Issuu

WEDNESDAY 20 th January, 2021

’ No. 106248

Jordan questioned –– in connection with controversial by SOCU Peter’s Hall land transaction PAGE

Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan

Field hospital arrives

A field hospital equipped with amenities such as beds, air conditioning units, respirators, generators and other medical equipment to boost Guyana’s capacity to tackle COVID-19 arrived from Qatar at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Tuesday. The good gesture represents the fulfilment of a promise made by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to President, Dr Irfaan Ali last October. President Ali thanks the Emir for his support, and noted that Guyana will soon establish an embassy in Qatar (Office of the President photos)

BK sued $717M Partying cop charged 08 for breach 05 for breaching of contract COVID-19 measures PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Hanoman wants judge-and-jury trial for GECOM trio

THE court proceedings involving Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield; Region Four District Returning Officer, Mortimer Mingo and PNC/R Executive, Volda Lawrence, for their alleged criminal conduct during the elections period, may take some time. Speaking with the Department of Public Information, Attorney Glen Hanoman said while the parties await a ruling on the type of trial that may be required, the defence is seeking to have the trial by judge and jury, which may take longer. “The law is that the magistrate is the person who ultimately makes that ruling about where the trial should take place

and be concluded. So, the defence, in this case, has taken the unusual stand that they are more interested in the matter being tried by a jury. That procedure will most likely take more than five years and it will cause substantial delays in the trial of the matter. “So, the prosecutors are pressing very hard for the matters because it is more convenient, it is more efficient, for the matters to be done purely in the Magistrate’s Court. We are pressing for that to be done,” Hanoman said. Charges against the three accused were first filed by private individuals following which, the matter was taken over by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shali-

Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield mar Ali-Hack, resulting in over 20 charges being laid against them. Defence Attorney, Nigel Hughes, then wrote to

Region Four District Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo the DPP requesting her intervention to determine whether those matters should advance or be withdrawn. The DPP then requested all the pertinent information from Hanoman and after those were reviewed, she ordered the Guyana

Attorney-at-Law, Glen Hanoman Police Force to conduct additional investigations. At the close of those investigations, the private matters were overtaken by the filing of police criminal complaints, which were instituted instead. “We are at a stage where the Magistrate’s

Court has not decided as yet, formally, whether these matters will be proceeding summarily, meaning purely in the Magistrate’s Court or whether she will just be taking evidence in the form of depositions in the Magistrate’s Court to determine whether it is sufficient evidence for judge and jury to try these matters perhaps more than five years from now,” Hanoman said. Meanwhile, the attorney noted that it is unusual that the defence is exposing the clients to possible life sentences based on the preferred mode of trial. “The Magistrate’s Court has a limit to the amount of imprisonment that they can sentence someone to; five years is usually the upper limit, but if as a defence lawyer you are asking for, in these matters in particular, these accused can get life imprisonment and the defence is saying that they would prefer these matters to be tried before judge and jury. I’m hoping that they have discussed this with their clients, and that the clients understand that by taking that stand, they are now going to be exposed to a lot higher sentence,” he said. Hanoman is urging the public to exercise patience as “the wheels of justice turn very slowly for a lot of different reasons.” “We have thousands of witnesses that we have to go through so, regardless of what mode of trial we adopt, these matters will be before the court for a long time to come,” he said. Apart from Hanoman, there are five other prosecuting attorneys, namely Ganesh Hera, George Thomas, Danielle Anthony, Donavon Rangiah and Mark Conway. The cases were divided in three with two attorneys for each group. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Jordan questioned by SOCU

—in connection with controversial Peter’s Hall land transaction By Richard Bhainie

FORMER Minister of Finance under the A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) regime, Winston Jordan, on Tuesday afternoon, made an appearance at the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) headquarters, Camp Road, Georgetown. A reliable source informed this publication that Jordan was hauled in for questioning to assist with investigations pertaining to

don, are also being investigated in relation to the same matter. A source told this publication that the said transaction Lawrence was questioned about had to do with a large sum of money transferred to her account from an account of James Bond. Bond is accused of benefitting from land deals emanating from the sale of State lands while purportedly looking after the interest of the NICIL, which was presiding over the leasing of the lands.

who received a hefty payoff from both deals, amounting to more than $100M. Bond also reportedly received a US$1M payment from Trinidad logistics company, Lennox Petroleum, for the sale of 10 acres of land leased to ARKEN Group Inc. In that deal, ARKEN and its principal leased from NICIL 20.3 acres of land at Peter’s Hall on May 9, 2018, for a 20-year period at US$16,224 per year. ARKEN later sold the 10 acres to local logistics company, GLASS Holdings Inc.

Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, with his attorney Roysdale Forde, S.C. (Adrian Narine photo)

the award of State lands at Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara (EBD), specifically to the vesting of the lands, in his capacity as Finance Minister. On January 12, 2021, former Minister of Public Health and chairperson of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), Volda Lawrence also made an appearance at SOCU. She informed reporters that her visit pertained to clarifying a transaction in which her name is attached. Attorney-at-law, James Bond, and former NICIL Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Colvin Heath-Lon-

Two businessmen embroiled in the scandal – Life 1 Pharms Inc. Director, Avalon Jagnandan, and Director of A-Z Pharmaceuticals Medical Supplies and Equipment Inc., Eddie Doolal – were also arrested and, reportedly, told investigators that it was Bond who facilitated the deals which saw 30 acres of prime State lands being transferred to Chinese, Jianfen Yu. The businessmen had reportedly disclosed to police that it was Bond who encouraged them to startup companies and apply to NICIL to acquire lands; also that it was Bond, not them,

on October 10, 2019, for $200M. The Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, in November 2020, indicated that Government will be taking legal action against Jordan and Heath-London for lands vested to private investors by the past administration after the historic passage of the no-confidence motion in December 2018. The Attorney-General’s (AG) Chambers had issued a document that disclosed that lands valuing $2,383,390,759 were issued by the former administration to eight private investors, while only $64,623,276 was

paid over, a mere two per cent of the consolidated total. Among the eight companies listed are Caribbean Marketing Enterprise Inc.; Navigant Builders Inc; Cardiology Services Inc.; Premier Sales and Services; Supergraphics; American Marine Services Inc.; Guyana Oil Company Limited (GUYOIL); and BK Marine Inc. The document showed that two of those companies, BK Marine Inc. and GUYOIL, were vested

lands without an agreement, and, in GUYOIL’s case, no money was paid. Further, each of those titles were vested after the March, 2, 2020 general and regional elections, and each agreement of sale was entered into after the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government was toppled by the successful passage of the no-confidence motion, which, essentially, ‘stripped’ them of their authority to enter into agree-

ments of sale or vest titles. In September 2020, Navigant Builders Inc. and Cardiology Services Inc relinquished Vesting Orders and reverted the title of the lands vested to it while, in November 2020, Caribbean Marketing Enterprises Inc. relinquished theirs. Jordan appeared at SOCU with Attorney-at-law Roysdale Forde, S.C. This publication was informed that Forde accompanied Jordan as his legal representative.

Former Minister of Public Health and chairperson of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), Volda Lawrence, arriving at SOCU (Adrian Narine photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Linden woman walks away with GUYOIL’s $1M cash prize

ANNIQUE Rigby, of Wismar, on Tuesday became the first female winner of the $1M grand prize in the Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL)’s “Be a Super 95 Millionaire” promotion, which began last month. Rigby, who spoke briefly with the Guyana Chronicle, expressed her elation at her good fortune. “I feel extremely good; overjoyed and excited. Words cannot explain how I feel,” she said, adding that her good fortune could have not come at a better time, as she struggles to navigate the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rigby lauded GUYOIL for the initiative, and

Winner of GUYOIL’s “Be a Super 95 Millionaire” promotion, Annique Rigby

disclosed that she will be putting her prize money in a savings account for her children. She also expressed interest in using her prize money to open up a business of her own. GUYOIL Deputy-General Manager, Molly Hassan explained that the ‘Super 95’ promotion has always been one of the company’s initiatives, the purpose of which is to give back to their customers and show appreciation for their support throughout the year. She noted that in 2021, customers can expect even bigger promotions from the company, as well as affordable rates for fuel during the pandemic.

Annique Rigby and members of her family

GUYOIL’s “Be a Super 95 Millionaire” promotion rewarded customers when they spent $3,000 or more on Super 95 Gasoline from service stations nationwide. The cash and prize giveaways in the fiveweek promotion amounted to over $4, 000, 000, according to the company. Weekly drawings were held, and some 55 winners walked away with cash prizes, Smart TVs, ‘Tablets’, Super 95 vouchers, grocery vouchers and Giftland shopping vouchers. According to Hassan, the promotion saw customers from Regions Three, Six and 10 wining prizes.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 20, 2021

BK sued $717M for breach of contract By Richard Bhainie

L E G A L p ro c e e d i n g s have been instituted by the State against contractor BK International Inc. and its insurance company, North American Fire and General Insurance Company (NAFICO) for a breach of contract relating to the construction of the Yarrowkabra Secondary School. According to court documents seen by this publication, Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, on Tuesday, filed a fixed date application in the High Court, seeking to recover in excess of $717,887,887 in damages, restitution and money owed to the State. In January, 2020 the Government, through the Ministry of Education (MoE), entered into an agreement with BK International Inc. for the construction of the Yarrowkabra Secondary School, located at Linden Highway with the fixed contract price of $826,757,737. VIKAB Engineering

Consultants Limited was appointed on behalf of the Ministry of Education as engineering consultants for the project.

breaches of the work execution schedule and to secure its future compliance. In August 2020, VIKAB conducted an assess-

as liquidated damages; $82,675,774 as underperformance bonds issued by NAFICO; $165,351,547 for advanced pay-

of, the MoE informing him that the contract was terminated. The AG also informed the contractor to vacate the site forthwith. However, on November 10, a visit to the site revealed that the company was still operating at the site.

munities along the Highway. A press release from the Ministry of Education on November 21, 2020 explained that “The effect of this unreasonable delay is that the 600 students who are to benefit from the

The five per cent completed Yarrowkabra Secondary School

Perusal of a work execution schedule submitted by BK International Inc. to VIKAB revealed that the contractor failed and/or neglected to complete the scope of works in accordance with the contractual work-execution schedule. A meeting was held involving BK International, VIKAB and MoE to allow the contractor to rectify the

ment of all the works done on the site by BK International and concluded that a mere five per cent of the works were completed after a period of five months had elapsed which constitutes almost 50 per cent of the contract period. The sum being claimed by the state includes $100,000,000 in general damages; $82,675,774

ments made by MoE; $137,184,782 is being claimed as restitution for payments made to BK for which there were no works done and $100,000,000 for breach of the contract. Consequent to the breach of contract on BK’s part, the Attorney-General (AG) wrote to the contractor on November 1, 2020 for, and on behalf

Proprietor of BK International, Brian Tiwari

In that regard, damages in excess of $50,000,000 are being sought by the State for trespass committed by the contractor from November 2, 2020. The school was intended to benefit 600 children in Yarrowkabra and neighbouring com-

school and its modern facilities will be forced to travel long distances to attend other secondary schools, or to be placed in the Primary Top Departments of some primary schools, which is a practice the Ministry of Education plans to stop”.

