Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 03-12-2021 by Guyana Chronicle

FRIDAY 3rd December, 2021

Jordan arrested

No.106564

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–– falls ill while responding to questions from SOCU –– in relation to billions of dollars in alleged fraudulent transactions

Pulled from the clutches of death 13 PAGE

Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan

$120M concrete block manufacturing plant to be built at Yarrowkabra 05 PAGE

Vice-President engages 07 Afro-Guyanese business persons on investment opportunities PAGE

Thirty-six-year-old farmer, Christopher James, smiles after going through a groundbreaking, lifesaving surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation on November 25

Close to 2,000 persons receive COVID-19 booster shots

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 3, 2021

Jordan arrested

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 3, 2021

–– falls ill while responding to questions from SOCU –– in relation to billions of dollars in alleged fraudulent transactions

THE Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) is making a major case against former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, alleging a series of fraudulent transactions amounting to billions of Guyana dollars while he served in government between 2015 to 2020. The Guyana Chronicle understands that Jordon is expected to be charged soon. A police release late Thursday outlined two transactions purportedly done during Jordan’s time as Finance Minister which are currently under investigation. There were more details for the first transaction under investigation than the second. According to the release: “The first transaction… relates to the sale and vesting of the state’s largest wharf facilities located at Kingston, Georgetown, valued approximately GY$8 billion (US$40,000,000) and Minister Jordan issued a vesting order passing Title to the purchaser, without the payment of any further sum of monies.”

Police said the vesting order noted the property was sold without encumbrance and liabilities with no further monies owed by the purchaser. “Transport was subsequently issued for this property and the value strangely stated on the Transport was GY$400,000,000 (US$2,000,000)”. “Further, the Agreement of Sale stated that Title must only pass upon full payment of purchase price”, the police release added. “The purchaser, BK Marines Limited, paid only 10 per cent of this purchase price, that is GY$20 million (US$100,000) and Minister Jordan issued a vesting order passing Title to the purchaser, without the payment of any further sum of monies,” the release continued. Accompanied by his lawyers, Jordan reportedly presented himself for question at SOCU’s Camp Street office earlier Thursday morning. Just as Jordan was being escorted from the SOCU’s Camp Street office to the Sparendaam Po-

Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan escorted by his lawyers as he claimed to be unwell lice Station for continued question, the GPF released stated, “he claimed of feeling unwell and he was rushed to the Sparendaam Health Centre where he was attended to by health workers at that institution.” Investigations are ongoing, the law enforcement agency said, but Jordan was also identified as be-

ing allegedly involved in a second transaction. “Investigators have evidence to establish that a facility that is a mere fraction of the size of the state property under investigation, located some seven miles upriver was sold by a private company for US$17 million.” As it relates to the first

transaction which the former Finance Minister is implicated in, the matter caught the public’s attention in early 2020 as it was reported in the media that the sale of the Kingston lands occurred just days before the 2020 General and Regional Elections. A public concern was also that the Cabinet of Ministers apparently granted approval to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), an entity under the Minister of Finance’s purview, for the sale of now-contested land which was in the care of NICIL. By its own admission in an April 2020 statement to the public during the APNU+AFC administration, NICIL said: “In October 2019, NICIL received approval [for the sale of the land in question], following which the Vesting Order was prepared, signed and gazette.” At the time, NICIL would have received the approval allegedly from the Cabinet of Ministers. Cabinet had been defunct, a consequence of the court rulings made following the

successful passage of the no-confidence motion in December 2018 against the former President, David Granger administration. In February 2019, Now-Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, who was then the Minister of State under the David Granger government, said Cabinet had not been meeting because of the January 2019 ruling by the High Court that the no-confidence motion was successfully passed. However, Harmon said plenaries of all junior and senior ministers were being held. “There is a judgement of the Court that was made with respect to the Cabinet and that judgement is appealed but we have not obtained a stay of the judgement as yet and, therefore, we have not held Cabinet meetings as such,” Harmon had told a press conference in February 2019. The Cabinet of Ministers for the APNU+AFC administration was never reconvened as successive efforts by the then-government were unsuccessful.

GTT takes ‘fibre’ to Vreed-en-Hoop RESIDENTS and businesses in Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, will now be able to access the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT)’s fibre-optic internet service, as the telecommunications company continues to roll out fibre broadband technology within the country. The company continues to move ahead with its plan to connect at least 10,000 new homes to its fibre-optic internet service by the end of this year, according to a statement from GTT. In September, the com-

pany unveiled its ‘GTT Fibre’ service as a major upgrade to the former Blaze service, offering significant increases in upload and download speeds and reliable connectivity at reduced rates. Having been added to that list of available fibre areas, Vreed-en-Hoop will benefit from on-the-spot installations. GTT’s Chief Operations Officer for Home Solutions and Fixed Services, Eshwar Thakurdin, said he is proud that GTT could deliver once again on its promise to reliably connect its customers,

and achieve the vision of the company to improve life experiences to every home and business in Guyana. “Connectivity is no longer a luxury. It is key to our everyday productivity. Even more so, living in a pandemic, the balance between staying safe and connecting to work, entertainment and other leisure activities depends on a reliable connection – one which our company is continuously working to upgrade and expand,” he said. Thakurdin added: “We are very proud to bring fibre to the residents and busi-

nesses of Vreed-en-Hoop, to join the other areas on the ‘west side’ that already enjoy fibre – these include Bagotville, La Grange, La Parfaite Harmonie, La Retraite, Nismes, Onderneeming Phase One, Recht Doorzee, Schoonard, Toevlugt, West Minister, Parika and Ruschen.” With the new residential plans of Fibre50, Fibre100, and Fibre150, customers in Vreed-en-Hoop could apply for the service at $8,999, $10,999, and $12,999 respectively. As part of GTT’s Christmas celebration, customers

will get free installation and the first month free service. There are also special offers for GTT’s DSL customers making the switch to GTT Fibre. Each service comes with a fixed voice line. Business customers will also benefit from the BizFibre service with plans ranging from Biz50, Biz100, and Biz500, starting as low as $14,999. GTT promised to continue its fibre expansion to new residential and business areas, and will make further announcements on its social media platforms.

Chief Operations Officer for Home Solutions & Fixed Services at GTT, Eshwar Thakurdin

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 3, 2021

Pfizer boss: Annual COVID jabs for years to come

People will be likely to need to have annual COVID vaccinations for many years to come, the head of Pfizer has told the BBC Dr Albert Bourla said he thought this would be needed to maintain a “very high level of protection”. The UK has now secured an extra 114 million doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to be delivered over the next two years. A year ago the UK was the first country to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Pfizers’s chief executive was speaking to the BBC before the emergence of the Omicron variant, first identified in South Africa and also before the announcement that the UK government had signed contracts to buy the

54 million additional PfizerBioNTech and 60 million Moderna doses for 2022 and 2023. These deals include access to modified vaccines if needed to combat Omicron and future variants of concern, the Department of Health has said. Dr Bourla said Pfizer had already made updated vaccines in response to the Beta, also first identified in South Africa, and Delta, first identified in India, variants but that they had not been needed. The company is now working on an updated jab in response to the Omicron variant that could be ready in 100 days. He said vaccines had helped save millions of lives during the pandemic and without them the “funda-

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Many people in Africa remain unvaccinated (GETTY IMAGES) mental structure of our so- have “as many doses as they ciety would be threatened” need”. By the end of the year SHARE PRICE Pfizer expects to have supSeveral global health plied three billion doses of charities see the money Pfizits messenger ribonucleic- er, BioNTech and Moderna acid (mRNA) vaccine with are making out of the panfour billion planned for next demic as immoral. year. Pfizer will generate at There had been a global least $35bn of COVID vacrace to protect people pro- cine sales this year and has tected, Dr Bourla said, but seen its share price soar. in 2022, countries would But while most people

in the world have now had at least one COVID jab, in parts of Africa it is less than one person in 20. Dr Bourla was unapologetic about making a profit, saying “the bottom line is millions of lives were saved.” He continued; “We have saved the global economy trillions of dollars. “It is a strong incentive for innovation for the next pandemic. “But people will see that if they step up to the game, to bring something that saves lives and saves money, there is also a financial reward.” He denied profiteering saying the jab was the “cost of a takeaway meal” for richer countries but sold at no profit to low-income ones - but accepted rich countries such as the UK had placed orders early and availability had initially been limited. Having to be stored at -70C, the Pfizer vaccine has been tricky to deploy in countries with limited health services. But within a month or so, Pfizer says it will roll out a new formulation of the vaccine that can be stored for three months in a fridge, which Dr Bourla said, would make a “huge difference” for sub-Saharan African countries. Pfizer has also developed an antiviral pill, Paxlovid, which in trials cut hospital admissions and deaths by nearly 90 per cent. It should be approved in the US shortly and the UK government has agreed to buy enough for 250,000 patients. ‘SEVERE SYMPTOMS’ Pfizer is also conducting COVID-vaccine trials in the under-fives. And in October, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved the Pfizer jab for five to 11-yearolds. Immunising that age group in the UK and Europe would be a very good idea, Dr Bourla said. “COVID in schools is

thriving,” he said. “This is disturbing, significantly, the educational system, and there are kids that will have severe symptoms. “So there is no doubt in my mind that the benefits, completely, are in favour of doing it.” The mRNA vaccines, from Pfizer and Moderna have now taken over almost completely from the UK developed Oxford-AstraZeneca jab. ‘RIGHT THING’ And Dr Bourla had a strong message for those who did not want to have vaccines. “For those that are just afraid, the only emotion of human beings stronger than fear is love,” he said. “So I am using always this argument that the decision to get another vaccine is not going to influence only your health, it is going to affect the health of others and particularly the health of the people you love the most, because they are the ones that you will interact with. “So take the courage to overcome your fears and do the right thing.” He has recently been the target of some bizarre fake news stories, alleging the US Federal Bureau of Investigation had arrested him for fraud and his wife had died as a result of side-effects from the Pfizer vaccine -both untrue. “In the first news, that I was arrested by the FBI, of course I laughed,” he said. “On the second news, that my wife died, with a picture of her, I was really [angry]. “I worried about my kids, so I tried to call them and I could not get my son on the phone. “What we had to go through, it is nothing compared to the lives that will be lost because of the rubbish that those people published, because people will really think that my wife died because of the vaccine... and she is fine - she is wonderful.” (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 3, 2021

