-announced vaccines (one each from Germany, the UK and the US) will be ready for roll-out next week, but not in enough doses for any country’s population. (Russia has rolled out its Sputnik vaccine over a month ago, but is also lacking quantity to inoculate its people, and has ordered 100 million doses from India). It will take years before the globe (seven billion people) is vaccinated. There simply aren’t enough vaccines to go

around, and manufacturers can’t catch up. Few countries manufacture vaccines; India is the world leader, manufacturing 60 per cent of the world’s vaccines, in addition to supplying vaccines for its 1.35 billion people. Countries will have preference in orders (from India), and within each country, people will be prioritised as to who gets the vaccine. Many countries are turning to India, with billions of vaccines ordered by Europe and North America. Mumbai’s Shivaji International Airport is being readied to handle huge cargo planes laden with vaccines. Naturally, India will attend to the orders of friendly countries first before others. But India has announced that no country will be blanked, regardless of relations with India. Guyana has friendly relations with India, and it is expected to be treated with some deference in gaining access to the COVID-19 vaccine its companies are experimenting with that will be ready by month’s end for roll-out. Laboratories in India are working on 30 COVID-19 vaccines, with three in an advanced stage of development, and one ready for roll-out by the end of this month, and the other two in early January. The other 27 would be ready later in 2021. Even if ready to vaccinate people end of December or early January,

there is the problem of manufacturing, as Indian factories can only produce so many vaccines a day. Pharmaceutical factories cannot be set up that quickly to meet global demand. The developed world can afford to pay for the vaccine, and have ordered tens of millions of doses each from several of the companies that claim to have workable vaccines. India itself has ordered a billion doses of the one produced by its scientists. The poor countries may not be able to afford to pay for the vaccines initially, and would have to depend on the WHO to pay for it. The WHO gets its funding from the wealthy countries. Eventually, the richer countries will have to pay for vaccines for the poorer countries. India has promised to share the vaccine with poor countries. And the Indian High Commissioner has announced that the Modi government is committed to making the vaccine available to Guyana. The two countries share very friendly cultural relations, with over half of the Guyanese population tracing their roots to India. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 2, 2020

US$16M Carnival Casino to employ over 300 persons ―opens doors after five years of being denied approval to operate

By Navendra Seoraj AFTER more than four years of being denied the opportunity to open its doors, the US$16 million Carnival Casino has been given the “green light” by the Gaming Authority of Guyana to commence operations, thus paving the way for the creation of more than 300 direct jobs.

Chairman of the Gaming Authority of Guyana, Manniram Prashad told this publication that the Authority’s Board of Directors reviewed the new application recently, and found that the company’s financials and plans were in order, so there was no reason to deny approval. The prior applications would have cost Bacchus $18 million, but this was only a

foresees, will remain competitive, even amidst increasing proposals from key players in the international hotel industry to enter Guyana. His intention is to employ mainly Guyanese. And, although the facility has the capacity to employ over 300 persons, Bacchus said he will be employing 150 for now, because of the pervasive novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

The Carnival Casino (Adrian Narine photos)

This gentleman is getting his game on

Carnival Casino, which is part of the Sleepin Hotel Complex, was scheduled to open simultaneously with the accommodation aspect of the facility four years ago, but multiple applications to the Gaming Authority were rejected. “Well, the casino was supposed to open in 2016… The first application was sent in 2015, and that was denied. And we applied again in 2017, and it was denied again. And now we apply under the new Board and got through,” said owner of the Sleepin Group, Clifton Bacchus during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday.

microcosm of the unwarranted expenses he’d incurred, the businessman told this publication. “The total investment was about US$15 million, but after the almost five-year time span, it took us up to another million, because we had to send the machines back and then bring it back… We also had to redo the place, because it was closed for five years… Remember, we also had the interest to pay, and everything else took up the investment,” Bacchus lamented. Despite those ‘setbacks’, the businessman was elated that his perseverance paid off, and he could finally open his establishment, which, he

pandemic. “We are only employing 150 persons for now, because of the social distancing and so, and because you have to close at a certain time,” said the proprietor. The application of COVID-19 guidelines will, however, not just be restricted to the level of employment, but will also apply to all aspects of the casino’s operations. TOP-CLASS FACILITIES The facility has live games, machine games, food and every possible feature of any international casino. Those activities will be man-

aged by competent employees, who have been trained by experts in the field. “Everybody will be fully trained; we will continuously train our employees to ensure that they are the best… So, we were anxious, but now a burden is off my shoulders, and we could start our operations and hopefully recover the investment over a period of time,” Bacchus said. It was reported recently that based on available statistics, over 3,000 persons are expected to gain employment next year when mega hoteliers ‘land’ their multimillion-dollar investments in Guyana. Several investors have already acquired private land to kick-start their investments. The Guyana Chronicle understands that 10 developers have acquired such land, and will start construction in the

coming year. While the names of those investors were not released, the Guyana Chronicle had reported that a business-friendly climate, supplemented by the anticipated economic ascension is being credited for the attraction of major players in the hotel industry, such as Sheraton, The Element, Delta Marriott, Best Western Hotels and Resorts, the H-Tower Luxury Hotel, the Hyatt Hotels Corporation, the Radisson Hotels, and the Hilton Hotels and Resorts, among others. These potential investments are seen as timely, because Guyana, which sits on the edge of South America and has a population of about 750,000 people, is expected to ‘boom’ with its new-found oil wealth, which is expected to drive infrastructural development and other sectoral

advancements. According to a study by Oxford Economics, hotels are extraordinary job creators in communities all across the nation. In addition to offering numerous entry-level positions, hotels also provide stepping stones for employees to quickly move up within the organisation. The same study found that a typical hotel with 100 occupied rooms per night supports 230 local jobs every year. And the nation’s hotel and lodging industry brings other important benefits to local communities. These businesses are a cornerstone for local economic activity, providing increased tax revenue, capital investment, tourism-related development and promotion, civic leadership, charitable contributions and sponsorship.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Ruling on election petitions set for Jan. 18 By Celestine Juan

COME January 18, 2021, Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George, is expected to give her ruling in the application of Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall and Trinidadian Senior Counsel, Douglas Mendes to have the APNU+AFC’s election petitions, which seek to challenge the validity of the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections, thrown out of court. During the fourth hearing of the case management conference on Tuesday, the Coalition attorney, Trinidadian Senior Counsel, John Jeremie, addressed the court on discrepancies concerning the date former President, David Granger, was served a notice of presentation of the petition and his acknowledgement. Jeremie was replying to the submission, during Monday’s hearing of the CMC, made by Mendes, who represents Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, who had argued to have the petition thrown out since the second named respondent, former President David Granger, who was listed as a representative of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU),

did not comply with Section 2 of the National Assembly Validity of Elections Act. Mendes is contending that it was not filed within the timeline fixed by the law. He had also highlighted the contradiction with the date when Granger was served with the notice and the date of his acknowledgement of same. The acknowledgement of service was signed by Granger on September 25, 2020, while the affidavit before the court say that he was served with the notice on September 24,2020. In what he deemed as a “clerical error”, Jeremie asked the court to disregard the date on the acknowledgement of service and place weight on the date stated on the affidavit. “The affidavit is the evidence. The acknowledgement of service is not evidence. The acknowledgement is not what the law requires to be served. What the law requires to be served under rule 95 is an affidavit of service… that is complied with,” he said. However, he later accepted that an error was made and urged the court to overlook the deficiencies of the service to Granger.

In addressing the court, Nandlall mauled Jeremie for not explaining properly to the court about the mix up regarding the date of service. “There is no explanation from the petitioners as to why they have decided to name Mr Granger a respondent. Now, an objection is made, they simply say that

Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, filed documents on behalf of Claudette Thorne while Attorney Mayo Robertson filed his client’s, Heston Bostwick’s documents on September 17. The petitioners are asking the High Court to determine the legality of the March 2 elections and the

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George

Trinidadian Senior Counsel, John Jeremie

Mr Granger has been wrongly named, putting the onus, apparently on the other side, to find an explanation as to why Mr Granger’s presence is there as a respondent. We did not do that!” Nandlall told the court. After Nandlall’s address, the acting CJ fixed January 18, 2021, at 13:30hrs, for her decision on the case. On August 31, 2020, the Coalition, through its lawyer,

results that led to the declaration and allocation of seats in the National Assembly. Both petitions are seeking an order to direct the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, to declare former President, David Granger, the winner of the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections. On November 10, Nandlall filed an interlocutory application to have the case struck out on the ground that it did not comply with Section 2 of the National As-

sembly Validity of Elections Act. It was not filed within the timeline fixed by the law, he is contending. The interlocutory application is being treated as part of one of two election petition cases before the High Court. R e c e n t l y, G r a n g e r, through his lawyers, gave notice of intentions not to oppose the petition by seeking to exclude himself from the proceedings.

Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall and Trinidadian Senior Counsel, Douglas Mendes

The notice, which was signed by Granger and dated November 26, read “take note that I the undersigned respondent do not intend to oppose the above petition pursuant to the provisions of section 27(1) (a) and (2) of the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act Cap 1:04 and rule

25 of the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Rules Cap 1:04”. Nandlall had raised the issue of defective service and also argued that by using the Act of National Assembly (Validity of Elections), Granger has acknowledged that he is a proper named party in the case at hand. Mendes also echoed the same arguments as Nandlall. He argued that Granger’s attorney must show the court that there is no contention in the petition that conflicts with interests in order for them to achieve their submission that Granger is not a necessary party. Other attorneys who are part of the case are Raphael Trotman, Olayne Joseph, and Trinidad Senior Counsel, John Jeremie. GECOM is being represented by Dominican Senior Counsel, Anthony Astaphan and local attorney, Arud Gossai. The Coalition has named several respondents inclusive of Keith Lowenfield; Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo; and representatives of several political parties who contested the elections, as it wants the High Court to cancel the polls and order fresh elections within 90 days. Former President, David Granger, is also named as a respondent. The PPP/C emerged victorious in the March 2, 2020 elections following a recount exercise.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Complete critical D&I work, Agri Minister tells contractors –– once completed, Mocha residents expected to see immediate improvements to D&I AGRICULTURE Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, has said that efforts are being made to address issues affecting farmers of Mocha, East Bank Demerara, within the shortest possible time. The minister had recently met with the farmers and during that meeting, they aired a number of concerns. One of the issues raised during the meeting was the delay in the completion of works being carried out at the outfall channel in Little Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara. Minister Mustapha urged contractors working on critical drainage and irrigation project in Mocha, and its environs, to ensure they stick to the contractual deadlines. He added that officials from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) regularly engage the contractor carrying out the works to have them completed soon. “Since taking office, we’ve been engaging contractors about the delays in the completion of several projects. Only recently, we saw the Ministry of Education taking action against a contractor for failing to complete a project on time. The contractor working in the Little

Diamond outfall channel is currently doing some revetment works. He was expected to have these works completed at the beginning of the month. We’ve engaged him and he has committed to having the works completed before the end of the year. Once these works are completed, we should see immediate improvements to the drainage and irrigation in the area,” Minister Mustapha said. During his engagement with farmers, most of whom aired a number of concerns about insufficient drainage and irrigation, Minister Mustapha said that the ministry will soon commence works to enhance the community’s drainage and irrigation systems. Following the outreach, officials from the NDIA visited the community and carried out a needs assessment of the works needed to bring relief to the community. Minister Mustapha further stated that the ministry is currently in the process of purchasing a number of machines to add to its fleet. This, he said, will improve the ministry’s ability to carry out much-needed drainage and irrigation works in several communities across the country.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha during his recent meeting with residents of Mocha, East Bank Demerara “There is a lot of work to be done and we need more machines to do these works. NDIA is in the process of procuring some more machines to improve our services. Since taking office, I’ve been meeting with farmers all across the country. NDIA has been moving machines around to different communities to assist with these works. In the case of Mocha, our officers had a follow up meeting to get an idea of what is urgent and we are currently moving machines around to have the works there completed,” Minister Mustapha said. The subject minister also said that he was

in possession of the needs assessment report and major works identified will be budgeted for in the 2021 National Budget. “Coming into office, I knew a lot of work had to be done. Although we were able to do some amount of work, we were not able to do as much as we hoped but rest assured, these projects will be catered for in the 2021 National Budget and other subsequent budgets. Our heads of departments have already started preparation for that,” Minister Mustapha said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Berbice’s highest-ranking female ‘cop’ retires –– after 35 years of dedicated service to the nation By Jeune Bailey Van Keric FROM a security guard to Superintendent of Police, Yonette Stephen has dedicated most of her life to the Guyana Police Force, an organisation, which motto is “Serve and Protect” she upheld, for 35 years. She leaves behind quite a resume. Stephen

Superintendent of Police, Yonette Stephen

served as detective, station sergeant, a Commandant (at the Felix Austin Training School at Adventure, Corentyne), Officer-in-Charge of Sub-Division One, and Commander. As Commander of Region Five, her territory encompassed some of the toughest districts in the West Berbice/Mahaica area. The journey through the years, like any other,

Stephen seated third from left at the Felix Austin Police College, Adventure, Corentyne, where she served as Administrative Sergeant and Commandant was not without many bumps, twists and turns, but, the former commander believes that her successful career was due to her commitment to her profession. “Looking back, I have no regrets. I must move on to make room for the subordinates,” she said. “I was always inclined to join the Force, having been a member of its youth club and attending the sporting activities… that motivated me… the yearly athletic activities with the Police Youth Club… it motivated me to join the Guyana Police Force,” Stephen told the Guyana Chronicle. A born and bred New Amsterdamer, “Mum Stephens” as she is fondly called by police ranks, recalled that at around the age of 16 years, she joined the now disbanded Guyana National Service, where she had participated in the Pioneer Corps Course One of 1984 and was one of the females who participated in the great walk from Papaya Centre in the Barima- Waini region, to Georgetown. “I would have gained a lot of strength as a woman during that walk.... it was that strength which propelled me through so many years as a police officer,” she related. Her strength and determination allowed her to accomplish things, few, if any, had accomplished before. Stephen would work her way up through every rank from Constable and culminated as Berbice’s lone female Superintendent, a position she had worked hard to achieve. During her tenure, she underwent training domestically and internationally, having attended the International Law Enforcement Academy in El Salvador, where she pursued studies in Human Rights. Other areas of study which influenced

her effectiveness as a police woman were domestic violence, child abuse, multiculturalism and diverse communities. “As I bow out, I would like to see policewomen be very much committed because at some point in time it will get tough; and they must be committed to ensure they survive. It’s important also that we have our family at our side. Establish good family relationship. Those are the persons who will make you feel lighter as they will ease some of the burdens you have. I have no regrets of having served the Guyana Police Force. I love how the organisation shaped me and I would like to encourage serving members, don’t chuck in easily but instead be committed. Be committed,” she said. Meanwhile, Divisional Commander, Jairam Ramlakhan, described the outgoing policewoman, as a great advocate for women and children, a talented lecturer and administrator at the Felix Austin Police College at Adventure, Corentyne, where she nurtured scores of recruits. “She was sharp drill instructor in her early days. I found her to be an enforcer of discipline… someone the public has regards for. We did the Junior Officers Course many years ago during which she made several excellent presentations which were noted by senior officers,” Commander Jairam noted. Stephen, a mother of four, including two who are members of the force, proceeded on pre-retirement leave on Monday. She plans to spend her retirement with her family, notably her mother, siblings, nieces and nephews, children and grandchildren. She will formally leave the Force on March 1, 2021.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Business competition at a ‘different level’

–– THAG President says new hotels targeting new markets

By Vishani Ragobeer WITH Guyana becoming quite the hub for investment, President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar, posited that the development of many new hotels is an essential part of catering to the business community travelling to Guyana. The Guyana Chronicle reported that a string of well-known hotels will be coming to Guyana. While this news may be exciting to some, many persons expressed concerns that the hospitality sector may become saturated quickly. But Ramkumar said that is

not the case. “Guyana is going to become an economic powerhouse and so hotel needs will grow significantly,” he posited, adding, “Guyana will attract a lot of business travellers and a lot of business people will prefer to stay with those hotel chains they know or are familiar with.” Last December, Guyana began oil production and this burgeoning sector has not only attracted investors in this sector, but also in all other sectors of the economy. Ramkumar highlighted that before the pandemic restricted travel, there were few hotels in Guyana to satisfy the demand necessitated by investors and other

business folks who were coming to Guyana. It is for this reason the THAG President emphasised that Guyana’s capacity and attractiveness as a travel destination will be boosted when there are more hotels available. Moreover, a key component of any investment is to conduct a feasibility analysis as a prerequisite, which will guide business decisions. Certain that these studies have been done, Ramkumar related that the investors would have realised that the market exists for these ‘high-end’ and ‘brand name’ hotels to establish themselves in Guyana. “I don’t believe the

small hotels will suffer (because of the entrance of these hotels) because if you look at where Guyana is looking to go in terms of every other infrastructural work planned- not just oil and gas- many people will come in and people will need rooms. “A lot of expatriates, investors and business people will come and these people usually go to brand name hotels. That is something the investors would’ve taken into account and it is a new market that will be born,” Ramkumar emphasised. He also explained that these newer hotels will be competing at a “different level” from many of the local hotels, in terms of

facilities offered, prices charged and the clientele they attract. Billions of dollars in hotel investments have been announced recently. Popular hotels which will be coming to Guyana include the Delta Marriott, Hilton, Radisson and the Hyatt. Additionally, many locals have begun investing as well, not wanting to miss out on the opportunity. Kerwin Bollers from Guyana’s own Hits and Jams Entertainment is one of the investors for the H-Towers Luxury Hotel, which will be housing the renowned Sheraton Hotel and the Element Hotel, both owned by the Marriott. This investment will be

President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar close to US$125 million, and construction is expected to commence at Providence, East Bank Demerara, in the first quarter of 2021. Palm Court, also, will soon be constructing a US$54 million (G$11B) mega Palm Court International Hotel on the outskirts of Georgetown, while King’s Guyana will be constructing a new US$10 million (G$2B) King’s Hotel.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Recaptured prison escapee on $100,000 bail A MAN who escaped during a riot at Camp Street Prison on Sunday, July 9, 2017, was, on Monday, November 30, 2020, placed on $100,000 bail by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs - Marcus. Shawn Collins, 24, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the ‘Escape from Lawful Custody’ charge. The charge alleged that Collins, on Sunday, July 9, 2017, at Camp Street, Georgetown, being in lawful custody at the Georgetown

Prison, pending a criminal trial, escaped from custody. Prosecutor Inniss informed the court that, on the day in question, Collins at the time was held captive at the Georgetown Prison when he, along with other inmates, went into an uproar, during which the prison was set on fire. A prison officer was murdered and several others were severely injured by the inmates. During the commotion, Collins and others took the opportunity to escape from the prison.