Moraikobai residents resisting COVID-19 testing By Vishani Ragobeer IDENTIFYING the prevalence of the virus COVID-19 in the Moraikobai village, Region Five, has proven to be a challenge as residents have not been willing to undergo the necessary testing being conducted by the health authorities. “We’re now sending in a team and that team comprising of a doctor would remain in the community for a number of weeks and, hopefully, by having a permanent team, we would get more people to comply,” Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony said on Tuesday. The minister previously highlighted that the residents pledged to support the health authorities’ efforts to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the village, but they subsequently refused. As a result, on Monday, the ministry was only able to conduct 17 tests and then, the total number of cases in the village was 44. “That’s quite unfortunate because for us to understand what is happening, we need to get more people tested,”

he lamented. To help encourage more persons to assist with the surveillance and testing activities, a team of health and regional officials will be staying in the community for a few weeks. The team is equipped with the relevant testing kits and other necessary equipment.

if their conditions deteriorate, they will be taken to the hospital. Additionally, a 06:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs (6AM to 6PM) curfew has been introduced in Moraikobai, to add to the efforts being engaged in to mitigate the further spread of COVID-19 there. The health team also spoke to bar owners

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony

Those persons who have tested positive so far are reportedly asymptomatic (exhibiting no symptoms) and have been placed into and are in home isolation, where they are continuously monitored. The minister explained that

in the community, encouraging them to comply with the COVID-19 regulations which indicate that bars, rumshops and other such entertainment spots should not be open. Meanwhile, on Monday, he also indicated that

there has been a spike in the number of cases recorded in New Amsterdam, Berbice. Some 36 new cases were

recorded there. On Tuesday, while providing an update, the minister said the situation was being monitored

and he was hopeful that the town would return to some semblance of normalcy in the coming weeks.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 20, 2021

A step in the right direction

THE world has been exposed to a deadly virus during 2020. Little did anyone know how much of an impact this would have on each other’s lives, and more so the world’s economy. Though the economy has not been at its best for a year, and the virus still continues to be a threat, it is uncertain as to when things will go back to the “normal way” as we know it. Many measures have been put in place over the year to combat the COVID-19 epidemic, some of which have affected the running of the economy, in return for the safety of the citizens. However, with the uncertainty of when this will end, it is impossible to continue with restrictions on all business operations, given that the environment is favourable. It must be noted that during these times, many persons are still out of work, due to the nature of the jobs they possess, as not everyone is privileged to work remotely from their places of employ. These jobs financially support many families, as everyone has bills to pay, along with daily survival needs to tend to. It was recently announced by the Minister of Health that the restrictions on indoor dining have been relaxed, which has undoubtedly made some people very uncomfortable. However,

it should be noted that these restrictions allow for restaurants to operate at 40 per cent capacity. There is a criterion that must be met, and permission must be sought from the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) before anyone can resume indoor dining. According to the GTA, restaurants that wish to resume the act must send in applications, along with their Standing Operating Procedures (SoPs), which must coincide with the COVID-19 measures, along with other health and sanitation practices. These restaurants will constantly be checked by officials to ensure that all regulations are being followed, and failure to comply will result in one month’s closure. With just a glimpse of the topic, it was concluded to be a bad idea, because this move is perceived to result in more COVID-19 cases. However, it should be noted that this move was not done recklessly, and without the consideration of the health of citizens; measures were put in place to ensure that the situation is controlled. According to statistics from World Health Organisation (WHO) for Guyana, there was approximately a 68.44 per cent decline in confirmed cases in the last five months. This indicates that Guyana’s condition is not as severe as the rest of

the world’s, and that the businesses can slowly start to reopen and perform at a moderate level, providing that they follow all COVID-19 measures that are in place. It was previously mentioned that it is unknown when this phase will come to an end, thus, we cannot wait until we have completely reached that stage to start reopening the economy. Another point mentioned earlier is that persons are still out of jobs. These restaurants have cooks, cleaners, waiters and receptionists, along with managers who all have been away from work for a while, and it is impossible for them to get new jobs amidst what is happening. This is a chance for some of these people to resume their jobs to get income to support their domestic needs; this will also support the economy in getting back on its feet. If a restaurant has been permitted to reopen dining, and at a minimum capacity of 50 customers a day, with a meal costing $1,200 per person, that will result in $60,000 per day, and roughly $1,680,000 per month. If a restaurant has a maximum of 10 employees who are paid at a rate of $2,000 a day, that is roughly $560,000 a month. Other expenses can be estimated to $400,000 a month, which leaves a profit margin

of $720,000 per month. If 10 restaurants were permitted to indoor dine, that will result in 100 jobs being resumed, with an income of $5,600,000 per month. This is what will be reinvested back into the economy to increase economic activity. Guyana is not the only country seeking to resume its economic activity through the tourism sector in the Caribbean. Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica have allowed for 50 per cent indoor dining, along with strict measures which would be constantly monitored by government officials. Judgment should not be made on matters without fully understanding all views of the issue. Though the resumption of indoor dining is perceived to result in a spike of COVID-19 cases, this can only be due to the lack of precautions taken by individuals. However, persons need financial support, and the government would not be able to provide those assistances on a regular basis, thus, it is necessary for businesses to resume operations; at least at a lower level than usual. It should also be noted that if the situation becomes unfavourable in the future, the government will, without a doubt, take action to reverse any act that may put citizens at risk.

Kindly give due consideration to mental health

Dear Editor,

NOW that “Government has initiated the formal process for the commencement of preparation for Budget 2021”, the Caribbean Voice (TCV) urges that due consideration be given to mental health, both in terms of adequate budgetary allocation and necessary policies and programmes, in order to ensure that Guyana is prepared to address both the mental health crisis arising out of the pandemic, and the growing mental health needs within a fast expanding economy. In this context, there is urgent need to update the 1930s Mental Health Ordinance, so that it gels with the latest in mental health advancements, and includes technology as an instrument both for diagnosis and treatment. As well, the dragged-out renovation of the National Psychiatric Hospital (NPH) needs to be urgently completed, and mech-

anisms put in place to prevent inmates from walking out and wandering into the community, becoming a danger to themselves and others. And we suggest that consideration be given to a mechanism to get all the mentally ill off the streets and into the NPH, so they can be helped. In this respect, we also suggest that those handling/transporting the mentally ill be provided with basic training to prevent undue roughness and violence, as is often the case. Also, the integration of mental health care within the current healthcare system, started under the previous PPP/C administration has been travelling at a snail’s pace, and ought to be speeded up so that basic mental health care becomes accessible to every Guyanese. Within this framework, there is a need for clinical counselors in every public health hospital, with regular visits to community health centres and schools, although, ideally, counselors ought to be placed in all schools. Additionally,

all public health hospitals should include ‘psych’ wards, accessible via prominent signage, so that those in need of help do not have to travel far distances to obtain same, or encounter difficulties in finding the ‘psych’ ward, once they arrive at a hospital. Meanwhile, TCV is appealing to the government to bring back the lay-counselor training programme started under former Health Minister Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, and then subsequently ditched with no explanation provided. That programme had already been yielding results when it was brought to an end. And it is needed now more than ever before, especially since it provides scope for a proactive approach to mental health within every community in Guyana. Another measure that should be put in place is the setting up of protocols to license counselors, so that ‘quacks’ would not be able to run around creating more harm than good. As well, there should be a clear pathway to facilitate mandatory re-

porting of those needing mental health care, so that they would have access to necessary assistance. Also, mental health parity must be facilitated, so that there would be equal treatment of mental health conditions and substance-use disorders in insurance plans and healthcare services, as obtains for physical healthcare. TCV also firmly believes that mental health should be included in the government’s Occupational Health and Safety mandate, so that businesses across Guyana and all governmental workplaces, including the army, police and prison and teaching services can incorporate same. Finally, TCV strongly urges that the justice system be mandated to use psychiatric assessments and counseling referrals, as needed, in a consistent, regular manner rather than selectively. Yours sincerely, The Caribbean Voice

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Law ‘clear and strict’ on election petitions –– Chief Justice’s ruling in alignment with authorities, Attorney-General says By Richard Bhainie THE law pertaining to an election petition and issues that arise surrounding the petition is perspicuous and stringent, the rigidity of which renders the petition a nullity, once the proper procedures are not adhered to. In the circumstances, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., on Monday, subsequent to the ruling of the Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George, in the matter of Monica Thomas et anor v Keith Lowenfield et al, lauded the judgment as “rea-

soned” and “comprehensive”. The petition, 99 of 2020, was filed on September 15, 2020, and was supposed to have been served on the respondent, David Granger, five days thereafter. However, it was not served to Granger until September 28. Nandlall explained that the Attorney-General’s Chambers, as well as counsel appearing for the respondent, Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo, filed submissions to strike out the petition, on the grounds that the requisite documents were not served on Granger within the prescribed time stipulated by law.

As he further explained, in order to circumvent the error, the petitioners sought to argue that Granger was not a necessary party in the matter at hand, and as such there was no necessity to serve him. Citing what she described as “unmeritorious submissions” from the lawyers representing the petitioners, the Justice George ruled that the petition is invalid, on the basis that Granger was served the petition after the prescribed time for service would have expired. “The law is very clear; when the election petition documents, or election pe-

CCJ hears …

Ogle airport name change ‘unfair’, ‘irrational’

THE Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Tuesday heard arguments in the case filed by seven domestic airline operators to challenge the 2016 remaining of the Ogle airport, and a ruling is imminent. Air Services Limited, Roraima Airways Limited, Phoenix Airways, Hinterland Aviation, Domestic Airways, Wings Aviation Limited, Hopkinson Mining Aviation, and the National Air Transport Association (NATA), an association formed by them, had managed to secure an injunction to prevent the renaming of the airport. However, the matter was subsequently discharged. The aerodrome was, on May 9, 2016, renamed the Eugene F. Correia International Airport by then President David Granger. Legal challenges filed by the operators in the High Court and the Court of Appeal were unsuccessful, and resulted in their resort to the Trinidad-based CCJ, which is Guyana’s final appeal court. On Tuesday, a five-member panel comprising Justices Peter Jamadar, Jacob Wit, Winston Anderson, Denys Barrow and Andrew Burgess virtually entertained full arguments in the case. The operators/applicants were represented by Attorneys-at-law Devindra Kissoon and Natasha Vieria, while the Solicitor-General, Nigel Hawke, appeared for the Attorney- General, who is a named respondent in the case. In his submission to the court, Kissoon contended that the changing of the Ogle International Airport (OIA)’s name was unfair and irrational, because proper consultations were not held with his clients. The OAI was incorporated in 2000, with five equal shareholders, each owning 20% of the shares, and each being a director of the company. Since then, the Correia Group of Companies has secured control of more than half of the shares, and has a monopoly over fuel and the leasing of lands for domestic airspace. By way of letters in 2015, the airline services complained to former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson about the issues surrounding the changing of the airport’s name, and its likely impact on their operations.

