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FRIDAY 4th December, 2020

Weathering the storm No.106203

SEE STORY ON PAGE 3

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–– resilience of business in pandemic, preservation of democracy celebrated at GSMA awards

Baganara, Hurakabra resorts cleared for reopening SEE PAGE 02

The Baganara Island and the Hurakabra River resorts have put in place proper protective and preventative measures against COVID-19 and have been given approval to reopen operations by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) (Hurakabra River Resort photo)

Best walks free on Bentley’s death 09 PAGE

Preserver of democracy in Guyana elected chair of US Foreign Affairs Committee 04 PAGE

Chief Justice halts 04 deportation of 26 Haitians PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 4, 2020

Baganara, Hurakabra resorts cleared for re-opening

By Rehana Ahamad

EVEN though tourism locations and entities are allowed to operate around-the-clock, they are required to complete a two-step procedure before being granted official approval to do so. Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Carla James said that the process seeks to ensure that all interior lodges, resorts, tour operators and tourism accommodation facilities activate proper protective and preventative measures against the deadly COVID-19.

The Baganara Island Resort located in Region Seven has been officially approved to operate under COVID-19 guidelines

The Hurukabra River Resort located on the West Bank of the Essequibo River has been green-lighted as a ‘safe for travel destination’

GTA Director, Carla James

James noted that so far, 10 businesses have applied to operate under the COVID regulations. Of that figure, two have already been approved, with four pending inspections. The approved entities are Baganara Island Resort and the Hurakabra River Resort. The GTA Director explained that the first step requires businesses to submit their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which must clearly outline specific hygienic and sanitisation protocols. The document will then undergo a desk assessment, which will take approximately two days to be completed. “We will review that, and provide feedback if we find any deficiencies, or see any aspect that can be addressed a little better,” James noted. In cases where businesses are unable to compile their SOPs, the GTA plans to provide the necessary technical support. The agency has also developed a template of SOPs, which have been made available for businesses to implement. Nonetheless, once the submitted SOPs are approved by the GTA, businesses would then be ready for the next and final step; an on-site inspection. “Anybody can write a nice plan, but we need to see what is happening on the ground. We need to make sure that the signages are up, and that the staff is trained, etc,” James said. COVID -19 MEASURES COMPLIANCE James noted that her inspection team would conduct their visit in a manner which would test the ability of businesses to operate effectively and safely under adequate COVID-19 measures. “For instance, if we ask a staff how they serve dinner, they must be able to explain

seating arrangements to ensure that persons are seated a few feet apart, and that meals are plated and served, and that servers and guests are sanitised and so on,” James explained. To further assist businesses, the GTA has developed a recommended health sanitisation protocol for the tourism industry, which continues to be disseminated to various tourism businesses. In relation to the two approved resorts, the GTA official noted, “Their SOPs have been assessed and found to be in compliance; on-site inspections have also been conducted and have been verified. Those tourism businesses have now received conditional approval, and are considered safe for travel.” Approved businesses will also benefit from free publicity and marketing from the GTA. “We recognised that the tourism sector has been hardhit by COVID-19. For months, such businesses have not had any cash flow; they have had no revenue, so we will be pushing those businesses to drive the demand,” James noted. This means that approved businesses will be promoted via all GTA-managed platforms, especially via their website and social media. James noted that the GTA will not be harsh with tourism businesses, and that help will be offered to all entities that need to get their affairs in order. However, those that refuse to operate within the COVID-19 guidelines will face consequences. “If they refuse to do that, then we will have to put out a disclaimer notice that anybody who is booking with these companies are basically putting themselves at risk, because they have not been approved by the authorities,” she said.

Weathering the storm

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 4, 2020

–– resilience of business in pandemic, preservation of democracy celebrated at GSMA awards By Navendra Seoraj IN a year when profits of businesses dried up, a global pandemic plagued the world, and Guyana’s progress was obstructed by a protracted electoral process, resilience remained important, and so did the drive for preserving democracy. Persons, businesses and international partners who “stayed the course” and portrayed those and other qualities, were recognised by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) at its 25th annual awards ceremony at State House on Wednesday. Stakeholders believe that the accolades were warranted because, evidently, reduced

sureable Flavours; Fibre Tech Industrial Plastics; Triple ‘C’ Consultancy; Comfort Sleep; Action Coach Guyana; Sterling Products Limited; and the Demerara Distillers Limited. Two individuals, Dr. Dianna DaSilva-Glasgow and Mohindra Chand were also recipients of awards. “I applaud our local manufacturers and service providers; their commitment to nation-building is incontestable. I assure them that my government is fashioning a transformative economic agenda that will allow them to continue to stake their claim to national development,” said President, Dr. Irfaan Ali in his address at the award ceremony. The President said this has been a difficult year for

Pesident Dr. Irfaan Ali addressing the GMSA awards ceremony on Wednesday evening

missioner Lilian Chatterjee; US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch; and European Union (EU) Ambassador to Guyana Fernando Ponz Canto for their resolute stance on the preservation of democracy following the March 2, 2020 elections. President of the GMSA, Shyam Nokta, in his presentation at the ceremony, applauded the foreign envoys for their efforts in the preservation of the rule of law and maintenance of democracy in Guyana. “I wish to also put on record the GMSA’s appreciation to the representatives of the ABC&E countries: Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch; High Commissioner Greg Quinn; High Commissioner Lilian Chatterjee and Ambassador

mitted to getting the economy back on track, starting with the implementation of measures and projects included in the $329.5 billion 2020 Budget. This Budget includes a $25,000 cash transfer to every household; a $15,000 cash grant and a $4,000 uniform voucher for schoolchildren; $800 million for the Amerindian Development Fund; $5 billion for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo); a two-week, tax-free bonus for members of the Joint Services; and $150 million for frontline workers, among many other benefits. President Ali had also said that the Government, after re-prioritising and re-programming fiscal measures, has managed to add $20 billion in

The awardees at the GMSA’s 25th annual awards ceremony held at State House (Carl Croker photograph)

spending in the local economy, which has been constrained by the necessary novel coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention measures, has erased any semblance of ‘decent’ profits which would have been recorded by businesses prior to the dreaded pandemic. The pandemic, coupled with the protracted March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections had bound the local economy, so businesses had to “think outside of the box” in order to sustain their operations, and simultaneously remain relevant today amidst growing attention to Guyana’s economy, which, despite many adversities, is expected to boom in the coming years. Among the businesses which were recognised for their sustained growth and development and innovation are: Agro Services Inc.; Bulkan Timber Works Inc.; Plea-

the entire world; probably the most difficult year in the past three decades. “The pandemic has led to business contraction and jobs losses, but these, too, shall pass. I am supremely confident that our economy will rebound and emerge stronger and more robust in the new year and beyond,” said the Head of State. The President is confident that the local entrepreneurial class has an instinct for seizing opportunities, as they have shown Guyana how to survive in difficult times,and have demonstrated the acumen to thrive when the “tide of fortune turns for the better”. In further expressing his confidence in the local private sector, President Ali said: “The captains of enterprise possess a sixth sense of better times ahead. Those times are upon us; development will

leap-frog over the next decade. Our manufacturers and service providers will be integral to the writing of ?this glorious chapter in our country’s history.” DEMOCRACY Critical, however, to the advancement of growth and development is democracy. And the President, during a recent visit to Suriname, had said: “Democracy helps to unlock the latent potential of our economies and to boost investor confidence. Indeed, Guyana and Suriname are totally perched to benefit from accelerated growth and development, not only through the exploitation of our natural resources, but through the abundant potential that lies in agriculture, value added, tourism and expanded trade.” As was reported in various sections of the media and said by various stakeholders, this

critical element to development was threatened after Polling Day on March 2. A slew of legal challenges following the elections, resulted in a five-month impasse, which ended on August 2, 2020 with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) unseating the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition. Those legal challenges, compounded by what was referred to as glaring attempts to alter the results of the election, were, however, seen as an obstruction to the process and a threat to democracy. Stakeholders have said that had it not been for resolute Guyanese and international intervention, injustice would have prevailed. It is for this reason that the GMSA awarded British High Commissioner Gregory Quinn; Canadian High Com-

Fernando Canto for the unwavering stand you took to ensure democracy prevailed in Guyana. Thank you,” said Nokta. COLLECTIVE EFFORT The GMSA President also recognised the private sector for their firm position on matters during those “trying times”. In the face of adversity, the private sector, civil society and other stakeholders joined forces to ensure that Guyana’s democracy is preserved and protected, said Nokta. Although the road to recovery seems long, the government has taken steps to rejuvenate ailing sectors and restore stability, but has maintained focus on safeguarding the health of every Guyanese through various control measures. President Ali had com-

relief to the “pockets” of Guyanese at a time when the nation is faced with the effects of COVID-19, and the recently concluded protracted electoral process. The conduits of relief include revised tax measures and sweeping incentives. The broad objectives of those measures which feature in Government’s emergency budget are to stimulate economic activity; get persons back to work; increase Guyana’s productive capacity; reduce the cost of doing business; improve efficiency; and facilitate growth and development of businesses. The private sector is expected to play an integral role in driving economic growth, but the extraordinary circumstances created by COVID-19 has been discouraging in some cases, said stakeholders from the sector.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 4, 2020

Calls to Help and Shelter’s hotline skyrocket by 300 per cent

–– W&GEC calls for removal of “patriarchal laws” 19-year-old male. The eldest was 70 years of age,” Marks recalled. He emphasised the benefits of one particular compo-

By Rehana Ahamad THE year 2020 has been a difficult one for many people and for many reasons; one of them being the fact that the majority of abused women are being forced to maintain social distancing from almost everybody except their abusers, who are most often their significant others, sharing the same living quarters. Fortunately though, more and more victims are choosing to reach out for help instead of remaining silent. This has seen a mammoth surge in the number of persons calling various helplines and hotlines, including those manned by Help and Shelter, one of Guyana’s most prominent Non-Government Organisations (NGO). According to Colin Marks, Director and Coordinator of Help and Shelter, the amount of calls coming into the organisation has risen by some 300 per cent from March 2020, to date. It was during that month that Guyana’s first COVID-19 case was detected. The increase in those seeking help has resulted in Help and Shelter being maxed out on accommodations. “Our ceiling is 22, but we are currently at 23, and that includes a few children… minors, that is,” Marks posited. A recent statement from the organisation indicated that some 35 women with their children had to have been turned away from the facility, as the Shelter continues to operate within the COVID-19 guidelines. “We couldn’t even accommodate some of the victims and survivors who were reaching out to us, so we really had to do a lot networking with other organisations and Government agencies to ensure we find places for these women,” Marks said. The Help and Shelter Director explained that the organisation has a policy of accommodating each woman for a guaranteed period of six months. During that time, the victims are all exposed to various training and ca-

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud

pacity building sessions, and counseling, all of which seek to empower them to detach themselves from their perpetrators and overcome their fears and insecurities. Following the guaranteed six-month stay, individual cases are assessed so as to determine the risks and threats that a victim could face after leaving the facility. In cases where a woman’s safety is threatened, or she faces the threat of homelessness, accommodation is generously extended. HELP FOR PERPETRATORS “In addition to assisting women, we also have services that help many of the male perpetrators of abuse, as well,” Marks highlighted, noting that “often times you would find that perpetrators were victims themselves, so they too need help to be better and to do better”. The social rights activist explained that there have been many cases where perpetrators are mandated by the court to seek help. In addition to offering couple’s counselling and therapy, the organisation also has a programme called “Male Psycho-Education”, which focuses on self-awareness, anti-violence methods of coping, conflict management, and perpetrator accountability. “One of the youngest persons that I have seen be part of the programme was a

