Issuu

THURSDAY 21st October, 2021

No. 106521

UAE sovereign investment company eyes Guyana

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UAE logistics hub likely for Guyana -Abu Dhabi Ports CEO says committed to investing in Guyana

-Dubai Chamber of Commerce ready to facilitate a Guyana Trade Office

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President, Dr Irfaan Ali, met with representatives from the United Arab Emirates-based Al Habtoor Group LLC, which provides engineering and construction services. The company also operates in the hospitality, automotive, real estate and education sectors. The meeting discussed investment opportunities in Guyana’s hospitality, real estate, agriculture, eco-tourism, infrastructure and housing sectors. The President was accompanied by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibilities for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh and other officials (Office of the President)

‘Excel regardless Man gets life imprisonment f o r ‘ h ei n ous’ of where murder you’re from’ SEE PAGE

Nkechi Ewing-Chow

-Albouystown CSEC highflier says setting goals is key to academic success

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of British teen

‘We are not discussing any extension’ SEE PAGE

–Minister Indar tells China Harbour on airport expansion

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

Scenes from President Ali’s engagements in Dubai on Wednesday

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

UAE logistics hub likely for Guyana

—Abu Dhabi Ports CEO says committed to investing in Guyana PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday, said that Guyana wants to build a strong partnership with Abu Dhabi Ports to create a new logistics hub for the United Arab Emirates that will connect business opportunities in South America, Central America, the Caribbean, North America and West Africa. President Ali made the statement while visiting Abu Dhabi Ports’ ultra-modern temperature-controlled vaccine storage warehouse facility. The venue is also the home of the Hope Consortium at KIZAD and the Khalifa Port. The CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports and owner, operator, developer and regulator of Abu Dhabi’s maritime infrastructure and Khalifa

Industrial Zone (KIZAD), Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, said that his company is very serious about investing in Guyana. “Thank you for that trust. We are serious about Guyana, and I promise you we passed the time of thinking, now we are in the implementation stage. So what you will see today is the capability of Abu Dhabi Ports.” President Ali said that G u y a n a ’s c o n t i n g e n t , which features a large delegation from the local private sector, is on “a very serious mission” in the UAE with the drive to have meaningful discussions and to make impactful decisions. “We want to be in strong partnerships with Abu Dhabi

Ports, seriously connected to opportunities in Brazil in the oil and gas sector, and creating a new logistics hub for the UAE in Guyana.” The President emphasised to the group that his government is willing to facilitate the project by creating incentives and by ensuring that investments made are feasible for all parties involved. “We are ready to work with you on having that deepwater port ready for not only Guyana but for the region and for the most important strategic positioning for the UAE in South America, the Caribbean—in Latin America. I think we could just think about it as an upscaled Panama [Canal] development.” After the discussions, the

CEO took the Head of State and his delegation through a guided tour, explaining the operation of the specific departments of the company as well as their work around the globe. The President was joined by Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum of the UAE and representatives of the Guyanese private sector as well as government ministers, including Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. (Press and Publicity Unit, Office of the President)

President, Dr Irfaan Ali

Dubai Chamber of Commerce ready to facilitate a Guyana Trade Office DUBAI Chamber of Commerce and Industry President and Chief Executive

Officer (CEO), Hamad Buamim, said the Chamber is ready to facilitate a Guyana

Trade Office in Dubai. The announcement came following a successful meet-

ing between the Guyanese private sector and Mr Buamim on Wednesday.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali, at the meeting with private sector executives on Wednesday (Office of the President photo)

He said that the office will promote and expedite continuous investment and

trade partnerships between the two countries. The Guyanese private sector representatives were led by Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond and Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Charles Ramson Jr. Both delegations discussed ways to connect businesses for trade and business opportunities between countries and about increasing the presence of Dubai’s private sector in this part of the world. Buamim emphasised his chamber’s desire to continue building relationships with emerging countries like Guyana, through private sector partnerships. Prior to the meeting, the private sector delegation was told by President, Dr Irfaan Ali, at a breakfast meeting, to take advantage of the opportunities available and form themselves into consortiums. (Press and Publicity Unit, Office of the President)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

SENIOR Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, and a group of Guyanese private sector representatives, on Wednesday, met with Mubadala, the sovereign wealth investment company within the United Arab Emirates. The Mubadala delegation was led by Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer of UAE Investments. The meeting took place at Mubadala’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, on the margins of Guyana’s participation in World Expo 2020 being held in Dubai, at which Guyana’s delegation is led by President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. According to a release, during the meeting with Mubadala, Minister Singh and the Guyanese delegation reiterated the rapid economic transformation that is currently underway in Guyana, and highlighted a number

shared by Minister Singh and the delegation on the Guyanese economy and associated investment opportunities in Guyana, sought various clarifications which were addressed by the Guyanese team, and signalled interest in advancing discussions in a number of specific areas. The two sides committed to advance these discussions as appropriate. Mubadala is a $243 billion (UAE Dirhams 894 billion) business that spans six continents with interests across multiple sectors and asset classes. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Mubadala also has offices in London, Rio de Janeiro, Moscow, New York, San Francisco and Beijing. The UAE Investments

UAE sovereign investment company eyes Guyana of sectors that are poised for immediate growth and that are therefore ripe with investment opportunities. These include the oil and gas sector which is poised to exceed one million barrels a day before the end of the decade; non-oil extractives such as gold, bauxite, manganese, and other minerals, with a number of international large scale operations already set to ramp up their production plans in the near term; tourism and hospitality, including new and emerging sub-sectors such as the development of cruise ship facilities as well as yachting marinas; world class medical and educational facilities, including to provide medical care and education as services for export; as well as information and communications technology and others. Minister Singh also alluded to the several characteristics that make Guyana one of

Senior Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh the most rapidly growing economies of the world and one of the most attractive destinations for investment

globally under the leadership of President Irfaan Ali. The Mubadala team welcomed the information

platform within Mubadala contributes to the acceleration of the UAE’s economic transformation, and investing in national world class champions, fostering vibrant industrial and commercial clusters, and partnering with world-class global entities. The Guyanese delegation’s participation in Dubai Expo continued during today with a number of engagements set between the Guyanese representatives and representatives of both UAE Government agencies as well as private sector entities all with the aim of fostering closer economic ties and promoting accelerated economic growth, the release concluded.

Christianburg Nursery School guard robbed, teenagers arrested TWO teenagers were arrested on Tuesday after they robbed a female security guard attached to

the Christianburg Nursery School in Wismar, Linden, Region 10, police said.

Reports indicate that the robbery occurred at 23:50 hours and the 36-year-old female security guard told police that she was robbed by three identifiable males. Police said another suspect is being sought following the arrest of the two teenagers -- a 13-year-old and a 17-year-old. According to the security guard, she was in the guard hut when the suspects, one of whom was armed with a brown handle knife, entered the guard hut and relieved her of one black ZTE cellular phone valued $43,000. The robbers then ran to

the back of the compound resulting in the security guard raising an alarm to her colleague who was in a nearby guard hut. Her colleague gave chase and managed to apprehend one of the suspects. The police were summoned and the suspect was taken into custody. He was interviewed and assisted the police with investigations which led to the arrest of the second suspect. However, the third suspect made good his escape. Police are hunting for him as investigations continue.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

‘We are not discussing any extension’ – Minister Indar tells China Harbour on airport expansion

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, and Chairman of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Board, Sanjeev Datadin, inspecting ongoing works at the airport on Wednesday (Delano Williams photo) By Richard Bhainie THE state-owned China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) must work assiduously to complete works part of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project as no extension of time will be granted for the completion of the project, unless inevitably necessary. This was made explicitly clear by Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, after a tour of the airport on Wednesday to inspect ongoing works following a request for an extension of time by the company. Indar emphasised that the government will not be entertaining any discussion for an extension, and at due time, an inspection will be conducted to assess the percentage of works completed before a decision is made to grant an extension, if necessary. “The engineers will go back and they will do the certificate of completion to determine the progress works, at that point we will know what percentage completion, what are the issues and then we would have that discussion … right now we are trying to push the work as much as we can,” Indar said. In December 2020, after four months of resisting the government’s request to have the CJIA expansion project completed in accordance with the initial contract, CHEC agreed to foot a US$9 million bill for additional work at the airport. Based on the particu-

lars of the agreement, there will be an extension of the airport’s boarding corridor to accommodate two more passenger boarding bridges, extension of the terminal building to provide accommodation for additional commercial space as a modern airport façade covering the full length of the Departure Terminal. CHEC requested an extension of time to complete the project due to delay in freight and other miscellaneous issues; however, the minister explained that the issues will be dealt with efficiently in the most plausible manner to meet the project deadline. “The timeline has been breached a number of times, you have issues with shipping and so on that are now bringing a new variable into the mix, but if you procure on time, you will get it on time,” Indar said. “Apart from this contractor or any other contractor, the country has a lot of importers and everybody make sure they buy knowing very well that the lead time is longer now,” he added. According to Project Manager of the CJIA Expansion Project, Carissa Gooding, only 20 per cent of the additional works have been completed with works ongoing on the New Arrival Terminal Building being 62 per cent completed and works on the Existing Terminal Building being 73.5 per cent completed. HIGH PERCENTAGE Speaking on whether it is possible for CHEC to complete the works within the allotted time, Gooding posited that the company can complete a “high per-

centage” and should be able to complete at least 60 per cent by December 31, 2021. “They have to show us an increase of their resources and then we will look at what extension of time will be given but as it is right now our position is let’s see you increase your resources, show that you are progressing the work to achieve substantial completion which is 65 – 70 per cent at the end of this year,” she said. The minister also inspect-

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar; Chairman of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Board, Sanjeev Datadin and other officials touring the CJIA as part of their inspection efforts (Delano Williams photo) ed works being executed by CALCO Guyana for the construction of a new building attached to CJIA’s terminal building which will house a conference room, offices for the airlines and the other support agencies as well as storage bonds for the duty-free shops and concessionaires. He did so against the backdrop of receiving a report of various issues with that project as well. However, even though the contractor was informed that the min-

ister, and the Chairman of CJIA Board, Sanjeev Datadin, will be present to inspect the ongoing works, they were not present during the site inspection. “We will have to have a meeting with them on Friday to understand what is going on with this company and how they are going to progress this work so that it doesn’t have a situation where you have slippages in the timeline, so I want to arrest this early,” Indar said.