Granger had also written to Patterson on the subject, with the aim of having the issues resolved. “Fairness would have dictated that the government and minister consult with the persons who would have been affected by the name change. All domestic airline operators who have complained about something that could have potentially affected them, at the very least, he [Patterson] should have heard them,” Kissoon submitted. Kissoon also submitted that his clients should have been consulted before the changing of the name, and on other issues stemming from the said problem. However, this argument did not sit well with the Solicitor-General, who submitted that there were proper consultations. According to him, then subject minister, David Patterson had acted, based on a letter from the OAI’s Board of Directors, which stated that there was a unanimous decision to change the name. Hawke contended that on the face of the evidence, the issue stems from a private grievance. Judge Burgess highlighted several points raised by Hawke, one of which was that according to the records, the Guyana Court of Appeal, in its ruling, had said, “It is the view of this court that the appellants appear to have grievance with the Correia Group, and have attempted to use public law procedures to address private grievances.” Justice Burgess said that if this point was found to be true, it would have brought an end to the matter. Kissoon quickly denied that his clients had grieva-ces with the Correia Group. The applicants, in part, are seeking a judicial review of Patterson’s approval of that name change. They had applied for special leave, on August 25, 2020, to appeal the decision of the Guyana Court of Appeal on many grounds. However, the CCJ granted special leave only on the grounds addressing whether the minister had a duty to consult with the applicants before approving the suggested name change.

titions are not served within the time stipulated, the law is very strict,” the Attorney-General said, adding: “The law is very rigid; and the law says that the petition is a nullity, and must be dismissed; that the court has no jurisdiction to deal with a petition.” He explained that there is a decade of case-law authorities in existence, from jurisdictions across the globe, including Guyana, which supports the proposition. The Attorney-General elucidated that it would have been wrong, and against the principles of natural justice and fairness not to have made Granger a party to the pro-

ceedings, since he represented a list of candidates who won seats in the National Assembly. “There is a plethora of cases right across the English Commonwealth, including Guyana, that decided that point, in terms of who should be made a respondent to an elections petition,” Minister Nandlall said. He added: “Examining the law in almost every jurisdiction where the issue has arisen, the cases say, uniformly and consistently, that every party that contests an election must remain in an elections petition.” He lauded the Chief Justice’s ruling in the matter,

Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, S.C. noting that the judgment was very long, reasoned, and comprehensive, since it examined all the legal issues at length, and applied the relevant case law. He further noted that those arguments that she rejected were done with good reason, and that those she accepted were in alignment with the supporting authorities. “I believe it’s a very, very good judgment, and a judgment which will guide us in the future,” he said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Health Ministry zeroes in on decriminalising attempted suicide –– minister says no place for such 'punitive' laws

FOR years, stakeholders have been calling for the decriminalisation of attempted suicide in Guyana and the Ministry of Health has directed focus towards amending this legislation and instead focus on providing assistance to persons in need. On Monday, while responding to questions posed by the Guyana Chronicle, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, highlighted that the ministry has identified several pieces of legislation that it is seeking to amend or develop entirely. And, among them would be the Criminal Law Offences Act Chapter 8:01 (97) which imposes jail

time for persons who attempt suicide. “If somebody attempted suicide, that person can be charged and I think that offence carries with it a penalty to be jailed and, therefore, we believe in the modern thinking -- dealing with psychiatry and so forth -- that you shouldn’t have these kinds of punitive measures,” Dr Anthony said on Tuesday. The existing law labels attempted suicide a “misdemeanour” and the individual is liable to two years in prison. But Minister Anthony asserted that these punitive measures have no place in Guyana’s health care sector. Instead, he emphasised:

“What you should do is be able to offer that person help....They would need to be referred to specialised services.” Resultantly, he said this legislation needs amending. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Guyana had 667 reported suicide attempts between 2010–2012, resulting in an average of 200 deaths per year. This placed the country at the highest level in the world. However, the Ministry of Public Health has since launched the National Mental Health Action Plan 2015-2020 with the goal of reducing the rate of suicide in Guyana.

Even so, many stakeholders have lamented the archaic law and called for it to be amended. The decriminalising of suicide has enjoyed bipartisan support. There have also been numerous calls from Guyana’s partners such as the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) and the British High Commission to amend the legislation. In September last, former Health Minister and now Adviser to the Ministry, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, promised to push for the decriminalisation of suicide as part of efforts to tackle the mental

health issues under the new dispensation. Amending this legislation is only part of the menu of amendments or new legislative developments the ministry is focusing on, and Dr. Anthony explained that it may take some time before the amendments are ratified. The Health Ministry offers services at its Mental Health Unit at Quamina Street, Georgetown from 08:00hrs to 16:00hrs on weekdays. There is also the recently launched toll-free 655-SAFE (655-7233) hotline through which persons

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony can access counselling services. If you or anyone you know is feeling depressed and possibly contemplating suicide, please call the Guyana Inter-agency Suicide Helpline which operates 24 hours and is organised by the Guyana Police Force. Telephone -223-0001, 2230009, 223-0818 Cellphone – 600-7896, 623-4444.

Sensitive information stolen from Public Service Commission

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the removal of a number of documents from the Office of the Public Service Commission (PSC) at Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown. The commission’s building is located in the Local Government and the Ministry of Public Works Compound, which is usually protected by security guards. Reports indicate that flash drives with information about dismissals, transfers, appointments and pensions of public officials were stolen between Monday evening and Tuesday morning. An employee of the PSC, on Tuesday morning, turned up for work and discovered that his work station and desk were tumbled. Subsequently, he raised

The building which houses the Public Service Commission an alarm and checks were made throughout the building and it was discovered that several offices were broken into. However, there was no sign of breakage or forced entry into the building itself.

Reports further indicate that when the police were called in, they discovered that the security cameras were not recording. The police have contacted the security company as investigations continue.

Cop charged for breaching COVID-19 measures A Police Constable, on Monday, appeared in the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court for allegedly hosting a party in breach of the gazetted COVID-19 emergency measures. Timothy Morrison, who is stationed at the Brickdam Police Station and attached to the Impact Base, appeared before Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul. He denied that on December 14, 2020, at Fellowship, West Coast Demerara, he hosted a private party which is in contravention of No. (2) (1) (b) Restriction contrary to Sec-

tion 21 (2) of the Public Health Ordinance, Chapter 145. He was released on $15,000 bail and the case adjourned until March 23 for trial. According to the emergency measures, all gatherings are limited to no more than 10 people. Also, social activities, including hosting or visiting cinemas, private parties, receptions, entertainment establishments (bars, rum shops, clubs, and discotheques), public pools, and vigils and wakes, are prohibited.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 20, 2021

33 recoveries, 19 new cases of COVID-19

AN additional 19 persons were infected with the virus, COVID-19, but 33 more persons recovered from this virus, according to the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Dashboard for January 19. These new cases take the country’s total to 6,950 cases recorded since March, 2020. Importantly, 6,206 of the persons infected have recovered thus far. The number of deaths remain at 170. The new cases were recorded in Region Four (14 cases); Region Five (one case); Region Six (three cases); and Region Seven (one case). They were recorded from 165 tests conducted. There are also 592 active cases. Six of these active cases are in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 537 in home isolation,

18 in institutional quarantine, and 31 in institutional isolation. The updated COVID–19 Emergency Measures are in force from January 1, 2021, until January 31, 2021. They may be extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions of the pandemic. As per the current measures; however, all persons are required to wear face masks when leaving their homes. Physical distancing and adequate sanitisation are also important. The current curfew time is 22:30 hours to 04:00 hours. Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers: 231-1166; 226-7480; or 180/181 for assistance.

Men charged with robbing teen of motorcycle

AFTER being on the run for almost eight months, two men appeared at the Charity Magistrate’s Court on a robbery-under-arms charge, and were released on $150, 000 bail each by Magistrate Esther Sam. Charles Abrams, a 28-year-old miner of Henrietta Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, and Travis Persaud, a 28-year-old labourer of Anna Regina Market Street, also on the Essequibo Coast, denied the allegation when it was read to them. It is alleged that on May 3, 2020, at Mashabo, Essequibo Coast, while being armed with dangerous weap-

Charles Abrams ons, they robbed Rudranauth Chandrika, 18, of a Lifan motorcycle valued at $ 220, 000. According to the infor-

Travis Persaud mation reaching this publication, the accused were arrested on January 14. They will return to court on February 12.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 20, 2021

World Hindi Day celebrated with cultural presentations

THE High Commission of India in Georgetown, in collaboration with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, observed World Hindi Day with a cultural celebration on Sunday. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the event was celebrated virtually. It was live streamed through the Facebook pages of High Commission of India, Georgetown and Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Georgetown and telecast live on E-3 and Channel 06 TV channels of Guyana. The occasion began with recital of the Guyanese and

Indian National Anthems, a release said. After offering his wel-

come remarks, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, High Commissioner of India to Guyana, read the

High Commissioner, Dr K J Srinivasa

message from Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi on World Hindi Day. Cultural performances were also organised during the celebration. Amjad Ali Warsi, Tabla Teacher cum performer of SVCC Georgetown, along with his students, performed two songs. Hindi language students from Essequibo, Bindi Singh from Sarswati Dance Academy, Essequibo and several others participated. Members of the Huis T’ Dieren Mandir sang a short Chaita from the Ramayan. A Bhopuri song ‘Batohiya’ written by the famous Bihari

poet and freedom fighter Raghubeer Narayan was played. This Purbi song became very popular in Girmitya countries and is known as the ‘Vande Matram’ of Bhojpuri. Batohiya in Bhopuri means ‘Traveller’. In this song an indentured labourer in a British colony is describing India as a heaven on the earth and that he wants to visit his homeland. Delivering remarks at the event were Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud, Minister of Human Services and Social Security of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and President of Guyana Hindu

Dharmic Sabhaa; Vikash Ramkissoon, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Guyana; Beni Singh, founder of Guyana Hindi Prachar Sabhaa; Pt Jagmohan Vice-President, Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabhaa, Indian Community leaders, among others. Three Guyanese nationals who were on the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship to study Hindi language in India shared their experiences. Meena Chand also spoke on the relevance of Hindi.