Subsequently, a manhunt was launched and they were all recaptured by Joint Service Operations. Further investigations were carried out that led to Collins being charged. Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus ordered that Collins report to the Station Sergeant at the Alberttown Police Station, every first Friday of each month, at 18:00 hours, until determination of the case. The matter was adjourned until Monday, December 21, 2020.

Man with illegal firearm, ammunition on $200,000 bail A MAN who was caught with an unlicenced firearm and several matching ammunition in his mother’s home, was, on Monday, November 30, 2020, placed on $200,000 bail by Magistrate Sherdel Marcus - Isaacs. Damien Naughton, 28, of First Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charges when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The charges alleged that Naughton, on Saturday, November 28, 2020, at James and Garnett Streets, Albouystown, Georgetown, had, in his possession, one 9mm Taurus pistol, when he was not the holder of a firearm licence in force at the time. He also, on the same day, and at the same place, had, in his possession, 16 rounds of 9mm when he was not the holder of a firearm licence in force at the time. Prosecutor Inniss informed the court that, on the day in question, Naughton’s

girlfriend made a report against him claiming that Naughton assaulted and pulled a firearm on her. As a result of the report made, the police, together with Naughton’s girlfriend, proceeded to Naughton’s mother’s home located at James and Garnett Streets, Albouystown. There, the police made contact with Naughton, who was home alone at the time. The police conducted a search on the premises and found the firearm and ammunition in a bedroom where the defendant was sleeping. Naughton was told of the allegation, to which he denied, and was charged for the offences. Magistrate Sherdel Marcus - Isaacs ordered that Naughton be placed on $100,000 bail for each charge and that he report to the station sergeant every first Friday of each month, at 18:00 hours until determination of cases. The matter was adjourned until Monday, December 21, 2020.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 2, 2020

UN labour chief China sets Wuhan moves ‘example’ for poverty eradication forward with (Xinhua )– CHINA’S achievements in eradicating severe poverty serve as an “example” for other countries, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has said. It is globally recognized that China’s performance over the last four decades in raising hundreds of millions of people out of poverty is “an unparalleled success”, ILO Director-General Guy Ryder told Xinhua in an interview. “The most important thing about the Chinese example is that China very consciously said that ‘eliminating poverty is the primary goal of our strategy,’” Ryder said. Combating poverty has been a primary concern for China, the first developing country to meet one of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals directed at poverty. In October, the World Bank warned that the

COVID-19 pandemic is estimated to push an additional 88 million to 115 million people worldwide into extreme poverty this year, with the total rising to as many as 150 million by 2021, depending on the severity of the economic contraction. “For the first time in very many years, levels of poverty in the world are actually increasing, and this is something we need to focus on right now in the recovery process,” the ILO head said. “If we don’t deliberately say the elimination of poverty is our top priority, we do run the risk of going backwards and not forwards,” he warned. The UN’s labor head also mentioned China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, which focused on a stronger domestic market, an improved economic structure and further innovation. “First, I think it’s good for the Chinese people,” Ry-

der said. “This is an obvious pathway to better lives, not just getting out of absolute poverty but also developing the quality of life.” “I also think this is going to help the global economy,” he added, explaining that the sheer “size of China’s market” and a “rebalancing of exports and imports” will give a “boost to the global economy,” which will “contribute to fighting poverty and hardship not only in China but across the globe.”

Noting China’s commitment to the organization and multilateralism in general, the ILO head voiced hope for further cooperation to brave the challenges arising from the pandemic. The Geneva-based ILO was established in 1919 and brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 member states to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men.

China’s Chang’e-5 successfully lands on moon to collect samples (CGTN) -- THE Chang’e-5 probe successfully landed on the near side of the moon, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced on Tuesday. With the space probe’s ascender on top, its lander made a touchdown at around 11:00 p.m. (Beijing Time), becoming China’s third probe that has successfully made a soft landing on the moon. It has sent back footage of the moment it landed. In the next two days, the lander will collect about two kilograms of lunar samples. The Chang’e-5 probe includes a lander, ascender, orbiter, and returner. After the spacecraft entered the circular lunar orbit 200 kilometers above the moon, the lander-and-ascender pair split, descended, and landed at the planned area on the moon. The lander will shovel some surface material and

Photo taken on Dec. 1, 2020 shows China’s Chang’e-5 spacecraft successfully lands on the near side of the moon.Photo: Xinhua also drill a two-meter-deep reflecting the present day. hole and scoop up the soil The samples will then be from inside it, which will act stored in the ascender, which like an archive of the moon, will lift off from the lunar with the bottom recording in- surface to transfer the moon formation from a billion years samples to the returner and ago and the top more closely orbiter waiting in the lunar

orbit. The unmanned rendezvous and docking in the lunar orbit will also be the first such task conducted by China. Then, at a proper time, the returner will separate from the orbiter and carry the samples back to Earth, which will finally land in North China’s Inner Mongolia. Once completed, the Chang’e-5 probe will become part of the world’s first unmanned sample return mission from the moon in 40 years, and will make China the third country in the world to bring back lunar samples, after the U.S. and the former Soviet Union. The Chang’e-5 probe was launched on the early morning of November 24. It’s one of China’s most complicated and challenging space missions so far, which will contribute to scientific studies in fields such as the formation and evolution of the moon.

cautiousness, hope

(Global Times) -- WEARING masks and staying at home more are habits that residents in Wuhan have cultivated during the past year. Carrying memories of pain, discrimination and slander caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, the city has struggled to heal itself and move forward with cautiousness and hope. It is the first time that I came to Wuhan since the city reported the first case of COVID-19 late last year. Here, mask-wearing and disinfectant can be seen everywhere, indoors or outdoors, despite the fact that China has basically contained the

A woman and her son watch light show in Wuhan on September 30. Photo: Xinhua virus. Taxi drivers told me they would disinfect their cars every day, wear masks all the time in service and some of them even have protective suits at trunk. Food markets in Wuhan are still implementing strict anti-epidemic measures which require visitors to show their health code, travel history and body temperature. Meanwhile, students are told to stay at schools if there is no urgent situation. At a residential community, I saw a group of elderly people playing mahjong with joy, but all of them wore masks. A Belgian, named Davis, who owns a popular bar, admitted that he still lost 15 percent of customers till now as local residents prefer to stay at home rather than going outside and gathering together. Local restaurants are cautious as they continue to providing customers with disposable paper bowls. “Wuhan people don’t eat bats,” said local residents rejecting the accusation the virus was caused by people who ate wild animals. “I could still recall all those days when I was discriminated and defamed, but I learned to let it go and move forward,” a local resident, who had contracted the virus, told the Global Times. Although the city is still facing problems of dampened economy and closed business, all I can feel is that people here had never given up. We will always stay with our hometown, they say.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 2, 2020

