Issuu

WEDNESDAY rd

3 March , 2021

’ No. 106289

Prosperity unreachable without democracy PAGE

–– says President Ali; highlights need to honour those who show courage, fearlessness, and strength in championing this cause

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

Election rigging Attempts: Some 02 people put fraud above their integrity PAGE

Vaccines from China received!

PAGE

‘Sour’ exit for Linden Hospital CEO over ‘Sweetman’ 21 remark PAGE

Nonagenarian says rape 04 allegation not true PAGE

Guyana receives a timely donation of 20,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccines from China. Here, workers of the Ministry of Health’s Materials Management Unit can be seen utilising a cold-storage truck for the loading of vaccines which arrived on a Caribbean Airlines flight, on Tuesday evening (Adrian Narine photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Some people put fraud above their integrity –– Attorneys Gunraj and Ram and National Security Adviser Gouveia look back at the attempts to rig the March 2 General and Regional Elections

By Rabindra Rooplall EVERY deviation from constitutional norms, constitutional prescrip-

tions, and legal operations resulted in an assault on democracy during the elections period of 2020, said GECOM Commis-

sioner, Sase Gunraj. Gunraj was at the time speaking during an Online programme titled, “Assault on Democracy- Never

GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj

National Security Adviser Gerry Gouveia

Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram

‘Those five months and the months that preceded it have given us an opportunity to learn about processes; about a breach of processes. It has shown us that some people who you held on pedestals of having integrity were far from… It has shown the effect of persons deviating from their legal constitutional job mandate and the effects of that; we need to learn those lessons’

–– GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj

Again”. The programme looked at the events that unfolded following the attempts by elements at GECOM to rig the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections in favour of the APNU+AFC. Also featured on the programme were Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram, and National Security Adviser Gerry Gouveia. Gunraj said that the outcomes of the elections were already known to many stakeholders by March 4, 2020, since the

public posting of Statements of Poll (SOPs) that were collated confirmed the winner. However, he said that those who plotted to rig the elections caused everything to go downhill. “The attempt to thwart the process was not successful.” “When they started to read from spreadsheets, it differed significantly from the numbers that appeared on SoPs in the possession of political party agents sitting in that room,” Gunraj, an attorney-at-law recalled.

Reflecting on when Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo tried to make a declaration without verifying the results, Gunraj said he flew into a rage, as he realised Mingo’s actions would have caused irrevocable damage to the entire country, its population and reputation. NOT ONCE BUT TWICE “Mingo didn’t do this See page 4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Prosperity unreachable without democracy –– says President Ali, highlights need to honour those who show courage, fearlessness, and strength in championing this cause

A PROSPEROUS Guyana is only possible with the preservation and strengthening of democracy and democratic systems, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said. “If we are to ensure that political, civil, and human rights are protected, if our one Guyana is to prosper, then we must preserve and strengthen our democracy,” the President reasoned in a message to the nation on Tuesday. Democracy is crucial for businesses to thrive, for the attraction of investments, and for the social progress and economic prosperity of the nation. It is also the basis for upholding the rule of law; separating the powers of the government, the legislature, and the judiciary; for ensuring the expression of the will of the people through free and fair elections; and for an electoral process uncontaminated by corruption. “Without democracy, dictatorship would rule, placing power not in the hands of the people, where it properly belongs, but in the clutches of a few to be abused for their own purposes,” President Ali warned. Guyanese and people the world over watched last year as this sacred tenet of society was threatened by the actions of the former A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition administration in the aftermath of the March 2, 2020 election. The electorate, after casting their votes on March 2, 2020, had to endure an unimaginable wait for the results of the General and Regional Elections, as they

witnessed unlawful acts and a slew of legal challenges. In this time, the patience of the electorate was tested, as they observed an attempt by the then incumbent APNU+AFC coalition to rip the democratic fabric of the nation with “delay tactics” which were openly criticised by a wide section of society. A DARK TIME “We experienced a dark time when we were made to walk through a deep valley in which the shadow of autocracy at home, and ostracism from abroad hung over us. “We escaped that awful fate because brave men and women of all races, ages, and political persuasion stood up to defend democracy, and to resist stolen elections and autocratic and illegitimate government,” President Ali said. Those “guardians of democracy” eschewed racial bigotry for national cohesion, and refused to still their voices, all in an effort to protect Guyana from an internal threat. “In saving the international standing of our country while preserving our rights and self-respect at home, they showed loyalty to One Guyana, One People, One nation, a principle to which I, as President, am firmly committed, and which I want to recognise and honour on behalf of a grateful nation. I therefore propose a special Order of Democracy, to honour these individuals,” President Ali said. The Order, he explained, will not only honour the patriots of 2020; it will honour all in the future who preserve the nation’s democracy, peo-

the interest of all our people. I want this generation to ensure that democracy is preserved for us, and that it is never lost for future generations. They set aside political differences,” President Ali affirmed. Like Freedom Fighters Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King, he, too, believes in equality and justice, in freedom and multiracial democracy, built on the premise that all people are created equal. The President recently established a One Guyana Commission, which is headed by the Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips. President Dr. Irfaan Ali ple’s freedom, and the right igence, manifest talent, and to have the national will commitment to the national expressed at free and fair good. That is the Guyana we elections justly conducted must uphold and sustain. “I want to ensure that we, without corruption. “Integral to that process as One People, One Nation is honouring, now and forev- in our One Guyana, cherish er, those who show courage, and defend democracy in fearlessness, and strength in standing up for democracy. We must hold up high our heroes of democracy, so that its flame never flickers or fades in the hearts and minds of our people. This is why today I propose the establishment of the category of the Order of Democracy,” the Head-of-State related. Honouring the protectors of democracy forms a vital part of the President’s overarching aim of ensuring he builds a Guyana where the citizens live as one. “That is why I have resolved that we live in One Guyana, as One People, with no group more entitled than another, and no individual more deserving than any other, except by virtue of dil-

INCLUSION “An essential part of my government is inclusion. Stop being defined by race; stop being defined by politics. Start being defined by our one nationality, and

by our common love for our one country; let us lift it up together, and by doing so, let us lift each other and ourselves, one people, one nation, one destiny. “I propose to give meaning to my call for One Guyana, by requesting the Leader of Government business in the National Assembly, Prime Minister Brigadier, Hon. Mark Phillips to introduce the adoption of an Act of Parliament establishing a One Guyana Commission, which he will head,” Dr. Ali said in a recent report. He said the work of the Commission will encapsulate the free expression of all voices, respecting the diversity “from which our oneness springs”. The Commission will also address education related to Guyana’s history, religion, ensuring equal opportunity, employment and entrepreneurship and institutional strengthening of the Ethnic Relations Commission.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Some people put fraud above ... From page 2

once; his first attempt was done downstairs in a room, but it was vehemently staved off by persons gathered. Mingo then retreated to parts of the Ashmins building that were not accessible to commissioners guarded by armed personnel,” he recalled. Gunraj continued: “He later reemerged and did that nonsense from a balcony. Later, riot police came to move people out the building.” What stopped the process, he noted, was when Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall, now Attorney-General visited the court and returned with documents to stop the illegal proceedings with court orders. From then on, he said, it was a battle in the courts to ensure that the Constitution and laws reign supreme. “Those five months

and the months that preceded it have given us an opportunity to learn about processes; about a breach of processes. It has shown us that some people who you held on pedestals of having integrity were far from; it has shown the effect of persons deviating from their legal constitutional job mandate and the effects of that… We need to learn those lessons,” Gunraj said. Meanwhile, Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram was quick to point out that some of the architects of the assault on democracy are sitting in the National Assembly. “Mingo; yes, he was a utensil. Some of the commissioners were utensils. My question is if GECOM knew all of this, why did GECOM not act more decisively to prevent this situation from going on and on. Let’s not forget people were being terrorised in

Wednesday March 3, 2021 – 09:00hrs - 10:30hrs

the streets; we were on the brink of a very serious situation,” he said. Guyana, he said, is very lucky that not too many people paid the ultimate price. “We need to have the whole story told before a full Commission of Inquiry, and all the facts must come out; those who are good, and those who did their work must be recognised,” he said. He also said that the agents of those who embrace anti-democracy and justify the assault on democracy are well

known. VERY POOR JOB “Expectations got blown, and ‘Plan B’ was initiated, bringing Mr. Lowenfield and Mingo into play. But we must not gloss over the fact that the Chairman did a very poor job over a critical period,” Ram said. He explained that if the Chairperson had acted decisively and competently, “we would have been spared several months of the nightmare that we went through.” The eyes of CAR-

ICOM and the world were on Guyana during the challenge to democracy. “If you don’t like the results of an election in a democracy, you prepare yourself for the next elections, but you don’t go breaking down; it’s not a sign of maturity,” he said. According to Gouveia, the actions by anti-democracy agents to frustrate the release of the verified elections results were an act of criminality. “Deliberately falsifying numbers; SoPs. I cannot wait to see the elections petition; I want

to see them justifying interfering with the numbers on the SoPs,” Gouveia said. CARICOM, he contended, saved Guyana during the recount, and the international community ensured democracy prevailed. “During that period, I saw people who I thought was good lying through their teeth; all of their integrity, decency, and honesty disappeared, and I could not have believed it,” the National Security Adviser said.

Nonagenarian says rape allegation not true –– suspects released after ‘intense’ questioning THE Guyana Police Force on Tuesday disclosed that the 98-year-old woman who was suspected to be the victim of a sexual assault has denied that such an incident took place. Given this latest development and the inability of investigators to gather useful information, the four sus-

pects were released. Police said in a press release that both the virtual complainant and the suspects were interviewed “intensely”, but no useful information was obtained. “The virtual complainant, in the presence of a social worker and detectives, vehemently denied being sexually

assaulted. The suspects were released, and have to report to the police periodically until the investigation is completed,” the release added. The police explained that a report was received via a phone call of an alleged assault. Upon arrival at the scene, the police met the virtual complainant, who said she was assaulted. A neighbour, who was named, told the police that she will clean up the virtual complainant and then take her to the hospital. As such, the police left to obtain a medical form and return. While in the process of bathing her, the neighbour said she observed blood on the virtual complainant’s underwear, and suspected she was raped. This suspected incident would have occurred sometime between February

22 and 23 at the house where the elderly woman lived alone. The Guyana Chronicle has previously reported that it was the woman’s caregiver who found her in a traumatised state, along with traces of blood. On arrival at the house to prepare the elderly woman for an event, the caregiver noticed that the door was opened. She made her way in, and found the battered woman with blood oozing from her mouth and nose. Further checks revealed blood on the woman’s clothing and bed sheet. The caregiver added that the traumatised elderly woman revealed, “them boys come in, beat me, and push their hands down meh throat; they choke meh”.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Latest COVID-19 death takes toll to 198

A 54-year-old male from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) who died while receiving care at a Ministry of Health facility is the latest COVID-19 fatality. His is the first death recorded for March 2021, and takes the overall number of deaths for the pandemic to 198. On Monday, the Health

Ministry recorded 31 new cases of COVID-19 from 703 tests conducted. Of this number, nine were recorded in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 18 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), one in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), one in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and two in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

No other region besides the aforementioned recorded new cases, and the Health Ministry has also recorded 31 new recoveries from the virus. Six persons remain within the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU); 28 persons remain institutionally isolated while 371 persons are isolated at home and four persons are institutionally quarantined. Guyana has confirmed a total of 8,626 cases since the arrival of COVID-19 in Guyana, 409 of which are currently active. All Guyanese are urged to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home, the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others, and the need for good hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. If you or anyone you know is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit the Ministry of Health at www. health.gov.gy.

