Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_05_12_2021

of Naamryck The elders ha rd-working e ar e ag Vill farmers too k of Naamyrc and resident he farming since Lewis is a farmer into a life of farmland in the old Leyland Sixty-three-year- Essequibo, who ventured acres of es, ground Bank now owns 35 Village, East y school. He he grows crops of pineappl offloading s where workers are completed secondar Hubu backlandbananas. In this photo,(Delano Williams photo) Salem and plantains and boat from Lewis’s farm provisions, ted by pineapples transpor

5th December, 2021

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See Inside No.106566

Timber company to invest over US$4M locally Sunday December

05, 2021

PAGE

03 –– plans to operate in areas along the Corentyne River

Vice-President of Ghana arrives in 04 Guyana with 18-member delegation PAGE

–– to sign bilateral cooperation agreement

Prime Minister of Guyana, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips (right), greets Vice-President of Ghana Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, upon his arrival here on Saturday afternoon. Dr. Bawumia, who is accompanied by an 18-member delegation, will engage high-level Guyanese stakeholders, sign a framework bilateral cooperation agreement, and further advance discussions on several areas of mutual interest as part of efforts to enhance the relationship between the two nations (DPI photo)

‘Silica City is happening’, President Ali discusses major President Ali reaffirms 05 investments with Mexico 11 PAGE

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A Magical Christmas at MovieTowne! The company on Saturday held its annual light-up ceremony, and kicked off the launch of Christmas 2021 in grand style (Photo: Elvin Croker)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 5, 2021

President Ali warns ‘there will be consequences’ …if trade barriers not dismantled for regional integration

By Richard Bhainie BARRIERS to intra-regional trade must be dismantled for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to realise its true potential, and in this regard, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has warned that there will be consequences for countries that are hesitant about removing those barriers and allowing free trade. “We cannot be serious in this region about integration, all the fancy talk, if we are not willing to remove the barriers,” President Ali said while delivering the keynote address at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA)’s 26th Annual Presentation of Awards Ceremony at the Ramada Princess Hotel at Providence, East Bank Demerara on Friday. The Head of State told the consortium of business people at the ceremony that his government will be aggressively pursuing the re-

President Dr. Irfaan Ali delivering the keynote address at the GMSA’s 26th Annual Presentation of Awards Ceremony at the Ramada Princess Hotel on Friday moval of barriers to trade which hinder Guyana from

realising its true export potential, including investing in

the necessary infrastructure and apparatus to achieve it. Importantly, the President was adamant that countries hesitant about removing those barriers will have to face consequences for their unwillingness to do so. “We are going to lead the charge to remove the barriers to our products all across this region; there will be consequences for those who think they can keep the barriers forever. If you believe that you want to keep the barriers forever, then go right ahead, but, trust me, there will be consequences,” President Ali said. CARICOM is a grouping of 20 countries considered developing states whose mandate rests on four main pillars: Economic integration; foreign policy coordination; human and social development; and security. The body came into being on July 4, 1973 with the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which was revised in 2002 to allow for

the eventual establishment of a single market and a single economy. President Ali has been steadfast in his approach to promote regional trade; he made a similar call last Tuesday, while delivering an address at the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA)’s Dinner and Awards Ceremony, where he lobbied for members and stakeholders of the CARICOM region to see their economic space operating as one. At that forum, he focused on intra-regional food trade, and highlighted the glaring disparity in the import and export of food regionally, while lobbying for more to be done to lessen the importation bills, saying that there are numerous products that could be produced in the region, using home-grown, or homemade materials and resources. During his keynote address at Friday’s function, he reiterated, “Don’t tell us

Guyana has the potential to be the food basket of the Caribbean, and then you block us on the other side!” The Head of State has been actively engaging his regional counterparts in pursuing his objective of free and fair intra-regional trade. He has, so far, engaged in discussions with the Prime Minister of Barbados, Ms. Mia Mottley, and the President of Suriname, Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi about strengthening trade between the CARICOM nations. “Prime Minister Mia Mottley has assured me, not only assured, but we have both set ourselves a timetable to dismantle all barriers between Guyana and Barbados to export and import our products; all the barriers,” the President told the GMSA. While in Barbados for the 15th Session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD 15) in October, President Ali and Prime Minister Mottley TURN TO PAGE 3

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 5, 2021

Timber company to invest over US$4M locally - plans to operate in areas along the Corentyne River

By Navendra Seoraj SURICH Forest Guyana Incorporated, a timber harvesting company which has close ties to Malaysia, plans to invest, in two parts, US$4 million to initiate its operations which involve harvesting timber and processing or exporting logs. The company was incorporated in Guyana in 2015 and acquired a State Forest Exploratory Permit (SFEP) in March 2020 for two blocks, A and B, along the Corentyne River. Block A is located on the left bank of the Corentyne River within the Kanakaburi-Mapenna district and has an area of 17,035.68 hectares, while Block B, which has an area of 35,861.55 hectares, is situated on the left bank of the Corentyne River within the Kuruduni-Timehri district. The immediate plan is to hold Block A in reserve and proceed with the development of Block B. This was determined after a rapid assessment of the variables associated with timber harvesting operations. “SFGI will only be allowed to harvest an area of 1,042ha (or up to three per cent of the concession area) per annum. In addition, the company will only be allowed to harvest 8.33m3/ha. “The cycle of events necessary to harvest 1,042ha will be repeated every year. SFGI’s will implement reduced logging principles and practices and abide by national level forest management standards set out in GFC’s Code of Practice, 2018,” Surich out-

lined in a project summary submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Through its concession, the company plans to harvest timber in line with conditions agreed upon by the Guyana Forestry Commission. Guyana has an area of 214,970 km2 of which nearly 75 per cent is covered with natural vegetation. Of this area, approximately four-fifths is classified as State Forests under the jurisdiction of the GFC. The logs harvested by Surich will be conveyed to a log processing facility in Region 10 or Region Four or exported in line with GFC’s export policy. According to the project summary, the company has linkages in Malaysia which will allow for the full utilisation of local logs through the development of timber products based on the properties of each species. “However, the company’s preference is to build up a wood processing facility in Guyana. The cost per Kw/hour for electricity is a major deterrent on the local scene, but the company is encouraged by local initiatives to improve the supply and lower the cost of electricity,” Surich said. The plan for power generation, as outlined by the Government of Guyana, is to have a mix which utilises energy harnessed from water, the sun, wind and from the gas being produced offshore Guyana. Encouraged by the plans for advancement, Surich intends to move ahead with the operations once

Map showing the general location of Blocks ‘A’ & ‘B’ approval is granted. The first order of business, as stated by the company, is to verify the boundaries of the concession, validate the topographic conditions and forest stock and review the area designated as the biodiversity reserve. The second major activity will be the recruitment and training of field operatives and the procurement of appropriate equipment. STIMULATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT “Generally, the project

will stimulate the economic development of the Kwakwani-Hururu-Ituni Triangle (KHIT) by providing direct employment opportunities for (male and female) residents of the area, and by purchasing goods and services in those communities. “From year 2023, SFGI expects to contribute directly to the development of those communities through initiatives linked to its corporate social responsibility programme,” the company related. Surich also expects to

President Ali warns ‘there...

FROM PAGE 2 engaged in bilateral discussions as they sought to strengthen relations between the two nations. President Ali and Prime Minister Mottley discussed several initiatives to advance cooperation and investment in the areas of agriculture and fisheries, oil and gas, mining, forestry, tourism, the hospitality industry, transportation, housing and water resources. Since their meeting,

a high-level Barbadian investment team, headed by Barbadian Minister of Housing, Lands and Maintenance, Dr. William Duguid, paid Guyana a visit to explore opportunities in our housing and construction sectors. Similarly, just last month, a team of 17 investors from Guyana’s neighbour to the east, Suriname, paid us a visit to explore the investment opportunities in the various economic sectors here. That trip fol-

lowed a visit by President Santokhi, and a delegation of government and private sector members to Guyana in August 2021. Following the visit in August, Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Co-operation Albert Ramdin said that the two countries, continental neighbours, are eying the possibility of merging the two economies into a single-market space, thereby boosting opportunities in

both territories. Against the backdrop of rigorously pursuing measures to dismantle trade barriers, the President has encouraged members of the manufacturing and services sector to prepare and align itself to reap the benefits to be derived from doing so. “Whilst we are doing this type of battle, you have to be prepared; you have to build your business model to follow the direction of the policy,” he said.

increase the volume of lumber available on the local market and for export. By doing so, it will contribute to an expanded forest industry and foreign exchange earnings. To ensure that its operations are sustainable and worker-friendly, the company intends to hold regular briefing sessions with field operatives to regularly reinforce the need for adherence to operational standards, including occupational safety and health practices. “All machines will be kept in satisfactory mechanical condition (in accordance with the specifications of the manufacturers) to reduce excessive exhaust emissions, noise, vibrations and spillage of fuel and oil,” Surich said, noting that it will also ensure there is adequate and applicable signage placed at all workspaces, road corridors and waterways. The company also committed to setting up at least five permanent monitoring points for the long-term collection of data on air quality and water quality; this will add to efforts geared at preserving the forest and, by extension, the overall ecosystem. Healthy forests, accord-

ing to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), support sustainable agriculture because, among other things, these ecosystems stabilise soils and climate, regulate water flows, and provide shelter and habitat to pollinators and natural predators of agricultural pests. Forests generate almost one-third of the income of rural families in developing countries, either through monetary income or through satisfying subsistence needs. In Guyana, the forestry sector recorded a decline of 7.1 per cent at the end of the first half of this year compared with the 20.8 per cent contraction one year ago. Total logs, which account for 75.8 per cent of total production, recorded a marginal increase of 0.5 per cent compared to a 24.2 per cent decline in June 2020. This outturn was the result of direct and indirect negative impacts on forest concessions, stemming from the recent flooding. Damages to roads and bridges affected transportation to the interior regions and, in turn, access to forest operations, the Bank of Guyana said.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 5, 2021

Ghana Vice-President arrives in Guyana with 18-member delegation - to sign bilateral cooperation agreement with local stakeholders, engage in high-level discussions

OVER the next three days, an 18-member delegation from the Republic of Ghana, led by that nation’s Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, will engage high-level Guyanese stakeholders, sign a framework bilateral cooperation agreement and further advance discussions on several areas of mutual interest, all part of efforts to enhance the relationship between the two nations. The Vice-President was greeted by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and other high-level Guyanese officials upon his arrival at the

Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), on Saturday afternoon. After stepping out of an American Airlines aircraft, Dr Bawumia made his way to a podium where he stood in the company of Prime Minister Phillips and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, to receive a 21-gun salute from officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). His visit to Guyana follows a trip by Vice-President of Guyana Dr Bharrat Jagdeo to Ghana, for discussions on

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Vice-President of Ghana Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, flanked by Guyana’s Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Elisabeth Harper, receives a 21-gun salute from officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) upon his arrival in Guyana on Saturday (DPI photo)

topics of mutual concern. According to a press statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Bawumia and the 18-member delegation, which includes private sector representatives, will be in Guyana from December 4 to 7 to further intensify Guyana-Ghana bilateral relations. More specifically, the entire delegation from Ghana will engage in high-level bilateral discussions at both governmental and private sector levels, including engagements with President Dr Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Phillips and Vice-President Jagdeo. Vice-President Bawumia will also meet with members of the Ghanaian diaspora and pay a visit to the University of Guyana. Prior to departing Guyana, Dr. Bawumia is expected to co-host a press conference with Jagdeo. Dr Bawumia was born on October 7, 1963, in Tamale to the late Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia, former Chairman of the Council of State (19922000) and Hajia Mariama Bawumia. He attended the Sakasaka Primary school in Tamale, and gained admission to Tamale Secondary School in 1975. After graduating from Tamale Secondary School, Dr Bawumia proceeded to the United Kingdom where he obtained the Chartered Institute of Bankers Diploma (ACIB). He then undertook undergraduate studies at Buckingham University (UK), obtaining a Degree (First-Class Honours) in Economics in 1987. He later obtained a Master’s Degree in Economics at Oxford University (UK) in 1988 and a Ph.D. in Economics in 1995 at the Simon Fraser University in Canada. His areas of specialisation include Macroeconomics, International Economics, Development Economics and Monetary Policy. From 1988 to 1990, Dr Bawumia worked as a lecturer in Monetary Economics, and International Finance at the Emile Woolf College of Accountancy in London, England. He also served as an intern at

the Research Department of the International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC, USA. Between 1996 and 2000, Dr Bawumia served as an Assistant Professor of Economics at Hankamer School of Business, Baylor University, Texas, USA, where he also received the Young Researcher Award in 1998. A s a r e s u l t o f D r. Bawumia’s commitment to excellence in teaching, he made the list of “Who is Who Among America’s Teachers” in 1999. Dr. Bawumia returned to Ghana in 2000 to work as an economist at the Bank of Ghana. He rose through the ranks from Senior Economist to Head of Department, and subsequently as Special Assistant to the Governor of the Bank. Former President of Ghana, J.A. Kufuor, who was still in office at the time, appointed Dr. Bawumia Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana in June 2006. SKILLED POLICY-MAKER At the Bank of Ghana, Dr Bawumia established himself as a skilled policy-maker with a reputation for being a doer, a hands-on technocrat, and a professional with a remarkable ability to successfully handle complex issues. Dr Bawumia was named running mate to the New Patriotic Party flagbearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in the 2008 elections, when he was barely 45. After the 2008 elections, which the NPP and its presidential ticket lost by the narrowest of margins, Dr Bawumia was engaged in several international assignments. He served as a consultant to the UN Economic Commission of Africa between February and March 2009, during which period he prepared a paper on Africa’s position for the G20 London Summit. Between April and October 2009, Dr Bawumia served as a visiting scholar at the University of British Columbia Liu Centre for Global Studies and Fisheries Centre. In October 2009, he was appointed a Fellow of the

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 5, 2021

‘Silica City is happening’ - President Ali reaffirms - urges local businesses to position themselves to reap benefits

President Dr Irfaan Ali and a team of government officials met with a team of investors from Mexico on Saturday (Photo: Office of the President) By Richard Bhainie PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed that ‘Silica City,’ a secondary city slated for the Soesdyke-Linden Highway which will help to relieve the burden from an overpopulated Georgetown, “is going to happen” and has urged local entrepreneurs to align themselves to play a role in the development of the project.