The CJIA expansion project has been subjected to criticisms from the new government since it took office in August 2020. President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and other officials of the government have said that Guyana will not be tolerant of unsatisfactory work and made it clear that the project will only be accepted if it is done in accordance with the “original contract” that was signed in 2011.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, and Chairman of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Board, Sanjeev Datadin inspecting the airport’s airbridge corridor on Wednesday (Delano Williams photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

Making the Case

PRESIDENT, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, led a high-level delegation to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to showcase Guyana at the Guyana National Day event at EXPO 2020. The event, from all indications, was spectacular and put Guyana once again in the international spotlight. It is significant that the event is being held in the United Arab Emirates, one of the countries that have emerged from a little known Middle Eastern country to one of the world’s richest destination. Just a few decades ago, the country was nothing but a desert. Today, the country has advanced to a point where it has to import workers as the available manpower proved inadequate to meet the demands of a robust and modern economy. How did a small, sleepy nation-state, like the UAE, rose so rapidly to the status of an economic powerhouse in the region and beyond? The answer is not exactly

straightforward but a lot of it has to do with the discovery of oil and the resultant massive flow of petro-dollars into the Emirates. It was, however, not until the 1990s that the UAE really began to capture the attention of the world with its several mega-projects which included the Palm Jumeirah, the world’s largest artificial island, the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building and the vast Dubailand, intended to become the world’s largest park and leisure attraction. The objective was to become a leading global centre for tourism, transport and business. Guyana, as a country can learn much from the United Arab Emirates in terms of how to accelerate the transformation processes currently underway, and even though we are still a long way before we reach the status of a super-rich country, the indications are already there that the country is on the cusp of far-reaching transformation that could catapult us to a new era

of growth and prosperity unknown in our part of the world. It does not follow, however, that as a country we have to copy-cat the experiences of other oil-rich nations, but we certainly can learn from the best-practices and the mistakes of other oil producing countries. The fact is that each country has its own history, culture, values and aspirations but, in the final analysis, it is the extent to which resources are converted to wealth that constitute key determinants regarding the quality of life of its citizens. For a long time we have been schooled into believing that we are a rich country. We have been reminded so often how blessed we are as a country. Now, it seems, is our moment of truth. The country is about to realise its true developmental potential, thanks largely to our newly found carbon riches. President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and his team have already made a significant

impression on investors from the Middle East and other countries who have indicated an interest in Guyana as an investment destination. He has certainly made the case for investors to come and invest in the country, not only in the emerging oil and gas sector but in other areas such as agriculture, mining, tourism and ICT, among others. From all indications, his message is well received. A US$5M agreement was already inked between a Guyanesebased engineering, procurement and construction firm-- Global Infrastructure Solutions Guyana Inc. -- and Emirati-owned Undiome Global DWC LLC. The investment will develop a 20,000 square foot manufacturing facility intended to produce biaxial voided slab technology, the first of its kind in Guyana and will contribute significantly to the construction sector in Guyana. This is in addition to the several other major investments

currently underway. As pointed out by President Ali, Guyana has all the ingredients for business to flourish. The economy is marketdriven with juicy incentives to investors. The country is law-governed and the physical and social infrastructure is being modernised to cater for the needs of an expanding economy. No less significant is the fact of our human resources which are being upgraded to provide the right mix of skills to man the needs of industry and commerce. Even as the country welcomes foreign investors, our local private sector has also risen admirably to the developmental challenges of the country. Foreign investors in particular have been greatly assisted by organisations such as the American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) which, along with the local Chambers of Commerce and the government’s investment arm Go-invest, have all played important facilitating roles.

It is, however, the visionary and forward-looking approach by President Ali and his PPP/C administration that must be credited for the new and changing trajectory of the economy. According to President Ali, ‘Guyana is poised to become a leading oil and gas producer, an energy powerhouse, a bastion of food security, a prime destination for sustainable tourism and a regional information and communication technology hub’. This, however, will require significant investments which the PPP/C administration welcomes with open arms. Guyana has what it takes to advance this country of ours to greatness. It is rich in natural and mineral resources, fertile land and, above all, a resourceful and hospitable people. Investor confidence in the country has never been better. As a country we have turned the corner and is now well-positioned to take our place as a land of prosperity and new opportunities for all.

‘Excel regardless of where you’re from’ -Albouystown CSEC highflier says setting goals is key to academic success

By Jared Liddell NATURAL and social environmental factors play a pivotal role in the lives of all individuals, influencing largely their decisions, behaviour, and even academic performances. For 16-year-old Albouystown resident, Nkechi Ewing-Chow, excellence was the only goal, regardless of her natural surroundings. At the 2021 CSEC examinations, the teen man-

aged to secure five Grade Ones, six Grade Twos and one Grade Three. Albouystown, located in the south-western part of Georgetown, is often stigmatised and labelled as being an “underprivileged” community. But over the years, more and more school-aged children are shattering the glass ceiling and showing that the community is home to many brilliant minds. Speaking of her achievement, Ewing-

Chow stated that she believes that success comes from hard work and determination. She said she has never allowed the label placed on her community to be a hurdle in her academic pursuits. She stated that since being awarded a place at St. Rose’s High School after writing NGSA in 2016, she has consistently worked hard, a trait that was directly linked to her wanting to inspire other children in the community

that they too could succeed and excel in anything they put their minds to. “I think my performance would show how much little can do. Because we’re living here, we see what everybody is going through… we’re seeing this as an excuse to do and push yourself and so on. That’s not the excuse you should be looking at, but it should be a lesson that would motivate you to do better and prepare for the next

generation that they don’t have to come and deal with the same thing that we’re going through every day,” she stated. MOTIVATION Ewing-Chow stated that her pursuits of academic excellence were not always easy. She noted, however, that she remained motivated and followed her dreams by using the support she received from the persons around her. She stated that one of

the main factors that kept her motivated and grounded as she prepared to write her CSEC examinations was her mother. She explained to this publication that she drew significant inspiration from watching how her mother navigated life. Working, and providing for her and her siblings showed her the courage her mother possessed, Ewing-Chow added. She noted that after seeing the sacrifices her Turn to page 8

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

Electronic vaccination card closer

GUYANA will later this week sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of India that will see Guyana accessing the COVID-19 Vaccine Intelligence Network (COWIN) software, to produce electronic vaccination cards. Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, made the disclosure on Wednesday during the COVID-19 update. The new electronic type vaccination cards will curb the forging of vaccination documents. “During this week, we’ll be signing off the Memorandum of Understanding, which will allow us to now get the COWIN software. Once we get that COVID software, that’s going to be what we will be using. So, we will migrate the electronic data that we have

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony into that software, and then ister noted. we’ll be able to produce the Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony new cards that people would said it is still important for have,” he said. persons to keep their curThe minister said the rent vaccination cards, as manual registers of vaccine the COVID-19 measures distribution and vaccination stipulate that persons must booklets are currently being produce those cards to transconverted into digital format. act business at government “We have recruited staff ministries and agencies. for that purpose. We have Persons who operate designated special areas public transport must where we are doing all that, also produce their cards with the equipment and so if asked by a police officer, forth, to make sure that that or by anyone working on is happening. So that is an behalf of the Ministry of ongoing process,” the min- Health. (DPI)

‘Purse snatcher’ arrested in Grove supermarket A MAN who tried to snatch a woman’s purse was, on Wednesday, arrested by law enforcement ranks in Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD). According to police in a press release, the ‘purse snatcher’ was cornered in a supermarket located at Grove, EBD by public-spirited citizens, who pursued him. He was subsequently arrested by police ranks. Police Commander for that Regional Division (4’B’) Senior Superintendent, Mahendra Siewnarine, lauded the residents for supporting the police in the fight against crime. “I applaud the continuous support we as a division have been receiving from members of the community. Their efforts to assist in crime-fighting are admirable and courageous and this could only have been achieved through continuous partnership with the police and the public. Such as-

The ‘purse-snatcher’ being arrested in a supermarket located at Grove sistance by the public is strive to ensure we mainalways welcomed and ap- tain this initiative,” the preciated and we as a police Police Commander comdivision will continue to mented.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

‘Excel regardless of where... From page 6

mother made for them, she made it her duty to make her mother proud. “My mom, as a single parent of five kids, what I see her do every day, go out to work and come back, I figure if she can do all of that and still be the strong woman that she is, so can I.” PREPERATIONS Ewing-Chow told the Chronicle that while she was determined to excel at the 2021 examinations, the road was not always smooth. One of the major hurdles she highlighted was the COVID-19 pandemic which hit Guyana when she was in Fourth Form. She stated that her class had already begun working on the schoolbased assignments which were expected to be completed before the second

term. The COVID-19 pandemic affected the way education was accessed across the globe and in Guyana; teachers were forced to conduct classes online. Ewing-Chow stated that she had a difficult time transitioning to online learning but managed to adjust eventually. She told this publication that she created a timetable that allowed her to maximise the time she had for completing her school-based assessments (SBAs) and the time that she spent studying to ensure that she was able to complete the curriculum in time and had a chance at being successful in all her exams. “We tried to catch up back on SBAs and so on but of course SBAs

were not the only thing because we still had to finish the curriculum to make sure we were prepared for the topics that would come in the exams. It was also difficult transitioning to online classes because we weren’t accustomed to that, but after a time we grooved into it,” the teen stated. When asked what piece of advice she would give to students preparing to write the 2022 examinations, Ewing-Chow said: “Do not waste time because every minute counts.” She used the opportunity to remind the students to set high goals, noting that any goal is achievable as long as plans are put in place to ensure it can be achieved.