–– says on-line programme that benefitted five Coalition ministers will now benefit 4,500+ students

Man accused of $800,000 robbery granted bail

LAWRENCE Cato also known as “Lil tout”, who allegedly choked and robbed a man of nearly $800,000, was, on Monday, granted $75,000 bail by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs – Marcus. Cato, during his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, pleaded not guilty to one count of robbery with aggravation. The charge alleged that Cato, on February 19, 2021, at Bugle Street, Georgetown, while being in company of another, robbed Ramchan Singh called “John” of US$2,300, which is equivalent to $460,000, and GYD$305,000 cash. The two men have known each other for approximately two years. The case against Cato is that he choked Singh from behind and later relieved him of the money. He and his accomplice then made good their escape. One week after the incident, Singh saw Cato in Georgetown and informed police ranks who were in the vicinity. Cato was arrested and told of the allegation, which he denied. Further investigation was conducted which led to Cato being charged for the offence. Cato will make his second court appearance next month.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 3, 2021

The triumph of democracy WHILE being on guard, with care, from portraying a proud, chest-thumping arrogance of being right and of coming out the winner, it is of fruitful importance to celebrate victorious Guyanese achievements, even as the nation exercises self-examination, introspection, and a thorough self-audit to garner its path and direction, to probe the past and plot future progress with sound hindsight, wise foresight, and profound insight. Indeed, the Socratic adage that the unexamined life is not worth living rings with eternal truth. Today, all right-thinking Guyanese and the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) celebrate with humble, grateful hearts the triumphant victory of this nation overcoming, with emphatic national oneness, those nefarious elements who, a year ago, took Guyanese to the brink of international shame, democratic shambles, and socioeconomic disaster. The attempt to deny Guyanese their free and fair elections results last year March failed. And today, the nation celebrates the triumph of Guyanese democracy. The PPP/C, with humility, gratitude and love for the entire Guyanese nation, stands tall at this hour of the nation’s history, with its strong stance to defend the democratic foundation and institutional framework that causes the rule of law to prevail; a democratic structure which the PPP/C established with firm commitment in its 23 years of governance from 1992 to 2015, able to stand strong against a most vicious assault on its structural integrity. Despite some short-sighted critics, Guyanese everywhere admire the PPP/C for demonstrating this character of genuine, sin-

cere, passionate care and commitment for the overall well-being of this country. To make sure that the Guyanese body politic remains healthy and strong, and that the socioeconomic welfare of every citizen is of uppermost concern to the Government, and that every institution functions for the people through their ballot at free and fair elections, that the people decide who governs them, the PPP/C stands on guard against any attempt to derail national progress, prosperity, and peace. Every generation of Guyanese now harbours the institutional memory of a Coalition coming into power by sinister means to dismantle the promise and dream of the people. It happened with the People’s National Congress (PNC) – United Force coalition back in the 1960s, and then again in 2015 with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)+Alliance For Change (AFC) Coalition. Every time, the PPP/C stood up and led the nation, with peaceful struggle and intelligent leadership and utmost patience, to overcome the challenge. The PPP/C stands tall today because it has become the preeminent movement in this country for the advancement of the people’s welfare, with a balanced approach to the development agenda, looking after both the social needs of the society, and the corporate needs of the private sector, along with upholding the political foundation. The party’s national governance saw entrenched an independent, professional media landscape that encourages a free flow of ideas, withstanding even harsh criticism against the Government, with four national daily newspapers, a slew of TV stations, and several international digital media operations. In every facet of building a democratic

country, the PPP/C excels with tremendous success, inspiring Guyanese everywhere that their country is capable of delivering its promise of prosperity and progress and peace to every person, with the people exercising their democratic franchise with confidence. How fitting and almost poetic, on this auspicious day, celebrating a year’s anniversary of Guyana proving its mettle and integrity and inner strength on the world stage, of Guyanese shaking off the elements who would have foisted a dictatorship on the nation, that President Ali announced the new national award, the Order of Democracy. The first batch of awardees would read like a roll call of this nation’s colourful tapestry of multicultural and multi-ethnic and multi-religious makeup, with Guyanese of every corner of this land aligning with and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the PPP/C to right the Guyana state; to rescue it from elements who wanted to see the nation sink into international shame. The Order of Democracy is a reality today because of the leadership across the nation of outstanding Guyanese, men and women of exceptional character and commitment to the national well-being. In Bishop Juan Edgehill, Brigadier Mark Phillips, Joe Hamilton and others across the length and breadth of this country, Guyanese saw the attempt to paint the elections situation of March 2020 as an ethnic confrontation, as, to use the words of Anil Nandlall, “confounded nonsense”. That experience showcased Guyanese fighting for their future, to develop their country for every citizen. And leading the fight with exceptional skill, class, and ability

to engage with the international community with diplomatic finesse, were the indomitable national Hero of Heroes, Bharrat Jagdeo, commanding deep respect and admiration for his measured calmness in the face of fear and dread, and Anil Nandlall, whose astonishing intelligence and illuminated legal mind navigated the court system to ensure that the rule of law prevailed, and President Ali, whose role became significant as he focused on the future of the country with unwavering confidence, in the midst of the chaos, assuring Guyanese that the future would be one of miraculous prosperity and progress, with 50,000 jobs, 20,000 scholarships, and 10,000 house lots. These men led the fight. Across the country, scores of heroes stood up, in Lenox Shuman, Rhonda Lam, Asha Kissoon, Bryan MacIntosh, Kwame McCoy, Gerry Gouveia, and a long list of Guyanese, from every walk of life, every community, every entity, from labour unions and business organisations and political parties and academia and hinterland organisations. And then there’s the backing of the international community and the diplomats in Georgetown playing an active role in supporting the PPP/C in the battle for Guyana’s soul. On this day of celebration in the triumph of Guyanese overcoming the worst assault on democracy that the Caribbean witnessed in modern times, it is with sombre-minded reflection and a grateful heart and humble adoration for the leadership of the PPP/C in securing the national democratic integrity, that Guyanese walk tall with head held high, a nation of respect, admiration, and good standing in the world, fully on guard.

Men with a Purpose condemns violence against Venezuelan woman Dear Editor,

MEN with a Purpose on a Mission, an arm of the Humanitarian Mission-Guyana Inc., located at Lot 14-26 Area Q, Ankerville, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice, condemns and take a stand against rape and gender-based violence, regarding the most recent occurrence of the Venezuelan

national and any of its nature. It is of utmost importance how much we still need to achieve to end violence against women and girls, if, as a society, we still need to raise awareness that rape and sexual violence is widespread and must be stopped. Violence against women and girls is among the most widespread and devastating human rights violations we face

in Guyana and elsewhere. A third of all women and girls experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, and half of all women killed worldwide are killed by their partners or family members. Violence against women is as common a cause of death and incapacity for women of reproductive age as cancer. Therefore, we will not condone such inhumane acts

against our women in this day, age, and time. This needs to stop immediately! Individuals found guilty of these acts should face the full force of the law! We stand for our women!! This ends now! Julius Seunarine Chairperson-Men with a Purpose on a Mission HMG Inc.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 3, 2021

India delivers COVID-19 vaccine to St Kitts

INDIA gifted 20,000 doses of the Made in India COVID-19 vaccine - COVISHIELD (Oxford-AstraZeneca) -- to the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, on Tuesday, to meet the immediate requirements of vaccinating healthcare workers, frontline workers and those with co-morbidities. The COVISHIELD vaccine is manufactured in India by the Serum Institute of India, Pune, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, in collaboration with Oxford-AstraZeneca. By delivering COVID vaccine within days of its rollout, India has once again demonstrated its willingness and ability to act as a first responder to crises in the world, including in St. Kitts and Nevis. The Government of India has announced a total

donation of 570,000 doses to the CARICOM region out of which 125,000 doses of COVISHIELD vaccine

(25,000), St. Vincent & the Grenadines (40,000). Guyana will be receiving 80,000 Oxford-Astra-

Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Timothy Harris, along with Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, High Commissioner of India, received the consignment of doses of vaccine, in a special ceremony held at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport

will go to OECS countries: Antigua & Barbuda (40,000), St. Kitts & Nevis (20,000), Saint Lucia

Zeneca COVID-19 vaccines from the Government of India next week, as part of the commitment made

by India. Trials of COVID-19 vaccines are progressing well in India. Currently,

developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Na-

India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi gets the first shot of coronavirus vaccine

there are quite a few vaccines in different phases of trials. India’s first indigenous vaccine against the novel coronavirus, Covaxin,

tional Institute of Virology, Pune, is in the third phase of clinical trials. Others like ZyCOV-D developed by Zydus Cadilla in Ahmedabad, and

Novavax’s protein subunit vaccine, are also undergoing trials in various stages. Multiple approved vaccines are likely to hit the Indian market in 2021. According to the Indian Health Minister, Dr Harshvardhan, at least 18-19 coronavirus vaccine candidates, including oral and nasal vaccines are in the pipeline and will be available for use in coming few months, highlighting India’s predominant role as the “pharmacy of the world”. Meanwhile, on Monday, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi received the first shot of the coronavirus vaccine, just as the campaign to inoculate those above 60 and above 45 with illnesses started nationwide in India. The country’s leader was injected at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi.