The Rupununi Christmas Fair – 11 Years On

THE Rupununi Christmas Fair (RCF) started from a simple idea in December 2010 by a British VSO (Voluntary Services Overseas) volunteer food technologist, Behi Barzegar, attached to Conservation International, Guyana (CIG), whose placement objectives included promoting food preservation skills among women’s groups in the Rupununi with the aim of developing these skills into forms of income generation. Visits to the member communities of the Kanuku Mountains Community Representative Group (KMCRG) revealed that such skills already existed in geographical pockets in the region through individuals or groups with a rich knowledge of tropical fruits and vegetables and enthusiasm to research, experiment and produce a wide variety of products. The Kanuku Mountains Community Representative Group (KMCRG) is a group of eleven Amerindian (Wapishana and Macushi) villages and ten satellite communities located around the Kanuku Mountains Protected Area (KMPA). KMCRG has been active since 2003 when it was involved, together with Conservation International Guyana (CI-Guyana) and other stakeholders, in the delineation and management planning processes for the KMPA. KMCRG then continued to be a key stakeholder in the implementation of the KMPA management plan. To this end, they were keen to partner with CI-Guyana to start a Christmas Fair to meet the following objectives; * To encourage and promote the use of techniques and skills that help preserve locally available fruits, vegetables, meat & dairy products * To reduce wastage of fruits and vegetables abundant in the region, * To promote improved quality, mar-

keting, presentation, packaging and labelling; * To encourage product innovation, * To promote positive attitudes to nutrition. * To draw the attention of state and private sector to the natural resources available in the Rupununi, * To facilitate the steps towards utilization of these resources in ways that will help the local and national economy. The First Christmas “Food Fair” was held at the Lethem Market, where individuals and groups from the Rupununi were invited to have on display, and for purchase, a wide range of products from: juices, dried and crystallised fruits, to fruit leathers, fruit cheeses, jams, marmalades and jellies, achar, pepper sauce, farine and cassava bread, cured and dried meats as well as dairy products. One of the conditions for taking part was that products must be prepared from produce grown in the Rupununi. At the time of the first Fair, there were very few food processors in the region. Others were struggling to take initial steps to prepare for registration for commercial production under the requirements of the Food and Drugs Dept. It was envisaged that the Christmas Food Fair will provide the platform for launching a strategic development plan for agro-processing in the Rupununi. Over the years, the Rupununi Christmas Fair, as it is now known, has been firmly established as a local tradition. Participants travel from all over the Region to showcase a variety of festive gift ideas, including locally made handicrafts, jewellery, cosmetics, soaps and natural products, as well as a fuller range of deliciously made foods and beverages. In recent years another feature has been added where special gifts are distributed to children by a local Santa Claus. This new

RDC Chairman for Region Nine, Bryan Allicock and former Executive Director of CI-Guyana, Dr. David Singh, inspecting craft items at Christmas Fair 2017

Judges inspecting produce at the Christmas Fair 2019 addition has proven to be a much-anticipated and enjoyable activity for the families at Christmas time. Through a unique feature of prizes and award, the Fair has been responsible for encouraging enterprising activities and motivating participants to continue to develop their skills and to market their products by receiving a prize in the form of tools or pieces of equipment relevant to their craft. The Fair has been responsible for awards, completely free of cost to the participants - including attendance of workshops at the Carnegie School of Home Economics; workshops in management and administration in Georgetown; participation at Guy Expo and attendance of the Honey Expo in Georgetown. In preparation for the Fair, participants are provided with technical and financial support to ensure improved labelling and presentation of items. Transportation and accommodation are also provided for persons traveling from KMPA communities outside of Lethem. As we reflect on the journey over the past eleven (11) years, the successful hosting of this event would not have been possible without partnerships. The KMCRG continues to provide leadership and coordination for each year’s event by spearheading a Regional Organising Committee comprising of representatives from CI-Guyana, Regional Democratic Council, NAREI, Department of Education, Rupununi Chamber of Commerce, Visit Rupununi, Protected Areas Commission (PAC) and others. With the formal establishment of the PAC in 2012 and its subsequent responsibility for the implementation of the KMPA Management Plan, the KMCRG became a key partner in the administration and man-

agement of the protected area. For the past four consecutive years, the PAC has been the main sponsor of the event, providing technical and financial support. This event, which is cross-cutting across tourism and agriculture sector, is supported by a growing number of international, national, regional and local donors. Behind this development is the underlying knowledge, supported by firsthand experience of participants, that in successive years of practice, the RCF has grown without compromising its basic values of integrity and respect for community spirit and family togetherness, as well as and being careful not to allow the entertainment elements to overshadow the fundamental objectives of this Fair which are to provide access to market, generate income, and, hopefully, lead to enterprise development for the hinterland communities in the Rupununi. Sadly this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this annual activity will not be held, however, we encourage you to continue to support these local communities as we seek to improve local economies. We also take this opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Mr. George Tancredo, a legendary Balata artisan whose products have been one of the main attractions at the Christmas Fair. We continue to keep his wife and family in our thoughts even as they grieve his recent passing. May the beauty of his craft and commitment to his trade be an inspiration for us all. This article was prepared by the Protected Areas Commission in collaboration with the Kanuku Mountains Community Representative Group (KMCRG) and Conservation International (CI-Guyana).

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 2, 2020

GTT awards bursaries to 17 NGSA pupils THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has awarded 17 bursaries to children of its staff who excelled at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). According to a release, the company, on Monday, hosted a three-part handover ceremony at its Brickdam, Head Office location. “Every year we award bursaries to children of our employees and every year the number increases. It is a proud moment for GTT and we are happy to give back to our team,” said PR Manager,

Jasmin Harris. “We also look forward to investing in their future on a continuing basis. Once they maintain a 65 per cent annual pass rate, GTT will continue to gift these 17 students every school year,” Harris added. Parents of those awarded welcomed the yearly initiative and dubbed it as an impetus for their children to maintain good grades throughout their secondary school life. GTT is one of the largest employers in Guyana, the release said.

Human Resource Manager, Sharon Davenport (centre), along with Bursary Award beneficiaries and their parents

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Eight detained in connection with Bisram robbery EIGHT persons have been detained for questioning into the robbery on Marcus Bisram and his relatives on Sunday evening at his Number 71 Village, East Berbice, Corentyne residence. Regional Commander, Jairam Ramlakhan, told the Guyana Chronicle that police are working on every angle to locate the perpetrators. Among the eight detained include an ex-police officer who reportedly provided security services for Bisram in the past. According to the police, between 18:30hrs and 18:45 hrs on Sunday, four men, armed with guns and a cutlass, visited the home of Bisram and attacked him and his relatives. They subsequently carted Marcus Bisram off $5 million in cash, cellphones and a quantity of jewellery. Police disclosed that the victims were all having a family get together when the suspects, all wearing masks, came into the yard and held them against their will. One of the suspects, who was armed with a cutlass, struck Marcus Bisram with it on the forehead and relieved him of two gold bands valued $2.8 million, one gold chain valued $1.4 million, 5 million in cash, US$2000 and six debit cards. Ten relatives of Bisram were relieved of their cellphones, cash and valuables. During the ordeal, a 24-four-year relative was beaten with a cutlass and a two-year-old was held at gunpoint as the bandits made their demands. Bisram recalled he was joined by about 15 relatives in his yard, where they were conversing and having a casual family time; something they would do often, when the armed men ran into the yard and pointed guns at Bisram and his relatives, demanding cash and other items. “They came in and said ‘don’t move’, and they relieved everyone of their cellphones and then they direct all of us to go into the house where they took every one of their jewellery,” said Bisram. The Guyana Chronicle was told that the bandits made good their escape on motorcycles that were reportedly parked a short distance away from the crime scene. The police, when contacted, arrived promptly at the scene of the robbery but the robbers had already made good their escape.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Toll free counselling hotli THE Health Ministry has launched ‘Safe Space’, a 24-hour hotline to provide counselling services to people suffering from mental illness. The initiative is a collaboration between the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) Com-

pany and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). It aims to provide access to support for persons who are unable to have face-to-face interactions. PAHO donated three cellular phones to the initiative while GTT facilitated the toll-free hotline.

Speaking at the launch, Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, said providing a safe space for vulnerable people is a step in the right direction. “People have various challenges. Whether it’s health challenges, whether it’s isolation during COVID, and there are so

many other things that can affect people. But if they can reach out, and can get a soothing voice, a voice of reason who can help them to walk through the emotions they face or are currently feeling, to be able to help them in that way, to give them some objectives,

give them some hope, then by doing this, you really would be saving someone’s life.” Dr. Anthony expressed gratitude to the telecommunications company for always assisting. Dr. Util Richmond-Thomas, Direc-

tor of the Mental Health Unit, underscored the minister’s sentiments. “Given the worldwide historical neglect and underfunding of mental health, and the mismatch for the need for services compared to the actual provision of it, and given the health emergency of

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 2, 2020

ine launched the COVID-19 pandemic, it is expected that the need for mental health and psychosocial support services will increase in the coming months and years,” she said. Meanwhile, GTT Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Justin Nedd, said the initiative is part of

the company’s corporate social responsibility as he believes it is the company’s role “to make Guyana a better place”. PAHO representative, Karen Roberts, said e-counselling has been in the pipelines for quite some time, but was brought to the front burn-

er earlier this year as the organisation recognised the dire need for mental health support during the pandemic. If you or a loved one is struggling, call 655 7233 (655-safe) for help. The hotline is accessible to everyone free of cost. (DPI)

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony and GTT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Justin Nedd, at the launch, on Tuesday, of ‘Safe Space’, a 24-hour hotline (DPI photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 2, 2020

PAHO to launch 16-country climate change and health project A NEW project to reduce death and disease from expected health consequences of climate change in 16 Caribbean countries is being kicked off December 1 by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and other partners, with the aim of bolstering health systems to withstand climate threats. The beneficiary countries of the project, which is funded by the European Union, are Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, The Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Ja-

maica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. The Strengthening Climate Resilient Health Systems Project will be officially launched on Tuesday, December 1 at 16:00 hrs in a virtual ceremony via zoom. The keynote address, “Placing climate change and health at the forefront of national policies” will be delivered by the Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica. PAHO Director, Dr Carissa Etienne, will speak on

health and climate change in the Caribbean, and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Barbados, The Eastern Caribbean States, OECS and CARICOM/ CARIFORUM, Malgorzata Wasilewska, as well as Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, CARICOM Secretary-General, are scheduled to address the forum. Regional approaches to climate change and health and opportunities to engage across the Americas will be highlighted by Alexandra Moreira, Secretary General of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation (ACTO) and

