Issuu

25th October 2020

’ No. 106163

New strategy to address high emigration rate 03 PAGE

–– study finds 30,000 persons leave Guyana annually

Police quell fiery protest 04 over Henry boys $245M Dr. Yesu Persaud Clinical Education 05 Centre commissioned PAGE

PAGE

Six-member team to 10 prosecute Lowenfield, others for electoral fraud PAGE

Transforming lives through music 09 PAGE

–– Trellis-Burnette keeping rich tradition of music in New Amsterdam alive

Versatile singer, Colette Trellis-Burnette (third left), at a voice-training graduation exercise in New Amsterdam, Berbice (Jeune Bailey Van Keric photo)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 25, 2020

New strategy to address high emigration rate –– study finds 30,000 persons leave Guyana annually

By Navendra Seoraj GUYANA is listed among the countries with the highest rate of emigration in the world, something which the new government is looking to address through a decisive strategy focused on engaging the Guyanese diaspora and encouraging re-migration. With a population of less than a million people, Guyana, which sits on the edge of South America, has been losing some 30,000 persons annually due to emigration, said the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), which is based in Washington DC, in a recent report, following an analysis of the Guyanese diaspora. Emigration is defined as the act of leaving a resident country or place of residence with the intent to settle elsewhere. The CSIS report is a comprehensive analysis of the Guyanese diaspora and highlights some of the perennial challenges of brain drain and high emigration rate that Guyana faces. In general, the report, which was published in October 2020, initially addressed the factors influencing why Guyanese migrated post-independence. Guyana’s socio-economic environment; the political climate, which the report deemed “unstable” and social unrest particularly influenced Guyanese educated elites to seek opportunities elsewhere. The CSIS quoted a 2010 Aljazeera report titled “Guyana’s brain drain,” which stated: “The brain drain in this poor nation has been going on for many years

Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Robert Persaud as people emigrate to America, Canada, and Britain in search of a better life.” This is evidenced by the findings in the CSIS report, which show that the Guyanese diaspora profile is classified as being an “educated and skilled” community. According to the CSIS report, in the U.S., Guyanese are in professional, managerial or sales occupations while in Canada, Guyanese populate the service, business, and finance and healthcare industries. In recognising the brain drain effect, the CSIS report concluded that unless the local government can convince qualified Guyanese to remain here and entice the members of the diaspora to return, development will be undermined. In this regard, Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, has since affirmed that the government is doing exactly what was recommended by CSIS. He noted, too, that the report provides pertinent information, which will be used by the government to fulfill

its mandate of ensuring there is a coordinated and well-constructed engagement with the diaspora. “While the diaspora is already engaged in various ways, the government recognises that a better structure is needed to serve this cherished part of our population and to guarantee that Guyana has a fruitful and long-lasting relationship with those who are part of our overseas community,” said Persaud in an invited comment on Saturday. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation already has a functioning diaspora unit to allow for this structured engagement, aimed at strengthening relations and dialogue to foster national development. Persaud said the unit has already started to engage international partners, like the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and will engage others to develop projects and initiatives aimed at furthering the diaspora plans of the government. NATIONAL DISAPORA STRATEGY According to Persaud, the government, in collaboration with the International Organisation of Migration, has commenced the process of finalising a national Guyana Diaspora Engagement Strategy and the Plan of Action with a view to making the required and necessary adjustments before finally giving effect to the policy. Within this broader policy framework, there

CEO of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop will be specific emphasis on re-migration and the establishment of a well-functioning structure for re-migrants. This strategy and the plan of action will be rolled out and implemented in the coming months. The recommendations and actions to be outlined in this strategy will assist in realising national development priorities and aid in fulfilling Guyana’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. “Further, we have an evolving framework that will facilitate sustained collaboration between Government and civil society, the private sector, and the diaspora, as we work towards ensuring that the diaspora is well engaged and adequately served,” said Persaud. DIASPORA DESKS To realise this plan, government will be establishing trade, investment and diaspora desks at key diplomatic missions and consular posts across the world. The Government will also be launching its “new and improved” diaspora website and

social media platforms later this year. As Guyana transitions into the regional energy giant, the need for tangible contributions from Guyanese, both here and abroad, will be one of the “key ingredients” in creating a Guyana for all. “We want to position our oil and gas sector to be consistent with international standards and one which benefits all the people of Guyana… to make this happen, the human and financial capital of our diaspora will be essential,” said Persaud. The Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) will also be working closely with central government to engage the Guyanese diaspora. In speaking about the office’s intention, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, said: “If there are companies owned by Guyanese Americans, British or Canadians that want to focus on Guyana, we want to let them know that we are open for

investment from them too.” Dr. Ramsaroop believes that Guyana, in the near future, will need about one million more people to properly develop the country, so who best to return, than the sons and daughters of this soil. “There are many investment opportunities, so we will be positioning ourselves to facilitate those investments,” said Dr. Ramsaroop, adding that Go-Invest will not be reactive. The agency has already started crafting sectoral investment profiles, which will be used to identify Guyana’s needs, investment incentives and even help investors to determine their rate of return. Those sectoral profiles will also be used to market Guyana regionally and internationally. Dr. Ramsaroop assured that there will be no discrimination when it comes to allowing persons to invest, as both foreigners and locals will be treated equally.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 25, 2020

Police quell fiery protest over Henry boys ― Relatives plead for justice

SWIFT response from the Police in Region 5, Mahaica /Berbice, on Saturday, resulted in the clearing of the Public Road at Number Three Village, West

Coast Berbice (WCB) after residents blocked the road with debris and lit tyres on fire in their quest for justice over the brutal murder of 16-year-old Isaiah Hen-

ry and 18-year-old Joel Henry. Police Headquarters, in a statement, noted that about 13:45hrs on Saturday, the Police received a

report of the public road, running through No. Five Village, being blocked. As such, ranks from the division immediately responded and observed that the road was indeed blocked and the debris was on fire.

of the law. While noting that his family had nothing to do with the fiery protest Saturday, Mr. Henry stated that the people who protested are feeling the pain since the boys were innocent.

assisting local detectives and has since departed. But Mr. Henry said he is hoping that in addition to the regional help, assistance should be provided by a team of international investigators who have

A heavy police presence remained on the West Coast of Berbice

DEAD: ISAIAH AND JOEL HENRY

Residents set tyres alight across the roadway at Number Three Village on Saturday

By late Saturday afternoon, the road was fully cleared and a heavy police presence remained in the communities. More than a month after the murder of the teen-cousins, the Police have not charged anyone and no one is currently in custody. The mutilated bodies of the teen-cousins were found on September 6 with several chop wounds in the Cotton Tree backdam. Their gruesome murders sparked violent protests across the country for almost a week. Meanwhile, speaking with the Sunday Chronicle, Gladson Henry, the father of Isaiah, stated he is hoping that justice can be delivered swiftly; he wants the investigation to move faster so that the perpetrators can face the full brunt

He, however, called for the protest to be done peacefully. “I feel that anyone has a right because people feel it. Because they see innocent youths have died. I cannot tell people what to do; I can’t stop them from doing what they are doing because my way is different from their way,” Mr Henry told this newspaper. The Police Force is vigorously pursuing international help to probe the gruesome murders of the Henry boys and that of 17-year-old Haresh Singh who was killed in the protests that ensued. Earlier this month, the Police Force said it is awaiting the final report from the Regional Security System (RSS) which arrived in Guyana on September 28, spent one week

better equipment and resources. “I feel sad. Time has been going and no evidence or form of answer has been given to us,” a distraught Mr. Henry said. Mr. Henry stated that he and his family would feel at ease knowing that the perpetrators are found. While the cousins were found in Cotton Tree, Police later determined that they were killed elsewhere and dumped in Cotton Tree. Investigators are yet to locate the primary crime scene. A Post Mortem Examination (PME) conducted on the mutilated bodies of the boys found that they both died from haemorrhage and shock due to multiple incised injuries including severed spines.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 25, 2020

$245M Dr. Yesu Persaud Clinical Education Centre commissioned – paves way for expansion of UG’s medical programme

DELIVERY of healthcare in Guyana has been limited over the past years mainly because of the absence of specialists in the field of medicine, but this is expected to change significantly with the commissioning of the $245 million Dr. Yesu Persaud Clinical Education Centre. The centre was created through a private-public partnership that saw the contribution of $30 million from the government and $215M from the Dr Yesu Persaud Foundation. The building, which is a three level 20,000 square feet structure with a usable roof terrace, will serve as a facility for medical education programmes offered by the University of

research and development at the primary healthcare level,” said President Ali. Countries have advanced tremendously through research and development, but in Guyana’s case this category of expenditure carries the lowest ‘weight’ both in the private and public sectors, something which the President said has to be fixed, in order for there to be innovation and advancement of local talent. “When you receive a CV of the human potential we have in this country, it is mind-blowing if you look at the utilisation…75 per cent of the highly skilled people are under utilised, but we have to put that skill to work, but we have a primary health-

wherever it exists. “We must gear our minds for that because we want to take the load off of GPHC… many times GPHC comes in for criticism, but we must recognise the hard-working medical professionals, including nurses, cleaners, attendants and everyone at GPHC, and the healthcare service across the country,” said the President. An effort to take the load off of GPHC also includes a partnership between the Governments of India and Guyana, which will see US$17 million being spent on the modernisation and expansion of the Suddie, West Demerara and Bartica hospitals. Meanwhile, Dr. Persaud

The new Dr. Yesu Persaud Clinical Education Centre (DPI photo) Guyana (UG) and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). It has space for administrative and faculty offices, class rooms, conference rooms, dry labs and skills training labs. Speaking on Saturday at the ceremonial opening ceremony for the facility at GPHC, President Irfaan Ali said the centre is a step in the right direction and is in line with government’s intention to improve the delivery of primary health-care across the country. “We have to invest in community healthcare and you will see the improvements…in the next budget we are going to create a new programme for

care problem and we have to fix it together ,” said President Ali. While he acknowledged the hard-working medical professionals, who continue to toil through this novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, he also pointed to inefficiencies in the healthcare system, which he said that the Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, is currently reviewing. Physical advancements in the system must be complemented by a shift in the mindset of professionals. To this end, President Ali reminded doctors that they are not advancing their careers to be doctors in Georgetown alone, but to be doctors for humanity

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Dr. Yesu Persaud unveiling the plaque as Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony looks on (DPI photo) was hailed by both President Ali and Dr. Anthony for his sterling contributions to Guyana. Dr. Anthony hailed Persaud and his efforts in having the new building constructed. He said he was pleased and happy to know that the Institute of Health Science of the University of Guyana will have a new home. The university’s Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme established in 1985 and the postgraduate clinical education programmes in 2006 have been growing substantially but never had purpose built facilities and as such, they were delivered in already limited facilities at the university and at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The Health Minister noted that since post graduate training started at UG and the GPHC, 144 doctors in various specialties have been trained and another 138 is currently in training. According to Dr. Anthony, the new facility will allow for the expansion of current postgraduate training and provide the institution with better accommodation for simulation labs and other modern teaching aids. The building will also be used as a teaching hub to provide online training to doctors and medical personnel in all regions. The Health Ministry will also consider building an e-library and repository to save

research. Dr. Anthony said the ultimate purpose of these advancements is to ensure that Guyana is able to provide high quality medical health services. Dr. Persaud, in giving his remarks said: “there is nothing like doing things and helping those who can’t.” He stressed that his motto has always been “helping those who can’t help themselves.” “Our biggest problem in Guyana is that we can’t keep our people in…We have to do things to keep them in. If we can get our people together and to work together this could be a nation of great prosperity and togetherness.”