St. Rose’s High student Nkechi Ewing-Chow

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

Haags Bosch landfill facility gets truck weighbridge scale from Exxon

CALLING it a “significant investment”, Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall, visited the Haags Bosch Landfill Facility, where he viewed the recently donated truck weighbridge from ExxonMobil Guyana. In a press release from the company, Minister Dharamlall expressed gratitude for the donation saying the previous weighbridge has not been in operation. The release further noted Minister Dharamlall acknowledging the significant investments made to maintain the Haags Bosch facility over the years, further plugging the need for similar corporate partnerships as this between the Government of Guyana and ExxonMobil. President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, accompanied Minister Dharamlall during the visit to the Haags Bosch facility where the weighbridge has already been installed. Routledge, according to the ExxonMobil release, said that the weighbridge is part of the company’s strategy to ensure

(From left) Technical Adviser, Waste Manager, Gordon Gilkes; Recycling Manager, Rufus Lewis; Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Daun Ellis; Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall; President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge; and Operations Manager, Roweena Ramlall responsible management and treatment of waste in Guyana. “We are committed to cradle-to-grave waste management for our operations and the landfill site here at Haags Bosch plays a key role in that,” the release quoted Routledge as saying. “ExxonMobil Guyana

has conducted a ‘cradle to grave’ waste analysis study which was approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in September,” the company’s release stated, adding that “the EPA [has received] a comprehensive waste management plan for review.” Routledge, according

Weighbridge steel scale in use at Haags Bosch landfill facility

to the release, said “ExxonMobil Guyana and its prime contractors continue to implement a number of steps to minimise the generation of waste including recycling and reuse where appropriate”. “Hazardous and nonhazardous wastes generated by the various offshore operations are ap-

propriately treated and stored on board then later transported onshore for further treatment and disposal in accordance with applicable Guyana regulations and guidelines, as well as international conventions,” the company outlined. Providing specifications on the donated ma-

chine, ExxonMobil Guyana said the weighbridge steel scale measures 18.3m by 3.3m, and has a capacity of up to 135 metric tonnes per load. It further noted that the Haags Bosch landfill facility receives about 450 metric tonnes of waste, delivered by 150200 trucks daily.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

Four more die of COVID, 118 new cases recorded

FOUR more persons have died after contracting the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as of October 20, taking Guyana’s death toll to 881. According to a press release from the Ministry of Health (MoH), the now-deceased persons were admitted to different medical institutions as patients with symptoms which appeared to be similar to those of COVID-19. They died while receiving care. The MoH release stated that samples were taken at the time of admission, which confirmed that the four persons -- two males and two females -- tested positive for the virus. All persons were over the age of 50. Further details from the MoH show that two of the four deceased persons were unvaccinated, one was fully-vaccinated, and one was partially-vacci-

nated. The four persons were from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). The Health Ministry expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, noting further that efforts will be made to provide all necessary support during their time of need. The Ministry of Health, in its release, called for the public to allow the families of the deceased their privacy. Sparing no bones, the release called for persons in Guyana to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No.22), which are in effect until October 31, 2021. A national curfew remains in effect every night between 22:30 hrs and 04:00 hrs.

Guyana has also recorded 118 new cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 34,726 from 342,015 COVID-19 tests conducted just prior to this update. The total number of recovered cases are 30,206. In its release, the Health Ministry emphasised to the public “the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home”; “the importance of maintaining the six-feet physical distance from others”; and “the need for good hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.” Persons displaying symptoms associated with COVID-19 or in need of additional information are urged to contact the COVID-19 hotlines at 231-1166, 2267480 or 624-6674 or visit the Ministry of Health’s website www.health.gov. gy.

Ministry of Health, October 20, 2021 COVID-19 Dashboard

GLDA relaunches artificial insemination in small ruminants programme

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

THE Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), on Wenesday, relaunched its artificial insemination (AI) in small ruminants programme. The programme which formed part of the agency’s 2021 capital budget, included the procurement of the laparoscopic equipment and training of staff, after the agency would have signed a contract with Mini Tube Germany to the tune of G$15 million. While offering remarks at the exercise, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said the aim of the programme was to modernise and strengthen small ruminant development in Guyana, while addressing food and nutrition security challenges in the region. “This programme comes at a time when Guyana’s agriculture sector is taking precedence on the world stage. While artificial insemination in Guyana started in the 90s for dairy and beef, it was in 2011 that we commenced the importation of proven sires for beef. As we continued to diversify, the swine artificial insemination programme followed in 2016. Today we are here to re-launch artificial insemination (AI) in sheep and goats with the aim to modernise and strengthen small ruminant development in Guyana so that the sector can better meet the challenges of addressing food and nutrition security,” Minister Mustapha said. Minister Mustapha, in a release, also said that, over the next 12 months, the GLDA will be tasked with refocusing its AI programme with a view to increasing its AI offspring production target by 45 per cent to 50 per cent. Since taking office just over a year ago, the government has invested billions of dollars to improve Guyana’s livestock industry. Of the $806 million allocated to the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), $407.2 million

Minister Mustapha and other ministry officials with one of the animals procured for the AI programme was expended by the first half of this year to spur production in the meat industry. Furthermore, Minister Mustapha said that the world’s livestock food system has been facing several challenges. “As we celebrate Agriculture Month with the theme, ‘Transforming our food systems: Achieving food and nutrition security’, I recognise the world’s livestock food system has been facing increasing challenges, first with increased frequency of diseases, such as bird flu, Africa swine fever, and recently COVID-19. The latter resulted in higher freight costs and production costs and ultimately higher market prices for livestock products. Even in the midst of those challenges, GLDA was able to invest in this technology and capacity to diversify its portfolio to keep us updated with modern production practices and techniques,” Minister Mustapha added. Acting Chief Executive Officer of GLDA, Dr. Dwight Waldron, said that

the programme was seen as a relaunch, since farmers will now be given access to high-class genetic materials. “[ With respect to ] the re-launch of artificial in-

semination (AI) in small ruminants programme, we would have done some amount of laparoscopic AI about a decade ago but that was with a limited amount of animals with a

specific purpose. It was not intended to be disseminated throughout the country. We imported some high-class genetic breeding animals for the programme. Those animals went through an

extensive exercise because we would normally extract semen from them. Farmers now have a chance to be in a position to do business and market their product in such a way that they can make more money,” Dr. Waldron said. The acting CEO further explained that the agency had adopted a strategic approach so that, in addition to having access to high-class genetic material, farmers are also given guidance on how to improve their production techniques and productivity levels. “The approach being utilised by GLDA is strategic, meaning that it encompasses the procurement of high-class genetic breeding animals. We would then extract semen from those animals and process it in our genetic laboratory. There is also a component that includes the production aspect where we work with farmers to improve their production techniques and productivity levels. It’s not just a oneoff where we give farmers access to the genetics and then the environment isn’t right for the genetics to express themselves,” Dr. Waldron explained.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

Man gets life imprisonment for ‘heinous’ murder of British teen -victim’s parents express their ‘hurt’ in impact statements

By Clestine Juan SIX years after the body of a British teen was found in a shallow grave at Kildonan Village, Corentyne, Berbice, his killer, Staymon George called “Sherwin,” was, on Wednesday, sentenced to life imprisonment, with the possibility of parole after serving 35 years. The sentence was handed down by Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Berbice High Court. Earlier this month, George had pleaded guilty to the murder charge which read that he killed Dominic Bernard on October 14, 2015, at Kildonan Village. The indictment was presented by special prosecutor, attorney-at-law Latchmie Rahamat. During the sentencing hearing, Rahamat called on the teen’s mother, Linda Bernard, to read a victim impact statement, via zoom, from the United Kingdom. Amidst tears, she detailed the life of Dominic, who the family called “Dom.” According to her “Dom was a typical boy who enjoyed family, school and friendships. He was mischievous, funny and a lot of work at times too. We had a real mother and son bond and thrived on routine.” The woman recounted the last time she hugged her son, not knowing that that would have been the last time she would see him alive. “When Dominic was going to Guyana to visit… he was excited and excited about an adventure he’d share with his godbrother [Aaron Hing]. Both myself and Dom’s dad took him to the airport. I hugged him and told him how proud I was. Most preciously of all I told him I loved him and we watched him go through immigration full of life and excitement. It was a beautiful send off. I can’t convey how very proud we were as we walked back to our car. It was our final goodbye but we didn’t know that. It was beautiful. It was perfect. Funny as both myself and Dom’s dad had tears in our eyes and both thought how silly we were for being emotional as Dom was beginning to realise his dreams. We were proud of the young man he had become and we very much wanted him to achieve each of his dreams

Staymon George for the future,” the woman added. At this point, the grieving mother had tears rolling down her cheeks. She said: “We didn’t get the call from Dominic expecting to pick him up at the airport. Minutes, hours and days grew longer and unimaginable. There was no news. Christmas came and went. We set a place for Dom at the table and had presents under the tree for him when he returned. Dom’s 19th birthday came and still no news. We were frantic with worry night and day. Then the news we never ever imagined.” The “news” she was referring to was that Dominic was murdered and buried in a shallow grave. Did he know he was in danger? Was he scared? How much did he suffer? Did he call out for his mum? These are the questions Linda said she would constantly ask herself since she felt like she had failed him as a mother. BROKEN The woman spoke of how the tragedy had broken her family and destroyed the life they had together. “The loss of our son in such a violent way has impacted us. Grief brings you together or it can tear you apart. It impacted us greatly and we have since divorced after 24 years of marriage. Our family home of 22 years has been sold. That is just a little of the impact of what appears to be the premeditated murder of Dominic. My girls have lost their brother, the family home they have known and us all living together. The security and all that represents has been altered,” she said. Linda said that following the death of her son, she was

diagnosed with depression, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, insomnia and had overdosed twice. “I am very anxious in crowds and with sudden loud noises. My mental health is being managed slowly. I find it near impossible to recall memories of my son. As hard as I try, I cannot recall memories of raising Dominic; they have been wiped away and yet I was there every step of the way. My memory has been robbed and erased with trauma. This is distressing to me. I do not trust. I have a guard up constantly. I do not let anyone in and I struggle to build new relationships,” she said. While dealing with the “heartache” and “guilt” from her son’s death, Linda said

into navigating their adult lives. I saw Dominic begin to spread his wings and I am reading this as the very proud mum of Dominic. We gave him his name because it’s meaning is ‘given by the Lord’ and he was given to us to love and care for 18 short years and now he rests with his Heavenly Father,” Linda said. BETRAYAL Meanwhile, Dominic’s father, Andrew, pleaded with Justice Kissoon to apply the maximum sentencing for George. “My son’s death has left many family and friends traumatised and grieving. Their lives will never be the same again. The ripple effects from his horrific and depraved murder will continue to haunt us for the rest

According to the judge, no human should suffer a death like what Dominic Bernard had to endure, especially being murdered by persons he trusted. While recounting the facts of the case, the judge turned to George and said “Yourself and others retrieved the weapons concealed by the shallow grave including a hammer and began to beat Dominic Bernard attacking only the most vulnerable parts of his body… his neck, his head, severing his spinal column, inflicting multiple fractures to his skull, and then inserting a sock into his mouth to prevent his cries for help from being heard.” The judge also highlighted the ripple effect the teen’s murder had on his