$120M concrete block manufacturing plant to be built at Yarrowkabra

- project to create over 30 jobs By Jared Liddell LOCAL company, JSB investment Inc., plans to position itself to benefit from the rapidly growing construction industry, with a $120 million investment in a concrete block and pave manufacturing facility at Yarrowkabra, on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. The company will be establishing the facility on a plot of land stretching 40 acres. In a project summary submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the company related that the site is approximately 4.2 miles from the junction of Soesdyke-Linden Highway and East Bank Demerara Road. The proposed site for the facility and its surroundings is currently used for sand mining. This project, which is expected to be completed within eight months, will be one of the first concrete block manufacturing facilities in that area. JSB investment Inc. is a local company that offers products such as sand, loam, and aggregate/ stone imported from St Lucia and Suriname. The company also specialises in services such as heavy-duty machinery rental and marine transportation. According to the project summary, the company’s new facility will produce nine different types of concrete blocks and pavers. The company’s estimated production is expected to be as much as 19,200 blocks per eight-hour shift or 2,400 blocks per hour. The products that will be manufactured at the Yar-

rowkabra facility include fly ash brick, zig zag shaped paver block, I-Shape paver block, solid concrete block, hollow block, retain block, and ventilation block. The company said that one of the major impacts it anticipates from the investment will be the reduction in the cost of concrete blocks for customers, noting that correlating high supply and demand of a product would allow for reduced costing. The plant is expected to provide employment for a minimum of 32 persons inclusive of managers, plant operators, block makers, and truck operators, with the preference of employment being given to persons living within the surrounding communities. NO NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS The company said that several measures will be instituted to mitigate any potential environmental impact that might arise due to the construction or operation of the facility. One of the focal points will be the establishment of two reservoirs that will be built to capture all waste water, since there is no current drainage system in place. According to the project summary, waste water will be treated and tested before being released into green areas and roots of trees. According to preliminary findings, the establishment of the facility will have no environmental impact on the air, since the cement will be kept in silos and pass through an extruder for mixing; other materials will be kept in closed buildings.

Further, the company said that trees will be planted and revetment will be done with stable soil to curb erosion. Additionally, grass and shrubs will be planted in areas where there will be no intense traffic by staff or machinery. JBS’ investment is timely, given the increase of 25.5 per cent recorded in the construction industry during the first half of this year. It was reported that this growth in the construction industry was influenced by a general increase in the number of public and private infrastructural projects, as well as rehabilitation works nationwide. It was widely reported that from the housing sector to the agriculture sector, there has been mobilisation of resources from both private and public sector stakeholders, who are laying the foundation to capitalise on the impending growth locally. Private projects, as reported, range from the construction of hotels and apartment complexes, to shopping complexes and office buildings among

other things. In the public sect o r, a s i d e f r o m t h e construction of several low-income and young professional houses, there were upgrades to highways, main roads, and miscellaneous roads countrywide. This was also supplemented by the commencement of construction on new roads. In addition to providing improved road facilities, the ongoing works have also added to the creation of thousands of jobs, bringing the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led administration

closer to delivering on its promise to create at least 50,000 jobs within the next five years. During this year alone, the government budgeted $172.4 billion for education, public infrastructure and healthcare. Of this sum, $58.2 billion worth of planned expenditure on public infrastructure is the second largest component of the government’s fiscal programme. On the capital side, the budget for infrastructure

is $32.9 billion, or 32 per cent of the total allocation for 2021. Further, the government’s total budget for road programmes is $23.7 billion, $7.9 billion of which will go specifically towards the development of community roads. Of the budgeted sum, $2.1 billion has been set aside for hinterland roads, and the rehabilitation of a number of hinterland airstrips. A number of those projects are ongoing.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 3, 2021

Removing Barriers PRESIDENT Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has made a call for regional leaders to remove barriers to intra-regional trade. The call is most timely and necessary, especially at this time when the food supply chain has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in higher prices for imported goods. The President made the call during an address to the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association during which he proposed that Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana should ‘marry’ their competitive advantage in developing industries to create opportunities for the manufacturing sector in the two countries. What is needed, he said, is for manufacturers in the two countries to see themselves not as competitors but as partners in development through capacity-building and the creation of a common economic space. The President spent some time during his address to focus on intra-regional food trade which is highly skewed in favour of the developed countries, resulting in serious balance of payments difficulties. The region spent

much more on imported goods than it received for its export earnings. It does not require any trained economist to figure out the repercussions such an imbalance could have on regional economies. In this regard, President Ali has made his intentions known that Guyana will push aggressively for the dismantling of barriers that restrict intra-regional agricultural trade. What is unfortunate in all of this is the fact that the region has the capability of satisfying most of the food requirements and at more competitive costs. Guyana in particular, with its rich and fertile agricultural lands, has the potential to meet most of the food needs of the entire region. Dubbed at one time the bread-basket of the Caribbean, the agricultural sector was downplayed by the former PNC regime but with the return of the PPP/C to office on October 1992, the agriculture sector has once again demonstrated its resilience as a strong pillar of the economy. There is need for a new food paradigm in the region, one in which we seek to optimise our food potential to satisfy local and regional needs. The large and

growing food bill is not only a drain on the region’s foreign exchange, but deprives opportunities for economic diversification and job creation. Agriculture has the potential to be a main driver of economic growth in the regions, which for decades depended largely on the production of raw material and tourism sector for its income. Food imports in the region is a staggering US$5 billion per annum which is due in part to a colonial mind-set which placed a premium on imported food as compared to food grown locally. One consequence of such misalignment between production and consumption patterns was a historical pattern of producing what we did not consume and consuming what we did not produce, resulting in a skewed pattern of growth based on a high level of dependence on the metropolitan countries for most of our developmental needs, including our food needs. The idea of import substitution, promulgated by regional leaders some time ago to safeguard agriculture in the region has not as yet gained any significant traction. Guyana has moved away from that

historical pattern of production and consumption, and even though the oil and gas sub-sector has become a major player in our economic development, it will not be done at the expense of the agricultural sector. This point was repeatedly made by President Ali that we cannot make progress in addressing our development, more specifically our food insecurity unless we remove barriers to intra-regional trade and do away with non-tariff barriers which impede regional trade in agriculture produce. According to the President, agriculture contributes 21.7 per cent of the country’s non-oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and absorbs roughly 12.1 per cent of the labour force. In terms of our domestic food consumption, agriculture provides nearly 60 per cent of our food needs. Guyana, he said, has the potential to satisfy all of CARICOM’s food requirements in poultry products, eggs, beef, and aquaculture among others. The PPP/C administration must be commended for placing emphasis on the agriculture sector, which is necessary for food security, not only in Guyana, but for the region as a whole.

Rather than moan, the Mayor must take proactive steps to tackle waste disposal in Georgetown

Dear Editor,

I WAS considerably confused and in fact dismayed to see the Mayor of Georgetown lecturing the Central Government about solid waste management and disposal for Georgetown and Guyana and expounding on the limitations, potential hazards and the ephemerality of the Haags Bosch landfill facility. I will make a case for the Mayor due to his youthfulness of not knowing that in the past the Georgetown Municipality took full responsibility for refuse collection and disposal for the City as most cities do. The Council had its own fleet of refuse trucks from which its workers efficiently and effectively collected garbage

from every single property, commercial and residential, and safely disposed of it through incineration and landfilling. Georgetown was the ‘Garden City’. Today, instead everything is farmed out, the collection process to private contractors at exorbitant prices and the Central Government removed the burden of disposal from the municipality by creating the Haags Bosch landfill site. So, I am not sure what the Mayor’s people are doing or have to do with regards to solid waste management. They are clearly on ‘easy street’. And yet still we see piles of garbage all over Georgetown. However, the Mayor says he wants to see Georgetown and Guyana move away from the landfill culture to protect the environment and citizens. Well here are

a few recovery strategies I would suggest that the Mayor gets involved in, in order to persuade the citizens of his Capital City to be a part of: that is recycling, composting and energy generation. Recycling not only reduces the quantity of waste but also saves money, so there is an economic, as well as an environmental, incentive to have citizens involved in recycling, careful separation of the waste into its different types is important for the efficiency of recycling. Plastic bottles, newspapers, cardboard and tin cans can all be reprocessed and made into new items. Plastic bags can also be recycled and used to make mats, carpets and other products. Non-hazardous, solid wastes such as crop residues, leaves, grass and animal

manures can be managed by the Council by composting. And finally, the Mayor should have them stop dumping garbage at the incinerator compound in Princes Street and instead replace ‘Old Smokey’ with a modern incinerator that includes air pollution control equipment (e.g., fabric filters, scrubbers, electrostatic precipitators etc.) to remove fly ash and gaseous contaminants. Rather than just moaning, implementing such initiatives would help significantly to reduce the amount of waste going to Haags Bosch and extend its life most notably. Yours sincerely, Magagula Jackson

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 3, 2021

Vice-President engages Afro-Guyanese business persons on investment opportunities

Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, addressing Afro-Guyanese businesspersons at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, on Thursday A TEAM of 35 Afro-Guyanese private sector representatives were apprised of the investment opportunities which exist in Guyana, during an engagement with a high-level delegation led by Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo. Speaking during the meeting held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Jagdeo said that the government is committed to working with all Guyanese companies to ensure that they are positioned to capitalise on the opportunities which will emerge as

Guyana’s economy continues to expand. He addressed opportunities in Guyana, the framework of development being pursued by the government, the administration’s plans for growth and development, and incentive regimes. The meeting was convened ahead of an impending visit from a Ghanaian private sector delegation, which could benefit local investors. Joining Vice-President Jagdeo at the meeting were Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd; Minister of Tourism, Oneidge Waldron, and head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop.