Silica City is the brainchild of President Ali, who, in 2013 while he held the position of Minister of Housing and Water during the tenure of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, had proposed its establishment. “Silica City is going to happen; I’m telling you it’s going to happen and the opportunities which will come with Silica City will be mind-blowing. We are oversubscribed with

investors who want to come in and build Silica City, oversubscribed,” President Ali said in his keynote address on Friday at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s (GMSA) 26th Annual Presentation of Awards Ceremony, at the Ramada Princess Hotel at Providence, East Bank Demerara. Against this backdrop, the Head of State urged local businesses to position themselves

to benefit from the “mindblowing” opportunities which will flow from the project by forming partnerships and consortiums to help with development of the project. “We have a golf course as part of Silica City. Why 100 of you can’t come to us and say we want to do the golf course?” the Head of State asked, while urging the entrepreneurs to pool their resources together and shy away from seeing each other only as competitors, to build the capacity necessary for major projects. “If we have 25 small and medium-sized machining shops that could come together and bring their resources together and create one large machining shop that could take the jobs that big industries are taking… [then] that immediately takes the country on another scale,” President Ali said. “Yes, the family businesses are good, but time is changing; circumstances are changing, and if 10 small businesses

Ghana Vice-President arrives in...

FROM PAGE 4

International Growth Centre (IGC), a research institute based jointly at the London School of Economics and Political Science and Oxford University that provides advice on economic growth to governments of developing countries, specifically serving as an IGC team member for Sierra Leone. He also served as adviser to the Central Bank of Sierra Leone on the redesigning of the organisational structure of the bank and its monetary policy framework. Between October 2009 and October 2010, he served as a Senior Research Associate at the Centre for the Study of African Economies, University of Oxford, Department of Economics. I n J a n u a r y 2 0 11 , D r Bawumia was tapped by the African Development Bank and appointed to the challenging position of Resident Representa-

tive of the African Development Bank for Zimbabwe, where he served with distinction. Until recently, he served as a visiting professor of Economic Governance at the Central University in Ghana. NPP Flagbearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, again tapped the economist and banker as his running mate for the 2016 elections, having also chosen him for the 2012 elections, and the two worked together with the party to record the unprecedented feat of defeating an incumbent who had served just one term as President. On January 7, 2017, Dr Bawumia was sworn in as Ghana’s seventh Vice-President under the fourth republic. Dr Bawumia has gained significant public acclaim for his economic lectures and publications which have constantly revealed the true state of Ghana’s economy and foretold the likely consequences for the

economy, most of which came to pass. He has numerous publications to his credit, including “Monetary Policy and Financial Sector Reform in Africa, Ghana’s Experience,” which has been described as one of the most comprehensive and scholarly works ever done on the country’s monetary policy and economy generally. He is married to Her

Excellency, Hajia Samira Ramadan Bawumia, and they have four children. Vice-President Bawumia loves football, being an ardent supporter of Tottenham Hotspurs in the English Premiership and RTU in Ghana, and is a keen sports enthusiast who follows a variety of sports passionately, including tennis and athletics.

can come together and take away 30 per cent share in that market, aren’t they better off? There is better competitive advantage,” he added. Meanwhile, the President on Saturday highlighted the need for investment in this new city with three investors from Mexico and their Guyanese partner. The meeting at the Office of the President involved several Ministers of Government and other key government officials; it also saw pitches by the investors in areas such as housing, road and hospital construction and oil and gas. The investors made presentations on large-scale housing projects and small prefab hospitals. The investors, led by the Chief Executive Officer of Grupo Industrial Omega, Andres Holzer, also highlighted several other areas of interest, including an oil refinery and a new terminal at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). The President listened to all the ideas, discussed their possibilities and then spoke about his government’s plan to develop Guyana’s secondary

city—Silica City. Guyana currently has one city, Georgetown, which is the centre of economic activities. However, the latest report of the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has noted that Georgetown could be under water by 2030. With Guyana slated for massive growth and development as a result of its burgeoning oil and gas sector and other productive sectors, local authorities have been urging existing and potential stakeholders to look at investment opportunities outside of Georgetown, so as to ensure that advancement is widespread. “Major developments are not for the capital city alone. We wish to see major developments in every region of the country and within these regions development must be widespread and across the board,” the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond said at the sod-turning exercise for a Hyatt Place Hotel at Providence, East Bank Demerara, in November, 2021.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 5, 2021

Hinterland Development HINTERLAND development is an integral part of our national development. The PPP/C administration has placed hinterland development, more specifically Amerindian development, on the front burner and a number of policy measures have been implemented to improve the quality of life of hinterland people, who historically had been neglected by the colonial administration and by the previous PNC regime. Among the several initiatives taken by the current administration are the hinterland electrification programme, the hinterland training programmes, including hinterland scholarship, Amerindian land-titling, enhanced education and health services, better supply of potable water and agricultural development, among others. To say that our hinterland regions are among the most beautiful places in Guyana is an understatement. Unfortunately, there are not many coastlanders who have had the opportunity to visit the natural beauty of our interior locations, including the majestic Kaieteur Falls, which is reputed to be the

world’s highest single-drop waterfall by the volume of water flowing over it. It is one of the world’s most beautiful and powerful waterfall, with an average flow of 23,400 cubic feet per second. Only recently, the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs completed a training programme for village leaders from several hinterland communities to empower them to become better and more effective leaders. According to the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, the government is preparing the ground for human resource development in the hinterland in order to enable village leaders to align their communities with developments taking place countrywide. And in an attempt to boost agricultural production in hinterland regions, the Ministry of Agriculture through the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute {NAREI} recently commissioned a new office in Paramakatoi, Region Eight. The office will be used to conduct training for farmers and other persons in the community who are involved in agriculture and

agriculture related activities. In Region Nine, a proposed hydropower plant at the Kumu River is expected to provide clean and reliable power to residents of Lethem and surrounding communities. The plant will supplement the 0.7 MW Moco Moco hydropower plant. The new plant, when operational, is expected to significantly reduce the cost of energy and is consistent with the PPP/C administration’s comprehensive energy sector reform plan and with its Low Carbon Development Strategy. It will be recalled that the PPP/C in its 2020 Elections Manifesto had committed itself to protecting and enhancing the rights of Amerindians and create opportunities for their overall advancement. In that regard, much emphasis is being placed on infrastructure development in the villages, creating new job opportunities, improving social services and in improving the quality of life of the Amerindian people. A number of policy measures have been put in place to give effect to the promises made including the resumption of Amerindian Land Titling

Programme, updating of the Amerindian Act in consultation with Amerindian communities, putting more resources in the community development plans, increased presidential grants, rehiring of the 2,000 Community Service Officers (CSOs) whose services were unceremoniously terminated by the previous APNU+AFC Coalition Government and improved health and education services, among others. President Ali has repeatedly assured Amerindian leaders and the Amerindian community as a whole that his administration will involve Amerindians integrally in the development process. According to President Ali, “my government is committed to strengthening your inclusion in national decision-making’. He emphasised that the PPP/C administration will foster Amerindian economic empowerment across all of the country’s administrative regions. Amerindian development is now an integral part of national development, thanks to the several policy measures taken by the PPP/C administration.

GECOM must win the trust of our people through exercise of transparent and accountable policies

Dear Editor,

AN abundance of evidence from the March 2020 Elections supports the overwhelming and imbued negative impact of contaminated electoral staff on our democratic process. Indeed, Justice (r’td) Claudette Singh, the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), has had a baptism of fire at the helm of the organisation during the period leading up to and during these elections. Notwithstanding, as the Chairperson of the Commission, her principal role is to ensure the organisation’s mandate of delivering free and fair elections. From the myriad occurrences related to major fraudulent attempts at the last general and regional elections, our nation almost collapsed under the deliberately created and associated stress-fractures. As such, the Chairperson must now ensure all systems are in place to clean up all the rogue elements in the employment of GECOM or be called out for being less than radical enough to address some of the core problems. The need to employ men and women with integrity, who will be held accountable for ensuring free and fair elections cannot be overemphasised. The Commission must, therefore, improve or follow the established principles for recruiting staff with clean and unblemished records that will remove risks and suspicion. The political situation in Guyana for

decades has been characterised by ethnic sensitivities which emphasise the need for strong transparent procedures and oversight for acceptable results. It is not easy to win the trust of the people and decades of flagrant bullish frauds at the hands of the Peoples National Congress, still serve to realise much apprehension about another round of perpetuated thievery. Without any doubt, it is at elections time that demonic-like manifestations normally show their ugly faces. One must admit, however, that there were a few strong and genuine Chairpersons such as Rudy Collins, Doodnauth Singh and Joseph Singh whose real effort and assertiveness made a positive difference. Admittingly, the present Chairperson, Justice Claudette Singh, was appointed to control a moving train and made an effort to complete and provide this country with free and fair elections. It was not without major faultlines and criticisms of management at the various levels of the organisation. The experiences learned demand radical and urgent overhaul since history confirms that it took the steely leadership along with the will of the staff who exercise strong levels of integrity to produce free and fair elections. The failure of GECOM has to be aligned to the failure of the leadership where too many things were taken for granted. The appointed APNU+PNC Commissioners also proved their intolerable indecency by attempting to stretch the applicable laws beyond its

implicit elasticity threshold, while realising unacceptable delays. In so doing, corruptly targeted imbalances contributed to the oneman show in the Secretariat, breakdown in the system that allowed the balanced hiring of staff, key operations and administration monitoring oversight of the staff, and the loss of control by the Commission. It was here the wicked operators of the Secretariat were allowed an almost free lease to manipulate and put in place their rigging plans for the elections. The hemorrhaging started after the 2006 General and Regional Elections. The hiring of staff, the purchasing/procurement of items for GECOM went out of control. The then GECOM Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally allowed the role of the Commission and the Secretariat to be one of the same. The Commission at that time allowed the Secretariat to assume powers to train and employ staff and exercise almost sole control of purchasing. The situation led to exacerbated financial non-accountability as well as strong calls for police investigations by the Auditor General from 2015 to 2018. For these fiscal periods as well as 2020, the audited financial statements seem in a special place that this nation is waiting to see. Our citizens suffered billions of dollars lost during the memorable five months, March to August 2020 elections hiatus. This massive loss was contributed to by the corrupt dictates that could have been avoided. It is the reason why GECOM now is in search

for a Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Deputy CEO, assistant CEO, Chief Accountant, Legal Officer, Logistics Manager, Civic and Voter Education Manager along with many more vacancies. This nation must be fully cognisant of the reality and role play when former President David Granger took it on himself to employ his unilateral choice, the un-fit, and improper James Patterson as the Chairman of GECOM. It was indeed another glaring attempt to fully take over while the partisan and imposed staff selections made all the mischief-makers feel that they were untouchable. This country must put an end to rigging and ensure the March 2020 debacle never recurs. The proposed legislative amendment of the RoPA is an incremental approach to deterring some of the glaring fraudulent practices. The Chairperson and Commission should recognise the support and work to improve GECOM’s image and citizens’ confidence. As for electoral reform, this will only come with the willingness of the politicians to appreciate that we have to work together to win the trust of this nation. Let us wait and see the results of the PNC Congress. The rigging must stop there. And we must have a better opposition that has the interest of this nation for a better Guyana. Yours sincerely, Neil Kumar