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 25, 2020

The return of Omai

GUYANA, a small English-speaking country in South America, has seen a great improvement in development over the years. This development is owed to the fact that this native land is filled with many resources that are in great demand worldwide. Some of these include agriculture, fisheries, forestry, mining (bauxite, diamond, gold), and the most recent being oil and gas. With the discovery of oil in 2015 and subsequent discoveries, Guyana is on a rapid path to further development and is quickly positioning itself on the world map with the influx of foreign investments and renewed interest by local companies who are looking at expansion through diversifying their operations here. Brazil’s Economic Minister, the Honourable Paulo Roberto Nunes Guedes, has dubbed Guyana the Dubai of the Region. Already we have seen renewed interest by Omai Gold Mines Limited (OGML) to recommence its operations here with a hopeful start in operations in 2022. They are expected to resuscitate their old mining lands by investing USD12M to start preparations. OGML started operations in 1993 and was forced to cease its mining activities in 2005.

During its time in Guyana Omai Gold Mines had employed over 1000 Guyanese and managed to produce 3.7 Million ounces of gold In 2000, the total quantum of gold declared was 434,349 ounces, of which Omai Gold Mines’ output was 329,192 ounces, which covered 75.8 per cent of the total declaration (an 8.3 per cent increase from 1999). The remaining 24.2 per cent was declared by small and medium-scale miners who, due to financial difficulties and rising oil prices, had a decline in output (4.9 per cent) when compared to the previous year. The year 2005 saw a decline in declaration over the previous five-year span of 38.4 per cent. During those five years there was a scheduled depleted reserve of OGML which caused the output to slowly decline. The unfavourable weather conditions along with high fuel prices did not help the situation and as such, in September 2005, OGML closed its operations as the price of gold had reached the highest point in almost 25 years with a rate of USD 502 per ounce of gold. The departure of OGML resulted in a tremendous loss to the mining industry, as well as to Guyana’s economy. In 2010 there was an increase in the

declaration of gold over the previous fiveyear span of 15.2 per cent. This was due to small and medium-scale miners taking advantage of the high prices in the international market and consistently managing their mining activities. The development of new mining areas, improved road access and the implementation of policies for new private buyers and explorers also contributed to the increased declaration during the five years. By 2015 it was recorded that the gold-mining industry grew by 46.2 per cent from 2010. The small and medium-scale miners were the main contributors who covered 91.0 per cent of the declaration. Along with lower costs of fuel and efforts by the authorities to minimise smuggling, there has been a better output. There were also the entries of two large foreign gold-mining companies – Guyana Goldfields Inc and Troy Resources in the latter half of 2015 who managed to declare nine per cent gold of the total output. In 2019 the industry grew by 29.8 per cent from 2015. During the four years declarations fluctuated. In 2016 the declaration increased tremendously to 712,706 ounces of gold from 450,873 ounces in 2015 (small

and medium-scale miners – 67.7 per cent and the two large miners – 32.3 per cent). There were also increased gold prices along with lower fuel costs and concession grants. In 2017-2018, the declaration started to decline by all miners due to the increase in smuggling, poor road access to mining sites where maintenance was stalled because of rainfall. However, in 2019 the declarations started to improve by all gold miners. In conclusion, it can be seen that based on the track records of the gold mining industry, that Omai Gold Mines alone has contributed a great lot to Guyana’s economy while it was in operation here. Providing that all necessary preparations are properly made and Omai Gold Mines is ready to make a grand return to business, Guyana can surely expect a higher GDP (Gross Domestic Product) rate in the future, along with a more developed economy. This will also benefit thousands of persons who are currently jobless, thus reducing the unemployment rate (currently 11.81 per cent, Oct 2020) both directly and indirectly hence, increasing the spending power of thousands of households.

Differences between U.S., Guyana presidential elections Dear Editor,

THE U.S. and Guyana presidential elections are very different with some commonalities. Contrary to what many may think, the candidate with the most or a majority of votes is not necessarily elected President in the U.S., unlike in Guyana. America is probably the only country where a presidential candidate can win the most votes and still not be elected President. The electoral votes (538) of the 50 states plus Washington DC choose the President and Vice- President. Al Gore (2000) and Hillary Clinton (2016) won the popular vote, but did not win the presidency because they lost in the Electoral College. Leaving aside the process of selection of a party’s candidate, who is selected by members of the party through a delegate process, there are major differences from Guyana’s presidential election. (The delegates who gather in a convention in the summer to choose the presidential candidate of a party are selected by members of that party in transparent, competitive elections, not in back-room, closeddoor dealings). While the Guyana President is elected

directly by voters, the U.S. President is indirectly elected by voters. In the U.S., voters cast ballots for electors who in turn elect the President and Vice= President. When registered voters go out to vote, they are voting for a list of electors (called Electoral College) from each state who will gather in December to cast ballots for the President and Vice-President. The votes that are cast by the voters will be counted that very night (plus early voters casting ballots over last two weeks and absentee ballots), while the votes of the Electoral College will be counted in January and announced by Congress (Vice-President) declaring the winner. There are 538 electors and a majority of 270 is needed for victory. Each state has a number of electors equal to its congressional size (minimum three as in Alaska to maximum 55 as in California that depends on the size of the population of the state). When people vote, they cast ballots for a list of electors (identified by a party with names given but are not on the ballot) from that state. Whichever party or candidate receives the most votes will win that list of electors from the state. (Two states divide up the number of electors by proportion of votes). When all the electors of states won by

a candidate that are added cumulatively, the party or candidate that wins a minimum 270 votes is declared President Presumed or President-Elect. If no one gets a majority of 270, the election is thrown to Congress to choose a President and VP. The electors would gather in December in Washington and vote for the President and VP. They can change their minds and vote for another candidate for President and VP; and it is known to have happened in the past. The ballots are opened by Congress in January and counted. Whichever presidential nominee gets the threshold of 270 wins the vice-residency and announces the winner. The actual popular votes are also counted and added cumulatively in states won by a candidate. The vote count is to determine the popularity of a candidate. When people cast ballots, there is only one vote for President and VP. But when the electors cast their vote in the Electoral College, they vote separately for President and VP. If no candidate gets the minimum 270 votes or if there is a tie of 269, then the election is thrown to Congress to choose the President and VP. The House determines the President based on the 51 entities, each having one vote with 26 needed for victory. The congressional

delegation from each state would gather and decide by a majority how each state will cast its vote between the two contenders. The Senate chooses the VP from the 100 Senators; 51 needed for victory. In Guyana, there isn’t a vote for Vice-President or Prime Minister; the President appoints someone. In the U.S., there are separate ballots for President, Members of Congress, and for other offices. In Guyana, when one votes for President, one also votes for the number of seats for a party assigned to the parliament in a PR system. The head of the party list chooses the MPs in Guyana. In the U.S., people vote directly for Members of Congress. The President or leader of the party plays no role in choosing a member of Congress. The President or party leader cannot select the candidate for Congress or any elective office. All nominations for office are done democratically in elections restricted to party members. Who will win the U.S. presidency will be the subject of another article. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 25, 2020

It appears that GuySuCo is on the mend Dear Editor,

THE re-opening of three of the four sugar factories shuttered by the Granger-led so-called coalition government is a clear indication that President Irfaan Ali’s PPP/C administration has fulfilled one of its key campaign promises to the people. It was a decision the PPP/C Government made because it believes in the hard work and sacrifice the sugar workers have made and in the financial contribution the sugar industry has made over the years in the building and development of the country. In Guyana, it is unusual for governments to act swiftly on campaign promises they have made to the people, but kudos to President Ali’s government for keeping its promise to the sugar workers. It was a good decision. Whereas the Granger coalition government has

acted only on a few of the campaign promises it made to the people in 2015. Not only did they squander the trust and goodwill accorded to them by the citizens of Guyana in 2015, but while in office for five years they ignored the wishes of the people. Many, including the disgruntled APNU+AFC have opined that it was reckless for the PPP/C Government to spend billions of taxpayers’ money to re-open the sugar factories at a time when the cost of producing sugar in Guyana has skyrocketed, while the price for sugar on the world market has declined significantly. However, in his sharpest defence of the government’s decision to re-open the three closed sugar factories, GuySuCo’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sasenarine Singh condemned the decision by the last government to close the sugar estates and placed more than

7,000 sugar workers on the breadline. The new CEO has acknowledged that GuySuCo is indeed insolvent, but he is confident that the sugar corporation could be on the mend and could break even and become profitable again in the not-too-distant future. It has been said in many circles that if there is anyone who is qualified and competent to revamp “King Sugar” and restore the nation’s confidence in GuySuCo, it is its new CEO Sase Singh. Since his appointment as the CEO of GuySuCo less than two months ago, Sase Singh has not only made numerous visits to the closed sugar factories to obtain first-hand information, but he has also made the tough decision to re-employ almost 1000 laid-off sugar workers to help refurbish the physical structure of the sugar estates and overhaul its machinery and equipment, and in the process, rebuild the

various communities that have been atrophied by the ill-conceived shutdown. According to the CEO, the damage done to the factories, its turbine engines, boilers and vehicles etc., is extensive and inconceivable and the cost to taxpayers is in excess of more than $5 billion. The CEO is fully aware of the herculean task he faces in resurrecting three sugar factories and to make them operational, yet he is convinced that under his leadership it will be done. An accountant by profession and with years of management experience, Mr. Singh, who is very astute, creative and brilliant has developed

a number of strategies/ plans to lift GuySuCo out of the morass it has been in for decades. Included in his strategies/plans is the production of several by-products of sugar cane such as ethanol, molasses and bagasse, to name a few. The CEO has mandated a human-resource audit to determine the quality and number of requisite personnel needed for the proper functioning of GuySuCo. This single act could reduce GuySuCo’s overhead costs as well as the cost of producing sugar. It is known that Sase Singh is not a Noble Laureate, but he is smart, tal-

ented, skilful and experienced, and more importantly he has the drive, knowledge and ability to resurrect the industry, increase the production of sugar and reduce its production cost. The goal is to make GuySuCo viable. It is both a daunting and a gruelling task, but make no mistake, Sasenarine Singh is the right person for the job. As the CEO, Sase Singh will make Guyanese in general, especially the sugar workers in particular, proud of GuySuCo. We must support him. Sincerely, Dr. Asquith Rose

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 25, 2020

Greater focus on curbing COVID-19 in Reg. One –– Minister Anthony says Kwebanna outbreak will be controlled in two weeks By Vishani Ragobeer

WITH Region One (Barima-Waini) becoming a hotspot for COVID-19 infection, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony said that greater focus will be placed on mitigating the spread of the virus in that region. In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle recently, Dr. Anthony highlighted that Region One has been closely monitored by Guyana’s COVID-19 Task Force. It became increasingly important to monitor this region given the spike in the number of cases observed in Kwebanna, a small satellite community with a population of less than 1,000.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