Some of the persons who were present at the engagement with high-level government officials, on Thursday

Some steps to ensure pedestrian safety on West Coast Demerara public road Dear Editor, DURING my recent trip to Guyana a few weeks ago, I observed from a few houses away, a primary school student from Meten-Meer-Zorg Primary waiting patiently to cross the road to get to her school. Standing at the barely legible remnants of a “Pedestrian Crosswalk”, she fidgeted nervously as she looked from left to right and back continuously for a break to cross the road. Since there were no adults around, I decided to go assist her. I signalled drivers

to stop and allow her to cross. The child was relieved that I was able to help in this process. Crossing the public road on the West Coast of Demerara in highly populated areas has become difficult, challenging and dangerous, especially for school children and elders during the morning and evening rush hours. The problem is compounded by inconsiderate drivers who blatantly show utter disregard for basic rules. I recall in the past that there were traffic officers and/ or teachers assigned to assist

students to cross the public road at designated pedestrian crossings during peak hours. From my observation, there were no persons there to help students cross the road. I fear that the situation will worsen if the necessary actions are not taken to alleviate the situation. These steps that can be taken: pedestrian crossings need to re-marked and signboards should be erected to alert drivers of an upcoming crossing; blinking amber lights could be installed for awareness at selected

busy pedestrian crossings; the traffic guard/ teacher supervision at crossings needs to be re-instituted with appropriate safety gear and handheld signboard during the peak hours at busy pedestrian crossings (traffic officers, teachers or community volunteers); and fines and penalties for drivers breaking the laws in this regard should be more severe. Yours truly, R. Deochand

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 3, 2021

GDF’s Coast Guard Training Centre gets $115M facelift –– through donation from the United States

THE United States has invested US$555,000 (approximately G$115M) to renovate the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)’s Coast Guard Training Centre in Kingston, and construct a concrete boat pad at the Coast Guard Headquarters. Speaking during a simple commissioning ceremony on Thursday, US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch said: “This invest-

US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch cuts the ceremonial ribbon at Thursday’s commissioning ceremony at the Guard Coast Guard Training Center in Kingston

Ambassador Lynch with members of the GDF Coast Guard at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (US Embassy photos) ment should leave no doubt as to how serious the United States considers the security of Guyana and its importance to the region, as it will enable the Guyana Defence Force

Coast Guard to have better access to their patrol boats.” The investment was made to enhance the overall effectiveness of joint exercises between the Unit-

ed States and partner nations. Guyana had hosted a 13-partner nation military exercise, Tradewinds, this year, and will host another in 2023.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 3, 2021

Deteriorated street in Silvertown being repaired

THE Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has said that it has taken note of serious damage done to a street located in Silvertown, Linden. The street, which was being constructed to ease the flow of traffic in the Region 10 community, sustained massive damage over the last few days, causing a section of the retaining wall to collapse. In a press release is-

sued on Thursday, the ministry said several issues were identified in the construction of the road, as it proved to be an extremely daring project. These challenges, the ministry said, will not defy the improvement and development of the lives of citizens in the Silvertown community. “…our government understands that development comes through overcoming challenges

Works ongoing on the Silvertown street (DPI photo)

Persons working overtime to repair the street in Silvertown (DPI)

and taking risks, not in an irresponsible manner but with well thought out risk responses, because our intention is to do whatever it takes to improve the living condition of our people,” the press release stated. Already, the contractor

responsible for the project is on the ground and is addressing the damaged section of the road. “You have also been seeing the constant presence of the Regional Executive Officer and Engineers on site; this is an

indication of our commitment to getting it right, to the benefit of you the residents,” the statement added. The retaining wall that suffered severe partial damage is approximately 600 meters in length, with

30 meters in need of urgent repair. “The contractor has assured that the entire length will be reinforced and strutted. Please help us to monitor and ensure it gets done properly,” the release noted. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 3, 2021

Germany bars the ‘unvaccinated’ from much of public life

GERMANY on Thursday announced a nation-wide lockdown for the unvaccinated, as its leaders backed plans for mandatory vaccinations in the coming months. Unvaccinated people will be banned from accessing all but the most essential businesses, such

as supermarkets and pharmacies, to curb the spread of the coronavirus, outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel and her successor, Olaf Scholz, announced Thursday, following crisis talks with regional leaders. Those who have recently recovered from COVID-19 are not cov-

ered by the ban. The pair also backed proposals for mandatory vaccinations, which, if voted through the parliament, ** could take effect from February at the earliest. Under the tightened restrictions, unvaccinated people can only meet

two people from another household. Bars and nightclubs must shut down in areas with an incidence rate of above 350 cases per 100,000 people over one week. And the country would limit the number of people at large events like soccer matches. Acting Chancel-

lor Angela Merkel and Olaf Scholz held a press conference on tightened COVID-19 restrictions Thursday. The announcement comes as Germany battles a surge in cases that has pushed Europe back to the epicentre of the pandemic, heightening fears over the newly discovered Omicron variant. The press briefing is also Merkel’s last before she leaves office, a grim note to end her 16 years as German chancellor. “We have understood that the situation is very serious, and that we want to take further measures in addition to those already taken,” Merkel told reporters at Thursday’s news conference. “The fourth wave must be broken and this has not yet been achieved,” she added. A nation-wide vaccination mandate could come into effect from February 2022, after it is debated in parliament, and following guidance from Germany’s Ethics Council, Merkel said. She added that vaccinated people will lose their vaccination status nine months after getting their last shot, apparently in an effort to encourage booster uptake.

EUROPE MULLS MANDATES If approved, Germany’s vaccine mandate would follow in the footsteps of neighbouring Austria, which also plans to make inoculations for eligible adults compulsory from February. Elsewhere , Greece announced that vaccines would be mandatory for people aged over 60 from mid-January. Those refusing to do so would face a 100 euro (US $113) fine for each passing month, the government said Tuesday. European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it was time to “potentially think about mandatory vaccination” within the bloc, as it

faces the double onslaught of a fourth coronavirus wave, and concerns over the Omicron variant discovered by South African health officials last week. “Two or three years ago, I would never have thought to witness what we see right now; that we have this horrible pandemic, we have the vaccines, the life-saving vaccines, but they are not being used adequately everywhere,” von der Leyen told a press briefing Wednesday. “How we can encourage and potentially think about mandatory vaccination within the European Union, this needs discussion. This needs a common approach, but it is a discussion that I think has to be led,” she added. Germany, much like Austria, has one of the lowest vaccination rates in western Europe, with 68.4 per cent and 65.6 per cent of eligible adults vaccinated respectively, according to the ECDC. SURGING CASES Germany continues to see a record-breaking number of cases, particularly in its eastern states. On Wednesday, the country recorded 446 COVID-19-related deaths, its highest number of daily deaths in nine months. Many hospitals are struggling to cope w ith the incr eas in g number of intensive care patients. There could be around 6,000 COVID-19 patients in intensive care by Christmas, regardless of any measures implemented by Germany’s leaders, the country’s Interdisciplinary Association for Intensive Care and Emergency (Divi) warned Wednesday. Already, more than 102,000 people in Germany have died as a result of the coronavirus, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the national disease and control centre. (CNN)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 3, 2021

Close to 2,000 persons receive COVID-19 booster shots - Health Ministry to relook at administration process amid spread of Omicron

THE Ministry of Health is seeing a favourable increase in the administration of the COVID-19 booster shots to the adult population here, following its roll-out last week. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, said some 1,914 persons have so far received a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. “I think it’s now picking, up; a lot of people are coming forward now. Initially, it started out very slow. A couple of regions didn’t start their booster campaign on time, but I think that’s getting much better now,”

the minister said. Since the roll-out of the country’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign earlier this

year, the AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sputnik V, Johnson and Johnson, Moderna and Pfizer vaccines have been

administered to various persons. For persons who took the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, a booster shot of the Sinopharm vaccine is recommended 52 days after the dose. Those who took the Sinopharm vaccine, could take the same vaccine as their booster shot three to six months after the second jab. It is advised that persons who have been immunised using the AstraZeneca vaccine, could receive an mRNA vaccine, which should be taken six months after the second dose. A shot of the Johnson and Johnson

vaccine could be used as a booster shot for the Sputnik V vaccine. Currently, only a select group of persons are eligible for the jabs. But in light of the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, Dr. Anthony said this is being re-examined. “We’re right now considering various options, but, as of now, the requirements are that if you’re 50 years older, and you would have gotten your second dose about six months ago, then you’re eligible for a booster shot. “If you are 18 years and older and you have a co-

morbidity or several comorbidities then you can get a booster shot once you have the time interval. If you are a frontline worker, and you’re 18 years and older, then you can get a booster shot,” the Health Minister said. Previously, Dr. Anthony said several studies were used to guide the decision to begin the administration of booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccines. Booster doses are currently available at all of the Ministry of Health’s vaccination sites countrywide. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 3, 2021

Pulled from the clutches of death –– GPHC patients grateful for life after groundbreaking surgeries By Tamica Garnett “I CONSIDER myself the most luckiest person in Guyana at the moment and those doctors are my superheroes,” is how 36-yearold farmer, Christopher James, described his experience after recently receiving lifesaving surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Fifty-four year-old nursing assistant, Yourajpatti Stanwick, also could not stop singing praises of doctors at the GPHC, who not only performed lifesaving surgery on her, but by performing Guyana’s first laparoscopic adrenalectomy, drastically cut down her recovery time for which she is profusely grateful. “I can’t find enough words to thank them. I was so impressed, they were exceptionally great. The care was just so, so good. I would advise anyone [to do it], it’s so safe and we have to trust in ourselves,” the mother of two commented in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday, one week after her surgery. James and Stanwick are two of three patients, who all received groundbreaking, lifesaving surgery at the GPHC on November 25. James received surgery for a “ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) and emergency graft repair” while Stanwick received a laparoscopic adrenalectomy, and a “gallbladder cancer cholecystectomy, and hepatectomy” was performed on a 50-year-old female with a history of ovarian cancer. For James, his recovery has been considered a major milestone for the hospital given that while AAA surgeries have been performed in Guyana in the past, this is the first case of a patient surviving after a ruptured AAA. Suffering with a history of kidney stones, James had initially thought a pain in his lower abdomen that developed last month was returning kidney stones. However, as the pain got worse he knew it was more, and initially checked into the Mahaicony Hospital before being

transferred to the GPHC. At the GPHC, two CT scans confirmed his worst fear; his pain was coming from something much worse than kidney stones. James had an aneurysm, a ballooning of a blood vessel. In this case the aneurysm was in James’ abdominal aorta, a main artery that if ruptured, could kill James in less than an hour.

the Guyana Chronicle, Dr. Kishore credited the quick and aggressive action of the operating team in leading to James being able to be alive today. “The risk of death was more than 95 per cent. The anesthesia team was very aggressive in resuscitating the patient. When a patient ruptures an aneurysm while in

GPHC, James is expected to be able to go home within the next week or so and return to his normal life. But according to James, having come back from the brink of death, his life will never be the same. Meanwhile, Stanwick’s surgery marked another milestone for the hospital in being the first ever adrenalectomy to be performed laparoscop-

Dr. Heimraj Ramcharran (third left) and some of the members of his team during the laparoscopic adrenalectomy surgery “They tell me that this thing is serious and we need to get it out immediately. It’s a ticking time bomb. In the space of a couple hours, this thing started to get more and more painful so bad pain I can’t bear it,” James described as he spoke with members of the media on Thursday from his hospital bed at the GPHC where he is still recovering. Realising the seriousness of the situation, doctors rushed James into emergency surgery but even that was not fast enough with the aneurysm rupturing even as James was being transported to the operating room. THANK GOD “It ruptured and my body started to shut down, I couldn’t do anything else. But thank God for the great doctors that Guyana produced that saved my life that I can be here today,” James expressed. James’ ruptured AAA and emergency graft repair was performed by Dr. Kishore Persaud and Dr. Carlos Martin. Speaking with