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 5, 2021

The seven per cent increase on salaries: the economic rationale

Dear Editor,

SINCE 1991, Guyana had made significant strides in building a robust and vibrant economy until 2014, when the APNU+AFC Government took office. Our macroeconomic achievements have been numerous and quite impressive. From 1991 to 2014, we increased the minimum wage from GYD 2,546 to GYD 42,702 or 1,577 per cent. In fact, just under two years, from January 1993 to January 1995, the PPP/C government increased the minimum wage by around 100 per cent (1996 Budget Speech, page 37). Mind you, Guyana was in a precarious economic situation, and drastic measures were needed to boost aggregate demand. I’m not going to go into too many details, but I think several achievements are worth mentioning. Within the same period, we have managed to improve our net international reserve at the Bank of Guyana from a deficit of US$27.9M to a surplus of US$652M; reduce inflation from 70.3 per cent to 1.2 per cent; reduce external public debt from US$2B to US$1.2B, and slash external debt to GDP-ratio from 677 per cent to 34 per cent. There are several reasons why there was an urgent need to stimulate spending during the early 1990s. One is that our economy was relatively dormant. Two, private consumption had tanked. And three, many of our people were on the breadline. Hence, the decision to increase minimum wages many times over was aptly justified. Fast forward to post 2014 up until 2020, the period the then APNU+AFC Government took office, our economic landscape changed drastically, for the worse. Specifically, within a span of just two years in office, the then government introduced more than 200+ new tax measures on private businesses and consumers. Tax revenues and duties increased from GY$136B in 2014 to GY$ 226B by the end of 2019, or 66 per cent. Of this amount, VAT increased from GY$ 37.3B to GY$ 52.5B or 43 per cent. Putting this into perspective, if we take the size of our GDP in 2014 (which was $875B in 2012 prices) and 2019 (which is $1,023B

in 2012 prices), respectively, and compare each to the amount of total tax revenue collected during the respective years, we see that the effective tax rate as of 2014 was 15 per cent while that of 2019 is 22 per cent; an increase of seven percentage points. This means that the people in 2019 had to pay, on average, 0.22 cents in taxes on every dollar earned, while in 2014, they were paying a mere 0.15 cents. At the level of private consumption, the increase in effective tax rate had greatly affected spending patterns. Critically, and not surprisingly, the level of private consumption in 2019 compared to 2014 fell by more than GY$ 77B. In fact, as a share of GDP, private consumption decreased from 82.7 per cent in 2014 to 53 per cent by the end of 2019 (Appendix G, 2021 Budget Estimate, Vol. 1). This means our people’s spending rate fell by almost 0.20 cents on every dollar earned within a mere four years, which undoubtedly resulted from the burdensome taxes. In 2020 when we took up office, there was a need to unshackle the economy quickly. One of the first fiscal measures was the removal of the 200+ tax measures. This was critical in boosting disposable income at the household level. A quick extrapolation of past revenue patterns would elucidate this policy measure’s impact at the household level. The average growth rate of tax revenue from 2016 (the year the 200+ tax measures were introduced) to 2019 is around 14 per cent. If you apply this 14 per cent to the 2019 figure and then compare that amount to what was collected, it is evident that there is a shortfall of around GY$ 31.4B in taxes. Hence, this is what we have added to our people’s pockets at a very conservative level. At the household level, that is roughly $180,000 per family. In addition to this, we also bring back the ‘because we care cash grant’, we removed VAT on electricity and water for the elderly, provided COVID-19 cash grants, distributed flood relief cash-grants etc. WHY THE SEVEN PER CENT INCREASE IS ECONOMICALLY SOUND Going forward, much

caution is needed as we confront the burgeoning increase in economic activities. For instance, oil production is expected to increase by almost 200 per cent to 320,000 kbd in our oil and gas sector, while construction activities are expected to ramp up. We also expect to see significant increases in production among our traditional sectors, including gold, rice, sugar, livestock, etc. Further, stimulating the wave of activities would be the new local content legislation, which is expected to be enacted by the end of this year. As an emerging and soon to be major oil-producing country, there are specific economic challenges that we need to be aware of that are pretty common among other oil-producing nations. Critically, these include high inflation and labour resource movement effects. Currently, Guyana is experiencing an economic boom thanks to our burgeoning oil and gas sector. According to the World Bank, Guyana is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. While this is excellent news, it also means that we are at risk of said challenges. However, a critical point to note is that we may be exposed to an added degree of these risks, especially high inflation. This may be the case since there is an increase in freight and shipping costs and a global supply chain disruption. In fact, in the US, as of November this year, we have seen that inflation has climbed 6.2 per cent year-over-year, the largest increase since November 1990. Because a large share of our imports comes from the US, higher prices for imported goods could find their way into our economy. Further, we have also seen a sharp increase in foreign direct investments, with an estimated US$2B projected for 2021, while the government has also dished out billions in stimulus packages (COVID-19 cash grant, flood relief grant, etc.). Hence, if we continue on this path without exercising macro-prudential measures, we could see a significant increase in inflation. Another impediment that we may have to be mindful of is what we call the resource movement effect.

This is where labour from our traditional sectors, especially those of the private sector, towards the government. We foresee this as a likely outcome since workers may become more inclined to take up jobs in the public and oil and gas sectors relative to private. In fact, this is something we are currently experiencing. What is worrisome about this structural change is that businesses in the private sector would now have to increase wages to retain or attract workers, an outcome that could suppress profit margins or further increase prices, hence, inflation. Overall, higher inflation could eat its way into,

what Economists call, Real Effective Exchange Rate. If this happens, our local currency will appreciate relative to the currencies of our trading partners, hence, causing export prices to increase. For instance, logging, rice, bauxite, small manufacturing etc., will all increase. In the long run, our entire export sector could collapse due to lower demand. Hence, this is the core of the Dutch disease theory. Now on the seven per cent increase in public salary. This amount is economically viable due to the fear of an increase in inflation. If this occurs, not only would

we undermine the purchasing power of our people, but our export sector as a whole could become uncompetitive. At the macro level, we could see an increase in unemployment and social illness. Hence, I think that increases in public servant wages and salaries should be done in a phased and sustainable manner. In the end, we need to create an economy that works for everyone, for every sector, and for Guyana as a whole, one that is capable of withstanding economic shocks and other externalities. Yours sincerely, Mark Sammy

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 5, 2021

Oil exploration link to reduced fish catch unproven A GROWING chorus of stories have raised questions about one of Guyana’s most important traditional industries. However, fishermen who have real worries about declining catches are pinning the blame on offshore oil operations. Few people would naturally assume that oil is somehow good for fish, so this is an easy story to swallow. But there are real questions that remain about this narrative and getting to the bottom of the real causes is crucial to preserving a historic and valuable industry. Guyana’s fishing take rose throughout the 1980s and 1990s, reaching its peak in 2013 and then declining substantially through 2015— before oil production began. If fishermen are indeed seeing a decline since 2015, it would be critical to assess whether oil actually has a

THIS week, the PPP/C Government must receive the admiration and respect of all law-abiding citizens who support legality, justice, right, and equitable as well as fair and transparent business. The government followed through with a promise to fight against corruption and the accumulation of wealth through questionable means. Therefore, when former Finance Minister Winston Jordan was questioned, no one could claim that they were surprised. After all, Jordan has been the subject of many probes by the government. He allegedly gave State lands away to businessmen reportedly associated with the APNU+AFC Coalition. He allegedly entered into, and concluded, some of the

role or if the decline that began in the early 2010s, long before oil production, has simply continued to this day. Unfortunately, data is scarce and comprehensive analyses of fish stocks that could provide evidence one way or another are nonexistent. But there are a number of other problems with the oil theory as well. Guyana’s fisheries exist overwhelmingly in very shallow waters within a few kilometres of shore. Crucial species like shrimp live and breed in waters only a few metres deep and rely heavily on coastal mangroves. The Stabroek Block oil operations are more than 150 kilometres offshore in water thousands of metres deep beyond the continental shelf. This hardly seems like a plausible cause-effect relationship. Instead, there are several potential factors that

could lend to [A1]the decline in catch unrelated to oil and gas exploration/development. Other factors, like the rapid expansion of coastal infrastructure and modernisation, which impact mangroves that serve as critical breeding grounds, must also be considered. The global problem of overfishing and the aggressive behavior of many countries’ fishing fleets have also caused declines or population movements in many species. An assessment of these conditions is crucial to understanding what is actually at play. While it is unfortunate that the previous government failed to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of ocean resources before oil production began, it is not too late to do so. Examining the fish stocks themselves is also a vital

step that Exxon is now taking. Studying the number of fish in a population and the stability and growth rates of that population is a much more accurate measure of the health of a species than the total weight or price of the fish that are caught annually. The reality is that many of the world’s largest oil producers have traditionally had, and still have, large, thriving and well-managed fisheries. Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, among many others, all have offshore oil operations many times larger than Guyana’s and have huge and productive fishing fleets much larger than Guyana’s. The common denominator of all these countries is that they actively manage their fisheries. Many have utilised agencies to set quotas and limits and carefully TURN TO PAGE 13

Winston Jordan’s arrest is just the tip of the iceberg

most questionable agreements. Also, time nor space does not allow for an explanation of how Jordan allegedly misused his office as a minister. It is an indisputable fact though, that some assets were massively undervalued at the time when the negotiations took place under his tenure. And now that Jordan is charged with misconduct for allowing the sale of the $8B wharf to Brian Tiwari for chicken feed price, and without following the law to the T, Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon is up in arms saying that he will have the ‘best legal’ representation. Harmon is quoted widely as saying that the government was engineering false narratives about Jordan because he was speaking out against

the economic policies of the PPP/C. First up, Harmon got his priorities mixed up. He should focus on winning the upcoming elections for the PNC leader. He knows well about this wharf that BK owns because it happened under his nose as the Minister of State. Additionally, Harmon should remember what he said in 2017 about Jagdeo’s arrest and the detention of other people, including Roger Luncheon. Or is he changing his mouth now conveniently about the police investigations? Why must they not arrest and charge Jordan if they have enough evidence to do so Harmon? and the “best” lawyers can represent Jordan, but that port in Georgetown

with all its land should not have been given away for a paltry sum. Who will compensate the people of Guyana for its sale? Therefore, the PPP/C Government is obligated to go after this particular asset and sale. It must get the asset and land back or the rightful monies. The Police Force is doing its job in this matter and Harmon is fully aware of this fact and should be appreciative of it. Wrong is wrong and right is right! Some elements in the Coalition do not need a role model to tell them that. The APNU+AFC politicians know the PPP/C is just hitting the iceberg, and there is much more. Wait, and you will see.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 5, 2021

