Issuu

THURSDAY 3rd December, 2020

Secondary city

No.106202

–– expected within the Linden-Soesdyke Highway area as plans intensify to create ‘transformational infrastructure’

SEE PAGE 03

With a growing population and an impending economic boom, the Government of Guyana has started to examine the possibility of creating a “secondary city” in the Linden-Soesdyke Highway area to relieve the burden from an over-populated Georgetown (Girendra Persaud photo. photos.girendra.com)

Guyana to get world-class O&G institute

Guyana-Suriname Larry Singh Bridge likely by 2025 in trouble PAGE

PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE thursDay, DecemBER 3, 2020

Guyana to get world class O&G institute By Navendra Seoraj GUYANA’S fast ascension to the rank of petroleum state has left its human resources under-prepared to service the nascent oil and gas sector, but, as a solution to this problem, the government is planning to establish a world-class petroleum institute and training centre in Guyana. Several international stakeholders, after recognising that Guyana’s institutional capacity to manage and oversee the oil and gas sector is limited, have encouraged the government to enhance its capacity in order to properly inherit the potential direct and indirect opportunities. The government, having recognised this shortfall, has started discussions on having a world-class petroleum institute in Guyana, very soon. “It will not only provide training for Guyanese, but for human resource in the oil and gas sector across the region,” said President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, during his address at the 25th annual award ceremony of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), held at State House compound, on Thursday. The President said this is all part of adjusting the economy to ensure that there is growth from the onset. Guyanese-owned company, TOTALTEC Oilfield Services, has already announced that it will be injecting US$2.4 million (over G$516 million) into its International Petroleum and Maritime Academy (IPMA) to improve its capacity, amidst Guyana’s growing oil-and-gas sector TOTALTEC’s IPMA focuses on training Guyanese and teaching skillsets to the candidates so they can develop careers in Guyana’s growing oil-and-gas sector. Since its establishment two years ago, IPMA has screened over 3,000 applicants, trained over 500 persons and placed over 300 Guyanese in jobs within the petroleum sector. Critical in the advancement of the petroleum sector is, however, a Local Content Policy, because, while the opportunities will be there, it is left to the

See page 12

Secondary city

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 3, 2020

–– expected within the Linden-Soesdyke Highway area as plans intensify to create ‘transformational infrastructure’

By Navendra Seoraj WITH a growing population and an impending economic boom, the Government of Guyana has started to examine the possibility of creating a “secondary city” in Linden-Soesdyke Highway area to relieve the burden from an overpopulated Georgetown. A city is defined as a permanent and densely settled place with administratively defined boundaries whose members work primarily on non-agricultural tasks Georgetown, Guyana’s Capital, has served as the central hub for economic activities and residence for decades. But, the discovery of lucrative oil and gas resources, offshore Guyana, has drawn unprecedented attention to this nation, which, over the years, has focused mainly on primary production. Hoteliers, agro processors, key players in the global energy sector and many other investors are either already in Guyana or are interested in setting up operations here. Naturally, an influx of investment would catalyse growth in other areas and even increase a nation’s population; so, in a move which is seen as proactive, the Government has initiated discussions to establish a secondary city in Linden-Soesdyke Highway area that will connect to the new four-lane road, which will act as a catalyst for development. It was reported, recently, that the country’s infrastructural transformation is expected to be catalysed by the construction of a new ‘fly-over’ Demerara Harbour Bridge which will stretch from Nandy Park on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) to La Grange on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD). The new four-lane highspan bridge, which is scheduled to be completed in three years after the commencement of work, will replace the existing structure which was built in 1976, over four decades ago. Testimony to the new bridge’s ability to catalyse infrastructural development is Government’s plan to construct a new four-lane

highway, which will not just reduce traffic congestion, but open lands for housing, agriculture and tourism. “We have initiated dis-

to be developed so that every Guyanese family can own a house. Those figures had justified the need for such a de-

and other stakeholders that Guyana will reap the rewards of past efforts. He promised that economic transformation will in-

work for Guyana to become a major hemispheric economic hub,” said President Ali. He also said the Government is seeking investors

President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, delivers a passionate presentation at the 25th annual awards ceremony of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), held at State House compound, Georgetown

cussions in having a new area, a secondary city, developed… so we are exploring it along the new four-lane highway,” said President, Dr. Irfaan Ali during a passionate address at the 25th annual awards ceremony of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), held at State House compound, Georgetown.

velopment. And, now- seven years later- with Guyana on the cusp of economic transformation, the Government believes that a secondary city is still needed. This city, if established, will be among a slew of “massive and transformational” projects that are linked to national development and advancement.

TIMELY This potential city will be timely since, according to President Ali, pressure on Georgetown is pushing residential occupation further, on the outskirts of the City. It was the President himself, who, in 2013 during his days as Minister of Housing and Water, had proposed the establishment of a similar project, “Silica City”, which was slated to be created along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. This project never materialised, but the idea was to develop 500 acres of land for housing and other activities. At that time, and possibly to this day, 80 per cent of Guyanese occupied only 20 per cent of the country’s land mass, leaving a lot still

ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION UNFOLDING “Economic transformation is unfolding… oil production will provide resources to accelerate, but economic transformation did not commence with oil and the startup of production in 2019, it preceded this development. “We (past PPP/C administration) were realigning the economy while protecting the primary economy… prior to 2015, we were investing in economic modernisation and providing incentives for the stimulation of manufacturing and services,” said President Ali on Wednesday. Despite the ‘slippages’ along the way, the President assured the private sector

tensify and plans are already being implemented which encompass such. President Ali, in highlighting some of the transformative projects, referred to the road link between Ogle and Diamond; a potential four-lane road between Georgetown and Timehri; and the proposed road link between Parika and Rock Stone. Those, he said, are massive, transformational projects which are linked to national development and economic transformation. Over the medium- term, the Government will also be expanding economic opportunities through economic integration with its neighbours. “We are working with the Republic of Suriname to bridge the Corentyne River. We will establish export-processing and duty-free zones near our borders with Brazil. A circuit of industrial estates and ICT parks will be created across the country. “The establishment of a deep water harbour, the dredging of the Demerara Harbour and the construction of an all-weather road link to Brazil will lay the ground-

to develop a mix of energy projects in order to generate an additional 400 megawatts of installed capacity. The shore-to-base natural gas project, the reactivation of the Amalia Falls Hydroelectric Project, the intensification of rural electrification and the development of solar farms form part of the raft of energy projects, which will contribute to greater energy security and the halving of the cost of energy. “These investments will unleash a tsunami of econom-

ic opportunities. The concern is not if and when these opportunities will arise but whether local manufacturing and services are positioning themselves to seize these opportunities,” the President reasoned. The private sector, he advised, must see itself as an integral partner in every aspect of development. It must be bold enough to recognise the challenges and opportunities, and this, the President believes, can only be done through a change in the mode of doing business. He encouraged the private sector to form consortiums, as the old way of doing business will vanish quickly amid increasing opportunities. President Ali has said already that progress is expected on all fronts in 2021, which has since been designated as the Year of Investments and Development. “What you will see next year is a flurry of development; there will be active work on the new Demerara Harbour Bridge, the new four-lane road, new hotels, and the creation of 50,000 homes,” said the President. He said work will commence on the construction and rehabilitation of roads in hundreds of communities; new infrastructure will be created, and there will be major development in every sector.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 3, 2020

GRA retrieves deleted images of ‘cocaine containers’ AFTER using specialised equipment, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) was able to retrieve deleted images of the containers that contained some 11.5 tonnes of cocaine among scrap metal that were intercepted in Belgium. GRA sources noted that the process of retrieving the images was delicate and required specialised equipment which ensured that there was no damage during the data recovery. It was revealed that thou-

sands of other deleted images were also recovered in the process. Government has put a halt to the scrap-metal trade until there is policy reform to properly monitor the sector. This decision was taken in the aftermath of the massive drug “bust”. A number of exporters are suffering as investigators continue the search for local shipper, Marlon Primo, who remains in hiding and is considered the main suspect in the drug “bust”.

Wanted: Marlon Primo

The CANU has intensified the hunt for Primo as

investigations continue into how the 11.5 tonnes of co-

caine left the ports of Guyana undetected and made it all the way to Belgium. The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Belgian police and CANU are working closely to find Primo. The four containers reportedly left Guyana on September 25 and were shipped by Primo’s MA Trading of Atlantic Ville, East Coast Demerara, to the consignee, Lotraco Recycling BV, in the Netherlands. Primo is suspected to

have fled to neighbouring Suriname. The CANU will be offering Primo protection and security since he has expressed fear for his safety. His last known addresses are 701, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and 69 Atlantic Ville, ECD The cocaine was neatly packed into a safe inside the container, which was then covered with scrap metal.

“Soldiers Day” celebrated at Eteringbang THE Christmas Season officially kicked off in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), on Monday, with Chief of Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess celebrating “Soldiers Day” with troops serving at Eteringbang, Upper Mazaruni District,

Region Seven. The Chief of Staff and his visiting team brought Christmas cheer to the soldiers at the border location. Brigadier Bess thanked and encouraged them to remain steadfast in their alertness, commitment and dedication to duty.