Chairperson of the Women and Gender Equality Commission, Indranie Chandarpal

nent of the programme called ‘Convo Therapy’, which encourages men and boys to share their past hurt and traumas, while promoting healthy navigation, acceptance and expression of male emotions. 17 WOMEN KILLED, 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM Meanwhile, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls is observed on November 25, annually. For the 2020 observances, the world has come together to promote 16 days of activism via social media. This has kicked off with much participation from Guyanese on various platforms including Facebook and Instagram. In a recent statement addressing violence against women and girls, the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, acknowledged the toll that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on some vulnerable groups, particularly the female population. “The COVID 19 pandemic has kept many women in proximity to their abusers, and reporting has become

challenging,” the minister posited. She also reflected on recent crime statistics which indicated some 17 women being killed by their spouses thus far in 2020. This, she

Amrita Rahim, a mother of three, was stabbed to death by her husband on November 14 last

said, has left 48 children motherless. “Fists, knives, guns, hurtful words… continue to be used instead of discussion or counselling,” Dr. Persaud lamented. The minister recognised too that despite the alarming domestic violence figures, many women are still cowering in fear. “Domestic violence remains a taboo, shuttered behind closed doors and only emerging as bloody faces, bruised limbs, broken spirits, and dead bodies. Fear of societal judgment, insecurities about children and finances, family pressure and manipulation keep this a hushed conversation… or result in an overwhelming silence,” Dr. Persaud said. Most recently, just a few days before the world observed International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, 28-year-old Amrita Rahim was killed by her abusive husband. She leaves to mourn her three children, ages 11, 10

and eight. Police reports indicate that 32-year-old Taijram Rahim, a cane harvester from West Bank Berbice, had accused his wife of infidelity just before stabbing her in the chest as she laid on their bed. PATRIARCHAL SYSTEM Adding its voice to the conversation was the Women and Gender Equality Commission (W&GEC). In a statement issued on Thursday, the body said that it has recognised Guyana’s legal system to be one that is patriarchal and lacks gender neutrality. “In analysing this problem one has to recognise that Guyana inherited its legal system from European colonists who believed that women were inferior to men,” the statement said. The constitutional body went on to issue a call for decision makers at all levels and various institutions to “denounce the culture of tolerance for violence against women and girls by ensuring they take the requisite actions to name and shame those guilty of perpetuating such actions”. “Public pressure is needed to help change the attitude of citizens and public officials to one of zero tolerance of Gender-Based Violence (GBV),” the statement added. W&GEC believes that “Men have been given a variety of social privileges such as personal and political power over women, including legal, economic and sexual advantages.” “This is the elephant in the room which needs to be addressed,” the body insisted.

Police seeking driver in Parika fatal accident POLICE are hunting for the driver of a vehicle that killed a pedestrian on the Hydronie Public Road at Parika, East bank Essequibo (EBE) on November 27, 2020. Dead is Kayum Alie,of Bushy Park Squatting Area, EBE. Police said that the accident occurred about 21:55h. Police investigations have revealed that the car was proceeding south along the western driveway at a fast rate of speed, when the driver lost control and collided with the pedestrian, who was standing by the median waiting to cross the road. Upon impact, the car reportedly turned turtle and then collided with a nearby shop, which is situated on the western side of the carriageway. As a result of the collision, the pedestrian received injuries about his head and body, while the driver exited the car and made good his escape on foot. The pedestrian was picked up by the police and taken to the Leonora Diagnostic Centre, where he was pronounced dead. The body was taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Parlour’s mortuary, while the car is currently lodged at the Leonora Police Station.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 4, 2020

Tajeram Mohabir

Addressing mental health

MENTAL health is generally not understood. It is not well funded, could be managed, and dealt with more from a reactionary standpoint. Compounding this situation is the inadequate allocation of resources for the treatment of mental illnesses. The importance attached to this condition is often seen and felt only by those who are personally affected. Those with mental-health concerns or issues are usually seen as a “crazy” group that needs to be locked away, ignored or forgotten, and not as functioning or valued members of society. A general premise is that persons with mental-health issues do not initially seek treatment, because, when they start talking about their symptoms/feelings, they are seen as weak; trying to get attention; demon-possessed; or depending on the culture, the family had some affliction, or had committed some evil act that was now coming back to haunt them. The stigma attached to mental illness results in loved ones of persons with mental-health issues overcompensating and attempting to conceal symptoms, because it is more acceptable to pretend those issues do not exist. This is generally done in an effort to blend into society, or be seen as “normal.” In instances, persons with mental-health is-

sues are viewed as the “crazy uncle” whom the family feels needs protection from the world; and they behave this way not only because of the stigma attached to the sufferer’s condition, but also to preserve their place in the society or their family’s standing in society. The result of these variables is that often when these symptoms are finally confronted, the person’s condition is too advanced to obtain treatment that would enable them to regain their status as a functioning member of society. This situation is often due to the lack of understanding of the issue, or the intolerance of some members of the treating community, or personal biases which affect the ability to identify and treat symptoms early. A contributing factor to mental-health decompensation is overuse of alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant; it leads to an increase in depressed mood. If someone who is depressed consumes alcohol, it makes that person more depressed. This in itself can increase the risk of that person cultivating suicidal behaviours, including attempting or actually committing suicide. Another prevalent factor in the society is that of intolerance to societal change, where some lack the understanding or receptiveness to persons who are getting into serious

relationships at an earlier age. Compounding these factors are relationships with persons from different socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds, and the lack of adequate coping skills to navigate complex emotional situations. Some solutions to addressing mental stability outside of the clinical setting can be achieved with familial support, as in educating our youth on the importance of self-worth, life, and empowering this demographic to understand that, even beyond their current struggle, life is worth living. Another important factor is support for various age groups, such as teen/peer support, which allows for avenues to voice thoughts, feelings, struggles, and gain support from each other on how to deal with relationship issues and parents/family responses to those issues. In dealing with mental-health factors that are affected by alcohol use, it helps to recognise that one must first understand that the risk of addiction is increased by access to alcohol and inability to differentiate casual use from dependency. Users of this substance often have a false sense of security in thinking that, because it is so easily accessible and is legal to use, the risk of dependency is less. Since it is culturally acceptable to consume alcohol to the point of being intoxicated, the assumption is that the person has a choice to

continue this lifestyle. First, it needs to be recognised that alcohol is a drug, and because it has the ability to cross the blood/brain barrier, it alters perception, judgement and mood. Usually, the alcoholic does not recognize that there is a problem until it is often too late. Support systems such as Alcoholics Anonymous (for the user), Alanon (spousal support) and Alateen (support for the children) are necessary to improve one’s ability to understand, cope with, and obtain sobriety to improve the overall family dynamic, coping mechanisms, and re-integration into society. Mental health is a societal issue. Its management requires education, acceptance, willingness to support, and receptiveness to including the individuals afflicted with these symptoms, to ensure that they are not ostracised. In the absence of the above-stated, it widens the base and increases inability to identify and effectively treat individuals with mental health symptoms. Medication ought not to be seen as the only treatment option: equally important is the society’s interaction with, and support for, individuals with complex and life-changing situations. Mental health for one is mental health for all.

More serious attention needs to be paid to tackling crime Dear Editor, REFERENCE is made to your news report (Nov 1, 2) on the robbery of Marcus Bisram (no relationship to me). On my visit to Guyana and interacting with people, crime is a serious concern. Respondents in a survey expressed satisfaction on how the country is proceeding on the economic front and the attempt to address the effects of COVID. People praised the government (almost

100 per cent approved of the policy) for rendering immediate relief to them through the $25K cash grant to each household, as well as for the uniform and schoolchildren grants; there are complaints that many households did not get the grant. However, people are not pleased over the crime situation that seems to be getting out of control. There is widespread fear of crime. The Marcus Bisram robbery has focused at-

tention on crime in Guyana; people are fearful of where they go and even in being at home. They lock up their homes before dark and are careful to host visitors even during wakes. The need for government to tackle this ugly crime situation was stressed by well-known former UG Sociologist Dr Tara Singh in recent articles on this subject in the press. The crime problem has also attracted the attention of letter writers. The gravity of the crime

situation has been expressed by some well-to-do business people and professionals in a dramatic fashion. They related: “What’s the point of having an excellent job, a high income, a lovely home, a beautiful family, a nice car, and other perks or niceties. But as soon as you enter the street, you are gunned down in a drive-by shooting or in an armed robbery or robbed and/or killed in a home invasion.” The recent robbery of well-known Guyanese

philanthropist, Marcus Bisram (no relationship with this writer), at his relative’s home at No 71 Village Corentyne has catapulted this scourge to centre stage and is also a classic example of how the robbers have become brazen. All the media reported on the dusk-time robbery. Despite Mr. Marcus having the company of some 17 people at his residence, four armed robbers entered the premises nonchalantly, brandishing guns and a machete. The bandits created a

cloud of fear and nervousness among the guests and occupants of the residence; they forced everyone to give up jewellery, cellphones, and cash with a total value of $15 million of which $5 million in cash were to pay for Marcus’s legal fees. The armed bandits sudden appearance startled the victims who became immobilised and reluctantly complied with whatever instructions TURN TO PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 4, 2020

Objection to construction of plant shop at entrance of Pigeon Island Dear Editor, WE, the residents of Pigeon Island, write to you to express our dissatisfaction at the commencement of construction of a structure which appears to be for the purpose of a plant shop. This large structure is being constructed by the same person(s) who were removed from Agriculture Road, Triumph. Upon speaking to a gentleman who is doing the construction, he indicated that he was given permission by the highest authority, and became abusive and declared that “no powers in Guyana” can stop him. We have video evidence of these conversations. Our concerns from the island are numerous; we have two residents in the island who have plant businesses, and if this gentleman is allowed to set up shop at the entrance to the island, they will go on the breadline. One of the reasons he was moved

from Agriculture Road was because they were killing NAREI’s plant business. The BV Chairman raised concerns; there were numerous complaints from residents of Triumph about the structure which was converted to a dwelling space, with concerns about waste disposal. Further, the EPA raised concerns about the chemicals being sprayed at this location affecting residents, and the fact that Pizza Hut is right next to his construction. We are concerned about this affecting the quality and safety of food. The gentleman is currently bullying another resident who has a small hot-dog business at the spot he wants to now occupy to put this resident on the breadline also. GWI has infrastructure at the location where he is constructing, and is concerned that he can damage this. If this damage occurs, then the communities of Pigeon Island, Chateau Margot, Success and LBI will be without water until

taxpayers’ money is diverted to fix the problem. We have video evidence of GWI staff expressing this concern about the construction. Other concerns are that given the history of what happened at Agriculture Road, where a dwelling was attached to that plant shop, is of the degradation and unsightliness which will be created at the only entrance to our community, which can cause our property value to decrease tremendously. We ask that you intervene to stop this construction, since no consultations with the residents were carried out, and given our concerns highlighted above. Our community is primarily residential, and not an agricultural development one. Yours sincerely, The residents of Pigeon Island