A smiling Yourajpatti Stanwick before she was discharged from the GPHC following Guyana’s first laparoscopic adrenalectomy shock on the operating table every minute his mortality increases by one per cent, and he was in shock for more than half an hour while on the OR table. He had a very slim chance of surviving, and that’s a testimony to the effectiveness of what we did,” Dr. Kishore commented. Pulled from the clutches of death and now recovering in the male ward of the

ically. An adrenalectomy is a surgery to remove the adrenal gland which is found on top of the kidneys while laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgery, whereby notably smaller cuts are made and the doctor conducts the surgery via inserted cameras, as opposed to “open surgery”, where a surgeon makes incisions six – 12 inches long in order to access organs. Aside from having smaller incisions, advantages from doing a surgery laparoscopically include reduced blood loss, reduced pain to patient, and shorter hospital stays. Because her adrenalectomy was done laparoscopically, Stanwick was able to be discharged from the hospital within four days after her surgery. INITIALLY TERRIFIED Stanwick, who is from Caneville, Berbice, admitted that she was initially terrified at the idea of being the first patient for a new procedure to be performed on, but now enjoying the post-surgery benefits, she

Christopher James smiles from his hospital bed one week post operation with renewed gratitude for life has become an advocate tumor. and hopes that laparoscopStanwick’s adrenalectoic surgeries become even my was performed by a team more widespread. of surgeons led by General “I said to myself I don’t and Advanced Laparoscopic want to be the guinea pig Surgeon, Dr. Heimraj Ram-- all that came to my mind. charran and also included But when I woke up the next Dr. Tamesh Algu, who was morning [after surgery] and Stanwick’s doctor in Berbice. I wasn’t feeling anything, I Dr. Ramcharran hailed the was smiling so much. I felt so occasion of Guyana’s first comfortable with no pain and laparoscopic adrenalectomy I was just smiling. Then the a momentous one. next thing I know I got disDr. Ramcharran was charged the following Mon- trained in laparoscopic surday, I just couldn’t believe gery during a fellowship in it,” Stanwick commented. Canada and now looks forHaving done two other ward to training other Guyaopen surgeries in the past, nese doctors in this area. Stanwick personally underDuring a press conference stood the vast differences and held at the GPHC on Thursbenefits between open and day, Dr. Ramcharran noted laparoscopic surgeries. that 16 local public doctors T h o u g h h e r d o c t o r have already been undergohas advised her to wait at ing the training to make this least two weeks post-sur- modernised technique more gery before returning to widespread across Guyana’s work, Stanwick cannot stop public healthcare system. beaming about her ability Though laparoscopic surto go on with her life nor- geries have been performed mally just a few days after in Guyana in the past, Stanmajor abdominal surgery. wick’s surgery marks the first She is all the more happies time laparoscopic surgery of that it was done at a public such an extensive nature was hospital and did not put a performed here in Guyana. financial strain on her. On the surgical team, Dr. Ramcharran was assisted by SATISFIED Dr. Tamesh Algu, Dr. Leon “When I came home Placeras, Dr. Delon Ramnaeven my neighbours were rine, Dr. Drohinauth Singh saying are you sure you and Dr. Kevon Tracy while did surgery you look so on the anaesthesiology team good. What I’m so satis- were Dr. Arturo Marrero, fied about is that it didn’t Dr. Yvette Martin, Dr. Rhina cost me anything, all it Acousta and Dr. Fernando. cost me was transporDr. Ramcharran tation and food while I particularly praised the was in Georgetown,” she work of Dr. Yaquelin shared. Gonzalez-Ricardo, who Stanwick’s adrenalecto- played a vital role in my was due to a pheochro- stabilising the patient’s mocytoma, a tumor that had blood pressure to a level developed in her adrenal necessary for surgery. gland. The tumor was de- The patient’s blood prestected earlier this year due to sure was excessively high, high blood pressure that she due to the tumor in her was experiencing due to the adrenal gland.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 3, 2021

Four granted bail for fraud, attempting to bribe the police

FOUR persons, including a woman, were on Wednesday charged for fraud, and attempting to bribe the police by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman. Vishal Munilall, 34, and Kuluwattie Munilall, 25, both of Houston, East Bank Demerara were jointly charged with Deodharry Odit, 26, of Gordon Street, Kitty, when they appeared before the magistrate at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court. The trio was arrested on November 27, 2021 at the Golden Grove Diamond Police Station while attempting to bribe lawmen there with the sum of $700,000 to forego investigations against Munilall, and placed on $40,000 bail each. Meanwhile, Munilall and his older brother, Vickram Munilall, 37, were

Vishal Munilall jointly charged with Odit for obtaining money by false pretence from Robin Bostwick back in February 2017. The men pleaded

Kuluwattie Munilall not guilty to the charge, and were released on $100,000.00 bail each. The matter was then postponed to January 4, 2022. The Munilalls were rep-

resented by Attorney-atLaw Damien DaSilva, and Odit by Attorney-at-Law Patrice Henry. Reports indicate that at around 17:30hrs on No-

Deodharry Odit vember 27, Vishal was apprehended on two sentence warrants and escorted to the Golden Grove Police Station, where he was placed in custody.

While there, he requested a telephone call to his lawyer, and was facilitated by the police. The suspect was visited by the attorneyat-law, and shortly afterwards by Kuluwattie, who gave him a package. According to the police, Vishal then asked to speak to the investigating officer, which was granted. In the presence of another policeman, he gave the investigating officer $700,000 cash to forego investigation/prosecution against him. The investigating officer immediately told the man of the offence he’d committed and cautioned him. The money was then marked and lodged, pending charges. Thereafter, Kuluwattie and Odit were contacted and told of the offence of Conspiracy to Commit a Felony with a Corrupt Transaction with an Agent.

‘Dingo’ denies raping 36-year-old woman ODINGO Emmanuel, called ‘Dingo’, on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to allegedly raping a 36-yearold woman at the Imbaimadai Landing, on the Upper Mazaruni River in 2018. Emmanuel, 48, who was arraigned at the Suddie High Court before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry denied that on August 11, 2018, at Imbaimadai Landing, he’d engaged in sexual penetration with the 36-year-old. A jury has been empanelled, and hearing is expected to commence shortly. The State is represented by prosecutor Tiffini Lyken. According to reports, on the day in question, the victim came home to find Emmanuel lying in wait for her in the house. After throwing her to the ground, he allegedly proceeded to rape her. The assault was, however, interrupted when the victim’s reputed husband came home and pulled Emmanuel off of her. Emmanuel somehow managed to escape, but was recently arrested.

Odingo Emmanuel, called ‘Dingo’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 3, 2021

Scores of persons benefit from medical outreach in Imbaimadai

A MEDICAL team that included dentists, eye specialists, and diagnostic medical sonographers among other medical professionals recently delivered medical care to scores of residents at Imbaimadai, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). The team, led by Director-General of the Ministry of Health Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, spent two days in the community, which has a population of 855 persons. Dr. Mahadeo said that 66 persons were seen by the optometrists, and 38 were given spectacles. Persons were also seen by the dentists and 201 procedures/interventions were done, while nine persons had VIA done and three procedures were done with one referral for further management. Further, Dr. Mahadeo said 27 ultrasounds were also done with pregnant women, who received the service for the first time, and 37 residents were seen by the doctors at the medical clinic. “We are also looking at working with the region to upgrade the facility to provide better services,” Dr. Mahadeo said. Additionally, the Director-General also updated the village council on the direction and plans of the Ministry of Health. In outlining the plans, he said that all bed-ridden patients and the elderly must

Director-General of the Ministry of Health Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo be visited at home, and have their treatment taken to them, while their relatives/caregivers will be advised on how to best manage them. He also expressed gratitude to the Council for their active support to the community doctor, and the government in its quest to better the lives of the residents. Resident doctor Dr. Daniel Robertson said the health facility has over 90 per cent of the medications it requested within the last three months. Of those not received, they used substitutes instead, which was a vast improvement from last year. President Dr. Irfaan Ali in September 2020 said that during his several visits to the hinterland pre-election 2020, he’d noted that healthcare delivery was at a much lower level. There was no health

staff at some of the facilities, and drugs and medical supplies were nearly non-existent at the health centres and health posts in the hinterland. In light of this, he instructed that training be done so that every facility would have at least a community health worker permanently based at the facility. He also said that the health facilities must have adequate supplies of drugs and medical supplies, and must be visited periodically by doctors. The level of care, the President had said, must equal that being delivered on the coastland of Guyana, while there must be equal and equitable access to care across the country. To fulfill this mandate, Dr. Mahadeo said the ministry had trained 54 persons in Region One (Barima-Waini), who eventually graduated as Community Health Workers (CHW), while another 62 persons from Region Nine (Upper Takuti-Upper Essequibo) will be graduating soon. Those two regions, he said, will, for the first time, have CHWs at all their primary care facilities, and in the large facilities. To ensure there is continued growth and development, permanent training centres were established in those two regions. In addition, Dr. Mahadeo said that Regional Health Officers have been instructed to lead teams to visit all the

Medical personnel at work in Imbaimadai

Residents of Imbaimadai benefitted from dentistry services facilities on a scheduled basis, was the first time that some plimented on his proactive apand that specialist outreaches of those services were being proach to managing patients, must be done to the com- offered to the community. including doing home visits. munities, thereby ensuring The Toshao and counThe Toshao also thanked that services are available to cillors complimented the the Government of Guyana residents. team for the work they did, for providing the services, In Imbaimadai’s case, but requested that the health including better drug supthose persons who need in- facility in the community be plies, and asked for additerventions like eye surgery expanded to manage more tional transportation to be were identified, and will be inpatients, and have the made available to move brought out to facilities that capacity to do diagnostic patients from farms and offer those services. tests. backdam areas to the health According to residents, it Dr. Robertson was com- facility.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 3, 2021

US$1.5B needed to save lives, livelihoods of 50M persons next year –– says FAO (FAO) THE Food and Agriculture Organistion of the United Nations (FAO) is seeking $1.5 billion in 2022 to save the lives and livelihoods of some of the world’s most food-insecure people, as acute hunger accelerates its ‘march’ across the globe. The announcement was made as part of the United Nations’ largescale humanitarian appeal launched on Thursday. With less than four per cent of the US$41 billion required across all appeals for 2022, FAO aims to provide livelihood assistance to about 50 million people. Intensifying and spreading conflicts and other humanitarian emergencies, climate extremes and the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic - compounded by the multiple impacts of the climate crisis - have pushed more and more people to the extremes of hunger. By September, 161 million people were experiencing high acute food insecurity of whom 45 million were facing an imminent risk of starvation – a sharp rise compared with 155 million for the whole of 2020. Rural people are right on the frontlines. Twothirds of those experiencing acute hunger are