Chief of Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess with Lance Corporal Rolston Wright after he received his Christmas gift in the form of a promotion to Substantive Corporal

Thursday December 3, 2020 –– 04:30 HRS

Chief of Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess addressed soldiers at Eteringbang

“We have come to join with you to celebrate because your physical, natural family cannot be here with you. You are making this sacrifice of not being with them in order that our country can remain safe and secure. Here on the borders in the interior of our country, it is easy for you to get to thinking that you are out here on your own. Never believe that! You are never on your own! We, the rest of your brothers and sisters in arms, always have your backs! We thank you for your commitment and professionalism. A grateful nation thanks you,” he told the troops. The Chief of Staff also emphasised that troops serving at interior locations are the nation’s frontline personnel. “Out here, you are our eyes and ears. You are Guyana’s boots on the ground. You are here to define aggression and ensure the security of Guyana’s territory,” he said, adding: “On behalf of the officers and ranks of the Force, I wish you all a

safe, secure and peaceful Christmas season!” Together with the members of the visiting team, Brigadier Bess served lunch to the soldiers and their guests who comprised ranks of the Guyana Police Force and residents of the surrounding community. Meanwhile, Lance Corporal Rolston Wright received an early Christmas gift when the Chief of Staff promoted him to the rank of Substantive Corporal during the celebration with the troops serving at Eteringbang. Corporal Wright currently serves as a Force Caterer at the location. His promotion is in recognition of the outstanding work he does in keeping the troops fed at the border location. The officers and ranks of the GDF, particularly the troops serving at Eteringbang, congratulate Corporal Wright on his elevation in rank.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 3, 2020

Child sexually molested while in relative's care A MOTHER of five is desperately seeking counselling for her seven-year-old child whom she alleged was sexually molested on multiple occasions between the ages of two and five years old. The single mother with children ages one to 13, said that between 2014 and 2016, she left her three children in the custody of her aunt because of an employment opportunity in Bartica. During this period she claimed that her daughter had been molested. Although she officially returned to town in 2016, the mother stated that she had been visiting her aunt’s house in Agricola at random intervals to check on her children while she was based in Bartica. She claimed that she was made aware of the assault only in 2017, when she saw a similar matter reported in the newspaper and decided to question her child. “I had asked her several times before, while I was in Bartica, because I kept having this dream that somebody was interfering with her. So I kept asking her, she said ‘no’. She keep saying ‘no’. So I asked her in a different manner, that wasn’t, you know,

wouldn’t make her afraid or so on,” the mother related. She said that it was at this point that her daughter “came forth” and identified

the individual, whom her aunt had been seeing at the time, claiming that he had “interfered with” her. The then seven-year- old had alleged that “it had happened” multiple times— some of which instances she could not properly recount. Although the mother said statements were taken, and a video of the testimony recorded, the suspect was arrested but released after 72 hours, as— Hughes was informed—was protocol.

GDF rank with air gun arrested

The air gun that was seized by police

A GUYAN Defence Force (GDF) rank, on Wednesday, was arrested, after police found an air rifle during a random search of a heavily-tinted Toyota Camry car with registration PGG 5083 in Industry, East Coast Demerara

The 28-year-old GDF Lance Corporal of Sideline Dam, La Penitence, Georgetown and another occupant were questioned and the air pistol and vehicle were lodged at the Sparendaam Police Station as investigations continue.

She claimed, however, that after resuming residence with her aunt, her daughter was molested again in 2017, this time by a different indi-

vidual, who still lives with her aunt. Although the suspect was identified, statements taken and testimonies recorded, the suspect was released, again, after 72 hours. The case was reported to the Childcare and Protection Agency, the mother said but she has received no updates. “The last time I checked,” she said, she was told that “the matter was with the DPP awaiting advice, and that was it.” The frustrated mother said she subsequently had to

leave her aunt’s home, as it was threatened that her children would be taken from her custody, since the assault had been recurrent. The mother is concerned about the mental state of her child, as she had been acting out from time to time. She believes that counselling and helping the child to understand what happened to her, would keep her from dwelling on her experiences and help her to move on. Currently, the mother is unemployed, as she is scared to leave her children in anyone’s care, lest they be put in harm’s way again. As such, she is seeking assistance in acquiring foodstuff, clothing and other supplies for her and her children, aged one, three, seven and 13. “I’m kind of paranoid to leave them around people,” she bewailed, in an interview with The Chronicle. “Remember, I leave them with an aunt—somebody that I trusted, and then this thing happened.” Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ann Green, has since been contacted, and gave her assurance that a probe would be launched into the incident.

National Printers Finance Manager sent on leave

THE Board of the Guyana National Printers Limited (GNPL) has sent Finance Manager, Shawn Victorine, on leave with immediate effect, for not cooperating with several of its requests for information on the company’s finance. According to a release, the decision was made at an Emergency Board Meeting on Wednesday, where it was noted that Victorine’s non-cooperation had stalled the work of the board. The release also noted that the Chairman of the

Board of Directors, Dexter Phillips, had written the Auditor General, inviting him to audit the company. “There are serious concerns over the finances of the company including the purchase of used printing equipment acquired for over $100M and is non-functional. Chairman and Board of Directors are hopeful that the audit could be undertaken in an expeditious manner while Mr. Victorine remains on leave,” the release concluded.

Three remanded for murder of gold miner

Dead: Kevin Allam

Nadeem Baksh

Angel Figuera

Gilberto Da Silva

THREE men, including two Venezuelans, were, on Wednesday, remanded to prison for the gruesome murder of Kevin Allam, 26, a gold miner of Turn Basin, Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD), Region One. Angel Figuera, 20, of Venezuela and Blankenburg; Gilberto Da Silva, 22, of Venezuela and Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo; and 22-year-old Nadeem Baksh of Airy Hall, Essequibo Coast, all gold miners, appeared via Skype before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus. The men were not required to plead to the charge which read that, on November 27, 2020, at Turn Basin, they murdered Allam during the course or furtherance of a robbery. The trio was remanded to prison until December 22, 2020. This newspaper had reported that, on November 27, around 17:30 hours, Allam’s reputed wife was at

their shop located at Turn Basin when the suspects approached and held her by the hair. Having observed this, Allam went to her assistance when the other two suspects pounced on him and dealt him several lashes about his body with a piece of wood until he became motionless. He was then dragged a short distance away, where one of the suspects took out a knife and slit his throat, while another suspect held him down. The bandits then proceeded into the shop and removed some raw gold but did not harm the wife after she pleaded for her life. The victim was subsequently picked up by the police and escorted to the Port Kaituma Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. On November 28, police at Port Kaituma, acting on information received, went to the water front and arrested the three suspects.

GUYANA CHRONICLE thursDay, DecemBER 3, 2020

Shapers of Development ANALYSTS play a crucial role in policy-making, designing and shaping collections of information, knowledge, and statistics into comprehensible usefulness. Professionals and sector experts, researchers, and even experienced media operators, in their day-to-day occupation, perform the multifaceted array of skill sets that make for a good analyst. These skill sets include the ability to see patterns in the chaos of raw information; the instinct and intuition to rapidly translate patterns into possible solutions beneficial to society; and the knack for polishing solutions to fit the needs of citizens. Analysts know how to design sound solutions, which become public policy. They hone crucial skills, including research, data analysis, influential communication, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and networking, and persuasive writing, into the ability to form policy frameworks that become solutions. In today’s world of a constant, rapid, endless flow of raw information, the role of analysts serves policy makers, government leaders, and public officials well, providing the kind of road map that causes them to make informed, rational, objective decisions. Developed countries worldwide take the role of analysts in government, State agencies, and public policy organisations with serious intent. Few successful societies make public policies without first consulting talented, professional, experienced analysts. It is a proven fact that were small, develop-

ing nations to rely on analysts to design and shape public policy, socio-economic growth would accelerate faster. In the Caribbean context, Jamaica sets the tone for this, with a deliberate policy of tapping into the massive pool of Diaspora Jamaicans. Skilled Jamaicans from around the world contribute their analytical capital to the homeland. Jamaica even allocates seats in its Parliament for its diaspora. One of Canada’s most wealthy and knowledgeable financial exports, the billionaire-- Michael Lee-Chin-- plays a pivotal role in his homeland-- his place of birth, Jamaica-- and helps Jamaica’s financial sector, as analyst, adviser, and entrepreneur. In fact, around the world, public policy agencies abound, housing an army of analysts, serving as advisory agencies to public institutions. They employ an impressive network of analysts who study geopolitics and the global situation. These analysts constantly formulate policy ideas and advice for governments, global organisations like the UN, and even private sector concerns, like, for example, the oil and gas industry. Analysts are not stage performers. They work behind the scenes, doing quiet, inglorious work, paper pushers. But their contribution to society, in terms of the policies that governments and relevant organisations implement, is invaluable. Analysts work for influential global think tanks, and supply lobbyists with research knowledge to advise governments. In pushing new legislation through Parliament, for example, governments find

useful the objective, rational, professional report of analysts. Without analysts, policy-making becomes either a subjective, emotive exercise, or an autocratic imposition. The analyst provides the rationale, knowledge, and blueprint for a policy decision to flow out of a solid place, a place of thorough thinking, of consideration of every and all facets and impact, and of unquestionable professionalism as to how the policy was formulated. As Guyana pushes forward into the dream of fast becoming a global success story, the need for professional analysts who could equip Government, public officials, and bureaucrats to make lightning-fast policy decisions will increase. In every sector, leaders would be well served to take on a cadre of analysts who are capable, professional, and experienced, and who demonstrate the array of skills crucial to the role. Here is what Michael Dell, the founder of Dell Computers, said about the role of analysts: “I can’t ever remember being struck by lightning when making a big decision. It’s always about taking in more and more data points and making tack adjustments as you figure it out. I call ... industry analysts and try to get as much information as possible.” The great American Journalist, Bob Woodward, had this to say about what he observed of the rampant, popular hobby of US media analysts: “Many people have their reputations as reporters and analysts because they are on television, batting around

conventional wisdom. A lot of these people have never reported a story.” Woodward referred to the ability of the experienced, professional, trained Journalist to read society, provide in-depth analysis, and report the findings in a way that the State could rely on. Professional media help to formulate sound public policy. Indeed, democracies used to rely heavily on a thriving media landscape to furnish the State with the pulse of the nation, with reliable, well researched, professionally gathered reports, which leaders could use to make public policy. Beyond the media, professional analysts make the public decision-making process a reliable one. They supply the data that informs the intelligence that goes into policies that shape society, that attracts public funding, and that impacts citizens. They knowhow to study society’s trends, to conduct needs analysis within their area of expertise, and to concisely and clearly articulate these into professional reports that inform leaders. Analysts play key roles in every level of government in Europe, the US, and other developed nations. Even the global intelligence community employs a host of analysts to sift through field data and come up with intelligence that make sense. Analysts form a layer of expertise that is invaluable to the success of organisations, institutions, agencies, and governments. Guyana would do well with a host of professional analysts informing public policy.