“We have already sent in a team. We did (testing for COVID-19); we’ve been able to identify most of the cases in that community and we’ve isolated them,” Dr. Anthony said. He added: “We already have a village lockdown restricting people from coming in, and, in a couple of weeks, in two weeks or so, they should be good.” Kwebanna, which is located east of the frequented community of Kumaka in the Moruca sub-district, recorded its first case on September 19. Since then, the number of positive cases of COVID-19 has rapidly increased; there are now more than 50 confirmed cases and two deaths. The community is now on a 14-day lockdown. Placing more persons in institutional quarantine, closer to the hospital, has been one corrective measure employed, according to the Minister. At-risk persons are also being closely monitored so that if there is any deterioration of their condition, they can be easily moved to the hospital for better clinical care. Toshao of Kwebana and Vice-Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Paul Pierre, during a telephone interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Saturday, related that the nearest hospital is the Kumaka District hospital. It takes about one hour to drive there. The persons with more severe conditions have been in institutional quarantine in regional institutions, such as the Amerindian Hostel, located in the sub-district. While many residents were not adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines such as wearing

Kwebanna, located in Region One at about an hour’s drive from Kumaka, has become the hotspot for COVID-19 cases in Region One. masks and maintaining a physical distance, deaths. now Dr. Anthony related that there seems “Many of the cases of deaths in Region to be an improvement. One have actually arrived at the hospital too Even so, for two weeks, no one will late so they get to the hospital and some of be allowed to enter or exit the village, them die before arrival and some die on arunless authorised by the relevant au- rival,” he explained. It only became known thorities. This and other measures will be that these persons were COVID-19 positive supervised and implemented by regional because the health workers swabbed them authorities and the Guyana Police Force and tested them afterward. (GPF). The Minister bemoaned that the health authorities did not have the opportunity CONFIDENT to work along with the patients and try to This spike in Kwebanna has not been assist with their recovery as they were in the first one in Region One. Several critical condition. months ago, there was a spike in the Cognisant of this, he said that the number of cases in the Moruca sub-dis- Ministry has begun engaging the retrict. But, Dr. Anthony remains confi- gional authorities to increase efforts dent that the situation will be readily geared at alerting persons on the signs curtailed. of COVID-19 to ensure that each person The National COVID-19 Task Force is able to readily identify the symptoms. has daily meetings where the situation for This preventative approach is particuthe past 24 hours is reviewed. This includes larly important given that this region tracking how many cases there are and is one of those regions where residents where these are located. Armed with this may have to travel some distance to get information, Dr. Anthony affirmed that the to medical facilities. spikes can be better managed. Region Four, Guyana’s most populated When these spikes are flagged, the Re- region, has been leading the number of gional Health Authorities are tasked with cases and deaths. With a much smaller rapid response, and only if the local team population spread across far-flung hinterwill be overwhelmed will the Health Min- land communities, Region One has been istry send in additional resources. recording the second-highest number of “We know where these cases are and positive COVID-19 cases and deaths. that is why we’ll know whether to disCurrently, Polymerase Chain Reaction charge them, or move them into hospitals,” (PCR) testing- the gold standard for testDr. Anthony stated. ing for this coronavirus- is done centrally There was a spike in the number of at the National Reference Laboratory in positive cases in Region Nine recently, Georgetown. If a sample is taken outside and, with targeted intervention, the of Georgetown, like in Kwebanna for exnumber of cases is reducing. On Thurs- ample, it has to be sent to Georgetown for day, Region Nine had six active cases testing. This process takes time. that the Health Minister expected would To remedy this, the Health Ministry will recover fully and be discharged from be using Rapid antigen tests, particularly in institutional quarantine. the hinterland regions, where testing can be done on-site and results will be garnered in CURTAILING DEATHS less than an hour. The task in Region One is slightly These tests are not at the PCR’s gold more complicated, given the observa- standard, but they will help in early detions made with respect to the COVID-19 tection, according to the Health Minister.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 25, 2020

Transforming lives through music –– Trellis-Burnette keeping rich tradition of music in New Amsterdam alive

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric VERSATILE singer Colette Trellis-Burnette describes herself as “a born and bred New Amsterdamer” with music in her bones. And, she sure is, as her mellifluous voice has allowed her to share on multiple occasions the pulpit of all of the 25 odd multi-denominational churches in the Berbice township. Whether it was a wedding ceremony, funeral service, anniversary celebration or voice-training sessions, she is there when called upon and even at short notice. Trellis-Burnette, as she is respectfully called, joined her mentor Edith Pieters, who, along with her sister Marjorie Barry and Annie Rambarran and Norma Romalho, just to name a few of the ‘locals’, whose musicianship has left an indelible mark in the history of Guyana’s oldest township, New Amsterdam, a place where everyone knows everyone. She was born to Dorothy

Colette Trellis-Burnette with son Calvin Burnette and David Trellis, both deceased, the latter of whom was a leading tenor singer in the New Amsterdam Musicians Society (NAMS) and All Saints Anglican Church choirs. The NAMS choir was adjudged, one of many champions at British Guiana‘s First Festival of Music in the early 50s. “Coming from a musical

rendering “God Alone” background… it was a natural thing for me to fall in love with singing. My brother Pastor Dennis Trellis was keen in imparting vigorously, the discipline of singing, which required daily commitment of breathing and physical exercises, vocalising and practising,” she said. But it was Mezzo Soprano vocalist, Edith Pieters, who brought her into the

Cop killed in Mahaicony accident POLICE are investigating an accident which claimed the life of a policeman on the Fel-

Colette Trellis-Burnette issuing a music certificate to Devon Gallay of Grace Temple Assembly of God Church second in the GTT Jingle and out instrumental accompanisong competition in 2009. ment). Finally, be yourself. “Be observant of your There can never be another lyrics,” she advised. Make you,” the humble singer said. sure the selections are peoTrellis-Burnette seeks ple-friendly. Avoid beats to leave a legacy of service, which supersede songs. In- which generations yet to strumentals accompany vo- be born, would appreciate cals, it’s not vice versa. I and try to maintain the prefer the A cappella (a group rich musical legacy of New or solo performance with- Amsterdamers.

Father of 11 killed in Essequibo accident

lowship Public Road at Mahaicony on the East Coast of Demerara on Saturday.

The mangled car following the accident

limelight after she was taken to the renowned singer by her grandmother. While her gifting made room for her at national and regional events, it was her love for service that prompted her to help others to develop musical minds. As a result, voice-training sessions were birthed first at my local church, the Seventh Day Adventist, and thereafter, to all the other denominations with the exception of the Jehovah Witnesses in New Amsterdam. Sessions were also held at locations in Central and Upper Corentyne. “Music enhances worship. Music raises a person’s mood. It can get them calm and relaxed or excited. It allows us to experience almost all the emotions in our lives,” she posited. Since the commencement of her voice-training sessions, hundreds were trained in the various singing techniques, including her own son Calvin Burnette, who shot to fame after placing

Raoul Archer Dead is Raoul Archer, a Police Constable who was attached to the Fort Wellington Police Station. The Sunday Chronicle understands that Archer was driving motorcar PYY 2468 east along the northern driveway at a fast rate of speed when he lost control and crashed into a parked trailer bearing registration number PSS 8923. Archer was pulled from the mangled Suzuki following the accident and was rushed to the Mahaicony Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

THE Rajkumar family of Golden Fleece Public Road on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two has been plunged into deep mourning after receiving the tragic news that their father was killed on the Golden Fleece Public Road. Dead is 59-year-old Tulsieram Rajkumar also known as Otam; he was struck off his bicycle around 17:45hrs on Saturday. A 57-year-old driver of Perseverance Public Road is currently in police custody assisting with investigations. The Sunday Chronicle understands that Rajkumar was riding home when he and a car collided. “His bicycle was one side [and] he was one side; it appeared like he died on the spot; he received injuries to his head,” an eyewitness told this newspaper. Rajkumar was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. He was a fisherman who fathered 11 children.

The bicycle at the scene of the accident

The car that was involved in the accident

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 25, 2020

Six-member team to prosecute Lowenfield, others for electoral fraud By Clestine Juan

A SIX-MEMBER team of prominent lawyers has been hired by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, S.C, to serve as special prosecutors on several cases before the court involving electoral fraud and misconduct in public office which was reportedly committed during the March 2 General and Regional Elections. The DPP has granted a Fiat to Attorneys-at-law Sanjeev Datadin, Glenn Hanoman, Mark Conway, Ganesh Hira, Arudranauth Gossai and George Thomas, who would

now be prosecuting the matters on behalf of the State. But Attorney-at-law, Nigel Hughes, who is representing some of the defendants in the case, strongly opposed Datadin’s role. Hughes is contending that Datadin is a Member of Parliament for the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) and giving him the responsibility to prosecute a matter which is “highly political in nature” would result in his clients not having a fair trial. But Datadin disagreed and noted that his affiliation with the PPP/C will not affect the cases before the court. “There are five other pros-

ecutors. The risk that is being complained of is really nothing to do with the reality of what is going on,” Datadin told reporters outside the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Friday. He further contended that the argument of bias does not relate to a prosecutor. “As long as the tribunal is independent, whatever duties that have to be performed by the prosecutors are not being performed by me alone. There are six persons who, as a group, have been given a Fiat by the Director to go ahead…” Datadin argued. Meanwhile, Hughes is also asking the court for the offences to remain indictable

which means it will be tried at the High Court before a 12 member jury. This request came after Datadin asked for a summary disposal of the charges which would allow the defendants to plead to the offences, but Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus told Hughes to put his submission in writing for the next hearing of the case.

against Lowenfield, Lawrence and Mingo on the grounds that these charges are similar to those recently filed by the Guyana Police Force. In Lowenfield’s case, his three private charges were filed by PPP/C member, Desmond Morian, and General Secretary of The New Movement (TNM), Daniel Kanhai, on June 30, 2020.