Girmitiyas in 2021

I HAVE been researching, writing, and teaching about Girmitiyas – Indian indentured servants who were brought from India to the Caribbean to substitute slave labour in the nineteenth century – over three decades focusing on migration, resistance, and identity formation. I realise that we have now turned the corner as evidenced from the following stanza written by Guyanese poet C.E.J Ramcharitar about four decades ago in “The Weeding Gang”. I know the girls are coming, For I hear the gentle humming Of choruses they’re singing on their way; I hear their saucepans jingling, And their cultasses atingling, Which as their music instruments they play. We have emerged from the weeding gang and are heading somewhere we have never been before. I am also espousing the gradual movement of the study of indenture from the margin to the mainstream in the annals of world history and literature. It seems that we are departing steadily from the appendage status of post-emancipation society. I do understand, however, that we have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go in terms of showcasing ourselves in the drive towards recognition, contribution, and achievement in places where we have been, in some cases, forcibly homed and unhomed. Moreover, we have a good sense now of where we have come from, but we are not sure where we are going. Irrespective of our situation, we must push forward and accommodate those who are willing to join and journey with us in the study of Girmitiyas. I preface this piece by the above to demonstrate that much has been going on in the world of Girmitiyas in the past five years or so which might have not caught the attention of all and sundry. Without any order of importance, I start with the mushrooming of international conferences focusing on indenture and beyond. There are too many to list here. The recently held Old and New Indenture conference in the Pacific Islands region will suffice. The conference at-

tracted presenters from across the globe, and I must admit, that it was vivacious, vibrant, and visionary, so much so that another one is planned for India next year. Similar enthusiasm has been expressed at other conferences, indicating a long-term vision for examining, assessing, and discussing issues of Girmitiyas. Articles and books have emerged from these conferences, revealing the seriousness of contribution to the study of indenture. I welcome these initiatives since I have been in the trenches of indenture studies with only a few scholars for a long time. I am tickled. There are also academic journals such as Indenture Papers and the Journal of Indentureship and its legacies where none had existed a year ago. While we wait for a journal of this caliber to emerge in the Caribbean, we embrace these existing ones and salute those indenture-related journals in India and elsewhere. At the minimum level, we can say that articles on indenture have finally found a home without losing sight of the high standard of reviewing, accepting, and publishing them. This is forward-looking to at least solve the problem of too many articles being rejected by journals based on a misfit of their mission and focus. More initiatively, much effort has been applied by the descendants of Girmitiyas from Mauritius, Fiji, South Africa, the Caribbean, and the Diaspora to have UNESCO accept and endorse a project named The Indenture Labour Route. The goal is to have UNESCO accept The Indenture Labour Route, which was responsible for transporting no less than two million Indians from India to work as indentured labourers in European colonies. Today, there are about 15,000,000 Indians living in these former colonies. A proposal is already drafted by the team and copies have been sent to various governments in countries where descendants of Girmitiyas reside. The current government of Guyana, for example, has a copy. We are hoping that these governments will support The Indenture Labour Route project as efforts are currently under way to speak to the Assembly of United Nations/UNCESCO to endorse the project. There are other initiatives

going on with Girmitiyas in 2021, although they are too early to confirm. I understand that the University of Guyana is starting an undergraduate programme on Indo-Caribbean Studies. This is great news since Guyana, which is the largest recipient of indentured Indians, has been, for the past three decades, on the back burner of Indian studies. Equally disappointing is that there is a shortage of individuals based in Guyana

researching and writing on Guyanese Indians, although Ravi Dev, Ryhaan Shah, and Tota Mangar might be an exception. One Indo-Caribbean scholar from Trinidad informs me that most individuals writing on Indians in Guyana are overseas-based, indicating that they are too distant from the day-to-day experience of Indians there, and because of this vital missing link, they are apt to use the disparaging label “Coolie” recklessly. They do

not experience the local Indian in-sensibilities. I understand, too, that there are efforts underway by a group of academics and politicians to start a university of Girmitiya studies. Taken together, these initiatives on Girmitiyas are forwardlooking and have done an enormous service to the 15,000,000 Indians residing in former European indentured colonies. We

have arrived eventually, although not always with “smiles and subtle graces.” Nonetheless, and to paraphrase Mark Twain, we must create what is next and without dreams and goals we are just existing, counting the days rather than letting the days count. (lomarsh.roopnarine@ jsums.edu).

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Commander Ramlakhan receives –– urges all to take COVID-19 booster jab Omicron variant seriously

POLICE Commander of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan on Friday took the Pfizer booster COVID-19 jab at the Cumberland Health Centre, Canje Berbice. He noted that all fully vaccinated adults are eligible for boosters as it is necessary for the Omicron variant. In an invited comment to this publication on what motivated him to take the jab, the commander explained that the booster shot is given after the immunity from the initial doses naturally starts to diminish. “The booster is designed to help people maintain their level of immunity for longer. Currently available data suggests that immunity against COVID-19 goes down over time, and a booster shot can help your body stay protected longer,” the commander explained. On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new variant called Omicron. According to the WHO, the recent emergence of the

Commander of Region Six, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan took his COVID-19 booster jab on Friday Omicron variant further emphasises the importance of vaccination, boosters, and general prevention strategies needed to protect against COVID-19. All Guyanese are urged to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home, the importance of maintaining the six feet physical

distance from others, and the need for good hand hygiene to help curb the spread of COVID-19. The Minister of Health also urged persons 18 years and older to take the COVID-19 vaccine, to immunise themselves against the deadly virus. If anyone you know is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit the Ministry of Health at www. health.gov.gy.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 5, 2021

Minister Persaud launches this year’s ‘Wish Upon a Star’ initiative ‘WISH Upon a Star’, an initiative conceptualised by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud to fulfil the dreams of children with special needs during the festive season, was recently launched for this year and is again expected to bring smiles to the faces of dozens of children. Last year, Dr. Persaud saw to it that 50 children from all across Guyana received exactly what it was that they wrote to her about, including a memorable interaction with President Irfaan Ali for some of them. The ministry is now once again presenting the initiative, with Dr Persaud welcoming anyone who would like to partner with the ministry in making it a reality. “We want to be able to ensure that children are very happy for this festive season; we want to make them feel special,” Dr. Persaud mentioned during her announcement of this year’s initiative. The ministry is focusing on children between the ages of four and 15 with special needs, such as those living with disabilities; children who would’ve experienced some traumatic or psychological incident in their lives; who have lost their parents and do not have guardians or caregivers; and who would have never had the opportunity to enjoy that one gift that could make them incredibly happy.

Minister Vindhya Persaud with a young boy during last year’s Wish Upon a Star “All they need to do is put that handwritten note in the box saying what they want. If they can’t do that and you (parent/guardian) can, that’s also welcome because, at the end of the day, we’ll try to make those wishes into a reality,” Minister Persaud expressed. In crafting the initiative, Dr Persaud had especially taken into consideration how children generally look forward to Christmas time and how granting their special wishes can have a profound impact on them. Having received over 350 handwritten letters last year, the ministry’s ‘Santa Helpers’ had a difficult task of reviewing the heartfelt requests and determining who were eligible to receive gifts. Nevertheless, as she wrapped up the event, Dr. Persaud shared: “There were moments of smiles and tears as I watched these children receive their gifts. There

isn’t a price tag for a child’s smile.” Five-year-old Ayush Bharat, 12-year-old twins Hafizah and Saleemah Harmon and their eight-year-old sister Shareefa, all met President Ali on Christmas Eve last year at State House. Hafizah and Saleemah, during their interaction with the President, asked him to assist them with a scholarship to attend the ISA Islamic School, since their mother cannot afford the tuition fees. Following a brief dialogue, the President announced that their wish will be fulfilled. The deadline for the letters this year is December 15 and persons are encouraged to utilise the specially marked boxes at Ministry locations all across the country, including at Lamaha and East Streets, Cornhill Street, and the Childcare and Protection Agency, at Broad Street, Charlestown.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 5, 2021

President Ali discusses major investments with Mexico team

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali, on Saturday, highlighted the need for investment opportunities in Guyana and spoke about the building of the Corentyne River bridge with three investors from Mexico and their Guyanese partner. Saturday’s meeting, which involved several Ministers of Government and other key government officials, also saw pitches by the investors in areas such as housing, road and hospital construction and oil and gas. The investors made presentations on large-scale housing projects and small prefab hospitals, the President’s office noted in a press release. After pitching their uniquely designed, cost affordable, modern concrete houses, the President put the investors onto his team at the Ministry of Housing and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Sherwyn Greaves, for further discussions and a guided tour of communities currently being developed. The investors, led by CEO of Grupo Industrial Omega, Andres Holzer, also highlighted several other areas of interest, including an oil refinery and a new terminal at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport

President, Dr Irfaan Ali and a team of government officials meet with the investment team from Mexico

The investment team from Mexico (CJIA). He said that the group of investors also have the resources to pave the road from Lethem and Linden to enhance travel and in-

vestments between Guyana and Brazil. According to the release, the President listened to all the ideas, discussed their possibilities and asked the investors about

their potential to build the Corentyne River bridge, which will link Guyana and Suriname by road. He reminded them that the planned bridge will use the design, finance, build and

own model. President Ali used the opportunity to express to Mr Holzer his desire to see Guyanese products sold in duty-free shops at airports worldwide. Discussions will continue in this regard between Holzer and Ramesh Ghir, CEO of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation. The businessman manages duty-free stores in 64 countries across the globe. The other investors were CEO of Grupo TCO, Federico Martinez; CEO of Cometa, Javier Vazquez, and local partner, Dean Hassan, CEO of Star 10. The meeting, which took place at the Office of the President was also attended by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony; Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd; Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat and Minister Susan Rodrigues from the Housing Ministry.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 5, 2021

A grand event for common development and a shared future of China, Latin America and the Caribbean

ON December 3, 2021, the third Ministers’ Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum (CCF) was successfully held via video link. After the meeting, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister, Ma Zhaoxu, gave an interview to domestic media about the meeting and its outcomes. Ma noted that the meeting was a major diplomatic event jointly held by China and Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries. President Xi Jinping delivered a video address at the meeting, charting the course for the highquality development of China-LAC relations in the new era. Participants had an in-depth discussion around “Together Overcoming Current Difficulties and Creating Opportunities to Continue Building a ChinaLAC Community”. They explored new prospects for developing the CCF and China-LAC relations against the backdrop of the momentous changes

President Xi Jinping addresses the third Ministerial?Meeting of the Forum of China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (China-CELAC Forum) via video link. and a pandemic that are to pursue common developunseen in a century. They ment and a shared future, has reached extensive common great relevance. understandings on deepening Ma pointed out that, in China-LAC strategic mutual July 2014, President Xi Jintrust and advancing practical ping and leaders of LAC cooperation in priority areas countries jointly announced in the next three years. The the establishment of the meeting, as a grand event CCF. In January 2015, Presifor China and LAC countries dent Xi Jinping delivered

an important speech at the opening ceremony of the first Ministerial Meeting of the CCF in Beijing, which laid the foundation for the smooth start and long-term development of the Forum. In January 2018, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the second Ministerial Meeting of the CCF held in Santiago, the capital city of Chile, enabling China and LAC countries to reach the political consensus on jointly advancing the Belt and Road Initiative. In his video address, President Xi Jinping spoke highly about the CCF. He pointed out that our two sides have acted on the Forum’s founding purpose of strengthening unity and coordination and advancing South-South cooperation, turned it into a major platform for pursuing mutual benefit, and taken China-LAC relations into a new era featuring equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness, and benefits for the people. Ma said that, in Septem-

ber this year, President Xi Jinping put forth the Global Development Initiative at the United Nations, calling on the international community to strengthen cooperation on eight key areas, namely, poverty alleviation, food security, COVID-19 response and vaccines, development financing, climate change and green development, industrialization, digital economy and connectivity, and speed up the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. President Xi Jinping further pointed out in his video address that the world today had entered a new period of volatility and transformation, and both China and LAC countries face the new task of our times—to promote postCOVID recovery and deliver happiness and well-being to our peoples. LAC countries were welcome to take an active part in the Initiative and work together with China to navigate this difficult time, create more opportunities, and build a global community of development with a shared future. LAC countries welcomed the Global Development Initiative, and they shared the view that it was another important global public good provided by China after the Belt and Road Initiative, which will bring new opportunities to developing countries, including LAC countries in their efforts to deliver the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Ma said that cooperation and solidarity with fellow developing countries was the unshakable foundation of China’s external relations. As President Xi Jinping underscored, history teaches us that peaceful development, equity and justice, and win-win cooperation represent the right way forward. China and LAC countries are all developing countries. We are comprehensive cooperative partners of equality, mutual benefit and common development, and our shared aspiration for independence, development and rejuvenation has brought us closer together. Since the start of COVID-19, China has active-

ly pursued cooperation on COVID response with LAC countries, providing over 300 million doses of vaccines and nearly 40 million items of response supplies. Such cooperation has helped people in LAC countries build a solid line of defence for life and health, facilitated resumption of local economic activities and boosted China-LAC cooperation on digital economy and in other emerging sectors. Last year, China-LAC trade exceeded 300 billion US dollars for the third year in a row, and is expected to reach 400 billion US dollars this year. During the meeting, CELAC representatives expressed thanks for China’s valuable support in fighting COVID-19 and their wishes to deepen cooperation for economic and social recovery as early as possible. China will continue to strengthen cooperation with LAC countries under the principles of pursuing the greater good and shared interests, and of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, with a view to sharing development opportunities and promoting common development. In his keynote speech at the meeting, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi elaborated on President Xi Jinping’s vision of promoting China-LAC cooperation toward the Global Development Initiative and the two sides working together to build a global community of development with a shared future. State Councilor Wang Yi made a five-point proposal for China and LAC countries to jointly create opportunities for independent, interconnected, green, open and inclusive development. He also announced a series of cooperation measures: China will set up two special loans respectively for ChinaLAC development cooperation and digital economy cooperation to support practical cooperation in the eight areas identified in the Global Development Initiative, and support efforts by both sides to pursue the path of green, low-carbon and sustainable development; China pledges TURN TO PAGE 13

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 5, 2021

A grand event for common... Oil exploration link...