DEAD: Dominic Bernard she still blamed herself for his death. “Guilt is continual…I should have known and sensed the danger Dominic was facing. I did not protect him. Did he call out for his mum in his distress and pain in his last moments and if he did, I was not there. The instinct of a mother is to protect her children. I could not protect Dominic. I cannot convey how traumatised I am to know how Dom’s life ended and how he suffered,” she said. After the divorce, Linda and her ex-husband Andrew sold their family house and she moved from the area because it was “painful” to stay in the neighborhood. “I am truly grateful for the 18 years I was able to share with my son, Dominic. I am grateful to God for giving him to us. Our children are a gift and we are here to guide and equip them

of our lives…I am forever tormented for allowing him to board that plane on that fatal day of 14th October, 2015. My mind continues to play over and over what his last thoughts must have been when he realised what was happening to him and the betrayal at the hands of people he trusted. The screams he made to try to get help and then how they silenced those cries for help by forcing a sock in his mouth as they continued to rain down blows on his head,” the man said in his address to the court. George later apologised to the victim’s family, and begged for a second chance to turn his life around. Justice Kissoon, while delivering his sentencing remarks, described the victim’s death as “heinous, diabolical, calculated, cold-blooded, inhumane and brutal.”

family since it had invoked “havoc, destruction, and illness” onto them. Justice Kissoon, in arriving at an appropriate sentence, considered the gravity of the injuries inflicted, the degree of premeditation and that the killing was a crime for financial gain. According to Justice Kissoon, he did not consider the mitigating factors presented by George’s attorney, Ravindra Mohabir, since the aggravating factors of the crime are more and his actions deserve a penalty that is severe, not only to serve as a deterrent, but in light of the brutality that was meted out to a vulnerable teenager. As such, the Judge sentenced George to life imprisonment, 35 of which he must spend behind bars before he could be eligible for parole. Initially, George was charged jointly with Aaron

Hing, Bernard’s godbrother. Hing had pleaded not guilty for the crime and is currently on trial before Justice Kissoon. M e a n w h i l e , H i n g ’s ‘childmother ’, Krystol Thomas, her mother Sinfine Henry, also known as “Coreen”, and his friend, Jahmil Sinclair, are currently out on $300,000 bail after each was charged as an accessory in relation to Bernard’s murder. They are expected to stand trial soon. The teenager reportedly arrived in Guyana on the evening of October 14, 2015. George, who is said to be a close friend of Hing, was the driver who transported Hing to the airport to collect Bernard. The teen was scheduled to fly back to England on November 5, 2015. After collecting the teen from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, they stopped at a location on Sheriff Street where they ate and drank a few beers. Bernard was never seen again. His parents came to Guyana, after he failed to arrive in England. On January 8, 2016, the badly decomposed body of the teen was found in a shallow grave in the backlands of Nurney Village. A DNA sample taken from the body was tested against Dominic’s father, and they matched. The police later issued an arrest warrant for Hing and George after they disappeared when investigators attempted to contact them. Hing was arrested while hiding out at a city hotel while George was nabbed at a house in Tucville, Georgetown. It is alleged that those charged with accessory hid Bernard’s personal belongings, including his camera. George had told police that Hing took Bernard to Kildonan Village, where a hole had already been dug. While there, Hing reportedly struck Bernard with a piece of wood which caused him to fall to the ground. While on the ground, Hing allegedly armed himself with a hammer and continued his assault on the teen. George told the police that he helped Hing bury Bernard’s body in the hole. According to him, Hing killed Bernard for “payback” because he (Hing) was arrested in England due to the teen “snitching.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

$8.1M water supply system commissioned at St. Cuthbert’s Mission THE community of St. Cuthbert’s Mission in Region Four now boasts of significantly improved water supply with the commissioning of an $8.1M upgraded and expanded water supply system which is benefitting some 700 residents. According to a release, of these 700 residents, more than 300 are receiving potable water for the first time as a result of the Government of Guyana funded project The project was executed by Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) inhouse staff, the village council and a local contractor was used to refurbish a metal trestle. It entailed the upgrading of the distribution system, trestle rehabilitation, leak repairs, well head rehabilitation and discharge, and the installation of new service connections. This is in keeping with a commitment made by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, who, on Wednesday, commissioned the system. During her feature address at the commissioning ceremony, which was hosted at the St. Cuthbert’s Mission Primary School, Minister Rodrigues highlighted that 90 per cent of the community is benefitting from the upgraded water supply system. This is in comparison to the 35 per cent that was being served before the upgrade. She noted that the system was in dire need of an upgrade since this was not done in several years. Hence, the upgrade was done and the system now has the capacity to serve twice as many residents that it is currently serving. The minister took the opportunity to stress the importance of ensuring that residents are satisfied with the service they are receiving and that maximum service is achieved from the project. She assured the residents that no effort will be spared in this regard. She added that there

Minister Rodrigues is assisted by a young community member in the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon

The rehabilitated water supply system

is also a need to ensure that the system is maintained even as she urged the Village Council to take ownership of the system. Minister Rodrigues expressed gratitude to the GWI technical team responsible for the execution of the project as well as the community

members for their co-operation. She also used the opportunity to highlight that before the end of 2021, five new wells will be drilled along the Linden/ Soesdyke highway in the communities of Swan, Kuru Kuru, Kairuni, Long Creek and Moblissa.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Water, Andre Ally, highlighted that in 2021, a programme of $344M is being executed in the Hinterland regions (One, Seven, Eight and Nine) to provide potable water to communities there.

This includes the drilling of new wells, the upgrading of water supply systems and the installation of photovoltaic systems. According to him, Guyana is edging closer to realising the goal of equal access to potable water in the hinterland as on the

coastland. He said that the ministry and by extension, GWI, has been delivering and will continue to deliver in this area. Executive Director of Hinterland Services of GWI, Ramchand Jailal in his remarks explained that the water produced by the well is safe for consumption and no additional treatment is needed. He also stated that training will be done with community representatives on the operation and maintenance of the system, solar power, water quality, among other areas. The Hinterland Director urged the community to maintain the system and in this regard suggested that a water committee be established by the Village Council to have oversight. Toshao of St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Timothy Andrews, said that the water supply system is yet another promise fulfilled by the Government of Guyana. He remarked that residents will now be able to enjoy a better quality of life with the upgraded and expanded system. The village leader expressed confidence that the system will ensure not only easy access to water but an efficient and regular water supply for the community. He thanked all those involved in the execution of the project. Residents were pleased with the minister’s intervention to improve the water supply in the community. Nursery, primary and secondary schools, health centre and teachers’ quarters are also among the beneficiaries of this project. There still remains approximately 30 households on the outskirts of the village without access to water and GWI will be working closely with the village council to ensure that these residents too gain access, the GWI release concluded.

Man pleads guilty to murdering wife, sentencing set for November 5

Gavin Gill TWO years after the brutal murder of Omwattie Gill, called “Anjalie” at Rose Hall, Corentyne, Berbice, her husband, on Wednesday, confessed to the gruesome crime. Gavin Gill, a 33-year-old taxi driver and formerly of Whim Village, Corentyne, appeared before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Berbice High Court for the capital offence of murder. He admitted that on March 30, 2019, in the county of Berbice, he murdered his wife. “ I love my wife,” Gavin told the court before explaining that the whole ordeal feels like a “nightmare” and he wishes to

wake up to see his wife. The state was represented by prosecutor, Abigail Gibbs, while Gill was represented by attorney-at-law, Surihya Sabsook. The matter has been adjourned until November 5, 2021, for the presentation of a probation report and sentencing. The Guyana Chronicle was made to understand that Omawattie was frequently abused by her husband, and moved out of the family home two weeks prior to her death. With her then sevenmonth-old daughter, Omwattie moved to her mother’s residence at Williamsburg. This move angered the man and he began threatening Omwattie and her mother. At the time, Omwattie had a restraining order to keep Gavin at least 100 feet away from herself, her mother and child. According to reports, on the day in question at approximately 08:30hrs, the mother of one was making her way to work when she was ambushed and attacked by Gill. She was first hit by a white

Dead: Omwattie Gill called “Anjalie” Toyota motorcar – HC 4924 – driven by her husband and was flung several feet away due to the impact. Gill then exited the vehicle and began stabbing the woman. In his bid to end her life, the man continued the attack by holding on to her hair. He also chopped her several times on the neck and about her body as she lay motionless on a bridge. Moments after, a police patrol responded and apprehended the man at the scene. Omwattie was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital bleeding profusely from the wounds she received on the neck. She succumbed shortly after.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

Edoo back as Fire Chief TWO weeks after he was sent on leave following the devastating fire at the Brickdam Police Station, Chief Fire Officer of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), Kamaladeen Edoo, is back on the job. The Fire Chief was sent on leave on October 5, shortly after President Dr. Irfaan Ali gave the GFS a failing grade for its performance at the October 2 fire. President Ali, during a visit to St. Stanislaus College where the operations of the station are being temporarily housed, described the fire service’s response as “poor, at its best.” He had noted that a lot more could have been done by the fire service to control the blaze and potentially prevent the destruction of several sections of the police station. Over 80 per cent of the station was destroyed in the blaze. The Brickdam Police Station is the headquarters for the Guyana Police Force’s Regional Police Division 4 ‘A’ and housed the office of the regional commander. Years of po-

Fire Chief, Kamaladeen Edoo lice records and vehicles valued millions of dollars were badly damaged or destroyed. The devastating fire, which reportedly started in the eastern section of the compound at 11:06 hrs, destroyed the Property Room, Enquiries Office, Traffic Department, and Officers’ Mess Hall. The fire chief, in confirming his return on Wednesday, said that he was initially sent on three weeks leave. He told the Guyana Chronicle that he had been sent on three weeks’ vacation leave but received a call informing him that he should resume his duties. “They sent me on vacation leave. It was expected

to be three weeks but then they called me out back after two weeks,” said Edoo. Officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs had been tight-lipped on the length of Edoo’s leave and did not say whether he would have returned to his post as the head of the GFS. The fire chief stated that he plans to continue working assiduously to ensure that the services provided by the GFS continues to improve. He noted that the GFS so far for 2021 has seen a 43 per cent decrease in fire calls when compared with the same period in 2020. Edoo told this publication that, now that he has returned to his post, he plans to implement new systems and improve the existing system so as to promote the proper utilisation of resources provided to the GFS by government. During the Brickdam Station fire, the service was censured for its under-utilisation of equipment and the PPE, which many said hindered the efficiency of fire-fighters on the ground.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

Social change needed for early detection of breast cancer

Some of the brave women who conquered breast cancer

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

Social change needed for early detection of breast cancer -says obstetrician & gynaecologist

By Naomi Parris

Consultant – Specialist, Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Dr. Rafi Rozan

WHEN breast cancer is detected and treated early, the chances of survival are very high, as such many doctors and specialists for years have been urging women to conduct regular self-examinations and mammograms, however, late detection is still an issue in breast cancer patients. Speaking on the subject, Consultant – Specialist, Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Dr. Rafi Rozan, during a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle said that a social change is what is needed to decrease the percentage of late breast cancer diagnosis. “Regular screening mammography starting at age 40 years reduces breast cancer mortality in average-risk women. Breast cancer risk assessment is very important for identifying women who may benefit from more intensive breast cancer surveillance.” According to Dr. Rozan, breast

cancer mortality rates have decreased substantially during the past 50 years. This decrease has been attributed to early detection and improvements in breast cancer treatment. He noted that regular screening mammography should start at age 40, especially in women who may have a family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or other hereditary breast and ovarian syndrome-associated cancer. Breast cancer became the most common cancer globally as of 2021, accounting for 12 per cent of all new annual cancer cases worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation. Breast cancer accounts for over two million cases each year. It is also the leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. In 2021, it’s estimated that about 30 per cent of newly-diagnosed cancers in women will be breast cancers.