GECOM must be cleared of all election riggers NO self-respecting Chairperson of GECOM worth their salt can rationally justify their inaction and reluctance to discipline the culpable staff when after nearly four months is about to elapse where they were blatantly and barefacedly attempting to rig the 2020 elections. What is equally more amazing is that these culprits are still on the job. This criterion for the Chairperson of GECOM to be a judge or have judge-like qualities is pure balderdash. What we need in the Chairperson is a person who is ethical, impartial

and has a demonstrative background of decisive leadership ability, coupled with the skills to conceptualise and oversee fair and free elections. The timidity of the present Chairperson has been publicly demonstrated throughout the gruelling five months when the attempted riggers were in full flow. If Madam Chairperson had intervened in a timely and decisive manner, a lot of the heartaches we would not have suffered. It is time for Madam Chair to stop warming the chair and start the disciplinary procedure against the band of riggers. They have flouted and breached a host

of the organisational procedures such as the inability to produce the original statements of poll for Region Four; deliberately falsifying Region Four statements of poll on a fabricated spreadsheet; senior functionaries publicly endorsing the falsified spreadsheet; refusing not once, but twice, to follow instructions from a superior officer; declaration of results inconsistent with the recount, etc. There is a clause in every employment contract that says, “We have lost confidence in your ability to perform your functions to the standards of the organization.” It is time to put that clause

into effect. Madam Chairperson needs to overcome her reluctance and embark on disciplining the coterie of riggers, replace them with competent and professional people and prepare for the local government elections due next year. To act in less a manner is tantamount to a dereliction of duty on her part. Time to once more step up to the plate Madam Chair. Time to clean the house. Your Sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 3, 2020

Mingo and Lowenfield are the street-corner dealers MANY would be aware of the individual facts that are pulled together here in one spot and linked with a narrative. The intent is to call attention to the hands behind the coordinated attempts to rig the election, and to confront their current attempts to destabilise the country. This is not intended to resurrect Cambridge Analytica, or detract from those connected with the Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC) with the best of intentions. Recently, I saw a short video clip of Granger stirring up strife and deceiving supporters: Granger, Harmon and other Coalition leaders continue to mislead their supporters and maintain the illusion that the present government rigged the election. In addition, they are increasingly turning their attention to destabilising the country. The spin is that they are fighting for justice; that the government is victimising innocent people (e.g. Mingo is a modest guy). However, even as they spew these false claims, they’ve spiked their two elections with built-in errors that would sabotage those very petitions. If the SOPs are still around, they don’t want them public. These attempts to destabilise the country will continue if focus is not brought to the issue of who orchestrated and set parts of the plot into motion. That is, if the public only has before them the deeds of the operational underlings; the street-corner dealers, while the deeds of the lords remain obscured in a smokescreen of rhetoric. Lowenfield is no lone rogue, and Mingo is no author; he cannot even project onto a bedsheet. They will and should be held accountable. But that itself could lead to more trouble, if the chief instigators themselves are not placed in the spotlight and called into account before they have the opportunity to do more damage. I will provide some dots below on the wider nature of the plot, but must first make it clear that others mentioned in the narrative are simply to aid this intention. In fact, some of the “foot-soldiers” may have had little idea of the hidden ends of what they were doing. Again, this is not intended to resurrect Cambridge Analytica, or current and former GNYC operators, but rather to link their organisation’s methodologies, and indicate that many fronts were employed in the attempted coup, maybe akin to imaginary divisions in war-gaming. First, here is the lead-in. I believe a much wider plot than just the Mingo/ Lowenfield distraction began at least from the time they took office in 2015, and likely before. Their intention was never to demit office. We are lucky that unlike the finesse of Burnham’s operations, the execution of the ‘Granger Ops’ were frequently clumsy. The Granger administration didn’t take the reins to govern; they took it for power, and the AFC fell in line with the “power-drunkenness.” The administration had no manifesto of its own for the betterment of either their supporters or Guyanese, generally. Army people who may have

been good at that profession, but with no concept of how to run a country, were put into key positions. Just about every act was aimed at holding on to power; spending on the army planes, helicopter and communication equipment. Energies were spent on institutional hijacking; the unilateral appointment of Patterson, breaking of the Carter formula, new ministries. The Ministry of Communities was a hub for these “dark ops”; they had access to GECOM’s database. It has been reported that over 50 people were on their payroll that didn’t work there. In retrospect, were some of the ghost employees who never came to work actually working on covert projects? Recall the 2018 gerrymandering. The gerrymandering of 14 LGAs consisting of 229 constituencies required people and skill. The redistricting operation resulted in a loss of 29 seats for the PPP/C, while APNU would lose not a single seat. The operation required resources and expertise from and between GECOM and The Ministry of Communities to re-draw constituency boundaries with sophisticated CRACKAND-Pack & HATCH-A- SEAT methods. Evergreen Paradise is a good example to explain the operation. Given the exact same vote in 2018 as 2016, the PPP/C majority in the LGAs is reduced from six (6) seats to two (2) seats. Here is the map:

The 2018 Gerrymandering of Evergreen-Paradise – Region Two (Pomeroon) The opposition constituencies outlined in red were combined, while APNU’s constituencies outlined in green were split. Four large PPP/C constituencies were packed into two, average-sized 523 voters, while two small APNU constituencies were split into three average-sized 265 voters. As can be size of the land space and size of population were irrelevant in this rig. This is visible and numerical evidence of the 2018 operation. There are 13 more examples like this. We picked up the thread on another front with the short video below on Cambridge Analytica’s DO SO! Manipulation which suppressed that Black youth vote in Trinidad. As mentioned before, our interest is to show that the wider scheme required intellectual authors behind operators like Mingo and Lowenfield. Cambridge Analytica and other players mentioned here are only to facilitate following the chain.

Cambridge Analytica Trinidad – DO SO! Suppression of Black youth Vote https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=omc-5zj70M0 Cambridge Analytica was operational in Guyana at the time of the 2015 election. At the same time, the newly formed GNYC was fronting a programme called, “Vote like a Boss.” The Guyana situation is less unitarily motivated than the Trinidad situation; however, I believe that on balance, it was more to bring out the Black youth vote. In other words, the reverse of the Trinidad operation. But even absent that, just the contact information garnered from VlaB is a trove, as can be gleaned from the video (whether or not the actual number of members they claim to have is accurate). Like the Facebook data breach scandal in the U.S., which toppled Cambridge Analytica in 2018, a commonality with the Guyana and Trinidad operations is sourcing voters’ contact information and data (used to determine voter attitudes and send targeted messages). Following the dots in the Guyana case, indications are that “Vote like a Boss” was one source of voter personal information. In the public record, Stabroek News is reported as saying in 2019 that the GNYC was trying to source an electronic voting system to facilitate their 346,320 members. This is worrisome for two reasons. Firstly, this is an astounding number of Guyanese voters to have at least contact information on, and if so, the ability to acquire other data. Even the major political parties themselves do not have anywhere near that number of members. We’ve seen what uses people’s personal information can be put to. This, therefore, begs the question: Who has access to this trove? Secondly, here is a youth organisation trying to source e-voting that many CARICOM countries would neither want, need, nor have access to. More on this later. Another flag is that when the Cambridge Analytica story broke in 2018, all three main political parties denied any dealings with the entity. Astonishingly, out of the blue, the GNYC also denied any association with Cambridge Analytica. This was a political issue, why would a youth organisation have to offer up this particular bit of enlightenment? Furthermore, from the inception, the government of the time stated that the organisation was self-appointed, and did not represent a wide cross-section of the nation’s youth. Consequently, they opposed the organisation partnering with GECOM to bring out the youth vote. See the four pieces below. A MATTER OF PUBLIC RECORD GNYC to implement internal e-voting system – 350,000 members? https://www.stabroeknews. com/2019/03/06/news/guyana/guyana-national-youth-council-to-implement-internal-e-voting-system/ 4th local entity denies ties with Cambridge Analytica - Why? https://guyanatimesgy.com/4th-lo-

cal-entity-denies-ties-with-cambridge-analytica/ GNYC does not represent the majority – Self-appointed Body https://www.inewsguyana.com/guyana-national-youth-council-does-not-represent-the-majority-govt/ GNYC responds to critics of its role in stimulating youth voter-turnout https://demerarawaves. com/2015/03/03/guyana-national-youthcouncil-responds-to-critics-of-its-role-instimulating-youth-voter-turnout/ Let’s pivot now to Ramjattan. When he came out with his rantings about Russian hackers hacking Guyana’s manual election system. Few ideas just pop out of thin air. What was the genesis of this rant? Was he using the same playbook that their ongoing claims of electoral fraud are drawn from, this time channelling their desire to have had e-voting? I.E using the projection game; accusing others of what they themselves are guilty of or were conspiring to do. In 2015, the then Coalition was clamouring that Guyanese had a right to know the election results ASAP, and I believe that the talk was within 24 hours. (Contrast those “people’s right to know” noises with the five-month world record in 2020.) A further overlay is that the ABCs were in a different place in 2015 than they were in 2020; they were firmly supportive of calls to automate the Guyana elections. A Canadian company brought their system in and claimed great success on a test run on UG’s student society elections. Had they succeeded in getting an e-voting system in place for 2020, Ramjattan’s Russian hacker story may well have been enough to greenlight the full coup, rather than just the eventual settling, as it did, as the largely forgotten rantings. For all its shortcomings, a manual system has an audit trail which worked in 2020 (despite Mingo’s missing ECD documents play). Then, of course, there is the question of who was behind other parts of the failed coup that the public are aware of, such as: * The mysterious calls directing the Foreign Minister to throw out observers; * Commissioner of police certifying that hundreds of voters were out of the country, until those voters started showing up and asking what was going on; * The disappearance of the GECOM Chair for several hours; * Attempted vote suppression, and the private-residence matter; * The blocking of the Carter Center; and * The whole five-month world-record saga. Issues such as this and the dark work of the ministries need to be investigated and connected to the top. The investigation of the election-rigging should go beyond Mingo/Lowenfield to the head(s) of the plot. It may need delicate stewardship. Yours sincerely, Ron Cheong