FROM PAGE 12 to encourage the UNFAO to support LAC countries in addressing the issue of food security with the China-FAO Trust Fund for South-South Cooperation; China also announced the establishment of a China-Caribbean development centre and the decision to provide new government scholarships and training places for LAC countries. These measures were warmly welcomed by regional countries. Ma said that the meeting was action-oriented and fruitful. The meeting adopted two outcome documents, namely the Declaration of the Third Ministers’ Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum and the China-CEL-

AC Joint Action Plan for Cooperation in Key Areas (2022-2024), which clearly demonstrate the willingness of China and LAC countries to promote the building of a China-LAC community with a shared future and jointly meet global challenges, and draw up the roadmap for China-LAC cooperation in political and security areas, economy, infrastructure, social and people-to-people matters, sustainable development, and international and regional affairs in the next three years. China and LAC countries will continue to pool strengths and promote deeper and more concrete cooperation in relevant fields, so as to deliver more tangible benefits to our peoples.

Vice Minister Ma Zhaoxu’s Press Briefing On the Third Ministers’ Meeting of The China-CELAC Forum

Development-first, openness and inclusiveness characterise China-LAC cooperation. It is focused on development, based on a people-centred approach and responsive to people’s needs. Ma highlighted that this year marks the centenary of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The Sixth Plenum of the 19th CPC Central Committee, held not long ago, comprehensively reviewed the major achievements and historical experience of the Party over the past century. We achieved the first centenary goal and are embarking on the new journey of realising the second centenary goal, making sustained progress toward attaining the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation. This year also marks the bicentenary of various Latin American countries. Last September, LAC countries held the 6th CELAC Summit, forging the consensus of meeting challenges together through solidarity and coordination, and striving to realise the LAC dream of strength through unity and independence. Looking ahead, China is prepared to work with LAC countries to draw up the blueprint for China-LAC relations and add impetus to ChinaLAC cooperation, with a view to making new contributions to the well-being of our peoples and to human progress.

FROM PAGE 8 monitor fish populations. With these tactics, countries have brought back species like cod and sardines that nearly collapsed from overfishing and have created productive and sustainable fisheries. Oil has not spelled the death of fishing in any of these places. And nor will it do so in Guyana. There are strong fishing industries in places where even the worst kind of disasters have occurred like the Gulf of Mexico (Deepwater Horizon 2010). In fact, shrimp quotas allowed by the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service have increased 65 percent since 2007. A study from George Mason University found that the number of shrimp in the areas worst affected by the spill returned to normal

just two years later and the overall population of shrimp throughout the Gulf actually rose from 2010 to 2011. Quotas were vital in saving shrimp from severe overfishing in the 1990s and have been instrumental in making it a major sustainable operation in the Gulf of Mexico. Guyana should closely monitor and manage its fishery, putting appropriate systems in place to evaluate stocks and issue quotas. This can help offset the growing dangers of overfishing and the new processing plant, which opened in March and has increased Guyana’s shrimp exporting capabilities. That plant alone increased demand for shrimp by nearly 40 tonnes a day from around 50 tonnes per day last year. The Marine Stewardship Council previously rec-

ommended a maximum sustainable average catch rate of just over 54 tonnes/ day for Guyana’s primary shrimp species and highlighted that Guyana was at serious risk of depleting shrimp stocks. As baseline studies are being conducted, Guyana has a chance to also implement a monitoring and quotas system that can help the country to protect its fisheries long-term. That kind of comprehensive system to evaluate and manage Guyana’s key fish stocks going forward would go a long way towards preserving those for the future and helping to understand the real problems at play. [A1]EIA speaks to other factors that could affect marine life…I wouldn’t specify spills and certainly shouldn’t be “major”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 5, 2021

Three more die from COVID-19, 50 new cases recorded

THREE more persons have died after contracting COVID-19, taking Guyana’s overall death toll to 1,004, the Ministry of Health has reported. The ministry said that the latest fatalities are three men; a 54-year-old from Region Three (Essequibo Islands- West Demerara) who’s vaccination status us unknown and who died on December 3; an unvaccinated 62-year-old from Region One (Barima- Waini) who died on December 4; and an unvaccinated 82-year-old from Region Five (Mahaica- Berbice) who died on November 22. Additionally, there are currently 952 active COVID-19 cases in Guyana, following the addition of 50 new cases on December 4, 2021. The 50 newly con-

firmed cases were recorded Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six. Region Four accounted for 16 of the new cases; Regions One, Two and Five recorded three new cases each; Region Three recorded seven cases; and Region Six recorded 18 new cases. The country has now recorded a total of 38,118 confirmed cases since the first COVID-19 case was reported in March 2020. Of the active cases, 18 persons are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal; 56 are in institutional isolation; 870 are in home isolation, and six are in institutional quarantine. Many of the persons infected with the virus are said

to be asymptomatic, that is, they are not exhibiting symptoms. The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures are in force until December 31, 2021. They may be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions of the pandemic. As per the current measures, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes, and physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are recommended. The current curfew is 12:00 hours to 4:00 hours. Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 226-7480; or 180/181 for assistance.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 5, 2021

$70M steel welding & metal fabrication facility to be established in Reg. Four BALRAM Seeram, director of Balram Seeram Construction and Consultation Services, has become the latest local businessman to take advantage of the wide-ranging investment opportunities available by pumping $70 million into the construction of a steel welding and metal fabrication facility. According to the company’s project summary, the project will see the construction of a 1500-square feet workshop and office facility at lot 128 Railway Line, Good Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD), Region Four, for industrial use. It will facilitate steel welding and metal fabri-

cation; welding of tanks; prefabrication; and installation of pre-fabricated parts. The plant is expected to provide employment for a minimum of 18 persons, and will take approximately six months to complete. According to the project summary, a major point of concern is the environmental impact of the project and so several measures to guard against any eventualities will be implemented. The area is free from any eco-sensitive zones/ areas. No threat on bio-diversity is envisaged due to the project; there is also no forested land in the vicinity of the site and no ecologically important habitats observed.

Over $37M in ganja destroyed RANKS of the Guyana Police Force, on Friday, destroyed $37.6 million worth of marijuana at Fort Nassau Village, Berbice River. A police report noted that, during the exercise, two makeshift camps and two cannabis fields, covering about four acres of land,

were discovered. The fields consisted of 25,000 cannabis plants ranging from five inches to five feet in height. About three pounds of dried cannabis were also discovered. The camps, the cannabis plants and dried cannabis were all destroyed by fire.

Police destroyed four acres of marijuana plans

SPACE FOR LOCAL INVESTORS In a recent statement, President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, reiterated that he and his government are keen on promoting Guyana as the investment destination. Local-

ly, too, the President has been encouraging the private sector to get involved and expand their business. “We have a responsibility as Guyanese to promote the development of Guyana. I am not asking anyone to promote the

development of a government or political party. We have responsibilities as patriots, as Guyanese, to positively position our country for every opportunity. “We have the chance to do so. We have Guyanese sacrificing and making lifechanging investments to create jobs, to create better communities, but yet, some in the society would seek to even be critical of that,” the President had iterated at the sod-turning of a new mall in Leonora, West Coast Demerara. Dr. Ali had noted that the major transformative projects earmarked for the region will lead to the opening up of new lands; the creation of new industries; the expansion of agriculture

and the creation of industrial estates which will ultimately lead to the creation of thousands of jobs. He had acknowledged that in order for Guyanese to move aggressively on these opportunities in the quickest possible time, government must provide the enabling environment. Meanwhile, speaking during a recent interview on Globespan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, said that even as the economy continues to grow, the government is committed to having Guyanese benefit from the investment opportunities that are available locally.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 5, 2021

Anna Regina Secondary first to offer CAPE in Reg. Two

SECONDARY school students along the Essequibo Coast and the Pomeroon will no longer have to leave their homes to travel to Georgetown to write their Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE). The Anna Regina Secondary School has become the first in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) to offer CAPE subjects to stu-

dents who have completed the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC). Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, travelled to the region on Friday to officially launch the progamme at the school. She said the move was in keeping with the government’s vision of ensuring every child across the length and breadth of Guyana, had access to education.

“We are moving closer and closer to universal secondary education. That means that children all across the country could access a secondary school, but, even as we work for access to secondary education, we know we have the ability to simultaneously expand what we are doing at the secondary schools, and so today, it gives me great pleasure to commission a CAPE or

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand along with four of the students who will be the first to write CAPE at the institution. They are Tiffany Budhram, Aliyah Doodnuth, Mark Anthony Singh and Haffifa Ali

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand unveiling the plaque sixth form school, a Grade 12 school at the Anna Regina Multilateral, which is the first of its kind in Region Two.” Currently, there are five students enrolled in the classes. The subjects being offered are Integrated Mathematics, Communication Studies, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Teachers who will be conducting the classes have been adequately trained. “I want to say very clearly, that the teachers are trained…These are teachers who are capable of teaching these particular subjects, science subjects in this case. We have labs, we have material, we have chemicals, we have reagents, we have classrooms, we have the facilities that allow these children to have a quality experience here.” Speaking to DPI, the students were elated to be able to continue their studies without having to leave their homes. Tiffany Budhram said, before it was announced that CAPE subjects will be offered

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand with a student of the Anna Regina Secondary School in the region, she had not Regina Secondary, and, of considered writing the exams. course, I am quite elated for However, she said she was it to happen, as it has, this excited to further her studies. year. Her father, Rabinauth BudhThe teachers at Anna Reram said he was happy with gina Secondary have assured the decision to have the sub- all stakeholders that they jects offered within the region will put their efforts towards as he was not comfortable ensuring the students receive sending his teenage daughter quality education. all the way to Georgetown to Next week, Miniscomplete her studies. ter Manickchand will be “I feel very much secure launching the programme having her and having CAPE at the West Demerara Secbeing done right here in ondary School making it Region Two…I think it was the first in Region Three. long overdue at the Anna (DPI)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE December 5, 2021

Female reserve officers first to complete paratrooper’s course

TWO female reserve officers have etched themselves into the history of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), following their successful

completion of the Basic Paratrooper Course. Second Lieutenants Alexis Williams and Afesha Ross, graduates of the Reserve

Officer Course 16, completed the course among 35 students who graduated. The graduation ceremony was held Friday at the 3

1 Special Forces Squadron Headquarters, Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri. The graduation also honoured 15 ranks who success-

Members of the Basic Paratrooper Course fully completed the Free Fall Paratrooper Course. Both courses were conducted over a period of six weeks. The participants received training in break fall drills, exit drills, emergency drills, folding of parachutes and navigation. Ranks attending the Basic Paratrooper Course also completed a minimum of five static-line jumps ranging from 1,000ft to 1500ft altitude, inclusive of a night jump and a battle jump. The graduates of the Free

Second Lieutenants Afesha Ross (left) and Alexis Williams proudly display their paratrooper’s wings Fall Course completed a minimum of seven free fall jumps ranging from 6,000ft to 12,000ft altitude, inclusive of a night jump. All the graduates are now qualified to conduct aerial operations in peace time or limited war. Base Commander at Camp Stephenson, Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Lloyd Souvenir, encouraged the graduates to network and learn, remember safety and

be resilient. “Networking for you in this era is easy considering all the technological advances. Distance and language are no longer a barrier as it was in my time as a basic paratrooper. In your networking you would see videos of people jumping from all altitudes, doing formations and it is good to strive to achieve that level of proficiency,” he urged.