Patterson responsible for CJIA expansion fiasco Dear Editor,

I JOIN hundreds of thousands of Guyanese to react with sarcastic amusement to an article published in the February 27, 2021 edition of the Kaieteur newspaper titled: “David Patterson questioning why taxpayers are footing billions more for expansion of the Cheddi Jagan Airport.” Editor, this must be a joke for this former minister to even attempt to recreate and reinvent himself as righteous, as though he is not to be held solely responsible for this bastardly managed, long overdue project. Patterson’s new comments must be seen for what they are, “political gangstering”. Guyanese would recall that when the PPP/C Government envisaged and signed this CJIA project in 2011 for US$138 million, we had plans for a completely new airport with international standards. To set the record straight, in 2015 when David Patterson’s APNU+AFC gov’t got into office, they revised the scope, replacing the new terminal building, parking aprons, and eight boarding bridges with a renovation of the existing terminal building, parking aprons and just four boarding bridges. Editor, since we took office in 2020, we have said we expect the delivery of the original contract that envisages 17,000 square meters of new facilities (terminal buildings, an extended runway, taxiways, and aprons with the capacity of eight standing aircrafts with facilities for eight airbridges), a fully functioning modern Airport. No amount of twists and turns by David Patterson will erase the APNU+AFC’s record of deteriorating this massive and crucial project. F u r t h e r , w i t h t h e A P N U + A F C f a i l i n g t o have the works completed at the end of 2019, and no agreement to make CHEC complete works by the end of 2019, the APNU+AFC renewed two bonds in June 2020 with an expiration date of December 31, 2020. On December 22, 2020, we broke ground, and signed an agreement for two additional boarding bridges, construction of commercial space within the terminal building, an extension of the building to feature a modern Airport façade and completion of remedial works with strict timeliness. It must be noted that since September 2018, David Patterson and his cabal had breached the cont r a c t b y u t i l i s i n g a f a c i l i t y c a l l e d “ t r i a l o p e r a tion”, which essentially meant they took over parts of the works. However, this was a breach of the contract, and so, during talks for the new agreement, it was a ccepted that the retention bond of $1,206,640 will be released to CHEC as 50 per cent is due once a takeover happens, initiating the defect liability period.

Editor, we have not yet released the full 50 per cent to CHEC but have decided to incrementally release funds as works get completed – a commitment to ensuring Guyanese get value for money. It is clear that Patterson believes that he can rewrite history but his shady record is clear for all to see. Contrary to what is being said, this PPP/C administration has in its possession a provision for the release of the remaining retention amount during 2021 as CHEC completes outstanding works. Additionally, should they fail to complete works, there will be no payment of the balance of retention amounting to US$3,450,000, demand on the advance bond and the performance bond to the tune of $13,800,000 all

of which is more than US14 million. Patterson’s sanctimonious question is an insult to the intelligence of even the youngest child. It was during the tenure of his management that the airport project was plagued by prolonged delays, missed deadlines, shoddy work and pricey revisions. Editor, we have been handed a series of poorly implemented but our goal remains the same – getting value for taxpayers’ dollars. Yours sincerely, Bishop Juan A. Edghill, Minister of Public Works

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Legislation being crafted to facilitate development agenda By Richard Bhainie THE Ministry of Legal Affairs will play a crucial role in the development the country is set to undergo, with a number of legislation being crafted to complement and facilitate the developmental efforts. During his Budget Debate presentation in the National Assembly on Monday, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C, described the 2021 budget as laying the foundation upon which the edifice of modern Guyana will be constructed. Subsequent to acknowledging the various projects and initiatives that will be a possibility as a result of Budget 2021, the Attorney-General elaborated on how the Ministry of Legal Affairs will play a crucial role in the developmental equation. “Our major focus will be

Opposition Member, Roysdale Forde, S.C, Shadow Minister for Justice the creation of a modern legal infrastructure that will regulate these new and emerging sectors, while at the same time revamp our archaic laws to complete a new and modern legal framework for Guyana,”

Nandlall said. While making his argument, Nandlall listed a compendium of legislation and actions undertaken by his ministry to aid in these efforts, dismantling claims that there have been no signs of activity in these regards. Earlier in the day, opposition member Roysdale Forde, S.C, Shadow Legal Affairs Minister, during his presentation, contended that “despite the grand talk of an active and rigorous Parliamentary agenda, there has been no progress and no signs of any activity or rigour”. “There is not a single piece of legislation which has been identified in the Budget speech which would advance or improve the justice sector,” Forde added. The Attorney-General rebutted Forde’s contention, noting that of equal importance to what is contained in the budget

is that which cannot be seen in the budget. Nandlall highlighted that every conceivable area of economic activity will be targeted for legal reform and went on to list a gamut of legislation that his office is working on. Pertaining to the oil and gas sector, Nandlall explained that an international consultant will be retained by the government to draft a range of legislation governing that sector. In the health sector, some 25 pieces of legislation have been identified for work to begin on, namely a new Public Health Act, a new Mental Health Act, Tissue Transplant legislation, and a Food and Drug Act. The agricultural sector will see legislation dealing with the exportation of agricultural products, as well as the enactment of a Food Safety Act and a Food Security Act. In the commercial sector, in addition to the Hire Purchase Bill which is currently before the Select Committee, an Anti-Dumping Bill, a Movable Property Security Bill and an E-Transactions Bill are currently being drafted. The Procurement Act will be reviewed to strengthen the public procurement process and to create a more level playing field in order to accommodate small contractors. To strengthen border protection, a Bill is currently being drafted for the establishment of a Border Patrol Unit to supplement the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) efforts. In the housing and hos-

pitality sector, a regiment of legislation dealing with zoning, urban planning, condominiums and town houses will be implemented. Local government will also see the enactment of a Solid’s Waste Management Bill. The Legal sector will also be revamped with a raft of legislation that will be promulgated, including a new Arbitration Bill, a new Juvenile Justice Bill, a Bail Bill, and Sentencing Guidelines. MORE CREDIBLE AND TRANSPARENT “A slew of Amendments will be done to our election laws, to make the electoral process more credible and transparent and to hold the staff of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to a higher standard of care,” Nandlall said. Constitutional reform was not left out. The Attorney-General noted that work will begin on constitutional reform this year and the Constitutional Reform Committee of the National Assembly will remain the main vehicle by which these reforms will be driven. Nandlall noted that the Judicial Service Commission will soon be up and running with the Committee of Appointments already providing their nominees. The Law Reform Commission will also be appointed. “As we continue to modernise the public sector architecture, massive reforms are taking place at the Deeds and Commercial and Land Registry, where the documents are being digitised and the

Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, S.C requisite platforms are being built to facilitate E-transactions, including E-payments,” Nandlall said. To better and more effectively manage criminal litigation, the Legal Affairs Ministry is currently working along with the Director of Public Prosecutions office, the Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service and the Judiciary to create a joint Management Information System. The expansion of the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to accommodate more prosecutors, as the limited space is currently a restriction on doing so, is budgeted for in Budget 2021. “Hopefully, next year we will budget for a new building as the DPP’s office requires serious physical as well as human resource expansion,” Nandlall said. Also, as part of the $4.6 billion budgeted for the Justice Sector in Budget 2021, is the construction of new magistrate’s courts with living quarters and supporting facilities at Port Kaituma, Mabaruma, Vigilance and along the East Bank Demerara corridor.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Gov’t cleared of $120M rent claim for Sussex Street bond –– court says tenancy was validly terminated JUSTICE Nareshwar Harnanan has ruled that the government does not owe the Linden Holdings Inc. $120M for the rental of the controversial Sussex Street pharmaceutical bond. The building which is owned by businessman Larry Singh was rented to the Ministry of Health in 2016 under the then APNU+AFC government. On October 31, 2016, the ministry wrote to the company about terminating the tenancy and notified officials that it was giving up possession of the bond on November 1, 2017. Again, on October 3, 2017, the ministry wrote to the company reminding it of the intended termination of the tenancy. However, the company through its attorney notified the ministry that it did not receive the notice of termination and did not recognise the ministry as being lawfully entitled to give up possession of the premises. The company also

claimed that rent was payable for the unexpired term of the tenancy. The ministry did not actually leave the premises until August 2018, following which the company claimed $120M as the total rent payable for the full term of the tenancy up to June 30, 2019, or 10 months at $12.6M per month. The company, through its Attorneys-at-law Glen Hanoman and Joshua Abdool, then took the Attorney-General and the Central Board of Health to court for the payment of the outstanding monies. The Attorney-General and Central Board of Health were represented by Attorney-at-law Andrew Pollard, SC and Solicitor-General Nigel Hawke. Justice Harnanan, after reviewing the submissions made in the case, granted judgement in favour of the State and dismissed the claim from the company after finding that the termination notice had been properly given, and that the

tenancy had been validly terminated. Against this backdrop, the court found that it had no jurisdiction to hear the claim as at all material times, the ministry had been a statutory tenant. According to the judge, the claim should have been filed in the Magistrates’ Court where, by law, such claims must be decided. In 2016, after the coalition government terminated the arrangement under which New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (New GPC) had provided storage free of cost for more than a decade, the company submitted an invoice for the continued use of its facility. New GPC submitted an invoice for the rental of its facilities at a cost of $237 per square feet but Government instead opted to pay Linden Holding Inc $1,250 per square feet which was five times as much. Moreover, a $25 million deposit was paid to Linden Holding Inc, in order to rent the bond

Youth who allegedly murdered ‘Ghandi’ remanded A 21-year-old man was on Tuesday remanded to prison for the murder of Keith Andrew Willis, called “Ghandi”, whose lifeless body was found at Bachelor’s Adventure, East Coast Demerara last December. Tafari Softley appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court, and was remanded to prison until April 22. Softley was not required to plead to the charge, which alleged that between December 13 and 14, 2020 at the Bachelor’s Adventure Access Road, he murdered the 23-yearold man. This newspaper had reported that on December 13, 2020, Willis left his Bachelor’s Adventure home to attend a football competition which was being held in the community. Following the conclusion of the game at 20:30 hrs, Willis reportedly visited the mother of his daughter at 22nd Street, Paradise Housing Scheme, ECD,

Tafari Softley and left at about 23:00hrs for home. The following day, at about 05:30 hours, a resident of the area who was heading to work, observed Willis lying on the roadway and summoned the police. When the police arrived at the scene, Willis was seen lying motionless on the eastern side of Bachelor’s Adventure Access Road, ECD, clad in a black three-quarters pants and white top. The body, which

DEAD: Keith Andrew Willis, called “Ghandi” was in an east-to-west position, was surrounded by blood. Police examined the body, and found a single stab wound to the upper left side neck. Willis was escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Softley, who is the son of Guyanese Reggae singer, Mortimer Softley, better known as “Natural Black”, was arrested last week by police and reportedly confessed to stabbing Willis over a misunderstanding.

The Sussex Street building which once housed the controversial drug bond in question to store pharmaceuticals. This generated widespread public criticism.