GECOM Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield

Those who have been charged with offences relating to electoral fraud and misconduct in public office are: Chairperson of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), Volda Lawrence; Opposition activist, Carol Joseph; Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers and Chief Elections Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Keith Lowenfield, along with his clerks, Michelle Miller, Denise Bob-Cummings, Returning Officer for Region Four, Clairmont Mingo, GECOM Elections Officer, Shefern February and Information Technology Officer, Enrique Livan. They are all accused of inflating the results of Region Four – Guyana’s largest voting district – to give the APNU+AFC Coalition a majority win at the March 2 polls when in fact, the PPP/C had won by 15,000 more votes. This dispute resulted in several legal challenges which ended up all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) – Guyana’s highest court – and a five-month delay in the declaration of the results. O n F r i d a y, t h e D P P withdrew the private criminal charges which were filed

Lowenfield now has six charges remaining against him; those charges were filed by the police following a “comprehensive” investigation into the elections and its aftermath. He is on $300,000 bail. The charges include three counts of misconduct in public office and three counts of forgery. As it relates to Lawrence and Mingo, those private criminal charges were filed by Charles Ramson Jr. in March in relation to the controversial District Four results. Last Wednesday, five persons, including Lawrence, Joseph and Mingo, were hauled before the court on electoral fraud charges which were filed by the police. Lawrence, Joseph, Mingo and GECOM clerks, Miller and Bob-Cummings, were all arraigned separately before Principal Magistrate, Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Mingo and Lawrence were charged jointly. It is alleged that on March 5, 2020, at Georgetown, with intent to defraud the public, they uttered a certain forged document, that is to say, a report purporting to be a true declaration of all votes cast in District Four

for the March 2 General and Regional Elections, knowing same to be forged. They were each released on $30,000 bail. Mingo and Joseph were also jointly charged. It is alleged that on March 13, 2020, at Georgetown, with intent to defraud the public, they uttered a certain forged document purporting to be a true report of all votes cast in the elections, knowing same to be forged. They were both released on $30,000 bail. A d d i t i o n a l l y, J o s e p h was slapped with two other charges which alleged that on March 13, at High and Hadfield Street, Georgetown, she conspired with Mingo and others, to declare a fraudulent account of votes for District Four in the March 2 elections. She was released on a total of $60,000 bail. Miller was also slapped with two charges. It is alleged that between March 3 and March 5, at High and Hadfield Street, together and with others, with intent to defraud the people of Guyana, being appointed as a Clerk for District Four by GECOM for the purpose of the elections, in assisting Mingo, she did not use the figures from the Statements of Poll for the purpose of ascertaining the figures to make the declaration of the results for the said elections as is required by law, thereby resulting in a false declaration being made for the said District Four. She was released on a total of $60,000 bail. Further, Cummings was charged with two similar offences which were allegedly committed on March 13 at GECOM Headquarters, High and Cowan Street, Kingston. She too was released on a total of $60,000 bail. The cases were adjourned to October 28. Mingo is still facing several fraud charges, including uttering a forged document with intent to defraud the public, contrary to Section 278 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act. He was granted $600,000 bail on those charges and the case was adjourned to November 16, to allow the prosecution time to complete the filing of statements.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 25, 2020

Politics & Society Forum Dr. Ramharack’s analysis of Jung Bahadur Singh of Guyana O NE is struck by two fundamental factors when reading the historiography of East Indians (hereafter Indians) in British Guiana between 1850 and 1950. First, the field has received enormous attention, notably, in recruitment, transportation, plantation experience, and post-indenture adjustment and accommodation of Indians. The narrative of the aforesaid themes has revealed the struggle and transformation of Indians from a sojourn to settlers in Guyana’s geographical, political, and cultural landscape, which arguably, deserves a canonical space in the country’s academic domain. The second is the paucity of biographical studies on Indians. Except for Clem Seecharan’s study on Bechu, a radical indentured labourer, and a few other studies like that on Cheddi Jagan, there appear to be limited substantive studies on the biography of Indians emerging from the eighty years of indentured servitude. This is rather unfortunate. The omission or even the neglect of biographical studies generally alienates individual experiences from the larger historical legacy, downplays individual motivations and desires, sidelines meaningful

individual relationships, and promotes a false logic of homogeneity. It is within this context that political scientist Baytoram Ramharack’s book, Jung Bahadur Singh of Guyana (1886-1956): politician, ship doctor, labour leader and protector of Indians, radiates with brilliance, filling one vital missing gap of biographical analysis in the historiography of Indians in Guyana. The thesis of the book is that JB Singh played a significant role in shaping British Guianese Indian society in the first five decades of the twentieth century. Yet, he has remained an obscure figure in Guyanese Indian historiography, often overshadowed by the better-known political leader, Cheddi Jagan. JB Singh was born in 1886 during indentured servitude but rose from that humble background to be a key player in British Guiana. He was a member of the colonial legislature, a medical doctor, a labour rights advocate, and a family man. JB Singh emerged when Indians were making a transition from indentured servitude to independent survival by combining as well as juxtaposing their ancestral customs with those of their new homeland of British Guiana. Indians were thinking about whether to stay

in British Guiana or return to India. The Indians who stayed began to achieve some success in business and agriculture, but they were reeling from lack of rights, inadequate political representation, poor health care, and limited exposure to basic education. JB Singh took up the mantle of leadership for Indians in those areas without renouncing his Indian identity. JB Singh believed that it was his Hindu Dharma, sacred duty, to serve his community through the British Guiana East Indian Association (B.G.E.I.A). Ramharack informs that despite JB Singh’s success and popularity in the Indian community, he faced continuous challenges in the latter part of his life from the 1940s and early 1950s until he died in 1956. His main nemesis was Cheddi Jagan, a descendant of Indian indentured labourers and a medical doctor as well as someone who was clamouring and competing for the ideological leadership among Indians in British Guiana. Singh and Jagan “shared an ideological perspective and a political vision,” says Ramharack who argues, “that were located on the opposite ends of the political spectrum, very far apart and very difficult, given their personal and ideological persuasions” (p. 239).

Singh was a gradualist, believing that changes in British Guiana should take evolutionary steps with the elites at the helm, while Jagan was a Marxist revolutionary who wanted radical changes based on a bottom-up approach favoring the working-class. With Singh’s electoral loss in 1953, his passing in 1956, and the abandonment of the B.G.E.I.A, Jagan captivated the Indian masses with his charisma and revolutionary Marxist ideology. JB Singh’s legacy, however, lives on as an Indian nationalist who laid the groundwork for the social,

political, and economic advancement of Indians emerging from the dehumanising and authoritarian structure of plantation indenture. Ramharack advises that leaders in search of an action plan and a path towards a future that guarantees ethnic security and reconciliation might want to examine the leadership dynamics following the abolition of indentureship in 1920 with JB Singh at the core. Ramharack’s rich, eye-opening account demonstrates that JB Singh belongs in the pantheon of great Guyanese and Caribbean activists and leaders.

Professor Lomarsh Roopnarine The study has unraveled the complexities and multifaceted contexts so associated with the post-indenture period amid tension, retention, assimilation, and merging of identities in a conflict-habituated plantation society where race, class, and identity matter. JB Singh was in the midst of these dynamics, not as a bystander, but as someone who was actively involved in the restructuring, reordering, and reorganising of British Guianese society. One must commend and congratulate Baytoram Ramharack for this scholarship (lomarsh. roopnarine@jsums.edu).

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 25, 2020

Understanding Energy

Guyana’s long-term growth hinges on a healthy project pipeline GUYANA’S future oil production outlook is strong, according to a number of reports by international organizations and independent energy analysts. The data can be confusing to understand, but most projections are based on current and expected future projects in Guyana’s Stabroek Block. The Stabroek is currently esti-

mated to hold more than eight billion barrels of oil, after an 18th discovery was made just last month. According to a report by Norway-based Rystad Energy, Guyana is expected to hit peak production in the mid-2030s at about 1.4 million barrels of oil per day. Compared to current levels, this would make Guyana

Latin America’s third largest oil producer after Brazil and Mexico. An analyst at Wood Mackenzie recently stated that Guyana could become an even more prolific oil producer and the second largest in the region after Brazil, if large producers like Mexico and Venezuela continue to suffer long-term production

declines. Rystad and Wood Mackenzie’s estimates are based on full production at the three currently sanctioned projects: Liza 1, Liza 2, and Payara, plus two additional future projects that will help boost production to the 1.4 million barrels per day mark. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is forecasting that Guyana will reach production levels of 750,000 barrels per day by 2025, with Liza Phase 1 producing 120,000 barrels per day and Liza Phase 2 and Payara each producing 220,000 barrels per day by 2022. Similar to Rystad Energy, the IDB’s total prediction is based on at least two additional projects coming online with capacity of about 120,000 barrels per day each. That’s an important caveat to all these figures. They all rely on at least two projects that aren’t yet sanc-

tioned and approved. Although 18 discoveries have been made on the Stabroek Block, only three projects are confirmed. Guyana has the resources, including top prospects like the Turbot and Yellowtail sites that could host more floating production vessels down the road. Some analysts have predicted as many as 10 might operate off the coast by the next decade. But the challenge for Guyana will be making sure that these opportunities receive the substantial investment and government approvals they’ll need to get them up and running. If done right, with these possibilities comes the potential for substantially more production and higher revenue for Guyana. It’s important to understand that oil production predictions are not set in stone. Many factors can make or break a project in the host country including

oil prices, project costs, supply-demand forecasts, the investment climate among other considerations.. The predictions above only pertain to development in the Stabroek Block and are likely to increase with further development and exploration. Guyana’s other offshore blocks, including Canje, Kaieteur and Orinduik, may include additional development opportunities as exploration continues. Sustaining that momentum is also crucial to allowing the emerging industry in Guyana that supports the oil industry to keep creating jobs. Thousands of people and hundreds of companies have already found roles in the industry. But new employment opportunities rely on a steady pipeline of new projects over the coming decades. Because of the investments flowing into that sector, Guyana is already faring far better than the rest of Latin America and the Caribbean right now. The International Monetary Fund predicts the country to be the only one in the region to experience positive GDP growth, at 26.2 percent in 2020, despite lockdown measures and economic stagnation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Irfaan Ali Administration appears to be aware of this opportunity—recently declaring that Guyana is “open for business.” Investors can understandably be wary after months of political chaos and regulatory delays as well as brazen proclamations that contracts should be ripped up and re-set or even put to a popular vote. It is up to the government to show it is serious about attracting the investment and exploration needed for Guyana’s next stage of energy development.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 25, 2020

Medex programme celebrates 42 years in public healthcare –– 319 trained since By Rabindra Rooplall OVER the past four decades, Guyana’s Medex programme has produced a total of 319 persons who function primarily in the rural, riverain and hinterland areas. This is according to Chief Medex of the Health Ministry, Lolitta Rebeiro, who noted that, for 42 years, the Medex programme has been contributing significantly to the public healthcare system. The first batch of 22 Medex graduated on October, 18, 1978 and graduates were immediately dispatched to Health Centres and District Hospitals in the remote areas of Guyana. The training programme was, and is still,

accredited by the University of Guyana. Since then, the programme was further developed as a direct response to the limited number of qualified medical doctors to staff all facilities countrywide. According to Rebeiro, the programme is governed by the Legislative Medex Act of Guyana of 1978, which was set up after the founder of an international Medex programme, Dick Smith, approach the Government of Guyana. “He offered to facilitate the training of local mid-level healthcare practitioners to serve the citizens living in the remote areas of our country,” Rebeiro said. She explained that a

Medex is trained to perform specific duties and is a member of a team which includes a doctor. The Medex, she said should be supervised by a doctor as they perform specific and routine tasks, thus relieving the doctor of these relatively simple tasks. Rebeiro explained that Medex were trained to focus on treatment and management of patients in and out of hospitals and were referred to as “Barefoot Doctors.” Over the years, the curriculum underwent a few changes whereby the first few batches were trained in dentistry but then was eventually made into a separate training programme. In 2006, a batch of

26 students embarked on a 42-month training under the theme ‘The New Pathway’, which allowed school-leavers who did well at their CXC to enter the programme. This programme, she explained, included training in midwifery; two batches of Medex of this nature were trained since then and there is currently one batch in training. Hailing from Region One, Moruca (Barima-Waini), Rebeiro has been serving in the health sector for 20 years. Starting as a Registered Nurse in 2000, she worked as a Medex from 2006; she was appointed Chief Medex in