Some shameless big men and women in the Coalition Dear Editor, AS a troubled world sits tensely on a slippery precipice awaiting the much-prolonged and controversial acceptance of Donald Trump acceding to an electoral win in favour of Joe Biden, Iran, on the other side of the globe, is putting the world on the alert with advance notice of retaliation for the assassination of their top nuclear scientist last week. Iran is blaming Israel, America’s ally, for the killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a high-ranking official in the Defense ministry. Iran’s parliament voted to end international inspections of its atomic sites as early as next month, if America does not lift the key sanctions, including removing penalties for dealing with Iran’s oil and banking industries. Similar sanctions were imposed on Venezuela. The International Atomic

Energy Organisation (the United Nations body that conducts the nuclear inspection in Iran), reported earlier that the country’s enriched uranium stockpile has risen eight-fold since Trump quit the pact two years ago. It is American sanctions that brought relief to Guyana’s election upheaval, instituting visa restrictions on all those who were involved in undermining democracy, in particular key members of the APNU+AFC, GECOM personnel and other stakeholders. President Donald Trump is currently engaged in numerous court battles, petitioning the results showing President-elect Joe Biden winning by over seven million votes, and claiming fraud and irregularities. Over thirty such cases encouraged and fought by one-time Attorney-General, Rudy Giuliani, were either withdrawn or thrown out by the courts, resulting in

an embarrassing loss for Trump and Giuliani, for the want of proof and evidence, frustrating the judges and members of the GOP. The APNU+AFC did engage in frivolous and vexatious petitions, as instructed and advised by the then Attorney-General, Basil Williams, wasting time and money, and testing the patience of the CCJ, only to have all the cases denied by tired but intelligent judges. Guyana became the laughing stock of the Caribbean and the world, thanks to the nescience of the APNU+AFC. Granger refused to demit office, and was eventually ousted by external influences, purported to be from heavy boots. Not strange but true, the US Attorney General, William Barr, is advising the President, Donald Trump, that the Justice Department has found no proof of widespread voter fraud that would tip the results of the presidential election. Talk about free and fair

election! This finding rehashes the fairness of the justice system, unlike that portrayed by the former Attorney-General of Guyana, who found himself losing all his pitiful appeals with the CCJ. The CCJ remained unmoved and unimpressed with his court theatrics. As was expected, Trump hinted that the FBI and DOJ might be “involved” in an unspecified fraud conspiracy to elect Biden. Exactly what Granger and cohorts did when they couldn’t get their own way with their bullish attitudes. The APNU+AFC attacked all the national and international observers, the CARICOM election re-count team, CARICOM heads and all stakeholders who opposed their attempts to defraud the election system. They even accused all the innocent and hardworking polling station workers of collaborating with the PPP/C to deny them a victory. Imagine the ludicrous absurdity of this claim for

fabricated “irregularities”. No wonder there is the state of denial by the APNU+AFC and their persistent refusal to produce the original Statements of Poll to date. Why this secrecy if there is nothing to hide? Why forging lies and deceiving their own followers that they won the election the very night the election ended, when they knew otherwise? Each polling station was represented by the APNU+AFC Party and the PPP/C Party, and most Guyanese can count and divide, except the members from the APNU+AFC, who still cannot devise a scientific formula to find the secret to resolving simple mathematical problems. How can big men and women belittle themselves in the eyes of the academic world, and still want to rule Guyana by grabbing power through the back door? To add salt to an open bleeding wound in American “politricks”, Georgia Voting Implementation Man-

ager, Gabriel Sterling, a Republican himself, angrily chastised President Trump and the state’s senators in retaliation to threats and intimidation addressing the State’s election workers, and implored the president to acknowledge his electoral defeat in the State, and “stop inspiring people to commit potential acts of violence.” He declared, “This is the backbone of democracy, and all of you who have not said a damn word are complicit in this.” Strong and forceful words spoken by a fearless and just servant of the government who refused to back down by any violence or danger. Guyanese would recall leading PNC/R executives urging their kit and kin to stand by to work overtime election night. Who would forget the mental and physical harassment by APNU+AFC and law officers during the counting process of the ballot boxes? TURN TO PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 4, 2020

Coursera extends ‘scholarships’ to Guyanese learners GUYANESE learners will now be afforded an extended opportunity to complete and enroll in even more of the free courses offered by Coursera. On Thursday, scores of Guyanese learners received emails informing them of a three- month extension. “Considering your sincere response, we are delighted to extend your scholarship for three extra months. You may enroll into any number of courses during this month, and complete on or before 31st of March 2021 to obtain your free certificates,” the email read. It was clarified that the “scholarship” applies only to those who have already been registered, and not to new registrants. So far, 51,503 persons have already registered for courses offered by a host of reputable universities, via Coursera. Some of these institutions include Yale University, Michigan State

Here’s a peek at the email sent to scores of Guyanese learners

University, London University, John Hopkins University and many more. Of the aforementioned figures, some 8, 054 persons have already graduated with certificates that are internationally recognised. Following the protracted 2020 General and Regional Elections, the newly-elected People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government partnered with the Commonwealth of Learning to provide free online courses via Coursera. The initiative, spearheaded by Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, has come in for numerous praises from Guyanese all across the country, since it addresses the unfortunate impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Guyanese learners. Not only was the opportunities welcomed, but they were capitalised on fully. During a virtual graduation ceremony, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of

Some shameless ... Didn’t the same PNC/R executives throw their own under the bus? Didn’t they award their own for collaboration? Didn’t they corrupt the system with transparent clumsiness in front the eyes of invited dignitaries? How silly can assumingly intelligent people behave when the whole world is witnessing their dastardly and disgusting behaviour? No wonder foreign diplomats, heads of governments, including our own sisters and brothers from the Caribbean, shun the APNU+AFC, including their big wigs, politely and diplomatically distancing themselves from such unwelcomed company! To

date, many of Guyana’s academics have been ridiculed and reproached for their silence during the fight for democracy. Granger was openly the subject of laughter on the world market. Granger went into hiding. Granger’s son-in law urged him to concede, and so did Trump’s son-in-law. Most dignitaries at home and around the world congratulated President-elect Joe Biden, and so they also did with President Irfaan Ali. The world has accepted Guyana’s election result as legitimate, and President Irfaan Ali as being legally elected, except Granger

Coursera, Jeff Maggioncalda had singled out Guyana as an exceptional participant of the courses offered. “I must say to the leaders of Guyana, we saw 15,000 course enrolments. This is two per cent of the entire country, in just the first 10 days. I’ve never seen anything like it across the world,” Maggioncalda said. It is important to note that since that graduation, the registration figures for Guyanese on Coursera have grown exponentially. Following the announcement, Guyanese have been taking to social media to celebrate and express appreciation for the extended opportunities. The arrangement was expected to come to an end on December 31, 2020. Without this extension, Guyanese learners would have either been forced to abandon their incomplete courses, or pay for their certificates.

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and his cabal of a few rebels. Granger has been a bad example for him, and our Caribbean sisters and brothers are wary of this, and will not welcome him with open arms in their country. But then, he’s going nowhere, because he is too ashamed to face anyone “eye-to-eye”. Dr. Tara Singh is patiently waiting for his response to his request. David Granger is advised not to seek counsel from 007, Basil or Trotty for they will not play with “Harmony”. Respectfully, Jai Lall

More serious attention...

FROM PAGE

were uttered by the criminals. The police have since detained eight men for questioning. It is a shame that Mr. Marcus and other victims of robbery and violence must go through these traumatic situations. Had Mr. Bisram not been detained by the state on what his friends, family, and humanitarian colleagues, he would have never been subjected to this crime. His lawyers and friends have warned that his life is at grave risk in Guyana. He was indicted for conspiracy to murder, a charge which he vehemently denies. He was acquitted twice by a magistrate, acquitted by the High Court, and when the DPP appealed the decision, he was again acquitted by the Full Court.

The DPP has appealed the decision to the Guyana Court of Appeal with a hearing set for later this month. Mr. Bisram is viewed as a humanitarian philanthropist. He has contributed immensely to numerous charitable causes. His work in Jamaica, the U.S., Guyana and elsewhere is well documented in published articles. Several leading community and spiritual leaders, like Pt Prabhu Ramrattan, Dr Satish Prakash, Pt Tillack Seerattan, Dr Tara Singh, Dr Hame Persaud, Professor Girjanauth Boodraj, VJ Bisram, and Pt Rajin Balgobin describe him as a fine humanitarian. They have commended him for contributions to provide relief to the poor and neglected.

The DPP and Marcus’s lawyers should seek an expedited determination of his case, rather than continuous postponements. Marcus needs relief from further torment, humiliation, and targeting by criminals. Meanwhile, the state and the public must take a tougher stand against crime. The police must take pre-emptive actions against robberies and the court must make examples of those caught. My support goes out to victims of crime. It is hoped that they would get speedy justice and have the strength to overcome trauma and excruciating pain. Yours truly, Dr Vishnu Bisram

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 4, 2020

COVID-19 underscores need for change in global relations –– President Ali tells UN Special Session on pandemic “COVID-19 has emphasised the need for change in global relations,” said President, Dr. Irfaan Ali in his address to the 31st Special Session of the UN General Assembly, in response to the pandemic, on Thursday. President Ali, during his address, also reiterated his support for the UN Secretary General’s call for a New Global Deal with a New Social Contract. “As I noted in my intervention to the Meeting of Heads of Government and States on Financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond, a New Global Deal will allow for the effective transfer of resources – financial, intellectual and technological – to developing countries, and

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

facilitate also, a fairer sharing

tion,” the Guyanese Head of

of the benefits of globalisa-

State said.

Best walks free on Bentley’s death

The late former national cyclist, Jude Bentley

FORMER Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Rear Admiral Gary Best, was on Thursday freed from the charge of causing the death of former national cyclist, Jude Bentley, by dangerous driving, after a city magistrate upheld a no-case submission in his favour. Best, 61, was on trial before Magistrate Rondell Weever on a charge that on February 8, 2020, at Clive Lloyd Drive, Greater Georgetown, he drove motor car PRR 8182 in a dangerous manner which resulted in Bentley’s death. Bentley, 41, a businessman and former national cyclist, was killed after he was struck down on the Rupert Craig Highway, in the vicinity of the Russian Embassy,

at approximately 05:00hrs by a black Land Cruiser. Reports indicated that Bentley and Best were heading east along the road, and that Best, reportedly, tried to avoid hitting Bentley and struck a utility pole, but still managed to hit the cyclist and drag him several feet from the point of impact. Best was arrested at the scene, and two breathalyser tests were administered. Both tests reportedly revealed that he was way above the legally-prescribed alcohol limit. Best was represented by attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes, who made a nocase submission last month, arguing that the prosecution failed to establish evidence to prove that Best drove his motor vehicle in a dangerous manner, resulting in the

Former GDF Chief-of-Staff, Rear Admiral Gary Best

death of Bentley. Hughes contended that the prosecution had failed to prove that the defendant’s standard of driving fell below the standard of driving that would be expected of a competent and careful driver. Magistrate Weever, on Thursday upheld the no-case submission, and dismissed the charge against Best. However, Best has a pending matter before City Magistrate Clive Nurse, for driving under the influence of alcohol in relation to the said accident. The particulars of that charge allege that Best had a breath alcohol level of .85 microgrammes at the time of the accident. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on self-bail.