Dr Ishmael’s family rejects reports he owed State By Rehana Ahmad IN 2016, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had $11.549 million in outstanding advances that were not cleared by employees who had received monies for travelling and other duties relating to their respective portfolios. This was outlined in the 2016 Auditor General’s report which is currently under review by the Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly. On Monday, the team from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Elizabeth Harper, appeared to answer to matters flagged in

Permanent Secretary, Elizabeth Harper, and her team before the Public Accounts Committee answering to issues flagged in the 2016 AG report

the aforementioned report. During the hearings held at Parliament Buildings on Brickdam, Georgetown, Ambassador Harper told the committee that most of the advances have since been cleared, with the exception of 10. These are all believed to be linked to the now deceased Ambassador, Dr. Odeen Ishmael and the execution of his duties four years ago. However, Ishmael’s family, in a statement, rejected the media reports, explaining that the reputable diplomat was known to be meticulous, especially as it relates to his dealings with government monies. “As such, we would expect that all such supporting documentation would be in the records of the Guyana Embassy in Kuwait or Caracas, if not within the records of the ministry itself,” Ishmael’s family maintained. The family added, “No one from the Government of Guyana has contacted the family about this issue or

otherwise made them aware of this issue prior to the publication,” of media reports. The Ishmael family emphasised that Dr. Ishmael was a decorated diplomat who served Guyana loyally from 1993 up until 2014 when he retired from the Foreign Service due to his deteriorating health. The statement also noted the fact that Dr. Ishmael retired from the Ministry in 2014, whereas the allegations that he owed the ministry monies was only highlighted in 2016 – two years later. “Dr. Ishmael served as the Guyana ambassador to the United States, Venezuela, and Kuwait. He was decorated with the Cacique’s Crown of Honour and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Award for International Service. He was also recognised by the United States Congress in a joint resolution tribute upon the completion of his diplomatic service in

Washington DC,” the family concluded. Nonetheless, the ministry’s team told the Chairman, David Patterson, and other members of PAC that a formal request has been made to the Finance Secretary for the advances totaling $2 million to be written off. However, Minister of Public Works and member of the PAC, Juan Edghill had contended that even though a person has passed on, outstanding monies owing to the State can still be retrieved by way of their estate. Weighing in on the situation, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Madam Gail Teixeira, agreed with the actions taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to have the monies “written off”. She; however, emphasised on the ministry’s need to address matters of outstanding monies, in a more expeditious manner. She specifically recommended that employees be made to clear all outstanding advances, before they could receive the final payments at the end of their contracted period with the ministry. The AG’s 2016 report also highlighted inefficiencies with regard to the log books and vehicles’ historical records that are required to be submitted by various missions. The report indicated that log books were not presented for nine of 15 serviceable vehicles, while the six log books presented were not “properly written up”. As at 2019, the ministry was able to remedy the situation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 20, 2021

City Council ‘unofficially’ shuts out Puran Bros –– Council wants company to work for less over next three years

By Telesha Ramnarine ALTHOUGH a public notice has been sent out regarding a new schedule for garbage collection in the City as of February 1, with the exclusion of Puran Brothers Disposal Services, Mayor Ubraj Narine has said he is yet to receive a report from the Town Clerk’s office about the new development. He could not answer any questions on Tuesday when contacted by this newspaper, because he said he cannot speak “off the top of his head” about an issue he has little facts about. This is notwithstanding

Manager at Puran Brothers Disposal Services, Kalesh Puran that the new announcement was posted on the Georgetown Mayor and City Council’s Facebook Page since January 13. “The Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown wishes to inform the general public that, effective from February 1, 2021, Cevons Waste Management, Star Imports, SANDIP Waste Management Services and Solid Waste Management Department (M&CC) will be removing household and parapet waste in and around the City,” the notice read. Head of the Solid Waste Management Department, Walter Narine did not take calls from this newspaper, but a councilor who preferred anonymity said to his knowledge, Puran Brothers withdrew their services voluntarily, because they did not find favour with the

new rules and regulations that the City Council has imposed. Manager at Puran Brothers, Kalesh Puran, told the Guyana Chronicle that it is sad how the City Council has introduced new companies into the market after deciding not to give any more work to his company, even as it has been serving the municipality for over 35 years. “I don’t know where we fell short; I really don’t know what’s going on in the Council,” Puran expressed, as he noted how the Council asked the company to lower its prices in the contract covering the next three years. According to Puran, the Council showed his company an engineer’s estimate that has figures lower than what the company is currently working with. “The cost for supplies doesn’t come down; workers’ pay doesn’t come down. It’s not just about paying workers and buying fuel for our trucks; there are many other support services that we have to fund.” MONIES OUTSTANDING Puran said that although there has been no official correspondence with his company about the new developments, he has seen the public notice excluding his company. He mentioned that the Council still owes them more than $70M for the years 2019 and 2020. Meanwhile, according to the schedule posted by City Council, Group One will be cleared by Sandip Disposal Services. These areas include Campbellville Housing Scheme and Section L-M Campbellville on Mondays. On Tuesdays, Belvoir Court, Prashad Nagar, Bel Air Promenade, New Haven, Bel-Air Village, Blegezeight, North Sophia, Liliendaal, Turkeyen, Atlantic Ville, Pattensen, University Gardens, and Cummings Lodge are expected to be cleared. On Wednesday, Group Four is expected

Charlestown, Albouystown and Wortmanville on Fridays. On Mondays to Saturdays, Group 10, which is the Bourda, Robbstown, Newtown, North/South Cummingsburg and Water Front areas will be cleared. Bel Air Spring, Bel

Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine to be cleared by Cevons, which includes such areas as Lodge, Lodge Housing Scheme, Thorne’s Drive, Century Palm Gardens, Meadow Brook, Tucville Terrace, Guyhoc Park, and East La Penitence. The schedule said that on Fridays, Group Five will also be cleared by Cevons, and these areas include Festival City, North Ruimveldt, Stevedore, Postal Housing Scheme, South Ruimveldt Park, Jacksonville, West Front Road Housing Scheme and Tucville. Group Six will also be covered by Cevons, and these include areas such as South Ruimveldt Gardens, Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Shirley Field Ridley Square, Guyhoc Gardens, Alexander Village, Riverview Ruimveldt, Laing Avenue, Meadow Bank, Rahaman’s Park, Houston, Mc Doom, Rome, Agricola, and Evans Phillips Park. Lamaha Springs and Lamaha Park, in Group 11, are expected to be cleared on Mondays by Cevons, and on Wednesdays, Star Imports is expected to cover Group Seven, namely: West Ruimveldt, East Ruimveldt, Middle Road La Penitence, Jeeboo Land, Independence Boulevard/ West La Penitence, Castello Housing Scheme, NorthEast La Penitence and East La Penitence. Star Imports will also be covering Group 9, being Werk-en-Rust, Stabroek,

Air Gardens, Subryanville, and Kitty, in Group Two, are expected to be cleared on Mondays by the Solid Waste Department, while Group Three, being Bel Air Park, J-K Campbellville, Newtown, A-D Campbellville, E-I Campbellville and

Lamaha Gardens will be cleared on Wednesdays. On Fridays, Alberttown, South Cummingsburg, Queenstown, North Cummingsburg and Kingston will also be cleared by the said department.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Wide-ranging response to Pomeroon

THE Government has spent close to $10 million on major drainage and irrigation and other critical emergency works in Region Two to address flooding there. Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Monday, said this firm approach was taken to ensure residents lives return to normal as soon as possible. “It will be between five to ten million dollars in emergency works. Moving pumps

and installing, undergoing major excavation works at several canals. Right now, as I am speaking here, there are two machines in the Pomeroon doing critical work at Friendship.” Minister Mustapha said the water has receded significantly there because of the extensive mechanisms that were put in place. The ministry is constantly monitoring and providing assistance where necessary.

“In the Pomeroon, I have sent in a team; instructed the NAREI, GLDA to visit the Pomeroon. They have done an assessment and our first set of help start this week coming… They will be going to give some help to those chicken farmers that would have lost some of the birds there and we are looking at NAREI to give back material, chemicals and fertilisers. We are committed to those kinds of help.”

The Agriculture Minister also said he plans to travel back to the communities to get a first-hand look at the progress made. He also pointed out that all of the pumps installed in the region are functioning effectively. “In making more resources available, what I have done is put two additional pumps at Andrews and another one at La Union. Those areas have two additional pumps. The four pumps were bought from India, the technicians have set them up, those pumps are in operation now. So, those pumps will be draining Essequibo in a faster rate that the two pumps that we had there before,” the minister added. Additionally, the minister said some three miles of the outfall channel at Somerset and Berks were dredged following a request from residents. Senior Response Officer at the Civil Defence Com-

Captain Salim October, Senior Response Officer at the Civil Defence Commission, distributing cleaning hampers in Region Two (DPI photo) mission (CDC), Captain Salim October, told DPI in a telephone interview that a team from the Ministry of Health is also on the ground

screening and treating residents’ ailments. At Cross Canal, Dredge Creek, there See page 14

The Civil Defence Commission delivered relief supplies to Region Two residents earlier in January (DPI photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Moleson Creek farms flooded – work ongoing to clear clogged canals and drains

SOME 3000 acres of farmlands in Moleson Creek, East Berbice-Corentyne, are presently under floodwater following heavy rainfall. The affected farmers are pleading with the relevant authorities to provide urgent assistance. Cash crops, inclusive of beans, watermelon, cassava, pumpkin, sweet potato, plantain and pepper are being cultivated on the land and are in various stages of development. The flooding has resulted in hefty losses for the farmers, who are calling for permanent solutions to be implemented to address this situation, which has been occurring for some time now. Regional officials said that an excavator has cleared thousands of metres of clogged canals and drains, and the floodwater is receding.

Rajesh Kumardeo called “Raja” of Crabwood Creek, who has some 10 acres of beans, plantains and sweet potatoes under cultivation, estimates his losses to be in the millions. He said things may get worse if the situation is not remedied soon. “Right now all the potatoes under water, the beans soak [in] water and me gah pay somebody to pick them out and another person to pick out them water soak ones and the damaged ones so me can get lil money,” he told this publication. Another farmer, Shamazudeen Nezamudeen, who is cultivating over 100 acres of land, said he had to employ 19 additional persons to pick his 20 acres of pumpkins and another group to harvest his 25 acres of cassava, which are all under water. He is unable to put a figure to his losses, but called

on the authorities to act swiftly before more damages are incurred. Nezamudeen noted that the main drainage canal in the area is blocked up and needs cleaning. The farmers pointed this publication to an outfall with overgrown vegetation and a canal that is filled to capacity. They related that the water has to travel some 3000 meters in the clogged drains, before it gets discharged into the Corentyne River. In light of this, they are seeking help to establish an outfall that will reduce the distance to less than 1000 meters from the current point of exit. This, they stressed will allow for faster drainage. “We have the government reserve that is 66 feet on the outfall side and [we] are just asking for a canal 8 feet in width and 6 feet in depth and that will solve all

Moleson Creek farmer, Arman Hussain we problems. We will try to provide a self-acting door to prevent the water from flowing back,” said Arman Hoosein, who cultivates eight acres of beans and cassava. The farmers pointed out that an excavator that is currently in the area can be

Shamazudeen Nezamudeen, whose cassava and pumpkin crops are under water. He has 100 acres of land under cultivation used to get this done quickly, thereby bringing much needed relief to them. They noted that the works done by the excava-

Rajesh Kumardeo, whose 10 acres of cash crops are under floodwater following heavy rainfall in the Moleson Creek area tor to date is welcomed and expressed gratitude to the Minister of Agriculture for See page 14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Moleson Creek farms ...

