Issuu

MONDAY 7th December, 2020

' No.106206

‘Aggressive’ works underway to supply reliable electricity

–– meeting Christmas demand only small part of wider solution

Main Street lights up! It is customary for Main Street, Georgetown, to be illuminated and decorated for the Christmas season. This year is no different and the decorations provide a welcome scenic view as Guyana continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic (Elvin Croker photo)

Small bars suffer immense losses –– after being closed for eight months

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Works Ministry Partygoers slash adopts ‘neglected’ police tyre, run away city projects 17 from street fete 13 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 7, 2020

Small bars suffer immense losses --after being closed for eight months --PM says COVID-19 restrictions geared to protect everyone By Vishani Ragobeer THE owners of small bars are feeling the brunt of the measures instituted to help miti-

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips

gate the spread and effects of COVID-19, as they have not been allowed to reopen for business since ordered to close about eight months ago. Bars, rum shops and similar spaces were closed following the community spread of the novel coronavirus. Successive gazetted COVID-19 orders have stated that these places are to remain closed. According to Paragraph Two (2) Section One (1) of the current COVID-19 emergency measures, bars and rum shops are to remain closed until the end of the year. While the effects of the pandemic are well known, bar owners have complained that the extended closure of their businesses has resulted in their suffering massive losses, and forcing them to temporarily let go (or furlough) some employees. On Sunday, owner and manager of a popular bar in Kitty, Georgetown related that she tried to retain her employees for as long as possible, but given that the bar was largely unable to operate, she was forced to send home six of them. “I understand that it’s COVID, and that we gotta try to stop the virus spreading, but we have bills… My creditors calling me for their money, and my workers, too: they have their families and bills to pay too,”

the owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, told the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday. The woman related that she was issued a warning letter by the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) for acting in contravention of the guidelines by opening her bar. However, she explained that her business is not only a bar, but a restaurant as well. Even so, she was warned against having her business open. Given that her losses have been tremendous, she is advocating for at least a phased reopening of bars. She suggested that bars could be allowed to reopen at 50 per cent capacity, once owners agree to enforce strict COVID-19 measures, such as washing hands and physical distancing. “Give us the chance to try and be safe, so that we could get back our business. And if we violate those guidelines, then you can take away our licences and shut us down,” the bar owner said. Recently, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony emphasised that if bars and rum shops were issued two warning letters by the NCTF, shutting down those businesses would be the next course of action. He contended that bars should not be TURN TO PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 7, 2020

‘Aggressive’ works underway to supply reliable electricity –– meeting Christmas demand only small part of wider solution

By Vishani Ragobeer AS ‘blackout’ woes continue to be an issue that many Guyanese have grown weary of, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, has emphasised that the current administration is working “aggressively” to supply reliable electricity to Guyanese. On Saturday night, the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) announced that ten 1.6 Megawatt (MW) Caterpillar Units were acquired to boost the company’s generating capacity for the holiday season. Three of the units will be installed at GPL’s Sophia, Georgetown location, while another three will be placed at GPL’s Onverwagt (West Berbice) location, a release from the company said. The remaining four are backup sets, in case there is a failure of any of the other six units; they each carry a generating capacity of 1.6 megawatts. All ten units are expected to boost the generation capacity in the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System, which should provide customers with reliable

electricity. In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday, Minister Indar explained that ten generating sets were an “immediate measure” geared at meeting the upward demand for electricity which is usually associated with the Christmas season. But, these units utilise diesel fuel. Though this is a lighter fuel oil than the Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) GPL usually

expensive. “In terms of generating power, it will bring GPL in a decent power (for the holidays),” Indar affirmed but later added, “It is a very small part of the larger energy mix that we’re going for.” It is expected that by next April, four months from now, the new 46.5MW at Gardenof-Eden power plant will be commissioned. Further improvements are also expect-

13.8 kV levels. Importantly, Indar indicated that GPL’s transmission system has been a huge bugbear, constraining the delivery of reliable electricity. “Those transmission lines are old and they need a lot of maintenance because they didn’t have a lot of maintenance over the last five years, and now we have to do that,” he highlighted, and stressed, “You can’t wait un-

The 1.6 Megawatt (MW) Caterpillar Units

uses, Indar said that this is only a short-term measure because diesel fuel is more

ed in the transmission and distribution system, to build redundancy at the 69 kV and

til the infrastructure is totally dilapidated before you do (maintenance).”

The transmission lines are the links which take the power generated from the generator sub-stations to households and businesses. Damages to these lines, whether damaged poles or generators, contribute to the occurrence of power outages, or, blackouts as they are commonly called. Cognisant of these challenges and more, Minister Indar highlighted that works are being “aggressively” done to ensure that the system is ‘up-to-scratch’ and so that reliable energy can be provided to citizens. “We don’t sleep on these issues. Every day and night we’re on them because we understand how important it is to have reliable energy,” the Minister posited. Indar also reminded that the government is actively pursuing the gas-to-shore project, so that natural gas from Guyana’s oil fields should be used to supply cleaner fuel for power generation. “Every single day, efforts are being made in this direction to make sure that we have reliable power, and so the grid is sized big enough to deal with the expansion of

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar

the country,” Indar affirmed. Since assuming office in August, the current administration said that it would be looking to capitalise on the associated gas deposits from Guyana’s oilfields to allow Guyanese to benefit from cheap electricity, among other things. In August, Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, said the government plans to move ‘swiftly’ with the gas-to-energy project, as their intention is to deliver the promise of cheap electricity, which was made to Guyanese.

Small bars suffer immense ...

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they would have done in a bar or rum shop.

I operation, because one would have to remove one’s mask in order to drink, and given that most bars are housed indoors, the potential for spread is much greater. “In Success, the police coming to shut down the bars, but we really struggling to make ends meet,” highlighted another bar owner at Success, East Coast

Demerara (ECD), who also wishes to remain anonymous. “Many of the big bars them carrying on, but not we; and we losing out big time,” he said. One resident, who also wished to remain anonymous, lamented that the supermarkets located in many communities have become

the new rum shops. This resident said that while the gazetted orders state that bars, rum shops and similar entertainment spots should be closed, persons have been purchasing their alcoholic beverages from supermarkets. She also highlighted that persons would loiter at the “street corners”, or congregate in their yards, as

‘LAST RESORT’ Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, on the other hand, related that while enforcement is a possible course of action, the NCTF is trying to engage citizens and businesses on why they should adhere to COVID-19 measures. “Enforcement will be done, but as far as I am concerned as the National Coordinator, enforcement should be a last resort. What we need is people who are better educated now, and they must be encouraged. And they must adhere to the COVID-19 measures,” the Prime Minister told this newspaper on Thursday last. He explained that as per current protocols, business-

es acting in contravention of the COVID-19 measures will be issued with warning letters before “sterner actions” are taken. However, he emphasised that the NCTF is open to working with all stakeholders to ensure that they adhere to the COVID-19 protocols. He said that only if persons adhere to these protocols will businesses be

allowed to continue with less restrictions. “You have your businesses, and the activities associated with those, but we have the COVID-19 guidelines to keep everyone safe. It’s a balancing act; all are involved, and all are consumed,” the Prime Minister said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 7, 2020

Final-year ‘med’ students hoping to raise awareness on HPV vaccine MEMBERS of the graduating Class of 2020 for the University of Guyana (UG)’s School of Medicine are hop-

ing to raise awareness on the benefits of the vaccine for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Monday December 7, 2020 –– 10:00 HRS

Members of this class carried out a study entitled: “Acceptance of HPV vaccine: A systematic review of social factors influencing knowledge and attitude among parents of 9 – 14-year-old girls.” Through this study, the future doctors investigated the various social factors having an impact on parent’s perceptions, knowledge, beliefs and attitudes about the HPV vaccine, and factors leading to

vaccination uptake. The findings have revealed that there is an increased need to educate parents about the HPV, and to correct the misconceptions that would lead to negative attitudes and lack of knowledge. One student, Latifa Henry, said that the group noticed that Guyana has a high prevalence of cervical cancer, which can be caused by the HPV. She explained that this is prevent-

able if the vaccine is used, but there are various stigmas that prevent wider usage of the vaccine. A common myth is that girls would become sexually active after taking the vaccine; another is that the vaccine has serious health implications. But, these are not true. “The age you want to get the vaccine is 12, and you need three doses of the vaccine,” Latifa said, but acknowledged

that many parents may think that this indicated to the child that ‘sex’ is okay. In an attempt to raise awareness on the merits of this vaccine, the students created a poster with some of the common facts and key information about the HPV vaccine. They hope that it will help to raise awareness in Guyana and hopefully, reduce the prevalence of cervical cancer.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 7, 2020

Two more men die from COVID-19

–– 28 new cases TWO men, aged 81 and 55, died after being infected with the COVID-19 virus, taking the death toll to 153, while 28 new cases were recorded, taking the total number of positive cases in Guyana to 5,665. According to information from the Ministry of Health, the 81-year-old man who died was from Region Seven and the 55-year-old man was from Region One. They both died while receiving care at the Ministry’s medical facility. Additionally, the 28 new cases were recorded from 327 tests conducted, revealing an additional 13 men and 15 women were infected. These new cases were

also distributed across Region Two (eight cases), Region Three (one case), Region Four (five cases), Region Five (one case), Region Six (two cases), Region Seven (five cases) and Region 10 (six cases). So far, 4,759 infected persons have recovered; many of the persons infected with the virus are said to be asymptomatic; that is, exhibiting no symptoms. However, four patients are being kept at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the National Infectious Diseases hospital at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. There are 29 persons in institutional quarantine, 52 in institutional isolation and

697 in home isolation. The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures (No. Nine) are in force from December 1, 2020 until December 31, 2020. 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 these current measures, however, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes. Physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are also important. The current curfew is 22:30 hours to 04:00 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.