Subsequently on June 11, 2019, a $539 million Central Supplies Unit

(CSU) which is also known as the Kingston bond, was commissioned.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 3, 2021

China-donated Sinopharm vaccine received –– first preference for frontline workers; elderly, teachers to also be immunised

By Navendra Seoraj MORE frontline health workers from across the country will be immunised against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), as Guyana has received 20,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine from China. With over 8,600 per-

sons being infected and 198 losing their lives to COVID-19, Guyana will be looking to utilise its vaccines to immunise firstly the frontline health workers who treat patients in need of care, and, subsequently, administer the vaccine to other vulnerable persons. The timely donation of Sinopharm vaccines

arrived on a Caribbean Airlines flight at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Tuesday evening. According to a report from the BBC, Sinopharm, a Chinese state-owned enterprise, announced on December 30, 2020, that phase three trials of the vaccine showed that it was 79 per

cent effective, lower than that of Pfizer and Moderna. However, the United Arab Emirates, which approved a Sinopharm vaccine early December, said the vaccine was 86 per cent effective, according to interim results of its phase three trial. Considering the vaccine’s high efficacy and the pending World Health Organisation (WHO)’s approval, Guyana, like many other countries, has no reservations about the vaccine, and, in fact, will soon begin rolling it out across the country. “With 20,000 doses, we will immunise 10,000 persons… when we look at frontline workers, we would want to give them first. And, having this first set coming, we would be able to roll out the immunisation programme,” Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, said following a simple signing ceremony to acknowledge the receipt of the vaccines, on Tuesday. The two-dose vaccine will reach frontline health workers across the country, the minister said, adding that the immunisation process will begin soon. Ahead of this process, to erase any doubts about the vaccine, Minister Anthony said there is scientific literature to prove that the efficacy is high. “This vaccine is extremely good. It is a very effective vaccine and when you compare that with the other vaccines, it stands out. The side effects are very minimal, so there is no reason why people should not take the vaccines,” Dr. Anthony affirmed. He further said that the company, an experienced vaccine producer, has supplied the COVID-19 vac-

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, and Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Chen Xilai hold the documents signed to acknowledge the receipt of China-donated Sinopharm vaccine (Adrian Narine photo) cine to many other countries. It is for this reason that the minister encouraged persons to take the vaccine once they fall into the category of persons who stand to benefit. He cautioned persons, however, that even though they take the vaccine, there is still a small chance that they could get infected. But, the vaccine would, in most cases, eliminate the need for persons to be hospitalised for the disease. Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Chen Xilai, assured persons too that the vaccine could withstand scientific scrutiny. “The Sinopharm vaccine has covered three phases of the trials and the quality of the vaccines is guaranteed that it is safe. More than 14 million Chinese and foreign nationals, including high-level officials have been vaccinat-

One of the boxes which contains the vaccines being transported from the Caribbean Airlines aircraft to a cold-storage truck on Tuesday evening (Adrian Narine photo)

ed,” Xilai said, adding that there is no doubt about the quality of the vaccine. Contrary to any perception on the effectiveness of the vaccine, Xilai believes that it would help in the fight against COVID-19 and, by extension, the recovery of the economy. “Guyana is the first country in the Caribbean to receive such a donation and this reflects the strong commitment of China to strengthening its relationship with Guyana,” the Chargé d’Affaires said, noting that the Asian nation has been assisting Guyana from the inception, through the supply of key medical supplies. Guyana has already received 3,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine through a donation from Barbados last month. Those were used to vaccinate frontline healthcare workers and employees at the CARICOM Secretariat in Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown. An additional 180,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca will arrive by the end of this month from India and the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) facility. The additional doses will far surpass the number of frontline workers and, as such, the Ministry of Health has taken the decision to administer the jab to persons categorised as “high risk”, including persons with underlying medical conditions, the elderly and teachers, among other vulnerable groups.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Works commence on $328M ...

From page 10

that the government ‘means business’ when it comes to Guyana realising its full agricultural potential. The sod-turning exercise for this project was held in January. Since, a series of tests and preliminary works have been conducted. “Since taking office, persons in the area had expressed their dissatisfaction with the condition of the road and appealed to government for some amount of relief. We know for a fact that the road is in a deplorable state and is impassable, especially during the rainy season. As a

result of this, huge acreages of cultivated lands being inaccessible and this has affected the production of the farmers in the Scheme. “If, as a government, we are looking to double agriculture production by 2025, then we have to ensure farmers face the necessary infrastructure to access their lands. The government is very much interested in agriculture development in Guyana and will continue to invest heavily in infrastructure and other agents of agricultural development, not only in the MMA Scheme, but all across the coun-

try,” Minister Mustapha said. The minister also said farmers can expect greater improvements in the infrastructure with the passage of the 2021 National Budget. “As you know, we are currently in the process of debating the 2021 National Budget. I presented a $22.6 billion budget proposal for the Ministry of Agriculture last Wednesday. Twelve billion of that will go towards infrastructural development such as the construction and maintenance of drainage and irrigation structures and farm-to-market access roads.

“These works will be executed in all the agriculture producing regions of the country. With the renewed interest we are seeing in the sector because of the interventions of Budget 2020, farmers can look forward to more projects, and an overall proactive approach to dealing with issues of the sector. I believe that with Budget 2021, agriculture and the economy as a whole, will take off,” Minister Mustapha said. The contract is expected to be completed before the end of August 2021. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 3, 2021

News Source’s article on First Lady Office deemed as ‘mischievous’ THE Office of the First Lady has refuted claims in a news article from Gordon Moseley’s News Source Guyana, which stated that a total of $25 million allocated in this year’s budget for the said office reflects a $15 million increase over last year’s allocation, and

that the additional allocation was not justified. The report follows questions regarding the allocation to the First Lady’s office by Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon. “The allocation this year, is not a 100 per cent increase, as Mr. Moseley reported, and therefore the

Office of the First Lady sees the reporting as being mischievous. “It would be prudent to note that from at least the year 2016 onward, the Office of the First Lady has received $15 million in annual funding. In the 2020 Budget, which was p r es e n t ed in S ep tem-

ber, the first under Mrs. Ali’s tenure, the standard amount of $15 million was budgeted but only $3 million was received and expended due to the shortened budgetary year. “In Budget 2021, an additional $10 million – not $15 million as reported by Mr. Moseley -- was allocated. A simple comparison of last year’s budget and this year’s would have

led to a simple mathematical calculation that would have allowed Mr. Moseley to provide an accurate report to the public,” a release from the Office of the First Lady said, while noting that the work of the First Lady is well beyond the budgetary allocation. The work of the First Lady focusses on the vulnerable, humanitarian causes and support to

the national One Guyana Initiative and environmental and beautification projects. “Is Mr. Harmon against such work? Surely, he cannot feign ignorance of the First Lady’s initiatives. It needs to be noted that this is the first time that an opposition has questioned the allocation to the First Lady’s office in this manner,” the release pointed out. Mrs. Ali’s agenda for 2021 includes the Vulnerable Women Scholarship initiative, which has benefitted 15 women this year. This is a project that will not only continue annually but will be expanded upon in the coming years. The First Lady’s groundbreaking Menstrual Hygiene Initiative, aims to provide sanitary pads to girls from poor families across the country, who were previously forced to drop out of school simply because they cannot afford sanitary pads. The release also noted that shortly, Mrs Ali will announce another groundbreaking initiative, in partnership with several businesses, which will see the expenses of orphanages across the country being covered. “Further, Mrs. Ali’s signature initiative, the National Beautification Project, requires a higher capital budget since it involves significant infrastructural expenditure. So far, the private sector has given generous support to the First Lady’s beautification initiatives but the projects for 2021 will require more direct support to complement both private sector assistance and joint projects with other government agencies. “For example, the cost of the beautification project at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport alone is estimated at $20 million, which is two times the value of the increase in the budgetary allocation of the First Lady’s Office this year,” the release pointed out.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Draft local content policy sets ten-year timeline for development –– realistic, pragmatic targets still being derived from stakeholder engagements

THE draft local content policy, as it is, includes a series of phased targets for improved local participation, benefits and general advancement across all sectors, which will be achieved within the next ten years, should the timeline remain unamended at the end of the ongoing

ponents which should be included in such a significant document. According to a press statement from the Ministry of Natural Resources, the purpose of this revised local content policy document, inter alia, is to guide the legal drafting process. “Having realistic and

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat national consultation exercise. The overarching aim, as outlined by the government, is to create a policy which guides and regulates local participation in existing and emerging sectors. This policy and subsequent legislation must be responsive to change and provide the ‘space’ to accommodate expansions in an economy such as Guyana’s, where there has been an increase in investors’ interest. 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 pertaining to local content in the petroleum sector and to provide guidance for the development of Guyana’s local content policy and legislation. The panel comprised Shyam Nokta (chair), Carl Greenidge, Anthony Paul, Kevin Ramnarine, Carville Duncan and Floyd Haynes. While the panel would have done its part, the government has committed to engaging the public and key stakeholders on critical com-

pragmatic targets in place is crucial before any action is placed towards Guyana’s legislative framework. Essentially, these targets will serve as the schedule of the local content legislation,” the ministry said. Reaching to this target would require a gap analysis study which is instrumental and critical in crafting the local content policy. However, so too is an extensive and broad-based consultation process with all relevant stakeholders and segments of civil society, which indeed shares similar methodology and outcomes, the ministry reasoned. “Therefore, in the interest of time and the urgency in having a robust local content policy in place, which would then serve as the principal driver of the legislative framework, the Ministry has opted for the broad-based consultation process. The idea is for stakeholders to come up with both realistic and pragmatic targets. To date, this consultative process is ongoing,” the natural resources ministry said. In crafting a comprehensive policy, it is important for one to be aware that the

upstream oil and gas sector has a particular language that mirrors certain standardised characteristics and pre-defined roles that are common across the industry worldwide. And, while this sector is new to Guyana, the ministry believes it is wise to not re-invent the wheel and further complicate the description of these services. For this reason, the ministry said it is import-

ant that it reduces loopholes in the policy by addressing the local content regulations, job descriptions and services, which must be both pellucid and unambiguous. The continuing development of the offshore energy sector is an important element for Guyana’s industrial growth since it holds the potential of stimulating sustained economic growth. A central idea here is that

the economic impact of the offshore energy sector can be enhanced by increasing local participation. The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Natural Resources, has so far worked with both international and local professionals to craft a comprehensive policy, which includes realistic and realisable targets. The existing local content policy document, in

its crude form is not final. The idea is for the various stakeholders and segments of civil society to examine the draft document and propound realistic and pragmatic targets. As is, those targets and measures are meant solely to entice discussion. It is also pertinent to note that the draft has been endorsed by many representatives of civil society and industry since its release.