Unsanitary condition of NA hospital being addressed – Minister Anthony

–– cleaning, maintenance works begin MINISTER of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, says the Ministry of Health has put systems in place to address the situation at the New Amsterdam Hospital, in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). Dr. Anthony said the ministry had received reports that the hospital was in an “unhygienic state.” He said steps had been taken to address the situation. “Right now, we’ve put in place a mechanism whereby the maids clean the hospital at least three times per shift. We also have in the compound itself… “We have been cutting the grass on a regular basis,” he said. Dr. Anthony said the walls of the hospital were being cleaned, after

which they will be painted. “I think in another week or two, at least on the outer side of the building there will be vast improvement… With the works that they have been doing in the building itself, the cleaning and so forth, I think we would have changed what would have been an unhygienic state to one where it’s very clean right now.” Another issue being addressed was the sewage system. Dr. Anthony noted that preventative maintenance work was not in place for over six years. “We do have another problem and that is the sewage system seems to be blocking up on a regular basis, and so we have just completed an estimate for

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony what it would cost to do some rehabilitation work and right now we are in the process of getting a contractor who will be able to fix those problems,” the Health Minister related. (DPI)

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Perfect 10! New Zealand's Ajaz spins his way into elite club

MUMBAI, India (Reuters): New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel became only the third bowler

to pick up all 10 wickets in an innings in international cricket, achieving the rare feat against India in the second Test at the Wankhede Stadium yesterday.. The 33-year-old joined England off-spinner Jim Laker (1956, against Australia) and India leg-spinner Anil Kumble (1999, against Pakistan) in picking up all wickets in an innings. "Welcome to the club #AjazPatel #Perfect10. Well bowled! A special effort to achieve it on day one and two of a Test match," spin bowling great Kumble, who took 619 Test wickets for India, said on Twitter. It was the first time a bowler took 10 wickets in an innings in a Test away from home, although he was playing his first Test in the city of his birth. Ajaz, whose parents migrated to New Zealand in 1996, added six wickets to the four he took on the first day on Friday to finish with figures of 10-119. "To be honest, it's pretty

surreal," he said in a post-innings interview. "I don't think you ever believe you're going to achieve something like that. So to be able to do it in my career, it's pretty special. Ajaz said he had yet to comprehend the magnitude of his achievement and thanked Kumble for his message. "These things don't sink in until later," he later told reporters. "It's brilliant for me, my family and my wife. "You spend a lot of time away from home as a cricketer and I'm just grateful to God for this, this occasion. "Very illustrious group to be a part of.; Great to see his (Kumble) message and his kind words. Humbled and fortunate to be in that company." The left-arm spinner, who started his career as a fast bowler, extracted sharp turn and bounce from the pitch and carried the New Zealand bowling on his

broad shoulders to restrict the hosts' first innings total to 325. After picking up the wickets of Wriddhiman Saha and Ravichandran Ashwin in his first over yesterday, the stocky spinner returned after the lunch interval to take the remaining four to wrap up India's innings. As Rachin Ravindra pouched a skier from India's No.11 batter Mohammed Siraj to confirm the fall of the final wicket, Ajaz went down on one knee with a clenched fist before being hugged by his teammates. He also received a standing ovation from the Indian team in the dressing room and the sparse crowd at the ground overlooking the Arabian Sea. "I'm very fortunate and I guess the stars have aligned for me to have an occasion like that here in Mumbai," Ajaz said. "To be born here and then come back here and achieve something like that, it's pretty special."

Bonner tops runs chart but Hope, Chase struggle again GALLE, Sri Lanka, (CMC) – Nkrumah Bonner emerged from the failed tour of Sri Lanka as West Indies’ leading run-scorer, but question marks remained over the form of the likes of Shai Hope and Roston Chase, following another disappointing series for the duo. The 32-year-old Bonner, who made his debut earlier this year, gathered 148 runs at an average of 49 and was only one of two players with half-centuries, the others being captain Kraigg Brathwaite and wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva. A gritty right-hander, Bonner’s undefeated 68 on the final day of the opening Test was the highlight for the touring side, the innings lasting 220 balls and just over 4-1/2 hours. His 100-run, seventh wicket stand with Da Silva (54) lifted West Indies out of strife at 18 for six but could not prevent the side’s 187-run defeat. In the second Test which ended in a 164-run loss Friday, Bonner was again the standout with scores of 35 and 44. In the first innings, he an-

chored a 75-run, second wicket stand with Brathwaite (72) while spearheading a 50-run, second wicket partnership with vice-captain and fellow Jamaican Jermaine Blackwood (36) in the second innings. Blackwood was one of only three batsmen in the series to pass 100 runs with 109 while Brathwaite garnered 119 runs. However, Hope’s wretched run in the longest format continued, the stylish right-hander managing 51 runs from four innings while fellow Barbadian Chase scraped 13 runs from four innings. Dropped last year after a protracted run of poor form, Hope’s return has not been any more rewarding, his four innings in the two-Test series against South Africa back in June yielding only 72 runs. He now boasts a career average of 25 from 38 Tests and an average of 18 over the last three years. Chase, who finished the just concluded series with eight wickets – including a five-wicket haul – has also struggled with the bat this year.

Right-hand batsman Nkrumah Bonner. He scored only 53 runs in four innings against Pakistan last August and South Africa also proved difficult with 74 runs from three innings. Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican emerged as the leading bowler against Sri Lanka with nine wickets at 28 runs apiece while another left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul picked up eight at 17 in his only appearance in the second Test.

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December 5, 2021

Sarwan hints at massive overhaul of Jaguars squad for 2022 season … Franchise renamed Guyana Amazon Jaguars; Inter-County cricket to be reinstated - GCB president

By Clifton Ross THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) yesterday held its first open house media engagement since taking office months ago, outlining a number of plans and proposals which are set to take effect in 2022. The engagement was held at the Grand Coast Inn. Hotel on the East Coast of Demerara, some 10 of the 14 GCB executives were present at the event which was geared towards developing/ remodelling the current structure of the local fraternity. One of the most integral aspects of the engagement was the input made by former Guyana and West Indies skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan. The ex-Test batsman turned

National Senior Selector for the GCB, said this season will focus on much more, compared to previous years, with heavy emphasis being placed on restoring the batting. After seasons of being called the Guyana Jaguars, the team was officially renamed Guyana Amazon Jaguars, according to GCB president Bissoondyal Singh. And in keeping with the new team's name, Sarwan pointed out that come next season, the Jags could possibly have a new look to accompany their new name. It was noted that Sarwan and his group of selectors, which include Peter Persuad, Albert Smith, Otto Christiani and junior chairman Andre Percival, have not yet been able to see the players in live action due to the COVID-19

pandemic. However, with the upcoming Regional season set for February 2022, a few changes to the team are likely after Sarwan pointed out that players' performance as well as fitness was under the microscope. "Some guys have been playing for quite some time and we are not getting the best out of them, so opportunities will be given to young players. We want a smooth transition (with regard from youth to seniors)", said the chief selector, who added that they are eager to get some cricket going in order to pick their squad. He further explained that apart from the overall batting boost needed, he was worried about the players who are heavily involved in T20 and in some

instances T10 cricket. 'Sars' as he's known around the cricket world, said he believes the short-version specialists have been failing their fitness tests more often than those who play 4-Day and 50-Overs cricket and that is a huge concern. "We have to take a stricter approach to players' fitness, striking a balance between ODI and 4-Day cricket. We need to build a good batting side and get them to an average of 40-45 in 1st Class Cricket. Players need to take responsibility for their fitness, because we're not having issues with the 4-Day and ODI guys; it's more about T10 and T20 and we will speak with them.” One particular topic regarding the Amazon Jags is the captaincy, going forward, given the fantastic

job that Leon Johnson has done over the years for the franchise and his country, making the Jags arguably the best 4-Day outfit in the Caribbean for the majority of the Professional Cricket League's (PCL) existence. Speaking on the future of Johnson, the ex-West Indies batter said, "He (Johnson) has done well and we would like to have him there for him to groom the future players but he has to lead from the front with the bat." The selector also earmarked youth players Matthew Nandu and Kevlon Anderson for great things next year, hopefully stating that the duo are among a number of young rookie prospects on the selectors’ radar for the 2022-23 season.

Meanwhile, GCB president Singh, after officially announcing the name change of the Guyana Amazon Jaguars, added that some of the short-, medium- and long-term planning will focus on selecting the best possible national teams for junior and senior levels, the reintroduction of Inter-County cricket on all levels, a detailed description of schools’ cricket and countrywide coaching programme for all levels. Singh also hinted at the development of an academy which will solely focus on the growth of women's cricket across Guyana, coupled with more endeavours directed towards overhauling the structure of the sport in 2022 and beyond.

Brathwaite says batsmen let West Indies down tain who contributed 119 and Jermaine Blackwood whose got a total of 109 runs. Brathwaite, however, gave credit to a few of his side’s batsmen as well as the bowlers. “All the bowlers put in a good effort and we saw some good batting from Bonner and Joshua [Da Silva] and those are positives we can take. It’s just as batsmen to do it for longer periods. “It was good to see [Veerasammy] Permaul coming back in after a couple years and getting his first five-wicket haul. I think all the spinners really put in a big effort – Roston [Chase] getting a five-for, [Jomel] Warrican getting a four-for And the fast bowlers put in the effort on spinner-friendly conditions.” West Indies are set to face

Veerasammy Permaul celebrates his first fivewicket Test haul GALLE, Sri Lanka, (CMC) in the series as the Sri Lankan – West Indies captain Kraigg spin bowling did damage. Brathwaite said Friday that, Nkrumah Bonner made the for the most part, the bats- most runs – 148 – over the two men failed to deliver in the matches, followed by the capTest series against Sri Lanka in which the regional side was whitewashed. Speaking after West Indies lost the second and final Test here by 164 runs, Brathwaite stressed, as he had prior to the start of the series, that they needed the discipline to bat for longer periods. “Batting-wise we let ourselves down. We just didn’t get big enough totals to cause any pressure on Sri Lanka,” the skipper said when asked what he believed went wrong in the series. Very few West Indies batsmen put on significant totals West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite.

England in the Caribbean in a five-match T20I series in January next year, followed by a three-Test series in March. Brathwaite said it was important for the batsmen to get it right by then. “Really and truly it all boils down to having the discipline and doing it for long periods. I don’t think it would change in terms of spin-friendly conditions in the Caribbean…. I think it’s to have that discipline throughout to bat for longer

periods. We are showing we could do it, but we’re just not doing it for long enough,” the skipper said. Chasing 297 for victory in the second Test at the Galle International Stadium on Friday after Sri Lanka declared on 345 for 9, West Indies suffered a batting collapse which saw them lose their last eight wickets for 40 runs, being dismissed for 132 in 56 overs. Spinners Ramesh Mendis and Lasith Embuldeniya took

five wickets each to propel their team to the win. Left-arm spinner Permaul, who had made a career-best haul during Sri Lanka’s first innings, had the best bowling figures of 3-106 while off-spinner Chase took 2-82. West Indies had lost the first match by 187 runs, and therefore failed to get any of the World Test Championship points that were up for grabs, with all 12 going to the hosts.

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India in command despite Ajaz Patel's sensational 10-wicket haul

Mayank Agarwal hit a brilliant 150 for India

AJAZ Patel sensationally became only the third man to take all 10 wickets in a Test innings before India dominated New Zealand on an astonishing day two of the second Test. Spinner Patel claimed stunning figures of 10-119 as India were bowled out for 325, but the tourists were skittled out for only 62 in reply, as the India attack ripped through their batting line-up. The hosts ended the day 69-0 in their second innings in Mumbai, with a commanding lead of

332 heading into day three. Patel started where he left off on day one, taking the wickets of Wriddhiman Saha (27) and Ravichandran Ashwin (0) in consecutive balls during the first over, before eventually removing Mayank Agarwal for a brilliant 150. Axar Patel (52) and Jayant Yadav (12) were the next victims, before Mohammed Siraj (4) edged an attempted sweep to Rachin Ravindra to make it a perfect 10 for Patel. That was very much where

the day peaked for New Zealand as India set about ripping through the Black Caps. Siraj removed Tom Latham (10) before getting rid of Will Young (4) and Ross Taylor (1) in consecutive balls. The seamer nearly had a hat-trick, but a review show his delivery to Henry Nicholls pitched just outside leg stump. Ashwin (4-8) then came to the fore, with Kyle Jamieson (17) and Latham the only New Zealand batters to make double figures. Agarwal (38 not out) and Pujara (29 n.o.) calmly eased India through to stumps in a dominant position. Shine slightly taken off historic day for Patel It is an incredible story. A man born in Mumbai returns as a New Zealand player, to take all 10 wickets in an innings. The only thing more surprising involving Patel on day two was that the New Zealand number 11 was out in the middle holding a

bat just a couple of hours later. It was just the third time in the history of men's Test cricket that a bowler has taken every wicket in a single innings, following in the footsteps of Jim Laker in 1956 and Anil Kumble in 1999. The 33-year-old, who was New Zealand's not-out batter, would probably appreciate a bit more help from his team-mates on day three. Ashwin bowls devastating spell New Zealand were already reeling after Siraj (3-19) reduced them to 17-3, but having seen what the spin of Patel had achieved, they must have been fretting about what Ashwin would do when he came on, and with good cause. The 35-year-old bamboozled the tourists - missing injured captain Kane Williamson - and Axar Patel took 2-14 as the winners of the inaugural World Test Championship were humiliated.