GUYANA CHRONICLE thursDay, DecemBER 3, 2020

‘Be Responsible’ –– PM urges Guyanese as Christmas season settles in By Naomi Parris GUYANESE are known to be extravagant during the Christmas season. During this time of the year most persons can be seen hustling and bustling through the streets of Georgetown to start or finish their Christmas shopping; some may be planning social events and parties. However, this year things will have to be adjusted to take into consideration the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Reminding persons to be responsible and mindful of the coronavirus, Prime Minister, Brigadier Mark Phillips, has called on Guyanese to adhere to all COVID-19 protocols while going about their traditional Christmas activities and agendas. “Notwithstanding the Christmas activities, we know Guyanese, we like to shop; we like to socialise in terms of parties and cooking and inviting people over for meals and so,” he said adding: “What is import-

ant that during this time we must recognise that, yes, it is Christmas but we also have the COVID-19 pandemic that we have to deal with and this year Christmas is one that will be observed and celebrated in the presence of COVID-19.” The PM noted that COVIcurb is still operational and the Joint Services, the government and the private sector are all working to curb the spread of the deadly virus. “COVID-19 is a pandemic that is affecting every

country in the world, from my stand point we are doing a good job at working with all the stakeholders to curb the spread in Guyana.” However, he stated that the authorities alone cannot slow the spread of the virus and the efforts of all Guyanese will need to be pooled together to see a decline in the number of cases being recorded daily. “Is on the people, our people to continue to observe the measures to wear your mask, if you are going to

leave your home, wear your mask, sanitise and practice social distancing.” The PM urged persons to avoid COVID-19 hotspots and large crowds. “There are certain hotspots around the country and there are some community spread in some areas but not withstanding that we continue to work as a body under operation COVI-Curb to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Guyana,” the PM said. He added: “We must try as much as possible to ob-

Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips serve the measures and to curtail many of our activities, especially those activities that involve consuming alcohol and being at crowded events.” He stressed that crowds or crowded activities are considered to be ‘super spreader’ activities, meaning that it is the perfect environment in which the virus spreads.

UK approves Pfizer/BioNTech covid vaccine THE UK has become the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer/ BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, paving the way for mass vaccination. Britain’s medicines regulator, the MHRA, says the jab, which offers up to 95 per cent protection against Covid-19 illness, is safe to be rolled out. The first doses are already on their way to the UK, with 800,000 due in the coming days, Pfizer said. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the NHS will contact people about jabs. Elderly people in care homes and care home staff have been placed top of the priority list, followed by over-80s and health and care staff. But because hospitals already have the facilities to store the vaccine at -70C, as required, the very first vaccinations are likely to take place there - for care home staff, NHS staff and patients - so none of the vaccine is wasted. A further 648 deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test were recorded in the UK on Wednesday, with another 16,170 cases reported. Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the public not to get “carried away with over optimism or falling into the naive belief that our struggle is over”. He told a Downing Street news conference that, while the “searchlights of science” had created a working vaccine, significant logistical challenges remained. The Pfizer/BioNTech jab is the fastest vaccine to go from concept to reality, taking only 10 months to follow the same steps that normally span 10 years. The UK has already ordered 40 million doses of the jab - enough to vaccinate 20 million people. The doses will be rolled out as quickly as they can be made by Pfizer in Belgium, Mr Hancock said, with the first load next week and then “several millions” through-

out December. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the first people in Scotland will be immunised on Tuesday. Welsh Health and Social Care Minister Vaughan Gething said the rollout of the Pfizer jab to care homes would be particularly difficult because of how it needs to be stored. Mr Gething said that it was not possible to transport the Pfizer vaccine to more than 1,000 care homes across Wales. The bulk of the rollout across the UK will be next year, Mr Hancock said, adding: “2020 has been just awful and 2021 is going to be better.” While Mr Hancock said that the government does not yet know how many people need to be vaccinated before restrictions can start being lifted, he added: “I’m confident now, with the news today, that from spring, from Easter onwards, things are going to be better. And we’re going to have a summer next year that everybody can enjoy.” Mr Johnson added: “It’s the protection of vaccines that will ultimately allow us to reclaim our lives and get the economy moving again.” Downing Street press secretary Allegra Stratton said Mr Johnson would not rule out receiving the vaccine jab live on television, though she said he would not

want to take a jab meant for someone more vulnerable. The free vaccine will not be compulsory and there will be three ways of vaccinating people across the UK: Hospitals, Vaccination centres “a bit like the Nightingales project and including some of the Nightingales”, said Mr Hancock and in the community, with GPs and pharmacists. Around 50 hospitals are on stand-by and vaccination centres - in venues such as conference centres or sports stadiums - are being set up now. It is thought the vaccination network could start delivering more than one million doses a week once enough doses are available. NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens said the health service was preparing for “the largest-scale vaccination campaign in our country’s history”. But experts said people still need to remain vigilant and follow rules to stop the virus spreading - including with social distancing, face masks and self-isolation. “We can’t lower our guard yet,” said the government’s chief medical adviser Prof Chris Whitty. The order in which people will get the jab is recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations and decided by the government. Mass immunisation of everyone over 50, as well as younger people with pre-existing health conditions, can happen as more stocks become available in 2021. Pfizer confirmed that the first stocks of the vaccine will be for the NHS, which will give them out for free based on clinical need. People in the UK will not be able to bypass this and buy the vaccine privately to jump the queue. The vaccine is given as two injections, 21 days apart, with the second dose being a booster. Immunity begins to kick in after the first dose but reaches its full effect

seven days after the second dose. Most of the side effects are very mild, similar to the side effects after any other vaccine and usually last for a day or so, said Prof Sir Munir Pirmohamed, the chairman of the Commission on Human Medicine expert working group. The vaccine was 95 per cent effective for all groups in the trials, including elderly people, he said. The head of the MHRA, Dr June Raine, said that - despite the speed of approval - no corners have been cut. Batches of the vaccine will be tested in labs “so that every single vaccine that goes out meets the same high standards of safety”, she said. Giving the analogy of climbing a mountain, she said: “If you’re climbing a mountain, you prepare and prepare. We started that in June. By the time the interim results became available on 10 November we were at base camp. “And then when we got the final analysis we were ready for that last sprint that takes us to today.” The Pfizer/BioNTech was the first vaccine to publish positive early results from final stages of testing. It is a new type called an mRNA vaccine that uses a tiny fragment of genetic code from the pandemic virus to teach the body how to fight Covid-19 and build immunity. An mRNA vaccine has never been approved for use in humans before, although people have received them in clinical trials. Because the vaccine must be stored at around -70C, it will be transported in special boxes of up to 5,000 doses, packed in dry ice. Once delivered, it can be kept for up to five days in a fridge. And once out of the fridge it needs to be used within six hours. (BBC)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 3, 2020

Larry Singh Millions lost as fire in trouble destroys Sophia home –– State sues him for failure to supply weapons, ammunition to GDF

Larry Singh

By Richard Bhainie AFTER being paid $380,527,421 for the supply of weapons and ammunition to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), legal proceedings have commenced against businessman Larry Singh, by the State, to recover $369,604,271 for failure to execute the agreement. According to court documents seen by this publication, Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, on Wednesday, filed a fixed date application in the High Court, seeking to recover $369,604,271, from Singh, for failure to supply arms and ammunition to the GDF as agreed to. Singh, trading under the name ‘Larry Singh Gun Shop’ of Miami, Florida, USA, was sole sourced to provide the goods pursuant to three separate contracts. The three agreements entered into between Singh and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) accumulated to the sum of $380,527,421. As part of two of the contracts, he supplied $10,923,150 worth of the requested merchandise; however failed to deliver the remaining goods. As such, the remaining balance of $369,604,271 is being sought to be recovered by the state, as repeated demands by the GDF for a re-fund of the sums have proven futile. The contracts are dated March 30, 2016; November 18, 2015 and December 15, 2014, respectively. In accordance with Contract No. 127/2016, Singh

was paid $27,065,500 to provide 100 AK47 Rifles and he failed to fulfill his contractual obligation. In relation to Contract No. 228/2015, he was contracted to supply: 50 9mm Glock Pistols; 500 AK47 Rifles; 200,000 7.62 ammo; 50,000 9mm ammo and 32,100 9mm ball ammo, worth $200,242,770. Under the said agreement, he delivered 50 9mm Glock Pistols valued at US$49,900 (approximately $10,464,494). Pursuant to Contract No. 256/2014, Singh was contracted to provide: 500 10 Gauge blank cartridge; 50 Taurus 9mm Pistol; 500 AK47 Rifles; 200,000 7.62×39mm ammunition and 50,000 9mm ammunition, worth $152,053,651. He supplied 500 10 gauge blank cartridges and 200 12 gauge blank cartridges, accumulating to the sum of USD$2,115 (approximately $443,535). The Attorney-General is asking the court to order the repayment of the sum owed, accumulating to $369,604,271; interest and costs. In 2016, Singh has been at the centre of controversy when he was contracted by the Ministry of Health to supply services for the storage of pharmaceuticals. The then APNU/AFC administration had rented a bond, located on Sussex Street, Albouystown, from Singh, at the cost of $12.5 million per month, which generated widespread public criticism.