From page 13

fulfilling his promise to provide the machine to clear the canals that were not cleaned in years. This publication was

told that the farmers are seeking to provide mats for the excavator so that it can get to clean the main outfall which is heavily

silted. However, access is not possible at the moment because of the rain. WATER RECEDING Meanwhile, Regional Vice-Chairman, Zamal Hussain stated that a machine is in the area working to alleviate the situation and the water has begun to recede. However, he cautioned that the request of the farmers which seems simple, may lead to more issues in the long term. Hussain explained that the proposed outfall would connect directly to the river, and can lead to mass erosion over a short period of time. Such a situation, will cause more troubles for the farmers and the community. He said there is an existing tubing which a private

Beans under water at Moleson Creek farmer has blocked, and if he removes the blockage, then the situation can be remedied almost immediately. Even though the flooding was caused by heavy rainfall, the excavator can be continuously used to help clear the canals as was promised by the minister.

Additionally, Regional Agriculture Coordinator, Dennis Deroop, said a team from the ministry will be in the area to assess the damage done and make appropriate recommendations. The Guyana Chronicle understands that from De-

cember 23, 2020 to date, the excavator has cleared over 6500 meters of canals and blocked drains in the community, thereby preventing the situation from becoming worse. The machine will remain in the area until the works are completed.

Wide-ranging response ... From page 12

have been complaints of persons experiencing diarrhoea and other medical issues. Meanwhile, the CDC has distributed sanitation hampers in both Regions One and Two. In a newly released report on flooding in the Pomeroon River from January 1 to 17, the CDC says its humanitarian assistance targeted 1,200 severely affected homes. The Commission has also distributed

food hampers. Several recommendations were made in relation to the affected areas such as Dredge Creek, the Charity Housing Scheme, the Charity Squatting Area, Cozier Canal, Lower Pomeroon River, Abrams Creek, Upper Pomeroon River, Siriki, Upper Pomeroon, Jacklow, Upper Pomeroon and Kabakaburi, Upper Pomeroon. The recommendations include

more drainage and irrigation works, elevating farmhouses and pens to protect them from flooding, reliable and safe water supply and establishing facilities that would help safeguard peopleâ€™s economic livelihoods. CDC Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, said the Commission continues to monitor the situation and would be doing follow up visits.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 20, 2021

World leaders receive COVID-19 vaccine shots developed by China (CHINADAILY) -- A number of countries, including Egypt, the UAE, Jordan, Indonesia, Brazil and Pakistan, have authorized the COVID-19 vaccines produced by China for emergency use. And many more countries, including Chile, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Nigeria, have ordered Chinese vaccines or are cooperating with China in procuring or rolling out the vaccines. Indonesia, through its Food and Drug Control Agency, approved China's biopharmaceutical company Sinovac Biotech's COVID-19 vaccine for use on Jan 11.

Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, receives the COVID-19 vaccine shot developed by China's biopharmaceutical company, Sinovac Biotech, at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, Jan 13, 2021. The president is the first Indonesian to be vaccinated to show that the vaccine is safe. [Photo/ Xinhua]

The agency issued an emergency use authorization for the vaccine after interim results of its late-stage trials in the country showed an efficacy rate of 65.3 per cent. Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, on Jan 13, 2021, received the COVID-19 vaccine shot. After the president, the Indonesian military chief, the national police chief and the Health Minister, among others, were also vaccinated. Turkey started mass vaccination for COVID-19 on Jan 14 after the authorities approved the emergency use of the Chinese vaccine. More than 600,000 health workers in Turkey have received their first doses of COVID-19 shots developed by China's Sinovac during the first two days of the country's vaccination programme. Turkish Health Minister, Fahrettin Koca, on Jan 13, 2021, received the Sinovac vaccine, along with Turkey's advisory science council members, one day before the nationwide vaccination begins. The Indian Ocean archipelago of the Seychelles began vaccinating its population against the coronavirus on Jan 10, 2021. The country's president, Wavel Ramkalawan, was the first to receive the jab, an event broadcast on live television at a hospital in the capital Victoria. Several dozen public figures joined him. "It's exactly as if I was getting any vaccine," he said, encouraging all people on the island nation to get the injection. The country is using the Chinese vaccine developed by the Chinese pharmaceutical company, Sinopharm, with its subsidiary, the China National Biotec Group. On Nov 3, 2020, Prime Minister and Vice-President of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, tweeted a picture of him receiving a shot of a

Turkish President, Tayyip Erdogan, receives a shot of the Sinovac's CoronaVac coronavirus disease vaccine at Ankara City Hospital in Ankara, Turkey, Jan 14, 2021. [Photo/Xinhua] COVID-19 vaccine. [Photo/HH Sheikh Mohammed's Twitter account] The UAE announced on Dec 9, 2020, the official registration of a COVID-19 vaccine developed by the China National Pharmaceutical Group, or Sinopharm, the official WAM news agency reported. The UAE became the first country to offer Chinese-developed COVID-19 vaccines to all citizens and residents for free, on Dec 23. The trials in UAE show the Chinese vaccine provides 86 per cent efficacy against COVID-19 infection. The vaccine was granted Emergency Use Authorization in September by the health ministry to protect frontline workers most at risk of COVID-19. The phase III trials in the UAE have included 31,000 volunteers from 125 countries and regions.

BRI is a game changer: Executive secretary of UN ECLAC (ECNS) -- "The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a game-changer. In a world where international cooperation has been severely weakened in recent years, the BRI is a testimony of China´s continued support for multilateralism and mutually beneficial relations among countries and regions," said Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary of the United Nations' Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) on Monday. BRI, a powerful contributor to a better multilateralism The BRI should be analyzed beyond geopolitical considerations and misconceptions, and instead be understood as a powerful contributor to a better multi-lateralism, said the Executive Secretary of UN ECLAC. It improves collaboration in a massive way for the provision of global public goods, she added. She praised that the BRI is the most transformative development programme since the creation of the Bretton Woods system, and the single largest example of South-South cooperation in history. She said China promised to make

the COVID-19 vaccine a global public good and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060, and she believes the BRI and priority areas of cooperation such as the Health Silk Road, Green Silk Road, and Digital Silk Road, will be critical avenues through which to attain these goals. BRI, a “big push for sustainability” In 2020, Latin America and the Caribbean suffered its largest GDP drop in 120 years, estimated at -7.7 per cent. This has brought a massive increase in unemployment, poverty and inequality, according to Bárcena. "Against this background, the region not only needs increased trade with China: it also needs more direct investment from China in manufacturing, services, green energies and infrastructure, including the transfer of technology," she said. This is where the BRI can make a critical contribution to a more sustainable recovery in our region, through projects that help to close infrastructure gaps and to create new productive capacities, she added. So far, 19 countries in the region have signed agreements

mote a sustainable recovery, drive technical change, create jobs and reduce external constraints and the environmental footprint.

Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary of the United Nations' Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) under the initiative. The BRI can play a key role in implementing a new development model for Latin America and the Caribbean, what ECLAC calls a “big push for sustainability”, through facilitating investments in sectors that pro-

ECONOMIC RECOVERY NEEDS GLOBAL COOPERATION China´s positive growth in 2020 amid a deep global recession has been a bright spot in a very challenging time, said Bárcena. "China is the world´s second largest importer of goods, accounting for 10.8 per cent of global imports in 2019. Therefore, its continued demand is a boost to many countries for which China is a crucial export market. This is the case of several countries from our region, especially in South America," she said. "Our projections at ECLAC indicate that the only major market where our region´s exports registered positive growth in 2020 was China, which is about 2 per cent, compared with a 13 per cent drop in total exports," she added. She stressed that mutually beneficial cooperation between the region of Latin America and the Caribbean

and China will continue to develop in 2021 as growth picks up in both. "In a world whose economic geography is changing dramatically, it will be critical for China and Latin America and the Caribbean to work together on common multi - lateral agendas, including on health, energy, and financial stability," said the Executive secretary of UN ECLAC. "At this very difficult juncture, China stands as a reliable partner and a friend. When our countries desperately needed ventilators, surgical masks and other medical supplies, China, unlike other main suppliers, did not restrict its exports, and even donated large quantities of those vital items to several countries," said Bárcena. She said China has also supported the functioning of global value chains through its promotion of openness and multilateralism, including the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which comprises the largest free trade area in the world, and the recently concluded Comprehensive Agreement on Investment with the European Union.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Food importers meet with gov’t on trade concerns

FOREIGN SECRETARY, Robert Persaud, on Friday, joined the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, and other government

officials, private sector representatives, and local food importers, in a discussion facilitated by the Government Analyst Food

and Drug Department (GA-FDD) on challenges experienced by food importers. According to local im-

porters, among other issues, the non-recognition of import documents from third parties poses some challenges to trade, a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation noted on Monday. According to the release, presently, the ‘Food for Human Consumption Certificate of Free Sale’ is the only document accepted by the GA-FDD. The document, which is issued by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA), certifies the sanitary and safe condition of products being exported. During the meeting, the Foreign Secretary emphasised the fact that sanitary and phytosanitary matters are reflected in all of Guyana’s major trade agreements. He also acknowledged the concerns regarding the trade-restrictive impact of sanitary and phytosanitary regulation and assured participants that trade policy is concerned about addressing both ends of the spectrum, the release stated. The Foreign Secretary

Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud participates in the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) facilitated discussion on challenges experienced by food importers (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation photo) stated that while a resolution of the matter was outside the scope of the Foreign Ministry, the ministry “remains equally committed to ensuring that consumers can continue to have access to a variety of import products that are of good quality and safe for human consumption and that Guyanese export products are equally able to comply with safety and quality requirements of import markets.” According to the release, Persaud called for a participatory approach to “facilitate effective and transpar-

ent dialogue geared towards identifying costs and benefits and consensus-building on the policy position that would maximise gains versus costs to society.” “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation remains committed to supporting free trade, lowering administrative bottlenecks, and other challenges that may increase the transaction costs of conducting trade, both for importers and exporters,” the release concluded.

MMA-ADA looks to double rice production By Kellon Rover THE Mahaica, Mahaicony, Abary – Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) is accelerating efforts to realise the government’s plans to double rice production over the next five years. General Manager, Mr. Curbette Victorine, says the Authority plans to improve agriculture in Mahaica-Berbice (Region Five) as it is the largest rice producing area in the country. “MMA-ADA is geared at agricultural development. The government continues to view Guyana’s economic prosperity through its agricultural performance, so the emphasis on agriculture in Region Five epitomises agriculture nationally,” Mr. Victorine said. The General Manager said some $112 million was secured for capital expenditure from the Emergency Budget last year. That sum was utilised in key areas aimed to boost production and secure and expand agriculture in the region. “We chose to utilise those funds to prepare ourselves to regain the capacity where drainage and irrigation is concerned, and so we were able to procure two long-reach excavators. Some of these drains have become sluggish and the maintenance was not there. Our intention is to make sure that we bring those systems back to the designed capacity so that their function can be assured.” The first phase of the MMA-ADA Scheme was completed since the mid-1980s with a conservancy situated at the headwaters of the Abary River. This phase services approximately 40,000 acres of paddy production from state lands and about another 20,000 acres of private lands within the Abary-Berbice District. The irrigation system also services some 14,000 acres of cultivation of the Blairmont Sugar Estate. While this is already in place, the MMAADA plans to expand its services. A technical team has begun studies to finalise two other phases of work in the Scheme to effectively service the upper reaches of the Mahaicony and Mahaica Rivers.