Score Board INDIA 1st innings Mayank Agarwal c Tom Blundell b Ajaz Patel 150 Shubman Gill c Ross Taylor b Ajaz Patel 44 Cheteshwar Pujara b Ajaz Patel 0 Virat Kohli lbw Ajaz Patel 0 Shreyas Iyer c Tom Blundell b Ajaz Patel 18 Wriddhiman Saha lbw Ajaz Patel 27 Ravichandran Ashwin b Ajaz Patel 0 Axar Patel lbw Ajaz Patel 52 Jayant Yadav c Rachin Ravindra b Ajaz Patel 12 Umesh Yadav not out 0 Mohammed Siraj c Rachin Ravindra b Ajaz Patel 4 Extras: (b-13, lb-5) 18 Total: (all out, 109.5 overs)325 Fall of wickets: 1-80, 2-80, 3-80, 4-160, 5-224, 6-224, 7-291, 8-316, 9-321. Bowling: Tim Southee 22-6-43-0, Kyle Jamieson 12-3-36-0, Ajaz Patel 47.5-12-11910, William Somerville 9-0-80-0, Rachin Ravindra 4- 0-20-0, Daryl Mitchell 5-3- 9-0.

NEW ZEALAND 1st innings Tom Latham c Shreyas Iyer b \Mohammed Siraj 10 Will Young c ViratKohli b Mohammed Siraj 4 Daryl Mitchell lbw Axar Patel 8 Ross Taylor b Mohammed Siraj 1 \Henry Nicholls b Ravichandran Ashwin 7 Tom Blundell c Cheteshwar Pujara b Ravichandran Ashwin 8 Rachin Ravindra c Virat Kohli b Jayant Yadav 4 Kyle Jamieson \c Shreyas Iyer b Axar Patel 17 Tim Southee c (sub.) b Ravichandran Ashwin 0 William Somerville c Mohammed Siraj b Ravichandran Ashwin 0 Ajaz Patel not out 0 Extras: (lb-1, nb2) 3 Total: (all out, 28.1 overs) 62 Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-15, 3-17, 4-27, 5-31, 6-38, 7-53, 8-53, 9-62. Bowling: Umesh Yadav 5-2-7-0, Mohammed Siraj 4-0-19-3, Axar Patel 9.1-3-14 2. Ravichandran Ashwin 8-2-8-4 (nb-1), Jayant Yadav 2-0-13-1 (nb-1).

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West Ham stun league leaders Chelsea with 3-2 win LONDON: (Reuters) West Ham United stunned Premier League leaders Chelsea with a 3-2 win yesterday after coming from behind twice and then claiming all three points with a late goal from substitute defender Arthur Masuaku. Chelsea had seemed to be in control of the game after 28 minutes when Thiago Silva scored with a header from a Mason Mount corner that West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski could only touch on to a post before it went in. But the European champions allowed the hosts

back into the game in the 40th minute when Jorginho put his goalkeeper Edouard Mendy under pressure with a poor back pass and Mendy brought down Jarrod Bowen for a penalty that was converted by Lanzini. It took Chelsea only four minutes to get back in front when Mount, back to his best after an absence due to wisdom teeth problems, connected with a long pass from Hakim Ziyech for a perfect volley that caught out Fabianski at his near post. Chelsea brought on Romelu Lukaku at the start of the second half to replace the injured Kai Havertz. But

West Ham drew level again in the 56th minute when Bowen fired in hard and low from the edge of the box. Masuaku turned the game West Ham's way in the 87th minute when he caught out Mendy with what looked like a cross but the ball flew into the near corner of the goal. The defeat left Thomas Tuchel's side with just a one-point lead at the top of the table ahead of Manchester City, who visited Watford later yesterday, and two points ahead of Liverpool who play away at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

West Ham United's Arthur Masuaku scores their third goal past Chelsea's Edouard Mendy v Chelsea at London Stadium, yesterday (Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra)

Moxon, Gale among 16 to leave Yorkshire coaching staff DIRECTOR of cricket Martyn Moxon and head coach Andrew Gale have left Yorkshire along with the county's entire coaching team.

Yorkshire say the total number of departures is 16, including six members of the backroom medical team provided by Pavilion Physiotherapy Clinic, and that an

interim medical team is in the process of being appointed. Moxon had been signed off from work due to a stress-related illness while Gale had been suspended

Babar, Azhar rebuild before bad light consumes final session on day one BABAR Azam scored his 19th half-century and added an undefeated 91-run stand for the third wicket with Azhar Ali to plot Pakistan's recovery before bad light ensured not a ball could be bowled in the final session. In the 57 overs that were possible, Pakistan reached 161 for 2 on day one of the second Test. Pakistan threatened to start off in Dhaka in the same way they finished in Chattogram as openers Abid Ali and Abdullah Shafique got going quickly after Babar won the toss and opted to bat. Mominul Haque expected the early overcast conditions to assist his quicks but that was not to be. Bangladesh welcomed back Shakib Al Hasan as well as fast bowler Khaled Ahmed who was entrusted with the task alongside Ebadot to make early inroads. But he offered width outside the off stump to Abid, who dispatched two such deliveries to the boundary behind point. The home-side pacers went through a phase where they tried too hard and ended up erring with lengths, as the Pakistan openers collected fours to get their partnership going. They didn't have

pending a disciplinary hearing since November 9 as the fallout continues in the wake of the Azeem Rafiq racism investigation. Gale says he will take legal action over his dismissal, telling BBC Sport in a statement: "The decision has come as a surprise to me. "The players knew about it before I did and I will be fighting the decision legally." Chair of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, Lord Patel, said: "Significant change is required at Yorkshire County Cricket Club and we are committed to taking whatever action is necessary to regain trust.

Martyn Moxon (left) and Andrew Gale were both criticised by Azeem Rafiq when the former Yorkshire player spoke to MPs. " T h e d e c i s i o n s a n - making important changes to nounced today were difficult how we are run, we cannot to make, but are in the best move on from the past to interests of the club. Without Turn to page 34

India’s tour of South Africa to begin with Boxing Day Test Pakistan captain Babar Azam registered his 19th Test half-century much restraint against spinners revived Pakistan's innings with a Taijul Islam and Shakib either, lot of comfort and style. when the opportunities came up, as Mominul persisted with Taijul the Pakistan pair took the team to even after the lunch break but his 54 for 0 after the first-hour mark. left-arm spinner returned empBut they still couldn't add ty-handed. Similar was the fate to their stands of 146 and 151 in of his two other spinners - Shakib Chattogram, as Taijul swung into and Mehidy Hasan and Babar and action and unfurled a few smart Azhar took Pakistan past the 100variations. One such variation, run mark. The 20-minute break that a delivery that just went with came through passing showers was Taijul's round-the-wicket angle, the only respite that Bangladesh breached the bat-pad gap and sent could get in a session of toil. Shafique packing for a 50-ball 25. After the break, the play was An identical delivery came with first delayed due to bad light and Abid's name on it, as he chopped eventually had to be called off as it onto the stumps soon after. But the overhead conditions failed to from 61 for 2, Babar and Azhar improve. (Cricbuzz)

THERE has been a lot of hullabaloo over the fate of India’s upcoming tour of South Africa due to the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant in the rainbow nation. The World Health Organization (WHO) has named the variant Omicron, which has been spreading rapidly in various African countries. The same has forced the South African government to impose a travel ban. Meanwhile, India were initially scheduled to travel to South Africa for a full-fledged tour – including three Tests, as many ODIs, and four T20I matches, starting on December 17. However, a discussion between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) caused a change in schedule.

While the dates have been changed, the four-match T20I series has been postponed The first Test is likely to take place in Centurion As per a report in ESPNcricinfo, the first Test will get underway on December 26 (Boxing Day) and not on December 17. While the venues of the revised series are yet to be finalised, the opening game, which is a Boxing Day Test match, is set to take place at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. The second Test will kickstart on January 3 in Johannesburg and the third from January 11 or 12 in Cape Town, which will also host all three ODIs. These venues were selected even before the new variant came into the picture. While CSA

has stuck to the same venues, the full schedule hasn’t been finalised yet. The second Test might take place at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg due to the logistical and operational convenience. Earlier, BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed that the revised tour comprises three Tests and as many ODIs, while the T20Is will be played later. “BCCI has confirmed to CSA that the Indian team will travel for three Tests and three ODIs. The remaining four T20Is will be played at a later date,” Shah was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. Meanwhile, South Africa haven’t done too well in the longest format lately. Hence, it would be interesting to see how they’ll tackle the formidable Indian side. (Crictracker.com)

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CWI determined to stage first-class championship but eyeing new variant BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) director of cricket, Jimmy Adams, says the regional governing body intends to do all in its power to ensure the first class championship is staged next year in spite of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The marquee championship has been one of the casualties of the pandemic - halted after eight rounds last year March and then scrapped this year, as the region has continued to battle the fallout from the virus. While CWI hosted several international series this year, the

emergence of the latest Omicron strain of COVID-19 has once again raised speculation over lockdowns across the region but Adams said the four-day tournament remained a “priority”. “Having not had first class cricket for so long, we now have on paper a plan to roll out first class cricket in early February and starting with that, from a regional point of view, that is a priority. That is something that is top of our wish list for next year,” Adams said. “We need to get our regional players playing red-ball cricket so we’re going to be watching close-

ly what’s happening and we’ll be doing everything we can to protect those fixtures.” The variant, detected in southern Africa, forced the immediate halt of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, as the United States, United Kingdom and several European Union states slapped travel restrictions on the region. West Indies Women, who had played only a single game, have since flown to the Gulf state of Oman but are yet to return to the Caribbean. Adams said CWI were monitoring the development of the new

variant but there was still a lot of information to be gathered going forward. “Is this new variant something we’re watching very closely? One hundred per cent,” Adams explained. “To go into specifics will be very difficult because we still don’t have all the information either in terms of how well those players who are vaccinated or anybody who is vaccinated will cope against it. There’s still a lot of information we don’t have. “However, we’re under no illusion that we need to get some four-day cricket played as soon as

possible.” The only domestic championship to be staged since the onset of the pandemic has been the Caribbean Premier League, the region’s premier Twenty20 tournament. Organisers hosted the 2020 edition in Trinidad and Tobago and this year’s in St Kitts and Nevis. In the absence of the first class championship, selectors have routinely brought the region’s best red-ball players together in ‘Best vs Best’ four-day matches in Antigua, as a means of choosing international Test squads.

CWI director of cricket, Jimmy Adams

SCA Winter Season bowls Disgraced athletics boss off with two matches Lamine Diack dies in Senegal … Ajax Ward 2 Councillor lauds SCA for great initiative

THE eagerly anticipated Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) inaugural Winter Season got off to a resounding start recently at the spacious Pickering Soccer Centre with Ajax Ward 2 Councillor, Ashmeed Khan, lauding the executives for the great initiative. The Guyanese-born Khan told the audience, which included executive members of the SCA and participating players that “playing cricket not only offers health benefits and social skills, but a sense of community and social interaction that is all too important, especially after the isolation we have experienced in the past 20 months.” According to Khan, the SCA, which was formed some 41 years ago, has provided the necessary values and resources to its players, “so on behalf of the Ajax Council, I congratulate the SCA on your inaugural Winter cricket season launch and wish each team success in their matches.” Also present at the auspicious occasion was Keith Deonarine, Cricket Development Officer attached to Cricket Canada. Deonarine also praised the SCA for the initiative, pointing out that it will definitely keep the players active during the Winter season. The former Canadian youth player reminded those present about the importance of committed cricket which he said was very important for the players’ development. Deonarine pointed out that Cricket Canada is very happy to see cricket can also be played during the winter period which, according to him, is a demonstration of great leadership by the SCA.

THE disgraced former head of world athletics' governing body, Lamine Diack, has died at home in Senegal, aged 88.

Ajax Ward 2 Councillor, Ashmeed Khan (left), hands over a certificate of recognition, on behalf of Mayor Shaun Collier, to SCA president Shiv Persaud SCA president Shiv Persaud, in brief remarks, expressed gratitude to the five participating teams while reminding that registration is still open to other teams. Persaud was very optimistic that the inaugural season will be a success. Persaud also thanked Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier for the recognition of the first-ever Winter Cricket Season. According to Persaud, “Now more than ever, it is important to keep our communities active and engaged in physical activities. It is beneficial to the health and wellness of our communities by allowing them a place to interact, compete in teams, exercise and be happy socialising with their peers.” In the two fixtures that follow, Toronto 6ixers’ Jaskaran Singh entered his name in the record books after registering the first century of the tournament as his team made light work of Victoria Park Frank Pollard’s XI in the 15-over affair. Set 135 for victory, after limiting their opponents to 134 for six in their allotted overs, Toronto 6ixers reached the required target with 16 balls to spare, aided by Singh’s brilliant knock, losing four wickets

in the process. In the other game, which was played simultaneously, Victoria Park Richard Ramlall’s XI registered a comprehensive 102-run victory over United Titans. Chasing a formidable 172 for victory, after Victoria Park Richard Ramlall’s XI blasted 171 for six in their 15 overs, United Titans were routed for a paltry 69 in nine overs. Mohammed Asif Khan was the only batter to offer any resistance with an undefeated 33. Rag Shaileshkumar Patel ended with the incredible figures of three wickets for no run from one over while there were two wickets each for Tarun Pothugunta and Abhishek Desai. Victoria Park Richard Ramlall’s XI were led to their total through consistent performances from Meet Shah (41), Vishnu Pothugunta (38), Shiva Reddy (33) and Tarun Pothugunta (30 not out). Umer Sohail claimed two for 21 from two overs. The tournament, which runs until April next year, will be played on Saturdays but will see a break for the Christmas and New Year holidays. (Frederick Halley)

Senegal's former World Athletics president Lamine Diack during his corruption trial in France in 2020.