In women under 45 years, breast cancer is more common in women of African descent than women of other ethnicities. REGULAR MAMMOGRAMS Breast self-examination, breast selfawareness, clinical breast examination, ultrasound and mammography all have been used alone or in combination to screen for breast cancer. While self-examinations are somewhat effective, Dr Rohan noted that it is advised that women opt to have the examination done by a specialist. He noted that recent recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for Breast cancer screening suggest that clinical breast examination may be offered every one-three years for women aged 25-39 years and annually for women 40 years and older. Mammography initiation age starting at 40 years. Mammography should continue until age 75 years. Turn to page 17

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

Some of the brave women who conquered breast cancer

BREAST cancer, according to a study published by the World Health Organization (WHO), accounts for almost 30 per cent of all female cancer patients in Guyana.Globally, it is often termed as the world’s most prevalent cancer, with 2.3 million women diagnosed and 685,000 dying of the disease in 2020 alone. Also, by the end of last year, there were 7.8 million women living with breast cancer after being diagnosed in the past five years; Guyana has dozens of them still battling to survive, and fortunately, they have several living and breathing examples that their fight can be won. Over the past couple of years, the Guyana Chronicle has featured many such persons who have been brave enough to tell their stories, and give us an insight into their scars. One such person is Ms. Hermanetta Andrews, who spoke with the Guyana Chronicle in 2019. At that time, she was a nurse attached to the Beacon Foundation. She told this publication then that four years had elapsed during which she did not maintain her routine health check-ups, at least until 2016. “I went to the Cancer Institute [of Guyana] and I did my mammogram first and the doctor told me that they saw suspicious cells,” Andrews recalled. She told this newspaper that she then proceeded to consult her “personal doctor” who ordered another round of tests which only confirmed her fear – the authenticity of the first diagnosis. “The tests came back with the same results. At that time, I said, ‘well this has to be real’. I was hoping beyond hope that at the second examination… I’d have [had] a different result,” Andrews related. Having realised that she was a potential cancer patient, Andrews said she was hit with a gush of unexplainable emotions. “No one word could explain the emotions and the feelings I was feeling. It was everything you [could think]. I’m also a Christian, so, I took it to the Lord. I prayed, I fasted. Two weeks would elapse and Ms. Andrews returned to

her doctor’s office for a biopsy, the results of which marked the beginning of a long, painful road to beating cancer and recovering both physically and mentally from its devastation. In sharing her story, Andrews had encouraged women to “listen to your bodies.” She continued, “If you wake up [one] morning and feeling not your best, just think about what can be wrong… If you feel a pain that should not have been there, follow it up. Your body tells you so [many] things and we need to listen to it. Sometimes, we feel … pain and we say, ‘oh, this will go away just now’, but your body is telling you something and you must listen to it.” STRESS LESS Another resilient breast cancer survivor is Roxanne ‘Ann’ Singh, who shared her inspiring journey with the Guyana Chronicle’s Telesha Ramnarine. The 53-year-old mother to four daughters, has been a breast cancer survivor for just a few years; she has since joined the Guyana Cancer Foundation Survivors Club. In her 2020 interview with Ms. Ramnarine, Singh recalled Turn to page 18

Breast cancer survivor, Ms. Hermanetta Andrews

Social change needed for...

From page 16 Beyond 75 years, the decision to discontinue should be based on a shared decision-making process that includes a discussion of the woman’s health status and longevity. Being seen by a specialist, he explained, will also help to identify patients who may be asymptomatic. “The goal of screening for cancer is to detect preclinical disease in healthy,

asymptomatic patients to prevent adverse outcomes, improve survival, and avoid the need for more intensive treatments,” he said adding: “Screening tests have both benefits improved health outcomes and adverse consequences cost, anxiety, inconvenience, false-positive results.” The doctor further noted that risk assessment and early identification of women at high risk allow for referral to

health care providers with expertise in cancer genetics counselling and testing for breast cancer-related germline mutations (eg, BRCA), patient counselling about risk-reduction options, and cascade testing to identify family members who also may be at increased risk. He reiterated that early dedication is the way to save one’s life as such regular mammograms should be on every woman’s yearly agenda.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

Some of the brave women who conquered breast... From page 17 how the sharp pain she felt in her breast was enough for her to know something was wrong. She immediately made an appointment for a medical screening at the Cancer Institute of Guyana. But soon after the pain disappeared, Singh cancelled her appointment thinking that the pain was a one-off discomfort and that all was well. Soon enough, the vague lump in her breast began to grow larger and larger, and eventually, Singh knew that she had to see a doctor. She did an ultrasound which showed possible “malignant findings”; this led to a biopsy. “Finally, after two full weeks of sleepless nights, I received a call that my results were ready. Since I have no family history of cancer, I took the results to my doctor with high hopes of all being well, but my wall of hope came crashing down when the doctor said the results were positive.” Singh told the Guyana Chronicle previously. Like Ms. Andrews, the bad news also hit Singh like a ball of indescribable pain. “I felt so many emotions all at once. I was shocked, numb for a few seconds, I couldn’t process what was being said to me. My tears started flowing and I couldn’t think about anything else; it felt like the end of the world for me,” Singh noted. As the story is told, Singh managed to compose herself just in time to embark on a long list of treatments and procedures that were critical for her survival. She did a surgery, followed by a partial mastectomy, and then began her eight sessions of chemotherapy, followed by 25 sessions of radiation therapy. She was later prescribed a five-year hormonal treatment. Even with all the pain and fatigue, Singh said losing her hair was particularly devastating, as it served as a constant reminder of all that was going on in body. “It was more of a personal challenge, even though I had a lot of support from family and friends. I knew so much, yet so little about cancer. My anxiety level was always high and I

guess fear was actually my biggest challenge; not knowing if, how or when I will recover. The struggle for survival was real. I was mentally and emotionally drained,” Singh shared in her interview with Ms. Ramnarine. Even though she is cancer-free, Singh said that her life will never be the same again. As a matter of fact, she is now far more health-conscious than she ever was. “Now, my well-being is my number one priority. I continue to eat well. My diet has changed drastically; no meat, no dairy products, no sugar, no soda, etc. I am using lots of fruits, vegetables and beans and I drink only herbal and green teas. I do daily exercises and keep my stress level down,” Singh related. She went further to note that the critical support of her family and friends really impacted her overall recovery. Her advice to cancer patients is to stay positive, even on the darkest of days. “It is the most important thing that you can do; worrying only worsens your health. There will be days where it seems like things will never get better, but you will get through it,” she advised, comfortingly. CANCER AND COVID-19 More than just facing painful and intense treatments and therapies, cancer patients now have the added worry of the novel coronavirus. They have to fear visits from family and friends; visits to the doctors’ office, and even going outside for a breath of fresh air. This is of deep concern for cancer survivor, Rosaline Clarke, who lost her sister, brother and uncle from cancer. In an interview with Vishani Ragobeer, Clarke explained how she was on family vacation in the United States when she first felt a striking pain in her left breast. In a typical Guyanese manner, Clarke sought to rationalise her pain; she reasoned that it was due to her handling of an extra suitcase which contained Guyanese delicacies for her family. But, as the story is told by Ms. Ragobeer, it was not. While on vacation, Clarke learnt that another sister had secretly been battling breast cancer. It was this that prompted her to get tested as soon as she returned home to Guyana. “I said ‘you’re a child of God, don’t tek this thing on’ and so I came home and went to the [Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association] and got it checked out,” Rosaline recollected. A lump was detected in her breast and a mammo-

gram and ultrasound would reveal, six weeks later, that Clarke herself was a cancer patient. Clarke described the wait as being “agonising”. Nonetheless, Clarke said that when the news was confirmed, she immediately agreed to a mastectomy. “I tell them right away to take off the breast, because I don’t want to wait for it to get to no big stage and then I gotta do chemotherapy and radiation because those are not nice,” Clarke said. Although cancer-free, Clarke is still undergoing steady check-ups to monitor the cyst that has developed in her right breast. Meanwhile, having survived a long, tedious recovery process, Ms. Clarke is concerned about the potentially deadly impact that COVID-19 has had on cancer patients who are already battling for their lives each and every day. As it is, persons with co-morbidities (meaning persons with more than one disease or condition present at the same time) are more vulnerable to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Moreover, older persons are even more vulnerable to the severe symptoms that come with the disease. At age 62, Clarke, who had cancer and is hypertensive, would be especially vulnerable to the virus and therefore has to take all the added precautions to stay safe. This means that she has to limit physical contact, remain indoors as much as possible, and follow all COVID-19 regulations when venturing outside. Clarke, in her interview with Ms. Ragobeer, expressed her displeasure with the frivolous manner in which many Guyanese treat the coronavirus. “I think people are not taking COVID-19 seriously and they’re only going to take it seriously when it hits close to home; to somebody they love or so,” she lamented. The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that survival of breast cancer for at least 5 years after diagnosis ranges from more than 90 per cent in high-income countries, to 66 per cent in India and 40 per cent in South Africa. Given the rate at which the disease has been killing women, the WHO’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) has endeavoured to reduce global breast cancer mortality by 2.5 per cent, thereby averting 2.5 million breast cancer deaths globally between 2020 and 2040. “The three pillars toward achieving these objectives are: health promotion for early detection; timely diagnosis, and comprehensive breast cancer management,” the WHO said. For the mission under these pillars to be achieved, WHO recognised that public education needs to be combined with health worker education about the signs and symptoms of early breast cancer so that women can be referred to diagnostic services as required.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