Dr Vinicio Cerezo, General Secretary, Central American Integration System (SICA). The project also includes linkages to the environmental determinants of health and COVID-19 prevention and control. The impact of COVID-19 has been a stark reminder of how the relationships between humans and the environment can radically influence health and economic outcomes. Climate change, like COVID-19, is a reminder that failure to take preventive measures related to human health and well-being can have far-reaching outcomes across societies. Over the next five years, the 16 Caribbean states will benefit from the project to bolster their communities and health systems to withstand the impacts from climate change, thanks to the collaboration of a network of sub-regional implementing

partners. Project partners include the Caribbean Community, the Caribbean Public Health Agency, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology and the University of the West Indies (UWI), as well as United Nations organisations and youth, environment and health civil society organisations. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, the project will contribute to reduced mortality and morbidity from expected health consequences of climate change in Caribbean countries. The goal is the coordination of novel climate and health activities. “This project emphasises the strengthening of national

and sub-regional technical capacities for the preparation, management and implementation of multi-country projects related to health and climate change, aiming to increase the climate resilience of health systems to better prepare and respond to climate threats. Specifically, it includes the promotion of tools to measure health co-benefits related to mitigation, inclusion of support for health national adaptation planning, early warning systems, monitoring of key environmental determinants of health and furthering climate change and health leadership programmes,” explained Dr Jonathan Drewry, PAHO Climate Change and Health Adviser and project manager.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 2, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 2, 2020

WTC ‘extremely significant’ for West Indies, says Phil Simmons HEAD coach Phil Simmons has described the World Test Championship (WTC) as “extremely significant” for West Indies in the lead-up to the first game against New Zealand at Seddon Park. West Indies are currently third from bottom on the WTC standings with a solitary win from five matches. In their most recent Test series in England, they lost 2-1 after winning the series-opener in Southampton. “It’s extremely significant,” Simmons said of the WTC. “I think it’s a format that we haven’t done well in for a long time and we’re

trying to get ourselves back into the higher ends of the table where Test cricket is concerned, and because of that initially we want to do that in the Test Championship but at the same time we want to be winners in Test cricket itself. So, it’s important for us.” Simmons reckoned that the 2-0 loss in the T20I series, which ended on Monday, would not impact the team’s preparations and performances in the upcoming Test series. Members of the Test squad have already had two workouts against New Zealand A in Queenstown last month.

While Darren Bravo made a century in the first tour game, it was Kraigg Brathwaite who led the visitors’ batting in the second with a career-best 246, spending over nine hours in the middle. Bravo fell nine short of another hundred in the second fixture. West Indies Test captain Jason Holder also came out of quarantine, scoring 24 and picking up 1 for 45. “The T20s and Tests are different,” Simmons said. “The Test team have done well in Queenstown and have enjoyed a tough four-day game. They are now coming into the Test

series with some confidence especially the batsmen who haven’t had that for a while. “So, I think the Test team is in a good place. Disappointed with the T20s, but moving onto the Test series now. “I think it was a good thing we had to do 14 days (of quarantine) in which we practised and then we had a three-day and four-day games. Some of the young players who haven’t been here have gotten a little bit accustomed to Test-cricket conditions here which, I think, is going to be similar from where we were to here. “I think they will offer a

lot of mental strength having gone through the period that we went through there. We are going to push hard for them to put up the score they put up in the last four-day game.” So what are West Indies looking to take out of the Test series against New Zealand, who are formidable in their home conditions? “Our aim is always to do well,” Simmons said. Our aim is always to win cricket matches and I think that’s our aim in both the A team and CWI XI games and Test matches. Our aim is to play cricket so that we can win each game.” (ESPN Cricinfo)

Maradona’s shirt is not for sale, says Hodge

― ‘I have had it for 34 years and have never once tried to sell it,’ says former England midfielder LONDON (Reuters) - Former England midfielder Steve Hodge says he has spent a week fending off potential buyers for the shirt worn by Diego Maradona in the infamous 1986 World Cup quarter-final but insists it is not for sale. Hodge, 58, swapped shirts with Maradona after England’s 2-1 defeat in Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium, the match in which Maradona scored his so-called ‘Hand of God’ goal before also scoring

one of the best ever seen at a World Cup. The iconic player ’s death last week, aged 60, has created a frenzy of interest in the shirt, which belongs to Hodge but resides in England’s National Football Museum in Manchester, and an American sports memorabilia expert said it could be available for $2M. Hodge, however, has disappointing news for anyone thinking of making him an offer.

“I have had it for 34 years and have never once tried to sell it,” Hodge told BBC Radio Nottingham. “I like having it. It has incredible sentimental value. “I’ve had people knocking on my door non-stop and the phone’s constantly ringing from every TV and radio station, and even foreign stations. “It has been uncomfortable and it hasn’t been nice. There has been a bit of flak flying around saying I wanted

a million or two million and am hawking it around for money. I find it disrespectful and totally wrong. It’s not for sale.” It was Hodge’s wayward aerial flick that Maradona chased before using his hand to push the ball past England keeper Peter Shilton. He was also one of the England players left trailing as Maradona slalomed through to make it 2-0. “I have to say I have never once blamed him for the

handball. Not once,” Hodge added. “It was out of order but people who play football know that you try things now and again. “A striker will normally slow down with a big keeper coming out thinking he might get hurt, but Maradona didn’t. The bravery to take on a 6-feet-1-inch keeper when he was 5 feet 5 inches showed he didn’t give a damn. He was as brave as a lion.”

Olympic rings illuminated upon return to Tokyo Bay By Jack Tarrant

TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) - The Olympic rings monument was reinstalled in Tokyo Bay yesterday, after being removed in August, as organisers ramp up preparations for next year’s postponed Summer Games. The rings were later illuminated and the neighbouring Rainbow Bridge lit up in a

multi-coloured display, as organisers looked to provide a symbol that the rearranged Games can go ahead safely next year. However, the return of the monument, which stands 15.3m tall and 32.6m wide and was originally installed in January, was overshadowed by requests from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government that entertainment establish-

ments and restaurants close at 22:00hrs JST until December 17. Because of this, following the rings’ brief illumination yesterday, they will go dark until the restrictions are lifted. However, the return of the rings should send a signal that the Games are indeed getting closer, Tokyo metropolitan government planning director Atsushi Yanashimizu told Reuters.

“Since the symbol is here, we want Tokyo residents and also internationally to feel that the Games are coming very soon,” Yanashimizu said. “Also, we want everyone to feel we will have the Tokyo 2020 Games definitely next year.” The monument will remain in place next to Rainbow Bridge until the Olympics finish in August before being replaced with the

Paralympics logo. The Olympics were pushed back by a year in March because of the novel coronavirus pandemic and organisers have yet to provide a figure for how much the postponement will cost. O n M o n d a y, K y o d o News reported that organisers estimated the cost of COVID-19 countermeasures for the Games would run to around 100 billion yen ($960 million) [M1L1N2IG05M].

SYDNEY, Australia, (CMC) – West Indies Test captain Jason Holder has signed up with Sydney Sixers for a three-game cameo in the Big Bash League which bowls off next week, marking his first stint in the glitzy Australian T20 tournament. The 29-year-old all-rounder, currently on tour of New Zealand with West Indies, will feature between December 2029 following the conclusion of the two-Test series against the Black Caps. “I’m really excited to be coming to the BBL and the Sydney Sixers,” said Holder, who captains Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League and led them to the title two years ago. “I’ve wanted to for a few years now and this year I have the opportunity to come in and make some appearances and hopefully do a bit for the

Sixers.” With the move, Holder joins fellow Barbadian and out-of-favour Windies all-rounder, Carlos Brathwaite, who recently inked a deal with Sixers. Holder and Brathwaite are two of four West Indies players set to turn out in the December 10 to February 6 Big Bash, with left-hander Nicholas Pooran down to represent Melbourne Stars and Keemo Paul set for a spell with Hobart Hurricanes. Pooran and Paul are also part of the current West Indies touring party in New Zealand and like Holder, will not be subjected to quarantine on arrival in Australia due to the establishment of the Trans-Tasman travel bubble. Holder has not been a regular face on the international T20 franchise circuit but shone

for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League which ended last month, after being a late call up for the injured Australian Mitchell Marsh. He snatched 14 wickets from seven matches with his deceptive fast medium at an average of 16.64 and an economy rate of 8.32, and also played a couple of handy innings with the bat, to put Sunrisers in the semi-final against Delhi Capitals before they bowed out. Holder has played only 17 Twenty20 Internationals for West Indies and was not considered for the recent threematch series against New Zealand because selectors wanted to preserve his focus for the Test series starting December 3 in Hamilton. The second Test is carded for the historic Basin Reserve in Wellington eight days later.