‘Smart Start’ donates tablets, school supplies to family in need

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 3, 2021

The children with some of the items they received from Smart Start. Also pictured are their mother, Yvonne Reid-Hamilton (far left), and Manager of Smart Start, Gillian Singh (far right) A STEVEDORE family, on Monday, received six tablets and keyboards, a printer, school supplies and internet connectivity from the Smart Start Youth Foundation, to help mitigate the challenges being experienced in accessing online learning. The family, which had appealed to the public for help, was quick to express its gratitude to the generous donors. “These tablets will actually make our work much easier, because it’s been very difficult for my mother to have to go to the school and come back every time, to get- my schoolwork. It’s a trip every time. So this will make it way easier for us to do our schoolwork online, and she won’t have to be going to the school so often to carry in and bring back my schoolwork,” 14-year-old Ezekiel said to Manager of Smart Start, Gillian Singh, who handed over the items. While this is the Foundation’s first such initiative, Singh noted that assisting youths in that manner had been the vision of the founder, John Wallis, for some time now. She expressed elation in seizing the opportunity to help. “He [Wallis] has been very passionate about helping the youths and supporting them, and ensuring that they get a proper education and foundation in order to help them be successful in life. He’s very supportive where that is concerned,” she explained to the Guyana

Chronicle. Smart Start will cover the cost of internet service for the family, and will check in regularly to ensure that the six school-aged children are actively engaged, and are getting the help that they require. “That’s what our Foundation is about -- helping the youths, and ensuring that we’re supporting them, so that they can become young entrepreneurs; and finding them mentors during that process, in case they have challenges,” Singh concluded. Meanwhile, the children’s mother, Yvonne Reid-Hamilton who is a single parent of eight, expressed her tremendous gratitude for the assistance the family received. “I’d like to say thank you to Ms. Gillian, and to [the Chronicle] for everything you guys have done for us. We are very grateful. I trust in God that you guys will keep on doing the good work that you’re doing. May God give you health and strength. Thank you once more for assisting my children,” the grateful mother expressed. The Ministry of Education has kept schools closed for faceto-face learning for all levels except Grades 10, 11 and 12. In the meantime, teachers and learners continue to utilise media such as WhatsApp, Zoom, Facebook, Edmodo, Google Meet and Classrooms to engage learners online.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Gov’t praised for upgrade of Lima centre ground

RESIDENTS of Lima and members of the Lima United Sports Club (LUSC) are very appreciative of the prompt interventions made by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to upgrade the Lima Community Centre Ground and construct a sanitary block. Residents related that, in December 2020, the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Charles Ramson Jnr., visited Region Two and announced that his ministry will be giving money to several sports clubs, including Lima. The money was to be used to upgrade grounds. Shortly after the meeting, Gurdev Mahadeo was awarded the contract to carry out the upgrade and construction works. A portion of the money that was allocated was used to build and paint a new toilet facility. Residents related that the project was a positive move. They explained that many children are home and can often be seen loitering in the community. With the community ground upgraded, the children can now have a place to engage in various sporting activities. LUSC President, Neville Ramroop, joined residents in showering praises

The new sanitary block on Minister Ramson and the Region Two administration. Ramroop said that the community ground is more than 100 years old and was never visited by a minister in the past. “We are very thankful for the $1M for the project. This is a boost for our community. More games will be played and the youths will be actively involved,” Ramroop said. He related that in the afternoons, youths would utilise the ground, and, thus far, several cricket matches have been played.

A section of the recently upgraded ground

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 3, 2021

CCJ throws out Ogle airport renaming challenge THE Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), on Tuesday, dismissed the appeal filed by several domestic airline operators to challenge the 2016 renaming of the Ogle airport. Air Services Limited (ASL), Domestic Airways, Hinterland Aviation, Hopkinson Mining Aviation, Jags Aviation, Oxford Aviation, Phoenix Airways, Roraima Airways, Wings Aviation and the National Air Transport Association (NATA), an associa-

Kissoon had contended that the changing of the Ogle International Airport (OIA)’s name was unfair and irrational, because proper consultations were not held with his clients. Justice Barrow, in delivering the judgment of the court, found that the duty to consult in this case related to the question of whether the proposed new name should be approved or not. He noted that the appellants were able to discuss the name change, among other

The Eugene F. Correia International Airport tion formed by them, had managed to secure an injunction to prevent the renaming of the airport. However, the matter was subsequently discharged. The aerodrome, was, on May 9, 2016, renamed the Eugene F. Correia International Airport by then President David Granger. Legal challenges filed by the operators in the High Court and the Court of Appeal were unsuccessful and resulted in their resort to the Trinidad-based CCJ, which is Guyana’s final appeal court. The case at the CCJ was heard virtually by a five-member panel comprising Justices Peter Jamadar, Jacob Wit, Winston Anderson, Denys Barrow and Andrew Burgess. The operators/applicants were represented by Attorneys-at-law Devindra Kissoon and Natasha Vieria, while Solicitor-General, Nigel Hawke, appeared for the Attorney General, who is a named respondent in the case.

issues, at a meeting with the minister on November 18, 2015. Following that meeting, they provided a brief to the minister of all the issues discussed, including the name change. In that brief, the submission in relation to the renaming required nothing more than to ‘Leave Ogle Airport name as it is’. There was nothing provided by the appellants that suggested that the minister would not have understood the nature and substance of their objection. The court found that the minister took their concerns so seriously that he commissioned a legal review of the lease. The court thus held that there was no need for further consultations as advanced by the appellants. The appellants disagreed with the merits of the minister’s decision, for which the law gives no remedy. In a separate concurring

Rewa, Surama Eco-Lodges benefit from hygiene, sanitisation training WILDERNESS Explorers (WE), Guyana’s only Destination Management Company, has secured funding from the Canadian High Commission, and is partnering with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) to deliver a series of comprehensive, peer-to-peer COVID-19 training to lodges within the North Rupununi tourism circuit. According to a release, during February 19 - 25, 2021, eight participants from two communities, namely the Rewa Eco-Lodge and Surama Eco-Lodge, benefited from both practical and theoretical knowledge on hygiene and sanitation best practices facilitated by the GTA and WE representatives. These sessions, which were guided by the GTA’s recommended Hygiene and Sanitation Protocol as well as the National COVID-19 Safety Guidelines, trained four par-

ticipants of each lodge, particularly the senior staff, within the kitchen quarters, housekeeping, tour guiding and operations. Participants were thoroughly guided through each session to ensure that they will be able to deliver safe service when interacting with guests, and by extension promote safe travel in Guyana. Additionally, when they return to their lodges and communities, they will also be able to take the knowledge that they have gained, and apply it to their day-to-day activities, and also train their peers and community members. One area that was prioritised, which is a fairly new component in Guyana, is the retrofitting of tours. This simply means that participants were guided through their existing tours and activities, with the aim of including COVID-19 protocols and practices to keep guests and

opinion, Justice Jamadar emphasised that the duty of the minister to consult is rooted in the Constitution of Guyana, which is distinct from any procedural rights based on other legal sources. The court also emphasised the importance of meaningful consultations by public authorities with relevant stakeholders. The OAI was incorporated in 2000, with five equal shareholders, each owning 20 per cent of the shares, and each being a director of the company. Since then, the Correia Group of Companies has secured control of more than half of the shares and has a monopoly over fuel and the leasing of lands for domestic airspace. By way of letters in 2015, the airline services complained to former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, about the issues surrounding the changing of the airport’s name, and its likely impact on their operations. President Granger had also written to Patterson on the subject, with the aim of having the issues resolved. Kissoon had also submitted that his clients should have been consulted before the changing of the name, and on other issues stemming from the said problem. However, this argument did not sit well with the Solicitor-General, who submitted that there were proper consultations. According to him, then subject minister, David Patterson had acted, based on a letter from the OAI’s Board of Directors, which stated that there was a unanimous decision to change the name. Hawke contended that on the face of the evidence, the issue stems from a private grievance and the applicants are attempting to use public law procedures to address the private grievances. hosts safe. This training is part of the first steps to ensure the safe resumption of tourism operations. The pilot phase is being executed in the North Rupununi, then onward to Central and South Rupununi, followed by other tourism circuits in Guyana as part of a larger training project to create safe-travel corridors and restart tourism. Previously trained lodges include Caiman House, Karanambu Lodge, Atta Lodge and Mapari Wilderness/Guyana Truly Wild. The pilot phase comes to an end in April 2021, with the final two lodges scheduled to receive training during March 6 - April 2, 2021. These trainings, in addition to the inspection activities conducted by the GTA, all support the tourism businesses with their preparation for safe reopening through the two-step process which entails submission of business’s written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to the GTA for a desk review, and onsite inspection of businesses to verify the implementation of the SOPs and approval by the GTA.

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) virtual hearing on Tuesday

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Ruling in Azeena Baksh appeal expected soon THE Court of Appeal is expected to soon hand down its judgement in the case of Registrar of Deeds Azee-

na Baksh, who was found guilty of paying herself just over $4.5M. In March 2020, Baksh

was found guilty of procuring money by false pretence while being in the employ of the Judicial Service Com-

mission (JSC). Magistrate Leron Daly presided over the case at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Baksh

was ordered to repay the State the sum, or serve one year imprisonment. Dissatisfied, Baksh, through her Attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes, approached the appellate court, asking that it reverse, set aside and/ or discharge the magistrate’s ruling and enter judgment in her favour. On Tuesday, during a zoom hearing, the court concluded hearing arguments. A date for ruling has to be set. The Guyana Chronicle had reported that in April 2017, the Ministry of Legal Affairs said that staff of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority (DCRA) had called upon it to investigate complaints of alleged financial improprieties committed by Baksh. The Human Resource and Accounting Departments of the DCRA had complained that as Head of the Budget Agency and sole person in authority to approve and sign off the payroll of the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority, Baksh allegedly unlawfully paid herself gratuity, while knowing that she was a pensionable employee, having been appointed by the Judicial Services Commission. On July 16, 2012, Baksh was appointed Acting Reg-

Registrar of Deeds Azeena Baksh istrar of the Deeds Registry with a stipulated salary of $326,171 monthly. She was also entitled to duty, entertainment and house allowances, as well as a subsistence allowance when working out-of-district; duty-free concessions every three years; leave passage allowance and 42 days annual vacation leave; security at her residence; paid residential and mobile phone charges and monthly Internet service charges. The Judicial Services Commission did not grant her gratuity, since she was not a contracted worker. In May 2014, the Deeds Registry was merged with the Commercial Registry pursuant to the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority Act.

Appeal Court to rule on 80-year sentence, murder conviction THE Court of Appeal is expected to hand down, soon, its judgement in the case of Balram Singh, who is currently serving 80 years behind bars for the brutal murder of taxi driver, Bhomeshwar Sukhdeo. In 2015, Balram Singh was found guilty by a 12-member jury for the murder of Sukh-

in law. On Monday, during a zoom hearing, Chancellor (ag) of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justices of Appeal, Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud, had set April 7, 2021 for their decision in the appeal. The Guyana Chronicle had reported that the taxi driver was last seen alive on January 19, 2010. Subsequently, a search was launched for him and his car. On January 27, 2010, his car was found at a vehicle body workshop in Herstelling New Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and later, his burnt body was discovered at Mocha Arcadia Access Road, EBD.