A new social contract will guarantee the more effective use of these resources for sustainable development. “A new era will soon be upon us. The world looks forward to beating this pandemic and hastening international recovery. This process will be made easier by the ushering in of a new era in global relations, one which will herald the magnificence of multilateralism, spearheaded by the United Nations,” the President told the gathering. Here in Guyana, the COVID-19 pandemic has squeezed every segment of society, more particularly children, most of whom have been out of school for months, but Guyana has taken several steps to address this situation. Guyana has supported the United Nations Children’s

Fund (UNICEF) Six-Point Plan which provides a response aimed at ensuring the nation’s children are protected and are catered for in the global recovery efforts which will follow the remission of this pandemic. Guyana has committed to ensuring that her children are able to continue to learn by closing the national digital divide; enabling improved primary healthcare and access to vaccine by children; eradicating child poverty; effecting, where necessary, mental health-support interventions for children and young people; enacting greater protections and support-measures for vulnerable children; and encouraging access to improved water, hygiene and sanitation. President Ali said the UN

has demonstrated the efficiency and necessity of global cooperation and has been in the forefront of efforts to help countries mitigate the effects of this pandemic. The UN efforts represent one of history’s greatest rescue missions. This 31st Special Session comes at a time when the world eagerly awaits the authorisation of vaccines which have been developed to help in the public health fight against the coronavirus. The UN must continue to be in the forefront – as it has been over the past eight months – in piloting the international rollout of mass immunisation for developing countries.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 4, 2020

First Lady donates 100 relief packages to persons with disabilities

FIRST LADY, Arya Ali, on Thursday, fulfilled a promise made to the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) to provide 80 relief packages for persons with disabilities during the holiday season. According to a release, the First Lady, in fact, donated 100 packages, which comprised household items, at a simple handing over at her residence - State House. The relief packages were received by GCOPD’s Programme Coordinator, Ganesh Singh; Rosemarie Ramitt, GCOPD’s Youth Coordinator; and June Herod, GCOPD’s Secretary. The donation coincided with International Day of Persons with Disabilities which is being observed globally under the theme: “Build back better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World.” In October, First Lady Arya Ali met with representatives from GCOPD and made a solid pledge to support persons with disabilities through the provision of relief packages, and jobs through a private sector partnership. In her message to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the First Lady highlighted the need for the international community to be intentional in including persons with disabilities in its post COVID-19 recovery programme. She noted that the first step in achieving a more inclusive world is recognising

PM calls on NGOs to work with task force

Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d), Mark Phillips

First Lady, Arya Ali (second right) with GCOPD’s Programme Coordinator, Ganesh Singh; Rosemarie Ramitt, GCOPD’s Youth Coordinator; and June Herod, GCOPD’s Secretary at the handing over of the relief packages on Thursday

that persons with disabilities must benefit from a quality education tailored to their individual needs. “It all starts with education. People living with disabilities cannot fully participate in our economy if they do not have the skills they need,” Mrs. Ali said. Beyond the classroom, she emphasised the need for more to be done to ensure that persons with disabilities can participate in other aspects of life that people without disabilities generally take for granted. “People with disabilities find it difficult to run basic errands in a world that is quite literally not

built for them. Businesses, and Government agencies, must make the physical and technological investments necessary for people with disabilities to access their services,” she said. It is for this reason the First Lady has requested that ramps be installed at the Kingston Seawall to allow persons with disabilities who use wheelchairs to access the tarmac. In addition to medium and long-term investments in accessible education and infrastructure, the First Lady was keen to note that there must be a collective recognition that people living with disabilities need immediate economic support

to guarantee them a decent standard of living. That is why the Office of the First Lady has submitted to the private sector, a list of over 200 persons with disabilities who are currently seeking employment. In closing, Mrs. Ali urged citizens to do all that is within their power to ensure that all Guyanese have a chance to live up to their given potential. “People with disabilities too deserve to lead sustainable lives, and I hope you will join with me to ensure that no one is left behind as we move forward into the bright future that I know lies ahead of us,” she said.

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (ret’d), Mark Phillips, has called on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to share their expertise with the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) so that the social issues exacerbated by the pandemic can be addressed. In an invited comment, the Prime Minister highlighted that the Task Force is open to any NGO that wishes to assist the efforts geared at curbing the spread of the virus, and any of its accompanying problems such as domestic violence. “We appeal to all NGOs to come on board, come with your specialised knowledge and we will incorporate what you are bringing to the table and we will ensure that we work with you to better the lives of all Guyanese during this trying time of COVID-19,” the Prime Minister, who heads the NCTF, emphasised. Since March, the pandemic has placed a strain on many of the social services offered to vulnerable populations in Guyana. Domestic violence has been one issue which has surged during this time, and stakeholders -particularly from the NGOs that work to address this

issue -- called for there to be more inclusive planning and response from the task force. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Caribbean Family Planning Affiliation, Reverend Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth, told the Guyana Chronicle that gender considerations should form a key part of Guyana’s planning efforts as it contends with the pandemic. She acknowledged that the focus on health and economic recovery is necessary but emphasised that human security should be considered too. Women’s rights activist, Danuta Radzik, also stressed that the national COVID-19 planning and management should include persons who are grounded in women’s rights and supporting vulnerable populations. “The [National] COVID-19 Task Force has some representation, but it does not have that kind of representation. From the little I know, it has never been broad-based enough,” Radzik said, adding, “these issues [domestic violence and gender-based violence] come from a position of knowledge and understanding of things like domestic violence and how women are affected by it.”

Imagine Guyana National Youth Survey launched

THE Youth Can Move The World Group (YCMTW), in collaboration with Nations Research Institute (NURI), has announced the launch of the Imagine Guyana National Youth Survey to capture the voices of Guyanese youth, ages 13 to 30, about the Guyana they want to see, and the future that they wish to help build. Focused on racism and crime in the country, the youth survey asks the youth about their views on these Dr. Brian O’Toole critical issues in the aftermath of the recent elections, and what they can do to help in Guyana. “Given the current situacreate a better environment tion, we would like to engage

young people in building a different vision for Guyana. The aim of the survey is to hear from 1,000 or more responders from across all 10 regions. The closing date for the survey is Jan 31, 2021. To date, 300 persons have responded. “Overall, the ‘Imagine Guyana’ project aims to address the historic racism and ethnic divisions that continue to divide and cultivate fear of each other among Guyanese. The project organisers believe the voices and actions of youth are the best TURN TO PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 4, 2020

Rice exports to Brazil increase by 24,000 tonnes

GUYANA will soon be exporting an additional 24,000 tonnes of rice to Brazil, taking the total to 34,000 tonnes. The decision was taken following a Technical Committee Meeting between the two countries on Wednesday, a press release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said. The meeting, which was held via video conference, was chaired by Foreign Sec-

retary Robert Persaud. The press release stated that “Brazil agreed to increase Guyana’s current rice quota from 10,000 tonnes to 34,000 tonnes”. This comes on the heels of a recent visit by Ernesto Henrique Fraga Araújo, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil to Guyana and his meeting with President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

The President had requested an expansion of the Partial Scope Agreement between the two countries. This agreement seeks “to foster bilateral trade flows through the exchange of tariff preferences between the parties, cooperation on trade matters, and increased participation of the private sector,” the release read. Guyana and Brazil have also agreed to have further discussions on establishing a

working relationship on the development of rice varieties, which will see collaboration between the Burma Rice Research Institute of the Guyana Rice Development Board, and the Rice Research Institutes in Brazil. “This is to ensure that the two countries can undertake collaborative research into different rice varieties to support commercial production, and assess intellectual property protection of same,”

the release stated. An agreement was also made to have further bilateral discussions on the use of Phostoxin instead of Methyl Bromide for the fumigation of rice exported to Brazil. Guyana and Brazil have agreed to continue consultation on increased market access for sugar, from 10,000 tonnes to 25,000 tonnes. Guyana is also seeking to have buyers from Roraima and other regions in northern

Brazil by establishing business connections. Additionally, the two countries are exploring a 100 per cent duty reduction on product lists submitted by both parties. The press release said this will result in an increase in the number of tariff lines receiving preferential access under the Agreement for both sides. (DPI)

GPSU could be ‘out-of-sync’ Imagine Guyana National ... on bonus for health workers –– Health Minister

FROM PAGE

AMIDST criticism from the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) that the year-end bonus is not adequate, Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, posited that health workers are generally very happy with the two-week bonus announced by President Irfaan Ali. At a recent ceremony, President Ali said, “Healthcare professionals will get two weeks equivalent bonus pay before the end of the year.” He explained that this bonus will be for all health workers who, in this case, will be classified as frontline workers. In an invited comment on Monday, Minister Anthony affirmed, “A lot of the health workers that I have spoken to are very happy that they are getting two weeks of their salary that really is tax-free and they are really happy to benefit from that bonus.” On Sunday, the Guyana Chronicle reported that healthcare workers were happy that they are receiving a bonus- though some of them also contended that a larger bonus could have been given since they have been

chances for mutual respect, justice, racial harmony and peace in Guyana,” Dr.Brian O’Toole of the Coordination Team of the Imagine Guyana Project said in a release. The report’s findings will be shared widely, and will inform Phase Two of the project that will focus on an action plan that will be developed by youth to facilitate racial harmony in Guyana. In the next phase, the organisers will be reaching out to the wider Guyanese community, including the diaspora, to support the planned interventions. The next phase will include youth presenting their vision of the Guyana they

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony

working amidst a global pandemic since March. Following the President’s announcement, the GPSU said this decision was “arbitrary”, given that it was a decision made without the full input of the union. Through a statement issued to the media, the GPSU also highlighted the challenges the workers have been facing since March. The GPSU contended that a bonus could not substitute a risk allowance and posited that the bonus should be at least one month’s tax free salary. But on Monday, when questioned about the stance of the GPSU, the Health Minister said, “I don’t know, maybe the union is out-ofsync with its membership

but generally, I think a lot of people are quite happy.” He also emphasised that the Government was very happy to provide the bonus to the healthcare workers, recognising the good work that they do. In September, many healthcare workers staged protests in order to be reclassified as frontline workers and to receive compensation and benefits due to the service they were providing amidst the pandemic. The GPSU and the Government have been negotiating these concerns, but no definitive, mutually agreed upon decision has been reported as yet.

wish to see through art, poetry and music. The survey poster and link can be found on the “Youth Can Move the World 2020” Facebook page (www. facebook.com/Youth-Can-Move-TheWorld-2020-108253237362036). The survey link is: https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/P5LMFJ5 “For the success of this initial phase of the project, we need as much support from everyone to share this survey with friends, neighbours, co-workers and family. With your help, we can reach thousands of youth,” Dr. O’Toole said.

Essequibo mother opens gym

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 4, 2020

–– encourages healthy eating and daily exercise By Indrawattie Natram “WITH the Christmas season approaching, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and weight, especially since the season is one where there is an abundance of foods and drinks.” These were the wise words of Qurian Spellen, 30, of Anna Regina Housing scheme. Spellen is the owner of a gym and also a gym instructor by profession. The mother of two adorable children said she gave up her job in June to open a gym. Her gym is currently located at Barakat Mall at Henrietta, Essequibo Coast, Region Two. Currently, Spellen trains 18 women at various sessions starting as

Inside the gym established by Qurian Spellen

early as 06:30 hours in the morning and as late as 19:30 hours in the night. Spellen told the Guy-

ana Chronicle that she was inspired to become a gym instructor by her past experiences.