“We have already put in some, but minimal, infrastructure in the Mahaicony -Abary Phase and we are also operating in the Mahaica-Mahaicony Phase. Together, the Mahaicony and the Mahaica divisions amount to an additional 50,000 acres of paddy production,” Mr. Victorine said. One challenge that farmers have encountered getting the best out of their inputs is access to their farmlands. They have also complained bitterly about the neglected drainage and irrigation system over the past years. Once these issues were highlighted to Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, he took steps to secure some $98 million in emergency funds to facilitate major infrastructural works within the Scheme. “We have drained and cleaned canals, bringing them back into a proper functioning state. We also did substantial works to ensure bridges and access and so forth are put back in good shape,” Mr. Victorine added. Farmers have commended the intervention by the government as they are now enjoying the benefits. Mahaica-Berbice contributes between 35 to 50 per cent of the gross national rice production. Currently, Guyana produces more than one million tonnes of paddy. Minister Mustapha is also confident that Guyana will attract new markets for rice exports as production yields climb. Already, an additional quota of 24,000 tons of rice will be exported to Brazil. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has said the government is committed to helping farmers produce better rice yields, noting that added resources will be put into research and development. The MMA-ADA is an Authority set up specifically to administer agricultural development in Region Five and is responsible for over 800 miles of drainage and irrigation canals. Its responsibility spans from the east bank of the Mahaica River to the west bank of the Berbice River and from the Atlantic seaboard to about 30 miles inland.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 20, 2021

23 women among 74 GDF recruits

SEVENTY-four recruits, including 23 females, have successfully completed the Basic Recruit Course (BRC) 2020-2021. The BRC had commenced in October 2020 and concluded on Monday, at the Colonel John Clarke Military School at Tacama, Berbice. Chief of Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess congratulated the new soldiers on their perseverance and commitment to success throughout the course. He reiterated the constitutional responsibilities of the GDF, and, in the process, reminded that their new career was grounded in service to the nation. In this regard, he encouraged them to continue embracing discipline, duty, commitment and professionalism as the basis for their delivery of exemplary service to the citizens of Guyana. It was emphasised that their duty as soldiers was to serve: to carry out tasks assigned by Commanders and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers; to ensure the successful completion of all operations

and missions, and ensure the safety and security of all of GDF bases, locations, kit and equipment. “We expect you to commit yourselves to being the best soldiers you can be. Serve with professionalism as the hallmark of your service,” the Chief of Staff emphasised. The Course’s Best Graduating Student was Private (PTE) Dequan Pyle, while

PTE Towalda Richmond copped the runner-up award. The award for Best Military Knowledge went to PTE Wanda Marshall. PTE Shemroy Wood gained the Best Fitness Award; PTE Darius Williams won the award for Best Shot; PTE Marlon Nicholson got the award for Best Drill, while the Number Three Platoon was adjudged the Best Platoon.

The course’s Best Graduating Student, Private Dequan Pyle, receives his trophy from Chief of Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess

Chief of Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess addresses the 74 recruits who completed the BRC training course

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Pant, Gill lead India to stunning series win over Aussies at `Fortress Gabba’ Gabba’ remaining 7 ... first defeat at the Cabba since 1988 INDIA pulled off an astonishing run-chase to inflict Australia’s first defeat at the Gabba since 1988, to win the fourth Test by three wickets and take one of the all-time great series. Needing 328, a Brisbane record run-chase, the injury-hit tourists got home with three overs to spare. Shubman Gill made 91 and Rishabh Pant was unbeaten on 89. They win the series 2-1, keeping the Border-Gavaskar they won in Australia two years ago. It is perhaps one of the finest Test series wins by any away side, especially given the list of players unavailable to India by the time the final match was played. That included captain and talisman Virat Kohli, who only played in the first Test before departing to be at the birth of his first child, a host of fast bowlers and first-choice spin pair Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. In addition to the absent players, India somehow recovered from being bowled out for 36 - their lowest total in Test cricket - in losing the series opener by eight wickets.` What followed were three Tests of the highest quality and drama, with India producing a stunning comeback to win the second Test by eight wickets then defiantly batting through the final day to earn a draw in the third. But they saved their best performance for last, a superb contest that ensured the series and went down to the final hour of the last day, with the shadows lengthening and a near-empty Gabba filled with the sound of a smattering of raucous India supporters. The tourists were 4-0 overnight and, for them to even get to the point where victory might be possible, Cheteshwar Pujara had to come through a barrage of hostile bowling from the Australia quicks he was hit 10 times in his 56. He added 114 for the second wicket with the free-scoring Gill, while stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane, who has presided over India’s fightback, signalled their intention with 24 off only 22 balls.

Tireless Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins was a threat throughout, removing Pujara, Rahane and Rohit Sharma. Still, even though India knew a draw would see them retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, they never lost sight of the chance of victory and promoted wicketkeeper Pant to number five. At the beginning of the final hour, India were 259-4, meaning they needed 69 runs and Australia six wickets from the final 15 overs. Though Cummins had Mayank Agarwal caught at cover for his fourth wicket, Pant attacked in the company of debutant Washington Sundar. Runs came with increasing freedom and, although Sundar was bowled trying to reverse-sweep Nathan Lyon and Shardul Thakur miscued Josh Hazlewood, Pant could not be stopped. The left-hander’s drive down the ground off Hazlewood secured a famous win and sparked joyous India celebrations. This victory means so much more because it came at ‘Fortress Gabba’: This is the first time that Australia have been beaten in 32 years. Australia’s last defeat at Gabba came at the hands of the West Indies in 1988. Since then, Australia played 31 matches at the venue and won 24 of them, while drawing the

‘One of the top three series of all-time’-reaction India captain Rahane: “I don’t know how to describe this victory. I’m really proud of all the boys. We didn’t talk about anything after Adelaide, we just wanted to show good character and express ourselves. It was all about a team effort.” Australia captain Tim Paine: “In the key moments we were found wanting and completely outplayed by India, who fully deserved their series win.” Man-of-the-match Pant: “This is one of the biggest things in my life. It has been a dream series.” Player-of-the-series Cummins: “The whole India side played fantastically and deserved to win. The game was there for to win, but we didn’t take the wickets.” Former Australia fast bowler Stuart Clark on ABC: “What a victory that is by India. They have been absolutely outstanding. The man of the moment is Rishabh Pant. He played some of the most insane shots you will ever see. Australia bowled their hearts out, but it wasn’t enough.” Former Australia captain Ian Chappell: “It had everything. It was an absolutely amazing day. This has been one of top three Test series of all-time.”

SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA 1st innings 369 INDIA 1st innings 336 AUSTRALIA 2nd innings 294 INDIA 2nd innings o/n 4 for 0 Rohit Sharma c Tim Paine b Pat Cummins 7 Shubman Gill c Steven Smith b Nathan Lyon 91 Cheteshwar Pujara lbw Pat Cummins 56 Ajinkya Rahane c Tim Paine b Pat Cummins 24 Rishabh Pant not out 89 Mayank Agarwal c Matthew Wade b Pat Cummins 9 Washington Sundar b Nathan Lyon 22 Shardul Thakur c Nathan Lyon b Josh Hazlewood 2 EXTRAS: (b-18, lb-8, nb-3) 29 TOTAL: (seven wkts, 97.0 overs) 329 Fall of wickets : 1-18 Sharma, 2-132 Gill, 3-167 Rahane, 4-228 Pujara, 5-265 Agarwal, 6-318 Sundar, 7-325 Thakur Bowling: Mitchell Starc 16-0-75-0 (nb-1), Josh Hazlewood 22-5-74-1 (nb-1), Pat Cummins 24-10-55-4 (nb-1), Cameron Green 3-1-10-0, Nathan Lyon 31-7-85-2.

TURN FROM BACK PAGE Johnson’s job a bit easier. Griffith, arguably one of Guyana’s fittest players, has been playing for the Jamaica Scorpions and last featured in a List ‘A’ match for the Jags back in 2018. He is now back in Guyana colours and will be keen on living up to his reputation as a power-hitter and adding to his career’s 5 half-centuries. Much like Griffith, Fudadin was also a Scorpion player, spending a few seasons with the Jamaica franchise and was among their leading run-scorers back in the 2019 season. The former West Indies Test batsman racked up 345 runs with two fifties and a century finishing in 10th place overall in terms of leading run-scorers for the 2019/20 season. With tons of firepower in the batting department, ranging from pinch-hitters, stroke-makers to batsmen who can play the anchor

role, Guyana have seemingly assembled one of their best balanced teams in recent times. The downside, however, sees Jags missing the likes of West Indies all-rounder Keemo Paul, who will sit out of the tournament in order to facilitate adequate recovery from injury. Another Windies utility player in Sherfane Rutherford has opted to play T10 and T20 cricket in Bangladesh and Pakistan respectively, but was initially chosen to be a part of the team. The Jags are scheduled to depart Guyana on January 30 for the bubble in Antigua, where they will continue to engage in the mandatory COVID-19 safety measures. The Jags’ coaching staff features veteran coach Esaun Crandon, Manager/Assistant coach Shivnarine Chanderpaul and physiotherapist Ernesto Campo Gonzalez. In keeping with

COVID-19 protocols, the Guyana Jaguars will undergo a series of tests with the first being set for January 23 prior to their departure and upon arrival in Antigua. The players will then be required to self-isolate before their second Test which is set for January 27. Following their arrival in Antigua, a 2-day room isolation is required after which they will undergo the third Test on February 2, with the 4th Test scheduled for February 6. Players will be allowed their team practice sessions. Guyana Jaguars Super50 team: Chandrapaul Hemraj, Trevon Griffith, Christopher Barnwell, Leon Johnson, Shimron Hetmyer, Assad Fudadin, Keon Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Kevin Sinclair, Ramaal Lewis, Nial Smith, Gudakesh Motie, Anthony Bramble, Akshaya Persaud and Tevin Imlach.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Eddie Hearn: Joshua vs. Fury could be signed in four weeks By Barry Holbrook

EDDIE Hearn is optimistic that the Tyson Fury contracts vs. Anthony Joshua mega-fight will be signed by four weeks from now for what he believes could be the “biggest fight in history” of the sport. Hearn says he can’t know how his fighter Joshua (24-1, 22 KOs) deals with the negotiation process. He doesn’t know how Fury (30-0-1, 21 KOs) thinks, but he still expects the deal to get done. Eddie says there’s a possibility that both fighters will receive $100 million each, as discussed recently. He said that would depend on the site fee for the location where the Joshua – Fury fight is staged. He says he would like to have the fight take place at Wembley Stadium in front of 100,000 fans if possible, but

he can’t count on crowds being allowed back into events by May.