January 2016. “Medex are mid-level managers. At present, they are responsible for the maternal and child health aspects of healthcare in their respective regions or sub-districts. In some areas, they are also responsible for chronic non-communicable disease clinics, especially where there is no doctor,” she noted. The Chief Medex said there is a need for at least 73 more medex in the public health system to provide adequate health coverage. She explained that currently, 34 are already undergoing a four-year training programme,

Chief Medex of the Health Ministry, Lolitta Rebeiro which will guarantee each of them an Associate of Science Degree, upon successful completion in 2022.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 25, 2020

Housing Ministry to acquire lands in Bartica –– to develop housing schemes

Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal engages residents of several communities during an outreach in Bartica on Saturday RESIDENTS of Bartica in Region Seven have been assured of the government’s commitment to develop new housing schemes and enhance infrastructure in the various communities. This was disclosed by Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal on Saturday as he met with residents at Mora Camp, Four and Five Mile scheme, Agatash and Dagg Point. During these engagements residents urged the establishment of new housing schemes and improved access to potable water. Speaking on the issue of housing, Minister Croal said the ministry is working with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission for the acquisition of lands while, under the Ministry’s 2021 work programme, land-clearing will commence along with other infrastructural works. These plans the minister said will accelerate the overall housing drive not only for Bartica, but also for other regions around the country. Responding to complaints about

housing services in the region, the minister said plans are already in place to strengthen regional housing offices. As a short-term intervention to address the issues, the minister committed to sending a team from the Central Housing and Planning Authority to the region for a one-day exercise. Additionally, the ministry will be working on strengthening customer service which is aimed at reducing the large number of people who flock the ministry’s head office in Georgetown. Meanwhile, Minister Croal also addressed issues of squatting in several areas, including Mora Camp and a section of Five Mile Housing scheme. It was noted that the Guyana Forestry Commission and the Lands and Surveys Commission will find a solution for this. But Minister Croal reiterated government’s zero-tolerance policy for squatting, noting that there are certain systems and processes that need to be followed for the legal acquisition of land.

Renowned businessman, Andrew Mendes receives Anthony N Sabga Caribbean Award –– lauded by President Ali for tremendous contribution to Guyana WELL-known Guyanese businessman, Andrew Mendes is among four persons in the region to be bestowed with the 2020 Anthony N Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence in entrepreneurship. The profi-le of Mr. Mendes, shared by the Anthony N Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence, describes him as an entrepreneur who brings a welcome change to the extractive industries (logging and oil). He is the Managing Director of Farfan and Mendes Ltd (FML), a family business in Guyana. A press release from the Office of the President notes that Mr. Mendes is also a passionate advocate of corporate responsibility, See page 18

President Irfaan Ali bestows the Anthony N Sabga Caribbean Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship upon well-known Guyanese businessman, Andrew Mendes (Office of the President photo)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 25, 2020

COVID-19: Home-isolation – Health helping to save lives Minister By Vishani Ragobeer PERSONS experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are now willing to be tested since the option of home-isolation for asymptomatic cases has been instituted, according to Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony. The Health Minister, in a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, explained that when institutional isolation was the only measure used, many persons with typical signs of COVID-19, including fever and respiratory distress, refrained from informing the health authorities. This, he said, was due to the fear of being placed into those isolation facilities. “By giving people an option (for home-isolation), I think we have removed that fear and that is why we have seen a lot more people coming out and trying to get their tests if they feel they need to get the test and I think that has helped us to save many lives,” Dr. Anthony posited. At a recent A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) press conference, Member of Parliament Dr. Karen Cummings criticised the government’s decision to allow asymptomatic COVID-19 patients to be isolated in their homes. She contended that persons could not

Health Officials check the temperature of a Guyanese citizen (Ministry of Health photo) safely isolate themselves due to the size of households. She also lamented that through home-isolation, the government was not supplying the infected persons with masks, vitamin supplements, sanitisers and other necessary services that they would have received while in institutional isolation. However, Minister Anthony said that risk assessments are done before the asymptomatic patients- who constitute the majority of Guyana’s positive cases- are allowed to isolate in their homes. Through this assessment, the Ministry ensures that the facilities in someone’s home are conducive for home-isolation and persons are guided on what specific precautions they ought to take. “In fact, a lot of people prefer to be

at home than to be in an institution but there’s that importance we stress - that you have to isolate or you’re going to infect everybody else,” he said. Dr Anthony also reminded that persons are monitored via telephone; through this medium, COVID-19 officials go through the list of signs and symptoms with the persons to learn whether the patient is experiencing any of those. If persons are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms, they are advised on the measures which will be taken. RECKLESS The Minister acknowledged that the surveillance system is not a per-

fect one; he is aware that there are improvements which can be made. A challenge, however, is the flouting of the isolation guidelines by persons who are aware that they have COVID-19. There have been few reported cases where persons, who were allowed to home isolate, disregarded the guidelines and safety protocols and instead, were socialising as per normal- both in their homes and even out in the wider public space. “Once we learn that they are not complying with those regulations then we go, we pick them up and we bring them into one of the institutional isolation facilities,” the Minister highlighted.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 25, 2020

Young people active and disregarding COVID-19? By Vishani Ragobeer WITH a large number of positive cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) recorded in young persons aged 20 to 34, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, noted that there are concerns about how active these persons are. According to statistics provided to the Sunday Chronicle, the highest number of COVID-19 infections has so far been recorded among the younger populations, that is, the 20 to 24, 25 to 29, and the 30 to 34 age groups. “We’re seeing younger people who are the ones who are more active, and we’re seeing more people in that age category being infected,” Dr. Anthony told the Sunday Chronicle during an exclusive interview. He added: “They’re active, they’re going out there and they seem to be infected.” A majority of the younger folks infected do not have the severe form of the coronavirus and more often than not, are asymptomatic (that is, infected with the virus but not showing any symptoms). In very few cases, according to the Minister, younger persons are hospitalised. According to the record of deaths

this newspaper has seen, there have been six deaths in this 20 to 34 category. Guyana has recorded 119 deaths so far. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention both indicated that older folks and later, older folks with pre-existing, underlying health conditions were more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 and becoming severely ill. Younger folks are more likely to be asymptomatic. Despite that, the younger population has to be responsible and reduce their activity and engagements with other persons, Dr. Anthony lamented. These mobile, younger persons might be “carriers”- spreading the disease to older folks. In a recent interview with this newspaper, Head of Medical Services at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr. Mahendra Carpen, reasoned that there may be a sense of “false security” among the younger population because the vulnerability of older folks has been well-ventilated. Outgoing Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, also told this newspaper that this age group may feel the strongest, and would

probably be taking fewer precautions than the average person, again, because they believe they are less vulnerable. This, Dr. Persaud said, places them at a higher risk. Both of these doctors also indicated that the high number of cases recorded in this younger demographic may point to underlying and undetected pre-conditions for chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and cardiac diseases. This may mean that the infected persons have comorbidities; comorbidity is a term used to describe more than one disease or condition present in a person at the same time.

they had any underlying diseases and that way you can safely say whether they had other comorbidities,” Dr. Anthony said. Currently, this data is not being collected because the younger persons affected by COVID-19 will not be hospitalised- given that they are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. Since they are not hospitalised, a profile replete with their medical history is not taken. But, he did not rule out the possibility of these underlying comorbidities. Dr. Anthony related that the International Diabetic Association has estimated that Guyana has about 60,000 diabetic persons but said that there are not that many cases on record.

RETROSPECTIVE STUDY The Health Minister, however, indicated that studies would have to be conducted to determine whether there is a prevalence of the pre-conditions among this demographic. “That’s something we’ll probably have to sift through the cases and to see, maybe with a retrospective study, because we know who were the persons who were infected so we can go back and look at the cases and see whether

“Therefore, one can assume if we don’t have so many on record, and so many patients enrolled in our facilities then we are either not capturing the patients who should’ve been diagnosed… and there may be persons who are diabetic but who may be ignoring the signs and symptoms,” he said. This, the Health Minister said, presents an opportunity for the health sector to engage in more screening for the diabetics, and also other NCDs.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 25, 2020

Tourism Minister says gave up US citizenship before becoming MP

FOLLOWING statements questioning the status of her dual citizenship, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond has affirmed that she had renounced her United States (US) citizenship before the first sitting of the National Assembly on September 1, 2020. Walrond, an attorney by profession, in a statement on Saturday, said she was asked by President Irfaan Ali on August 5, 2020, to serve as a member of his Cabinet - an offer which she said she accepted because it afforded her the opportunity to serve the people of Guyana. “As an Attorney-at-Law and being mindful of my status as a U.S. citizen, I sought the counsel of other attorneys on whether the sections of the constitution prohibiting elected members from being dual citizens applied to me as a technocrat minister. “Despite advice that this provision did not extend to technocrats, out of an abundance of caution, I decided to renounce my citizenship to put the matter beyond all doubt and avoid any distraction to the good work of the government,” said Minister Walrond on Saturday. According to the Tourism Minister, she wrote the U.S. Consular Office on August 18, 2020, renouncing herself of citizenship to that country, with immediate effect. “I was thereof informed of the administrative procedure I must comply with to obtain a Certificate of Loss of Nationality of the United

States. I complied with that process by August 27,” said the minister. After completing the process, Minister Walrond said she was issued a Certificate of Loss of Nationality, prior to taking the oath to serve as a Parliamentarian. The Minister was not a candidate for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in the March 02 elections, but was selected to be a technocrat minister. The constitution provides for four technocrats to sit in the National Assembly once they meet the citizenship requirement to do so. The issue of dual citizenship came up in 2019 after former Member of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Charrandas Persaud, crossed the floor in favour of the then Opposition PPP/C in a No-Confidence Motion against the APNU+AFC Government, in December 2018. Following legal challenges, the Court of Appeal ruled that a person holding dual citizenship was not entitled to be a member of the National Assembly. Article 155 of the Constitution states: “(1) No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who – (a) is, by virtue of his or her own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.” In 2019, this led to the relinquishment of foreign citizenship by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira and her colleagues Adri-

an Anamayah and Odinga Lumumba. It also saw former Ministers of government Joseph Harmon, Carl Greenidge, Dr. Rupert Roopnarine and Dominic Gaskin resigning as MPs while Harmon and Greenidge relinquished their foreign citizenships. “I acknowledge that the eligibility of persons, who sit in the National

Assembly, is an issue that Guyanese have a right to be concerned about. I further acknowledge that the public has a right to know that the persons who sit in the National Assembly are qualified to do so,” said Minister Walrond. Walrond said persons have since asked the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, to verify

her eligibility to be a member of the House. “I do hope that the above (her statement) serves to clarify any questions that may have been raised in light of the comments in the public domain, and I publicly commit myself to work tirelessly to ensure that in the future, our Guyanese citizenship becomes one of the most sought after statuses in the world,”

said Minister Walrond. Walrond said she was disappointed to see the extent to which persons, on social media, sought to attack and vilify each other, as they took positions on the issue. Those persons were encouraged to raise their standard of interaction, as it will fortify cohesion and promote unity in Guyana.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 25, 2020

Renowned businessman, Andrew Mendes receives ... From page 14

high-quality customer service and products, and improving standards. “As well as giving back to his industry, Mr. Mendes gives back to the wider society; supporting various causes related to youth, community and conservation. He is an advocate and activist in addressing alcoholism, drug abuse and mental health in society through active support of groups that focus on these issues,” the Office of

the President has noted. According to the release, given the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chairman of the Awards, Mr. Andrew Sabga, in consultation with the Eminent Persons Panel, decided that the circumstances require separate ceremonies in the Laureates’ home territories. Other winners of the prestigious award include Trinidad and Tobago astronomer, Dr. Shirin Haque; St. Lucian sculptor, Jallim Eudovic; and Jamaican social

scientist, Dr. Olivene Burke. Meanwhile, Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali has recognised and lauded the achievements of Mr. Mendes. “Please allow me to recognise and celebrate Andrew for his tremendous contribution to Guyana; for the upliftment of so many lives, and the fulfilment of your social responsibility in all that you do in growing your company,” the President was quoted as saying by the Office of the President.