NRG Holdings provides $5M for ‘Birding Study’ of immense value, your support will enable scientific research which will play a very important role in its preservation.” Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer, one of the partners within the consortium, stated that the developers are keen on facilitating and ensuring the protection of Guyana’s flora and fauna, and the environment as a whole, for future generations. “We recognise that data is important to the protection of the eco-system and, by extension, the livelihoods of many Guyanese. We are therefore

The NRG Holdings Inc.-funded ‘Birding Study’ currently underway in Region One NRG Holdings Incorporat- October 15, and, according to of the Barima-Mora Passage ed, the Guyanese consor- that organisation’s President, Mangrove Forests, where the tium that is developing the Annette Arjoon-Martins, the largest and most intact manmassive Port of Vreed-en- funds will play an import- grove ecosystems in Guyana Hoop Project, has provided ant role in the preservation exist”. $5,000,000 to the Guyana of Guyana’s Blue Carbon In conveying appreciaMarine Conservation So- assets. tion to NRG Holdings Inc., ciety to fund a ‘Birding She described the initia- Arjoon-Martins said, “The Study’. tive as an “invaluable con- Blue Carbon assets of this A release says that the tribution of $5,000,000 by area are immense, and, in donation was received by NRG Holdings to enable the a time of climate change, the Conservation Society on much-needed Birding Study where our carbon sinks are

happy to support this project which is important at so many levels.” Arjoon-Martins also lauded the developers for allowing two young female marine scientists to participate in a recent environmental assessment conducted by Jan de Nul, the company that will be constructing the port facility at Vreed-enHoop. “…This allows them to complement their academic qualifications with actual offshore and other relevant field experiences, and to further build their capacity,”

the Guyana Marine Conservation Society President noted. NRG Holdings Inc. is a 100-per cent Guyanese-owned consortium, comprising Hadi’s World Incorporated, National Hardware Limited and ZRN Investments Incorporated. Their Port of Vreeden-Hoop project, which will see an investment of up to US$600 million, will occupy some 400 hectares of coastal land. It is expected to be a catalyst for employment and business opportunities for locals.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

Annandale youth accused of two murders remanded

KAPILDEO Gangadin, on Wednesday, appeared in the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court in connection with the recent murder of 21-yearold businessman Ganesh Persaud and the 2020 murder of fisherman, Mukesh Mangra. Gangadin of Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was not required to plead to two counts of murder which were read to him by Magistrate Fabayo Azore. He was later remanded to prison. The first charge alleged that on January 18, 2020, at Coldingen, ECD, he murdered Mangra known as “Paul” during the course or furtherance of a robbery. He is also alleged to have murdered Persaud at Strathspey, ECD, on October 15, 2021. The State was represented by Corporal David

Goodridge, while Gangadin was unrepresented. The matters are adjourned until January 17, 2022. The Guyana Chronicle was made to understand that hours after Persaud’s murder, Gangadin was arrested with the man’s stolen gold chain. While in custody, Gangadin reportedly admitted that he was also involved in the murder of Mangra. He reportedly told police that after killing Mangra he fled to Suriname, and had recently returned to Guyana. According to reports, on October 15, 2021, Persaud was inside his family’s hardware store at Strathspey, when he was confronted by Gangadin, who attempted to rob him. In the process, Gangadin dealt Persaud a stab to the neck, causing him to bleed profusely. The suspect then relieved the

victim of his gold jewellery and a quantity of cash and made good his escape. Persaud, however, managed to exit the business where he was assisted by several persons and taken to the Balwant Singh Hospital, where he died while receiving medical attention. As it relates to the other murder, Mangra’s lifeless body was found on the Coldingen Public Road on January 18, 2020. He was reportedly killed during an armed robbery committed by three men. Vi v e k a n a n d R a m and Roy Jaglall were later charged jointly for Mangra’s murder and remanded. A preliminary inquiry (PI) into the murder is currently ongoing at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court.

Kapildeo Gangadin

DEAD: Ganesh Persaud

DEAD: Mukesh Mangra called ‘Paul’

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

Time to end child pregnancies -the resounding call at launch of Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Week

THE World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates at least 777,000 girls under the age of 15 years give birth each year in developing regions. In Latin America and the Caribbean, a modest approximation of 120 young girls give birth daily – this estimation is exclusive of pregnancies that end in abortion and miscarriage. This is the focus of new research presented by Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Regional Adolescent Health Advisor, Dr. Sonja Caffe, during the commemorative launch of Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Week on October 18, 2021, which is being observed for the second year in the Caribbean. According to a PAHO release, Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Week in the Caribbean calls for special attention to policy and legislation to end adolescent pregnancy, especially among girls under 15 years of age. Dr. Caffe explained the concerning effects of early pregnancy on adolescent girls and their offspring which negatively affect them mentally, physically and psy-

chologically, thereby making it an important global health concern. The ongoing research, which utilises data from most Caribbean countries, aims to bridge the gap in existing studies that provide data for early pregnancies in girls aged 15-19, by contributing insights for girls under 15 years old. The research has, to date, revealed a reduction in early pregnancies from the 15-19 age group in Latin America and the Caribbean and an overall slower decreasing trend in pregnancies among girls under age 15 on the regional level, but alarming and unfortunate increases in pregnancies among girls under age 15 in some countries. Presenters at the event echoed the urgent call for policies and programmes that support and provide critical education to vulnerable girls in the Caribbean region, particularly in the face of COVID-19 pandemic which has increased cases of domestic violence and incest, among young girls. “Despite the aspirational and progressive 2014 Integrated Strategic Framework for the reduction of

adolescent pregnancy in the Caribbean agreed on by CARICOM member states, adolescents in the Caribbean still face legal, societal, policy and health-system related barriers that limit their access to quality, integrated sexual and reproductive health services and information,” UNFPA Regional DirectionCaribbean, Alison Drayton, said during her opening remarks. STOP COVERING UP TABOO ISSUES Department Director Family, Promotion and Life Course, PAHO, Andreas De Francisco, reiterated “We must start with the routine recommendation and monitoring of fertility of girls younger than 15 years old, but we must go beyond documenting them – addressing pregnancies in young girls requires that we stop covering up taboo issues such as incest, sexual violence perpetrated by fathers, uncles, stepfathers and neighbours.” De Francisco went on to advocate for stronger legislation, policies and the establishment of mechanisms where girls, who are subjected to sexual violence, can report the problems and

find help. The existing research aims to take a positive step in the direction of advocacy and evidence-informed policy planning as it analyses available data (from population – based surveys and vital statistics) and existing policies, strategies and plans to inform the robust development of new interventions to reduce occurrences of under-15 pregnancies in the region. Director of Human Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, Helen Royer, provided insight into CARICOM projects that focus on the protection of youth across the Caribbean. These include initiatives under the “Roadmap for Promoting the Health and Wellbeing of Adolescents and Youth in the Caribbean”, the reconstruction of the CARICOM Youth Development and Action Plan, as well as a youth development survey to ascertain challenges encountered

and opportunities available for progress among member states. EDUCATE AND PROTECT In his keynote address, Minister of Health and Wellness, Belize, Michel Chebat, called for policy- makers to institute policies that will help to educate and protect adolescent girls from sexual violence, incest and partner violence. He also provided an outline of initiatives in his country that have been successful in reducing child pregnancies and supporting young mothers and their children. He highlighted the inclusion of early pregnancy as a priority in their strategic planning and assigning each young person a social security number, through which they can access healthcare screenings, literacy support, sexual reproductive health information and employment assistance. Creative poems and spo-

ken word were delivered by three young artistes - Brandon Singh, Dillon Mathison and Ashley Anthony, and advocated for the protection of youth and prevention of early pregnancies. The launch event, chaired by a member of PAHO’s ‘Youth for Health’, Terez Lord, served as a roadmap to further re-ignite related activities and amplify youth voices, to bring to the forefront discussions about the provision of sexual reproductive health, protection and support for youth via policies and evidence-informed programmes. Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Week is filled with insightful activities which are youth-driven to encourage ideas from all the sectors of the region such as policy-makers, youth directors, Ministries of Education and Health, as well as adults, on preventing early pregnancies. (PAHO)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

‘Buddy’ gets jail time for assaulting woman HIGH Court Judge, J o - A n n B a r l o w, o n Wednesday, sentenced Bhola Bhagwandin called “Buddy”, to two years, six months in prison for the brutal beating of a woman in 2019. In September, Bhagwandin was on trial in the Sexual Offences Court of

the Demerara High Court for two counts of rape and one assault charge. The particulars of the rape charges stated that on September 2, 2019, in the County of Demerara, he allegedly engaged in sexual penetration with the woman. It was further alleged

that on the same date and at the same location, he assaulted the victim thereby causing her actual bodily harm. The jury, after deliberating for two hours, returned with a unanimous not guilty verdicts on the rape charges. However, he was found guilty on the

assault charge. During his sentencing hearing on Wednesday, Bhagwandin apologised for his actions and begged the court for a second chance to turn his life around for his two children. The judge, in sentencing him, said she considered the high number of domestic violence cases in Guyana, and has placed weight on the fact that during the commission of the crime, the victim had a restraining order against Bhagwandin. The state was represented by prosecutor, Sarah Martin, while Bhagwandin was represented by attorney-at-law, Teriq Mohammed. The Guyana Chronicle had reported that Bhagwandin and the victim are known to each other. At the time of the offence, Bhagwandin was on a court bond and was ordered to keep away from the victim. On the day in question, Bhagwandin went to the victim’s home and attacked her. The woman was reportedly cuffed and kicked about her body by Bhagwandin, who also attacked her with a piece of wood. The matter was reported to the police and Bhagwandin was later arrested and charged.