A farmer applies fungicide to the certified wheat seeds provided by FAO before sowing in Sahibzada Kalacha village, Daman district, Kandahar, Afghanistan (FAO photo) in rural areas, relying on said, underscoring that in rural areas, a US$157 agriculture for their dai- agriculture is crucial for wheat cultivation assisly food and income, and providing a path out of tance package can supply their livelihoods are being protracted and deep- a family of seven with ening food crises, and enough staple food for a threatened. Speaking at a high-lev- must be a fundamental full year. el panel discussion at the element of the immediate Likewise, keeping livelaunch of the 2022 Global emergency humanitarian stock alive and protected Humanitarian Overview, response. against diseases costs little the FAO Director-Genbut provides enormous eral, QU Dongyu, said AGRICULTURAL AID benefits. For a family on STRATEGIC, BUT that the only way to halt the edge, just one cup of UNDERFUNDED and reverse acute hunger milk a day can make the In 2021, humanitari- difference between life is to repurpose financial support to the agriculture an appeals related to the and death. sector, which currently re- agricultural sector were In Yemen, for example, ceives only eight per cent massively underfund- with just US$8, FAO can of allocated humanitarian ed despite being among vaccinate and deworm an the most cost-effective average herd of five sheep resources. “The arc of acute food humanitarian frontline or goats, protecting assets insecurity continues to interventions. worth US$500 on the local For example, in Af- market. shoot upwards, despite a parallel upward trend ghanistan, where four out To this end, the FAO in humanitarian funding of five people experienc- Director-General called to the food sector,” he ing high acute hunger are on the humanitarian sec-

tor to be more strategic in allocating resources, helping vulnerable people grow food right where it is needed most. This requires providing farmers with seeds and fertilisers in time for the planting season, as well as better access to water and other resources, Qu noted. The overarching theme of the 2022 Global Humanitarian Overview - a global analysis of humanitarian needs published annually by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) - was centered on climate change and humanitarian action. While conflict remains the number one driver of acute hunger, the climate crisis acts as a risk multiplier, affecting the socio-economic condition, livelihoods and natural resources of people worldwide and increasingly eroding their capacities to cope. It also heightens tensions between communities. Smallholders and rural communities as a whole are bearing a disproportionate burden of the impact of climate change, climate extremes and conflict. As the climate crisis deepens, livelihoods of 2.5 billion small-scale farmers, fishers, foresters and pastoralists are being exposed to rapidly mount-

ing risks. In fact, in 2020, 15 food major crises were caused primarily by weather extremes. ACTING BEFORE CRISES UNFOLD FAO highlighted, on Thursday that alongside humanitarian livelihoods interventions, there is a need to ensure continued efforts to strengthen resilience and scale up disaster risk reduction at the community level, to avert and minimise the impact of inevitable climate extremes on food production and availability. It is also critical to increase resources for anticipatory action linked to early warning. In 2020/21, FAO invested US$250 million in anticipatory action, and with the help of partners, the Organisation aims to dedicate at least 20 per cent of its emergency funding to anticipatory action by 2025. Thursday’s event in Stockholm is one of six sequential launches to present the 2022 Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO) taking place in various global capitals. This event was co-hosted by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden and the Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency.

Mazaruni prisoner on trial for killing fellow inmate CONVICTED robber Akeem Edwards on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to killing fellow inmate, Teon Smith, during an altercation at the Mazaruni Prison in 2014.

Edwards was arraigned before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the High Court in Essequibo, and pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on September 14, 2014, he murdered

Smith. State Counsel Tiffini Lyken is presenting the case for the prosecution, and over 12 witnesses are expected to testify during the duration of the trial, which is currently ongoing be-

fore a 12-member jury. During the period in question, Smith was serving a five-year prison sentence for robbery under arms, while Edwards was serving four years for the same offence.

It is alleged that on September 14, 2014, the men were involved in an altercation at the Mazaruni Prison. Edwards reportedly armed himself with a sharp object and fatally stabbed Smith.

Akeem Edwards

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 3, 2021

Jumo ready to make it ‘A December to Remember’ - with launch of ‘592 Sports Bar’, month-long ‘promos’

Jumo ‘Rubber Waist’ Primo EVEN in face of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, which took a serious toll on not only the entertainment scene the world over, but the livelihoods of our local artistes in particular, Jumo ‘Rubber Waist’ Primo is joining the league of entertainers seeking to revive the ailing industry as he readies to launch his ‘592 Sports Bar’ this Saturday. Jumo, like many others in his line of business, has shown resilience in the race, as his Bar & Grill celebrates its one-year anniversary soon. “It’s been a tough year because of the pandemic, but I’m still grateful for the support, and being able to grow in the process,” he shared with the Buzz during an interview this week. “The party this Saturday is a celebration of the bar and grill, and a launch of our new venture, which is the sports bar,” Jumo said. “We will have live enter-

tainment inside and outside; food, drinks, specials. Get your BBQ, grilled fish, fried fish, chicken wings, nuggets,” he added as he visibly struggled to contain his excitement. The curtain goes up on the celebration from noon on Saturday, and comes down just before the curfew begins at midnight, in keeping with the COVID-19 emergency measures. But, the party doesn’t end on Saturday, Jumo said. “We will be opened every day, having after-work limes. You can come chill out, and enjoy our happy hour,” he said, adding, somewhat cautiously: “People can look forward to other promotions within the month. This is called ‘A December to Remember’. The 26th is Short Jeans Day and Night Lime’, and we have several other events taking place. Of course, COVID measures will be in effect.” The 592 Club, Bar and Grill,

and now Sports Bar are all located at Jumo’s residence at John and Norton Streets, in Werk-en-Rust. Once called the ‘WeddyWeddy Night Club’ and ‘Passa Passa’, the still in operation nightspot has both indoor and outdoor spaces for patrons to enjoy a chill vibe. “Back in the days,” Jumo recalled, “people used to come from work and have an after-work lime.” Warming to the topic, the 39-year-old ‘Soca Sensation’ said, “Not everyone wants an outdoor setting, so we created an indoor setting with music! Karaoke! We want to bring back those days. So, if you don’t go out late at nights, you can come early, and still get the same vibe that you would get in the club.” Jumo wants something different for his patrons than the regular bar experience elsewhere. “When last you was on the outside and feel like you in the inside?” he asked. “We’re trying to keep the social distancing. Masks? Of course! We will be sanitising people to ensure we follow the rules as much as we can. That’s all we can do; we all have a responsibility to take care of ourselves. We will try to put all measures in place; we have plans to provide masks for people who don’t have,” he said. Noting that vegetarian meals are also available, the local musician-turned-entrepreneur who once toured the world with the legendary Byron & the Dragonaires

said: “As we establish ourselves, we want to be more creative, and do more things. As we go, we will experiment with different types of lunches and so forth; we want to make sure that what we’re doing is a little different, and works for everybody.” Jumo is one of many

local artistes that have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, having seen his primary source of income decline as he explored alternative means of making money for himself and family. “Music is my daily bread, and knowing that you cannot perform, trav-

el, or earn money for your family, it’s hard,” he’d intimated in a previous interview. “Some of us might be having a daytime job, but I invested in my studio; in my night club. So, it’s been hard for me. Every day you have to study your kids, mortgage, etc.”

A ‘sneak-preview’ of the inside of Jumo’s new sports bar, which opens on Saturday

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 3, 2021

Berbician set to debut ‘Frozen’ riddim, featuring local artistes

Music producer, Dellon Alpheus Hinds

DELLON Alpheus Hinds still has fond memories of his love for music as a youngster growing up in his native Number 51 Village on the Corentyne Coast. After completing his studies, the next item on his expansive ‘bucket list’ was to find himself a more permanent, stable job. But even though music has always been his first love, he got himself a job, albeit briefly, with the Guyana Police Force in 2013. It didn’t take long, however, for him to allow himself to embrace his musical inclinations, so, whatever free time he got, he would travel home to Berbice to “make music”. Now a professional music producer and proud owner of ‘Dellon Entertainment’, with a Facebook presence racking up

some 15,000 followers, Hinds took the Buzz for a leisurely stroll down memory lane to where it all started for him. ‘Brutal Jugglers’, a sound system, is where he remembers first playing. Earl Knocks, a popular DJ (Disk Jockey) from Corentyne, called Hinds asking for help to record a song. “I told him yes,” Hinds reflected in his interview on his response to the request by Knocks. “He then asked if I can come to Berbice. I said ‘Yes!’ again! I went there, and it turned out to be my cousin, Alfred Jonson, who wanted to record a song. So, we went to ‘AJ Records’ on the West Side. “Whilst there, I meet (sic) with Ardian Johnson, who is the owner of AJ Records, and Jonathan Taylor. I explained to them my reason for being there, and Jonathan Taylor then built the instrumental (New Money Riddim) for the song and AJ did the

mixing”. When the song was successfully recorded, Hinds got to work on distribution, and was impressed with the positive feedback it got. More people started reaching out to him. “I was trying to promote one of my friend’s songs, ‘Buss Way’ by Mackie Jay, and didn’t get the help I needed. So I created my own Facebook page, ‘Del_Lon’, and started posting random stuff, especially music videos,” Hinds recounted. His fan base would eventually grow tremendously, prompting local artistes to ask him to publish their content. He did this free of charge. Now well-settled in the local music industry, Hinds has a team managing his business. “I have someone who builds the instrumental, someone who does the graphic designs, etc,” he said. Currently, Hinds is working on a rhythm called ‘Frozen’, which is

expected to feature over ten artistes, including Determine, Chris Nelson, Jonathan Taylor, Rxxdical (Rommel France), Fire G, 2life, Common, and Acidic. This project is set to be released in early 2022. A Christmas Soca project is also in the pipeline to be released later this month, featuring Determine, 2life, and others. “We are currently working on ‘Island Boy Refix’ by 2life,” Hinds said, adding: “The ‘Refix’ has been getting a lot of attention on social media. Currently, it has 7k (7000) views and 225 shares, so we decided to do an official release.” These projects are all produced by ‘Dellon Entertainment’. “I must say that I am grateful for the support I got from AJ Records and his artiste. In turn, I am willing to help any artiste, especially the ones from Berbice. All you have to do is contact me,” Hinds said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 3, 2021

Marshall Falls: The hidden gem on the Mazaruni River

TUCKED away behind the thick, lush trees of forested lands in the Mazaruni, Marshall Falls is a picturesque combination of rustic rocks and cool, mineral-rich black water. I recently had the pleasure of gazing at her in her prime under a scorching hot midday sun. My soul is content that I wasted no minute in my stare, observing her beauty, basking in the glory of all that she was. My trip to the ‘Falls’ was a sideshow worthy of being the main event. I had just concluded a two-day tour of Essequibo. Exhausted from trekking across several of the islands located in our Mighty Essequibo River, getting my feet wet at the Falls was a fitting end-off. Before reaching the Falls, our team ventured by ‘river taxi’ from the serene island housing the illustrious Dutch structure, Fort KykOver-Al, one of the three remaining structures of its kind in Guyana. The sail up the river was anything but smooth. We passed a few other islands, for which the Mighty Essequibo and her tributaries are known, and eventually pass the Mazaruni Prison. As we inched closer to our destination, our boat operator skilfully navigated massive rocks seeming as

though they grew out of the river bed which creates the strong pull of the Marshall rapids. We circled the area to get a full view. What a

thrilling experience! All of this aside, it wasn’t until we disembarked at a rocky bank of the Mazaruni River that I realised how

much journeying there still was before us. Taking small steps on the mossy path, I was careful, calculating my every move to maintain my

balance. After clearing the rugged uneven surface of the trail, the gruelling part of the journey had just begun.