The Head of State also charged Mr. Mendes him with inspiring the next generation, and takeing the lead in building local capacity. He acknowledged that the Awards serve as a reminder of the enormous reservoir of talent within the Caribbean, and have become the region’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize, complete with its laureates. The President said that the awardees have over the years exemplified the inherent capacity of our people to

overcome the most daunting of challenges. “Sacrifice and struggles are carved out in our DNA, and has been molded by our region’s experience in surviving despite the odds, and Andrew is an excellent example of this,” President Ali said. “It is the spirit instilled though our history which allows us, the Caribbean Star, to shine so brightly in the global arena of excellence. The genius of our people is indisputable,” he added. The Head of State also recognised other Nobel Laureates from the region, including Sir Arthur Lewis, Derek Walcott, and V.S Naipaul. President Ali pointed to the importance of harnessing the Caribbean’s extraordinary talent and resourcefulness, particularly as member states navigate through the difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Once our people remain our most valuable resource,

the sun will never set on the Caribbean civilsation,” he said. He added that for Caribbean countries to insulate their economies and citizens from exogenous shocks, they must strengthen traditional sectors, improve economic competitiveness, and steer economies into new, innovative areas. This, the President said, requires the commitment to high standards of excellence, the “tapping” of the creative potential and genius of the Caribbean people, as well as the retailoring of the education system to encourage inventiveness and innovation. The President then charged Mr. Mendes to lead the way in bringing together similar minds in the private sector to bolster the country’s technical capacity, particularly with the emerging oil-and-gas sector.

Sunday, October 25, 13:30hrs - 15:00hrs

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 25, 2020

Late payment of salaries due to IT issues THE Government is assuring public servants that the delays in salary payments occasioned for some Government agencies are being

addressed by the relevant Budget Agencies and the Ministry of Finance. “Technical difficulties experienced with the IT system

resulted in extended downtime hours and have contributed to this delay,” a statement from Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, noted on Saturday.

Minister Edghill said officers are working through the weekend to ensure those affected agencies are resolved and salaries are deposited in

bank accounts early in the new week. “The Ministry of Finance regrets any inconvenience this may have caused.”

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 25, 2020

12 squatters now at Graham’s Hall shelter –– young squatter says he is comfortable, well-fed By Vishani Ragobeer TWELVE squatters from Success on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) are now residing at the shelter set up for them at the Graham’s Hall Primary School, located at Cummings Lodge, ECD, according to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC). According to information from the CDC, there are now seven males and five females who are housed at the shelter, including three children – two girls and one boy. The Ministry of Education has committed to assisting school-aged children at the shelter with educational materials and assistance. While visiting the shelter on Saturday, the Sunday Chronicle spoke to the first squatter who took up the aid at the primary school a week ago. The young man, Dave [not real name] related that he was squatting on the second field at the Success squatting area. Though he prefers the humble structure he constructed at Success, Dave said he has been comfortably staying at the temporary shelter. He even highlighted that he has been receiving “three square meals” every day. Currently, he is unsure whether he will

be assisted with a house lot, but he plans to occupy the space until another solution is provided. “Whatever help I get, I gon accept and bless,” Dave said. Squatters have been occupying the Success lands that belong to Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) for months now. Many of the squatters said they were waiting for their house lots for several years and lamented the financial challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. More recently, GuySuCo has begun flooding the lands to prepare for the resumption of cultivation after years of dormancy, and it has been emphasised that these persons cannot stay on the lands. Director-General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, emphasised that those squatters who are affected by the flooding at Success should immediately contact the National Emergency Management System (NEMS) on 226-1114, 6231700 and 600-7500 and make their way to the Graham’s Hall Primary School, where they will be housed. Recently, the Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony told the Sunday Chronicle that he would ask the regional health authorities to examine any health issues at that flooded area, following concerns

One of the classrooms at the Graham’s Hall Primary School prepared for the squatters to use (Delano Williams photo) raised about the potential for water-borne diseases. “We certainly did not get any complaints from anyone in that area and I haven’t seen anything from any of our health centres or any special reports coming in about a peculiar situation there, so that really was not on my radar,” Dr Anthony said, before committing to look into the matter. Recently, Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo told this newspaper that the government will provide assistance to some of the squatters. This assistance, he added, would

be getting them land to live on. The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) recently began streamlining the land applications of squatters occupying those lands, in an attempt to provide some redress. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CH&PA, Sherywn Greaves, in an invited comment, said the authority was doing all that it could to assist those persons, but that it is still distributing lands in a structured manner — giving lands to persons with the oldest applications first.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 25, 2020

AAG still hopeful of hosting South American U-23 Championship in 2021 By Rawle Toney PRESIDENT of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hutson, is still hoping that they can pull off the hosting of the South American U-23 Championship next year. Guyana, in 2018 at the South American Athletics Confederation Congress, was named as host for the biennial event. However, the advent of the Coronavirus forced cancellation and postponement of many events globally and as such, according to Hutson, talks have resurfaced on finding ways to accommodate some of South America’s top athletes. “We’re still looking at running off the South American U-23 at a date to be agreed ourselves and CONSUDATLE, which is the South American governing body for Track and Field. The whole COVID-19 pandemic has created a problem for us hosting those games, simply because the borders were closed,” Hutson said. The AAG president added that they would’ve received guidelines from World Athletics on hosting competitions and keeping everyone safe from COVID-19 and as such, those guiding principles will be adhered to whenever the green light is given for the sport’s return locally. Hutson said he’s looking to November for the start of their Athletics season, with the cross country in the National Park and developmental meets in Linden and Berbice. “We also want to host our version of the South American 10K late November or early December, but again, we’re waiting on approval from the Ministry of Health or the COVID-19 Task Force to have these events once we would’ve rolled out what our guidelines are from the governing body (World Athletics),” Hutson said. Meanwhile, it was noted to Chronicle Sport that the AAG would’ve met once again with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr and this time, they had a walk-through at the Synthetic Track at Leonora. Ramson, Hutson said, is already sold on Guyana’s hosting of the 50th edition of the CARIFTA Games in 2022, and as such, their visit to Leonora was to ascertain the amount of work needed at the venue, in order to properly host the games. The competition of the ‘Warm Up’ area, repairs or replacement of the already deteriorated five-year-old facility, additional seating and VIP parking, are just some of the things discussed with Minister Ramson, according to Hutson. “Guyana is on track to successfully host the 2022 CARIFTA Games. The Minister has pledged the Government of Guyana’s support and we’re continuing to be guided by the game’s governing body, on how we can make the 50th edition of the CARIFTA Games a memorable one,” the AAG president stated.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 25, 2020

Man. United frustrated by Chelsea in goalless draw By Simon Evans

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Manchester United remain winless at Old Trafford in the Premier League this season after they were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by Chelsea on Saturday. United, who had lost their opening two home games of the season, have seven points from five games and are in 15th place while Chelsea are in sixth on nine points from six games. Given both teams’ defensive troubles of late -United’s last outing at Old Trafford was a 6-1 thrashing from Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea’s previous Premier League game ended in a 3-3 draw with Southampton -- it was perhaps understandable that both managers took a cautious approach. Paul Pogba started on the bench for the third league game in a row for United, who were solid in midfield and at the back, where Harry Maguire returned from injury.

Yet Dan James, partnering Marcus Rashford in attack, struggled and Bruno Fernandes found it difficult to create many openings.

snap shot wide of the post. Searching for a spark to bring the game alive, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought on Pogba and

Marcus Rashford was thwarted by Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy in the best opportunity of the first half

Rashford produced the first real effort on goal in the 35th minute when he found himself in space on the right but his low drive was well saved by the out-stretched right leg of Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy. Mendy was in action again, six minutes later, as he dived to push a Juan Mata

Edinson Cavani in the 58th minute. Uruguayan Cavani, making his United debut, almost scored from his first touch with a clever flick from a Fernandes cross that zipped into the side-netting. Chelsea offered little threat and it was United who went the closest to a

Real Madrid sink Barca in ‘Clasico’ with help of Ramos penalty BARCELONA (Reuters) Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos once again proved to be the man for the big occasion as he converted a fiercely debated penalty to help his side to a 3-1 win over rivals Barcelona at an empty Camp Nou in La Liga on Saturday.

only for Barca’s 17-year-old forward Ansu Fati to equalise less than three minutes later. Barca ran out of steam in the second half and Madrid missed two big chances to seal the points after Ramos’ penalty before substitute Luka

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos

Ramos, making a record 45th appearance in the ‘Clasico’ fixture, was awarded the spot-kick following a VAR review, after falling in the area when his shirt was tugged by Barca’s Clement Lenglet as the pair contested a corner. The defender showed his customary calm to score from the spot in the 63rd minute and restore the champions’ lead, after Federico Valverde had opened the scoring in the fifth minute

Modric finally put the result beyond doubt with a goal in added time. The victory took La Liga champions Madrid back to the top of the standings on 13 points from six games, while Barca, who have only taken one point from their last three league outings, are all the way down in 10th on seven points from five games. The win is a huge boost for Zinedine Zidane’s side, who

went into the match reeling from back-to-back home defeats to promoted Cadiz and a depleted Shakhtar Donetsk. “This win gives us three points but it also gives us confidence after a difficult week for us,” said keeper Thibaut Courtois. “People were doubting us but we didn’t doubt ourselves, we were always with the manager. When you wear this badge you have to give everything in the 90 minutes, and we really put in a big effort today and deserved to get the win.” Barca coach Ronald Koeman dropped 120 million euro forward Antoine Griezmann for the second game in a row but was slow to turn to his bench, not making a change until bringing on Griezmann and Francisco Trincao with nine minutes to go. Courtois and Neto each made impressive saves in the first half, while Barca midfielder Coutinho should have given the Catalans the lead shortly before the penalty but somehow missed the target with a free header teed up by Ansu. “They had chances and we had chances, but they were just a little sharper,” said Barca defender Sergino Dest.

winner, in the 90th minute with Mendy at full stretch to keep out a well-struck, curling effort from Rashford. Solskjaer said his side had edged the encounter. “Their keeper made two fantastic saves from Marcus, they were the two brightest moments and they were great

saves. If there was a winner, it should have been us,” said the Norwegian. Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta conceded his side could have done more but felt VAR should have reviewed a penalty appeal where he was grabbed by Maguire when challenging for a header.