Bhola Bhagwandin

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

Sri Lanka secure Super 12 spot with commanding win (ESPNCRICINFO) - For the second game in a row, Sri Lanka survived an early scare to record a commanding win. This time, Ireland were at the receiving end, Andrew Balbirnie's men thumped by 70 runs as Sri Lanka guaranteed safe passage to the Super 12s. A superb all-round performance by Wanindu Hasaranga, who smashed 71 off 40 balls and doubled with figures of 4-0-12-1, rescued his side from the perilous position of 8 for 3, first carrying them to 171 before helping skittle Ireland out for 101. For Sri Lanka, this was a comprehensive performance, if not quite as complete as Mickey Arthur and the coaching staff would have wished for. The problems with the top

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order persist, though Hasaranga's knock - alongside a classy 47-ball 61 from Pathum Nissanka - will go some way towards alleviating concerns around the quality of Sri Lanka's batting. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan fielding wasn't quite as clinical as a side at their level might demand, but against a lack-lustre Ireland batting performance, it proved more than enough. Ireland began to bleed wickets right from the outset of the chase, and the big innings they required from someone like Paul Stirling never materialised. Stirling and Kevin O'Brien both fell cheaply, and any resistance of note came from a 53-run fourth-wicket partnership between skipper Balbirnie and

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Curtis Campher. However, with the asking rate rising, all they managed to do was rebuild, and once the stand was broken, Sri Lanka zipped through the last seven wickets for 16 runs. Ireland will need to shake off the disappointment from a day that began so brightly for them, and turn their attention towards their final game this round, a knockout against the

Namibia, with the victor joining Sri Lanka in the Super 12. Irish start For all that happened after it, it's easy to forget the perfect start Ireland enjoyed to this game. Sri Lanka's top three struggled against Namibia, but what happened here against the Irish was a downright capitulation. Stirling opened the bowling, and right at the outset, had Kusal Perera hole

out to George Dockrell at cover point, who took a splendid catch diving forward. That was followed by an over for the ages from Josh Little - six balls that would not have looked out of place on a green-top wicket with the red ball. Coming in over the wicket and shaping it back into the right-handers, he knocked back Dinesh Chandimal and Avishka Fernando's off stump,

off successive deliveries, combining metronomic accuracy with seam movement and swing. It reduced Sri Lanka to three-down with less than 10 on the board, and at that stage, the Irish were buoyant. It would have required a Herculean effort for Sri Lanka to wrest back control, and that's what the fourth-wicket stand provided.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

ICC World T20 Warm-ups ….

West Indies crash to another loss (ESPNCRICINFO) - Afghanistan combined a belligerent batting performance with tight bowling to stomp to a 56-run win against a somewhat lethargic West Indies in both teams' second and final warmup match for the T20 World Cup 2021. Mohammad Nabi opened the bowling for Afghanistan and bowled his four overs straight through to return figures of 4-2-2-3, completely stifling West Indies' chase. Nabi bowled 22 dot balls out of 24, conceding only two singles off the bat all through. Nabi's effort came after both openers hit fifties for Afghanistan, off the blocks on a tear right from the first over. Hazratullah Zazai made 56 off 35, while Mohammad Shahzad hit 54 off 35, as the opening stand realised 90 runs in 8.5 overs. When Zazai fell. Afghanistan didn't let up after that, as Shahzad then took charge. Shahzad, who had last played a competi-

tive senior-level game more than a year ago in the Shpageeza Cricket League final in 2020, showed no signs of rustiness. The Afghanistan batters were helped by some wayward bowling by West Indies, with the innings having seven wides and four no-balls, along with a smattering of hittable deliveries. New-ball bowlers Obed McCoy and Oshane Thomas - who are likely to compete for one spot in the playing XI - were particularly loose, giving up 71 runs in the six overs they bowled. The West Indies' fielding was also lack-lustre, with overthrows, catches put down and moments where they didn't commit fully to chasing or stopping the ball perhaps mindful of any injury possibilities. Afghanistan's momentum slowed only after both openers had gone, with West Indies slowing things up a bit through spin.

However, they still built a formidable total. West Indies' chase was in early trouble with Nabi establishing a stranglehold over the run rate. He bowled all his overs at a stretch, and when he was done, West Indies were 27 for 3 in seven overs. Nicholas Pooran rode his luck early on via a dropped chance and some edges, but got the run rate moving for West Indies. However, with the required rate having ballooned early on to more than two runs a ball, West Indies needed all their big-hitters to come off, and that didn't happen. The one positive for West Indies was the return of Andre Russell from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the best part of IPL 2021's second leg in the UAE and the first warm-up match. Russell bowled two overs, including the final one of the first innings, in which he conceded just four runs with a tight display. Russell was sent in to bat at No. 6, but while his bowling rhythm showed signs of having returned, he couldn't find his timing with the bat. The frugality of the early overs meant

Afghanistan could keep Rashid Khan back for the second half of West Indies' innings, and as always, Rashid proved tough to get away. Roston Chase, who is likely to be the batter around whom a big-hitting lineup does its work, stayed the course of the innings after walking in to bat on the third ball of the innings, ending with 54 not out off 58 balls. The lack of pace and wickets early on meant a very slow start for Chase, but he picked up some pace in the second half of the innings, taking 35 runs off the last 25 balls he faced. However, with the big-hitters who got some time in the middle not really coming off that was never going to be enough. Defending champions West Indies will thus enter the tournament proper with losses in both warm-up games, this defeat coming on the back of one against Pakistan. Afghanistan had lost against South Africa in their opening warm-up game, but will be pleased with how their overall game came together in this one.

BCB president Foster pays Minister Croal courtesy visit … RHTYSC executives also meet with Minister Rodrigues ROSE Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC), Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster paid Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, a courtesy visit and the two were engaged in a fruitful chat regarding the continued development of cricket. Accompanied by Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) PRO Simon Naidu, Foster brought the minister up to date on the development of the game in Berbice whilst discussing a number of topics including the possibility of some Berbice cricketers getting house lots. The president officially invited Minister Croal to visit the two organisations on Thurs-

Minister Susan Rodrigues and BCB PRO Simon Naidu

BCB president Hilbert Foster and Minister of Housing Collin Croal

day October 28. Minister Croal accepted the invitation and would receive the highest award from both organisations. Foster also agreed to a suggestion from Minister Croal for the BCB to network with a cricket body in Region One. He also handed over a set of BCB and RHTYSC publications to Minister Croal. Meanwhile both Foster and Naidu followed up their visit with fellow Minister within the Ministry of House and Water, Susan Rodrigues, as part of the drive to keep Berbice Cricket at its pinnacle.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

Motie ‘spins’ into West Indies’ reserves for World T20 … Injury rules star all-rounder Fabian Allen out

Star all-rounder Fabian Allen is out of the tournament before the first match

GUYANESE left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie has been called up as a reserve to the West Indies Team after an ankle injury ruled dynamic all-rounder Fabian Allen out of the ongoing World T20 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Allen’s spot in the 15-man squad is replaced by left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein while Motie joins Jason Holder, Darren Bravo and Sheldon Cottrell on the reserve list. According to a Cricket West Indies (CWI) release yesterday, Allen has an unhealed right ankle injury which he sustained during the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL). Motie is due to fly to the UAE where he will be able to join the West Indies squad as a reserve, once he has completed the six days of mandatory quarantine with the required negative COVID-19 test result. Roger Harper, CWI’s Lead Selector indicated Allen was looking forward to playing in the World T20 and noted his all-around capabilities “will be missed by the team” Allen was tipped to be an automatic pick, especially for his left-arm spin and extremely handy lower-order contribution, along with his exceptional fielding. Harper hoped that Hosein could continue the good form he has shown throughout the year. On Motie’s call-up, he stated, “I also congratulate Gudakesh Motie whose performances in CG Insurance Super50 and CPL have resulted in his being added to the reserves as spin-bowling cover.” At this year’s Super50, the 26-year-old was the leading wicket-taker with 17 wickets

in seven innings at an average of 16.64, and an impressive economy rate of 4.56. He backed that up in his debut Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with eight wickets in six innings at an average of 15.50 and an economy rate of 6.52. Motie joins Shimron Hetmyer as the two Guyanese players - part of the West Indian contingent in the UAE. Additionally, CWI selectors have also requested that Dominic Drakes and Odean Smith remain in the UAE following their recent IPL engagements. The two young fast bowlers will train with the West Indies squad as net bowlers during the squad’s preparations this week. West Indies are two-time and defending ICC T20 World Cup Champions and will be going in search of an unprecedented third title and back-to-back T20 World Cup Tournament wins. West Indies' first match is on Saturday, October 23 against England at the Dubai International Stadium in the first of West Indies’ Group games in the Super 12 stage of the tournament. Match time is 10:00hrs. FULL SQUAD: Kieron Pollard (captain), Nicholas Pooran (Vice-Captain), Dwayne Bravo, Roston Chase, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Akeal Hosein, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr Travelling Reserves: Darren Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Jason Holder Gudakesh Motie.

BCB congratulates Motie on T20 World Cup call-up

THE president and executives of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) extended congratulations to left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, following his selection as a travelling reserve on the West Indies team for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. The Guyana Jaguars spinner, coming off some peak form with the ball during this year's Hero CPL, will travel to the UAE as cover for the injured all-rounder Fabian Allen. The BCB issued their congratulations via release to their young Ancient County player. "The BCB is very proud of you and we are very confident that you would be an outstanding sports ambassador of our country and county". "You truly deserve your selection and we are confident that this would be the start of a long and successful stint at the international level. Congrats are also extended to the management and members of the Albion CCCC on producing another player who has been called for international duties". "Berbice cricket is strong when all clubs like Albion continue to invest in youth development. To Mr Walters, Mr Outar and the rest of the Albion CCCC, we extend congratulations. Good Luck Mr Motie and may God bless you. As a cricket board, we are very proud to have two Berbicians in the

Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie

West Indies travelling team." FULL WI T20 SQUAD: Kieron Pollard (captain), Nicholas Pooran (vice-captain), Dwayne Bravo, Roston Chase, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Akeal Hosein, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons, Oshane Thomas and Hayden Walsh Jr. Travelling Reserves: Darren Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Jason Holder and Gudakesh Motie.