A glimpse of the narrow walkway leading to the waterfall

During the hour-long walk, I had to make several stops to catch my breath

A view of the beautiful Marshall Falls

We walked for what seemed about an hour along an unpredictable terrain. We were climbing, hiking downhill TURN TO PAGE 24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 3, 2021

Marshalls Falls: The hidden gem on the Mazaruni...

After the long walk, I finally made it to our final destination

FROM PAGE 23 and ever-so-often ducking under felled trees. It was, by every possible definition, a work-out. I had to take several breaks to catch my breath. My calf-muscle burned. During my small breaks, I took note of the rustling between the bushes and trees which ignited my scepticism and fear of the unknown. I’m deathly afraid of snakes, and found some comfort in the fact that none of the dreaded local fauna was in sight. At least, not on this trip! Exhausted, perspiring profusely but anxious at the same, I arrived at the waterfalls. To get a closer view, I had to cross a stream accessible only by walking a tree stump covered in slippery algae. Some of the team members stayed put; the rest of us trekked cautiously. At first, I was a bit sceptical. However, with

the help of a colleague who held my hand, I made it safely across back and forth. The view of the falls was priceless! I stood at the base of the stream, soaking in every inch of the beauty around me. My Guyana! Oh my beautiful Guyana! She was everything! And I’ve never loved her more than in that moment. I found myself frozen in time, basking in every inch of the scenery around me: The gushing black waters, the mighty rocks, and the large trees were a delightful treat for my sore eyes. I walked back to the boat, a bittersweet goodbye in my heart. But I had to return to the life I left behind on the coastland. Rest assured, however, the hidden paradise of the Mazaruni River, the Marshall Falls, has certainly not seen the last of me. (Story by Naomi Parris, Photos by Delano Williams)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 3, 2021

GUYANA CHRONICLE. Friday, December 3, 2021

GFF initiates FIFA Football for...

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GFF president Wayne Forde met with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr, Chairman of the National Sports Commission Kashif Muhammad, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle and Assistant Director of Sport Melissa Dow-Richardson to discuss the details of the MoU and the composition of the steering committee. According to a GFF release, Forde will appoint the chair of the committee, which will include representatives from GFF, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, National Sports Commission, corporate Guyana and members of the football community. “We are honoured and deeply proud that Guyana has been selected by FIFA as a role-model member association to become the first CARICOM nation to benefit from the FIFA Football for Schools programme. FIFA and GFF are eager to move forward as swiftly as possible in partnership with the Government of Guyana, so that this important programme can be delivered for the new school year in September 2022,” Forde said. The GFF president pointed out that “it is crucial that we

are able to meet the strict criteria stipulated by FIFA for its development activities, and this meeting with government has helped us move forward in securing the support and resources required to deliver the programme successfully. “With expert help from the world governing body of football, and with all eyes in the region on us as the first CARICOM nation to participate, Guyana has a golden opportunity to transform its school sports agenda and to further cement its reputation as a premier destination for football development in the Caribbean,” he said. The next steps in the process include finalising and signing the MoU, appointing the steering committee and providing FIFA with the list of primary and secondary schools that will benefit. FIFA Football for Schools, in collaboration with UNESCO, aims to contribute to the education, development and empowerment of around 700 million children. It seeks to make football more accessible to both boys and girls by incorporating football activities into the education system, in partnership with relevant authorities and stakeholders.

Dhananjaya de Silva’s unbeaten...

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Nissanka was then joined by de Silva who struck his first four off Permaul but was dropped the next ball after adding just 5 runs to the score – a missed opportunity that would come back to haunt the Caribbean men. Nissanka and de Silva continued a good run that resulted in a 78-run stand and the two looked set to take the side to the lunch break. However, the opener was dismissed by Roston Chase on 66. In the post-lunch session, the hosts lost Dinesh Chandimal early for 2, with Chase dismissing him caught and bowled. In the same over, de Silva reached his fifty. He found an able partner in Ramesh Mendis and the two went on to eke out a crucial partnership of 51, pushing Sri Lanka’s total over 200 before Mendis was caught on 25 by West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite. Sri Lanka then lost the wickets of Suranga Lakmal and Angelo Mathews in quick succession. A few overs later, de Silva and Embuldeniya took their side to tea at 238 for 8 with a lead of 189. West Indies got no more wickets in the final session. de Silva went on to bring

up his eighth Test century and had a second reprieve when he was on 116 when Permaul dropped him off his own bowling. With full support from Embuldeniya, who was playing defensive, de Silva led Sri Lanka’s charge, taking his brilliant knock over 150. His 153 came from 259 balls with 11 fours and two sixes. Embuldeniya stood firm to accompany his partner till the end of day four. He was 25 not out off 110 balls. Sri Lanka skipper Karunaratne said no decision had been made about when to declare. “Maybe we will try to give the bowlers a bit more cushion. Just checked with the two batters and they were saying that it is not too tough to bat. We are on top now and we can put them under pressure,” he said. Permaul had the best

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bowling figures of 3-100 off 39 overs to follow up his five-wicket haul in the first

innings, and Chase had 2-82 off 27 overs.

SCOREBOARD SRI LANKA 1st innings 204 WEST INDIES 1st innings 253 SRI LANKA 2nd innings (o/n 46 for 2)

Dhananjaya de Silva not out Lasith Embuldeniya not out Pathum Nissanka lbw b Chase Ramesh Mendis c Roach b Brathwaite Charith Asalanka c Bonner b Permaul Oshada Fernando run-out (Blackwood/Da Silva) Suranga Lakmal lbw b Permaul Dimuth Karunaratne run-out (Mayers) Dinesh Chandimal c & b Chase Angelo Mathews c Blackwood b Permaul

153 25 66 25 19 14

Extras: (b-4, lb-4, nb-1, w-1) 10 Total: (8 wkts, 119 overs) 328 Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-39, 3-73, 4-151, 5-157, 6-208 i, 7-219, 8-221. Bowling: Permaul 39-4-100-3, Chase 27-2-82-2, Warrican 29-5-76-0, Roach 7-0-18-0 (w-2, nb-1), Holder 9-1-24-0.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE. Friday, December 3, 2021

Verstappen v Hamilton title battle is one for the ages

By Alan Baldwin

(REUTERS) - Michael Schumacher was still racing, and Lewis Hamilton only a one-time world champion the last time rival teams took the Formula One title battle down to the last two rounds of the season. Not since 2012, when Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel faced Ferrari's Fernando Alonso in a final race title-decider in Brazil, has there been a run-in like the one between Max Verstappen and Mercedes' now seven times world champion Hamilton. But this one is different, with eras to be ended and Formula One records beckoning. "It's different because we've got two incredibly

close teams; it's different because as a team we're fighting for uncharted territory," Hamilton told reporters yesterday ahead of the season's penultimate race and first in Saudi Arabia. "Nobody's ever won eight (successive) titles, team or driver." Mercedes have won the last seven drivers' and constructors' championships but this year could break the sport's longest period of domination by a single team and crown Verstappen for the first time. Since 2012 the battle has gone the distance only twice and on both occasions it was between Hamilton and Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg. Verstappen needs to score 18 points more than Hamilton to end matters in

Jeddah this weekend. Otherwise the battle between the 24-year-old challenger and 36-year-old defending champion - a rivalry reminiscent of that in the late 1980s and early 1990s between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost - goes on to Abu Dhabi. Mercedes can still make it eight constructors' crowns in a row but they would need to score 40 points more than Red Bull for that to happen this weekend. Hamilton is eight points behind Verstappen. A victory with fastest lap in Jeddah for the Briton would see the pair go level on points if Verstappen is second. Should they fail to score in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen would take it on wins. That would be even closer than 1984, when Austrian

Formula One - Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Saudi Arabia – yesterday; Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton during the press conference (Hassan Ammar/Pool via REUTERS)

Niki Lauda took his third title by half a point from eventual four-time champion Prost. The 1964 battle between Ferrari's John Surtees and BRM's Graham Hill ended with the former as champion by a single point despite his fellow-Briton scoring more overall. In those days, only the six best results counted. In 1988 Senna won the first of his three titles despite also scoring fewer

Formula One - Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Saudi Arabia – yesterday’. Red Bull's Max Verstappen during the press conference (Hassan Ammar/Pool via REUTERS)

points than McLaren team mate Prost, with only the best 11 results counting. In 2010 there were four contenders all the way to the final race with Vettel coming through despite not having led the championship until then. Hamilton was one of them and already a veteran of such cliffhangers, losing by a single point to Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen in the Briton's 2007 debut season with

McLaren. He took his first title in 2008 with a pass on the last corner of the last lap of the final race. In total 14 championships since 1950 have been won at the penultimate round, most recently Jenson Button with Brawn GP in 2009, and 29 at the last race. Five titles in a row were decided in the penultimate race from 1987 to 1991.