Balram Singh deo, who was killed between January 19 and January 27, 2010. Singh was sentenced by Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara High Court. Singh, through his attorney, Nigel Hughes, appealed the conviction and sentence, arguing that the trial was unfair, and that the judge erred

DEAD: Bhomeshwar Sukhdeo

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 3, 2021

‘Sour’ exit for Linden Hospital CEO over ‘Sweetman’ remark THE Ministry of Health, on Tuesday, took a decision to remove Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Linden Hospital Complex, Rudy Small, from his post with immediate effect. This development comes following public outcry over the “sweetman” remark he had made in reference to on-duty nurses leaving the facility at nights. He was at the time being interviewed by a reporter. On Thursday, Small was quoted as claiming that some of the night duty nurses at the hospital would often clock in for duty, but then leave the hospital to go out with their “sweetman”, before returning in the morning to clock out. The statement was met with much backlash from the hospital’s nurses who called the comment false, damaging and disrespectful. Many of them took to social media to express their dissatisfaction. On Monday several nurses staged a protest outside the CEO’s office. The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) at its press conference on Friday last, had anLinden Hospital nounced that it had written CEO, Rudy Small to Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony about the issue. The GPSU described the reported comment as “irresponsible”, “inappropriate”, and “unprofessional”. “The union wrote Minister of Health asking for him to take appropriate action which we hope will result in the separation of the CEO from the institution,” GPSU President, Patrick Yarde, stated. Yarde made it clear that GPSU is not calling for the CEO to be fired, as the union was not looking to contribute to someone losing his/her job during the pandemic. However, the union wanted him transferred from the hospital. It was noted that the CEO’s utterances could cause “serious disruptions in families of the healthcare workers, and asserted that it could even possibly contribute to increasing the domestic violence situation facing the country. His utterances purporting that nurses are engaging in extra-marital affairs is scandalous and exposes himself, his office and agency to significant legal sanctions and litigation. The nurses attached to the Linden Hospital Complex have expressed a loss of all confidence in his ability to effectively carry the functions of his office, a position wholeheartedly shared by the GPSU,” the letter to the minister said. Small, on Friday last, issued a statement, in which he claimed that irrelevant “salacious commentary” was added to the article which contained the remark. “The reporter added salacious commentary alleging certain inappropriate behaviour of nurses led to the decision to introduce an electronic timekeeping system. At no time in the formal interview did I ascribe the need for a timekeeping system to be related to the rumoured behaviour of nurses or any other staff,” he said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 3, 2021

DPP withdraws murder charge against Kacey Heyliger THE Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), on Monday, withdrew the charge laid against 28-year-old Kacey

Magistrate, the court was informed that based on the advice of the DPP, the murder charge against Heyliger was withdrawn. However, Parris remains on remand and will face a preliminary inquiry. According reports, on the day in question, around 21:00hrs, Gonsalves, along with his co-worker, was at a bar located at Garnett Street, Kitty, Georgetown,

Kacey Heyliger Heyliger for the murder of Kitty contractor, Peter Gonsalves. Heyliger, a resident of Shell Road, Kitty, was on remand for more than two months.

Daniel Parris

DEAD: Peter Gonsalves He was first arraigned before the Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on December 12, 2020, and was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that on December 7, 2020, while in the company of another, at Garnett Street, Kitty, Georgetown, he murdered Gonsalves in the course or furtherance of a robbery. Subsequently, on February 8, 2021, Daniel Paris, 25, of ‘D’ Field, Sophia, Turkeyen, was remanded by the Chief Magistrate for the same offence. When the case was called on Monday before the Chief

when Paris and his accomplice, who were both armed, opened fire in their direction. After firing shots, the two assailants then escaped on Gonsalves’ XR motorcycle, CJ600. Gonsalves was hit several times and later succumbed to the gunshot injuries, while his co-worker escaped unharmed. Police subsequently collected CCTV footage from the bar and Paris was allegedly nabbed with the stolen motorcycle. On August 30, 2019, Heyliger was freed at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for the murder of America Street ‘money-changer’ Shawn Nurse, known as “Fabulous”, who was gunned down in Georgetown in 2018. However, his two co-accused, Kerwin Dos Santos, called “Buffy” and George Hope, called “Gregory”, both 25 years old, were committed to stand trial before a judge and jury at the next practical sitting of the Demerara Assizes.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Man who allegedly stole taxi at gunpoint remanded A MAN, who allegedly robbed a taxi driver of his motor car at gunpoint, was, on Monday, remanded to prison by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs - Marcus when he made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Michael Scott of Middle Street, Mc Doom, East Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him. He denied that, on February 12, 2021, at Mandela Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, while being in the company of others, and armed with a dangerous weapon, specifically, a gun, robbed Fajid Khan of one Toyota Allion motor car, HD417, valued at $3M, one Samsung cellphone valued at $75,000, one radio set valued at $100,000, and one driver’s licence. It is alleged that, on the day in question, Khan, was on duty at City Taxi Service on Vlissengen Road, when he was hired by Scott to transport him to West Ruimveldt. Khan accepted the job, but when he arrived at Mandela Avenue, West Ruimveldt, he was reportedly attacked by Scott and two accomplices. Khan was held at gunpoint and relieved of his motorcar which contained the other valuables mentioned in the charge. The trio then made good their escape. The matter was reported and the accused was arrested. Scott was placed in an identification parade where he was positively identified by Khan. The motor car, along with Khan’s other valuables was not recovered. Scott was subsequently charged. The matter was adjourned until March 15, 2021.

Man found guilty of raping girl twice A 12-member mixed jury, on Monday, found 32-yearold Ivor Laud guilty of two counts of raping a minor and his sentencing was deferred pending the presentation of a probation report. Laud was on trial before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow in the Sexual Offences Court of the Demerara High Court. The jury, after deliberating for more than two hours, returned the guilty verdicts. The first indictment stated that Laud between March 1 and 31, 2015, engaged in sexual penetration with the victim when she was eight years old. The second stated that Laud between August 1and 31, 2017, engaged in sexual penetration with the same child when she was ten years. The State was represented by prosecutors Sarah Martin and Nafeeza Baig while Laud was represented by Attorney-at-law Racheal Bakker. The convict was remanded to prison and will return to court on March 18 for sentencing, following the presentation of a probation report to the court. The prosecution’s case was that Laud is known to the child’s family. During the periods mentioned in the charges, he would invite her to his home under the pretence that he had something for her. Laud, who is a husband and father would invite the child over when he was alone at home. He would take the child into his bedroom and perform oral and vaginal sex on her. After committing the heinous acts, he would send the child home. The child subsequently confided in her parents and the matter was reported to the police. Laud was later arrested and charged.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 3, 2021

West Indies, Sri Lanka clash in first T20I today

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC )– West Indies have identified winning as their main priority ahead of their three-match Twenty20 International series against Sri Lanka starting here today, with captain Kieron Pollard pointing to recently recalled senior players as crucial to these plans. Selectors last week handed a shock recall to 39-year-old fast bowler Fidel Edwards who has not played a single international in nearly a decade, and also summoned 41-year-old opener Chris Gayle who has not featured for West Indies in almost two years. And with the likes of 37-year-old Dwayne Bravo and the 36-year-old Lendl Simmons also in the 14man squad along with the well-travelled Andre Fletcher, West Indies are not short of experience as they begin a campaign that will climax with their defence of their T20 World Cup title in India in October. Speaking on the eve of the opening T20 International at Coolidge Cricket Ground, Pollard reiterated the value the veteran players brought to the squad, noting that younger players had not taken full advantage of the opportunities afforded them since the last T20 World Cup five years ago. “Some of the younger players would’ve gotten opportunities when we started off from 2019 [when I became captain] and it hasn’t produced the results we would’ve wanted on a consistent basis,”

Pollard told a media conference on Tuesday. “Guys were still in and out because of non-cricketing reasons and stuff like that, and these [older] guys continue to perform despite their age … and once you show you can perform at the highest level and the franchise level, the opportunity is still there.” He continued: “I think as a team we need to start to win cricket matches, we need to start to win series because we can go down the line of just thinking about blooding talent but [the media] will still talk about results at the end of it as well. “So we have to strike that balance and we have to start to win cricket matches. We’re the defending champions of the T20 World Cup and we have to get into that habit, and if it’s a case of having extra or more senior guys in the team as well to start that process then so be it.” Despite the presence of the veteran players, a couple uncapped players will have the chance to prove themselves with 27-year-old leftarm spinner Akeal Hosein and 21-year-old off-spinner Kevin Sinclair included. Trinidadian Hosein featured made an impressive one-day debut in the recent three-match series away to Bangladesh while Sinclair has shone in the regional domestic white ball tournaments. Left-arm pacer Obed McCoy, who played two T20 Internationals two years ago, has also gained a recall and Pollard be-

lieves the presence of the vastly experienced players along with the rookies, presented the ideal mixture for West Indies. “For us, we’re excited to have certain individuals back, we’re excited to have the younger guys as well trying to get that opportunity,” Pollard explained. “I think the way to go forward is having that kind of mixture in the team where you have youth and experience [and] the youthful guys can learn from the experienced guys. These are some of the things that have been missing throughout from 2016 till now. “Can we safely say we’ve put out our best T20 team to go to any series? There are always different things happening in the midst of it so we have to start somewhere and this is the starting point for us. “We have about 18 games plus a whole CPL before the World Cup so guys can get opportunities and we can see where we need to be come October. As the coach said, we still need to win cricket matches while we go through that process and that’s the way we’re going.” West Indies have had a torrid time in the shortest format in recent years, winning only five of their last 20 outings to slip down the International Cricket Council’s team rankings to 10th. They ended 2020 with a 2-0 battering in New Zealand but Pollard said past results were now behind them as they looked for-

ward to a fresh beginning. “We haven’t spoken about what transpired in New Zealand but it is what it is, that’s done and dusted. I’m a big believer in dealing with what’s in the present right now and obviously this series is very, very important,” he stressed. “It is the first home series for a while and we have some new personnel in the team … so it’s just a matter of trying to gel together as quickly as possible. We just came off a Super50 tournament so it’s about getting into the groove of T20 and an international series.” Today’s’s contest will be played under lights beginning at 6 pm. SQUADS: WEST INDIES – Kieron Pollard (captain), Nicholas Pooran (vice-captain), Fabien Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Fidel Edwards, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Rovman Powell, Lendl Simmons, Kevin Sinclair. SRI LANKA – Dimuth Karunaratne (captain), Ashen Bandara, Dushmantha Chameera, Dinesh Chandimal, Akila Dananjaya, Hasaranga de Silva, Asitha Fernando, Nuwan Pradeep, Oshada Fernando, Danushka Gunathilaka, Suranga Lakmal, Dilshan Madushanka, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Ramesh Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Thisara Perera, Lakshan Sandakan.