GOA donates $50 000 and COVID-19 essentials to affiliates Holder set for maiden appearance in Big Bash

IN an effort to lend support to its members, Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), yesterday handed over $50 000, along with healthcare supplies to several sports associations. At the GOA’s Liliendaal location, face masks, hand sanitisers and thermometer guns were distributed, as the association’s long-serving president, K. Juman-Yassin pointed out that the officials are “cognizant of the fact that sports has returned and we wanted to be able to help it to commence in a safe manner.” Following November’s COVID-19 Task Force restrictions which paved the way for the return of non-contact sports, cycling, bodybuilding, cricket and athletics were the few to have staged events, while an ‘okay’ was given for Guyana’s Olympic boxing hopefuls to return to training. Meanwhile, Yassin was not too happy in seeing only six - bodybuilding, boxing, cycling, track and field, volleyball and weightlifting - of the almost 20-affiliated sports associations present at yesterday’s presentation event. Vice-president of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Amanda Hermonstine, along with president of Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle, on behalf of the associations, thanked GOA for what was a timely donation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 2, 2020

GCB Tropical Spring T20 Over 40 Tournament …

WD Masters continue sizzling form as tourney approaches finals

WEST Demerara Masters continued their hot form as they secured another win when round 5 of the GCB Tropical Spring T20 Over-40 Tournament ended Monday. Over at Everest Cricket Club ground, on Camp Street Georgetown, West Demerara (WD) Masters and Sand Pipers Masters got off to a late start, due to the inclement weather, which affected the suitability of play in the outfield prior to 15:30hrs. Both teams were eager to get involved in onfield action, and when play was called at 1530hrs, it was Sand Pipers who were tasked with the responsibility of setting a victory target for their opponents. However, their task appeared not to be as easy as Sand Pipers may have previously thought, as they. lost their first 2 wickets in as many overs. Nevertheless, number 3 batsman, Bhupendra Deokie stroke 20, which included 2 fours and 1 six to help Sand Pipers post 60 all out off 11.4

of their revised allotment of 12 overs. Bowling for WD Masters, Saenaraine Mathura claimed 2 for 5 from 2 overs and Sudesh Persaud 2 for 15 from 2.4 overs.. In reply, WD Masters reached their victory target off 10.4 of their allotted 12 overs, as they paced themselves to 62 for 7. Seenarine Mathura was run-out for 13, while Patrick Khan and Ganesh Persaud were unbeaten on 12 and 7 respectively. Bowling for Sand Pipers, Parmanand Deokie grabbed 2 for 5 from 3 overs, Ryan Mangah 2 for 6 from 2 overs and Nandkrishna Ram 2 for 19 from 3 overs. Earlier at the Everest ground, the match between Everest Masters and RUBiS Bel-Air Ultra Tec was abandoned, due to unsuitable outfield conditions caused by rainfall during the morning hours. Over at Enmore Community Centre ground, Regal Masters gained a walkover from WD Mavericks, while RP Construction Legends

Female referee for Champions League match (REUTERS) - France’s Stephanie Frappart will become the first female official to take charge of a men’s Champions League football game when Juventus host Dynamo Kyiv today.

Amiens played Strasbourg in April last year. She oversaw her first Europa League game in October when Leicester City hosted Zorya Luhansk. Switzerland’s Nicole Pe-

Referee Stephanie Frappart during the Europa League match between Leicester City v FC Zorya Luhansk, October 22, 2020 (Reuters)

Frappart, who turns 37 next month, was the first female referee to officiate in a major UEFA competition match when Liverpool played Chelsea in the Super Cup in Istanbul last year. She also officiated the 2019 Women’s World Cup final between the United States and Netherlands and became the first female referee to take charge of a French Ligue 1 match when

tignat was the first female referee to officiate in UEFA matches when she was put in charge of three UEFA Cup qualifying-round games between 2004 and 2009. Juventus, who have already qualified for the last 16, are second in Group G with nine points from four games, eight points clear of Dynamo Kyiv and three behind Barcelona, who face Ferencvaros today.

were rewarded showing up by obtaining walkover points from KV Construction. The 6th and penultimate round in the “preliminary” round of matches of GCB Tropical Spring T20 Over 40 Tournament will

be played at Everest and Enmore venues today. At Everest ground, Everest Masters will be at home to KV Construction Masters from 09:0hrs, while Sand Pipers will battle with WD Mavericks from 13:45hrs.

The Enmore ground will have Regal Masters oppose WD Masters in the first encounter of the day, from 09:30 hrs, and RP Construction Legends will compete against RUBiS Bel-Air Ultra Tec. The current point stand-

ing for the tournament is as follows: R e g a l M a s t e r s : 11 points, West Demerara Mavericks 10 points, RP Construction Legends 10 points, Bel Air RUBiS Ultra Tec: 6 points.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Dozens of cricketers to benefit from $1.5M BCB /Clayton Lambert Gear Project â€Ś BCB assists clubs with face masks as part of COVID-19 response

DOZENS of youth cricketers in the Ancient County would shortly be benefitting from over $1.5M worth of cricket gear as the Hilbert Foster-led Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) continues its aggressive campaign to develop the game at the junior level. The donation is to be done under the joint BCB/ Clayton Lambert Gear Project and over 60 youths are expected to benefit in the

largest ever distribution of gear to be done by a county board in Guyana to youth cricketers. BCB president Hilbert Foster, who since his election in 2018 has spearheaded an effort to assist less fortunate and promising cricketers to fulfil their potential on and off the cricket field, stated that the items are expected in the country by December 10 and the distribution would start soon after.

Among the gear to be shared are junior bats, senior bats, batting pads, wicket-keeping gloves, wicket-keeping pads, helmets, thigh pads, forehand guard and bat rubber. A special donation would be made to the Berbice River Cricket Association as the BCB strives to develop the game in the remote area. Foster stated that in 2021 at least two cricket tournaments at the T20 and 40

overs will be held for the four teams in the area. A combined riverine team would also participate in the BCB historic semi-professional league fixed for middle next year.

Young Warriors, Kendall Union. Albion, RHTYSC, Port Mourant, No 73, Rama Krishna and Scottsburg. BCB would also select some youths based on the recommendation of senior

missions of names is the December 7. At the end of the project, the BCB would have assisted close to 300 youths with cricket gear or bicycles over the last 30 months.

Representatives of some of the clubs pose with the masks after the presentation

Some of the gear to be distributed under the BCB/Clayton Lambert Programme

In an effort to distribute the gear in a transparent way, the board would be very grateful if the following clubs who have junior teams submit names of players who should benefit. Edinburgh, East Bank Blazers and Guymine have to submit four names while two names are expected from Paradise, Bush Lot United, Bush Lot Rising Star, Bath, Achievers, Blairmont, Tucber Park, Mt Sinai, Rose Hall Canje,

coach Winston Smith who has been conducting coaching sessions across the county. The board has set guidelines for the submission of the players to benefit. Players have to be between the Under-13 and Under-17 levels, must be disciplined, must have a good attendance grade in school, be from a less fortunate background and must not have received assistance during the year. Deadline for the sub-

Lambert ,who played five Test matches for the West Indies, stated that he was delighted to work along with his county board as he was very impressed with the progress being made under Fosterâ€™s leadership and that this was just the first of several shipment of gear that would be sent to Berbice. He recalled that he did not have his own bat until he scored his first regional century against Leeward Islands at Albion in 1984. He scored it using a bat lent to him by team mate Clyde Butts and Lambert stated that he wanted to assist others to fulfil their dream to play at the highest level. Meanwhile BCB recently handed out close to 1 000 face masks to several clubs during a special meeting at Albion ground as part of its COVID-19 response programme. Among the clubs that received the face masks were Albion, PortMourant, Chesney, Police, Edinburgh, Rose Hall Canje, Ramnarine Memorial, Kendall Union, Tucber Park, Achievers, No 73, No 69 Vikings and the University of Guyana Tain Campus. The masks were donated by cricketer Ishwar Singh of Ishwar Guybiz Est. BCB, over the nine months, has shared out thousands of food hampers and distributed hundreds of educational posters as part of its COVID-19 response.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Hamilton ‘gutted’ after positive COVID-19 test By Abhishek Takle

MANAMA, Bahrain (Reuters) - Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton said he was devastated after testing positive for COVID-19 and being ruled out of Sunday’s penultimate race of the season in Bahrain. It will be the first time the 35-year-old Mercedes driver has missed a race in an F1 career that started with McLaren in 2007. The sport’s most successful driver of all-time, with a record 95 wins and 98 pole positions, said on social media that he had tested negative three times in the past week but woke up on Monday with mild symptoms. The Briton said he then requested another test which came back positive and he immediately started a 10day self-isolation, ruling out the Sakhir Grand Prix and raising doubts about the Abu Dhabi finale on the following weekend. “I’m gutted not to be able to race this weekend but my priority is to follow the protocols and advice to protect others,” he said. “I’m really lucky that I feel OK with only mild symptoms and will do my best to stay fit and healthy.” Hamilton said he and his team had taken all possible precautions and followed all regulations to stay safe since the season started. Mercedes said he tested negative at the circuit on Sunday afternoon but he

had been informed on Monday that “a contact prior to arrival in Bahrain had subsequently tested positive.” The Briton wrapped up his record-equalling seventh title in Turkey last month and picked up his 11th win of the season in Bahrain on Sunday. Mercedes have already won the constructors’ title for an unprecedented seventh year in a row.