According to Spellen, she had many relationship issues in the past which led to her developing low self-esteem

Qurian Spellen during an exercise session

and poor body image. Her body, she said, was very thin and the comments from people really motivated her to start a new career. Spellen joined Imam Bacchus and Sons Gym in 2018 and was working out by herself. She said she eventually started to gain weight and was further motivated. During her time at the gym, she helped other women who struggled with their weight. Soon after, she realised that she wants to take ‘gyming’ seriously. With the help of Youtube videos and practice, Spellen became an instructor at Imam Bacchus and Sons Gym, then later moved on to Barakat Gym. She was just instructing and daily, more and more women were joining which served as motivation for her. In June, she quit her job and pooled her resources to buy gym equipment. “I opened my gym because a lot of women out there feel that when they get a child their life finishes because their body changes. Many of the women have low self-esteem. I enjoy giving advice to women and also show them that life is beautiful,” Spellen said. Spellen said besides coaching, she also counsels her clients. Women empow-

erment, she said, is important and she is happy to guide many in the process. On a daily basis, Spellen works with women, helping them to shed weight and also to gain weight depending on what they require. The gym is also open to men; however, she does not train them. Her clients follow a strict diet plan. “You can be exercising but if you don’t eat a healthy and small portion then it won’t work, it’s a lot of commitment and determination, you have to start small and eventually you will get that dream body,” Spellen told the Guyana Chronicle. The special classes offered focus on calorie burning, weights, and yoga. A special package is also available to females who come in a group. To join the gym without an instructor, a client pays $4000, but with an instructor, the price is doubled. The gym currently houses treadmills, dumbbells, abs machines, bicycles, squat bars and yoga mats among others. For those who cannot make it to the gym, she advises to stick to a low carbs diet and to do routine skipping in the evening. A healthy lifestyle will eventually lead to a positive life, Spellen said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 4, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, December 4, 2020

Police get bikes, accessories from RRT Enterprise

THE Ministry of Home Affairs, on Thursday, received two motorcycles worth approximately $1M each along with accessories to help police officers perform their duties. Subject Minister, Robeson Benn, received the cycles from owner of RRT Enterprise, Sean Ramrattan, in a simple handing over ceremony at the Ministry’s Brickdam office. The minister expressed his gratitude and said the donation came at a signifi-

cant time, before he handed it over to the Guyana Police Force representative. Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Clifton Hicken and Traffic Chief, Ramesh Ashram, were in attendance. Minister Benn encouraged others to support the work of the Force. “I want to thank you again for your engagement, for your support, for your interest, as someone too in the transport sector, as a supplier and I want to use the opportunity to suggest to

$1B housing project rolls out in Region Three next year

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues

OVER $1 billion will be injected into the Region Three housing sector come 2021, through an Inter-American Development Bank-funded project. Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, announced this during an interview with DPI on Wednesday. “We already have funds committed to that programme for the development of Region Three. The areas are Parfaite Harmonie, Onderneeming, West Minster, RecDoor-Zee, Lust-en-Rust and Schoonard,” she revealed. The IDB project, which is slated to commence in January, is targeted at infrastructural elevation in existing housing areas to make it more appealing to prospective homeowners and create more sustainable communities. The minister disclosed that the works would cover the construction of three playgrounds, 50 core houses and at least 500 subsidies will be granted to qualifying prospective homeowners. Additionally, the minister noted the inclusion of light-emitting diode (LED) lights aimed at enhancing safety features in the communities, road construction and upgrades, as well as water

distribution networks. For the community of Lust-en-Rust, further water relief is on the way. The minister visited the community in August, and a temporary water solution was established to bring relief to residents who had no prior access to water. “We redirected water from other wells so that they can get immediate relief, but they need a more permanent solution, and their own well is the permanent solution,” said Minister Rodrigues, noting that an allocation is being put forward to deliver the well soon. Also, on the ministry’s agenda for housing development are expansion and upgrades of existing housing areas including Stewartville, Edinburgh, Anna Catherina, Tuschen and Zeelugt. Further, Region Three is also set to benefit from a US$100 million water treatment project for which the government is securing funding. That should increase water treatment capacity on the coastland from 52 per cent to 90 per cent. Minister Rodrigues revealed that a presentation of the project was made to the Dubai delegation, which recently visited Guyana. (DPI)

other agencies and businesses to give similar support to the police for the assets they have to use for their operations.” Ramrattan said the donation was part of his contribution to society, as someone involved in the transportation sector. “I am giving back to the society, to help the society… Once I start making a little more profits, I can share with the society through the Guyana Police Force,” he said. (DPI)

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, receives donation from Sean Ramrattan, owner of RRT Enterprise

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 4, 2020

A journey through film

“

― Guyanese cinematographer publishes catalogue of local industry pioneers

A Biographical Overview of Guyanese Filmmakers between 2002 -2012” written by Yaphet Jackman can prove to be an invaluable tool to film enthusiasts and aspiring filmmakers who may need information about pioneers in the field and their work over the years. The researched material, which was initiated as part of Jackman’s thesis work in the Communications Programme at the University of Guyana, documents and catalogues the work of Guyanese filmmakers. “I thought that this was the best thing that I could’ve done given my career tra-

a more inclusive study that can be used as a developmental and institutional tool for the modernisation of Guyana’s film industry. “At the time, my interests of being in the film industry, in and outside of Guyana, I was curious to know who my pioneers were. I didn’t get any kind of solid information of any contemporary filmmakers. Most of them were all older that left the country and are in different spaces. Putting it altogether…. was pretty good. I kind of treat it like a catalogue which I should be expanding on later and to make it digital so that people could have that kind of access,” Jackman explained. Apart from creating an archive of

He is looking forward to 2021 for another edition of the 592 48HR Film Challenge

jectory,” Jackman, New York-born, Guyanese-raised filmmaker, told the Buzz. He left Guyana in 2014 to pursue his Masters in Fine Arts - FILM at the Ohio University. This move, he said, was necessary to get to the next level of his career goals seeing that Guyana doesn’t have an institution or programmes to develop such skills. A Cinematographer (also referred to as the Director of Photography), Jackman has expressed that information and records of Guyana’s visual history through the medium of film ought to be recognised and easily referenced by budding filmmakers and generations of Guyanese to come. Essentially, he said the 88page book will serve as a reference point for present and upcoming filmmakers who would like to network, interview or bond with them to get a better understanding of their work and how it is done. The study is intended to serve as foundational work for

these filmmakers, Jackman also wants to create a database so that aspiring filmmakers can look to these people and see their work. “I wanted to catalogue filmmakers and find them to know them and meet them and get to know their work so I can draw inspiration from them and collaborate with them,” he said. Jackman has been pursuing this work since 2012. “That community has now grown. I know of several Guyanese filmmakers across the world doing amazing things. This book is to truly create access and to provide information for film enthusiasts,” he stated. Jackman’s last visit to Guyana was in June 2019 and due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, he couldn’t be here this year. He intends to be in Guyana annually to continue to build festivals, programmes, and initiatives to aid in the country’s film industry, through his company Bent

Street Films LLC. “I’m looking forward to 2021 for another edition of the 592 48HR Film Challenge. This challenge is an annual event where filmmakers and hobbyists make a film in 48

hours to win prizes and developmental opportunities,” Jackman said. “I’m urging the public and private sectors to continue to do their part in the creation and development of Guyanese filmography.”

Cinematographer Yaphet Jackman

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 4, 2020

Creative Arts Teacher Launches Dance/Music Studio to Target East Coast creatives

HE creative arts scene in Guyana is ever-growing, with more and more local persons embracing their extraordinary gifts for music, dance, visual arts and even acting. Many persons have been joining in on the vision of having Guyana’s art and entertainment scene elevated to international levels and this includes the founder of “Best Art Studio” Keneisa Best. The studio, which was officially launched on November 28, would facilitate classes in classical dancing as well as music for students ages 3 to 16 that reside on the East Coast of Demerara. Best in an interview with the Buzz said that she started the studio as a way to bring necessary resources to children who reside on the East Coast of Demerara. She stated that she noticed that the major music and dance schools, the Na-

tional School of Music and the National School of Dance, are located in central Georgetown which could potentially see some dance and music students having difficulty accessing those resources. “I have noticed that the children of on the East Coast do not have equal opportunities as the children in central Georgetown when you go to dance competitions you see the difference in techniques and training and I know that this is because of the access disparity between them so I wanted to open a place where they would get the opportunity to come and get training and learn techniques so that they can be better at dancing and music and it would be closer to home,” said Best. The Studio is located in Vigilance on the East Coast of Demerara and will be facilitating training in dance and music for children ages 3 to 16 with the addition of some adult dance and aerobics classes.

Best further stated that she has always had a love for the arts and always works to share her knowledge and training with other persons who are open to learning. She currently works as a creative arts teacher after gaining a distinction in the CSEC theatre arts programme through the institute of creative arts in 2018. She additionally holds a certification in two grades of music from the Royal Business School of Music. Best told the Pepperpot that there are countless benefits from being involved with the arts and said that this is one of the main reasons she got involved in teaching so that she could assist the future generations in accessing those benefits. “The arts, music, performing, dancing, they all help us to become better people, more diverse and better able to function in any position in life. I think the programme would be very instrumental in the lives of the students, who are mainly

(From right) Owner of Best Art Studio, Keneisa Best, along with Director of the National Dance Company Vivienne Daniels

residents on the East Coast because the arts allow persons to express themselves to become more confident and have a sense of balance,” said Best. Further, she stated that she believes art allows persons to function better in their academic pursuits. She reminded that although dance and music are hard work they also are a form of relaxation, and they allow persons to have that moment of relaxation away from their daily school or work obligations. “A few years back the ministry piloted a programme in a few primary schools, and I was a part of the programme in my primary school and those children are the children that rote common entrance this year,” she said. “I’m not saying that music was the one thing that allowed them to perform but I will say that music was instru-

mental in that class performing so well because the children were so interested in learning music and we know that music opens both sides of the brain. It allows them to apply a different kind of skills so the arts will allow our children to become more confident in what they do.” She further stated that while a cost will be attached to the training at the studio, she has already committed to having an outreach programme that targets five girls that reside on the East Coast who were offered the opportunity to attend free classes at the studio the remainder of their lives. “However long their parents would like them to do dancing here they are allowed to have access to free classes. Also, I said we want to reach out to the community, it’s not always going to be about the money. We plan to have weekends where we have a free dance crash course for children to just come in and experience

Internal Shots of the Best Art Studio

learning and being in a studio,” she said. Best reiterated her statement that the studio was launched with the idea of bringing the resources to the children of the East Coast, and stated that this is one of the ways Guyanese can continue improving the entertainment and arts sector in Guyana. “I am a resident here and I know of the talent we have here. All across Guyana there are talented little boys and girls who just need access to resources and that’s why I am here to help provide that access; to help those boys and girls realise the extent of their talent,” Best said. “I wanted to create a space where they would be given the opportunity to express themselves no matter their age or their skill level.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 4, 2020

A few of the other talented artiste who coped awards at the event last weekend

OME of Guya n a ’s l o c a l talents were honoured, recognised and awarded at the first Linden Music Awards which was staged last weekend at the Watooka Guesthouse, Mackenzie Linden. The event which is set to be an annual event was live streamed in keeping with COVID-19 protocols. The event was hosted by Secretary of the Region 10 Tourism Committee, Adrian Boston, and Television personality Kady Sears. In attendance were Linden’s Mayor, Waneka Arrindell; Parliamentarians, Jermaine Figueria and Nema Flu Best along with other regional officials. The event awarded many of the town’s best musical talent. The Best New Artiste of the Year was Mafi and the Music Producer of the Year went to Code Red Records, while the following other categories were also recognised: Contemporary Artiste of the Year – Diana Chapman; Soca Artiste of the Year – Brandon; Rukatooks Artiste of the Year – Gucci Boss; Dancehall Artiste of the Year