expect a deal to be reached in the coming weeks. There’s certainly no loca-

Anthony Joshua

That’s why Hearn has no choice but to stage the Joshua vs. Fury fight abroad in one of these countries: China, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Eastern Europe, Singapore and Australia. “The first part is right; talks are going great, and I

tion is secured,” said Hearn to iFL TV on the Joshua vs. Fury negotiations. “We’ve had multiple offers. We haven’t gone too deep into that yet because we want to get the deal done. I don’t want to go and start approaching venues if we

Curry helps Golden State Warriors beat Los Angeles Lakers

Stephen Curry was named NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2015 and 2016

STEPHEN Curry finished with 26 points as Golden State Warriors beat Los Angeles Lakers 115-113 to end their five-game winning streak. Curry scored a three-pointer with 1:07 left before Lakers’ LeBron James missed a three-pointer at the horn. Kevin Durant scored a key late three-pointer in his 30 points as Brooklyn Nets beat Milwaukee Bucks 125-123. James Harden, with 34 points, became the first Net to score 30 points in his first two games. NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2018 joined the Nets from Houston Rockets

last week as part of a fourteam deal. That trade saw Rockets acquire Victor Oladipo from Indiana Pacers and he scored 32 points on his team debut at Chicago Bulls, but the hosts ran out 125-120 winners with Zach LaVine scoring 33 points. Bam Adebayo produced his fifth double-double of the season with 28 points and 11 rebounds to help Miami Heat - without four key players because of COVID-19 protocols - rally to a 113-107 win over Detroit Pistons. In yesterday’s other game, Kyle Lowry scored 23 points as Toronto Raptors won 116-93 to hand Dallas

Mavericks their third straight loss. It is the first time this season that Raptors, playing at their temporary home in Tampa due to COVID-19 restrictions in Canada, have won three in a row. Washington Wizards game, scheduled for today at Charlotte Hornets, is now postponed after six players tested positive for COVID-19. It is the fifth match in a row over an eight-day span to be called off for Wizards as they are unable to send a minimum eight players on to the court under NBA health and safety protocols. (BBC Sport)

don’t have a deal in place for the fighters.

There have been some significant offers, there’s been

Tyson Fury

“So what we’ll do is make sure the fighters are happy with the terms, and then we go to the venues and look to finalize a deal.

some huge interest, but it’s still in play “Yep [Saudi], Qatar, Dubai, China, a place in Eastern Europe, Australia.

No, because we’re going to need 100,000 in Wembley even to consider that. “In May, do you want to back that? Can you bankroll that gate just in case that doesn’t happen for me, please? I just think we got to get this fight made. “Most importantly, not that I care about Fury, I want to make sure AJ is happy with everything, and then we’ll go to the market with Bob [Arum], and we’ll speak to the relevant parties that want to make the relevant bids for this mega-fight, and then we’ll collectively make a decision about what’s best for the fighters. (Boxing News 24)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Kohli, Hardik, Ishant return to India’s squad for first two England Tests HARDIK Pandya has been included in India’s 18-man squad for the first two Tests of the home series against England, starting next month. ESPNcricinfo understands the national selectors who met today have also handed a call-up to left-arm spinner Axar Patel to strengthen the spin department. The squad was finalised by the newly assembled Indian selection committee, headed by former India fast bowler Chetan Sharma. Attending the meeting, virtually, was India captain Virat Kohli who had returned home in December from the Australia tour to attend the birth of his first child. Also present at the meeting, which took place hours after India’s epic triumph in the Gabba Test, were the four other selectors: Sunil Joshi, Abey Kuruvilla, Debashish Mohanty and Harvinder Singh who is in Brisbane. Apart from Kohli, also making a return was Ishant Sharma. He was forced to miss the Test series in Australia as the selectors wanted him to regain complete match-fitness despite recovering completely by mid-November from the injury he picked up during IPL. Ishant, who is three matches away from becoming only the second India fast bowler after Kapil Dev to play in 100 Tests, proved his match-fitness while turning up for Delhi during the group stage of the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali

Trophy. Along with Ishant, the Indian fast bowling attack will comprise Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur. Both Siraj and Thakur were part of India’s historic series win against Australia. Pandya picked as specialist batsman Pandya, who lost his father last week, has played 11 Tests, the last one being the final match of the 2018 England tour. In 2019 Pandya underwent back surgery, which limited his role primarily to a batsman. Even in the 2020 IPL, where he played for defending champions Mumbai Indians, Pandya did not bowl. Apart from a stray spell in the second ODI against Australia, Pandya played only as a specialist batsman in the series. In November, after ending as Player of the Series in the T20 leg of the Australia tour, Pandya, during a media conference, conveyed in jest he would be ready to stay back for the Test series if the selectors would ask him. However, Kohli said Pandya would need to start bowling to make a Test comeback. However, at yesterday’s meeting, it is understood Kohli agreed with the selectors that Pandya was good enough to feature as a specialist batsman at the moment with an eye on working his way back as an all-rounder, by the time India land in England for the fivematch Test series in July.

All-rounder Patel pips Nadeem for Jadeja’s role The absence of Ravindra Jadeja, who had a finger surgery recently after the Sydney Test, meant the selectors were on a lookout for an able replacement. With India likely to play three spinners in order to dominate Joe Root’s England on spinner-friendly pitches, selectors wanted a third option in addition to R. Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav.

Patel, who plays for Gujarat (the last two Tests are scheduled in Ahmedabad).has decent numbers as a bowling all-rounder: 134 wickets and 1 665 runs in 39 first-class games including a century and 13 half-centuries. Nadeem, the selectors found, had a weaker bowling form in the last two years in first-class cricket compared to Patel, who played a pivotal role in Gujarat making the

Ishant Sharma is three short of 100 Tests (Getty Images)

Both Shahbaz Nadeem and Patel were the leading contenders based on their experience and success in first-class cricket, including at India A. Nadeem, who has played a solitary Test, against South Africa in 2019, has 443 first-class wickets, 83 of which have come for India A at an average of under 30. It is understood the selectors preferred Patel, who has played white-ball cricket for India, due to his lower-order batting prowess with which he had made an impact in the white-ball segment. Even in first-class cricket,

Ranji semi-finals in the 201920 season. Rahul to return from second Test Rahul, who has not played in the longer format since 2019 tour of West Indies, sprained his wrist midway in the Test series in Australia. However, he is on the mend and based on his fitness status, the selectors have drafted him for the England series from the second Test. The selectors are set to meet once again during or immediately after the second Test to update the squad for the

Sunil Gavaskar: ‘Young India showing that they are not afraid’ INDIA pulled off a historic Test and 2-1 series win with a dramatic and thrilling three-wicket win at the Gabba. Here’s how former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, who was on commentary for the series from Australia, reacted to India’s historic win while talking to Channel Seven and Sony Ten 3. “Absolutely, this is a magic, magical moment for Indian cricket. They were not prepared to just save the game. They were wanting to go out and finish the tour in a blaze of glory. Young India has done it. Young India has shown the way. Young India is showing that they are not afraid. What a win, what a magnificent win!. “It started with Shubman Gill playing such a wonderful innings this morning. Then the old war horse Cheteshwar Pujara made sure that there were no inroads made by the Australians in that middle session. “And then Rishabh Pant came in, once again promoted up the order

at No.5 by Rahane, who has an unbeaten record now. Two of the three Test matches here he has captained he has won.

the Indian cricket team. He took blows on gloves, body, helmet but it didn’t deter him. His presence at the other end also gives confidence

Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant acted as India’s pillars on the fifth day (Getty Images)

“And before that he has captained India twice, he has won both those Test matches. Natarajan making his debut, what a debut it has been! Prithvi also. But what a tour, what a win!” On the importance of Pujara’s innings “See, whatever I say about him will be very, very less. He put his body on the line for Indian cricket, for

to young strokeplayers that there is someone holding the other end. That’s why his innings was so important because if India had lost two wickets in the second session, it would have made things difficult. He held the fort together until the second new ball. And with that, Pant grew in confidence and see, what unfolded. It’s such an extraordinary day!”

On the significance of the series win “This series win is even more magnificent because this time Australia had their full-strength team. The ball was turning on the fifth day. Yesterday also some balls kicked off, some kept low when Australia were batting. So to score on that pitch, and with such ease, the last two-three wickets fell while trying to bring the target down. It felt really nice because this young Indian team has shown something different. In this win, to whom will you give credit? Mohammed Siraj took five wickets, Washington Sundar took three, Natarajan three. “Then the way Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur batted. Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, the way they batted. After seeing all this, and they are all young players, I think the future of Indian cricket is so bright that we can have great anticipation for every upcoming series.” (Cricinfo)

final two matches of the series including the day-night Tests, which will be played in newly built ground in Motera. It is expected the panel will at the time assess the fitness status of the fast-bowling pair of Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav along with Jadeja, who all picked different injuries in Australia. While Shami had an elbow fracture, Yadav pulled his calf and Jadeja had a dislocated finger.

Natarajan rested T. Natarajan, who has had a fairy tale few months since the 2020 IPL, followed by successful debut for India in all three formats on the Australian tour, has been rested by the selectors. The idea being Natarajan, who travelled to Australia directly from the IPL and also missed the birth of his daughter, would be ready for the white-ball segment of the homes series against England, which comprises five T20Is and three ODIs. Nadeem among standbys The selectors have also named four standbys, who will be inducted into the squad in case anyone from the main squad needed to be replaced. These standbys, essentially back-ups, will not be travelling with the India squad, but will be pulled out of the second domestic tournament, which the BCCI will announce shortly, if there is a requirement. Among the standbys, all of whom have featured in India

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A, are India and Jharkhand left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem, Andhra wicketkeeper KS Bharat, Bengal opening batsman Abhimanyu Easwaran, Gujarat batsman Priyank Panchal and Rajasthan leg-spinner Rahul Chahar. Also part of the enhanced squad, which has become a norm due to the pandemic, will be five net bowlers comprising: the fast bowling trio of Ankit Rajpoot (Uttar Pradesh), Avesh Khan (Madhya Pradesh) and Sandeep Warrier (Kerala). There are also two spinners among the net bowlers - Karnataka spin-bowling all-rounder K Gowtham and Uttar Pradesh left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar. Main squad: Openers: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Mayank Agarwal Middle-order: Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (captain), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Wriddhiman Saha, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul (subject to fitness after first Test) Fast bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur Spinners: R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel Standbys: KS Bharat (wicketkeeper), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shahbaz Nadeem, Rahul Chahar, Priyank Panchal Net bowlers: Ankit Rajpoot, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Warrier, K. Gowtham, Saurabh Kumar. (Cricinfo) Dundalk 11:45 hrs Dream Round 12:15 hrs Dances With Stars 12:45 hrs Ms. Thompson 13:15 hrs Malbas 13:45 hrs Always Waitin 14:15 hrs Kubegiod 14:45 hrs Slade Runner 15:15 hrs Blastofmagic English Racing Tips Newbury 08:55 hrs Gallyhill 09:25 hrs Birchdale 10:00 hrs Little River Bay 10:30 hrs Heart Of A Lion 11:05 hrs PNic Attavk 11:35 hrs Ouro Branco 12:05 hrs Fine Casting Southwell 13:30 hrs Requinto Dawn 14:00 hrs Colf Harbour 14:30 hrs Susue Javea 15:00 hrs Amazing Amaya 15:30 hrs Momentum Swing

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Wednesday, January 20, 2021

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) Mushfiqur Rahim-70 Tests (2) Mushfiqur Rahim/Mashrafe Mortaza-218 ODIs each

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Who has scored most Test runs for BANG to date? (2) Who has scored most ODI runs for BANG to date?