“I felt arms around my neck and shoulders. The referee can make the decision, the VAR is there (to help). In any situation the referee takes the main decisions and the monitor is there for him to help. It was 50-50 so why not take 20 seconds to review it?” he said.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 25, 2020

Smashing Narine, five-star spinner Chakravarthy lead KKR demolition of Capitals

The stage is set for today’s Cancer Awareness Month Golf fundraiser

Cancer Awareness fundraiser golf tournament tees off today

―Strict COVID-19 guidelines in effect THE highly anticipated ‘Cancer Awareness Month’ fundraising golf tournament tees off today at 15:00hrs, with a number of top local ‘pros’ and ‘newbies’ set to unite in the fight against the disease. The Guyana Golf Association (GGA)/NexGen began with CIMGRO Maraiko Bay Resort and Survival being the two main sponsors of the event. But with the battle against Cancer being a united fight, corporate entities such as Vivaanta Ayurvedic Spa & Hair Salon, Trophy Stall, Guyana Beverages Inc. (Busta), Assuria, MACORP and others immediately hopped onboard ahead of today’s event. GGA president, Aleem Hussain, told Chronicle Sport on the eve of the competition, set for the Scouts Association Ground, that it was good to see the event attracting so much sponsorship and support, despite the

COVID-19 pandemic. “This weekend, in support of Cancer Awareness, we will be hosting an event under strict Covid-19 guidelines. Our proceeds will go towards education and research of cancer”. Players have the opportunity of winning up to $50,000, as well as spa, vouchers and trophies provided by Trophy Stall. Hussain added that it was important to remember the main cause of the event, which is spreading awareness locally as a number of Guyanese have been affected heavily by cancer. “Many Guyanese have suffered personal losses or fight a daily battle with cancer, especially women who are our mothers, sisters, wives, and nurturers of our nation. We cannot simply sit back and let this disease win! Just like we cannot let Covid beat us”. Hussain continued, “Every year since 2017, our golfing community and corpo-

rate supporters have been active in the fight against cancer, usually with a tournament to raise funds and awareness. Last year, Banks DIH and Citizens Bank were the main sponsors of the Golf charity event but this year, due to Covid guidelines, we had to modify the event.” As a result, the format is as follows: participants can visit the Academy & Driving Range any day from Monday 19th to Saturday 24th (3-7pm to qualify) with the top 8 players from the women’s, men’s beginners and men’s professionals categories scheduled to battle for the top prize. Players will each hit 10 balls and based on skill level, they will have different distances (50, 75 and 100 yards) to score points based on where in large circles the ball lands. Trophy Stall owner, Ramesh Sunich, who provided the championship trophies, said he was happy to be a part of such a humanitarian

event and one which raises the necessary awareness needed. Owner of Vivaanta Ayurvedic Spa & Hair Salon, Karan Mehra said “Vivaanta is a part of Guyana and we are pleased to support the fight against cancer and continue our support for golfing; something we started with Mr. Hussain a few years ago. We hope that many players participate and support and also win a chance to experience our services at the spa.” One of the few sports that can be played during Covid-19, once guidelines are followed, Hussain said today’s setting on the Greens were ideally makeshift for social distancing. “We hope that members of both the local and expat communities will participate in the events since the Golf Academy & Driving Range is designed to conform to social distancing guidelines and it is for a cause that affects all of us,” Hussain ended. (Clifton Ross)

Kohli ‘most complete player’ around, says England’s Root NEW DELHI (Reuters) - England’s Test captain

Joe Root considers India’s Virat Kohli as currently

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Sunday, October 25, 2020 COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD – 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Kumar Sangakkara-19 dismissals : 17 catches; 2 stumpings (2)

(Deccan Chargers) 206 – third wicket (Adam Gilchrist & Shaun Marsh-King’s XI)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) How many IPL teams have never won the title? (2) Which team has won the IPL title most?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

the most complete player around and said he expects England team mate Jos Buttler to soon replicate his limited-overs dominance in Test cricket. Root himself is considered one of the four best batsmen in contemporary cricket, alongside the prolific Kohli, Australian run-machine Steve Smith and New Zealand captain Kane Williamson. “You’re looking at three of the greatest players the game has seen,” Root told The Analyst’s Virtual Cricket Club. “They’re three brilliant people to watch play and learn from. I’m not sure I’d put myself in their bracket, to be honest.” While he admired

Smith’s hunger for big scores and Williamson’s all-surface defence, Root was particularly impressed

Joe Root rates Virat Kohli the most complete player around

Sunil Narine slammed 64 from 32 balls

L E G - s p i n n e r Va r u n Chakravarthy claimed the best bowling figures seen in the 2020 Indian Premier League so far as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) beat Delhi Capitals (DC) by 59 runs on Saturday. The Capitals would have returned to the top of the table with a win at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, but KKR consigned them to back-to-back defeats to give their own play-off hopes a major boost. Nitish Rana (81 off 53 balls) and Sunil Narine (64 from 32) put on 115 to get Eoin Morgan’s side up to an imposing 194-6. South Africa pacemen Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada - the leading wicket-taker in the tournament took two wickets apiece, but Rana and Narine shifted the momentum after Kolkata had slipped to 42-3. The brilliant Pat Cummins (3-17) put the Knight Riders in control when he got rid of openers Ajinkya Rahane and Shikhar Dhawan cheaply. Chakravarthy then demolished the middle order with a magnificent exhibition of spin bowling, taking 5-20 from his four overs as the Capitals could only make 135-9 in their reply. Captain Shreyas Iyer (47) gave Delhi hope, but they lost seven wickets for 59 runs as Chakravarthy claimed the first five-wicket haul of this

year’s IPL. Rana and Narine to the rescue Nortje (2-27) removed Shubman Gill in his first over and struck again in his second, giving Rahul Tripathi no chance to keep out a searing yorker. Rabada (2-33) got in on the act by dismissing Dinesh Karthik, but a century stand between Rana and Narine got KKR up to a challenging total. Narine smashed four sixes as Ravichandran Ashwin went for 45 off his three overs, while Rana struck 13 fours and a six in a 10th IPL half-century he dedicated to his late father-in-law, who passed away earlier this week. Chak attack after Cummins gets KKR going Cummins set the tone by getting a sharp first delivery to nip back and hit Rahane bang in front, then followed that up by removing Dhawan’s off stump in his second over. Iyer and Rishabh Pant put on 63 for the third wicket, but they were unable to score at the required rate as the Knight Riders’ attack bowled with impressive discipline. The craft and composure of Chakravarthy then ended any hope of Delhi rising back to the summit, as he dismissed Shimron Hetmyer and Iyer in the 14th over after Pant had already holed out.

by Kohli’s versatility. “Virat is probably the most complete player out of the three of them across formats. His ability to chase things down in the limited-overs format and to pace it as well as he does as often as he does and be not out at the end is extraordinary. “He’s got a very good all-round game but you wouldn’t say he’s weaker against spin or pace.” Root, meanwhile, has high expectations from England’s limited-overs stalwarts Buttler who is

yet to reach the same high in test cricket. “Jos has been the most complete white-ball batsman we’ve had ever,” Root said. “I think he’s a phenomenal player and I still don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet. Hopefully this summer in test cricket can unlock doors for him. “I saw a piece about (South Africa great) AB de Villiers and he said it took him 50 Tests to work out his test game. I think it’s very similar to Jos, to be honest.”

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 25, 2020

RHTYSC, Namilco celebrate fruitful cricket relationship

LAST year September, the National Milling Company Co. Ltd (NAMILCO) came on board as the official sponsor of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) first division team; fast forward a year later and the two entities celebrate their special relationship. NAMILCO, replaced longtime sponsors Gizmos and Gadgets as the main sponsor, making the anniversary and the achievements over that period of time highly valuable. It also cemented Rose Hall Town-Namilco Thunderbolt Flour’s team as one of the country’s leading cricket teams with an unmatched list of achievements on and off the cricket field. Club Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster, stated that NAMILCO has been a strong supporter of the first division team and also the U-21 team which it also sponsors. On the cricket field, the Rose Hall Town-Namilco Thunderbolt Flour First Division team won three different tournaments under the sponsorship and reached one semi-finals before the Covid-19 pandemic stopped

the active Berbice cricket season. The team won the Busta Champion of Champions 40 overs tournament, the Ivan Madray Memorial 20/20 and the Sky Vodka 50 overs tournaments. The team has also qualified for the semi-finals of the historic Banks Beer First Division two-day tournament, finishing second behind arch-rivals, Albion Cricket Club in Zone B. They were scheduled to play Young Warriors CC in the semifinals but have been unable to do so due to the pandemic. The Rose Hall Town-Namilco Thunderbolt Flour Under-21 team is also waiting to play Albion in the finals of the Berbice Cricket Board Elizabeth Styles tournament. The two teams have also produced several players who have gone on to represent Berbice, Guyana and even the West Indies. Matthew Pottaya, Christopher Deroop, Jonathan Rampersaud, Nyron Hicks, Mahendra Gopilall and Jeremy Sandia represented Berbice at the junior levels. At the senior level, Clinton Pestano and Kevin Sinclair played for Guyana while Assad Fudadin turned out for the Ja-

maica Scorpions franchise. Kevin Sinclair also played for the West Indies emerging team that won the Cricket West Indies 50 overs tournament and then went on to be a sensation for the Guyana Amazon Warriors 20/20 team in the Caribbean Premier League. Three of the female players: Shemaine Campbelle, Sheneta Grimmond and Shabika Gajnabi also represented the West Indies on a regular basis. Off the cricket field, the Namilco Thunderbolt

renowned street artist Kobra in Santos, the city where Pele started his professional career as a 15-year-old prodigy in 1955. Pele also recorded a song with Grammy-winning Mexican duo Rodrigo and Gabriela, billed as “a little birthday present” for his fans and himself. “Thank you to Brazil and all Brazilians. I was always very happy wearing this jersey. Thank you for all your warm wishes for my birthday,” he wrote Wednesday on Instagram, posted with a photo of himself celebrating one of his 1,281 goals. Whether captured in grainy

A fan of Santos football club looks at a mural by Brazilian artist Kobra depicting retired Brazilian football star Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pele, in Santos, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, on Wednesday. The work, called ‘Coracao Santista’ (Santos’ Heart), was finished days ahead of the 80th birthday of the football legend yesterday (Photos: AFP) The only player in history to win three World Cups (1958, 1962 and 1970), Pele had planned to celebrate his birthday quietly — as he has done almost every year, he says, novel coronavirus pandemic or not. But several tributes are planned in Brazil, from an exhibit in his honour at the Sao Paulo Football Museum to a mural designed by

black and white early in his career, or with his yellow and green number 10 Brazil jersey flitting across the screen in the era of colour TV, many of those goals were spectacular displays of athletic prowess, setting the standard for the “jogo bonito,” or “beautiful game,” that would come to define Brazilian football. His legacy looms so large that Fifa named him the greatest foot-

also made to several persons whose houses were either destroyed by fire or fell down. Additionally, the team also co-produced the RHTYSC 30th Anniversary magazine and co-organise numerous activities to mark the historic anniversary. Foster hailed the relationship between the company and Namilco, noting that the company, for over two decades, has been very supportive of the club. Namilco, on an annual basis, supports the RHTYSC by co-sponsoring its