Fashion guru Sonia Noel launches new book WELL known fashion designer and guru, Sonia Noel, has launched her new book titled: “365 Invaluable Life Experiences”, which will soon be available to all book lovers on Amazon. Noel, during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, stated that her new book will be different from what her readers are used to since it will feature writers from across the globe. “It is the 365 Invaluable Life Experiences where people from different parts of the world and many countries share one experience that impacted their lives,” Noel said. She added: “I thought that people around the world will have so many stories and a lot of them may not be able to write a book so I said ‘why don’t I just encourage people to be a part of this collaborative book’ where they share their experiences.” After she shared that idea, Noel said there were a few naysayers who said she could not get the task done in time for the Christmas holidays. “I’m kind of crazy but you have to be crazy to enjoy life, you have to be really crazy to take risk also, and so, I said of course I can do it. I started and I started inviting people and people were like ‘it’s a great idea I love it’.” The book will be available on December 19, just in time for the Christmas season and readers will be

able to download the book free of charge on the official launch date. Noel said the book will feature writers from Guyana, Trinidad & Tabago, Barbados, Antigua, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Cuba,

Dominican Republic, Suriname, French Guiana, Canada, Finland, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, South Africa, Cameroon, Nigeria and the United States of America.

A glimpse of Sonia Noel’s new book

Agri. Ministry probes theft of crops in Reg. 5 backlands FOLLOWING several reports by farmers from Cotton Tree, West Berbice about theft of crops in a number of villages, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, has committed to launching an urgent investigation into the matter. During an outreach to several villages in West Berbice on Saturday, farmers expressed the challenges faced and noted that they are unable to profit off of their cultivation as a result of the theft. Omishwar Shivnarine, a farmer of Cotton Tree, said that persons from neighbouring villages are coming into the backdams and demanding the produce of a number of farmers. “We, the farmers in Cotton Tree, D’Edward and other areas, we are facing a very serious problem in the backdam. All our produce is being stolen. Even if we are there, they come and take it away because it is a bunch of them. Residents of #5, they are the ones who come there. They are the ones who, even if you are in your farm, they will come there. Whatever produce you have, they take it away. “Since 2015, what they are saying is that when we plant they will come and take everything that we have. A lot of us are being beaten. We have to hide and bring

out produce sometimes. We really need something to happen so that we can have our produce Mr. Minister,” Mr. Shivnarine said. Minister Mustapha said that he was shocked at these reports as he assured the farmers that a thorough investigation will be launched. “I will be contacting the Minister of Home Affairs and an investigation will be launched. This is a very serious matter with persons taking your produce right in front of your eyes. I will be making contact with the Minister of Home Affairs and an investigation will be launched soon. “If we have to have a police presence in these backdams to ensure these types of things do not happen we will work towards that. We will also work to have the persons carrying out the theft apprehended,” Minister Mustapha said. A number of other farmers also raised issues about the need for improved drainage and irrigation. One farmer also raised the issue of cattle grazing in his rice field. The subject Minister informed the gathering that officers from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NA-

REI) will be returning to the villages to meet with the residents on these matters. “My officers are here today and they will be coming back to meet with you in a few days to get details on the works you need to have done. They will be developing a work programme to be added to their activities for the coming year. We are currently in the process of developing budget 2021. “Even though we were able to do some works with this emergency budget, the major projects will have to be undertaken in subsequent budgets, starting with budget 2021. I want to assure you that we will work with you to have all these works completed,” Minister Mustapha said. The Minister was accompanied by Ministry of Agriculture Director General, Madanlall Ramraj and other senior officials from the GLDA; NAREI; NDIA; Pesticide and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB); the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC); the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB); the Fisheries Department; the Mahaica/ Abary Rice Development Scheme (MARDS); the Mahaica/Mahaicony Abary Agriculture Development Authority (MMA-ADA) and other regional officials.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 7, 2020

Tajeram Mohabir

Pretending to be victims IT is widely known by now that Attorney General Anil Nandlall, despite a crushingly busy schedule, always makes time on Saturdays to meet with the grassroots people to listen to their concerns, to assist wherever and whenever he can, to advise on courses to follow on problem-resolution, or to refer supplicants for help and/ or advice to the relevant bodies. His Saturday engagements are part of the administration’s strategy of taking government to the people, in keeping with the PPP/C’s manifesto promises. During one engagement with the public at one such forum, the plight of two public servants who had been dismissed from jobs by newly appointed management constructs clearly appalled him because, as he informed them, the managers had clearly misunderstood government’s staff-restructuring intent,

which was to rid the public service of political appointees holding sinecure positions and drawing small fortunes of taxpayers’ money, with a multiplicity of benefits each month, as well as those engaged in corrupt practices and not the ordinary wage worker. He promised he wold ensure that they were re-employed. But the lies being peddled that public servants are being dismissed because of their ethnicity is gaining traction, because of the plethora of persons with agendas inimical to national cohesion spouting their misrepresentation of facts and plain lies in print and electronic media, as well as the far-reaching, wide-ranging social media. Dr. Tara Singh, renowned Guyanese humanitarian domiciled in the USA, wrote in the Kaieteur News of Nov 26, 2020, under the headline, “Fewer than 300 workers sent home,” in which he posits,

inter alia, as follows: “The hiring of political advisers, political operatives and contract workers, when a new government assumes office, is a normal and customary practice, as illustrated by the ‘transition’ between the outgoing President Donald Trump and the President-elect Joe Biden administrations. In Guyana, however, this transition, including the hiring of workers, has become an area of contention.” The ensuing furore which has been precipitated by persons who seem intent on creating distrust in the government and rifts in the nation, has a political genesis. These entities, led by the GPSU, had contended during the PPP/C administration (pre-2015) that the system of appointments of political appointees, advisers, and contract workers also undermined the role of the Public Service Commission (PSC), whose responsibility is to hire, promote,

examine work conditions of public servants and to discipline those who are errant. They also alleged that the hiring of contract and political-type employees had placed traditional public servants at a disadvantage. The latter have been getting lower salaries compared with contract and politically appointed workers for doing similar or even higher-level jobs. Dr. Singh iterated that, conversely, once in government, the public service employment roll was bloated by the coalition administration with over 10,000 new employees (during 20152020). He was alluding to statements made by a top PPP/C government official on a Globespan programme. According to Dr. Singh, a significant percentage of the new employees were (i) on contract and/or (ii) were party supporters/members. The GPSU and others kept quiet on this issue, as well as on the massive firing of

thousands of sugar workers by the coalition. According to a PPP/C government functionary, “The public service (under the PNCR) was embedded with many political appointees that were found in all the ministries and who were on contract and receiving high salaries, had few qualifications, if any, and not working, except doing open political work for the PNCR. Their services were terminated, but they were given their leave and benefits.” According to the government official, these political appointees holding non-performing positions were let go to decrease the level of contract and/or political appointees, and to enhance workers’ productivity, their professionalism, as well as to make them responsive to the requirements of the government’s policies. He asserted that the PPP/C administration, as did the PNCR govern-

ment before, albeit on a much lesser scale, terminated several of those contract and politically appointed workers. The terminations were not carried out ruthlessly as were done by the coalition government in 2015, but rather in a measured way to ease the level of disruption. Dr. Singh informed that, contrary to some critics, a government source confirms that no one on the fixed, pensionable establishment has been terminated, and that terminated workers have been given their benefits. He opined, “To define those terminations as ‘ethnic cleansing’” is unfortunate and a reckless use of language.” The new administration is taking steps to professionalise the public service to make it more functionally productive and responsive to the needs of the people.

The President’s invitation should be seen as step towards building inclusionary democracy Dear Editor, THE recent decision by President Irfaan Ali to invite former presidents to a meeting to discuss matters related to national development must be seen as a master stroke in his legacy and his commitment to democracy and inclusive governance. It is also a good way to break from the tradition of hate, division and political spitefulness that has characterised our country, and which is tearing it apart and hurting our development as a nation. I am proud because the meeting will no doubt bring together some of the greatest minds that understand from both perspectives the

challenges between how to balance what is really needed to get our country going along the right path to further development, and what is needed by the competing interests in society to make them cohesive and racially tolerant to each other when it matters the most. The meeting will also see for the first time our leaders coming together from both political establishments and putting our people above the fray of politics in our society. The meeting would be a signal of the great things that could be accomplished when we put our differences aside and talk about our common interests first. It is my hope that former Presidents David Granger, Donald Ramotar, Bharrat Jagdeo, and Samuel

Hinds will join President Irfaan Ali for a frank discussion on the way forward for Guyana towards development, especially in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic and the concomitant challenges in the world arena now related to finance, global warming and the environment. It is truly hoped that former President David Granger does not turn down the invitation as a sign of weakness. He must not give in to the constant political pressure from his party to refuse the invitation because they are still upset that they lost the March 2, 2020 elections and subsequent recount. Mr Granger has a chance to be a leader with a different political reputation and to stand for the country first. He should not

allow politics to blind him from seeing the real cause of the meeting or to stop him from contributing to Guyana’s development. He must attend as a signal that he is really committed to talk about shared governance, inclusive governance and unity. In the words of President Ali, “it will be an open-flow meeting where we bring together all the former presidents. I think that it will be an opportunity for us to continue to share ideas, generate ideas to talk about how we see Guyana’s development from our different perspectives; and then to work out a model and a framework of how we engage in the future and how we have continuous contributions.”