Linden makes history with first music award ceremony activity to honour the town’s most talented. “Tonight, Linden has made history once again, with the introduction of the annual Linden Music Awards,” he said. He added that during this time while Guyana and the rest of the world are battling

Artiste, Mafi sweeps Linden music awards

– Davy Marley; Linden Music Ambassador Award 20192020 – Ralston Richmond; Reggae Artiste of the Year -Best; True Patriot Award – Static; Calypsonian of the Year – De Professor; People’s Choice Award – Mafi; Songwriter of the Year – GT Youths; Best Live Contemporary Band – Cannon Ball. In addition, the Best Live Gospel Band went to the Redeemers Band, while the following were also recognised: Best Female Gospel Artiste – Rene Winter; Best Male Gospel Artiste – Double G; Denis Parkinsoin Lifetime Achievement Award – Jeffrey Jackson; Music Video Di-

rector of the Year – Director DEX; Best Cover Remix – Deon Anderson; Best Music Video of the Year – Miracle; Dancehall DJ of the Year – DJ Badboyz; Radio DJ of the Year – DJ Fearless; Children Band/ Steel Orchestra Award – Linden Drum Core; Musician of the Year – Pastor McDonald; Collaboration of the Year – Davy featuring Mafi while the R&B/Hip Hop award went to Lashawn Banz. Giving closing remarks at the event, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Region 10 Tourism Committee, Devin Sears stated that the event will be an annual

a global pandemic, artistes have somewhat been able to keep the nerves and panic of the effects of the pandemic at bay. He urged artistes to continue to work on their craft, use social media as a platform to promote themselves and posited that next year will be

a great year for Linden and Guyanese Music. Additionally, Sears added that the Linden billboard will be introduced and as a bonus for each award, $100,000 will be given in the coming year. “If you think 2020 was great, wait until 2021,” Sears gushed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 4, 2020

The Year in Gospel Charts 2020:

Kanye West Rules Once Again as Top Artist

ILLBOARD To p G o s pel Artist of 2020 is Kanye We s t , w h o repeats from his 2019 triumph. The superstar is also the top male gospel artist this year. On the year-end Top Christian Artists category, West finishes as the No. 2 act for the year, behind Lauren Daigle. Billboardâ€™s year-end

music recaps represent aggregated metrics for each artist, title, label and music contributor on the weekly charts dated Nov. 23, 2019, through Nov. 14, 2020. The rankings for Nielsen Music/ MRC Data-based year-end recaps reflect equivalent album units, airplay, sales or streaming during the weeks that the titles appeared on a respective chart during the tracking year. Any activity registered before or after a

titleâ€™s chart run isnâ€™t considered in these rankings. That methodology detail, and the November-November time period, account for some of the difference between these lists and the calendar-year recaps that are independently compiled by Nielsen Music/MRC Data. Westâ€™s 2019 album, his first spiritual-themed set, Jesus Is King, opened atop Top Gospel Albums, Top Christian Albums and the

all-genre Billboard 200. In its opening week on the Nov. 9, 2019, dated lists, the set earned 264,000 equivalent album units, the biggest week ever for a faith-based album. Since its arrival, Jesus Is King has spent more than a year at No. 1 and is the No. 1 album on the Top Gospel Albums year-end tally. The No. 2 Christian Album of 2020 also comes from Westâ€™s world. Jesus Is Born, credited to the Sunday Service Choir (with production by West), finishes in the runner-up position. The album was released on Dec. 25, 2019. After just a day-and-a-half of tracking, Jesus Is Born entered Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart (dated Jan. 4, 2020) at No. 2 starting with 6,000 equivalent album units earned (3,000 in album sales) in the week ending Dec. 26, according to Nielsen Music/ MRC Data. Jesus Is Born peaked at No. 2 on Top Gospel Albums, not making it to the summit only because Westâ€™s own Jesus Is King LP was dominating at No. 1. Sunday Service Choir is also the leading gospel group of 2020. Meanwhile, the lead track on Jesus Is King, â€œFollow God,â€ is the No. 1 song of the year on Hot Gospel Songs, which is powered by streaming, airplay and sales. â€œFollow Godâ€ has spent more than 40 weeks at No. 1. Concurrently, it is the No. 1 song on the year-end Gospel Streaming Songs list and No. 2 on Gospel Digital Song Sales. Plus, Westâ€™s “Wash Us in the Blood,” featuring Travis Scott, is the No. 4 Hot Gospel Songs title of 2020. â€œWash Usâ€ started at No. 1 on both Hot Gospel Songs and Hot Christian Songs on the surveys dated July 11. It reigned for eight weeks on the former and two frames on the latter. Itâ€™s also the No. 1 song of 2020 on Gospel Digital Song Sales. Meanwhile, the Top Female Artist of 2020 is Tasha Cobbs Leonard, who is No. 3 on the overall ranking, coming in behind West and Kirk Franklin. Cobbs Leonard places two sets in the Top Gospel Albumsâ€™ year-end list; her 2017 album Heart, Passion, Pursuit, which

bowed in the penthouse and spent 29 frames there, is the No. 3 album of the year. The set has yet to leave the weekly top 10 of the Top Gospel Albums chart since its debut on the list on Sept. 16, 2017.

City, Vol. 3: Part 1 is at No. 4 on the year-end list and Maverick City, Vol. 3: Part 2 is No. 38. The collective, based in Atlanta, features well-known artists from both Contemporary Christian and Gospel, in-

Kanye West Cobbs Leonardâ€™s first Top Gospel Albums appearance, her 2013 EP Grace, is her second top 10 of 2020, coming in at No. 9 for the year. In 2020, Cobbs Leonard scored her fifth No. 1 on Top Gospel Albums. Royalty: Live at the Ryman blasted in atop the chart dated Oct. 10 with 3,000 units. The 17-track Royalty was initially intended to be recorded live in front of a crowd at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium but, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Cobbs Leonard opted to record it at the historic setting without an audience. In July, Cobbs Leonard added to her Top Gospel Albums top 10 tally when her EP Intercession arrived at No. 3. To date, she has notched five No. 1s among six top 10s. Billboardâ€™s Top New Gospel Artist of 2020 is the gospel and Christian worship music collective Maverick City Music. The actâ€™s album Maverick

cluding Chandler Moore, Bri Babineaux, We the Kingdom and Steffany Gretzinger, among others. Also, Billboardâ€™s No. 2 Gospel Music Artist of 2020 as well as ranking second in the male column is superstar Kirk Franklin. His hit â€œLove Theoryâ€ is the No. 2 track of the year on Hot Gospel Songs. It arrived at No. 1 in February 2019 and has spent more than 44 weeks in the penthouse, including five frames during the 2020 chart year. Franklinâ€™s â€œJust for Me,â€ which topped the Gospel Airplay chart in June, becoming his seventh leader, ranks at No. 4 on the Gospel Airplay year-end list. Finally, the No. 1 Gospel Airplay song of the year is Pastor Mike Jr.â€™s â€œBig.â€ The single ruled for 10 weeks starting in February, becoming the artistâ€™s lone No. 1 so far. Pastor Mike Jr. is the No. 12 Top Gospel Artist of 2020 and No. 6 in the male category. (Billboard.com)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 4, 2020

H E trailer to Wendy Williams biopic is here and it looks like she may be spilling TEA tea! Wendy Williams announced that sheâ€™d be teaming up with Lifetime to share her life story on our TV screens. The trailer officially dropped Thursday morning, and as Wendy would sayâ€“my mouth is watering. From the teaser, weâ€™re able to see that Wendy is going

to touch on everything from her unforgettable interview with Whitney Houston, to the infidelities in her marriage. Leigh Davenport wrote the script for the movie and the initial press release stated, â€œThe authorized project provides a revealing look at Wendyâ€™s journey, from her scrappy upstart days in urban radio to the success of her own syndicated talk show.â€ In addition, Ciera Payton, who slays her roll in â€˜The Ovalâ€™ will be

Megan Thee Stallion Becomes First Woman With Three Streaming Songs No. 1s in One Year Megan Thee Stallion

E G A N Thee Stallion hits No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Songwriters chart (dated Dec. 5), ruling for the first time on the strength of eight songwriting credits on the Billboard Hot 100. Seven of the tracks appear on her new debut LP Good News, which arrives at No. 1 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with 100,000 equivalent album units, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. Leading her Hot 100 songs total is “Body,” which she co-wrote with Lil Ju and Christopher Perel, new at No. 12. Notably, Megan Thee Stallion’s “Circles” has 24 credited writers, as the song samples Jazmine Sullivan’s 2010 song “Holding You Down (Goin’ in Circles).” Sullivan’s song interpolates Mary J. Blige’s “Be Happy” and samples Biz Markie’s “Make the Music With Your Mouth, Biz”; The Honey Drippers’ “Impeach the President”; Nas’ “Affirmative Action,” featuring AZ, Cormega and Foxy Brown; and Doug E. Fresh & The Get Fresh Crew’s “La Di Da Di,” featuring

Slick Rick. Thus, many of the writers of those tracks are credited as writers on “Circles.” Megan Thee Stallion concurrently ranks at No. 1 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songwriters chart, also for the first time, and leads Rap Songwriters for a second week. On the Hot 100 Producers chart, Good News collaborator Lil Ju debuts at No. 6, thanks to his production credits on “Body” and “Do It on the Tip.” Country-focused producer Joey Moi leads the list for a seventh week. The weekly Hot 100 Songwriters and Hot 100 Producers charts are based on total points accrued by a songwriter and producer, respectively, for each attributed song that appears on the Hot 100; plus, genrebased songwriter and producer charts follow the same methodology based on corresponding “Hot”-named genre charts. As with Billboard’s yearly recaps, multiple writers or producers split points for each song equally (and the dividing of points will lead to occasional ties on rankings). The full Hot 100 Songwriters and Hot 100 Producers charts, in addition to the full genre rankings, can be found on Billboard.com/biz. (Billboard.com)

playing Wendy Williams, and Morocco Omari will be playing Wendyâ€™s ex husband Kevin Hunter. It seems like itâ€™s going to be a whole even as a documentary on Wendy Williams will be airing right before her biopic airs on Saturday, January, Wendy Wil liams 30th, 2021. (theshaderoom. com)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 4, 2020

Williamson puts Kiwis in control with 22nd Test ton IN what was a much-improved start to Day 2 by West Indies, Ross Taylor and Henry Nicholls were dismissed early in the morning session on Friday, but Kane Williamson continued to march on with another assured period of batting display by the New Zealand skipper, helping the side to 346 for 4 on Lunch. Resuming the day on 243 for 2, after half-centuries from Tom Latham and Williamson on the opening day proved to be a solid counter on a green wicket where West Indies had elected to bowl, New Zealand had seized the advantage in the Hamilton encounter. However, Shannon Gabriel struck in the second over of the morning, inducing an edge off Ross Taylor’s bat, ending the veteran batsman’s stay on 38 and separating the third-wicket alliance on 83. Soon after Williamson brought up his 22nd Test century by rocking back in his crease and pulling a short of length delivery for a boundary through the off side for a boundary. It remained a feature of his batting, soon prompting the West Indian skipper to employ a fielder at deep point. The New Zealand

skipper defended balls that were on the offstump or close to the stump line but was quick to cash in on anything wide or too short. As a result, despite being in no hurry to score, he picked runs at ease and remained the only New Zealand batsman to do so without the struggle in the morning session where West Indian bowlers bowled tighter channels. Of the 103 runs scored in the session, Williamson picked 71. There were times when the balls jagged back and away to cause discomfort. There were times when Alzarri Joseph even came round the wicket. But none of it proved effective against Williamson. Tom Blundell didn’t look as comfortable through the course of his stay but was happy to bide his time in the middle, trying to replicate the approach adopted by his captain. Henry Nicholls, though, wasn’t as disciplined and ended up getting lured into a drive by Kemar Roach and edging a ball to Jason Holder at slips, while batting on 7. His dismissal though remained the last of the success for the visitors in the opening session as Williamson and Blundell provided able defiance, batting more than an hour of play before lunch for 65 runs, of

which the latter contributed only 8. On an absorbing opening day at Seddon Park extended to 19;30hrs (02:30hrs) Eastern Caribbean time) after the first session was lost to persistent rain, the Black Caps coasted to 243 for two with Williamson unbeaten on a calculated 97. Latham perished for 86 when seemingly set for his 12th Test hundred while Ross Taylor came late to further frustrate an already tired Windies attack with an unbeaten 31. With rain around and boosted by the sight of a green top, West Indies opted to bowl first after play finally got underway at 13:00hrs (20:00hrs ECT), but found themselves starved of success dispute the early capture of debutant Will Young for four in the fourth over of the afternoon. The right-hander had been missed the previous delivery off speedster Shannon Gabriel when he nicked one between wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich and Darren Bravo at first slip, for the only four of his innings to third man. Dowrich initially moved to his right but then pulled out while Bravo turned his back, allowing the chance to go a-begging.