The Rose Hall Town Namilco team poses after winning the BCB Ivan Madray 20/20 tournament Flour U-21 and First Division teams hosted over 70 community development programmes as part

‘Thank you, Brazil’ — football legend Pele still laughing as he turns 80 Sao Paulo, Brazil (AFP) — Considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time, Pele celebrated his 80th birthday Friday, confined to his home in Brazil because of COVID-19 but meeting the milestone with his trademark laugh. “The King” has suffered from a series of health problems in recent years, but has not lost his charisma or sense of humour. “I’m fine, it’s just I won’t be able to play” on his birthday, he joked this week in a video conversation with the head of the Brazilian Football Confederation.

of their personal development project. These include the Youth Information Booklet, Namilco Tribute to Law Enforcement Officers, Namilco Tribute to Medical Personnel Programmes, Gregory Gaskin Berbice Sports Awards among other notable projects. Other programmes include assisting over one hundred youth cricketers with their gears and distribution of six thousand food hampers under the Basil Butcher

baller of the 20th century in 2000, alongside Argentina’s Diego Maradona — who celebrates his 60th birthday on October 30. Health scares Born October 23, 1940, in the city of Tres Coracoes in south-eastern Brazil, Edson Arantes do Nascimento — Pele’s real name — has grown increasingly frail with age. His public appearances had become rare even before the pandemic confined him at home in Brazil, where COVID-19 has now claimed 155,000 lives, the second-highest death toll in the world after the United States. Pele has been in and out of hospital in recent years for various health issues. Last year he was rushed to the hospital for kidney problems after travelling to Paris for a promotional appearance with French star Kylian Mbappe. In 2014, he was placed in intensive care for dialysis after contracting a severe urinary infection. The King has only one kidney, after a broken rib during a match forced doctors to remove the other. He has also suffered a series of hip problems, forcing him to use a walker. Earlier this year, his son Edinho said health problems had left his father depressed and reclusive. “Just imagine, he’s the ‘King,’ he was always such an imposing figure, and now he can’t walk normally,” he said. Pele quickly reassured fans that he was fine. “I have good days and others that are less good. That’s normal for someone my age,” he said. Pele said he was happy for his good mental health in a video sent to the media Tuesday. “I thank God for giving me the health to make it this far lucid. Not very intelligent, but lucid,” he joked.

Trust Fund. Over $1M worth of chicken products, facemasks, sanitizers and cleaning detergents were shared out as part of the Covid-19 response while donations of vital items were also made to hospitals, post offices, police stations and NDC/ Town Councils. Donations were

Christmas Village, award ceremony, cricket academy, review magazine, Say No/ Say Yes campaign among other programmes. The club and Namilco, in 2019, had come together to organise a highly successful Day of Sports at the Albion Sports Complex for the company’s 50th anniversary. The event was a huge success with RHTYSC members, several volleyball clubs and students from twenty primary and secondary schools participating in cricket, volleyball and athletic events for attractive prizes. The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) president hailed the cooperation of the Management of the company with special mention made of Managing Director, Bert Sukhai; Assistant to the Managing Director, Autamaram Lakeram; Finance Controller, Fitzroy Mc Leoud; Human Resources Manager, Michelle Majors and Jamie Shultz.

The First Division team making a donation to the Rose Hall Town Primary School

FIFA welcomes T&T Court of Appeal victory over TTFA

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Football’s world governing body, FIFA, on Saturday hailed the Trinidad and Tobago Court of Appeal decision to squash a recent High Court ruling against them, in the controversial case brought by the embattled country Football Association. Earlier this month, Justice Carol Gobin ruled in favour of beleaguered TTFA president, William Wallace, contending that the normalisation committee installed last March by FIFA “was unwarranted and indefensible” and also “made in bad faith and for an improper and illegal motive”. However, FIFA on Friday won their case in the Court of Appeal with Chief Justice Ivor Archie and Justice of Appeal Nolan Bereaux concluding that Wallace and his TTFA executive members had violated the local governing body’s constitution by challenging FIFA’s decision in the local courts instead of before the Court of Arbitration for Sport. “FIFA welcomes the decision of the Trinidad and Tobago Court of Appeal, which ruled that the former leadership of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) had acted unlawfully by appealing to a local court to contest the appointment of a normalisation committee for the TTFA,” a FIFA statement said. “Among other relevant legal considerations, the Court of Appeal stressed that in accordance with the TTFA statutes and the FIFA statutes, the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) is the proper forum to resolve such disputes.

“The ruling, which has been served to the parties yesterday (Friday), fully recognises the established global football governance structure, which relies on the CAS as the exclusive internationally recognised tribunal for the resolution of sports-related disputes.” It continued: “A normalisation committee was installed in Trinidad and Tobago by a decision of the FIFA Council after it was established that the former leadership of the TTFA had engaged in various acts of serious mismanagement. “The former leadership of TTFA lodged a claim before the local Courts in Trinidad and Tobago in order to contest the decision of the FIFA Council. “Yesterday’s decision of the Court of Appeal overturns the first-instance decision of the local Court and concludes that, should the former leadership of TTFA wish to dispute the appointment of the normalisation committee it should appeal to CAS.” The latest move allows FIFA to proceed with the normalisation committee headed by local businessman Robert Hadad, which was put in place last March because of what FIFA claimed were “extremely low overall financial management methods, combined with a massive debt”, leaving the TTFA “facing a very real risk of insolvency and illiquidity”. Wallace, who had only replaced incumbent David John-Williams following elections last November, initially challenged the move before CAS but eventually resorted to the local courts after accusing CAS of “ap-

parent institutional bias”. However, against the backdrop of the High Court’s ruling, Bereaux wrote in his judgement that the TTFA was bound by its constitution to resolve all disputes with FIFA before CAS. “The fact that such a provision is enshrined in the TTFA’s Constitution means that the TTFA and its executive are bound to comply. The result is that the filing of these proceedings was a breach of the TTFA’s Constitution,” he said. “Having made its choice and having bound itself by its own Constitution to comply, it cannot now act outside of its provisions.” In a further blow, the Court of Appeal also ordered the TTFA to pay FIFA’s legal costs. Only recently, Wallace said if the Court of Appeal ruled against the FA, he would walk away without challenging the ruling before the Privy Council in London. “If we lose this matter, that’s it for me. There is no more appealing,” he said. “I [would] say, ‘Thank you very much’, and I walk away. There is nothing like that (appealing to the Privy Council). I have no intention of going beyond our court.” In the interim, Trinidad and Tobago remains under a ban by FIFA, imposed last month for a “direct breach of article 59 of the FIFA Statutes, which expressly prohibits recourse to ordinary courts” in disputes by member associations.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr and his team, along with AAG president, Hutson, and other members, during a walk-through at the Synthetic Track at Leonora

SEE PAGE 36

AAG still hopeful of hosting South American U-23 Championship in 2021

Olympics ‘not place for demonstrations’ ― Bach

(REUTERS)-International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said the Olympic Games are not about politics and must guard against becoming a “marketplace of demonstrations”. Against the backdrop of the Black Lives Matter movement to protest racial injustice, calls have increased this year for a change to Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which bans any form political protest during the Games. World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe said earlier this month he believes athletes should have the right to make gestures of political protest during the Games, contrary to official IOC policy. “The Olympic Games are firstly about sport. The athletes personify the values of excellence, solidarity and peace,” Bach wrote in The Guardian here newspaper. “They express this inclusiveness and mutual respect also by being politically neutral on the field of SEE PAGE 39

play and during the ceremonies. At times this focus on sport needs to be reconciled with the freedom of speech all athletes also enjoy at the Games.

Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (Reuters)

“The unifying power of the Games can only unfold if everyone shows respect for and solidarity to one another. Otherwise, the Games will descend into a marketplace of demonstrations of all kinds, dividing and not uniting the world.”

Bach said he experienced the “political impotence” of sport when We s t G e r m a n y w a s among several countries to boycott the 1980 Moscow Games. “As chair of the West German athletes’ commission I strongly opposed this boycott because it punished us for something we had nothing to do with – the invasion of Afghanistan by the Soviet army,” Bach, the winner of team fencing gold at Montreal 1976, wrote. “It’s no consolation that we were ultimately proven right that this boycott not only punished the wrong ones, but that it also had no political effect . . . the Soviet army stayed nine more years in Afghanistan. “The Olympic Games are not about politics. The IOC, as a civil non-governmental organisation, is strictly politically neutral at all times.” The COVID-19 pandemic forced the IOC to delay this year’s Tokyo Games until 2021.

FIFA welcomes T&T Court of Appeal victory over TTFA

Kings XI continue winning streak after spectacular Sunrisers collapse CHRIS Jordan and Arshdeep Singh took three wickets apiece in a dramatic Sunrisers Hyderabad collapse as Kings XI Punjab extended their winning streak to four Indian Premier League matches.

lated to 114 all out as their play-off hopes took a huge blow. David Warner made a brisk 35 at the top of the order before the Kings XI bowlers put the squeeze on, with the excellent Jordan taking 3-17.

Kings XI Punjab beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 12 runs in a low-scoring thriller (Photo kings) In-form Kings XI could Arshdeep also played a only post 126-7 in Dubai on big part in such a low-scorSaturday – Nicholas Pooran ing contest, finishing with top-scoring with 32 on a outstanding figures of 3-23, slow track. while Ravi Bishnoi took Spin wizard Rashid 1-13 as Sunrisers fell apart Khan was yet again the to slip below Kings XI into standout bowler with 2-14 sixth place. from four overs, while SandThey lost five wickets eep Sharma and Jason Hold- from nine balls in the last er also struck twice. two overs, three falling in Sunrisers were 100-3 the final over from Arshin reply and looked set for deep, which they started victory, but went down by needing 14 to win. 12 runs after they capituRashid comes to the par-

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ty again with box of tricks Afghanistan star Rashid was unplayable yet again, bowling KL Rahul with a peach of a delivery. The Kings XI batsmen had no answer to Rashid’s flight, dip and turn, while Deepak Honda missed a legbreak and Jonny Bairstow whipped off the bails to give the 22-year-old his second wicket. Rashid’s economy rate of 5.29 is the third-best in the competition and he has played considerably more games than the two men – Chris Morris and Lockie Ferguson – above him on that list. SUNRISERS GO DOWN AFTER BRIGHT START With only a modest total to chase down, Sunrisers looked destined for victory with Warner going along nicely in an opening stand of 56 with Bairstow. But the impressive Bishnoi had Warner caught behind and Bairstow followed for 19 in the next over, bowled trying to sweep Ravichandran Ashwin. Vijay Shankar made 26, yet Sunrisers fell to pieces with Jordan – who also took a catch – and Arshdeep ripping through the order, while Bishnoi bowled as many as 14 dot balls. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2020