After all, Ali had noted the PPP/C’s pledge to pursue inclusionary constitutional governance in its manifesto and emphasised his intention to see its implementation. “To do so will require certain constitutional reforms which we will be formulated in consultation with the people. We will conduct a national conversation in which all ideas will contend, and all voices will be heard,” he had said then. I cannot wait for December 15th when the meeting is billed to take place and we hear our leaders speak for the first time as one. Yours respectfully, Erin Northe

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 7, 2020

Op-ED

The plight of elderly Caribbean Americans and COVID-19

ELDERLY Caribbean folk have spent all their lives being prepared for disaster. Just as they are always prepared for the hurricane season, Caribbean elders in New York City sprung into survival mode. As news of the novel coronavirus spread like wildfire, not even their life-long experiences in disaster preparedness could have prepared them for being drafted into the battle with this deadly disease that altered the way in which they must now operate in their adopted homeland. I am Rozanne Caesar, a first-generation Guyanese-American who reside in the predominantly Caribbean-American community of East Flatbush. I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Public Health at SUNY Downstate University. My aim is to work to reduce the Maternal Morbidity and Mortality rate among women of colour. As the shelter-in-place order was instituted by the governor of New York State, New Yorkers began panic shopping. Elderly Caribbean folk were also thrown into panic-shopping mode, as they embarked on shopping for basic food

items. I too began panic shopping; I observed elderly Caribbean men and women while they shopped for food items that are considered to be staple food items in a Caribbean household: rice, powdered milk, cooking oil, canned meats and vegetables, as well as other foods that have long shelf lives, such as salted cod fish and frozen foods. Home-baked bread is popular with elderly Caribbean women, so ingredients such as flour, butter, yeast, and vegetable shortening were sold out at the supermarkets and the Caribbean food markets. Some Caribbean-American elders also experienced food insecurity and sought assistance from local food pantries. As the virus swept the city and the rate of infections increased, older Caribbean Americans dealt with the same issues as everyone else. Culturally, Caribbean nationals are less inclined to reside in a Skilled Nursing Facility. However, they are more likely to reside in multigenerational households, usually with their daughter as their primary caregiver. The inability to maintain the social-distancing rule

within their households was the major reason why the prevalence rate of the disease was exceedingly high among members of the Black community. (Scott, 2020) Caribbean-Americans also dealt with social isolation during the pandemic. Attending church services plays an integral part in the lives of Caribbean elders. Apart from getting in touch with their faith, elders are afforded the opportunity to get dressed up and go out to socialise with family and friends on a weekly basis. As doors to their respective churches were closed to avoid the spread of the virus, elders resorted to celebrating services or mass via Zoom, thus, putting an abrupt end to their ability to socialise with others. Caribbean elders have always resisted the use of technology. They believe that technology makes a person lazy. Now with the use of Zoom and Skype, they are now forced to step into the age of technology. Adult Day Programmes were also suspended, depriving the elderly of recreational activities. The feeling of isolation from their peers plunged them into a state of depression. Studies have shown

that social isolation increases the mortality rate among the elderly (Medicare, 2020). With approximately two million Caribbean immigrants in New York City (U.S. Census) more than 100 “New Yorkbased” Caribbean-Americans have succumbed to the coronavirus and the numbers have continued to increase (The Guardian, April 2020). Many of the deceased were essential workers who hailed from Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, and Barbados. Many private medical appointments were cancelled, as doctors closed their private practices to provide care for persons who were severely afflicted with the disease in a hospital setting. The elderly was once again exposed to learning a new type of technology called “Telemedicine,” in order to communicate with their provider. Elders who do not possess technology skills, relied on their younger family members for assistance. Caregivers resorted to taking an alternative approach by using natural remedies from Health Food stores to manage illnesses, and to boost their immune systems in order to avoid becoming

Some thoughts on the U.S. elections Dear Editor, THE shadows are creeping on the ground, getting longer and wider, looking not lazy but tired. The sun is quickly fading on the homestretch, racing away to kiss the horizon, having baked the skin to leave pearls of salt with sweaty shirts clinging on a wet comfort. The wind withdrew a while ago to retreat for the day, having served vitality with refreshing energy. Only the firm field stood its ground to withstand all the walking, running, trampling, striding, rolling, tumbling, kicking, scratching, scraping, pelting, hitting and stampeding. It never complained nor acknowledged the hurling of abuse, but welcomed the grazing, bruising and tormenting of its fatigued body as a reason to become more resolute and to continue to colour a brighter green. This display of strength, determination, resilience and gener-

osity, solidifying each speck of dust and consolidating every morsel of dirt, maintains a foundation of not forsaking nor criticising anyone, regardless of their treatment and still smiles with a promise that, she, mother earth, will still be there tomorrow, ready, willing and culpable to greet you again; but, you may not be there to reciprocate. Is the heart to realise that it is only a subject as an organ of flesh, blood and tissue with no room for compassion or concern as an object? It is the last day of play. What an exciting and keen contest it has been. Both sides fought diligently, stubbornly, earnestly and honestly according to each other’s policies. The principle of moral dignity is exemplified and interpreted according to each side exercising its right to protect, provide and utilise its oxygen in order to survive. Rules and regulations are meant to guide, observe and adhere to. Manipulation is not

sidelined but strengths and weaknesses are capitalised upon and used to the convenience of exploiting strategically. Winning or losing is not necessarily decided by the umpires. Defying the hurdles determines how the leader chooses to defuse all obstacles and impediments. The last call is always decided and/or undecided by the public, audience and spectator’s views and opinions. The analysis is rationalised by one’s perception and not by the confirmation of facts, figures, scores or results. Do we pay for the expense of the ticket or for the cost of glory? The danger of any damage is dangling yet not demoralising and, the celebration of civility for any celebrity is yet to be certified. The last delivery in the last over is about to be bowled. The crowd remains understandably perplexed and tensed, although appreciatively decisive and convinced. Fussing, fuming, fantasising and fascinated, a few are emotionally con-

strained, others exuberantly overjoyed, many shocked, dazed and confused and some in a state of disbelief and denial. Fans and fanatics, both are furthering for their favourite and clamouring for the culmination of the climax. Maths and stats will be a ball-by-ball play for many a following day to come until the novelty rests with history. One ball to go, one run to go and one wicket to go. Will the ball be the trump or the bat will triumph? The match is not over until the last ball is bowled. Such is the power of the play. For many, cricket, tennis, volleyball, football, basketball or baseball, are glorious ball games and politics is a dirty game! Meanwhile, enjoy the remainder of the game. Did we get our money’s worth? Respectfully, Jai Lall

infected with the coronavirus. Elderly Caribbean-Americans have adjusted to their new normal of wearing masks and other PPE, as well as to technology. Now that there is a resurgence in the number of COVID-19 cases, CaribbeanAmerican elders are more prepared than before. Citations Alleyne, G: Bajan Deaths Near 50https://www.caribbeanlifenews. com/bajan-ny-deaths-near-50/ Being prepared for the worst’ is nothing new for immigrants during Covid-19 https://www.theguardian. com/us-news/2020/apr/15/coronavirus-us-immigrant-communities-challenges https://www.medicareadvantage.com/resources/senior-guideto-mental-health-during-covid-19 Seniors Guide to Mental Health During COVID-19 Stats for Stories: National Caribbean-American Heritage Month: June https://www.National Caribbean-American Heritage Month: June (census.gov) June, 2020

Mahipaul’s claims of discrimination in distribution of cash grant patently false

Dear Editor,

I READ with sheer amazement the bundle of hogwash APNU+AFC Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul wrote in the media about the highly successful $25,000 COVID-19 cash grant distribution exercise currently ongoing. Mahipaul alleged, among other things, that the distribution is being done unfairly and that communities and families perceived to be non-supportive of the PPP/C government are being denied the grant. This is a total lie. Such blatant untruths from the likes of Mahipaul are not however surprising, given what

the nation and the world were subjected to for five months by him and his APNU+AFC colleagues as they sought to deny the will of the Guyanese people. One only has to look at his own postings to understand the duplicity and deceitfulness being perpetrated in Mahipaul's missive. It was he who proudly posted on Facebook a few weeks back that he had received the cash grant; he even went on to praise the persons executing the distribution for their professionalism. Many of his other PNC buddies across the country have also benefitted from the relief. TURN TO PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 7, 2020

51% of queries over 'unsatisfactory' CXC grades resolved THE Ministry of Education (MoE) has noted that some 51 per cent of the queries sent to the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) over unsatisfactory results have been resolved, while 17 out of the 20 schools where students received ungraded results, have now received results. The ministry did not say how many students were affected by either category of complaints, or if the queries responded to resulted in any of the students receiving improved grades. However, in the case of ungraded students, several of them, who have spoken with the Guyana Chronicle, noted that they eventually received favourable grades. In an effort to avoid future occurrences, where some teachers did not submit the students’ School Based Assessments (SBAs), the Ministry has since appointed an Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO) who would be directly responsible for this area, among other measures. “The MoE has developed a well-defined document to monitor the completion of

SBAs by subject and school. Teachers will be trained to ensure SBA scores are recorded correctly and that all SBAs meet CXC’s required standard,” the Ministry announced in a social media post on Saturday on its official Facebook page. After CXC released preliminary results for its Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficien-

cy Examinations (CAPE) in September, 20 schools reported unprecedented cases of students receiving “ungraded” results across 15 subject areas, while 24 schools requested reviews for unsatisfactory results across 20 subject areas for CSEC, and six schools in seven subject areas for CAPE. The CXC had received widespread backlash across the Caribbean over results

issued for its 2020 examinations, where a modified model of the exam was utilised to cater for the effects of months-long school closures brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the criticism, the CXC later convened an intendent review panel which concluded that limitations in the grading model utilised in 2020, as well as disparities between SBA scores awarded

by teachers and SBA scores awarded the CXC moderator, contributed to lower-than-expected final grades. The CXC officials had also noted that a breakdown in communication and coordination of the SBAs led to higher cases of “ungraded” results, where in several cases, the SBAs were not submitted in its entirety. In those cases, the CXC was able to work with schools to have the deficiencies rectified and grades issued to the students. However, in Guyana, it was discovered that at three schools, the teachers did not submit the students’ SBAs at all, notwithstanding the fact that the students had completed the SBAs. A pre-exam assessment, SBAs are a vital component in determining a students’ grades for CSEC; without it, students are issued “ungraded” result. Internal Assessments (IA) serve as the SBA equivalent for students writing the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE). The importance and significance of SBAs and IAs were particularly highlighted in the 2020 CXC exams, when CXC carried out the modified version. Among the changes, the CXC took the decision to

moderate and issue their own grades to 100 per cent of the SBAs/IAs administered, as opposed to customarily moderating just a sample of the SBAs/IAs, and instead relying on grades issued by the teachers. It was related that over 60 per cent of SBA scores issued by teachers across the Caribbean were changed after the SBAs were moderated by CXC. For years, the issue of teachers marking and submitting the SBA scores for students have been an area of contention, as the teachers across the Caribbean have complained of not being compensated for the work. CXC has maintained that the issue is one for the teachers to negotiate with the government of their respective nations, as it is the responsibility of the education ministries to handle the procedures involved in ensuring the students’ SBA grades are submitted. Opponents to the proposal have also contended that paying the teachers would result in an increase in the cost to write the exams.