fly to Bahrain even before Hamilton’s positive result, and Mexican Esteban Gutierrez are the team’s reserve drivers. Briton George Russell, who races for Mercedes-powered Williams, is also on their books. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said in October that every precaution was being taken to shield Hamilton and

Lewis Hamilton (left) won the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday, his 11th race win of the season

Hamilton will not now be able to match the record for the most wins in a single season. Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel share that mark with 13. Hamilton was also on a record run of 48 successive points finishes and has started 265 races in a row. REPLACEMENT DRIVER Mercedes said they would announce a replacement driver for Sakhir in due course. Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne, who races for the Mercedes Formula E team and had been scheduled to

team mate Valtteri Bottas from the pandemic, with internal debriefs and engineering meetings taking place via video call. Hamilton has stayed in his motorhome at most circuits, with races confined to Europe before the final Middle Eastern triple-header, and returning to Monaco afterwards where physio Angela Cullen forms part of his protective ‘bubble’. He posted video on Instagram on November 22, a week after winning the title, of himself playing tennis with father Anthony, however. Formula One has seen

IPL’s Knight Riders buy stake in U.S.-based Major League Cricket MUMBAI, India (Reuters) - Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), co-owned by popular Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, has picked up a stake in the city-based Major League Cricket in the United States, the Twenty20 league has said. The inaugural season of MLC, featuring six franchises, is expected to commence in 2022. It will be the third T20 league to see the involvement of the Knight Riders Group, which also owns the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The Trinbago Knight Riders won their fourth CPL title in the last six seasons during an unbeat-

en championship in 2020, while KKR have won two IPL titles.

statement. “We are convinced that Major League

KKR were led by England captain Eoin Morgan in this year’s IPL

“For several years now, we have been expanding the Knight Riders brand globally and closely watching the potential for T20 cricket in the USA,” Khan said in a

Cricket has all the pieces in place to execute on its plans and we look forward to making our partnership an enormous success in the coming years.”

a clutch of high-profile COVID-19 cases, with Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley testing positive last week and Williams acting team principal Simon Roberts missing the Turkish Grand Prix. Both Racing Point drivers,

Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll, and team owner Lawrence Stroll tested positive earlier in the year. Formula One started a shortened 17-race season in July after the Australian opener in March was cancelled when a McLaren employee

tested positive. The sport has strict rules in place to try to keep the novel coronavirus at bay. Personnel cannot access the paddock without a negative result and are tested every five days. Teams also do their own tests.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 2, 2020

GTTA awaits approval for ‘Restart Competition’

THE time draws near for the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) to attempt to integrate the sport with the new COVID-19 guidelines. The tournament which was originally scheduled to begin on November 27 was pushed forward close to a week ago but no clear date has been given for the commencement. Speaking with General Secretary of the Association, Linden Johnson, the solidity on a date has not been set since they await the approval from the National COVID-19 Task Force and consent from the venue they requested for the event. The organisers have expressed their interest in hosting the ‘Restart Competition’ at the Malteenoes Sport Club (MSC), a venue which had already been used for numerous GTTA activities in the past. However, since the regular venue, Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), is still under lockdown there will

be a shortage of space at MSC which would allow only two tables to be in operation for the scheduled three-day tournament.

focus will have to be shifted to December 18. On the participation aspect, Johnson said, once all systems fall into place they

guidelines that surround the hosting of the event in the pandemic. Since the halt of their calendar of events earlier in

GTTA general secretary Linden Johnson

According to Johnson, once they receive approval from the Task Force with ample time to prepare, they will be more assertive in setting a date. They have been keeping their fingers crossed to commence on December 11 but if that does not go according to plan, then their

The Cliff Anderson Sports Hall remains a ‘lockdown’ site

will be able to invite the players listed for participation. There is also a fail safe protocol in place to replace

Priyanna Ramdhani cop top academic, athletic awards in Canada THE Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) recently celebrated the achievements of Guyana’s & Olds College Canada Top Badminton Player, Priyanna Ramdhani, for being the recipient of two major Awards for the Activity Year 2019/2020. The first award was the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association’s National Scholar Award in recognition of Excellence in Academics & Athletics. The second was the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference Academic Athletic Award in recognition of a High Standard of Academics

those athletes who do not feel comfortable to compete in the current conditions. While the association’s focus is mainly on the health

Achievement Combined with an Extraordinary Level of Participation in Post-Secondary Athletics. The national women’s champ has fully demonstrated that success in sports and academics can be done simultaneously. Priyanna’s only one and a half year in her Scholarship Programme at the Olds College in Olds Alberta Canada has achieved: AB Canada Current Olds College Ranking No.1 AB Canada Current ACAC, No.2 Canada Current CCAA National Ranking, No.4 ACAC All Conference Award (AB Canada) 2020,

C C A A N a t i o n a l S c h o lar Award (AB Canada) 2019/2020, ACAC Academic Athletic Award (AB Canada) 2019/2020, Rookie-ofthe-Year Olds College (AB Canada) 2019/2020, 4 Times Athlete-of-the-Week Olds College (AB Canada) 20192020, to name a few.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Wednesday, December 02, 2020

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) Courtney Walsh-13/55 (Wellington, 1995) (2) Richard Hadlee-11/102 (Dunedin, 1980)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Which WI wicketkeeper has effected most dismissals against NZ in Tests to date? (2) Which NZ wicketkeeper has effected most dismissals in WI/NZ Tests to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

Priyanna Ramdhani

and safety of the athletes who have shown the intent to participate, they also want to completely obey the

the year, the association has taken it upon themselves to also implement the International Table Tennis Federa-

tion’s (ITTF) guidelines in their efforts to get the ball rolling. This will be added to a customary period to allow for sanitising of the playing area after each match, so space and time would have to be allowed between matches and for players to prepare. They will also be inviting players to play at scheduled times to help alleviate the spread of the disease. Hence, the format, which will see Men’s Top 16 Duels among the nation’s top 16 players who competed at the 2020 edition of the Senior National Championships, while the Boys’ competition will also include the top 16 juniors. For the Girls’ aspect, it will be a battle between the top eight junior females, while the Senior Females will be an open battle among the active local players. Johnson also disclosed that all the matches will be live-streamed to keep table tennis athletes and supporters, safe and satisfied.

Fans return to English grounds, but told not to celebrate goals too much

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Fans will return to English Football League grounds today with several clubs opening their doors to limited numbers, but the match-day experience will be far from what they are used to. They will be greeted by one-way systems, temperature checks, strict entry times and minimal catering facilities while goal celebrations must be restrained. Championship (second tier) clubs Luton Town and Wycombe Wanderers will signal the end of England’s national lockdown as they host Norwich City and Stoke City respectively. Apart from a few pilot test events at some EFL fixtures in September, allowing 1 000 fans, England’s soccer stadiums have sat silent since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in March. Luton and Wycombe are both in Tier 2 areas of the country, which under government guidelines means attendances of up to 2 000 are allowed at outdoor sporting events. While it is a step towards sporting normality, the old routine of meeting with a bunch of mates for a pint and

meal, then dashing into the ground five minutes before kickoff will be impossible under strict guidelines. Luton have limited their attendance to 1 000 ‘ambassadors’ selected from season ticket holders of at least 10 years. “As with everything in our daily lives during 2020, all Hatters should understand that the matchday experience will be very different to what you are used to pre-COVID,” the club said in a message to fans. Seats will be allocated by the club to ensure social distancing; health questionnaires and temperature checks must be completed and fans must adhere to selected arrival times. Face coverings will be mandatory while at the final whistle, fans will exit one row at a time. Wycombe will limit their attendance to 1 000 as they test out new measures to ensure a safe return for fans, although like Luton they hope to move to 2 000 for their next home game. One-way systems will be in place around the stadium and while moving to and from their seats, fans must do so “back to back” from

other supporters. “Avoid hugs, high fives, handshakes, or other close contact with people who are not in your social bubble, take care when singing, chanting, or celebrating,” a code of conduct instructs fans on Wycombe’s website. Supporters have even been told not to touch the ball if it is kicked into the stands. League One club Charlton Athletic can accommodate 2 000 fans for today’s home game against MK Dons and while no catering will be available, a “free hot chocolate” will be offered as a welcome-back gesture. Shrewsbury Town, who like Charlton staged a pilot test event in September, will have 2 000 fans at their Montgomery Waters Meadow ground for today’s game with Accrington Stanley. In League Two Carlisle United will allow up to 2 000 fans for their game against Salford, as will Cambridge United as they host Mansfield Town. Arsenal will be the first Premier League club to have fans for a competitive fixture since March when they host Rapid Vienna in the Europa League tomorrow.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Nand Persaud renews BCB women’s cricket sponsorship for 2021