Off the very next delivery, however, Gabriel produced a full-length delivery that was angled in, trapping Young palpably lbw as he played across. Arriving at the crease with his side on 14 for one, Williamson wasted little time finding his stride in an innings which has so far consumed 219 balls and included 16 fours. Importantly, he posted 154 for the second wicket with the left-handed Latham, who faced 184 balls and struck 12 fours and a six, the pair taking the Black Caps to tea on 99 without further loss. Both were unhurried early on and New Zealand crawled to 23 for one off 11 overs inside the first hour and 62 for one at the second drinks break, as captain Jason Holder rung the changes in a session extended to nearly three hours. Latham provided the early momentum and was unbeaten on 45 at tea but escaped with a life in the penultimate over before the break when West Indies opted against reviewing an appeal for caught behind off Holder, with subsequent TV replays confirming a thin edge. The tourists also muffed another chance to claim Latham on 80, the 28-year-

old finding himself stranded after being sent back over a short single, only for Shamarh Brooks to miss the stumps at the striker’s end with his throw from short square. Seamer Kemar Roach, who played the Test despite death of his father hours earlier in Barbados, ensured the miss did not prove costly as he bowled Latham through the gate with the second ball of his second spell after tea, with one that angled in and straightened. But any hopes of further breakthroughs were quickly dashed, however, as Taylor, who has hit five fours in 61 balls at the crease, put on 75 in an unbroken third-wicket partnership with Williamson to sustain the Black Caps’ advantage. The unruffled Williamson, on 39 at tea, spent 22 balls on 49 before reaching his 33 Test half-century off the first ball following the first drinks break. With Windies seamers finally finding their lengths inside the last hour, Williamson and Taylor survived a difficult period, especially against Alzarri Joseph who beat the bat several times in an impressive five-over spell that yielded four maidens and just seven runs.

CRICKET West Indies (CWI) has won the 2020 Christopher Martin-Jenkins Spirit of Cricket Award for sending their men’s and women’s teams to tour England. The men’s side arrived in June for a three-Test series when coronavirus infection rates in England were high.

The women played a Twenty20 series in September at short notice after India and South Africa were unable to tour because of the pandemic. “We are delighted,” said Cricket West Indies chief executive Johnny Grave. “I’d like to thank MCC and BBC for recognising the efforts that our teams made in

helping to ensure that international cricket came back safely during the pandemic.” All matches this summer were played in a bio-secure environment, with players staying in hotels on site and no fans allowed in the grounds. MCC president and former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara said West

Indies’ actions “truly embodied the spirit of cricket”. The MCC and BBC, who created the award in 2013 in memory of former BBC Test Match Special commentator and MCC president Martin-Jenkins, also praised Pakistan Cricket Board, Cricket Ireland and Cricket Australia for allowing teams to tour.

They also said England and Wales Cricket Board made a “herculean effort to host international cricket in this extraordinary year”. Last year’s winners were New Zealand men’s team, who were recognised for their conduct after losing the World Cup final to England. (BBC Sport)

Cricket West Indies wins CMJ Spirit of Cricket award

Barca should have sold Messi, says interim president MADRID, Spain (Reuters) - Barcelona’s interim president Carlos Tusquets feels the club should have cashed-in on Lionel Messi during the summer trans-

fer window. Messi was heavily linked with a move to Manchester City and sent a recorded delivery (Burofax) letter stating his intention to leave. He later said the decision was due to being disillusioned with the direction the now former board had taken the club. Ex-Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu resigned in October rather than face a vote of no-confidence, with Tusquets taking temporary charge until

January’s elections. “Economically speaking, I would’ve sold Messi in the summer window,” Tusquets told RAC1 radio station. “Both in terms of what you save on the wage bill as well as the money you make, it would’ve been desirable. But this is something the coaching staff will have to consent to and that’s not my place. “La Liga are setting salary limits at the moment and this would’ve helped on that front.”

Messi’s current contract expires in June, when he is expected to leave for free and on Wednesday former Barca team mate Neymar spoke of his desire to link up with the Argentine again. “What I want most of all is to play with Messi again, to be able to enjoy him once again on the pitch,” he said after his club PSG’s 3-1 Champions League win against Manchester United. “I want to play with him next year, for sure. We have

Stanton Rose Jr ...

included a tournament-high 41 points performance which came in Guyana’s 104–102 double overtime win against St Vincent and the Grenadines. He totalled 106 points (third overall), led the tournament in steals totalling 15

at an average of 2.5 per game, was third in points per game (17.7), third in assists per game, eighth in rebounds per game and was the fourth best efficient player. Stanton Rose placed his name amongst players like Lugard Mohan, Auric Tap-

to do it next season.” Tusquets conceded that scenario was unlikely to transpire at the Nou Camp, where the purse strings have been tightened following the COVID-19 crisis. “If he (Neymar) became available on a free transfer then maybe we could think about signing him,” he said. “Without making sales, there’s no money for new signings unless the new president has incredibly deep pockets.”

TURN FROM BACK PAGE

pin, Stanislaus Hadmon, Lorenzo Withrite and Leon Christian (just to name a few) as some of the most talented to ever suit-up for Guyana, but what separates him from the aforementioned great ‘ballers’ is that he was able to bring the

‘elusive’ John Yates trophy back to Guyana, and being the youngest-ever to do so. For his exploits, Rose was named Senior National Sportsman-of-the-Year – the only basketball player in the history of the awards, to pick up the accolade.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 4, 2020

KSM Investment, V-Net, among sponsors on board RHTYSC Christmas programme

Bissan Trading’s Ryan Singh presents donation to Hilbert Foster

RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster receiving cheque from Vickram Sukhai of KSM Investment

THE efforts of the ten cricket teams of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation last Tuesday received a major boost when several of the club’s long-standing friends came on board with contributions. The 10 cricket teams Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Poonai Pharmacy Under-12 and Un-

der-13, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, NAMILCO Thunderbolt Under-21 and First Division would be hosting a series of charity projects under their annual Christmas outreach programme. Club Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster and vice-president Mark Papan-

nah received the donations which included toys and financial contributions. Honorary RHTYSC member Safraz Sheriffudeen, Chief Executive Officer of V-Net Communications, handed over a large quantity of Christmas toys, which would be shared out to children of single-parent households. Long-time RHTYSC sponsor Mr Mahadeo Panchu of KSM Investment Inc., along with the Guyana National Newspapers Ltd, Bissoondyal Singh of Bissan’s Trading and Ricky Deonarine of 4R Bearings also made financial donations to the programme. The long-serving Secretary/CEO, who is also

the president of Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) expressed gratitude to the donors for their assistance and reassured them that all the planned activities would be well organised. The 2020 Christmas Programme of the 10 teams would officially start on Monday, December 7 with the distribution of hampers to less fortunate families. A total of one thousand food hampers valued at $4 000 each will be distributed across Berbice to less fortunate families. The families were identified by a special committee of the club, who visited different communities. The teams would also share out 5 000 Christmas toys to

Whitney Brock of V-Net Communications hands over toys to RHTYSC vice-president Mark Papannah

children drawn from less fortunate and single-parent households. The club will present toys to places of worship across the county and they would distribute them to children in their areas. Among the other projects planned are donations to orphanages, distribution of a special Christmas package to

senior citizens and Christmas breakfast to 500 senior citizens in the Lower Corentyne area. Distribution of educational material, clothing and footwear would also be done in what Foster described as the largest Christmas programme ever organised by the club since it was started in 1990.

ECB says 41 domestic England’s new signal system within spirit of the game, says skipper women’s cricketers turned professional (REUTERS) - The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said yesterday that 41 domestic women’s cricketers had signed full-time professional contracts following a recruitment process in eight of its regions. Several uncontracted women cricketers had been denied what was to be their only source of income earlier this year after the launch of The Hundred competition was postponed to 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ECB had said in June it would pay 25 domestic players a regional retainer as an interim solution. It added yesterday that 16 players had been added to the list and they had all progressed on to full-time terms. “The introduction of these 41 professionals, in addition to our 17 centrally contracted England Women players is the most significant step forward for the women’s game in recent years,” ECB women’s cricket director Clare Connor said in a statement here.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuters) - England captain Eoin Morgan said there was nothing untoward about a new system of signals from analysts in the dressing-room used to send messages to him on the field during limited overs internationals. “It is 100 percent within the spirit of the game,” he told a news conference yesterday as England looked ahead to the start of their three-match One Day International series against South Africa at Newlands today. The system was used as England swept the three Twenty 20 internationals against South Africa with England’s analyst Nathan Lemon placing a series of large numbers or letters on clipboards that were visible from the field, and were meant to help Morgan in his decision-making.

“There is nothing untoward about it. It’s about maximising information we are taking in and measuring it against things, like the coach’s recommendation or the data,” Morgan said. “There’s always been constant communication, verbal or physical, from the

change room to the field to help improve my decisions as captain, to try and correlate the feeling of the flow of the game and what we feel are the right decisions against the data that we’ve already researched coming into the game and, as the game progresses, how that

England white ball captain Eoin Morgan

might change. “It’s something that we’re experimenting with during the game to see if we can improve our performance on the field.” Morgan said not many of the signals had changed his on-field decision-making during the three T20s against South Africa. “There were three in the first game, two in the second and a couple in the third so it’s nice to know that the majority of the decision actually replicates what we feel is right.” England will continue to use the system, he added. “We are definitely going to continue with it and give it enough sample size to see if it improves our decision-making on the field, our performance or it might tell us more about how we understand the information we are taking in during the game.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 4, 2020

CWI inspection team lauds Stunning Shepherd hundred revives Windies A BCB COVID-19 protocols DHAKA, Bangladesh (CMC) – A Cricket West Indies (CWI) inspection team has hailed the bio-secure arrangements put in place by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for West Indies’ proposed tour here next month. CWI director, Dr Akshai Mansingh, along with security manager Paul Slowe, toured stadia in Dhaka and Chattogram, and also visited airports, hotels, hospitals and practice facilities, to ascertain their state of readiness. The tour, expected to comprise Tests and limited overs matches, will be the first international series hosted by the country amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “The protocols that were described to us by the BCB were very, very well thought out,” Mansingh was quoted as saying during a media briefing here. “The fact that there have been three competitions prior to our coming and one (T20 Cup) going on now, obviously, they are well practised (with bio-secure protocols). “We are very happy with what we saw in Dhaka and Chattogram. The facilities are excellent. The COVID protocols are concise and tight. “The national approach, both in the hotels and hospitals that we visited, comply with all international standards recommended for COVID-19.