Danns signs with Connah’s Quay Nomads WALES-based football club, Connah’s Quay Nomads, has announced the signing of experienced Golden Jaguars midfielder Neil Danns. Danns, 38, has made over 400 appearances in the Football League and has scored nine times in 15 outings for Guyana. The midfielder started his career at Blackburn Rovers, during which time he had loan spells at Blackpool, Hartlepool United and Colchester

United. Danns joined the latter on a permanent basis in 2004 and spent two years at the club before joining Birmingham City. The Guyana international made 103 appearances for Crystal Palace, whilst also having permanent spells in the Football League at Leicester City, Bolton, Bury and Tranmere Rovers. Most recently, Danns has played for the likes of Radcliffe, Halifax

Town and was on trial at Chorley, where the Nomads spotted him after their season was curtailed. On the international stage, the midfielder made his Guyana debut in March 2015, where he set up both goals in a 2-0 victory over Grenada. Danns was also part of Guyana’s 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup squad and scored all three of his country’s goals in the competition.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Williams’ unbeaten 54 bolsters Zimbabwe on a day for bowlers ZIMBABWE came out on top after stumps were drawn on day one of their first Test against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, reaching 133-5 at stumps for a lead of two runs. Captain Sean Williams’ half-century was a big reason for Zimbabwe’s strong standing at the end of the day, given how well the bowlers had acquitted themselves at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on the first day. Blessing Muzarabani and Victor Nyauchi ensured Afghanistan, who had opted to bat, had a difficult time of it when they combined for seven wickets to bowl the hosts out for 131 in 47 overs. Afghanistan’s left-arm spinner Amir Hamza then hit back at Zimbabwe, taking 4-61 to dismantle the top order, before Williams and Sikandar Raza put on a solid fifty-partnership to revive the innings. The morning belonged to the Zimbabwe pacers.

Muzarabani and Nyauchi bowled fast and tight lines to make life tough for the Afghanistan top order, and the tone was set within the first three overs. Muzarabani had Abdul Malik – one of three Afghanistan debutants

– cleaned up with the very first delivery of the day. In his next over, he forced the edge from Rahmat Shah (6) and Afghanistan were 8-2. Munir Ahmad hung around offering Ibrahim Zadran some company but managed just a

Amir Hamza grabbed 4 for 61, as Zimbabwe lost five wickets before taking the lead (Abu Dhabi Cricket)

Ahmed Shah Pakteen becomes first on-field Test umpire from Afghanistan ... Big day for Ahmed Shah Durrani too, as he becomes second Afghan, after Pakteen, to be a TV umpire in a Test match

Ahmed Shah Pakteen (R) became the first on-field Test umpire from Afghanistan (Afghanistan Cricket Board)

THE first Test between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe had four players making their Test debuts. There was another Test first-timer on the field, too, 44-year-old Ahmed Shah Pakteen, who became the first from Afghanistan to be an on-field umpire in a Test match. Aleem Dar, the veteran official from Pakistan, was the other on-field umpire for the game. Pakteen made his debut as an international cricket umpire in January 2017. He has previously stood in 15 ODIs and 20 T20Is. In March 2019, Pakteen had become the first Afghan to be a TV

23-ball 12 before becoming Nyauchi’s first wicket. Zadran himself fell three overs later, for a 41-ball 31. When Hashmatullah Shahidi then had two of his stumps knocked back by a ripping Nyauchi yorker,

umpire during the only Test between Afghanistan and Ireland. Ten months later, in January 2020, he became the first Afghan umpire at an ICC main event when he officiated at the Men’s Under-19 World Cup in South Africa. While there is no Afghan representation in the 12-member elite panel of umpires (the highest category), there are four in the international panel: apart from Pakteen. There are Ahmed Shah Durrani, Bismillah Jan Shinwari and Izatullah Safi. The ongoing Test also marked a debut in Tests for

Durrani, who became the second Afghan - after Pakteen - to be a TV umpire in the longest format. Durrani made his international umpiring debut in December 2016 and has been an on-field umpire 19 times in white-ball cricket. Pakteen’s debut now means that Ireland is the only full-member nation to not field an on-field umpire yet. Ireland have played three Tests so far, and the only official from their country has been Mark Hawthorne, who was the TV umpire in their debut Test, against Pakistan in 2018. (Cricinfo)

Afghanistan’s troubles were underlined at 69-5. It was an exercise in damage limitation thereafter. Afsar Zazai scored a resolute 70-ball 37 to boost the scorecard, while captain Asghar Afghan (13) and Amir Hamza (16*) scored valuable runs to take the total past the 100-mark. However, it didn’t take long for Zimbabwe pacers to run through the line-up, and Afghanistan were all out by tea. It was Zimbabwe’s turn to face the heat in the final session. And this time, it was all spin, with Hamza foxing four of Zimbabwe’s top five batsmen, three of them within the first 15 overs. Zimbabwe lost their first wicket, Kevin Kasuza within four balls of their innings when Yamin Ahmadzai cleaned him up for nought. Hamza then took over, finding the gap between bat and pad to snuff out Tarisai Musakanda (7). Opener Prince

Masvaure was the next to fall, six overs later, and when the young Wesley Madhevere fell first ball to Hamza, Zimbabwe seemed to be in as much trouble as Afghanistan were in the morning, at 38/4. However, experienced campaigners Williams and Raza helped negotiate Zimbabwe out of the tricky spot. They were very gritty as they blunted the Afghanistan spinners, and gradually had the runs flowing again. Afghanistan were soon chasing leather all over the park, as the duo took their partnership past the 50-run mark. Unfortunately for Zimbabwe, Raza became Hamza’s fourth wicket late in the day after he went hard at a delivery, and gifted a catch after miscuing it. Williams saw Zimbabwe through till stumps, and the visitors claimed the lead late on. They will hope to add a lot more to the total on the second day.

English cricket to get ‘significant slice’ of £300M package to help sports ENGLISH cricket will receive a “significant chunk” of a new £300M summer sports recovery package. Tennis and horse racing are also set to benefit when UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak presents his Budget today. “There’s nothing that says summer more than watching your favourite team,” said Sunak. “I can’t wait for sports grounds to be filled with fans with atmosphere again - this £300M cash boost will help make that a reality.” Details of how the cash will be distributed, how organisations can apply and timeframes, are set to be announced in the coming weeks. This will only benefit sports in England, with a total of £57M of separate funding to be provided for the Scottish government (£29M), Welsh government (£18M) and Northern Ireland executive (£10M). The financial boost comes after an initial £300M was made available last November for certain sports in what was called Winter Survival Package. An England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) spokesperson said: “We welcome the government’s intention to extend the support given to winter sports

so that cricket and other summer sports are given a financial safety net and are able to bid as well. “Playing behind closed doors for all of last season has already had a severe financial impact on cricket, and that will continue this year until full crowds are able to return.” The government is under pressure to use the Budget to do more to support the physical activity sector too. Industry body UK Active says 400 gyms, pools and leisure centres have already closed permanently as a result of lockdown, with thousands more at risk, along with 100 000 jobs. Although such facilities can reopen from the second stage of lockdown easing

in April, group classes indoors cannot resume until mid-May. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has backed a potential UK and the Republic of Ireland bid for the 2030 World Cup. FIFA’s formal bidding process to stage the tournament will be launched next year. In an interview with The Sun, Johnson said: “We are very, very keen to bring football home in 2030. I do think it’s the right place.” The paper says Sunak’s Budget will set aside £2.8M to promote the UK and Ireland’s official pitch to FIFA. Johnson added that he is offering Britain’s stadiums to host every game of this year’s delayed European Championship. (BBC Sport)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Wednesday, March 03, 2021

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) (1) (2)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: WI vs ENG, Leeds, 1973 Mike Denness (ENG)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Where & when did SL play an ODI match for the first time? (2) Who was declared Man of the Match?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Sir Viv Richards weighs in on pitch debate … condemns moaning. groaning

FORMER West Indies captain Sir Viv Richards has delivered his opinion on the ongoing debate over the pitch used for the third Test between India and England in Ahmedabad. The penultimate game of the ongoing series was played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, a venue that was hosting an international match for the first time since 2014. The venue started its new journey by witnessing a thumping win for India but the pitch used for the game has come under a lot of fire after the Test ended within two days. England’s batsmen failed to get going in both innings as India thrashed them by ten wickets to take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series. A total of only 842 balls were bowled while 30 wickets fell in just over a day and a half in the first-ever pinkball Test between India and

England. The match was the shortest completed Test since 1935. The Joe Rootled side were all out for just 112 in the first innings but clawed their way back by bowling out India for just 145.

hosts chased down the required 49 runs without losing any wicket. With the debate surrounding the pitch showing absolutely no signs of coming to an end, Viv Richards has opined that people have

Legendary West Indies batsman Viv Richards

They, however, failed to capitalise on the momentum and came up with a horrific batting display in the second innings. England were all out for just 81, their lowest-ever total against India before the

got to stop cribbing about the nature of the surface. The legendary batsman also pointed out that playing in India has always been about tackling spin. Criticising England’s

strategy, Richards further said that had the tourists done their homework ahead of the tour – they would have been better prepared about playing on such tracks. “I’ve been asked questions recently about the Test match that was played in India … the second and third Test match against England. “And I am a little confused about the question really because there seems to be a lot of moaning and groaning about the wicket that they were playing on. “I just felt that the ones who are moaning, in my opinion, should realise that there are times that you’re going to get a seaming track, a ball that is basically jumping off a good length and everyone thinks that’s a problem for batters. There are times batters sometimes cope with that,” Richards said in a video posted on his Facebook page. (CricTracker)

BCB/Premium Asphalt tournament ...

Brilliant Ramsammy leads Tucber Park into Under-19 final A BRILLIANT allro u n d p e r f o r m a n c e f ro m B e r b i c e y o u t h a l l - r o u n d e r, A b d u l Ramsammy,, guided his team Tucber Park into the final of the historic Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)/Premium Asphalt Under-19 tournament. Ramsammy took three for 17 from his 10 overs and then returned with the bat to score 39, to spearhead Tucber Park to an easy six-wicket victory. Playing at the historic Rose Hall Canje Community Welfare Ground, the home team won the toss and batted first. They amassed 106 all out in 30.1 of their allotted 50 overs. National youth players Sanjay Algoo and Isiah Thorne top-scored with 15 and 14 respectively while Kevin Budhoo supported with 11. Ramsammy 3 for 17, Ravishkar Sobhai 2 for 35 (8 overs) and Kevin Kisten 2 for 4 (1.4 overs)

Abdul Ramsammy put in a good all-round performance

were the top bowlers for the impressive Tucber Park bowling attack. Needing to score 107 from 50 overs to reach the semifinals, Tucber Park raced to 109 for 4 from 13.2 overs. Ramsammy completed a fine all-round performance with a solid 39 (3x4) and received support from Ravishkar Sobhai 23 and Zeynul Ramsammy 16. Sanjay Algoo took all four wickets to fall to end with figures of 3-0-26-4 in a losing cause. Tucber Park would now clash with East Bank Blazers in the final, which would be played this weekend at the Rose Hall Canje ground. The BCB/ Premium Asphalt Under-19 tournament is one of four that would be played in each of the sub-zones. A Berbice-wide Under-19 tournament is due to star in early April.