By Richard Bhainie AN early morning fire on Wednesday at 974 Section ‘B’ Block XI Patterson, Sophia, East Coast Demerara, completely destroyed the upper flat of a two-storey house. Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday, Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle, related that while investigations are currently ongoing, the suspected origin of the fire may be due to children playing. “The fire started in a bedroom where some children were in, and we suspect that one of the children set the mattress on fire, they were playing or something,” Gentle said. The building houses three apartments and a shop on the ground floor, while the owner of the home occupies the upstairs. At the time of the fire, the owner, her three daughters and two of the tenants were at home. The proprietor, Melanie Thomas, explained that around 08:00 hours, she was in her shop when she heard her children’s outcry that the house was on fire but by that time the building was already engulfed in flames. Ronalda Lewis, the daughter of Melanie Thomas, related that she was in her bedroom at the time while her sisters were in the other bedrooms. One of her sisters asked her if smoke was emitting from the light in her bedroom, which prompted her to switch off the light in her room and check her mother’s room. Upon checking her mother’s room, she witnessed the mattress on fire.

Melanie Thomas and her three daughters (Elvin Croker photo)

Firemen battling the blaze (Elvin Croker photo)

Lewis related to the Guyana Chronicle that she suffered millions in loses as everything in her home was completely destroyed. One of the tenants, Kelesia Lewis, explained that the downstairs did not suffer any damage from the fire but due to debris and water, her

apartment was flooded which consequently damaged her belongings. The fire service received a call informing them of the fire around 08:15 hours, which prompted a response from the Campbellville Fire Station, and they were able to contain the blaze.

The Fire Chief is pleading with members of the public to teach children the basic fire drills in the home. He is also urging to keep children away from matches and other flame-making appliances and apparatuses.

Bartica ups battle against COVID-19 AUTHORITIES in the mining town of Bartica, nestled in the heart of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), has implemented a restriction of movement in an effort to curb the surge in COVID-19 cases that have been plaguing the town over the past month. Since recording its first case on June 24, 2020, there has been a steady increase in COVID-19 cases in the community. Bartica has recorded a total of 471 cases, 64 being active cases and 11 persons losing

Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall

their lives to this scourge. Mayor of Bartica, Gifford

Marshall, during an exclusive telephone interview with the

Guyana Chronicle, on Thursday, related that the town has not been locked down but, based on the gazetted order, travel to and from Bartica is restricted and the curfew hours remain the same. “The Council will continue to move forward with their sensitisation programme and we will also ask for some support from the Local Government Ministry in terms of our sensitisation programme,” the mayor said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 3, 2020

Sheriff-Mandela project picks up steam but behind schedule

Construction ongoing at the roundabout on Sheriff Street in the vicinity of David Street and the Railway Embankment (Delano Williams photo)

By Rehana Ahmad THE recently recommenced Sheriff/Mandela Road Expansion Project is moving rapidly apace with some 53 per cent of the overall works completed thus far. This was confirmed by Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, during a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday. “A significant amount of work has already been completed, but it is behind schedule,” Minister Edghill noted. In December 2017, the then Ministry of Public Infrastructure signed a con-

tract with Sinohydro Corporation Limited for the rehabilitation of the seven kilometer stretch of road between Sheriff Street and Mandela Avenue. The Inter-Development Bank (IDB)-funded project was estimated to cost USD$31,027,627.36. It was initially scheduled to commence in March 2017 and completed within a 24-month period. Construction, however, began in August of that year. Fast forward to 2020, very little work had been done. “You would recall that when we took office, there was nothing that was happen-

ing, but I met with the contractors and the consultants and works are moving ahead,” Minister Edghill noted. As it is, there are seven sub-contractors on site, all working simultaneously on various aspects of the project, in an effort to complete it, since it passed the August 4, 2020 deadline. “We are doing so much to the extent that it is even a humbug to traffic,” Minister Edghill noted. Like many infrastructure projects in recent times, the Sheriff/Mandela Road Expansion too suffered a suspension after the IDB halted funding

Construction moving apace on one of the bridges on Mandela Avenue (Delano Williams photo)

in November 2019. This particular hiccup was as a result of health and safety violations by the contractor, Sinohydro Corporation. Following the protracted March 2020 General and Regional Elections, the IDB was re-engaged by the new Irfaan Ali Government, addressing a number of concerns, especially those pertaining to the environment. Once completed, the Sheriff/Mandela project is expected to benefit from improved road safety infrastructure; better coordinated traffic movements; as well as adequate drainage along the road corridor and its surround-

ing communities. The project, according to its outline, is also expected to extend the design life of the Sheriff/Mandela pavement and its interconnecting structures by at least 20 years. The project will boast of a twolane roadway with a concrete median to divide the two lanes along Sheriff Street. Meanwhile, Mandela Avenue will see the expansion of the roadway from a two-lane road to a spanking four-lane thoroughfare, with a central concrete median and shareduse paths. A roundabout is also set for the junction of Sheriff

Street and David Street/Railway Embankment Road. “The roundabout is starting up. So far, we’ve completed one of the bridges, and the other one will commence soon,” the Public Works Minister noted. The Sheriff/Mandela Project, according to its work plan, will be outfitted with the requisite road safety amenities such sidewalks, bicycle lanes and adequate parking spaces. A pedestrian overpass is also on the cards for the vicinity of the East Ruimveldt and North Ruimveldt secondary schools.

Man put away for 30 years for killing boy, eight A 24-YEAR-OLD man was on Wednesday sentenced to 30 years imprisonment with the possibility of parole after serving 25 years for the

murder of an eight-monthold boy, Romain Seth, back in January 2017. Nigel Dodson called “Little-Man,” formerly of

Kaneville, East Bank Demerara, was convicted by a 12-member jury who found him guilty of the offence which read that on January 23, 2017,

Nigel Dodson called ‘Little-Man’

at Kaneville, he murdered Seth in the course or furtherance of arson. The state was represented by prosecutor Nafeeza Baig, while Dodson was represented by attorney-at-law Adrian Thompson. During his plea of mitigation, Thompson asked the court to show leniency and to take into consider Dodson’s age, which shows that he is young and can be rehabilitated. However, Prosecutor Baig pleaded with the court to consider that the crime was premeditated by Dodson and also that it claimed Seth’s life. Before imposing sentence on Dodson, Justice Kissoon

Dead: Romain Seth

said that the court has to balance the interest of justice while also placing weight on the gravity of the heinous crime. He also took into consideration that the toddler’s life was cut short by Dodson and also that a home was burnt down during the act. Justice Kissoon sentenced Dodson to serve 30 years imprisonment with the possibility of parole after serving 25 years. This newspaper had reported that on the day in question the blaze started around 02:30hrs after the neighbour and his friends threw “fire balls” into the house in which the infant and his family were sleeping.

According to information, the neighbour reportedly accused the toddler’s grandmother of ‘snitching’ on him and his gang to the police, which resulted in lawmen frequently raiding the neighbourhood for guns and drugs. The baby’s grandmother, Michelle Menezes, believes that the fire was indeed a result of a report she had made to the police after finding a gun stashed in a tree in her backyard, allegedly by the youth. The suspect along with other villagers used her yard as a short cut to get to another street. Menezes said that after she reported the matter the police started raiding the place and eventually she started getting threats from the young man and his gang. Meanwhile, the police had issued a wanted bulletin for two other men for questioning in connection with the fire. Keon Ashby and Waynie (only name given), both of Kaneville and were reportedly part of the gang that set the house on fire by hurling an explosive device through a window.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 3, 2020

Guyana-Suriname bridge likely by 2025

By Rehana Ahamad

IF all goes as planned, the bridge linking Guyana and Suriname could be completed and put to use before the end of 2025. This is the ambitious timeframe of Senior Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill, who said that he is expecting Guyanese investors to take advantage of the many direct and indirect opportunities that will come from this massive project. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Public works for both countries (Guyana and Suriname) invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) for the provision of consultancy services for the “conducting of Feasibility Study and Preparing Detailed Designs for Construction of the Bridge over the Corentyne River and Approach Roads Connecting Suriname and Guyana.” According to the published invitation, “The objective of the consultancy is to conduct a feasibility study including environmental and social-impact assessments and prepare detailed designs, drawings, cost

estimates and bid documents for the construction of a bridge linking South Drain, Suriname and Moleson Creek, Guyana.” This particular assignment has a timeline of 12 months attached to it. Minister Edghill told the Guyana Chronicle that a technical team has been assembled to ensure the competent and transparent execution of construction of the bridge. That team is being mutually spearheaded by Minister Edghill and his Surinamese counterpart, Riad Nuiermohamed. While construction of the bridge is a joint initiative, Minister Edghill said that the contracted works will not necessarily be ‘shared’ by the two countries. “Whoever is the contractor that wins the contract, they will do the work,” the Public Works Minister asserted. This is irrespective of the nationality and/or location of the successful bidder. “Whoever is the qualified contractor with the competence and skills and everything to build the bridge will be awarded the work,” Edghill said. The EoI has specified that

the present invitation partially or in its entirety. It will not be bound to assign any reason for not shortlisting any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of Expressions of Interest,” the notice read.