“From a medical point of view, we are very happy and we now have to present our findings to the board of directors of CWI.

the subsequent global cessation of cricket. Unlike their current New Zealand tour, however, the Caribbean side will be sub-

for the first three days, we suggest in-room quarantine. After the third day, we do a second test. “After that is negative,

Fast-bowling all-rounder Romario Shepherd

CWI and BCB officials inspect the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur (Raton Gomes/BCB)

“I am very confident what we saw is probably as good an arrangement as you can have anywhere in the world.” Bangladesh has recorded nearly 465 000 COVID-19 cases with 6 600 deaths. Dhaka, the country’s capital, has reported over 300 000 cases. If West Indies proceed with the series, it will mark their third international tour since the COVID-19 outbreak last March and

jected to tight protocols because of the elevated levels of infections. “We have to make sure we are in quarantine. It is not just days, but negative tests as well. There has to be at least one negative test before coming and three negative tests while in Bangladesh,” Mansingh explained. “That period is usually seven days, and that’s why the exact dates have to be worked out now. Certainly

we would like to do some practising within our squad but not exposing ourselves to anybody else until seven days are passed. We will have inter-squad practice and activities. “After day seven, the recommendation is that we should have net sessions with Bangladeshi players.” West Indies last toured Bangladesh two years ago for a combination of Tests, One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals.

Joshua looking ‘fantastic’ as focus remains firmly on Pulev – Hearn

ANTHONY Joshua is refusing to look beyond Kubrat Pulev and will be lifted by the presence of fans when he fights the Bulgarian, says Eddie Hearn. Heavyweight Joshua will defend the IBF, WBA and

WBO titles on December 12 in what will be his first outing since regaining the belts from Andy Ruiz a year ago. Hearn has confirmed 1 000 tickets will be available for the bill at Wembley Arena as restrictions are eased amid the coronavirus

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Friday, December 04, 2020

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ:

(1) 1972 (2) WI 0; NZ 0 (5-Test Series)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) What is the highest individual score made by a WI player in a WI/NZ Test in the WI? (2) What is the highest Test score by a NZ player against the WI in the WI to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

pandemic – and demand has understandably been high. The promoter has confirmed Joshua has enjoyed a “great camp” as the 31-year-old understands what is at stake against Pulev, with a lucrative deal to fight Tyson Fury in place for 2021. “He looks fantastic. I mean, he’s under pressure, because we’re here again, aren’t we?,” Hearn said, per Matchroom Boxing. “Talk of the undisputed fight: and just get through Ruiz, just get through Pulev, and we know what happened last time. All of his focus is on Kubrat Pulev, so he knows it’s going to be a dangerous fight.” As for fans being present at the venue, Hearn added: “He is lifted by the fact that there’ll be people in attendance because his whole career has been based on a huge crowd. “When 50 000 people are

trying to get 1 000 tickets, it’s never going to be pretty, but it’s progress. And that’s important, but I feel like he’s had a great camp. “I feel like he’s learning, improving all the time. And I feel like you’re going to get a great performance from him on December 12.” Joshua had been due to face Pulev, his mandatory challenger with IBF, on June 20 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but the bout had to be postponed. The pair had been scheduled to fight in 2017 but will now finally meet this month, with both having just a solitary loss on their professional records. Pulev’s only defeat was six years ago as he was stopped by reigning world champion Wladimir Klitschko. He has won eight on the spin since, including victories over Hughie Fury and Dereck Chisora.

MOUNT MAUNGANUI, New Zealand (CMC) – Fast-bowling all-rounder Romario Shepherd hit an astonishing maiden, first-class century to rescue West Indies A on the opening day of their four-day tour match against New Zealand A here yesterday. A belated inclusion in the touring party due to an injury to veteran all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, 26-year-old Shepherd seized the opportunity with a scintillating 133 as the tourists rebounded to reach 322 all out at Bay Oval. Windies A were in dire straits at 113 for seven before Shepherd arrived at number nine to blast 14 fours and seven sixes in a robust 154-ball knock in a shade over 2-½ hours. He was the aggressor in an all-important 199-run eighth-wicket stand with all-rounder Raymon Reifer who made 65 in a supporting role. In contrast to Shepherd’s fireworks, Reifer faced 162 balls in just over four hours at the crease and punched half-dozen fours. Highly-rated left-hander Nicholas Pooran had earlier chipped in with 46 and Rovman Powell, 27, but West Indies found themselves undermined by fourth seamer Nathan Smith who claimed three for 37. Captain and pacer Jacob Duffy, who bowled the new ball, took two of the last three wickets to fall to end with four for 47. At the close, New Zealand A had reached 10 without loss from the three overs available. Sent in, West Indies A were quickly in trouble at 14 for two when they lost openers Brandon King and Shayne Moseley cheaply inside the first five overs. King swished at a rank, long hop from pacer Doug Bracewell and edged to first slip in the second over while the left-handed Moseley edged a forward defensive prod at Duffy low to second slip. Pooran and Powell then repaired the innings with a 66run, third-wicket stand to keep West Indies A without further damage inside the hour. While Pooran struck seven fours off 74 deliveries, Powell smashed a couple of fours and sixes in a breezy 32-ball innings before he was third out, caught by wicketkeeper Dane Cleaver off a rebound from second slip. Powell’s demise sparked a slide that saw four wickets perish for just nine runs in the space of 41 balls to leave West Indies A reeling on 88 for six at lunch, and when Fabian Allen departed for 19 following a 25-run, seventh-wicket stand with Reifer, West Indies A were in deeper trouble. But Shepherd and Reifer combined to revive the innings, allowing Windies A to march to tea on 184 without further loss. Shepherd then counter-attacked in the final session, lashing his first fifty off 76 balls with seven fours and a six before completing three figures off 135 deliveries, with a gentle paddle sweep for a single off off-spinner Cole McConchie. Reifer raised his 15th first class half-century off 132 deliveries. Shepherd was eventually last out, caught in the deep on the onside off Duffy.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, December 4, 2020

Face masks, no hugging for returning Premier League fans By Simon Evans

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Fans will have to wear face masks when they return to Premier League grounds in small numbers at the weekend and avoid hugging each other when celebrating goals, clubs have been told. The Premier League’s protocol for the return of up to 2 000 fans to 10 of their 20 venues makes clear that even though sitting outdoors does not require a face mask in the UK, fans will have to cover up inside stadiums. Fans from the same household will be able to sit together but all other supporters will have to spread out in line with a social-distancing seating plan. While singing, chanting and shouting have not been formally banned, spectators are being encouraged to

moderate their behaviour and avoid contact. Fans who manage to get tickets for the games will be sent a code of conduct put together by their club. They will also have

stadiums since the stoppage in March caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and all games since have been played behind closed doors. Supporters returned to some lower division Foot-

Fans must wear masks at EPL games, as Luton and Norwich supporters did at their Championship match

to observe a staggered procedure for leaving grounds. Fans have not been allowed in Premier League

ball League (EFL) games on Wednesday and were present at Arsenal’s Europa League match against Rapid Vienna yesterday.

Hugging, high-fives and back-slaps will not be allowed as the league hopes a smooth and safe return of spectators will allow them to successfully lobby the government to allow pilot events with larger crowds. Although there is no formal target for pilot events at this stage, Manchester United said in October that they had a plan in place to allow 23 500 fans at their 76,000-capacity Old Trafford Stadium using social distancing. T h e f i r s t P re m i e r League fixture to welcome fans will be West Ham United v Manchester United tomorrow, before Chelsea face Leeds United later that day. The North London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal on Sunday will also have fans present. All games will have a

maximum 2 000 supporters in venues in line with ‘tier two’ COVID-19 restrictions. Clubs, who are in England’s ‘tier three’, including the two Manchester Premier League

teams, remain without fans present. Any clubs, whose areas are moved into the lowest risk tier one, will be allowed 4 000 spectators.

CWI offers condolences to Kemar Roach after father dies on eve of first Test WEST Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach began the first Test in the series against New Zealand yesterday with a heavy heart following the passing of his father, Andrew Smith. Roach learned of his father’s death on Wednesday. “Losing a loved one is never easy and we want to offer our full support to Kemar during this very difficult time,” said team manager Rawl Lewis in offering condolences on behalf of Cricket West Indies (CWI). “We got the news as we prepared for the Test match here and the players and team support staff all got together and offered tremendous support.” Both teams wore black armbands on the opening day of the Test match in honour of the fast bowler’s late father. Roach has so far taken 1 for 53 from 15 overs at stumps on day one of the Test in which New Zealand were 243 for 2.

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Williamson puts Kiwis in control with

22nd Test ton

New Zealand’s captain Kane Williamson celebrates his 22nd Test century against West Indies at Seddon Park in Hamilton today

Cricket West Indies wins CMJ Spirit of Cricket award

West Indies played a three-Test series in England when Covid-19 infection rates were high

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Stanton Rose Jr to bounce-off NCAA collegiate basketball career on December 11 Guyana’s Stanton Rose Jr (#11) finishes hard at the basket during action for Panola College in the NJCAA Division 1

SEE PAGE 26

By Rawle Toney REIGNING Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championship MVP, Stanton Rose Jr, will bounce off his National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division Two collegiate career on Friday December 11, against Lubbock Christian University (LCU). Rose will face LCU in back-to-back games in two days, before lacing up another two games, in two days action against Dallas Baptist University on December 18 and 19; his final two games of the year. In April, Rose moved to the San Antonio, Texas-based University of St Mary’s, after playing at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) level with Jacksonville College and Panola College. Speaking exclusively with Chronicle Sport, Rose, who hails from the Berbice River community of Kwak-

telling Chronicle Sport that wani in Region 10, said he “there’s nothing more beauwas anxious to get back on tiful in basketball for me, the court, especially taking than putting on the colours into account that he thinks of my country and making he has something to prove. them proud.” The point guard noted Rose wrote his name in that coming from Guyana Guyana basketball’s hisand playing in the NJCAA, tory books, when he, as an provided the much-needed 18-year-old, captained the help to first allow him to country to their first CBC balance playing a tight Championship, when the schedule and the classtournament was hosted in room; something he wasn’t Suriname. used to doing while in ‘GT’. The flamboyant player He also stated that his was named Most Valuable stints at Jacksonville and Player (MVP) of the tourPanola Colleges, proved to nament for his sensational be the perfect catalyst to the performances, which also NCAA level after receiving many ofTURN TO PAGE 30 fers, following his sensational historic performances at the CBC Championship, where he propelled Guyana to their first Senior Men’s crown. Meanwhile, Rose was adamant, that at any given time, he can be called upon to represent Guyana, Fast-bowling all-rounder Romario Shepherd

Stunning Shepherd hundred revives Windies A

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020