Farmers’ group benefits from fertiliser, other materials MEMBERS of the Woodley Park Women’s Cash Crop Farmers’ Group of Woodley Park, West Berbice, on Saturday, received a quantity of fertilisers and seeds to assist with their cultivation. The items were handed

over to representatives of the group by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, during an outreach to several areas in Region Five. President of the group, Guyannatie Ragubir, said that for years she has been writing to the ministry on behalf of the

group for assistance but was never successful. “Since we formed the group, I’ve been writing to the ministry for assistance but I never even got an acknowledgement. About three weeks ago, I wrote to Minister Mustapha asking for assistance

for the group and, today, I am happy to be receiving these items,” Ms. Ragubir said. The group comprises 26 female farmers who cultivate mainly cash crops like lettuce, celery, cabbages and eshallots, to name a few. Saturday’s donation comprised

four bags of ‘12 12 17 2’ fertiliser and a number of seeds valued at over GY$30,000. Minister Mustapha, while making the presentation, said the government will continue to support farmers in an effort to improve their production. “If as a government, we

will be working to improve the livelihood of the citizens of this country. If we are to take agriculture to the next level, we have to make resources available to support these types of groups and activities. TURN TO PAGE

Mahipaul’s claims of discrimination in distribution of ...

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Further, I am yet to witness a complaint from any citizen, who is qualified and entitled to the grant, about being denied it. I do however agree that there are instances of confusion among persons who are unfamiliar with the process, especially as it relates to those living in households where there are multiple families. Distribution teams have been walking the length and breadth of

Guyana, ensuring that this cash grant gets into the hands of every citizen, regardless of their economic status or political affiliation. Mahipaul, as is the case with many of his other PNC colleagues, are simply bitter at the fact that they lacked the vision and knowledge to execute a similar initiative when they controlled the public purse. I would like to inform Mahipaul

that the people of Guyana welcome this initiative and are very supportive of every aspect of its execution. Instead of exhibiting bitterness, he should utilise his energies more constructively. What Mahipaul needs to account for is the billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money his gang squandered while ignoring the plight of the Guyanese people. What Mahipaul needs

to be reminded of is the five years of failure of his cabal who did absolutely nothing for the poor people of this country while they marginalised and victimised those they perceived to be non-supportive of APNU+AFC criminal cabal. The record will show that the PPP/C has an illustrious track record of governing for all Guyanese. It has always been pro-Guyanese in its pol-

icies and this can be evidenced from its immediate reversal of the many hardship measures and increased taxation foisted upon the poor and working-class people of this country by the APNU+AFC. The PPP/C speaks unity and matches its words with actions. Yours sincerely, Edward Layne

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 7, 2020

Some 14% of CSEC students not being engaged

––Minister Manickchand engages religious bodies for support

A total of 10,216 students were expected to be preparing for next year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination but, based on the Ministry of Education’s attendance records, some 1,424 students are not being engaged by the school system, whether physical or virtual. These facts were presented in a press release issued by the Ministry of Education (MoE) on Saturday. The statement quoted the Deputy Chief Education Officer (Amerindian and Hinterland Education Development), Mr. Marti De Souza, as saying that information gathering revealed several reasons as to why some students have not returned to the classrooms. “Some of the reasons that were recorded include 21 students becoming pregnant, 31 students gaining employment, 89 students not returning due to fear of the (COVID 19) pandemic, 44 students because of financial difficulties and 48 students that have relocated,” the MoE statement specified. That number, the Ministry said, was higher, but with effort

has been reduced. The statement explained that the ministry was unable to reach 988 of the unengaged students, in an effort to ascertain their reasons for not being in school, whether physically or virtually. Meanwhile, in an effort to garner critical support needed to address this troubling situation, the ministry has moved to engage in excess of 200 religious leaders. The engagements were hosted virtually. Subject Minister, Priya Manickchand, explained that the ministry, through its schools, is present in almost every community in Guyana, from nursery to post-secondary level. Similarly, it has been recognised that religious institutions are also present in almost every community throughout the country. This is in addition to Toshaos for the hinterland communities. As such, the ministry believes that Churches, Temples, Masjids and toshaos can “add another layer of organised interest, monitoring, supervision and reporting, which would be sure to benefit the students. According to the statement, Minister Manickchand

has asked religious leaders to “take account of all the chil-

gravely affected by COVID 19, so as to ensure that they

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand

dren in their congregations and identify the students who are in school, not in school or are not being engaged while at home.” Minister Manickchand said that this initiative is not a truancy campaign, but an initiative to support students

are meaningfully engaged while at home. During the engagement with religious leaders, a line of communication was established, whereby a phone number was shared so that senior officers at central ministry can be contacted and

made aware of any issue preventing a child or children from returning to school, or be engaged at home. Such reports, the ministry noted, would be addressed immediately. Shaik Moeen ul-Hack of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), commended the Ministry for the initiative. He said that after the Ministry made contact with the organisation, the CIOG did a survey through the Masjids across the country regarding why some students did not return to school when it was re-opened. This survey’s result was similar to the ministry’s findings. He added that the CIOG will assist the ministry in sensitising the community about children returning to schools and all relevant matters. Reverend, Dr. Noel Holder, of the Victoria and Ann's Grove Congregational Churches, also commended the ministry for engaging the religious bodies. He noted that based on his observation, behavioral change is one of the major challenges during this pandemic. He said that while parents are afraid to send their children to school, in some

Farmers’ group benefits from fertiliser... [Saturday’s] donation represents one of many that will be done in an effort to boost the production and productivity of our farmers. Agriculture is often seen as a man’s profession but these women have great potential, and I am very impressed with what they have achieved so far,” Minister Mustapha said. Minister Mustapha also indicated that the ministry is collaborating with the Inter-American Institute for Corporation on Agriculture (IICA) to assist the farmers’ group with a number of farming tools shortly. Only recently, the group benefited from an agriculture training that was organized by IICA, in collaboration with the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF).

cases, the said children are playing with friends in the community without masks. According to him, getting persons to adapt to the new norm is of great importance moving forward. Ms. Chandrowtie Sarran of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha expressed similar sentiments about the initiative, offering to provide necessary assistance. The ministry considers this initiative as an expansion of its monitoring mechanism whereby each Church, Temple or Masjid can examine the situation in their respective communities and have direct contact with the ministry so that immediate action can be taken. The participants agreed to have additional meetings to continue to craft an effective approach to the issue which will see religious bodies working alongside government to reach and support the nation's children. The Education Minister is looking to continue and further strengthen the collaboration with the religious community. A similar meeting will soon be convened with Toshaos of the country.

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Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, donates fertilisers and seeds to the Woodley Park Women’s Cash Crop Farmers’ Group in the presence of ministry and regional officials

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 7, 2020

In a child’s best interest THE Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) receive reports about sexually abused children, via their hotline number, (227 0979) or their Intake desk every day. In various parts of Guyana, (Reg. 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10) reports on child sexual abuse or molestation are also regularly made

at CPA offices. Each report is followed up and investigated by CPA officers. This adds up to a lot of child sexual abuse for such a small population. (623) cases were reported, from January to September 2020, but as you may imagine, this is a drop in the ocean to the unreported

cases that possibly took place. It is not surprising to learn, therefore, that Guyana has the highest rate of child sexual abuse in the Region. Neglect, physical abuse, abandonment and custody matters are also recorded daily; but child sexual abuse is the most heinous of these violations

against children. If you are a parent, you have to protect your children. You must not put them at risk of abuse or turn a blind eye while a family member molests your child. It seems impossible to imagine, but some adults have a high tolerance for under-age sexual activity in their every-