Senior Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill

“following the assessment of the submissions, a shortlist of no less than three, and no more than six applicants will be provided with full terms of reference and will then be invited to submit technical and financial proposals to undertake the assignment.” TECHNICAL TEAM Minister Edghill has informed that all submissions would be examined by the technical team, and that bid-

ders would only be selected if they satisfy the criteria agreed by both countries. In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to technical competence, financial capability, qualifications, existing commitments, and importantly, the bidder’s experience on similar projects, both locally and regionally. “The Governments of Suriname and Guyana reserve the right to accept or reject late applications or to cancel

VIRGIN LANDS AND A REQUEST TO VISIT Construction of the bridge across the Corentyne River will undoubtedly open much developmental opportunities for both countries. President of the Central Corentyne Chamber, Mohammed Raffik, is preparing to mobilise the business community in order to brainstorm and examine areas of possible investments. “Now is the time now [sic] to think about proposals and see what can happen for development,” Raffik told the Guyana Chronicle. The businessman has also issued a request for the business community to be afforded a tour of the construction site, so as to be able to examine the space and conceptualise the kind of investments that the surrounding areas can benefit

from. “The lands that will be opened up there is virgin territory, so there are a lot of possibilities… for hotels, tourism areas, mega farms… this is really good for all of us. I am looking forward to the day where [sic] I can easily drive over to Suriname,” Raffik noted. The businessman noted that he is quite impressed by the pace at which the project has unfolded. “Kudos has to be given to the government. They moved very quickly… the President visited Suriname right away and things started to really happen,” Raffik pointed out. Similar sentiments were also shared by Head of the Private Sector Commission, Nicholas Boyer, who anticipates numerous positive “spin-off” opportunities for Guyanese. Once constructed, the bridge will serve as a permanent physical link between Suriname and Guyana. It is also expected to be an economic boost for both countries, and a mechanism for enhanced social and cultural exchanges.

Minimum wage increase now too much for private sector – Private Sector Commission chair PRIVATE Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman, Nicholas Boyer, does not believe that the private sector is prepared just yet to accommodate an increase in the private sector minimum wage, given the economic situation the country has faced over the past few months. Guyana, like the rest of the world, had seen many businesses severely affected by measures put in place to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. When the virus first hit in March, many businesses were immediately required, by law, to close, and for those that remained open, sales took huge dips. It was only a few months now that some businesses have been allowed to reopen and things are slowly returning to normal for some. “At this time, the private sector doesn't have the ability to withstand an increase in minimum wages,” Boyer shared in an interview with this publication on Tuesday. During the pandemic and economic downturn, some businesses were forced to let go of staff, in some cases, businesses

PSC Chairman, Nicholas Boyer

arranged to pay employees partial salaries while they stayed at home “COVID-19 has destroyed sales for many companies. As a result, payroll expenses are a higher percentage of sales, which has resulted in furloughs and layoffs. To implement a higher minimum wage now would further increase layoffs and furloughs,” Boyer related. It was in August that Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, had indicated that

he would be re-initiating negotiations for the private minimum wage to be increased to $60,000. The private sector minimum wages has not increased since 2017, when it was raised from an hourly rate of $202 to $255, taking the monthly salary from $35,000 to $44,200 for a 40-hour week. Comparatively, the minimum wages for the public sector is currently $70, 000. In October, however, the minister did note that

the impact of COVID-19 on businesses may affect the timeline of the implementation of the proposal to increase the private sector minimum wage. The agreement for the increase is negotiated by a tripartite committee that includes representatives from the Ministry of Labour, the private sector, and the two umbrella trade union bodies: The Guyana Trade

Union Congress (GTUC) and the Federation of Independent Trade Union in Guyana (FITUG). In a previous interview, GTUC President, Coretta McDonald, had noted that while the union was not entirely dismissive of the possibility of delaying the implementation of the increase, they would be looking for a finite timeline of how soon it could be

rolled out. However, on this note, Boyer said given the tentative situation with the COVID-19, he is unsure of how soon he would advise the moving forward with the implementation. “That's a hard one at this time, particularly without an understanding of when the pandemic will end,” Boyer offered.

GUYANA CHRONICLE thursDay, DecemBER 3, 2020

Guyana to get world class ... From page 2

investors to hire Guyanese to “do the job”. Head of the Department of Economics at the University of Guyana, Sydney Armstrong, has been one advocate for local content to be on the front burner of every investment made in Guyana. “What you find is, generally, in countries which have discovered oil and gas, you would see a lot of businesses coming to their doorsteps… oil and gas is a lot of money and businesses are going to try to get in on that money,” said Armstrong during a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle. But Guyana, unlike other countries, has other lucrative resources like land, minerals, fresh water and other things which are very attractive to investors. So, as Guyana prepares to absorb those opportunities and attention, Armstrong advises that the country must develop a local content policy, to serve as not just a safeguard, but as a conduit for persons to capitalise on the potential opportunities. “The local content policy needs to specify in terms of components of labour, especially when we talk about massive hotels… Guyanese must be able to benefit from the construction process and also be a part of not just lower levels of the gen-

eral operations, but also be managers, supervisors and so on,” said the economist. The government, in September, had established an advisory panel on local content. The panel was tasked with undertaking a review of all existing initiatives and policies relating to local content in the petroleum sector and to provide guidance for the development of Guyana’s Local Content Policy and Legislation. The panel comprises Shyam Nokta (chair), Carl Greenidge, Anthony Paul, Kevin Ramnarine, Carvil Duncan and Floyd Haynes. The team handed over its report to the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, on Tuesday. The policy, once ratified, will pave the way for an inclusive environment, amidst increasing foreign investment and interest in Guyana. A local content policy, in addition to outlining the measures for direct benefits, must also establish grounds for Guyanese to capitalise on the spill-off benefits. In Armstrong’s view, they must be able to supply food, water, and other locally produced items which will be on demand based on the operations of the hotels. This is needed especially because of Guyana’s high rate of unemployment.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 3, 2020

Guyanese wonder about their monies as LIAT returns to the sky

WITH LIAT officially re-commencing commercial flights, though to a limited number of destinations, Guyanese are keenly awaiting word from the company on the way forward as pertains to monies they would have paid to the airline for flights they never got. After operating its first flight in seven months from Antigua to Dominica on November 1, LIAT began commercial flights on Monday, November 30, to a limited number of destinations. The destinations are Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, and St. Vincent. The airline is expected to announce, subsequently, the addition of other destinations from December 2020. Though happy that the airline has returned to the skies, some owed-passengers do not believe the airline is doing a fair enough job in communicating with customers who are still owed monies, on the way forward. “I feel disappointed seeing as they were saying they would be notifying passengers about updates; also a sense of concern and loss of trust in them,” noted Jealisha Leung, who had booked flights totaling US$378 with the airline in February. Leung had booked her flights in the hope of flying in June, but shortly after booking, all flights for the airline were cancelled, as the COVID-19 pandemic had by then spread across the Caribbean. Leung had written asking the company to cancel the flights. “I feel as though they could give us just a word to show they haven’t forgotten about us. Like monthly word or updates as they receive, as against us hearing vague news in media outlets about restarting flights,” she said. As pertains to refunds, the airline, in a statement, noted that “passengers seeking refunds will have to await the outcome of the administration process. The airline, which is currently under administration, is being restructured following a decision by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to reorganise the airline”. However, there is no word on just how long this administrative process will

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne take, or clarification on what exactly it involves. “It’s unfortunate. I’m vex I couldn’t get my vacation, plus worst, that I haven’t get back my money,” shared Guyanese Kevin Ramnauth, who had booked flights with a group of friends in January. MUCH UNCERTAINTY LIAT had faced much uncertainty about its fate over the past few months, with the airline being out of operations since March, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the Caribbean and countries began closing their airports to international flights to curb the spread of the virus. Notwithstanding the suspension of flights in March, according to reports, the airline continued to allow customers to book flights and pay over money to the airline up to May. The customers have since been requesting refunds from the company. However, they do not believe the company is forthcoming enough with information and updates. “I am very appalled by the situation. I was immediately refunded 100 per cent by the hotel and I expect the same from the airline. Our borders are closed, anything other than a refund is useless,” noted Javed Khan, a Trinidadian, who had booked with the airline in 2019, for flights in May, 2020. Khan has written to the company about a refund, but according to him, he has not received any response from them. The suspension of the airline’s operation in March had exacerbated an already strained financial situation at the company which has been operating at a loss for

some time now. The company is currently EC$100 million (GYD$7.7 billion) in debt, of which EC$11M is owed to passengers. The airline owes Guyanese authorities more than GYD$80 million. Amidst a previous push by some of its stakeholders to have the company liquidated, Antigua and Barbuda, where the airline is headquartered, had pushed hard for the re-organisation over liquidation of regional airliner. The Antigua Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, pushed to have that country’s Parliament amend its Companies Act to recognise re-organisation as a superior option to liquidation, and the country eventually bought over the airlines shares that were

owned by the Barbados and St Vincent governments, both of which were vocal that their countries no longer wanted

any stake in the airline. Browne had also released a re-organisation plan that calls for the in-

jection of US$40M in new equity. Antigua has since secured a US$15 million loan to inject into the airline.