GTTA partnering with China to build a home for Table Tennis THE Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) has formed a partnership with the People’s Republic of China through its Embassy in Guyana to build a facility that is accredited by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). At a recent press briefing, GTTA president, Godfrey Munroe, announced that the association is finalising the proposal to construct a Table Tennis Facility at the National Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue. Munroe indicated they had engagements with the Government of China through its Embassy in Guyana, and a commitment of assistance has been made. “They (Government of China) have made a commitment to fund a facility for us, once the acquisition of the land is made available and this was conveyed to Minister (Charles) Ramson Jr,” Munroe explained. The GTTA head further indicated there was a preliminary meeting with Chargé d’affaires Chen Xilai in which the aforementioned was confirmed and they are currently in the process of “finalising details of architectural designs and estimated

Minister Charles Ramson Jr (top left), along with officials from the National Sports Commission and GTTA executives, meeting with officials from the Chinese Embassy

costs.” Munroe strongly believes that such an investment will have significant benefits since there is no high-performance centre in the English-speaking Caribbean. “If Guyana is able to tap into that, it means ITTF support as a hot spot for equipment, host tournaments, junior circuit which means revenue generation, exposure for athletes and table tennis experts coming to Guyana along with structured tournaments, makes it that critical,” he further conveyed. Guyana Olympic Association president, K.A. Juman-Yassin, applauded the

Government for its impetus in sport and expressed hope for a home for table tennis to come to fruition. The GOA president underscored the need for the facility to be one with the future in mind and not just a short-term goal. The facility will need to have space for 12 tables (eight for competitions and four for practice), along with other amenities to reach ITTF standards and would mean a shift from Cliff Anderson Sports Hall which currently is the hub for the sport but it has to compete with numerous other disciplines for space and time.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

Lady Jags arrive in Puerto Rico THE Guyana Senior Women’s National Squad has landed in Puerto Rico for a week-long encampment, including friendly matches against the hosts, as preparations intensify for crucial FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers next year. The first round of qualifiers was rescheduled to February 2022 from November this year by CONCACAF due to logistical problems posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Puerto Rico encampment is the first opportunity for international-based and domestic-based Lady Jags to train together since the onset of the pandemic in early 2020. “We are looking forward to assessing our talent during the friendlies at the Puerto Rico camp,” said head coach Ivan Joseph. “While several key players will not be present, it will still be the first time I will observe in person several key players who I imagine will play a significant role in our efforts to advance out of our pool in February.” “There will be lots of opportunities for emerging talent to make a case that they deserve to be in the final talent pool that will be selected to compete in the coming months,” Joseph added. The Guyana-based contingent of players has been in training for several months at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre in Providence, with several new faces and seasoned stars hopeful of making the grade for World Cup squads despite a lack of game time due to the pandemic. “I feel very confident ahead of these two upcoming friendly matches,” said midfielder and GFF administrator Lakeisha Pearson. “The team has been training for the past few months and the players have really bonded and developed in all aspects of the game. We have a balance of experienced and young players being called up for these fixtures and the team will have a chance to train together before the matches. We are going in confident and I believe we can be successful in these matches and make Guyana proud.”

Guyana-based Lady Jags and staff depart for Puerto Rico

While some familiar names will be missing from the camp, due to logistical and timing issues, particularly for players in North America, the squad will be enriched by the presence of professional goalkeeper and national captain Chante Sandiford, who is currently plying her trade in Iceland. “I’m really excited about the relaunch of the programme and that the team is going to Puerto Rico for training camp and friendlies,” Sandiford said. “The Federation has delivered on its promise to get us more time training and playing together, and this is an important step toward being ready to compete at our highest level for World Cup qualifying.” The Lady Jags will play two practice matches against Puerto Rico on October 20 and 23, which will serve as warm-up fixtures before CONCACAF competition resumes in 2022. Guyana have been drawn in Group F of the CONCACAF W Championship qualifiers with Trinidad and Tobago, Nicaragua, Turks and Caicos, and Dominica. The winner of the

group will join the five other qualification group winners and automatic qualifiers Canada and the U.S. at the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship, which acts as the region’s gateway to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. “We are very grateful for the opportunity presented to us by the Puerto Rican Football Federation,” said Paul Beresford, Director of GFF Women’s Programmes. “We intend to utilise these friendly matches and the training time to look at several new players who haven't featured in the senior team before as well as welcoming back a few who haven't featured since the women's programme relaunch.” “The campaign will serve as an important building block as we prepare for the upcoming W Qualifiers,” he added. “Assembling the squad was a challenge given the lack of availability of players for various reasons. Thanks to members of the GFF, women’s national team staff, and our partners including those at Connections Travel for putting in the hard work needed to support the team in this very challenging and ongoing global pandemic.”

GGA hails significant boost thanks to MoE/Government

Members of the Ministry of Education, teachers, students along with GGA president and executives

THE Ministry of Education’s Allied Arts Unit and Guyana Golf Association’s (GGA) Nexgen Golf Academy have made huge strides as they continue to marry the sport with education. Golf training for Physical Education Teachers in Regions Two, Four and Five on October 21-28, 2021 will bring the total number of secondary schools with access to golf to 82,and allow as many as 8 000 students access to one of the few fully compliant COVID-19 sports. Ms. Barker-King, head of the Allied Arts Unit, thanked the Honorable Dr Priya Manickchand, Minister of Education (MoE); Mr Alfred King, Permanent Secretary; Dr Marcel Hutson, Chief Education Officer and Ms June Ann Gonsalves, ACEO Secondary, for their unwavering and full support of the rapid implementation of the sport in the school’s curriculum. PE Teachers from Annandale, Buxton,

Bladen Hall, LBI, Hope, Covent Garden, St Cuthbert, Diamond, Lancaster, Friendship, Plaisance, Dora, No.8, Woodley Park, Fort Wellington, Bush Lot, Belladrum, Novar, Mahaicony, Bygeval, and Rosignol Secondary Schools will train at the Nexgen Golf Academy facility from October 21 to 22, 2021 at Woolford Avenue. Mr Hussain and Allied Arts Physical Education Officer, Kurt Braithwaite, will then travel to Region Two on October 27-28, 2021 to train teachers from Abram Zuil, Cotton Field, Johanna Cecilia, 8th of May, Charity, Aurora, Anna Regina and Wakapoa Secondary Schools. According to Ms Barker-King, “There was a need for a sport that would allow our teachers and learners to safely participate in physical activities and golf was uniquely qualified to meet all of the requirements. The Honorable Minister and Senior Members of the education system

understood that and moved quickly to ensure that there were tools necessary to implement the sport in as many schools as possible.” Ms Barker-King further stated that without the determination of GGA/Nexgen Golf Academy president, Mr Aleem Hussain, who is active in training, seeking out contributions from sponsors and donors, the implementation of this programme would have taken much longer. “We are happy to have found a great partner who has the knowledge and expertise to promote the sport to the nation. Together, in less than ten months, we have accomplished a monumental task and the results are phenomenal. In 2022, for the first time in our country’s history, golf will be offered as a sport at the CXC level.” Mr Braithwaite said that this was just the first stage of development of the game and he expected that it will be made available to all grades and not just the upper levels in the new year. “We would like to see learners from Grade 7-9 getting involved in the sport. This would evidently contribute to 25 000 young persons being involved in the sport. With plans already in place for the inter-school and regional competitions, we firmly believe that we can dominate on the world stage. ” Hussain explained that it was a chance conversation in 2019 with Ms Melissa Dow-Richardson from the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport that contributed to golf being on the CXC syllabus which further led to the promotion of the sport in schools. “The challenge was how to educate the PE Teachers; so a syllabus was designed and

then a ‘Trainer of Trainers’ programme was conducted. Once completed, this allowed for the distribution of golf equipment and balls to certified schools.” Hussain posited that his current focus is to build top quality facilities across the nation to provide the learners with access to playing the sport under conducive conditions. “We are in the process of completing the first of its kind, scaled golf course in Crane and will also commence Leonora Secondary School facility shortly. We have asked NICIL for access to land in various regions to construct other small courses and we are awaiting response.” “I’m positive that now that we’ve raised awareness and started a phenomenal programme in the shortest time possible, more support from the government and private sector to develop a national team and assist with building more golf facilities will be forthcoming.” With Texila American University, School of the Nations, Camille’s School and several other private schools joining the sport, our main goal is to develop a Guyanese Olympic team, Guyanese PGA players and attain regional dominance in the sport, all leading to Guyana becoming a golf destination. We can expect that more developers will seek to build communities around golf courses to cater to the influx of expatriates and re-migrants, for whom golf is a preferred game of choice. This will allow for greater networking opportunities for Guyanese, since golf was not a traditional sport.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 21, 2021

Chantoba Bright happy to return to action for Guyana

By Rawle Toney

CHANTOBA Bright, the only Guyanese to medal at this year’s South American U-23 Championship, is happy with her performance in Ecuador. Bright, who competes in the NCAA with Kansas State, finished second in the women’s Triple Jump with a distance of 13.08m, while taking the third place position in the long jump (6.09m). It was her first time competing at the championship which started in 2004. "Didn’t know what to expect because I was unable to train over the summer after undergoing a surgical procedure on my jump leg and I’ve only had five weeks of ground training since being back at school,” said the country's most decorated CARIFTA Games athlete. “I’ve done no preparation whatsoever for the meet, so I was going on previous experience, and despite all that I was still able to medal in both jumps even though it was nowhere close to my personal best,” Bright said. Bright has a Personal Best of 6.48m in the long jump, and 13.53m; both of which she established this year. The 21-year-old, who hails from Victory Valley Linden, reasoned that she was happy to once again be in action in the ‘pits’, adding “because summer was rough; not being able to train. I sat down for a little over two months, not being able to do anything.” Bright lauded the support of her coach at Kansas State, and coach Johnny Gravesande, telling Chronicle Sport, “They understood what I was going through and they didn’t pressure me to go out there and perform as if I was in shape, but they were confident enough that I can go there and still manage to do well and have fun.” “I’m blessed to have medalled and it’s sad that I was the only medallist. I would have loved for my fellow teammates to have made the podium also because it would have been better for Guyana as we try to advance the sport,” Bright said. Meanwhile, Daniel Williams finished 7th in the 200m final (21.59s) and 5th in the 400m final (48.99s). Noelex Holder didn’t make it out of his heat in the 100m and 200m. Joanna Archer, according to reports, was unable to make past immigration in the South American country. Reports are that the Texas Tech athlete’s passport did not

have more than the required six-month lifespan needed

to enter Ecuador. She was then forced to return to New

York. Archer was considered a favourite to medal in the

women’s 800m. The team was coached

by Johnny Gravesande and managed by Orin Thomas.

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Chantoba smiles 'Bright' with her medal won at this year's South American U-23 Championship in Ecuador.

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Chantoba Bright happy to return to action for Guyana THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2021