day lives. Pubescent daughters (aged 10 to 14) are sometimes encouraged by their mothers to partake in sexual activity, with (young) men, as if it were a rite of passage. No doubt, the mother endured a similar fate when she was growing up, and so the trend continues. In their hearts, adults know that child sexual abuse is an offence; that is why they keep it quiet. They could be prosecuted and imprisoned for enabling and partaking in statutory rape, if caught. It is against the law for adults to have sexual activities with minors, yet every year an increasing number of 12 -13-year-old girls are becoming pregnant and having children. This behaviour may be a social norm for some adults, but it is far from normal for the children involved. They are coaxed into a life of sexual experiences, for which their minds and bodies are not yet ready. What do children want with sex? Children want to have fun. They need love, affection, security and direction from the adults who care for them. They need time and space to grow and find themselves. The Protection of Children Act (2009) and the Sexual Offences Act (2010) contain legislations to prevent child sexual abuse and other violations against children (and others). These laws are for the whole of Guyana and need to be upheld. Those who violate children, especially sexual predators, should be prosecuted and imprisoned. In Guyana, a speedy turnaround is required for the smooth running of such an operation, once child sexual abuse is reported. A special task force with specific skills from relevant entities. (CPA, Police, Medical Practitioner, Counsellor) should spring into action. A professional should forensically interview the victim as early as possible, and the perpetrator locked up immediately until a case is investigated and made against him/her. Authorities should not grant a 72-hour reprieve to the culprit if some information is lacking or challenging to obtain. The child’s best interest will be paramount. The CPA is very concerned about child sexual abuse and its aftermath. They endeavour to work towards innovative ideas to assist the smooth running of operations, the outcome of which should help prevent child sexual abuse and deter offenders from performing their wanton desires on children. The definition of a Paedophile is someone who has a sexual interest in children, and Paedophilia is recognised as a

mental disorder. Yet, there are paedophiles among us who go about their ‘normal’ everyday lives with little indication of their warped intention towards children. While we are gaffing, talking, laughing and spending time with them, we never suspect they have a nasty dark side to their mind, where they relish sexual activity with children. But what about the children? Doesn’t anyone care how they are affected by early sexual exposure? The answer is no; those who partake do not care about children. It is all about adult gratification. Unless a child speaks out or the perpetrator is caught and imprisoned, this gross conduct will continue, and children will suffer. What does a child know about the mental, psychological and emotional drama that accompanies sexual activity? Children lack the maturity to make constructive choices for their well-being. They do not understand the damage that can result from early sexual activity. Even if and when a child appears to be compliant, the odds are stacked against him/ her. Yes, their bodies will respond when sexually aroused, but this does not mean their minds are sexually wired or functioning like that of an adult (or a willing complicit equal). They are naïve and can be easily controlled and deceived by adults who use them to meet their evil ends. Children are resilient; they can withstand a lot of pressure, inadequate treatment, or abuse from adults and still show love and loyalty towards them. Many abused children have bounced back from abuse (with the right support and opportunities from others) to become productive members of society. But the scars of a messed-up childhood remain. To combat this blight in our society, we must re-educate people about the laws of Guyana and change the way some people treat and perceive children. The essential consideration that an adult can give a child should be in the child’s best interest and early sexual exposure can never be in the best interest of the child, but only to their detriment. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@ gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 7, 2020

SASOD seeks amendments to Discrimination Act –– wants to include sexual orientation among others as grounds for discrimination By Richard Bhainie THE Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) is seeking to reform the Prevention of Discrimination Act 1997, which deals with discrimination in the workplace. The organisation wants a reformation of Section Four of the Act (Prohibited grounds of discrimination) and has asked for it to include ‘Sexual Orientation’, ‘Gender Identity’ and ‘Gender Expression’ as grounds for discrimination. During an interview with this publication on Friday, Joel Simpson, Managing Director of SASOD, explained that the organisation has initiated discussions with Parliamentarians for the revision of the Act, which is the priority of their legislative agenda for 2021. The Prevention of Discrimination Act 1997 provides for the elimination of discrimination in employment, training, recruitment and membership of professional bodies and the promotion or equal remuneration to men and women in employment. The Act prohibits discrimination in a place of employment based on: race, sex, religion, colour, ethnicity, indigenous population, nationality, social origin, economic status, political opinion, disability, family responsibilities, pregnancy, marital status or age. Discrimination within the Act accounts for ‘sex’ as a ground for discrimination, however, it does not account for discrimination based on ‘gender’. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, sex refers to the biological aspects of an individual as determined by their anatomy, generally male or female, assigned at birth based on the genitalia the individual is born with and the chromosomes they have. Gender is a social construct relating to behaviours and attributes based on labels of masculinity and femininity; individuals have the discretion of choice as to what gender they choose to identify as. SASOD has so far met with the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Lenox Shuman, and the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance,

SASOD representatives, Joel Simpson (left) and Kobe Smith (right) meeting with Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira via Zoom

Left to right: Joel Simpson, Managing Director of SASOD (left), and Lenox Shuman, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly

Gail Teixeira. “Both the Deputy Speaker and the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, received us well; they said that it’s something very basic, its ordinary legislation and a simple amendment and they see no reason why we can’t have that tabled and passed in 2021,” Simpson said. To foster a bipartisan approach, the organisation intends to engage the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, the Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, other members of the government and the opposition. “We don’t want this to be framed in any partisan political way, this is human rights legislation and we don’t want it to be at the mercy of partisan politics; that’s why we’re making great effort to take a bipartisan approach and engage all round,” Simpson explained.

He added: “Whosoever we meet with on the government side, we will try to meet with the opposition shadow for that portfolio.” SASOD is hopeful for unanimous support from both sides of the House when the amendment is tabled and presented before the National Assembly. Simpson explained that in 2017, the organisation met with then Attorney General, Basil Williams, S.C. who requested that the organisation draft the proposed amendment for cabinet’s consideration. Consequently, the organisation would have then consulted the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) who facilitated two rounds of consultancy and supported them with a draft bill. However, the bill was never introduced in the National Assembly due to the dissolution of Parliament

in 2019. “We were at that stage in December 2018, we had workshops planned with the Social Services Committee and Economic Services Committee of Parliament and they said let’s do the workshop in 2019, however, after the no-confidence motion, the rest was history,” Simpson explained. Simpson explained that the amendment to the Prevention of Discrimination Act 1997 is imperative, and will be seen as a major milestone in bringing Guyana up to par with modern human rights legislation. “We’re taking it one step at a time; and for us this is

the low hanging fruit, once we achieve this for 2021, we’re going to move on to other issues,” Simpson explained. With the amendment of the legislation, members of the LGBTQ+ community cannot be discriminated against, based on their gender identity, in the workplace. This is part of SASOD’s Human Rights Programme, designed to protect LGBTQ+ Guyanese from discrimination in the enjoyment of their human rights.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 7, 2020

Hackathon 2020 in full swing By Naomi Parris

JUST halfway through the gruelling 72 hours of programming and building a software application, several participants of this year’s Hackathon are confident they will cop this year’s top prize. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) where the competition is being held, Shamar Berkley of ‘Team Control Art Elite’ said that while the competition has been tiring, he is confident in himself and team members. “This competition has been very tiring; I only had less than two hours of sleep this morning, but we got a good way and I feel very inspired.

“Honestly, it’s undone, because you don't know what the others are doing. But we planned, and we did our best, so I do feel a little confident,” Berkley said. Meanwhile, Matthew Ramlall of ‘Team Skillshare’ said he and his team have

been experiencing some difficulty, since it’s their first time competing in Hackathon. But while they are in uncharted territory, the team is still vying for the top prize, and is hoping to gain some new experiences along the way.

Diante Callender, a member of ‘Team Logic’

A few of the participants working on their software application (Photos by Carl Croker)

Participants of this year’s Hackathon working on their software application

“We are first timers. We have been having some difficulties; some ups and downs, which is expected, but we are hoping to take a spot. It is a good experience and, hopefully, next year we can do better, providing that [we will have some more experience].” Meanwhile, ‘Team Logic’, which placed second last year, is confident of their skills. At the time of the interview, Diante Callender, a member of the team, said they were right on schedule with their application. “Team Logic, we are right on schedule with the application we want to develop; we are just trying to make sure that everything works for the presentation on Monday. And hopefully, all the rest of teams are just as ready as us, because

we are expecting a lot of competition this year, given the competition we had last year,” Callender said. Shamiza Balnacoon, a web designer and teacher of ‘Team Orbitan’, stated that she, too, is confident in her team’s ability. She described this year’s Hackathon as interesting, given the fact that participants have to a create software that will help digitise Guyana’s education system. She is looking forward to seeing the outcome of this year’s competition, especially given the short amount of time that was given to create a software application. “I was very intrigued by the topic, and I think that I can actually represent teachers around the country,” Balnacoon said. “So, for me, the competition has been in-

teresting so far. There is a lot that we need to implement in a short amount of time.” The goal of this year’s Hackathon is to create a functioning software application by the end of the event, which commenced on December 5, and is slated to conclude on Monday. Participants are tasked with creating a functional student record information system that can be used by the Ministry of Education to digitise the registration system throughout schools across the country. The winning team will receive a cash prize of G$500,000, while the second and third place teams will collect G$350,000 and G$250,000 respectively.