Sebert Blake

Blake, Poole nominated for AIBA Coaches Committee THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has nominated Terrence Poole MS and Sebert Blake to be considered part of the AIBA Coaches Committee. Poole, GBA Technical Director and Blake, the Chairman of the GBA Coaches Commission were pulled from a group of local coaches. The two holders of AIBA Three Star certificates are a part of a handful of regional officials to have made that grade. GBA president Steve Ninvalle disclosed that both locals stand a very good chance of making it into the committee. “Even though they are competing with persons from over 150 countries I am confident that they can be successful,” Ninvalle said. The Coaches Commission is one of several new measures implemented by recently elected AIBA president Umar Kremlev of Russia.

American Racing Tips

10:05 hrs Molineaux

Tampa Bay Downs

10:40 hrs Malina Ocarina

Race 1 On Duty

11;10 hrs Akarita Lights

Race 2 Marsac

11:45 hrs Dashing Perk

Race 3 Abuelo Nuno Race 4 Delft Blue Race 5 Idle Time Race 6 Queen Bourbon Race 7 Successful Legacy Race 8 Silver Edge South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 08:05 hrs My Big Vision 08:40 hrs Command Control 09:20 hrs Theravada 09:55 hrs Fly The Coup 10:30 hrs Spring Break 11:05 hrs Preferential English Racing Tips Wincanton 08:30 hrs Famoso 09:00 hrs Don’t Be Robin 09:30 hrs Robin’s Dream

Musselburgh 08:45 hrsd Presentandcounting 09:15 hrs Begoodtoyourself 09:50 hrs Gemologist 10:25 hrs Not The Chablis 11:00 hrs Sword Of Fate 11:35 hrs Alcala 12:05 hrs Get The Appeal 12:35 hrs Captain Buck’s Lingfield 09:40 hrs El Conquistador 10:15 hrs Music Major 10:50 hrs Albert Camus 11:25 hrs Sugar Dumpling 11:55 hrs River Wharfe 12:25 hrs Shaqeeqa 12:55 hrs Sea Of Charm 13:25 hrs Afro Blue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Former national footballer ‘Bobby’ Fernandes laid to rest ON Monday, in a touching service at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church on Main Street, former Golden Jaguars defender, Robert ‘Bobby’ Fernandes, had his life celebrated by family and close friends as they bade him their final farewells. Fernandes, who passed away on February 19 and would have celebrated his 75th year on March 5, was a stalwart supporter of football and also became president of the Guyana Football Club (GFC) in a tenure that spanned from 2001 to 2015. At the service, Roman Catholic priest Monsignor Terrence Montrose led the proceedings that had a touching eulogy delivered by six of Fernandes’ seven children. The service was also broadcast via live stream for those who wanted to pay their

Monsignor Terrence Montrose officiates at the service of celebration for ‘Bobby’ Fernandes at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church on Monday

Fowler, Seaton confident ahead of SA championships

respects but had to observe the COVID-19 protocols. After scripture readings and hymns of praise, tributes were also paid by Major General Joe Singh (ret’d), who spoke of the 5-decade-long friendship they shared, and former GFC secretary, Ivor O’Brien, who served during Fernandes’ time at the helm of Georgetown Football Club (GFC). Fernandes’ personality was remembered as outgoing, which led to his being a great father, amazing friend and true motivator. At the conclusion of the service, the remains of Fernandes were escorted away by his brother, Chris Fernandes, four of his children and Rene Edwards. The family has expressed gratitude for all the condolences and health personnel who assisted over the years.

Fruta Conquerors receives Guyana Lottery Company support

Guyana Lottery Company’s Brand Ambassador, Rawle Toney, makes the entity’s presentation to Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson. Also present is Fruta Conquerors secretary Daniel Thomas

From left: Jamila Sanmoogan, National coach Sean Baksh, Leon Seaton Jr and Andrew Fowler at the FINA 2019 World Championships in South Korea

WITH less than two weeks before the South American Swimming and Diving Championships unfold in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the confidence is growing among the Guyanese team who are set to participate. Andre Fowler, Leon Seaton and Jamila Sanmoogan will use this rare international event as a stepping stone to tune their performances after the sport was forced into a yearlong hiatus when COVID-19 appeared. Seaton said, “I’m thankful for the opportunity to participate in the South America Championships in Argentina. I feel very elated that I will have a chance to test my skills and finally have an understanding of how I’ve been training and what I need to

improve on. And to be honest, at the swim meet I am looking for great improvement in each of my events, new personal-best times.” Fowler’s sentiments almost echoed that of Seaton’s. He said, “First of all, I’m grateful for the opportunity to be able to participate at the games. I’ve been doing training outside of the pool for about a year now and I only got permission from the minister mid-January to do regular training, as in, swimming at the pool.” He continued: “So this competition would be a great exposure and one way that I can gauge my performance at the moment with just a month and a half of training and see where I stand in terms

of times.” In July 2019, these three attended the FINA World Championships in Gwangju, South Korea, and were exceptional, by significantly improving their personal records. Seaton registered his personal best in the 50m butterfly (28.54s) and the 50m backstroke (29.92s) while Sanmoogan, who is currently training locally,, recorded her personal-best performances in both the 50m butterfly and 50m freestyle. At the meet, Fowler clocked his personal best in the 100m freestyle but was not as successful when he attempted the 50m freestyle. The SA Swimming and Diving Championships are set for March 14-29.

THE Guyana Lottery Company became the first corporate entity to answer to the call of support from Fruta Conquerors Football Club, to aid in its team’s participation at the April 23–May 2 CONCACAF Caribbean Club Shield tournament, in Curacao. The handing-over of an undisclosed sum took place at the BLAST Gaming Centre, on Mandela Avenue yesterday, with the company’s Brand Ambassador, Rawle Toney, calling the support timely and important. According to Toney, Guyana Lottery Company believes that it’s important for corporate entities to support clubs like Fruta Conquerors, simply for what it represents in the Tucville community and its contribution to Guyana’s football over the years. Toney pointed out that

Guyana Lottery Company is only demonstrating its corporate responsibility and in this case, in helping the development of football. “With no football being played in Guyana and more so, not being able to play any meaningful games since they would have won the GFF Elite League in 2019, we (Guyana Lottery Company) believe that their participation at the tournament in Curacao is an indication that football is still very much alive in Guyana,” Toney added. Meanwhile, Daniel Thomas, secretary of Fruta Conquerors, stressed the importance of Guyana Lottery Company’s support, noting that it must be recognised as the first company to put its hand up and support the club that is in need. Thomas thanked the company’s General Manager,

Tracey Lewis, for her generosity, while hoping that the support will form part of a lasting relationship with the club. Fruta Conquerors have been drawn in Group C against St Vincent and the Grenadines side Hope International FC and SV Racing Club of Aruba. The 2019 GFF Elite League champs will feature on the tournament’s opening day when they battle St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Guardian General Hope International FC. The winner of the 2021 CONCACAF Caribbean Club Shield will advance to a play-off against the fourthplaced team from the 2021 Flow CONCACAF Caribbean Club Championship to compete for a spot in the Scotiabank CONCACAF League.

Anil Persaud aka Nala with the 15-second trophy

The new strip record holder - GTR Godzilla of Team Mohamed’s Enterprise

GMR&SC Drag Race round one…

My best run in Guyana yet, says Team Mohammed’s Cox THERE have been lots of good days of drag racing in Guyana but Team Mohammed’s Terrance Cox believes that last Sunday will hold his fondest memory. Speaking to the media after his record-breaking run in Team Mohammed’s Godzilla, Cox told media operatives, “I’ve done a lot of drag racing here in Guyana but this one will definitely be the most memorable. It may be my best run in Guyana yet.” “Today (Sunday) was just awesome. The track preparation was great. The conditions were really good too. Big shout out to the guys at Total Venue Concepts (TVC) that did the track preparation.” “The support I get from the Team Mohamed’s guys is amazing and it’s like a whole new world when I get to Guyana,” Cox said.

Cox, piloting the Godzilla (White) GTR posted a new strip record (7.50 seconds), breaking the record he had set the day before (Saturday) with the team’s Goliath (Black) GTR (7.6 seconds). Meanwhile, ,as the sun set on the venue, the faster cars came out to run, with Ferroz Mohammed and the Hyper Malt Mistubishi Evolution Lancer showing why the manufacturer is so sought after. And racing was not complete without the Surinamese making an entrance, that country’s Raymond John driving across to snag the 11-second class. Elsewhere Sahadeo Ramsaywack and his Toyota Verossa returned to winning ways, staving off stiff competition in the 12-second class.

And it was also a long road to victory for the West Coast’s Imran Khan, taking back his 13-second title after many failed attempts. Mahendra Singh also made the best of his Mitsubishi Evoloution 10’s all-wheel-drive system to snag the 14-second class with Anil Persaud (Nala) driving the wheels off the former Endurance championship-winning Toyota Levin in the 15-second class. 16-second class winner Permeshwar Ramkisson spoke to the media after his win, contending that “It was my first time drag racing and I had a good time. I just did what I had to do and came out on top. I will definitely be back the next time. He and his Honda Prelude had no shortage of work to do in the highly competitive 16-second class.

The day’s sponsors included Cyril’s Transportation Services, E-Networks, First Class Auto Sales, GUYOIL (Castrol), Homeline Furnishing, Imran Auto Works, KFC, KGM Security, Land Star Drilling Company, MMD Hollow Blocks and Pavers, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Motor Trend Service Center, Modern Building Solutions, NALICO/NAFICO, Panko Steel Fabrication, Power Tech Sound Company, Prem’s Electrical, Ready Mix Concrete, Rush Energy Drink, Samaroo Investments Inc., Secure Innovations & Concepts Inc., STAG Beer, Trans Pacific Motor Spares & Auto Sales, Truck Master, UNICOM – United Commodities, West Coast Customs Washbay, L. Mahabeer and Sons Cambio, Hand-in-Hand Insurance and Windjammer.

Danns signs with West Indies, Sri Lanka clash in first T20I today Connah’s Quay Nomads …Winning, senior players key to new path

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LEADING THE WAY: Veteran all-rounder Dwayne Bravo makes a point to uncapped off-spinner Kevin Sinclair (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

Neil Danns after singing with Connah’s Quay Nomads

Ahmed Shah Pakteen becomes first on-field Test umpire from Afghanistan Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021