Ashes opener in danger Carey set for Gabba debut as of complete wash out Australia's Ashes stumper THE much-anticipated Ashes series is scheduled to kickstart December 8. However, as per the recent turn of events, it is being reported that the first Test in Brisbane might get completely washed out. This threat emerged after adverse weather forecasts over the first four days. The rain had affected England’s preparations ahead of the high-profile series. In Queensland last week, the side were able to play only 29 overs in their three-day game with their Lions side. As heavy storms hit Brisbane on Tuesday and Wednesday, no play was possible over the first two days of their intra-squad warm-up match as well. The first Test of the series is staged for December 8 at the Gabba. The weather conditions have already left the Joe Rootled side short of match practice and if the early forecast proves right, it might also affect the first Test. Even severe rain is scheduled for the East Coast over the course of the Test match. If the first Test gets washed out, it will also mean that England’s star all-rounder Ben

Stokes will also not get enough game time. He had previously taken an indefinite break from cricket to concentrate on his mental health and was also recovering from a finger injury. However, England might not be too upset if the first Test is washed out considering their record at the venue. The last time the visitors won a Test at the venue was back in 1986 when Ian Botham played an impressive knock of 138 and fashioned the team’s victory. Post that, the team had registered a memorable draw against Australia at the Gabba. Alastair Cook had dominated the proceedings by playing an unbeaten knock of 235 to hold the fort of the side. For Australia, Pat Cummins will be leading the side with Steve Smith appointed as his deputy. The latter marks his return to the leadership duties after being banned from it owing to the 2018 Sandpaper Scandal in South Africa. As the Ashes series is a high octane contest between the arch-rivals the on-lookers are already raring to witness the action unfold. (CricTracker)

ALEX Carey will take the gloves for Australia to begin their Ashes campaign next week and has the chance to entrench himself as Tim Paine's long-term successor as Test wicketkeeper. Cricket Australia has confirmed the South Australian had won out over rising star Josh Inglis to replace Paine in Australia's squad for the first two Tests against England. Barring a late hiccup, Carey will receive his Baggy Green at the Gabba next Wednesday and become the 461st player to represent Australia's men's Test team. While Australia's planned intra-squad match at Brisbane's Redlands ground this week fell victim to the deluge of rain dumped on the city in recent days, Inglis flew home to Perth for a pre-planned visit to reconnect with family, having completed a fortnight of quarantine after returning from the T20 World Cup in the UAE. Paine's resignation as Test captain and subsequent decision to take an indefinite break from the game left Australia in need of a new keeper less than a fortnight before the country's most anticipated cricket contest. "I am incredibly humbled by this opportunity. It’s an exciting buildup for what is a huge series ahead," Carey said in a release. "My focus is on preparing and playing my part in helping Australia

secure the Ashes. "This is also for my dad who has been my coach, mentor and mate, my mum, my wife Eloise, kids Louis and Clementine, my brother and sister and all of those who have supported me. I will be doing my absolute best to make them and our country proud.” Carey, Australia's 50-over keeper who stood in as captain of that team in July, had long been considered the understudy to Paine. But Inglis' dominating domestic form over recent summers, which included three Marsh Sheffield Shield centuries last season, saw him vault into contention. The 26-year-old was the backup keeper in Australia's T20 World Cup-winning squad and has been tipped by the likes of Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne as having a big international future. He now firmly appears to be the No.2 option behind Carey, and will return to Queensland to feature in next week's Australia A match against England Lions. While Carey's Shield form with the bat to start the season has been patchy, passing fifty just once in eight innings and averaging 21.85, he has in fact been one of the more consistent first-class run-makers in Australia over recent years. Over the preceding three Shef-

Alex Carey will become the 461st player to represent Australia's men's Test team

field Shield seasons, the left-hander has averaged 59.64 with the bat and scored four hundreds in nine matches. That's despite his playing time with the Redbacks' red-ball team being consistently interrupted by stints with Australia's white-ball teams. On his recent lean path in the Shield (admittedly punctuated by two Marsh One-Day Cup centuries), Carey this week told cricket.com.au: "What was really important for me in that period was to continue to stay really positive and work on things that I know work for me. "You never like getting out early, and I guess for a number of games there I was finding ways to get out, but I never felt like I was going badly." (Cricket.com.au)

GUYANA CHRONICLE. Friday, December 3, 2021

Faf du Plessis comments Holding calls for more on T20 World Cup snub sportspersons to speak …CSA has unrealistic expectations of players; availability

out against racism

Former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding

Former South Africa Test batsman Faf du Plessis

FAF du Plessis has opened up on his exclusion from South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad. The 37-year-old, despite being in sensational form in the build-up to the tournament, which included his 633-run IPL 2021 with season champions Chennai Super Kings, found himself out of contention for the national team for the multi-team event in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). du Plessis, who is currently representing the Bangla Tigers at the Abu Dhabi T10 League, admitted that he desired to play for the Proteas at the short-format World Cup, which prompted him to announce his retirement from Test cricket. He reckoned that CSA had “unrealistic expectations” from the players. “I am on a different journey now. Last year, when I played for South Africa against England in the series there, the plan was still very much to play in the World Cup. And the talks were that leading up to that. But at that time, it was just really difficult for Cricket South Africa and myself to find something that allows me to still play overseas,” du Plessis told ESPNcricinfo. “That was the reason why I retired from Test cricket. They tried to, but we couldn’t find a middle ground and I think they wanted people that are available all the time. That made it a challenge for the guys like

myself and Imran Tahir, because we were playing overseas (franchise leagues) as well. “I think that’s the challenge now, because we are playing overseas, if they don’t want us to play all the games, it’s probably an unrealistic expectation,” he added. As fit as ever, du Plessis said that his age does not bother him, and he is still “very motivated” to play the game. “I still feel physically like I’m in a really good condition to play for however long I want to play, so I’m fortunate that physically I can do that,” he said. “For me, age doesn’t really matter, like it would for someone else maybe. It’s the mental freshness and the motivation that become the two challenges for me. And I’m still very motivated.” Meanwhile, with the next T20 World Cup coming in less than a year’s time, head coach Mark Boucher has stated that every player is very much in contention to find a spot in the team. “I certainly don’t think the door is closed for anyone. The Faf conversation was had, and unfortunately, it just didn’t work out with the scheduling and all that stuff. It’s been tough during COVID-19 times and bubble life, I understand from his perspective with family, has been very tough,” he was quoted by iol.co.za. (CricTracker)

WEST Indies bowling great, Michael Holding, wants more sportspersons to step forward and speak out against racism because they have an important platform.. In an interview at the Reuters Next conference on Wednesday, Holding said it was important that public figures used their celebrity status to get across important messages, particularly on racism. “If people who have a platform and who are able to reach out and get people to listen and people to understand say nothing, then who will?” Holding asked. “There are sportspeople who are well known throughout the entire world. If they get up and say something, people around the world will want to hear what they have to say and will want to try to understand what they have to say. “And that’s the reason why people with a platform, people with a name, people that are recognised all over the world need to speak up about things that affect them and affect the world.” Holding has spoken out extensively on racism since an emotive plea for society to change its attitudes following the death of George Floyd in May 2020 in the United States. Floyd’s death led to the Black Lives Matter movement going global. Holding has published a book, “Why we Kneel, How We Rise“, which covers racism in sport and has contributions from several high profile black athletes. He said athletes should not have to confine their opinions to sporting matters. “When they leave the arena, or the basketball courts, they have to go back into society

to live a normal life. If they are affected by society, they have to speak up and use their platform.” Holding also said there was a danger that the recent accusations of racism in English county cricket would be compartmentalised into “small boxes” when they were part of a larger societal problem. “We know it’s a cricket problem, because it’s happening now in cricket. But don’t put it in a little box because it’s comfortable to put it in a box. It’s not only football or cricket has a (racism) problem. It’s a society that has a problem. And that is what we need to fix, that’s where we need to start. If we can accept that it’s society and not try to put it in small boxes, then we can get somewhere.” Holding said education ensured unconscious bias and required urgent review, with governments needing to take the lead. “The history of mankind has not been taught, what has been taught is what suits our particular narrative. And that narrative is white superiority. Everything taught, even in Africa, in the Caribbean, where I’m from, highlights what white folks have done. “But what about what people of colour have done? They don’t teach that. And that is why I highlighted in my book, so many discoveries, so many innovations, so many things that people of colour have done, that they need to teach. “People must recognise that all folks from different denominations and from different sectors and different parts of the world have done great things.” (ESPNcricinfo)

CSA postpones provincial fixtures due to COVID-19 CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuters) - Cricket South Africa (CSA) has postponed the latest round of matches in division two of the country’s four-day provincial competition after a number of COVID-19 cases, the move coming just two weeks before the start of a three-Test series with India. The provincial sides involved have not been staying in bio-secure environments ahead of the three matches that were scheduled to start yesterday. Sport in South Africa began to shut down last week following the emergence of the Omicron new coronavirus variant,

with travel bans and restrictions on flights, leaving rugby teams and golfers scrambling to leave the country. "In the last couple of days, some positive COVID-19 test results have emerged following team pre-arrival testing sessions," CSA said in a statement. "Activating the precautionary and preventative measures stipulated in the organisation’s COVID-19 protocols to ensure the health, safety and well-being of all involved is a top priority for CSA." None of the teams feature players expected to be selected

for the Test series against India, which is due to start in Johannesburg on December 17, but will spark alarm as COVID-19 cases continue to rise sharply in the country. India are scheduled to board their charter flight for South Africa soon after the second Test against New Zealand ends on December 7, though reports in the country have stated the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will make a decision by Sunday on whether to postpone the tour. CSA director of cricket, Graeme Smith, told reporters that no discussions on a postponement had yet taken place.

GUYANA CHRONICLE. Friday, December 3, 2021

JOA hails Thompson-Herah’s winning of Female Athlete-of-the-Year award

ELAINE Thompson-Herah winning her first World Athletics Female Athlete-of-the-Year award has been described as a “reward for exemplary performances”, by the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA). Thompson-Herah crowned her outstanding season when she became the third Jamaican woman to win the award, on her third try, joining Merlene Ottey and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. She had retained her Olympic Games sprint double, winning the 100m and 200m in national records, the second-fastest times ever and also won a third gold medal in the 4x100m relays. The tribute from the JOA said, “It is indeed an admirable accomplishment, the reward for exemplary performances and a testimony to her valour in transforming the challenges

Elaine Thompson-Herah becames the third Jamaican woman to win the award, on her third try, joining Merlene Ottey and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

Ronaldo passes 800 goals In Manchester United win over Arsenal

United goalkeeper David de Gea was down injured when Arsenal struck their opening goal.