New draft G/town building code under review By Rehana Ahamad THE existing building code for the city of Georgetown is outdated by at least eight decades; it was crafted in 1946, in keeping with engineering standards of 1935, according to prominent engineer Charles Ceres. “The building code that we currently have prevents any building in Georgetown for going up more than two stories,” Ceres posited. This would mean that the majority of buildings in the city are in breach of its building regulations. A revision of the building code has been on the table for many years and a new draft has finally materialised. The new document was crafted by Ceres, the Managing-Director of Ground Structures Engineering, and was generously gifted to the Georgetown Mayor and City

Council (M&CC). “If we want to have a properly functioning city, we need to put the new building code in place,” Ceres told the Guyana Chronicle during an interview. Although he is not a resident of Georgetown, Ceres said that he has a deep interest in the functionality of the city; thus his offer to create a draft of the new code. Mayor Ubraj Narine told this newspaper on Sunday that the document is currently with the Guyana Association of Professional Engineers (GAPE). “We have sent it to them for consultation and review,” the mayor noted. He explained that once feedback is provided by the association, the document would then undergo a final review, after which it will be passed by the City Council and then forwarded

to the Minister of Local Government for further approval. “The building code is really a lot of work, so it is taking some time,” Narine posited. Asked about a timeline, the mayor said that none has been imposed, but he is planning to follow up with the association very soon. Meanwhile, Ceres said that he attended one consultation meeting with GAPE and was disappointed. “I went to a meeting, and it was like nobody had nothing else to add to it,” Ceres lamented. He believes that in order for the document to be effective, it has to be an allhands-on-deck approach, in an environment conducive to the exchange of good, wholesome ideas. “It has to be a collective approach,” Ceres stressed. The need for a new city build-

ing code has been addressed by a number of persons and agencies, including the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), as well as the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and other private sector entities. President of the GCCI, Nicholas Boyer, told this newspaper that businesses are in favour of the institution of new building codes, and would happily support its implementation. “Building codes exist to protect people,” Boyer emphasised. The businessman said that he has not been privy to a copy of the new draft building code, but expects it to be one that is comprehensive. In 2019, the Georgetown M&CC had issued a statement reminding persons to seek the requisite approval from the

council before attempting to build, whether for residential or commercial purposes. The statement had explained that the City Engineer’s Department is not the only entity that checks plans for conformity. “If the construction falls within a sewage area for example; Wortmanville, Bourda or Lacytown, the officers of the Guyana Water Inc. has a critical role to play in ensuring that the construction does not compromise sewage chambers located within the specific site,” the statement noted. It further noted that while the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has to provide land-use clearance for the construction of commercial entities, persons had been submitting plans without the necessary prerequisites. Building codes serve as

a guideline for the effective layout and maintenance of any area. In Georgetown, it is vital in protecting the public health, safety, and general welfare of residents, especially as it relates to protection from tragedy caused by fire, structural collapse, and general deterioration, etc. Despite the city being home to many derelict buildings that can be fire hazards, the mayor said that there are no by-laws permitting the council to intervene. “There are old, wooden buildings that have been abandoned for years and years, but we, as the council, we can’t do anything about it,” Narine lamented. It is hoped that the implementation of the new building code would also address the drainage problems in the city.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 7, 2020

Partygoers slash police tyre, run away from street fete –– three arrested for breaching COVID-19 restrictions PARTYGOERS at Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara (WCD), slashed the tyre of a police vehicle and fled after the police responded to a complaint of noise nuisance in the area. According to information from the Guyana Police Force, a noise nuisance report was received from Dem Amstel Back Street around 01:25hrs Sunday morning. Regional Commander and Senior Superintendent Errol Watts, along with a female Assistant Superintendent and a party of police officers visited the scene and observed that a party was in progress with about 350 persons in attendance. After observing the ‘fete’ for about 20 minutes, further assistance was sought from the Joint Services Patrol. When the patrol arrived, the partygoers reportedly fled the scene. The force vehicle, PWW 5438, which was part of the response team, was later discovered with its right rear tyre damaged. The police statement said, “...as the patrons were running past the vehicle persons unknown slashed the tire with a sharp object.” subsequent checks were made in and around the area, but

behaviour endangers public safety and security and exposes the patrons to the highest risk of contracting COVID-19. Moreover, he emphasised that when the force is made aware of such activities they will have to take appropriate action, which may result in persons getting injured. “Therefore, my advice is to avoid these public gather-

Regional Commander and Senior Superintendent, Errol Watts

no useful information was received. However, three persons were arrested for breach of COVID-19 restrictions. These persons are: 33-yearold Shellon Payne Lewis, 19-year-old Quancy Lyte and 23-year-old Wayne Bess. Watts told the Guyana Chronicle that the police have observed that many persons are gathering in large numbers and breaching the COVID-19 guidelines which advise against this. He lamented that such

ings,” he said, adding, “Have a drink at home, be merry at home and protect yourself and your family from contracting the disease.” He also urged persons to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves, their families and their communities against the coronavirus.

The slashed tyre on the police vehicle

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 7, 2020

Over 2,000 benefit from skills training since August

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BIT, Mr. Richard Maughn

THE Ministry of Labour’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT) has trained over 2,000 people in several occupational fields over the past four months in keeping with the government’s vision to ensure Guyana has a skilled workforce. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BIT, Mr. Richard Maughn, told the Department of Public Information that some 1,190 persons were fully engaged in training programmes countrywide over

the past fortnight. This includes training in engineering trades – welding and fabrication and mechanics, appliance repair, cellphone repairs and maintenance, garment construction, cosmetology, hospitality, and child care. The training was conducted under the National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) and the Single Parent Training Programme administered by BIT. TURN TO PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 7, 2020

Works Ministry adopts 'neglected' city projects

–– Mayor cites lack of finances, wants to work with Gov’t

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, inspects an encumbered manhole in the vicinity of America Street, Georgetown

Georgetown Mayor, Pandit Ubraj Narine

One of the encumbered Albouystown drainage alleys

By Rehana Ahamad THE Ministry of Public Works has decided to pursue several city projects which it noted have been “neglected” by the opposition-controlled Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC). Among those projects are a number of drainage works. Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, visited several critical Georgetown drainage sites on Friday last, promising that his ministry will provide the funds needed for rehabilitation works in a number of areas, commencing with the South Georgetown Ward, particularly the community of Albouystown. According to Edghill, the works include cleaning, and in some cases, rehabilitating drainage infrastructures in 13 alleys and 15 blocks. He estimated the cost of the works to be in the vicinity of $15M. “I am advised that there are 13 alleyways that move from Punt Trench Dam all the way to Sussex Street, which

are the main arteries…they are concrete drains that are heavily silted and encumbered by bushes,” Edghill pointed out. “This is a work I want to start immediately,” he added. It was explained that the works will be done in lots and will see the approval of small, short term contracts, by the government. The works will be financed under the ministry’s Urban Roads and Drainage Programme, and is scheduled to be executed by the residents themselves. In excess of 100 persons are expected to gain employment from the projects. “So, the community leaders are going to be organised, and they will be able to get this done early in the new week,” Edghill told reporters. The minister said that since assuming office in August, 2020, he received several visits and phone calls from Albouystown residents, complaining about the absence of drainage and road works in their community since 2016. During his visit to the vari-

ous drainage sites, Edghill said that the years of neglect has resulted in additional costs being incurred by the Government of Guyana. “The longer the neglect, the more expensive it is to maintain. Is when you don’t maintain something, then you end up spending more,” Edghill posited. He went on to decry the state of drainage in Albouystown, calling it a major health hazard to residents there. “This is a disaster. This is a recipe for the outbreak of a disease,” Edghill lamented. He noted that the Irfaan Ali Government will not sit idly by and allow the people and the residents of Albouystown to suffer. “Development will come to all the people (of Guyana) and Albouystown is a part of the city and we will take care of the residents of Albouystown in ensuring that we get this drainage and irrigation done,” Edghill promised. The minister also accused the

M&CC of putting politics over people’s welfare. Contacted for a comment, Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine, explained the financial constraints of the Mayor and City Council. Narine specified that City Hall is currently owed in excess of $1B in taxes. These debts also account for monies owed by a number of government entities, including the Ministry of Public Works. “If we get that $1B, City Hall will be able to do repairs too,” Narine posited. The Mayor said that while there is much politics at play between the two parties/entities, he is open to working with the government to ensure the needs of the residents of Georgetown are met.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 7, 2020

Lands for housing to be formally acquired from GuySuCo by year-end –– close to 700 land titles distributed so far

THE development of new housing schemes is closer to reality, as the Ministry of Housing and Water continues to engage the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) with the aim of formally acquiring lands for housing before the end of this year. Access to adequate housing is viewed as a basic human right and is considered to be an integral factor for the enjoyment of other economic, social and cultural rights. And, with Guyana’s economy poised to quadruple

in the coming years, the government will be moving to ensure that its people, especially from the low and middle-income brackets, have access to adequate housing. Housing units will eventually be constructed across all administrative regions, and authorities are already working to identify and acquire lands for this purpose. The Ministry of Housing and Water is engaging the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission

(GLS&C) and GuySuCo on the acquisition of land. The ministry’s aim is to acquire different portions of land owned by GuySuCo, said Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal. Areas being examined are Cummings Lodge, La Bonne Intention (LBI) on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), places in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Experiment in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), among others. “There are different areas with different issues…so we

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal

are getting the legal aspect sorted…we expect to have these sorted before the year is done…we have a close working relationship with GuySuCo, so we do not have many issues,” said Minister Croal during a telephone interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday. In some cases, the only issue being ironed out is the distribution of land, since GuySuCo is reallocating some areas to support the resuscitation of the local sugar industry. The ministry, while finalising negotiations and discussions, has also been distributing titles for lands which have already been allocated to persons. They have so far distributed close to 700 land titles, empowering hundreds of families with the foundation to construct a house. The distribution activities are part of the government’s drive to distribute more than 2,600 land titles countrywide, which is part of a wider goal to build 25,000 homes and

provide 50,000 house lots within the next five years. Minister Croal has said that with approximately 70,000 applications for housing in the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA)’s system, the ministry is actively looking at ways of addressing the backlog, even as the number of applications continues to grow with new applicants daily. It was reported that the ministry is seeking US$250 million (approximately G$52.5 billion) in financing to support its housing- development plans for the next five years. “These funds will go directly to our housing drive… we are raising more money, but that specific amount is related to housing,” said Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, in a past report. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), while in opposition, had committed to distributing 50,000 house lots, a promise which they

reiterated after being elected to office in August. “We committed to 50,000 house lots, and roughly about 30 per cent (15,000) of that we would like to build homes… so we are looking for funding for the infrastructural works, land-clearing, construction of access bridges and roads to those areas… as well as public/ private partnerships for the construction of homes for all income brackets,” said Minister Rodrigues. Some $292.8 million has already been budgeted for the preparation of land for residential lots. This allocation will be used for the construction of roads and bridges to access lands for preparatory works in RechtDoor-Zee, Block AI Annandale, Cummings Lodge, Industry, Vigilance, Lethem and Kwakwani, among many other locations. Work will also be completed on the upgrading of 4km of main access roads and bridges to industrial and commercial areas in Prospect, Perseverance, Little and Great Diamond; $150 million has been allocated for these projects. The upgrading of the main access road and bridges for private developers in Prospect and Perseverance will allow for access and commencement of work on approximately 500 house lots, while the upgrading of the main access road for industrial and commercial purposes in Little and Great Diamond will allow for access and commencement of work on a further 300 house lots.