GUYANA CHRONICLE thursDay, DecemBER 3, 2020

21 teams competing in Hackathon 2020 –– participants tasked with creating functional student record information system By Naomi Parris TWENTY-ONE of Guyana’s sharpest ICT minds are set to compete in Hackathon 2020, geared at channelling their creative talents to develop programmes that will tackle national development and address social, economic, technological and environmental issues. This year’s event is held under the theme “Digitising our education system for 2020 and beyond” and is being executed under the auspices of the Office of the Prime Minister, through its Industry and Innovation Unit. Speaking at a brief launching ceremony at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Tuesday, Prime Minister, Brigadier Mark Phillips, said that with the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the world, including Guyana, has become heavily dependent on technology and the lunching of the Hackathon activity is timely. “The world today is one which is heavily dependent on technology, more so as we navigate the unpredictable conditions of the coronavirus pandemic. Technology has served as the catalyst through which we have been able to carry on business and even maintain personal relationships while being confined to our homes in an aim to remain safe from the virus.” The Prime Minister added that the government will be working to ensure a conducive environment for technological development and innovation. “The Government of Guyana, through the Industry and Innovation Unit of the Office of the Prime Minister, is committed to developing an ICT-equipped society by continuing to create technological solutions that will position Guyana to cope with the ever-changing ICT landscape and assist in addressing national issues, and ultimately create novel ICT employment

Prime Minister, Brigadier Mark Phillips during his opening remarks of Hackathon 2020 (Adrian Narine photo) and other opportunities for Guyanese,” he said. He added: “Guyana is now on the verge of transformation in the area of ICT given the recent and long-awaited liberalisation of the Telecommunications Sector. Guyanese can now welcome cheaper and more reliable options for Internet access, which will enhance Guyana’s technological capacity and infrastructure.” Prime Minister Phillips added that activities like Hackathon will assist in highlighting the talents of many young Guyanese as well as provide a platform for them to share their talent and intellect with the rest of the country. ENABLING ENVIRONMENT “Activities like this Hackathon will assist us in creating an enabling environment to achieve this mandate by providing a platform that allows for the creation of software and applications that are relevant to our national needs, while at the same time promoting a culture of innovation.” He added that the country’s education system is currently at on the priority list and with the help of technology and ICT-related activities, solutions will be provided to assist the Ministry of Education. “Our education system is at the top of our priority list

and with the recent changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has affected the world at large, it is imperative now, more than ever, that we focus our attention on providing solutions to this unforeseen crisis that has shifted the way we operate,” the Prime Minister said. The government, he added, understands the importance of ICT to Guyana’s education sector and is working on a series of initiatives that will enhance the current system, as well as develop focus areas to better the delivery of education to the country’s children. “Technology is the tool that will provide that balance needed to weather the storm we are now faced [with] and to prepare us for what is to come,” the Prime Minister said. The goal of this year’s Hackathon is to create a functioning software application by the end of the event, which will commence on December 5 and end on December 7. Participants will also be tasked with creating a functional student record information system that can be used by the Ministry of Education to digitise the registration system throughout schools across the country. The winning team will receive a cash prize of $500,000, while the second and third place teams will collect $350,000 and $250,000 respectively.

A few of the ICT specialists who will be taking part in the competition along with members of the media gathered at the official launch of Hackathon 2020 (Adrian Narine photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 3, 2020

Russell to replace Hamilton for Sakhir Gp (BBC) - Williams driver George Russell will replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for this weekend’s Sakhir Grand Prix. Hamilton has been forced to withdraw from the race in Bahrain after testing positive for COVID-19. Williams reserve Jack Aitken will replace Russell. “I might be wearing a different race suit this weekend, but I’m a Williams driver and I’ll be cheering my team on every step of the way,” said 22-year-old Russell. “I see this as a great chance to learn from the best outfit on the grid right now and to come back as an improved driver, with even more energy and experience to help push Williams further up the grid. A big thank you also to Mercedes for putting their faith in me. “Obviously, nobody can replace Lewis, but I’ll give my all for the team in his

Russell (left) has been managed by Mercedes since 2017. absence from the moment I step in the car. Most importantly, I wish him a speedy recovery. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity and can’t wait to get out on track this week.” Mercedes have guided Russell’s career since 2017 and he was a Mercedes reserve driver in 2018 before they released him to Williams on a three-year contract from the start of the 2019 season. He is highly rated by the

team as a candidate for a potential future drive. The Briton has tested several times for Mercedes but running him in Bahrain this weekend - as well as potentially the season-closing race in Abu Dhabi a week later if Hamilton does not recover in time - is a good opportunity for the team to assess his development in a competitive environment. Mercedes enquired as to Williams’ position on Russell in the summer be-

fore they confirmed Valtteri Bottas for the 2021 season, but were told they were not prepared to release him. However, that was under Williams’ previous management before their sale to the investment group Dorilton Capital in August. “It will not be a straightforward task for George to make the transition from the Williams to the W11, but he is race-ready and has a detailed understanding of the 2020 tyres and how they perform on this generation of cars,” said Mercedes chief Toto Wolff. “George has shown impressive form this year with Williams, playing an instrumental role in their climb up the grid, and I am optimistic that he will deliver a strong performance alongside Valtteri (Bottas), who will be a demanding reference for him. “This race will mark a small milestone for us, as we see a member of our Junior

programme compete for the works Mercedes team for the first time.” Aitken, 25, will make his F1 debut when he takes to the grid this weekend. A practice driver at the Styrian Grand Prix earlier this year, the Briton has also competed in Formula 2 this season, earning two podiums and eight other points finishes. He finished fifth overall in F2 last season. “I’m absolutely over the moon to have the opportunity to make my debut with Williams this coming weekend and I am extremely happy for George to have his chance too,” said Aitken. “I really mean it when I say I’ve felt very much at home since I joined Williams earlier this year, so to get my chance to help the team try to achieve that elusive points finish is an extremely satisfying occasion to say the least.”

Schumacher name to return to F1 (BBC) - Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Michael, will race for the Haas team next season. The US-based team said the 21-year-old had signed a “multi-year contract”. He will partner Russian Nikita Mazepin. German Schumacher said the move was “a dream come true, a dream I have been chasing since I was

three years old”. Ferrari, with whom he has a long-term contract, said the “eventual aim” was for him to drive for them in F1 “one day”. Schumacher will be at Haas for at least the next two seasons. Ferrari have signed Spaniard Carlos Sainz for 2021 and 2022 to partner Charles Leclerc, who has a contract with the Scude-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday December 03, 2020) COMPLIMENTS OF THE XTRA ENERGY DRINK, STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Dinesh Ramdin-41 dismissals (40 catches/1 stumping-13 Tests) (2) B J Watling-26 dismissals (25 catches/1 stumping-7 Tests)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) When did the WI & NZ first contest a Test series against each other in NZ? (2) What was the result of the series?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Mick Schumacher is leading the Formula 2 series going into the final round. ria until 2024. “I also want to acknowlHaas team boss Gunther edge and extend my love Steiner said Schumacher to my parents. I know that had “earned the opportuni- I owe them everything. I ty” with his performances have always believed that I in Formula 2, in which he would realise my dream of is leading the championship Formula 1. going into its final round in “A huge thank you Bahrain this weekend. must also go to all the “The prospect of being great motorsport fans out on the Formula 1 grid there who have supported next year makes me in- me throughout my career. credibly happy,” said a I will give it my all, as I “speechless” Schumacher. always do, and I look forGerman Schumacher ward to going on this jourthanked Haas and Ferrari ney together with Haas F1 for their “trust”, adding: and them.”

Schumacher’s F1 debut next year will come on the 30th anniversary of his father’s own entry to the sport, at the 1991 Belgian Grand Prix. Michael Schumacher had a glittering career which ended with him being the most successful driver of all-time, with 91 wins and seven World Championships. Britain’s Lewis Hamilton has this year surpassed Schumacher’s win record and equalled his tally of championships. Michael’s medical condition is unknown following a skiing accident in 2013 in which he suffered severe head injuries. The 52-yearold has not been seen in public since. His son’s career has been guided carefully by the family and Michael’s former manager Sabine Kehm, to ease him through the motorsport ranks while keeping the inevitable public interest off his shoulders as much as possible.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 3, 2020

Holder lauds New Zealand for positive BLM stance (CMC) – West Indies Test captain Jason Holder has praised New Zealand Cricket for its positive stance on the Black Lives Matter movement and has urged continued global education in order to more efficiently tackle racism in sport. The 29-year-old, who will lead West Indies in a two-Test series against the Black Caps starting here Thursday (18:00hrs Wednesday, Eastern Caribbean time), said

based on recent discussions with opposing captain Kane Williamson, he felt assured the issue of racism was being seriously addressed by authorities here. “Kane came openly to me and we sat down and spoke about it. We had a really good chat this morning (Wednesday) around it and it was just mainly his hearing our side of it,” Holder told reporters prior to the Seddon Park contest.

Both teams take a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, New Zealand vs West Indies, 2nd T20I, Mount Maunganui, November 29, 2020.

“And I was just really happy with the support Kane has shown for our push behind the Black Lives Matter movement. “Obviously New Zealand has started a campaign around racism as well which is really good and I think generally the awareness just needs to keep building. “I think it is more of an awareness and I stressed that to Kane. We as individuals, when we go around the world we mingle with so many people and you never understand what some people go through.” He added: “I think the more education we put around it, the better off this world will be and the more awareness we show, then people would become a lot more aware. “So it’s really good that Cricket New Zealand has obviously put their support behind it so let’s just hope that we can continue to spread the word.” West Indies found themselves at the centre of the discussion surrounding racism in the sport when their three-Test tour of England last July coincided with global protests over the killing of unarmed African American, George Floyd, by a white police officer in Minneapolis, United States. The incident, which occurred in May, brought the Black Lives Movement to the fore globally and sparked demonstrations in almost every major city, including London. Players from both West Indies and England wore the BLM insignia on their jerseys and knelt before the start of each

Test, as a show of support for the movement. Holder, who recently expressed concern that the conversation over racism in cricket was beginning to wane, pointed to the England tour as a watershed moment and said Cricket West Indies (CWI) would continue to play its part in the global movement. “What I would say is that a lot more people are aware of some of the issues other races have faced. I think that’s a start and a step in the right direction, and I think more of that needs to continue to build,” stressed Holder, the top-ranked all-rounder in Tests. “The more we become aware of what is in front of us as people we would understand what certain people go through. And that’s just the main aim of the game in terms of Cricket West Indies’ perspective, just to continue to raise that awareness for other people to understand what certain people are going through.” He continued: “Interestingly enough when we were in England and we sat down as a team and discussed it as a team, some of the guys shared their personal experiences and it was touching. “It was touching to hear some of them openly share and one of the things that I have found is that certain people are so battered and bruised by it, they are scared to share. “If we throw a little more awareness behind it and support then people would be open to sharing a little bit more.”