CRISTIANO Ronaldo scored his 800th career goal before driving home a penalty winner as Manchester United came from behind to beat Arsenal in a memorable contest featuring two crucial VAR decisions. As new United interim boss Ralf Rangnick watched from the directors' box, where former England captain David Beckham also enjoyed a thrilling encounter, Arsenal scored first in controversial circumstances. Emile Smith Rowe drove home from the edge of the area, while United keeper David de Gea was lying on the ground, seemingly injured, with his back to play. The inevitable VAR check concluded De Gea had fallen after bumping into and being trodden on by his own team-mate Fred, and referee Martin Atkinson gave the goal. Bruno Fernandes levelled, when he

finished off an intricate move involving Jadon Sancho and Fred a minute before the break, setting up the pulsating second half that followed. Ronaldo put United ahead as he swept home Marcus Rashford's cross, but Martin Odegaard made it 2-2 with a well-taken equaliser. Then came the second big VAR decision, as Atkinson gave United a penalty after reviewing Odegaard's challenge on Fred on a pitchside monitor - and Ronaldo kept his nerve to score. Watching proceedings unfold, Rangnick was largely impassive and made plenty of notes, although he did stand to applaud Ronaldo's winner. The result leaves United three points off fourth-placed Arsenal after recording two wins and a draw under Michael Carrick, the interim's interim.(BBC Sport)

of a year bedevilled with the pandemic into inspiring feats. “The JOA salutes her and exhorts her to continue to be driven in her athletic pilgrimage of excellence,” the JOA president Christopher Samuda also said. The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) added: “The JAAA congratulates Mrs Elaine Thompson-Herah on being the recipient of the prestigious 2021 World Athletics Female Athlete-ofthe-Year award. As the third Jamaican female to achieve this feat, we are proud of her accomplishments which will serve to inspire our nation.” And Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, Minister responsible for sports, said in a release: “This nation is so happy for Elaine and proud of her for winning the top award for women in track and field for 2021. But she put

her hands up with her performances in the Olympics and World Games. In fact, she has enjoyed one of the finest sprint seasons in history, retaining her 100m and 200m titles in 10.61 seconds and 21.53 seconds in Tokyo, as well as adding another gold medal to her collection in the 4x100m relay, which she and her colleagues won in national record time of 41.02 seconds.” She noted that Elaine did not just stop there because in her first race after the Olympics “she won the 100m in a world-leading time of 10.54 seconds, which makes her second on the all-time list for the 100m and 200m”. “It is so great, Elaine now makes it a trio of Female Athletes of the Year for Jamaica. “We salute Elaine Thompson-Herah. She is just awesome!” the sport minister said. (Jamaica Observer)

Yorkshire to undergo independent governance review YORKSHIRE will undergo an independent Former review into club governance in the wake of Yorkshire allegations made by Azeem Rafiq. cricketer Yorkshire's handling of an investigation into Azeem Rafiq Rafiq's claims came in for heavy criticism. Chief executive Mark Arthur and chairman Roger Hutton have resigned, with the latter replaced by Lord Patel. The review will be carried out by the Good Governance Institute and law firm Howard Kennedy and will be shared on 24 January. A statement from the club said the review will involve "obtaining written submissions and holding a series of interviews with individuals three ex-Essex players have also alleged incidents from Yorkshire County Cricket Club, the England of racism. and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and the wider The ECB has published a five-point plan cricket and sporting community". designed to tackle racism and discrimination Lord Patel said: "The independent governance that includes a "full review of dressing-room review will be essential in helping us shape how culture".(BBC Sport). we move forward as a club following the recent challenges we have faced. It is clear CRICKET QUIZ CORNER that many have been failed by our leadership (Friday December 03, 2021) and how we operate as a club. "We must look closely at our processes COMPLIMENTS OF and procedures, and I am determined that we CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown go above and beyond gold standard both on (Tel: 225-6158) paper and in practice. "Only through taking bold steps to Answers to yesterday’s quiz: understand and address the fundamental building blocks of how we operate can we (1) Muttiah Muralitharan-795 wickets build a solid platform from which to change our culture, and create a welcoming and (2) Courtney Walsh-519 wickets inclusive club for all in Yorkshire." In response to the way Yorkshire hanToday’s Quiz: dled Rafiq's claims, the ECB suspended (1) Which WI wicketkeeper has effected most them from holding England matches at their dismissals in Tests to date? Headingley home. Rafiq subsequently called English cricket (2) Which SL wicketkeeper has effected most "institutionally racist" in evidence he gave to dismissals in Tests to date? MPs at a Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee. Answers in tomorrow’s issue Two other former Yorkshire players and

GUYANA CHRONICLE. Friday, December 3, 2021

ExxonMobil National Indoor Hockey Championships …

More wins for GBTI GCC Ladies, Pepsi Hikers MORE wins came the way of GBTI GCC Ladies and Pepsi Hikers as the ExxonMobil National Indoor Hockey Championships continued on Wednesday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Pepsi Hikers and Bounty GCC squared off in what is traditionally a key men’s first division matchup. After seven minutes of conservative play by both sides, Aroydy Branford dribbled up the left wing, faked out GCC goalkeeper Medroy Scotland, and sent the ball into an empty goal for the Hikers opener. GCC responded three minutes later with a Kevin Spencer penalty corner flick to level the scores at 1-1. Hikers captain Robert France pushed his team ahead one minute later, however, and the score remained 2-1 for the Hikers at halftime. The second half was all Hikers as the GCC defence began to unravel. Hikers poured in four more unanswered goals in the second half as Branford amassed a hat-trick and France a

double, with the sixth Hikers goal coming via a penalty corner from Jamarj Assanah. The 6-1 victory leaves Hikers as the only unbeaten team in the men’s first division. The GCC Roulettes seem to be cruising to the semi-final as they dished out another beating, this time to the Misfits by 5-1. Belgian guest player Leo Berlie led the scorers for GCC with a field goal and a penalty corner goal while veteran Tricia Fiedtkou, Abosaide Cadogan and Shebiki Baptiste each added one. Kenisha Wills was the lone scorer for Misfits. GCC Ignite and GCC Spartans ladies provided the most entertaining match of the evening. Ignite pulled ahead, 4-1, by halftime, mainly through the skilful play and leadership of captain Aliyah Gordon. The Spartans, however, made a few tactical adjustments and swayed the momentum of the game in their favour in the second half. Captain Gabriella Xavier almost drew her team level with a hat-trick of goals with the

GCC Spartans captain Gabriella Xavier in control

Leverock, Rawlins selected for US T20 tournament

HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC) – Bermuda captain and fellow all-rounder Delray Rawlins have been selected for the US Open Cricket T20 tournament to be staged in Florida this month. The Bermuda pair will represent the Florida Scorpions, who are among 10 teams vying for US$100 000 in prize money in the tournament, which will run from December 6 to 13 at the Central Broward Regional Park in Fort Lauderdale. Leverock, 27, will have the added responsibility of being the team’s vice-captain. Bermuda Cricket Board president Arnold Manders says he is delighted to see 24-yearold left-hander Rawlins, who plays for English county Sussex, and Leverock compete at this level. “It’s a great opportunity,” he said. “It’s a good thing and something that we looked for with our strategic plan in helping players get into tournaments like that and probably,

maybe, holding one of them ourselves something like an IPL but not as big. “That’s the only way cricket is going to improve (in Bermuda) and we shall be looking at it because we have our five-year strategic plan assisting players and getting them to play at another level that will start in 2022.” The Florida Scorpions have been pitted in Group B along with Samp Army, Clarion County Eagles, Punjab Blues and Titans Cricket Club. Group A consists of US All Stars, Cavaliers 22 Yards, NDCC Royals, Brampton Pacers and Yankee Royals. “The committee met and looked at the strength of all the teams on paper and came up with two competitive groups,” Sofian Qamar, president of Cricket Council USA, said. Last year’s champions Atlanta Param Veers are not involved in this year’s tournament.

Pepsi Hikers midfielder Jamarj Assanah races up court on a counter-attack

final whistle coming just too soon leaving Ignite to celebrate the 5-4 victory. In the men’s second division competition, YMCA Old Fort obliterated the young GCC War Dogs by 8-1. The Saints Scorpions drew 2-2 with Hikers Cadets while their counterparts Saints Sensations blanked GCC Pitbulls by 2-0. Full Results are as follows: MALE Division Pepsi Hikers trounced Bounty GCC, 6 - 1

4-0

Guyana 40s drew with Saints, 1-1 FEMALE Division GCC Roulette beat Misfits, 5-1 GCC Ignite overcame GCC Spartans, 5-4 MALE Second Division YMCA Old Fort thrashed GCC War Dogs,

Saints Scorpions drew with Hikers Cadets by 2-2 Saints Sensations edged GCC Pitbulls, 5-4.

GUYANA CHRONICLE. Friday, December 3, 2021

GFF president Wayne Forde (left) and government officials, including Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, (centre) work through proposals for the FIFA Football for Schools programme.

GFF initiates FIFA Football for Schools programme … meets with government officials to discuss details

THE first step towards ensuring Guyana benefit from the world football governing body’s Football for Schools programme took a giant leap on Wednesday with Guyana Football Federation (GFF) president Wayne Forde meeting with government officials. The meeting was held to kick off the national approval process necessary to accept an offer from FIFA for Guyana to become the first CARICOM nation to benefit from the programme. The programme, for which FIFA will provide financial, technical and logistical support to establish sustainable football initiatives and competitions in primary and secondary schools around the world, requires a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Guyana and GFF, the creation of a national steering committee and an agreed list of participating schools. TURN TO PAGE 31

Dhananjaya de Silva’s unbeaten 153 puts Sri Lanka in control … Ninth-wicket partnership of 107 hurts West Indies hopes of victory

Dhananjaya de Silva acknowledges the applause for his eighth Test hundred (Photo: AFP via Getty Images)

GALLE, Sri Lanka (CMC) – West Indies will need some heroic batting on the fifth and final day if they are to win the second Test match and level the two-match series against Sri Lanka, after Dhananjaya de Silva’s undefeated 153 gave the hosts a commanding lead of 279 yesterday. de Silva’s unbroken ninth-wicket 107-run partnership at Galle International Stadium with Lasith Embuldeniya also helped put Sri Lanka in the driver’s seat. At stumps, they ended day four on 328 for 8, giving West Indies the most runs a side has ever had to chase to win a Test match in Galle. Sri Lanka won the first Test by 187 runs. West Indies coach Phil Simmons admitted that it would be a challenge, saying “98 overs tomorrow and a score in region of 300 runs to get on a wicket that is turning…is going to be a difficult one”.

“de Silva batted well and controlled the game really well. The wicket wasn’t really ragging as much as we thought it would and he made a superb hundred. The pitch still looks to be good. When it’s rolled tomorrow, we will see how it looks tomorrow when we come back. Some days you have to appreciate when someone plays well and acknowledged that. We bowled well and were kept in the game, and we were energetic in the field, but he played well,” he added. Overnight batsmen Pathum Nissanka (21 not out) and Charith Asalanka (4 not out) had faced West Indies spinners as play began on the penultimate day, with Sri Lanka resuming on 46 for 2 and trailing by 3 runs. Nissanka struck the first boundary of the day in the third over to take his team to a half-century. But Veerasammy Permaul claimed his first wicket of the innings, bowling an outside off delivery, which spun in nicely, and sent Asalanka back inside for 19. TURN TO PAGE 31

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021