Over 2,000 benefit from ...

FROM PAGE

Mr. Maughn said the programmes are being implemented in keeping with the COVID-19 measures. The training is being conducted both online and in classroom settings, though classroom sizes have been reduced from 20 trainees at any one time, to only seven. “So, what we are doing is blended learning…because of the types of programmes we do. We are a TVET [Technical Vocational Education and Training] related agency; you’ll find competencies for certain areas must be measured from a practical

standpoint… so you find now that our lecturers are working longer hours teaching the same number of beneficiaries,” Mr. Maughn said. While there have been some challenges, including some students experiencing difficulties accessing stable internet connectivity or adequate devices, BIT has been trying to find ways to support affected students. Meanwhile, more people have been showing interest in the training. “Last year, we engaged 2,383 persons and at the moment we are above that and

persons continue to access our programmes during the pandemic; and I think more and more persons are understanding the importance of acquiring a skill,” Mr. Maughn said. The Board of Industrial Training provides apprenticeship training in keeping with its mandate as enshrined in the Industrial Training Act. The agency has conducted training in more than 150 occupational areas over the past years in keeping with the technical and workforce needs of the country.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 7, 2020

Minister Persaud distributes hampers in Mocha –– meets with residents

A resident of Mocha-Arcadia, East Bank Demerara engages Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, during the hamper-distribution exercise

MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, on Saturday conducted an outreach in Mocha-Arcadia, East Bank Demerara, where she visited vulnerable persons within the community and distributed hampers. The Minister, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar and a team of social and welfare officers, also engaged the women of the community on how they could access the various support and training programmes offered by the ministry, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported. Addressing a small group of women following the distribution exercise, Minister Persaud explained that the intention is to ensure the government’s programmes are reaching the people countrywide and to provide support in the form of care packages to the vulnerable in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ministry has been implementing a successful garment and cottage industry initiative, targeting single parents and women by honing their existing skills. Minister Persaud said participants are also trained in functional business literacy, sustainable business and micro-enterprise and social issues. “Every initiative the Ministry develops will have that component. So, it’s teaching you not the skills, but helping you to create a market that is sustainable so that you can have financial indepen-

dence,” she was quoted by DPI as saying. While the programme focuses on women, Minister Persaud said she was overwhelmed to see a few men also expressing interest. “Employment is challenging; as you know, the government has promised to increase the number of persons who are employed and so this is all moving in that direction.” Moreover, Minister Persaud said the intent is also to ascertain how people are managing in the COVID-19 pandemic, and to determine what additional support could be offered to those in need. “I seized the opportunity today to visit persons in their homes and continue the distribution of hampers which the Ministry would have been doing … we also give out hundreds of hampers at the Ministry because people come to us with all kinds of requests,” Dr. Persaud said. The team also used the opportunity to highlight some of the social issues plaguing the Guyanese society, especially gender-based violence and the role the community could play in addressing it. Similar exercises were conducted in Bath Settlement and Lovely Lass in Region Five and Parfaite Harmonie in Region Three. The ministry will also be visiting other areas including Enmore, Better Hope and Vryheid’s Lust on the East Coast of Demerara.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, hands over a hamper to a resident

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 7, 2020

Perez wins as Mercedes blunder Russell chance (BBC) - Racing Point’s Sergio Perez took his first Formula 1 victory in the Sakhir Grand Prix as Mercedes fumbled what should have been a debut win for George Russell. The 22-year-old Briton, standing in for Lewis Hamilton after the world champion contracted coronavirus, was on his way to an accomplished victory before a laterace safety car.

Perez hasn’t got a seat in F1 for the 2021 season Mercedes did not have to pit their cars, but chose to do so in what was intended to be a safety decision. But they put the wrong tyres on Russell’s car and in the confusion could not find the right tyres for his team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who had to have his old tyres fitted back on to his car. Russell had to stop again the next time around to fit a correct set, and the Mercedes were now down in fourth and fifth places, Bottas ahead. Russell could still have won the race, but a puncture when he was trying to chase down Perez sent him to the back. He carved his

way back up to ninth for his first F1 points, but that will be scant reward after such drama. It was a remarkable drive by Perez, who had to pit at the end of the first lap after being hit by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc at Turn Four. But the Mexican, who does not yet have a seat next season, drove a superb race, carving up through the field and was set for a brilliant third place before Mercedes hit trouble. Renault’s Esteban Ocon took second for his first F1 podium finish, with Lance Stroll joining Racing Point team-mate Perez on the podium.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday December 07, 2020) COMPLIMENTS OF THE XTRA ENERGY DRINK, STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Chris Gayle-718 runs (7 Tests) (2) Glen Turner-672 runs (5 Tests)

Today’s Quiz: (1) Who has taken most wickets for the WI in WI/ NZ Tests in the WI to date? (2) Who has claimed most wickets for NZ in WI/NZ Tests in the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 7, 2020

Lack of structure, funding plagues Beach Soccer Association THE CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship is the main championship for beach soccer in North America, Central America and the Caribbean, contested between senior men’s national teams of the members of CONCACAF. For those Guyanese in the football fraternity who lunge at the opportunity to support their nation at any level, may find it shocking to learn that Guyana has been a part of this Regional tournament. It began in 2006 with just five nations and has since been a biennial tournament open to 19 countries who compete for two spots at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. It is the sport’s version of the better known CONCACAF Gold Cup in association football. Since its inception, the event has grown densely in popularity around the CONCACAF region and has seen Mexico assert themselves as the most successful nation with four titles, one of which is the current title. The United States are the other multiple title winners with two. Along with El Salvador and Costa Rica, this quartet have dominated the championship, with at least three finishing in the top four together in seven of the eight tournaments. CONCACAF organises the championship, with cooperation from Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW). This organisation is responsible for the founding and growth of association football’s derivative sport of beach soccer. GUYANA PARTICIPATES Guyana made its debut in 2013 to compete in the fifth edition of the Championships but records showed that they entered but withdrew. Two years later they did not attend the event. In 2017, the Guyanese side competed in the tournament that featured 17

GCF Speed Time Trials …

Briton John takes second stage in Linden By Joe Chapman

Head Coach Adbulla Hamid converses with his squad during a training session at the Bayrock Beach Facility in Linden nations, an attendance re- won the Scotiabank Young cord. They were successful Player Award at the CONSQUAD enough to make it out of the CACAF Beach Soccer SELECTION group stages but ended with Championship, which was Upon further research, a 12th place finish. held in Bahamas. He was it was found that these Their most recent par- instrumental in a win over players who have been ticipation was in Mexico Antigua and Barbuda with training together for some in 2019, where they were a hat-trick and scored one time in Linden hail from eliminated in round one. of the best goals of the tour- the Mining Town, the LinAs it stands, in Guy- nament with a spectacular den Highway and along ana’s two appearances they overhead kick. the upper regions of the played 9 matches, won Haynes received praise East Bank of Demerara. 3 and lost six. However, from the Guyana Football The selection process their winning percentage Federation Technical Di- was not a rigorous one but still stands higher than five rector Ian Greenwood who a rather relaxed one that of the 19 CONCACAF na- told a local media entity, took the best from players tions that participate. “Jamal’s personal achieve- who showed their interest On the World Stage, ment is remarkable, given to play. This shows that BSWW ranks Guyana at the limited exposure this association lacks a lot of 68th of 120 countries. squad has had to beach structure to take this sport soccer at this level. It shows to the next level. Hence, GUYANA’S SQUAD the strength of individual Guyana has not been putThe Guyana Beach talent that exists in Guyana, ting their best foot forward Football Association’s which we are now work- on the International Stage. (GBFA) most recent 12- ing to harness and develop It has been proven that man squad confirmed more effectively. Jamal and with the appropriate faciliby CONCACAF includ- the team have improved ties in place along with mied Trevon Archibald, steadily throughout their nor leagues or tournaments Jeffon Figueira, Jer- preparations and the tour- involved, higher levels of main Grandison, Jamal nament, and we have a talent arise that can be nurHaynes, Cordel Johnson, promising platform to build tured to allow a proper Deshawn Joseph, Simon on for the future.” representation of a nation. Kennard, Shane Luckie, However, there has been Apart from the Bayrock Jashaun Moore, Keon no advancement since then facility which has a denser Sears, Ethan Sparman for an almost dormant as- amount of sand to the more and Michael Wilson. sociation that struggles for loose competition level Abdulla Hamid has recognition of higher skills sand, there is no location been the head coach of that can be transferable that promotes beach footthe National Beach Soccer to this terrain. There has ball of sorts. Team which trains at the not even been much of a Apart from what fundBayrock Beach Soccer Fa- change in team members. ing may be gathered from cility in Linden. Chronicle Sport tried governing bodies to asHowever, for those not to make contact with a sist associations in the too familiar with the play- few members of the as- advanced of the sport, ers, some do possess talent sociation, however, that additional funding is very that needs nurturing if an proved futile since the as- much needed to get the advancement in the sport is sociation is so much under sport effectively competto be made. the radar, it is under who ing on an international In 2017, Jamal Haynes hold what post. stage.