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has commenced plans for what could be a busy 2021 season, barring COVID-19, as the entity recently renewed its partnership with Nand Persaud Co. Ltd. Last week, the board received its first 2021 sponsorship from Minister of Agriculture, Mr Zulifar Mustapha for an Under-15 tournament while last Thursday the board finalised the sponsorship of its annual female 20/20 tournament with Nand Persaud Co..Ltd. BCB president Hilbert Foster visited the company and held discussions with the company’s marketing executive Devesh Persaud. The tournament would be contested by defending champions Rose Hall Town Metro, West Berbice and New Amsterdam/Canje on a round-robin basis. Foster proudly stated that BCB is the only county board to organise cricket for its female cricketers. Foster stated that great effort would be made to play two more tournaments in 2021 for females, as the board continues to invest heavily in the game for the fairer sex. Additionally, BCB

would also seek to arrange matches for the female team to play across Guyana. Another major plan is to have the powerful Metro Female team play a Rest of Berbice Team during the final of the historic Semi Professional League for an attractive prize package.

receive financial assistance to assist her educational career. The Nand Persaud Co. 20/20 tournament will begin early in the new year with matches expected to be played at the Area H Ground, Rose Hall Canje and Hopetown Among the players listed to play are West Indies players

BCB president Hilbert Foster receives sponsorship from Nand Persaud marketing executive Devesh Persaud

Campbelle, Kantana Mentore and Marian Samaroo. At the end of the tournament, Berbice selectors would choose the Berbice intercounty team, who would be part of an intense preparation camp with head coach Winston Smith. BCB president expressed gratitude to the company for coming on board for the third successive year and assured him that the tournament would be well organised.

noted that his company was delighted to support Berbice cricket as it was impressed with the work of the board and its effort to develop female cricket even more. Meanwhile, three other youth cricketers from the West Berbice area have benefitted from the work of the board under its Patron Fund. The youths, drawn from cricket clubs in Bush Lot Village, received a piece

Two players carried home a pair of batting gloves while one received a pair of batting pads. Over the last 30 months, more than 200 youths have benefitted from donations of cricket gear, uniforms and bicycles while hundreds more have received educational materials including school bags. Foster disclosed that the assistance programme is expected to be expanded shortly while dozens of

The three young cricketers pose with their new cricket gear

With the BCB placing special emphasis on education as part of its developmental programme, one female cricketer would also

- Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Sheneta Grimmond, Shabaki Gajnabi and Tremayne Smartt as well as Plaffina Millington, Dian Prahalad, Sherica

He also stated that the company would receive widespread public relations coverage Devesh Persaud

of cricket gear from donation by Patron Vickram Bharrat, Minister of Natural Resources.

youths would receive more cricket gear in a joint project with former West Indies opener Clayton Lambert.

Harris, Riley get Barbados national awards England complete 3-0 series win to top T20 rankings BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Caribbean Football Union (CFU) president Randy Harris and outspoken Cricket West Indies (CWI) director, Conde Riley, were recipients of Barbados Independence honours on Monday. The Independence honours formed part of the celebrations of Barbados’ 54th anniversary of political independence from Britain, and Harris, president of Barbados Football Association (BFA), and Riley, president of Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), were honoured for their contribution to their respective sports. They both received the third highest national honours - the Gold Crown of Merit - for their contribution to the biggest two sports in the island. Harris, a sales executive, has been involved in football in Barbados and the Caribbean for the past 40 years. He has been BFA president for the past eight years and recently ran unopposed in the association’s elections this year for his third fouryear term. In 2017, Harris was also elected to serve as a board member of the CFU, and when the post of senior vice-president became vacant in the same year, he was elected to that position. He also served as acting president of CFU after former president Gordon Derrick vacated the post in the latter half of 2017 and

was elected to the top post in June 2018. Harris was also elected CONCACAF’s newest vice-president by acclamation, when the continental governing body for the sport in North, Central America and the Caribbean staged its congress during the 2018 World Cup in Moscow. He will serve in the position until 2022.

Resource Development Committees. He was also the event manager for Barbados hosting the ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2010, including the final. Riley held responsibility for cricket operations, logistics, security and entertainment. His team was complimented for an efficient and incident-free leg.

BCA president and CWI director Conde Riley

Riley, a retired investment banker, was first elected to BCA’s board in 1996 and, except for one year, has served Barbados’ cricket for the past 21 years. He has been BCA president for the past three years, winning re-election for a second two-year term last year. Riley was elected as director of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), now CWI, in 2006 and has served as a member of the Finance, Pension and Provident Fund, Cricket Development and Human

In 2014, he was appointed by CWI as one of its three directors on the six-member Cricket Tournament Committee of the Caribbean Premier League, which has responsibility for the integrity of the League. Another sport personality who was recognised in the Independence honours was former national bodybuilder, Irving Streete. Affectionately known as ‘Big Red’, he was recognised for his contribution to bodybuilding locally and community service.

JOS Buttler and Dawid Malan shared a magnificent 167 as England completed a 3-0 Twenty20 series win over South Africa with a nine-wicket victory. Chasing 192 to win, Malan joined Buttler on 25-1 and the pair hit 14 fours and 10 sixes to guide England home with 14 balls to spare. Both finished not out with Malan making 99 off 47 balls, and Buttler 67. Earlier Rassie van der Dussen (74*) and Faf du Plessis (50*) put on 127 in 64 balls as South Africa posted 191-3. The win sees England overtake Australia at the top of the Twenty20 world rankings - although Justin Langer's side can return to the summit during their series against India which starts on Friday. A three-match one-day international series between England and South Africa starts at the same venue in Cape Town on Friday. South Africa will be without quick bowler Kagiso Rabada for that series with a groin strain. Malan & Buttler shine Ranked as the number one T20 batsman in the world, Malan often accumulates at the start of his innings, but he moved to 16 from three deliveries courtesy of some woeful South African bowling. He was strong all around the wicket, but as usual he latched on to width superbly well, hitting 30 of his runs through the covers. He moved to his half-cen-

tury off 26 balls - his fastest in international cricket - and he has now scored six half-centuries in his past 12 T20 games for England. The 33-year-old should have been run out on 36, when England were 75-1, but South Africa captain and wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock fumbled and passed up the opportunity. The only downside for Malan was a miscalculation at the end, with him thinking England needed more to win than they did, resulting in him being stranded one short of a second T20 international hundred. Buttler at the other end was superb. He started in subdued fashion, scoring 22 off as many balls, but in the 11th over the wicketkeeper hit the inexperienced Lutho Sipamla for 21, including two massive sixes over mid-wicket. The next over, bowled by spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, went for 19 as England broke the back of the chase. The temperament the pair showed, alongside the welljudged pace of the chase, will delight captain Eoin Morgan as England build to next October's T20 World Cup in India. Van der Dussen stars but England bowlers fail When Van der Dussen joined Du Plessis at the crease South Africa were toiling at 64-3 in the 10th over and being pegged back by an excellent bowling performance. That trend continued for a few overs, with the odd bound-

ary helping the hosts towards a competitive total, before a momentum swing in the 16th over. Tom Curran's over went for 16, before Jofra Archer (044) went for 22 - his most off a single over in domestic or international T20 cricket - in the 17th over, including two massive Van der Dussen sixes over the legside. From there South Africa were in the ascendency and took 17 off Sam Curran's penultimate over, and 20 off Chris Jordan's final over. Van der Dussen hit positively, down the ground and over midwicket, hitting five sixes and five fours in his highest T20 international score, and he was ably supported by former captain Du Plessis, who picked up the pace through his innings, and played well through cover and down the ground. The England bowlers were guilty of missing their length too often - allowing the pair to free their arms and find the boundary, almost at will. In the final few overs it became apparent on the TV coverage that the England analysts on the balcony were using a coded letter and number system to pass tactical advice on to Morgan and the bowlers on the field. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said the move had been approved by the International Cricket Council and was "intended as a live informational resource that the captain may choose to use or ignore as he wishes". (BBC Sport)

WTC

PAGE 30

‘extremely significant’ for West Indies,

Darren Bravo (left) and Kraigg Brathwaite enter the opening Test on the back of hundreds in the warm-up matches

Olympic rings illuminated upon return to Tokyo Bay

PAGE 30

The Olympic Rings are back on display in Tokyo’s Odaiba Marine Park! The famed Five Rings will remain in the bay until August 8 2021 and will be illuminated at night

GOA president K. Juman-Yassin third from left with members of the sports associations at yesterday’s presentation (Delano (Delano Williams photo) photo)

Maradona’s shirt is not for sale, says Hodge

PAGE 30

GOA donates $50 000 and COVID-19 essentials to affiliates SEE PAGE 34

Steve Hodge with Diego Maradona’s 1986 World Cup shirt

GTTA awaits approval for ‘Restart Competition’

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 226-3243-9 (General); Editorial: 227-5204, 227-5216. Fax:227-5208

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2020