Harriott scores ‘wonder goal’ for Colchester United … But Crawley Town contest ends in 1-1 draw GUYANA’S Senior Men’s National team forward, Callum Harriott found the net for Colchester United, during their 1-1 draw against Crawley Town in the side’s latest English Football League Two action on Tuesday. Harriott, who made his debut for Guyana in March of 2019, scored a ‘wonder goal’; a rocket from way outside the 18, in the 13th-minute to give Colchester the lead in the League Two clash. However, his celebration was short-lived, since seven minutes later, Jordan Tunnicliffe scored from closerange at the JobServe Community Stadium as the two sides had to settle

for shared points. After the game, Harriott said, “It was a good goal but I feel like I could have done more and I feel like the team could have had more. For me personally, I feel I need more. Everyone was obviously disappointed about that game but we have to look forward. There are many positives that we can take out of the (Crawley) game.” The Golden Jaguars player noted his disappointment also, at not getting three points, but noted, however, “It’s a long season but we want to get up on the top of that table and stay there.” Harriott’s goal was his fourth of the

season for Colchester United, who sit 12th on the 24-team table, headed by Newport County, with five wins, six draws and three defeats from 14 outings so far. Since his debut for Guyana at the National Track and Field Centre, at Leonora, against Harriott has featured seven times for the Golden Jaguars, scoring once when Guyana defeated Aruba 4-2. The 26-year-old is expected to don the Guyana colours in the coming months in the Qatar World Cup Qualifiers and the CONCACAF Gold Cup Qualifiers in the U.S. (Rawle Toney)

Guyana’s Callum Harriott takes control of the ball during Colchester United’s clash against Crawley Town in their latest League Two action. The game ended at 1-1.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 3, 2020

GFF president, officials visit Kwakwani

… Residents appoint committee to re-ignite flame of football with youth centre stage

WITH other football executives in tow, Wayne Forde, president of Guyana Football Federation (GFF), made a visit to the Region 10 Community of Kwakwani, located along the Berbice River, to discuss the revival and development of football, deliver football equipment and pledge support for coaches and referees’ education. Forde was accompanied by Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) president Terrence Mitchell, GFF Director of Coaching Wilson Toledo, GFF Youth Development Officer Brian ‘Joe Boy’ Joseph, GFF Referees Technical Instructor/Assessor Abdullah ‘Zico’ Hamid and GFF Social Media Officer, Keeran Williams. The visit to the community, according to a release from GFF, was initiated by veteran coach Jimmy McLean and focussed on engaging residents and football stakeholders to find ways to breathe new

GFF president Wayne Forde hands over one of the footballs to coach Jimmy McLean in the presence of UDFA president Terrence Mitchell and youths of the Kwakwani community. life into football in the area. Forde, during his visit to the hometown of former Golden Jaguars midfielder Carey Harris and national girls’ U-15 forward Jalade Trim, said GFF has over the years, recognised that “Kwakwani has not really occupied the headlines for being a vibrant sporting community and particularly in the game of football. We all know that this com-

munity has produced many outstanding players over the years, (Carey) Harris being one such player.” Trim, one of Guyana’s most talented national youth female player, is the proud product of the community and coach McLean. Forde reasoned that the trip was also made to “bring support to the football development programme in Kwakwani as well as to listen and learn what may have contributed

to this community moving from being one of the most vibrant sporting communities within the country to one not producing better athletes within various disciplines.” McLean, whose achievements over the years in and out of Guyana are well documented in terms of developing players and teams, has been the driving force behind the resuscitation of the game

in Kwakwani and reached out to Forde and GFF to render assistance. President Forde committed GFF’s resources to return the game to what it used to be then to drive it forward. For this to be achieved, he said, there had to be a consorted effort on the part of the community to work with the Federation. Football development materials were presented

to the community and accepted by McLean. The Federation has committed to the training of coaches and referees once the appropriate individuals have been identified. Community members also made a big step forward as they identified a number of individuals who will serve on an ad hoc committee to make reality the commitment to revive the sport.

GCB Tropical Spring T20 Over-40 Tournament …

West Dem Masters, Mavericks chalk up wins as Round 6 ends

ROUND 6 of the GCB Tropical Spring T20 Over-40 tourney continued, with West Demerara Masters, Bel Air RUBiS Ultra Tec and the Mavericks headlining yesterday’s action-filled day. At the Enmore ground, Regal did well to keep their scorecard looking healthy by the time their 20 overs expired, with opener Rudolph Baker leading the charge (45) with three fours and as many sixes. Roy Persaud (19) and an unbeaten 16 from Chien Gittens capped off a decent batting display from Regal. West Dem’s bowling was led by Sugrim Boodram and Steve Haripaul with 2 wickets apiece which kept things stable. In reply, West Demerara had a nightmarish start to their chase before Chabiraj Ramcharan scored an unbeaten 55.. Sudesh Persaud supported well with 31 which was more than enough to get the West Dem Masters

over the line by 5 wickets with overs to spare. In the afternoon match at Everest Cricket Club ground, WD Mavericks batted first and amassed 103 for 6 off their allotted 13 overs, after a slight reduction due to weather. Munishwar Balgobin slammed 56, inclusive of 6 fours and 2 sixes, while Sohan Bedessie provided valuable support with 22, hitting 2 sixes in the process. The only other batsman to reach double figures was Lalta Suknanand with 13. Bowling for Sand Piper, Bhupendra Deokie took 2 for 35 from 3 overs, while there was one wicket apiece for Nandkrishna Ram, Rickford Samaroo and Davenarine Singh. In reply, Sand Pipers Masters never appeared capable of reaching the victory target, as their run chase ended at 69 for 7 as their allotted 13 overs expired. Middle order batsman, Rickford Samaroo stroked

30, a knock that included 1 four and I six. The other batsman to reach double figures was Ryan Mangah with 16. Amarnauth Jadunauth and Alwen Andrews were both not out on 1. Bowling for WD Mavericks, Devendra Ramdihal claimed 3 for 22 from 3 overs, while Nigel Vieira and Sohan Bedessie took one wicket each. WD Mavericks won by 34 runs. RP Construction and Bel Air RUBiS then did battle, with the former electing to bat after having won the toss - a decision which proved difficult against the Bel Air RUBiS bowlers, as their bowlers quickly exhausted their line-up of batsmen in 14.3 overs, ending their innings at 87 runs. Jai Kissoon, Khemraj Jailall and Parmanand Dindyal contributed 29, 15 and 13 runs respectively, with each batsman hitting a boundary. Dominating on the bowlers’ end were Oslyn Batson (2-6) and Nadir Baksh (2-

10) who were keen to restrict their opponents. In reply, Bel Air RUBiS Ultra Tec, productively paced their innings to reach 88 for 5 from 19.4 overs. Richard Ramdeem stroked 27, with a 1 four and 1 six, while Shaun Messiah was unbeaten on 21, a knock which included one four. The other batsmen to get among the scores were Nadir Baksh with 17, inclusive of 1 four, Harinarine Hira with 10, Oslyn Batson 8 not out. Bel Air won by 5 runs. Meanwhile, Round 7 continues on December 5 with KV Construction Masters and WD Masters battling at 0930h at Everest while Sand Pipers and Everest Masters square off from 13:45hrs. The Enmore ground hosts the home team Masters who face RP Construction Legend in the first encounter with the WD Mavericks/RUBiS Bel-Air Ultra Tec match capping things off.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 3, 2020

Guyanese chess players register wins in FIDE Online World U10-18 Rapid Championships … Against T&T, Bahamas and Panama players THREE Guyanese junior chess players claimed victories on the opening night of the FIDE Online World U10-18 Rapid Championships. After a slow opening round on Tuesday evening, the Guyanese were able to bounce back a short while later in round two of the 10

min+3 sec increment clashes. Angel Rahim got the better of Jaen Vasquez (1410 rapid rated) from Panama in the Girls’ U18 Division. The seasoned junior Guyanese player forced the Central American player to resign in their match. Eleven-year-old Kyle Couchman also forced his

opponent to resign in a tense battle against Trinidadian Joshua Medina in the Open U12 Division. Medina opened with the King’s Pawn and Couchman countered with the Sicilian Defence and he never looked back. A slick finishing move towards the end, which saw him capture his opponent’s

pawn that was strategically placed, forced the 1287 rated T&T player to concede. Young Anaya Lall also claimed a win. The first national hearing-impaired player was able to defeat Chika Pride from The Bahamas in the Girls U10 Division. Pride, an up-and-coming youngster, had finished in second place in a Bishop’s Division competition earlier this year, but she was unable to get past the witty Guya-

nese youngster who played black on Tuesday night. Last night Guyanese players, who are playing from their homes, were expected to play rounds three, four and five, while tonight they are scheduled to play rounds six and seven. Guyana is represented by 13 players in the online competition, including reigning women’s champion Sasha Shariff. The 16-year-old and Rahim are playing in the

Girls’ U18 division. Arysh Raghunauth and Mayas Khan are playing in the Open U10, Lall in the Girls’ U10, Couchman in the Open U12, Harmony Dodson in the Girls’ U12, Ronan Lee in the Open U14, Maliha Rajkumar in the Girls’ U14, Joshua Khan in the Open U16, Anasie Fredericks in the Girls’ U16 and Ethan Lee and Jaden Taylor in the Open U18 divisions.

Kyle Couchman claimed victory against a seasoned Trinidadian in the second round.

Anaya Lall defeated a Bahamian in the second round.

Guyanese chess players register wins in FIDE Online World U10-18 Rapid Championships â€Ś Against T&T, Bahamas and Panama players

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

See story on page 27

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020