BRITON John of We Stand United Club won the second stage of the Guyana Cycling Federation three stage Speed Time Trials yesterday in Linden. The event, hosted by the Bauxite Flyers Club of Linden in the mining town saw the tables turned on stage one winner Marlon ‘Fishy’ Williams of Team Evolution. Briton took to the hilly terrain better than his opponents and was rewarded with a winning time 32 mins 34 secs. The second position was copped by Jamual John of Team Coco, who covered the distance in 34 mins 08 secs to better Williams time of 34 mins 30 secs which relegated him to third spot. They covered a distance of 13.5 miles going to Moblissa Hill and back to the starting point at K D and

Clivecia Spencer won the female segment J Supermarket on the Linden Highway. The Veterans Race which was also up to Moblissa Hill and back saw Segon Hubbard of Team Evolution finishing first in 36:58 from Alex Mendes of Roraima Bikers who clocked 37:00 and third was unattached Kwame Ridley in 37:37. The Juvenile / Juniors race was up to Bamia over 8.5 miles and won by Aaron Newton of We Stand United in a time of 24 mins 08 secs with second place taken by Roraima Bikers Alex Leung in 24:11 and third position occupied by Mario Washington of Flying Ace in a time of 25:20. The Ladies race ended with victory for Linden’s Bauxite Flyers Clivecia Spencer in 26:38 with Susan Hamilton who is unattached taking second in 28:38 and third was Denise Jeffrey of Team Coco. The top finishers in the juniors and juvenile race got trophies and cash incentives were handed to the top three finishers in the other category races. This event in Linden was made possible by the kind compliments of KD&J Supermarket, Bolo’s Variety & Furniture Store, Ele’s Trading & Hardware, Benard’s Variety Store, Well Point Service Station, Country Grill, Semple & Sons Hardware & Variety Store, O&O Construction Service and Sandgate Hardware.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 7, 2020

No member associations to Centurion Blackwood hold AGM in 2020 – Forde wants team to feed UDFA contender moves ahead with naming slate

PRESIDENT of Net Rockers FC Akani Blair has named a slate to contest the presidency of the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) even with the GFF tight-lipped on the dates for Annual General Meetings (AGMs) for member associations. Elections for the UDFA were constitutionally due last month, with Blair expressing an interest since then. However, Guyana Football Federation President Wayne Forde speaking exclusively to Chronicle Sports said, “I can only say that no member will be staging an AGM in 2020 and would go further to say that once the health situation improves in 2021 - all due AGM will take place under the strict control and Supervision of the GFF.” Forde continued, “As it relates to AGMs across the fraternity, many members became due in 2020, but could not organize their meetings because of the pandemic.” “As you are aware, the GFF under my leadership respects the operational autonomy of the Regional Associations, provided for by the Constitution. We,

GFF President Wayne Forde however, insist on openness and transparency. We also encourage our members to build good relationships with the media, as far as is possible. This I believe is more helpful than harmful.” “As a matter of principle, which is also consistent with the handling of such matters at the international football Governing level - the GFF communicates its concerns and directives on matters of Governance, directly with its members,” said the GFF

boss. When pressed on reports that the UDFA AGM and Elections were due last month and based on information it will have to be put back as the GFF Congress will take precedence Forde had this to say: In the interim, the raw spoken Blair’s slate includes medical practitioners Dr. Gregory Harris and Dr. Karen Perreira, businessmen Mr. Xavier Sanmogan and Mr. Troy Easton, Ms. Fonal Trim of Kwakwani, school teachers Mr. Anthony Stephens (Jr.) and Mr. Delon Peters, Manager Mr. Avery Trim, radio personality Mr. Troy Daniels, nurse Ms. Susan Jarvis and attorney-at-law Ms. Yondessa Welcome. Blair told Chronicle Sport yesterday afternoon that he has not yet petitioned the Guyana Football Federation for it to set a date for the outstanding UDFA AGM and Elections. He said that the disclosure of their positions will be known after a meeting to be held soon. Efforts to get a response from current president of the

–– Credits Joseph for taking pride in batting By Clifton Ross

President of Net Rockers FC Akani Blair UDFA Terrence Mitchell and General Secretary Ms. Dawn Barker concerning the elections and plans towards the end of the year were futile. Blair has had several brush-ins with the current leadership of the UDFA over the years because of his crude and abrasive style for which he has become known; but does not intend to let that stall his wishes to become the next head of the UDFA, whenever elections are staged.

PM’s cricket donation would help Transport SC – Massiah COACH and senior captain of the Transport Sports Club Shaun Massiah said that he intends to put to use a recent cricket donation by Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips. The gear, which includes a bat, wicket keeping gloves, wicket keeping pads, batting gloves, batting pads, a forearm guard and a few balls along with a bag, will benefit the young players of the club. Massiah said that Anil Hardyal of Regal Stationary and Computer Centre identified the club to the Prime Minister. “Thanks to our Prime Minister and Regal Stationery and Computer Centre for the dona-

tion. This gear will be used at the club’s U13 and U15 levels. From time to time youths come to the club and don’t have gear to use, so this will help out the situation for our youth members.” Transport is a prominent club in the Georgetown Cricket Association with teams at the U13, U15, U17, U19, second division and first division levels. According to the veteran cricketer Massiah, the club continues to attraction numerous youngsters and he hopes he can help them to become better cricketers. “It’s all about development and giving them that chance to play and to play with senior guys

off confidence heading into 2nd Test

like myself and others while it is hoped that they can learn discipline, leadership, school work, etiquette, proper behaviour on and off the field as we play together.” Massiah said he hopes more persons can collaborate with the club to help spread the game. “I am hoping that the club can benefit by tapping into other such donors, because we are in need of a motorized grass cutter, covers, practice nets, motorized roller, cricket balls, stumps etc. Having these equipment at our disposal will make our work easier and will take the club and its members a far way.” Massiah can be contacted via mobile phone: 616 7240.

WEST Indies lone centurion Jermaine Blackwood, said he hopes his innings coupled with that of Alzzari Joseph’s ; is enough to give his team some much needed confidence heading into the 2nd Test which bowls off Friday at Wellington. After losing the T20 series, the Windies endured further woes as Blackwood’s 2nd Test ton, a classy 104 from 141 balls, failed to prevent the Caribbean Boys from suffering a thumping innings and 134-run loss. Salvaging some positives from the loss, Blackwood told the media during the post-match press conference, that from a personal perspective, he was happy to have played well for his team. “This time there was less pressure, I felt less pressure batting this time around. When I was in the 90s I was more confident, I was telling myself that I can get the job done and to be able to score a hundred for myself and team, it’s a very good feeling”. Said the Jamaican. Seemingly one of the players to enjoy his pre-series practice and training, Blackwood credited the preparatory stages of the tour as factors behind his success in the first Test match. “I worked hard and I trusted in my preparations because it was good leading into the series. I just want to thank my coaches because I’m more comfortable with the short ball, I’m from Jamaican so normally I’d play on a bouncy track at Sabina Park so I tried to stay positive and in the right frame of mind and play every ball as possible on its merit”.Blackwood explained. After a top order collapse, Blackwood and pacer Joseph then dropped anchor and piled on a massive, resurgent 155-run 8th wicket stand, with the latter smashing a 126-ball 86. Crediting his teammate, who is one of the Windies strike bowlers but had enough dedication to focus on his batting, Blackwood thanked the youngster for showing maturity during a crisis period for his team. “He (Alzarri) said I’m going to stay with you so I trusted him. I thought he played a very good innings, during his stroke-making he looked very comfortable with the short ball and the drives. He’s a player who loves to bat and takes pride in his batting so I really wanted him to cross the 3 figure mark but nevertheless I’m pleased with the support he had given me”. He continued, “Going forward I hope the team gets some confidence from me and Alzzari’s confidence. I think we prepare well as a team and the team has got a lot of positives from us, so going forward I think you will see a better batting performance from the West Indies”. He ended. Meanwhile, the second Test will bowl off on Friday at Wellington where the tourist’s will seek to draw second blood and save the series.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 7, 2020

Centurion Blackwood wants team to feed off confidence heading into 2nd Test

See story on page 26

GCF Speed Time Trials …

Briton John takes second stage in Linden See story on page 25

–– Credits Joseph for taking pride in batting

Both Jermaine Blackwood (left) and Alzarri Joseph played top innings but in vain

PM’s cricket donation would help Transport SC – Massiah

See story on page 26

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips (left) during the recent donation to Transport Sports Club’s Shaun Massiah.

Britton John won the overall male category

Orinduik Development Inc. & Aquafina Practical Pistol Challenge…

Hing, Hopkinson lead Orinduik to victory over TSU

DALE Hing and Harold Hopkinson spearheaded a powerful performance by Team Orinduik to win the Orinduik Development Inc. & Aquafina Practical Pistol Challenge Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) Smallbore Section Captain, Hing and ‘Top Gun’ Hopkinson helped the team which outshot Team TSU (Tactical Service Unit) to win the 9mm shoot on Saturday last at the TSU Range, Eve Leary. In what was described as a welcome return to competitive action following a long layoff as a result of the covid-19 pandemic which is still presenting a serious challenge in Guyana and around the world. Hing shot his way to victory in all four ranges to lead a perfect display; talling 355 points along with 6Vs in a commanding performance. The tested, tried and

The winners of the Orinduik Development Inc. & Aquafina Practical Pistol Challenge proven Hopkinson, who placed 4th overall, continues to hold his own and provided excellent back up

for Hing with 320 points overall and 2Vs as Team Orinduik tallied 1599 points to TSU’s 1465.

Leading TSU in the four range contest were the overall 2nd and 3rd place shooters,David Mc Pherson (333

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points & 1v) and Rudyard Thomas (328 points & 1v). Mc Pherson and Thomas were winner and

second place in the O class category with Hing and Hopkinson ending the X class in that order. MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020