Diack, who was convicted of corruption last year, was president of World Athletics (formerly the International Association of Athletics Federations, IAAF) from 1999 to 2015. In September 2020, he was found guilty of corruption and money-laundering, linked to the Russian doping scandal. A French court sentenced him to four years in prison, two of them suspended. He was never jailed but allowed to return to Senegal, where he remained under house arrest and was later released on bail. "He died at home of a natural death," his son, Papa Massata Diack, said. Diack's lawyers had previously said he was in poor health and would die if sent

to prison. Despite his conviction he still enjoyed support in Senegal with Cheikh Seck, the owner of Senegalese football club Jaraaf, paying a 500 000 euro ($565 000 or £425 000 bond earlier this year that allowed Diack to return home. "He was a good man, a great leader. We wanted him to come back home. It took us one month (to gather the 500 000 euros)," Seck, a businessman and former Senegal international goalkeeper, said after Diack's death. "It was really important; we never imagined he could finish his life somewhere else." In the past Seck described Diack as: "A worthy son of the nation, an allround remarkable citizen." (BBC Sport).

Moxon, Gale among...

From page 33 become a culture which is progressive and inclusive. "We want to make Yorkshire County Cricket Club a place for everyone, from all backgrounds. To do this, we need to rebuild our culture and instil positive values in everyone associated with Yorkshire. We are determined to learn from the mistakes of the past to become a club which people can trust. We are hoping to announce a new Director of Cricket in the coming days. We have a huge rebuilding job to do but we are

confident that this heralds a step forward towards a brighter future." The departures follow those of club president Roger Hutton, who stepped down on November 5, and chief executive Mark Arthur, who resigned a week later following widespread condemnation of Yorkshire. Moxon, 61, was an opening batter for Yorkshire from 198097 and returned to become director of cricket in 2007. Gale, 38, was also an opening batter and captained the team until his retirement at the end of

the 2016 season when he was appointed as coach. Reacting to the departures at Yorkshire, DCMS Committee Chair Julian Knight MP said: "We welcome the announcement by Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) on the departure of its entire coaching staff. "The experience of Azeem Rafiq at YCCC demanded no less. On Tuesday we will be discussing racism in cricket with the National Asian Cricket Council and considering the ECB's 12-point plan to tackle it." (Sky Sports)

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December 5, 2021

ExxonMobil National Indoor Hockey Championships …

Masters teams light up night five

THE two Masters teams, Guyana 40s and 50 Not Out, both featuring players preparing for next year’s Masters Indoor Hockey World Cup, squared off on Friday evening in the ExxonMobil National Indoor Hockey Championships. Huge bragging rights were at stake in addition to a semi-final berth in the men’s first division competition. Former national captain Devin Munroe set the tone of the match from the opening minute that the Guyana 40s meant business when he caught the 50s’ defence unsettled and slammed home the first goal of the match in the opening minute. 50s captain Philip Fernandes drew the game level two minutes later via a penalty corner strike that whizzed past the left ear of former national goalkeeper Tony Cole. The superior pace of the younger Guyana 40s side, coupled with a solid defensive performance by Robert Fernandes and Dwayne Scott, took a toll on 50 Not Out and despite heroic goalkeeping by Alisa Xavier, Munroe added a second and Chris Low-Koan and Devin Hooper one each before the half to give the Guyana 40s a 4-1 lead. Munroe secured his hat-trick in the second half, Brian Asregado add-

ed one with a diving finish and John Abrams rounded off the victorious seven-goal haul for the 40s. 50 Not Out gave it a genuine effort with two second-half goals by Damon Woodroffe and Dexter Wyles leaving rhe final score as 7-3 for the Guyana 40s. Bounty GCC made light work of YMCA Old Fort in the other men’s first division clash, winning by 6-0. The Sargeant brothers, Mark with 3 and Meshach 2, were the top scorers with Kevin Spencer’s opener completing the six-goal count. The Misfits had their best game of the tournament thus far and held the favoured GCC Spartans to a tied score for most of the first half with the scores level at one. The Spartans duo of Marzana Fiedtkou and Gabriella Xavier proved too much for the Misfits, however, as they both scored doubles to pull ahead in the second half. Seasoned former national Maria Munroe herself produced a pair of goals from penalty corners that resulted in a 4-2 win for Spartans. Saints executed their game plan with precision as they defeated GCC Ignite by 3-1. Kezia Chinian, national player Clayza Bobb and Charlyn Elliott each scored for Saints while captain Aliyah Gordon managed the lone

Men’s First Division: Pepsi Hikers 12, Bounty GCC 9, Guyana 40s 7, 50 Not Out 3, Saints 2, YMCA Old Fort 1 Women’s Division: GCC Roulettes 9, GCC Spartans 6, Saints 6, GCC Ignite 6, Misfits 0 Men’s Second Division: Hikers Cadets 10, YMCA Old Fort 7, Saints Sensations 6, GCC Pitbulls 4, Saints Scorpions 4, GCC War Dogs 0

The oldest Master in the competition, Damon Woodroffe, still in control for 50 Not Out team GCC goal. while YMCA drew 2-2 with the GCC In the men’s Second Division Pitbulls. competition, the Hikers Cadets cruised to a 9-1 victory over the youngest side Point standings going into the in the competition, GCC War Dogs, final pool round day:

Full Results are as follows: MALE Division Guyana 40s trounced 50 Not Out, 7-3 Goals: Guyana 40s (7) – Devin Munroe 3, Chris Low-Koan 1, Devin Hooper 1, Brian Asregado 1, John Abrams 1 50 Not Out (4) – Philip Fernandes 1, Damon Woodroffe 1, Dexter Wyles 1 Bounty GCC routed YMCA Old Fort, 6-0 Goals: Bounty GCC (6) – Mark Sargeant 3, Meshach Sargeant 2, Kevin Spencer 1 FEMALE Division GCC Spartans defeated Misfits,

4-2

Goals: GCC Spartans (4) – Marzana Fiedtkou 2, Gabriella Xavier 2 Misfits (2) – Maria Munroe 2 Saints beat GCC Ignite, 3-1 Goals: Saints (3) – Kezia Chinian, Clayza Bobb 1, Charlyn Elliot 1 GCC Ignite (1) – Aliyah Gordon 1 MALE Second Division Hikers Cadets thrashed GCC War Dogs, 9–1 Goals: Hikers Cadets (9) – Orlando Machado 3, Sherwyn Caesar 3, David Williams 2, Devin Munroe 1 GCC War Dogs (1) – Seth Jeffrey 1 Bounty GCC Pitbulls drew with YMCA Old Fort, 2–2 Goals: Bounty GCC Pitbulls (2) – Meshach Sargeant 2 YMCA Old Fort (2) – Shaquon Favorite 1, Daniel Woolford 1 The finals are set for today beginning at 15:00hrs.

World's oldest Test cricketer Dre Russ blasts Deccan Gladiators Eileen Ash dies at age of 110 to maiden T10 title EILEEN Ash has died at the age of 110, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced. Ash was the oldest-ever Test cricketer at the time of her death having debuted against Australia in 1937. She was described by the ECB as "a remarkable woman who led an extraordinary life". Right-arm seamer Ash made seven appearances for England either side of the Second World War, taking 10 wickets at an average of 23. Domestically, she represented the Civil Service Women, Middlesex Women and South Women before retiring in 1949. Ash was also seconded to MI6 - the UK's secret intelligence service - during the war and played golf until the age of 98. Her achievements were recognised as she rang the bell ahead of England Women's nail-biting victory over India in the 2017 World Cup final. Ash told Sky Sports after that final: "It was a marvellous finish. It was so lovely at Lord's because everybody stood up and there was so much noise. It was worth all those years of pioneering." London-born Ash was also

Eileen Ash rang the bell at the 2017 Women's World Cup final at Lord's honoured with a portrait at Lord's and honorary life membership of the MCC. She celebrated her 106th birthday in 2017 by taking to the skies in a Tiger Moth and said that the secret to a long life was "laughing, sleeping, red wine and yoga." ECB managing director of women's cricket Clare Connor said: "Our sport owes so much to its pioneers and Eileen was one of them. I am deeply saddened to be saying goodbye to her today. "(England captain) Heather (Knight) and I went to visit Eileen about six months before the 2017 Women's World Cup - she was 105 at the time - and it was one of the most remarkable experiences.

"Eileen taught Heather yoga, we played snooker, we drank cups of tea and we leafed through newspapers and scrapbooks celebrating Eileen's time as a player in the 1930s and 1940s. "She regaled us with some amazing stories, including how she came to have her bat signed by Sir Donald Bradman at a French restaurant in Sydney in 1949. I know neither of us will ever forget that day, it was so special. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Eileen's family as they come to terms with losing such a wonderful woman and the end of an astonishing life." (Sky Sports)

DECCAN Gladiators clinched their maiden Abu Dhabi T10 title with a convincing 56-run victory over Delhi Bulls in the final. Andre Russell’s (Dre Russ) masterclass of 90 runs, comprising seven sixes and nine fours, ensured Deccan Gladiators lifted the trophy for the first time while Delhi Bulls second-best for the second straight edition. Earlier in the third-place playoff match, Team Abu Dhabi tied with Bangla Tigers in a last-ball thriller and finished the tournament in third place owing to a better performance in the group stages. Put in to bat, Deccan Gladiators openers Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Russell got the team off to a flying start with 68-0 at the halfway mark. Thereafter, the duo upped the ante, pounding every bowler out of the park. The pair first smashed Romario Shepherd for 23 and later Ravi Rampaul for 21 runs in the eighth and ninth over of their innings to set up a daunting total of 159-0 in their 10 overs, the highest total of this season. Chasing 160 for victory, Delhi Bulls were off to the worst possible start, losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Sherfane Rutherford in the sec-

ond over of the chase to leave them struggling at 25-2 in two overs. Chandrapaul Hemraj (42 off 20 balls) tried to keep the Delhi Bulls afloat but they kept losing wickets at regular intervals in their quest to catch up with the climbing run-rate. In the end, a clinical all-round

ment on a high. Opting to bat first, Team Abu Dhabi reached 98-5 after Colin Ingram smacked an unbeaten 41 off 24 and Phil Salt pounded 21 from seven. The score could have been much higher but for a very disciplined bowling effort from the Tigers, especially in the middle overs. In reply, Bangla Tigers scored 29 runs in the first three overs

Andre Russell inspired Deccan Gladiators to the title. ( Abu Dhabi T10) effort resulted in a comfortable title win for Deccan Gladiators. Team Abu Dhabi played out a last-ball tie against Bangla Tigers and clinched the third spot, courtesy of finishing higher in the group stages of the tournament. Both teams ended on 98 runs after 10 overs as Team Abu Dhabi’s Naveen-ul-Haq held his nerves to defend seven runs in the final over and help his side end the tourna-

but also lost both their openers to speedster Naveen-ul-Haq. With 40 needed from 18 balls, Karim Janat and Will Smeed smashed Marchant de Lange and skipper Liam Livingstone for 33 runs in the eighth and ninth over to turn the game on its head. But Naveen-ulHaq’s heroics in the last over meant the Tigers could only level the score at 98-6.

Sarwan hints at massive overhaul of Jaguars squad for 2022 season … Franchise renamed Guyana Amazon Jaguars; Inter-County cricket to be reinstated - GCB president

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GCB president Bissoondyal Singh (centre) flanked by his executives during yesterday’s media briefing

Ajaz Patel became just the third player to take all 10 wickets in a Test innings after single-handedly dismissing India in Mumbai.

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Perfect 10! New Zealand's Ajaz spins his way into elite club

World's oldest Test cricketer Eileen Ash dies at age of 110

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December 5, 2021

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