ANSWERS ANSWER S IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Self-belief pivotal as depleted Windies begin ODI campaign against Bangladesh today

DHAKA, Bangladesh (CMC) – Interim captain Jason Mohammed has cited self-belief as critical to West Indies’ chances as they prepare to face Bangladesh in the opening One-Day International of the three-match series here today. The Caribbean side found themselves depleted for the series after several first-choice players, including captain Kieron Pollard, declined selection due to concerns over the COVID-19 situation here. Then, fast-bowling all-rounder, Romario Shepherd, tested positive for the novel coronavirus before leaving the Caribbean and had to be replaced while leg-spinning all-rounder Hayden Walsh, who also tested positive after the squad arrived here, and had to be placed in isolation. Mohammed, poised to make his first appearance in maroon colours in 2-½ years, said the series represented a “big opportunity” for the squad, nine of whom were yet to play a single ODI in their careers. “It depends on the day and how you play,” Mohammed told an online media conference here on the event of the opening ODI. “A lot of guys will be making their debut but once you

have that belief within yourself and within the team that you can do well and you can win games, then these things are achievable. “We’re just looking to play some good cricket starting (Wednesday) and hopefully the results can go on our side as well.” He continued: “We’re just looking to enjoy the series and enjoy our first game. Obviously it’s a big opportunity for all of us here representing the West Indies and we just want to do well as individuals but more importantly, bring that together in doing well for the team and showing that we can have some good results here. “Obviously, there are a lot of positives going around. We’ve had a couple days (here) where we have prepared well and hopefully we can use whatever we learn (here) and put it into the game.” West Indies are missing the likes of Shai Hope, who has been the side’s leading batsman inside the last two years, along with left-handed trio of Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran. All-rounder Jason Holder, the former captain, has also opted out along with off-spinning all-rounder Roston Chase and strike bowler

Sheldon Cottrell. The absence of these leading players forced selectors to turn to Nkrumah Bonner, Joshua Da Silva, Jahmar Hamilton, Chemar Holder, Akeal Hosein, Kyle Mayers, Andre McCarthy, Kjorn Ottley and Keon Harding, all uncapped in ODIs.

(to international cricket),” Mohammed said. “The most we can do is try and encourage the guys as much as possible. I think the most important thing is the belief within everyone. I think the guys are up for it.” West Indies arrived here 10 days ago and were forced

Interim skipper Jason Mohammed (left) and Andre McCarthy will provide back-up spin options for West Indies

Mohammed said though inexperienced at the highest level, many of the new players had already enjoyed long stints at domestic level and the role of management would be to try to instil the belief required to excel. “Everyone has played a lot of first-class cricket within the team (but) it’s a big jump

to spend three days in isolation as per COVID-19 tour health protocols, before being allowed to train. They played a single intra-squad match, comprising only one innings, but enjoyed no luxury of a formal tour game. However, Mohammed said the batsmen had shaped up well in training sessions and

were especially braced for the challenge of facing Bangladesh’s potent spin attack. “In the couple practice sessions and the game among ourselves the batters looked pretty good,” he said. “That’s the main thing; coming to Bangladesh, it’s always a lot of spin. I think we’re capable of playing spin pretty well and we just have to play it as we see it in the game, whether we attack, whether we defend. “It’s going to be a little bit challenging but I think we have prepared well and we’re up for the challenge.” Losing Walsh has forced West Indies to rethink their bowling options. The 28-yearold was the only specialist spinner in the side with any experience, having played 10 ODIs. Now, Mohammed expects that he and Andre McCarthy will be pressed into action with their occasional off-spin. “Obviously it’s a big loss for us (with Walsh out).” Mohammed pointed out. “He would have been the most senior spinner within the team, so it’s a huge loss for us but in saying that, there’s Akeal Hosein, who is now our frontline spinner, and myself, and Andre McCarthy; we’re going

to try and fill that role as much as possible. “I might have to bowl a couple overs more than expected but I don’t think it will be a problem so I’m looking forward to that as well and hopefully I can put in some good overs for the team.” West Indies have won nine of their last 17 ODIs against Bangladesh inside the last 10 years but have lost the last two series against the south Asian side. SQUADS: WEST INDIES – Jason Mohammed (captain), Sunil Ambris (vice-captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Joshua Da Silva, Keon Harding, Jahmar Hamilton, Chemar Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Andre McCarthy, Kjorn Ottley, Rovman Powell, Raymon Reifer. BANGLADESH – Tamim Iqbal (captain), Shakib Al Hasan, Najmul Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohammed Mithun, Litton Das, Mohammed Mahmud, Afif Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Saif Uddin, Mahadi Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam.

Rugby listed named as ‘priority sport’ by Ministry of Sport Genius respects genius: Smith lauds Pant’s performance …GRFU calls meeting with Minister Ramson ‘fruitful’ STEVE Smith has commended Rishabh Pant’s “amazing” innings after the India wicketkeeper-batsman was the hero on day five in the fourth Vodafone Test match. Pant claimed player-ofthe-match honours for his unbeaten 89 in India’s record Gabba run-chase, putting the seal on a stunning performance with the winning boundary through mid-off from Josh Hazlewood. The three-wicket triumph was completed via the highest successful fourth-innings chase at the Gabba, surpassing Australia’s 236-7 against West Indies set 70 years ago. Promoted to No.5, Pant played aggressively from the outset, and held his nerve despite a clatter of wickets as India approached the target of 328. His knock included nine fours and a six and drew praise from Australia’s highest-ranked batter Smith, who said Pant stuck to his natural game in the high-pressure closing stages. “He’s an exceptional talent as we’ve seen, he played a pretty amazing innings on a day-five wicket,” Smith told cricket.com.au at stumps on the final day. “He (Pant) took the game on, played in his areas. “We’ve seen in short-form cricket in particular how good he is and where he can hit the

ball and that was a pretty special innings today.” Despite being overlooked for the first Test in Adelaide, Pant finished as India’s highest run-scorer in the series with 274 runs, and his innings on day five in both Sydney – where he made a crucial 97 in India’s defiant draw – and Brisbane proved decisive in the series outcome.

on pitches in Sydney and Brisbane that didn’t offer a lot for the bowlers, with the quartet managing only five wickets in 131 overs, and seven wickets from 97 overs respectively. “They worked really hard obviously and bowled lots of overs,” Smith said. “Unfortunately, both in Sydney and here they weren’t able to finish the job

Executives of the GRFU and the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, following their meeting yesterday

Rishabh Pant is all smiles after guiding India home (Getty Images) While Pant took the limelight and plenty of space in the highlights package, Smith noted that Cheteshwar Pujara, who batted for 211 balls in the fourth innings and 928 for the series, also deserved considerable credit for absorbing pressure and wearing down Australia’s highly-regarded bowling attack. Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon had to put in big back-to-back shifts

for us but they’re all great bowlers. “They work incredibly hard and hopefully they can back up in a few weeks’ time for us in (Australia’s Test tour of South) Africa and we can have some success over there.” Australia are due to play a Test series in South Africa in February but dates as still be to confirmed as the cricketing boards navigate logistics around the COVID-19 pandemic. (Cricket.com,au)

Executives of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) yesterday met with the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, at the National Racquet Centre, where representatives of the Union and the Minister engaged in fruitful discussions on the way forward for the sport. The GRFU team included, president, Ryan Dey; Senior Vice President, Joshua Griffith; Secretary, Terrence Grant; Sevens Coach, Theodore Henry and Female Coach, Kenneth Grant-Stuart. It is the first meeting between the two since Ramson became the subject Minister back in August, 2020. The Minister told the delegation of the GRFU that Rugby has been listed as a “core sport,” and as such will

be a priority and will receive financial assistance by the Ministry. President Dey informed the Minister of the current state of the rugby pitch in the National Park and requested that it be properly fitted to accommodate rugby once again. The ground was earmarked for rehabilitation by the former Director of Sport, but was neglected, after heaps of mud were dumped on the ground in 2016. Minister Ramson promised to conduct a site visit with the aim of reforming the rugby pitch. He also requested a Memorandum of Understanding between the GRFU and the National Parks Commission, for use of the ground. Dey also underscored

the intention of the GRFU to decentralize Rugby from Georgetown, stating that plans are in the pipeline to establish rugby clubs in Linden and Berbice. Minister Ramson reminded of the construction of the multi-purpose complex in Linden, saying it “may be of use” to the GRFU. Ramson insisted that there be a nursery in every sport association/union in the country. The GRFU president noted that there is a current system of youth training in rugby, but revealed that funding hinders exponential expansion. He assured the union that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport intends to forge a partnership to elevate Rugby in Guyana. To this end, he urged for there to be a “National Tournament” to showcase the sport.

Pant, Gill lead India to stunning series win over Aussies at ‘Fortress Gabba’

… first defeat at the Cabba since 1988 SEE PAGE

Indian players pose with the winning Border-Gavaskar trophy after defeating Australia by three wickets on the final day of the fourth cricket Test match at the Gabba, Brisbane (PTI)

Fudadin, Griffith return as Guyana Jaguars reveal star-studded Super50 team

Assad Fudadin

… Shimron Hetmyer named Johnson’s deputy By Clifton Ross

Trevon Griffith

SEE PAGE 27

OPENERS Assad Fudadin and Trevon Griffith are set to make their return to Guyana Jaguars colours following Cricket Guy Inc. (CGI) naming a star-studded team ahead of next month’s start to the 2021 Cricket West Indies (CWI) CG Insurance Super50 tournament. Long-serving skipper Leon Johnson returns to lead a very robust unit, filled with a number of past/present West Indies players such as Chandrapaul Hemraj, Chris Barnwell, Romario Shepherd who missed the upcoming Bangladesh tour due to testing positive for COVID-19 before making good recovery strides, Shimron Hetmyer, who was named as Johnson’s deputy, along with a number of Wind ies youth

players in the mix. Windies U-19 all-rounder Kevin Sinclair, who was a part of the West Indies Emerging Players (WIEP), who shockingly won the title last year, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach, who won the WI U-19 World Cup with Hetmyer a few years ago, pacer Nial Smith who a few seasons ago was the leading wicket-taker and breakout MVP player for the Jags, have all earned places this season. From a qualified outlook, the return of lefthand openers Fudadin and Griffith are both crucial to the development of the youngsters as well as the team having additional senior players to help make TURN TO PAGE 24

Self-belief pivotal as depleted Windies begin ODI campaign against Bangladesh today

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2021